Pretty, Hip, & Hoodwinked

by Madison Johns

  “Is that what he’s been telling you? I imagine he tells that to every woman.”

  “Not me, we’re in love.”

  “So why did you and Eddie continue to break up if you’re so meant for each other?”

  “I-I—”

  “He took up with another woman, right?”

  “I don’t have to answer any of your questions. I was in Caseville with my mother the day Rosemary died.”

  “You mean murdered?”

  “Whatever.”

  “Have you ever been a blonde?” Kimberly asked.

  “No, why?”

  “Blonde seems like it would be a good color for you.”

  “I’ve always been a brunette and I’d never dye my hair blonde.”

  Agnes glanced down at Missy’s shoes and she wore sneakers. “Are those Converse?”

  “Yes, that’s all I wear.”

  “So, you never wear heels?”

  “No. I might wear sandals sometimes, but they’re always flats.”

  “We’ll be going now,” Kimberly announced.

  “Not yet,” Agnes said. “Was Rosemary aware that Eddie was seeing you?”

  “He told me she didn’t care. Not since she had her high school sweetheart to devote her time to.”

  “So he told you she was seeing him romantically?”

  “What other way would it be?”

  “They might have wanted to catch up. Men and women can just be friends you know.”

  “I’m perfectly aware of that. I just have never experienced it.”

  “I bet not,” Eleanor said as they proceeded up the aisle.

  “I’m exhausted,” Kimberly announced when they were back in the car.

  “Me, too. Perhaps we should head back to your place to get a bite to eat and relax for a while.”

  “In the middle of an investigation?” Eleanor asked. “But I thought we planned to catch up with Joshua at the bingo hall? He might not be there later.”

  Agnes sighed. “You’re right. We’ll go there, but then it’s back to Kimberly’s for a break.”

  The parking lot was packed when they pulled into the Redwater Hall. As they walked inside there were long tables in rows. In the front there was a stage with a table and podium. The numbered bingo balls tumbled in the bingo blower machine. And on the wall was a large board that lit up with the numbers already drawn.

  “B-2,” the caller said and a woman jumped up. “Bingo, Bingo!”

  Another woman went over to her table and checked over the card. Agnes scanned the room for Joshua. She spotted him by a woman in a wheelchair and tried to make her way there when an intermission was called. A sea of senior citizens came at them like a herd of buffalo and Agnes quickly pulled Kimberly out of the way.

  “Don’t stand between intermission time and senior citizens. They’re lining up at the snack counter,” Eleanor said.

  When most of the crowd had moved on, the three women approached Joshua. “Hello, Joshua,” Agnes greeted him.

  “He’s mine, find your own,” the woman grumped from her wheelchair.

  “Oh? I didn’t know you cared, Neville,” Joshua said with a wink.

  “We just want to borrow him for a moment.”

  “Well, you had better get talking in the snack line. Joshua was going to get me a pop and potato chips.”

  “I’m on my way now.”

  They followed Joshua and Kimberly made it to his side. “We really need to speak with you about Rosemary Johnson.”

  Joshua stiffened, his jaw tightening. “Follow me.”

  They followed Joshua into the coat room and said, “How do you know Rosemary?” Eleanor asked.

  “We’re investigators,” Agnes said.

  “Good. I was hoping someone would know Rosemary would never overdose on drugs, or try to commit suicide like the medical examiner implied.”

  “How would you know what the medical examiner said?”

  “He’s friends with my dad.”

  “Is there any other tidbit of information he relayed to you?”

  “There were marks on her neck and she had quite a few hematomas. You know, bruises.”

  “I know the term,” Agnes said.

  “We understand that you and Rosemary were high school sweethearts,” Kimberly said.

  “Yes and I never expected something like this to happen. I came to town to hopefully convince Rosemary that I’m the one for her. I still loved her, but now—”

  “It’s too late.”

  Tear peppered his cheeks. “Yes.” His fists then clenched. “If murder wasn’t against the law, I’d take that Eddie out. He has to be responsible for what happened to Rosemary.”

  “How so?”

  “He was seeing another woman.”

  “That hardly is a reason to murder anyone,” Kimberly countered.

  “I suppose not, but who else would want to hurt her? Rosemary was the sweetest woman I’ve ever known.”

  “You broke up when you went to college years ago,” Agnes said.

  “Yes, I was young and I wasn’t ready for a commitment, but later I realized I had let the only woman who I’d ever love go.”

  “How long did it take for you to come to that conclusion?”

  “Ten years. I know how that must sound.”

  “Ridiculous,” Kimberly said.

  “Yes, but Rosemary was in prison for a few years, too. If I hadn’t broken up with her, that would never have happened.”

  “Were you involved intimately with Rosemary since you came to town?”

  “No. She was involved with Eddie. It’s not something either of us wanted to do, even though she talked about breaking it off with Eddie. It wasn’t because of me, though. Eddie was jealous and controlling.”

  “How controlling could he be if they didn’t live together?”

  “He found his ways. He didn’t like her to spend time with her family. She had plans to go on vacation with her Aunt Willow to Florida, but Eddie gave Rosemary such a hard time about it that she canceled her plans.”

  “So what was his beef about her family?”

  “You’d have to ask him that.”

  “Did Rosemary tell you anything about her job?”

  “Yes, she loved it, although she said that Miss Jackson could be a real pain sometimes.”

  “I can see that, but what boss couldn’t be like that at times,” Agnes said. “Did she mention anyone else who might have caused her any trouble at the bank?”

  “No, sorry. She genuinely got along with her co-workers.”

  “She was hired at the bank by Lala, who knew about Rosemary’s past as a felon. Was Rosemary worried that Miss Jackson would find out about it?”

  “Sure she was worried, but Lala had more to lose than Rosemary.”

  “Unless Rosemary was involved with the theft of Mrs. Barry’s money.”

  Chapter 17

  After they left, Kimberly suggested, “Why don’t we stop by Jeremy’s office and see how it’s going with his case.”

  They arrived at Jeremy’s office as ominous clouds hovered over the lake. “I hope we don’t get drenched before we’re back at your house,” Eleanor said.

  Gladys greeted them when they walked inside. She had papers spread across her desk.

  “What’s going on, Gladys?” Kimberly asked.

  She sighed. “That husband of yours thinks I’m his legal assistant. You need to tell him that I’m a secretary. I don’t want to have to call all over everywhere to verify statements made by the witnesses of that big case of his.”

  “I imagine he appreciates all your help.”

  “I know, but I really would rather not be involved with this.”

  Kimberly led the way into Jeremy’s office, where he had piles of files stacked all over his desk. There was another table where Andrew was sitting, too.

  “Hello, dear,” Jeremy said to Kimberly with a grimace. “I didn’t expect you to stop by. How is your case going?”

  “We’re still in
vestigating,” Kimberly said, giving Jeremy a quick kiss. “Who’s babysitting today?”

  “The bird sisters.”

  “Good, they’re so good with Abigail.”

  “And so is Birdie. He was whistling songs when they showed up this morning.”

  “How is it going for you?”

  “I could say time-consuming, but that would be an understatement. I’ll be heading to Detroit soon. Andrew is going with me.”

  “They put together the re-trial that soon?”

  “No, the prosecutor has offered my client a deal for manslaughter.”

  “But I thought your client was innocent?”

  “Apparently not. I was using the angle of a crime of passion and it seems the prosecutor agrees with me. I can’t imagine they want to go through with a case they can’t win.”

  “Why was a mistrial declared?”

  “The judge found out the entire jury pool was talking about the case prior to jury selection.”

  “How did he find out?”

  “One of the alternates came forward and told the judge. The jury then admitted it was true so he had to call a mistrial.”

  “Why would someone come forward like that?”

  “I’m assuming so the alternate could get out of jury duty.”

  “What a blow to your case.”

  “It happens. I’m still getting paid, you know.” He smiled.

  “So what are your feelings about handling a big case again?”

  “I’d rather deal with Mrs. Barry’s frivolous lawsuits. I’m actually shocked she hasn’t stopped by to have me represent her to sue you for her lost money.”

  Kimberly’s hands went to her hips. “Now, that’s not funny.”

  “If a plea deal is in the works, shouldn’t you tell Gladys? I believe she’s still calling witnesses.”

  “I’ll let her know,” Andrew said, giving Agnes a quick kiss on his way out the door.

  “Are you done investigating for the day?” Jeremy asked.

  “We planned to take a break, but we have another person we’d like to question before we call it a day,” Kimberly said. “Rosemary’s boyfriend, Eddie. He still hasn’t given the sheriff an alibi for the time of Rosemary’s death.”

  “What has the sheriff done about that?” Jeremy asked.

  “Eddie pulled the lawyer card,” Agnes explained.

  “Ah, I see,” Andrew replied. “And you weren’t able to make him talk, Agnes?”

  “Believe me I tried,” Agnes said.

  “We all did,” Eleanor added. “He’s the most hostile witness we’ve ever encountered.”

  Andrew frowned. “Do you have any idea what time Rosemary died?”

  “Not officially,” Agnes replied. “It could have happened after she came home from the bank or days later.”

  “Let’s head over to Eddie’s house,” Eleanor suggested. “We have more questions to ask him, anyway.”

  “Would you like Andrew and me to accompany you?” Jeremy asked.

  “No, we’ll handle it,” Kimberly said. “If he gets out of hand, we’ll call the sheriff.”

  “Be careful, Kimberly.” He cleared his throat. “I mean, all of you.”

  They hurried out the door. “It never occurred to me until now that Rosemary might have been murdered the night before we found her dead,” Agnes said.

  “Maybe because the coroner’s report didn’t come back yet,” Kimberly suggested.

  Kimberly made an aggressive turn into Eddie’s driveway. His garage door was closed and there weren’t any cars in the drive. So none of his friends were here.

  Eleanor knocked on the door for a few minutes, but Eddie didn’t answer. She joined her friends in the driveway and shrugged. “What now?”

  “I think I see a light on in the garage,” Kimberly said.

  Agnes led the way and instead of knocking on the door, she tried the handle. It was unlocked! They walked inside, where Eddie was holding that same large wrench he held on them before.

  “What are you doing here?” Eddie asked, his knuckles whitening on the grip of the wrench.

  “We have a few more question for you,” Agnes said. “Who was the brunette we saw you with?”

  “I have no idea what you’re even talking about.”

  “We followed to her house,” Kimberly said. “And saw you with our own eyes, hugging up on her. I thought that was rather quick after the murder of your girlfriend.”

  “Real quick,” Eleanor added. “So, what’s the scoop?”

  “You show up here like this and expect me to tell you anything. Get off my property.”

  “Not until you answer our questions.”

  “Why were you jealous when you had a side woman?” Kimberly asked.

  “Jealous? Who told you that?”

  “Joshua,” Kimberly said.

  “What man wouldn’t be upset when his girlfriend’s high school sweetheart suddenly shows up in town.”

  “What’s the problem with that?” Agnes asked.

  “I suspect they hooked up.”

  “Not according to him,” Agnes countered.

  “Why else would they be hanging out so much?”

  “They were catching up.”

  “Why would you even care when you have your own woman from your past you’re involved with?” Kimberly asked. “And don’t even try telling us that you’re only friends. That embrace wasn’t one a friend gives to another.”

  “You can’t prove that and it’s not like Rosemary is alive to tell tales,” Eddie said coldly.

  “How about her family?” Agnes asked.

  “Yes, what’s your problem with them?” Eleanor asked.

  “Why would I like them when they disapproved of me and Rosemary being together?”

  “Did you have to make her cancel the trip she planned with her Aunt Willow, too?”

  “I never directly told her to cancel. Rosemary made that decision all on her own.”

  “Likely story. What woman would do something when her boyfriend is all on her about it,” Kimberly said. “I just don’t understand why you’d treat her like that when you were involved with Missy the whole time.”

  “I’m not going to sit here and debate this with you any longer.”

  “You know what I think,” Agnes began. “I think you wanted Rosemary out of the way so you could see Missy.”

  “Why would I do that when I was able to juggle the both of them?” he said. “And I had an alibi, remember?”

  “I don’t remember any alibi,” Agnes said. “Where were you the night of the tenth?”

  “I was home.”

  “Alone?”

  “What are you hinting at?”

  “I think you had the opportunity to murder Rosemary that night.”

  “You’re all crazy.”

  “You know what I think?” Kimberly said. “I think he found out about the money from the bank. He most likely assumed that Rosemary took it.”

  “I think it goes deeper than that,” Agnes suggested. “I think they got wind that Mrs. Barry had Kimberly here handling her bank transactions.”

  “With a blonde wig and high heels. Missy would look like me,” Kimberly said.

  “Dressed like that, her identification was probably never even checked,” Eleanor insisted. “But afterward, I believe Rosemary found out about it and you and Missy had to get rid of her.”

  “Neither Missy or me were involved with that missing money. Rosemary was the one who had the opportunity as teller. She handled the transaction.”

  “Yes, but she didn’t have someone go into the bank posing as Kimberly.”

  “Rosemary’s the one with a history of embezzlement, not me or Missy.”

  “It didn’t take you long to throw Rosemary under the bus,” Agnes said with a stern look.

  “How do you think me or Missy even knew about who was handling Mrs. Barry’s banking?”

  “This is a small town,” Kimberly said. “It wouldn’t be that hard to find out. Mrs. B
arry’s hip surgery was the talk of Redwater.”

  “Really?” Agnes asked.

  “A resident’s medical problems are sometime the only thing of interest. Especially when people were used to seeing Mrs. Barry careening all over town.”

  “All you’re doing is assuming what happened. And I’ve had enough of all of you. Get out of here before you get hurt,” Eddie threatened, as he swung the wrench, breaking the window of the garage door.

  They were startled when flashers spotlighted them as cop cars roared up the driveway, racing toward the garage door. Sheriff Barry hurried inside. “Are you ladies okay?”

  Agnes was shocked speechless, but Kimberly wasn’t as she said, “Y-Yes. If you hadn’t gotten here, I’m afraid Eddie would have bashed in our brains.”

  “Are you kidding me here?” Eddie vented. “All I wanted was for you to leave.”

  Deputy Danworth walked in, his handgun pointed squarely on Eddie. “Drop the wrench.”

  “It’s a wrench, not a gun.”

  “People have been killed by the police for far less,” Agnes said. “Brooms, rakes, baseball bats.”

  “Step outside ladies. We don’t want you in harm’s way,” Danworth said.

  They hurried outside and the garage door lifted. Eddie was cuffed and the sheriff came over. “Who called you, Barry?”

  “Annie from across the street called us. What happened?”

  “We came here to question Eddie and he held a wrench on us before we even said anything to him,” Agnes explained.

  “Why did you come here today? Eddie called me about an hour ago and told me he was working on cars the day Rosemary was found dead. That he had receipts to prove it.”

  “Yes, but I believe his alibi has a hole in it. I’m positive auto stores aren’t open all night. I’m sure Rosemary was murdered the night of the tenth. You must have the coroner’s report by now.”

  “I do and you’re right about the approximate time of death. DNA was pulled from under her fingernails, too.”

  “It wasn’t from me,” Eddie insisted. “I’ll be happy to prove that to you at the sheriff’s department.”

  “It could belong to Missy Todds. I believe she was the person who was dressed up to look like Kimberly when that money was taken out of your mother’s bank account,” Agnes countered.

  “Eddie was seeing Missy behind Rosemary’s back,” Kimberly said. “Rosemary must have figured it out and Missy and Eddie showed up to silence Rosemary for good.”