Page 91 of Little Last Words

“We must, Aaron. It’s time for the truth to all come out now.”

“Oh, all right. The ring belonged to Rita. I didn’t think she’d notice it was missing. She has gobs of the stuff. Plus, she doesn’t wear silver anymore. She only wears gold.”

“Why would you give Penelope a ring that belonged to your wife?”

He ran a hand across his face, looking sheepish and embarrassed. “Penelope was kind to me. She always took time out of her day to talk to me when I walked by. She made me feel like what I had to say mattered. Not many people give a second glance at an old geezer like me, let alone engage me in conversation. I wanted to give her something nice, something to remember me by when I’m no longer here.”

“What did Penelope think when you gave her your wife’s ring?”

“I didn’t tell her where it came from.”

Standing there now, watching the beads of sweat gather on his forehead, I felt for him. And yet, I couldn’t believe he’d convinced himself Rita wouldn’t notice the missing ring.

“Were you aware Rita spoke to Penelope right before she died?” I asked.

“I … I, no. I was not.”

“She also knew about your friendship with Penelope.”

“She did? Why didn’t she say anything?”

“Why do you think?”

“I don’t know.”

“Where was the ring kept in this house?” I asked.

“In a drawer in the curio cabinet with all of the others.”

“Show me.”

“I don’t know what difference it will make, but okay.”

We walked to the curio, and he opened the drawer.

There, sitting inside a square ring holder, were a couple dozen rings, including the one Jolie had described.

Aaron slapped a hand against his mouth, muttering to himself as the tears began to flow. “How did it end up back here? No. She wouldn’t. She couldn’t have. I refuse to believe it.”

“You must believe it,” I said. “Your wife murdered Penelope.”

A voice rang out from the end of the hallway. “It’s true, Aaron. Everything she said. It’s all true.”

As Rita rounded the corner, gun in hand, I raised my own. But she didn’t aim her gun at me. She aimed it at Aaron.

“If you even think about pulling the trigger, he dies,” she said. “Let’s talk. After we’ve finished, you can do what you came here to do.”

I didn’t believe she’d follow through with the threat she’d made.

I believed she loved Aaron—so much so, she killed for it.

“I’m not here to shoot anyone,” I said.

“Then you won’t mind putting your weapon away.”

“You first.”

“I believe I’ll hold on to it, thank you.”