Deadly Offer by Vicki Doudera

designer by training, Selena had planned the property’s new barn, installing an office, a pretty tasting room, and ample space for wine production. Dan had been her chief advisor, and together they had transformed the once derelict property into a charming little winery.
    “It’s in my blood,” Selena had once explained about her passion for winemaking. “My grandfather worked in the vineyards outside of Ensenada, in the Guadalupe Valley. That’s why I like wine so much, too.”
    Andrea had giggled, glad to have a friend who was so open, so fun.
    But two years ago, things began to change. Selena grew more distant, keeping to herself up at Carson Creek and rarely returning phone calls. When Andrea bumped into her at the supermarket in St. Adina, Selena had seemed thinner and older with each encounter. Andrea, meanwhile, became consumed by the growing popularity of her husband’s vineyard. Michael had finally been recognized for his contributions to the valley’s wine industry, and with his designation of Winemaker of the Year had come a new celebrity for him and the vineyard. There were social engagements nearly every night, trips to France to promote the business, and a never-ending stream of celebrities and politicians to entertain on the vineyard grounds. I didn’t see much of Selena over the past few years. I tried, but she didn’t seem to care anymore.
    And now friends and family were gathering at Selena Thompson’s vineyard to mourn her passing. Michael and his son Tim were on the way over with a huge bowl of pasta with fresh pesto; Christophe Barton, Contento Family Vineyard’s estate manager, had been dispatched to the airport to pick up Tim’s twin Margo. Andrea, who needed to stretch her legs before facing the hordes, knew it was anyone’s guess as to who else would show up at Carson Creek.
    I wish we’d remained friends, Selena, Andrea Contento said under her breath. She sighed again and resumed her march up the hill.
    ———
    “The vineyard was for sale?” Carlos Gomez was on the balls of his sandal-clad feet, hands upraised and eyes wide with disbelief. “You’re telling me that Selena was trying to sell?” He shook his head, causing his black curls to bob wildly. “She loved this place. That’s crazy.”
    Dan Stewart nodded. He glanced at ET who, as usual, was silent, his back straight and tall.
    “She was selling it herself,” Dan explained. “She decided a few months ago. She thought she could handle it alone and save some money in broker fees.” He shot a look at Darby. “No offense.”
    “None taken,” she said smoothly. Darby sat on a comfortable loveseat in the living room of Carson Creek’s farmhouse, with ET seated nearby. Dan had opened up a bottle of the vineyard’s Pinot Noir and they were sipping it slowly while waiting for the Contento family to arrive.
    “Were there any offers on the property?” Darby set down her wineglass on the coffee table and looked at Dan Stewart, who nodded.
    “Yes. As soon as word got out, there was interest. Michael Contento offered Selena what I imagine was a very fair price.”
    “How much?” Carlos demanded.
    Dan shrugged. “I don’t know the particulars.”
    “Was she going to sell to Michael Contento?”
    “At first she planned to, and then …” Dan paused. “There were other offers.”
    Carlos exhaled. “As in more than one?” He plunked down his wineglass, not noticing the small amount of red liquid that splashed onto the wood.
    “That’s right. An accountant from back east—her name is Vivian something. The second one’s from a yoga expert with a TV show—Fritz Kohler. He wants to have a yoga retreat center here.”
    “And what are Vivian’s plans?” Darby inquired.
    “Selena said she wants to keep it just the way it is. She’s looking for a lifestyle change, a quiet little place where she could retire.”
    Darby looked at ET, whose face wore an almost bemused expression. He caught her glance and gave a