Chapter 19 Wren #5
I think of her novel and how the story flowed, which characters were killed or clues they found; nothing made sense unless you knew the killer's motivation.
The wife's husband had been unfaithful and so anyone who turned a blind eye or was involved got punished.
We can't connect the message to the guest, without knowing the motivation towards her. Are they warning Robin about someone wanting to harm her, or is the person responsible for Corbin’s murder fucking with her?
God dammit, will they come after her next? The thought hits me like a brick, and without hesitation my body moves towards her, rounding the island to be closer.
Fuck. The warning could be about me.
I couldn't let her find out there might be more than just one liar in this hotel.
Detective Starling emerges into the kitchen, dirty shoes still scuffing the floors and his crumpled sleeves are rolled up. “The rooms are all clear, nothing else was touched.”
“I know, I just checked,” Cardinal shrugs.
“You shouldn't be doing anything. Any of you. Do you not know to leave things to the police force? Don't touch evidence or place yourself where there could be some.” Starling reigns himself in from shouting, pointing a finger at him, which he only looks down on.
“Force? You seriously can’t think you and Goldie are a force.” Cardinal chuckles, and I seriously have to praise him for his brazenness.
He sucks in a long breath, running a hand through his slick brown hair and exhales finally before he turns beet red. “I'm going to ignore that,” He turns to Robin. “Have you found all the clues in this stupid murder mystery game you were all brought here for?”
Eyebrows raised, she points to herself. “Me?”
Looking around the kitchen he nods. “Am I asking anyone else? Yes, you, Miss Osbourne. Miss Claythorne said you were smart and could find them all. We’ve been told about the secrets, and I want them.”
“Yeah, that's not fucking happening,” Cardinal nearly spits, causing him to do the same breathing technique.
“Watch your language,” he grits. “I’m in charge here, I want the rest of the secrets.
Get the guests together and tell them. You have a new afternoon activity.
” He turns to leave but halts, placing his hands in his pockets as he faces me.
I'm taken slightly back by being his sole focus and I do the same, placing my own hands into my short pockets.
“Mr Hastings, can you explain to me your past relationship with a guest here, Miss Beckett-Rivera?”
I frown. “Who?”
“Are you joking? You don't know Willow's full name?” Cardinal glares at me, and I actually start to itch. God, why do I look like a complete arsehole whenever anything involves that woman?
“I'm not a complete cock, I’ve only known her as Rivera. That's her Mum’s model agency.” I shift, feeling ten times warmer and my clothes are all sticky. Robin rolls her eyes at me and I twitch under the scrutiny.
Starling must find this amusing because he beams, even just for a second but I don't miss it. I think he's asking these questions to evoke something between us. Leave the three of us agitated.
“Not very well then. How about Lily Claythorne?”
“I've never touched her in my life,” I rasp, pointing my finger at him.
“What are you trying to insinuate? I’m pretty sure you can't do that as a detective.” I'm kicking in the dark, wanting the conversation to end.
I've never touched Lily, wouldn't ever, but my feet feel like sliding out on cracking ice that might reveal more truths than I want to.
I haven't touched her, but I've been placed in her path for reasons even Phin doesn't know about.
No one knows now, the only other person who did was found floating in a swimming pool days ago.
Rounding on her next, Starling no longer phrases his questions inquisitively. “Did you know your name is on the deed to the house?”
“Excuse me?” She splutters. “That’s not possible, I didn’t buy Nightingale. I put no money into it.”
“It looks like Mr Claythorne had both your names on the deed. Miss Osbourne, can you tell me who A. Claythorne is? They seem to be on the deed to the house and entire property too, but we can’t seem to find them in the system. None of the guests we asked know this person either.”
A crease dents between her brows and her lips pursed tight. “I have no idea who that person is. I’ve been close with their family since birth, and I don’t know anyone with the first initial A.”
Shuffling his stance wider, he smirks under his stupid fucking mustache.
“I was just curious to see if you knew, seeing as the house is now split between yourself and this mystery person. That is all. Get me those secrets.” Giving us all a stern frown, he leaves the room and clatters the kitchen door closed.
My body slumps into her and I'm surprised she supports me whilst still sitting on the stool. It's only Cardinal that seems unphased, mumbling choice words whilst he sips his tea.
“I feel like we just got mentally done up the arse, and not in a good way.” I breathe, racking a palm through my messy curls.
Robin inhales sharply, her smile wobbly. “Is there a good way?”
“I mean it comes with a little light edging, but yeah. Loads of lube too.”
“You need to get your head checked.” He growls at me, dumping his mug in the sink before leaving the kitchen. He rattles the door too and we hear him shout, “Get everyone rounded up in that fucking overpriced conservatory. Orangery my arse.”