A chill runs down my spine. He doesn’t seem distraught in the least. Is it possible he murdered his wife?
Huh.Backing away to the dining room, I place a few chicken wings on a paper plate and wander to the bottom of the staircase.
Ignoring social morays, I stand where I imagine Stacy died. In front of me, a carpet runner covers the center of the steps with a sturdy banister alongside.
When the woman who let me in approaches, I cross my legs and squirm. “Is there another bathroom? I really have to go.”
The fiftyish woman, dressed in a frumpy black dress, points up the stairs. “To the right.”
“Thank you so much.” I ascend and pause at the top on the well-waxed floor. If Stacy wore socks and it was dark, she could’ve easily slipped and tumbled to her death.
Disturbed by the image, I enter the bathroom, lock the door, and search the medicine cabinet. There’re no sleeping pills, no nighttime cold relief, and no prescription drugs. I find stuff you might expect, like toothpaste, pink stomach chalk, and Tylenol.
Done, I peek out the door, then move my sleuthing to the spare bedroom. Inside the clothes closet, a fancy pillowcase lies crumpled up on the floor. It matches the designer set on the bed and smells of wood polish. A yellowish-brown spot stains the center.
More interesting is the hammer with a nail stuck in the claw.
At the sound of footsteps in the hall, I stuff all the evidence in my huge purse.
“What are you doing in here?” Jeff strides across the room and grabs my upper arm so hard it will leave a mark.
“Sorry. I got lost. I thought there was a master bath. I have to go real bad.” The angry man lets go and I rub the spot, thankful for the houseful of guests.
If not, would I be his next victim? His dour face and clenched fists say much about his temper. He slams the bedroom door, mutters something about fucking reporters, and stomps down the stairs.
Shaking, I duck into the bathroom, slosh water on my face, and redo my makeup. Once my composure is gathered, I grab hold of the railing, and it wobbles.
Coincidence? I think not. But it does explain the hammer and nail in my purse. Good God, is it possible Jeff waxed the landing and loosened the banister? But it’s such a risk. People survive falling down the stairs all the time. What am I missing?
I need to find Cole and tell him what I found.
“Hey come back here.” Stacy’s murderer calls out as I exit the house but I’m already gone.
Chapter 5
Cole
Danni races out of the two-story brick house. Eyes wide, she twists backwards as if being followed by the hounds of hell. Her feet slip on the icy cement, she flaps her arms and stumbles my way. Just as her head is about to hit the sidewalk, I catch hold of her arm. Then, grasping her shoulders, I bring the frightened woman to my chest.
Her breath dampens the tip of my nose and when her silky fingertips slide to the back of my neck, my blood runs south. Thick, lovely lashes rest on her rosy cheeks and my oxygen-deprived brain decides to attempt a kiss.
Her tongue flicks over her lower lip and sends me closer to my doom. Ignoring my inner warning system, I lean in, about to taste what she offers until my brother clears his throat behind me.
Oh shit.My face heats and I let go of Danni who shoots her hands to her side and steps back, knee deep in snow.
Behind us, Greg smirks. “Sorry, you two lovebirds, but you’re blocking the path. Coming Cole?”
I roll my eyes at his double meaning. “I’ll join you in a few. Danielle and I need a few minutes, if you wouldn’t mind.”
“Take your time. We’ll see you in there.” Greg’s pretty wife pats my back with one hand while pressing a casserole dish to her waist with the other.
Once they’ve shut the door, something inside me snaps and I raise my voice. “Why were you running? What spooked you?”
“I wasn’t.” Her eyes lower to her feet, she steps around me, and gingerly picks a path around the patches of ice to the street.
Oh, no. She’s not getting away that easily. I catch up in two strides, clasp her upper arm, and swivel her to face me. “What the hell happened in there?”
“I think Jeff murdered Stacy.” She glances back at the house and rushes off in those ridiculous high heeled boots.
