Crosspatch, p.14
Crosspatch, page 14
Beatrice decided that she’d been so sedentary (and Noo-noo, too, by default), that they should extend their walk from the neighborhood to the park. They set out to walk, heading downtown. Noo-noo was so happy to stretch her legs that she didn’t spend much time sniffing at all the fascinating things that were calling out to her on the side of the sidewalk.
As they walked, a couple of folks waved from their cars and Beatrice waved back as Noo-noo grinned. The sun felt warm on her, but there was a light breeze that made the day comfortable.
They reached the park, and then they started around the circumference of it. It was the corgi’s favorite walk because there were lots of kids to watch and people to say hi to as they strolled through. Several were from the church and Beatrice chatted to them for a few minutes before they continued on.
They’d just reached the far end of the park when Beatrice spotted Quinn with a big cup of coffee and a black lab on a leash. She smiled at him and he immediately came over.
Noo-noo quickly got on her back at the sight of the bigger dog and Beatrice chuckled. “She knows when to throw in the towel.”
Quinn gave her a tired smile. “Ranger is a sweet guy, I promise.”
Soon Noo-noo apparently decided he was, too, because she stood back up so Ranger and she could visit properly.
“Beautiful dog,” said Beatrice.
“Thanks. I’m thankful Tobi didn’t take him,” said Quinn wryly. “He was my dog before I started dating Tobi, but she loved him as much as I do.”
“Well, I’m glad to see you out and about. You look a bit better.”
He gave her a rueful smile. “Do you think so? I realized nobody was going to rescue me from the predicament I put myself in. Tobi has told me she intends to file for divorce.”
Beatrice managed a look of surprise, although she’d known from her talk with Tobi that divorce sounded very likely. “I’m so sorry, Quinn.”
Quinn took a deep breath. “I know I screwed up. I’m going to spend this time apart by trying to get my life back together. Tobi must have really been fed up to want a divorce. She says she wants to go back to school and become a teacher.” He shook his head in amazement. “She’s sort of inspiring me to pick myself up, brush myself off, and jump back into life. I need to fix what’s broken.”
“That’s a great attitude.”
He snorted. “Better than the one I had a few days ago. I think I was just bent on self-destruction.” He paused, taking a sip of coffee before saying, “I did talk to Wyatt and he really helped me see things in a different perspective.”
Beatrice realized that Wyatt must have spoken to both Quinn and Tobi separately. Tobi had planned on speaking with him, too.
“Oh, I’m glad you met with him. Wyatt is great for that.”
Quinn nodded. “I’m going to take this time to focus on myself for a while. Although part of me does want to jump into another relationship. That’s always been my way, though, so I figure I should do something different. I’ve always found somebody on the rebound and it never ends up working out. Plus, it’s not fair to whoever I’m dating.”
“That makes a lot of sense.”
He said slowly, “Although there’s one woman who I’ve been interested in dating for a long while. She’s never seemed like she was available before, but I understand she might be now. You probably know her—she works at the library.”
“Remi, perhaps? She’s about your age, I think.”
Quinn nodded. “That’s right. At some point, if she’s still available later, I’d love to ask her out. I’m a big reader, myself, and we always have these great conversations about books.”
“She’s been giving me all kinds of great stuff to read. Remi can even group books by tone and hand me selections that fit my mood. She’s a great resource at the library. So you’re thinking about asking her out?”
Quinn said, “Of course I want to, but I’m willing to wait. I have the feeling it’s just not the best thing to do now. If I try to date someone right this minute, with the mess I’ve been, they’ll probably end up breaking up with me within a week. I’m kind of a wreck.”
He continued with a short laugh, “I can’t even promise I won’t go to jail at the end of the day. How can a person possibly start a relationship with someone when they might end up going to prison for murder? Ramsay has been asking me about the old woman who lived next door to Summer. I never even noticed her.”
“Wasn’t Ramsay just following up? As a matter of routine?”
Quinn shook his head. “He seemed pretty serious to me. He said Sylvia had told him before she died that she’d seen me at Summer’s house the morning she died.”
Beatrice caught her breath.
Quinn said in a rush, “But she totally got her dates wrong. I’d been at Summer’s house the day before she died. Besides, the whole reason I went over to Summer’s place to begin with was to tell her it was over.”
“Weren’t you worried about Harlowe when you went over there?”
Quinn said, “Of course, but I was trying to be really cautious. Believe me, I didn’t want to have to be there at all. The problem was that Summer wasn’t answering my texts or calls. If she had, I definitely never would have been there.” He sighed. “I wish I’d never gone over there; it’s causing me nothing but trouble. I should have just sent her a text message telling her that our relationship was over. And now I can’t set the record straight because she’s dead.”
Quinn continued, “Summer and I actually got along really well until we suddenly didn’t. And regardless of how messy ending a relationship with her was, I’d never have lifted a finger toward her.”
He glanced toward the front of the park and frowned. “Oh no.”
Beatrice turned and saw Ramsay walking toward them. Noo-noo greeted Ramsay when he came up to them and he stooped to pet the little dog. Ranger hung back a little, perhaps worried about his owner’s obvious reticence.
Chapter Eighteen
“Saw your truck parked here and thought I’d come up for a little talk,” Ramsay said to Quinn.
Quinn’s posture became immediately defensive. “Okay.”
“You see, the problem was that although you said you were at Summer’s house the day before she died, it must have been the day of.”
Quinn started shaking his head halfway through Ramsay’s sentence. “No. It was the day before.”
“You see, you mentioned a downed tree to someone and the fact that you were worried Summer was in a bad mood because of it. But that tree came down the morning Summer died.”
Quinn’s forehead crinkled and Beatrice wondered if he was trying to figure out who he’d spoken with about the downed tree. She hoped he didn’t remember it was Remi.
He slumped. “Okay. It’s true. I was there to see Summer the morning she died. The only reason I didn’t tell the truth is because I knew you’d never believe me.”
Ramsay’s posture indicated he wasn’t even sure he was believing him then. “Go on.”
Quinn took a deep breath. “I went over to Summer’s house to break up with her, just like I said. It was very early in the morning and she hadn’t been answering my emails or any of my texts.”
“So you walked inside and told her you wanted to break off the relationship. She got angry, things got out of control, and you killed her.” Ramsay’s eyes were cold.
Quinn said in a panic, “No! Nothing like that. When I walked into the studio, Summer was already dead. I figured it would look bad if I were at the scene, so I took off. Besides, I needed to head back home before Tobi realized I’d left.”
Ramsay pressed his lips together.
“It’s true,” said Quinn desperately. “I know I should have called the police. Believe me, I feel ashamed at just leaving. But you can see where it was going to cause a ton of problems for me if I stuck around and called you. You’d be saying I killed Summer in a moment of passion. And I didn’t.”
Ramsay considered him thoughtfully. “Okay, let’s say, for the sake of argument, what you’re saying is true. Did you see anyone around the studio when you were arriving or leaving? Other cars? Anyone in the shadows? Any sort of clue as to who might have done this?”
“When I was arriving there, I was being really cautious because I didn’t want to be seen. I looked around me carefully, even though I didn’t think any of Summer’s fitness clients would be there that early. I was also keeping an eye out for Harlowe. I didn’t see anyone. Then, after I’d found Summer’s body, I was just trying to get out of there as fast as I could. I was so intent on getting away that I didn’t really pay a lot of attention.”
Ramsay looked down to write a couple of notes on his notepad. Beatrice noticed Quinn look surprised for a second before he quickly resumed a more neutral expression. She wondered if maybe he did remember something. Whatever it was, Quinn decided not to share it.
Ramsay tapped his pen against his notepad. “How do you think Summer would have reacted? If you’d been able to speak with her and told her you wanted to break up with her?”
“I’d been steeling myself because I didn’t think Summer would have reacted well at all. But there was ultimately nothing she could do—she couldn’t force me to continue the affair.”
Ramsay nodded. “Okay. Well, that’s all I need for now. I know where to find you if I have any other questions. Beatrice, good to see you.” He stooped to say goodbye to Noo-noo before heading back toward his police cruiser. Quinn’s dog gave Ramsay a wary look as he left.
As Ramsay took off, Quinn said, “See? That’s exactly why I didn’t tell him I’d found Summer before you did. Now he’s sure I did it.”
“If Ramsay were sure, he’d have arrested you.”
Quinn looked slightly relieved at this. “I guess that’s true.”
Beatrice paused and then said carefully, “For a second, when you were speaking with Ramsay, I thought maybe you’d remembered something.”
“What?” Quinn gave a startled laugh. “Maybe you’re thinking about the moment when I realized I hadn’t paid the water bill. Tobi used to take care of a lot of household stuff and I’m really struggling to fill her shoes. Anyway, I’ll need to pay that and a couple of other bills once I get back to the house. Which means I better get this walk with Ranger finished and then head back home. I’ll see you later, Beatrice.”
He and Ranger headed off toward the trail leading to a mountain hike. Noo-noo looked at Beatrice as if asking when they were going to continue the fun walk they’d been having. She reached down to scratch Noo-noo behind her large ears. “Ready to walk?”
They continued their stroll through the park, stopping a couple of times as children with their parents would ask if they could pet the corgi. Noo-noo wagged her nubbin of a tail and looked as if she was having the best day ever.
Then they headed back to the house. It took a bit longer this time because Noo-noo was now ready to smell various tempting spots along the way. When they finally reached the house, Beatrice was fumbling to find her front door key when she heard her name being called. She turned to see Savannah waving at her and coming up on her bike.
“We’re popular today, Noo-noo,” murmured Beatrice.
Savannah grinned at her as she leaned her bike against a tree. “Hi there, Beatrice. How are things?”
“Oh, pretty well. Are you out doing errands or getting exercise?”
Savannah said, “Just killing time, actually. I finished organizing all my craft items and then felt as if I needed to get out of the house for a while.”
Beatrice doubted that Savannah’s craft items actually needed tidying or organizing at all. She was one of the most organized people she knew.
“Want to come inside for a visit, then? I can help you kill time for a while,” said Beatrice.
Savannah was delighted to do so. And Beatrice was glad that she’d tidied up a bit in the morning before she’d left the house.
Cammie came running up to join them, giving Savannah an austere look through the locks of hair over her eyes.
Savannah said, “Who’s this?” She sat on the sofa and reached down to pick up the little dog. But Cammie wasn’t having it. She looked at Savannah reproachfully and backed her small body up, giving some yippy barks at Savannah to let her know she’d stepped out of line.
“Goodness,” said Savannah with a bemused frown. “I think I’ve offended her.”
Beatrice said, “This is Cammie. She was Sylvia’s dog. You might have seen her coming out of Sylvia’s purse when they were out and about. And I don’t think you’ve offended her at all . . . she just likes taking things slow.”
Savannah reached out a hand and Cammie gave her a suspicious look before cautiously coming up to sniff it.
“I didn’t know Sylvia,” said Savanah. “I knew who she was, of course, and I saw her in Posy’s shop a few times, but I never spoke to her. I never even noticed she had a dog. Are you going to keep her?”
Beatrice shook her head. “No, I’m just fostering her for a while until she finds a forever home. Meadow is thinking about taking her in.”
Savannah’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding. Boris will eat her alive.”
Beatrice chuckled. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Boris loves her.”
“Because she’s tasty?” Savannah looked worried.
“No, because he thinks she’s wonderful. He’s very calm around Cammie. Meadow thinks Cammie may be a balm for his soul.”
Savannah reached out her hand again, this time to pet Cammie. Cammie still looked dubious, but allowed Savannah to reach out and gently pet her fur. Savannah asked, “What does Ramsay think?”
“I’m not sure Meadow has broached the subject of them adopting Cammie yet. She’ll probably wait until after Ramsay’s investigation is finished. He’s really under the gun now, with two murders to solve. Introducing a new dog into his household is the last thing on his mind.” Beatrice stood up. “And look at me, forgetting my manners. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Oh, a glass of ice water would be great,” said Savannah. She sat on the sofa and started loving on Noo-noo, who appeared to be absolutely eating it up.
Beatrice brought in the water and sat down across from Savannah. “By the way, I loved what you did with Meadow’s crazy quilt.”
Savannah winced a bit at the mention of the quilt. “Thanks, Beatrice. It was a little outside of my milieu. But I suppose it turned out all right.”
“What quilt are you working on now that the UFO project is done?”
Beatrice strongly suspected she knew the answer to the question before she’d even asked it. Savannah, naturally, would be working on a geometric print of some sort.
Savannah quickly warmed to her subject. “It’s a modern quilt pattern.”
She looked at Beatrice for approval, and Beatrice quickly nodded her head. “That sounds like fun. What sort of modern pattern?”
As expected, it turned out to be a modern take on a log cabin geometric print. Savannah said, “I’m making it with three different colored prints. I felt like I could take on a big challenge right now and it’s a king-sized quilt. How about you?”
Beatrice made a face. “My quilting is something of a mess right now. I’m so distracted by other things that I’m not focusing on what I’m doing. Apparently, I can’t chew bubblegum and walk at the same time.”
“You’ve been thinking about Summer?” asked Savannah. “And Sylvia?” Cammie came up closer to Savannah, studying her. Then she put her little feet up on Savannah’s legs.
Savannah’s eyes opened wider. “Does she want me to pick her up?”
“It’s looking that way,” said Beatrice with a grin.
Savannah reached down and gently picked up the tiny dog. Cammie looked at her solemnly and then settled down on her lap. Savannah carefully stroked her on the head and Cammie almost looked as if she’d suddenly purr with pleasure.
“Are you sure you don’t want to take Cammie home?” asked Beatrice teasingly.
Savannah looked rueful. “I would. I certainly would. But Mr. Smoke would not be amused.”
Mr. Smoke was Savannah’s gray cat. A gray cat that was very used to having his very own sunbeams and routine. A routine that decidedly didn’t include a small dog named Cammie.
“I can imagine that,” said Beatrice. “But then, Smoke is just not used to any other animals. And, sorry, you asked me a question. What was it, again?”
“Oh, I was just asking if Summer and Sylvia had been on your mind a lot. You were saying you were distracted.”
Beatrice said ruefully, “You can see how distracted I’ve been. And Summer and Sylvia have definitely been on my mind, yes.”
“I’ve been thinking about them, too,” said Savannah. “Mostly because Dan is being blamed for their deaths. I’m glad Meadow and Posy are setting up that silent auction. You know how Dan is—he doesn’t say a word about how awful he feels or how worried he is about getting surgery. He just keeps plugging along.”
“I hope the auction will raise a lot for him. It’s got to be on his mind all the time. Maybe the town will start to forget what Summer said. Everyone who’s hired Dan knows he runs his projects on time and that he does a fantastic job.” Beatrice paused. “Dan hasn’t found out about the fundraiser, has he?”
Savannah shook her head. “Fortunately not. Like Meadow was saying, it’s better if someone from the Village Quilters presents him with a check after the fact so he doesn’t find out in advance and shut us down.” Savannah sighed. “And It will help him get work once the murderer is caught and taken to jail. I really hope Ramsay can figure out who’s behind this so he can get on with business as usual.”
“I’m sure he’s making some good progress. You know how Ramsay throws everything into his cases. Did you know Summer at all, thinking of the murders?” There was no one she could think of who was a less-likely candidate for attending fitness classes than Savannah.
Savannah held up a spindly finger. “Actually, I know quite a bit of her. But no, I never really spoke to her.”
