Chapter 10
We caught up with Blair Duval at her mansion in Stingray Bay. JD and I stood on the front porch, interviewing her.
I had spoken with Isabella on the way over. She told me that no cell phones had appeared on the court other than Liam’s during the time of the murder.
She also told me some interesting tidbits.
Blair’s phone had appeared in the cabanas at the Seven Seas on numerous occasions at the same time as Liam's phone. His phone also made several appearances at the Stingray Bay mansion at odd hours. There were also numerous calls and texts between the two. Something a little more than scheduling lessons. Isabella’s intel had confirmed a lot of what Elizabeth Stockton had mentioned.
Poppy Winslow and Gwen Wescott were also persons of interest, both with numerous interactions with the tennis pro.
"Can you tell me the extent of your relationship with Liam Prescott?" I asked.
The question flustered her. "He was a fabulous tennis instructor. And I considered him a friend.”
"A close friend?”
She tucked her chin and grew indignant. "I'm not sure what you mean by that.”
"I think you know exactly what I mean by that.”
Her eyes narrowed and burned into me like lasers. "I don't think I like your tone."
"I'm not here to disrupt anyone's marriage. I'm just trying to find out who killed Liam Prescott.”
"Well, I certainly can't help you with that. Though I do hope you bring the perpetrator to justice. It's frightening that something like this happened right here in Coconut Key, at the country club.”
"Yes, it is quite shocking, isn't it?" I said, playing along. "Tell me about the times you visited Liam at the Seven Seas.”
Blair's eyes widened, and her skin went pale. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean. I've never visited Liam at the Seven Seas. It's possible that, perhaps, I may have seen him there at a function,” she said, trying not to sound guilty.
I gave her a flat look. "Mrs. Duval, we have accessed phone records. We know you and Liam spent time in the Pineapple Cabana together, as well as the Coconut Cabana, the Mango Cabana, and the Passionfruit. Should I continue?"
Her face went long, and she stopped breathing for a second. Blair shifted uncomfortably and took a deep breath, trying to figure out how to proceed. "Liam and I had a special connection.”
"I'm sure you did.”
“It's not what it seems, I assure you.”
"Was your husband aware of your special connection?"
She clutched her chest. "No. Of course not. And I would prefer it to stay that way.”
"Are you sure he's unaware?"
"I can’t be certain of anything, but he’s never brought it up, and I'm sure I would be the first he’d address it with.”
"Can you tell me where you were last night between 8 and 10:00 PM?"
Blair looked offended by the question. "I was with Poppy Winslow. We went for a drink.”
"Where did you go?"
"Keys. Fabulous piano bar. Have you been?”
"Yes, ma'am. What time did you leave?”
Blair thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. I suppose it was around 10 or 10:30 PM.”
"You know where your husband was at that time?"
"I'm not really sure. I think David was at home with my daughter."
"Is your daughter available now?”
"She's in school.”
"College?"
"No, though she acts like it. She’s at Coconut Key High School. This is her senior year. Another few months and she will be off to college and out of our hair."
Blair looked like she’d had enough of her daughter’s drama.
"Were you aware that Liam was dealing drugs?”
Blair tucked her chin again. "Certainly not to me.” Then she added, “But some of the membership in the country club isn't what it used to be. It seems they just let anyone in these days,” she said in a snooty voice.
“It’s my understanding Liam had quite a few special connections among club members of the female persuasion.”
Blair's face tightened. I'm not sure she liked being another number in the crowd. "Liam liked to share his gifts."
"Can you tell me who else he shared with?”
"I'm sure you're aware that he was giving Gwen Wescott special attention.”
"Yes, I've heard."
A sly smirk curled her lips. "I bet I know something you haven't heard.”
"What's that?"