Page 52 of Witness To Murder
“Let me start,” Leah said to Owen. He gave her a nod, and she turned to the ex-wife. “I barely knew Raymond. I met him two weeks ago, just briefly. Then he called and asked me out. I was to meet him at the restaurant Saturday night. That, of course, didn’t happen.” Leah swallowed, her throat dry. She drew in a breath and went on. “I have no idea why he added me as a beneficiary to his insurance policy. It was totally out of left field and happened before I even knew him.”
Louise stared at her for a moment before bursting into laughter. When she’d regained control of herself once more, she swiped at her eyes. “You, that Isla, your roommate, spent endless weekends at that lake house with Raymond. Don’t even pretend you didn’t know him. Please.”
Leah looked at Owen. “I wish I could prove this to you, but I can’t. Since we’d barely met, I have nothing to show you or to use as proof. I can only say that I am as stunned as you. In fact…” She probably should have run this part past Owen, but she’d only just thought of it. “I don’t want the money. I’ll gladly sign whatever necessary to ensure that it all goes to you.”
Her gaze narrowed again. “I don’t believe you.”
“I will.” Leah glanced at Owen. He gave no indication that she should stop with this line of discussion. “I can tell Mr. Bechel at the insurance company. I’ll tell Detective Lambert. Sign whatever I need to sign.”
“I’ll have my attorney contact you.” Her face warned that she wasn’t completely convinced but was willing to see if it worked out.
“Someone,” Owen said, “made an attempt on Leah’s life last night.”
The woman’s heavily manicured eyebrows shot upward. “Why bring that up to me?” She glanced at Leah. “You know the saying, ‘Live by the sword, die by the sword’? You can’t go around sleeping with other women’s husbands without finding trouble.”
“First,” Leah said, angry now, “I wasn’t sleeping with anyone. Second, you and Raymond have been divorced for three years.”
“I suppose you know the exact date the divorce was final.”
“No. But it was part of the research we’ve done since the murder. I have a right to look into who might be involved in trying to kill me.”
Louise smiled, a vicious expression. “You should probably talk to that roommate of yours. According to my research, she’s the ruthless one. I suspect this whole scheme was her idea. It’s just the sort of thing she would do to get ahead. Tell me, were the two of you going to split the five million?”
“Leah has already been cleared of any suspicion in Raymond’s murder,” Owen said. “Your alibi, on the other hand, hinges on your mother’s testimony and that of your children.”
Fury contorted her face. “Do you think my children would lie for me if I was MIA when their father was murdered? Please.”
“I have no idea,” Owen said flatly. “Would they?”
She shot to her feet. “I think it’s time for you to go. As I told Detective Lambert, if you or the police have anything else to say to me or to ask of me, you can contact my attorney.”
Owen stood. Leah did the same. The ex-wife led the way back to the front door. Leah’s head was spinning a little. She tried to think of what else she should say, but she really knew nothing relevant to this woman.
At the door, Owen hesitated, one hand on Leah’s back, causing her to hesitate as well.
“Are you familiar with a company called After Dark?” he asked. “It’s one of your former husband’s investments. It appears to be an exclusive catering service.”
“I recall some mention of it,” she said, “but I’m not really familiar with any of his investments. What of it?”
“There’s a black sedan that’s been watching Leah. Following us at times. It’s leased to that company.”
“Knowing Raymond, he failed to follow through with whatever he owed the owner or other investors. Who knows which employee of his or of the business may be using the car?” She sent a look toward Leah. “Perhaps someone who isn’t pleased that their boss or investing partner was murdered and who hopes to find the truth.”
“Detective Lambert will be contacting you about the car,” Owen warned. “Perhaps you’ll be able to provide him with more information.”
“I’m certain my attorney can answer the detective’s questions.”
She closed the door behind them.
Leah and Owen didn’t speak until they were in the car, driving away.
“She made no bones about showing dislike for her ex-husband,” Leah pointed out.
Owen glanced at her. “I’m not sure thatdislikeis a strong enough word.”
“All kinds of motive there,” Leah said, feeling very tired now.
“She didn’t show any surprise when I mentioned the car. She could have someone watching you. But the real question is, did she hire that someone to try and hurt you?”
