Free Murder of a Wedding Belle by Denise Swanson

took a swig of beer. “I’m not sure what’s up with that. I can’t remember the last time he took a vacation.”
    “Maybe he’s met someone,” Skye offered. Wally’s mother had died the year he’d finished college.
    “I doubt it.” Wally’s tone was serious. “Remember, I told you, Boyd men mate for life.”
    Skye kept her face impassive. Wally’s first wife had left him, so what did his statement mean? Had she been his mate for life and he was making do with Skye? Instead of asking, she said, “Ready for some brownies?”
    “I’m stuffed. Maybe later.”
    “Me, too.” Skye got to her feet. “Why don’t you go relax while I clean up?”
    Wally pushed back from the table and started to clear the table. “We’re both tired. Why should I get to rest and not you?”
    Skye grinned. Except for the fact that he was older, divorced, and not Catholic—as her mother continually reminded her—Wally was the perfect man.
    Fifteen minutes later they settled on the sofa in the living room. The hardwood floor gleamed in the low light of the aquarium—Skye’s gift to Wally on his last birthday—and the deep taupe walls created a warm haven.
    “Let’s see if the murder made the local news.” Wally turned on the TV. “I was surprised when you told me Belle’s father was a famous hotelier.”
    “Believe me, she never let anyone forget who her dad was.” Skye wiggled into the buttery soft leather couch. “Did you ever get hold of her parents?”
    “No. I spoke with dozens of assorted personal assistants and secretaries and housekeepers, but they all claim the Canfields are on their yacht in the Mediterranean and refuse to give me their cell numbers. The employees claim they’ll pass on the message that I need to talk to them about an urgent matter regarding their daughter.” Frustration edged his voice. “That’s one of the reasons I hope the media didn’t get wind of Belle’s death.”
    Skye nodded sympathetically.
    “I hate cases where famous people are involved. So far we’ve only dealt with minor celebrities, but Canfield Hotels are famous worldwide.”
    “Yes, but I don’t think Belle was all that famous. I remember the first time I met her, she was moaning that the paparazzi didn’t pay as much attention to her as they did to Paris Hilton.” Skye patted his arm. “Maybe we’ll catch a break and solve the case before a reporter puts two and two together. After all, who would expect someone like Belle Canfield to be working in Scumble River?”
    The news ended and Wally clicked off the TV. “Looks like we dodged the bullet so far.”
    “Do you want to talk about the interviews?” Skye turned sideways on the sofa so she could look at Wally without straining her neck. “Or are you too tired?”
    “Well, there are other things I’d rather do.” Wally gave Skye a sexy grin. “But it’s probably better if we go over the facts while they’re fresh in both our minds.”
    “Okay. Let me get my notes.”
    “I’ll grab mine too.”
    When they were both resettled on the couch, Skye asked, “Are you thinking that Belle’s murderer is probably connected to the wedding?”
    “That’s the most likely scenario. The wedding party and the vendors are the only ones in the area who know her. So, yes, that’s my working theory.”
    “Hmm.” Skye chewed her lip. “How about an ex-boyfriend? She was pretty up-front about sleeping around, and I heard her on the phone begging a friend to make some guy give her another chance.”
    “What was the friend’s name?” Wally asked.
    “Shoot! I don’t remember.” Skye shook her head. “Something cute and girly.” She sighed. “I’ll ask Riley and the other bridesmaids if they know the names of any of Belle’s close friends.”
    “Good. Tomorrow, I’ll have Martinez start calling all the people in the vic’s cell phone directory.”
    “And whenever I get one of the guys in the wedding party alone, I’ll see if he had a fling with Belle.”