AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That does add up to a lot of motives,” Drayton said.
“Uh-oh,” Delaine said as Lewin Usher, the producer, suddenly pushed his way through the captivated crowd. “Take a look at this happy crap.”
Usher’s mouth was set in a grim line as he fought to put himself directly between Adler and Carly.
“Enough!” Usher shouted, using both hands to physically pry them apart. “You two need to show some much-needed decorum. This is a memorial, for goodness’ sake. It’s neither the time nor place to hurl unfounded accusations or air petty grievances.”
“There’s nothing petty about three million dollars,” Adler said, though he’d lowered his voice somewhat. “It’s a motive, one of the oldest in the book.”
“How dare you,” Carly screeched back.
“Ah, you’re not worth the expenditure of energy,” Adler said as he backed away.
“Adler’s very self-important, isn’t he?” Drayton said.
“No kidding,” Theodosia said.
But the moment had seemingly passed and Usher had successfully broken up the fight. Joe Adler retreated to the bar, where he ordered a double shot of Wild Turkey on the rocks, while Carly Brandt stormed out of the party looking shaken and angry.
“How do you like them apples?” Delaine snapped. “Here I was, dating Josh Morro, believing we were in a serious relationship, and it turns out he had a girlfriend. And not just any girlfriend, but a West Coast fiancée, a Hollywood hottie. And now she stands to inherit three million dollars!” Delaine’s fingers closed in an angry fist as she slammed it down on the table, making everyone’s drink glasses clatter and jump.
“Delaine,” Theodosia said. “Take it easy.” She wasn’t sure if Delaine was more upset about Morro having a fiancée or missing out on the three million dollars in life insurance. Hard to tell what went on in Delaine’s brain.
“I know, I know,” Delaine said. “I shouldn’t take this so…” Delaine’s head suddenly swiveled like a periscope and she said, “Well, hello,” to a small, dark-haired woman who’d broken from the crowd to come over and talk to her.
“People, people,” Delaine said, waving her hands to shush Theodosia and Drayton and get their attention. “This dear soul is Molly. Molly Turner. She is—was—Helene’s business partner.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Theodosia said, as Molly took a seat next to Delaine.
“Thank you,” Molly whispered. She offered a faint smile but was leaking tears at the same time.
“My condolences,” Drayton said. “Helene and her philanthropic efforts will be greatly missed.”
“I believe formal introductions are called for,” Delaine said, interrupting again. “Molly, this is Theodosia Browning of Indigo Tea Shop fame.”
“So nice to meet you,” Molly said. “I’ve heard only good things about your tea shop.”
“Thank you,” Theodosia said.
“And this is Drayton Conelley, tea sommelier extraordinaire,” Delaine said.
Molly nodded at Drayton. “Of course, I know Drayton from the Heritage Society.”
Drayton smiled. “Miss Turner was kind enough to lend us some pieces from her private collection when we had that Sung Dynasty show last year. May I get you a refreshment? Cup of tea, glass of wine?”
“Nothing, thank you,” Molly said.
Delaine grabbed Molly’s hand and made a sad, downturned face. “Such a terrible thing about our dear, dear Helene. You must be heartsick.”
“I almost couldn’t believe it when the police knocked on my door last night,” Molly said in a strangled voice. “I’m still not clear if it was a robbery or something else.”
“The something else being murder,” Delaine said in a loud whisper. “I’m guessing the police think Helene’s death is strongly connected to the murder of Josh Morrow, the film director?”
“The police do think it’s connected,” Molly said. “But the strange thing is, they questioned me about Helene’s relationship with Josh Morro.”
“What?” Delaine gasped.
“One of their theories being that Helene might have murdered him,” Molly said.
