Meadow snapped her fingers. “Why doesn’t Noo-noo come stay over at our house? It’s a lot quieter over there and Boris would love to have a sleepover party!”
Georgia gave Beatrice a look and struggled to hide a smile.
Beatrice knew the truth was that Noo-noo would not love to have a sleepover party with Boris, no matter how loud it was at home. Boris was a large dog of indeterminate heritage who didn’t appear to share any of the personal space issues that Noo-noo had. Plus, Beatrice was not at all convinced that Meadow’s house was much quieter, considering how loud Meadow was. But Meadow made it sound like Noo-noo and Boris were going to have a party with manicures, sugary snacks, and a movie marathon.
She quickly said, “Thanks, Meadow! But I think I’ll just take Noo-noo with me as much as possible this week. And have lots of walks.”
Posy walked up to join them and overheard the last bits of their conversation. “Why don’t you leave Noo-noo with me some? She could be the shop dog and greet customers as they come in.”
Beatrice glanced over at Maisie, the store cat, who was sleeping on her back in a sunbeam, completely relaxed and at ease, tail twitching as she dreamed. “I’m not sure Maisie would want that. She must have her own little routine by this point and Noo-noo would mess that up.”
Posy said, “Oh, Maisie is incredibly laid-back for a cat. Besides, there are plenty of sunbeams here to share with Noo-noo. You know Iris Simpson? She comes in here holding her Yorkie all the time. He’s the cutest little thing and has these bright, button eyes. She always puts J.T. down so she can shop and he trots right over to Maisie. Maisie then proceeds to give him a bath. He even lowers his head so that she can better reach different spots!”
Beatrice chuckled. “You’re kidding. Really?”
“Maybe Maisie thinks he’s a kitten since J.T. is so tiny,” offered Georgia.
Posy said, “She’s just completely unfazed. But if you’re worried about it, bring Noo-noo over on a leash and let’s see how things go.”
Beatrice gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks. Let’s do that. I think Noo-noo would be on her best behavior and so grateful to be elsewhere. I do feel bad for the poor dog being stuck inside with all that racket.”
Chapter Two
A FEW MINUTES LATER, a few of the guests started trickling out with Piper hugging each one in turn. Miss Sissy left, too, with a paper plate filled with leftover shower food to take home with her. Beatrice helped Piper put her gifts in Beatrice’s car.
Beatrice looked at her watch. “I guess we can head out. We should have given Miss Sissy enough of a head-start so that we won’t run into her on the road. She’s such a hazard that I try not to drive at the same time if I can help it.”
Piper gave a big yawn as Beatrice backed the car up and started the trip to Piper’s house. Piper said, “It’s a good thing you’re driving. Like I told everyone, I’ve been feeling really alert and haven’t been tired much. But for some reason, I’m exhausted now. And it was such a fun party for the baby.”
Beatrice said, “Well, I’m tired and I’m not even expecting! It was a lot of fun, though and good to catch up with everyone, since it’s been especially busy lately. What’s Ash been up to while we’ve had the shower?”
Piper chuckled. “Ash is nesting just as much as I am! My theory is that it simply goes unnoticed and uncommented on in men. He’s been doing lots of yard work. He’s trying to subdue nature,” she said fondly.
“Is it working?” asked Beatrice with a smile.
“We’ll have to see. There’s this natural area in the backyard where he wanted to put a swing-set. When I left, he was out there pulling vines and weeds and hacking away at a thorny bush with a hedge-trimmer.” Then she said, “Oh, I forgot. Would you mind going with me to my doctor appointment tomorrow? Ash usually goes but he can’t make it tomorrow because of something going on at the college.”
“Of course, I’ll be there,” said Beatrice. “How about if I pick you up and we go to lunch afterward?”
“Perfect,” said Piper as Beatrice pulled into her driveway.
After Beatrice helped Piper bring her gifts in and spoke to Ash (who had indeed subdued nature, with impressive results and a stack of yard waste at the side of the road), she drove back home, entering her driveway warily in case a work truck was there. She breathed a sigh of relief and then muttered to herself, “You’re supposed to be glad to see the workman! The kitchen is totally unusable.” Still, it would be nice to sit in the quiet of the house for a little while after the bustle of the shower.
Noo-noo’s face popped up in the large picture window at the front of the house and her intelligent eyes gleamed as she spotted Beatrice. She trotted over to the front door as Beatrice opened it and stooped down to pet the little dog. She opened her mouth and lolled her tongue in a grin.
“Time to eat,” she said softly and the corgi erupted with excitement, prancing around her food bowl while Beatrice got out the kibbles.
After feeding Noo-noo, Beatrice poured herself a small glass of white wine and wandered out to the backyard hammock. This was one of her favorite times of day as the sun started setting. The birds were flying between the different feeders that Posy’s husband Cork had made for her and then flying back to various trees and bushes spotting the yard. She grew sleepy as she counted the cardinals, finches, chickadees, mockingbirds, and woodpeckers, listening to their songs as she drifted off.
She woke with a start as the door leading to the backyard opened. Her husband, Wyatt, said quickly, “Sorry, it’s just me. And Noo-noo.”
Beatrice made room for him in the hammock and rubbed her eyes with one hand, her other still holding the wine glass. “Wow. I realized that I was getting sleepy when I was listening to the birds, but I had no idea that I’d actually fallen asleep.”
Wyatt climbed into the hammock with a chuckle as Noo-noo happily found a soft spot in the lawn to curl up on. “Am I going to break this thing? It’s been a little while since we both were in it.”
“I don’t hear the hammock groaning,” said Beatrice.
For a few moments, they were quiet, listening to the wind through the trees, the rustling of leaves, and the contented chirps of birds at the feeders.
Wyatt asked, “How did the shower go?”
Beatrice said, “It was perfect. I’m so glad that Posy offered to host it at the shop. It was so much fun being in there with the guild and surrounded by those gorgeous quilts. Besides, it’s always been a special place for Piper and it was more meaningful for her that the shower was there than at a restaurant. Piper received some really wonderful gifts for the baby, too. And a marvelous vintage baby quilt from Miss Sissy. I’ll have to show it to you.”
“Sounds like the perfect day,” said Wyatt.
Beatrice frowned. “Yes. Well, except for the fact that absolutely nothing got done today in terms of the kitchen project. I sure hope he’s going to show up tomorrow.”
“Which brings the question: what are we going to do about supper tonight?” asked Wyatt.
“Remind me again what stage of construction we’re in? I’ve lost track. Can we cook on the stovetop? Is the oven plugged in? I haven’t even wanted to look because it gives me the most tremendous headache in its current stage.”
Wyatt said gently, “I think we’re in the frozen waffle stage of renovation. Anything that we can heat up in the toaster should be fine. Or we can eat cold foods from the fridge.”
“The fridge that’s in our living room?” asked Beatrice with a snort.
“The very one. But we can have yogurt and sandwiches with grapes, if we want. On paper plates, since the dishwasher is disconnected. Or I can run out and pick something up for us,” said Wyatt.
“Oh, let’s not do that. You’ve been out all day and it’s too much bother. Besides, I ate a ton at the shower; that’s probably why I conked out here in the hammock. Let’s have sandwiches and I’ll call to firmly say we need some progress on our project tomorrow. We can’t camp
out in our own home forever. It gets old, fast.”
Wyatt put a foot down and set the hammock to lazy swaying. “That would be perfect. I’m not too hungry, myself. And thanks for calling Dale tomorrow. I’d do it myself, except I’m supposed to have a morning meeting with Gerald Carpenter at his office. He’s apparently always up early and requested to meet with me before work. I guess he likes to knock out personal or church business before he really starts his day. Then I’ll be back home to monitor the progress on the kitchen so that you can take Noo-noo out of here if you want.”
Beatrice groaned. “I’m afraid I’m going to inflict more anxiety on poor Noo-noo. I told Piper that I’d go to her appointment with her tomorrow. It’s a noon appointment and we’re going to a late lunch after that.” She paused. “Posy did offer to take Noo-noo, although I didn’t really think there’d be any need to.”
“Take her?” asked Wyatt in a distracted voice.
“Sorry. I meant watch her for me at the shop. I wasn’t sure how Noo-noo would do with Maisie the cat, but Posy said that Maisie is very laid-back around dogs. There was talk of Maisie grooming a Yorkie. Maybe I’ll drop Noo-noo by there before picking up Piper,” said Beatrice. “I’ll call her in a little bit and set it all up. What’s your meeting with Gerald about tomorrow?”
Wyatt laughed ruefully. “It seems like our entire life is wrapped up in renovations right now. Gerald is doing some of the footwork for me and is getting bids or quotes or something for the HVAC renovation that the church is planning.”
“That’s going to be a big project,” said Beatrice.
“Yes. But the church has put off replacing the heating and cooling systems in the Sunday school building for a long time, so it really has reached a boiling point now,” said Wyatt with a sigh.
“No pun intended, right?” asked Beatrice.
“Exactly. Anyway, I’ll meet with Gerald and maybe Dale will be ready to work by the time that meeting is over with. I think if Dale has a full day here at the house that he’ll be able to make some swift progress,” said Wyatt.
Beatrice gave a wry smile. Her husband was always an optimist.
Beatrice woke early the next morning and slipped out of bed while Wyatt was still sleeping. Noo-noo grinned a corgi grin at her as she took her out early for a short walk and then gave her an early breakfast.
She ran out to pick up some fresh-made muffins from June Bug’s shop, since it seemed the baked goods Beatrice enjoyed yesterday had just whetted her appetite for more. When she arrived home, Wyatt was already moving around.
He gave her a grateful look as he took one of the muffins she offered him. “Thanks. I’m running just a little late.”
Beatrice quirked an eyebrow. “I had no idea you meant that your meeting was this early. I thought you meant more like nine o’clock.”
“Afraid not. But I’ll be out of here in a jiffy. Gerald is something of a stickler with his schedule. Sometimes he’s been in charge of meetings at the church and is not the most patient person if someone shows up late.”
Beatrice said, “Here, then take another muffin to go and eat it in the car. I’ll call Dale and see if he can come over.”
Wyatt rushed out with the extra muffin and Beatrice watched him go out the window as Dale’s phone rang and rang. She finally sighed and left a message for him.
Noo-noo looked up at Beatrice in concern and she rubbed her. “It’s terrible to have one’s kitchen held hostage by a workman, Noo-noo.”
Noo-noo gazed sympathetically at her. Although Noo-noo, of course, had no desire to have the kitchen completed whatsoever. It was a process entirely too noisy for her large ears.
When Beatrice’s phone rang fifteen minutes later, she fumbled, relieved, to answer it. She frowned when she saw it was Wyatt and not her contractor.
“Everything all right?” she asked quickly as she answered the phone.
Wyatt’s voice was hoarse. “Afraid not. Gerald is dead. And I think he’s been murdered.”
Chapter Three
WYATT HAD ALREADY CALLED Ramsay, Meadow’s husband and the chief of police in Dappled Hills. By the time Beatrice reached Gerald’s business, a factory that manufactured pimento cheese, named Dappled Hills Pimento Cheese, Ramsay was already grimly cordoning off the business so that any arriving employees wouldn’t disturb the crime scene.
Wyatt was pale and looked shaken. He gave Beatrice a hug as she approached.
“That must have been awful,” she said, squeezing him tightly.
“It was. It was just the unexpectedness of it. The fact that I was going in for a meeting and then, this.” His face was drawn.
“And you said it didn’t appear that Gerald’s death was natural?” asked Beatrice.
He shook his head. “No. I mean, I didn’t see exactly what could have killed him. He wasn’t bloody and there wasn’t a weapon nearby that I could see. But he’d been . . . tied up,” he said a bit shakily.
“Tied up?”
“To his office chair. Obviously, there was no way that he could have done that himself,” said Wyatt.
Ramsay came back out to them and sighed. “What a way to start a day. I have the state police on the way out here, but I wanted to get a statement from Wyatt first.” He hesitated and then said, “Wyatt, you know I don’t think you have anything whatsoever to do with this, but I have to ask you some questions. And the state police may, too. It’s just that you were the first on the scene here. What were you doing before you came out here?”
Wyatt said ruefully, “Sleeping. Oversleeping.”
“Indeed he was,” said Beatrice. “He was scrambling to get here on time to meet with Gerald.”
“You were together before he drove out?” asked Ramsay, jotting down notes.
Wyatt quickly said, “Beatrice left for muffins for a while.”
Beatrice raised her eyebrows. “Maybe for ten minutes, round-trip, from our house to June Bug’s bakery. I hardly think you could drive down here, murder poor Gerald, and then end up back at the house getting ready in that amount of time.”
Ramsay said, “Neither do I. What were y’all meeting about, by the way?”
Wyatt said, “It was about the church renovation project.” When Ramsay frowned, Wyatt continued. “We’re putting a new HVAC system into the Sunday school building. Gerald was in charge of hearing quotes . . . I suppose it was more like bids, since it’s a big project. He was to report back to me this morning.”
Ramsay nodded and jotted down a few notes. “Was Gerald very involved in the church?”
“He was. He was an elder, actually. And he had good business acumen. When he offered to oversee the bids, I was happy to let him take it over.”
“Was the door locked or unlocked when you arrived?” asked Ramsay.
Wyatt considered this. He said slowly, “At first, I just knocked. I saw Gerald’s car here and I thought it would be better to knock since it was his office and not a public place. When I didn’t get an answer, I thought maybe he was on the phone or something and couldn’t answer so I tried the door. It opened right up.”
Ramsay jotted down more notes and nodded. “All right. Well, this is quite a mess. And Gerald is one of our most prominent citizens, so there’s going to be a lot of local attention focused on this case. I’ll need to notify the family. And Wyatt, since the family is so involved with the church, I’m sure you’ll be busy, too.”
Wyatt said slowly, “It was mostly Gerald who was involved, although I saw his wife quite a bit with him and often his son. I’ll make sure to stop by and visit with them after you’ve notified the family.”
Ramsay said, “Oh, and if you can both keep the method of his death quiet, I’d appreciate it. At least the part about him being tied up.”
“Of course,” said Wyatt.
Cars had been driving up and been redirected by Ramsay’s deputy as they spoke. But one car simply parked farther away instead of leaving. A tall man wearing a crisp white shirt, pressed gray pants, and a red tie w
alked briskly up to them.
“Mark Carpenter, Gerald’s son,” said Ramsay in a sad voice. “This is the worst part of the whole job.”
Cutting to the chase, Mark quickly said, “What’s happening? Ramsay? Wyatt?”
Ramsay said, “Mark, can I have a few words? Maybe over there?” He pointed to a table and chairs under trees that apparently served as an employee break area.
Mark shook his head. “Here is fine, thanks.” He was clearly the kind of man who didn’t have much patience with formalities or people trying to be sensitive.
Ramsay said, “I have some bad news. I’m very sorry. Your father died sometime early this morning, after he arrived at work. Wyatt discovered him when he arrived.”
Mark turned to Wyatt who said gently, “We were supposed to have a meeting this morning on the church renovations.”
Mark pressed his lips together and then took a deep, steadying breath. “I see. Was it a heart attack? I always told Dad that he was working too hard. He was the kind of man who never took a vacation and rarely even took breaks during the day.”
“I’m afraid his death wasn’t natural. We’re opening a murder investigation,” said Ramsay somberly.
Mark’s face was a study of confusion. “Murdered? Dad?” He took a small step back and then stood perfectly still as if to prove that he was fine. “That’s quite a shock.” But to Beatrice, he seemed more taken aback than truly shocked. But he definitely seemed confused and as if his mind was going in a million directions.
Mark put his hand to his head as if it hurt. “That’s going to be terrible for the business.”
Beatrice and Ramsay glanced at each other.
Mark continued, “Sorry. That must have sounded very unfeeling. It’s actually the first thing that my father would have said if the roles were reversed. Let’s see if I can explain. It’s just that part of the appeal of the business is the family aspect of it. The social media campaigns that our marketing gal runs and that sort of thing. If you have ever eaten the pimento cheese, you’ll know that there’s a black-and-white family portrait on the lid of every container. Marketing is centered on the happy family approach. This is going to be hard to gloss over.”
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