“She cooperated fully and gave us enough information to show us it had to be her husband. When we confronted him, he denied murdering Regina vehemently. He said we had no proof. However, there was proof.
“Evelyn provided it indirectly for us.”
The chief stopped to drink some coffee I had just warmed up.
“When we questioned Evelyn, she told us what really happened. She woke up to use the bathroom the night of the murder, right after Thomas had slipped out of bed. She knew then what she had suspected all along — Thomas must be having an affair. She also figured it had to be Regina.
“She pretended to be asleep when he came back and she could tell he was not himself. She waited until morning. After the news of Regina’s murder hit, Evelyn knew Thomas had done it. She decided to remain silent, knowing a wife can’t be forced to testify against her husband.
“After she suspected Thomas, she went to her office, closed the door and perused the books more carefully — looking for evidence of Thomas’ adultery. She found what she wasn’t looking for — The Venus Flytrap account.
“She called the police anonymously and tipped them off about Thomas’ business. It was a little cold of her, but she wasn’t going down with her husband.”
I took up the story after I refilled everyone’s coffee. “Thomas thought he would be safe going to Regina’s room that night. Evelyn wore earplugs, and usually took a sedative, but since she’d had a few drinks, Thomas thought he’d be safe in slipping out to go to Regina.
“Everything was ready. He couldn’t wait until morning to tell Regina that he’d made all the plans to leave Evelyn. He let himself in with a key that Lewis had made for him. When Thomas told Regina of his plans, she laughed. That’s when he killed her.
“I told the chief that I suspected the book we found in Regina’s brief case inscribed ‘all my love’ was one of the two I saw Hugh Porter sign for Thomas when I stood in line in back of him at Hugh’s signing.”
“They were Thomas’ prints all right.” The chief sounded satisfied. “His DNA will also likely be confirmed when we get the tests back from the lab. It will prove he was the last person to see her alive.”
I added, “Thomas had plenty of time after he played a round of golf that afternoon to stop by Regina’s room for a rendezvous. I heard them. I just didn’t know it was Thomas.”
It was getting late, and the chief stood, saying he had a big day tomorrow.
Margaret stood with her husband.
“He’s taking me away for the weekend to get a little rest and relaxation.”
I insisted on doing the dishes myself and began walking my guests to the front door.
“You know, I actually feel sorry for Evelyn Westover,” Nicole remarked, as I helped her on with her jacket. “She lost her son, and now, she’s losing her husband.”
The chief nodded. “I tend to agree with you, especially in light of the fact that Thomas confessed to having their son’s girlfriend meet with a deadly accident.
“He also confessed to murdering Katherine Anatolia when she wanted out. He really came unglued in the end. I think everything he’d done finally caught up with him.”
“Confession is good for the soul, they say.” Nicole sounded sad.
After saying goodnight to everyone, I thought about the terrorists who still lurk, plotting to do harm. I knew we had to be vigilant and remain on the alert, or one day — they would succeed!
NOT THE END
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MURDER IN HALF MOON BAY,
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Go Jillian and Teddy!
Jillian and Teddy’s Next Adventure…
The Ghost Orchid Murder – A Jillian Bradley Mystery Book 2
It's been eight years since gardening columnist, Jillian Bradley, helped solve a string of murders in Half Moon Bay. But when a friend and colleague in Scottsdale, Arizona finds a young technical assistant dead on the floor of his private office, Jillian doesn't hesitate to answer his plea for help in the investigation. After all, a $2 million research grant depends on it.
Together with Detective Jack Noble and Jillian's clue-sniffing Yorkie, Teddy, the three set out to track the killer who leaves a porcelain orchid over the wound as the only clue. Even though it means personal sacrifice for Jillian, she is determined to uncover the truth. A faith-based novel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nancy Jill Thames was born to write mysteries. From her early days as the neighborhood storyteller to the Amazon Author Watch Bestseller List, she has always had a vivid imagination and loves to solve problems — perfect for plotting whodunits.
In 2010, Nancy Jill published her first mystery Murder in Half Moon Bay, introducing her well-loved protagonist Jillian Bradley, and clue-sniffing Yorkie, “Teddy.”
When she isn’t plotting Jillian’s next perilous adventure, Nancy Jill travels between Texas and California finding new ways to spoil her grandchildren, playing classical favorites on her baby grand or having afternoon tea with friends.
She lives with her husband in Texas and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Centex Chapter.
To learn more about Nancy Jill, visit
https://www.nancyjillthames.com
or contact her at
[email protected].
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