Murder At The Bed & Breakfast (2 page)

Next to him stood the groom-to-be, Roger Langley, along with his eldest son, Jake. His other son, Cole, was seated in one of the chairs that had been set out for the wedding guests. Brittany was Liz's maid of honor, and Jonah was giving her away. The guests were seated when Bertha started playing the song, "At Last" on the CD player in the lodge and then walked outdoors to take her seat. Jonah escorted a smiling Liz down the aisle between the chairs. She was radiant and wearing a cream-colored suit whose soft color contrasted well with her auburn hair and green eyes. Brittany privately thought they could have dispensed with anyone else being there, because it was apparent that Liz and Roger only had eyes for each other. Zack had clearly rehearsed his part and even gave a little "sermon" on the beauty of finding love again. Everyone who attended the wedding thought he might want to consider changing vocations and go into the ministry. Liz made a mental note to start looking for a new handyman.

“Who gives this woman in marriage?” Zack asked. He hadn't told them that he'd invited Liz's dog, Winston, to stand up with the couple. Liz and Roger grinned, looking at the big boxer who wore a cream-colored collar which matched Liz's silk suit.

“My sister and I do,” a smiling Jonah said. Just as if he could understand everything that was being said, Winston barked, acknowledging he was giving his okay and allowing Roger to become a permanent fixture at the lodge and spa.

Zack took Liz's hand and placed it in Roger's hand while he put a ring on her finger. She did the same. After the exchange of rings, Zack said, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Although there were only a few people in attendance, their rousing clapping and joyous shouts sounded like a whole lot more people had attended the ceremony. Roger and Liz hugged each other as well as all of the guests. Bertha and her husband, Hank, went into the house and returned with champagne flutes and champagne.

“I didn't know we were going to have champagne before the reception,” Liz said. “Bertha, you never told me you were doing this.”

“As manager of the Red Cedar Spa and Lodge, I figure I can occasionally take some license with what I do here, and I definitely thought this was something that needed to be done.” Hank filled the last of the glasses and Bertha turned to face Liz. “I'd like to make a toast. Everyone, please raise your glasses. To Liz and Roger, may you bring as much joy to each other as you bring to everyone else. We all wish you a long and happy marriage.”

Everyone took a sip of champagne, and just then a plane towing a banner that said “I Love You, Liz,” slowly flew overhead. Liz looked up, and the tears of joy she'd been holding back freely flowed down her cheeks.

“Oh, Roger, that's beautiful. Thank you so much.”

The reception was being catered by the owner of Gertie’s Diner located in Red Cedar. Gertie and several of her employees had been to the lodge earlier in the day to get ready for the reception. Now they began in earnest. A long table was set up next to the lodge with soft drinks, wine, and glasses.

The big cedar table in the great room of the lodge was groaning from the amount of food Gertie and her helpers put on it. Ovens were turned on and prepared food was taken out of the refrigerator. Spa employees arrived and helped carry chairs and tables out to the yard. Within a very short time, candles had been lit on the tables, wine was icing, and a large wedding cake was on a separate table in the great room. Cars filled with guests who had been invited to the reception began to fill the parking lot in front of the lodge. The reception began in earnest.

Just as Liz had predicted, a lot of townspeople attended the reception. Roger had recently opened a satellite office for his law firm next to Gertie's Diner, and almost all of his partners and their significant others attended the reception. Several other employees of the firm were there including Sean, who had been Roger's chief investigator when he was working in San Francisco and still helped him from time to time.

It was a joyous occasion, an occasion when two middle-aged people who were loved by many celebrated their wedding with friends and family.

No one could have predicted how the evening would end, least of all Roger and Liz. They would soon learn how short-lived happiness can be.            

CHAPTER 4

The Reverend Lou Jacobs looked around his office in the rectory and fingered the cross that hung from a chain around his neck. He wore his black hair short so the grey at his temples gave him more credibility. Although he was in his mid-50’s, he was still a very handsome man, and the Reverend Jacobs had no compunctions about using his good looks to appeal to the ladies in his congregation. He knew that some ministers felt they should dress humbly, but he’d never agreed with that philosophy. His monthly trips to the best clothing stores in San Francisco kept him looking as up-to-date as if he were a male model for a clothing company.

He thought about what he needed to do in the coming weeks to win the election.
I am so close. Just a couple more weeks, and I'll be the newest member of the Dillon County Board of Supervisors. Yes, Supervisor Jacobs sounds even better than Reverend Jacobs. I can smell the prize. This time I’m going to make it. The only thing standing in my way is that stupid little wetback, Bob Salazar.

He picked up the phone on his desk and made a call. “Lester, it's Lou. Were you able to find out about Salazar's parents?” He listened for a moment. “You're absolutely sure that neither one of them is a legal citizen, and that they're definitely here illegally?” Again, he listened. “Okay. You got some proof, like a document or something? I need it for a hit piece I'm going to do on him. If you could bring it by right now, I'd appreciate it. Election's in two weeks, and I'd like to sew this up sooner rather than later.”

Ten minutes later there was a knock on the door of his office. “Come in, Lester. Close the door behind you. I really don't want anyone else to know about this. I'm having a little holy water," he said, winking. “Would you care to join me?” He walked over to a table which had a small pitcher of what appeared to be water on it along with two glasses. He filled one up with vodka and handed it to Lester. “Cheers. Remind me when I'm the new county supervisor to find a place for you. I can always use a man like you in my organization. Let me see what you have.”

Lester withdrew a folder from his briefcase, took out a piece of paper, and handed it to the reverend. The Reverend Jacobs spent a few moments looking it over and then put it down. “Thanks Lester, this is exactly what I need. Now I want you to make an anonymous phone call for me. I’m going to write down what I want you to say.” He spent the next few minutes writing out a script for Lester to read when he made the phone call and then handed it to him.

After the call had been placed, and Lester had read his lines to perfection, the reverend said, “It's probably better if you leave now. Since I’m sure my opponent will be withdrawing from the race, I'm pretty much a shoe-in. See you at the election night party, and I’m having a special little party after that for some of my people. You’re invited. Some of my friends from San Francisco are coming up for it and will provide a little entertainment, if you know what I mean. They do mean things with their tassels. Think you’ll enjoy it. Thanks for bringing me the winning ticket.”

CHAPTER 5

Not a day goes by that I don't miss Don
, Nancy thought.
He was everything to me. We were soulmates, just like you read about in the supermarket tabloids. I know he was married to Camille for a few years and had two children by her, but once we met there was never anyone else for either of us. He was the most wonderful man in the world. He was my hero, a man who knew what was right and what was wrong with the United States, and now he’s gone.

Don had two daughters, Laura and Renee, and she remembered when Renee told him she was going to marry Bob Salazar. Don had become almost apoplectic at the mere thought that a daughter of his would marry a Mexican. He was a firm believer that all Mexicans should be sent back to where they came from. He still resented President Bush for not sealing the borders and thereby allowing them to flood into the United States, taking jobs that belonged to red, white, and blue Americans.

Nancy knew how hurt he’d been when Renee had told him about the forthcoming marriage. She remembered him saying, “It was bad enough when Laura married a good-for-nothing drug addict, but I had higher hopes for Renee. She could have had her pick of men, including that wealthy rancher, Mitch Warren, who she was engaged to.” What had added insult to injury in Don's eyes was that Bob Salazar was twenty years older than Renee, fifty years to her thirty, and only a few years younger than Don. The days following Renee's announcement had not been easy ones for either Don or Nancy. He had vacillated between being furious and being severely depressed. She’d finally insisted he make an appointment with his doctor and get some medication to help him through his ordeal.

It was as if something died in Don from the moment Renee had told him about it. He lost interest in everything having to do with the government, and whenever a Mexican or a Hispanic was on television he turned it off, even if it was one of the players on his favorite baseball team, the San Francisco Giants. Food no longer interested him, and he spent hours in bed, often not getting up until late in the afternoon, if at all. Although Don didn't do anything as obvious as hold a gun to his head or swallow poison, it became apparent to Nancy he'd made his mind up that he wanted to die.

Renee asked Don to give her away at the wedding, but he refused to even attend and never spoke to her again. When he found out she was pregnant and that he was going to be the grandfather of a half-Mexican grandchild, he vowed to die and so he did. Laura was the one who had told him about Renee's pregnancy, and she'd also told him she was going to be the baby's nanny and live with Bob and Renee. Nancy was certain Laura was responsible for Don’s death. It had been several months now since Don’s death, and she hated Laura with every fiber in her being, blaming her for killing Don.

Nancy didn't know how she was going to get back at Laura, only that she had to do something to avenge Don's death. She couldn't bring herself to kill his grandchild, and he'd always told her that privately, Renee was his favorite, so she couldn't bring herself to kill Renee either, but in her mind Laura's death could be justified. After all, wasn't she the one who ultimately was responsible for Don's death? Although she knew it could never be proven in a court of law, she felt she alone knew the truth - that Laura was responsible for Don’s death. And shouldn't she also die for what she had done? In Nancy’s twisted mind, the answer was a resounding absolutely, positively yes!

CHAPTER 6

It was early evening when the guests began to leave, the last ones being Bob and Renee. It was a rare event when they were alone without their newborn daughter, Celia. The politicians and attorneys that seemed to always need to talk to Bob. They'd thoroughly enjoyed the wedding and reception. Liz had spent quite a little time with Renee and considered her to be a new friend. She’d told Renee she'd very much like her to be a guest at the spa before they went home the next day, and Renee had eagerly accepted her invitation. 

“Hon,” Gertie said, walking over to Liz with a large tray of appetizers as she was getting ready to leave. “Ya' gotta try these pizza twirls I came up with ‘em jes' fer yer' weddin'. Everybody's tellin' me they're the best thing since sliced bread. Probably gonna have to put 'em on the menu at the diner. Also bet yer’ gonna want the recipe, so you can fix ‘em for yer’ spa guests at the nightly dinners ya’ give ‘em. Bet ya' can't eat jes' one!”

Liz knew once Gertie wanted you to try something, there was no way to get out of it. She took one of the appetizers from the tray and popped it in her mouth. “You weren’t kidding, Gertie. These are fabulous. Yes, I definitely want the recipe. Thank you so much.”

“My pleasure, darlin’. Yer’ worth it,” Gertie said..

Liz and Roger thanked Gertie and her staff. When they were gone, their four children once again told them how happy they were for Liz and Roger. As they walked to their cottages they made their way past Brandy Boy, who was in his customary place on the porch, waiting for the little ding-ding-ding of the bell from one of the cottages. His sole purpose in life was to deliver a wee bit of brandy to the guest who was staying there and then be rewarded with a dog treat.

“Brandy Boy, give me a minute, and I promise I'll ring the bell for you. I've only read about you, but I definitely want to see you in action,” Jake said laughing. “Dad's told me all about your deliveries, and I can't come to the lodge without seeing the dog that’s been all over television and in all the papers do his shtick!” Brandy Boy never acknowledged him or moved.

Roger closed the door behind him and walked over to Liz, hugging her. “Well, it's just you and me now, Mrs. Langley. Better get used to it. I've never been happier.”

“Nor have I, but I think you're forgetting something,” she said, looking down at the big dog who had a paw up, almost in defeat. “I don't think it's just you and me. With Winston, I think it's more like we three. Hope you don't mind.”

Roger pulled away and reached down, petting the big boxer. “Don't worry, boy, you're part of the family, but I would like to kiss the bride, if you don't mind.”

He had just put his arms around Liz, enveloping her in a hug, when his cell phone, which he’d left on the kitchen counter, rang.

“Roger, whoever it is, it can wait. We're entitled to our time together. After all, this is our day.”

“Everyone knows today's the wedding, but I want to check and make sure it's not an emergency. Hmm,” he said, looking at the monitor. “It's Bob Salazar. I better see what he wants. I'll just be a minute, and then we can resume where we left off.” He picked up the phone. “Hi, Bob, what's so important that it can't wait until tomorrow. I assume you do know this is my wedding day considering you left here only a few minutes ago.”