The Helium Murder(49)
The Galigani children, spouses, and grandson had gone on to other celebrations, and the four of us who were left sat listening to soft Christmas piano music, suitable for full stomachs. Parts of the newspaper were handed around and we chatted and read together.
“I still can’t believe Frances Whitestone,” Rose said, finishing an article in the newspaper. “How can anyone have a close friend murdered?”
“I guess ‘close’ means something different to the rich and powerful,” Frank said.
“She had a lot of money and power tied up in helium,” I said, “going all the way back to the Sixties.” I pushed back images of Frances Whitestone, ambushing me in my foyer, aiming a gun at me, and screaming in the prep room.
“I hear she’s regained the sight in one eye,” Matt said, with a glance at me that said, “so don’t feel guilty.”
“Plus, she has a few scars and some bad press that she deserves,” Frank said.
Although I hadn’t yet expressed it, I was distressed that a physicist had also been involved in illegal dealings—Vincent Cavallo was to be indicted for fraud. In my mind scientists ranked next to little old ladies for purity of heart.
Rose walked over to me and put her arms around me. “I can’t stand these close calls, Gloria. I can’t imagine what I’d do without you.”
“I don’t have a scratch this time,” I said, holding out my arms for inspection, as if she could see through my new green velvet dress.
“And we’re going to keep it that way,” Matt said.
“I hope that doesn’t mean I’m fired.”
“It means we’re going to meet less often at my office and more often at parties.”
We raised our various glasses and mugs to cheer Matt’s pronouncement. Moments later Rose had retrieved two coats from the closet and tugged at Frank’s arm. She made “let’s leave them alone” gestures which Frank seemed to understand immediately.
Matt and I were due on the Cape around four o’clock for dinner with his sister’s family. I’d never met them, and I was a bit anxious as I packed up the presents and food we were taking with us.
At the last minute, I dug my camera out of my dresser drawer.
“Do you think they’d mind if I take photos?” I asked.
“Not at all. The kids love to show off.”
I opened the back of the camera to insert new film.
“This camera is so old,” I said. “I’m dying to get a new one, with lithium batteries.”
“Oh, no,” Matt said, giving me a menacing grin as he moved closer.
It’s a good thing I hadn’t misinterpreted his move to kiss me, because I met him more than halfway.