Page 50 of Wedding Cake Carnage
Noah nods. “More like her worst friend.”
“Her worst friend,” I echo. “Which brings me to another lousy buddy—Amanda Wellington. She told me that she accused Jana of stealing clients the afternoon she died, and that Jana admitted it. No wonder they were arguing that day. Amanda would have had plenty of time to kill her and get back into the venue. She was certainly pumped up with enough anger. But honestly, I just don’t see any one of these people angry enough to kill Jana—and in broad daylight at the bridal convention of all places.”
Everett casts his gaze to the wall. “What better place? Think about it. All of the suspects had a motive. The killer might have wanted it that way. It certainly takes the spotlight off one person.”
“They didn’t even have to lure her there.” The words come from me breathless. “Unless it was a crime of passion, Jana was a sitting duck.”
Lainey’s wedding is less than two weeks away, and I’d do anything to have this killer behind bars before then.
Who killed you, Jana?
Who?
Chapter 18
Jana’s funeral was officiated quickly and simply by Pastor Gaines, the new hire at Honey Hollow Covenant Church that my mother seems to have taken a liking to as evidenced by the fact she’s dangling all over him now that we’ve moved to the reception area next door in Carlson Hall.
There’s a large framed black and white picture of Jana’s smiling face that was moved over from the sanctuary a few minutes ago, and Beasty sits staunchly by her side, his chin up as if he were guarding her with pride. Each time one of the suspects gets near him, he belts out a horrific roar. His love for her is so sweet it makes my heart ache just witnessing it.
Both Noah and Ivy are walking around separately, trying to look casual while listening in on various conversations. It sounds deplorable, trying to get dirt that way, but I think we’re all anxious to put this mystery to rest.
Everett nods toward the door. “That looks heated.”
I turn to find Pierce and Steven having what looks to be an extremely intense conversation.
“I bet Steven’s not thrilled with the fact Pierce still wants to take an extended vacation. I can’t say I blame him for wanting to get away.”
“But I can see Steven’s point of view. They’ve got a business to run.”
“I don’t know. Hook says it’s a huge outfit.”
“But you don’t think so?”
“Jackie said it was just the three of them—four if you count Kelleth. Although, Hook did think it was just a satellite office.”
“Maybe we should dig into that?”
I’m about to agree when Mom hightails it my way, looking as if she were about to pass out.
“You didn’t book the church.”
“Book the church for what?”
“Lainey’s wedding!”
“Why would I book the church for the wedding? I mean, wasn’t that done months ago?” I scan the vicinity and find Lainey chatting away with Keelie and Naomi.
“Yes, it was done months ago, but it was supposed to be confirmed and the deadline passed. The secretary just told me that when she couldn’t get in touch with the wedding planner she figured they changed their minds. She booked a funeral for the same hour as Lainey’s wedding!”
“Oh my God, this is horrible. This is all my fault. It’s probably on that mile-long list I’ve yet to tackle. Can’t they just move the funeral? I mean, it’s not like the deceased has anywhere to go.”
She closes her eyes, clearly indignant with my response.
“No, Lottie, they can’t.”
A viral panic begins to set in. “Okay, okay! Please don’t tell Lainey any of this. I’ll figure it all out.”
I turn to find Everett gone from my side, and a whole new panic begins to sink in.