That might actually explain why Erwin had lost consciousness without a serious blow to the head. There were certain choke holds that would put a big-ass man down for several minutes.
Still, that didn’t clarify how she’d recognized Parson as their attacker. Or why she didn’t say before that he’d choked her.
“You never mentioned a choke hold before,” Vera pointed out.
“I know. I didn’t think of it until he got close to me. I guess it triggered a memory. He was exactly the right size,” Erwin effused. “I remember how broad his chest was. He held me tight against him. His arm felt like a tree trunk, and my head barely reached his shoulders.”
“But the size of his arms or even his height can’t be used as the only means to make an official identification.”
“I know. I know. I watch crime TV all the time. It was hisaftershave,” Erwin insisted, as if that was all Vera needed to know. “I recognized his aftershave. I’ve smelled it before. But I didn’t think of it until he showed up today and I smelled him.”
Admittedly, the scenario was possible. Olfactory memories could be powerful. Some folks wore a memorable scent—good or bad was subject to personal opinion. Not that Vera had noticed his aftershave, but she hadn’t gotten that close to him and she was covered in the stench of puke. As for the brand of aftershave, she decided not to mention that he likely wore something easily purchased just about anywhere. Parson, the live one, didn’t seem like the type to spend a lot of time or money selecting a fragrance. Very doubtful that the aftershave alone meant anything. But she couldn’t ignore that between his size and the aftershave, Erwin’s description was leaning toward somewhat of a coincidence, and Vera didn’t believe in coincidences.
“Okay, Bent and I will question him. See what we can find out. I’m sure he can verify when he arrived in Fayetteville.”
“I really believe it was him.” Erwin nodded enthusiastically. “Under the circumstances I’m understandably worried about being here alone. I don’t have an alarm system. What if he comes here?”
“I can ask if Bent can spare the manpower to put a detail on your place.”
“Oh thank you, thank you. That would be great.” She visibly sagged with relief.
“I’ll let you know what he says.” Vera was beyond ready to go. She was way past tired, and hunger pains were suddenly gnawing at her. When had she last eaten? Oh yeah, the burger on the way back from Nashville.
“I’ve been thinking.” Erwin chattered on as she followed Vera to the door. “Alicia’s old boyfriend being one of the victims has to mean something. If she was caught cheating by Thomas and they divorced—for any reason actually—she was set to gain a considerable settlement. Plus whatever gifts he’d given her.” She made a puffing sound of disbelief. “The lovestruck man had given her plenty, trust me. I can’t tell you how many deliveries came from Tiffany’s and all those other fancy jewelry stores in New York. Some gifts came all the way from Paris. For that matter, look at that car she drives.”
How strange, Vera mused, that Larry Parson had just gone over those same details. Coincidence or collusion? But after what Vera had learned today, it would take a lot more than hearsay or conjecture to put Alicia back at the top of the suspect list. Rather than tell Erwin as much, she opted to let her talk. She might just say more than she intended.
“But a divorce wasn’t what she wanted,” Erwin added quietly, as if she feared someone might overhear. “If Thomas died, she would likely get more.”
If this was true, the question was, How did Erwin know this? Had she looked at the will? Obviously.
“Are you telling me now that you heard Alicia say that’s what she wanted, or are you making an assumption?” Vera countered. “Assumptions don’t count.”
Erwin shrugged. “Any fool would see that makes the most sense. Surely a judge would.”
Judges weren’t fans of hearsay. “Thank you for the information, Valeri. If you think of anything relevant, let me know.”
“You can count on it,” she assured her.
Vera started for the door as if she intended to leave but turned back once more. She had a couple more things to go over with the chatty personal assistant. And she wanted to drop a couple little bombshells before she left, just to see the woman’s reaction. “When I was here earlier today talking to your downstairs neighbor, why did you peek out this door and not say anything?”
Erwin frowned. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. When were you here?”
“Around one thirty.”
Erwin’s mouth made an O. “That’s easy, I wasn’t at home. I was at the mansion, remember? That’s when I saw the guy who attacked us.”
Yeah, she had said around oneish. So maybe Erwin wasn’t here.
“Do you have a roommate, or does anyone else have a key to your home?”
“No way. I mean Thomas did, but he’s the only person. He had a key in case something happened to me and there were work papers here that he needed. I sometimes brought work home.” She swallowed hard, her throat struggling with the effort. “Since he’s dead ... that means someone else was in my home.” She slowly turned and surveyed the room. “They touched my things.” Erwin whipped back around to glare wide-eyed at Vera. “They could come back!”
As much as she annoyed Vera, and no matter that Erwin still held a spot high on the suspect list, she could very well be right. It might not be safe for her to be here. If she wasn’t the killer and the killer felt she represented a threat, then she could be in danger.
“We’ll send someone over to check for prints. I’ll call a locksmith for you. Your locks need to be changed today. Now.”
Her eyes growing wider with Vera’s every word, Erwin nodded frantically. “Okay.”
