Sweetness and Light (A Sweet Cove Mystery Book 5) by J.A. Whiting Page B

“And when you love someone else?”
    Bethany didn’t say anything.
    Mr. Finch spoke.  “Perhaps it was expected of you?”
    The platinum blonde gave a sad, little nod.  She looked like she’d added ten years to her age since the previous night.  “Money, position, power.  It’s all sooo important,” she said wearily.
    Angie’s heart felt heavy and sorry for Bethany, but then she shook herself, afraid that this might be a performance to throw people off from considering her a suspect.  Angie tried tuning in to her senses to pick up on anything the young woman might be giving off, but her thoughts and feelings were muddled.  She wished the cats were here.
    Courtney asked, “Why did you come to see us?”
    “I’m afraid the police will try to pin this on Todd.  You know, the love triangle.  It’s like something out of a terrible movie.  I’m worried.”
    Angie didn’t mention that Bethany herself might end up being suspected.
    Bethany rubbed her eyes. “I want all of you to look into it.  See if you can figure out who killed Nelson.”
    Courtney leaned over and pulled a pad of paper from the desk drawer.  “What can you tell us?  Can you think of anyone who might be guilty of the murder?”
    “Well, you can start with a few of his recent affairs.”
    Courtney’s eyebrows shot up.  “There’s more than one right now?”
    “Nelson was a busy man.  There’s one person in particular you should look at though.  Nelson had recently broken off with her.  Her name is Kim Hutchins.  She works at Nelson’s family investment firm.  She’s been Nelson’s assistant.  I understand that Kim was not very happy to be dumped by Mr. Money Bags.”
    “She lives in New York?”  Jenna asked.
    “She works at the Boston office.  She lives there in the city.”
    “What does she look like?” Angie asked even though she had a pretty good idea of what she might look like.
    Bethany scowled.  “Exactly what you’d expect.  Young, blonde, blue eyes, big chest, long legs.  Look at the company website, at the staff profiles.  She’s on there in all her glory.”
    Jenna stood up and stretched her back muscles.  Lack of sleep and too much sitting of late had put a kink in her back.  “Is she a financial advisor?”
    “She was the office manager until she became Nelson’s assistant.”
    “Can you give us an address for the firm or for Kim’s apartment in Boston?”  Courtney’s pen was poised over the pad of paper.
    “You don’t have to go to Boston to talk to her.”
    “Why not?”  Angie cocked her head.
    “Because, the lovely, Miss Kim Hutchins is right here in Sweet Cove.”  Bethany’s lips turned down.  “I saw her in town the other day.”
    “Well, isn’t that convenient.”  Mr. Finch looked over the top of his glasses, one gray eyebrow raised in suspicion.
    Bethany’s phone tweeted in her purse and she pulled it out. She checked the screen, and shoved it back into the pocket of her bag without answering.  “It’s my father.  I’m surprised he doesn’t put one of those prison ankle GPS things on me so he can track me wherever I go.”  She stood up.  “I’d better get back before he puts out an all points bulletin.”  Bethany reached for her hat and glasses.  “Oh, I almost forgot to mention.  We’re having a remembrance gathering for Nelson at the house we’ve rented.  It will be more private there.  It will be easier to keep the media at bay.”  She pulled a piece of paper from her purse and handed it to Angie.  “Would you be able to provide the desserts?”  Without waiting for the answer, Bethany looked at Courtney and Mr. Finch.  “And would you be able to make some candy items for after the service?  It’s all listed there on the paper, the things we want.  The date and time are written at the top.”  She blew out a long sigh.  “I’d like you all to be present, as well.  Wander around, talk to the attendees, and see if you can flesh