Drowning the Daffodils (A Heavenly Highland Inn Cozy Mystery) by Cindy Bell

protective of Will.
    “ Sure,” he nodded and smiled shyly at Ida. “I don't mind one bit,” he added.
    Aunt Ida blushed a little and winked lightly. “I don't mind either.”
    As Vicky walked away from the l obby she thought about what Wilbur had said. If Simon had been surprised by whatever the person was saying then maybe it had been about an affair with Jane. Maybe she could shed more light on who the murderer was, maybe it was even Jane, herself. She decided that it was time for her to have a serious conversation with the woman who seemed to have caused such a deep rift in a family.
     
    ***
     
    As Vicky stepped into the elevator she found Alina already waiting inside. “Going up?” Vicky asked as she pushed the button for the third floor.
    “ Yes,” Alina sighed. “I was just trying to get a few minutes away from Lawrence. He's really a basket case over this.”
    Vicky eyed the woman with a hint of annoyance. “Well, he did just lose his son,” she said as diplomatically as she could.
    “ Oh, I know he did,” Alina waved her hand dismissively. “And honestly if that was what he was upset about then I would understand. But that's not even why he's upset.”
    “ It's not?” Vicky asked with surprise. What could be worse than the murder of his son?
    “ He's so concerned about all the bad press,” Alina sighed again and closed her eyes. “He's so worried about his image. That's the only reason he married me you know. He just wanted someone young on his arm who was intelligent enough not to embarrass him.”
    “ I'm sorry,” Vicky replied cautiously.
    “ Don't be,” Alina smiled as she opened her eyes again. “I prefer a relationship that is more like a business deal. It gives us both the freedom to do as we please.”
    “ You don't mean?” Vicky's voice trailed off as she knew it was none of her business.
    “ Affairs?” Alina smiled as she met Vicky's eyes. “Honey, men like Lawrence Carter can have any woman they want, any. I knew that when I married him, and I never expected that to change.”
    “ And you're okay with that?” Vicky was a little shocked as the elevator came to a halt on the third floor.
    “ Remember the driver?” Alina asked with a light wink. “Lawrence has his forms of entertainment, and so do I. It's how our marriage works. Not everything is a fairytale, you know,” she added as she stepped off the elevator. Vicky hesitated for a moment before following after her. It stunned her that Alina could be married to a man she obviously wasn't in love with, and not have a problem with his wandering desires. Was Simon that way, too? Maybe he wouldn't have even cared that his brother was sleeping with his future wife.
    “ So, I guess Mike has a wandering eye, too,” Vicky suggested pensively as she caught up with Alina.
    “ Mike?” Alina burst out into a loud laugh. “No way. Charlene got a hold of him when he was in high school and she hasn't let him out of her sight since. He's nothing like his father,” she paused a moment, a touch of affection entering her expression. “I might not be in my marriage for love, but I do admire Lawrence's children. Each one made their own way, especially Simon. He knew that he was his father's favorite, but he never leaned on Lawrence for favors or special treatment,” she pursed her lips for a moment as if she was trying to hold back emotion, then slowly shook her head. “I just wish he would have had the chance to show Lawrence what it's like to be a good man. This is all just too tragic.”
    They paused outside the door to Alina's room and Vicky nodded sympathetically. “It certainly is unexpected when someone so young dies in such a terrible way,” she pointed out.
    “ I wish it had been more unexpected,” Alina admitted. “But I could swear that Lawrence knew something like this would happen. He was getting so nervous as we were getting ready to come here. He kept wondering if Simon would show up. I don't know why he was so