Daisy McDare and the Deadly Legal Affair (8 page)

Chapter Thirteen

Finally after spending more of the day questioning potential suspects than doing redecorating, Daisy tried to get back to work.  She had a lot to sort out in her head.  The more she dug, the more ridiculous it seemed that Detective Crumple closed the case so early. 

At this point, the only thing Daisy was certain of was that Angela Franklin did not murder Max Cash.  Everything else was up in the air. 

Things were only primed to get more confusing as Daisy saw Chloe exit Max’s old office in a huff.  While Chloe had been on the verge of tears all day, now she couldn’t help herself from crying. 

Brooke Cash meanwhile emerged in the doorway to her husband’s office and watched Chloe’s actions closely. 

Chloe was a hot mess as she started grabbing things on her desk.  She hurriedly picked an empty box, then started filling it with her photos and mementos.

The office’s bookkeeper Jackson looked up from his desk wide-eyed. 

“Chloe, what’s going on?” Jackson asked. 

Chloe wiped a tear from her eye.  “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Just calm down,” Jackson replied, trying to console her. 

“I can’t calm down.  I just got fired,” Chloe revealed. 

Chloe could barely hold herself together.  She looked like she was ready to collapse. 

Jackson was still trying to work through his shock.  “But…but—why did you get fired?”

Chloe nudged her head towards Brooke Cash giving her a hawkish glare.   

“Why do you think?” Chloe said. 

It then dawned on Jackson.  Chloe wasn’t fired because of her work performance.   She was sent packing because she’d been having an affair with Brooke’s husband. 

“But you’re good at your job.  You can’t get fired because…”

“Because I had an affair?  Sure you can.”  Chloe grimaced.  She grabbed her box and headed to the exit. 

“Here, let me help you,” Jackson insisted. 

Chloe didn’t listen.  She just wanted to get out of there.  She muttered to herself.  “My life can’t get any worse.”

Chloe then scuttled out. 

Jackson meanwhile gritted his teeth as he looked at Brooke.  He could hardly contain his rage.  The rest of the office looked on in shock.  The drama just never seemed to end at the law office. 

Brooke Cash looked to get things back on track.  “Alright people, nothing to see here.  Back to work everyone.”

***

The end of the work day brought no answers, but it did give Daisy some much needed relief.  There was so much information for her to process.  Maybe some time away from the office would be just what she needed.

One thing was quite clear though --Max’s death had divided the office in half.  There was no middle ground.  Some people’s lives benefitted greatly from his murder.  Brooke, Peter, Jennifer, and Amber came to mind.  Other people’s lives seemed to fall apart because of it.  Both Chloe and Jackson fit that bill.   

Daisy knew she was just one lead away from breaking this case wide open.  The question was, where would that lead come from? 

Daisy knew she couldn’t mull over the case any longer without satisfying her sweet tooth.  Besides, she always did her best thinking on a full stomach.  She decided to stop into her friend’s dessert shop to get her fill of both. 

When Daisy arrived at Sweet Tooth, Samantha had a special treat waiting for her—a butterscotch blondie.  It was just what her taste buds needed.  The only problem was, the blondies were so good that Daisy couldn’t stop at just one.  She told herself the blondies would make for good brain food.  In truth, any excuse to have more butterscotch would do. 

Before becoming a decorator, Daisy briefly flirted with the idea of working alongside Samantha at the bakery.  She was glad she didn’t.  Her waist would be no match for that line of work.  Daisy would eat all the profits. 

As delicious as the butterscotch bars were, Daisy decided to show some restraint and not have a third one. 

Samantha meanwhile had other things on her mind—like why her best friend had such a big look of concern on her face. 

“What’s the matter?  Did you run into Brent again at the dog park?” Samantha asked. 

“No.  I actually went to the Maple Street dog park this morning,” Daisy replied. 

Samantha shot her a confused look.  “Why would you drive you drive all the way across town?”

Daisy answered timidly.  “So there would be no chance of running into Brent.”

“I hope it was worth it.”

“Trust me, anything is worth not having to run into Brent again.”

“Ah, ex-boyfriends.  Can’t live with them, can’t banish them to another planet.”

Daisy chuckled.

“So, are you really going to drive across town every morning to the Maple Street dog park?” Samantha asked. 

“I kind of have to now.”

“Why?”

“Because little Shamus made a new furry friend.”

“Please tell me this furry friend has a handsome, single owner.”

Daisy thought about Gavin Watson from the dog park.  He was definitely handsome and single.  He was also a complete emotional wreck.  Not that Daisy should talk.  She was far from the poster girl for emotional stability right now. 

There was something to be said though for not pairing one hot mess with another.  That could make for a seriously combustible mix.  Every relationship needed a voice of reason, not two people ready to throw pity parties at a moment’s notice.

Still, Daisy wasn’t about to pretend that she hadn’t let a few romantic thoughts of Gavin cross her mind.  It was rare for her to have chemistry with a man after just one conversation, yet it was clear she did. 

Not to mention Gavin was a nice piece of eye candy too.  But he was like an unlabeled box of chocolates.  There was plenty to crave on the outside, yet there was no telling what was on the inside. 

Confusion had come to Daisy’s life, and it was in no hurry to leave.  The murder of Max Cash wasn’t the only mystery in her life.  Much like the murder Daisy was stumped in solving--the ‘who, what, where, when and how’ of whether she had a romantic future with Gavin was very much unsolved as well. 

“It’s complicated,” Daisy sighed. 

“It sounds like you have some explaining to do,” Samantha teased. 

“Alright, I did meet a handsome man at the dog park,” Daisy revealed. 

“Then why have you been holding back on me?”

“Because his heart is even more broken than mine.”

“Phooey,” Samantha insisted. 

“I know.  Just when you think it’s safe to stick your heart out again, the universe sends you an emotional ticking time bomb dressed up as a serious hunk.”

“Why does love have to be such a minefield sometimes?” Samantha asked. 

“It beats me.  I just know I’ll be approaching this man candy with extreme caution,” Daisy replied. 

“Wise decision.”  Samantha then transitioned.  “So, how is the old sleuthing going at the office?”

“I only have one word to say about that,” Daisy replied. 

“Egads?”

Daisy nodded.  “So many suspects, such little time.  I’m so glad I’m not a sleazy defense lawyer.  Max sure had a way of making enemies.”

“You’re still no closer to finding out who did it then?” Samantha asked. 

Just then Granny Annie invited herself into the conversation.  “Have you looked into the zookeeper?”

“What?” Daisy replied.

“I told you, I’m practically turning into a Granny Gumshoe with all these mysteries I’ve been reading.  And let me tell you, I just finished this book where the zookeeper did it.  I never saw it coming.  One minute he was feeding the kangaroos, then the next his shifty eyes exposed his lies.  It blew my mind,” Granny Annie explained. 

“There’s no zookeeper at work.  It’s a law office,” Daisy said. 

“Oh, right.  Is there anyone that likes going to the zoo though?”

“I couldn’t tell you,” Daisy corrected. 

“Drats.  Well look, the point is that my opinion of who did it changes from scene to scene in these books anyway.  It’s not my fault everyone looks so guilty,” Granny Annie replied.

Daisy sighed.  “Tell me about it.”

“But Granny, remember this is a real murder investigation, not some book you’re reading,” Samantha insisted.

“What, you don’t think life can imitate art?  Because let me tell you, some firemen came in here the other day that were just as hunky as the ones I read about in romance novels,” Granny Annie boasted.

Samantha’s eyes opened wide.  “Granny.” 

“Hey, I’m retired—not dead.  As long as I still have a pulse, I’ll love a man in uniform,” Granny Annie declared. 

Samantha chuckled. 

Granny Annie continued.  “Come to think of it Daisy, I think it would do you good to stop by the local firehouse.  You might find yourself a uniformed surprise.”

“Wow, this conversation has sure taken a turn,” Daisy blushed. 

“She does have a point,” Samantha teased. 

Daisy stared her friend down.  “Samantha.”

“What?  I’m just saying.  It wouldn’t hurt to expand your hunky horizons,” Samantha laughed.  

Daisy was desperate to change the subject.  “Can we get back to the murder investigation?”

“I told you, watch out for a dark horse suspect.  Oh, and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t end up picking the right suspect.  Everyone always guesses the wrong killer,” Granny Annie explained.   

“A woman’s life is at stake.  I can’t afford to get this wrong,” Daisy said.   

“Oh.  Well, it stinks to be you then.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have pecan pie calling my name,” Granny Annie finished.   

Chapter Fourteen

Daisy left the dessert shop with a full belly and delighted taste buds.  As she approached her car in the parking lot however, a rotund surprise was waiting for her. 

Detective Crumple had parked right beside Daisy and seemed to be waiting for her to come out.  His grizzled detective stare was once again undermined by the remains of another pastry.  This time brownie crumbs seemed to be the culprit, lodging in Crumple’s beard like it was a bird’s nest. 

The detective took another slurp of his mega-sized coffee and addressed Daisy.  “Ms. McDare, I need to talk to you for a minute.”

“Have you been waiting out here for me?” Daisy asked. 

“That’s not important.”

“Wait, how did you know this was my car—or that I’d even be here?”  

“It’s my job to know things.  Besides, have you forgotten that just a few days ago you were on my list of suspects?”

“I actually couldn’t forget that quickly enough,” Daisy answered. 

“Back to the matter at hand,” Crumple coughed. 

“What’s this about?”

Detective Crumple shook his head.  “You still haven’t figured out how this works, have you?  I’m the detective.  I ask the questions around here.”

“Alright.  Go ahead then.” 

“I’ve heard you’ve been poking your head around where it doesn’t belong.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The murder of Max Cash.  Why do you insist on wasting your time investigating a case that’s already been solved?” Detective Crumple asked. 

“With all due respect, I don’t think it has been solved,” Daisy replied. 

“With all due respect?  The fact that you’re snooping around shows you have no respect for me or my job.” Crumple then tried to dislodge the brownie crumbs in his beard with his tongue.  “Now I’d advise you to stick to interior decorating.”

“You really want me to let this go, don’t you?”

Detective Crumple nodded.  “Leave this to the professionals.” 

Daisy stared into his eyes.  “Alright, I’ll let it go.” 

“Thank God.” 

“When I find the real killer,” Daisy continued. 

Detective Crumple grimaced.  “Dagnabbit.”

“I can’t help how I feel.  And deep down my gut is telling me you have the wrong person in jail.” 

“Do you have any evidence to support your little theory?” 

“Right now it is just a hunch, but I’ve never had a hunch of mine be wrong before,” Daisy explained.   

“There’s a first time for everything,” Detective Crumple insisted. 

“We’ll see about that,” Daisy smiled.  She then stared at his beard. 

“You missed some.”

“Some what?’ he asked. 

“Brownie crumbs.  Lower left side of your beard.”  She walked off as he started scratching his beard to dislodge more evidence of his sweet tooth.

“At least he and I are alike in one way,” she smiled to herself.   

***

Very few things could throw Daisy off the scent of finding Max’s real killer.  Going to the dog park was one of them.  Mostly it was because she knew Gavin Watson would be there.  A smile came to her face when she saw him the next morning with his Corgi puppy Rosie. 

Daisy’s heart nearly melted as her eyes focused on Rosie’s folded down ear.  It was just so cute.  Her Westie Shamus apparently agreed because he bounded towards Rosie and started playing with her. 

For the second day in a row, Daisy wondered why things couldn’t be as simple for humans as they were for dogs.  When dogs liked each other, they were obvious about it.  Humans had a way of making things more complicated. 

There was an emotional tightrope that had to be walked.  Even more than that, people came with baggage.  Sometimes that was like trying to fit a four piece luggage set into the overhead compartment of a plane.  There was just no way it wouldn’t end badly. 

Daisy and Gavin both came with their own separate baggage.  The question was, could they learn to leave it at home?  That was a whole lot of metaphor to be wrangling with at six thirty in the morning. 

“Looks like the dogs are happy to see each other,” Daisy said. 

“It’s not just the dogs.  I’m happy to see you too,” Gavin smiled.

Gavin had a dynamite smile.  Not to mention a way of looking at Daisy like she was the only woman in the world.  That kind of undivided attention was rare during the Age of ADD—a time when smartphones and other digital distractions ruled.   

“Same here,” Daisy blushed.   

“Although I do have an apology to make,” Gavin revealed.

Uh oh.  Daisy had no idea what to expect, but she wasn’t going to hold her breath.  With her dumb luck, it would probably be bad news. 

“About what?”

“About yesterday.  I’m sorry you had to hear me go on about my ex so much.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure?”

Daisy nodded.  “You already apologized about that.  Besides, one bad story about an ex deserves another.  It’s all water under a burnt bridge.”

Gavin furrowed his brow.  “I’m pretty sure you mixed up your metaphors.”

“What can I say, words are my mortal enemy before I’ve had my first cup of coffee in the morning,” Daisy said. 

“I find it’s just as easy for me to put my foot in my mouth at any hour of the day.”

“I’m actually surprised my foot can reach all the way up to my mouth.  I never knew I was that flexible,” she muttered.

“It turns out there’s no limit to what I can do when I’m making a stooge out of myself.”

“Yeah.  Some days I’m surprised I can even put one foot in front of the other.”

Gavin laughed.  “So much for making a good first impression.”

Daisy shrugged her shoulders.  “There’s nothing we can do about that now.  Besides, life’s not perfect, and neither are we, so why bother pretending we’re something we’re not?”

“That’s probably the most honest statement I’ve heard in a long time.  Then again, I spend most of my time around secretive people who are trying to keep skeletons hidden in their closet.”

“By the way, how is the world of private investigation treating you?”

“Just as unsavory as ever.  It turns out everyone has a terrible secret they’re trying to hide,” Gavin revealed.   

Daisy searched her mind.  “I don’t.  At least not one that comes to mind.”

“Consider yourself lucky then.  Secrets always have a way of getting out…usually when you least expect them to,” Gavin said. 

“Or, when you have a private investigator on your trail.”

“That’s why I like talking to you.  It’s good to be reminded that there are still sweet and kind people in the world.”

“Thank you.  The world need investigators like you though.  Life isn’t just rainbows and unicorns after all.”

Gavin laughed.  “Yeah, it’s safe to say a lot of people are living a partly cloudy life.”

Daisy sighed.  “Tell me about it.”

“Uh oh.  Trouble in the rough and tumble world of interior decorating?” Gavin asked. 

“Actually, I’ve been doing some investigating myself lately,” Daisy revealed. 

“Trying to put me out of business, eh?” he joked. 

“Trust me, my sleuthing is reluctant as ever.  I’d much rather be baking lemon bars and watching cute animal videos on the internet.”

“But--”

“There was a murder at work, and the police arrested the wrong person.  I can’t in good conscience let an innocent woman sit in jail.”

Gavin smiled.  “You really do have a great heart.”

“That may be true, but my brain is stumped.  The sad thing is, I know I’m just one little clue away from breaking this case wide open,” Daisy replied. 

“Maybe I could help you out.”

“Really?”

“Sure.”

“That’s great.  I’ll pay you of course.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Gavin insisted. 

“Are you sure?” Daisy asked. 

“This one is on me.”

Daisy smiled.  “Thanks.”

“So, what do you need?” Gavin wondered.