She took Harry’s arm, propelled him around, and led her recalcitrant husband, who became docile in her presence. Sam and Aaron looked surprised as they followed. Once in the den, they settled on the sofa and chairs, again meeting Harry’s unhappy expression.

  “The body that was found on the beach by your renters has been identified. We’d like you to look at a photograph,” Aaron began.

  As Sam pulled out the copy of William's driver’s license picture, Harry shouted, “Don’t you dare show a picture of a dead man to my wife!”

  “Mr. Malroney,” Sam said, keeping his voice calm. “This is a driver's license photo.”

  Sam handed the photograph to Harry, and Aaron watched Ruthanne’s expression, knowing that Sam would be keeping his eye on Harry. Both reacted with gasps.

  “Oh no! Oh, my goodness, no!” Ruthanne said, her voice still soft but tears filling her eyes.

  “What’s the meaning of this?” Harry’s voice was full of his usual bluster, but his tone was no longer strident.

  “Can you identify the man in the photograph, Mr. Malroney?” Aaron asked.

  “Yes, of course I can. This is Bill Gaston. He’s our financial planner! But this can’t be the man who was on the beach!”

  “Why do you say that?” Sam asked.

  “Because… that makes no sense!” Harry said. “He doesn’t live here.”

  He looked at Ruthanne, but her gaze was still on the photograph. She looked up and shook her head slowly. “I can’t believe it’s Bill.”

  “I know we asked you this before, but we want to make sure we understand the sequence of events. When your renter, Jon Matherson, called you to say that he found a body on the beach, you didn’t go over to the rental house, is that right?”

  “Absolutely! Why the hell would I have wanted to go over there just to stare at a dead body on the beach? It was a damn fool thing for him to call me in the first place!”

  “And you told him to dial 911 and report it, correct?”

  “Detective, I know you’re not deaf nor stupid. That’s what I said, and that’s precisely what happened.”

  “But you did go over there because you met us at the rental house.”

  “Yes, but that was after I thought about it. I wanted to make sure your deputies didn’t mess up the rental property.” He glowered and added, “And I wanted to make sure the Mathersons weren’t going to skedaddle, thinking they could leave, and I’d give them a refund!”

  Ruthanne stood quickly and mumbled, “Please, excuse me. I feel… I think I’ll lie down.” She left the room, and Harry stared at her back, his brow lowered and his jaw tight.

  Aaron and Sam shared a look and a barely perceptible shake of the head.

  “Mr. Malroney, what time was your appointment with William Gaston?”

  Swinging his head back around, Harry slid his bluster back into place. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Your appointment. What time did you see Mr. Gaston when he came to visit you?”

  “Detective, you’re not making any sense! I haven’t seen Bill Gaston since Ruthanne and I last visited him at his office in Richmond last summer. We talked at the time that he might come to the Eastern Shore for one of our next financial planning meetings, but nothing had been finalized.”

  “So you didn’t see him when he was here the other day?”

  “I told you, no, I didn’t. And before you ask, the last time I talked to him was almost two weeks ago. I’ve been keeping my eye on the stock market as I do every day, and I thought he’d made a few dubious trades and wanted to talk to him about them.”

  “How long has he been your financial planner?”

  “We’ve been with his company for a long time. Probably close to fifteen years. Our previous broker retired, and Bill took his place. Overall, not a bad broker, but he still needs some seasoning, if you ask me.”

  “And did you lose heavily with these dubious stock tradings?”

  “I’m not going to discuss my financial situation with you, Detective. But I will say I’ve made money through hard work, some inheritances, and smart investing. You can’t get upset about every fluctuation of the stock market, but I’m also not going to sit around and bleed money if I think something needs to be done.”

  “If you didn’t know he was coming through here, can you explain why he might have ended up in this area?”

  “I don’t make it my habit to know what other people are doing and certainly not why they’re doing it!”

  “Is there a chance your wife made an appointment with him?”

  At Sam's question, Aaron watched as Harry’s face reddened to an alarming shade and wondered if the man was going to have a stroke. He jumped to his feet and shook his fist.

  “I tell you, he wasn’t here! How dare you insinuate that Ruthanne tried to meet with him! Now, if you’re finished with these questions, I’m going to check on my wife. She had only met Bill a couple of times, but she’s a caring person, and this news has been upsetting.”

  Aaron and Sam took to their feet and followed Harry back to the front door.

  “Thank you for your time, Mr. Malroney. We’ll be in touch.”

  “The next time you want to ask me anything, make an appointment, and I’ll be sure to have my attorney present!”

  When they stepped out onto the front portico, Aaron was surprised the door didn’t slam behind them. Neither spoke until they climbed back into their car and made it all the way down the drive and onto the road.

  “I could’ve sworn from his reaction that Harry really didn’t know Bill Gaston was coming to the Eastern Shore,” Aaron said.

  “I agree, but he’s too smart to admit to anything. Something still doesn’t add up, though.”

  “And his wife?”

  “She was a surprise. It’s hard to imagine anyone married to Harry, and I certainly wouldn’t have guessed a mild-mannered woman.”

  Aaron thought back to their interactions. “She seemed to have the magic touch with him, that’s for sure. But her reaction to Bill’s death was strong for someone who’d only met him a couple of times.”

  “I thought the same thing. Let’s check into her and Harry’s phone records.”

  22

  Belinda opened her door, and Bess walked in. It didn’t matter that they saw each other almost every morning—living next door to each other gave them the special bonus of being able to pop in whenever they wanted.

  Her sister wore pink sweatpants and a bright purple shirt with the words, “My mouth isn’t a bakery. I don’t sugarcoat anything!” emblazoned on the front.

  Snorting, Belinda said, “Come on in. I’ll get some wine.”

  “I wanted to tell you that a woman stopped by today to ask about your photography. She saw your flyer in the coffee shop's window and wanted to know more about you.”

  “I wasn’t sure anybody would see that flyer⁠—”

  “See! I told you it would work if you put it there!” Bess bragged while grinning.

  “What did you tell her?”

  “The truth. I told her you were the most kick-ass photographer on the Eastern Shore!” Bess scrunched her brow. “I asked her if she was interested in wedding photography or family shots, but she didn’t say. She wasn’t a young woman, so maybe the mother of a bride.”

  “She could be getting married herself. She wouldn’t have to be young to be a bride.”

  “Oh God, you’re right. That was ageism at its worst, wasn’t it?”

  “Nah… we just see a lot of younger brides, I guess. Anyway, my phone number is on the flyer, so hopefully, she’ll call.”

  Bess then snapped her fingers. “Oh, now I remember! She asked if you had any available times this weekend to meet, but I told her you were shooting a wedding tomorrow. She said she was also going to a wedding tomorrow and wondered if it was the same one. I couldn’t remember the name of the guy getting married, but I told her it was an outdoor wedding at the Sunset Restaurant.”

  “Maybe she’ll be there, although I’d rather not talk business when working. I have to focus on the bride, and then when it’s all over with, I’d like to spend some time with Aaron.”

  Bess eyed her with suspicion. “Okay, give me the latest. I’ve noticed that he comes in almost every morning again, but there’s a gleam in your eye that I want to know about.”

  Bess had already made herself comfortable on the sofa, and after Belinda poured two glasses of wine, she walked over and handed one to her sister. Settling on the other end, she smiled and shrugged. “For the past couple of months, Aaron has certainly made an effort to get to know me. Take it slow and give us a chance to understand each other. Much more so than last year.”

  “Do you think he’s changed? Not so opposed to a commitment?”

  Belinda nodded slowly, her mind drifting over the past. “When we started going out a year ago, it was based on flirting, and we got physical faster than we should have.” She looked at Bess and sighed. “I’ve never been great at keeping emotions out of sex. I know so many people can do that, but it’s hard for me.”

  “I don’t think it’s just you. I’ve had sex just for the physical release, but you’re right… physical intimacy can be empowering, and it can make you feel vulnerable. Sometimes, all at the same time.”

  “Yes!” Belinda nodded emphatically. “I truly thought we were starting a relationship, and then, to have it end rather abruptly was sort of an emotional slap in the face. Not so much from Aaron but from the situation.”

  “And now?”

  A smile curved her lips and then widened. She knew Bess wanted details, and she desperately wanted to share. “We’ve talked a lot. He shared about his family and how his mom walked out on them when he was only two. He’s less cocky now. He’s exposed the vulnerability he’s felt for years. I think he’s really proud of becoming a detective, and I’m proud of him. I don’t know Sam very well, but I think being Sam’s partner has been good for him.”

  Bess smiled and leaned forward to wrap her hand around Belinda’s. “My big sister deserves the very best.”

  “It’s scary, I have to admit.”

  “What is, sweetie?”

  “Everything about relationships is scary. No matter what you feel or what they say, there is a vulnerability in giving yourself to someone. Emotionally and physically.”

  Bess held up her glass in a salute. “Hell, you’ve just given voice to every person’s relationship fears!” She then proceeded to drain the glass, then peered intently at Belinda. “There’s more you’re not telling me. What? Don’t keep me in the dark!”

  She stared at her clasped hands. “I invited him over last night. This murder case has him working so hard, and I know it’s stressful. So it was going to be pizza and a chance to relax.” She lifted her gaze to her sister’s eyes. “It turned out to be talking. Then acknowledging we were a couple. Then kissing. Then… well… I jumped him.”

  “You slept with him!”

  Crinkling her nose, she nodded, then rushed, “But before you think I have any regrets, I don’t. It was the right thing for us at the right time.”

  Bess threw her arms around her and squealed. “Oh, Sis, I’m so happy for you. As long as he treats you right, then you know I’m in your corner, cheering for you to have everything you want. And if that’s Aaron, then he’s a very lucky man.”

  The nerves that had zinged around her stomach eased with the feel of Bess’s arms around her. “Thank you. More than you can imagine, thank you.”

  “So with this case he’s on, when will you see him again?”

  “I’ll see him tomorrow at the wedding, but I’ll be busy working. Maybe if he stays to the end, I’ll have a chance to at least get one dance with him.”

  “It could be romantic, you know?”

  “What will be?”

  “Dancing in the arms of the man you’ve fallen for.”

  It was a picture-perfect day. Or perhaps, Belinda thought with a smile, it was a perfect day for a picture. As a photographer, outdoor weddings made her nervous as the whims of nature could cast a shadow of uncertainty over the bride’s meticulous plans.

  Couples wanted wedding pictures to be a beautiful, lasting testament to the day they solidified their union. And, of course, every photographer wanted that as well. But Belinda had to keep an eye out on the weather, the clouds, the angle of the sun, the backdrops, and whether or not the wind was going to lift the bridesmaid dresses and flash everyone, therefore upstaging the bride, which was a huge no-no for a wedding.

  But today, Belinda breathed easy as only a gentle breeze blew off the bay. The flowers stayed in place, and the veil flowed behind the bride like it was supposed to. Belinda slipped around as unobtrusively as she could, taking pictures that she knew would be extraordinary and cherished by the couple for years to come.

  Dressed in her typical wedding photographer outfit of black slacks, a black silk button-up shirt, and black slippers with her hair pulled back into a long braid, she was able to move around, slipping into position to take the best-angled photographs of the bride, groom, bridal party, and guests without being in everyone’s faces.

  She told herself she wouldn’t search for Aaron, but it was hard not to let her gaze drift over the guests until she found him sitting next to Sam, Hayley, Andy, and Ivy. And when his gaze met hers, a warmth spread through her chest as his lips curved upward.

  She looked out over the bay, noting a few sailboats in the distance and some fishing boats returning from their day's work. She breathed in deeply, filling her lungs with fresh air, and found a calm resting inside her.

  Moving around, she snapped photos of the bride and groom but could feel Aaron’s gaze still on her. What she’d told Bess was right. She hoped she understood his intentions this time around, but she loved taking the time to get to know him better. He no longer seemed like the man she met last year. And she certainly wasn’t as naive as she had been.

  The ceremony ended, and she prepared for the posed bridal party photos. Seeing the guests move from the open bar to the side where the buffet table was set up, she hurried, knowing the bride and groom were anxious to get to their reception.

  As the DJ filled the air with music, she stole another longing glance in Aaron’s direction. Finding him, she buzzed with anticipation. Maybe just one dance with him this evening under the starlit sky.

  23

  The sun dipped low over the bay, casting a kaleidoscope of colors streaking across the sky. For Aaron, weddings were seldom on his agenda unless he was closely acquainted with the couple. But when he first became a deputy for North Heron County, Ron had been his partner for a few months. Aaron smiled as he looked at Ron's goofy, teary-eyed expression as his bride walked down the aisle.

  Ron had been in love with Cindy since elementary school. Aaron wasn't sure how they managed to wait this long before getting married. But he had to admit, the look on Ron’s face gave no doubt that the young man knew he’d found the right one and had been lucky enough to find her when he was six years old.

  While everyone else was focused on the bride, Aaron's attention was drawn to Belinda's flitting image as she moved silently around to capture the moments of the event.

  When he arrived at the outdoor ceremony by the bay, he looked for her but then remembered that most photographers took pictures of the bride and her family as they were getting ready.

  Now, Belinda was in full view. Her clothing was simple, perfect for blending into the background as she moved around to take pictures. Black pants, black low-heeled shoes, and a black silky blouse.

  She squatted low while taking pictures and then moved with stealth to a new position. He knew most people wouldn’t be distracted by her, yet she was the only thing that filled his vision.

  As the ceremony continued, his thoughts moved to when he’d first met Belinda at the bakery over a year ago, and memories flooded his mind. He’d flirted, and while he wasn’t overconfident, he hadn’t been surprised when she flirted in return. Back then, he’d hoped for someone to go out with and have some fun with. But then ended the burgeoning relationship before it became too serious. Christ, I was an idiot. He grimaced, planning to make up for last year’s Thanksgiving debacle this holiday season.

  His mind was so filled with thoughts of Belinda that he missed most of the ceremony. Before he knew it, the minister pronounced the couple husband and wife, and Ron and Cindy were walking back down the aisle to the applause of the others around.

  He’d lost sight of Belinda again but knew she’d be busy taking post-ceremony pictures. Under normal circumstances, he would probably have slipped away, but looking around, he knew the reception would be fun. If nothing else, he’d have plenty of people to talk to.

  Since Ron was a member of the American Legion and part of law enforcement, Aaron knew most of the people in attendance. As he made his way over to the buffet line, he offered chin lift greetings to men and women from law enforcement all over the two counties from the Virginia Eastern Shore. He found his seat at the table with Sam, Hayley, Hunter and his wife Belle, and Colt and his wife Carrie.

  Aaron had a feeling that sometime during the night, he, Sam, Hunter, Brad, and Colt would be talking about their murder investigation. Not exactly the best topic while at a wedding, but in a gathering predominantly of law enforcement colleagues, such topics found their way into the conversation as naturally as discussions about the weather.

  The wedding ceremony was a success, and the bride and groom left the reception after thanking their guests and begging the gathering to stay longer to enjoy the rest of the food and the DJ. The flight the couple had booked to the Poconos had been canceled, and the alternate flight was leaving an hour earlier than they’d expected. It was too late to move the wedding to an earlier time, but the couple had made the most of their reception. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as guests reveled in the abundance of food, the rhythms of the music, and the camaraderie of friends.