“And those were the only documents that Salome had?” asked Beatrice. “She didn’t just have a slew of papers from the office that she’d somehow forgotten to hand over?”
Ramsay shook his head. “The papers only pertained to this one matter. It wasn’t as if she literally brought her work home every night and there were lots of others. So we have to assume that Salome deliberately chose these damaging documents for a reason.”
“To have some leverage. To try to make Gerald do what she needed him to do,” said Beatrice.
“Or Mark,” suggested Ramsay quietly. “Maybe she tried it twice. Maybe she approached Gerald before he died and asked him to lend support to her or else she’d disclose what she knew and leak the documents. Then, perhaps, when she didn’t get anywhere and after Gerald’s death, she thought Mark was a softer target.”
“I don’t know that I’d think that,” said Beatrice. “Mark doesn’t seem like any sort of a softie to me. He’s all business, all the time, just like his father was.”
“Then maybe she was simply desperate. Gerald didn’t leave her anything in the will, of course, and Salome wasn’t sure how she was going to support her daughter the way she wanted to. Maybe she set out to talk to Mark about it and push him to give her some sort of an allowance or a settlement,” said Ramsay.
“Then he became upset and killed her,” said Beatrice levelly. “Is that where you’re going with this?”
Ramsay said, “It’s a possibility. One of several that we’re mulling over. But at least it’s a development that we can pursue. Whoever this murderer is, he’s done a good job of covering his tracks.” He looked at Beatrice. “Have you found out anything on your end lately? I know you’re good at sniffing out leads in a very innocuous way.”
Beatrice gave a short laugh. “This time it seems as if everyone is spilling all their innermost thoughts to me. I believe it must be the Wyatt Effect.”
Ramsay raised his eyebrows. “What’s that?”
“Being married to a busy minister. I’m hearing all the things that Wyatt would be hearing, if Wyatt could be everywhere at once. I did just leave Laura Carpenter.”
Ramsay said, “Still packing pretty fast?”
“She is. She called the environment ‘poisonous’ over there.”
Ramsay blinked at her. “That’s a new one on me. What on earth is so poisonous? Looks like a nice, big house. Gerald left her really comfortable, too.”
“She meant the way that Gerald’s children were treating her,” said Beatrice.
Ramsay said, “Well, let’s face it. She made out really well from the will, is probably seeing someone already, and is a suspect in a murder. I’m sure the kids aren’t exactly delighted with her. That would make me feel uncomfortable, too.”
“Laura said that Mark and Joan were contesting the will,” said Beatrice.
“Yes, we’ve been following that pretty closely, as you can imagine. There’s definitely some bad blood happening there. Oh, and Laura won’t be leaving town until we’re completely finished speaking with her . . . we’ve cautioned her about that,” said Ramsay.
“That makes sense. I did speak with Mark before the service and he didn’t seem happy about the fact that Laura was leaving already. He thinks that she’s already seeing someone, too.”
Ramsay said, “That’s who we got that information from. He said that she was hanging up the phone in a hurry when he walked into the room.”
“The main impression that I got from Mark was that he wanted to make sure the business wasn’t harmed at all. That the employees had a good transition from Gerald being at the helm to his being at the helm. And that the company wasn’t harmed by the murder and the suspicion that’s fallen on the family.”
Ramsay said wryly, “Well, that’s a tall order. We’ll see how it goes. If we can go ahead and wrap up the case rapidly, though, he may have more of a shot at normalcy.” He added, “Okay, enough of my work-talk. Tell me how your reading is going with Wyatt.”
“Much better this time now that we’re both reading fiction, like I told you. I think the fact that it’s historical fiction makes it more interesting for Wyatt, too. The only problem is that I’ve gotten a little ahead of him now and I have to wait for Wyatt to catch up so I won’t inadvertently spoil the story for him,” said Beatrice.
“I can’t imagine you giving spoilers,” said Ramsay. “Doesn’t seem in character.”
“They’re accidental spoilers. Apparently, I’m a very animated reader,” said Beatrice with a smile. “I’ll gasp or laugh or say ‘oh no.’”
“That’s what years of living alone will do for you,” said Ramsay with a laugh.
“Exactly, and now I have this terrible habit,” said Beatrice. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to kick it, either, after decades of doing it. I didn’t even realize that it was something I did until Wyatt pointed it out.”
“Sounds like Wyatt has been keeping really busy.”
“Just about as busy as you are,” said Beatrice. “I know you’ve been swamped with these cases.”
“Yes, but the difference is that I want to be swamped right now. Well, maybe not as much as I am today, but overall, it’s a help to me. Otherwise, I’d be at home with Meadow. And Meadow, much as I love her, is getting more gaga over that baby every day. If I stayed at home, I think I’d go a little nuts.”
“That’s going to change just as soon as the baby’s born,” said Beatrice in a teasing tone. “Then Meadow will never be home because she’ll be holding her grandbaby at Piper and Ash’s house.”
“Very true. And it’s a day to look forward to,” said Ramsay reverently.
Chapter Eighteen
AFTER VISITING WITH Ramsay at the library, Beatrice found a few magazines to read and was happily absorbed for the next forty-five minutes. Afterwards, she swung back by her house, which was mercifully quiet. Wyatt had texted her that Len was tied up that day but would be back the following day to work all day long. Wyatt was visiting church members who were in the hospital, running by the retirement home, and then working in his office at the church after that.
Noo-noo and Beatrice had just settled down in the hammock (Noo-noo, like Miss Sissy, had gotten rather partial to it after a period of being extremely suspicious of the device) when Noo-noo’s ears perked up.
Beatrice groaned. “Did Len have a change of plans?” she muttered under her breath as Noo-noo looked toward the fence leading to the driveway.
But the voice that greeted her was decidedly un-Len-like. “Yoo-hoo! Beatrice? You here?”
It was Meadow. Beatrice groaned again but called back, “In the backyard. Come on back.”
A moment later, Meadow appeared, a perky smile on her face. “Don’t you and Noo-noo look so comfy? And with your book, too.”
Beatrice managed a more gracious smile than she’d thought possible in response. “We thought we’d take a little break. There’s no construction today, so it’s nice and quiet.”
Meadow said, “Well, I hate to disturb your reverie, but I’ve been scheming with Posy. I thought about calling you, but I’m just so restless with the baby that I can’t sit still enough to finish a phone call. I thought I’d run by, instead.”
Beatrice raised her eyebrows. “But you didn’t run, did you? In this heat, I hope you drove.”
“Silly.” But then Meadow looked thoughtful. “Although, if I had run, maybe I would have gotten rid of some of that restlessness.”
“Or you’d have alarmed motorists who aren’t accustomed to seeing you run. They’d have thought you were having some sort of emergency,” said Beatrice dryly. “Especially since you’re not exactly wearing running gear.”
Meadow looked down and chuckled at her flowing red top and black slacks. “I’d have terrorized the countryside.”
Beatrice added, “And Meadow? Don’t be so wound up about the baby. Piper is in the very best of hands. Everything is going to be just fine.”
Meadow blew out at deep breath. “Oh
, I know. It’s just hard when something is very, very important to me and I can’t really help. And I don’t really have any control over the situation at all. And then there was that false alarm. I just feel sort of helpless.”
“But you have helped. You’ve helped prepare a lovely space for the baby. You’ve made some beautiful blankets. You’ve been a big help,” said Beatrice.
Meadow looked doubtfully at her.
Beatrice continued, “And I can think of some ways that you could help Piper now, too, if you wanted to.”
“I do want to,” said Meadow with alacrity. “What is it? Every time that I call her, she just says that she’s fine and doesn’t need anything. If you have a tip for something I can do besides climbing the walls, for heaven’s sake give it to me! I’ve already volunteered for the church nursery once this week and am on the schedule for Sunday and it’s still not enough to keep me occupied.”
Beatrice said, “It’s just that when I saw Piper yesterday, she seemed really uncomfortable.”
“Back massages?” asked Meadow immediately.
Beatrice quickly shook her head. She was sure that was the very last thing that Piper wanted right now, was for someone to be fussing over her. “No. I think she could use someone to run errands for her. Ash is doing a lot, of course, but he’s working all the time and it must be tough for him to be working and doing all the errands and things. Maybe trips to the grocery store or the drugstore? I’m sure she’d really appreciate that.” Beatrice hoped she would appreciate it. Maybe it would just put Meadow more in Piper’s proximity and drive her a little crazy in the process. But Piper seemed so uncomfortable that she’d imagine that little things might help out.
Meadow beamed at her. “That’s perfect. I know Bub’s grocery like the back of my hand. I can get her list, grab the stuff at the store, and put it away before she even realizes that I’ve done it.”
“I know she’ll appreciate it,” said Beatrice. She hoped she would, at least. It had to be better, certainly, than a wound-up Meadow with nothing to do but to worry about the upcoming blessed event.
Meadow nodded and plopped down into one of the chairs facing the hammock. She said idly, “Who knew that babies could create so much stress?”
“Without even being born yet,” said Beatrice with a smile.
“Exactly! I’ve been at my wit’s end,” said Meadow. She paused. “So, when you saw her yesterday, how did she seem?”
“A little out of sorts,” said Beatrice, chuckling. “I think the heat and the baby weight were getting to her. She was uncomfortable, but was ready to take a very slow walk. I’m not even sure that our stroll was even fast enough or far enough for Noo-noo to classify it as an actual walk.”
Meadow’s expression was hopeful. “Maybe that means that the baby is coming soon.”
Beatrice said, “Or just that it’s hot and the baby is making her even hotter. She’ll be fine.”
They sat there for a few quiet moments, thinking about babies, being grandmothers, and when the baby might come.
Then Beatrice said, “Meadow, was there a particular reason that you dropped by?”
“Oh, mercy!” said Meadow, eyes open wide. “See what happens? As soon as I start talking about the baby, my brain simply doesn’t operate any longer. I was coming here because Posy and I are about to go to Salome’s house and see her sister and bring her some food. For heaven’s sake. I can’t seem to remember anything these days!”
Beatrice said, “Do I have time to run and pick something up from a restaurant or something? I’d been thinking that we should probably do something for Carla and Jenna.”
“You definitely have time. Posy was waiting for her employee to get there and cover the shop for her. But we need to go ahead and set out because she’s probably getting ready to leave in a few minutes.”
There was nothing like going from a hammock with a corgi and a book to frantically trying to get ready for something you were already late for. A few minutes later, Beatrice hopped in Meadow’s car and they took off.
“Fried chicken would probably be good for them. Nothing too fancy because of Jenna,” said Meadow. “Besides, we can pick that right up from the drive-through window.”
“No vegetarians there, right?” asked Beatrice.
“Oh, pooh! You’re right. Not the little girl, but Carla, the sister. I remembered for Posy and me, but forgot for you. Sorry,” said Meadow.
“Something smells really good in the backseat,” said Beatrice a little wistfully. She missed having cooked meals. She and Wyatt had been camping out in their house just a bit too long.
“Tomato pie,” said Meadow. She turned to beam at her and turned the steering wheel at the same time, making Beatrice clutch the door. “And the tomatoes are gorgeous! Thick and meaty and juicy.”
It was a good thing that Beatrice wasn’t trying to compete. She ended up picking up a large fruit bowl at Bub’s grocery. But the fruit was fresh and there was a nice variety there of berries and melons.
“That’ll end up making the perfect meal, along with Posy’s big salad. And Posy is also bringing something for Salome’s daughter to eat...homemade chicken nuggets or some such,” said Meadow as they pulled to the curb in front of Salome’s house. “Looks like Posy beat us here.”
“No surprise there,” said Beatrice dryly.
Posy walked up to Meadow’s car with a wave. “Good to see you two,” she said, giving them hugs. “I feel like things have been so crazy lately that I haven’t had time for much of a real talk.”
Meadow said impetuously, “Let’s go to lunch together. Can we?”
Beatrice looked at her watch. “Has no one eaten? It’s pretty late for lunch.”
Posy said, “I haven’t and I’m starving. Meadow, your tomato pie is making my stomach growl.”
“Then it’s a plan,” said Meadow, grinning.
More solemnly, they walked up the front walk and tapped lightly on the door. Carla, Salome’s sister, answered the door and gave them warm smiles. Her dark hair and dimples reminded Beatrice of Salome. “You’re too sweet to come,” she said. There was a tiredness in her eyes but she held the door open wide. “Can you come in for a few minutes?”
Beatrice said, “Just for a few. And we’ll put this food away for you.”
Salome’s daughter looked shyly at them from the living room. Carla said gently, “Can you say thank you, Jenna?”
Jenna said, “Tank you!” making them all smile at her. It made Beatrice mist up a little that this little girl wouldn’t grow up knowing her mother. Then Jenna popped off to play in her room as the women found spots in the fridge for the food in the small kitchen.
They sat down in the living room and Carla said, “You don’t know how much I appreciate this. I feel as if I really don’t know many people in town, since I’ve always spent most of my time working. It means a lot to have you come and bring food like this.”
“It’s our pleasure,” said Posy warmly.
“How are you holding up?” asked Meadow with a furrowed brow.
Carla said with a sad smile, “Pretty well, under the circumstances.” She looked at Beatrice. “Wyatt came by and helped me figure out what to do for a service for Salome. I decided, with everything going on right now, on a memorial service later, after things settle down. Salome’s wishes were for cremation, so that’s already been arranged.” She gestured to a notebook on the coffee table. It was full of scribblings and figures.
Posy said, “You’re so organized, Carla. I just wanted to let you know how very sorry I was about Salome. If there’s anything that I can do to help out, please let me know.”
Carla said, “Thank you. You’ve all done enough already. I think, right now, it’s so busy with me trying to adjust. I’m just worried about after everything dies down. Then I think it’ll be quiet here and that’s when it will all hit me.”
Beatrice said, “You have childcare already for Jenna?”
Carla nodded. “That’s right. It’s
actually the same program that she was with when Salome was . . . still with us. I thought that was important—for Jenna to continue with the program and the teachers that she was already used to. She’s really such a great little girl that she’s easy to take care of.”
Meadow glanced toward the back of the house where they could hear Jenna talking quietly to her dolls. “Is Jenna doing all right?”
Carla sighed. “So far. At first, I wasn’t really sure that she understood what was even going on. But at night, she’s called out for Salome in her sleep a couple of times. That’s been the hardest part.”
Posy’s eyes filled with tears. “The sweet little thing.”
Carla said, “It’s just all such a total shock. I don’t understand how Salome could be gone. I mean, the whole year has just been so crazy. Ever since she lost her job, it’s been one thing after another. But this is worse than I ever expected it could be.” She smiled at Posy sadly. “We both really appreciated you giving her that job.”
“I was delighted to try to help out, in a small way,” said Posy.
Carla continued, almost to herself. “I mean, Salome was a pretty diplomatic person. When she spoke to Gerald, she told me what she said afterward. It was completely reasonable.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry. Salome told you about Gerald, didn’t she?”
The women nodded and Carla said, “Salome wasn’t even being all that pushy about it. She just asked politely. And Gerald wouldn’t listen to her. He wouldn’t even keep her on at the company that she’d loyally served for so many years! I mean, it’s one thing to deny child support. It’s another to fire someone who’s just asking you to be fair.”
Beatrice asked slowly, “Did Salome try to ask him again? I mean, I know she was there the morning that Gerald was murdered, but I wondered if she was there another time to ask him again. After all, Gerald had a legal responsibility to provide support for Jenna.”
Carla said wryly, “He might have had a legal responsibility, but Salome would have had to go through the courts to get him to comply and she didn’t exactly have the money to do that.”
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