Page 34 of The Rainbow Recipe
Evie flung more popcorn at him. “Even gay men are clueless,” she concluded. “You really think she wants you to see her removing her wig to scratch her head or adjusting whatever she wears under those tight dresses to create her illusions?”
Rube threw the popcorn back at her. “I’ve seen it all already. She’s just secretive.”
Okay,thatrelationship was progressing. Evie ate the popcorn.
“The security cameras in my office are all in reception, even if I can’t afford a receptionist,” Jax reminded her. “Some business matters are confidential.”
“Anyway...” Evie rolled her hand again, determined not to ask any more ignorant questions about Rube’s relationship with the mayor. “Do we have any idea if refreshments may have been served behind closed doors?”
“Larraine has a bar in there.” Rube fast forwarded through the empty hall images to the moments before the La Bella Gente group departed the office.
“Larraine’s statement to the police—she offered champagne. They thanked her for the bottles in the limo, all except KK, who said she hates bubbly crap.” Jax was apparently reading from the police report. “It was later determined that during the drive from Charleston, both bottles in the limo had been opened and emptied. No traces of suspicious substance found.”
“And the bottles in Larraine’s office?” Evie asked, just as the screen showed the limo party emerging with open bottles in hand. Crude, really crude.
“They finished off the ones they’re carrying at the party. Better quality than what Pris served to the rest of us. Those bottles ended up in the recycle bin with all the others. Due to Pris’s efficiency, they were carried off before anyone really started investigating.” Jax huffed in disgust.
“Which in small minds keeps both Larraine and Pris on the suspect list—except KK didn’t drink champagne. Lame. Lawson only reports what suits her message. We need our own blog to get the whole truth out.” Evie sipped from her iced tea and studied the less than merry group in suits.
“Except the sheriff might object to broadcasting what ought to be official reports,” Jax reminded her.
She stuck her tongue out at him, and he kissed her. She’d have to do that more often.
Rube stilled the footage so they could examine the group emerging from Larraine’s office. “KK has her shot glass already. Not good.”
“Larraine’s statement says Nick carried it in his inside pocket along with a small bottle of limoncello. The others verified this.” Jax flipped through the police reports Roark had hacked. “She started drinking it when the others toasted with champagne. We have no film of who may have touched the glass or bottle in the office.”
“Maybe Nick’s just KK’s accessory, like an overlarge tote bag. What reason would he have to murder her? He’s simply a suit with pockets. They don’t even act like they’re together. She’s hanging back in the rear, arguing with the Tart.” Evie winced as Reuben resumed motion and KK smacked the other woman hard enough to make her stagger. “Ouch.”
They watched in silence as the tall blond clerk stormed off, and KK sullenly led her drunken parade into the foyer.
Rube enlarged another screen. “Rhonda fled to the restroom. No cameras in there either. She doesn’t appear with the group again. There’s a shot of her later leaving by the front entrance.”
“Police records show she took a taxi back to the apartment she rents near the shop. No one admits the incident happened or why. They all had their backs turned.” Jax reached down for the plate of pizza rolls he’d left on the floor. “I don’t think a slap constitutes motive for murder though.”
“Larraine didn’t see it?” Evie studied the frame again. Larraine had been leading the parade. KK only stalked up beside her after Rhonda fled in the other direction.
“So, there they all are, looking sullen.” Reuben enlarged the frame showing the beautiful people huddling together near the podium while Larraine introduced them.
“And grabbing more champagne. I’d be flat on my face after that much alcohol.” Evie watched as Vincent topped off everyone’s glasses, except KK’s.
“Nick pours her more limoncello.” Rube pulled up that frame. “But KK leaves the glass on the table when she goes to the podium to speak.”
Evie groaned as people crowded around the podium, obscuring the glass, the table, and the beautiful suits. Rube had the sound off, but Evie had already heard the boring speech. She studied KK up close now. “I wish I could see auras on film. She looks tense and not very happy. Pris said she sensed a lot of anxiety.”
“Well, if she’d just learned they were nearly bankrupt, that would take the edge off the excitement, wouldn’t it?” Roark filled his mouth with popcorn while watching.
“Actually, she’s starting to look a little queasy,” Evie decided. “She’s staggering as she comes down from the podium. Look, Nick has to catch her arm and help her. Of course, if she’s gone through that entire bottle, she ought to be flat out drunk.”
“If the poison was in the bottle of limoncello, it’s had time to act. Depending on the quantity, cyanide is almost instantaneous.” Even Jax watched the video now.
“What happened to the bottle?” Roark asked.
“Watch.” Rube scrolled the video slowly forward as the crowd around the podium broke up and returned to food and gossip.
Evie studied the action as Vincent emptied the small limoncello bottle into the shot glass. Matt handed the glass to KK. Nick stuck the bottle into his coat pocket. One of the male models handed KK a bowl from the buffet just before Pris arrived with the caviar.
“Almonds?” they all asked at once as KK swallowed a handful of nuts from the bowl, then swigged her drink.
