Murder, Madness & Love (Detective Quaid Mysteries #1) Page 12

  “Sure, I’d love to. Thanks for the opportunity.” Karen looked pleased.

  “No problem. You’re the star of the evening. Enjoy, you deserve it. Now, take your handsome escort and tear up the dance floor.”

  “Gladly.” Karen returned to Scott’s side and looped her arm around his. “Come on, honey. They’re playing our song.”

  The new couple strolled away, and Scott appeared genuinely happy to have Karen draped across his arm. Confused by her feelings, Sarah found it difficult to be magnanimous. Scott had been her first love, and, while she had always envied Karen because of her carefree nature, this felt wrong.

  I’m jealous. I can’t believe it, but I’m really jealous.

  “Would you like to dance?”

  She wanted to say no, but Sarah let Steven lead her to the dance floor for the sake of social appearances.

  “Did you know Chase would be here? You don’t appear the least bit surprised.”

  “No idea. And, yes, a little surprised, but look at her. Scott has no self-control around beautiful women, and they are an attractive couple.”

  “Are you still unwilling to talk about him?”

  “You’re a fool.” She knew he expected her to speak ill of Scott, especially now that he was parading Karen around on the dance floor. But, jealous or not, she knew Scott had not killed anyone. “I’m curious, Mr. Quaid—you’re wearing black and red. Are you flaunting your spidery senses tonight?”

  When Steven didn’t come up with a response quickly enough, Sarah shook her head. Spotting Jackson nearby, Sarah left Steven to fend for himself.

  “Mr. Hyde.” She said his name with such seriousness he turned with a troubled look on his face, but Sarah was smiling. “You’ve outdone yourself. Everything has gone wonderfully, I’ve heard nothing but positive comments. Congratulations, and thank you.” She handed him an envelope. “This is for you. I expect to see the results after the holidays.”

  “Thank you.” Jackson blushed as he accepted the envelope and discreetly tucked it into the inside pocket of his blazer.

  “You’re welcome. Now, please relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.” Sarah walked away but could feel his eyes following her. She smiled, determined to enjoy the evening despite the threat of an anonymous stalker.

  Dinner was announced, and Steven escorted Sarah to the head table.

  “Everyone seems to be having a good time,” Sarah said to Myrtle Wallenberg after she introduced Steven to the guests at their table.

  “Yes, I believe the entire weekend has been a great success. You’ve done a wonderful job, and you should be proud. I’m sure Michael is.” She briefly glanced heavenward, squeezing Sarah’s hand.

  “Thank you, Myrtle. Your opinion has always been important to me.”

  “It shouldn’t be. I’m just a rich old lady with nothing better to do. Personally, I think I can learn a lot more from you, dear girl.”

  The discussion ended when Gerald Kessler, the master of ceremonies, asked everyone to find a seat. He wanted to say a few words. Sarah smiled when everyone moaned. Gerry known for his long-winded speeches thankfully kept his comments short. Sarah relaxed as she observed the crowd—everyone appeared to be enjoying the food, the conversation, and quiet dinner music.

  During dessert, Sarah said to Gerry, “Thank you for extending your stay, and for taking on my duties tonight. I know you must be anxious to see Diane. Are you flying home tonight?”

  “Sarah, relax. You’re more nervous about this baby than I am. Besides, I wouldn’t miss your coming-out party for anything in the world. Now, tell us, where did you meet Mr. Quaid?”

  The moment had arrived, the one she had been dreading. They all thought Steven was her beau. Sarah took a deep breath and gave them the story Steven and John had convinced her would work.

  “You remember my friend, John Thomas. He introduced us at a dinner party.” She turned to Steven to include him in the conversation, and to change the subject. “Steven, Gerry has a very pregnant wife sitting at home in Seattle. She would’ve been here, but the doctors forbade her to travel, and Gerry isn’t the least bit daunted at the prospect of becoming a father.”

  “Congratulations, Mr. Kessler. Is she due soon?” Steven took a sip of his water.

  “Thank you. One more month to go, but the doctor doesn’t want her traveling in this last month. She’s fine, healthy, but ready to meet the little one. It’s been a long eight months for her, and she doesn’t like the limitations it’s put on her, but I think it’s typical at this stage. At least that’s what the birthing coach says. But, undaunted? No, I’m scared to death, but don’t tell Sarah. She thinks she’s the only one who can hide her true feelings.”

  The remark surprised Sarah, and she knew Steven had locked the comment away for later. Sarah shared the cover story with the crowd at the table, and, when she glanced at Steven, he winked. She realized he approved of the way she was handling their situation, and, while she resented his presence, she found that she was glad to have his appreciation.

  The reason for Steven’s presence, though, cast a dark shadow over the evening and upon Sarah’s interactions with people she’d previously considered acquaintances, if not friends. In the back of her mind, Sarah worried about what Steven would discover, how he would evaluate everything they said and did as he tried to find something incriminating.

  “Sarah, would you care to dance?” Gerry asked, touching her shoulder.

  Sarah practically jumped out of her skin, the request interrupting her train of thought and startling her.

  “No.” She got to her feet so quickly her chair almost toppled. Steven righted it.

  “Please, excuse me, Gerry. I just spotted Harold. I need to speak with him for a few minutes. Maybe later.” She quickly moved across the room and away from the table.

  Once more, Steven had lost his date. Mrs. Wallenberg noticed the sour look on his face, but she misread it. “She’s your girl. Don’t let her get away so easily.”

  “Oh, I won’t, but first, would you care to dance?” He extended his hand.

  She blushed at Steven’s attention, but gracefully accepted. Now, with Myrtle’s help, Steven had Sarah in his arms before she could protest. Myrtle gave Steven a sly wink, and he led Sarah across the floor. Moments later, however, Scott cut in.

  “May I?” Without waiting for the answer, he put Karen’s hand into Steven’s and drew Sarah further into the crowd on the dance floor.

  Sarah had no chance to refuse. She let Scott take her in his arms, but, at his touch, she stiffened and became uneasy. She knew Steven had seen everything and tried to relax. However, she would have preferred to be with anyone but Scott. His insult had hurt her deeply, and she wanted him to know.

  “Sarah, we have to talk.”

  “You managed to speak your mind rather well yesterday. Today, I’ve nothing to say to you. Please, excuse me.” Before he could react, she left him standing alone on the dance floor.

  The rest of the evening flew by quickly, much to Sarah’s relief. A few speeches, several gift presentations, and then the dancing began in earnest. Champagne, dim lights, and romantic music topped off the evening. Sarah wanted to leave but feared the gossip that would result if she left early with the handsome detective. Thus, she stayed and spent the better part of the evening mingling with the other guests.

  Once again, thanks to the watchful eye of Mrs. Wallenberg, Steven caught up to Sarah.

  “You can’t lose me so easily,” he whispered and bowed to the accommodating Myrtle.

  “You know, dear, you’ll never keep a man interested if you don’t give him at least a few minutes of your undivided attention. You’ve done your duty. Now, go have some fun.”

  “Of course, thank you,” she said, like the dutiful girlfriend.

  Steven led her to the dance floor, and this time they danced without interruption or conversation. Sarah accepted the silence between them as a blessing. She knew his reason for attending, but as the evening progr
essed, she began to relax under his protection.

  “You dance very well, Mr. Quaid.”

  “Steven, you need to call me Steven.”

  “Oh, sorry, yes. Steven.”

  She appeared flustered, and Steven seemed to enjoy her discomfort.

  “Don’t worry you’re doing fine.” He twirled her and then pulled her close again. “I’ll let my mother know. She taught me. It’s her favorite hobby. She and Dad have won a few amateur dance competitions.”

  He dipped her, showing off just a bit, as they continued their dance.

  After several more songs, Steven led her to a table near the back.

  “Thank you. I could use a break.” Sarah lowered herself into a chair, seeming happy to be off her feet for a few moments.

  “I‘d like to discuss a few of the people you’ve introduced me to.”

  “Okay, who do you want to know about?”

  “Karen Shay, Chase’s date. What’s her story?”

  “Karen is Michael’s former assistant. He always said she could run his business better than he could. She has great business acumen.”

  “How long did she work for him?”

  “Ten years. He trusted her implicitly. After he died, she married a longtime boyfriend, but the marriage failed. She called me about six months ago, and I mentioned the manager’s position here in Anchorage. I had no doubts about her ability to handle the job and suggested she give Gerry a call. He agreed, and, since she’s taken over, the operation has doubled in accounts and profits.”

  “Wow, she gives a bit of a different impression.”

  “I know, but it’s all show. She’s a big flirt, and men adore her, but I’ve seldom seen her with the same man twice. I think she’s a little gun shy. From what I understand, her marriage turned sour due to abuse. She doesn’t talk about it, but, if it’s true, I admire her ability to get out. So many women fail to. I think she’s done a good job of picking up the pieces, and she’s very wealthy. Michael always gave stock option bonuses. She came to Anchorage before I did, which made my transition easy. Her one flaw is her love of gossip.”

  “So, you’re close?”

  “I wouldn’t consider us close, but we’re friends.” She hesitated. “Which is probably my fault, but we seem to be working toward a real friendship. I haven’t formed very many close friendships since college. Sad to admit, but it’s the truth.”

  “It’s understandable. True friendship is difficult in adulthood; we don’t have the same capacity for trust. What about Jackson Hyde? He’s a character and a half. What made you hire him?”

  “He’s ambitious, but lacks confidence, and he can take dictation—which is a lost art.” She smiled. “Underneath his arrogance, he’s a really sweet kid.”

  “I don’t think the smile has left his face all evening. What did you give him, gold?”

  “I think the kiss did it. I’m usually all business. I shocked him.”

  “I understand he left Fairbanks to get away from his mother.”

  “True. She’s very demanding—nothing he did seemed to please her—but since she’s met a new man, she’s happier, and practically ignores him now. He’s met someone too, claims he’s in love. I’m surprised he didn’t bring a date.”

  Now that she was being cooperative, Steven found he was actually enjoying their conversation. “Well, good luck to him. How about Gerald Kessler? He seems very protective of you.”

  “Gerry. Yes, he has been since Michael died, and he’s done a great job with the company.”

  “Are you close?”

  “Not really. He and Michael were, and though I’ve relied on him often since Michael’s death, I don’t consider us close. I must sound very callous. It’s just that I know most of the people here because of Michael. I don’t think many would’ve bothered to get to know me otherwise. It’s not like my friendship with John and Eddie. Am I making sense?”

  “Yes. John said you’re leaving for Cliff House tomorrow. What, and where, is Cliff House?”

  “My home on the coast of Washington, ten miles south of La Push. Cliff House is just that—a house on a high cliff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Michael restored the house after years of neglect. A sanctuary.”

  “I’ve been in La Push. Terry O’Conner and I used to hike the Olympic Mountains during college breaks. Nice area. Were Michael’s ancestors lumber barons?”

  “Yes, and some were from the Quileute tribe. You mentioned Terry O’Conner. He’s the bulldog-looking detective who warned you about me, isn’t he?”

  Steven laughed. “He is, and Bulldog is his nickname. Contrary to what you think, he’s a good detective.”

  Steven put his hand over hers. Sarah responded with surprise and tried to pull her hand away, but Myrtle’s sudden appearance seemed to change her mind, and Steven took advantage. He linked his fingers through hers for a moment, then enveloped her small hand with his larger one. The warmth from her hand felt comforting.

  “You two make such a lovely couple. I enjoyed watching you dance, but I’ve had enough fun and wanted to say goodnight. I’m leaving early tomorrow, but we’ll talk soon.” She put her hand on Sarah’s shoulder and squeezed softly. “Enjoy the night.”

  Steven reluctantly let go of Sarah’s hand to stand, but Myrtle stopped him.

  “No, please, sit still. Mr. Quaid—Steven—I’m so glad we met you tonight, please watch after our girl.” She put Sarah’s hand back in his and winked at Sarah. “Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight,” they said simultaneously.

  Steven smiled, and Sarah left her hand in Steven’s, smiling, too, as Myrtle walked away. Once Myrtle was gone, Steven caught Sarah staring, and their eyes met. He realized he wanted to steal a kiss.

  “You have beautiful blue eyes: like the reflected color of a glacier.” Her voice held admiration.

  “An artist’s description. I can thank both parents—my mom is Tlingit, and my Dad is Irish. Like the rest of humanity today, I’m a mixed breed.” He chuckled. “And you?”

  “Ditto on the mixed breed. In fact, I’m not sure there’s a definite ethnicity, I think it’s German, English, and a few others. I keep planning to do a genealogy study. I think I have other relatives out there, I just don’t know who they are. It’s weird to think I could be the last. Mom was an orphan, and Dad an only child.”

  “Explains the independence, and your stubborn streak.” He smiled at her, and she smiled in return. For the first time since meeting, they were just two people discovering an attraction for each other. Sarah blushed. Steven felt like a teenager on his first date.

  In between the well-wishers approaching to bid farewell, Steven continued with his questions. “How did you meet Michael?”

  “By accident. He just happened to stop at the same crowded restaurant I did, and my table had an open chair. He asked if he could join me and, well, the rest is history.”

  “Love at first sight?”

  “Maybe love at first touch. He shook my hand when he introduced himself and it felt like the world disappeared.” As if realizing her current situation, Sarah withdrew her hand from Steven’s.

  “Sounds romantic.”

  “Michael was. Yes. Very much so.” She seemed to be looking beyond Steven, a wistful smile gently tugging at the corners of her mouth, and he knew she was lost in memories.

  Steven gave her a moment, and then continued. “Why would someone want to kill him?”

  The question brought Sarah back to reality, and her smile dissolved. “I wish I knew. Michael had no enemies. I never knew anyone who disliked him. Never. A generous man, his clients, and his employees loved him.”

  “Why would someone want to kill you?”

  He saw anguish lining her face, she shook her head, but never answered. Several people came over to speak with her, and Steven leaned back in his chair to watch. He observed the exchanges, reveling in her attention. Though she showed no signs of exhaustion, Steven wondered if she was tired of her duties yet. He felt she had complied b
eautifully—she was sophisticated, extremely polished, and comfortable in the limelight. A few times, Steven thought he saw flashes of unhappiness, but ignored it because their relationship had changed. He interpreted her attention as flirtation, and his ego bloated.

  Chase came by and asked her to dance, but she declined, and Steven felt his chest puff with pride. He leaned in closer to Sarah, slipping his arm around the back of her chair, conveying to Chase that he, as Sarah’s escort for the evening, would defend her from unwelcome suitors. Sarah remained unaware, as Karen held her undivided attention, and Chase, clearly irate, murmured a few select swear words in Quaid’s ear. When Karen and Sarah were finished speaking, Scott had given up and escorted Karen back to the dance floor. Steven settled back in satisfaction. He disliked Chase, did not trust his intentions, and liked that Sarah agreed with him.

  Sarah’s mood changed, though. She pulled back, and Steven, unaware of the reason, tried to make small talk and regain her attention. He wanted to see her happy again.

  “John said you helped him pass biology.”

  “Is he still telling that story?” She shook her head, but smiled at the memory.

  “Not true?” He had gotten what he wanted, at least, and Sarah was smiling once more.

  “No, not really. John claimed he needed my help and asked me to tutor him several weeks after we became lab partners. His senior year, my sophomore year. I knew after the first evening we studied together, that he had an A average. Eddie spilled the beans. He thought John tutored me. I never mentioned to John that I knew the truth. We had become friends. Why or how didn’t matter.” She smiled even more brightly, eyes sparkling like the diamonds in her hair.

  “So, even your friendship with John began as a lie.” Steven had given no thought to his words before they came tumbling out of his mouth.

  In an instant, Sarah’s smile vanished. She looked pained, and, without another word, Sarah had disappeared from view, again. She fled the ballroom for privacy.