Murder on the Eightfold Path Page 24

  He turned, edging down the side of the barn. A.J. followed at a discreet distance, listening tensely. She could hear the excited snufflings and snorts of pigs. They must be very near the pens.

  Elysia’s cool voice carried clearly although she sounded like she was speaking from inside the barn perhaps. “Maddie was uncomfortable with Peggy’s obsession, and she let the friendship lapse. But when she heard about Peggy’s supposed suicide, she knew it was all true. She rang you up and told you she knew you’d murdered Peggy.”

  Gloria’s sharp voice sounded closer. She must be on this side of the pens, guessed A.J.

  “We didn’t have a thing to do with Peggy Graham’s death. That’s the ridiculous part of it. She killed herself. It had nothing to do with us. But that pigheaded fool Maddie insisted that we’d murdered her. She said she was going to the police. I told her she was making a mistake, that the situation wasn’t what she imagined. I asked to meet her at her house at six. I arrived an hour early and went around the back. There was a little gate there. It was perfect. I went into the yard and she was right there, gardening. I shot her.”

  “You used a silencer, which is why I didn’t hear you.”

  “That’s right. You can buy them right on the Internet. I lost mine in the garden. Now climb out of that pigpen or I’ll shoot you and the pig.”

  In other circumstances A.J. would have found Jake’s expression priceless.

  He moved away from the safety of the barn wall, bringing his pistol up. A.J. darted forward to see. Two things happened. Jake yelled, “Hold it right there.” And an enormous pig suddenly burst out of its pen nearly knocking Gloria over.

  Jake leaped for Gloria, who fired her pistol as she staggered. The pig, which was as big as a comfortable chair, panicked, squealing, and careened into Jake, throwing him off balance. Gloria slipped in the mud outside the pen. Elysia darted out of the pigpen, and wrestled her for the pistol she had dropped and was scrabbling to retrieve.

  Elysia grabbed Gloria’s arm, yanked it back, and flipped Gloria right over in a move straight out of 221B Baker Street.

  “Freeze!” Elysia cried.

  Oddly enough everyone did. Jake slowly lowered his weapon, taking in the picture of Elysia triumphantly holding Gloria’s gun and Gloria on her back in the mud blinking up at all of them.

  Even Oscar the pig seemed to pause and reflect, before sticking his pink snout out and snuffling Gloria’s face. She shrieked as the big, spotted pig, gave her a wet, wheezing kiss.

  In the far away distance floated the sound of sirens. More immediately came the pound of footsteps as Stella and Stewie raced up to the tableau around the pigpen.

  “Bloody Hell,” Elysia said, as Jake prudently stepped forward to remove the pistol from her hand. “I finally caught my own villain!”

  Twenty-four

  Funny how you could solve a murder on Tuesday and still need to be back at work on Wednesday morning.

  When A.J. arrived at work—admittedly late—following Gloria’s arrest the afternoon before for the murders of Dicky Massri and Medea Sutherland, she had to make her way through a gauntlet of concerned and curious employees and students.

  “Your mom was great yesterday!” Suze exclaimed and A.J. winced.

  The minute Elysia had completed her part of the police investigation into the events at Little Peavy Farm, she had driven into Stillbrook and held an impromptu press conference on the steps of the police station. Reporters had already gathered as the news of Gloria’s arrest had spread. Elysia had taken advantage of that to announce that she had in fact cracked the case—as she had said she would. She then demanded a full apology from everyone from the police to the courts.

  “She’s something else,” agreed Emma Rice.

  “Isn’t she?” A.J. said weakly.

  “So why did Gloria Sunday kill Elysia’s boyfriend?” Suze asked as A.J. tried to edge down the hallway to her office.

  “It turns out that Gloria was actually in love with Dicky. When she learned that he was going to marry Elysia, something must have snapped. Plus it sounds to me like she didn’t trust him not to give away their blackmailing scheme.”

  “Did you hear about Yoga Meridian?” Simon asked quietly, following A.J. to her office door.

  “No. What?”

  “Apparently it’s been bought out by Tussle and Rossiter.”

  “Who?”

  “The two business entrepreneurs who’ve been buying out some of the nation’s oldest, most prestigious yoga studios. The word on the street is they’re planning to create a national chain of yoga studios.”

  “Corporate yoga?”

  “Maybe. But they’re promoting the idea that their studios will feature highly-trained teachers, high-quality classes, and still preserve that authentic, community feel of a neighborhood studio.”

  “And they’re buying up established studios?”

  Simon nodded and named two well-known California studios. “And get this. Mara Allen was let go.”

  “They fired Mara Allen?”

  “I don’t know about that. She may have left of her own free choice, but . . . either way she’s gone.”

  Her mind reeling, A.J. let herself into her office. A branded national chain could mark the beginning of the end for yoga as they currently knew it. With corporate resources and money behind them, Tussle and Rossiter could quickly drive a lot of small studios out of business. Much of the individual charm and creativity of these individually owned enterprises would be lost as commercialism took over what was at heart intensely spiritual.

  A.J. let herself into her office and sank down in the chair behind her desk.

  There was a white envelope propped against the phone. Her name was typed on the envelope face. A.J. picked it up and ripped it open.

  It was dated the previous afternoon.

  Dear A.J.,

  This is to formally notify you that I am resigning from my position as co-manager of Sacred Balance Studio, effective immediately. Had you been in the office at any time during the past three days, I would have discussed my reasoning in person with you, although my decision would have remained the same.

  I appreciate the opportunities both to learn and to teach given to me by your late aunt and my dear friend, Diantha Mason. However a new opportunity has come my way, which I feel it is my duty to pursue.

  I wish you luck in your future endeavors.

  Yours sincerely,

  Lily Martin

  What the . . . ?

  The phone rang and A.J. picked it up automatically, still staring at the letter in her hand.

  “Bonjour!” said Andy cheerfully. His voice sounded so clear he could have been in the next room.

  “Hey! How are you?”

  “Très bon as we say in Gay Paree.” His voice faded and came back on the line. “Nick says hi.”

  “Hi to Nick,” A.J. returned politely.

  “We just saw on the news that Ellie was cleared of all criminal charges. They’re saying she solved the murder—although something may have been lost in translation.”

  “No, that’s pretty much the story. Mother cleared her name. With a little help from me and Stella Borin.”

  “That’s great! What happened?”

  A.J. filled Andy in on everything that had happened since he had left them at his parents’ vacation home on the weekend. She finished, “So Mother is demanding a full apology from everyone up to and possibly including the governor and Stella has sworn to stick by her man. Although she may have to stick for a long time given the charges of extortion and accessory to murder.”

  “And what about you and Jake?”

  “He was great. He probably saved Mother’s life although she’s sure she did it all herself.”

  “No, I mean what about you and Jake?”

  “Oh. Well, there’s nothing to tell there. We’re still—”

  She could hear his sigh all the way across the Atlantic. “Can I give you some advice?”

  “No. I do
not want romantic advice from my ex-husband. My gay ex-husband.”

  “You’re going to get it anyway. Stop being so freaking chivalrous about this Witness Protection broad and go talk to the guy.”

  “He knows where to find me, Andy. If he wanted to—”

  The door to A.J.’s office burst open and Suze, her blue eyes nearly bugging from her excited face, gasped, “Oh my God! Lily has been hired as the new manager of Yoga Meridian.”

  Somewhere in the background A.J. could hear Andy saying, “He probably feels like a jackass. Give the guy a—” She absently replaced the receiver, still staring at Suze.

  “Say that again.”

  “You heard me. Lily has been hired as the new manager of Yoga Meridian. She’s replacing Mara Allen.”

  “I don’t believe it.”

  “It’s true.” Suze was gleeful.

  The phone rang. A.J. picked it up. “Sorry, Andy. I just had some unexpected—”

  “It’s me, pumpkin,” Elysia chirped. “I’m at the airport.”

  “What? Which airport? What are you doing at the airport?”

  “I’m flying to Los Angeles for a meeting with Brad Schuster.”

  “Who’s Brad Schuster?”

  “He’s a Hollywood producer. He called last night to tell me about a TV series he’s putting together featuring a team of ‘mature’ female sleuths. I’m flying into LAX for lunch with him tomorrow.”

  “Wait a minute. Are you sure this guy is legitimate?”

  “Oh yes. He’s produced all kinds of shows. He describes this as a cross between The Golden Girls meets Charlie’s Angels. He saw me on the news last night and was so impressed that he tracked me down then and there.”

  “How long are you going to be gone?”

  “Oh, just a day or two,” Elysia said cheerfully. “Unless I get the part. Then I suppose I’ll move to California for at least part of the year.”

  “What? Mother!”

  “Must run, lovie. They’re calling my flight. I’ll ring later. Cheerio!”

  There was a dial tone in A.J.’s ear. Slowly she replaced the receiver.

  Jake’s sports car was parked out in front of his house. There did not appear to be any other car on the street, which was a relief. No way was A.J. marching up to that house to have a dreaded Talk with Jake if Chess was anywhere in the vicinity.

  The fact that Chess was not in the vicinity seemed like a positive sign. A.J. knew it was Jake’s day off because he had casually mentioned it in passing when he’d called the night before to let her know that Stewie had been booked and was already spilling his guts in the hope of a plea bargain.

  She went up the tidy walk and knocked. She could smell something good cooking and hear music through the door—The Boss, she thought.

  She was just reflecting that this impromptu visit might be a really bad idea when the door swung open.

  Jake stared at her through the black mesh. After a long moment, he reached forward and unlocked the security gate. “This is a surprise.”

  “Pleasant or unpleasant?”

  He flicked her a quick look. If it had been anyone else, she’d have thought he was uncertain. “I guess that depends.”

  She followed him inside, looking around. She’d been to his house a few times and everything looked unchanged. What was she expecting? Telltale signs of gingham curtains and antimacassars on the chair arms?

  “So how’s Chess?” she asked as Jake led the way to the kitchen. He was apparently having his supper. A newspaper lay folded beside a half-finished plate of frozen pizza. He didn’t take his seat at the table, however. He leaned against the sink.

  Jake wasn’t looking at her as he answered. “She’s requested the WPP to move her again. She told them she’s been recognized, which is true.”

  A.J.’s stomach was churning as she asked, “Are you going with her?”

  Jake shook his head. “My life is here.”

  She had to get the nerve up before she could ask, “But is there anything here that you couldn’t find somewhere else?”

  In the silence between them she could hear the rattle and hum of his aged refrigerator. “You,” he said at last.

  Relief washed through her. “Then if you feel that way,” A.J. said, “why haven’t you called or been to see me?”

  Jake winced, shaking his head. “I wasn’t sure what to say to you. I feel like a complete jackass. I couldn’t imagine you being anything but totally finished with me.”

  “Me either.” His expression told her now was not the time to joke—not about this. “But, well, at least you had a really good excuse for being a . . . a . . .”

  “Jackass.”

  She bit her lip. “You were honest with me. That helped. It still hurt, but it helped. It is—was—kind of an unusual situation, you have to admit.”

  “Yeah, I freely admit that.”

  “So,” A.J. said tentatively, “it’s over between you?”

  Jake nodded. “I admit I was confused when Chess showed up. I thought I’d never see her again and you know how you build something up when you don’t have a say in losing it—even if it’s something you weren’t sure you really wanted.”

  “You weren’t sure you really wanted Chess?”

  “The engagement was broken off twice before that last time. I loved her, but I don’t think it would have lasted with us. In fact I know for sure it wouldn’t have lasted. We don’t actually have anything in common. To tell you the truth—” He stopped.

  “What?”

  “I don’t like her all that much.”

  A.J. relaxed. She couldn’t have stopped herself from smiling if her life had depended on it. “Oh? Do you like me?”

  His mouth quirked reluctantly. “Yeah. You make me laugh. You make me think.”

  “I make you mad.”

  “Sometimes. Yep.” He was grinning. “Somehow it doesn’t matter. You make me happy.”

  A.J.’s throat closed with unexpected emotion. “You make me happy, too.”

  “Yeah?” He stretched his hand out and A.J. placed hers in it. His fingers closed warmly, gently around hers. “Where do we go from here, A.J. Alexander?” His smile was uncharacteristically tender.

  “I don’t know yet,” A.J. admitted. “But one thing I’ve learned. It’s as much about the journey as the destination.”

  Exercises

  These two exercises are good for back trouble—however, always consult your physician before beginning any new exercise routine, especially if you do have health issues.

  Happy Baby Pose (nighttime)

  Step One: Lie on your back. Breathe deeply and evenly. Relax.

  Step Two: Exhale, bend your knees into your chest.

  Step Three: Inhale, grip the outsides of your feet with your hands, widen your knees and draw them toward your armpits.

  Step Four: Your shins should be perpendicular to the floor as you balance your ankles over your knees. Flex through the heels. Gently push your feet up into your hands as you pull down to create resistance.

  Step Five: Ease your thighs in toward your torso and then tug your knees gently toward the floor to lengthen your spine and release your tailbone toward the floor.

  Step Six: Don’t stop breathing as you hold the pose for the count of thirty.

  Step Seven: Exhale and release your feet back to the floor.

  Cat Stretch (morning)

  Step One: Begin by sitting on your heels, relaxed and focused, breathing evenly.

  Step Two: Move onto your hands and knees. Knees comfortably apart, hands with palms on floor (don’t bend elbows).

  Step Three: Mouth closed, look straight forward.

  Step Four: Inhale, lift head and neck, curving spine (back becomes concave).

  Step Five: Hold for count of five.

  Step Six: Exhale and lower head.

  Step Seven: Arch your back like a frightened cat, tucking head to collarbone.

  Step Eight: Hold for count of five.

  Step Nine: Exha
le and relax.

  Recipes

  Barley Soup with Porcini Mushrooms

  (Serves 6)

  2 ounces dried porcini mushrooms (2 cups)

  2 cups warm milk

  2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for

  serving

  2 tablespoons butter

  1 medium onion or 2 shallots finely chopped

  1 celery rib, finely chopped

  1½ quarts chicken stock or canned low-sodium

  chicken or mushroom broth

  1 bay leaf and/or 1 teaspoon minced sage (both

  are optional)

  ½ pound pearl barley (1¼ cups), soaked

  overnight and drained

  ¾ pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut

  into ½-inch dice

  Salt and freshly ground pepper

  Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

  Cover the porcini in a bowl with the warm milk and let stand until softened (20 minutes). Rub the porcini in the milk to rinse off any grit, then coarsely chop them. Reserve the milk.

  In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the onion and celery, cook over moderate heat until browned (15 minutes). Add the porcini and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Add the stock, bay leaf, sage, and barley and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes, cover and simmer until the barley and potatoes are tender (30 minutes). Stir in the reserved milk, stopping when you reach the grit at the bottom. Simmer for 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve, passing olive oil and Parmesan cheese at the table.