“We heard that he typed out the suicide note on his computer,” I added.
“Yeah. Right after he swept the room of any fingerprints,” Tommy muttered in disgust. “Not to mention every strand of hair and any other evidence a normal person would leave in a hotel room.”
It was my turn to gasp. “It was murder.”
Tommy looked skyward, as if some great Being would come down and save him from women who could manipulate him so easily.
I patted his arm. “I didn’t hear you say a single word. But wait. Were the computer keys wiped clean, too?”
He glared at me. “You know I can’t tell you, so stop asking questions.”
“Because if the computer keys were wiped clean of prints,” I continued, “then that pretty much confirms it was murder.”
He pressed his lips together and refused to speak.
I frowned. “But if the keys had his fingerprints on them, indicating suicide, why would he bother to wipe off his prints in the rest of the room?”
I glanced at Jane, who nodded vigorously. “He wouldn’t. Which means it’s obviously murder.”
I smiled in triumph. “Either way, it was murder.”
Tommy grabbed both of our arms and walked us down the sidewalk away from the crowd. “You two troublemakers, get out of here before Chief Jensen sees you.”
We both pulled away from him and I said, “Okay, we’re going. Thanks a lot, Tommy.” I planted a kiss on his cheek.
Jane kissed his other cheek. “Thanks, Tommy.”
We walked together for another block until I finally stopped and turned to look at her. “I’m so sorry about Andrew, Jane. I know you liked him. And I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. I didn’t mean to. It’s been a weird week and I was just concerned that those guys might be taking advantage of you. I know you can get any man you want and I don’t begrudge you that ability. You’re gorgeous and fun and you’re my best friend and . . . I was . . . just . . . so stupid. I’m sorry.”
She grabbed me and gave me a big hug. “You’re forgiven. I was being ultrasensitive. Let’s not even talk about it anymore.”
“Well, there is one more thing,” I said, staring at the ground. “Did you enjoy your lunch with . . . she who must not be named?”
“Whitney?” She laughed. “I ended up not going. It was just so creepy to have her fawning all over me.” She shuddered and rubbed her arms. “I knew her sudden interest in me and my business and all that was totally fake. She’s so transparent. I told her I was too busy and asked for a rain check.”
“A rain check. So you’ll go out to lunch with her some other time?”
“Only if you come with me.”
“That’s a big no way, no how, never.”
“Exactly what I thought.”
We walked together back to Hennessey House and went straight up to Jane’s suite. Jane looked ready to pass out so I poured her some tea and we nibbled on the shortbread biscuits her chef was quickly becoming famous for.
Once the adrenaline rush wore off, Jane admitted she was really shaken by Andrew’s death. She still blamed herself and I continued to insist that it wasn’t her fault.
“Tommy practically admitted it was murder,” I said. “So how can it be your fault?”
“Murder,” she whispered. “That’s so awful. I know the two can’t be connected, but isn’t it weird that so soon after Jesse, someone else turns up murdered?”
I stared at my teacup, knowing she was right. The two murders had to be connected. But how?
While we sat in her room commiserating and drinking tea, Whitney called twice. Jane recognized the number and didn’t answer the phone. Apparently, thanks to the gruesome turn of events, Whitney’s devious plans to destroy our friendship were dashed for now. So at least one good thing had happened that day.
There was a knock on Jane’s door.
“Come in,” she called.
The door opened and Althea poked her head in. “Hi there. Mind if I come in for just a moment?”
“Althea, what a surprise.” Jane jumped up and walked across the room to hug the woman. “It’s so good to see you.”
“I was delivering a package to a customer in town and I thought I’d take a chance and stop by.”
“Perfect timing. Come in, won’t you?”
She hesitated by the door. “I really should get back to the shop, but I wanted to see if you’ll have lunch with me tomorrow. Just for fun, you know, girl talk, get to know each other better.” She glanced at me. “You’re more than welcome to join us, Shannon.”
“I’d love to have lunch with you,” Jane said, and flashed me a look. “Please come with us. You knew Jesse so well for so many years, we can all reminisce and have some laughs.”
“In that case, I’d love to.” To tell the truth, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Althea might just be the nice, warm woman she seemed to be. On the other hand, weird things were happening and I couldn’t be sure that she wasn’t a part of them. No way was I letting Jane go off with the woman alone.