P.I. I Love You (Miss Demeanor Suspense Series Book 1) (3 page)

Chapter Four

“Homicide, Gage, make it quick,” Gage answered his phone.

“Detective Hamlin, it’s River Nightingale. This is a courtesy call. The Baxter’s attorney will be petitioning the court first thing tomorrow to reopen their case.”

“Based on what half-baked notion?”

River could hear the sarcasm dripping from his voice.

“The results from my forensic lab.”

“You needed a forensic lab to tell you the SUV had brake fluid?” he asked.

“The lab did a chemical analysis of the brake fluid. You were perfectly correct. The SUV was indeed full of fluid. Unfortunately, it was the wrong type. The brake fluid overheated and the brakes failed. Basically, the fluid turned into steam. This caused the brakes to fail.”

“What the fuc—”

River cut him off before he could finish.

“Without testing the fluid you would never discover this problem. You see, once the brakes cool, the fluid condenses and appears normal.”

“And you know this how?” The heat level rose with each word.

“Firsthand, actually. A few years ago I drove one of the Crown Vics from my department. The brakes failed and I ended up in a corn field. Forensics discovered the brake fluid was at fault, exactly like the Baxters’ accident, repeated heavy braking. Only in my case, it happened during a chase. The ongoing braking led to unexpected brake failure. Ironic isn’t it? The little town of Bear Creek uses a forensic lab. Maybe that’s something you should add to your bag of tools. Good night, Detective Hamlin.”

River smiled as she hung up the phone in the middle of his extremely colorful tirade.

“River, there’s a Detective Gage Hamlin here to see you,” Cory said, on the phone.

“Does he look pissed?”

“Since I’ve never met the man, I couldn’t say for sure. I can tell you this, he’s ultra-hot.”

“Thanks Cory, that’s just what I need—you stroking his ego.”

“Believe me I can think of other things to—”

“You finish your sentence and you’re fired. I’ll be right up.”

River heard Cory giggle as she hung up the phone.

“Good morning, detective. I’m surprised to see you here,” River said, as she entered the reception area.

“Thanks for seeing me. Nice place,” Hamlin said.

She walked him back to the conference room.

“What’s on your mind?” she asked.

“You know damn well…sorry. Let me start again. We got the petition a few days ago. I’ve gotten petitions before, but knew they didn’t have a leg to stand on. It’s been years since I’ve been on the losing side. To say my captain reamed me a new one, is an understatement.”

“We all make mistakes. We’re only human, you know.”

“Yeah, yeah. But the Baxter case! Of all cases, this isn’t going to go away quietly. You know, just because the wrong fluid was in the brakes, doesn’t necessarily mean homicide.”

“Technically, you’re correct. Let me rephrase. This formulation is no longer used in vehicles. Therefore, if it were put into the Baxter’s SUV by mistake, it’s manslaughter and if done so on purpose, homicide.”

“Who do you think would want them dead? Their two children inherited everything.”

“And why would their children kill them? They both had everything they needed. They knew they would one day own the company. Why run the risk of getting caught?” River asked.

“Good question.”

“I don’t believe either of the children murdered them. If the kids killed their parents, why would they ask me to find out who killed them? It makes no sense. They were home free.”

“I know. You’re right. Just wanted your take on it. Now that the case is reopened, I’ll be searching for the killer. I suppose Blake and Garnet won’t need your services any longer.”

“Then you would be wrong. I’m still being retained by them.”

“They still don’t trust us to figure it out?” Hamlin asked. “I guess I can understand that. Do you have any theories?”

“Now, Detective Hamlin. You know I work for the Baxters, not the Seattle PD.” She flashed him a quick smile.

“Just thought you might like to cooperate.” Hamlin got up from the chair. “I won’t take up any more of your time. If you need me, you know where to find me.”

“I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of each other.”

Detective Hamlin smiled and gave Cassie a slight nod as they passed one another.

“Who’s the hunk?” Cassie asked.

“Down girl. It’s Detective Hamlin.”

“Hm. In all your conversations about him, you failed to mention how sexy he is,” Cassie said.

“True. But he’s also got an ego the size of Texas.”

“You on your way out?” Cassie asked.

“Yes, I have an appointment at Baxter Imports.”

“Darn it. I was hoping we could go to lunch. Shay and Maile are both tied up.”

“Let’s try and all get together for dinner one night this week. Gotta go.”

“River, sorry to keep you waiting,” Blake said, as he greeted her in the waiting room directly outside his office. “I can hardly keep up with the calls. Everyone has heard Mom’s and Dad’s case has been reopened.”

“You’re not giving out any details, correct?”

“No. You told me not to. I’m very vague in my explanation about new information coming to light.”

“And Garnet?”

“I explained it to her and told her not to tell
anyone
what you discovered. I know you want to get a feel for the company and meet as many people as possible. I decided the best way would be a tour, so we’ll go through the place department by department.”

Two hours later Blake and River were heading for their last stop, the finance department, to meet everyone Garnet worked with on a daily basis. River was disappointed not to find Ellis in the IT Department. She wanted to get a firsthand impression of the man in Garnet’s life.

Blake greeted each employee as they walked through the department on their way to Garnet’s office. When they reached her door, Blake knocked twice and opened it without waiting for a response. River got her wish. Garnet was wrapped in the embrace of a tall man. They separated as the door opened.

“Blake, your timing is perfect,” Garnet said.

River immediately noticed the huge smile on Garnet’s face.

“Look.” She held her left hand out to her brother, diamond ring sparkling.

Blake flashed a disapproving look, which he immediately disguised with a smile.

“You’re engaged? When did this happen?”

“Ellis just proposed to me. Isn’t it wonderful?”

“A little unusual. I don’t see your office as a romantic setting.”

Interesting
, River thought. She didn’t think Blake appeared too thrilled with Garnet’s choice of men, despite his past comments.

“I know, you’re right,” Ellis said. “I planned on waiting until this weekend and taking Garnet out for a wonderful evening. But she’s just been so upset over the past two months, and now with the reopening of your parents’ case, I thought a positive influence would help her cope. Blake, Garnet told me you believe your parents’ accident was a homicide—that’s a cruel blow for anyone.”

Blake glared at his sister. River stood quietly soaking in the interaction.

“Garnet, you were not to tell anyone.”

“I know. I haven’t told anyone else. I assumed you couldn’t possibly mean Ellis.”

“What part of
no one
confused you?”

River could see anger and betrayal on Blake’s features.

“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Ellis,” she said, as she stepped forward.

“And you are?” he asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I assumed Garnet would’ve informed you about me. My name is River Nightingale.”

“Yes, yes she did. I’m a bit surprised to see you here in the offices.” His voice was thick with annoyance.

“And why would that be?” Blake asked.

“I wouldn’t think you would want your employees knowing about your private investigator.”

“Then you would be incorrect. It’s because of my private investigator that our parents’ case has been reopened.”

Blake turned directly to his sister.

“Don’t forget about tonight. River is joining us for dinner at the house.”

“Oh, I nearly forgot. Well, I’m sure Ellis is welcome to join us,” Garnet said, as she reached out and took Ellis hand.

“No, Garnet. Only family.”

“I’ll be family soon enough,” Ellis said.

“And then you will be welcome to attend family dinners.”

Chapter Five

“What’s the urgent rush, Garnet? You have your entire life ahead of you,” Blake said.

“We don’t plan on getting married tomorrow,” Garnet said. “It’s nice to be able to count on unconditional support from someone.”

“What in heaven’s name does that mean? I’ve been your support since the day you were born.”

“I know. But you’re my brother.”

“So my support’s not good enough?”

“That’s not what I meant. Stop putting words in my mouth, Blake. I just want Ellis to move in with me. We won’t get married until the case is settled, I promise.”

“I don’t understand why you are in such a damn big rush?”

“Ellis made a good point. If he’s here with me, you can move back to your place and have your own life.”

“So this entire
moving in
thing is Ellis’s idea?”

“I didn’t say—”

“Tell me it wasn’t.”

“Okay, he mentioned it first. But I’d been thinking about it.”

“Like hell you have. And you can forget about me moving out. I’m here to stay until this whole mess is over.”

Blake’s and Garnet’s voices echoed through the foyer as their butler led River to the formal living room.

“Sir, your guest is here,” the butler said. “Shall I ask her to wait in the study?”

“No need,” Blake said, as he walked over to greet River. “Sorry, you caught us at a bad moment. We seem to have more of those lately.”

His eyes tracked back to his sister. She blushed and looked away.

“Don’t think another thing of it,” River said and smiled at her clients. “You’re both dealing with a tremendous amount of stress and uncertainty. It’s only natural to let it out in the confines of your own home.”

“Which is yet another reason Ellis shouldn’t move in,” Blake said to his sister, and then refocused on River. “Will you join us for a drink?”

An hour later the three sat at one end of the largest dining room tables River had ever seen. They chatted about River’s days in Montana and her decision to move to Seattle and become a P.I.

“What do you think about Ellis moving in with me, River?” Garnet asked.

“The more people who know a secret, the more likely it will no longer be a secret. Nothing against Ellis, or anyone else, it’s just a matter of human nature. You want me to locate your half-sister. It’s going to be more difficult to discuss updates if Ellis is living here.”

“Ellis is a good man. He’s my fiancé. He’s not going to say anything to anyone.”

“You haven’t told him, have you?” Blake asked.

“Not about our sister, no. But the house is large. He could stay in another part of the house when we discuss her.”

“This is between the two of you,” River said.

“Let’s drop it for now, please,” Blake said.

Garnet shrugged her shoulders and picked up her water glass.

“Have you found anything more in your mother’s belongings?” River asked.

“Nothing more than what we found in her safe. I went through Dad’s home office and their bedroom. I found nothing there either,” Blake said.

“Do you have any idea who might have wanted your parents dead?”

They both shook their heads.

“How about people either of them might have had disagreements with? I’m speaking both professionally and personally.”

“Of course they had disagreements. It’s part of life,” Garnet said.

“Let’s do this. Let’s get a sheet of paper for each of you and without discussing it make a list. I’m not saying it’s a list of people who might’ve caused them harm. It’s a place for me to start,” River said. “Also include how they knew your parents and why they may have disagreed with them.”

They all got up from the table and Blake lead them into what he called the study. River would have used another term, such as the main library in Bear Creek. The siblings sat at opposite ends of the room, while River entertained herself with the unbelievable collection of first editions including authors like Beatrix Potter, Edgar Allan Poe, and H.G. Wells.

When they both finished their lists, she took them and placed them inside her purse.

“Thank you both for all your input and the wonderful dinner. It’s getting late and I have a very busy day tomorrow,” River said.