Текст книги "Death In Dahlonega"

Автор книги: Deborah Malone

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 5 (всего у книги 9 страниц)

Chapter Fourteen

I slowly pushed the door open, praying protection from whatever awaited us. And there, sitting on the corner of my bed, dressed in jogging pants and matching pull-over, sat my great aunt.

“NANA!” My heart jackhammered. “What in the world are you doing here?”

“I’m glad to see you, too, Missy,” my white-haired aunt shot a smile, green eyes peering from behind her glasses.

Dee Dee concocted an excellent excuse and left me to handle the situation alone, rushing past us for the ladies room.

“Nana, how did you travel all the way to Dahlonega? I gave her a hug and stepped back, hands on my hips, waiting on her explanation. “And this had better be good.”

“Beau.”

Beau? Nana’s answer shocked my socks off.

“He’s over at the sheriff’s department right this minute, looking into the murder investigation. Isn’t this something? How in the world did you get mixed up in this?”

Nana bounced on her seat, up and down. I hoped she wasn’t testing it out for that night.

“Nana, I’m the one asking the questions.”

“You can get off your high horse, Missy. I’m sure you’re surprised to see me, but that’s no reason to get sassy with me.”

Nana didn’t seem fazed by my authoritative tone.

“I’m sorry, Nana. I’m just surprised to see you. What in the name of Jehoshaphat made you and Beau decide to come to Dahlonega?”

I sat on the edge of the other bed, no longer able to stand. My knee throbbed. Dee Dee came back in and plopped down beside me.

“Now, don’t go and get mad at Beau,” Nana said. “I threatened to find another ride if he didn’t bring me. Remember, Beau’s a deputy sheriff. Who better to help you? I thought you’d be happy.” Tears sparkled in the corner of Nana’s eyes. Nana didn’t cry often. She’d been brought up during an era where living was anything but easy. There had been precious little time to cry then.

“Don’t cry, Nana. We’ll work this out.” I hugged her. She brightened up a little too quickly.

Dee Dee asked, “How did you know about the murder, Nana?”

“I happened to answer the phone at the same time Betty Jo did and overheard part of Trixie’s conversation.” She looked me straight in the face and dared me to say different.

“I knew it! I had this weird feeling when I was on the phone talking with Mama. Nana, you eavesdropped.” I crossed my arms.

“That’s not true.” She sniffed, as if daring me to think her intent malicious. “When I heard you crying, I couldn’t hang up the phone.”

Her features softened. I melted.

“You’re here now. Let’s call Mama and make sure she knows you’re all right. She does know where you are?”

“Of course she does,” Nana responded with indignation. It was a miracle. She seemed to have successfully erased her memory of all the times her antics resulted in worrying Mama.

“I’m not even going to ask you how you managed to talk her into letting you come.” Mama, bless her heart, needed the time away from Nana. She loved her, without a doubt. Caring for Nana was tougher than a big-bootied woman struggling to pull on a pair of spandex pants.

“Good. We’re wasting time. I’m here to help. What can I do?” Nana picked up the hooded jacket to her jogging outfit and looped her arm through her pocketbook.

“Nana, I’m sorry, but I can’t let you get involved.” I brainstormed on ways to convince Nana to return home as I tried to pry her jacket from her hands. She wasn’t having it. She pried back.

“We appreciate your concern Nana, but I think we have the situation under control. Beau’s come all the way to Dahlonega to help, and he’ll straighten things out.” I prayed he could.

Nana fluttered her lashes. “Can you believe it? A hunk with brains. They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore. If I were a little younger, I’d go for Beau. I’d catch him, too.” She placed her jacket and pocketbook on the bed, and fluffed her hair. The she winked at us. “You’re right Trix, Beau can take care of it.”

I glanced over at Dee Dee. I pleaded with my eyes, begging for her help. She responded by shrugging her shoulders. In other words, “you’re on your own, honey.”

I pressed forward. “You’re right, Nana. Beau’s a hunk, and I agree he’s smart enough to help Dee Dee. Why don’t we call Mama and tell her you’re coming home now that you’ve seen everything’s fine?”

She looked at me like I’d grown horns, and I glared back.

A knock at the door broke our stare down. Closest to the door, I opened it. In front of me stood a beautiful sight:Beau, looking like he’d stepped out of a Wrangler jeans ad. Without thinking, I gave him a big hug. Warmth flowed through me when he hugged back. Embarrassed, I pulled back.

When Beau wiped a lone tear from my cheek, a tingle of electricity ran through my body. I couldn’t remember a time, since my divorce, when my protective armor had been penetrated. I welcomed the warm feeling.

Beau cleared his throat. “I had a thorough talk with Jake, and I believe he’s doing what he can to solve—”

“Are you sure we’re talking about the same Sheriff Wheeler? The one who’s hounding Dee Dee?”

“Trixie, your mama taught you better than to interrupt someone,” Nana intoned from the bed.

I ignored Nana’s words and Beau’s smile. “Furthermore, we think he’s using her for a scapegoat. He’s retiring at the end of the year.”

Dee Dee nodded in agreement, “Yes, and he’s running for mayor.”

Beau turned from her to me, and butterflies fluttered at the full force of his attention. “I feel confident Jake’s doing his job. He’s not going to divulge details of the case with civilians. I wouldn’t, either.”

That made me wonder what the sheriff had told him. “So is there anything I can know?”

His lips twitched. “He mentioned several persons of interest other than Dee Dee.” Beau had my full attention. “But you have to admit it didn’t look good when the rangers found Dee Dee standing over Tatum. She immediately became a person of interest.”

Dee Dee snorted. “Like I would kill anyone.”

Beau shrugged. “Sheriff Wheeler wouldn’t know that, and he wouldn’t be doing a thorough job if he didn’t look into you.”

I glared at him. “Whose side are you on?” I should have cut him a break, seeing as he’d spent all that time in a car with Nana, but I couldn’t help myself.

He sighed, and pulled up a chair.

“I guess you’re right. They’re not going to share information with the suspect and her friend,” Dee Dee said.

Beau took off his Stetson and ran his long fingers through his hair. Then he dropped the bomb. “Now, for the bad news.”

Chapter Fifteen

I received a call from my partner, Deputy Crowe.” Beau spun the Stetson slowly. “Last year, our department worked on a case involving stolen cattle. Crowe said they’ve arrested a man in the next county, and he’s asking for me. There’s a good chance he’s involved in stealin’ cattle from the local farmers. He’s refusing to talk to anyone else. I’ve got to go back.”

Beau brushed back his thick hair and rubbed his chin before he replaced his hat. He stood up.

I panicked. Our only chance to get Nana back home was going to leave. “Uh, Beau. Since you’re going back anyway, why don’t you give Nana a ride home?” I grabbed her jacket and pocketbook and shoved them towards him.

He shoved the items back at me and opened the door. With a wide sweep of his hand he gestured for me to go outside. He followed me and shut the door behind him.

“I’m sorry, but it just ain’t gonna’ happen today.”

Disbelief flooded me in waves. Had I heard him right? He refused to take her home? Equally bad, our liaison to Sheriff Wheeler was getting ready to walk out the door.

I swayed a bit, and Beau reached out and steadied me. It hit me again: a surge of electricity traveled from my head to my toes at the touch of his hand.

“I’m really sorry, but I have to go back immediately, and I won’t be able to take Nana home. The guy could change his mind any minute.” He loosened his hold on me and, when I didn’t fall flat on my face, he let go.

Making a scene wouldn’t change a thing, and I didn’t want Beau to leave on a bad note. His friendship meant too much to me. “You’re right Beau. I know how important this is. You need to go back as soon as possible.” I stalled for more time. “Something has been bothering me. No one’s talking about the money scattered around John Tatum’s body. Do you think blackmail might be involved?”

“Blackmail is a possibility. A well known figure like Tatum makes a good target for blackmail.”

My hopes soared. “I’ve talked with some of the locals, and they’ve given me a few leads. I can request a follow-up interview. Ask them more questions.” I couldn’t wait to start.

He took his hat off and slapped it against his leg, face drawn into a scowl. “Trixie, let the sheriff take care of this. I have confidence he’ll do his job, and…it could be dangerous.”

As touched as I was that Beau cared, I couldn’t agree.

Beau put his hat back on his head and leaned his face in toward mine. “Promise me.”

I crossed my fingers behind my back. “Okay, I’ll stay out of trouble.” I didn’t promise not to question anyone.

He waited. I kept my fingers crossed. I feared they might become permanently stuck that way.

Then he backed up with a sigh. “I guess that’s the best I’ll get from you.”

Beau was wise enough to let it drop. We stepped back inside and he said his goodbyes to Nana and Dee Dee. He kissed Nana on the cheek. A prick of jealously stung me. These new feelings for him confused me. Maybe it was the mountain air.

He turned back to me. “You’ve got my cell number; call me if you need anything. I can get in touch with Sheriff Wheeler right away. All right?” He waited for my answer.

“I’ll call if I need to. Thanks for coming.”

He left and I waved one last time from the doorway. A surge of sadness washed over me. I shut the door and turned around.

Dee Dee and Nana had their heads close together, deep in conversation. They stopped mid-sentence. I wondered if I were the subject of their cozy little chat.

“We were discussing sleeping arrangements,” Nana said. “Would either of you want to share a bed with me?” She chuckled. She knew good and well we didn’t. “Just kidding. Why don’t we call those nice people down at the front desk and ask them if they have a roll-a-way bed.”

I glanced around the cramped room, wondering where we’d put a roll-a-way bed. I sent up a prayer for help. I didn’t hear a voice from heaven, but I did feel a sense of peace. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and Nana would find it.

“Trixie, please call them. I do believe I feel a nap sneaking up.” A yawn confirmed Nana’s exhaustion.

I pulled back the covers. “Dee Dee and I have a few errands we need to run. You can use my bed for your nap. I’ll stop at the desk and ask for a roll-away.”

“What errands?” Dee Dee shrugged and wore a blank look.

“You know, Dee Dee, the errands we discussed this morning.” I raised a brow.

“Oh, yeah. I remember.” She spoke loud enough to wake the dead. “Nana, can we do anything for you before we go?”

“No dear. You two go ahead. When you get back we can get some supper. Beau and I had burgers and fries in the car.”

Nana unzipped her overnight bag. I was amazed at how conveniently sharp Nana’s mind could be.

“Dee Dee, grab my jacket please. It’s much cooler out.” We donned our jackets and I retrieved my cane where it leaned against the wall. This trip had convinced me it would not be much longer before surgery was necessary. I picked up my camera and we shut the door, leaving Nana to her unpacking.

“What errands were you talking about, Trix?”

“I want to see if we can locate Sueleigh Dalton. Teresa said her family run one of the booths on the square.”

“She was John Tatum’s girlfriend, right?” Dee Dee asked.

“Yes. And she had a baby by him and then he denied being the father.” I looked at Dee Dee. “I believe that could be a recipe for murder.”

Chapter Sixteen

She laughed at my pun, but stopped short when she realized I was serious. “You’re right, Trixie. Murders have been committed for a lot less. Why, the sheriff thinks I killed Tatum over a silly argument. It doesn’t make sense to me. Just because I stood over Tatum holding the murder weapon….” A sheepish look claimed her face. “Oh, yeah. Holding the murder weapon doesn’t bode well for me, does it?” Her countenance fell.

It hurt to witness my friend in so much pain. With Dee Dee’s freedom on the line, I was determined to support her. She had supported me during my divorce and I wanted to be there for her.

“Come on,” I pulled her towards a booth surrounded by tourists. We waited in line for a funnel cake, a tasty treat made of deep-fried dough, covered with powdered sugar. I often thought just inhaling the aroma could add pounds to my figure—so I planned to order one for Dee Dee as well as one for me. If I were going to gain weight, I refused to gain alone.

I squeezed up to the counter before Dee Dee.

“Hey lady, can I help you?” The man behind the counter wiped his hands on his greasy apron.

What the heck. It was for a good cause. “Yes, we’ll take two funnel cakes please, and lots of powdered sugar.” He handed one to me and yelled for another one. “Can you tell me where I can find the Dalton’s booth?”

“Sure. They run the Backyard Bar-b-que. It’s across the street and down a ways to the left. That’ll be six fifty.” He accepted my change and barked, “Next!”

I had been dismissed. I moved over to let a less than petite woman elbow her way to the counter.

I handed Dee Dee her funnel cake and she unwound a long curl of the doughy treat. “This’ll be good for a quick energy boost.” She looked cute with white powder all around her mouth. “Where are we going?”

My mouth full, I pointed across the street. We headed in that direction, holding the flimsy plates steady as we savored our treats.

The Dalton’s booth was easy to find. Another long line flowed into the street. Eating must be the main event at Gold Rush Days.

“Looks like we might have to buy a sandwich, too.” I brushed my sticky mouth and threw the trash in a plastic-lined bin.

“Yes, it does.” Dee Dee added, tossing her plate in, as well.

As we approached the booth, I saw several people working inside. Two men and two women danced around each other as they filled orders. I wondered which one was Sueleigh.

“Next!”

“I’ll take two sandwiches and two Cokes, please.” As the man handed me our food, I asked which lady was Sueleigh.

“Neither one. Sueleigh is my daughter. Why ya’ asking?” His words were clipped and his tone unfriendly.

That would never do. I set on my reporter’s grin, and introduced myself. “I write for a historical magazine, and I want to interview her. Teresa Duncan, over at the Gold Museum, recommended I talk with Sueleigh about Gold Rush Days.” All right, we all stretch the truth at times. I prayed the end justified the means.

“Teresa. Why didn’t ya’ say so?” A smile softened his gruff exterior. “Sueleigh is driving the horse carriage for me today. You can catch her over there.” He pointed to the square. I glanced at my shoe. Unfortunately, I was familiar with the horse carriage.

“Thanks, thanks a lot.” I don’t think he heard me. He’d moved on to the next hungry customer. I turned around and bumped into Dee Dee.

“I heard. I guess we’re on our way to the carriage ride?” She grabbed a Coke and took a long drink.

“Let’s find somewhere to sit.” We sat in silence, on a bench facing the square. It was the perfect setting for people watching.

I’m a firm believer that if your self-confidence is in danger of waning, you should go to the mall and people watch. God made humans in all different sizes, shapes, colors, and personalities. The bottom line is, we’re all pretty much made from the same pattern.

“People watching again?” Dee Dee asked, slurping her drink.

“Isn’t it odd how the Lord made people in all shapes and sizes?”

We watched a family of four, one kid in braces, the second with a gap-toothed smile that showed he’d be next.

“Ever notice how the beautiful people on television are never at the farmer’s markets?”

“Or the mall.” Dee Dee nodded. “And their beauty has been enhanced, at that!”

I agreed, having participated in this activity many times after my divorce. My self-esteem was then at an all time low. It had taken me a great deal of contemplation to realize he hadn’t strayed because of my looks or my self-esteem. He had strayed because of his own lack of self-esteem, disguised as an overblown ego. He still didn’t understand, and I wasn’t making any bets he ever would. That was okay. I’d discovered that I needed to spend my limited energy on me and let God take care of Wade.

As I sat thinking, the clippity-clop of a horse pulling a carriage sounded behind us. We turned to see a stunning redhead high on the driver’s seat. She wasn’t alone. A man, who looked vaguely familiar, sat next to her.

I poked Dee Dee in the ribs.

“Ouch.” She rubbed her side. “What did you do that for?”

“Look over there. See the man sitting next to the redhead?”

“Sure. What’s so important about him you had to crack my rib?”

“That looks like Leroy, Joyce’s nephew. What do you think he’s doing talking with Sueleigh Dalton? That guy gives me the creeps. I thought I was going to wet my pants when he snuck up on me last night.” I wadded up my sandwich wrapper and threw it in a nearby garbage can.

“Don’t exaggerate, Trix. You said he was making his nightly rounds. It’s no wonder you were edgy last night after the horrible day we’d been through.”

I knew she was trying her best to convince me that I was wrong, but it wasn’t working. “Dee Dee, there’s something in my gut. I just can’t put my finger on it. To see him talking with Sueleigh adds fuel to the fire. Some coincidence if you ask me. Come on; let’s buy a ticket for the carriage ride. I’m going to find out one way or the other what he’s up to.”

Chapter Seventeen

When the carriage turned the corner, we were next in line. I glanced over at Dee Dee. “Close your mouth before a fly takes up residence in there.”

I knew what caused her laxity of the jaw. Even from a distance, I had to work hard to avert my stare and avoid taking in the whole picture. I knew why Tatum fell hard for Sueleigh. In fact, I could understand why any breathing male, regardless of age, might be attracted to her. A tight pale lavender sweater accentuated the largest set of manmade boobs I’d ever seen.

She wore her long, fiery red hair flowing down her back. Enough make up covered her face to qualify for a walking advertisement. No doubt, many a head had turned to get a second look at the combination of ample chest, red hair, and painted face.

“She’ll never have to worry about falling flat on her face.” Dee Dee chuckled at her bad joke.

“Shhhh! Act natural. Here she comes.”

Next thing I knew, Sueleigh Dalton looked our way. She pulled the reins back and a beautiful brown and white horse came to a stop. “Hi. You ladies ready?”

“Sure. Come on Dee Dee.” I grabbed her and guided her to the back seat, and then I turned to Sueleigh and asked her if I could sit up front. “I’ve always wanted to sit up front with the driver.”

“I don’t usually let riders up front. It could be dangerous; if there’s an accident, somebody might file a law suit because they fell off the wagon,” she laughed.

I didn’t want to miss a chance to get up close and personal with a suspect, so I blurted out what I hoped would entice her to break the rules. “What if I told you I’m interested in interviewing you for a magazine article? I write for Georgia By the Way, and I’m working on an article about Gold Rush Days. I’d like my assistant to take your picture. There’s a good chance it could make the cover.”

She whooshed her hair behind her back. “In that case, I don’t think it would hurt this one time. Come on up.” She eyed my cane with a quizzical expression. “Do you need me to help you up?”

“I think I can make it if you give me a hand.” With a little grunting and groaning, Sueleigh managed to pull me up beside her. With a flick of the reins and a ‘giddy up,’ we started on our way.

“The man riding with you looked familiar. Does he work at the inn?”

“Oh, that’s Leroy Roberts, the owner’s nephew. He’s a friend of mine. We go back a long way. As a matter of fact, we went to school together. We were discussing the murder of John Tatum. I guess you’ve heard about it?” She raised painted eyebrows in question. She pulled on a rein and the horse turned down a back street.

“Yes, we have. What did you discuss about the murder?”

Sueleigh emitted a high-pitched scream, making the horses ears flick back and forth. “Oh my Gosh!” she exclaimed. “I know who you are. You’re the lady that killed John.”

“That’s not true,” I said. I turned around to see if Dee Dee had heard. She seemed oblivious as she watched the scenery. I gave her one of my most charming smiles and continued.

“What I mean is, it wasn’t anyone I know. My friend Dee Dee has, however, been questioned by the sheriff about the murder of your ex-boyfriend.”

“How did you know he was my ex-boyfriend?” She narrowed her gaze and pulled back on the leather straps. The horse slowed. For a minute, I thought she might stop and order us out.

“Okay.” I held my hands up in surrender. “I really am a reporter, and I’m working on a story about Gold Rush Days, but I’m also trying to help my best friend. I’ve been asking around town about anyone closely associated with Tatum. I have to help Dee Dee. The sheriff doesn’t seem interested in looking for the real killer, so we’ve decided to find out who it is.” I waited to see her reaction. When she didn’t kick us out I continued. “We need your help,” I pleaded.

Sympathy cooled her gaze. “Well, I know what it’s like to have people look at you like you’re really bad. But how can I help you?”

“Is it true you and John were involved?” I asked, even though I knew the answer.

“If you call having his child involved, yes we were. He broke my heart. John told me over and over that he’d divorce Miranda so we could get married.” Tears glistened in her eyes and my heart softened—until I remembered it was another woman’s husband she’d been involved with. I swallowed down my judgment and listened as she went on.

“I was so excited when I found out I was pregnant. I just knew he’d divorce Miranda, marry me, and give the baby a name. Boy, was I ever wrong.” The words spewed from her painted mouth. “He not only fired me as his secretary; he stopped calling me. I tried to contact him over and over. He told me I’d better stop harassing him or he was going to get a restraining order. Can you believe that?” She pulled back on the reins to let a group of tourists pass. “A restraining order. On me! I was carrying his child, and he threatened to have me arrested if I didn’t stop bothering him. He even suggested I do something about the pregnancy. I know I might not be the brightest light bulb in the room, but I would never harm my unborn child.”

She moved up a notch in my book as the horse’s hooves clip-clopped along the street. People pointed and waved. Kids begged their parents for a ride.

It dawned on me; Sueleigh had grown used to the finger pointing for all sorts of different reasons. No matter what the circumstances, this woman had been wronged. Through it all, she had protected her unborn child.

Sueleigh continued. “After that, I stopped contacting him. I didn’t want anything to do with that man. I have a beautiful little girl, and I’ve been raising her myself, with some help from my parents. They were furious with John. Daddy wanted me to take him to court and make him pay child support. I thought about it, but knowing John’s temper, I decided to let it go. I didn’t want his money anyway.”

Her voice dropped several levels. “There’s other ways besides money to make someone pay.” She looked straight ahead and concentrated on turning the horse down a lane.

Whether it was by bribery or murder, I suddenly believed she’d made him pay, and dearly at that.