Till Death Do Us Bark (7 page)

“Then it was Adrianne who did the paintings of the constellations in the back hallway?”

“Yes. Aren’t they beautiful? She’s such a talented girl, though she’s been working through some issues lately. Actually, Martin treated her while she was here.”

“I don’t want to pry, but what kind of medicine did the doctor practice?” asked Ellie. If he was a psychiatrist, it was possible he’d had an argument with a disturbed patient.

“I’m not exactly sure, but in the past Adrianne’s had bouts of depression. She’s taken some sort of martial arts lessons to help bolster her courage. She said between that and Dr. Kent, she was finally feeling better. I believe she even did a mural on his office wall as a thank-you.”

Since Ellie had only met the middle sister for a quick hello early yesterday evening, she had no idea what kind of person Adrianne was. Whenever Viv talked about her, she tended to roll her eyes, which told her nothing, but at least she now had a clue to Dr. Kent’s business.

“Enough about my family,” said Vanessa. “Viv says you’re a professional dog walker.”

“Yes, and I love my job. It’s not like Viv’s big-time bank and trade position, but it suits me perfectly.”

“Good for you. It’s important to be happy in life.”

Ellie turned to Evan. Maybe eating breakfast had eased his crabby quotient. “Vivian never said, Mr. McCready. What is it you did before you retired?”

He gave his wife a pointed look. “I was in the security business.”

“Oh, Evan, there’s no need to be so secretive,” Vanessa said with a laugh. She gazed at Ellie. “He’s too modest. Evan was in naval intelligence. Then he became a member of the CIA. It was back in the day when things were dicey with the Russians, so he doesn’t like to talk about it.”

“Really, Vanessa, that’s not a stranger’s business,” Evan said, his voice almost a growl. “I’m sure Ms. Englewood doesn’t care what I did in the past.”

“It’s Engleman, Mr. McCready, and it sounds like you’ve lived an exciting life,” said Ellie. “Maybe you should write a book of your exploits.”

He didn’t respond, but he did give her a grim smile. Viv took that moment to sashay to the table, her plate piled high with fruit and eggs.

“Morning, everyone.” She gazed at her mother. “Where’re Arlene and Adrianne?”

“Arlene is in her office, talking with the police. Adrianne went along to make sure she could handle it.”

“Did the cops say if they’d heard from the medical examiner?”

Ellie was happy Viv had asked what she’d been wondering.

“I’m not sure, but we did find out where Julio was all night. It seems that besides Teresa and Maria, he and Rosa have a son named Tomas. He arrived home unexpectedly and needed help with something, so his father came to his aid.” Vanessa leaned back in her chair and sipped her tea. “Very strange, if you ask me. Even Arlene found it odd that they’d never mentioned he’d be returning the night of the party.”

“Is he planning to live here?” asked Ellie, figuring it was a safe question.

“I’m not sure. Maybe it’s a visit. According to Arlene, Tomas has been living somewhere else since Myron died. It was just last week that he asked to come home, and Arlene said yes.”

“Sounds to me as if big sis is a jinx,” said Viv. “That’s two men gone from the planet, and both of them were involved with her.”

“Vivian Maureen McCready, I cannot believe you just said that,” Vanessa scolded. “You really do need to control your mouth.”

Ellie hid a grin. The irreverent comment was typical Vivian, and she knew it had been meant as a joke. “Viv tells me everyone in the family is a member of Mensa,” she said, hoping to draw the older woman to another topic. “You must be proud of your family.”

Vanessa locked gazes with her youngest daughter. “I’m proud of all my girls. Even those who refuse to try out for Mensa. Are you a member?”

“Uh, no. I never thought to take the test.”

“Vivian tells me you’re very clever. Perhaps you should sign up and see what they say.”

“I said Ellie was clever, Mother, but I meant it in a more practical way,” said Viv. “She’s a super sleuth. Even solved a couple of homicides in the city. And she’s dating an NYPD detective, too.”

Ellie groaned internally. So much for her best friend’s promise to keep it “buttoned.” “Your daughter’s exaggerating,” she said, kicking Viv under the table. “I’ve just been lucky figuring things out.”

“So that’s why you’re asking so many questions,” said Evan. “Seems to me you should let the police do their job.”

That comment cemented Ellie’s opinion of Evan McCready. “I wouldn’t dream of interfering in police business, but I do like things to make sense. And I’m a people person, so I enjoy learning what makes them tick.” She finished her coffee and set the cup down. “But I really love dogs.”

“Especially the tiny ones,” added Vivian.

“Humph. If you ask me, those mini-mutts belong in a blender.”

“Which is the reason we could never have a dog growing up,” said Vivian, ignoring the slam against canines. “Dad just isn’t an animal lover.”

If Evan McCready wasn’t such a grouch, Ellie might have felt sorry for him. It was obvious he had no idea how wonderful it was to have a trusting and loving animal in one’s life. But with that cynical attitude, it was clear the man didn’t deserve a four-legged friend. “Too bad. Dogs really do add to a person’s happiness.”

“Some people, maybe,” he groused, pushing away from the table. “I have a ten o’clock tee time, so I’ll see you all later.” With that, he headed down the stairs and took the walk to the guesthouse.

“Dad’s in rare form this morning,” said Viv.

“He’s just miffed by the police hubbub,” Vanessa offered. “Once things calm down, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

“So what’s Arlene planning to do for a funeral? Or does Dr. Kent have family to take care of things?”

“According to the police, nothing can be done until they’re finished with the investigation. I only wish they’d hurry. In the meantime, she must be making some kind of plans.”

Ellie heard voices and glanced at the door leading to the kitchen. “It sounds as if Adrianne and Arlene are on their way here. Maybe they’ll fill us in.”

Wearing bright red heeled sandals, a tight red halter top, and a pair of snug white jeans, Adrianne stepped onto the terrace with Arlene, who gave a wave and raced down the stairs.

After gazing out at the cottage, where another car had stopped, Adrianne groaned. “God, I can’t stand it. People were knocking on Marty’s office door at six a.m. Was the man always open for business?”

“Arlene said he kept unusual office hours, but there’s a note on the door. Word will get out soon and his patients will find another doctor,” said Vanessa. “Where did your sister run off to?”

“Big sis just wanted to see her babies, so she went to the pen to say hello.” She sauntered to the table and glided swanlike into the chair just vacated by her father. “Thank God this mess is almost over.”

It was the first time Ellie had a good chance to study the middle sister. The woman had long dark hair, the same color as Viv and Arlene, and she, too, was beautiful, but there was an air of untouchability about her, almost as if she was looking for a fight. While Arlene was on the short side, like her father, Viv and Adrianne were tall, like Vanessa. And Adrianne’s arm muscles were cut, though her body was curved into a modelsized figure.

“How is your sister this morning?” asked Vanessa. “Holding up under the strain, I hope.”

“I suppose, but you’ll have to ask her. That detective is a pit bull when it comes to the details.” Adrianne ran a hand through her straight and shiny hair. “The questions never seemed to stop.”

“What did he want to know?” asked Ellie. For the time being, getting a few details secondhand was probably better than asking about things herself. Especially since she wasn’t really investigating. “Did he mention an autopsy report?”

“Ugh. That’s too morbid to talk about.” She scanned the terrace. “Where’s Rosa, by the way, or one of her girls? I could use a cup of coffee.” She frowned. “Arlene really needs to do something about her help.”

“You must have seen the full buffet in the kitchen,” said Viv. “We’re supposed to serve ourselves.”

“What’s the point of having servants if you have to do everything yourself?” a sullen Adrianne asked. Sounding much like her father, she scrunched her mouth into a pout, looked the terrace over again, then stood and stalked to the house. “I’ll be back.”

“Why, yes, thanks for asking. I’d love a coffee refill,” muttered Viv. She glanced at her mother. “Adrianne seems to be in rare form this morning. In fact, she’s dressed like she’s ready to go clubbing instead of assisting a sibling in mourning. That drug Dr. Kent gave her must be working.”

“Drug? What drug?” Vanessa asked, her expression one of total innocence.

Viv did the eye roll thing. “Come on, Mom. You must see it. She’s on something. And so is Arlene, if you ask me.”

Ellie leaned back in her chair, chewing the last of her fruit salad. Vivian had just backed up Rudy’s observation, and she had no right to butt into the discussion. Besides, she’d probably learn more by listening.

“Yes, Dr. Kent gave her a prescription for medication, but you make it sound like she’s taking one of those illegal street drugs,” said Vanessa. “She’s taking something for her depression. You know how she gets when the muse leaves her and she can’t paint.”

“Muse my ass,” said Viv. “She’s a spoiled brat—always has been. She fooled you and Dad completely with that ‘art is my life’ crapola while she was in high school and college, and she’s still doing it at thirty-five. FYI, prescription drugs can be illegal, too, especially if they’re not monitored.”

“Vivian, enough. You’re jealous of both your sisters, always have been. They’re sensitive right-brainers, while you’re a more practical left, and that’s all there is to it.”

“At least I make enough to support myself. I don’t have to marry for money or live off mommy and daddy to survive.”

Ellie laid a hand on Viv’s knee, where no one could see the give-it-a-rest gesture. No wonder her best friend never had much to say about her family. “Maybe it’s time we took that tour you promised me.”

“Sure, in a minute. I want to wait for Arlene.”

Before Ellie could say more, Arlene arrived at the top of the stairs. Perfectly made up, she was dressed in navy slacks and a man-styled yellow silk blouse with an upturned collar and rolled-back cuffs. Holding a sheet of paper in her hand, she seemed put together and composed.

“Sorry I rushed past you, but I had to say hello to my Bostons.” Smiling, she glanced at the table and spotted the coffee cups and empty plates. “I see you found the breakfast buffet Rosa set up. I hope everything was good.” She scanned the terrace. “What happened to Adrianne?”

“She’s in the kitchen hoping to find a peon to boss around,” said Viv. “Why don’t you have a seat? I’ll get you some eggs and coffee.”

“Thanks, Vivie. Coffee would be great, but no food. I’m back on my diet.”

“Diet?” Ellie asked without thinking. “You don’t need to be on a diet.”

“Oh, but I do. I have a lot of work ahead of me.”

“Work? Do you have to get a job?”

“Go on, sis. Tell Ellie why you’re dieting while I get you that coffee,” said Viv, leaving the terrace.

Figuring it was some kind of family joke, Ellie grinned. “I can’t believe how good you look after what you went through last night. And you need to eat. The next few days will probably be stressful.”

“Maybe so, but I’ll be back on the husband hunt by the end of summer.” Arlene inspected Ellie’s tank top and bare arms. “It’s fine if you don’t care about your figure, but I do. In my experience, it’s being slim that first attracts a man.”

“Now, Arlene,” said Vanessa. “Ellie has a police detective for a boyfriend. He might like his women a bit big—er—more generously proportioned.”

Unable to utter a word, Ellie blinked. She was used to her mother cracking sly comments about her daughter’s double-digit dress size, but Vanessa and Arlene were practically strangers. She had no idea how to react to what they’d just said. It was then Viv arrived with her sister’s coffee and fruit, and set everything in front of her.

Arlene pushed the fruit to the center of the table and added a blue packet of sweetener to the coffee. “How are you and Daddy doing in the cottage? The police told me I couldn’t go inside the office space to collect Martin’s personal belongings until they were through with the investigation. And I know they hung a notice on his door.” She pointed to the sheet of paper she’d brought outside. “This is a list of everything they’ve gathered, which they’re supposed to return to me when the investigation is over.”

Vanessa straightened in her chair. “They collected scads of things, and left with their sirens blaring. Once they were gone, we had a good night.”