twenty-two

“How did he die?” Deena asked after her sobs slowed to an occasional hiccup.

“He was shot,” Colt said softly, still holding his sister-in-law in his arms. “We’ll know more after the autopsy. By then the crime scene guys will have had an opportunity to take a look at the evidence they processed at the scene.” He massaged the back of Deena’s head, probably exactly the same way he did to his own daughter when she was hurting. “I’m so sorry, Deena.”

“When do you think we can have the funeral, Colt?” Deena’s face still registered the shock she was feeling as she caught her breath. “I have no idea what to do next.”

Maddy moved in and took her from her brother-in-law. “Don’t worry about that, honey. That’s what families are for.”

“I know you think he deserved this, Maddy, but—”

“Shh.” Maddy pulled her sister closer. “No one deserves to die like that. And for the record, I always tried to see the good in Mike.”

Deena nodded, sniffing back more tears. She looked up at Colt. “Why would someone kill him?”

“We don’t know, but we’re going to find out. I promise you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a clear plastic evidence bag with Mike’s phone inside. Maneuvering the keypad through the plastic, he pulled up the latest entries and showed them to Deena, pointing to one in particular. “You recognize this number?”

“No. Should I?”

He shrugged. “I was hoping you might. Seems Mike called it several times today. According to the coroner’s best estimate, once right before the time of his murder.”

Deena made eye contact with Maddy. “Let me see it again.” After taking another look, she glanced up at Colt and blew out a breath. “This may be the number of the woman Mike was seeing on the side.”

It was no secret to anyone in the family that Mike Hernandez had cheated on Deena many times over the years. To Colt’s credit, he acted like his brother-in-law’s indiscretions were not old news. “What makes you think that, Deena?”

Once again Deena stole a look Maddy’s way. After Maddy nodded, she said, “Maddy and Kate saw him with another woman today at a restaurant near downtown Dallas.”

Colt twisted toward Maddy. “What were you two doing downtown today?”

“I had an appointment with my lawyer, and Kate had the afternoon off and graciously offered to keep me company. We had lunch at the Gypsy Café on McKinney Avenue and Mike was there with a sexy …” She stopped abruptly before continuing, “With a redhead.”

“Did he see you?”

“Oh yeah. We marched over to his table and confronted him. He said she was a client, but we all knew it was more intimate than that.”

Colt pulled out a notebook. “Had you ever seen this woman before?” When Maddy shook her head, he continued, “And this was what time today?”

“About one. We didn’t stay very long because we had another stop—” She caught her breath. She had been so close to blurting out that they hadn’t stayed long so that they could run by Francis Montero’s house before heading back to Vineyard. She hoped Colt hadn’t picked up on the near slip.

No such luck.

“Another stop?”

She shifted her weight to the other foot, hoping he couldn’t read her mind the way he always seemed to do. He was more like a brother to her than an in-law, and he could usually tell when she was lying. “Kate wanted to go to one of the outlet stores on Harry Hines Boulevard to look for leather purses. Since she had to be back at the hospital by four, we were in somewhat of a hurry.”

Colt’s stare was so intense, it nearly caused her to crumble under the scrutiny. There was no way she wanted him to find out the real reason she and Kate had gone into Dallas that afternoon. Not if she wanted to keep her job.

Apparently her explanation appeased him, and he turned back to Deena. “Do you happen to have a list of Mike’s clients here?”

“No, but I’m sure his secretary can get that for you.” Deena sat down at the table. “You think this woman had something to do with his death?”

“I don’t know, but I’d like to talk to her to see if there might be a jealous husband in the picture. It sounds like she may have been one of the last people to see him alive.”

Just then the door opened and Lainey rushed through. As soon as she spied Deena sitting at the kitchen table, she ran to her. Immediately, she enveloped her in her arms, causing more tears from both of them.

While his wife comforted Deena, Colt closed his notebook and faced Maddy. “I’m going to let you women take care of your sister, but if either you or she remembers anything at all that might help us identify this other woman, give me a call. In the meantime, if it’s okay with you, Deena, I’ll send Flanagan over to go through Mike’s personal belongings to see if he can find anything that might help us identify her or anyone else who might have had a problem with him.”

When she nodded, he walked over and kissed the top of her head. “Like I said, we’ll find whoever did this to Mike. I promise.” After a quick peck on his wife’s cheek, he made his way to the door.

Maddy stopped him before he got there. “I need to talk to you.” When he looked confused, she lowered her voice. No sense alarming her sisters, especially now that Deena already had so much on her mind. “I found something on the Internet that was pretty disturbing.”

“About Mike’s murder?”

She shook her head. “About my case. I was surfing the Net reading all I could on Agostinelli, and I found an article in the New York Times about Nicky Cavicchia.”

Colt widened eyes showed his interest. “We found his wife’s necklace, you know.”

“Jake told me. But back to my research, you’re never going to believe who the lead counsel for Cavicchia was before going off to prison himself for tax evasion.”

Now she really had his attention. He grabbed her elbow, guiding her away from the door and farther from Lainey and Deena. “I have no idea, but why is this important?”

“Because up until eight years ago, the consigliere of the Cavicchia family was none other than Mario Pirelli, the father of the man defending me for Agostinelli’s murder.”

She didn’t have to wait long for his reaction. His narrowed eyes and the scowl hinted that he was thinking the same thing she was. “You’re sure?”

“Positive. Apparently Mario died not long after he’d gone to prison, and his obituary listed Anthony Pirelli as one of his sons.”

A slight grin tipped the corners of Colt’s mouth. “Great catch, Maddy. Now that’s the kind of detective work you can do for yourself without getting into trouble.” He walked to the door and stepped out before turning back. “I think it’s about time I had another talk with your lawyer.”

She smiled to herself, glad she hadn’t had to fess up that she wasn’t being the good girl he hoped she was. It was crucial that he believed that. She had one more angle to check out before she could just sit back and wait for a jury of her peers to tell her she didn’t kill Agostinelli.

Tomorrow, first thing after Jake left the house, she’d head into Dallas again to try to talk to Francis Montero. He’d probably deny having any contact with Chrissy, but she’d grown very good at reading people. She’d just watch Montero’s face when she showed him the picture.

Surprise reactions always spoke volumes.

_____

The next morning as Maddy and Deena sat around the kitchen table drinking their coffee, they made plans to meet with a mortuary director. Hopefully, the M.E. would be finished with the autopsy on Mike’s body by then, and they could go forward with the funeral arrangements.

Maddy had insisted that Deena spend the night with her, and they’d stayed up late reminiscing about Mike. She’d let Deena talk it out, mostly about all the good memories she’d had with him. Maddy couldn’t help wondering why people never remembered the bad things that happened in a relationship when someone died. To hear Deena talk, Mike had been a saint. But she hadn’t stopped her sister or said anything negative, believing this was what Deena needed right now to get through the next few days.

Jake had come back to the house just before dinner, and when he’d heard about Mike, he’d insisted on cooking his mother’s spaghetti and meatballs recipe again. Several of Deena’s neighbors had found out that she was at Maddy’s house and had stopped by with dessert and condolences. With all the company and distractions, Deena had loosened up and even laughed out loud a couple of times. But Maddy knew today’s events would be hard on her.

Jake wandered into the kitchen just as Maddy stood to pour a second cup for herself and Deena. After parking his luggage in a corner, he squeezed Deena’s shoulder on his way to the coffeepot.

“How are you doing today?”

She shrugged. “Truthfully, I’m better, but I’m not looking forward to the trip to the funeral home to pick out a coffin.” She took a sip of the steaming liquid. “I was finally able to reach Mike’s sister late last night, and she’s going to inform the rest of his family.”

“What about his parents?” Jake took a seat beside her.

“They’re gone. Mike was a change of life baby, and they died before he graduated from high school. His two older sisters basically raised him. Through the years, though, he drifted away from them over one incident or another. I was afraid they might not come to his funeral.”

“And are they?”

She nodded. “At least his oldest sister said she was. I’m not sure about the other one.”

“When did you say you’re meeting with the funeral director?” Maddy asked, topping off both Deena’s and Jake’s cup with the last of the pot.

“At two.” Deena looked up. “You’re still going with me, right?”

“Absolutely. I would never let you do this by yourself.” She glanced at her watch. “I have something to do this morning, so I’ll drop you off at your house. Then I’ll pick you up around one.”

“Where are you going?” Deena asked, leaning forward.

Maddy wasn’t sure she wanted Jake to know she hadn’t yet given up sleuthing, even though she’d promised she would. He’d probably echo Colt’s warnings that it was too dangerous.

Her plans today only included talking to an old lady and her son. How dangerous could that be, especially since she’d have her husband’s forty-five with her?

“Well, where are you going?” Jake asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

She decided to come clean. “To pay a visit to a man I believe was being blackmailed by Chrissy Rockford and Agostinelli.”

“Does the sheriff know?” Jake asked.

“No. He’d only try to talk me out of it.”

“With good reason,” Jake said, still boring a hole into her with his stare.

“I want to go with you,” Deena said, suddenly. When Maddy didn’t respond, she pleaded. “Please, Maddy, I’ll go crazy sitting home by myself trying to smile every time one of my well-meaning neighbors drops by with food that will probably never get eaten.”

“Are you sure you’re up to it?”

Deena’s eyes lit up. “It will keep my mind off everything else. I didn’t get to go with you and Kate yesterday, and now it’s my turn to have fun.” Her eyes turned defiant. “It’s probably a damn good thing I wasn’t with you and Kate yesterday. If I’d seen my husband with that woman, I might have killed the lying bastard myself right there in the restaurant.”

Maddy couldn’t help it and laughed out loud. “Guess this is what they call the angry stage of grieving.”

“Damn straight,” Deena said. “I loved Mike more than life itself, but it’s time I took off the blinders. The kindest thing I can say about him right now is that he was not a model husband.”

“Well, it sounds like you ladies have your entire day planned, so I’ll just say goodbye and get on my way,” Jake said after he chugged the last of his coffee.

For a minute, Maddy had forgotten that today was the day he was heading back to San Antonio. “Jessie and I will miss you,” she said, honestly.

She really would miss talking to him at the kitchen table. And for the past few days she hadn’t had to nag her daughter to get her homework done. Jessie knew Maddy would never let her stay up with her and Jake if she hadn’t finished her schoolwork.

“Me too,” Deena said. “And tell your mom I said her son can cook for me anytime.”

He grinned. “Will do.” He stood and carried his empty cup to the sink. After rinsing it and placing it in the dishwasher, he turned back to Maddy. “Where did you say this guy lives?”

“On Grand Avenue near Fair Park. Why?”

“Just curious. That’s a rough part of town. You and Deena need to keep your eyes open.” He grabbed his luggage and headed for the door.

Maddy followed behind. Before he walked out, he bent down and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for everything. I hope you were serious about taking a drive to San Antonio real soon.”

“As serious as a heart attack. There’s something about you that I find intriguing under that bad boy exterior, Jake Matthews, and I’m determined to discover what that something is.”

This time his grin covered his entire face. “I hope you won’t be disappointed.” He walked down the driveway to his car, turning one last time to wave goodbye.

You should never have let him go.

Maddy was surprised to see Tessa beside her. “What could I have done? Locked him in his room?”

For starters, yes. A man like that needs a reason to stay. Captivity works as well as anything, I guess.

“Are you talking to Tessa?” Deena asked.

“Yes.”

Tell Deena I wish I could hug her.

Maddy repeated Tessa’s words to her sister.

“I know she would if she could. Say what you want about the Garcia girls, but we stick together, no matter how much we fight.” Deena turned to the sink. “I love you, Tessa.”

Don’t bother telling her I’m right next to her, Tessa said. So what are we doing today?

“Going to Dallas to confront a possible killer.”

That’s just the kind of thing I need to do to make me forget how dead I really am.

_____

The ride to Dallas took longer than Maddy expected due to construction in the canyon near downtown. It was already after ten when they pulled up to the curb at the address Francis Montero’s wife had given them the day before.

I’m wondering why anyone could possibly believe this guy has enough money to pay a blackmailer, Tessa said. This house is a dump.

“Don’t be so quick to judge,” Maddy said, before repeating Tessa’s words to Deena.

“She’s right. It is pretty bad,” Deena said, glancing around as she got out of the car in front of the house. “Are you sure this is the right address?”

Maddy checked the card with the address once again. “Yep. Like I said, this doesn’t mean Montero doesn’t have money. His wife kicked him out, remember? This is his mother’s house, and I’ll bet she’s lived here all her life.”

“Was his house in any better shape?”

Maddy thought for a moment. “Not much. Tessa may have a point.”

Walking up the porch steps, Maddy nearly tripped over a loose board. After the second knock, the door swung open, and they were greeted by the shortest Hispanic woman Maddy had ever seen.

“Are you Mrs. Montero?” Maddy began, checking out the woman as she spoke. Standing about five feet tall with dark hair pulled back into a bun, the overweight woman looked off-balance as she held onto the doorjamb.

“Yes. And who might you be?”

“I’m Madelyn Castillo, and this is my sister Deena. We work for the Census Bureau, and we need to speak to your son Francis.”

A look of surprise, then anguish, crossed the woman’s face. “Junior isn’t here right now.”

“Junior is Francis Montero?”

The woman nodded. “His daddy was Francis Senior.” She sighed. “I’m sorry I can’t help you, but I have no idea when he’ll be back.”

She was about to close the door when Maddy stuck her foot inside to stop her. “You can answer the questions for him. May we come in?”

When the woman hesitated, Maddy added, “It’s urgent that we get your son’s records completed as soon as possible. It may affect his income tax return this year.” She crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping that lying to this woman wouldn’t be judged too harshly up above.

Mrs. Montero opened the door and motioned for them to come in. Once inside, she directed them to the small living room off to the right. Both Maddy and Deena took a seat on what looked to be a brand-new leather couch.

Tessa flopped down between them. So, it’s true. You should never judge a book by its cover, she said, putting her nose next to the leather and sniffing. This is the good stuff.

“How can I help you?” the woman asked, sitting down in the matching leather chair opposite them.

“Mrs. Montero, do you—”

“Call me Alicia,” she interrupted.

Maddy smiled. This might be easier than she thought. “Alicia, do you know if your son was having financial problems lately?” She held her breath. No way a Census Bureau employee would be asking that kind of question. She hoped Alicia didn’t know this.

The woman never blinked. “Junior was always having money problems of some kind.”

“Is that why he lives with you?” Deena asked, scooting forward on the couch.

Alicia looked surprised by the question. “That’s part of the reason. He and his wife separated awhile back, and Junior’s been here with me ever since.”

“When do you expect him back? I’d really like to talk to him,” Maddy said.

The older woman’s eyes turned sad, and she swallowed before speaking. “I don’t know.”

The detective in Maddy immediately made note of the way the woman had lowered her eyes and picked at her fingernails. Alicia Montero was lying, but why?

She decided to be blunt. “Was your son being blackmailed, Alicia?”

You always were as subtle as a jackhammer, Tessa teased. I used to … Oh my God!

“What?” Maddy said, before she remembered that no one else could hear Tessa.

Look over there. Tessa pointed to the mantle above the fireplace.

There in the center was a colorful insulated lunch bag, exactly like the one Mike had used to bring Thanksgiving leftovers to the police station the night Agostinelli was killed. The one that was nowhere to be found when they’d looked for it a few days ago.

Was it a coincidence there was an identical one in the house of a man who very well might be Agostinelli’s killer?

Before Maddy had a chance to ask about it, the front door opened and a well-dressed Hispanic man walked in.

“Hello, Mrs. Castillo,” he said with a look so evil that Maddy shuddered.

Maddy looked confused. If she had met the attractive man before, surely she would have remembered. “I’m sorry. Do I know you?”

Although he was still smiling, there was no glee in his eyes. “Not personally, but I’m sure you’ll remember Greta.”

A woman stepped from behind him and walked into the living room. Dressed in a pair of jeans so tight they could have been sprayed on and a sweater that showed off her generous assets, the attractive redhead smiled.

“She knows me as Jezebel.”

For the first time since Agostinelli’s murder, Maddy felt a ripple of fear course through her body, and she cursed herself for not heeding Colt’s warning to stay out of the investigation.

She wracked her brain to come up with a reason why the woman she’d seen having lunch with Mike yesterday, just hours before his death, would be standing in front of her right now.

The only thing that popped into her brain was a red flag, and she gripped her purse with the weapon.

She and her sister were in big trouble.