The Final Victim(90)

There's no evidence that Gilbert Remington's death was anything but accidental. But in checking out all the avenues leading to Gib's possible motivation for Royce Maitland's shooting, the detectives aren't about to avoid this one.

As Dorado put it, it's awfully coincidental that the old man died just a few weeks before Royce Maitland was shot, and that the assault occurred shortly after Gib learned for the first time that he had been disinherited.

He was willing to do anything to get his hands on that money, Dorado told Tyler.

And Tyler couldn't bring himself to argue the point.

Having witnessed Gib's reaction to the will that day in his office, Tyler has no doubt that his surprise was as genuine as his dismay, which transformed right before the attorney's eyes to full-blown rage.

Tyler, of anyone, saw firsthand how much that money meant to Gib.

Tempted as he is to walk out of here and never look back, Tyler needs to take care of a few details first. There's no telling what might come to light if there's an ensuing investigation into Gilbert's death-and his life.

He owes it to his late friend-and to the memory of the Telfair Trio-to at least attempt to unearth the truth that lies beneath this latest Remington calamity, while making every effort to keep the near-miss of the past safely buried, where it belongs.

That doesn't mean he's going to represent Gilbert's grandson in court. But perhaps he can help him locate a criminal lawyer who has no potential conflict of interest-and nothing personal to lose.

No matter the eventual outcome… whichever way this turns out-whether Gib is exonerated or proven guilty-Tyler's loyalty to Gilbert will remain unsevered.

Yes, he thinks, but if there really is the slightest bit of hard evidence that Gilbert's death was anything other than from natural causes…

Then Gib Remington is entirely on his own.

Rounding the corner into the kitchen, Charlotte nearly slams into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Aunt Jeanne's nurse exclaims, taking a big step back, clutching a steaming mug. "I'm so glad I didn't burn you!"

Surprised to see her, Charlotte asks, "What are you doing here?" 'Just fixing your aunt some hot cocoa. Not the kind from the mix. I brought everything to make it from scratch. She likes a nice hot drink in the afternoon, and she was telling me that her mother used to make it for her that way when she was a little girl, so I-"

"No," Charlotte cuts in, not in the mood for idle chitchat, "I meant, what are you doing working today? I thought Sunday was your day off."

Melanie lowers her gaze to the mug. "It is. I just thought your aunt needed me here today. She's been so down, so it seemed like a good idea to come."

Charlotte digests this news with a twinge of guilt-she has neglected her elderly aunt these last few weeks, with all that's gone on-but also with a speck of suspicion.

It's not as though she can't afford to pay the nurse overtime. But that wasn't part of the original arrangement made by Grandaddy, and she can't help but wonder if Miss Sunshine, here, might not be a bit more shrewd than she comes across.

"Melanie," she says, after contemplating the best phrasing, "my grandfather had budgeted Aunt Jeanne's,care and until I can look more closely into her daily needs to see if that warrants a change, I'm afraid-"

"Oh, you think I'm here today for the money? Don't worry, Mrs. Maitland. I wasn't expecting to get paid. I'm just visiting."

Really? Or are you an opportunist who cleverly shifts gears when put on a spot? Charlotte wonders as she looks into Melanie's big, seemingly earnest, blue eyes.

She decides to keep her suspicions to herself, at least for now. "Well, it certainly is nice of you to give up your day off," is all she says.

"Oh, I don't mind at all. Your aunt is such a wonderful woman. I love spending time with her." Melanie's tone isn't the least bit reproachful, but Charlotte gets the silent message loud and clear.

I love spending time with her.,. and so should you.

"Well, thanks," she murmurs to Melanie, resolving to pop upstairs later to see her aunt.

"You look really nice today, Mrs. Maitland. That color looks great on you."

"Thank you."

"And where did you get those shoes? They're darling!"

Charlotte repeats her gratitude, and tells Melanie she doesn't remember where she bought the shoes-which isn't the truth. They were purchased at a boutique where the least expensive item would cost several weeks' worth of Melanie's hourly wage.

"Are you going someplace special?" the nurse chatters on.

"Oh, I was going to head to church, and-" She slaps her head, remembering.

"What is it?" I meant to get some ingredients at the supermarket for a seafood recipe I'm making for my husband, that's all."

"Would you like me to run out for you?"

"No, that's okay, you don't have to do that."

"I really wouldn't mind. I love being out and about! Especially when the sun is shining and the birds are singing, like today."

Sometimes, Charlotte thinks, Melanie's bubbly demeanor is a little hard to stomach.

"Really," Charlotte assures her, "that's okay. I'll go to the store later, or tomorrow. But thanks anyway."