Page 36 of Vows of Murder

“I think they waited for Beth’s car to leave. If it was a random robbery or one that targeted the people at the party, they would have hit Esmeralda’s house first while they were waiting for Beth to leave. No, this has to be something related to the murder investigation. I just don’t know what they were looking for.” Greg looked at me. “You think so too. Have you taken any candy from strangers lately?”

I thought about the last week and places I’d run up against members of the New Hope organization. Kane had been at the business-to-business meeting. Then I’d met Molly. Then Amanda and I had gone to the open house, where I’d talked to Kane about their library. Then we’d seen the women at the fabric store. I shook my head. “Nothing stands out. I’m sorry.”

“Well, I’m hiring security to watch the house tomorrow until we get home on Sunday.” Greg looked at Jim. “And I’m not coming back to the Castle with you. I’ll reimburse you the cost of the room, but I’m not leaving Jill and Mom here alone.”

Jim scowled at his brother. “There’s a reason the couple separates before the wedding. It gives them both time to think about what they’re doing the next day. It’s the last time you’ll be an individual. After you take your vows and kiss,you’ll be one.”

“I’m not leaving them alone.” Greg shook hishead. “Period.”

“What if you sleep on the couch tonight?” I suggested. If something happened in the future to break us apart, I didn’t wantJim to be able to rub in Greg’s face how he set up the end of our relationship by not staying away from me for this one night. I didn’t believe in superstitions, but Jim did. “That way we have the separation, but you’re still here.”

“Or you can have my bed,” Toby offered. “I’ll sleep on the couch with my Emma girl. No one’s getting past the dynamic duo. And I haveclean sheets.”

Greg looked at Jim, who nodded. “Fine. I’ll sleep at Toby’s tonight, then after I check in with him tomorrow, I’ll run over to the Castle and get ready there. Will that make you happy, brother?”

“Ecstatic.” Jim stood and helped Beth up as well. He kissed Amanda on the cheek. “We’re heading back to the hotel. I need my beauty sleep. Mom, don’t stay up too late reading. We’ve got a wedding to celebrate tomorrow.”

“I’ll run upstairs and grab some clean clothes.” Greg leaned down and kissed me. “You’re going to be okay, right?”

“Toby will be downstairs. I think if they get past him, you’ll hear the commotion out in the shed.” I rubbed his face. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the mission.”

“Just don’t be late. The ceremony starts at eleven. You’re supposed to be there earlier,” he reminded me as he walked overto hug his mom.

“Believe me, I’ll have plenty of people making sure I get there on time. We’re doing hair and makeup here at the house. Aunt Jackie should be here right at eight. Then Darla, Amy, and Esmeralda will be hereshortly after.”

Greg groaned. “I’ll be out of here before eight, then. I’ll take the Jeep and drive it to the mission. That way we have an escape vehicle close by if the reception gets out of hand.”

Greg mentioning the Jeep reminded me of something. “Toby, no shaving cream on my paint. You can use soap, but shaving cream hurts the paint.”

“That’s an old wives’ tale. Besides, I’m not sure why you’re telling me this,” Toby said from the door, where he stood waiting for Greg. When I didn’t say anything, he caved. “Fine, I’ll make sure no one does anything permanent to the Jeep.”

“That’s comforting.” I watched as Greg met up with him.

“I live to serve,” Toby quipped. “I’ll be right back, so don’t lock the door on me.”

“No promises,” I called after him.

Amanda and I were alone in the kitchen. Well, alone with Emma. Amanda stood and walked to the stairwell. “You have good friends here. I can see why you and Greg love South Cove. I’m heading to bed.”

We did have solid friends. I thought about the dance party Darla had put on for me and the girls to celebrate my wedding. They’d known just what to do. I let Emma out and stared at the night sky. I thought about meeting Maryanne at the fabric store. Did the women at the New Hope compound feel the sameway? Supported?

Or did they have an entirely different feeling?

Chapter 15

Even though the rest of the night was uneventful, I slept poorly, again. I’m sure it had more to do with my upcoming wedding than the attempted break-in or the unsolved murder that occurred at the place I was getting married.

Man, it’s hard to find a good wedding venue. At least one that didn’t have a history of murder on the grounds. The La Purísima Mission already had a famous murder and ghost story attached to the site. I just hadn’t thought there would be another murder so close to my wedding date.

At least we’d gotten the ghost sighting over and done with, since Sasha had seen the unfortunate friar last night. Maybe he’d stay away today. Didn’t ghosts have to build up their ectoplasm stuff to be seen by the living? I’d have to check with Esmeralda, who was due at the house any minute. She’d know the rules of the ghost worldif anyone did.

True to his word, Greg had disappeared with the Jeep sometime this morning before I woke up. A Bakerstown police cruiser sat on the street outside my house. My backyard was fenced, but that hadn’t stopped someone from escaping that way last night when the police showed up afterAmanda’s call.

I poured another cup of coffee and watched as the hairdresser and makeup artist who had arrived with my aunt rearranged my living room to look like the backstage of a Broadway production. A rack stood in the corner, waiting for the bridesmaids’ dresses to be added to my wedding dress, which I’d moved downstairs and onto the rack this morning.

Toby poked his head in the front door and frowned until he saw me over by the kitchen watching the chaos. He nodded at me, then pointed to the kitchen. “Coffee?”

“Coffee, donuts, cookies. Sadie did a treat delivery here this morning. We even have fresh fruit in case you’re afraid of not fitting into your tuxedo.” Emma andI followed him.

---