“How did you end up with her job?” Vera waited until the other woman’s startled gaze connected with hers. “Mrs. Childers was really surprised by that as well.”
Erwin shrugged. “Thomas and I had met a couple of times. I went with Nola to his house once. So ... when she died, he called me. I guess he figured I was the next best thing. He knew we both had the same major. Both were at the top of our class. At that point I was just thankful to have a job. Anything to move beyond missing Nola.”
More convenience. And not a soul left to confirm it.
“I thought you hadn’t met him before the funeral.” At least that was her previous statement.
Erwin blinked back what appeared to be tears. “Okay, the truth is, he found out about Nola’s drinking, and he decided not to hire her. He wanted to hire me instead. I felt weird about it, so I said no. I wouldn’t do that to Nola. Then after she died, it felt like all I had left.”
This story just got better and better. Vera had to hand it to her, she was quick on her feet with the comebacks without missing a single beat.A characteristic that said one of two things: She was either telling the truth or had a great deal of practice at lying. Vera was leaning toward the latter.
“Then why the celebratory champagne?” Vera couldn’t wait to hear her explanation for that one.
“Nola had decided to leave Tennessee. She wanted to get away from her parents and everyone else. It was the first time in her life she’d decided to do what she really wanted to do, so we were celebrating.”
Good save. But Vera wasn’t buying it.
The sound of the front door opening and closing drew Vera’s attention in that direction. A moment later Bent walked into the kitchen.
“Ms. Erwin.” He gave her a nod, then glanced at Vera.
“Sheriff.” Erwin scooted off her stool. “I was just saying how I’m really concerned for my safety at my place—especially after what happened this morning. I don’t have a security system. I think it would be better if I stay here.”
Vera should have seen that one coming. Not going to happen. There was no way Bent would allow her to stay in this house, considering it was easily a secondary crime scene.
When Bent would have spoken, Erwin quickly added, “I know Thomas would want me to see after things. If your search is finished, I don’t see why I can’t stay. I have so much to do for his business. By now people will be asking questions. Wanting to know what’s going to happen moving forward. There are endless arrangements that need to be made.”
“You’re right,” he offered, “about our search. We’ve been over the place, but we’ll probably do it again.”
The woman’s expression fell.
“I’m sure you’re aware,” he went on, “Mr. Wilton has attorneys to take care of his estate.” Then he removed his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. “But there’s another issue we need to talk about, Ms. Erwin.”
So he had found something. Vera perked up. One glance at Erwin warned she was braced for trouble. The woman definitely had a guilty conscience about something. Possibly a good many somethings.
“Mr. Wilton’s personal attorney just called. I thought it might be important to my investigation to know the beneficiaries of Mr. Wilton’s estate.”
Erwin frowned. “I was under the impression most everything was going to a variety of charities. There might be a copy in the wall safe of his bedroom.”
“That’s true, but there are other beneficiaries as well.” Bent joined them at the island, placed his hat there.
Like Erwin, Vera stared at him expectantly. She couldn’t wait to hear the rest.
“Ten million dollars is slated for his wife, should she survive him. As you said, a great many charities were funded generously. So much so, in fact, they account for 90 percent of his estate. But the remainder”—Bent stared directly at Erwin then—“the other sixty million is split between the staff he trusted most: ten million to Helen Carter, ten to Renata Hernandez, ten to Jose Martinez, and the rest to you.”
“How strange,” Vera said since Erwin appeared to have been stunned into silence. “You get more than the man’s wife.”
“No.” Erwin shook her head, her expression showing astonishment. “He would have told me.” She got off the stool once more and backed up a step or two. “That doesn’t even make sense. Why would he do that?”
Vera had to hand it to her, she had the whole “I can’t believe this is happening to me” act down pat. Like she hadn’t looked at the will in that safe. The woman had likely inventoried every little thing in this whole massive house. Maybe Vera was just angry about the idea that the woman was possibly the one to give her a concussion.
“I suppose,” Bent offered, “because he appreciated the work all of you have done and wanted to ensure you were left well provided for.” He reached for his hat, obviously done with delivering news. “As foryour question about staying here, I’m afraid you and the rest of the staff will have to remain off the premises until my investigation is finished.”
“But why? There are things that need to be taken care of.” Erwin threw up her hands. “This is insane.”
“What this is,” Vera countered, “is motive. No one with that much motive can be on the property.” Actually anyone not part of the official investigative team could be here.
“But who will see after everything?”
