Murder by Page One by Olivia Matthews (read aloud txt) 📗

A videoconference for my parents’ anniversary celebration had seemed over-the-top at first. Was I doing it for them or for me? But the grins on my parents’ faces rivaled mine and answered the question. The videoconference was for all of us.

Dad wrapped an arm around Mom. “It’s great to see you, sweetheart.”

I heard the emotion in his voice and swallowed back my own. “It’s wonderful to see you too. To see all of you.”

They were in the dining room. From memory, I could almost smell the apple potpourri that sat in a glass bowl just out of sight of the computer on the mahogany table. Or was I smelling the potpourri in my own home?

The warm tan wall behind them featured the growing collection of framed family photographs. The images chronicled our history from my parents’ wedding to the birth of their first, and so far only, grandchild. In my mind’s eye, I could see the tall china cabinet that stood against the left wall and the matching credenza on the right.

Everyone started talking at once. I did my best to keep up with their questions while monitoring Phoenix’s movements. He’d bounded onto my dining table and prowled around my laptop. He seemed to be searching for an explanation as to how my family was able to appear in it. I was thrilled by the reemergence of his curiosity.

“Aunt Marvey, I miss you!” My four-year-old nephew leaned closer to the monitor as though trying to make his way to me. “When can I come for a visit?”

“Soon, Clay. And you can bring your parents.” I couldn’t stop smiling. “I miss you too. You look five inches taller than when I left.”

“He’s growing like a weed.” My sister-in-law, Kay, laughed as she plucked her son away from the laptop and off the table. “You look wonderful, Marvey. Small-town life agrees with you.”

I gave her a wry look. “I don’t miss the subway. That’s a promise.”

Empathetic groans and eye rolls echoed the sentiment.

Dre shook his head. “Now you’re practically rolling out of bed and walking to work. Must be nice.”

“Indeed it is.” I smirked. “But today isn’t about me. It’s about Mom and Dad. It’s time for the toast. I already have my glass.”

I drew my champagne flute of sparkling apple cider from behind my computer. Phoenix had found his water bowl, which I’d placed beside it.

My mother’s eyes widened as though I’d performed a magic trick. “You kids thought of everything.”

“We tried to.” I adjusted my laptop to keep Phoenix on the screen.

Mom squeezed my father’s hand as it rested beside hers on the table. “This videoconference is so thoughtful of all of you. You make us feel very special.”

Dre took two glasses of champagne from Kay. He offered one to Mom. “You and Dad are special.”

“Very special.” I waited while Dad accepted a glass of champagne from Dre. “You taught us the importance of family. That’s why I wanted to be with you today, even if it’s through this videoconference.”

Dre raised his glass. “It’s not every day that one’s parents celebrate forty years of wedded bliss. Here’s to many, many more healthy and happy years together.”

“To wedded bliss.” I tapped my glass against Phoenix’s water bowl.

“And to parental bliss.” Dad took a sip of champagne.

“Absolutely.” Mom touched her glass to Dad’s.

Dad shared a glance with Dre and me. “Parents work hard to secure their children’s future. It’s rewarding to see our children happy, healthy, and doing well.”

Parents work hard to secure their children’s future.

Dad’s words drew my thoughts to Bobby and his father, Buddy. I felt guilty being distracted during their anniversary celebration, but I couldn’t help myself.

People in Peach Coast had told me Buddy and Bobby had been close. They’d been friends as well as father and son. That was like my relationship with Mom and Dad. My parents were also my friends. Whenever I had news, good or bad, they were the first people I contacted.

Mom and Dad were starting to open their anniversary gifts. Thankfully, my package had arrived in time for me to watch them unwrap it.

My attention drifted again, much to my regret. If Buddy and Bobby had been close, why would Buddy have left Fiona in charge of Bobby’s money? He must’ve known how they felt about each other. If he hadn’t thought Bobby was capable of managing money, why hadn’t he named Betty to be the executor of the account? As Bobby’s mother, it would make sense that she’d manage Bobby’s inheritance.

Was it that he didn’t trust Betty? What effect would that have had on Betty’s attitude toward Fiona? Each question seemed to draw me closer to identifying Betty as Fiona’s killer. Or perhaps Betty and Bobby?

Chapter 28

Questioning Bobby on his own would be challenge enough. Questioning Bobby and his mother… Well, I’d been hoping for better circumstances.

Right after the videoconference celebration for my parents’ anniversary Saturday, I drove to Fenton’s Hardware & Repairs, planning to speak with Bobby. I spent a few minutes exploring the metal shelves of tools and gadgets while working up my courage for one last push through Bobby’s Sphinx-like demeanor. My goal was to make this latest interview a quick one. I didn’t want to leave Phoenix on his own for long. But after spying Betty at the checkout counter with Bobby, hope shriveled and died.

Betty appeared to be in full Helicopter Mama mode. Bobby’s strategy for coping with that seemed to be to ignore her. Customer traffic was slow. During the downtime, Bobby cleaned counters and rearranged product displays.

I drew a deep breath, then made my way to the front of the mid-sized store. It smelled of cut wood, construction glue, and turpentine. “Good afternoon, Betty.” Her reply was a brusque nod. I turned to Bobby. “Hi, Bobby.”

“Afternoon, Ms. Marvey.” His expression was inscrutable, but not unfriendly. “How can I help you?”

I tilted my head and added a pleasant smile. “I’m looking for enlightenment.”

A smile slowly brightened his hazel brown eyes. “Don’t