Sand In My Suitcase by L. P. Suzanne Atkinson

Author:L. P. Suzanne Atkinson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cozy, woman sleuth, series, amateur sleuth
Publisher: lpsabooks
Published: 2021-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

The Paperwork is in Order

Stella makes herself comfortable in the now familiar interview room at the Shale Cove RCMP detachment. The air conditioning, although not excessively powerful, is appreciated even at mid-morning. The weather is expected to be hot this week.

“Good. You’re here.” Aiden plops an inch-thick typewritten manuscript on the table. “I’ve skimmed her journal. Forensics provided a summary, but we need to examine her thoughts page by page. After the first entry, she incorporated dates, which makes analysis easier.” He scrapes strands of wispy white hair off his brow. “Hi, by the way. Coffee before we start?”

“No, I’m good, but eager for a peek. May I?”

He nods.

She reaches across the table for a stack of pages and begins. Paulina’s words are flowery and rich with description. Stella chooses not to read passages aloud. Farley was amorous to say the least. Certain spots resemble a drugstore pocket romance. The various mentions of his change in appearance border on the funny.

As much as my heart flutters the moment he arrives, I worked up enough courage to suggest he bathe before we make love. Farley is a man who pays little or no attention to himself, but I told him I feel the time has come for him to indulge. This, of course, is for my ultimate benefit but he need never be aware. Tonight, we discussed the new clothes he was to purchase, including under garments more suitable for a gentleman his age.

I found it disturbing when he said he expected annoyance from his wife if he spent too much money on attire. I assured him of increased success at work if he were to be more dapper. He will look handsome and sexy with a new wardrobe, and please God, a haircut and trim of his unkempt facial hair.

Aiden is focused on another passage when Stella interrupts. “I’ve found an entry which reminds me of a conversation with Trixie and Cavelle after Christmas. Cavelle said Meredith was in a lather because Farley gave himself a thorough makeover. She was none too pleased. One of them, perhaps Trixie, suggested Farley was stepping out.” She studies Aiden. “I guess she was right.”

“The most vital piece of information is the discoveries of the sister in New York City, widowed, and Jane, the child she raised. Have you located the details?”

Stella thumbs through pages. “Here it is, Aiden.” The passage is from the month before she died.

Danielle insists I remain “estranged Aunt Paulina” to my daughter, Jane. I linger in this purgatory of parenthood. I paid my dues for birthing a child out of wedlock. My sister, and her husband, Seth Braddon, laid claim to her for twenty-one years. I wrote on her birthday without success. Seth has been dead for two years. Danielle must allow me into Jane’s life. She must! I imagine Leon’s devotion to her. I often contemplate our future if he had lived, and we had raised Jane together.

I wonder if she resembles me. I wonder if she has her father’s height.

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