Dead in a Dumpster by B. L. Blair

Author:B. L. Blair
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, mystery, women sleuths, romantic mystery
Publisher: B. L. Blair

Chapter 13

On Wednesday, I returned to work. Once again, Isabel’s death and recent events resulted in increased sales. December was normally one of our busiest months, but when I reviewed the sales totals for the week, they were well above normal.

I spent most of the day on the floor as the news of my return spread and store traffic increased. Suddenly, I was in favor again. I no longer received suspicious looks or veiled comments. Everyone was very sympathetic and inquired about my injuries. All the gossip was now centered on Trent. It saddened me to hear the way some people talked. Trent had been well liked but now was enemy number one. I realized how lucky I was that my friends stood by me when some people believed I was guilty. When this was all over, no matter how it turned out, Trent, too, would know who his friends were.

Olivia came by for a late lunch so that we could talk about my visit with Trent. We decided to avoid the larger crowds and headed next door to Nora’s Bakery. It was after two so the place was almost empty. Only two of the tables were occupied. Candace was behind the counter when we placed our order. Olivia headed to an empty table, but I stopped a moment to speak with Candace as she fixed our lunch. She was subdued and still a little distant. The news about Trent must have been difficult for her.

“How’re you doing, Candace?”

She gave me a tight smile. “Okay. I just can’t believe they arrested Trent. He didn’t kill Isabel.”

“I know,” I replied softly. It wasn’t unexpected that Candace was defending him. She was a better friend than I was. She hadn’t doubted him at all. She looked surprised at my response.

“But you thought he was guilty,” she said, still not ready to forgive me.

“All the evidence was pointing toward him, but I don’t think I ever really believed it.”

“They don’t really have evidence that he killed Isabel, do they?”

“Well, I guess it’s all circumstantial, but it might be enough to convince a jury.”

“What do you mean?” Candace asked.

“He was involved with the drug smuggling, he has a past history with drugs, and his relationship with Isabel wasn’t exactly cordial. It also doesn’t help that Mr. Thorpe overhead the two of them arguing and Trent threatening Isabel. His word carries a lot of weight around here. That alone might be enough to sway a jury.”

“You think Mr. Thorpe will testify against him?” Candace looked shocked by that. I just shook my head. Sometimes I forget how young she is.

“Probably,” I said. “He told the police about the argument. I’m sure he is upset about them using his store to smuggle drugs. Trent could have stopped it. He could have told someone. Besides, I’m not sure Thorpe will have a choice. If the district attorney subpoenas him to testify, he’ll have to do so.”

“But if he testifies, Trent could be in trouble,” Candace said angrily. “Everybody respects Mr.

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