Chapter Fifty-Eight Savannah
| Fifty-Eight |
Savannah
Savannah was shaken up after seeing Isabel. She considered Isabel’s admonition that she search the house. She supposed it couldn’t hurt to look around. She started in Bennett’s closet. She opened the door and turned on the light.
It was immaculate. Shoes arranged by style on custom shelving, above which was an assortment of shirts and sweaters.
Suits and jackets lined the other wall, and there were several leather boxes that she knew held his watch collection and the other box his cuff links and sundry jewelry.
She didn’t know much about watches, but she could tell his were expensive.
She recognized the Rolexes, of course. He had three.
He also had two Omegas, a Chopard, and a Cartier.
She felt like a sneak looking through everything, but she methodically searched each box, checked the pockets of all the suits, even looked inside the shoes.
Nothing out of the ordinary. She breathed a sigh of relief, then laughed at herself.
Had she expected to find a bloody weapon?
This was crazy. Her husband was kind and loving, and she adored him.
And what did she know about Isabel? She claimed to be a family friend, but maybe she had a grudge against Bennett.
She heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway and walked to the window. Felicia was here to prepare dinner.
She ran down the stairs and put the kettle on.
Who better to ask about Isabel? Felicia had been with Bennett for years, so surely if Isabel was truly a good family friend, she would know.
She had to bring Isabel up without disclosing that Isabel had gotten in touch with her.
Then she remembered that he had dedicated Promise Me Never to Isabel.
She could pretend to be curious about that.
Finn ran to the door and greeted the woman as she came through.
A cold gust of wind made Savannah shiver.
“Colder than the queen’s gin out there,” Felicia said as she stomped the snow from her boots.
“I’ve got the kettle on. I’d love if you’d have a cup of tea with me before you start cooking.”
“I suppose a cup of tea might be nice.”
Savannah prepared one for each of them and then put out some shortbread cookies as well since she knew that Felicia had a sweet tooth.
After she sat down, she looked at Savannah. “How’re you getting on with Bennett away? Hope you’re not too lonely.”
“I miss him, but it won’t be too long before he’s home. I’m rereading one of his books to feel like he’s with me.”
Felicia didn’t answer, just took a sip of her tea.
“I noticed that he dedicated it to someone named Isabel. Was she an old girlfriend?”
“No. Isabel’s only a friend. Sweet gal. I’ve known her since she was just a wee one. There’s never been anything between them, although to be honest, I never understood why they weren’t more.”
She must have noticed the expression on Savannah’s face because she threw her hands up right away. “Oh, that didn’t come out quite right. Didn’t mean anything by it.”
Savannah had a feeling she meant every word. “Of course, no worries at all. Do you think Isabel wanted them to be more than friends?”
Felicia took a sip of her tea, pursing her lips.
“I can’t say. I’d see her occasionally over the years.
She always seemed to be a better friend than anything.
Come cheer him up when he was blue. Especially after Poppy died.
She was here for a while. But I never saw anything untoward between them.
I guess growing up together, maybe they’re more like brother and sister.
But she hasn’t been around for a while, now that I think of it. ”
“Were she and Poppy friends too?”
At this Felicia grimaced. “Poppy. Never did understand why he went for that one. I know I shouldn’t speak ill of the dead, but she was a wild one.
No good for him. But yes, when Isabel would come to visit, the two of them seemed to have a grand time.
” She raised her eyebrows. “Drank a little too much for my taste, but I think that was Poppy’s influence as well. ”
“That’s a shame. It seems like Bennett has had a lot of heartbreak. I hope that our marriage will be a turning point for him.”
“Time will tell.”
She would not rise to the bait. She smiled sweetly at Felicia. “I’m glad that Bennett’s had you in his life all this time.” Savannah stood up, taking her cup and saucer to the sink. Then she turned around and spoke as though it was an afterthought.
“Bennett said that Poppy had been drinking a lot that night. That was why she fell overboard. Such a pity.”
Felicia’s eyes narrowed. “Even in her death she caused poor Bennett trouble. All the rumors right after. People always like to think the worst. As if my Bennett would hurt a fly.”
“The rumors finally died down?”
Felicia put a hand up. “I’ve said too much. It’s all in the past. Nothing but blue skies ahead.”