by H L Bur
“I’ve been thinking about that constantly. I was hoping we could get it out of Rose or Dawn, but obviously that’s looking slim. I feel like we should be out there looking for Rose, but where would we even start?”
“Wouldn’t it be easier to just ask Fletcher or Chief Kowalski if they’ve found her or any new leads?”
“Nope. Sorry. Out of the question. And from now on, we do not say that name in this house. It’s Detective Collins.”
Quinn rolled her eyes.
“Okay, so what do you think about the Joy plan? Did you think of anything better?”
She let out a long heartfelt sigh. “Well, my better idea is to either talk to the police or stay out of it, but obviously neither of those options are going to be possible with your stubborn self.”
“Uh-huh.” I nodded in agreement.
“Ugh, fine. I’ll text her to see if she can meet us for lunch tomorrow,” she growled as she got up from the couch and headed toward the stairs grumbling the whole time. “I don’t know how I let you talk me into these horrible ideas. Making me have lunch with Joy Rhodes. Getting tracked down by criminals. I don’t need this you know,” she hollered back over her shoulder.
I watched her as she trudged up the stairs. I looked down at the lump under the blanket that was Henri and gave it a little pat. “This will work out Henri, I’m sure of it,” I said reassuringly. Whether that was for Henri’s benefit or my own, I wasn’t so sure.
I didn’t know I had dozed off, but when I opened my eyes I startled at the sight of Gigi standing over me.
“Gigi, you scared me,” I said, rubbing my eyes with the palms of my hands.
“You should go to bed and get some rest.”
I nodded in agreement and pulled the blanket off of my lap. Henri looked affronted as she blinked the sleep out of her eyes and hopped down to stalk away.
“Grandma, have there been any other young women that you’ve helped cross over recently? Any girls with jet black hair?”
“No, Cadence. Just the two.”
I let out a breath of relief. “Okay, good.”
I headed for the stairs, barely able to open my eyes because my contacts had sealed themselves to my eyeballs like crazy glue. I turned around before I headed upstairs. “Goodnight, Gigi.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She waved me off.
I surprisingly woke up feeling refreshed the next day. I decided to go for an early morning jog. I turned right out of the driveway and I headed toward the main road. I figured it was more heavily trafficked and this way there was less of a chance of me stumbling over something I didn’t want to find - like another booby trap or another dead body.
I made a left onto Old Maple Way and followed it towards town for about a mile before turning back the way I came. The sky was overcast and it looked like it wanted to rain. The air had the crispness of fall dancing on the edge of the breeze today. Maybe this would be the end of our warm fall that we had been blessed with this year. We were now two days into October, so it was only a matter of time before the temperatures dropped and the cold rain began. The snow would be soon to follow. I smiled at the thought. That first dusting of snow was always incredible, but about a month later I was over it and ready for spring.
I made it back home without incident and I sat by the wishing well in the front yard to catch my breath and take in the scenery. I was probably biased, but I really felt like we had one of the best yards in the area. It was so serene and peaceful, surrounded by ancient trees and chirping birds. A flock of geese forming a vee went by overhead, another sure sign that winter was closing in.
I sat there for a few more minutes before I went inside. I went in through the garage and opened the door that connected to the entryway. The smell of brewing coffee hit me immediately and I realized how much I needed a cup.
Quinn was sitting at the kitchen table sipping on her own mug, reading the newspaper. She spared me a quick glance and nodded me toward the coffee pot. I poured myself a cup and sat down across from her. She folded the newspaper and slid it across the table to me. I took a quick sip, savoring it as it burned its way down my throat. I read the front-page news story title and started choking on my coffee, nearly spitting it everywhere.
Staring up at me was a picture of Fletcher standing in front of the police station, flashing a smile for the camera. The title read New Homicide Detective Fired from Previous Position.
“This can’t be good.” I began skimming the news article.
The article went on to talk about how Fletcher had worked homicide in the Detroit area and there was controversy surrounding the last case he worked on. Although it didn’t go into details, the article suggested he was let go from that position. The author then went on to discuss the two recent murders in Riverton and questioned Fletcher’s ability to solve these crimes. The article ended by instilling fear into readers with warning about locking doors and not going out alone, especially after dark.
I rolled my eyes, angry with the author for painting Fletcher in a negative light. I was sure there was a good explanation for whatever happened at his last job.
“This is a bunch of bull. He’s obviously very capable at his job or he wouldn’t have been appointed lead homicide detective for all of Northern Lower Michigan.”
“Aww, that’s cute.”
“What?” I shot a glare at her.
“You’re sticking up for your boyfriend.”
“He is not my boyfriend. He’s a jerk. It’s just I know how reporters sometimes like to twist things for their own agenda.” I could feel the burn of a flush creep up into my cheeks.
“Uh-huh,” Quinn said sarcastically.
“I hate you.”
“Yeah, and I hate you for making me have lunch with Joy Rhodes today.”
“Touché,” I said, allowing my anger to recede.
“Speaking of, we need to get going so we can get some stuff done around the store before lunch.”
I nodded and headed for the shower. I was dreading this lunch as much as Quinn was. After all, I was the one who had to apologize to that horrible being. Oh no! I just remembered I had dinner plans with my mother tonight. Not that that was a bad thing, it just meant it was going to be a really long day.
Chapter Nineteen
Ξ
I trudged upstairs to pick out an outfit for the day. I decided on a pair of dark skinny jeans with a white loose fitting tee. I threw on a calf-length grey cardigan and pulled on my camel colored booties with matching purse. I actually took the time to curl my hair into loose beach waves and donned a gold feather necklace with matching earrings.
“Wow, what’s the occasion?” Gigi asked me as I walked down the stairs.
“I have dinner with Mom tonight.”
She ignored my response and began sneezing. The sneezes were extremely exaggerated and I had a high suspicion she was faking, although I wasn’t sure why.
I eyed her skeptically when I noticed Henri curled up in Gigi’s favorite chair.
I rolled my eyes. “Are you trying to tell me that you want me to take Henri back to the store?”
“Well, I can’t help it if I’m allergic to that flea bag.”
“She doesn’t have fleas and I’m pretty sure ghosts don’t have allergies, Grandma.”
“Well how do you explain the sneezing then, Ms. Smarty?”
“Hmm, no idea.” It couldn’t be that you’re faking, could it? I mentally rolled my eyes.
“Exactly, because there is no other explanation.”
I wanted to mention how ironic it was that she could visit the bookstore where Henri resided without any difficulty, but suddenly when the cat was here, she was allergic, but I decided not to waste my breath or energy.
Quinn came downstairs shortly after, dressed in a lighter wash pair of jeans that she had cuffed up at the bottom, a lightweight navy sweater, and some black booties. I noticed she had put on the silver Gemini pendant I had gotten her for her last birthday.
“Cute,” I co
mplimented her.
“You, too.”
I gathered up Henri’s belongings and stuffed her into her carrying cage despite the protest of all four of her limbs flying out in every direction in attempt to stay out of the carrier.
“Oh, I’m so sorry my little baby. You are just precious and I love you so much.”
She hissed at me - seemed about right, I couldn’t catch a break with anyone lately.
“Are you still up for dinner at my mother’s tonight?” I asked.
“Absolutely!”
“Oh thank God.” I clasped my hands together in prayer and looked skyward.
Quinn, Henri, and I all piled into my SUV and headed for the bookstore.
When we circled the block to park in the back lot we noticed there was a lineup at the door already.
“That’s weird,” I said. Typically weekdays were slow.
“Hey, I’m not complaining. We could use the business,” Quinn countered.
“No, I’m not complaining either, I just wonder what it’s all about.”
We parked and went in through the back door. I let Henri out of her carrying cage and she pounced out quickly, got far enough away to where she knew she couldn’t be captured again, and turned to look at me. I swear I could see it in her eyes - she was plotting her revenge on me. She held my gaze just a second longer and then turned to saunter off towards the Kid’s Korner. She must have missed her favorite stuffed turtle and elephant friends. I momentarily wondered if I should fear for an upcoming feline rebellion of some sort, but I shook the thought away and filled her food and water dishes while Quinn went up to unlock the front door.
A group of about ten people rushed through the front door. Some had the decency to act like they were perusing the shelves, others got straight to the point.
“I heard you’re the one that found the dead bodies,” said one woman.
“I heard you two were tracking down the killer on your own,” said another.
“Did you two really fight the killer off bare-handed?” yet another woman asked.
“Woah, woah, woah!” I held my hands up. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I don’t know what you guys heard, but I can assure you this is all nonsense.”
“Oh come on, you have to tell us something,” the first woman demanded.
I sighed, figuring that fighting off this mob would be more difficult than solving the murders. “I was the one that found the first body, but other than that it’s all nonsense,” I admitted. I began firing up the cash register and clearing off the counter in an attempt to discourage the group from continuing on with their rapid-fire questions.
I risked a wary glance toward Quinn. I could tell she was thinking the same thing as I was. The last thing we needed were people drawing attention to us about the murders. Not if we planned on solving this thing anyway.
“Who told you all of that?” Quinn asked the three women.
“Oh, well it’s all anyone can talk about down at the Senior Center.”
“Well you know how rumors get twisted around, so I wouldn’t go believing everything you hear. Now, can I help anyone find a book or get something from the café?”
The women had the nerve to look disappointed as they slowly dispersed amongst the larger crowd, many of whom also looked disappointed. I noticed another woman who was standing slightly away from the others and she winked at me. She hadn’t said anything yet and looked like she was just observing. She appeared to be about seventy-something with a white pixie cut. I didn’t recognize her, but noted how spunky she looked. I shook my head at the odd encounters and walked over to the café to help the small line that had formed there.
After making several lattes and dishing up some croissants and scones, I made my way back over behind the counter where Quinn was helping a few customers check out.
We stayed busy all morning, but luckily no other patrons were quite so bold with their interrogations.
The crowd began to thin out around noon. There was still a group of small children that could be heard laughing and playing in the Kid’s Korner and there were some stragglers browsing the aisles, but otherwise it had quieted back down.
The woman with the pixie cut approached the counter again and glanced around her, as if making sure no one else was in earshot before she leaned in.
“I might be able to help,” she whispered.
“Help with what?” I asked, confused.
“With your investigation,” she said matter-of-factly.
“Look, there’s obviously some mistake. We aren’t investigating anything.”
“You don’t have to say anything more.” She held up her hands and then turned to rummage through her giant purse. It took her a few moments, but she eventually pulled out a small card and slid it over the counter towards me. I glanced at the business card and picked it up, flipping it over. She had written a time and address on the card. I looked back up to ask her what this was about and she just winked at me again and then walked off, exiting the store.
“Interesting,” Quinn remarked, looking as confused as I felt.
“Yeah, that’s one word for it.” I glanced down at the business card again. “Beverly Mayfield. 10pm 1323 Star Falls Ct.”
“Hmm, the name sounds familiar, but I didn’t recognize her. Did you?”
“Something about her made me feel like I’ve known her forever, but no I don’t think so.”
I looked around to see if any of the nosy ladies from earlier were still in the store. Maybe they could tell me more about Beverly, but I didn’t see any of them. They must’ve hightailed it once they realized there was no gossip to be had here.
Luckily, the store had emptied out by twelve thirty, so we locked up and headed to meet Joy for lunch. I think I would’ve rather had the gossip mob back than be going to lunch with her, but I knew it was for the greater good, so I steeled myself knowing I had to go through with it.
Joy had picked the place for lunch. It was no surprise that she had selected The Huron Club, which was the most prestigious, private golf course in the area and membership was by invitation only. I had no doubt she picked it solely for the purpose of showing off her status.
We drove along the winding brick drive, large beech trees towering overhead making something of a tunnel of just-starting-to-turn fall leaves. The drive eventually opened up into a large, pristinely maintained parking area in front of the clubhouse. Large lilac trees and rose bushes lined the front of the stone building and creeping ivy wended its way up the front of the stony façade. It felt like we were at an old English estate complete with an usher patiently waiting outside of the entryway.
I parked my GMC Acadia and we waited in the car until Joy pulled up in her black BMW convertible.
After an awkward greeting, Joy led us up to the clubhouse and informed the usher of our reservation. He graciously led us into the restaurant where the maître d’ took over and led us to our table. The restaurant was nearly empty. There was just one other table with four elderly men laughing together, each with a glass of dark amber liquid in their hands.
Our waiter came over to fill our water glasses and handed us each leather-bound menus, as well as a smaller leather-bound wine list. We quickly perused our menus and placed our orders. We each ordered a glass of pinot noir, Quinn and I both ordered the Michigan cherry chicken salad and Joy ordered a wedge salad.
When the waiter left, Joy looked at me expectantly.
I swallowed my pride and recited my rehearsed words. “Joy, I really do want to apologize for how I acted the other day. There was no excuse for my behavior. All I can say is I was extremely stressed out and I took it out on you. I hope you will accept my apology.”
Quinn shifted in her seat, making me wonder if it had sounded too scripted.
Joy stared at me blankly for a few long seconds before nodding her head curtly. “I won’t act like your words didn’t hurt my feelings, but I figured all along it must have been something in your personal life, because I knew
it couldn’t truly be about me. I thought a lot about your undignified behavior and had already come to the conclusion that you were obviously upset about your new love interest’s rejection and I just happened to be the unknowing victim of your pain.” Her face broke into a wide grin. “So yes, of course I accept your apology and I would just like to say that even though the detective isn’t interested in you, I’m sure there is somebody out there who is willing to look past your flaws and love you just the way you are.”
My mouth dropped slightly and for a second I was stunned to the point of inaction. I quickly recovered and moved my hands to the armrests of my chair in order to push myself up to lunge across the table, but Quinn must have sensed what I was about to do and firmly placed her hand over my arm. I looked at her with fury in my eyes, but remembered the task at hand. I dropped back into my chair and bit my tongue.
“Thank you, Joy. That is so thoughtful of you to say.” I could feel my neck reddening in anger when the waiter returned with our glasses of wine. I grabbed a glass off the waiter’s tray before he had a chance to set it in front of me and downed it in one gulp. “I’ll have another, please.”
I glanced at the waiter to see his shocked expression, but he quickly masked his disdain and smiled graciously at me, nodding in acceptance of my request.
I could feel the warmth that automatically comes when one downs a glass of wine in one gulp spreading throughout my body and I felt the tension in my neck start to relax.
“And Quinn, I hear you and Brent went on a date last week?” She arched her eyebrows toward Quinn in a scandalous manner. “I’m so happy for you. I mean, I never found him to be anything special, but to each is own. Let’s be honest, a realtor is a fine husband choice for some, but I always wanted more for myself.”
It was my turn to make sure Quinn didn’t jump across the table now. “Joy, tell us about you. Anything new and exciting going on in your life?” I quickly interjected.
“Lately it’s all wedding, wedding, wedding for me. I’m so excited and cannot wait to become Mrs. Dr. Clifton Clay!” She beamed.
The waiter came with our salads just in time to cover Quinn’s snort.