She shook her head, remembering how hed spooned her against him, the gentle way hed nuzzled the nape of her neck, his breath on her bare, hot skin I was facing the door and he wasbehind me.
What did you do after this woman interrupted the two of you? Duncan asked.
I realized Trevor she heard her voice break I mean, the man I thought was Trevorhad just made love to the wrong woman. I hurriedly dressed, threw the engagement ring at him and left.
You never saw his face? Duncan asked.
She shook her head.
You must have been furious, Samuelson said.
I was hurt. She dropped her gaze, remembering the depth of that hurt because of what they had just shared.
Did you tell anyone about this? Duncan asked.
No. I left by the side yard. I was upset. I certainly didnt want to talk about it. She saw the way they were both looking at her and added, I think the womans name might be Rachel, but youll have to catch her tonight before she gets on a plane for Brazil.
Samuelson raised a brow. Why would you think that?
Jill told them about almost being run off the road by her own red Saturn and how shed followed it, thinking at first that Trevor was driving the car, since he was the one whod borrowed it the last time she saw him.
The front door was open. Someone was in the bedroom, rummaging around, using a flashlight, she continued. She told them how the person had come flying out, hit her and left in her car. I caught a whiff of the same perfume I had smelled when the woman opened the door to the cottage.
So you think it was the same woman, Duncan said.
Was she still wearing her costume? Samuelson asked.
Now that Jill thought about it No. She must have had a change of clothing with her. Maybe her traveling wedding suit since, if she was Rachel, she and Trevor were headed for a justice of the peace and a plane, it seemed. If youve been to his condo, you know that Trevor was running away tonight with a woman named Rachel. Their poker faces told her nothing.
Well try to find your car, Duncan offered. And this woman. His tone implied, If she exists.
Thank you.
Samuelson was shaking his head. Come on, Ms. Lawson, how could you have made love with a man and not realized he wasnt your fiancé?
Her face flamed with embarrassment. Trevor and I had only beenintimate once. She thought of the differences, not just in the lovemaking but in the mans body. Shed believed it was because Trevor had been doing manual labor for the past few months. He was so much more muscular. Stronger. Moreforceful. Hed lost some weight and was leanerjust like when shed seen him recently. And hed promised her that tonight would be different. Oh, and it had
been, she thought, fiddling nervously with the silver charm bracelet at her wrist.
Heddy Forester says when she saw you at about seven-forty-five, you were very upset with Trevor, Samuelson said. She says she thought you left right after that. You have keys to the Foresters boats, right?
Yes, but
In a ski boat, it takes how longten, fifteen minutes?to get down the lake to the island, he asked.
She stared at him. Trevor was killed on the island? What was he saying? That she would have had plenty of time to get to the island, kill Trevor and return to the partyand the cottage. I told you
Yes, you told us, Samuelson interrupted. You were in the cottage. Then how do you explain the fact that Heddy Forester saw you get out of a boat at the dock just a little before nine-thirty?
It wasnt me. It must have been the woman I told you about, the one who was also dressed as Scarlett OHara.
It was clear Samuelson didnt believe her.
Was there anything about her you can remember other than the costume? Duncan asked.
All I saw was her silhouette in the doorway. But I think Id recognize her voice if I heard it again. A strident, high-pitched voice.
Duncan shifted in his chair. When was the last time you were on Inspiration Island?
Ive never been on the island. Trevor didnt want me seeing it until everything was finished. He said he didnt allow anyone but crews on the island during construction, not even investors, if he could help it. She realized how stupid shed been. Trevor had probably used the island as a place to spend time with the other Scarlett. Not that Jill cared to go out there, given the islands history. Maybe that was why shed never pushed the subject.
Do you know anyone who might have wanted to harm Trevor Forester? Duncan asked.
She shook her head. I would have said Trevor had no enemies. But I realized tonight that I didnt know Trevor at all.
I think that will be enough for now. Duncan turned off the tape recorder. Both deputies pushed to their feet. Well check out your story, Ms. Lawson. You might want to have someone take a look at that cut on your forehead.
Its fine. She told herself there was no reason to worry about anything. The man she was with in the cottage would come forward once he heard about the murder. Also the other Scarlett. Once the deputies found her car
When you search the cottage, youll find my engagement ring I threw at the man as I was leaving. She cringed as she remembered what else shed left behind. Youll also find some black silkunderthings of mine that I didnt take the time to collect. She was mortified that her risqué panties and bra would now beevidence in a murder investigation. Her face burned. All of which prove Im telling the truth.