At her teasing question, he continued toward the bed and squeezed between two pieces of equipment.

She didn’t look any better up close.

But she was alive and talking and getting the best of care.

“All this stuff is more than a little daunting.” He waved a hand over the room.

“It’s not as alarming as it seems. Most of it is routine monitoring equipment.”

Not the crash cart parked in the corner . . . but he left that unsaid.

He took her hand and wove his fingers through hers. “I got here as fast as I could.”

“I knew you would. Tell me what happened.”

“Bottom line, Eleanor is in custody.”

“Did she confess?”

“No, but we found a treasure trove in her house. Literally.” He told her about the jewels and designer apparel and the first-class airline ticket to Rome that had been in plain view on her dresser.

“Wow.” Grace stared at him. “It sounds like she’s been living a double life.”

“That’s what the evidence suggests.”

“Any sign of yew material?”

“Not yet, but the search is continuing as we speak. The remains of your soup are also being analyzed.”

“What about the offshore account?”

He studied her. She appeared to be alert and resting comfortably, but after the ordeal she’d been through—was still going through—this might not be the time for heavy discussions. “You certain you’re up to talking about all this now?”

“No, but it will keep my mind occupied on something other than my scary close call.”

Made sense.

“The FBI will handle that part of the investigation. I have every confidence they’ll crack whatever security she has on her computer. The trick will be getting the firm she used to turn over evidence. They don’t tend to cooperate with law enforcement.”

“That stinks.”

“I agree, but I’m leaving that task in the hands of the Feds. I did find one other interesting item at Eleanor’s house. A plaque on the wall in her bedroom that said Big Kahuna.”

“BK.”

“That’s my take.”

Grace’s brow pleated. “I’m still trying to wrap my mind around Eleanor being the perpetrator. Why on earth would she get involved in such an evil scheme?”

“There could be any number of motives. Greed, wanting to prove she was smart, a misguided belief the world owed her a more upscale lifestyle than the one she had, a craving for an adrenaline rush to spice up her days. Or, as the plaque could suggest, a desire to be in charge. To have power and control. Your guess is as good as mine.”

“I suppose that’s one mystery we may never solve.” Grace exhaled. “What happens to Dave?”

“TBD. Aiding and abetting fraud can carry serious criminal and civil consequences. However, he did come forward and offer to assist as soon as he realized the plan had turned deadly. That will work in his favor if he decides to plea bargain.” He stroked a finger down her cheek. “But can we forget about murder and mayhem for a minute? I have a much more important topic to discuss.”