Page 142 of Murder on Charity Lane

“Oh, Angela shared that quote with me just the other day.”

“Did she?” Jane asked, clearly pleased.

“Yeah, with our whole fundraising group. She, uh, says that you’re among the most successful development directors in World of Goods history.”

Jane adjusted the neckline of her blue leopard-patterned wrap dress. “The Millerbrandt Award notwithstanding, I can confidently say that I’m among the top two most successful development directors, and I’m not in second place.”

“Ha!” Nicholas leaned forward. “Sophie says she doesn’t know what Frank was thinking, not making sure you got that award.”

“He was weak about that kind of thing. Too persuadable. And with his failing health…”

“You don’t think Karina influenced him?” I asked.

“Karina didn’t care enough to interfere.” Jane’s plump lips turned down. “And now she’s cut us off completely. Not just us, either. She threw a dozen organizations under the bus—against Frank’s will—though sadly, not against his actual will.”

When I kicked Nicholas, he chuckled at the wordplay. “Well said! Uh, but why did she do that?”

“She resented anything that attracted Frank’s attention. Charities, causes … beautiful women.”

Nicholas ignored my next kick so I was forced to say, “That must’ve been tough on your friendship.”

She granted me a tolerant smile. “It was, a little.”

“Do you think she really saw CJ push Frank?” I asked. “Or, I mean, would she point the finger at CJ just because she was jealous?”

“Jealous of that girl with her silly makeup? Her hair is exceptional, obviously, but if Karina were jealous of anyone…” Jane stared at Nicholas soulfully. “Don’t you think she’d have targeted me?”

Nicholas squeezed the back of his neck. “Right, yes. Of course.”

“Are you stiff?” Jane asked him.

I gaped at her.

Nicholas said, “P-pardon?”

“Rubbing your neck like that.” Jane rummaged in her desk for a business card. “You should give Pax a call, his hands are divine. His client list is a who’s who of Santa Barbara. Well, most are elderly, but he made an exception for me. I’m sure he will for you.”

Nicholas reached for the card. “Oh, thanks.”

“No need to thank me.” She held on to the card for a moment too long before she let Nicholas take it. “I’m happy to help.”

“Are they sleeping together?” Nicholas asked. “Karina and Pax?”

She shot him a naughty look. “No, Pax refuses to sleep with clients. Ask me how I know.”

“How do you know?” I asked.

“I’ll never tell.”

Okay, then. That was more than I wanted to hear about the cougar life of Jane. I leaned forward like I was confiding a dirty secret. “Did you hear that CJ disappeared?”

“She’s such a nonentity, how can you tell?” Jane gave a tinkling laugh, then stood behind her desk. “Well! My best tip for you is that this business is built upon personality. We’re not selling a concrete benefit, we’re selling a feeling. Pride, altruism, vanity. So one’s personal appeal is key, which is one more reason you should learn to sparkle. At least try. Here, I’ll walk you to your car.”

Well, this was a waste of time. My phone buzzed again as we followed her from the office, so I glanced at the messages piling up.

Hamilton

Initial police exam revealed ligature