“You’re fine. Some company would be nice for a change. Other than Carl and Sandra, there hasn’t been anyone else stopping into the kitchen, and between the three of us, Sandra isn’t much company today.” I found it shocking that she had been sober enough for a visit, but I decided voicing that opinion wouldn’t be a good idea. I had no idea how much Judy cared for the woman. “Have a seat and I’ll fix you up.”
Kim and I thanked her as we took our seats in the breakfast nook that was big enough to seat six and located in the rounded nook of the kitchen. Judy hadn’t been wrong, and the view of the vineyard was breathtaking from the spot. I wondered how many acres it was, and was sure it was in one of our pamphlets from the gift shop.
Kim kept her loot on the table and was careful not to shake it around too much with the wine and glasses that were wrapped up inside it. “Next time you come to my house, we’re popping this cork.” She had loved most every one of the wines she’d tasted, but that bottle had been her favorite variety.
“It’s a date.” I’d thought we’d be tipsy before it was all over, but instead I felt wonderful, aside from being a bit hungry.
Judy made quick work to solve that problem and in minutes had our sandwiches in front of us. My eyes widened over the size and Judy sat at the table and waited for us to taste them. “Tell me what you think,” she said, looking at us with anticipation.
I took a bite and savored the flavor of the shrimp and slaw. “This is amazing. Thank you.”
Judy squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “It won a blue ribbon in the yearly cook-off.”
Kim was too busy eating to speak, but she closed her eyes and nodded as she gave Judy a thumbs up. But that was when there was a knock on the front door.
Judy walked out to the entrance, which was right through the door, and when I heard it open, I could hear the police. Kim could, too, and her eyes flashed with concern. “It’s okay.”
She nodded and we kept eating as they asked for Harbor Grant. I didn’t dare move. If Harbor saw me, he’d think I had something to do with it. He’d know it.
A slow burn ached in my heart as Gabriel’s voice told his nephew it would be all right, and just to cooperate. Mason was in there, too, promising to follow Harbor down to the station. Harbor didn’t speak at all, but then I heard Sandra, and my heart sank.
“What are you doing with my son!” she screamed. Gabriel’s voice assured her it would be okay, and if I knew him, he’d be holding her back.
“He’s going in for questioning,” said a male voice I was unfamiliar with. It must have been the officer.
“Is he being arrested?” Sandra was one tough cookie, and I’d hate to have to tangle with her.
“We’re going to ask him some questions is all, ma’am. He can have a lawyer present.”
“I’m going with him, Sandra. It will all be okay; I promise.” Mason was making the big promises, but she wasn’t buying it.
“If you harm one hair on his head… Mason, you better take care of him.” Her voice rose as if they were walking away from her and the sound of the door closing was subtle, but still quite recognizable.
I looked up at Kim, whose eyes were as wide as saucers. As glass shattered on the other side of the door, Sandra lost it.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Gabriel
Sandra had gone off the deep end when she figured out the police were there for her baby boy and not me. I’d hoped that Luna and her friend would stay at the vineyard until it was over, but the police, as usual, had taken their sweet time.
As they left with Harbor, I had to hold Sandra back. I waited until I saw them drive away before I turned her loose. The alcohol on her breath wouldn’t do her any favors if she tried to go after them, and I’d been around her long enough to know that she’d try.
As soon as I loosened my grip, she elbowed me and darted away, bumping into the sofa table. A vase was knocked off balance and the top-heavy thing decided to crash to the tile floor a moment later.
The kitchen door flew open and Luna, with Kim tight on her heels, came out wide-eyed and clutching her chest. Before I could tell her to get back in the
other room, they stepped around me to go upstairs.
Judy retreated to the kitchen and left the Sandra and I glowering at each other.
“What did they want with him?” She pointed to the door as if Harbor and the police were still standing there.
“It’s about the murders. They have reason to believe that Harbor was in Las Vegas during the time they happened.” I stood on guard, waiting for her to make another irrational move.
“How dare you involve my son in your bullshit!” She came at me, her arms swinging like a boxer’s, and made contact as I blocked her. “You know that’s a damned lie. He was here with me the whole time. No one can say otherwise.”
Her protective instincts were outweighing her common sense, and I wondered if I should spare the breath to try and explain. I’d have to be careful not to let her know I was the one who tipped them off. She didn’t need to know that.