Page 45 of Wedding Cake Carnage
“Lottie”—he sighs as he thumbs through the to-do lists I’ve handed over—“legally I shouldn’t have all this evidence in my hands without the proper search warrant, but since you were not technically breaking and entering, I’m going to overlook the fact you took things from her bedroom without garnering permission first.”
“From whom? The deceased? I’m not asking Pierce, that’s for sure. That apartment is technically Felicity’s and all the things in it, too, including this.” I plop Jana’s journal in front of him, and he inspects the ripped seam where the pages were ripped out, jagged. “Keelie is going to find out from Felicity who else had access to Jana’s room since she died. Noah, I need to know if Jana had an engagement ring on when she was killed.”
“Easy.” He picks up his phone. “I’ll call the morgue.”
It takes less than ten minutes for Noah to get a complete report sent to him on the items Jana had on her person the afternoon she was killed.
“Two bracelets, one pearl necklace, a matching set of button pearl earrings, a toe ring, sandals, a dress, bra, underwear, an elastic band in her hair.” He glances up. “No ring.”
“No ring.” I nod. “Why in the world would Jana not wear her engagement ring? I mean, I’m not engaged, but I’ve hardly taken off this ring Everett’s mother gave to me. I’m terrified I’ll lose it. Which reminds me, I really need to give this back to Eliza, but I can’t seem to figure out how. But you know what? When I do take it off, my finger feels naked without it. Of course, when I bake, I take it off and put it in the ground safe at the bakery. But Jana was at a bridal expo. You’d think that would be the perfect place to wear it.”
“It is.” Noah tips his head to the side. “Whatever happened in her journal that last week would have either pointed us to the killer or to a motive. Jana obviously was busy that last week, so we may not be able to read too much into the fact Pierce took a back seat, but that ring… I just wish we knew what the last few pages of that journal said.”
“I glossed over the entire month before, and she was gushing over her engagement and her new job as my sister’s wedding planner. She even talked about how much she loved Honey Hollow.” A thought comes to mind. “Wait a minute. Jana and those last few pages of her journal might be gone, but I have a feeling there’s a talking journal out there that might be in the know.”
“Such as?”
“Her best friend. I think we should head over to Underwood Investments and have a chat with Jackie. Which is perfect timing because she’s the next person on my list.”
Noah’s forehead creases with worry. “I’m wondering if she’d open up to me again. I’m the one that questioned her the day of the killing.”
“What did she say?”
“Nothing suspicious. She seemed devastated.”
“Huh. We ran into her at Mangias a few days later and she looked just fine. She was probably holding it together, trying to help Pierce manage his own grief. Funny thing about grief, though—it’s an appetite killer. They were both enjoying a feast just days after the killing.” I shake my head. “That was a lot of conjecture and harsh judgment, wasn’t it?”
“It was, but that, my friend, is the long thorny road to catching a killer.” He jumps up and puts on his jacket. “Let’s drive down to Underwood Investments. It’s about a block away.”
“Perfect. How about we stop off at that donut shop down the street first?”
“You really are a homicide detective in the making, you know that?” He chuckles at the thought.
“Not for me, for Jackie. If I’ve learned anything, the way to the truth often starts with something sweet to eat.”
* * *
We pickup the donuts—two boxes, one for Noah and me and one for Jackie and the rest of the employees at Underwood Investments. Noah and I eat three each before we drive by and indeed spot Jackie at her desk through the window.
We park a few paces back from the office, and I head on in with an apprehensive smile.
“Knock, knock,” I say as I wave over at her.
Jackie’s entire face brightens at the sight of me. Her hair sits over her head like a dark nest, and she’s wearing oversized purple-framed glasses that offer her an adorable appeal.
“I’m sorry.” She winces. “Is it Lizzie? I’m terrible with names.”
“Lottie.” A warm laugh bubbles from me. “It’s not your usual name, so I don’t hold it against you. Besides, you’re still grieving.” I set the oversized pink box of donut deliciousness on her desk. “This is for all of you. I’m sure it’s been tough around here in general,” I say, taking a seat in front of her.
“You don’t know the half of it.” She pulls the box over and dives right in. “Mmm,” she moans, taking a bite out of a fresh glazed donut. “It’s still warm. You’re the best, Lottie. Thank you.”
“No problem. Any news on the arrangements?”
“Funeral is Wednesday at that church up in Honey Hollow.”
“Oh, I’ll be sure to send some baked goods over to go along with the refreshments in the aftercare area. Free of charge, of course. Have you thought anymore on who could have done something like this?”
She shakes her head. “I can’t get it out of my mind, and yet I’m baffled. Do you realize that sweet girl didn’t have an enemy in the world?”