Free Silenced By Syrah by Michele Scott Page B

to discuss the wine pairings for dinner, and his spa treatment appointment.
    Janie took out a letter from a pocket in the notebook. “Read this.”
    The letter said that if Janie had never come into Georges’ life, Bernadette wouldn’t be in jail and the reason she’d ruined her clothes and paintings was because Janie was always with Georges, that it was disrespectful to Bernadette. She went on to write that she did not burn the guesthouse down and that Janie should have known her better than that and that Janie’s testimony was what put her in jail. She also wrote how betrayed she’d felt by Georges. That part Nikki found really interesting. It sure did sound like Bernadette Debussey needed help.
    Nikki handed the letter back to Janie. “She’s pretty angry. I see what you mean. Did you tell Detective Robinson any of this?”
    “I did. I told him what I thought about Bernadette and what I knew about her brother being a criminal. He said that he’d check into it.”
    “It may be a good idea to show him this letter. Think about it. You may be right: if Bernadette is as angry as she sounds and if she and her brother are close, who knows.” Janie nodded. “By the way, do you know where Baron O’Grady is staying?”
    “He’s at the hotel. I saw him there. Why?”
    “Oh, for some reason when he was late yesterday I assumed he’d come in from the city.”
    “Well yeah, he had, but then he checked in.”
    Nikki drank the rest of her coffee. “Baron. Is he a good guy?”
    “Totally. He and Georges were best friends. I haven’t talked to him, but I’m sure he’s devastated.”
    “I think I’ll go by and see him.”
    “Tell him I’m thinking of him. Okay?”
    “Sure. If you need anything else please feel free. There’s food in the fridge and you can watch TV or listen to the stereo, go on the Internet. Whatever you need.”
    “Thanks. You really would make a great mom.”
    Nikki wondered. Maybe. She showered, then pulled on a pair of khakis and took out a silk shell in a paisley pattern of pinks and reds. Pretty and summery, and she knew that the June day would be hot, probably a tad humid, too. After drying her hair, she pulled it back and dabbed on some blush, a little mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss. Funny how at almost thirty-seven she was just starting to like the way she looked, even with the slightly noticeable lines around her eyes and on her forehead. She’d spent so many years trying to be glamorous, doing all the tricks with the makeup, applying self tanner to give her that natural California glow, but now it all seemed kind of humorous when she thought about it. Maybe inching toward forty wasn’t so bad after all. And, maybe Janie was right about her being a good mom. The time clock was ticking and she did want a family. At least she thought she did. Andrés’ face flashed into her mind, and then the thought of Spain, and of going there with him. Could she do it? Should she do it?
    Nikki didn’t have any answers to her questions. She slid into her sandals and finished getting ready, then said a quick good-bye to Janie. She did the half-mile hike to the winery’s business offices and, as she suspected, found Derek there.
    She stood in the doorway to his office. He looked as tired as she felt, and an urge to comfort him came over her. If she could only let go of those urges. Why did this guy have a hold on her? It was maddening. “Hi,” she said.
    He looked up from some paperwork. “Hey. How are you?” He stood up as she came in. “I wanted to call you or stop by and see you last night. Simon and Marco told me that you were the one who found Georges. I’m sorry. I got caught up with the police, and I knew that Andrés was with you.”
    Sigh. A little stab in the heart. Stupid, yes, but still there. “No worries. Thanks though. I’m fine. I guess shaken some, but you know it’s not the first dead body I’ve dealt with.” Okay, that was a pretty dumb thing to say. This man could