Текст книги "Terror on Tybee Island"

Автор книги: Deborah Malone

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Текущая страница: 7 (всего у книги 11 страниц)

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Hello. Anybody in there?” Nana’s voice blasted through.

“Oh, no.” I looked around, scouting for an avenue of escape. There wasn’t one.

Jasmine opened the door. “We’re finished. Come on in.” She stepped back. Nana entered with Dee Dee on her heels. Jasmine made her escape past them.

“Thanks for your time.” I spoke to her back, but doubted she even heard me.

Nana wore the jogging suit she’d worn this morning. I breathed a sigh of relief. I was amazed how Dee Dee could tame Nana, and winked at her. Thank you, my friend.

“Well, what did she confess, Trix?” Nana came over and stood beside me.

Dee Dee pulled out a chair. “How did it go?” Dee Dee thumbed toward the door.

“She didn’t confess, but Grace is definitely not on Jasmine’s ‘A’ list. She harbors a lot of anger toward Grace for bringing up her past to the club members. We need to keep her as a possible suspect.” My stomach produced a noise akin to a small volcano. Nana and Dee Dee laughed.

“Somebody’s hungry. Let’s go find some lunch,” Dee Dee jumped up.

“Best idea I’ve heard all day.” I grabbed Nana’s elbow and steered toward the exit. I didn’t want her sidetracked by shiny do-dads on the way out. She’d wreaked enough havoc on this trip for a lifetime. Little was I to know she wasn’t through.

We returned to the car without any major catastrophes. Dee Dee read the directions as we navigated down Jones Street. I turned on a side road to reach the Dari Delight where Mary Sue Bartlett worked. The block building needed some tender loving care. A few cars were scattered around the parking lot, but not as many as you’d expect at lunch time.

A bell hanging above the door tinkled to announce our arrival. Several voices hollered in unison for us to take a seat. We chose a table by the window. I grabbed the menus, stuck between the salt and pepper shakers and the napkin holder, and passed them out. I pulled a napkin from the container and wiped grease from the front of the plastic cover.

A middle-aged lady with a pencil stuck behind her ear, and dressed in black slacks and a once-white blouse, approached our table. “What can I get cha’?” She pulled a pencil from her ear and stuck her tongue to the lead. Ugh.

“Hi. We’re looking for Mary Sue,” Dee Dee said.

“Well, y’all came to the right place. You’re lookin’ at her.” Drooped shoulders and hooded eyes surprised me to no end. Was this the same lady who’d hosted her own cooking show? “What can I do for ya?”

My stomach chose that moment to growl like a half– starved lion. “We’d like to order something to eat first.” Dee Dee and I ordered the burger basket with french fries and onion rings. Nana ordered two hot dogs all the way, french fries, and a side of slaw. Then she inquired about dessert. Dee Dee shot me a look that said, “Where is she going to put all that food?” I shrugged.

“Okay, ladies. I’ll put your order in and bring out your drinks.” She hurried off toward the kitchen.

We continued our discussion about Jasmine and her interview while we waited on our food. “Dee Dee, grab the list and let’s go over who we’ve talked to and who we have left to question.” She reached in her gigantean bag and magically pulled out the notebook. She laid it on the table between us.

“Here ya’ go. Two burger baskets and two dogs all the way.” Mary Sue plopped the plates down in front of us. She reached in her pocket, brought out a bottle of ketchup, and placed it on the table. Dried goo clung to the sides. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

I leaned my head in toward Nana and Dee Dee. “When she comes back for dessert we need some excuse to get her to sit down and talk with us.”

Dee Dee rubbed her chin. “Hmm. Let me think.”

“Just tell her the truth. Explain to her we’re trying to help Laura and does she have any information she can share with us. We don’t have to tell her more than that.” Nana pulled the tablet closer and studied the names.

“That might work, Nana. Now, let’s see who we’ve talked to so far. Dee Dee, call off a names.”

Dee Dee scooted the pad back her way. “First, we talked to Edna, Grace’s cook and housekeeper.” She took a bite of her hamburger. Ketchup oozed off the bun and plopped on her plate.

“It’s obvious no love was lost between those two. Edna felt trapped and murder might have seemed her only choice out of a terrible situation.” For the next few minutes, quiet surrounded the table while we ate. I surveyed the dining area and noticed only a few diners. Maybe Mary Sue wouldn’t be too busy to stop and talk.

Nana talked around a mouthful of hotdog. “Who’s next?”

Dee Dee glanced at the notebook. “Louise. She didn’t have a personal vendetta against Grace, but she’s good friends with Edna. Unknowingly, she corroborated everything Edna said.”

“I don’t get the feeling Louise had anything to do with it. I can’t say the same for Edna.” We snagged bites in between our discussion. Dee Dee pointed to her mouth then to mine. I swiped the area with my napkin. I’d wiped a blob of ketchup off my face.

“Don’t forget Ellie. Remember her reaction when you mentioned her meeting with John Porter on the beach? She was madder than a bull eyeing red.” Dee Dee took an onion ring, slipped it on her finger and twirled it around like a hula-hoop. Laughter floated around the table.

“That’s right. It’s mighty suspicious my question solicited such a reaction. Let’s keep her on the suspect list until we find out more about her.”

“Is that all?”

“What about Jasmine? You just talked to her.” Nana had made her hot dogs disappear quicker than a crab could burrow in the sand. She worked on digging the last little bit of slaw out of the container.

“Of course. Thanks, Nana. Jasmine needs to be on the list right beside Edna. Both of those ladies were wronged by Grace, and neither one of them showed any sorrow at her death.”

“We still have several others to interview: Grace’s husband Bert, the Daniels, Bubba Maxwell, the Sandersons and finally John Porter.” Mary Sue walked up to the table and Dee Dee shoved the notebook back in her bag.

“You ladies need any refills? How about dessert?” She stacked a few of the dirty dishes and gathered a handful to carry with her.

I looked at the girls. “Banana pudding all the way around?” They nodded their agreement.

“Coffee with that?” We nodded in unison. “Okie dokie. I’ll be right back.”

We chatted while she rounded up our desserts. I hoped when she returned I’d be able to convince her to sit with us for a while. Only one other booth held customers. Laden with pudding and coffee, she approached our table.

“Here, let me help.” I handed the bowls to Nana and Dee Dee and she served the coffee. I scooted over. “Please sit with us a minute.”

She surveyed her surroundings. “I probably shouldn’t, but I’ll sit for just a few minutes.” She eased down beside me and I heard a sigh. “Feels good to sit; my feet are killing me. Now, what are you ladies up to?”

Her blunt question startled me and I struggled to say something to lighten the mood.

“We want to know if you killed Grace Watkins.” Nana blurted before I could speak. “Where were you Monday night?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

My eyes rolled heavenward. Lord please bless me with a healthy heaping of patience. Although, I knew the way to learn patience was to handle more trials and wondered if it was too late to take back my prayer.

Dee Dee covered her mouth and faked a cough. I tried to follow up with damage control. “What she means is we’re helping Laura. Detective Baker’s questioned her several times and shows no interest in looking for other suspects. My Mama is good friends with Laura and she’s asked me to help. Is there any information you can offer that would help us?”

“What makes you think I have anything to say about Grace?” She took a pinch of spilled salt and threw the grains over her left shoulder.

Dee Dee spoke up. “Edna, over at Ocean View Inn, told us how Grace maligned you.”

Mary Sue’s eyes widened and her tanned skin lost a little of its color. “Edna spoke out of turn. I don’t know what you ladies are up to, but I don’t have anything to say. Now if you don’t mind, I need to get back to work.” She stood up, ready to leave. I grasped her arm and gently tugged.

“Mary Sue, please. Grace tormented Laura, but we know she wasn’t the only one targeted. What if Detective Baker focused his investigation on you and you knew you didn’t do it. Would you want our help then?” Through her eyes, I glimpsed the wheels of thought spinning. She sat back down. I heaved a sigh of relief.

“You’re right. I guess I was a little hasty, but I didn’t want to get involved where Grace Watkins is concerned. That woman destroyed any trust I had in humankind.”

My heart went out to Mary Sue. Even though my situation was different, the feeling of betrayal was the same. Thoughts of her pain brought back my own hurtful memories. Wade decided to present me with the surprise of my life. After years of marriage, he had approached me with his bags packed and told me he’d found his soul mate on the internet.

My world shattered that day as did my trust in others. My very identity was wrapped up in my beliefs as I knew them. Wade not only left me emotionally empty, but left our bank accounts depleted, as well. I should have felt vindicated when Wade slithered back into my life. He soon discovered his beautiful, blonde soul mate was a three hundred pound hussy who conned men for money. I didn’t. After he returned home he rushed right into the arms of another woman.

Beau, my boyfriend, along with Dee Dee, worked wonders to restore my faith in people. I came to terms that humans were fallible and would disappointment us from time to time. But the most important thing I had learned is there is someone who loves us unconditionally and will never let us down.

“Earth to Trixie.” Dee Dee reached across the table and shook my arm.

I composed myself and turned to Mary Sue. “Anything you can tell us about Grace will be appreciated.”

“Hmm, where to start?” She stared at the ceiling as if all the answers floated in the air. “I remember when I came to Ocean View to work. I’d been through a nasty divorce and had a young daughter to care for. I was so excited to land a position in one of the most popular bed and breakfasts on the island.”

I looked at Nana and Dee Dee sitting across from me. They shoveled in banana pudding as fast as they could. I understood why. This might not be the most pleasant looking diner, but they sure knew how to make dessert. I nibbled a spoonful as Mary Sue continued.

“She had us fill out a contract. I didn’t pay much attention to the stack of papers as she shoved them in front of me to sign. At the time, I was so excited to have a job I’d have just about signed anything.” She took a cloth tucked in her apron and wiped the table off. “I still regret that decision.”

Nana with her usual lack of decorum asked, “Why? What was in them?”

Mary Sue’s eyes went wide. “I’m gettin’ there.” She picked at a thumbnail. “The job worked out fine for a couple of years. I got to be good friends with Edna. We had a lot in common and we both loved to cook. I took Grace’s recipes, which were all right but kind of bland and old-school, and doctored them up a little with my ideas to bring them into the current trends. You know, I came up with some gluten-free options, and I used some modern spices and ingredients with others.” She sat up straighter. “It was my idea to begin using truffle oil in some of the fancier dishes.”

We all studied our empty pudding bowls.

“Word spread and some of the locals came just to eat one of my meals,” she continued. “But instead of giving me credit for the recipes, she claimed anything I added was hers according to that contract I’d signed. She threatened to sue me if I made a fuss.” She looked around the table. “Grace fought me on a lot of the changes, but she had to admit we were finally on the map.” She glanced at our empty bowls. “Seconds?”

So that was why the two women fought like two parakeets in a pillowcase. Jealousy.

“No.”

“Yes.” I guess two yes’s outweigh a no anytime.

“Won’t take but a minute. I think I’ll take an official break and drink a cup of coffee with you.” She jumped up quicker than a grasshopper.

“Trixie, look and see if I have anything between my teeth.” Dee Dee furnished me a Whitney Houston smile. I inspected her pearly whites for any stray food particles.

“There’s a speck of black pepper right in front.”

She dug at it with a nail. “Oh no. Mr. Right might walk inside any minute and mistake it for a rotten tooth.” She rumbled around in her bag and came up with a mirror. “Yikes.” She rummaged around a little more and withdrew a small case of dental floss.

“You’re not going to do what I think you’re going to do, are you?”

“There’s nobody at this table but us. Just remember, what happens at this table stays at this table.” Her golden laughter filled the air.

Nana contributed to the fun. “What happens on the island stays on the island.” By the time Mary Sue returned to the table with a new round of pudding and a fresh pot of coffee we were laughing like a pack of hyenas.

She sat the food on the table and gave us a disapproving look. “You ladies don’t sound like you’re too upset about Laura’s troubles.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Mary Sue sank down beside me. Her stern look put the kibosh on our laughter.

“Sorry. You know what they say, ‘laughter is the best medicine.’”

“Yeah, I guess so.” She doctored her coffee and took a long drink. “Mmm. That’s good, even if I did make it.” Three heads bobbed in agreement. Images of Nana’s head atop a bobblehead doll invaded my thoughts.

Dee Dee leaned forward, silently willing Mary Sue to continue.

“Well, like I was saying. We’d built up a loyal following of locals at the bed and breakfast. Then one day, a friend of mine, Deidra, got a promotion and knew about my frustration, asked me to work for her in one of the beachside restaurants, The Blue Dolphin. The pay was double what I made at Ocean View and she was going to give me full credit for the dishes. I couldn’t turn it down. I knew this would be a great chance to make things better for me and my daughter.”

An elderly couple walked in the door and Mary Sue hollered, “Have a seat.” She stood up, but one of the other waitresses gave her a wave to say ‘I’ve got it.’ She sat back down.

“Mary Sue, what happened after you left Ocean View?” Nana and Dee Dee had wolfed down their second helping of banana pudding and now sipped on their coffee. A few bites remained in the bottom of my bowl.

Dee Dee eyed my pudding with genuine longing. “Are you going to finish that?”

“Yes, I am. If you cherish your fingers, don’t even think about reaching over here.” I scooted the bowl closer for protection. Mary Sue looked from me to Dee Dee and back to me. I’m sure she thought we’d escaped from the home for the bewildered.

She shook her head and smiled. “Y’all have a unique relationship don’t you?” We nodded in agreement. I’m not sure what she meant by unique, but I assumed she meant ‘special.’ “I wish I still had a best friend.” She stared into the distance, possibly remembering a time when she did.

“Scoot out of the way, Dee Dee. I need to go to the little ladies room.” Nana gave Dee Dee’s arm a little shove – as if her petite frame could move Dee Dee an inch.

“Sure thing, Nana.”

“Dee Dee, why don’t you go with Nana?” I gave her an exaggerated wink. I thought she could keep an eye on Nana and give us a few minutes to talk. Dee Dee missed my hint.

“I don’t need to go. Isn’t it wonderful?” In the past, Dee Dee couldn’t go an hour without having to tinkle. The new patches were nothing short of a miracle, but this was one time I needed her to go.

“Are you having that eye problem again, Trix?”

“No, I’m not. Are you sure you don’t need to go?” I winked again. This time she received my telepathic message.

“Come on, Nana.” She and Nana headed to the ladies’ room giggling like two teenagers.

“You’re blessed to have your grandmother around.”

“She’s my great-aunt. And yes, I’m blessed.” I looked upward. Please help me to remember how blessed I am. Sometimes life got in the way and stole the awareness of our blessings. This was something I needed to work on.

“Where were we? My train of thought derailed.” She laughed a little too loud at her own wit. A sure sign of tattered nerves.

“You were saying what happened to you when you left Ocean View.” I prompted, scraping the bottom of the bowl for another dab of that delicious pudding.

“Everything was great for a while. Deidra featured my dishes in the menu of her restaurant. Before long, the customers followed us over, and their traffic doubled.” Mary Sue refilled our coffee cups.

“We have a little television station that broadcasts local news and activities. Deidra wanted to get the word out about The Blue Dolphin, so she pitched the idea of a cooking show from our kitchen. They took her up on it.”

“Edna told us you hosted your own show.”

“It wasn’t long before I was a local celebrity. People recognized me right off and would ask me about my recipes. Between working on the show and at the restaurant, I made pretty good money. For once, I didn’t have to worry about paying bills. It was nice.”

I could relate to Mary Sue. When Wade left, there were many nights I laid awake wondering how I’d make it through the next month. It took a while before I bounced back on my feet.

Nana and Dee Dee sidled up to the table. “All done,” Nana announced. “What did we miss?”

“Mary Sue was just telling me about her cooking show.”

Nana leaned forward. “We heard Grace ruined that for ya.” So much for tact. I was worried how Mary Sue would react to Nana’s bluntness, but she calmly eyed Nana.

“You’re right, Nana. Grace ruined everything.” She sighed and rested her chin in her hands like someone resigned to disappointment. “She watched the show and claimed I’d used her recipes as the base for my dishes. She said the contract prohibited me from using them anyplace else but her restaurant. Some of them did have the same basic ingredients, and I changed them around, but that didn’t matter to Grace.” Mary Sue held up the coffee pot for a refill – we declined with a shake of our heads.

“What did Grace do?” Dee Dee stacked the bowls and shoved them to the side.

“She went crazy, that’s what she did.” Green eyes full of fire replaced the defeated look Mary Sue wore just minutes before. “She got herself a lawyer and stalked me everywhere I went, she even came to the show and disrupted taping. The studio got scared of a lawsuit and started looking for my replacement. Scared to death I’d never find another job, I quit The Blue Dolphin and lost the show, too. They wouldn’t even keep me on as a stage hand.” Her face flushed a deep pink. “Some of the kids at school even picked on my Sarah Joe. We were about to move away but it all settled down.”

I laid my hand on her arm. “I’m sorry, Mary Sue. It seems Grace spread her malice from one end of the island to the other. She had to be one unhappy person to feel the need to lash out at others.” Thoughts of how miserable she must have been almost made me feel sorry for her. Then I remembered all the people she’d hurt.

“Yeah.” Deep in thought, she visited a place we couldn’t follow. Then she spoke slowly and deliberately. “It was just a matter of time before someone put a stop to her meanness.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Looks like death decided it was time to knock on her door,” Nana said.

“Or somebody determined that for her.” I looked at Mary Sue and tried to imagine a killer. I failed to picture her as a murderer. But I’d learned the hard way that even the gentlest of humans could become angry over wrongs done to them and their families, and then justify retaliation. Everyone will face this challenge in life and ultimately have to make a choice on how to react. Thankfully, most people rise to the challenge and realize the hard knocks of life can make you stronger.

Dee Dee reached across the table and jiggled my arm. “Trixie! You’re staring.”

“Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry. I took a trip and lost my way back.” I laughed, praying Dee Dee and Nana would join me. Their laughter was music to my ears. Even Mary Sue was gracious enough to laugh with me.

“Ladies, it’s time for me to go back to work. I can’t imagine how my sad story can be of any use to you, but I hope it helps Laura in some way.”

I covered her hand with mine. “Thank you. I’m sure it wasn’t easy dredging up old memories.” Her doleful eyes reflected the pain in her soul. I was familiar with the agonizing hurt remembrances could trigger. All I had to do was conjure up thoughts of Wade.

I was thankful, through Dee Dee’s companionship and her strong faith, I’d learned to let go of some of the past hurts. Friendship like ours was as sweet as the nectar of a honeysuckle on a summer’s day.

The bell on the door tinkled and Mary Sue yelled “have a seat,” breaking the mood. She grabbed a handful of dishes and left to return to a job Grace had forced her to take. Could the reminder day after day of what she had lost, of the added anguish of her child’s pain, drive her to seek revenge? I didn’t know, but I intended to find out.

“I don’t know about y’all, but I’m plum tuckered out. How about we go back to the bed and breakfast and rest up?” Dee Dee stood up and stretched.

“Sounds like a wonderful idea.” My knee ached a little and the respite would bring sweet relief.

“Times a’wastin’. I think we should move on to the next person on the list.” Nana was certainly a little fireball of energy. “And don’t even think about rolling your eyes, Missy.”

I wouldn’t dare. “Nana, I wouldn’t think of it.” I linked my arm with hers as we walked to the car.

“Humph.”

Dee Dee grabbed Nana’s other arm and we strolled along like the three Musketeers.

As we drove away from town, we left the crowd behind and headed to Seaside Cottage. I looked forward to a breather. Afterwards, Dee Dee and I could get together and regroup. Tomorrow we could drive to Savannah and interview Grace’s ex-husband, Bert, and get back in time to attend the Pirate Fest. And I wanted – no, needed – to call Beau. I realized how much I missed him.

“Do you think Laura would mind if George came over and ate with us tonight?” Nana had fallen head over heels for George. He was nice enough, but I wasn’t convinced he was on the up and up. If he came over tonight, I could pick his brain and maybe find out some personal information about him.

“I’m sure she won’t mind,” Dee Dee assured Nana. “Okay, who blocked the driveway with their Crown Vic?”

“Oh, no. That’s Detective Baker’s car. It can’t be a good sign he keeps showing up at Laura’s.” I pulled in behind him and parked.

When we entered, tension as thick as pea soup filled the room. Detective Baker and one of his cronies occupied the couch. Mama and Laura claimed the two wing back chairs. A coffee table laden with desserts and drinks sat between them. Laura, ever the gracious hostess, had made sure her nemesis was well cared for.

“Trixie, I’m so glad you’re back. Detective Baker’s been waiting to talk to you.”

“Me?” Suddenly, my knee throbbed. I plopped in the nearest chair.

“Yes, Ms. Montgomery.” He scooted to the edge of the couch, leaned forward with elbows on knees, and regaled me with his full attention. “It’s been brought to my attention you’ve been questioning some of the locals.”

“Yeah. Isn’t it great how she uses her work as an excuse to interview suspects?” Nana spoke between bites as she made her point by shaking a potato chip at the detective.

God please beam me up. How could I love Nana so much and feel like killing her at the same time? “What Nana means is I’ve been interviewing people for my article on Savannah and Tybee Island and they just happen to know Grace. What a coincidence.”

“Yes, what a coincidence,” Detective Baker said in a mocking tone. Somehow I didn’t think he believed me.

Nana wouldn’t shut up. “That’s not what I meant at all. Trixie’s helped solve two murders and I’m sure she’ll be able to help you crack this one.”

Detective Baker’s face turned bright red. “Ma’am, I don’t need any help.”

Dee Dee jumped up and grabbed Nana by the elbow. “Nana, I need you to help me for a minute.” I shot her a grateful look. She gently pulled Nana up and escorted her toward the door.

“What do you need help with? I’m not through eating.” I could hear Nana grousing all the way down the hallway. I owed Dee Dee.

Laura sat with her mouth agape, and Mama shook her head. I could have sworn I saw a hint of a smile appear on the Detective’s partner. I should be used to Nana’s antics by now, but I had a terrible urge to pull up a rug and slink under it like a snake going into its hidey-hole.

The Detective managed to speak. “Ms. Montgomery, your reputation precedes you. I know you have a habit of sticking your nose into matters that are none of your business. I have no intention of letting you railroad this investigation. Do you understand?”

“Uh, yes sir, I do. But what about my job? I have to conduct interviews for my article.” I held my breath. If I couldn’t interview people, I’d never be able to help Laura.