Split (Chapter-23)

On Sunday morning, Angelica arrived early for her brunch date at the Coven. Vivian brought her a cup of Mexican hot chocolate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. She sipped the warm beverage while she waited, thinking back over the events of the past twenty-four hours.

Harry had insisted on calling an ambulance and taking Erica to the emergency room. Ian had agreed. Erica had fought but finally capitulated. After sitting in the waiting area for five hours, a doctor told her she had some light bruising on her cheekbones, chin, and throat. Nothing more. Of course, the ER doctor was not looking for the pre-existing psychological injuries that may have been compounded by the assault. He prescribed a mild sedative to get her through the night.

Her sister was made of tough stuff. Angelica had no doubt Erica would heal, but it would have to happen without the assistance of her newly found yoga class. No way was she going back there for another session.

Angelica had tried to describe to Ian the look on Jewel’s face as she stood in the doorway, observing the capture of the suspected serial killer. But he, in turn, had explained patiently that Laureen had been a student of Jewel’s during the time she owned a studio in Woodstock. That Laureen Tallman, then known as Lori Lee Tilden, had stalked Jewel for months, had been arrested and fined. Poor, beautiful, magnetic Jewel had innocently attracted this crazed fan, had been forced to abandon her successful business and relocate, only to be followed by her stalker all the way to Nyack.

“So why didn’t she report Laureen to the police here in Nyack?” Angelica had asked.

“Jewel decided to forgive and forget. Laureen never caused her any physical harm, so she let it go.” Ian shared this information as if it made total sense. She wanted to shake him.

“But what about the mat in her car?” Angelica had continued. “You were sure that mat belonged to Gail Hunter. Then Jewel lied about recognizing the photograph of the lawyer. And she delivered that brass bowl to her home. Probably with the poisoned herbal tea.”

Ian had smiled sadly at her. “Jewel was another victim in all of this, Angel. She had no idea what that woman was capable of.”

Angelica couldn't believe her ears. “You’ve been suckered. Because of how she looks.”

Ian denied it.

Down at the station, Laureen Tallman--AKA Lori Lee Tilden--confessed to all three murders. She told Ian she borrowed Jewel’s Volvo to run down Gail Hunter, an annoying know-it-all who disrespected Jewel in front of the other students. With Gail bleeding on the pavement, Laureen grabbed the yoga mat, circled the block, and returned Jewel’s car to the parking lot. She initially forgot Gail’s mat in the Volvo’s backseat, but later disposed of it in a dumpster, telling Jewel the mat was hers. She delivered poisoned tea to Beth Strauss after she heard Beth claim Jewel was a charlatan. Ann Gottlieb had to go because she had been exiting the studio just as Laureen sped from the alley after the hit-and-run. Laureen knew every detail about each killing. She claimed she acted alone, assured Ian Jewel was not involved.

Angelica wasn’t fooled. Not by Ian, not by Laureen--the pug-faced stalker--and not by Jewel. Perhaps the yoga instructor hadn’t physically committed these murders. But she was behind them. Angelica had no doubt.

“Good morning, gorgeous,” Agent Gary drawled. He leaned over to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. “You look like you’re deep in thought.”

“You caught me.” She attempted to wipe the scowl from her face, but she wasn’t sure she could let it go.

“Still wrapped up in yesterday’s drama. How’s your sister doing, by the way?” His hazel eyes held hers. She read the concern in them.

“She’ll be fine." She took a deep breath and blew it out. "Thanks for asking.”

“Oh, I know she will. If she’s anything like her big sister, she’ll be mighty fine.” A grin blossomed across his handsome face.

Angelica shook her head. This man made it impossible for her to keep a straight face. “Thanks for rescheduling our date. I thought after we eat, we could go for a walk. If you have time?”

“For you? I got all the time in the world.”

The fortuneteller and the FBI agent spent the next forty-five minutes gazing into each other’s eyes over mimosas and eggs Benedict. This was why they didn’t see the detective enter, look around, then quickly exit the café without enjoying any brunch.