Killer Calories

Valentina’s death was murder rather than accidental.”
    “Anything’s possible. Especially where drownings are concerned. But I don’t think so.” She returned to her work, removed a slice of the heart and placed it in a labeled , sample jar.
    From the corner of her eye, Savannah could see Tammy watching her anxiously, wondering what she would say next. Dr. Liu had obviously dismissed them and this line of conversation.
    Savannah cleared her throat. “I’ve uncovered some evidence... well... at least an indication... that she might have been murdered.”
    “Yes, I know. Detective Coulter called me about an hour ago and told me about your envelope full of cash and its cryptic note .“
    Jennifer laid her scalpel aside, peeled off the surgical gloves, and dropped them into a nearby biological waste can. “I wish I could help you earn all that money, but there was no physical evidence to support or even suggest homicide.”
    “It isn’t just the money,” Tammy interjected. Both Savannah and Jennifer turned to see tears running down her cheeks. “Ms. Valentina was a friend of mine. I liked her; I really did. And if somebody killed her, I want to find out who did it and why. Savannah ’s just trying to help me.”
    She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand in a childish gesture that went straight to Savannah ’s heart.
    Apparently, it had the same effect on Dr. Liu, whose expression softened. She reached out and patted the young woman’s arm. “I understand how upsetting this must be for you.”
    Turning to Savannah , she said, “My report will probably be typed by this afternoon and you can pick up a copy at the desk. I don’t think you’ll find anything there that will help you, but you’re welcome to try.”
    “Thanks, Dr. Jenny. That’s all we wanted.” Savannah put a hand on Tammy’s back and nudged her toward the door.
    Jennifer didn’t reply until they had nearly left the room.
    Hey, Savannah ....”
    They paused in the doorway. “Yes?”
    “If you do... find anything, that is... let me know, okay?”
    “Don’t worry, Dr. Jenny,” she said with a smile. “You’ll be the first to know.”

    * * *

    As they left the building and headed across the parking lot to Savannah ’s Camaro, Tammy said, “Maybe it was just an accident.”
    She sounded so hopeful that Savannah couldn’t bring herself to reply.
    “Maybe whoever put that envelope in your mailbox is some sort of nut... a rich nut, who just wanted to start trouble.”
    “Maybe.” Savannah unlocked the car and they got inside.
    “Do you think that’s all it was?” Tammy asked, her heart in her big hazel eyes. “Just an accident. Just some rich nut?”
    Savannah hesitated, looking into those eyes that were so much like her younger siblings’. Tammy might be an aggravation sometimes, but she really did love the kid. And she could tell she was in a lot of pain over this. Still...
    “No,” she said as gently as she could. “I don’t think that’s all.”
    Tammy sighed and closed her eyes. A sob caught in her throat. “I don’t think so either.”

CHAPTER FIVE

    “ I ’m sorry, Savannah , but I think it was an accidental drowning.” Ryan set his cup of coffee on the table, next to the open file that detailed in clinical, albeit gruesome terms, the physical remains of Kat Valentina.
    Sitting next to Ryan at Savannah ’s dining-room table was John Gibson. “I’m afraid I agree,” he said. “Sorry, love.” He poured himself a cup of Earl Grey from the teapot which Savannah had presented him minutes ago and helped himself to one of the chocolate-coated British biscuits that Savannah had arranged on a small silver tray. She prided herself on giving each of her guests—the charter members of the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency—their refreshments of choice.
    On the other side of the table sat Dirk and Tammy—as far apart as the limited space would allow. Tammy had her ubiquitous bottle of springwater , slices of apple, and celery sticks, and Dirk his plate piled high with pecan sandies and chocolate-chip cookies.
    No one went hungry on Savannah ’s turf; it was an issue of Southern hospitality and Georgia pride.
    At the head of the table, Savannah sipped her own cup of coffee, fortified with a splash of Baileys and topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.
    Usually, she enjoyed these meetings, her favorite people in the world, gathered around her table, the entire scene lit with the cozy