“Yes.” Kelly stared down at her hands, which were clasped in her lap. “She had such an incredible ability to get inside the head of even the most damaged characters and make you care about them, even while you deplore their actions.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake.” Wine sloshed over the rim of Julie’s glass as she stalked across the room. She plopped down in a chair and took a long swallow before continuing. “Someone’s been murdered—someone we all knew, even if only for a day—and here we sit, discussing literature like a bunch of overeager undergrads.”
“It’s better than sitting at home with our own thoughts,” Sandy said, with a quick glance at her husband. “I told Pete we had to come. The breakfast and lunch rush kept me so busy I didn’t have to think earlier today, but as soon as that was over …” She took a deep breath. “Well, I just got so antsy, I told Pete we had to attend this discussion.”
Julie flung the hand clutching her wineglass toward Pete and Sandy. “And to prove neither of you was the killer? I know that’s why most of you are here. Putting on a good show.” She yanked her hand back.
Thank goodness it’s the white, I thought, as droplets of wine flew from Julie’s glass.
“That would be the smart thing to do, even if you were guilty.” Scott raised his eyebrows as he looked across at Julie. “But protesting too much could also be a clever tactic.”
“As would appearing totally cool and firing off snarky comments,” Julie spat, jumping back to her feet.
So much for my matchmaking, I thought.
“Excuse me, but I think this was a mistake.” Julie strode across the room, plunking down her wineglass on the desk before fleeing into the hall.
I carefully set my own glass on the floor next to my chair and stood. “Not to worry. I’ll go and see if she’s okay. You all just carry on with the discussion. And please, enjoy some of this,” I added, motioning toward the snacks before I exited the room.
A slam confirmed my suspicion that Julie had dashed out onto the front porch. I followed, mentally rehearsing what I might say to my friend. Even though I didn’t want Julie to think I suspected her of killing Lincoln, I did want to learn more about their relationship.
But as the front door closed behind me, Julie wheeled around and jabbed a forefinger at me. “You think I was mixed up in this, don’t you?”
A breeze ruffled my hair, carrying with it the scent of water and a sharp longing to escape to the beach. “I heard you talking with Lincoln by the carriage house.” I cleared my throat. “I wasn’t trying to spy. I just stumbled upon you two, but when I realized you were having an affair …”
“We weren’t!” Julie’s chest rose and fell rapidly. “Yes, we were considering it. That’s what this weekend was about,” she added, in a quieter tone.
“But then he showed up with his wife and daughter in tow.”
“Yeah.” Julie turned aside. Gripping the porch railing with both hands, she stared at the craftsman bungalow across the street. “And yes, as you’ve undoubtedly guessed, he was my mystery man. We met when Lincoln visited Bookwaves a couple oftimes. It was just friendly at first—a few shared lunches and strolls on the boardwalk and that sort of thing. But then we started chatting online, and well”—Julie tossed her head, making her long ponytail bounce—“things got more involved.”
“I assume he led you to believe he’d soon be free to date you openly?”
Julie expelled a gusty sigh. “Yes, he told me he was getting a divorce, that he’d already moved out of the house he shared with his wife.”
“And he never mentioned his daughter.” I moved close to Julie and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. It seems he wasn’t very honest.”
“He was a good liar, I’ll give him that. He had me completely fooled.” Julie turned her head to look at me. “But I didn’t kill him.”
“I know you didn’t. The problem is, you do have a motive. Which means we need to be careful. Don’t lie to the police or anything, but I’d make sure they know the whole story. And be clear about the fact that you didn’t plan to encounter Lincoln’s family. That will remove any suspicion that any of your actions could’ve been premeditated. I mean, I’m sure you wouldn’t even have attended the costume party if you’d known Lincoln wasn’t going to be alone.”
Julie looked away. “Naturally, I was shocked when I saw Lincoln had included his family in what was supposed to be our romantic getaway. I couldn’t understand why he would do that, even if hehadlied about being legally separated. And yes, it made me angry. It was like he was rubbing his deception in my face.”
“Okay, you were angry. But what actually went through your mind? Did you think maybe he wanted to break up with you?”
“Perhaps. Or maybe he hoped I’d just accept the situation.” Julie turned to face me. “Like I’d agree to be his secret mistress forever, or something.”
I shook my head. “I know better. You’d never stand for that.”
“You better believe it.” Julie crossed her arms over her breast. “I wasn’t about to continue to sneak around. Not this girl.”
“And that’s what you were telling him when I overheard the two of you?”
“Basically. And, in case you missed that part, I broke it off with him too.” She scrunched her nose. “I informed him that I had no intention of ever speaking with him again, either online or in person.”
“Well, I hope you told the authorities that. I mean, if you broke it off, why would you feel compelled to kill him?” I looked my friend up and down. “Anyway, it’s important that you were the one to end the relationship. Make sure the police know that.”
Julie bowed her head, hiding a clear view of her face. “Sorry to inflict this soap opera on you. I know I was stupid. So very stupid.”
