Designed to Death Read online

  “This is my business. Open up.”

  Gee, everyone sure was bossy tonight. I smiled at him sweetly and opened my eyes wide, the innocent damsel look. “I had no idea Hope and Cheryl brought in a partner. They didn’t say one word to me.”

  “You know what I mean.” Even in the dim light, I saw a muscle in his jaw twitch.

  I looked over my shoulder. Wait a minute. Where’s Darlene? If she snuck out the back door I’d never trust her again. Of course, I shouldn’t have trusted her to begin with.

  She used me to get what she wanted, into the store.

  I unlocked the door and jerked it open. “Forget it. She took off and will never admit she came here.”

  “She who?” Ted lumbered inside and stared down at me.

  This was why I should stay out of investigations. I didn’t have to worry about anyone snitching on me, I snitched on myself. “Doesn’t matter.”

  “I think we should finish this conversation at the station.”

  TEN

  Once again I was in the police station, sitting in a tiny room, waiting for the police to interrogate—talk—to me. Anxiety raced through me even though I knew this time I hadn’t done anything wrong.

  Okay, maybe a little wrong as Ted...Detective Roget...had warned me not to get involved. I had told him I had no intention of doing so. I meant it. I really did. I had only wanted to see if I could discover why Belinda had showed up at the store. It wasn’t my fault that Darlene had showed up and coerced me into letting her inside.

  I pressed my hands onto my knees to stop my legs from shaking, afraid I’d be showing an admission of guilt to a murder. A murder I once again had nothing to do with, but somehow got wrapped into because I was conveniently at the wrong place at the wrong time. It was the convenient part that might end up getting me into trouble. How many people ended up being tied into a murder once, much less three times?

  I watched Detective Ted Roget pace in front of the small window, hands gesturing in the air. I wasn’t sure who he was yelling at, though I guessed Steve. My choice for the one phone call. My list of people to call in an emergency wasn’t very extensive, and with this type of issue, I figured Steve was my best bet.

  Darlene lied to me. She had the perfect plan and ran out when I needed her. I should’ve left her outside. I took a huge risk for nothing. No clue. No evidence. Nothing except for a trip to the police station.

  Would I need bail money?

  The door banged opened and I sat up straight, hoping to portray innocence and confidence.

  “I thought you weren’t getting involved in this investigation.” Ted charged in and threw the question at me. He slapped a folder against his thigh.

  I craned my neck, trying to spot Steve. Didn’t he come here to save me, not leave me in the lion’s den I had kind of willingly climbed into?

  “I expect an answer, Faith.” Ted pressed his hands onto the top of the metal table and leaned forward. His gaze drilled into mine.

  “I’m not. Not really. I was curious on why Belinda decided to stop by the store. It’s just weird she picked that time...”

  “How do you know she went there at that time?”

  “I...” I slapped my lips shut. I didn’t know. I was pretty sure. The alarm would’ve gone off earlier. “Nancy at Sound Security called around that time. I wouldn’t think they’d delay in calling me about a possible break in. Unless...” My stomach started churning, the yummy lasagna not feeling yummy anymore. “...Belinda was killed somewhere else and brought to the store. Why?”

  Ted sighed and looked up at the ceiling. “I should’ve known. I should’ve known she’d turn that comment into a question.”

  “It’s a good question.” I crossed my arms and glared at Ted. Was Ted trying to trip me up? Get me to confess to the murder. Well, it wouldn’t work. For one, I didn’t kill anyone. Two, I wasn’t that brainless.

  “I’m the detective. Got it?”

  I nodded. I knew how this little exchange went. He asked. I answered without words, the preferable method for Ted.

  “Your actions tonight make it look like you’re up to something.”

  “Up to what? I went to the store owned by my grandmothers which I manage and was going through the class kits. Things were left in a little bit of a disarray...”

  Ted’s green eyes narrowed.

  I rolled mine. “...after the class turned into a brawl. Thanks to Darlene. I can’t believe she snuck out. See if I ever help her again.”

  “Can I get that in writing?” Ted shoved the folder toward me and offered a pen.

  I spotted Steve walking toward the room. I waved and smiled, which promptly fell from my face when I noticed Karen England and the photographer walking behind him. My grandmothers were not going to be happy to see me as the headline in tomorrow’s paper. My only saving grace was I called Steve for help. They’d love the fact I turned to Steve when I found myself in a jam.

  I, on the other hand, had a different feeling roiling through me. This funny, skittering kind of feeling ran along my nerves. And Darlene’s words bounced in my head. Okay, I was having more intense emotions toward Steve. I was also now relying on him. Counting on him. Trusting him.

  I wasn’t sure I liked this new development. But I was sure I liked even less the look on Karen’s face when she looked at Steve. That woman lusted after him. I clenched my hands, dropping them into my lap so Ted didn’t see.

  Steve tapped his knuckles on the small glass window. I stood and grinned. Freedom had arrived. I’d leave and not even stop to try and find out why Karen decided to visit the police station.

  Hopefully, Steve kept this little incident between me and him. Though, with the addition of Karen, and Bobbi-Annie straining her neck to see what was going on, my grandmothers would know before Steve and I got to the parking lot. Gossip flew faster around here than glitter in a scrapbook store during a life artist cat fight.

  “I do not need this.” Ted stalked over and yanked the door open. “Davis, I’ve already explained to you...”

  “Karen...” Steve began.

  Burgundy red flashed in front of my eyes for a second. Karen? He was on a first name basis with Karen. Get a grip. Of course he had called Karen by her first name. She was in our age bracket and he knew her.

  “...came by because she has some pictures you might find interesting, Detective Roget,” Steve said.

  “Unless it’s related to my case, I do not have the time.” Ted tried closing the door but Karen braced it open with her elbow.

  “It is.” Karen stepped into the room, dragging the guy with the camera with her. “This is Leonard Blue. He’s a freelance photographer and has been working for the paper for a few months.”

  “This is somehow on my need to know radar because...” Ted’s irritation came across loud and clear.

  The man was testy. I hoped that whatever Leonard would either get me off the hook, or deserved the detective’s ire more than me.

  Karen sighed dramatically and arched backwards, leaning into Steve. “He’s not a friendly sort is he?”

  “I don’t have time for this.” Ted took hold of Karen’s arm and hustled her toward the door.

  In my head, I cheered, back flipped, and added a spiffy cartwheel at the end.

  “You should.” Karen pulled away. “If I was in charge of this murder case, I’d wonder why Darlene Johnson was lurking around Scrap This and then forced Faith to let her inside. I wonder what Darlene threatened to do.”

  Ted’s expression went blank, but he motioned for me to hand him the folder and pen. I complied.

  “Wouldn’t put anything past a woman like that,” Leonard said. “I was at the book signing and saw this Darlene woman attacking the victim. Pretty vicious.”

  As annoyed as I was with Darlene, I couldn’t let Ted think the worst about her actions tonight. “She didn’t threaten me. Not really.”

  Steve and Ted gaped at me for moment. Even Karen seemed a little shocked at my words. She had inte
nded to dramatize the event to make herself look more heroic.

  Steve moved away from Karen and paused near me. I saw the hesitation in his eyes. He wanted to show me his support and care but wasn’t sure if I would appreciate it. I offered a soft smile and took a step closer. He placed an arm around my shoulders and I snuggled into his side.

  Ted switched his attention to the photographer. “You have photos of the fight in the store?”

  Karen fought a frown as her eyes turned into a sliver of evil on her face.

  “A couple. Also got some tonight of Darlene forcing her way into the scrapbook store.” Leonard stuck his hand into his front jean pocket. “I have the memory card with all the pictures on it. Karen said you’d need it.”

  “We were going to drop it off tomorrow after getting the shots we needed from it.” Karen slid her gaze toward Steve. “When I heard about Faith being dragged down here like a criminal, I knew we had to turn it over tonight.”

  Right. I’m sure this was all about me, and had nothing to do with Steve. The woman actually had the gall to use helping me as a way to win Steve’s affections.

  Leonard held out a memory card. “Here you go, Detective.”

  Ted took the card. “Let me make sure I understand this scenario correctly. You happened to be behind Scrap This and saw Faith and then Darlene show up.”

  “Yes,” Leonard said.

  “That leaves me wondering what you were doing there.” Frowning, Ted leveled a hard stare at Leonard.

  The man snuck a glance at Karen. She licked her lips and nodded.

  “No.” Ted held up a hand and shook his head. “I don’t want you telling me what Miss England told you to say. I want the truth.”

  “He is—” Karen began.

  “Trying to confirm his truth with what you’ve told me. I saw the look,” Ted said.

  I volleyed my gaze back and forth between the three participants. Steve gave my shoulder a squeeze. I gave a quick, light sidekick to his ankle. I didn’t need a reminder to remain quiet. For now, I was off Ted’s radar and I liked it. I enjoyed seeing Karen squirm. It was also fun watching Ted interrogate someone else for a change.

  “He went on a job for me and was making sure he could tell you. Reporters do have their own private sources.” Karen gave Ted a haughty look.

  “Private sources.” Ted stood directly in front of Karen and looked down on her. “So, someone has been feeding you information about the murder and you’re keeping it quiet.”

  Karen looked nervous. “No, Detective that’s not what I’m saying.”

  “Sounded like it to me.”

  Steve tensed beside me. His body grew rigid and his hand bit into my shoulder. I sucked in a breath. and he released his hold. Peeking up at him, I saw his intense focus on Ted and Karen. I wasn’t sure if the anger was directed toward the detective or the reporter.

  From the slight blush creeping onto Karen’s cheeks, I knew she hoped Steve planned on defending her.

  Not if I could help it. “You’re having your photographer follow me around.” I added as much shock and fear into my voice as I could. “Stalk me.”

  Karen narrowed her gaze at me. “Don’t flatter yourself, Faith.”

  I gasped in mock indignation. “You think I want some man watching me.”

  “As most people know, criminals usually return to the scene of the crime,” Karen said.

  Blinking rapidly, I looked up at Steve. “They think I killed...”

  Steve hugged me. “No one thinks you did anything to Belinda.”

  “Hazel thinks Cheryl had something to do with it. But I told her it wasn’t true,” Karen said.

  “What?” Steve and I said in unison.

  “Hazel said she called Cheryl and told her Belinda left her necklace at the store and needed it,” Karen said. “Cheryl refused to go that night, so Belinda called Faith to help her.”

  Why did people keep saying that? “Belinda did not call me. And I can’t believe Hazel expected my grandmother to head out in the dark and cold to get the diva necklace.”

  Ted frowned.

  She shrugged. “I’m only telling you what Hazel said. She called me because she feared the police wouldn’t look into the matter.”

  Ted crossed his arms. “Hazel never mentioned any of this last night.”

  “She probably felt bad she didn’t insist Cheryl go to the store instead of Belinda going to meet Faith.”

  “For crying out loud. Are you listening to me? Belinda didn’t call me so I wasn’t going there to meet her.” Sweat coated my hands and a low buzz started in my head and ears. No. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t go through this again. I had nothing to do with Belinda’s death. “Check my phone records.”

  Ted rested a hand on my shoulder as Steve tightened his hold on me. “You’re not under suspicion Faith.”

  “That’s why Hazel came to the press instead of the police,” Karen said as she inspected her polish. “She knew the detective in town has a little bit of a crush on the most likely suspect.”

  “That’s enough.” Ted’s clipped words put an end to Karen’s conversation. “The only people who determine suspects are the police. And none of you are on the force. Am I making myself clear?”

  We all nodded. Ted’s patience had been tried and he was ready to convict and sentence us if we continued playing point the finger.

  “I want the truth. Not allegations. Not assumptions. The truth as simple and plain as can be made. Leonard, you first.” Ted pointed at him.

  “Karen wanted me to hang around the store tonight and get pictures of anyone who came by,” Leonard said. “Criminals usually come back to the scene. They either want to cover their tracks or else bask in their crime.”

  Karen nodded. “That’s right. I’ve done a lot of reading about criminals and their thought processes. I figured if we got pictures of people hanging around the store, especially when it was closed, we’d find out who killed poor Belinda Watson.”

  “Just what we need in this town, more arm chair detectives,” Ted said. “And did you ever think people might assume you two were involved because you are hanging around the store in the middle of the night?”

  “I wasn’t hanging around the store,” Karen said. “Leonard was.”

  Ted fixed his gaze on Leonard. “Isn’t that nice of you, Miss England? You send someone else to do your stalking so you couldn’t be charged with anything.”

  “I wasn’t stalking anyone,” Leonard said. “I just went to get some pictures. Good thing I was there tonight so I could back up Faith’s story.”

  “I don’t need back up,” I said. “And I don’t have a story.”

  A story was something someone said as entertainment. Fiction. Made up. I was giving verbal truth. No embellishing.

  “Since this has been cleared up as far as Faith is concerned, may she go home?” Steve started leading me out the door.

  Ted nodded and motioned for us to go. “Make sure she gets home. She looks a little peaked. I think seeing Belinda like that affected her more than she wants us to know.”

  No. Seeing Karen make goo-goo eyes was churning my stomach. I kept it to myself. No sense letting Karen know how much her interest in Steve annoyed me.

  “Faith doesn’t want anyone to think she can’t handle the weight of the world.” Steve tightened his hold around me.

  “Some women just aren’t cut out for high pressure jobs.” Karen grinned, an evil-queen twist of the lips.

  Couldn’t cut it? I’d show her who couldn’t cut it. I wiggled from Steve’s hold and headed in her direction. Steve tucked me back up against him.

  Karen’s eyes narrowed. I smiled and snuggled into Steve. Ha! Take that. She might have won the battle of the digs, but I won the war of who the man took home.

  ELEVEN

  There’d been little dialogue between me and Steve since we left the police station. I had tried a conversation a few times, but Steve wasn’t in the mood. He pulled up beside my car parked at Home Brewed. I
remained still, waiting to see if he’d say something. Even the obvious like “we’re here.”

  More minutes ticked by. Okay. I got the point. He had nothing to say to me, or probably more likely, nothing nice to say so was refraining from talking. Well, I needed to talk.

  “I appreciate you coming to help me out. Tonight and yesterday. It means a lot to me.”

  Steve nodded and stared out the window.

  I expected my mini confession to get some kind of reaction from him. Okay, I needed to try again and harder. “I’m not setting out trying to find trouble. It just kind of keeps working out that way for me.”

  Steve lips turned up slightly. “I know this isn’t my business, but my advice is don’t trust Darlene again.”

  I let out an unladylike snort. “There’s a warning I don’t need.”

  “I’m thinking I should check your place tonight. I don’t like knowing Karen had the photographer following you around.”

  This was one of my concerns of ‘officially’ dating Steve. He’d think it was his duty to protect me and look after me. I didn’t need looking after, or being told what was in my best interest.

  “She had him watching the store. Not me. I’ll be fine.”

  Steve fought a frown.

  I knew he meant well. And, I did like the fact he was annoyed with Karen. “It’s nice knowing I have someone I can count on. I kind of feel like I’m using you and I hate it.”

  Steve faced me. “You can count on me. I’m here for you.”

  “I know.”

  Steve cupped my cheek. “That means a lot to me. I wish though you could trust me. I want the wall down between us.”

  “There’s no wall.” I inched back, hating breaking contact but also terrified of it. Butterflies had taken flight in my stomach and a heated feeling raced through me. Relying was enough at this point.

  I fooled myself for over a year, believing my only interest in Steve was in admiring him. One unexpected and soul-shattering kiss from Steve during my last “investigation” had me reconsidering my stance on no romantic entanglements ever. I still found myself wavering between forever single or trying again. Every guy wasn’t Adam.