We walk through the front door of Marmalade and Rye and head straight to the back, finding Matilda hunched over her desk, reading through what appears to be a catalog of antiques.
“Well hello, Alyssa. And Nick,” she says, her voice tinged with surprise. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” She tilts her head, and her face falls. “Please tell me you didn’t take what was here home with you.” Her eyebrow lifts, and I understand her insinuation.
“Actually, yes,” Nick says, and my head snaps to his.
That’s not the direction I thought this chat was going to go.
“Carl followed us to New Orleans and caused quite the stir at abed-and-breakfast,” he says, voice laced with reproach. “Him and Buck Sauder.”
Matilda’s slight frame shakes at the mention of Carl and Buck. Her shocked expression slowly morphs into something else. Something resembling fear.
“They’re gone,” I say, hoping to calm her nerves. “We sent them on to the next life.” Her eyes widen in astonishment, a flicker of relief mingling with lingering disbelief.
But as the weight of the news settles in, I notice a subtle shift in Matilda’s demeanor. Gone is the warmth and familiarity, replaced by an air of unease and apprehension. Her eyes dart nervously between Nick and me, as if searching for answers she’s not sure she wants to find.
“Did they…speak to you?” she asks, and that simple question doesn’t sit right with me for reasons I can’t pinpoint.
Nick shrugs, sucking on his teeth. He’s slipped into Detective West right before my eyes, and this is a side of him I’ve never seen.
“Carl mentioned something about the Order of Providence, but nothing he said made sense,” Nick lies.
He’s probing for information, testing the waters to see how much she knows.
Matilda’s response is guarded, her words carefully chosen as she feigns ignorance, denying any knowledge of the society. “I’ve never heard of such a thing. Sounds like fiction to me.”
“We just paid a visit to the cemetery. Carl had a strange symbol etched into his tombstone. Are you familiar with what I’m referring to?”
She purses her lips, shaking her head. “No idea, Detective.” There’s a bite to her tone, one that suggests she doesn’t like Nick’s line of questioning.
With a firmness I’ve rarely seen from him, he warns Matilda. “This society has come up a lot recently in connection to murdercases. If you know something and choose not to help, you could be brought up on charges for obstructing justice.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Nicholas,” she says patronizingly. “But as I said, I’ve never heard of such an order. So if there’s nothing more you wish to ask me, you can show yourself out. I’m rather busy.” She motions down to her catalog.
“One more thing, and then we’ll get out of your way,” he says, shoulders straightening. “I’m reopening Carl’s case. It would appear that suicide seems unlikely.”
She nods. “I’m sure that’s why he was hovering about. The man would not be content until his murderer was brought to justice. Please keep me in the loop. As his only surviving relative, I’d like to be informed if you find anything.”
Nick nods. “Of course. Thank you, Matilda.”
We’re walking toward the front of the store when I hear Matilda say, “It’s sometimes better to let sleeping dogs lie.”
I turn over my shoulder, and my eyes connect with Matilda’s. They’re hard and cold, something I’ve never seen on her.
She knows something. Something dangerous.
Nick turns to me, a thoughtful look on his face. “You did good back there.”
I chuckle. “I didn’t do anything. I watched you lay the law down on Mrs. Hampson like she was the villain you’re trying to catch.”
He shakes his head. “No. She’s no villain. I know one when I see it.” He sighs. “She knows more than she’s letting on, but for now, her secrets aren’t my concern.”
“It would’ve been helpful to have Nina back there. One touch, and Nina would uncover whatever she’s hiding.”
“You know, the two of you together could make a great team. I could use your services on a lot of cold cases.”
I huff a humorless laugh. “I doubt I could convince Nina toditch her plans. And besides, it’ll be some time before I’m up and running.”
He bites his bottom lip. “I probably should let Greg tell you this, but he mentioned something interesting,” he says, his voice tinged with excitement.
