Into The Fire: A Rose Trudeau Mystery, #1

By Adrienne Giordano and Mary Jo Briscione

A young reporter and a socialite join forces to solve a thirty-year-old cold case in this gripping mystery from USA Today bestselling author Adrienne Giordano. 

 

As a junior reporter ostracized by her coworkers and community in North Dakota, RaeLynn Demming has something to prove. A decades-old arson that killed over one hundred people on the island of La Paradisio might be her career-saving story, but she needs cooperation from Rose Trudeau, Hollywood socialite and survivor of the legendary Grande Hotel fire.

 

Rose understands loss. For thirty years, she's refused to discuss the Grande tragedy and still mourns her closest friend who perished in the blaze. Hungry for justice, Rose wants the arsonist and murderer caught. When RaeLynn shows up at Rose's estate begging for a scoop on the fire, Rose can't help but admire the young woman's determination and agrees to help.

 

The investigation takes the pair to La Paradisio, where the local police urge them to leave the sleuthing to the professionals. Friends and family members, too, warn them to stay clear of the case, or else.

 

Then the threats start.

 

Undaunted, the unlikely pair dig further into the Grande's sordid history. As determined as they are to find closure for Rose, they face an enemy just as willing to do whatever it takes to keep the Grande's secrets buried.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ALG Publishing
• Release date: Oct 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781942504504

Adrienne Giordano

Adrienne Giordano is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty romantic suspense and mystery novels. She is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Midwest with her ultimate supporter of a husband, sports-obsessed son and Elliot, a snuggle-happy rescue. Having grown up near the ocean, Adrienne enjoys paddleboarding, a nice float in a kayak and lounging on the beach with a good book. For more information on Adrienne’s books, please visit www.AdrienneGiordano.com. Adrienne can also be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AdrienneGiordanoAuthor, Twitter at http://twitter.com/AdriennGiordano and Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/AdrienneGiordano. 

Book preview

1

Rae

---

$648.00

---

I’m not here to raise the dead.

At least that’s what I tell myself as I grip the sweat-soaked steering wheel of my crappy rental.

Mrs. Trudeau’s refined, ultra-proper voice streams through the intercom speaker to my left, just outside my open window. May I help you?

This is my chance. Rose Trudeau is a key source. Not only is she an eyewitness to one of the most infamous unsolved arson cases in history, she’s the subject of a now-iconic Time magazine cover that sits in my desk drawer.

If I land an interview with her, my story goes to another level.

Right now, with $648.00 in the bank, I need another level.

In a big way.

I need to write this piece. It has all the elements—fame, fortune, tragedy—of a juicy read. Kinda like that blockbuster three-part series on movie stars and plastic surgery. The guy who wrote that so-called puff piece landed a column with the New Yorker. Go figure.

But I can’t get ahead of myself. One step at a time.

I sit a little taller and avoid clearing my throat. I have a delivery for you.

Not altogether a lie.

Silence fills the space between the intercom and my car door, and I scrunch up my face, squeezing my eyes closed, waiting…

Please. Please. Please.

Really, RaeLynn? Mrs. Trudeau says. You’ve been calling me nearly every day for a month. Did you think I wouldn’t recognize your voice? And, dear, don’t do that to your face. You’ll look like leather before you’re forty.

Dang. Busted. I smooth my features and notice the camera near the top of the wrought iron gate currently boxing me out.

Mrs. Trudeau, wait! I didn’t lie. I do have a delivery. I snatch the bakery carton from the passenger seat and hold it up. Ladyfingers.

Last year, a local news station did a segment on a charity function Rose organized. During an interview, she mentioned her obsession with the ladyfingers from a bakery near her home. A little digging got me to Maude’s and here I am, ladyfingers in hand.

A sigh streams through the intercom. Oh, for God’s sake, she mutters. I knew you’d keep calling, but I didn’t think you’d show up at my door.

With ladyfingers, I add, offering a toothy smile.

Come on, Rose. Let me in. I can’t go back. Not yet. Not after finding that goon in my apartment, a direct result of my last story. The one that made me persona non grata in Sasper, North Dakota, my maybe-soon-to-be-former home.

Ten seconds of agonizing silence drags on and I envision myself heading back to Sasper. Facing my smug coworkers and a town full of people who blame me for…well…everything.

Double dang.

Even as I sit here, the humiliation rolls over me, settling into my gut. I can do this. I force my shoulders back and let out a hard breath before setting the box down and giving it a tap. So close. Something I should be happy about since, up to this point, Rose has shut me down. At least now she knows I want this badly enough to come all the way to Bel-Air.

I’ll keep working on her little by little, and maybe…

I reach for the gear shift just as the giant gate creeps open. Wait. What?

Is that for me? Not to be corny, but this might be the gate to my future swinging open.

RaeLynn?

Uhhh, I give my head a hard shake. Focus. Yes, ma’am?

If you expect an escort to my front door, it’s not happening. Now get moving before I change my mind.

Coveted access to Rose Trudeau’s property has just been granted, so I shift gears and hit the gas. The rental lurches and I curse the strange car. I need my trusty Subaru with the easy gas pedal that doesn’t give me whiplash.

Get it together here, Rae.

Beyond the gate, I get a glimpse of two-story white columns and stately arches that glow under the January sun that’s been sparse back home. A winding driveway lined with lush greenery and bursts of pink and yellow flowers welcomes me. There should be a sign out front. Trudeau Manor.

That’s what this place looks like. Some grand mansion cut straight from the historical romance I started reading on the plane.

All I need is a hunky guy in a cravat and I’m good to go.

I pull around to the wide stone steps leading to the front doors. A tall, seriously jacked guy—no cravat—stands behind a large van, talking on a cell phone. He’s wearing blue pants and a matching work shirt. Repairman, no doubt.

Who said I sucked as an investigative journalist?

I park and grab the bakery box from the passenger seat, pausing only to stare up at the stately mansion and the tall woman with short, steel-gray hair. Rose Trudeau.

I was a twelve-year-old kid the first time I saw her on the Time cover. My father had the magazine stored in a box with other memorabilia and I ran across it when we were cleaning out the attic. The cover photo is a bleary-eyed Rose staring up at something—presumably the fire. Her cheeks are sucked in, black soot marring one while mascara is smudged under her eyes. In the extreme close-up, she’s holding her hand over her lips, her splayed fingers revealing her open mouth.

My early journalistic mind latched on to the photo’s raw emotion. Even at such a young age, I recognized her horror and wanted to know who that stricken lady was. And what made her so special that she landed on that cover?

I still wonder.

Only now it’s not idle curiosity. I’m a girl from modest means. I haven’t experienced Mrs. Trudeau’s extravagant lifestyle—or her power. It’s a foreign dream world to me and I want to know what that’s like. What it feels like to command a room.

After months of calling her, I finally have Mrs. Trudeau just feet in front of me. At sixty-three, even in jeans that probably cost more than I make in a month, she is elegant and formidable.

Intimidating as hell.

Which is fine. I’m not interested in games. I have a story to write and I need Rose Trudeau.

The woman’s focus is squarely on me, so I offer a wave. A spurt of adrenaline sets me on edge, but I slide out of the car, determined not to blow my chance.

At best, Rose has been a reluctant witness. Heck, even Diane Sawyer couldn’t nab an interview.

I tilt my chin up and stride toward the steps where Mrs. Trudeau stands—a queen in front of her castle. Even though we’re both in jeans, I’m somehow underdressed.

Probably should have changed after I checked into the hotel. My bad. I guess the rush of being on the hunt for a good story distracted me.

No one would ever accuse me of not having passion for my job.

RaeLynn, she says, her voice silky smooth, but tinged with a bit of you’ve-lost-your-mind, even for you this is…extreme.

The already taller Mrs. Trudeau has the bonus of three additional steps and towers over me. Still, I hold out my free hand, determined to be cordial and not too pushy after she’s repeatedly hung up on me.

She shakes my hand then sweeps her gaze over my attire. My God, those shoes. Absolutely hideous.

I glance down at what I thought were functional yet snazzy hiking shoes. Hideous? Really? That might be overkill.

I take a deep breath and ease my shoulders back. There’s a foot of snow at home.

Mrs. Trudeau sees my shift in posture and smiles at me. Her blue eyes sparkle under the sunlight and I immediately feel the pull. Now, meeting her in person, I understand why people find her mesmerizing. She’s a fantastical mix of motherly warmth and toughness.

I told you on the phone, she says, I don’t do interviews.

Time to bust out the big guns. Otherwise known as the bakery box. These are for you. My mother always told me to bring a gift when I visit someone’s home.

She shifts to the repairman, who has ended his call and is walking toward us.

I offer up my best flirty-girl smile as the hunk checks me out. I’m no supermodel, but I seem to have a knack for grabbing a man’s attention.

Hunk’s gaze lands on my shoes and his lip curls. What is it about Bel-Air? Even the repair guys are shoe snobs.

Yikes, I say. Has no one in Bel-Air ever seen snow? Or footwear related to snow?

At that, Mrs. Trudeau bursts out laughing. The hunk doesn’t look amused. That’s his problem.

Ma’am, he says, we don’t have the part. I think I can get it today. I’m gonna run over to the distributor. It’ll take me a couple hours. Does that work?

Mrs. Trudeau checks her watch, a simple, thin-banded silver one that nicely accessorizes her jeans and what looks like a light blue cashmere sweater. That’ll be fine. If you’ll be later than 2:00, please call me.

Yes, ma’am.

Hunk walks back to his truck and Mrs. Trudeau faces me. Her arms are at her sides, but then she’s in motion, clasping her hands in front of her, squeezing harder than necessary.

"Now, RaeLynn, for the last time, I don’t talk about the hotel."

The way the word erupts from her mouth reminds me of the time I accidentally ate a piece of moldy bread and spit it across the table in fear that I would succumb to anaphylactic shock.

I know, I say.

Which is true. Her silence on the Grande Hotel fire is legendary. Not altogether a surprise considering the blaze killed over one hundred people and injured countless others.

If you know, then why are you here?

To beg.

And avoid anything having to do with the mess I left at home.

My answer seems to shock her. For a few seconds, her lips play around with a smile until she once again bursts out laughing.

That’s twice I’ve made her laugh. Go, Rae.

You’re a pip, Mrs. Trudeau says.

I’ve been called worse, so I take it as a compliment. I’m a desperate pip.

Still not moving from her spot on the steps, she eyes me again. Desperate? Why?

This woman is no pushover. If I want her cooperation, I can’t be coy.

I’m basically on the lam. My entire newsroom is mad at me. My editor may even hate me.

Well, this sounds interesting. Do tell.

I wrote a story that led to a local businessman—Charlie Carter, aka CC—being charged with multiple counts of financial fraud. It was a great piece of investigative journalism that got a crook exposed.

She cocks her head. But?

But he owns the country’s largest indoor waterpark. The tourism revenue keeps most of the town’s residents employed. When the feds seized the water park, my great story put a lot of people—most of whom are related to my coworkers—out of work. I wave one hand in a circle. Not to mention the whole killing foot traffic for local businesses. They consider it my fault.

I leave it there, opting not to share the threatening letters and phone calls from enraged people trying to make a living in a town paralyzed by my work. Then there’s the goon old CC sent to my apartment to scare me away from writing any more stories about him because, yes, there were more, plenty more, to be told.

I managed to surprise the goon and subdue him long enough for my cop neighbor to arrest him, but as much as I hate to admit it, the tactic has me reconsidering investigative journalism and opting for pieces that won’t get me killed. Such as a thirtieth-anniversary story on the Grande Hotel fire and the woman whose photo is now in the Smithsonian.

So you’ve come to Bel-Air to get away.

She had no idea. Yes, ma’am. I’m taking it as a sign that I should chase my real dream.

Which is?

A story on the Grande, I believe, will get me on the radar of national publications. Maybe a podcast. That’s what I want.

At this she eases her head back and forth. Millennials. You all want what you want when you want it.

I should be insulted, but it’s true. I shrug. What’s wrong with ambition?

As long as you’re willing to work hard, I’m all for it.

Ma’am?

Yes?

I grew up in Prairieville, North Dakota, population two hundred and fifty. My father is a dentist and my mother a librarian. We weren’t poor, but my parents taught me the value of a dollar. I worked two jobs while maintaining straight A’s in high school. Then worked all through college while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. I’m only twenty-six, but I’ve worked for everything I have.

Mrs. Trudeau nods. Good.

Good? That’s her answer? Before I can continue, she angles back and peers at her front door, the entrance to her world. She pauses for a few long seconds while I hold my breath.

I want in. That’s all I know. But I’ve learned there are times to speak and times to shut up. My editor likes to say that the best negotiators know when to stay silent.

I stay silent.

All right, Mrs. Trudeau says, turning toward the door. You can come in.

Yes!

I must have made a noise or indicated my excitement in some other manner, because Mrs. Trudeau whips around and wags a finger. Don’t get ahead of yourself. All we’re doing is chatting. If I think I can trust you, I’ll give you some latitude. But there are certain things I refuse to discuss. Understood?

I nod. At this point, I’d agree to dance naked in my ugly-ass shoes if it got the woman talking. Thank you, ma’am.

And for God’s sake, don’t call me ma’am. Rose will be fine.

She opens the thick wood door using the fancy brass handle. As soon as she steps in, she turns and meets my gaze for a few long seconds. The message is clear. At any moment she could slam the door and shut me out. Bust me back to North Dakota. Back to my newsroom, home of the haters.

She holds the door open a little wider. I like your spunk. Anyone showing up in Bel-Air dressed like that is either crazy or determined.

Probably a little of both.

She laughs again. Come inside. We’ll talk and I’ll decide if I’ll allow this interview.

2

Rose

---

The cub reporter lowers herself to one of the guest chairs in my husband’s office and sets her bag at her feet while I take my seat behind Simon’s beloved desk. Sitting here, amongst his things, makes this easier.

RaeLynn studies me. When I meet her gaze, she gives me a tentative smile, but quickly looks away, scanning the room and bookshelves lining the wall next to the desk.

Nice lamp, she says.

"Thank you. It’s made out of bits of iron from the first restaurant my husband, Simon, took me to. The building was demolished twenty years ago. I called the contractor and—voilà—anniversary present."

Wow. Cool gift. The bookshelves are amazing.

I wave a hand. Simon’s legal books. He was an entertainment lawyer.

I know. A good one, too.

Ah, yes. She did her research.

From what I read, RaeLynn says, you helped get him there. You did the schmoozing and he the legal work. The ultimate Hollywood power couple.

Simon and I? We were a pair. He may have been the legal genius, but he lacked the charm needed to land big shot directors and producers. That was my job. For thirty-four years, I networked, made connections, and volunteered my heart out so Simon could sway clients to his roster.

I read somewhere that you were in your twenties when you met him.

The memory fills me with an easy warmth. I love thinking about Simon and those early days of discovery. Of losing my heart to him. I worked as a salesgirl—straight commission—in an upscale department store. He came in to buy a suit.

Back then, I’d spend hours trailing behind the more experienced salespeople, picking up tips, studying their body language and the finesse with which they charmed the filthy rich.

I miss that curious young woman. She knew what she wanted and had a plan to get it.

Wow, RaeLynn says. The ultimate fairy tale.

I suppose. Simon once told me I could sell a dog off a meat truck. I won’t say I was fond of the idiom, but I couldn’t deny it either. Like you, I worked for everything I had. And continued doing it long after our marriage.

Until eleven months ago, when it all ended.

The love of my life, sitting in this very chair, dropped dead of a heart attack at seventy-four years old. He didn’t die alone either. He took my sense of purpose with him.

No more dogs to sell.

Again, I focus on RaeLynn. I adored my husband. Working with him was a bonus. I gesture to the room. We built this life together. It was a true partnership. I’m grateful.

You miss him like crazy, don’t you?

Every second. I do.

I sit back, settling into the soft leather and clasp my hands in my lap. There’s something about this young woman I like. Shoes and dreary brown hair notwithstanding, she’s attractive. When she smiles, her wide mouth takes over her heart-shaped face and her coffee eyes scream of curiosity.

She also has an edge, a certain drive I recognize, since she flew here—uninvited—on her own dime.

Realization pokes at me. I see myself in her. The young girl willing to pay her dues.

Tell me about yourself, I say. Where did you go to school?

She rests her hands on the arms of the chair. I went to junior college for two years to save money. I earned my journalism degree at North Dakota State.

She earned. Yes. I like this girl.

I’ve never been to North Dakota.

It’s cold. It’s my home, though, and that makes it special. She offers a sly grin. People don’t judge my shoes there.

Touché. Then I’d suggest never moving. Or else you’ll have to change your footwear. I can help with that if you’d like.

I’m good, thanks. I like who I am. And most people call me Rae. RaeLynn is a mouthful.

Rae. Rae and Rose. Very good. This story you’re working on, why is it so important?

She stabs her finger into the chair’s arm. People shouldn’t forget about a fire that killed a hundred people and injured a hundred and fifty more. I want to know what happened.

Why? You weren’t even born yet.

Her eyes flash as if I’ve somehow insulted her.

I wasn’t born when John Kennedy was assassinated. It doesn’t mean it’s not a piece of history.

All right. Point taken. Is that the angle you’re planning? That the Grande is a piece of history?

Yes. It’s a thirtieth-anniversary piece. I thought, since, she circles one hand, since you’re in the Smithsonian—

"The Time cover?"

Yes.

I hate that damned cover. The last thing anyone should want is to be famous due to tragedy.

She nods. I agree. But you have to admit, it’s an intriguing photo. If I’m being honest, I’ve been fascinated by it since I was a kid. Given the number of reporters who’ve tried to interview you, I’m not the only one. Which is why I think this piece is important. So people can see you and the other survivors and how you’ve all—good or bad—managed. It’ll be a great human-interest story.

It might, but I’m not swayed. This girl wants me to cut myself open and wrench free horrifying memories. As much as I like her, I won’t do that.

It’s too much.

I’ll need time. Time to figure out how I can help her without sacrificing my own sanity.

My gaze locks on the orchid next to the window. The petals have fallen away, but the leaves are hearty. I’m hoping the plant will flower again.

I could say the same about myself.

Each day, I come in here and polish Simon’s desk as if a small mountain of dust has fallen overnight. I stroke and stroke and stroke until it gleams. Regardless of the beauty of hand-carved walnut, the image of my beloved husband slumped across the top of this desk haunts me.

I look back at Rae. How long are you here for?

Her thick, but groomed, eyebrows hitch. I only have a few days. I took two unpaid days plus the weekend. I’m staying at the Fountain hotel downtown.

She paid her own way and took unpaid leave. Dammit, as much as I hate it, this girl is wiggling her way into my life.

I sit forward and gently smack my hand on the edge of the desk. All right. Leave me your number.

My number?

Yes. I have to think about this piece you’re writing. I’m not sure if I can help.

Before she has a chance to argue, I hold my hand up. Don’t push. You’re in my house. That’s farther than any other reporter has gotten. That alone is a win.

Her mouth closes, but the way she squirms assures me she wants to respond. To argue her point and convince me I should be a source. Maybe I should. Right now, I don’t know and my nerves start to crackle. My God, what have I done?

She surprises me by remaining silent.

A smart one. Good for her.

She rummages in the outer pocket of her bag, retrieves a business card and a pen and jots something on the back. My cell is on the back. And my room number in case the service stinks. Call me anytime. Day or night. It doesn’t matter. I’ll talk to you whenever and wherever.

I take the card and set it on the gleaming desktop. The bright white contrasts with the dark wood and I find it oddly satisfying. Simon would be fond of this girl, too.

Thank you. Give me a day to consider it.

She gulps, but again stays silent. It might be killing her, but she’s trying. A piece of my guarded and weary heart chips away. If I’d had a daughter, maybe she’d be like Rae. Oh, all right, I sigh. "Not a full day. Tomorrow morning at least."

She smiles. Thank you, ma’am—Rose. For everything.

I haven’t done anything yet.

Yes, you have. It’s been my honor to meet you.

I wag a finger at her. "Oh, you are good."

We share a laugh and I rise from Simon’s chair, meeting Rae on the other side of the desk. As I walk her to the door, the silence of the room stings my ears, but somehow I feel...lighter. As if Rae’s youthful energy has infused me.

Maybe I’ll help her. I’ll discuss it with Phillip at dinner this evening. My son, like his father, will know what to do.

3

Rose

---

Promptly at seven, I waltz into the Eberly, my husband’s and son’s favorite steak and seafood restaurant. The hostess beams at me. Her name is Melanie and she’s an annoyingly stunning blonde—isn’t everyone in Southern California? She’s also a struggling actress supporting herself by hostessing. I give her credit. LA can be a jungle for women who look like her.

Predators everywhere.

Hello, Mrs. Trudeau. She greets me with an open-mouthed smile that’s more schmooze than genuine delight. Phillip is waiting. I’ll take you.

I’ve been sitting at the same table, Simon’s table, for ten years.