14. Elrik

14

ELRIK

" W alter and Carla remained married until he died four years after the wedding," Melly said in a breathy voice. It was clear she was shocked by what she was learning. So was I. Carla was moving to the top of our suspect list.

"In addition to threatening to tell everyone about his financial difficulties," Grannie said, "she threatened to tell everyone we were having an affair. Can you believe that? She even said she'd name me in the divorce papers. He gave up and remained with her." Her gaze fell to her plate. "He was a sweet man for protecting my reputation in this community. You know a scandal like that would spread across town like a wildfire."

"Yes." Melly blinked slowly. "You instilled that need to avoid drawing attention into me."

Grannie reached across the table and tapped Melly's hand lying beside her plate. "And I did a very good job with that. You have never given me a reason to be concerned. You have yet to stay late at a man's house. You did well in school. You excelled in college and even while you were there, you didn't give anything to the town's gossips. You moved back to town where you have solid roots, your business is doing well and is respectable, and you're helping me. Everyone sees this. They can tell how wonderful you are."

"Yes." Her face paling, Melly swallowed hard. "I won't do anything to disappoint you."

As she placed her hand on her lap, Grannie Rose scoffed. "Unlike your father. That cursed man shirked his responsibilities and took off." Her rheumy gaze met mine. "Walter's company grew under his brother's management, so when he came to me, eager to buy the shares, I gave him a good deal. Hazel advised me, naturally. She always looks out for my bottom line."

"I didn't realize you had much money," Melly said.

"I don't flaunt it, another thing those in town might frown upon," Grannie said smugly. She pushed her empty plate away. "I believe I'd like to wait for cake, if that's alright. I'm quite full already."

Melly swallowed again. "Of course. I don't believe I have any appetite for cake myself."

"Take your wine to the backyard." Grannie pushed back her chair and rose. She latched onto her walker and started toward the living room. "I want to watch my shows on TV. Last week, that sweet young detective was left in a bind. A cliffhanger, they call it. Don't they realize that an old person like me might not live long enough to find out what happens next?" She left the dining room.

"I'll clear the table." Melly shot me a shocked look. " You can take our wine outside if you want, and I'll join you."

She looked so upset. How could I make this better for her? "I'll help."

It didn't take long to put the leftovers away and place the dishes in the dishwasher.

Outside, we settled on lounge chairs with only a murky light above the back door shedding beams across the well-maintained lawn. Grannie had chairs big enough for an orc. Ice lords weren't quite as large, but I appreciated furniture I could comfortably sit in, those that let me put my legs up without them sticking off the end.

We drank at least half our wine and watched the fireflies dance through the darkness before I finally spoke. "Your grandmother is a fountain of information."

"I'm still stunned," Melly said. "I can't believe it. Actually, I can, but you know what I mean. Grannie dating Walter. Him giving her a great deal on the stock in his company. And Carla! She really was a gold digger all this time."

"And obviously, a good actress."

"She has a motive for framing Grannie."

"You're right." I'd do some research later, but now we had two solid suspects, Carla and Alfred. "Spite can make people do horrible things."