Discarded Promises Page 11

  “I’ve met him,” Quilla said.

  “My brother teaches him naughty things to say.”

  Quilla leveled her gaze on the young boy, who was feeding a biscuit to Lucky. “Did you teach him to whistle?”

  “Yeah. That was cool.”

  “See, this is Spot’s picture, Grandma,” the girl said, pointing to a small photo of her dog.

  Quilla smiled at the woman and girl. Hattie wore rubber-soled boots with dress pants covered with a long coat. The little girl’s coat hood dangled, revealing brown curls matching the color of her brother’s.

  “Oh, it is. It’s a tree of photos.”

  “All year I took pictures of animals that came in. Many customers brought pictures by when I told them I was saving them for the Christmas tree.”

  “Is Lucky in there?” Denton asked.

  “Of course.” Quilla pointed out the picture for him. He stared for a long time at the different pictures.

  “How may I help you?” Quilla asked Hattie.

  “I was told I just had to buy a Christmas gift for Spot since I have gifts for everyone else,” Hattie replied. Quilla had hoped she’d come to offer more information about Sadie.

  “We have plenty to choose from,” Quilla said, pointing her to selections on shelves. “We have everything from blankets to bowls, bones, bows, rhinestone collars.”

  “She doesn’t like blankets,” the little girl said. “She has lots of fur.”

  “Well, what would you suggest?” Hattie asked.

  “Let’s see.” Quilla listed several items from beds to squeakies to collars.

  “What is this—a rat?” the boy asked.

  “Shame on you. It’s a teacup Pomeranian.”

  “There are dogs that small?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Oh, I want one. Grandma, can I have one?”

  “Great,” the boy said, “we can feed it to Spot.”

  “Cannot,” his sister exclaimed in horror and hit him.

  “I wonder how they keep from stepping on it,” Denton said. “If it’s on the floor you can barely see it. One day you have a yapping rat, the next you’ve got a . . .”

  “Denton!” Quilla screeched.

  The boy was laughing and the girl was near tears.

  “They’re just teasing,” Quilla said, throwing darted looks at Denton.

  The boy lost interest in teasing his sister and Denton left, tugging Lucky behind him. He zipped up his jacket and trekked along the waterfront where the icy breeze blowing across the Potomac nearly froze his nose. He was astonished at the number of people who were out walking their animals or just cruising the streets.

  Unfortunately, he couldn’t afford to linger there long. He rushed Lucky to do her business and hastily made his way back to the apartment. He unleashed Lucky and poured a bowl of water for her. Leaving her to her own devices, Denton dug out the order forms for the last shipment of the semiconductor-manufacturing equipment.

  Chapter 7

  Riddled with frustration, Denton drank his coffee as he scanned the newspaper, only halfway listening to the news. Jake was getting on his nerves crunching on a bowl of cereal when Sadie’s face flashed across the television screen. Closely followed by . . .

  He couldn’t believe it. Quilla was standing there as pleased as a kitten after drinking a bowl of milk.

  “Just a week and a half ago,” the reporter announced, “we ran a story on Sadie Croft, who had just sold her first novel—whose main character was a mistress—to a major publishing house. Now store owner Quilla Day says she believes Sadie has been murdered on this very spot along George Washington Parkway, just a short distance from Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon.” The minicam scanned the area.

  “It’s a peaceful area where many joggers pass every day. Families picnic here during the summer. Some even fish from the pier.”

  “She didn’t,” Denton whispered. He nearly dropped his cup, actually spilling the coffee. Lucky immediately lapped it up.

  “Jesus,” Jake whispered, looking up, cereal forgotten. “She’s serious about finding Sadie’s killer. And right now.”

  “That crazy woman.” Denton nearly bit the inside of his cheek to keep from gritting his teeth. “Doesn’t she know she’s putting her butt in danger?”

  “Didn’t I tell you how determined she is? She never gives up.”

  They focused on the image the camera scanned. A grassy cove that looked like a serene place to meditate, run, or spend time with children. Then the camera focused on the peaceful waters of the Potomac beyond the footbridge. A couple people were carrying fishing poles and coolers. The camera paused there for a few seconds before it scanned the lily pads drifting peacefully at the edge of the Potomac. Then the reporter spoke again. Speaking of atmosphere.

  “It’s hard to believe that death could have occurred here mere days ago. We spoke to both the park police and the Alexandria police and they said they were looking into the allegations. They haven’t found any evidence to support Ms. Day’s theory so far. We hope that Sadie is well, but if you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the Alexandria police.”

  After a short pause, the focus turned to holiday shoppers and department store managers bemoaning sales that were down so far that season.

  “Couldn’t tell that by the number of people shopping at that dog shop,” Jake murmured.

  “Alexandria is unique,” Denton said, putting the paper aside. He gathered his briefcase in one hand and attached the leash to Lucky with the other. Then he lugged both after him. “Lock the door behind you.”

  “Where are you going?” Jake asked, a spoonful of cereal dangling in his hand.

  “To see Quilla.”

  By the time Denton made it out of the door with Lucky on her leash, he saw Tom walking into the building with a woman. A very beautiful woman. Dressed in high fashion just as Sadie used to be. Her coat was open, revealing a blue suit that hugged her curves. The four-inch heels were flattering to her legs. And she knew it. But the blond hair was the result of a bottle. The looks Tom gave her assured Denton he wouldn’t miss Sadie’s charms. What a quick recovery.

  “Denton, I’m glad I caught you,” Tom said as he opened the door to the office. “Going to the office today?”

  “Thought I’d get a few hours in.”

  “Come here and meet Melissa. She’s a temp who’s taking over until Sadie returns. I’ve gotten a couple of calls from people who’ve had problems. I needed someone here to look after things in the interim. Should have thought of it earlier.”

  “Sounds like a good idea,” Denton said, knowing very well the woman nearly drooling on Tom’s arm was Edward Walden’s mistress. What did these men do, exchange women when one was out of commission?

  “Pleased to meet you,” Denton said, wishing he could move along but at the same time realizing it would behoove him to become familiar with this woman.

  “What’re you doing with Sadie’s dog?” Tom asked, frowning as Lucky sniffed around his leg.

  “She asked me to keep the dog for her while she was out of town.”

  “Women and their animals. The wife’s got a whole kennel full at our house.” Lucky latched on to Tom’s cuff. Tom shook his leg. “Move, dog.”

  “Got to indulge them,” Denton commiserated, tugging Lucky back.

  “You see the news report on Sadie?” Melissa asked. “A woman said she found Sadie dead. I hope it’s not true. Who would want to kill her?”

  “Of course she’s not dead. Can’t a person take a little vacation around here without people going over the deep end?” Tom asked. “Told me she was going out of town for two or three weeks. I asked her to call to let me know which it was going to be, but she was ready to shed the cold weather for a while. I can understand that. I like to get to south Texas during February when it feels like spring is never going to come.”

  “I can understand that. Do you know where she went?” Denton asked.

  “Not a clu
e. As always, Sadie isn’t good with leaving notes when her mind is on getting away. Said she didn’t want any phone calls about any problems. A vacation was a vacation. Not like you and me, who have to call in every day, or answer e-mails. Always on duty.”

  “I only asked because the police came by asking about her,” Denton said. “You have information on her family, don’t you, just in case they want it? I told them I didn’t know anything. I’m just a tenant.”

  Tom frowned. “She told me she didn’t have any family. She’s an only child and her parents are dead. Some woman called me last week asking about her. Unfortunately, I couldn’t help her.”

  “How awful,” Melissa said.

  “Looks like you’re taking the dog for a walk. We won’t hold you. We’re going to have a heck of a time understanding this stuff. Sadie was here so long she had her own system and I never got involved. I hope things run smoothly until she returns.”

  “I don’t know if I can be of much help, but I’m right across the hall. Just knock if you need anything.”

  “I’ll do that,” Melissa said, extending her hand for another handshake. Her hands were soft and her nails were prettily decorated, not too long. Melissa didn’t do very much work with those hands, probably only to use a credit card or file a nail. She dressed much like Sadie had dressed. Expensive.

  Tom and Melissa disappeared into the office, but not before Melissa sent a pointed look and a smile Denton’s way. Denton would bet his last dollar Melissa didn’t know a thing about running an apartment complex.

  Quilla was very pleased with the newscast on Sadie. The reporter didn’t make her sound like a hallucinating nitwit. Unlike Trait Wilson. She still didn’t trust that Denton actually believed her. He certainly hadn’t offered any assistance in finding Sadie.

  Quilla was more than impatient with the waiting, so she fixed a quick breakfast, started the dog biscuits baking, and opened the shop, although Regina was working the morning shift.

  A man was standing on the sidewalk, his back toward her. As soon as he heard the lock click, the tall figure turned and headed toward her. He looked anxious and kept pushing his glasses up on his nose.

  “Ms. Day?” the man asked.

  “That’s me. I’m not quite open yet, but if you need anything . . .”

  “I’m here about Sadie.” He slipped the glove off his hand and extended it. “I’m Paul Walden.

  Quilla took an abrupt step forward, half in anticipation, half in dread as she gripped his hand for a quick shake. “Do you have any information on her?” she asked.

  “Unfortunately, no.”

  “Then who are you?”

  “My dad runs the jewelry store you called.”

  “And?”

  “I’m looking for her, too.” He rubbed his hands together. “Pretty cold out here. May I come in?”

  Quilla didn’t like the idea of letting a stranger in her shop before opening time, but plenty of people were already roaming the street walking their dogs or going to the market in front of City Hall on King or eating breakfast in one of the many restaurants and coffee shops.

  “Give me a minute,” she said. “I don’t usually open this early.”

  She didn’t trust him. She flipped the sign to OPEN and pulled the blinds up all the way. Then she opened the door wider so he could enter.

  “You still haven’t heard from Sadie?”

  “Why are you searching for her?”

  “I did something really stupid.” A blush crept into his cheeks. “I let Sadie wear a three-carat diamond to advertise the shop. And I didn’t get it back.”

  “Where did she advertise?”

  “She attends lots of parties and she often wears our pieces. Whenever she’s asked where she purchased it, she gives our store name. Against my father’s wishes, I didn’t get the diamond after the last party. It’s very expensive and I need to get it back.”

  Quilla reflected on the recent robberies. It had crossed her mind several times that Sadie was robbed. “Do you think Sadie was robbed for the ring?”

  He shrugged. “Perhaps.”

  “How well did you know Sadie?”

  “Not well.”

  “Yet you let her walk away with an expensive piece of jewelry? Do you do this often?”

  The previous stain on his cheeks had receded but reappeared with her question.

  “She worked a party wearing a necklace, a bracelet, and a ring. She turned in the other two pieces but not the ring.”

  “That’s quite a lapse.”

  “It was a busy night, okay?” The easy, meek demeanor disappeared, replaced with a touch of defiance. Realizing his mistake, he shoved his hands through his dirty-blond hair. Quilla noticed they were shaking slightly.

  “I get the feeling that you know more about Sadie than you’ve admitted,” Quilla said. “What aren’t you telling me?” She wasn’t a fool. A store didn’t let a virtual stranger walk off with jewelry like that.

  “Of course I knew her. It’s a small community.”

  “What do you know about her? Did she have any enemies?”

  “Not that I know of. I don’t know her personal business. Look, Sadie was a nice lady. I liked her a lot. Most people who met her did,” he admitted. “But I don’t know who would want to murder her.”

  “Who knew she had the ring?”

  “No one other than me.” Naked fear glittered in his eyes before he masked it and glanced away. “I haven’t told my father yet.”

  For a moment, Quilla felt sorry for him. Poor thing was scared to death no matter how hard he tried to hide it.

  “Everyone knows you’re looking for her and that you found her body on the parkway. It’s spread all over town.”

  “Not too many people seem to be concerned.”

  “I care. If I had information to offer, I would.”

  Quilla shook her head. “Unfortunately, I can’t help you. I’m still searching for her, too. But if you leave a number I’ll call you if I find her.”

  “Sure, sure.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. He scribbled something on it. “I included my cell phone number. You can reach me anytime,” he said, handing the expensive, embossed card over.

  Quilla took it and quickly glanced at it, before slipping it into her pocket. “And if you hear anything, please call me,” she said, handing him a card from the treat case.

  He nodded, then left, and a few minutes later Regina arrived, shaking the cold off. “It’s a blustery one out there. But it’s my favorite time of year. What are you doing here on your day off? Thought you’d be upstairs by the fire or shopping or something—like a hot date with Mr. Chocolate Bar.”

  “Couldn’t relax, but I’m glad I opened early. Someone came by asking about Sadie.”

  “Yeah?”

  Quilla recited her conversation with Paul.

  “I’m worried about you. You don’t know what kind of weirdos you’ll conjure up with a newscast like that.” She disappeared into the back room.

  “I’m hoping it will get Trait working on the case. Stubborn man.”

  “Let’s hope he’s the only one,” she said, reappearing minus coat and hat. “Now tell me about dinner the other night. Remember the one you didn’t tell me about, but I heard the 4-1-1 anyway. They say you were hot, girl. Tell me all about it.”

  “Oh, that.”

  “You can’t tell me Denton was immune to that dress. The word was it molded to you like it was stitched on you. I bet you raised that old man’s blood pressure.”

  “Old?”

  “Yeah, he’s got that settled look. You know, like my uncle or something. So do you, for that matter.”

  “I’m only four years older than you.”

  “But years ahead of me in maturity. I’m still the party girl. Now back to the dinner.”

  “Umm. I don’t know. We didn’t get far.” Quilla wrinkled her nose. “There’s something about that man I don’t quite trust.”

  Regina rolled her
eyes. “There isn’t a man alive that you trust. Some women have bad experiences with men, but you’ve made a science out of making them pay until their dying day. Making every man pay.”

  Quilla had begun to top off the bins with treats. But she was stopped by Regina’s words. Trait had said the same thing. “Do I give the impression I hate men?”

  Regina nodded.

  “I don’t hate them, you know, but I guess I don’t trust them as quickly as you do. But I keep an open mind. They can always prove me wrong. Of course that hasn’t happened yet.”

  Regina shook her head regretfully. “I wish one good man would come along and knock you off your feet.”

  Quilla laughed. “You’re a romantic to the end. Probably leave me with a broken heart.”

  “I said one good man. Quilla, look outside at the beauty of the day. I wish you looked at the positive side of life. Thinking negatively isn’t good for the soul. If you expect to find the worst, you’ll more than likely end up with the worst. I just want you to open your heart so something good can enter it.”

  “Regina, you scare me, girl. Your openness is touching, but it just leaves you wide open.”

  “Yeah, but at least I’m living. And so what if I get hurt? I’ll live through it.”

  Quilla stood there blank, amazed, and slightly shaken.

  “You’ve got a wonderful shop.” Regina’s voice had an infinitely compassionate tone. “But there’s more to life than work. For a Christmas present this year I want you to give Denton a chance,” Regina said, as if her previous words hadn’t knocked the wind out of Quilla. “I don’t see the evil in him that you do. Did he do anything so bad on your date?”

  Quilla thought about that night and nearly blushed. It wasn’t bad at all, just confusing.

  “No.” Quilla cleared her throat. “It was—pleasant. We had a lovely dinner. It’s just, he doesn’t believe me about Sadie.”

  “Put that aside, because that’s not a reason to distrust him. Maybe he’s concerned about your safety. Just like I am, for that matter.”

  “Maybe so.” Quilla couldn’t believe she was having this conversation.

  “Give him a chance. Promise, just until the New Year.”