Between the Sheets, page 15
Wild applause came over the audience as they acknowledged his words.
Rex bowed his head, taking their appreciation as his due. When he looked up, he spoke with a grin. "Tell my manager to alert the box office. Those two may want a refund."
He finished his set with a couple jokes and another reading. By the time he left the stage, he felt satisfied.
My plan worked. What with Carmine's ghost haunting them, those two will be very nervous from here on out. It's obvious to me that one or both of them are guilty. I'm just not sure who pulled the trigger.
42
VIVIENNE ROSE
Viv lifted the casita key from under the mat. With the door unlocked, she rolled her suitcase over the threshold, placing the key on the kitchen counter. Rex would follow her shortly, so she took a moment to look around.
Someone had been there since they'd left that afternoon. An upscale aroma therapy candle stood on the counter ready to light. With the snap of a match against the box, she lit the candle. The scent of eucalyptus with a hint of ylang-ylang filled her nostrils.
One light in the corner had been left on, giving the room a welcoming and romantic vibe. With the curtains closed, the stage had been set for a perfect romantic interlude. All we need is some Sinatra music, Viv mused.
Viv rolled her suitcase down the hall, choosing the spare bedroom for herself. She hoped Rex didn't mind sleeping in Carmine's room. "Honey, I'm home." She heard his voice calling and then the door closing. She left her suitcase in the suite to say hello.
He'd changed from his working tuxedo to casual slacks and an open-necked shirt, which he let hang over his belt. The casual style took years off his age. "Did you bring your pajamas?" She greeted him with a smile.
"I brought everything a man needs to break into that lock." He tugged his weekender toward the kitchen, hoisting it onto the empty counter. Unzipping the sides, he reached under a sweater and then some underwear.
Viv tried not to look interested in his clothing, but she wondered what he'd packed for their first night together.
Rex held up a bulging pillowcase. "Sutton went to the local hardware store. I've got a screwdriver and a saw right in here. Plus we can always call her if we require another set of hands."
Viv's surprised face made him chuckle. "To break into the locker, silly," he explained. "She's an expert at that sort of thing."
"Phew." She pretended to wipe perspiration from her brow. "I'm not sure I know you well enough for a threesome."
His jaw dropped. "Vivienne Rose! Look at you talking all dirty." He lifted his eyebrows with a teasing grin.
Viv felt her stomach clench. "Oh, I have lots of things that I think about," she informed him. "But just so you don't get any ideas, two's company, three's a crowd. That's what my mother taught me."
"I'm only interested in you, baby." He used a seductive drawl, which made her laugh.
"Just stop. We have work to do. Bring the tools and let's see what's inside that locker. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
He followed her down the hall, the pillowcase with his tools thumping against his leg. To Viv's relief, he didn't hesitate opening the door to Carmine's room. He swung the bag onto the bed.
"If you find something useful in that locker, we may be able to wipe that condescending smirk off of Susan Farrah's face. Once we show her what she missed, that is."
Rex pulled out a pair of latex gloves. An hour later he had successfully removed the door to the locker. Bits of drywall clung to his arm, which he brushed off. "Okay, here we go. Time for the big reveal." Ducking down, he illuminated the area with his cell phone.
"Just a shoebox," he reported, his voice muffled from inside the locker.
"Bring it out so we can have a look," Viv said eagerly.
Once he reached inside, he emerged holding a shoe-sized box. Viv read the brand. "Nike size ten. Sounds familiar."
He handed it to Viv.
She lifted the lid for a peek inside. A slow smile came across her face. "Look what we have here." She handed the box back to him.
One glance and Rex whistled. With his gloves still on, he held up a small thumb drive, which he placed on the bed. Then he gingerly lifted a revolver out of the box and held it in the air.
"Bingo! This has to be the murder weapon!"
Viv felt herself draw back. "I don't know anything about guns. But maybe you shouldn't be waving it around in the air…"
"Don't you worry, sweetheart." Rex lowered the gun. "I'm going to tuck this little baby back in the box and leave it in the locker. We'll tell ol’ Susan Farrah when we're good and ready."
"Isn't that—what do they call it…withholding evidence?"
"Probably," he admitted. "But we have no way of knowing for sure that's the gun that was used to murder Carmine." He closed the lid and walked back into the closet.
Viv followed. She pointed to the holes in the drywall where Rex had removed the hinges. "What about those? Won't someone see and get suspicious? That cleaner guy, for instance. And they'll know it was us because we spent the night."
"He'd suspect your son, not us. Assuming he bought your story earlier." Rex's brow wrinkled. "Give me a minute." He put down the box on the floor. Taking his phone, he texted.
I need you to do a small repair at the casita. ASAP.
Spackle and paint?
Yes!
Happen to know the paint color of the repair job?
Builder grade. Same as our house. I think it's called Egret.
Be there in twenty.
Rex pocketed his phone. "Sutton's on the way. She even has the right color of paint. She got a gallon when we moved in just in case there were touch-ups. There's a good chance that the cleaner won't even notice that we broke in."
"You two are quite the team," she admitted with relief. She looked at her suitcase. "We can go home now that we've found what we're looking for."
When he walked back into the closet and didn't answer, she had to admit that she wanted him to disagree. Maybe suggest that they could stay the night. Why am I feeling this way? Up and down with my feelings. To be frank, he's acting like a perfect gentleman. And why does that annoy me again?
Viv sat on the side of the bed. Catching sight of her unopened suitcase, she sighed. A beautiful nightgown that made her look, well, kind of sexy, lay inside right on top. And her favorite scent, which smelled like jasmine, had been tucked into her makeup bag. Obviously she'd had intentions that she might have not exactly admitted to herself.
Though she'd never make a move toward him, she'd packed just in case he made a move toward her.
But now with Sutton coming over and the need to repair the drywall, Viv felt foolish. And if she were being really honest, doubts replaced her expectation. With Sutton he had a beautiful woman who adored him, who knew him inside and out. So efficient, she bought a gallon of paint to match their interior house color before they even moved in.
Why would he want to be with someone his own age, who had barely scratched the surface of his complicated personality? It didn't make any sense.
43
REX REDONDO
The next morning Rex woke instantly, thoughts about the night before popping into his mind. What a success, finding the revolver and the flash drive.
Viv seemed kind of quiet as they left. The sight of the gun must have frightened her, he concluded. Pushing aside the sheets, he stood. Gotta get up now. Time's a-wasting. He stretched his arms over his head. Then he headed toward the shower.
By the time he pulled on his pants from the night before, Kevin pushed through the door. He bounced over to sniff the pocket of the jeans. "No treats, Kev." Rex reached in with his hand and pulled out the flash drive. "But look what I have instead." He held it in front of Kevin's nose.
The dog's head drooped in disappointment. "Come on, buddy. Let's get some breakfast."
Kevin's ears perked up. He readily followed him down the hall. The dog's head swiveled. Then he took a detour toward the living room sofa. Leaping up, he curled into a ball, resting his chin on his front paw.
Sutton stood by the kitchen table and held up a coffee mug.
"Not for me. I'm already hyped up. Did you get the job done?"
"Since you left the key under the mat, I had no trouble slipping inside. The stucco and paint should be totally dry by now. The cleaner isn't coming back until after checkout at two o'clock."
"You opened the shoebox, right?"
"Of course I did. Tidy little revolver. Very old school. Looked like a woman's gun."
"I thought the same. But I left it for the cops to figure out. What's more important is this!" He reached into his pocket and held up the flash drive.
"So that's why you're so happy." Sutton took it from his fingers.
"That drive must hold something big for sure. Since it required being hidden in a closet, behind a wall and a hefty lock," Rex said.
"I have time this afternoon to find out." Sutton grinned.
"I was hoping you'd say that. I haven't told Viv that I took this away with me. I didn't want her to worry. By the time you figure out what's on it, I can give her the full report."
Rex glanced toward his backyard. Kevin had let himself out the dog door. He sauntered past the firepit, making his way toward the fence.
"The dog door is working," Rex remarked.
Sutton nodded. "That's good. He has a thing for Miss Kitty. Waits by the fence, like he is now, hoping to catch sight of her."
"Viv does let her out to roam in the morning," Rex mused.
"Plus she uses the morning time to give Miss Kitty a run of her backyard. She doesn't leave the cat. She sits outside to watch. Then she calls and Miss Kitty comes right over. It's kind of cute. Those two have a great relationship."
Rex sighed. "Viv seemed kind of depressed when we walked home last night. I think the revolver may have upset her."
Sutton looked thoughtful. "Not everyone has a military background. Maybe that's the first gun she's seen close up. She's lived a sheltered middle-class life up until now."
"Do you think she's reconsidering—about our private investigating business?" Rex felt his voice catch in his throat.
"Ya never know, boss. But I have things to do and someone I'm meeting this morning. I'll leave you to figure that one out."
As Sutton left through the door to the garage, Rex continued to stare into his backyard. He watched as Kevin stalked the length of the fence, stopping to paw at a board. The dog reversed and walked the other way, this time lifting an ear to listen.
Rex turned away from the glass door and sat down at the table. Opening his laptop, he saw a message on his phone and stopped to read.
Time for your quarterly appointment with Dr. Ryan. Click yes to confirm. Today at nine o'clock.
He confirmed the appointment before texting Viv.
Totally forgot about a doc's appointment. Have to skip our walk.
Her return thumbs-up put a slight dent in his otherwise happy mood. She was way too quick with that response. I wonder if she's getting tired of walking with me…
By the time he handed his keys to the commercial parking lot valet, he was only five minutes late for his appointment. He'd forgotten all about what he called his quarterly tune-up. Dr. Paul Ryan was the preeminent dermatologist of Palm Desert.
The larger, more popular town, Palm Springs, drew most of the big names in plastic surgery. But his doc had his share of Hollywood stars on the lineup. Most people preferred a bit of anonymity when it came to the work they had done. That's why Dr. Ryan had become so popular. If you went to the surgeons and skin care specialists in Palm Springs, you might run into people you know. And you might even be caught by paparazzi. Even though the parking garage was discreet, it was not impervious to photographers.
Rex had stumbled on Paul Ryan years ago. Recommended by one of his pals who lived in Beverly Hills. Ryan had yet to do an actual facelift on Rex. The doctor had managed to keep him youthful-looking with other techniques. Not that Rex garnered the attention of a film actor. But he did have a few thousand fans who cared.
Periodic injections and fillers worked. But for the past couple of years, Ryan prescribed more rejuvenation treatments instead. Including frequent appointments with a dermatological assistant who used LED, ultrasound, and micro-currents.
Gloria, the special assistant, slapped Rex around, nothing short of martial arts. Along with vigorous kneading, she'd assure him, "This is good for you. Waking up the skin. Better blood flow and increased oxygen." Then Gloria would hold up her hands as proof. "My hands. They are the first technology." Then she'd slap him across the face for emphasis.
And then the quarterly retreats at Three Bunch Palms also helped. A weekend of even more intense treatments, combined with soaking in the natural hot spring water. After that, Rex felt rejuvenated. Everyone went there, especially celebrities, if they wanted the latest in skin renewal treatments.
But now Rex sat down in the waiting room. He had a few minutes before his appointment to consider the murder case. To wonder what Sutton would come up with on that drive.
"Mr. L," came a voice. A young assistant, dressed in a white nurse's uniform, held the door. She waited for the man across the room. He stood immediately, tucking his reading glasses into the front pocket of his shirt. Ducking his head, he cast a quick glance in Rex's direction before hurrying toward the door.
Rex looked amused. If I'm not mistaken, that's Pete Langford. As the door closed quietly, he considered the situation. Maybe I can take advantage of this unexpected run-in. He glanced toward the receptionist's desk. She looked completely immersed in her computer screen, oblivious to him.
Laying his magazine on the table, he stepped closer. "Seems pretty busy today." He leaned his arms on the counter, his posture relaxed as if just making conversation.
She glanced his way, her hands poised over the keyboard. Rex's eyes traveled to her name tag. "Regina, that's a beautiful name."
The woman frowned. "My grandmother's, if you must know." She reluctantly dropped her hands to her sides and turned to face him. "How can I help?" Her voice sounded less than enthusiastic.
Rex noted her flawless skin. A slight pinkness to her cheeks gave her that enviable fresh and young look. She certainly qualifies as the poster girl for this place.
He cleared his throat. "I saw my buddy Pete going in for an appointment. Didn't have a chance to say hello. Would you mind giving him a message?"
The receptionist shook her head. "I don't know what you mean, unless it's the patient before you."
"Yeah, that's the guy. Pete Langford." Rex willed his mind to open, appealing to Regina's trained impulse to help a patient. He waited, and then he was rewarded. Maybe she felt a bit guilty for her previous impatience. But now she glanced toward her screen and then back to him.
"Normally we don't share names at our clinic. But yes, that was Peter Langford. So you're friends. Do you want me to tell him you said hello?"
Bingo! Ol’ Pete is getting a treatment. And he's probably a regular patient like me. I bet I know where he'll be spending the weekend.
"You know what? I'll probably be seeing him this weekend," Rex said casually. "I assume he's going for the skin retreat at Three Bunch?"
"That's right. Have you already reserved your spot? We have a waiting list now. But you can certainly catch up with him then." The receptionist turned to her computer. She closed one window and clicked another, revealing a spreadsheet. "Yes. Here it is. Your prescription. A weekend of radio frequency treatments, along with collagen stimulation. May I confirm your reservation now?"
"Oh, yes you can." Rex couldn't contain his enthusiasm. And then on a hunch, he asked, "I assume my dear friend Beverly Nelson will also be at the retreat. That would be fantastic. Maybe I'll book a dinner the first night for all three of us."
Gloria clicked again. "Yes, Ms. Nelson has also booked this weekend. She's confirmed as well."
Rex stepped away from the desk, a smile on his lips. He couldn't wait to tell Viv that he'd walked right into an unexpected opportunity to spy on their favorite couple.
44
VIVIENNE ROSE
"Miss Kitty?" Viv called. "Time to come inside." The cat disappeared behind a yucca plant, her tail swishing. Viv sighed with exasperation.
"Bork," came the call from over the fence.
"Not now, Kevin," Viv snapped and then instantly regretted her tone. "Stop barking. I've got this," she said in a more coaxing voice. Reaching into her pocket, she removed a dog cookie.
Walking to the fence, she slipped it between two boards, watching as Kevin chomped and swallowed. "Good boy. Now don't make a ruckus so that I can corral Miss Kitty."
Kevin wagged his tail as Viv called again, "Miss Kitty…"
"Meow," came the plaintive response. Out from behind the yucca, her cat sauntered toward her catio door. She stopped to wash a paw, giving Viv a chance to walk across the yard.
"Good girl." Viv shoved the screen aside, holding the door until Miss Kitty's tail cleared the space. She never hurries, Viv thought. Once inside, the cat scampered to the top of her carpeted castle. She turned to view Viv imperiously before lifting her other paw for a quick wash.
Viv took two treats from her other pocket and left them in front of Miss Kitty. "Thank you for coming in," she said.
Pouring herself a cup of tea in the kitchenette, she glanced outdoors. Having skipped her morning walk with Rex, she had more time to allow her cat to explore outdoors. And Viv also had more time to let go of her embarrassment from the night before.
She'd unpacked her suitcase right after her shower. Putting away all of her carefully planned outfits, including her sexiest silk nightgown and robe. This felt like cleaning up spilled milk to Viv. If she made a mistake, she always wanted to get rid of the evidence as soon as possible. And apparently she'd expected more from Rex than she was willing to admit.
