day. It's amazing what sunshine can do for one's attitude. I jumped out of bed and threw back the curtains. Yup, I was right. It was a brilliant, turquoise and emerald day, the kind that makes half the population of the Northwest go out in shorts and t-shirts, even though it's still chilly enough in the shade to see your breath.
The narcissus had been blooming in my backyard for a couple of weeks, and the tulips looked promising. My little grape hyacinths still formed lonely little islands of blue, but I envisioned the tulips blooming and creating a spectacular effect. The only thing I could wish for would be a view of the mountains from my house. The Cascade Range had to be breathtaking on such a crystal day.
Since today was not my turn to muck out stalls at the farm, I ate a leisurely breakfast, showered, dressed as befitted a native, and got right to work. By ten o'clock I'd accomplished a gargantuan amount. The one bump in the road was a client who'd lost money on an investment – or at least showed no return on it even though the time frame was longer than I'd have expected. To make sure there was no mistake, I dialed his number.
'This is an answering machine. You know what to do.' An obnoxious beep! I was certain he'd manufactured himself followed the smart-ass instructions.
'It's Thea, Jim. I'm showing a fifteen-thousand-dollar loss from an investment last year. Call me back and let me know if it's accurate so I can submit your tax forms.'
Taking a short break, I called Jacob Green, the attorney Jonathan recommended. His secretary told me he was with a client and would call me back around noon. Today seemed my morning for not connecting with people. I suspected I was encountering the usual excuses that crop up on a sunny day. Well, some of us had deadlines. I addressed myself to my work again, certain I would be able to get in a ride later if all went well.
True to his secretary's word, Mr. Green returned my call at twelve. I had just settled back at my desk after finishing my turkey sandwich.
His rich bass voice painted a vivid picture of a bear of a man with an efficient manner. He got right to the point.
'I understand you're a person of interest in the Valerie Parsons murder investigation.'
'That's what they told me. I don't know what to do.' I grabbed a pad and pen to take notes and explained my involvement in the events surrounding Valerie's death, including my conversation with Detective Thurman.
The lawyer listened patiently, then peppered me with questions, including asking directly if I'd killed her.
'No!' I was shocked he had to ask. 'Of course I didn't kill her.'
His tone was soothing as he responded. 'I know some of these questions aren't easy, but they do need to be addressed. The police will be sure to ask them, and we need to be prepared. The more information I have, the more I can help you when, and if, it becomes necessary.'
I reined in my indignation in the face of his logic and continued to answer his remaining questions.
'I think that does it for now. Next time the sheriff wants an interview call my office and I'll arrange to be there with you. It's important that you not consent to any interviews without me present.'
'Okay.'
'I'll be talking to you before long, no doubt.'
This was almost too simple. I gave myself a mental pat on the back, had a couple of chocolate chip cookies, and went back to work trying to ignore the uneasy feeling that accompanied Mr. Green's parting comment.
It was close to four o'clock when I applied the final touch to my last of my client files. I shut down my computer, changed into breeches and sneakers, and tossed my boots in the car. Time to go get Blackie's saddle, bridle, and other equipment from my locker at Copper Creek.
I stopped by the stable's office, out of habit, to say hello. My sister wasn't there but Delores was. She sat at her desk sorting the mail, glanced up, and greeted me as I walked in. I made myself comfortable in Juliet's vacant chair and rolled over to Delores's desk.
'I hear you've been pretty busy,' she said, her gaze on my bruises.
'It was quite a day yesterday.'
I gave her the short version of the events since Monday morning. She apparently had good connections because she was already aware of most of the drama.
'I'm not sure you need to worry about Valerie's father. He can be intimidating, but he's not a rash man.'
Her take on Frederick Parsons differed from everyone else's. What did she know? As I finessed the question in my mind, she tossed a stack of mail into a basket on her desk and another stack into the waste can. Then she leaned back in her chair with her hands clasped behind her head and watched me for a moment.
'Your Detective Thurman's been a busy boy.'
In the short sentence her opinion of Frederick Parsons no longer interested me. 'How do you mean?'
'He's been interviewing everyone who'd ever come within fifty yards of Valerie.'
'Like you?'
She nodded. 'And Miguel and Maria.'
'Really?'
Another nod. 'Miguel took Jorge in on Monday, and came back with an invitation for me and Maria.'
'So, how'd it go?'
She shrugged and sat forward. 'Fine for us. I think it was a mixed bag for the detective, though.'
'How so?'
'He walked Maria out to the lobby when they were done. She had him by the arm and was giving him advice on diet and exercise. She promised she'd call his wife, then gave him a little pat on the stomach.'
'No.' I grinned. It was like the home team scoring a point. 'I wish I'd been there.'
'On our way home Maria said she told him about the fight your sister and Valerie had over Eric. I expect by now you know all about their little set-to. Anyway, they went in for questioning, too – Eric and Juliet. Juliet's there now. Thought you should have a heads up about that.'
Within half a dozen accelerated heartbeats I couldn't form a single coherent thought. Delores reached across her desk and held my wrist firmly.
'They're both adults. They can handle this. You don't have to protect them.'
'I – yes, I know. It's just… she's my little sister,' I squeaked the last four words.
Delores patted my hand and gave me a reassuring smile. 'It'll be okay. I didn't mean for you to worry – just wanted you to know.'
'Thanks. I do need to know and I'm not sure Juliet will tell me. Thanks.' I swallowed, took a breath, and stood. 'We'll just deal with things as they come up.'
'That's all we can do.'
'Right. Well, okay then. I guess I'll go collect my saddle and stuff.'
'Good girl. By the way, I understand the funeral is on Wednesday.'
'What? Oh. Thanks for letting me know.' My knee-jerk thought was how I could avoid going. I caught Delores's small smile and shake of the head on my way out.
My locker offered little to pack up; saddle, bridle, pads, boots, brushes, some horse shampoo, a couple of blankets, buckets, and a few first aid supplies. After several trips, a little planning, and repacking, I got all of it to fit into my trunk and back seat. To be sure I didn't miss any of Blackie's toys, I decided to check his old stall, and walked back to the Big Barn along an alternate route through the New Barn.
A crash I recognized as a horse challenging his stall wall startled me out of my fretting over Juliet and Eric. I looked for the source of the equine temper tantrum and saw Nachtfeder, Valerie's horse, ears pinned and teeth bared, pushing his considerable bulk against the front of his stall. He clashed his teeth against the stall bars in an obvious effort to intimidate me. It worked well. I hurried past. Miguel poked his head out of the stall he was cleaning.
'Wow, that's one cranky horse,' I said.
'He has always been difficult, but now every day he is worse.'
'Maybe he misses Valerie.'
He met my suggestion with a wry smile. 'If he does, he would be the only one.'
Except for Greg,' I said, touching the still-sore bruise on my jaw.
'I think it's her money he misses.' His eyes narrowed. 'He do that?' He stroked his large bandito moustache with one hand. The smile that usually made the corners of his eyes crinkle was gone and without it he looked fierce.
'He stopped by my house yesterday morning pretty upset about Valerie. He tried to get me to tell him where
