Page 97 of Raging Inferno

“I’m sorry,” Val apologized. “I didn’t mean to imply that you did. The investigation is in the initial stages.”

“Excuse me.” Tamera scurried away.

“Oh, dear, I didn’t mean to offend her,” Val said. “I was told to inform her about the cause of death.”

“I’ll go after her.”

Presley started to follow Tamera, but Val’s hand on her arm stopped her. “Please, let me. I need to apologize.”

Presley wanted to argue, but Val had already disappeared out the door.

Once the medical examiner was gone, Kayne said, “This might not be the greatest timing, but I did some digging on Tamera and Jessie. I was looking for clues about who the perp might be. Did you know Tamera was accused of poisoning her second husband?”

Presley’s eyes widened. “What? No.”

“I’d forgotten about that,” Dominic said. “It was big news at the time. She was eventually acquitted.”

“Poor Tamera,” Presley murmured. “I wonder what happened with Mr. Grubb.”

“Don’t you think it’s suspicious that he fell ill at her house?” Kayne wondered.

“Are you implying she poisoned him?”

“No. I’m thinking someone meant for her to be the victim.”

That made sense. “Bill Fitzgerald visited her. He could’ve done it. I’ll have to ask Val how it happened next time I see her.”

Dominic clapped his hands. “I’m starving. Let’s hit the buffet.”

Presley hadn’t been in many houses—or any—that sported a gigantic ballroom. An orchestra strummed away on a stage atthe far end of the room. The selection of food was varied and plentiful. Presley had never seen a spread as big outside of a restaurant. Prime rib, steak, lobster, fried chicken, several other meats and fish, every side dish she could think of, and at least a dozen fresh breads. It was a smorgasbord of food. The Kings had spared no expense.

They loaded their plates and found an empty table. Servers instantly appeared to offer red or white wine, imported beer, and sodas.

Sam King worked the room, shaking hands and slapping backs. Presley hadn’t seen Jessie in a while and wondered if she’d lured someone else to her lair like she’d tried to do with Kayne earlier.

“Hey, Cap Bianchi, care if we join you? Hi, Presley.”

“Hey, Rena.”

“Have a seat,” Dominic said to the woman and others who joined them.

Presley remembered Garrett McGee from her first day in town when she’d stopped by the station. Dominic introduced her and Kayne to Charlie Gardner and his wife, and Teddy Cony and his wife. The conversation was lively, and the food was delicious.

“Did anyone try the lobster?” Rena asked the table. “It melted in the mouth.”

“I did,” Presley answered. “Delicious.”

“I’m headed back for more. Can I get anyone anything?”

Everyone declined. With a shrug, Rena picked up her plate and disappeared into the buffet line. A dreadful squeal sounded, and Presley winced.

“Sorry,” Sam King spoke into a microphone. “That feedback is a wake-up call, huh? Anyway, I wanted to thank you all for coming tonight. The festivities will begin in thirty minutes. Please enjoy the food, beverages, and music from the SerenityShores String Quartet. Aren’t they wonderful?” At the small spattering of applause, he added, “We’ll begin soon.”

Sam stepped off the dais, smiled, and waved. He headed their way and grasped Dominic from behind.

“Hey, bud, glad you could make it. Means the world to me.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

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