Текст книги "Terror on Tybee Island"

Автор книги: Deborah Malone

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Текущая страница: 6 (всего у книги 11 страниц)

CHAPTER NINETEEN

I wore my usual khakis paired with a teal short sleeve tee. Dee Dee dressed in jeans with a bright pink shirt and a cute matching scarf. A myriad of colorful bracelets jangled on her wrists. Her sneakers matched her top. Even though Dee Dee shopped in the Womens’ section, she didn’t let her size stop her from being stylish. I envied her confidence to wear fun colors and kicky new styles.

I raised the blinds and glanced toward the beach. A little ways beyond the fence a man and woman stood talking. I squinted to see if I could identify them. I thought I recognized Ellie, but wasn’t sure about her companion.

“Dee, come here. See if you can figure out who’s talking with Ellie.”

She placed her face against the pane, her breath fogging up the window. “It looks like that man staying at Ocean View Inn.”

“John Porter?” I hip bumped her aside so I could take another gander. “It does look like him. What in the world are they talking about? They look like a couple of seagulls trying to take flight.”

“If I moved my arms that fast my skin would flap in the wind and I’d be in danger of knocking myself out. Let’s corner her at breakfast and get some answers.” Dee Dee grabbed her oversized tote and a sweater.

“Okay, let’s go.” I grabbed the suspect list, and shut the door.

“What’s on our agenda besides interviews?” Dee Dee called over her shoulder as she descended the stairs.

“Why don’t we drive to town? They’re having an arts and crafts festival today, and then tomorrow night they host the Swashbuckler’s Bash. Everyone dresses up and parties under a big tent. Think we should go?”

“Sure. Might as well have fun while we’re investigating. Think we can escape without Nana finding out?”

I shook my head. “I doubt it. Nana never misses a beat.”

Nana appeared from nowhere. “Were you talking about me?”

“Nana! You scared me to death. Took at least ten years off my life.”

“Aw, don’t exaggerate, Trixie.” Nana hooked arms and walked with me to the dining room. “You’re just feeling guilty because I caught you.”

“We weren’t exactly talking about you Nana. We were discussing the big pirate festival tomorrow night and your name came up,” Dee Dee said.

I can’t believe she told Nana about the festival. There go our plans. I reached over and pinched a healthy wad of flesh on Dee Dee’s arm.

Her recently waxed eyebrows raised in an arch. “Ouch, what did you do that for?” She rubbed the offended area. Realization hit and her eyes opened wide. “Oh, I’m sorry. I guess it’s too late to stuff the cat back in the bag?”

“Tell me more about this pirate festival. Sounds like something I’d love to attend.” Nana shuddered with excitement. “Let’s go tell Betty Jo.”

I looked at Dee Dee. “Yep, too late.”

Dee Dee shrugged. “Don’t worry about Nana. I’ll help you keep an eye on her. You’ll see. It won’t be so bad.”

Yeah, famous last words.

We stepped into a dining room amid wonderful aromas. I grabbed a plate and filled it with bacon, eggs, hotcakes and various pastries. No such thing as calorie counting on vacation. Ellie was sitting alone and I made a beeline for her table. This would be the perfect time to question her. “Is this seat taken?”

“No. Please join me.” She moved her utensils so I’d have room for my plate.

“Hey, Dee Dee! Over here.” I motioned for her to join us.

Dee Dee’s plate harbored a hearty breakfast, too. No skimping on our watch. She pulled out a chair and sat across from me.

“Hi.” She eyed Ellie’s plate of muffins, fruit and yogurt. “No wonder you stay so slim.” Ellie’s face turned a pretty shade of pink. She was a lovely girl. I wondered what if any role she played in Grace’s murder.

“Ellie. Tell us about the Save the Turtles Convention. I know Grace was the president of the Tybee chapter. Are they still going to hold the meeting?” I shoveled a fork full of eggs in my mouth.

“That’s a good question, Trixie. I’ve talked with some of the other attendees and the organizers are going ahead as scheduled. The local members planned a memorial for Grace on the last day. Even though she had the personality of a riled up porcupine, she contributed so much to saving the sea turtles. She’s a legend in her own right.” Ellie took a tiny bite of muffin – probably bran.

“Too bad she had to ruin her good works with her surly nature. Seems she cared more about turtles than she did humans.” Dee Dee waggled her fork.

“Do y’all remember the argument Laura and Grace had the first day we arrived? Do you think that Laura really killed her?” Ellie appeared much too happy about Laura’s troubles.

“No, we don’t. That’s why we’re helping her.” Dee Dee turned to me for assistance.

“That’s right. Ellie could you tell us where you went the night I found Grace’s body?”

Her green eyes opened wide and she stumbled over her next words. “Uh, I went into town. Don’t you remember? I spent time at the Pirate’s Pub with some of my friends attending the convention.” Something about her answer seemed a little too contrived, but her response would be easy enough to check out. I decided to go for broke and charged ahead with the next question. “We saw you talking with John Porter this morning on the beach. Where do you know him from?”

She squinted at me, then turned to Dee Dee. “Ladies, I don’t believe my personal life is any of your business.” She scooted her chair back. “This conversation is over.”

“Wow,” Dee Dee exclaimed, watching her bolt out of the room. “If she doesn’t have anything to hide she sure has a funny way of showing it.”

“I agree. She might not be guilty of murder, but she’s hiding something.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

I stacked up our dirty dishes and scooted my chair back. Dee Dee grabbed a pile as well and we headed to the kitchen, still discussing Ellie’s hasty departure.

Louise stood at the sink, up to her elbows in sudsy water. “Hey, ladies. Thanks for bringing the plates. Just set them on the drain board.”

Checking to make sure we were alone, I thought this would be a great time to talk to her. “Louise, do you know Edna very well?”

“We’ve known each other over ten years. She’s been working for Grace for fifteen and I’ve been with Laura for ten. We hit it off right away. I guess having so much in common made it easy to become friends.”

Dee Dee pulled out a chair for me and picked up the line of questioning. “Did she ever talk about how Grace treated her?”

Louise rubbed her nose with her arm, leaving a wad of bubbles on the end of her snout. “She sure did. There wasn’t any love lost between them two. Grace treated Edna like a mat to wipe her feet on. She cried on my shoulder more than once. But she was stuck. She doesn’t have any family since she never married and her folks passed. At the time, it made sense to live with Grace. After a few years, things weren’t so rosy anymore. Any time she talked about leaving, Grace threatened to blacklist her. Told her she’d never work on Tybee again. She had poor Edna scared half to death.” Louise pointed to the dishes. “Could you hand me another stack, dear?”

Dee Dee gathered up a precariously high mound and carried them to the sink. The work keeping a bed and breakfast was never ending.

“We’re doing everything we can to help Laura.” Dee Dee assured Louise, and pulled the notebook from her pocket. “We have a list of people we want to question. Could you look it over and tell us where we might find some of them?”

“Honey, you’re going to have to hold it way back if you expect me to read it.” Dee Dee made the adjustment. “Whoa. That’s a long list. You have Edna on the list? If I’d known that I wouldn’t have told you all that stuff about her.”

“No. No. Don’t worry about Edna. We put everyone down that had recent contact with Grace. It doesn’t mean we really suspect them of any wrong doing,” Dee Dee said.

Louise was right, though. She had divulged a lot of information and it didn’t bode well for Edna.

She placed her dripping hand under her chin, reminding me of The Thinker. “You can probably find Mary Sue at her job. She works at the local hamburger joint, Dairy Delite. The building’s located on the main road right before you get into town. You can’t miss it. Bert lives somewhere in Savannah. Mary Sue might be able to tell you where since she worked for Grace. Jasmine works at one of the tourist shops downtown, I think its Pirate’s Treasure. I’m sorry I can’t be of any more help.” She let the water out of the sink, rinsed her hands, and dried them with a dishtowel.

“You’ve been a tremendous help.”

“I’d do anything to support Laura. She’s been really good to me. I feel so blessed to be working here with her instead of Grace. I’ve always felt sorry for poor Edna. Stuck with that …. Well I’d better not say what I was thinking.”

Before she could finish, Nana barged in the kitchen like a whirlwind. “There you are. I thought you’d left without me. Who are we going to interview first?”

“Uh, Nana.” I looked to Dee Dee for some help, but she had started helping Louise re-shelve the dried dishes.

“I think we’ll try to find Mary Sue Bartlett first. Are you ready to go?”

“I sure am. Let’s go!”

I was so shaken up with what Louise may have been about to explain, I hadn’t noticed, but I had to admit, she looked very cute. Dressed in a dark blue jogging suit with a light blue tee shirt, she wore a matching blue baseball cap. Wearing a matching cap was something she’d recently started. I can truthfully say there was never a dull moment with Nana around.

“Let’s tell Mama we’re going.”

Nana scooted out of the kitchen faster than a greased pig.

“Are you really going to let her go?” Dee Dee whispered.

“I guess so. I just couldn’t tell her no. Anyway, Mama needs a break.” We thanked Louise for her help and went to find Nana. We discovered her excitedly telling Mama about our sleuthing.

“Now don’t you worry, Betty Jo. I’ll keep an eye on the girls. I won’t let them do anything stupid.” This coming from the lady who on a whim decided to get a tattoo that would last a lifetime – well as much time as Nana had left.

“Trixie, thank you for letting Nana go along. I’d like to spend some time with Laura today. She needs all the support she can get.”

I hugged Mama as tight as I could. I loved her so much. I realized I needed to spend some time alone with Mama. I wanted to share my feelings with her about Beau’s proposal.

Dee Dee walked up. “Group hug?” We hugged and we laughed and we cried. The events of the past few days had taken its toll on all of us. Lord, please don’t let us wind up in the home for the bewildered before this is over.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

We piled in my car. It still harbored the new car smell. Dee Dee sat in the back and Nana rode shotgun. We decided to interview Jasmine first and save Mary Sue until lunch time. We drove down Jones Avenue, and headed toward the pier and pavilion. City officials had cordoned off the downtown area due to the arts and crafts festival. I hoped the walk to Pirate’s Treasure wasn’t too far and then recalled the physical therapist said moderate exercise would be good for my new knee.

Nana hopped out of the car before it completely stopped. I slammed the gearshift in park and followed her as fast as my gimpy leg would allow. I could sure use some of her energy, Lord.

“Come on girls. If you’re waiting on me you’re backing up,” Nana cackled.

“Remember, I’ve got a new knee, Nana.” Even though I now walked without a cane, I wasn’t up to running marathons.

Tourists of every size and shape poked through booths filled with homemade items. Parents, accompanied by children begging for souvenirs, weaved their way through the throng of people. Couples held hands and made goo-goo eyes at each other. Images of Beau flashed in my mind. The void that filled my heart surprised me. I vowed to call Beau as soon as I had some alone time.

A shoulder shake from Dee Dee interrupted my thoughts. “Trix. Are you in there?”

“Sorry, I was in another world.”

“The one where Beau lives?” At times she knew me better than I knew myself. It was wonderful to have Dee Dee along on this roller coaster ride better known as life. Her faith was a beacon for me in the storm I’d been riding the past couple of years.

We stopped at a few of the booths along the way. “Look at this picture frame with a sea shell border. Wouldn’t it be perfect for a picture of me and George?” Nana turned around and shoved it in my face. I gave her a smile, but I still wasn’t convinced George was on the up and up. I’d tell Beau what little information I’d gleaned.

I stopped a young man in costume and asked where the Pirate’s Treasure was located. “Arrrrg, matey. It be located around the next corner.” He bowed at his waist as he made a wide sweeping motion with his hat. I thanked him and we ventured on. He resembled Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. Lucky man.

“Well, wasn’t he the handsome one?”

When did Nana not think a man was handsome?

Dee Dee didn’t miss a beat. “So Nana, you’re a real pushover for the bad boy type?”

“Yep. I’ve been seeing George, you know.” My head shot up. I wondered if she knew something we didn’t. I gave Dee Dee a look to see if she caught Nana’s reference. She raised her eyebrows in acknowledgement. We had to talk later.

We stopped in front of Pirate’s Treasure. Beach-going necessities filled the display windows. Colorful tops and shorts, flip flops, children’s sand toys, and even a striped beach umbrella decorated the outside area.

“Let’s go in.” Dee Dee pushed the door open and a bell tinkled overhead.

A gum smacking young girl in her teens greeted us. “May I help you?”

“Yes. Is Jasmine working today?”

“Sure. Want me to get her?” She tucked her hair behind her ear and exposed a row of earrings all the way up the side. Ouch, that must’ve hurt.

“Of course we do, dear.” Nana wasn’t one for beating around the bush.

“Nana. Be nice.” A sense of dread filled me and I wished I’d left Nana with Mama.

“Watch it, Missy. Remember, I changed your diapers.” Why did I always have the urge to roll my eyes when I was around Nana?

We looked around at the variety of merchandise. You could find anything you needed for a day or a week on the beach at Pirate’s Treasure – an apt name.

“I’m Jasmine. How may I help you?” I turned around and faced an attractive woman. Her silky hair flowed to her waist. Even though it was obvious she was middle aged, her dark hair was absent of any gray. She wore little, if any, makeup. She had paired her white peasant blouse with a teal blue skirt that reached her ankles. A silver toe ring winked up at me. I could imagine others labeled her as an “old hippie” but I liked her style at once.

“Hi, Jasmine. I’m Trixie Montgomery and I write for Georgia by the Way, a magazine featuring the past and present stories of Georgia. Uh, I’m writing about the sea turtles and I’d like to interview you.” I crossed my fingers and hoped she still had some involvement with the turtles.

“Well, I have a break coming up. Let me tell my manager, and then I’ll be free for about fifteen or twenty minutes. Would that be long enough?”

“Sure. That’ll be great.” I looked at Dee Dee and smiled. She smiled back. Nana, engrossed in looking at the merchandise, was oblivious to our silent conversation. Jasmine disappeared through a door behind the register.

Dee Dee grabbed my arm and whispered in my ear. “You did it girl. She thinks you really work for a magazine.”

“Dee Dee, I do work for a magazine.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right. You do.” I wondered about Dee Dee at times. And this was one of them. Before I could question her sanity she put my mind at ease. “Aw, I was just pulling your leg, Trixie. You need to lighten up.”

“I’m on my last nerve and you just stepped on it.” I stuck out my bottom lip.

“I’m sorry, Trixie. I only wanted to see you laugh. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” She put her arm around my shoulder and squeezed. “You know I’m here for you. You don’t have to face this alone. Your mom doesn’t realize how draining it can be to gather and interview suspects. Right now she’s thinking of helping her friend. She believes in you.”

“I’m sorry, too. It’s not only the murder that has me so upset.”

“I know. Trixie, remember to pray about it. I believe the answer to Beau’s proposal will come to you and when it does a peace will follow.”

“Thanks, Dee Dee. I needed that little pep talk. Hey, where is Nana?”

“She was here just a minute ago. I wouldn’t worry. She can’t get into too much trouble in the store.” Was she ever wrong.

Jasmine walked up, accompanied by a middle-aged man. “Trixie. This is Joe, my manager. I told him you worked for Georgia by the Way and he wanted to meet you.” He stuck out his hand and I reached to shake it.

He drew back his hand as if he’d been bitten by a snake. His eyes bulged and his face turned a bright shade of red. He gasped for breath. I turned to Jasmine for help.

I was surprised to discover her face mirrored his. She’d be of no help to anyone. They stared over my shoulder and I turned to see what had caused such a reaction. I knew, without a doubt, the unbelievable image my eyes beheld would be etched in my mind forever.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Walking toward us was an apparition – no, on second glance I realized the vision was real. Lord, please beam me up and transport me anywhere else. Dressed in a skimpy, hot pink, two-piece bathing suit, with matching flip-flops, mimicking the high-stepping gait of a beauty queen, Nana glided toward us. An invisible hand squeezed the breath out of me and now I, too, gasped for air. The only one who retained the ability to speak was Dee Dee.

“Nana, what have you been up to?” Dee Dee grabbed a beach towel and wrapped it around Nana’s shoulders. Nana pushed the covering away.

She placed a hand on her hip and twirled about. “How do I look?” We sputtered and coughed, unable to find words to describe her. “I found this cute bathing suit and knew hot pink would look great on me. And it’s half-price – icing on the cake. Just wait till George sees me. His eyes will pop out of his head.”

Well, she had that right. His eyes would probably never be the same. I knew mine wouldn’t. When I spoke, my words squeaked out.

“Nana. For heaven’s sake, go back to the dressing room. Dee Dee can help you while I talk to Jasmine.” My ears felt like they were on fire. Why, oh why, didn’t I leave Nana with Mama?

“Look, Missy.” This was Nana’s favorite name for me when she was upset. “Just because I have a little age on me doesn’t mean you have to treat me like a doddering old fool.” I wasn’t so sure about the “old fool” part.

Still in shock, I would be forever beholden to Dee Dee for taking control of the situation. “Come on, Nana. Let’s go see if we can find a cute sun dress to wear over your new suit.” She grabbed Nana’s arm and with the determination of an army general, she led Nana away.

I turned to Jasmine and her boss. My addled brain tried to come up with a plausible explanation for Nana’s behavior. Before I could utter intelligent words, Joe said he had work to do and hurried away.

“I’m sorry, Jasmine. My great-aunt displays quirky behavior at times. My mama thinks she has the beginning of dementia, but I think she does it on purpose. The truth is probably somewhere in-between.”

“Don’t worry. Every family has a colorful character – mine was my grandfather.” She reached over and straightened the pile of towels Dee Dee had toppled when she grabbed one to cover up Nana.

“Is there somewhere quiet we can talk?” I really just needed to sit down. The shock of seeing Nana half naked had left me weak in the knees.

“Sure. Let’s go to the break room.” I followed her through a maze of merchandise. We entered through a door labeled “Employees Only” where a lone table stood in the middle of the small room. A microwave sat on a counter, along with a coffee maker, and a variety of condiments. She pulled out a chair and sat down across from me. “Are you all right?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Did you want to ask me some questions about the sea turtles?” She grabbed a Styrofoam cup and poured me a drink at a small sink. “You look a little pale.”

I put the image of Nana in the back of my mind and focused on the task at hand. I sipped the cool water, then pulled notebook and pen from my bag, beginning with some general questions concerning the habits of mother and baby terrapins. It seemed no time at all when Jasmine checked the time on the microwave.

“I only have a few minutes left before my break’s over.” I knew I had to ask the hard questions before she left.

“Edna, the housekeeper at Ocean View Inn, told us you ran against Grace for president of the local chapter of Save the Turtles.” Jasmine’s dark skin turned a shade lighter.

Her stare dared me to continue. I wondered if I gazed into the eyes of a murderer.

“She told us Grace used underhanded means to knock you out of the running and win over the board. The members heard you threaten Grace at one of the meetings.”

“Why are you bringing all this up? It doesn’t have anything to do with my concern for the sea turtles. It certainly doesn’t have any business in your magazine.”

“You’re right. I do write for Georgia by the Way and I am writing an article, but I’m also here as a friend to Laura. Actually, she’s my mama’s friend, but I’m interviewing some of the people Grace had run-ins with.”

Jasmine emitted an incredulous laugh. “You’ll be here a long time, because you’ll have to interview half the town.” She scooted back her chair.

“Please.” This wasn’t going as planned. “Jasmine, I want to help Laura. Detective Baker’s questioned her several times and she’s worried the detective’s placed her on the top of the suspect list.”

She slowly sat back down and leaned her arms on the table.

A faraway look clouded her eyes and her fists clenched into balls. “Just thinking about that lady makes my blood boil. I moved here to make a fresh start and help with the sea turtles. It would have been a win–win situation for me. Up until I threw my hat in the ring to run for president, my life had changed for the better.” She stopped for a minute, lost in her own thoughts. When she spoke, her voice possessed a hard edge.

“After that witch aired my past to the board and the members of the club, my life went from good to bad. The club didn’t throw me out, but the members treated me differently. Sure, they were civil, but nobody was knocking down my door to be best friends. If it weren’t for Joe giving me a chance, I don’t know if I would even have a job.”

She drew in a deep breath and looked me in the eye. “I’d like to say I’m sorry she’s dead. But I can’t.” The list of people who wouldn’t miss Grace continued to grow. I had one more question for Jasmine. I charged ahead like Sherman leading his march to the sea.

“Jasmine. Before you leave could you tell me where you were the night of Grace’s murder?”

“Even though it’s none of your business – I was in bed asleep. Now I’ve got to get back to work.” This time she slid her chair back, ending the discussion with finality and headed toward the door. She reached for the handle when a knock on the door stopped her hand mid-air.