86 Avenue du Goulet (A Samantha Jamison Mystery Volume 3) (12 page)

Chapter 52

Getting Back To What?

The infamous flashlight led the way, as we made the slow walk back toward Curat’s villa. Having Clay right next door was both a negative and a plus. The negative, being he could keep an eye on me. The plus, being I could keep an eye on him. Perfect.

I heard a muffled chuckle. “Carrying you back to Martine’s was tricky. Have you gained a pound or two?”

I whipped around. “What kind of crack is that?”

He held his hands up. “Whoa, little touchy aren’t we?”

“Where you’re concerned, yes. I’m never sure what’s going to come out of your mouth next. Like I’ve said many times before, predictability is not your best quality.”

He smirked. “Now, you’re treading on shaky ground. I would think that describes you exactly, don’t you?”

He always seemed to push the buttons that hit their mark. “I learned from the master of evasion, remember?”

“Ouch! Now you’re getting personal.”

“Been there, seen it, done it. Now, let’s give it a rest, okay?” I turned and kept on walking.

After a minute, I heard a laugh. “…Okay, for now.”

We worked our way back to the area where the hole was dug. I stooped down and flashed the light on the bones. Clay joined me on the opposite side. Both of us just stared down at the bottom of the hole.

Clay broke the silence. “Odd. Bare bones, picked clean. And we both know they’re not really Sneakers’ bones after checking with Barbara and Jack back home. He’s fine.”

I looked up at him. “Yeah, I knew it couldn’t be possible, but I guess the visuals must have rattled me.”

He shook his head. “Martine and Jean explained what happened. Whole thing feels wrong. Doesn’t ring true.”

“I know. I feel the same way. Something is going on here that doesn’t add up. Going to all this trouble to bury people’s pets’ bones here is both sick and symbolic, but I can’t figure out why someone would go to all this trouble. There has to be some link involving all of the neighbors. It’s frustrating.”

Clay took the tag from my hand, examining it. “Well, obviously, they know a little about you and how to push your buttons and are playing with your brain.” He stared at me. “…What else haven’t you told Martine and Jean?”

He knew me well,
too well
. I relented. I needed another set of eyes on this. “Come on down to the villa. We’ll have a drink and I’ll explain what I’ve found out so far.”

He laughed. “Hey, does this mean you trust me now?”

“You should be so lucky,” I said, standing up. “Watch your step, the path is dangerous if you’re not careful. I’ll explain that, too. There’s more here than meets the eye.”

Clay smiled. “That’s what I’ve been saying about me.”

Oh brother! Was this guy persistent or what? I loved it.

Chapter 53

Gaining Perspective

Later, I explained to Clay
most
of what I knew. Notice my emphasis on
most
. I’ve learned in the past, it’s always wise not to give away the store all at once.

I refilled our glasses. “So you see, I’m currently at a stalemate. I’ve somehow stumbled onto something more than I’d bargained for. The neighbors each have their own agenda, but someone else on the outside has one as well and that agenda might not enhance my knowledge.”

“That’s a clear possibility, but it sounds bizarre that a bunch of old people and a young girl would be victims of such a cruel gesture.”

“I agree. On the other hand, I doubt that anyone would kill their own pet to make a point, or to appear as a victim. What would their point be?”

“Some murders defy logic,” said Clay.

I sat forward. “Perhaps someone is using these deaths as a distraction. Maybe they’re looking for a chance to accomplish what they set out to do before I arrived, and to silence anyone who may have seen it. Maybe the stakes are higher than we think.”

We looked at each other, both of us thinking the same thing at the same time.

He suddenly smiled, “…Which only goes to prove…”

“…That the perpetrator isn’t sure who saw what and sent threatening notes to them all,” I said.

“They hit everyone’s pet to insure complete silence and threatened worse if anyone talked.”

“That makes so much sense! I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before.”

“You needed me, obviously.”

“I would have figured it out eventually.”

“I’m sure you would have.” His look was warm. “Let me speak to Jean. He might remember anything unusual that he saw or heard that didn’t seem important at the time, but might prove helpful, now.”

I nodded. “Meanwhile, I can take another crack at the three neighbors and see what I come up with. There has to be something out there I can wedge loose.”

Clay grinned. “You see? We can work together.”

“You think so?”

“Sure. The trick is getting you to trust me enough to let your guard down.”

“I’m never letting my guard down again, especially with you. You lean towards shifty and shady.”

Clay gave me an evil grin. “And I’m guessing that’s why I intrigue you so much, am I right?”

“Up to a point.”

Like I said, keep them guessing.

“Where do I play in all this?” he asked.

I wasn’t sure for a moment what he was referring to, but by the gleam in his eye I realized and saw his confusion.

“Watch your step, Clay,” I said. “One move in the wrong direction, and you’re thrown out of the game.”

“Trust me, this is not game, for me or the killer.”

I smiled. “I know. I personally take risks seriously.”

“Good! Now, all you have to do is take me seriously.”

I laughed. “How can I, when you don’t yourself?”

Chapter 54

Tracking The Truth

I was about to walk over unannounced to the Toussout residence when in charged Martha, Hazel and Betty. I stepped away from the door as it swung open, surprised they were back so soon from the market in Fréjus. They didn’t see me.

Betty shook her head. “Well, I have seen it all, now.”

“Disappointed is an understatement,” griped Hazel.

Martha came in last. “He sure hotfooted, lickety-split.”

I rubbed my forehead. I could see this was definitely a sit down. “Okay, what is going on?” I asked, stepping out from behind the door.

Shocked to see me, Martha veered toward the kitchen, saying, “I’m thirstier than a jack rabbit in a desert.”

I whirled around to the other two, who were nowhere in sight. I turned back to the kitchen. They were already there getting glasses out.
How’d they do that?
I had a sneaky feeling about this. “Okay, what’s up?”

Martha’s whole demeanor changed. “Nothing, why?”

Silent, Hazel and Betty smiled blandly, drinking water simultaneously.

Their behavior sure seemed suspicious.

“Okay, what happened?” I asked, standing directly in front of Martha, blocking her.

“Hey, I’m sure it was just like they said.”

I wasn’t catching on. “Like who said?”

“Clay and that tart across the street.”

Hazel saw the look on my face and stepped between us.

“Why, that pretty, young lady who lives across the way,” she said pointing to Forniet’s house.

I opened my mouth, but then shut it,
damage control
.

Betty patted me on the shoulder. “Now, it’s probably like Clay said, they met accidentally at the market.”

Martha shot Hazel a look. “They sure were jawing it up for being complete strangers and when…”

Hazel cut in. “Sam, you know how friendly Clay is.”

I realized then what they
weren’t
saying.
So?
After all, he meant nothing to me, absolutely nothing, a thing of the distant past.

Okay, not so distant.

“…What did he have to say?” I grudgingly asked.

“Well, he seemed surprised to see us at that market, being it’s much further away than the local market. When he introduced Dominique, she gave us the once-over like we were invading her space. Talk about territorial!”

Betty lifted my tightly gripped hand from the chair. “My dear, relax, nothing to worry over. They were just having a conversation. Right, Hazel?”

Hazel smiled at me. “What does she have you don’t?”

I separated my teeth from my tongue. “Who cares? He’s in France. She’s French. And I’m not interested.”

They regarded me in silence, skeptical, already knowing I was dying to know more about her and what was really going on.

Martha said, “We also heard her mention to Clay she’s going to that Italian place over in St. Raphaël tonight.”

That did it.

They all waited and I fell into their trap.

“…Hey, isn’t this pizza night? My treat!”

Chapter 55

In Hot Pursuit

“Stop leaning. I can’t see a thing,” Betty complained.

Martha hissed, “I should’ve brought my binoculars.”

“Oh, that’s rich,” laughed Hazel. “Talk about subtle.”

My eyes were glued to our suspect in question. How she hadn’t seen us was a miracle with all the commotion playing out in front of me. I rubbed my temples. This was not the time for a stress headache, although this sure qualified as a trigger for one.

“This stakeout was a mistake,” I finally said.

Betty turned to me. “Relax. Clay’s no where in sight.”

Martha glared. “Hey, she’s not going to hold a sign out like drivers do in an airport. Maybe he’ll still show up.”

Hazel looked at her. “I bet you ten to one against it.”

Martha laughed. “You’re on! The night’s still young.”

God help me. This trip has already corrupted them.

“Well, I’ll be!” Martha announced, surprised.

We all perked up. Philippe sauntered up to Dominique’s table. He leaned in to speak to her, then they both stood up and started walking down the sidewalk away from us, leaving her freshly served pizza behind, untouched.

“Quick!” ordered Martha. “Let’s go and follow them.”

“What a waste of the pizza,” Betty said, eyeing it.

“I don’t feel right about this,” I said, dying to know where they were headed, but I wasn’t traveling light, remember?
Geriatric crew.

Betty turned to me. “Are you kidding? Let’s go.”

Hazel eyed Martha. “Pay up, Miss, then we’ll tail them.”

I gave in. “It sure might prove interesting.”

Three turns later, up the hill, we fell behind. Annoyed at possibly losing them in the crowds, we took to the street. Hearing an engine, I sidestepped to let a motorcycle pass, and then turned when it pulled up beside me.

“What’s happening?”

“…Crystal? What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been trying to catch up for three blocks, but the traffic is hell. Pizza night, remember? What’s the rush?”

Hazel leaned in conspiratorially. “We’re in hot pursuit!”

“Of who?” Crystal asked, now interested.

Martha laughed. “Don Juan and Jezebel, that’s who!”

Crystal grinned. “I’ve been around you guys too long because I know just who you’re talking about. It’s scary.”

Betty gave her a quick rundown of the market, pizza, and Philippe showing up and leading them up the hill.

Hazel whipped around. “Hey, they’re way up there.”

Martha stomped the ground. “And making a turn.”

“Sam, get on,” Crystal ordered. “I’ll weave in and out.”

I tossed Martha my car keys. “You know what to do.”

She nodded. “I know the way. Be careful you two.”

Betty grabbed my arm. “Pictures. Use your iPhone.”

Hazel stepped in. “Become one with the background.”

Martha turned to her. “What are you now, Yoda?”

As we took off up the hill, I turned back to the trio.

Was I leaving trouble, or heading toward it?