Chocolate Cream Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen #24)(92)

“Yes, when I go out to a job site, I sometimes use them to survey the work in progress before I actually talk to the contractor.”

“You survey construction sites?” Hannah was puzzled. “But I thought you were an investment counselor for large, corporations.”

“That’s right and I sometimes recommend investing in real-estate projects like sports arenas, shopping malls, and apartment and condo complexes. I always check out past projects and those in progress to make sure the work being done matches the blueprints the builders provide.”

“Oh. That sounds like interesting work. Do you have a background in construction?”

“Yes, my father owned a construction company.”

“So you know what to look for then.” Hannah knew she had to get the conversation back to binoculars. “I can see where binoculars would come in handy for you. What type of binoculars would you recommend for someone like me?”

“That all depends on how you want to use them. If you’re talking about bird-watching, I’d recommend binoculars with high magnification, true color, and an excellent focal range. Tell me why you need binoculars.”

Hannah thought fast. “I’m planning a river boat cruise and I want to get a cabin with a balcony. I’d like to be able to watch the shoreline for scenic places to visit, and I want to watch for indigenous wildlife along the shores.”

“Then you should look into Bausch and Lomb.” Tom gave a little smile. “For a moment there, I thought you wanted to spy on your neighbors.”

Hannah shook her head. “My neighbors aren’t that interesting, but I might use binoculars on my landing. There’s a pine grove behind us and I might be able to spot a porcupine or a deer.”

“You could probably see things like that with the naked eye. You must have a good view from the second floor.”

He knows where you live, the suspicious part of Hannah’s mind pointed out.

Don’t freak! You may have mentioned it to Lynne, and Lynne may have mentioned it to Tom, the rational part of Hannah’s mind made that connection. You don’t keep where you live a secret. Everyone in Lake Eden knows, and Tom was here for the filming of the movie.

“Are you warmer now?” Hannah asked as she refilled Tom’s coffee cup again.

“Yes. I’m finally warming up,” Tom told her. “The coffee and the parka really helped.”

“I can always run back in the coffee shop and get your hat,” Hannah offered. “Mother always says that most of your body heat escapes from the extremities and if your feet and your head are warm in the winter, you’ll stay warm all over.”

“It’s okay, Hannah. I don’t need my hat. It’s warm here in the kitchen.”

“I noticed your hat and it’s really nice,” Hannah opened the subject of Tom’s hat. “I haven’t seen Buffalo Plaid on a hat before.”

Careful! the rational part of Hannah’s mind warned. He’s beginning to look suspicious.

Go ahead, Hannah, the suspicious part of her mind egged her on. You have to find out if Tom pushed Clara down in the snow because he didn’t want anyone to know that he was hiding out in the clubhouse and watching our staircase for Ross.

But where’s the motive? the rational part of her mind asked. If Tom killed Ross, he had to have a reason.

Hannah ignored the ongoing debate in her mind and asked another question. “Do you know anyone who lives in my condo complex, Tom?”

Tom looked puzzled by her question. “I don’t think so. Why do you ask?”

“Because I was in the clubhouse yesterday and there was a towel from the Gala Expedition hanging in the men’s shower room. I thought that it might be yours.”

Now you’ve stepped in it! the suspicious part of Hannah’s mind chided her. Just look at his face. He’s on to you!

You’re right, the rational part of Hannah’s mind agreed. The fat’s in the fire now. But if Tom watched for Ross and killed him, what’s the motive?

Hannah dipped another frozen peanut butter ball in the chocolate. She had to work quickly because it wasn’t quite cool enough.

“I should never have stopped here,” Tom said, reaching inside his pocket and pulling out a gun. “I should have known you’d figure it out. Sorry, Hannah. I liked you. And I liked Ross, too, until he double-crossed me with the movie.”

Hannah froze with her hand on the handle of the pan with the chocolate. Do something! both sides of her mind shouted. Keep him talking!

It was good advice and Hannah took it. She had to keep Tom talking until Mike arrived! “I don’t understand. Ross double-crossed me, but how did he double-cross you?”

The pistol pointed at Hannah’s head didn’t waver, but a slight smile crossed Tom’s face. “It won’t do you any good, you know. I have to kill you whether I tell you or not.”

“I understand that. What I don’t understand is how Ross double-crossed you.”

“It was an investment. I invested other people’s money in Ross’s movie.”

“Are you talking about Crisis in Cherrywood?”

“Yes, and I convinced several of my biggest investment clients to join me. We completely financed the movie.”

“But Crisis in Cherrywood made money, didn’t it?”