All Dressed in White Read online

  He wondered if he looked at Meghan in the same way. He wanted to stand up in the middle of the restaurant and scream at the top of his lungs, “I did not do this!”

  His cell phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a text message from Nick: Boca’s a beautiful place, but I wish I could be there with you guys. Hope you’re doing okay, man.

  Jeff would tell Nick later he was lucky to have left early. This dinner was a terrible idea. Austin was clearly bored without Nick. Next to Austin, Kate kept inching her chair farther away from him, probably remembering all of Austin’s awkward passes in college. Meghan was sipping water and barely talking. And Jeff wanted to leave this dinner table right now and demand that Meghan explain why she called Amanda’s lawyer about the will.

  Was this her plan all along? To marry Jeff once Amanda was out of the way, then spend his inheritance? He couldn’t believe he was even entertaining the possibility.

  As they continued to eat in silence, he thought he saw a man in the distance staring at them from the courtyard. Of course, he thought. The police are definitely watching me.

  • • •

  The man in the distance was not police, but Jeremy. He had followed Jeff and Meghan until they entered the elevator, then watched the numbers click in order until a stop on their floor. When Jeremy followed, he could hear raised voices. But then he saw a man lingering in the hallway. He didn’t want to call attention to himself by wandering around without a room to enter, so he rode back down to the lobby. He waited until he spotted Meghan and Jeff again, this time with Kate in tow. He could sense the coolness between them. Even without words, body language told the story.

  He could also read the Pierce family. Their mood was heavy when they walked into the seafood restaurant. Of course it was, after the news about Amanda. But within minutes, they walked out, and this time, they all looked even more upset. When they left the hotel, Jeremy had a choice to make. Watch the family or watch the bridal party. The answer seemed clear.

  Now he was wondering if he’d made the right decision. There was still tension between Meghan and Jeff, but the preppy male friend looked bored, and the other woman was sad. Nothing much to see.

  Then Jeremy saw another familiar face. It was Laurie’s father, walking through the lobby, the man who had scared him so much at his home. Jeremy stepped behind a palm tree, and watched the older man go down the path toward the Italian restaurant. Once he was out of sight, Jeremy followed and, through the window, saw him join Laurie and several other people at a large round table in the back.

  Laurie had asked him to take photographs of people participating in her show. She didn’t tell him not to photograph her and her friends, too. Besides, whether this was part of the job or not, there was nothing illegal about standing here and taking pictures.

  He changed to a longer-distance lens. Once he started shooting, he couldn’t stop. The young woman with the long black hair was gorgeous. And the man sitting next to Laurie was remarkably photogenic. Plus the boy was adorable. These would be wonderful photographs for his collection.

  Jeremy was so engrossed that he didn’t notice when Jeff, Meghan, and their friends left the seafood restaurant and disappeared into the elevator.

  62

  Laurie tasted salt on her lips as the night wind from the Atlantic Ocean blew into her face. Her linen pants were rolled up high on her calves. She carried her sandals in one hand while Alex held the other. They must have walked a mile by now.

  As Alex had suggested, they’d talked through everything they knew about Amanda’s case over dinner. There was evidence against Jeff, but against Meghan, too. It could be either of them, or both working together. At this point, they may as well flip a coin. Then there was the question of whether to keep investigating or to rush to air. If it were up to Brett, the show would be on television tonight.

  By the time dessert arrived, Laurie knew in her gut what she had to do. She just wanted one final talk with Alex alone before committing to a final decision.

  “I really thought we’d solve another one before calling it a wrap,” she said wistfully.

  “That’s not always going to happen, Laurie. And look at how much you’ve accomplished. You’ve brought closure to a family who were forgotten by the system. Sandra told me today how grateful she was to finally have an answer about Amanda.”

  “But it’s a bad answer. She’s dead, and we still don’t know who killed her.”

  “But at least they’re able to say good-bye,” Alex said. “It sounds like you’ve reached a decision.”

  “I have. We’ll have one more film session tomorrow when you can lay out everything we know. You might want to repeat some of what you just said to me about saying good-bye,” she said with a sad smile. “It would be the perfect way to end a story that doesn’t really have an ending.”

  Alex stopped walking and turned to face her. “Speaking of my wrap-up for the program, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  “That sounds ominous.” Maybe my father was right, she thought. I told him Alex and I were fine, but maybe we aren’t.

  “No, not at all. But I won’t always be able to keep working on the show.”

  “Is it because of us—”

  “No, not at all. It’s my practice. As much as I love an excuse to leave New York for days at a time, and with you no less, it’s too hard to juggle my schedule. So far, it has worked out, but that won’t always be the case.”

  It was hard to imagine ever doing the show without Alex. And Laurie immediately wondered how it would affect their relationship. She didn’t want him to see how disappointed she was. “You mean judges won’t halt the wheels of justice so you can be a TV star?”

  “Apparently not,” he said.

  His smile made her heart swell. Laurie grasped his hand more tightly and continued walking along the beach. “Brett won’t be happy until I find another narrator as handsome as you.”

  “Well, that’s impossible, of course,” he said dryly. “But I already have someone in mind. Besides, it’s about time Brett realizes you’re the show’s real special ingredient.”

  • • •

  They were on their way back to the hotel when Laurie felt her cell phone vibrate in her pocket. If that’s Brett again, she thought, I’m throwing this thing into the ocean. She checked the screen to find a New York phone number, but not Brett’s.

  “This is Laurie,” she answered.

  “Ah, good, I caught you. I’m sorry to call at night. It’s Mitchell Lands.”

  It took Laurie a moment to place the name of the lawyer who had written Amanda’s prenuptial agreement and will. “Oh hi, Mitchell. You’re working awfully late.” She whispered an apology to Alex. She shouldn’t have even answered.

  “The life of a lawyer, I’m afraid.”

  “I imagine you’re calling because you heard the terrible news about Amanda. I’m so sorry.”

  “I hate to say it, but in my business, you get accustomed to hearing about death. I feel terrible for poor Sandra and Walter. They must be heartbroken.”

  “They are. Is there something I can help you with?” she asked.

  “No, but something’s been eating at me all night, and I finally thought I better call you. It’s about Jeff Hunter. He told me he’s down there as part of your show.”

  “You spoke to Jeff?” She stopped walking. Alex’s expression grew concerned.

  “Yes, I called him as soon as I heard about the discovery of Amanda’s remains. I thought he should know the next steps before Amanda’s estate enters probate.”

  “Not to question your tactics, Mitchell, but isn’t that awfully soon? The identity hasn’t even been officially confirmed yet.”

  “I know, it’s not my usual process, either. But since there seemed to be an urgency to have the funds dispersed, I figured there was no harm in getting the ball rolling. But then he told me he was being questioned for your show. Is Jeff considered a suspect? If so, Amanda’s parents could intervene to try to freez
e the assets until the investigation is complete. I hate to call them about a legal matter at a time like this, but, as I said, it’s been eating at me all night. Maybe I shouldn’t have phoned Jeff after all.”

  “What do you mean an urgency? I thought Jeff had never sought to collect on the will before?”

  “He hadn’t. And I guess he still hasn’t. So I was a little surprised this morning when I got a phone call asking me about the inheritance.”

  “Jeff called this morning about the will?”

  Alex’s eyes widened.

  “No, not Jeff,” Lands said. “His wife, Meghan.”

  Laurie’s suspicions had been right. “Meghan was the one asking about the inheritance? What time was this?”

  “First thing when I showed up at nine A.M.”

  Not even Amanda’s parents had known yet about the discovery of her body. Laurie remembered Detective Henson saying that the person who called in the anonymous tip could even have been a woman, given the easy availability of voice-distortion equipment.

  “And she knew Amanda’s remains had been found?” Laurie asked.

  “No, I’m sorry. I don’t think I’m being very clear. Jeff’s wife called prior to the news reports. She was asking about the process for Jeff to inherit—how to go about having Amanda declared legally dead and the timing. I told her they’d have to hire their own lawyer since I represent the estate. But then once I heard the news, I called Jeff as the beneficiary to let him know that he wouldn’t need to pursue a declaration once the death certificate was signed.”

  “How did Jeff handle the news?”

  “That’s the thing. He seemed very upset, and quite surprised when I told him that Meghan had called this morning. I don’t think he had the foggiest clue she was asking. She must have done it on her own. So that had me thinking he wasn’t a suspect, but I decided to check with you to be sure.”

  “When did you talk to Jeff?”

  “A few hours ago. Just before five.”

  Laurie said good-bye and turned to Alex. “We thought there was no rush telling the police about Meghan, but she called Mitchell Lands this morning, asking about the inheritance. And then Lands called Jeff.”

  As usual, Alex immediately understood her point. “Which means Jeff has probably already confronted Meghan about it. She’ll know it makes her look guilty. We have to tell Detective Henson.”

  “I’ll ask Dad to do it. She trusts him more than either of us. But I need to call him right now.”

  63

  Just as Meghan expected, Jeff laid into her as soon as they were alone again in their hotel room.

  “Why do you keep telling me I need to wait?” he demanded. “Are you trying to buy yourself time to come up with a lie?”

  “I would never lie to you. I just can’t talk about it right now. Not like this.”

  “Why in the world did you call that lawyer this morning?” Jeff insisted. “After all these years, and just hours before we all learned about Amanda’s body. I can’t get my head around it.”

  “I promise, there’s a reason—”

  “Then tell me!”

  “Stop screaming at me!”

  “I’m asking you one simple question, Meghan. I deserve an answer.”

  Jeff could not believe his eyes when she stood up, grabbed her purse, and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her and leaving him in silence.

  • • •

  Meghan used the short amount of time in the hotel elevator to wipe the tears from her face and catch her breath. She and Jeff rarely argued, and neither of them had ever walked out on the other when they did, but leaving the room felt like the only way to keep her blood pressure from rising. The doctor had warned her to avoid unnecessary stress.

  Good luck with that, she thought, as she placed a hand on her belly. She had no way of knowing whether the baby could feel it, but resting her palm near her unborn child was calming to Meghan, if to no one else. Don’t worry, she thought, everything’s going to be just fine. Once your father calms down, I’ll go back to the room. He’ll believe my side of the story, I’m sure of it.

  Meghan had been planning to give Jeff the news once they were back in New York. She wanted a clean break between this place and their baby. She wanted it to be a perfect moment.

  But she never should have called that lawyer this morning. Of course it looked terrible, especially in light of the police finding Amanda only hours later. No wonder Jeff was demanding an explanation. She turned back toward the elevator, ready to tell him the truth, even though it wouldn’t be anything like the moment she had imagined.

  Her cell phone buzzed with an incoming email message. There’s no way to escape work, she thought. How can I be on twenty-four-hour call once I’m a parent? But the message wasn’t about a client. The subject line said “from Kate.”

  She clicked on it. Hey there. I didn’t want to say anything in front of everyone at dinner, but I have something important to tell you about Jeff. I think that TV show is trying to railroad him. Meet me by the pier behind the hotel so we don’t run into anyone from the show?

  Perfect, Meghan typed. Jeff could use a few more minutes to cool down before we talk, she thought. Headed there now.

  64

  Detective Marlene Henson sprawled on the area rug in her den and allowed her two standard poodles to jump on top of her. They were three-year-old sisters named Cagney and Lacey. Even on days when her daughter Taylor stayed with her father, these two sturdy girls gave Marlene someone to come home to.

  Their exuberance about Mommy coming home temporarily quelled, the two dogs ran into the living room to continue an epic round of wrestling. She had learned the hard way when she adopted them as puppies not to leave anything breakable within a few feet of the floor. The upside was she no longer had so many knickknacks cluttering the house.

  She felt her eyes begin to close involuntarily. Marlene loved her job, but today had been a rough one.

  She had inherited the Amanda Pierce case—already cold—three years earlier when homicide detective Martin Cooper died of an aneurysm in his sleep. She reached out to Sandra and Walter the following week. She had told them that no new leads had come in of late, but Marlene had a standing alert with the department that she be called—day or night—if that ever changed. Then last night came the tip about the body. Since then she’d been working more than twenty hours straight.

  She was starting to doze off right in the middle of the floor when her cell phone buzzed on the coffee table. It was a New York City area code.

  “Henson,” she said, stifling a yawn.

  “Detective, it’s Leo Farley.”

  The ex-cop, she thought. He’d been invaluable in dealing with his daughter and her team. She was usually distrustful of the media, but she trusted Leo, and he seemed to trust the people who worked for that show.

  “Hi, Leo. What can I do for you?”

  “We know you’ve got officers watching Jeff, but they need to keep their eyes on his wife, Meghan White, too. Laurie got some photographs from that intern we told you about—”

  Marlene sat up immediately. “She did what?” So much for trusting them.

  “She thought she had a better shot getting him to open up if she went in alone. I waited outside, worried every moment. But she was right. It worked. Jeremy gave her some facts we didn’t know before.”

  Marlene felt a headache coming on as Leo started talking about pictures of Meghan looking lovingly at Jeff, and then fighting with Amanda the very night she disappeared. She was close to a migraine by the time Leo got to Meghan’s phone call to Amanda’s lawyer and her connection to the girl who’d been killed at Colby.

  “Where are you?” he asked. “Do you have a location on Jeff and Meghan right now?”

  “I came home, but I’m sure everything’s fine. Last I heard, they were at dinner with their friends. Let me call my lead guy on the scene now.”

  She hung up without saying good-bye, pulled up the number for Sergean
t Jim Peters, and hit enter.

  “Thought you were grabbing some shut-eye,” he said.

  “Me, too.” No such luck, she thought.

  “This sure is a beautiful place. I almost feel guilty collecting overtime for sitting here. Almost.”

  “You’re still watching Hunter?”

  “Yeah. He and the wife went to their room after dinner. If I see him leave, I’ll duck into the stairwell and call Tanner downstairs. He’s camped out near the elevators. We’ve been rotating for a change of scenery.”

  “So they’re both there: Jeff and the wife?”

  “No, just him. They had some kind of dustup and she stormed out of here a second ago. I went into the stairwell so she wouldn’t spot me.”

  “Where’d she go? Is Tanner following her?”

  “No, we’re trailing the husband, I thought.”

  “We were. And are. Just call Tanner, okay? Tell him to keep his eyes on the wife, and you watch Jeff. Don’t lose either one of them.”

  • • •

  Marlene had changed into fresh work clothes and was putting on her shoes when Sergeant Peters called her back.

  “You found Meghan?” she asked.

  “No. I just talked to Tanner. He says she walked through the lobby, but he doesn’t know where she went from there.”

  65

  Jeremy looked at his watch, wondering how late he should stay at the hotel. He had gotten so distracted taking photographs of Laurie and her friends that he somehow lost track of the bridal party. By the time he walked back to the seafood restaurant, their table was empty.

  He checked the other hotel bars, but no luck.

  Now he was on the beach. A few couples passed him on moonlight strolls, but he didn’t recognize anyone. The moon was beautiful tonight. It had been a long time since he practiced his nighttime photography skills.