“I really need to concentrate on cooking the food, ladies,” Mark dismissed them.
“Excuse me, ladies,” Kimberly said. “I have to find a bathroom quick.”
“There are portable potties over there,” Mark pointed out. “The bathroom in the church isn’t working.”
“Boy you certainly have an answer for everything, don’t you?” Eleanor asked Mark as Kimberly hurried in the direction of the potty.
“We better leave Mark alone,” Agnes said. “Though I have a feeling he’s not as straight as he acts.”
“You don’t suppose he’s responsible for Milly’s death, do you?”
“For what possible reason?” Eleanor asked as they headed for the parking lot where they hoped they’d spot Kimberly.
Agnes and Eleanor leaned against the car. “Well, Rosa got the secretary job for one,” Agnes said. “Do you remember how her shirt was unbuttoned that day we came to question her?”
“But there wasn’t anyone else there that we saw.”
“What about Pastor Williams?”
“He’s too nice. And what kind of dirt could Milly have found out about the good pastor that would be worth her losing her life?”
“You have a point. I just don’t know why Rosa was so unpleasant toward us today. She’s never been before.”
“She certainly didn’t like us in the kitchen of the church either.”
“That could be because some of us were snooping around the kitchen,” Kimberly said as she joined them.
“That was pointless,” Eleanor exclaimed. “Even if someone at this church was guilty of poisoning Milly, they wouldn’t leave it at church.”
“No, they’d leave it at home possibly,” Agnes said. “We should stop by Mark’s house and find out if his wife is at home.”
“Or buried in the backyard,” Eleanor added with a curt nod.
“I believe he lives on the next block,” Kimberly said. “I’ll drive.”
Chapter Seventeen
Kimberly parked in the drug store lot and led Agnes and Eleanor across the street and to the front door where Mark lived with his wife and children.
Eleanor knocked until the door was opened by a plain-faced woman, running her fingers through her tousled hair. “Are you married to the youth pastor?” Eleanor asked.
“Y-yes. Who are you?”
“We’re investigating the death of Milly Clark,” Kimberly said. “Could we please have a word with you?”
“Please come in. I was just about to have a cup of tea. I’d love for you to join me. My name is Libby.”
Agnes quickly made the introduction as Libby led the way into the living room and then disappeared into the kitchen.
Agnes, Eleanor and Kimberly sat comfortably on the couch. Kimberly glanced around the modestly-decorated room. The furnishings were hardly fancy, a little too plain for Kimberly’s taste, but she eased back against the couch waiting on their hostess.
“I don’t think I’ll have any tea,” Eleanor whispered. “Libby might be intent on poisoning us.”
“Shhh,” Agnes hissed as Libby brought teacups and saucers and set them on the coffee table.
“I’d love to help you,” Agnes said half rising.
“No, that’s fine. I could do this in my sleep.”
On Libby’s return trip she set down teabags, a bowl of sugar and creamer. “Would anyone care for lemons … I mean honey,” she said nervously.
“Do you have any lemonade?” Eleanor asked. “You know, the last person I knew who drank lemonade is dead.”
“That’s so horrible. So she was poisoned?”
“Yes, and we’ve been running in circles trying to find out who might have wanted Milly dead.”
“There’s never a good reason to want someone dead. I actually can’t imagine anyone going to that extreme.”
“I agree with you, Libby,” Kimberly said. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
“We were wondering if you were a figment of Mark’s imagination,” Agnes said with a chuckle. “Why weren’t you at the church function today?”
“I wasn’t feeling well. I really hope I’m not with child again,” Libby said nervously.
“How long have you lived in Redwater?” Kimberly asked.
“We’ve only been here for six months. Mark and I really needed a fresh start somewhere quiet, and Pastor Williams has been more than welcoming.”
“Where did you live before this?”
“Florida until my parents passed away. Mark is originally from Michigan.”
“What do you think about Redwater so far?” Agnes asked.
“It’s nice. I had hoped to meet couples our own age, but Mark’s always so busy at church.”
“I understand he was previously a pastor.”
“Yes, but we have three children and we really need more of an income.”
“Where are your children now?” Eleanor asked.
“Taking a nap,” Libby said quickly.
“We didn’t come here to wake them up, I assure you,” Kimberly said as she poured water into her cup and began dunking a teabag into the water. “I have a baby at home myself. I always hated it when someone came over and woke her.”
Libby’s fingers interlaced. “What did you come here to ask me?”
“Well,” Kimberly began, “we’d love to hear what you thought of Milly.”
“I’ve only met her a few times. She spent most of her time in the office and I was kept busy teaching Sunday school. Mark has really formed a nice youth group. It’s quite a task to keep teenagers on the right path.”
“And these days it’s even harder,” Agnes said. “It’s nice to meet such a lovely couple, one so dedicated to their church like you and Mark.”
“Thanks. I just wish I could do more.”
“What more is there to do?” Kimberly asked.
“There’s always more to do. The church rummage sale didn’t bring enough money in to cover the scholarship fund, I’m afraid. There are so many struggling families who just can’t afford to pay for their children’s college education.”
“You could try a bake sale or cake walk,” Eleanor suggested.
“That’s a great idea, and I’m sure I could speak with the ladies’ group about doing something like that if only Rosa would let me.”
“Your mother-in-law?” Agnes asked.
“Yes. I’m afraid she’s a little controlling when it comes to church activities.”
“We saw that firsthand today,” Eleanor said. “She took over as church secretary too, from my understanding.”
“Yes, and she’s not willing to allow anyone to take over the job. She’s been vying for it since we’ve been in town. I know Milly was a bit of a gossip, but she was quite capable. Rosa is foundering in the position.”
“You can only do so many things,” Agnes agreed. “And Rosa is trying to accomplish all of them.”
“I hate to ask this, but what did Rosa say about Milly. Did they get along?”
“I must admit they didn’t, but it certainly couldn’t have been on Milly’s end. She was always a sweetheart.”
“To your face, I suppose,” Kimberly said. “Milly’s been instrumental in the end of a marriage. I imagine someone might have used that as a reason to kill her, but we haven’t found anything to prove it.”
“Isn’t Kane living here?” Eleanor asked.
“He’s in the basement working on some secret project. He’s very interested in chemistry.”
Eleanor gulped. “I’d certainly love to see what he’s whipping up in the basement,” Eleanor said.
“It might not be safe down there. Some of the steps going down are loose. I’d hate for any of you to get hurt.”
“She’s right,” Kimberly said. “We shouldn’t go down there.”
“I only want to take a peek.”
“Take a peek at what?” Kane asked as he joined them. “Sorry, I thought I heard someone up here.”
“We came to check on you, actually,�
�� Kimberly said. “We were quite shocked when you weren’t with Mark today.”
“I know, but with Meadow locked up for setting up the robbery at the Pit Stop I just couldn’t face anyone there. She’s not the girl I thought she was. She even had her aunt frame me for the robbery.”
“I imagine it’s quite unintentional,” Eleanor said. “From everything we’ve heard about Milly, she hardly seemed the kind to lie about seeing someone leave a store like that.”
“I suppose you’re right. I’m just happy it finally came out and I don’t have to worry about getting locked up.”
“Not unless you’re making cyanide in the basement.” Kimberly laughed.
“I’d never make it here in this house.” He winked. “Three children live here.”
“We should probably go now,” Kimberly said. “I’m looking forward to sitting down for the remainder of the night.”
Kimberly left, and Agnes and Eleanor rushed to catch up to her.
“Where are we heading now?” Eleanor hissed.
“I’d like another go at questioning Clancy and Beverly Tiff, but I have to get off my feet for an hour or so first,” Kimberly said.
“We’ll take you back to Betsie’s house. Eleanor and I can head out on our own.”
“So what is our game plan with the Tiffs?” Eleanor asked when they were back in the car.
“Perhaps the Tiffs didn’t poison the lemonade.”
“What if the poisoned lemonade didn’t come from the snack bar at all?”
“That sounds like a perfect way to approach this.”
The Tiff’s were cleaning their garage when Agnes pulled up. They walked toward the couple with a smile.
“I’m glad we caught you before you left,” Agnes said.
“Left?” Clancy asked.
“Oh, I thought you planned to leave after you sold off the items from the estate of whatever family member passed away recently.”
Eleanor nodded. “Yes, the one who made you get an attorney’s opinion using someone else’s name.”
“As it turns out, the will turned up, so we can put that behind us.”
“That’s great to hear,” Eleanor said. “But we came to ask if you’ve thought about what happened at the bingo the night Milly was poisoned.”
“We didn’t serve lemonade that night, I swear,” Beverly insisted.
“I recall that, but did anyone else bring in any lemonade?”
“Hey wait,” Clancy said. “We weren’t serving lemonade that night, but we were given a jug and told to make sure Milly Clark received a glass.”
“By who?” Agnes asked.
“Pete.”
“Pete who?” Agnes asked in confusion.
“He’s the butcher. I don’t even know his last name.”
Eleanor’s eyes widened. “Did he say why Milly needed lemonade that night?”
“No, just that she’d throw a fit if she couldn’t have a glass. Any time we’ve ever handled the snack bar we’ve never served lemonade.”
“You’d be shocked with some of the odd requests we’ve gotten at the bingo, including liquor. So this isn’t the first time we’ve been asked to give someone a drink.”
“We didn’t think anything strange about it,” Beverly added. “Believe me, we want whoever did this to Milly to be punished. People in town are afraid to go to bingo.”
“Somehow I don’t think that will be a lasting effect,” Agnes said. “We’d better get running if we want to catch Pete before he closes up for the day.”
“I can’t wait to hear what he has to say,” Eleanor said en route to the butcher. “He spent the night at Mrs. Barry’s house.”
“We don’t know for certain if Pete was the one who wanted Milly dead. What if he was asked by someone else?”
Stones scattered in the driveway as Agnes and Eleanor raced to Pete’s car just as he was about to pull away.
“We’re so sorry to bother you,” Eleanor panted. “B-but we have a few questions about Milly’s death.”
“I really don’t have anything to add.”
“How about the lemonade you gave to Clancy and Beverly Tiff?”
“You know, the one that had cyanide in it?” Agnes asked.
Pete’s expression changed. “Why don’t you climb in and we can talk about it on the way to the sheriff’s department.”
Agnes backed up, but Eleanor climbed into the rear seat.
“Eleanor, get out of his car!”
“No. I want to hear what he has to say to Deputy Danworth.”
“What could he possibly say other than he poisoned Milly?”
Pete hopped out of the car with lightning speed and tossed Agnes into the rear with Eleanor and slammed the door closed. He then climbed back into the car and sped off.
Eleanor felt the door and squealed. “The handles are missing!”
“Of course they are. Pete is a cold-blooded murderer.”
“One who has no intention of going to jail,” Pete called out.
“What did you have against Milly?”
“She’s been nothing but trouble to everyone in town. I’m shocked Deputy Danworth even launched an investigation.”
“I don’t care what anyone says about Milly, she didn’t deserve to be murdered!” Agnes shouted. “Pull over and let us out of this car right now.”
“So I can be sent to prison again?”
“You’re a felon?” Eleanor asked. “You’re lucky you didn’t harm Mrs. Barry.”
“I didn’t have a reason to hurt Mrs. Barry. She’s one of the best poker players in Redwater. No, she’s nothing like Milly Clark.”
“She found out about your prison record and you had to shut her up?” Eleanor asked.
“She knew, all right, but she gave me the chance and promised not to tell anyone if I left town quietly. I’m not about to be run out of town by someone like her. I had no other choice then to get her out of the way.”
“So you gave the lemonade to the Tiffs to give to Milly,” Agnes said.
“They’re known to put alcohol in drinks if the liquor is supplied.”
“That’s all a bingo needs, old people liquored up!” Eleanor said as she gave her door a kick. “Ouch!”
“Where on earth did you get the cyanide?” Agnes asked.
“I was bored one winter and made it. I honestly didn’t know how potent it was until Milly ingested it.”
“You’re one sick cookie,” Eleanor hissed.
“Where are you taking us?” Agnes asked.
“Shut up. I can’t think.”
“You could always leave us on the side of the road,” Eleanor suggested.
“The last time I shot someone in the head and left them on the side of the road they sent me to prison.”
Agnes and Eleanor locked eyes and hugged on another as Pete turned down the road that led to the dump.
“I think this is it!” Eleanor wailed.
“Don’t give up, Eleanor,” Agnes said. “We’ll get out of this somehow.”
Pete ran the gate of the dump and fishtailed until he came to a stop. He pulled them from the car, and it was then they saw the handgun he held. “Move over there.”
Agnes stumbled as she held Eleanor tightly as they neared a metal pole with a chain attached.
“They use the chain to secure their tool trailer so it’s not stolen,” Pete explained as he wound the chain around Agnes and Eleanor until they were pressed together. Agnes heart dropped to her feet when she heard the lock click. They fell to the ground together with a thump, both of them in excruciating pain.
Agnes coughed, which only brought the stench of the garbage deeper into her lungs. “You’re leaving us out here like this?” she asked, somewhat hopeful.
“Of course not. I’m burying you under a pile of garbage. And what do you know, there’s a bulldozer over there that will do the job nicely.”
“I doubt the keys are in the dozer, you idiot,” Eleanor said.
“You’d be surprised. Wait
here.” Pete laughed. “Believe me I didn’t want to do this, but you didn’t give me a choice.”
“But that’s where you’re wrong,” Agnes began. “You don’t have to do this. We’ll go home and never tell anyone.”
“You’ll go home, all right. In a body bag, if they ever find your bodies.”
Pete ran to a bulldozer and dread filled Agnes’s chest knowing they were finally at the end as he fired up the machine.
“Nothing like this ever happened to Jessica Fletcher on Murder, She Wrote,” Eleanor yelled over the roar of the engine.
Chapter Eighteen
Kimberly ran out of the house and jumped into Mrs. Peacock’s car. “Thank you for coming. When I didn’t hear from Agnes and Eleanor I panicked. They told me they were heading to the Tiffs’ house.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll find them,” Mrs. Barry shouted from the backseat as she hugged Mrs. Canary. “Hurry before something dreadful happens to our ladies.”
It seemed like it took hours for Kimberly to learn Agnes and Eleanor planned to speak to Pete. And Mrs. Barry’s car was in the driveway of the meat market.
“He’s made off with them,” Mrs. Barry exclaimed. “However will we find them now?”
Kimberly pulled out her cell phone. “I was messing around with an app I downloaded. I think I can track Agnes’s location if she still has her phone on her.”
“What are you waiting for, our girls are in trouble,” Mrs. Barry shouted.
“Hit the gas,” Mrs. Peacock chocked out between tears.
Kimberly handed the phone to Mrs. Peacock, who then gave Kimberly the directions. She frowned as she followed the road to the dump, dread creeping up her spine and tears marring her vision.
“The gate’s busted,” Mrs. Canary pointed out. “Hurry up!”
Kimberly pounded the gas pedal and her eyes lit up as she spotted Agnes and Eleanor wrapped in chains and lying on the ground. “Call 9-1-1, Mrs. Canary!”
The exhaust from the bulldozer gagged Kimberly as it stood idling a few feet from where Agnes and Eleanor lie still on the ground unmoving. She raced toward them and only when she was on the other side of a dozer did she spot Daniel punching Pete’s face … Beth Bentley’s father!
Pretty, Hip, & Venomous Page 14