by Lucy Quinn
Dora choked out a laugh. “Talk about an understatement.”
Evie arched one of her eyebrows. “You’re no better. You’re so impatient, I wouldn’t be surprised if you drum a hole into the table before the day is over.” She nodded to Dora’s hand, indicating where the other woman was tapping her fingers. “You’ve been doing that for so long I’m surprised you don’t have a hand cramp.”
Dora instantly stilled her fingers. “It helps me think. We’ve hit a dead end looking for the Buddha. It’s frustrating sitting here and waiting for the mail each day, praying our package shows up so that this nightmare can end.”
Evie took stock of Dora’s appearance. Her friend had dark circles under her eyes and a bit of acne on her jawline that tended to appear when she was stressed or burning the candle at both ends. Neither of them had been sleeping very well, and she suspected that night would be no different. Evie said, “We should probably turn in. We have an early day tomorrow.”
“Doing what?” Dora had already turned her attention back to the computer login.
“We have to meet with the krewe again. Tomorrow at nine.” Evie stood and headed for the bedroom.
“What? Again? Evie, I said I’d be Scarlett, but we can’t spend all of our time there. Don’t you think we need to find Raúl? Maybe search for meal service providers in Nola or something?”
“You mean we don’t just wait for him to return to the scene of the crime?” Evie snapped, but she was already searching the internet on her phone for Raúl Crawford, personal chef. Oddly, the man wasn’t anywhere on the web for them to find. After the two exhausted every search option they could dream up, Evie finally sighed.
“That’s so strange we can’t find him,” Dora said.
“Is it?” Evie asked, “Because I think it points to more shadiness where that man is concerned.”
“Well, then he must get his customers by word of mouth.”
“We can ask the krewe ladies,” Evie said. “Besides, we have to go and keep them happy. We don’t want them getting suspicious about why we’re still here.”
Dora sighed. After the day’s events, she wasn’t exactly excited about dealing with the parade festivities again, but Evie had a point. “Fine. But let’s get up early. I’m going to need to get breakfast first. I can’t handle that much drama on an empty stomach.”
The next morning, after dropping the dress back at Antoine’s so he could finish the fitting, Evie noticed that Dora looked only marginally better, and she knew what her friend needed. A big dose of protein that only bacon and eggs could deliver this time of day. Fortunately Dora agreed, rationalizing the expense by saying it would be their breakfast and lunch.
“That was delicious.” Dora said an hour later as she leaned back in her chair and let out a content sigh. She’d eaten a large goat cheese omelet and scarfed down not one, but two orders of bacon at the neighborhood café. “I’m really glad I don’t have to squeeze into Scarlett’s dress today. I’m not sure we could lace it up.”
Evie smiled at her friend as they made their way to Crescent City Speakeasy where the krewe was meeting again. “Don’t start with that. I bet you’re well under your usual weight from all the stress we’ve experienced. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how little you’ve been eating.” She pulled the door open to the bar and they entered to see a small group of the ladies were gathered around one table, quietly working on some of the signs for the float.
“Good morning,” Dora said.
“Morning girls.” Flora sat back in her chair and gave them a forced smile. “How are you holding up?”
Evie’s throat thickened when she thought about how sad everyone must be to lose another friend so soon. “Not great,” she said, pressing her hand to her heart. Tears filled her eyes, and she knew if she looked at Dora she’d see her eyes were shiny with moisture too. They’d both really liked Myrtle, and it was awful that she was gone. “We’re really torn up about Myrtle. Is there going to be a service?”
Flora shook her head. “Not as far as we know. Her family is up north somewhere in the Dakotas. Her ashes are being sent there.”
Ashes. She glanced at Dora to see a look of shock that echoed what Evie was feeling. It meant there likely wasn’t even an autopsy, and now it was up to them to find out who the killer was, or he’d get off scot-free. “That’s… wow. I’m sorry.”
Flora swallowed hard and straightened her shoulders as if she was brushing off her grief. “We still have a parade to put on. And I know Gertie and Myrtle would want us to put our all into it.”
“Of course,” Dora said. “What can I—”
“Hello, lovely ladies,” a male voice boomed from the front door. “Your Rhett is here!”
Viscous barking, followed by the sound of tapping little paws, filled the room. Evie jumped out of her chair so fast it flew over backward with a loud crash. “Sunshine!” she cried. “No!”
“Sunshine!” Dora echoed, racing after the dog, who was making a beeline for the man they’d met the day before.
“Stay away from Charles,” Evie said. “He doesn’t like you. Come back, baby.”
“I don’t like her?” Charles asked, sounding completely offended as he quickly backed up and ran right into one of the exposed brick walls. “That dog is the devil. Get her away from me!”
Sunshine ran toward the man, teeth bared, growling but not nipping. Just making sure he knew to stay back.
“What a good pup,” Bianca, an older lady with gorgeous long silver hair, said. She smiled down at Sunshine as she smoothed her purple, blue, and teal jewel-tone peasant skirt. “You tell him who’s boss. You’re smart not to trust any man. Always make them earn it.” She glanced up at Charles. “No offense. It’s just that your gender has a bad rep these days. Me Too and all that. You know how it is.”
Charles didn’t answer her as he stared down at Sunshine, scowling.
Evie choked out a laugh as she finally bent down and picked up her pup. “That’s right, Bianca. Sunshine knows what’s up.”
Sunshine calmed the barking, but she still continued to let out tiny little growls as she eyed the man. Evie couldn’t help but feel that if Sunshine hated the man so much she should listen to the dog’s intuition. She’d been right about other things, hadn’t she? Evie glanced over at Dora, hoping she was thinking the same thing, because they’d both be fools not to at least proceed with caution around the man.
“You two!” Charles said, pointing fingers at Dora and Evie. “Do you know what you did at that shop yesterday? A woman almost died.”
A collective gasp went up around the room.
“Another one?” Flora asked.
“What woman?” Dora demanded, studying Charles. “What are you talking about?”
“The one who ended up in the street after that dog attacked me!” He all but snarled at Sunshine, who growled louder.
“That was a mannequin,” Evie said, rolling her eyes. “And it’s not our fault. You’re the one who panicked and knocked over all the displays.”
Charles’s face turned so red Evie thought that actual steam might come out of the top of his head. “That mangy mutt tried to kill me!”
She clutched Sunshine tighter as the little dog tried to wiggle out of her grip and no doubt go after Charles again. “She was just protecting Dora. You’re the one who kicked a little dog, you monster.” Another collective gasp went up around the room at Evie’s revelation. She continued, “If you hadn’t panicked, I would’ve gotten her under control. It’s not our fault she doesn’t trust you anyway. And now she never will, not after you abused her.”
“Oh, Charles.” Bianca tsked as she shook her head. “You can’t be kicking little dogs. Look at her. Those teeth can’t do any damage.”
“She bit me!” he insisted, pulling up his pant leg and pointing at his smooth, unmarred skin just above his sock.
Bianca blinked at him and laughed. “Stop being such a drama queen and save it for the parade, okay? The dog is fine. You
’re fine. Let’s just get to work.”
He stared at Sunshine and let out a little growl of his own. Then he turned to Bianca. “I can’t believe you’re on their side. I bet your tune would change if that beast came after you.”
She shrugged and reached out to pet Sunshine’s head. The pup stopped growling and looked up at Bianca with pure unconditional love. “Dogs and I understand each other. Besides, us girls need to stick together.”
Charles rolled his eyes and glared at all of them. “Where did you find these two anyway? From what I can tell, they are nothing but pure trouble.”
Evie’s stomach clenched because she couldn’t disagree. Ever since the shooting in Dora’s office, their lives had been nothing but trouble. “We’re Gertie’s nieces. We arrived the day...” Evie swallowed hard, not having to fake that she was upset. Maybe the lack of sleep and proper nutrition was getting to her too, and losing Myrtle had been a shock to her and Dora. “You know, the day she perished. We’re working on the parade to honor her, and then we’ll be on our way.”
The man’s head snapped up, and he studied Evie first and then Dora, his expression full of pure skepticism. “That’s impossible. Gertie didn’t have any family.”
Evie’s stomach clenched. Oh, crap. She had to refrain from sending a panicked look Dora’s way. She steeled herself, but it was Dora who answered.
Dora crossed her arms over her chest as she said, “Of course she did. We’re living proof.”
“Oh, then where are you from?” he challenged.
“Up north. We hadn’t seen her in years due to a family falling-out that had nothing to do with us,” Dora said. Evie knew how much Dora hated to lie, but she was convincing. “Evie and I had always wanted to come visit, so once we had the means, we hopped in the car and decided to surprise her. Unfortunately, we were too late.”
Evie nodded, knowing that Dora’s words would have more impact if she managed to stay silent.
“Gertie didn’t have any siblings,” Charles insisted, sounding almost belligerent.
Dora tilted her head to the side and gave him a look that said she thought he might be a little bit slow. “Did it ever occur to you that since she was estranged from most of the family she just told you that so she didn’t need to talk about it?”
The man’s mouth gaped open like a fish.
Go, Dora! Evie thought with pride. “You know what they say,” Evie said, her tone bright and cheery. “You never really know a person until you live with them. You weren’t living with her, were you, Charles?”
“Of course not. Gertie was decades older than me,” he said with a shudder. “But we were friends. Surely she would’ve—”
“No, she wouldn’t have,” Bianca interjected. “All women have their secrets, Charles. It’s better you learn and understand that now before you shack up with someone.” She patted him on the arm. “That’s enough of that. It’s time to get busy with the signage for the float. And we need your talented penmanship. Warm up those fingers, okay? We’re going to be here a while.”
Dora gave Bianca a grateful smile and followed the woman to the long work table where the other ladies were making signs that would identify all the couples in literature. Evie jumped right in, drawing books with wings and pretty hearts on the signs while Dora, who didn’t have an artistic bone in her body, stuck to filling in the designs with magic markers.
“Who’s dealing with her estate?” Charlies asked out of the blue ten minutes later.
Evie stiffened as Dora asked, “What?”
“Gertie’s estate. Who is the executor?” he asked.
This time Evie couldn’t stop herself from meeting Dora’s gaze. Neither of them had any idea. And that was something the two of them hadn’t discussed. Evie sure hadn’t thought about it. But someone was bound to show up sooner or later. If her friends were all correct and Gertie didn’t have any relatives, it might be a while. But if she did… someone could show up any day and find them squatting in Gertie’s home. Guh! They just needed to find that Buddha and get the heck out of there.
But Evie’d had to pull off enough lies in her lifetime, and she felt like she’d been in training for this. “We’re not sure,” she said smoothly. “We’re still looking for her will.”
“I see,” Charles said, his eyes gleaming with interest.
There was something about him and the hungry look in his gaze that sent a shiver up Dora’s spine. Why was he asking about this?
“I bet it’s the same person who is in charge of Myrtle’s estate,” he said almost to himself. “Those two did everything together. It’s really not a surprise that they died within the same week. If I was a betting man, I’d say they planned it that way.”
“Charles!” Bianca said with a gasp. “That’s a terrible thing to say. You’re not suggesting that Myrtle committed suicide, are you?”
“What?” he asked, jerking backward. “No. No, I just… I just meant that they always seemed to be in such sync. You know, like couples who have been together for years and the one left behind usually doesn’t last long once the first one is gone. It’s like that. They were so close and all.”
“You think they were lovers?” Flora asked from her spot across the table. “Oh, now that is scandalous.” She leaned forward, practically salivating. “Tell us everything.”
“Um…” He let out a chuckle. “That’s not something I have any knowledge about, but who’s to say it isn’t true?”
Evie shifted a little closer to Dora, who leaned into her, both women suddenly needing to be near each other. She could understand two best friends not being able to live without each other. She imagined she and Dora would be the same. But she knew in her heart that wasn’t what had happened with Gertie and Myrtle. Myrtle had been upset, sure, but she wasn’t dying of despair. She still had a support network right there with the ladies in her krewe.
Dora glanced at Evie, gave her a tight smile, and then squeezed her hand quickly before going back to coloring on the poster. Evie was comforted to realize that Dora knew what she was thinking and understood.
“Did anyone show up to clean out Myrtle’s place?” Charles asked.
Dora jerked her head up. “Why?”
“Just curious. She has family up north, right?” He gave Dora a sly smile. “Just wondering if they’ve shown up yet.”
“I didn’t notice anyone,” Evie said without looking up.
Dora said, “I imagine it takes more than a day to get organized for something like that.”
“Right,” Charles said with a bit of sarcasm in his voice. Sunshine’s head popped up from Evie’s lap, and she growled at him again.
He rolled his eyes while Bianca laughed at the pup. He said, “Well, let me know if they do. I’d like to pay my respects.”
“Uh, okay,” Dora answered.
Charles wasn’t done though, and he started to wonder out loud what kind of assets the woman might have left behind and who she might have left them to. After thirty minutes of listening to him speculate about the value of her belongings, Evie was ready to scream. It was clear he was way too invested in what Myrtle’s estate, and she started to eye him with suspicion. “Why does it matter?” she blurted.
He turned narrowed eyes on her. “Because we don’t want just anyone showing up and making a claim on her stuff, now do we?”
The way he said it made her think he was talking about Dora and her, and her friend’s audible huff was enough for Evie to know Dora was spitting mad about the accusation. Neither of them had any interest in taking Gertie’s things. All they wanted was the Buddha. Of course, Charles didn’t know that.
Dora opened her mouth to argue, but Evie placed a soft hand on her arm and said, “Of course not. No one wants that. I’m sure the probate lawyers will see to all of that stuff… for both Gertie and Myrtle.”
“Sure they will,” Bianca agreed. “Unless an executor shows up.”
An executor. Of course. Evie started to sweat. It made her wonder again if Gertie
had one. She stewed over that thought for the next hour, wishing she could discuss this with Dora, who knew more about such matters.
When Dora stood and eyed her handiwork, she said, “I think these posters are just about done.”
“I think so, too,” Flora said, stretching her arms over her head. “We’ll get together again in a couple of days to go over the rest of the planning.”
Everyone packed up, and less than five minutes later, Dora and Evie were standing on the street with Sunshine, watching as Charles strode away, his head down.
While the two women walked back toward Gertie’s place, Dora said, “He was asking far too many questions.”
Evie nodded, frowning. “He definitely seemed to have a personal interest in Myrtle’s possessions. As if he might have had something to do with her death.”
“I think it’s entirely possible,” Dora said. “Why else would he want to know if anyone showed up to claim her stuff?”
“As much as I loved my theory, it looks like Raúl isn’t our only suspect,” Evie said. “All that stuff about the executor made me nervous too. Come on. We need to figure out our next move.”
14
Evie let out a little gasp when they let themselves back into Gertie’s apartment building. She pointed to a bin of packages sitting in the lobby under the mailboxes. “Look, Dora!”
“Oh, thank the postal gods.” Dora crouched down and eyed the overflowing bin of packages. “The Buddha has to be in here.” Packages rustled as she sorted through the bin. “These are all for Gertie. Maybe today is going to be our lucky day.”
“I sure hope so,” Evie said, feeling a bit of weight lift off her shoulders as they headed to the elevator. There had to be over two dozen packages in the container. Finally, they were going to catch a break. She just knew it.
Once they were safely tucked into Gertie’s apartment, the two of them sat in the middle of the living room with the intent to methodically go through each and every package. Evie noticed Sunshine sprawled on the floor next to them, which wasn’t unusual. But the way she had her paws over her eyes was.