Текст книги "Murder in Marietta"

Автор книги: Deborah Malone

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Текущая страница: 8 (всего у книги 10 страниц)

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Now, everyone, please enjoy the rest of the evening.” Gloria stepped down from the podium. Nodding acknowledgements, she headed straight for our little group. “Well, hello Doc. Penny. I see you’ve brought some guests with you tonight. I don’t remember them on the invitation list.”

“I invited them,” Doc bowed low, his confederate general’s suit made him especially dapper. “Trixie is doing everything she can to help us with publicity for the museum.”

“Yes. I’ve met Trixie.” She spewed my name like it was a disease. “She claims to work for “Georgia by the Way.” And who might these ladies be?” Her gaze lingered on Dee Dee and Nana, raking them over from head to toe.

“I introduced you to my friend Dee Dee this afternoon, and this is my great-aunt Nana.”

“That’s Scarlett to you, Missy.” Oh great, just what I needed in front of the Gloria Hamilton. Nana acting like she believed she was Scarlett. Then I noticed Gloria’s dress. It was very similar to Nana’s except it was purple velvet with a lavender underskirt. The strange color reminded me of grape Kool-Aid. With the magic of the night, maybe all the ladies believed they were Scarlett.

I didn’t exactly picture myself as Scarlett, but I did feel pretty. I wished Beau could see me. Feeling pretty didn’t happen often for me. Low self-esteem is something all women struggle with at times. The models on television and magazines have made it impossible for normal women to meet unreal standards. I try to remember that the fantasy world of television celebrities doesn’t represent normal. God loves what is on the inside much more than what’s on the outside. I stood a bit taller in my period costume.

A handsome young man walked our way. Gloria raced over and grabbed him by the arm to pull him toward us. I suspected he was in his late twenties. Tall and lean, he made a dashing figure in his Rhettlike suit. He possessed a chiseled face and light brown hair, more of an Ashley Wilkes. You could swim in his blue eyes, and he boasted the longest eyelashes of any man I’d ever seen. If this was Gloria’s son, no wonder she was so proud of him.

“Ladies, I’d like you to meet my son, Steven.” Gloria brushed a piece of lint from his jacket, hovering around him like he was a young child.

“I hear you recently graduated.” Dee Dee gave him a dazzling smile.

“Yes, ma’am. I received my Doctorate from the University of Georgia.”

Wow, smart as well as handsome. No wonder Gloria was vying for him to take over Doc’s position. That still didn’t make it right. She had no call to push Doc out of his post. It couldn’t be that long before he retired.

Nana surprised me with her next words. “Sir, would you like to dance?” Oh my goodness. What was she up to?

Steven answered without missing a beat. “Why, I’d love to Scarlett.” Nana grinned from ear to ear as she hooked her hand though his crooked elbow. They made their way to the dance floor.

We sipped on lime punch as we discussed the museum’s history. In a few minutes, Sammy, whom I met earlier at the museum, asked me onto the floor for a lively polka. Why not? I jumped at the chance to pry some information out of him.

“May I call you Trixie?” Sammy bent over in a gentlemanly bow. Once on the floor he was a wonderful dancer.

My knee ached, but I toughed it out. I didn’t want to miss this chance. “Oops, didn’t mean to step on your foot.” Way to go, Trix.

“A little lady like you can’t hurt my foot. Don’t worry about it.” Regardless of his denials, I sensed he pulled back a little.

“Sammy, what keeps you busy when you aren’t attending board meetings?”

“I own a real estate company. Most of the buildings in downtown Marietta are part of my holdings.”

A smug grin appeared. He acted the exact opposite of Gloria’s son Steven. Where Steven appeared humble, Sammy exuded arrogance. I suppose if you owned most of a town the power might go to your head.

As I was pondering the differences between the two men, without warning, the lights went out. Everything happened so fast. Pushed from behind with forceful hands, I fell to my knees. Screams split the air. Then I realized the shrieking was mine. As quick as the lights went out, they came back on. The entire episode lasted only a matter of minutes.

I lay on the floor writhing in pain. I grabbed my knee. Lord, please help me. Someone called for an ambulance, and then everything went black again.

Dee Dee’s round face hovered an inch above me. We both emitted a little screech.

“Well, it’s about time you woke up.” She grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze.

“Yeah, you had us worried to death.” Nana pushed Dee Dee aside to peer down at me. They were still dressed in their Scarlett dresses. I didn’t care if I never saw a hoop dress again in my lifetime.

“Somebody knocked me down when the lights went out.” I knew it was no accident. Who wanted to hurt me? Were we getting too close to the killer?

“Guess who your doctor is?” Nana cooed.

“Nana, please. I don’t feel like guessing.” My head throbbed and my knee ached.

“You don’t have to. Here he comes.” Dee Dee moved out of the way. Dr. Rossi loomed over me, his white coat almost as bright as his pearly whites.

“How is our patient feeling?” He leaned over and looked into my eyes.

Well a little better now that you’re here.

“I fell on my bad knee. The pain caused me to black out.” I surveyed the area. The curtained off area and the voices close by tipped me off we were in the emergency room. “Do I have to stay overnight?”

“No, not if you promise to prop up your leg and stay off that knee as much as possible for several days.” He tapped his pencil against the chart. “We’ve taken x-rays, and nothing’s broken. Have you been told you are going to need a knee replacement soon?”

“Yes. I’ve tried to put it off as long as possible. I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.” I raised my head to garner a look. Yuck, it was swollen and had already turned blue and purple.

“I promise to keep off it tonight.” Well, that was better than no promise at all.

“Doctor Rossi, you release her into my custody and I’ll promise she won’t go anywhere.” Nana winked at me, then the Doctor. “You make house calls?”

While I wished I could disappear altogether, he seemed unaffected.

“I’m sure you’ll look after her.” Doctor Rossi laid his muscular arm across Nana’s thin shoulder.

“I’ll get the nurse to wrap you, and I want you to go home and ice it. Keep it propped up as much as possible. You need to visit an orthopedic surgeon when you return to your home town.” He drew back the sheet, and gingerly felt around on my sore knee one more time.

I flinched.

“I’m sorry if I hurt you.” His touch reminded me of Beau, and how much I missed him. Even though we’d only been dating a few months, I realized how much I loved how he made me feel safe when I snuggled in his arms. I needed him.

“Ladies, I’ll probably see you again when you visit Dora. Please take care, and call my office if there’s anything I can do for you.” A nurse drew the curtain back and informed Dr. Rossi another patient needed his attention “STAT .”

When he’d left, the emergency room nurse deftly wrapped my knee while Dee Dee drove the Jeep to the patient loading area. I dreaded not being able to drive for a few days.

An attendant wheeled me out through the emergency entrance. Dee Dee helped me in the car. Still dressed in a hospital gown, I detected a cool breeze blow from behind. I grabbed for the back and pulled the pieces together. I had no desire to show my rear end to the world. Nana had to sit in the back this time. Dee Dee had her hands full helping her in. Even through the pain, I couldn’t help but smile at Nana as she sat in the back seat with her dress spread around her.

Silence shrouded the car. For a few minutes anyway. “Trixie, what’s going on? Are you positive someone pushed you down? Are you sure you didn’t fall.”

“I’m sure I didn’t fall. I felt hands push hard on my back. Someone purposely wanted to hurt me.” I mentally pictured the suspects who were at the ball. It couldn’t have been, Sammy, he was in front of me. I flashed back to being in his arms one minute and on the floor the next.

Nana leaned forward. “Who would want to hurt you, Trixie?”

“I’m not sure who, but I think I know why. Someone doesn’t appreciate me asking questions. I must be getting too close to the killer.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Right now, I want to get home and lay my weary body down.” I prayed the pain pills would kick in soon and result in a good night’s sleep.

“Yeah, me too,” Nana said. “But didn’t we have an exciting night? I’m so glad I didn’t miss out on this one.” I rolled my eyes and hoped Nana wouldn’t notice in the dark.

Rhett and Scarlett were sitting in the library, when I heard the phone ring. That’s strange; they didn’t have phones back then. Oh, it’s my phone. I glanced at the clock. Morning had arrived way too soon, and I’d been dreaming of Tara.

“Hello.” I managed to squeak out.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Jill? How are you doing, sweetie.” No matter how old she became she would still be my sweetie. Yes, we’ve had our disagreements as parent and child have during the teenage years, but she had grown into a mature young woman.

“The question is, how are you doing? Dee Dee called me last night and said you took a pretty awful spill and wound up in the emergency room. Did you hurt your bad knee?”

“Yes I did. But don’t worry. They wrapped it and instructed me to keep my leg propped up as much as possible.” I patted the bulky bandage. “I brought my cane.”

“Do you feel well enough to meet me for lunch? You can bring Dee Dee and Nana, too.”

“Of course, I do. I’ll ask them, I’m sure they’ll jump at the chance to eat lunch out.”

“There’s a pizza place on the square. Would that be okay with you?” Not my favorite food, but I knew she loved pizza, so I acquiesced.

“That’s fine. How about one o’clock? Maybe the lunch rush will be returning to their jobs?” I wasn’t in the mood for a crowded pizza joint.

“It’s Papa’s Pizza. And Mama, I have a surprise for you.” She sounded so excited. I couldn’t imagine what she had for me. Maybe it was a late birthday present.

“Can’t wait to see what you have for me.” We said our good-byes and I decided to go ahead and get up. I could smell bacon frying; I knew Nana was up cooking breakfast. I attempted to sit up, but searing pain shot through my knee. I’d need to take it a lot slower than I’d thought.

A multi-colored knee greeted me as I unwound the bandage. My joint showed decreased swelling since it had been propped up all night, but not enough to drive. Dee Dee didn’t yet have an inkling she’d just volunteered to be my chauffeur. I hobbled into the kitchen.

Nana, decked out in a jogging suit, stood at the stove holding a spatula. Dee Dee already up, was dressed in Capri’s and tee shirt. “Hey, ladies.” Thank goodness they weren’t in their Scarlett dresses.

“Good morning, Trixie.” Dee Dee and Nana spoke in unison. Dee Dee stuck a pancake laden fork in her mouth. She wiped excess syrup off her chin.

“How’s that knee? You look a little green around the gills.”

“The last time I felt this bad was when I gave birth.” Speaking about birth jogged a memory. “Hey, did y’all hear what Wynonna Judd said about giving birth?” They shook their heads. “She said having a baby was like trying to pass a ham through your nose.” The snorting sounds emitted from three women were not pretty. The laughter relieved some of the built up tension we’d experienced over the past few days.

“Come on, Trixie. Sit down and grab a plateful of these pancakes,” Nana said. “You need all the strength you can get.” She stacked five pancakes on my plate. Granted, they weren’t huge, but they weren’t little either. Oh, what the heck.

“We’ve already offered the blessing, so dig in.” I couldn’t get the fork to my mouth quick enough.

“Okay, Missy.” Nana grabbed my plate almost before I was finished. “You go right back to bed. Dr. Rossi said you should rest your knee.” Nana balked at being bossed, but she didn’t mind being bossy.

“That’s right.” Dee Dee agreed.

“Sorry. Bedrest ain’t gonna happen today. There’s work to do. My article isn’t finished, and I’m still helping Doc. We’re getting close. First, Dora’s house was broken into and then someone pushed me down?” Today I’d planned to visit the Marietta National Cemetery. Over 10,000 union soldiers laid to rest in this historic landmark. This would be great material for my article. “And I’m meeting Jill for lunch.”

“I can’t make you stay in bed, but why don’t I drive you around today?” Dee Dee must have read my mind.

“I’ll take you up on that offer.” I rubbed my aching knee. “Jill said she has a surprise for me. Want to come see your grand-niece, Nana?”

“No, dear. If you don’t mind I think I’ll go sit with Dora. Would you give Jill my love?” I exhaled when she declined the invitation. I don’t know how Mama did it, keeping up with Nana everyday. She harbored more energy than a two year old.

I hobbled back to my room and dressed the best I could with my swollen joint. Khaki Capri’s with a blue short sleeve tee would have to suffice. Nana, as usual, had dressed sharp as a tack. She sported a watermelon colored running suit with a white short sleeve shirt underneath. Jogging co-ordinates were her favorite outfits: spring, summer, winter or fall. And they always had to match. I admit she looked spiffy.

Dee Dee had chosen denim Capri’s. She had on a multi-colored, and I do mean multi-colored, pull-over blouse. On her wrists she wore a myriad of colorful bracelets. Bright pink Keds adorned her feet. I loved Dee Dee’s fashion flare. Her colorful outfits never failed to bring a smile to my face. I needed to have a serious meeting with the clothes in my closet and brighten up my wardrobe.

We released Nana at the main entrance of the hospital. I couldn’t visit Dora, but I was sure she’d understand when Nana explained.

“Where to, James?” Dee Dee guffawed. “I’ve always wanted to say that.”

“I think that’s home James,” I said.

“Whatever, it’s still fun to say either way.”

“We’ve talked with everyone on the list but Jeffrey. Let’s find him and see if we can question him before we meet up with Jill?” A warm glow filled me with the thought of seeing my daughter. It’d been too long.

“Sounds good.” Dee Dee latched onto the wheel with both hands and took a corner like she sat in the driver’s seat of a race car.

I grabbed the handle above the window. “Whoa. Slow down, you’re going to get us killed, or run over some little old lady.”

“Aw, you’re just jumpy this morning. I wasn’t going that fast. You relax, and leave the driving to little ole’ me.” Relaxing while she drove was an oxymoron.

“Let me see your list and I’ll check where Jeffrey works.” I thought he worked at one of the banks, but I wasn’t sure which one.

“It’s in my purse.” She scooted it toward me. Dee Dee’s love for large bags was no different today. She had a hot pink purse to match her shoes. It sported a giant pink flower on the front. I removed a billfold, brush, bottle of Tums, and an address book before I found the tablet.

“Hmmm, you’ve written down the First Trust Bank located a couple of blocks from the square. I think I’ve seen it going to the hospital. Take a left at the next….” She took the corner so fast my heart palpitated, and I feared it would fly out of my chest. “Good grief, Dee.”

“Well, you said take the next left.” She slowed behind a truck loaded with hay bales. “Out of the way, Farmer Brown!”

I silently offered a prayer of thanks when we managed to arrive without running down any little old ladies or kids. I couldn’t wait until I could drive again, because Dee Dee would certainly be the death of me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

There’s a parking place right in front.” Since I couldn’t walk far, I was grateful for a space this close.

“Allll righty!” She parallel parked quicker than a lizard hiding under a rock. I was impressed.

It appeared like any other bank – ostentatious. I would never understand why banks built such enormous buildings. The bank is located on the bottom floor and who knows what is on the other levels.

The receptionist hung up the phone as we arrived. “May I help you?”

“Yes. Could you tell us where Jeffrey Jones’ office is located?”

“Sure. Go down the hallway, and his office is the last door on the left.” She turned around and returned to her business.

Raised voices filled the hallway as we walked toward the office. And they weren’t friendly. I lifted my hand to knock on the door when I overheard a familiar voice. “Just remember what I said.” Sammy turned around and saw us standing in the doorway. “Excuse me ladies.” He took off like a fox chased by hound dogs. What was that all about?

“May I help you?” Jeffrey sat behind an oversized mahogany desk. Framed certificates covered the dark paneled wall. “Weren’t you at the museum fundraiser the other night?” He stood up, and looked directly at me. “I believe you’re the one they transported in an ambulance.”

“That’s right.” Not knowing if he was one of the bad guys, I didn’t want to give away too much information. “I have a bum knee and I fell when the lights went out.”

“I hope it’s better.” He looked at my cane, motioning to two red leather visitor chairs in front of his desk. “Now what can I do for you?”

“I’m Trixie Montgomery and I write for “Georgia by the Way.” I motioned toward Dee Dee, who had made herself comfortable, and I sat in her chair’s twin.

“I’m familiar with “Georgia by the Way.” He leaned forward and settled his hands on his desk. “What does that have to do with me?”

“I’m working on a story about the museum. The night Jacob was killed, Dee Dee and I were there.”

He stood up, walked around his desk and closed the door. I wondered what he had to hide. I intended to find out.

“I’m interviewing all the board members. Can you tell me a little about your position at the museum?”

I let him drone on about his love of history and the antiques he’d collected over the years. It was time to get to the nitty-gritty.

“Jeffrey. Doc is in a lot of trouble. Detective Bowerman, the investigating officer, has his sights on Doc. We’re trying to help him. Did you demand Doc fire Jacob for making passes at Susan Gray?”

“Yes, I did. And I don’t see why you’re getting mixed up in this.” He leaned forward, arms crossed. “What is it to you?”

“Trixie helped solve a murder last year in Dahlonega, and saved my hide.” Dee Dee told him. “She’s got a knack for it. When Doc found out he was in deep, he asked Trixie to help.”

I couldn’t tell who owned the biggest mouth, Dee Dee or Nana. It’s a toss-up.

“Really?” He stared directly into my eyes. I didn’t like the way he glared at me. Fear gnawed at the pit of my stomach, and perspiration beaded on my forehead.

“And what have you found out so far?” He glanced from me to Dee Dee.

“Well, let’s see,” Dee Dee began. I faked a pneumatic cough hoping Dee Dee would put a lock on her lips. She grabbed the water from Jeffrey’s desk and handed it to me.

“Drink it, Trixie. It’ll keep you from choking.” When I didn’t take the water she shoved it in my hands. “Drink it! I promise it will work.” I was going to choke her if she didn’t sit down in her chair.

“I’m all right now.” We had to make a quick escape. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I was getting a real bad feeling about Jeffrey. “Come on, Dee Dee. I think I need to go, I’m not doing well.

Jeffrey opened the door for us. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well, Ms. Montgomery. Please be careful. Digging into a murder investigation could turn out to be dangerous.” Was it my imagination or did he over emphasize “danger?” Relief flooded through me as we exited the building.

Back in the car Dee asked, “Where to James?” This time, her joke fell flat. She wasn’t as perky as earlier, and neither was I.

“Let’s head to the museum and see if Doc’s in. Maybe he can update us on his status with the detective.”

“Trixie, what if Doc killed Jacob? We don’t know him that well. Maybe we’re wasting our time.”

She had a point. But my gut told me Doc was innocent. I prayed my gut wasn’t wrong. Our lives depended on it.

We pulled into the parking lot. I grabbed Dee Dee’s arm before she could exit the car and gave her my serious look. “Don’t you dare pretend you’re Scarlett. I’ve had enough of Scarlett for the rest of my life.”

“Okey dokey, your wish is my command. Obviously your knee hurts and it’s making you grumpy.”

I was grumpy, and my knee did hurt, but I couldn’t give up. We were close. Maybe too close and someone tried to stop us.

Marianne manned the front desk. “Hi, I’m glad to see you.”

“I’m glad to be here.” Marianne met my gaze, her eyes clear and bright. “Doc and I worked out a plan so I can repay what I took.”

I patted her hand. “That’s wonderful. Is he in?”

At that moment, Doc walked out of his office and saw us. “Hey, there.” He eyed my cane and gently took my elbow. “Penny and I were so worried about you. Come in and sit down, tell me how you’re doing.” He led us into his office.

“I’ve been better. The question is how are you doing?” He showed me to a chair and waited until I settled in.

“Not so good,” he said. “Detective Bowerman has been back, questioning me several times. He’s relentless. Maybe he thinks I’ll confess if he wears me down. If so, he’s in for a big disappointment. I’m not going to confess to something I didn’t do.”

“Doc, Trixie and I believe we’re getting close. That’s why Dora’s house was broken into and Trixie was pushed down last night,” Dee Dee said.

“I appreciate your help, ladies. But I don’t want you in harm’s way. You probably shouldn’t try to investigate anymore. The case is getting too dangerous.” He shook his head and his shoulders drooped.

“We’re already in up to our eyeballs. The killer doesn’t want us to finish what we started, but we don’t have a choice,” I argued. “It’s imperative we find out who the killer is before he kills us.” I readjusted my bottom on the seat. The worn chair had lost its padding long ago.

“We’ve interviewed all the people on our list: Marianne, Susan, Gloria, Jeffrey, Sammy and Steven. Each and everyone have a motive. Jacob was blackmailing Marianne. By the way Doc, we’re happy to see Marianne still here.”

“I gave it a tremendous amount of thought and prayer. Jesus had a lot to say about forgiveness. He tells us in Ephesians to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” He cupped his hands over his face as if he was praying. He was silent for a minute, Dee Dee and I waited.

“How could I not forgive her?” he said. “I’ve fallen short so many times in my life. Several people have given me a second chance, and that’s why I’ve come as far as I have. I could be rotting in jail in the Bahamas. Penny is going to take over the finances for the museum and I’ve come up with a plan for Marianne to pay back what she borrowed. I pray I’m doing the right thing.”

“You’re being more than generous and I’m sure she appreciates it,” Dee Dee said.

“Not to mention that Gloria is telling everyone you stole the money,” I said. “Won’t the board demand her dismissal?”

“I have the last word on employees, and Marianne will stay as long as I have a job.”

“Then all the more reason we need to find the killer.” I leaned back, the chair squeaking in protest. “Let’s get back to our list.”

Dee Dee pulled a rumpled piece of paper from her bag.

“Susan also has motive,” I began. “She had an affair with Jacob and she didn’t want Jeffrey to know. On top of that, her bookstore is about to face foreclosure.” I mentally put a check by her name. My vote went to Susan. She had the most to lose or gain, depending on how you looked at it.

Dee Dee spoke up. “We visited Jeffrey this morning. When we arrived, Sammy was in his office and we heard them arguing. I haven’t figured out what Sammy’s motive might be. Jeffrey could have found out about Jacob and wanted him out of the way.” She tapped Jeffrey’s name on her list to accentuate his guilt.

“That leaves Gloria and Steven,” Doc stated. “I can’t envision Gloria being strong enough to kill anyone, and I’m not sure she has a motive. I know she wants Steven to take over as director, but killing Jacob wouldn’t guarantee Steven’s appointment.” He pushed his glasses up on his nose and wiped his brow with his handkerchief.

“That’s not exactly true, Doc,” I said. “If you go to prison for killing Jacob, then Steven could step in as director with her recommendation. So she does have motive.”

“Put that way, I guess you’re right,” he said.

“That goes for Steven as well. It would be to his advantage if you were out of the way, Doc.” I thought back to last night, when I met Steven. He seemed like such a nice young gentleman. I struggled picturing him as a killer.

“We need to go, Trixie. It’s time to meet Jill.” Dee Dee pointed to her pink watch.

“Doc, we’re meeting my daughter for lunch, but if you think of anything else please let us know.”

“I will. But please, please be careful.” Famous last words.