“Sure, he had quite a few run-ins. But nothing that would drive someone to murder him.” Elliot sat back. “It was just business. He’d take advantage of anyone he could to get ahead.”

  “Including his wife?” Mary raised her eyebrows.

  Elliot flinched at Mary’s question. “I tried to warn her.”

  “You did?” Suzie slid closer to him. “What do you mean by that?”

  “Pippa’s a good woman, with a good heart.” Elliot smiled. “She worked her fingers to the bone to make sure their inn was successful. He’d often book the inn to full capacity, and even when it was doing so well, he refused to hire more help. He insisted that it was meant to give more of a homey feel, and if he filled it with employees, it would feel more like a hotel. So, she’d sometimes be working around the clock.”

  “That’s wild,” Suzie said. “And she really didn’t see it for herself?”

  “She loved him. He had this way of getting people to love him, no matter what he did to them. But she was starting to see the truth, I think. She called me one night, hinted she might need a fresh start one day, and asked me if I’d ever consider hiring her if she needed a job.” Elliot looked into Suzie’s eyes. “I knew that meant she wanted to leave him. I told her, I’d always be there for her, for whatever she needed, and I’d be honored to have her at my inn.” He scoffed, “I’d certainly treat her better than he ever did.”

  “You’re in love with her?” Mary locked eyes with him.

  “No!” Elliot abruptly stood up. “No, I’m not. Look, I haven’t had any luck with love, that’s no secret. But it’s just not my thing. Yes, I love Pippa. But I love her as a friend, almost like a sister. I’d never think of her that way. And lately, things have not been easy between us. I think Rick was turning her against me.”

  “Please, Elliot.” Suzie gestured to his chair. “Don’t let us ruin your breakfast. I know this is a difficult time for you, and we’re asking some uncomfortable questions. I hope you can understand that our only goal is to get to the truth about Rick’s death.”

  “I know that you mean well.” Elliot slumped back down in his chair. “I’ll admit, I’m a little on edge. All I can think about is that if I’d just insisted on speaking with him, he might never have been up in that turret.”

  “Do you mean you saw him before he was killed?” Mary tried to meet his eyes. “How long before?”

  “Maybe just a few minutes, I guess. I saw him going up the back stairs that you have to take to get up to that section of the inn. Since he was alone I thought maybe I could get a minute with him. But the moment he saw me he told me he couldn’t talk. I noticed his laptop under his arm and he looked determined. I tried to get his attention. I promised him it wouldn’t take long, but he just kept going up the stairs.” Elliot glanced at Brittany as she set a plate down in front of him. “Thank you. I should have followed him, but I was just so angry that he couldn’t spare me a little time. I gave up on him then, when he needed me the most.”

  “You couldn’t possibly have known,” Mary said gently. “Try not to be so hard on yourself.”

  “Then who?” Elliot’s voice was thick with emotion. “Who can I blame? Someone did this to him, and I have no idea who or why. Until I find that out, I can only blame myself for not stopping him. Maybe if I’d even delayed him by a few minutes it would have saved his life. We’ll never know.”

  “We’ll let you eat.” Suzie stood up from the table. “When the police find the killer, your account of what you saw will be important.”

  “That will help.” Mary stood up as well. “That’s something you can do for him.”

  “I guess you’re right,” Elliot said. “Anything I can do to help, of course I will.”

  As they walked through the dining room, Suzie decided to head straight for the kitchen.

  CHAPTER 14

  Mary followed Suzie toward the kitchen. “What are you doing, Suzie? You can’t just walk in there.”

  “I just want to check on Antonio. He was really rattled during the storm last night.” Suzie spoke softly as she stopped at the kitchen door.

  “I remember,” Mary whispered. “In my experience, the people who talk about revenge usually have a reason to worry.”

  “Which is why I want to know what he and Rick were fighting about.” Suzie opened the kitchen door and walked inside.

  They stopped short as Antonio turned sharply to face them. The rest of the kitchen staff drifted away, clearly not wanting to get caught in the middle.

  “What are you two doing back here?” Antonio gripped a spatula.

  “Sorry to barge in,” Suzie said quickly. “Breakfast was delicious, and we just wanted to thank you. I’m Suzie, and this is my friend Mary. We know yesterday was rough, and it means a lot that you were up early and cooking for everyone.” She smiled. “That kind of dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.”

  “Oh?” Antonio’s expression softened. “Thanks for saying so. Being a chef can be a thankless job at times. It’s nice to know that people enjoy what I cook.”

  “You definitely have two new fans!” Mary chimed in.

  “Wonderful. Would you like seconds?” Antonio turned back to the grill.

  “No, we’re full, but thank you.” Suzie stepped closer to him. “Actually, we were hoping to ask you a few questions about Rick. Did you know him?”

  “Why?” Antonio asked.

  “Just curious.” Mary took a step back as he flipped a pancake.

  “Obviously, the police already know, and it’s not exactly a secret. I used to work for Rick as a chef at his inn. Until he let me go.” Antonio flipped the rest of the pancakes, then turned to look at them both. “But before you start imagining things, I had nothing to do with what happened to him. It wasn’t right what he did to me, the way he let me go, but I’d never hurt him.”

  “We heard that you had words with him,” Suzie said.

  “Sure, we argued.” Antonio turned back to the grill just in time to take off some overdone pancakes. “But people often argued with Rick. He wasn’t exactly agreeable.”

  “What did you argue about? You said that you weren’t still upset about him firing you, so it wasn’t that, was it?” Mary winced as he tossed a few imperfect pancakes into a nearby bin.

  “I didn’t know he’d be here. I was caught off guard when he just showed up in my kitchen. I guess I was a little rattled. I didn’t want him saying anything that might make Saul question keeping me around. I just panicked a little, and we had a small argument.” Antonio focused on Mary. “How did you know about that? No one else was in the kitchen when we argued, and clearly Rick can’t tell you.”

  “Someone overheard it and told us about it,” Suzie said. “And it sounded like it was more than a small argument.”

  “People love to exaggerate. It was just a squabble.” Antonio shrugged. “Once I realized he was here for the awards ceremony, I calmed down. He even said he only came into the kitchen to compliment my cooking, and to admit that he never should have let me go.”

  “Why did he let you go?” Suzie asked. “Your food is absolutely delicious.”

  “I can’t answer that, can I?” Antonio waved them toward the door, ignoring the compliment. “Please go, you’re distracting me, and I don’t want to burn anything.”

  “Okay.” Suzie headed for the door.

  “Oh, Antonio, I’d love to talk recipes sometime, if you’d be open to that.” Mary smiled, then followed after Suzie.

  Once outside the kitchen, Suzie began walking to the back stairs that Elliot had described. “I’m ready to have a look at the actual crime scene.”

  “Me, too, but don’t you think it will still be cordoned off?” Mary began following her up the stairs.

  “If it is, then we’ll just have to find our way in.” At the second floor, Suzie stopped and turned back to look at Mary. “Are you doing okay? If you can’t come all the way up, it’s okay. I can tell you everything I see.”

  “I’m going to be fine, I promise. You go ahead. I’ll catch up after a little rest.” Mary’s knees were flaring up, but she wanted to see the turret.

  Suzie hesitated. She didn’t want to continue without Mary, but she knew her friend would be irritated if she didn’t do as she asked. Reluctantly, she continued up the stairs, but at a slower pace.

  As Suzie passed the third floor, she felt a rush of cool air. She climbed one more short set of stairs, then opened a door. Bright yellow police tape crisscrossed the entrance, fluttering slightly in the morning breeze.

  Suzie leaned forward, peering through the barrier.

  Someone had pulled the tape back, leaving a narrow gap just big enough to step through. Suzie imagined the police had left the opening to access the turret.

  She slipped past it carefully. Her heart raced at the thought that she wasn’t supposed to be there.

  When she stepped out, she was surprised. The turret wasn’t bare stone as she’d imagined. It had been finished into a little retreat. A pair of wrought-iron chairs sat angled toward a small fireplace built neatly against the wall. Its grate was still damp from last night’s storm. A stand for the fireplace tools rested beside it, though she already knew the poker was missing.

  She’d presumed the murderer had either taken the fire poker up to the turret, or it had been stored there, but she hadn’t expected a setup like this.

  Suzie shivered as she glanced toward the low, encircling wall. Even here, with its cozy touches, the drop beyond was dizzying. It wouldn’t take much for someone to shove a man over the edge, especially if they’d already stabbed him with the poker.

  Mary stepped out to join her. “Oh, wow, it’s beautiful up here.” She peered down from the edge of the turret.

  “It is.” Suzie froze at the sight of police lights in the distance coming down the road toward the inn. “Something’s up.”

  CHAPTER 15

  Mary watched as the police cars approached. She guessed they wouldn’t have their lights on just to come out to question more guests.

  “Do you think they’re coming to make an arrest?” Mary asked.

  “I do.” Suzie walked back over to the door. “We need to hurry and get back downstairs, so we can see what’s happening.”

  “You go ahead.” Mary gestured to her knees. “I can’t hurry anywhere.”

  “No, we’ll go together.” Suzie lingered by the door. “Take a few minutes if you need it.”

  “Suzie, please, you know better. I’ll be just a minute or two behind you. Okay?” Mary looked into her friend’s eyes. “I’ll be fine, I promise.”

  Suzie hesitated.

  “Suzie!” Mary settled her hands on her hips.

  “Okay, okay. I’ll grab Pilot on the way, so it will look like we’re walking him and we can blend in. And he loves his walks.” Suzie walked through the doorway and hurried down the stairs.

  Mary turned back to the scene below. The police cars had gathered in a semicircle in front of the entrance. She expected to see Martha go out to greet them, or a few of the guests arrive to see what might be happening. Instead, the officers assembled in a small group, with the detective in the center.

  Mary turned toward the doorway, eager to get downstairs and find out what was going on. However, she took each step slowly and methodically. Her knees couldn’t be trusted when they’d already been pushed past their normal exertion point. She breathed a sigh of relief as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

  As she stepped into the lobby, she spotted Suzie and Pilot through the large front windows. The police had already left the front of the building, and Suzie seemed to be searching for which direction they’d gone in. As Mary walked outside to join them, Martha brushed past her in a rush. She headed straight for the gardens.

  “Martha!” Suzie called out. “Where are you going?” She followed her.

  “I have to find someone. I can’t talk now,” Martha replied without glancing over her shoulder.

  “What do you mean?” Suzie continued after her, with Pilot still at her side.

  “The police are here, searching the property.” Martha quickened her pace. “They received some kind of tip. I believe they’re going to arrest someone.”

  “Who?” Suzie broke into a jog to catch up with her. “Do you know who they’re looking for?”

  Martha turned around to face her, revealing the tears that filled her eyes.

  “I wish I didn’t. But I do.” Martha’s voice wavered. “I’m sorry, Suzie, I don’t have time to talk about it. I need to find him before the police do.”

  Mary caught up to them and drew in a deep breath as she took in the sight of Martha’s panic.

  “Let me help you, Martha. Who are they looking for? Why do you need to find him?” Suzie did her best to speak in a calm tone.

  “Antonio!” Martha gasped. “The detective was questioning him and he bolted. They found some kind of evidence that points to him being Rick’s killer. But I’m sure it can’t be him. I’m absolutely positive. I have to get him out of the area before the police can arrest him.”

  “Martha, stop.” Suzie stepped in front of her. “Listen to yourself! What if he’s guilty? You’ll be helping a killer get away. You can’t do that. If he’s innocent, the police will prove that.”

  “No, they won’t! You don’t understand.” Martha lowered her voice. “He has a history.” She groaned. “Oh, I don’t have time to explain it. Either help me, or get out of my way!” She began rushing through the garden again.

  “We’ll help!” Suzie followed after her.

  “Suzie!” Mary caught up to her and hissed her words, “We can’t do this. If we get in the middle of it, we’ll be charged, too!”

  “She’s obviously panicked, and thinks Antonio’s innocent. Whether he is or not, she’s leading us right to him.” Suzie glanced down at Pilot and smiled. “And we have a secret weapon to help sniff him out.”

  “I suppose you’re right about that.” Mary watched as Pilot sniffed the ground.

  Martha slowed down near one of the garden sheds. She glanced around nervously, then knocked once on the shed door.

  “Antonio, are you in there?” Martha called out.

  Only silence greeted their ears.

  Pilot trotted up to the shed. He sniffed the ground a few times, then scratched at the door.

  A moment later, he began barking.

  “This isn’t helpful!” Martha gasped. “Quiet him down, or he’ll alert the police.”

  “It’s too late for that.” The detective stepped out from behind the shed. “But it’s not the dog’s fault. I was already here.” He looked at Martha. “So, I take it you do know where Antonio is? Even though you told me you didn’t?”

  “He’s obviously not in there.” Martha waved her hand through the air. “He didn’t answer or come out.”

  Pilot continued to scratch at the door.

  “He obviously is.” Blake looked from the dog to Suzie and then Mary. When he looked back at the door, he straightened his shoulders. “Antonio! It’s Detective Warren. You need to come out here right now. I need to speak with you.”

  “I didn’t do it.” Antonio’s voice carried from inside the shed. “Please. You have to believe me. I didn’t kill him.”

  “If you didn’t do it, then why are you hiding?” The detective leaned closer to the shed with one hand placed on the gun on his belt. “Do you want to come out on your own, or am I going to have to go in there and get you?” He banged on the door. “Please don’t make me do that, Antonio.”

  “He’ll come out. He will!” Martha’s voice trembled. “Please go easy on him. He’s scared.”

  “Antonio, do you have any weapons in there?” Blake knocked again as other officers began to surround the shed.

  “No, I don’t.” The door to the shed slowly opened. Antonio peered through the narrow gap. “Are you going to arrest me?”

  “I don’t have a choice. But if you come quietly, that will look good for you.” The detective met Antonio’s eyes with a reassuring nod. “I’m not out to get you. I want to find Rick’s killer. If that’s not you, you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

  “Oh, sure.” Antonio took a tentative step outside the shed. “That’s what the police always say.”

  “Maybe, but I mean it.” Blake took a step back, giving Antonio some room to walk outside. “If you’re innocent, I can guarantee you that I’m going to find that out.”

  “Don’t say a word to them, Antonio,” Martha said. “You don’t have to tell them anything without your lawyer.”

  “Antonio?” Pippa hurried toward them through the gardens. “Was it really you? Did you really do this?” Her raised voice wavered as an officer caught her arm and held her back. “How could you? Rick gave you a chance when no one else would!”

  CHAPTER 16

  Antonio looked at Pippa as his brow creased, and his jaw tightened with tension.

  “You think I killed him? You’re the one who couldn’t stand living like that anymore!” Antonio snapped.

  “That’s not true!” Pippa strained against the officer’s hold, her voice breaking.

  “That’s enough.” Blake’s voice cut through the commotion. He turned to address the officer who held Pippa and the others who surrounded her. “Please escort Pippa inside.”

  “You can’t do this!” Pippa wriggled against the officer’s grasp.

  “Pippa, calm down,” Mary pleaded, as she glanced at the officers with a worried look. “Don’t give them a reason to take you in. I know you’re upset, but this isn’t the way to handle it.”

  “He killed Rick,” Pippa called out as the officers escorted her into the inn.

  “I didn’t do it.” Antonio exhaled as the cuffs snapped shut around his wrists.

  “I hear you.” Blake turned him toward the parking lot. “We’re going to have a nice long talk about it.”