Murder in the Maternity Ward

by Michelle Francik

  “Haha. You two are so cute it makes me sick to my stomach.”

  “Why, thank you. I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

  Ashanti yawned and stretched. “Did you find anything useful on the computer?”

  Maggie sighed and rubbed her eyes. “Not really. Our list of suspects has increased, though. It looks like Doctor Slade made a lot of people angry. He seems to have rubbed a lot of the staff the wrong way. Two of them even filed discrimination complaints against him.”

  “For real? Like people of color? Or women? Or women of color?” Ashanti’s rapid-fire questions made Maggie’s head ache, but she appreciated the woman’s enthusiasm and indignation.

  “No, none of the above. It seems the good doctor respected women, people of color and women of color. The complaints were filed by white men.”

  “What?” the woman sputtered, surprised. For once she didn’t have a quick come back.

  “Yeah, I know. I don’t have the details, but the gist is the two men felt they shouldn’t have to do certain tasks and they were being unfairly targeted by Doctor Slade.”

  Ashanti was still speechless, and the sudden quiet was broken by the sound of squealing tires.

  Maggie grinned. “That’ll be Adam.”

  The two women walked over to the window just in time to see a silver Mercedes slide around the pickup truck, missing Garrett by only a couple of feet, then coming to rest near the front door of the farmhouse.

  “My, that was some fancy drivin’. Or some insane drivin’, I’m not sure which.”

  “That’s our Adam,” Maggie murmured. “You feel up to meeting another Donahue brother?

  Chapter Seven

  Adam’s arms wrapped Maggie in a bear hug, his white Stetson whacking her in the forehead.

  “Ouch, and hello to you, too,” she murmured, rubbing her forehead once he’d let her go.

  “Maggie Mae, how is my favorite sister-in-law?”

  “I don’t like it when you call me that, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know.” He grinned cheekily and she couldn’t help but laugh.

  She turned to introduce Ashanti but paused when she saw the look on her face. She was eyeing Adam with disbelief and Maggie had to laugh. She’d had the same reaction the first time she’d met him.

  Adam was the only blond Donahue brother, but he had the same clear, blue eyes as Reed and Garrett. He was slimmer than them, more wiry than muscular. Today he was wearing all white: jeans, boots, hat, shirt and denim jacket. The only things that weren’t white were the rhinestones that decorated his clothes.

  He didn’t wait for an introduction. He walked up to Ashanti and held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Adam.”

  Ashanti’s mouth dropped open then snapped closed. She reached for his hand. “I’m Ashanti.”

  He grinned. “Nice to meet you.” He pulled at the brim of his cowboy hat, nodded at Maggie and strutted off towards the barn.

  “Who does he think he is? Elvis?” She looked at Maggie, who laughed. “I mean, he ain’t gonna work in those clothes, is he? Those jeans are so tight they might bust if he moves the wrong way.”

  “He can and he will,” Maggie sighed. “It doesn’t look like it, but he’s a hard worker and he knows how to run a farm.” Ashanti was looking at her in disbelief, so she added, “You’ll see. Come on, let’s go get a snack. I’m hungry.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “I can’t believe you didn’t know that.” Adam and Garrett walked into the kitchen where the two women were drinking coffee and eating chips and salsa.

  Adam made a face. “I’ll never understand how you can drink coffee all hours of the day. Coffee’s for morning or after dinner, not mid-day.” He reached into the fridge and grabbed a Diet Coke. He popped the top and took a long swig. “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”

  Garrett placed a kiss on Maggie’s forehead. “How are you two fine ladies doing?”

  Ashanti giggled and batted her eyelashes at him. “We’re doing well. How are you two fine men doing?”

  Maggie’s mouth dropped open and Garrett let out a belly laugh.

  “What?” Ashanti looked from one face to another.

  “You sounded like an entirely different person,” Maggie explained. “How did you do that?”

  “I know how to sound edumacated when I wants to,” she huffed. “Most of the time it just ain’t worth it.” She scooped up some salsa with a tortilla chip and popped it into her mouth.

  Garrett shrugged and took a seat at the table. “Adam was telling me about some newfangled gizmo that makes milking easier. It sounds expensive, but he says it pays for itself in reduced labor costs.”

  “Yeah, I’ve got the info on my laptop. I’ll show you both later. It’s something to consider, anyways.” He sat down across from Ashanti who was staring at him. “What? Do I have lettuce in my teeth or something?”

  “How come your clothes look clean?” she asked.

  “Cause I wash ‘em?”

  “Okay smarty pants. I mean, how come you ain’t all dirty from bein’ in the barn and such.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I just don’t like being dirty, so I don’t get dirty.”

  She looked at him suspiciously. “Life don’t work like that. If it did, I’d be 5’3” and a size 2.”

  “I don’t know what to tell you,” Adam took a drink from his soda. “It is what it is.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Nope. That ain’t it. But I’ll figure it out, don’t you worry.”

  “Oh, I ain’t worried at all.” He finished his drink and stood up. “If ya’ll don’t mind, I’m gonna bring my stuff in and get unpacked. Garrett said we were going to Dotty’s for dinner?”

  “Who’s Dotty?” Ashanti asked.

  “Dotty’s is a café just outside of town. I like their sirloin supper and Garrett likes the meatloaf,” Maggie said. “Adam, don’t you usually get the fried chicken and creamed spinach?”

  “Yep. And I finish it off with a slice of Dotty’s homemade sweet potato pie. Yum.” Adam rubbed his belly. “Do I have time for a bubble bath or should I stick with a quick shower?”

  “Okay, are you guys messin’ with me or what? Fried chicken, sweet potato pie and bubble baths? You makin’ fun of me?” Ashanti’s eyes were flashing with anger and Adam gulped, then turned to Maggie for help.

  “Of course not, Ashanti. That’s what he always orders. And he really does take baths. Bubble baths. With lots of bubbles.”

  “Bubble baths are amazing. Why would you think I was making fun of you?” Adam turned to her, confused, and she turned to Garrett and Maggie.

  “Just go take a shower, Adam. I want to get home at a reasonable hour. These ladies were released from the hospital on my promise to make sure they get some rest. Hurry up now.”

  Once Adam left the room, Maggie reached over and grabbed Ashanti’s hand. “Adam is . . . Adam. You’ll get used to him. He’s really a nice guy, just not a guy’s guy like Reed and Garrett.”

  “My brother has some quirks, but Mags is right; he’s a good man. Nobody here is making fun of you. We might make fun of Adam, but not you. At least, not till we get to know you better,” he smirked.

  “Fine then, I’ll believe you. But I’m watching you, Donahue. Do I need to dress up or what? I’m hungry.”

  “Nope. That’s why I love going to Dotty’s. We can be comfortable and eat good home cookin’ without having to clean up before or afterwards.” Maggie looked at Garrett. “When did you want to leave? I’m hungry, too.”

  “Weren’t you two just eating chips and salsa while Adam and I were out working in the barn?”

  “We’re eating for four. And Lord knows, being pregnant ain’t easy.” Ashanti groaned as she stood up.

  Maggie grinned at him. “You might want to get cleaned up, too. You smell kind of funky.”

  He sniffed at himself then made a face. “Okay, how about 30 minutes. That should be enough time for all of us to get ready.”

/>   Maggie leaned forward and kissed his nose. “I love you, Garrett Donahue. Even when you stink.”

  “I love you, too, Mags.”

  The cafe was crowded but Garrett had called ahead and reserved a table, so they didn’t have to wait long. Maggie sat next to Ashanti, across from Garrett and Adam. The waitress came by and set glasses of ice water in front of them.

  “My name’s Bunny and I’ll be your waitress tonight. Would ya’ll like anything else to drink?”

  “Yes, please. I would love a Diet Coke.” Adam grinned at the waitress until she blushed and rushed off to get his drink.

  “Um, hey, I wanted an iced tea, but I guess I don’t matter.” Ashanti folded her arms across her chest and made a face at Adam.

  “Don’t get all het up about it, I’ll ask for an iced tea as soon as she gets back with my soda.”

  “Don’t you tell me not to get het up when I ain’t gettin’ het up.” While she fumed, Garrett exchanged a look with Maggie.

  “Hey Adam, why don’t you and I get a tea for Ashanti so she doesn’t have to wait.”

  “Why? That cute little waitress will be back in a minute.” Adam looked at Garrett with a smile and one eyebrow raised. Garrett raised his own eyebrow and held his brother’s gaze until he conceded. “Okay, let’s go.”

  “How do you put up with him?” Ashanti asked Maggie once the men had walked away. “He’s . . . what’s the word? Insufferable?” She pursed her lips. “I mean, look how he dresses and how he talks. He’s just desperate for attention.”

  Maggie grinned as she looked at her friend. Ashanti was dressed in a muumuu with large splashes of purple, red, and gold. She wore gold sandals with sparkling rhinestones and gold hoop earrings that were larger than her own hands.

  “He’s a good guy, so just give him a chance. He doesn’t mean to act flirty; it just comes natural.”

  “About as natural as a snake wearing a pair of pants,” Ashanti mumbled.

  The men sauntered back to the table and Adam eyed her as he sat down. Garrett placed a tall glass filled with tea, lemon slices and crushed ice in front of her. “Here you go,” he said.

  “Thank you, Garrett, I appreciate you for bein’ so considerate.”

  The waitress appeared with Adam’s soda and Ashanti snickered when Bunny saw the iced tea and did a double take. “Are y’all ready to order?”

  Maggie ordered the sirloin supper, then Garrett ordered the meatloaf, with extra gravy. Adam gestured for Ashanti to order next.

  “I guess I’ll have the sirloin supper, like my friend.”

  Adam winked at her. “I’d have pegged you as a fried chicken aficionado.”

  “What you tryin’ to say?” her voice rose with each word and ended with an indignant squeak.

  “Hold up, now. I wasn’t trying to offend you. The fried chicken is my favorite and it seems more your style than a boring, stuffy steak.” His eyes held hers as she considered his words. She seemed to accept he was telling the truth, because her feathers unruffled.

  “Come on,” he coaxed. “You know you want the fried chicken.”

  She made a face at him and turned to the waitress. “Fine, then. I’ll have the fried chicken, please and thank you.”

  Once Bunny left, Garrett turned to Adam. “So, tell me more about this new feed you want to invest in.” Adam launched into the pros and cons of a new feed for dairy cows he wanted to try while his brother listened, a thoughtful look on his face.

  “What are they talking about?” Ashanti whispered to Maggie. “Do you understand them?”

  “I used to try, but my brain works better when it’s solving a mystery, not going over statistics and such.” She sighed. “That reminds me, we haven't gotten very far on our investigation.”

  “Well, we’ll just have to go at it first thing tomorrow. Right now, I want to enjoy this delicious iced tea and relax.”

  “Oh man! That was some good grub.” Adam rubbed his belly and looked over at Ashanti who was sitting next to him in the back seat of Garrett’s truck as they drove home from the restaurant. “The fried chicken was to die for, right Ashanti?”

  “It was pretty good,” she conceded. “But my nana’s was better.”

  “Was? Has she passed?” Adam’s voice was soft, and Maggie knew his intentions were good, but she held her breath, waiting to see how her friend would react.

  “No, she ain’t passed. What’s wrong with you?”

  “Well, I mean, you said ‘was.’”

  “Only cause I ain’t had it in a while. Geez.”

  “Well, geez yourself, I was just being sociable.” Adam turned and looked out the window, effectively turning his back on the fuming woman.

  Ashanti huffed and crossed her arms. After a few moments of strained silence, she turned to Adam. “I’m sorry. That just felt like that ole’ saying about walkin’ on graves or something.”

  “You mean ‘someone is walking over my grave?’ That means you got a chill, so I don’t think that’s right.”

  “I don’t know. I mean, it felt like you was cursin’ her or something.”

  Adam looked at her with his eyebrow raised. “Cursing her? Like calling her a name?”

  “You must be the dumb brother of the family.”

  Maggie and Garrett chuckled from the front seat.

  “Wait, do you mean I might have jinxed her or something?”

  “Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. Get the slow white boy a prize,” Ashanti said.

  Adam grinned. “I may be slow, but I’m growing on you.”

  “Like a fungus, maybe,” she muttered under her breath.

  “I’m sorry it sounded like I was jinxing your nana. That was not my intention.”

  “Fine, then. I won’t place a curse on you for cursin’ my nana,” Ashanti replied.

  “Thank you very much, ma’am. I truly appreciate that.”

  Maggie and Garrett shared a grin and the rest of the drive was blessedly silent.

  Chapter Eight

  “Where should we start?” Maggie and Ashanti had met up in the farmhouse office, coffee and muffins in hand, determined to make some headway on their investigation.

  “Well, I’d like to start with these muffins,” Ashanti mumbled with her mouth full. “I ain’t never tasted anything like this.”

  “That’s because they were made by Marta, our housekeeper. She’s got a gift for baking.” Maggie took a bite of her muffin, the fresh blueberries bursting in her mouth, the creamy butter tantalizing her taste buds. “Plus this was made using eggs, milk and butter from our farm. You can’t beat Stony Gulch for dairy products.”

  “Is that what all those cows do? Make milk? I heard the chickens bawking, but I ain’t seen any yet.”

  “I’ll have to take you around later. It’s pretty impressive. We’re a small, family farm and we take very good care of our animals. It shows in the product, as you can taste and smell.”

  “I never thought I’d be sayin’ this, but yes, I’d like to take a tour of this here farm.” Ashanti shook her head. “What’re you doin’ to me, Miss Maggie? I’m investigatin’ and enjoyin’ being on a farm. What’s next?”

  A ding from the computer on the desk interrupted their conversation. Maggie’s eyes lit up and she dusted the muffin crumbs from her hands. “What’s next is we’re going to go over this evidence list Santiago just emailed me.”

  “Evidence list?”

  “Yeah. Remember when we checked out the murder room? It had already been dusted for prints and mostly cleaned up. Everything they took and saw they documented, and now I’ve got the list.”

  Ashanti dragged her chair around the desk and sat next to her, so they could both see the screen.

  “So, let’s start with the fingerprints. Dr. Slade’s prints were found in places they shouldn’t be, like the frame of the bed and the wall above the bed. You know what that means, don’t you?” Maggie’s eyes were bright as she looked over at her friend.

  “I’m guessin’ that means he wa
s up to some hanky panky in that there room.”

  “Hmm. They couldn’t determine who he was hanky-ing with, because they found 5 sets of fingerprints that belong to other employees. 4 were from nurses and 1 was from the janitorial staff. According to Santiago, they all had legit reasons for being in the room and none of their prints seemed out of place.”

  “That’s okay, I wasn’t ready to quit investigatin’ anyhow.”

  “Me neither,” Maggie grinned at Ashanti. She turned back to the computer. “Let’s check out what they found in the trash.”

  “Oh, yeah. Criminals always leave incredible evidence in the garbage.”

  Maggie turned to her friend, a confused look on her face. “Incredible?”

  “Yeah, the kind that gets them caught. Incredible. Or maybe invincible.”

  “Incriminating?”

  “Yeah, that’s what I said. Incriminating evidence.”

  Maggie grinned, turning back to read the next item on the list. “Well, what do we have here.”

  “What? What? The suspense is killin’ me.”

  “A receipt for a very expensive bracelet.”

  Ashanti frowned “Why is that interesting?”

  “Because that room is part of the maternity ward. It’s only used for women who’ve just given birth.” She looked at her friend expectantly, but she shook her head, still not following. “What are the odds that a new mom would get a piece of jewelry this expensive while in the hospital?”

  “Well, I don’t know. Rich folks don’t make a bit o’ sense.”

  Maggie sighed. “This is a VERY expensive bracelet, so whoever bought it was REALLY rich and if they could afford to buy this, they probably wouldn’t have their baby at Sweet Grove Community Hospital. No offense to the hospital, but it’s the truth. So, I’m thinking this belonged to Dr. Slade.”

  “Oh, I’m feelin’ you now. You think this was a ‘love’ bracelet for his hoochie mama.”

  “Something like that, yes.” Maggie peered closely at the image on the screen. She made the image larger, but she still couldn’t read the name of the store. “Can you read this?”