“I understand that you are the proprietors of a charming hotel that is the pride of the neighborhood.”
Tom preened. “Jessamine House is a jewel. The main structure survived the Civil War intact, and over the past one hundred and fifty years various owners added rooms, balconies, and fireplaces, and when French doors became popular, one owner added quite a few.”
Candy said, “You must come and see it.”
“Thank you. I would enjoy that. I suppose an older home that gets the wear and tear of so many travelers is hard to maintain. Not to mention expensive.”
Tom and Candy exchanged a fleeting look. “Actually,” Tom said, “for a while we had some difficulty finding business partners to help us modernize, but I’m confident that problem is resolved and the investment is forthcoming shortly.”
The Blomquists talked enthusiastically about their hotel for a while longer, before they again asked me to express their condolences to Dolores and took their leave.
I thought it was interesting how quick Candy was to say that Marjory had let them through the gate this afternoon. Since everyone knew Willis was still alive after the Blomquists left the dinner party, Candy seemed to be confirming that they did not have access to the gate. I didn’t think that was quite enough to eliminate them from the suspect pool. Could one of them have driven their car out through the gate while the other hid on the grounds to try to get Willis alone? I thought Tom was too timid for such an exploit, but Candy—now, she was a bit of an enigma. Quiet and shy but, based on her comments about Marjory’s situation, definitely interested in money. And, as frequent visitors, could they have gotten their hands on a gate clicker, since spares seemed so readily available?
I found Lucinda in the kitchen relaxing with a glass of merlot, and I gladly accepted the glass she offered me. We agreed it was for the best that Dolores had fallen asleep early. She would need her rest. Tomorrow was bound to be another stressful day for us all.
Chapter Nine
I was briefly aware of the birds chirping before I opened my eyes, and I looked at the clock on my nightstand. After seven. I must have been exhausted to sleep so late. Then I remembered all that had happened yesterday and decided it was a miracle I hadn’t slept ’til noon.
I had finished my stretches and was about to jump into the shower when I heard a gentle tap on my door. I hoped it was Marla Mae with a carafe of coffee, but I found Dolores standing at my doorsill. I reached out and gave her a welcoming hug, hoping it would cure yesterday’s rift.
“Jess, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean any of the things I said yesterday. It was . . . Oh, I don’t know. My heart is broken and my head is jumbled all at the same time.”
“Believe me, I understand what it is to have your life turned upside down in a single moment.” I guided Dolores to the comfy wing chair, and I sat on the edge of the bed.
“I know you do. I well remember when Frank . . .” She reached over and squeezed my hand. “It’s only that I don’t know how to survive this.”
“No one does in the beginning. Somehow, over time, we each find our way. Now, I do have some good news. I went to see Sheriff Halvorson yesterday . . .”
Dolores went totally wide-eyed. “How on earth did you manage that?”
“Never mind. The important thing is that he is arranging for you to go to the Coroner’s Office sometime this morning to see Willis. I am expecting a call from Deputy Lascomb to confirm the details.”
“How can I ever thank you? It’s so important to me to see Willis one last time before he is embalmed and covered with pancake makeup. I’d almost rather a closed coffin. How did you manage . . . Never mind; you’re right—it doesn’t matter,” Dolores said.
“Plenty of time to talk in the car. Right now we have to shower, get dressed, and find a cup of coffee.”
“I’ll meet you in the dining room.” She opened the door, and turned back to me. “Thank you for all your help. I hope we can just forget yesterday.”
I swept my hand back and forth in an arc as if there was a blackboard in front of me and I had a huge eraser. “Already done.”
* * *
Norman Crayfield had a newspaper spread out on the table. The remnants of scrambled eggs were congealed on a plate that he had pushed to the side. He barely nodded when I said, “Good morning.” I poured myself a cup of coffee, put a bran muffin on a plate, and left plenty of space between us when I sat at the table.
I was halfway finished with my muffin when Norman folded his newspaper and said, “I suppose you’ll be leaving soon.”
“Leaving?” Did he mean leaving the dining room, or leaving the house? Had Dolores told him of our plans for the day?
“Sure, going up north. Home. No point in staying around this gloomy place. I’m sure it will only get gloomier in the days to come.”
“And yet you are still here.”
“Well, of course.” He puffed out his chest. “Someone has to guide Dolores through all the financial complexities of Willis’s business interests.”
“Oh, I see.” I nodded in pretend agreement. Why would he expect Dolores to rely on him? I was sure she would have accountants and lawyers of her own choosing who could review Willis’s holdings and report their findings to her.
Marla Mae came in. “Good morning, Mrs. Fletcher. Deputy Lascomb called. He can meet you at the Coroner’s Office at ten thirty, if that is convenient.”
“That’s perfect. Dolores and I will be ready in plenty of time. Please let Elton know. Oh, and tell him it could
