Fashion Faux Paw (32 page)

He flipped a page. “And that model—Dominique? Everyone agrees she hated the deceased, but did she have the opportunity to depress that EpiPen and put the peanut oil on those perfume strips without anyone knowing? Managing all that took a fairly clever and calculating mind, plus some time. And the way I heard it, none of the models had a free minute on that first day.”

Surprised that Vaughn was researching the same suspects she had gave Ellie pause. Maybe he wasn’t quite the do-nothing cop she first thought. “Then you have your doubts about Jeffery?”

The detective arched an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t say I have doubts, because I still think he’s the one person who had motive and opportunity, but I do think Lilah Perry had a boatload of enemies who are happy she’s gone.”

“And if I knew for certain who killed her, I’d send them a dozen roses as a thank-you.”
Marcus’s words rang in Ellie’s brain. Should she mention that the designer had a special reason for wanting Lilah dead, or would that only get Marcus in hot water?

“Take Marcus David, for instance,” continued Vaughn, as if reading her mind.

“What about him?”

“Word has it he thought Lilah Perry was responsible for his younger sister’s death. Revenge is always a good motive for murder.”

“I’m impressed. You have been looking into things.”

“How nice to learn I have your approval. But, unlike you, I’m finding my info legally.”

That was his second hint that he knew about her and Patti snooping in the models’ apartments. But he also had to know they’d gotten the keys legally, which meant he’d have a hard time proving the case against them. Instead of worrying, she charged ahead. “Anyone else I should know about?”

His lips thinned. “You shouldn’t know about any of them.”

“You do realize that if someone complained about me, I might be getting close to the truth.”

“Which means you should watch your back. People don’t like strangers nosing into their private lives, and that’s what you’ve been doing.”

“Did you come here today to warn me, or are you here to keep tabs on Jeffery King?”

“A bit of both. I don’t like cases that are a slam dunk. That usually means something’s too convenient for comfort. And my case against Jeffery King is definitely a slam dunk.”

“Then why arrest him? Why not let him go while you check out the other possibilities?”

“I’m checking them out in my own way, so I’ll say it one more time. Stay out of my investigation.” He stood. “Keep your nose clean, and let the NYPD do their job.” He gave a curt nod. “Good day.”

“What a gasbag,”
came a voice from behind her.

She checked to see if anyone was watching, then turned to face her boy. “He’s definitely a tough nut, but I kind of like him. He’s not as crude or as lazy as Detective Gruning, and he’s at least letting me know we have the same suspicions. That has to count for something.”

“Maybe so, but I don’t like him gripin’ because we’re doin’ a good job. Plus even if he’s free now, our guy is still under arrest.”

“But it sounds as if he’d be happy to release Jeffery if he came up with a better suspect. I think that’s a big admission for a homicide detective.”

“Doesn’t seem like anything Detective Demento would ever do,”
Rudy groused.

“Leave Sam out of this. He’d listen if he thought I was on the right track. I just hope he’s been so busy working his own cases that he hasn’t had time to think about what’s going on over here.”

“It has been sorta nice with him outta the house this past week. I like havin’ my bed back.”

“Well, I miss him.”

“You’re in the minority.”

Since when did her four-legged pal have a majority vote in their relationship? “Can we get back on track, please? I need to find a way to get closer to Marcus. I hate to say it, but I agree with Vaughn. Revenge is a great reason for murder, and Marcus is still mourning his sister. I just don’t know how to do it without leading him on.”

“I already told you, just bat your baby blues.”

“That’s the same as leading him on, you knucklehead. No thanks.”

Rudy scratched his side with a back leg, then retreated to his favorite Buddha pose.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked him.

The shuffle of feet caught her attention and she spun in her seat. “Ellie, darling, I’ve just met the most adorable young man. And he has a respectable job that doesn’t put him in danger or make him deal with the distasteful side of life.”

Leave it to Georgette to describe an honorable profession like nabbing killers as distasteful. “I’ve met Marcus, Mother. He’s a great guy.”

“And single,” her mother prodded, taking the chair next to Ellie.

“I know that, too.”

“He told me he was escorting you to a party tomorrow evening, quite near our penthouse. Detective Ryder is a decent man, but his profession seems to draw you in, and you end up doing the same dangerous things he does.” Georgette patted her daughter’s knee. “I’m thrilled to see that you’re coming to your senses.”

Ellie gave an internal eye roll. “Sam is my guy of choice, Mother, no matter what his profession, and he does his best to keep me out of danger, so don’t blame my brushes with murder on him.” She crossed her arms. “As for Marcus David, he’s well aware the date is platonic. The exciting thing is I’m going to need a new dress, something designer,” she said, hoping to pull her mother off topic. “I’ve been told the party is private, with only the biggies in the fashion world on the guest list.”

Georgette’s complexion flushed pink. “Are you allowed to bring guests?”

“No. In fact, I think I’m a pity guest myself, just there because I was part of what Nola Morgan Design considered their team.”

Georgette’s expression deflated like a slowly leaking tire. “Oh, well, would you like some assistance finding the right dress?”

She was hoping to shop with Vivian, not her money-laden mother. But before she could answer, she spotted Nola McKay, without an entourage, headed in their direction.

“Ellie, I’ve been looking for you. I need a favor,” said the designer maven.

“I’ll be happy to lend a hand, but first let me introduce you to—”

“Your mother.” Nola held out a hand and Georgette grasped it. “We’ve met.”

“Nola, it was so nice talking with you earlier.” Georgette placed her palm on Ellie’s shoulder. “I know my girl will do whatever she can to assist you. She’s such a clever young woman.”

Ellie wanted to crawl under a chair to hide her embarrassment. Most mothers loved putting their daughter on the spot, and her mom was no exception. “Ms. McKay knows I’ll help her in any way I can.”

Nola grinned. “I hear you’ll be at tomorrow night’s party with Marcus David, and I so hoped you’d agree to wear the design we discussed at our first meeting. We did promise you Kitty’s wheat-colored jumpsuit with the burnt orange trim, and I know it’ll look great on you.”

“Oh, gosh, I’d love to wear it.” Ellie heaved a sigh of happiness. No dress-shopping tomorrow meant she could work on more important things. “Thanks so much for the offer.”

“Wait.” Georgette held up a hand, much like Detective Vaughn had. “You’re asking my daughter to wear a designer original?”

“Why, yes. She’s a perfect plus size, so the outfit won’t need any alterations. We’ve asked all the models and their dogs to wear one of Kitty’s wonderful creations, but since we already promised the jumpsuit to Ellie, well, it seemed only right that she be the one to have it for the party.”

Before Georgette could comment, Stanley arrived on his scooter. “I thought I might find you here with our girl,” he said, his voice hesitant. “I don’t want to spoil the party, but I was hoping you’d agree to a trip home. This has been a long day, and I’m afraid it’s worn me out.”

Georgette practically jumped to her feet. “Of course we can go.” She turned to her daughter and Nola. “I’m thrilled Ellie will have that outfit for the big party, Ms. McKay, and it’s been a pleasure.” She kissed Ellie’s cheek. “Don’t stay out too late tomorrow night, darling. Sunday is brunch.”

“Georgette is charming, and so is Judge Frye,” said Nola, watching Ellie’s mother and stepfather leave. “Oh, and there’s one more thing. Since the models will be bringing their dogs, we thought it only fair you bring your little man.” She nodded at Rudy. “Now, let’s get you that jumpsuit.

“Thanks so much for the help. I couldn’t have done it without you,” said Ellie, bidding Viv a good-bye at her door the next morning. “I’m even going to stop whining about the outrageous price I had to pay for the darned shoes.”

“Hah! I’ll believe that when I don’t hear it,” said Viv, juggling her packages so she could take the apartment keys from her bag. “Just promise me you’ll forget about wearing a four-hundred-dollar pair of shoes and have fun. Marcus is an adorable guy, and he likes you. If Sam complains, tell him it was business. He’ll understand.” She opened her door. “I’m going to walk Twink. You want to meet me with Rudy?”

“I still have a lot to do to get ready, so he has to bide his time.” She headed up the stairs. “And I have to phone Amber to make sure my charges had a good week.”

She gave a final wave and climbed the steps to her floor. After unlocking the door, she slipped inside, hung up her jacket, and carried her tote bag and over-the-top shoes to the kitchen, where her boy sat waiting.

“Did you have a good nap?” She took a cup from the dish drainer and filled it with water. “I hope so, because you’re going to have a busy night.”

“Sleep is always good.”
He yawned.
“You sure I have to go to tonight’s shindig?”

Ellie put her cup in the microwave and went to the cupboard for a tea bag while she waited for the nuker to chime. “Yes, I’m sure. Remember, all our suspects will be there. We could find a clue or two that will break the case.”

“I say you concentrate on that prince guy and his gal. Get into their private space and see what you can find.”

“While you do what?” The microwave rang, and she removed the mug, dropped in the tea bag, and brought it to the table. “Talk to the other dogs?”

“I’m gonna concentrate on that mini Schnauzer. He’s still not talkin’ about the prince, but I got a feeling he knows stuff. Important stuff.”

She used a spoon to remove the tea bag, then added a packet of sweetener and stirred. “Good. And remember to listen in on conversations. If people drink enough alcohol, they get to talking. Someone might say something we need to know.”

“How about I check out the new girl, and try to see if she’s still packin’ her gun?”

“That’s good, too. I would have asked Vaughn about her, but again, it would have sounded like I was spying, this time on a woman who wasn’t even around when the murder was committed.” She took a sip of her tea. “Hmm. Maybe Patti knows something. I’ll have to ask her.”

He put a paw on her knee.
“So what’s in the bag? A new batch of Dingo bones, or maybe something from Sara Studebaker’s place? I could use a treat right now.”

“No dog goodies, just shoes.” Of course, some canines thought leather shoes were goodies, but not her boy. “Want to see them?”

“Sure, why not.”
He sat at attention.

“They’re Jimmy Choos.” She pulled the box from the bag, removed the top, and brought out the pumps. “What do you think?”

Rudy cocked his head.
“They’re a little busy, dontcha think?”

“I said the same thing to Viv, and she assured me they were perfect.” She held up the pumps with a stacked heel. “I kind of like the straps and buckles, too. And they’re not stilettos, so I’ll be tall but not gigantic.”

“With all those gigundo models around, that party’s gonna look like a woman’s basketball team celebration. You’ll fit right in.”

Ellie finished her tea, then carried her shoes to the bedroom. “I’m taking a shower and doing my hair and makeup; then I’ll feed you and we can wait for Marcus. He’s supposed to be here at eight.”

“Okay, I’ll chill. You do that beautifyin’ thing human females do. But before you start, did you talk to Amber?”

She dropped the shoes on her bed and sat. “Oops. Thanks for reminding me.” Since the dog walker hadn’t phoned her, she assumed everything had gone well with her charges, but she still liked to check and make sure. She had Sara Studebaker’s biscuits as a peace offering for Monday, and they should be enough to make her pack forgive her for being gone an entire week.

After several rings, she got Amber’s voicemail and left a message. “That’s all I can do,” she said to her boy. “I’m sure she’d have called me if there was trouble.”

“Probably so.”
Rudy jumped on the bed and curled on his pillow.
“I’ll just catch another forty winks while you do your thing.”

Ellie went to the bathroom and started the shower. After getting in, she washed her hair and began the single-foot dance women did to shave their legs. Someday soon she was going to get her leg hair taken care of via one of the more daring processes done in a day spa. She’d heard sugaring was good. It took the pain and time out of a beauty routine.

Just as she finished, the bathroom door opened. Inhaling a gasp, she dropped her razor and spun around. Had she remembered to lock the front door? She peered through the frosted glass and heaved a breath.

“Sam?”

“No, it’s a burglar.” He slid the shower door open a few inches and began to strip. “How often do I have to tell you? Lock the door when you’re home alone.” Before she could answer, he was in the stall, his body ready for a bit of private time with his girl. “You’re just lucky it’s me, and not some mope on the hunt for a victim.”

When he held out his arms, she stepped into them. “I have Rudy, remember?” She soaped a washcloth and began to lather him down. “He’s my protector.”

“Sure he is.” Sam turned so she could do his backside. “That’s why he wasn’t at the door when I walked in. I still haven’t seen him around.”

“He has a sixth sense when people come in. He knew it was you.” She ran the washcloth down his muscled bottom and across to his front, grinning when she found him ready for action. “Let’s not argue about Rudy or the front door. I’ve missed you.”