Until death, p.32
Until Death, page 32
“Bullshit,” Miller snapped. “Before the wedding rehearsal, you stood right there and witnessed legal documents drawn up by my father dividing most of his property and money between Raina and myself. Why would you tell Raina I had reason to kill Callie over monetary gain when you knew damned well he’d already turned everything over to Raina and me?” Miller shook his head. “If he had children with Callie, it’d be of little financial concern to either of us. Why did you purposely pick a fight with her over that?”
Dane stared back and Miller and showed no emotion. “Raina and I aren’t suited for each other,” he announced with little hesitation. “I don’t see a reason to pursue the relationship any further. Letting her end it seemed the compassionate thing to do.”
“Why?” Miller demanded. “Because my father asked you to sign a prenup when he found out you were diddling his daughter?”
Dane tensed and held his breath. “That may have had something to do with it.”
Miller groaned and shook his head. “You are so full of bullshit,” he snapped back. “Do you think my father doesn’t talk to me? Earlier this afternoon, he told me about you. Fact; you approached my father less than a year after you started working here and discussed resigning. You told him you were in love with Raina and couldn’t handle the guilt. Fact; my father refused your resignation and offered you an alternative. He had you sign a prenup in the event that you ever became involved with Raina that would exclude you from monetary gain. Five years ago, you signed that prenup, and my mother witnessed it.”
Dane shifted uncomfortably and frowned at Miller’s comment.
Miller continued to stare at him with raised brows and a tiny smirk. “Fact; this morning, you asked my father for permission to marry his daughter.” He flopped back into his chair. “You know I have no financial motive to murder Callie, and you asked to marry Raina knowing there was no financial gain in it for you. So I ask again, why did you pick that fight with her accusing me of murder?”
Dane stared at Miller and offered nothing.
Miller stared at him a moment then suddenly sat forward with surprise on his face. “That fight wasn’t about me,” he announced. “You picked that fight with her in hopes that the murderer would hear it. You knew it would get around the entire house. It was a sting!”
The butler frowned and fidgeted. “Will there be anything else, Mr. Steele?”
“Yeah,” Miller launched. “I want in. You could use my help catching this bastard.”
“Considering it’s you the killer will be framing, I’d say you’re already in,” Dane informed him. “You need to steer clear of this and secure an alibi in case I’m unsuccessful in my mission.”
“Unsuccessful?” Miller asked then stared at him with surprise. “You mean killed, don’t you?”
“I suspect the killer will come after me and attempt to frame you for it,” Dane replied. “Since your alibi is sketchy during last night’s murders as well as the others, you’ll be easy to frame.”
“What are you talking about?” Miller demanded. “Jenna was with me in my bedroom last night.”
“You came back downstairs after the poker game had ended,” Dane informed him. “I saw you leaving the kitchen when I left the staff wing. It was dark in the kitchen, so you probably didn’t see me.”
“I wanted to check on the condition of the bridge,” Miller informed him. He brushed the comment aside. “You need my help. I’m pretty damned useful.”
“No, I don’t need your help,” Dane replied. “Stay clear of me tonight. If you attempt to get involved, I’ll tattle to your new girlfriend, and I’m willing to bet she’s not beyond tying you to the bed to keep you out of harm’s way.”
Dane turned and left the study without permission. Miller sat back in the chair and frowned. He considered the last comment.
“Tied to a bed, huh?” he muttered then grinned. “That could actually be fun.”
Chapter 60
Dinner and a Show
The dining room had dozens of candles on the table and along the sideboards creating a romantic dining atmosphere for the remaining guests. The guest list had been greatly reduced after what was being considered a double homicide-suicide perpetrated by Gilda Nixon. Those within the house were becoming anxious and wanted to leave. Despite the anxiety among those remaining, the talented cook treated them to another amazing meal. They were fortunate that the emergency generator powered enough equipment in the kitchen to allow Levi to present wonderful meals during their confinement. Dane and Sloan again helped Levi serve dinner to the homeowners and their guests. While all eight were seated around the table, dinner talk remained grim about the murders and focused on still being stranded.
“How long until the power is typically restored?” Olivia asked while only picking at her meal.
“Has anyone checked on the bridge now that the water has receded?” Keefe then asked while looking at Otto, who sat at the head of the table. “I can’t stay in this place. I’ll go insane after what happened to Elana.”
“It was a bad storm,” Otto informed them. “We’ve lost power for almost a week once. As for the bridge, I’ve had Titus and Hanson periodically checking on the water level ever since the rain stopped. It could take two or more days for the water levels to drop below the bridge, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be passable by morning. I told them if they think they can safely cross with Hanson’s pickup truck, they should just go for help.”
“So we’re stuck here another night?” Tia asked although it was more of a statement since everyone already knew the answer.
“I’m afraid so,” Otto informed the young woman then managed a smile. “But we’ve moved the jukebox to one of the emergency outlets in the game room, so you’ll have some music tonight.”
Jimmy Love managed some fancy dance moves while seated in his chair. “We’ll have a little dance-off tonight,” he announced to the women in an attempt to cheer them up and lighten the mood. “That always makes the night a little brighter.”
“Yeah, maybe,” Olivia remarked with less enthusiasm.
Jimmy Love frowned at his inability to cheer up the women. It was possibly a first for him.
“Count me out,” Raina muttered. “I’ll be in the library reading.”
Otto glared at Raina and the irritation clearly displayed on her face. “Just because it looks as if Gilda Nixon was the killer that doesn’t mean I’m lifting the ‘buddy rule’,” he informed his daughter then eyed the others at the table. “I don’t want anyone going anywhere alone.”
“But you just said--” Jenna attempted to speak but was cut short.
“Dane spoke to me earlier, and he’s not entirely convinced Gilda took her own life,” Otto informed Jenna. “Better safe than sorry.”
“Wait,” Tia suddenly announced with concern. “Are you suggesting someone killed all three of them, and we were meant to think Gilda was the killer?”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” Keefe blurted out. “Gilda had to have killed her husband and Elana. They were found naked and in bed together.” He then turned hostile. “I hope you aren’t suggesting I killed them in a fit of rage. I had no idea they were hooking up. I thought she was slinking around with the butler.”
Dane shot a look of surprise at Keefe then at the eyes suddenly upon him.
“Excuse me?” Dane bellowed.
Jimmy Love pointed accusingly at Keefe. “You, sweetheart, are totally out of line,” he announced. “Everyone in this house knows that stud muffin has the hots for that sweet thing.” Jimmy Love then pointed at Raina, who covered her eyes and sank in her chair.
“Is that really the topic here?” Miller demanded then glared at Dane. “If you don’t think Gilda killed herself that means one of us here could be a killer.” Despite having heard Dane’s thoughts on the killings earlier, Miller played dumb.
The murmur in the dining room grew louder as accusations were thrown around the table. Otto groaned and tapped his teaspoon against his crystal wineglass silencing everyone.
“Everyone settle down,” Otto announced loudly and caught their attention. “It’s just one man’s speculation and not based on facts. It’s not going to kill you to maintain the buddy system for one more night.” Otto eyed his daughter. “If you want to read, you can read in the game room with the rest of us.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Raina scoffed. “How am I supposed to read with all that mindless noise? I’m sure there’s going to be another marathon poker game tonight.”
“Yes, I suspect there will be,” her father replied while shifting uncomfortably. “It’ll help take our minds off what happened to our friends last night.”
Keefe frowned while picking at his food. “I wouldn’t mind something to get my mind off what happened to Elana,” he remarked.
“Then I’ll read in the kitchen with Levi and Sloan,” Raina announced.
“No can do,” Levi informed her while removing dirty plates from the table. “I’m getting in on the poker game.”
Raina eyed Jenna and raised her brows.
Jenna grimaced at her friend. “Sorry, Raina. I’m playing poker with the guys,” she announced. “I’m sure Dane won’t mind if you hang out in the kitchen with him.”
“Pass,” Raina muttered.
Dane frowned but didn’t comment. Otto suspiciously eyed both. They refused to look at each other.
“You can join us,” Jimmy Love announced enthusiastically and indicated Tia and Olivia. “We’re going to dance ourselves silly.”
“Thanks,” Raina replied then frowned. “Again--pass.”
“Everyone will remain in the game room tonight,” Otto insisted and eyed Raina. “And that means everyone.” He then looked around the dining room. “We’re also buddying up in the bedrooms as well, so pay attention.”
Jimmy Love leaned on the table with his chin in his hand and grinned with anticipation.
“Raina, Miller, Jenna, and I will stay in my room,” Otto informed them. “Keefe, Jimmy Love, Dane, and Levi will stay in the silver room.”
Jimmy Love straightened and squealed with delight. Dane, Keefe, and Levi all exchanged strange stares.
“Tia, Olivia, and Sloan will stay in the gold room,” Otto concluded. “Those are your buddies, so make it work.” He eyed those in the dining room. “After dinner, we’ll all adjourn to the game room. Dane, Levi, and Sloan will join us after they’re finished in the kitchen. That’s final.”
“Pardon me, Sir,” Dane announced and gently cleared his throat. “Hanson brought me his old ham radio, and I think I can get it to work. It’s already set up in the kitchen.”
“Can you move it to the game room?” Otto asked while eyeing him.
“It’s a bit of a fossil,” Dane explained. “I’d rather not move it. If I can get it to work, I’ll be able to contact the local authorities in town.”
Otto groaned and reconsidered his earlier announcement. “Fine,” he scoffed then glared at the butler. “But I don’t want you in the kitchen alone.”
Levi frowned knowing he’d be nominated to stay in the kitchen rather than join in the poker game.
“I’ll stay with him,” Miller eagerly announced.
Dane immediately frowned.
“One less man for our poker game,” Otto muttered then reluctantly sighed. “All right. You can help Dane with the ham radio.”
Dane glared his annoyance with Miller.
Chapter 61
Amateur Night
Once the staff had cleaned up the kitchen after dinner, Levi and Sloan headed for the game room as Miller entered the kitchen. Dane leaned on the island counter with a disgusted look on his face. The old ham radio was set up on the kitchen table and appeared untouched. Miller excitedly clapped his hands together and eyed the fossil of a radio.
“So what can I do to help?” Miller announced.
“You can go back to the game room,” Dane snarled.
Miller raised an arrogant brow and grinned. “You heard the boss,” he announced cheerfully. “No one goes anywhere alone.”
Dane straightened while glaring at Miller. “What the hell is wrong with you, Miller?” he launched. “I told you to stay away from me tonight. I’m convinced the killer wants to frame you for my murder, and you conveniently put us in the same room together. Can you see how insane that is?”
“I see a perfect opportunity to flush him out,” Miller insisted.
“And I see the killer getting exactly what he wanted,” Dane snapped. “This isn’t a game.”
Miller took a quick step toward Dane and glared at him with anger and rage in his eyes. “No, you’re right. This isn’t a game,” he launched back. “Two years ago, my girlfriend and mother were brutally murdered, and my sister nearly died trying to save them. If I’d been home, they’d both still be alive today!” He threw his arms around erratically and then pointed accusingly. “Maybe you have some sort of vendetta or superiority complex. I don’t know nor do I care. I want fucking revenge!”
“Yes, I know,” Dane snarled back while remaining calmer than Miller. “You seem to forget I was there. I’m the one burdened with guilt because I’m the one who couldn’t save them.”
Miller fidgeted then frowned while attempting to control his hostility. “I’m sorry,” he announced and folded his arms across his chest. “I sometimes forget how close you were to my mother.”
“Brenda was like a mother to me,” Dane informed him. “When I came here, I had no one in my life. She was the first one who reached out to me and treated me with respect. I let her down.”
Miller shifted uncomfortably and avoided looking at Dane. “I’m sorry,” he gently replied. “She was naturally maternal and loved everyone.”
“I understand how you feel, Miller,” Dane remarked with a defeated sigh. “But if you’re standing in my way, I can’t deal with the situation in an effective manner.”
“And what manner is that?” Miller demanded.
Dane removed the double-barrel shotgun from beneath the counter and set it on top without taking his eyes off Miller. Miller stared at the shotgun only a moment then met Dane’s gaze.
“I don’t care what you do once we catch the killer,” Miller remarked. “You want to take him out back behind the woodshed and shoot him? I’m fine with that, but I’m staying.” He approached the ham radio on the kitchen table and attempted to understand it. “Can we get this thing to work?”
“No, it’s a WWII relic,” Dane replied and replaced the shotgun beneath the counter. “I needed a reason to be alone to draw out the killer.” The butler sighed with defeat. “If you really want to help, you can make sure all the doors in the staff wing are closed then take a lookout position in the doorway.” He pointed a warning finger. “But stay hidden. If the killer comes to us, we need a confession first. No one plays the hero.”
Miller nodded. “Got it.” He approached the staff wing and looked down the hall. “Two doors are opened.”
“They weren’t before,” Dane remarked with some concern. “We’d better check the windows and patio doors. Make sure they’re still locked.”
Miller nodded and hurried into the staff wing with Dane bringing up the rear. As they approached the staff wing linen closet, Dane became alert.
“Did you hear that?” Dane announced.
Miller looked around and tensed. “What?”
“It came from the linen closet,” Dane remarked and indicated the closed door near Miller.
Miller eyed the door, stepped closer to it, and pulled it open. To his surprise, it was just filled with sheets and other linens. Miller relaxed as he turned toward Dane and was about to speak when Dane shoved him into the closet. Miller struck the rack of sheets and attempted to regain his balance.
“What the--?”
Dane slammed and locked the door. “Amateur,” the butler scoffed aloud then smirked and returned to the kitchen as Miller pounded on the linen closet door.
§
Raina sat on one of the plush chairs in the corner of the game room with an open book on her lap while dance music blared from the jukebox. She watched Jenna playing poker with Keefe, her father, and Levi. Tia and Olivia danced with Jimmy Love on the makeshift dance floor near the door, which successfully blocked Raina’s unsanctioned exit. She frowned as she watched the dancers. Keefe was knocked out of the poker game with a boldly aggressive move that cost him his entire stack of chips. He laughed it off and headed to the self-serve bar for another drink. Raina put her nose back in her book and attempted to take her mind off her game room prison. When she looked up from her book only a moment later, she realized the room was one guest short.
She looked back at the dancing trio and knew she had to make her move. Raina got up from her chair and approached Jimmy Love dancing with the two attractive women. She tapped him on the shoulder. As he leaned closer to hear what she said above the music, she whispered in his ear. He offered a smile to the women and excused himself, leaving the room with Raina. As they entered the hallway together, Raina looked around while Jimmy Love stared at her with a baffled look and full, pouty lips.
“What did you drag me out here for, honey?” he asked while placing his dainty hands on his hips.
She looked at him and motioned him to keep his voice down. “I need to spy on someone in the kitchen,” Raina informed him, “and I needed you to be my ‘buddy’. My father would have a fit if I wandered off on my own.”
He stared at her with some surprise. “And you think I’m letting you wander off on your own?” Jimmy Love dramatically wagged his finger at her. “Uh, uh. No way, cutie pie. If you get yourself killed, I’m in trouble with your big, strapping father. I love a good spanking, but that man would put a serious hurting on my fabulous flanks.”
Raina hurried to the foyer with Jimmy Love on her heels. She opened the foyer closet door and removed the baseball bat. Jimmy Love saw her with the bat and jumped back a step.
