As soon as I collected my thoughts, I printed out the newspaper article and shoved it into my pocket. When Sunny returned to the desk, I pulled her into the workroom and explained what I’d found out about Adele’s connection to Oscar Selvaggio, but asked her not to share that information with anyone until after I’d had a chance to talk to Brad.
“I also want to give Richard a heads-up about the situation,” I said. “He’s known Adele a long time and respects her as a person as well as a dance coach. I don’t want him blindsided if the investigation’s focus suddenly shifts to her.”
“Understood. I will keep it to myself until you let me know otherwise,” Sunny said, making a zipper motion across her lips.
“Thanks. I guess I should inform Brad right away. Can you keep an eye on the desk while I make that call?”
Sunny gave me a mock salute. “Sure thing, boss. And … tell him hello from me,” she added, in a softer tone.
“I will.” I examined her face for any signs of sorrow but found none. “You really are over him, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely. Anyway, he’s involved with Alison Frye now, and it seems to be serious. Which is great, as far as I’m concerned. I still like him as a friend and wish him all the best.”
I patted her hand. “Someday, some other guy is going to luck out. Or maybe”—I winked —“that day is already here?”
An uncharacteristic blush colored Sunny’s cheeks. “Don’t go all matchmaker on me. You always complained about your aunt and Zelda doing that to you.”
“Sorry,” I said, turning to head into the workroom. But I really wasn’t. Even though Sunny always swore she would never get married, I still hoped she’d find a more serious, long-term relationship one day.
Calling Brad Tucker’s office, I shared the information I’d uncovered about Adele Tourneau’s past.
“Combined with her wandering through the woods, you spying her filling a glass with a dark liquor in that pantry, and the info about Mr. Selvaggio having cognac in his system, this is pretty vital information. Too bad we didn’t know all the details earlier.” Brad’s stern tone betrayed how displeased he was with me. “You should’ve disclosed everything you knew about Ms. Tourneau’s actions at the party right away, Amy.”
“Sorry, but I didn’t immediately think her behavior had any possible connection to Selvaggio’s death. I mean, I didn’t know it wasn’t a heart attack or something natural until just the other day, and I did share the information about Adele fixing a drink then. Anyway, I just discovered her connection to Selvaggio, which I admit does put another spin on things,” I said, before promising to email him a copy of the wedding announcement as well as the information concerning Adele’s father.
“Good work.” Brad’s voice betrayed the fact that he was mollified by this offering. “We really should put you on the payroll.”
“I wouldn’t object, especially since I seem to be your go-to person for research,” I replied. “But honestly, I enjoy being able to help. Although I don’t like the fact that this might implicate Ms. Tourneau in any way.”
“We won’t take any direct action until we check all this out,” Brad said. “And of course, there are others we’re looking into as well.”
“I know.” I grimaced as I thought about my recent visit to Kurt’s home. Respecting his wishes, or perhaps I should say demands, I didn’t want to share all the details of that encounter with Brad, but I thought I should at least mention the presence of a suspicious stranger in town. “By the way, I saw something curious the other day. There was a man on a motorcycle who almost”—I fumbled for words that covered the incident without giving too much away—“knocked me over.”
“You didn’t recognize him?”
“No, and he has a very distinctive appearance. If I’d ever seen him before, I’m sure I would’ve remembered him. Then to further complicate things, the same man showed up at the library, after apparently tracking me down, in order to apologize to me. Which struck me as very suspicious. He told me his name is Lance Dalbec.”
Brad asked for a description of both the man and his motorcycle, which I provided. “Thanks, Amy. We’ll keep a lookout for the guy, as we do for any strangers. Especially ones that show up around the time of a crime.”
“That’s good,” I said, glad that I could at least put Kurt’s attacker on the sheriff’s department’s radar. “And I’ll keep digging into the past. Maybe there’s more information connected to copies of the Kelmscott Chaucer that can help your investigation. It’s worth a try, anyway.”
“Definitely, and thanks again, Amy,” Brad said, before telling me good-bye.
Glancing at my watch, I realized that it was about time for me to head home. Or rather, to Richard’s house, as we planned to have dinner together. But instead of immediately grabbing my purse, I stood in the middle of the workroom for several minutes, tapping my cell phone against my palm while I pondered the best way to tell my fiancé that one of his favorite mentors might be a murderer.
“Lydia had no idea who might’ve sent that necklace?” Richard asked as we cleaned up after dinner.
I slapped my forehead, forgetting that I’d just stuck my hand into a pot of soapy water. Bubbles burst and ran down my cheeks, prompting me to grab a kitchen towel to blot my face while I let loose a few choice phrases.
“Nice language,” Richard said, amusement rippling through his words.
I turned to face him, waving the towel. “You’d swear too. Admit it.”
“I would, and worse than that. Did you get any soap in your eyes?” He placed one hand on my cheek, his gaze searching my face.
“No, thank goodness.” I leaned my face into his hand. “It’s still embarrassing, though. I’m such a klutz sometimes.”
“An adorable one,” he said, before kissing me.
After a few minutes of this delightful distraction, I pulled away and looked up into his face. “And no, to finally answer your question, I completely forgot to ask Aunt Lydia about the necklace. I carried it up to my room with the intention of questioning her later, but then other things came up and I never did.” I ran my fingers through his dark hair. “I promise I’ll mention it to her tomorrow.”
“It’s no real crisis. I’m just curious, that’s all.”
“Me too, but then there’s all this other stuff …” I dropped my hand and stepped back. “Could we go sit in the living room? There’s something I need to share with you.”
“Sure.” Confusion flitted across Richard’s face. “Nothing bad, I hope.”
“Not really. Maybe a little worrying, but I’m sure it will turn out to be nothing.”
“Now you have me intrigued.” Richard motioned toward the sink. “You go ahead and grab a seat on the sofa. I’ll put these pots in the drying rack and join you in a minute.”
“Okay.” I flashed him a smile. “Maybe bring along some wine?”
“Sounds like a plan,” he replied with an answering smile.
When I reached the living room, I noticed a slight problem with our plan. Two cats had already staked a claim to the sofa. “Hey, guys,” I said as I stood over them. “You’re going to have to move.”
Loie opened one emerald eye and twitched her tail, while Fosse just rolled over, all four paws waving in the air.
“Yes, you’re cute, but you still have to move.” I scooped up Fosse and sat down still holding him. “You can sit in my lap if you want.”
Fosse sprang out of my arms and stalked off, his yellow-and-orange-striped tail switching like a windshield wiper set on high. “Or not,” I said.
Richard appeared, holding a full wineglass in each hand. “I’m going to need that seat,” he said, directing his words at Loie.
“You’ll have to remove her. I’ve already ticked off Fosse. I don’t need two cats angry with me at the same time.”
“Take this.” He handed me a wineglass before setting the other down on the coffee table. “Now, Loie, are you going to get down on your own, or must I move you?”
The tortoiseshell cat simply yawned, displaying her needle-sharp white teeth.
“Forcible removal it is, then.” Richard lifted Loie, ignoring her yowl of protest. He sat down, placing her on his lap.
“Watch your glass,” I said, as the cat leapt onto the coffee table.
Fortunately, Richard grabbed his wine just as Loie’s tail sliced the air beside it like a rapier.
“That was close,” I said as he settled back against the sofa cushions.
“Catlike reflexes.” Richard opened and closed his free hand. “Beats cats behaving badly.”
I took a sip of my wine before shooting him an amused glance over the rim of my glass. “This time.”
He grinned as Loie dashed up the stairs, followed by Fosse. “Look at them. They’re probably on a search-and-destroy mission.”
“Did you close the bathroom door? Because you know how Fosse likes to unroll the toilet paper and drag it all over the house.”
Richard narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the now-empty steps. “Hmm, good point. I think I did, but if not, I’ll sort it out later. For now”—he turned to me—“I need to know what you’re so eager to discuss.”
“I’m not really that eager; I just feel it’s necessary.” I set my glass on the coffee table before pulling my legs up onto the sofa and stretching them across Richard’s knees. “It concerns a friend of yours.”
“Oh?” Richard rested a hand on one of my upper thighs. “Who might that be? Not Adele, I hope.”
“I’m afraid so.”
“You really think she might be involved somehow? I know she was acting a bit suspicious at the party, but surely she has no reason to murder anyone.” Richard’s fingers nervously tapped my leg.
I took a deep breath before launching into what I’d discovered about his former coach. “Maybe it’s all coincidental,” I said as I finished my spiel, “but I did find her messing around with a drink in the privacy of the butler’s pantry, and from what I’ve read about aconite, when dissolved in a tincture, its presence can easily be masked by something with a strong taste.”
“Like cognac, you mean.” Richard’s expression shifted from thoughtful to concerned. “I suppose you told Brad Tucker this already?”
“I felt I had to. Not that I wanted to get Adele in trouble, but facts are facts, and where murder is concerned …”
“No one is above suspicion?” Richard leaned back, staring up at his high ceiling. “You did the right thing. I just hate that you had to.”
I swung my legs off his lap and scooted close enough to lay a hand on his shoulder. “I know. It’s terrible to think that Adele could’ve taken such a drastic step. But if she believes Selvaggio’s behavior was a factor in her dad’s untimely death, it’s almost understandable.”
“I suppose.” Richard covered my hand with his. “I do remember her once alluding to some tragedy in her past. It was when she coached me on Fall River Legend. I was having trouble getting in touch with the proper emotion for a dramatic scene, and she talked about using a memory to access the anguish I needed for that moment.”
“That’s the Agnes de Mille contemporary ballet?”
“Yes, the one based on the Lizzie Borden case.” Richard lowered his head and met my questioning gaze. “Not a cheerful story.”
“I guess not. So Adele said something about a tragedy in her own life?”
“I thought it was a reference to the death of her husband.” Richard released my hand, adjusting his position to allow him to slip his arm around my shoulders. “He died young. Some sort of boating accident. She never really talked about it, so I figured when she mentioned a tragedy, that had to be what she meant.”
I leaned into him, resting my head on his chest. “But now you wonder if it was her father’s death instead?”
“It would make more sense, actually. Because I always thought what she said was odd in terms of her husband’s death. That was obviously an accident, but when she talked about a tragedy in her past, she used the word betrayal.”
“Which would tie in with Selvaggio duping her father, and then allowing him to be accused of buying stolen property.”
“Exactly.” Richard kissed the top of my head. “Maybe she carried that resentment for years and finally decided to do something about it when she saw Selvaggio again at Kurt’s party.”
“But wait a minute.” I sat up, dislodging Richard’s arm. “Kurt said Selvaggio just showed up at Highview that day with his assistant. He wasn’t an invited guest. So even if Adele somehow knew everyone Kurt had invited to the party, which I doubt, she couldn’t have known that Selvaggio would be there …” I sucked in a sharp breath. “Except Adele did see Selvaggio before the party, I’m afraid.” I clasped one of Richard’s hands before divulging the information the Nightingale had shared with me about Adele and Selvaggio’s altercation at the bed-and-breakfast. “Maybe he mentioned planning to visit Kurt at Highview the next day?”
“Possible, but I sure hope not. That wouldn’t look good for Adele,” Richard said, frowning.
I squeezed his fingers, forcing him to look at me. “I know, but consider this—whoever murdered him had to already possess the poison used to kill him, wouldn’t they? I mean, they’d need to have brought it with them. If Adele simply ran into Selvaggio the day before, how could she have come up with something like a poison solution so fast?”
“Unless it was something Kurt kept hidden at his house.”
“He does grow aconite in his garden, so he had access to the original plant material needed to make the poison,” I said. “But how would Adele know that? They’ve been acquainted for many years, but she wasn’t staying at Highview. They’re not that close, according to Adele, so I doubt she knows all his secrets.”
“Hard to say.” Richard’s gray eyes searched my face. “And, don’t forget—we only have Kurt’s word that Selvaggio showed up uninvited. It’s possible Adele could’ve known he’d be there, from Kurt if not from Selvaggio himself.” He grimaced. “I hate to admit that option, but we can’t discount it.”
“Is it possible that they were in on it together? Kurt because he wanted to eliminate a rival and Adele for revenge?”
“Possible, but …” Richard slid his hands from my grasp and rubbed at his jaw. “I have a hard time believing Kurt would be so sloppy. I think if he planned to murder someone, he’d carry out the deed somewhere other than his own property.”
“I’ve puzzled over that too. But he’s the only one who could’ve had the poison stashed away ahead of time. The only other option is that Adele, or someone else, knew Selvaggio would be at Highview that day and came prepared.”
“As for someone else …” Richard’s expression brightened. “That isn’t impossible, if you consider the fact that Hugh and Fred Nash were looking into Selvaggio’s business practices as well as Kurt’s.”
I frowned. “I doubt either of them would kill the man. What would that get them? They wanted to bring him, and maybe Kurt, to justice. Not kill anyone.”
“But what if they weren’t the only ones keeping tabs on Selvaggio?” Richard jumped to his feet and began to pace. “I mean, he was accused of selling stolen goods in the past. Maybe he was still mixed up with some criminals. They may have been tracking his movements too.”
“That’s true. He did have a dubious reputation. He could easily have gotten on the bad side of thieves or forgers or other dangerous individuals. Maybe they decided to take him out at the party precisely because there would be so many possible suspects.” I stood up and crossed to Richard, who’d paused beside one of the bookcases that lined the side wall. “As a matter of fact, I ran into a rather suspicious-looking stranger out at Highview on Sunday. A guy who also showed up at the library today.”
Richard’s brows drew together. “Why were you at Kurt’s house on Sunday?”
I met his intense stare squarely. “I wanted to ask him a few questions. You were busy with a rehearsal and everyone else was out, so I just thought, why not take the opportunity to track down some more info?”
“Okay, fine, but why didn’t you tell me anything about this?” Richard took hold of my hands. “I don’t like you keeping secrets from me. Especially when they involve risky situations.”
“I didn’t think visiting Kurt would be dangerous,” I said, lowering my lashes to veil my eyes.
“But it sounds like you weren’t right about that. Listen, Amy”—Richard squeezed my fingers, forcing me to look back up at him—“it’s fine that you want to help the authorities with these investigations, but I worry about you getting hurt. It’s happened before, you know, so I hope you understand why I’m concerned. If you’d just waited, you could’ve asked me to go out to Highview with you later that day.”
I opened my mouth to tell him that if I had waited, Kurt might’ve been left lying on the floor for far too long, but thought better of it. “Nothing really drastic happened. There was just a strange man who dashed out of the house right when I arrived, that’s all. He jumped on a motorcycle and drove off without a word to me. Then I simply headed inside and talked briefly with Kurt.”
“Who wouldn’t tell you who the guy was, I bet.” Richard sighed and dropped my hands. “Okay, I admit this particular incident doesn’t sound too extreme. And I can easily imagine Kurt having visitors who lack manners and are the type of acquaintances he may prefer not to disclose. I know parts of his life are mysterious, if not downright morally questionable.” He tipped up my chin with one finger. “But we’ve talked several times since Sunday. Why didn’t you tell me about this before today?”
Because Kurt asked me to stay silent, I thought, and then realized how strange that sounded. I didn’t owe Kurt Kendrick more loyalty than Richard. No matter how forcefully he’d demanded it. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking clearly, I guess. Anyway, after the guy showed up today and gave me his name, I called Brad. So at least the department will be keeping an eye out for him.”
“Good. Now, how about we drop the discussion of this latest murder?” Richard quirked his eyebrows. “You know I have to leave tomorrow morning for that choreography gig, and I’ll be gone for the rest of the week. I’d rather enjoy the rest of the evening, if you don’t mind.”
“I think that sounds like a splendid idea,” I said, rising up on my tiptoes to brush his lips with mine.
As I dropped back down on my heels, Richard swept me up in his arms and kissed me, as he put it, “thoroughly enough to drive all thoughts of murder” from my mind.