Free Bone Appétit by Carolyn Haines Page B

firms. They weren’t interested in taking my case because I didn’t have money to fight with and I’d voluntarily signed away my rights. They told me that realistically the Wellingtons had the resources to keep me in court until Vivian was eighteen, and that the whole time they would be poisoning my daughter against me. They were correct. Marcus won’t even let me see Vivian. I haven’t held my own baby in two years.”
    Fury sparked in her eyes for a split second. “I heard about this contest, and I knew if I could win, I could use the money to hire a lawyer. A good one. I have to get Vivian back before they turn her completely against me. Before they turn her into one of them.”
    “Do the pageant officials know you’ve had a child?” Somewhere in the back of my head I felt certain there was a rule against beauty contestants also being mothers. Maybe not a rule, but definitely a prejudice. I’d never heard of a contestant who balanced a tiara and a child.
    “No one knows. They’d kick me out.”
    “But if they discover the truth about Vivian, they’ll strip you of the title and likely file suit against you to return the money.”
    “Maybe I can convince them that a spokeswoman who manages a career and a child can only make their product more appealing. That is their market: young mothers who demand the finest equipment. Besides, if I can get Vivian away from those people, I’ll risk jail.”
    “And who would care for Vivian?” To take her from the Wellingtons only to put her in the foster care system didn’t seem wise.
    “I’ve come to an understanding with my mother. She would take Vivian and raise her. I don’t want my little girl growing up to believe she can get away with anything because she’s a Wellington. I don’t want her to think using people is part of doing business. I don’t want her
corrupted
by that way of living. My family is poor, and we live in a rural area, but Vivian would have love.” Hedy sensed the weak link and she focused on Tinkie. “Will you help me? There’s no one else I can turn to. I swear, I’ll find a way to pay you. I swear it.”
    A loud knock saved us from committing to a case I saw clearly would be for charity and that already involved two dead women.
    “I’ll get the door,” I said. “I’m sure it’s Police Chief Jansen.” I didn’t have to have Madame Tomeeka’s abilities to figure that one out.
    Jansen was a burly man with a deep voice and an impressive mustache. He allowed Hedy to remain in our room—with a police officer posted outside the door—while he scoped out the crime scene.
    Tinkie distracted Hedy by encouraging her to talk aboutVivian. When I could stand it no longer, I told Tinkie I was going to investigate and then left. No worries on being stealthy—the entire second-floor hallway around Hedy’s room was filled with cops, curious hotel guests, and management. I eased closer and closer, hoping to overhear some scuttlebutt. I made it almost to the door before Jansen spied me and beckoned one of the officers to halt me.
    “Was she poisoned?” I realized a moment too late I’d revealed too much.
    “Won’t know until the coroner examines her.” Jansen gave me the once-over. “What makes you think she was poisoned?”
    “I didn’t hear a gunshot. This whole place would’ve been like an ant bed.”
    “Yet you didn’t assume she’d been stabbed,” he pondered aloud.
    It was time to turn the focus of the conversation. “Any idea what happened to Brook? Is there an explanation why she caught on fire and never lifted a finger to help herself?”
    “Are you working this case, Ms. Delaney?” he asked.
    “Not officially. How’d you know I was a private investigator?”
    “Let’s just say your reputation precedes you, and while Sheriff Peters may put up with your meddling in his cases, I won’t. Do you understand?”
    “Perfectly,” I said with a huge crocodile smile. Tinkie had taught me to “emote pleasantness” when