The Wife Stalker(38)
I nodded. “I’ve come to the same conclusion.”
Ava’s eyes were smoldering, and she spoke with bitter resentment. “That sailing accident was no accident. Matthew and Mia were expert swimmers, and they both knew how to sail . . . but somehow they both drowned, and she got out alive. She killed my daughter. And she got away with it.”
Her words made me tremble. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Ava,” I said. “And I’m sorry to bring this up, but I’m worried that my children are in danger, too. She takes them out on her sailboat most weekends, and I’m terrified that something bad is going to happen to them.”
She leaned forward now, getting closer to me. “You’re right to be concerned. She’s evil, and she’s smart. She knew how to make sure that nothing could be pinned on her.”
“How did she get away with it?” I asked.
“Pamela’s story was that a squall came up suddenly. Something broke and the boom hit Mia, who went overboard. Pamela said she’d tried to get her to wear a life vest earlier, but she refused. Of course, no one can corroborate that.”
“What happened to Mia’s dad?”
“Matthew went right in after her, but they got caught in the sail and drowned. Pamela said she threw the life preservers out, did everything she could, but lost sight of them in the high seas.” Her eyes were now filled with rage. “I know she orchestrated the whole thing, sabotaged the boat.”
“Was there no way to prove that? Wasn’t there an investigation?” I asked.
Ava’s fists convulsed with suppressed rage. “Yes, but the police concluded that it was an accident.” She twisted her hands together. “Matthew had changed his will in her favor. There was a large trust fund for Mia, but since she died, too, the bulk of his estate—over twenty million dollars—went to Pamela. She stayed in the house for a while, but this is a tight-knit community, and I made sure everyone knew what she had done. No one wanted her at the country club, or anywhere else, for that matter. She finally sold the house and moved away.”
“And that’s when she became a new person,” I said. “She came east to find another target. But I don’t understand. Doesn’t she have all the money she needs now? Why does she need another rich husband?”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s not the money. Maybe it’s something else.”
I felt a terrible chill go up my spine, despite the warmth of the sun on my face.
“What was her maiden name? Maybe I can find something out about her past that would help me convince my ex-husband she’s dangerous.”
She shook her head. “It’s Rayfield, and she comes from Annapolis, Maryland. Just a small-town girl looking to strike it rich.”
I left Ava’s feeling shaken, and though it was nearly six o’clock by the time I returned to the hotel, I wasn’t hungry. The only thing I felt was a sick ball of fear in my stomach. Ava was a broken woman. Though I’d been in awe of her house and everything she had, all the money in the world couldn’t make up for losing a child. It made me more determined than ever to keep digging and stop Piper before she could do the same thing to Evie and Stelli—and Leo.
I had a terrible night, restless and hovering between wakefulness and a half sleep. I know I dreamed awful dreams, but when I awoke in the morning, they were all hazy. As I showered and dressed, an image would come to me and then fade just as quickly. Still lacking an appetite, I sat at the small desk in my room and dialed the number for the California Department of Health and Vital Records I’d found on their website. I knew it was a long shot, but I thought that maybe if I got a copy of Pamela and Matthew Dunn’s marriage license, it might reveal something more about her background.
I was prepared to reroute my trip home, fly to Sacramento, and go to their offices, but when I spoke to a clerk in the office, I was told the only way to obtain records was by mail. Disappointed, I downloaded the necessary request form and asked the hotel’s business office to print it for me. I got down a cup of bitter coffee and half an English muffin as I filled out the form, put it and a check into an envelope, and asked the front desk to mail it for me. I hoped my efforts would produce some useful information, but having to wait for almost a month would be agony. What if that turned out to be too long? It occurred to me then that Ava might have a copy of Matthew and Pamela’s marriage certificate. I could have kicked myself for not asking her yesterday and punched her number into my phone.
After three rings she picked up. “Hello?”
“Ava, it’s Joanna. Do you have a copy of Matthew’s marriage certificate? I’ve requested a copy from the state, but it could take weeks.”
“I don’t have one on hand, but let me see what I can do. I might be able to pull some strings and have it sent to you sooner.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry to bring up things that are so painful for you, Ava. I—”
“No, not at all,” she interrupted before I could continue. “I’ll do anything I can to help you expose her. I want her to pay for what she’s done. The justice system has failed me, but I won’t rest until she suffers for what she did.”
“And I will do my best to make sure that happens. Thank you so much for seeing me. I’ll stay in touch and let you know anything I discover. Thank you again.”