Текст книги "Terror on Tybee Island"

Автор книги: Deborah Malone

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Текущая страница: 2 (всего у книги 11 страниц)

CHAPTER FOUR

After I discovered the body identified as that of a Mrs. Grace Watkins, several officers arrived to investigate the crime scene. They instructed us to gather in Laura’s house, including everyone from Ocean View Inn.

Sipping from my steaming mug in Laura’s living room, I surveyed the eclectic group of guests. Ellie and the Daniels sat across from me. Mama, Nana, and Dee Dee were on the edge of their seats, ready to rescue me if I fainted. George and Laura, both expressionless, occupied the wingback chairs. In my fugue state I recognized these people, but there were several unfamiliar faces.

“Hey, y’all. Ain’t this the most fascinating thing you’ve ever seen? I just love to watch those murder mysteries on the Investigation Discovery Channel.” A guest from Ocean View Inn introduced himself as Bubba Maxwell. This man definitely lived up to his name.

“Mr. Maxwell, this is not a television show. This is real, and someone lost their life. I’d appreciate it if you showed a little respect.” I had a feeling this was a concept lost on Bubba, but Detective Joe Baker was giving him the benefit of the doubt.

George and Bubba weren’t the only guests from Grace’s bed and breakfast. It seems she had collected a menagerie of folks. A couple of young newlyweds, covered in tattoos and pierced with rings in every orifice that showed, and probably some that didn’t, sat slumped on a couch. At first glance I wasn’t sure I’d want to encounter them in the dark.

A man dressed in an expensive business suit, sporting a pair of fauxcroc oxfords, spoke to the group, “Hi, I’m John Porter.” He didn’t elaborate on his introduction.

Wow, he sure looks sharp as a tack. I wonder what he’s doing on Tybee.

The detective’s baritone voice interrupted my thoughts. “Some of you will be interviewed separately by either Officer Judy Caldwell or Officer Ben Stevens.” Detective Baker peered at each person through squinted eyes. “The rest of you will be lucky enough to be interviewed by me.”

I chanced a long look at the detective. Tall, broad shouldered and a little on the hefty side, he exuded authority. I wondered if he’d grown up on the island. His skin was tanned and weather-worn. He had a head full of dark hair tinged with gray and possessed expressive brown eyes. He sported a thick mustache. He reminded me of Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I., albeit a bit heavier.

“Well, Detective. You’re lucky my Trixie found the body.” Nana flashed him a big smile.

“Oh, why is that?” He shot Nana a look that would have unnerved anyone else. Not Nana.

“Let me tell you.” I knew Nana had every intention of telling him why. “Trixie, Dee Dee and I have already helped solve two murders. We’ll be an asset to your investigation.”

The Detective’s jaw dropped like a windless kite on the beach. Way to go Nana. Foot in mouth again. It was true we’d helped on a couple of other cases, but not because our skills were sought after. It was a matter of saving someone we loved from the slammer. Dee Dee unfortunately became the main suspect of a murder in Dahlonega. That was almost two years ago now. I was grateful we’d been able to find the real killer and keep her from a life behind bars. She’d hate those orange jumpsuits.

A year ago, a friend of Harv’s was accused of killing one of his employees. Doc Pennington, the director of the Marietta History Museum, had asked for our help in clearing his name. I tried to stay out of the investigation, but Doc pleaded with us and I caved.

But we weren’t asked to help by law enforcement. Just the opposite. We’d been warned to keep our noses out of police business. But I couldn’t stand by and let my best friend go to jail for a crime she didn’t do. Then when Doc begged us to help him, we melted like butter.

I looked at Detective Baker and he looked right back at me – a stand-off. I blinked first. “Ms. Montgomery.”

“Yes.” The lump in my throat felt like an orange.

“I don’t care how many investigations you helped with. You will not be interfering with this one. Is that understood?” He stood with legs parted and hands on his hips. “You’ll have me to reckon with me if you interfere.

“Yes sir.” I fully intended to heed his warning.

“After all, you found the body. I plan on keeping a close eye on you.” I’m sure he would. If it weren’t for my Beau, I might not mind if he kept an eye on me. But Beau had asked me to marry him before we left for vacation and I told him I needed this time to make my decision.

I caught a glimpse of Dee Dee. I guess she’d noticed, too, because she was looking at Detective Baker like she could eat him up. What was going on with my friends? First, Nana – smitten with George. Now, Dee Dee was star struck with the investigator.

“Since we’re on the subject, I think I’ll interview you first, Ms. Montgomery. Officer Caldwell and Officer Stevens, you can start your interviews.” He looked around at everyone as he spoke. “No one leaves this house until one of us releases you.” The detective looked at Laura. “Ms. Walker, do you have some rooms we can use for questioning?”

“Sure. Follow me.” She led us to a room I assumed was her office. A big oak desk was positioned with a lovely view of the ocean. Filing cabinets sat in the corner. Shelves stuffed full of books lined one side of a wall. A floor lamp stood sentinel by a recliner on a beautiful, multicolored, patchwork brocade rug that covered the hardwood floors.

I chose a maroon rocker-recliner. When I sat down my body oozed into the cushion. I hadn’t realized how exhausted I was until now. Detective Baker settled in the office chair and rolled directly in front of me. He leaned forward, hands on knees, close enough for me to smell his English Leather aftershave.

After gazing into my soul, he pulled out his pad, flipped the pages, and poised his pen. “Start from the beginning… may I call you Trixie?”

“Sure.” Who was I to argue at this point?

“Okay, Trixie. Tell me why you were on the beach at four in the morning.” He flicked the pen back and forth on his pad. It unnerved me.

“I couldn’t sleep. After tossing and turning most of the night I decided to take a walk. You know how it’s hard to sleep the first night in a new bed.” I blushed, but the detective didn’t seem to notice. “We ate late, and I had a full tummy.”

Without comment, he wrote in his little book. I wondered what he jotted down since I hadn’t said much of anything relevant to somebody getting killed. “Go on.”

“There’s really not much to tell. I’d walked a short way when I spotted Captain Jack, he’s the resident beach cat, digging around something. I thought he might be digging up a turtle’s nest so I went to investigate. The closer I got, I realized it was something large lying on the beach.”

A shiver ran through me as I recalled the discovery. “Then, I thought it was just some garbage, but when the beam from the flashlight hit it I knew it…wasn’t.” The sight of the bloody body would be seared into my mind forever.

“Did you recognize the person?” He wrote furiously.

“Yes, but…” I wanted to reassure him I hardly knew the woman. “I just arrived today. Yesterday. She was a virtual stranger to me.”

“What did you do when you found the body?”

“I screamed, of course,” I stated.

“Detective Baker?” He stopped writing and looked straight at me. I had his full attention. “People talk. I’ve heard Grace didn’t have many friends. Instead of acquiring friends she had a talent for making enemies. Don’t you think there’d be a long list of suspects who had a motive for murder?” I was as bad as Nana. I couldn’t keep my nose out of where it didn’t belong.

“Ms. Montgomery. I don’t remember saying this was a murder, but I guess it was kind of obvious with the injury she sustained.”

Great deduction, Sherlock.

He leaned forward, inches from my face. I could see flecks of gold in his brown eyes. “I don’t care how many cases you’ve helped solve,” he didn’t need to sound so sarcastic. “You’d better not interfere in my murder investigation.” I guess he didn’t believe me.

But I knew I was at the top of the suspect list since I’d found the body. Was it interference if I was trying to clear my own name?

CHAPTER FIVE

I longed to talk with Dee Dee to debrief, but Detective Baker called her name as soon as he told me I could go. She jumped up, grinning from ear to ear. She seemed way too eager to be questioned in a murder case. She’d changed clothes and now wore a hot pink pant suit with sandals to match. How she had time to change and put on make-up was a mystery to me. A modern day Houdini?

She followed Detective Baker like a lost little puppy dog. Nana appeared beside me.

“Did you notice Dee Dee’s expression?”

“Yes, I did. What do you make of it?”

“Looks like she’s taken a liking to the detective,” Nana said.

“How about you, Nana? You seem to have your eye on George and I must say he is pleasant to look at.”

Nana turned beet red. “What if I do? He’s handsome and a gentleman. Not a bad combination in my book. He’s been around the world you know.”

I gave her a quick shoulder hug. “Aw, Nana. I’m just teasing you. I’m glad you’ve found a new friend. Maybe you’ll get to know each other better while we’re here.” I had no idea what this week held in store for us. I never in my wildest dreams thought we’d stumble upon another dead body.

“Come on, let’s see what Mama’s up to.” We perched on the couch next to her. I scooted closer.

“Trixie, I’m so sorry you found Grace. It must have been awful.” Mama reached over and took my hand in hers. She gave it a squeeze.

“I’ll never forget her lifeless body lying in the sand.” I shivered at the thought. “It doesn’t matter how much you’re disliked, no one deserves to die in that manner.”

“Of course not. But according to Laura, she made enemies like a dog draws fleas. Detective Baker has his work cut out for him.”

We chatted for a while then sat in silence until Dee Dee returned. Detective Baker asked if we knew where Laura was. I guessed she was next in line for questioning.

Mama pointed towards the kitchen. “She’s in there, Detective.”

Dee Dee made a bee-line to the table filled with sweets. “Wow, look at this. Laura sure knows how to take care of her guests.” Frayed nerves must have plagued her but they didn’t seem to interfere with her appetite because she filled her plate with goodies. “Scoot over.” She plopped down, squeezing in-between Nana and me.

“How did the questioning go?”

“That Detective Baker is something else. He was so thorough in his interrogation. I wish I’d had more to tell him.” She took a big bite of a cream-filled donut. The cream oozed out the other end. She took a minute to chew then proclaimed, “I have no doubt he’ll have this case solved in no time at all.”

I was right. She was smitten.

We talked for a while, and then roamed around the inn. Several hours passed before all of the guests had been questioned. At the detective’s request everyone gathered in the living room.

Detective Baker stood tall, reaching his fullest height. He hiked up his pants and placed his hand on the gun strapped in his shoulder holster. “We’ve interviewed every person from the Seaside Cottage and Ocean View Inn for now. You are free to roam the Island, but please stay within the area in case you’re needed. We’ll ask some of you to come down to the department for further questioning.”

“How about Savannah, Detective? Can we visit there?” George moved from behind Bubba.

“Savannah’s fine. Just leave your information with Officer Caldwell or Officer Stevens if you haven’t already.”

He tipped his head in our direction, but his gaze lingered on Dee Dee. “Ladies, I’ll talk to you later.” With that, he was on his way. Dee Dee swooned to my side of the couch.

“Dee Dee, get a grip.”

Laura addressed the guests of the Ocean View Inn. “This is a terrible thing to happen while you’re staying at Grace’s house. I want you to know you’re welcome to come over any time to socialize or share a meal. I’m inviting all of you to the Seaside Cottage for dinner tonight. I’ll be serving at seven.

“That’s right nice of you. I’ll be sure and be here around then,” Bubba said.

“Yes. That is more than kind. I would like to come, too.” George shot Nana a glance.

“Okay. That settles it. I’ll see you for dinner.” After Laura completed her announcement, the guests went their separate ways. That left Nana, Mama, Dee Dee, and me alone with Laura.

“Ladies, if you don’t mind I’m going to take a nap. I’m wiped out and I have a lot to do to get dinner ready.” Laura’s voice shook. “I’m so sorry this happened on your vacation. Grace might have been a thorn in my side, but I’d never wish this on her. It’s scary to think the killer is still on the loose and in the neighborhood.” She chewed on a fingernail.

Mama placed her arm around Laura’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’m glad we’re here so we can support you during this awful time. Go lay down and we’ll see you this evening.” Laura let Mama guide her toward her room.

“You heard the Detective. He said we could go to Savannah. If we hurry we’ll have time to clean up, change clothes, and head on over to Paula’s. After all, she did ask me to come.” Nana put her hands on her hips daring anyone to deny she was Paula’s new best friend.

“I don’t know, Nana. So much has happened. Maybe we should stick around here for a while.” I wanted to go to Paula’s as much as the next person, but finding the body had put a damper on my spirits. I didn’t feel like doing much of anything and I hadn’t slept all night.

“Come on, Trix.” Dee Dee pulled out her pitiful face from her bag of tricks. “I know you’ve been through a lot, but a trip to watch the taping will help lighten the mood.” She put her arm around my shoulder, pulled me close, and gave me a big squeeze. “Aw, come on.”

I didn’t have a chance with Nana and Dee Dee in cahoots. “Let’s ask Mama if she feels like going. She might be too tired to go.”

“What? Too tired to go and watch the special cooking show she’s taping in her restaurant? This is a chance in a million. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Obviously, Mama wasn’t as tired as I thought she was.

Nana and Dee Dee did a little happy dance while Mama grinned from ear to ear. I was definitely outnumbered. Maybe it would do me good to get away for a while.

Dee Dee drove while I dozed, and we made it to downtown Savannah, one of the most beautiful cities in the South. Moss-draped trees lined the streets. Historic homes and buildings comprised most of the downtown area. Yawning and stretching, I looked out the window at the gracious buildings full of history.

I’d researched Savannah so I’d have ample background material for my article. Founded in 1733, it became the first city in Georgia. Originally laid out in four squares, each consisting of eight city blocks, by 1851 it had grown to 24 squares with 22 squares left today.

Dee Dee whipped my little PT Cruiser into a handicapped parking space.

I’d recently splurged on a new car. I’d traded in my beloved Jeep because I needed dependable transportation for my job. Actually, my Cruiser wasn’t brand new, but it was new to me. A few thousand miles logged onto the odometer made it an affordable buy. I loved the light cream color and for a bonus it came with a convertible top.

This past year I was the recipient of a new knee, thanks to a knee replacement. Even though the result had been nothing less than remarkable, I still had to be careful. If I walked too much, my knee ached. I rarely needed a cane anymore, but it was helpful to park as close as I could to my destination.

The Lady and Sons, located at the corner of Whitaker and Congress streets, was a favorite place for tourists. By the time we arrived, a line snaked down the sidewalk. Thank goodness we had tickets.

I’d brought my camera, a necessity in my line of work. I clicked pictures of the crowd as they stood around waiting for their turn to enter. I took several shots of historic buildings while we waited.

We stood with other anxious tourists when a black limo pulled up to the entrance. Out stepped Paula. The crowd went wild, cheering and pushing to get a glimpse of her.

“Paula, Paula!” Nana pushed her way through the throng until she found an opening. She threw up her arm and waved vigorously. “Did you see that? She waved to me.” I wasn’t about to pop Nana’s balloon. If she believed Paula waved to her then who was I to disagree?

CHAPTER SIX

Once the line started moving it wasn’t long before we were settled in our seats. The dining area was large and open. Ivy covered wallpaper adorned the walls. Oak wood tables covered with white tablecloths filled the room. On each table was a vase filled with multi-colored, fresh flowers. There wasn’t an empty seat in the place.

While the guests were served, a young woman stepped up to the front of the room and explained the filming process. We were instructed when to clap, and reminded to wait for permission to get out of our seats. I glanced at Dee Dee, glad she was wearing a fresh patch and wouldn’t have any emergencies, or she might miss the taping altogether. In a few minutes, quiet filled the room as Paula made her entrance.

Bouncing out, she was dressed in a pretty lavender pant suit and her beautiful smile welcomed us.

“Hey y’all!”

The audience answered with a warm hello and applause. She went right into cooking the selected meal. We were served the same menu: salad, fried green tomatoes, baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and a choice of banana pudding or peach cobbler for desert.

My mouth watered in anticipation. We dug in while Paula asked who her number one fan was. Most people raised their hands – not Nana. She stood up and made her way toward the front. A young woman with a clipboard rushed to stop her, but Paula waved her off.

“Hey there! And what’s your name?” Paula guided Nana over just a bit so she didn’t block the camera’s view.

“Belle. It’s so good to be here. I just love your show. There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you. How do you get your hair to stay in place all the time?” Way to go Nana.

I thought I saw Paula roll her eyes, but like a trooper she laughed and moved right along. She even let Nana help with some of the recipes. Everything moved smoothly until she made the fatal mistake.

“Belle, I’d like you to taste some of the goodies we’ve made.” She forked up a big bite of collard greens. “Here, try some of these. I just know you’re gonna’ love ‘em. It’s my dear mama’s recipe.”

Nana took the fork and slowly put it into her mouth. Then she took a minute and savored the taste. Everyone held their breath waiting her approval.

“mmm. Delicious.”

Paula heaved a sigh of relief. Only to be blindsided by Nana. “But, I think they could use a tad more sugar. It would help smooth out that bitter taste.” She leaned over to whisper in Paula’s ear unaware the microphone picked up her every word. “You can add a little beer, too. My family hasn’t figured out my secret ingredient yet.”

That’s why they taste so good? Beer? Oh my goodness. Mama’s eyes were about to pop out of her head, Dee Dee stood up and waved to Nana, and I wanted to duck under the table. Especially when I noticed all eyes turned our way.

Paula couldn’t guide Nana off the stage fast enough. “Thank you, Belle, for your help.” She motioned to someone to get Nana back to her seat.

Nana wore a grin from ear to ear as she sat down at our table. “Well, it’s not every day you get to be a taste tester for Paula Deen. Aren’t you glad I talked you into coming, Trixie?” God, please forgive me for the thoughts invading my head right now. I don’t really want to kill Nana.

It was all I could do to get through the meal even though it was some of the best Southern fare I’d ever eaten. As soon as we finished we high tailed it out of there. I don’t think it was soon enough for us. Or Paula.

“Nana, what were you thinking when you told Paula she needed more sugar in her collards? And you’ve been putting beer in yours all these years?” Mama’s voice was unnaturally high pitched.

“I was being truthful. She asked me what I thought.”

“No, Nana. She asked you how they tasted. I don’t think she really wanted your opinion on her recipe.”

“It sure was a memorable day. Right girls?” Leave it to Dee Dee to find the good in a situation. She’d been my rock more times than I could remember. When Wade left me, my life as I knew it had fallen apart. Not only had I lost my husband, I lost my house too. Unknown to me, Wade had made financial decisions that left us in ruins.

Mama, bless her heart, had urged me to return to Vans Valley and stay in her garage apartment while I sorted out my future. When I moved back, I was lower than a snake’s belly. Dee Dee took me under her wing and supported me during a rough time. She’s been there for me ever since. Thank you, God, for my friend.

After we returned to Laura’s we had enough time for a quick nap. The good Lord knew I needed it. I sank down on the feather soft bed and felt like I was floating on a cloud. I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Next thing I knew I was dreaming that Paula Deen was screaming at Nana for ruining her show. The crowd at the restaurant stood, turned our way, and chanted, “Throw them out. Throw them out.”

An angry customer shook me by the shoulders. “Trixie! Trixie!” How did she know my name? I managed to pry open my eyes, struggling to awaken from this awful nightmare. I was surprised to discover a goofy looking face inches from mine. I yelped, and Dee Dee jumped back.

“What are you doing? You scared the starch out of me.” I sat up in bed and tried to clear the images of an angry Paula from my head.

“I was trying to wake you. I can’t help it if you were dead to the world.” Dee Dee sat on the other bed. “I called and called, but you kept right on snoring.”

“Sure I did. I don’t snore.”

Dee Dee laughed so hard I thought she was going to fall back on the bed. “Come on and get up. Your mama stopped by and said dinner was about ready to be served.”

“It can’t be that late.” I looked at the bedside clock to see for myself. Sure enough it was almost seven.

“Yep. We slept longer than I thought we would, but the trip took a lot out of us. Go ahead and I’ll wait on you to get ready,” Dee Dee said.

A few minutes later we walked down to the dining room together. A crowd had already gathered. It looked like everybody from the Ocean View Inn was in attendance: George Knight, Bubba Maxwell, Kiki and Nick Sanderson, and John Porter.

George sat by Nana and Mama sat next to her. Ellie sat next to Cassie and her husband Harold sat next to her. There were two empty chairs for Dee Dee and me at a table occupied by Bubba and John.

“Ladies, take a seat,” Laura waved across our table. “Louise, my fabulous cook, is going to help me serve.” She returned to the kitchen. When Laura and Louise walked back into the dining room their arms were laden with food. Fresh fish was the entrée for the evening. Side dishes included slaw, hush puppies, green beans, and baked potatoes. Now this is what I’d been waiting for with baited breath: a fresh seafood meal.

Talk around the tables focused on Grace’s death.

Who would do something like this? Why would someone do this? And the burning question was, “Is the killer or killers still in the neighborhood?”

Laura urged all of us to retire to the living room for coffee and our choice of bread pudding, or chocolate cake. That’s where we were when the doorbell rang. Louise promptly answered the door.

“Ms. Laura, there’s a man here to see you,” she called.

Detective Joe Baker followed her in. “Good evening, people. I’m sorry to interrupt your evening, but I’m here on business.” He looked around taking in the crew of guests in attendance. His gaze stayed a little longer on Dee Dee. She smiled like a cat that just finished a bowl of milk, and though he didn’t smile back, his eyes said it all with their twinkle.

“Hi, Detective. Were you looking for me?” Laura came in from the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron.

“Yes, ma’am. I need to talk with you. Let’s go somewhere private.”

We busied ourselves stacking the empty dessert dishes, wondering what the conversation was in the other room. We didn’t have long to wait because they returned quicker than a hound dog chasing a coon. Tears trailed down Laura’s face. When she spotted Mama she openly cried.

“Oh, Betty Jo. They’re taking me in for questioning. The detective said he has evidence that makes me a person of interest. Please, help me.”