Page 38 of Hell Hath No Fury

“The place was packed. It was lunchtime. A lot of the businessmen from downtown Washington eat there.”

“Who was Sonny with?”

Eric thought. “He was at a table for six. There was him, Patrick Winslow?—”

“His construction foreman.”

“Yeah.”

Matthias figured Winslow was likely the source of Fergusson’s information. “Who else?”

“His assistant and three men I didn’t recognize, all dressed in suits and ties.”

His assistant.Matthias thought of the unhappy and unhelpful woman at the North Star Developing office yesterday. “Was there anyone at the other tables who might have a connection to Jones?”

Eric thought again, then shook his head. “Not that I can think of. But anyone could’ve told the police about it.”

“Except we’re only a few hours into the investigation. They wouldn’t have had time to learn about the incident from random questioning. Someone in Sonny’s inner circle told them.”

Emma came forward in her seat, her elbows straddling her plate. “You mentioned Sonny’s assistant. Is that Tina Neidermeyer?”

“Yes.”

Matthias looked at Emma. “Do you know her?”

“She was the person who witnessed Nell’s signature on the sales agreement,” Emma said. “I wonder if she’s the same woman we saw at Sonny’s office.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” To Eric, Matthias said, “Either the foreman or the assistant is probably the person pointing to you as a suspect.”

“Sonny was drunk. I knew that. I may have been mortified at the time, but it wasn’t something I haven’t experienced time and time again. I don’t hold Sonny responsible. In fact, he called and apologized the next day once he sobered up. I’m not sure how sincere his apology was, but I accepted it at face value.”

Matthias leaned back. “None of which matters to the police, I’m afraid. What you need is someone who can vouch for the fact you were in Cleveland last night and this morning.”

“Someone besides Nell,” Eric said so quietly, Matthias almost couldn’t hear.

“Exactly. Think. There has to be someone you crossed paths with. I’m going to call the place you stayed. What was it? The Pine…”

“Pine Gables Inn.”

“Right. How about someone at the funeral? Did you speak with anyone? Offer your condolences?”

“No. I already told you. We stayed in the rear of the church. Nell knew she wasn’t welcome, so we stayed clear of the other mourners.”

Still, Matthias thought, someone might have seen them. Sometimes, the act of trying to avoid attention produces the opposite effect. Another call to Roberta from the funeral home was in order. “I’ll see what I can find out.”

“You both have jobs to get back to,” Eric said.

“I’m on administrative leave.” Matthias turned to Emma. “Isn’t your medical leave about up?”

“I’m supposed to see the doctor on Tuesday to get cleared to drive. Laurie expects me at work on Wednesday.” Emma shook her head. “I may have to reschedule my appointment. If I need to, I’ll call my boss and tell her I need some personal time. No way am I leaving with things the way they are.”

Eric appeared on the verge of bursting into tears. “You two are the best.” He faced Emma. “Since you’re going to stick around, I really need your help. We have to get Nell back in rehab, whether she wants it or not. I’ve spent nearly every second of the last few days keeping her from getting her hands on any pills or alcohol. I cleared out my medicine cabinet. I put a lock on my wine fridge downstairs and caught the little brat trying to pick it, so I moved everything over to my neighbors’ wine cellar. I’m half afraid to leave her alone for five minutes for fear she’ll be over there, breaking into their house.”

The color drained from Emma’s face. “I didn’t realize it was that bad.”

“It’s worse.”

“What do you want me to do?”