Shear Murder (12 page)

“Try some,” Dalton offered.

She bent toward him, opening her mouth so he could give her a taste. Rolling the velvety smoothness on her tongue, she swallowed, savoring the sweet aftertaste.

Her gaze locked with his. Oh, my. The blatant desire in his eyes caused liquid heat to surge through her veins.

“Maybe eating chocolate at night isn't such a good idea. I forgot what we were talking about.”

Dalton gave a wicked grin. “Come over my house later. I'll relieve your hunger.”

I wish.
“Sorry, but I have work to do at my place. I still have some cartons to finish packing.”

“So you were joking, right? About finding a way to get into the magazine's building after hours?”

Her mood sobered. “Surely you don't think I'd do anything that dumb? You know me better than that.”

How true, and that's what worries me,
read the look he returned. “So what do you want from my end?”

“Besides asking if the cops found anything in Torrie's computer files? I'd like you to investigate Falcon Oakwood's background.”

“Why?” His smoky gray eyes bored into hers.

“There's a connection between Torrie and Leanne Oakwood. That's enough of a reason. Someone killed Jill's sister, and everyone associated with her qualifies as a suspect.”
You taught me that much, pal.

“Even your friend?”

“Hardly.” Marla stiffened. “Jill is terribly upset about her sister's death.”

“Is she more upset about Scott landing Torrie's share of their jointly owned property?”

Marla's gaze slid away. “That particular issue concerned her before the tragedy.”

“Exactly. Maybe she thought her problems would be solved with Torrie out of the way.”

“That's absurd. Both of them were upset over losing the tenant. If anything, Torrie was adamant about finding a new renter. Jill seemed more uncertain. Now she's under pressure from her relatives to follow their advice.”

“I suppose we'll see them again at the funeral.”

“Tell me about it. I wonder if Griff Beasley will come. Torrie's colleagues, including Hally, will likely be there.”

“Hally actually admitted there was a love triangle between those three?” He drank a sip of water.

She nodded. “Professional jealousy, as well. Hally's assistant made it clear she isn't happy about the society reporter getting a promotion. Since Torrie is gone, that's all but assured.”

“Interesting.”

Lifting her coffee cup, Marla tilted her head. “I feel bad for Jill, having to attend her sister's funeral so soon after her wedding. If I can help her survive this, I'll do what it takes.”

“Speaking of things to do, sweetcakes, Mom is bugging me.”

“Now what?” She suppressed a grimace. She loved Kate, but their tastes often clashed.

“She thinks we should register for gifts at Bloomingdales as well as Macy's and Bed, Bath, & Beyond.”

“It's too late. We're already receiving packages.”

“People are asking her what to get us.”

“So? I don't have time to go to the mall again or to fill out online forms. I have an appointment with Jill's florist tomorrow. Maybe he noticed something important at the wedding.”

Dalton reached across the table to pat her hand. “Just don't get so caught up in Jill's affairs that you forget about your own. You have a tendency to get tangled in investigations when personal pressure takes its toll.”

“Do I? I didn't know you were a psychologist.”

He winked, his mouth curving in a sexy smile. “That's part of my job, so watch out. I can anticipate your moves before you make them.”

His words were as much innuendo as warning. How could he know she was sorely tempted to use those lock picks her cousin Cynthia had given her? If only another method for getting into Torrie's office undetected would present itself.

She didn't have a chance to follow through that evening, being overwhelmed with e-mails and phone calls to her mother, Dalton's mom, and her friend Tally.

Tally picked up the receiver after two rings. “Hi, Marla. Thanks for returning my call. I went down to the bridal shop for my final fitting. I love the dress, and I especially like that I'll be able to wear it afterwards at cocktail parties.”

Marla sank onto her bed and leaned against the pillows. “I'm glad you're happy. I still have to pick up my gown one of these days. Ma is lending me her pearls for the occasion.”

“What's happening otherwise?”

Marla cradled the phone by her ear. “I told you what happened at Arnie and Jill's affair. I'm trying to help Jill so she can put this tragedy behind her. It seems as though everyone who knew Torrie disliked her for some reason.”

“Holy smokes, Marla, you've got enough to do. Ken and I would like to get together with you guys, too.”

She felt a flush of guilt. “I'm pretty swamped right now.”

“It's important, Marla.”

“Why? What's the matter?”

“I need to tell you in person.”

Uh, oh.
People usually came to her with their problems. What now?

“Tomorrow night is out. I'm going to services with my mother and Roger.” The thought of spending time with Anita's boyfriend made her gag, but he pleased her mother and that's what counted. “I'm spending Saturday night with Dalton's parents, and Sunday is the funeral.”

“Maybe I should make an appointment at your salon,” Tally said in a disgruntled tone.

“I'm sorry. It's just a busy week, unless . . .”

“What?”

“Are you interested in joining me for a B and E?”

“Say again?” A pause. “Oh, no, Marla. You can't be thinking of involving me in your escapade.” Then a note of curiosity. “Who's your target?”

“
Boca Style Magazine.
I want to look in Hally Leeds's drawers.”

“By breaking into her office building? Dalton would have a cow if he finds out.”

“I won't get caught.” Marla filled the tall blonde in on her latest investigative findings.

“You're insane. Do you really think the society columnist found something significant in Torrie's files?”

“It's possible.”

“You want to see if Griff's photos are there, too, don't you? Otherwise, why would someone bonk him on the head?”

“Maybe Hally did it out of jealousy.” Marla crossed her legs. “She may have heard about his assignment, although he said someone phoned him, and he gave away his location. He couldn't identify the speaker.”

“Hey, I have an idea.” Excitement laced her friend's voice. “Do you have Hally's e-mail address? You could ask your computer pal if he can access her files from a remote location.”

“You mean, hack in? I suppose I could ask Lance.” The techno nerd had helped her before.

“In the meantime, is Jill aware you're running around town for her sake?”

“She asked for my advice.”

“Yeah, over the property matter. How about her uncle Eddy and cousin Kevin? Do they benefit from Torrie's death?”

“I'll try to get more out of them at the funeral.” Marla switched tactics. “So what is it you're dying to tell me?”

Tally gave a low chuckle. “Oh, no, you have to see me in person for that information. Call me when you're ready to set a date. In the meantime, keep your focus. Your wedding is almost here.”

Hanging up, Marla moaned. If only people wouldn't keep reminding her of that fact, but everyone seemed to be a yenta these days. Maybe Dalton was right. When the noose around her personal life tightened, she ran after crooks. It was a lot easier to deal with the black-and-white aspects of life rather than the gray areas with all their distractions.

Eddy Rhodes's name came up again the following day when Marla visited the florist at his shop in downtown Hollywood. She'd forgotten how attractive Philip Canfield was, with his ebony hair tied in a ponytail, warm blue eyes, and dazzling smile.

“How are you, luv? It's so nice to see you again.” He strode around the counter to air-kiss her on both cheeks. “Don't you adore our holiday decorations? December is my favorite time of year.”

“They're wonderful. You've done a beautiful job.” She even spotted a menorah on a small table with a blue cloth.

A fragrant cinnamon aroma mixed with pine wafted through the shop. Christmas wreaths competed for space with buckets of cut flowers, floral baskets, and green plants. In a refrigerated case, orchids and roses burst with vibrant colors, while on a high shelf around the perimeter of the shop stood sample centerpieces for various celebrations.

“What brings you in today?” Canfield asked, while an assistant added a vase filled with carnations to the refrigerated storage.

“As you know, my wedding is coming up in a few weeks. I'm sorry I didn't meet you earlier. I've already hired someone, but a friend of mine is getting married next, and I thought I'd scout you out for her.” She chuckled nervously, hoping he'd buy her story.

“When is the date?”

“It's in June, so they have plenty of time.” She thought of Nicole, trying to talk her boyfriend into tying the knot.

“That's a busy month for weddings, so you'd have to tell her to put down a deposit without delay. We're already booking a year ahead. How many are in the bridal party?”

Marla clutched her purse. “Four to six? I'm not sure she's asked anyone yet.”

“Have a seat at that table in the rear, and I'll give you some information you can bring back to her.”

Marla ducked past a flowered archway into an alcove where he indicated she should go. More sample centerpieces were scattered around the tight space, making her feel as though she'd entered a fairyland. Tiny glittering lights decorated towering potted trees, while ivory tulle draped from the ceiling. Huge albums littered the tabletop, where a vase sat with an elegant arrangement of white roses, carnations, ferns, and baby's breath.

One album was open to a page showing a bar mitzvah where the theme was pirates and the entrance was through a replica of a sailing ship. Taking a seat, Marla riffled through the books until she came to a wedding album. How could she steer the conversation to Jill's affair? Was that making her heart thud so fast, or did thinking about her own nuptials make her breathless?

“I was impressed by the flowers at Jill's wedding,” she said after the florist joined her. “The centerpieces were magnificent.”

“Thanks so much. They were fabulous, weren't they? Would you like some wine, luv? We have cold chablis and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.”

“How can I resist?” Marla accepted the treats, while conceding his marketing skills could teach her a few pointers. He made her feel special. “Jill was lucky to find you.”

Canfield beamed with pride. “She liked my orchids, so we worked those into her arrangements. They're so much more divine than lilies, in my opinion.” He gave a high-pitched giggle. “Of course, I'm an orchid enthusiast. I was so pleased that her affair was held at Falcon's new park. What a stroke of genius on his part to book her function on their opening weekend. Talk about a publicity coup in his favor!”

“Torrie set that up, and now she's dead.”

His face crumpled into a sad frown. “How true, and how tragic. I felt so sorry for the poor bride. Her own sister.”

Marla gave him a shrewd glance. “You stayed pretty much until the end. Do you usually do that at weddings?”

He shrugged. “I like to make sure everything is perfect for the reception. It's my reputation at stake, understand. Each signature event must be unique and memorable.” Opening a notebook, he withdrew a printed sheet of paper. “Now if I can just get your friend's name and the name of the groom, along with their addresses and phone numbers.”

“Uh, Nicole will have to contact you herself. I didn't write down that information.”

“All right. Is her affair similar to yours? How many attendants will you be having? Don't forget, if you run into any last-minute problems, give me a call. I'm good at managing unexpected snafus.”

Like murder?
She blinked. “Thanks, I appreciate that. I'm having four bridesmaids plus a matron of honor.” Her brother's wife, Charlene, two friends, plus Brianna made up the bridal party, along with Tally. She'd been hesitant to ask Brie, unsure how the teen would react, but fortunately, the girl had been thrilled to be included.

He smiled. “Will you walk by yourself in the procession, or with your father?”

“My mother will precede me. My father is deceased.” No way she'd ask Roger to participate. She could just imagine Anita's stocky boyfriend waddling along, ruffling the rug underfoot so she'd trip when her turn came.

“What about the lucky groom? Who's attending him?”

Marla smiled at the way Canfield inspired confidences. How much had Jill told the man? “Dalton doesn't have any siblings, so my brother Michael will be his best man. He's asked four of his friends to be ushers.”

“They'll need boutonnieres. The groom's parents will be participating?”

“Yes.” How did they get on the subject of her wedding? Wasn't he supposed to be giving her information to take home to her hypothetical friend?

“Of course you're doing corsages for the mothers?”

“That's right.” She'd already made her selections.

“So that's seven boutonnieres, two corsages, one bridal bouquet, and five for your bridesmaids and maid of honor.”

Numbers swirled in her head. “Correct. Anyway, much as I would like to discuss my own details, I came to get info for my friend, remember?”

He pursed his lips. “So sorry, but I love to discuss weddings. Here are some pictures of the most common bouquet styles.” He pulled another book from the stack and flicked open the pages to a classic all-white collection. “The round nosegay is always popular. People used these back in the fourteenth century to mask odors. That's where the nosegay got its name. Get it? Nose?” He giggled.

“I see.” What she saw was that he made her lose concentration. If she didn't focus their conversation, she'd never get out of there.

“If your friend chooses to wear a formal gown, I'd suggest this cascade bouquet.” He showed her another picture. “Or for a more contemporary design, we can do wonders with calla lilies, orchids, and anthuriums. These can be simple but sophisticated.”

“How about candles, like at Jill's wedding?” she said in a desperate attempt to steer the conversation.