Chapter 59
SOPHIE
When Lily-Ann came to see me at work, I met her in the break room because I didn’t want her to reorganize my office.
She took the wooden chair and crossed her legs.
Her block-heel sandals were handmade, and probably cost more than my monthly rent, so I looked them straight in the eye as I said, “So what do you think about going easy on Karina?”
“Because CJ asked you to?”
“Yeah, she doesn’t want to get her in trouble.”
Lily-Ann smoothed her skirt on her knee. “Despite the fact that she blames CJ for Frank’s death?”
“Despite everything. I guess CJ thinks it’s disloyal to Frank to stir up more trouble for Karina while she’s in mourning.”
“Mm. We’ll see. However, the reason I stopped by was to ask you to learn more about Jane Sheffield.”
“Oh, sure. I didn’t even know we still considered her a suspect. What do you want me to find out?”
“Nothing in particular, you’re just well-placed to make the inquiries.”
“Okay, but what about my ice cube theory?” I’d been meaning to ask her.
“I wasn’t entirely aware you had one. You mean the ice you spotted on the stairs after Frank died?”
“Yes! Yes, Lily-Ann. Sherlock would take one look at that ice and crack the case.”
“Or he’d conclude that Frank dropped his drink when he fell.”
“Maybe,” I admitted. “But he’d still find some crucial detail that we’re overlooking, that’s all I’m saying. Like why was the cash in a Trader Joe’s bag? Do rich people even shop there?”
“We have enough trouble focusing on the most mundane facts, Sophie. We don’t need to speculate.”
“Everything seemed to fall into place last time.”
“Last time.” Lily-Ann straightened on her chair. “Yes, well, Piotr’s sister has been calling me again. And making insinuations. She thinks he’s innocent.”
My stomach knotted. “Wh-why?”
“Because that’s what he tells her.”
“There’s no, like, evidence, though?”
“No.”
“Then screw them, Lily-Ann. He tried to murder you.”
“And you saved my life.”
“Nah, I just…”
“Bust from your cottage wielding a bottle of wine like a barbarian queen wields a battle-axe.”
I felt myself flush with pride. “Yeah, just that.”
“And now his family is making noise. And given Detective Enible’s reappearance, we have to make extra sure we don’t talk about the previous murders. You in particular.”
My cheeks flushed with offense. “Why me in particular? You don’t trust me?”
“You’re far too honest.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Also, too kind.”
“I’m a barbarian queen! I wasn’t too kind when I kicked my stalker in the balls.”
“Well, he deserved it, but I’m not sure Detective Enible does. So if he approaches you, just stay silent.” Lily-Ann leaned forward. “Oh, and when you meet Jane, ask her about that award she wanted. The Millerbrandt, I believe it’s called.”
I blinked at her in confusion. “Am I meeting her?”
“Yes. Anthony insists that disrespect is a major motivation for murder.”
“Yeah, but that’s men.”
“Well, find out what you can. You can ask her during your informational interview.”
“My what, now? What did you do, Lily-Ann?”
“I arranged a meeting for you to pick Jane’s brain. I spoke to her assistant, and pretended I was you.”
“Lily-Ann.”
“‘Hello, this is Sophie Gilman!’” she said in a high-pitched voice and flashed a smile that was, for her, positively impish.
I immediately forgave her. “That’s a terrible impression of me.”
“In any case, flatter her, then remind her you were at the DeYoungs’ and appeal to her ego by saying she must have some insight into the guests.”
“You’ve thought this through.”
“I have a list.”
“Of course you do. What’s everyone else doing?”
“Hamilton is trying to get more police reports. Apparently the ‘raid’ is over in his game, so his leverage is weaker.”
“That’s such a weird reason for a cop to share information,” I said. “To beat a video game.”
“Yes, well, as you said … men.” Lily-Ann glanced at her phone. “Hm. Mrs. B wants an address.”
“Whose?”
“She hasn’t gotten there yet. Still typing.
” She looked back to me. “I asked friends of my family for information on the Hope Ranch guests and learned that Helene and George Kagant are lovely and Sunny Wheeler is a kick. That’s what they called him.
A kick. They say Frank DeYoung was sweet, and Karina is a good hostess. ”
“So they hated Karina.”
“What’s wrong with being a good hostess?”
“It’s damning with faint praise.”
“Hm.” Lily-Ann tapped on her phone again. “Also, Mrs. B wants me to introduce you to my family friends with an eye toward fundraising.”
“Oh, god, no! I don’t want to ask you for favors like that. That’s just … no. Ignore her, please.”
“If I offer to help, Sophie, that’s my choice and cannot cause obligation on your part.”
“That’s great in theory, Lily-Ann, but I feel beholden to a waiter for refilling my bread basket.”
“We’ll work on that later,” she assured me. “Does Nicholas have any news?”
“Not since he dug up that bankrupt property Sunny Wheeler owns.”
“Speaking of which, one moment…” She paused to finish texting Mrs. B. “There we go. Now Hamilton is doing his best, but keep an eye on CJ, would you?”
“You think she’s going to run?”
“No,” Lily-Ann said, as she stood to leave. “But if I’m wrong, it will be a catastrophe.”