Lucille Pfiffer Mystery Series (Books 4 - 6)

by Tanya R. Taylor

  “On behalf of our town and indeed our city...” Bradley continued, “...as Mayor, I sincerely apologize for the dreadful deeds our ancestors have committed. We acknowledge all of the aforementioned territories as once belonging to you and your tribe. It is our hope that you forgive us for the past transgressions committed against you and that we can now live in peace.” He walked over to the shielded object and said, “As a humble act of goodwill, we present to you this simple monument as a memorial to your people and we thank you for accepting this on our behalf.” He removed the veil and a great applause erupted that seemed to last for minutes. The boys, Carla, Debbie, Gary and I all glanced at each other with wide smiles of satisfaction intermingled with a bit of sadness for the poor souls that suffered. The monument was quite nice as it had a bronze statue of an Indian mounted on a horse above its granite base.

  I noticed an elderly lady in the special seating area with streams of tears flowing down her face. A younger woman next to her had her hand on hers and was comforting her. She, too, was sobbing. As a matter of fact, as I scanned that crowd, I realized that the simple honor bestowed upon their ancestors had struck a deep chord inside their hearts which accounted for the many faces drenched in tears. Carla was soon sobbing herself as Brittany gently rubbed her back.

  All in all, I was satisfied that even a small token of justice had been done, if only by means of acknowledgement of some of the most horrid offences.

  “You did it.” Theodore smiled.

  “It was team work.” I squeezed his hand.

  The entire event lasted just over an hour and afterwards, the boys and I headed to the hospital to pay Merlene a visit.

  “Mission accomplished!” I said to her.

  “You mean—Harriet’s Cove isn’t gonna burn to the ground?” she asked.

  “You sound disappointed.” I frowned.

  Theodore and Anthony both laughed and shook their heads. We were all standing around Merlene’s bed.

  “Not disappointed. Just shocked that you pulled it off,” she replied.

  “Well, you’re a piece of work, Merlene!”

  “Why’d you say that?”

  “Because it’s clear you didn’t believe your own suggestions would work.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “You don’t have to,” I responded, quite bitterly.

  “All right, you two. Settle down before you get into a shoving match,” Anthony warned.

  “And who do you think would win?” Merlene had the nerve to ask. “I may be bedridden right now, and still, Lucille’s no match for me.”

  “You’re nothing but a show-off, you know!” I told her. “You’d better watch your mouth before I get Carla to teach you a thing or two.”

  She suddenly went silent.

  “Oh! Cat’s got your tongue?”

  Theodore had sauntered over to the single window in the room and was peering outside.

  “Great view you’ve got here,” he told Merlene. “Nice gardens.”

  “Who needs to see gardens?” she responded. “It’s time for me to get the hell out of here! David said they’re thinking I should be well enough to be discharged in a few days. But that’s a few days too many.”

  “Relax, Merlene. You’re always griping. When you’re out, you’re griping; when you’re in, you’re griping. Why don’t you stop griping?”

  She looked at me with an intense gaze. “I’ll stop griping when you tell me what you did to make Mayor Bradley give you what you wanted.”

  I was as quiet as a mouse.

  “Did you have to resort to Plan D?” she asked.

  “Regrettably so.” I nodded.

  “Attagirl!” She smiled. “Get on over here and give me a hug!”

  As I did just that, Anthony said, “Wait a minute! This is crazy. One second, you two are at each other’s throats and the next, you’re hugging? And what’s this Plan D?”

  “Nothing…” Merlene and I both uttered with smirks on our faces.

  Anthony shook his head. He was used to the secrets.

  “You filled the boys in ahead of time, didn’t you?” Merlene whispered to me.

  “Uh-huh. Thought you had a point,” I replied.

  “Very good.”

  “I’ll fill you in on Plan D after you get out of this joint. We have a lot to catch up on.”

  “Sounds great,” she said.

  Walking away from the window, Theodore asked Merlene, “Did Lucille tell you about the neighborhood party we’re having tonight?”

  “Party?” She grimaced. “No.”

  “We’re celebrating tonight!” I exclaimed. “You know I like to celebrate.”

  Merlene looked disappointed.

  “What’s the matter?” I asked her.

  “What do you think?”

  “You mean—you’re upset because you’re stuck here and can’t come?” I smiled.

  “It’s sickening to see how much pleasure you’re getting out of that, Lucille. I should be there; I was a part of the mission too, you know, in my small way.”

  “I agree.” I patted her hand. “I’m sure that Skyscraper and the others in my house are truly grateful.”

  I looked at the boys. “It’s time to party. We’ll leave this old lady here to dream about the fun we’ll be having.”

  “Love you, darling,” I told her. “We’ll see you later!”

  I left Merlene with an annoyed expression on her face. I just loved to get under her skin.

  The boys went over and gave her a kiss goodbye and we headed out for our beloved Harriet’s Cove.

  11

  _________________

  I’d called for Glenda at her office that morning and was told by the receptionist that she wasn’t in that day. I tried her house for two days, but there was no answer and her cell kept going to voicemail. I wanted her to know about the party that night and had left a couple of messages for her.

  The boys and I had driven to her house on the way back from the hospital, but her car wasn’t there. Theodore got out anyway and rang the doorbell, but didn’t get an answer.

  I wondered if she went on a trip or something.

  The front of my yard was filled with several large tents, tables and chairs. We’d all worked tirelessly to have them set up for the big party, and made sure the caterers were on site by seven o’clock. On each table were a few board games and we even rented a couple of pool tables for the guys and bouncing castles for the kids. It would be the first time we’d ever had such an event that every neighbor was invited to be a part of.

  The yard lights were bright, especially the spot light Donnie and I had put up for outdoor parties. We’d made good use of that thing over the years.

  I smiled inside as I watched so many families come to the yard and make themselves right at home under the tents. The smaller kids wasted no time getting busy in the bouncing castles and a group of guys, which consisted of the young and old, gathered at the pool tables, some smoking cigarettes or cigars, and having themselves a great time.

  Nilla ran all over the yard and was playing with a few kids whom she’d taken a liking to. And she had her own special plate of food near the front door waiting for her.

  We’d ordered a huge pound cake with pineapple filling lathered with yellow, pink and white icing, as well as a number of smaller cakes to ensure everyone got a slice or two. The food, set neatly on a couple of large, steel tables with servers behind them, looked delectable. Despite the large turnout, I doubted we’d have any shortage of it. Carla, Debbie, the boys and I had all chipped in with donations to pay for the grand event. We didn’t bother to ask anyone for contributions.

  “This is just wonderful, Lucille!” Carla said, next to me as we ate. “Everyone’s having such a great time, even old Lucy and her husband, Tom.”

  “That’s nice,” I replied, savoring my grouper filet.

  “I can’t believe it’s all over now.”

  “I can hardly believe it myself.”

  Theod
ore and Anthony had left the table right after they’d eaten and had joined some of the men at one of the pool tables. Debbie, Gary and Judy were seated at another table with the Clovers and a few other neighbors.

  “The weather is beautiful—so nice and cool,” I remarked.

  “Oh, yes!” Carla agreed. “Heaven has smiled on us tonight.”

  I felt it was a pity Glenda wasn’t there. After all, without her, none of us would’ve been celebrating at that moment. Instead, I supposed about that time, this beautiful neighborhood would’ve been brought to ashes. I had Theodore dial her numbers a few times since the party had started, but what didn’t go to voicemail, just rang off the hook.

  Suddenly, in the distance, in the middle of the street, I saw hundreds of Indian souls standing together, facing us. The one I called “Skyscraper” who was obviously their leader and whom I felt had been responsible for turning my house upside down a little more than a week earlier, was front and center. He gave me a single nod and I could see the look of appreciation on his sunken, narrow face. They all seemed contented and I knew they’d left every house in Harriet’s Cove to gather together that night for a special purpose.

  I nodded back to Skyscraper and after our brief acknowledgment, a bright light surrounded each of them and they all started to walk away. Moments later, they vanished into the dead of night. I knew that would be the last I’d see of them which also meant that no longer would residents of Harriet’s Cove experience any paranormal activity that had anything to do with them. I had no idea if any other ghosts were in their homes, but the Indians would not be to blame.

  I was aware that no one had noticed the Indians, as everyone was still chatting, laughing and playing.

  Carla and I sat together the entire time and I got to know her even better. One of the things I learned was that she could talk much more than I’d given her credit for and having everyone around served as the perfect opportunity for her to fill me in on some neighborhood gossip.

  That night was truly memorable.

  12

  _________________

  The next day…

  “We need a pool, don’t you think?” I asked Anthony as he poured a fresh cup of coffee for me. That morning, I opted to eat my breakfast in the sitting room instead of at the table.

  “A pool?” he asked.

  “Yeah. We’ve got the weather for it, for sure. Very seldom does it get really cold around here.”

  “Well, it’s up to you. It’s your yard.”

  Theodore had already eaten and left for work. I intended to get his opinion when he got off.

  “Donnie had thought of having a pool installed when we first moved here, but then changed his mind. Thought it was an unnecessary expense. I’m sure he was right back then, but now I’m getting older and I might as well just buy whatever the hell I want.”

  “I completely agree.” Anthony smiled. “I would certainly enjoy being able to go out back and take a dip whenever I felt like it.”

  The eight o’clock news broadcast was about to start on the radio. “I hate that theme music,” I muttered. “I love the Unsolved Mysteries one. They should come up with something similar.”

  Anthony obviously thought my comments were laughable, but I was dead serious. The theme music for that station’s news broadcast sounded like something that should be played at a funeral. I absolutely detested it.

  “You know...”

  “Wait! Did you hear that?” Anthony abruptly interjected.

  “What?”

  He quickly turned up the radio which sat on the side table close by where he stood.

  Seconds later, my hands flew to my mouth as I heard the reporter call the name of a woman found dead on the side of the highway, just a few miles from this neighborhood.

  It was my good friend, Glenda Risdal. My heart sank to the floor and I nearly dropped the scalding hot cup of coffee in my lap. Thankfully, Anthony was able to ease it away just in time.

  “This can’t be true,” I uttered quietly.

  Glenda can’t be dead.

  13

  _________________

  A couple of days had passed since learning of Glenda’s demise. And according to reports, her death was treated as “suspicious”. I would’ve thought so since her body was located at the side of the road.

  I was just heartbroken; so much so I felt I’d lost a member of my own family. Well, Glenda was family in the most loving sense of the word. She’d been there and gone above and beyond for me whenever I called on her for assistance. I only hoped her latest labor of love didn’t cost her her life.

  “What do you think happened to her?” Theodore asked as we sat outside on the porch—the last place I’d spent time with Glenda.

  He was sitting in the same chair she’d sat in that day.

  Shaking my head, I said, “I have no idea.”

  A few moments passed in silence.

  “Maybe I do. Maybe her death has something to do with me!” I cried.

  “What do you mean?” He shifted in his seat.

  “I’m going to tell you, but I don’t want you to repeat it.”

  “Okay. You’ve got my word.”

  I dried my face with the balled up napkin I was holding. “When she was here just two days ago, she offered some damaging information relating to the Mayor for me to use in order to twist his arm into meeting the demands of the Indians.”

  “What kind of information was it?” He was clearly concerned.

  “That isn’t important. What matters is that what she told me could’ve cost her her life.”

  “You’re saying you believe Mayor Bradley killed her?”

  “I don’t know what to believe, Theodore! I truly don’t. I have no idea if he connected us somehow and retaliated knowing that she had the dirt on him. I don’t even know if he was aware that she did. The whole thing’s just a puzzle!”

  He put his arm around me. “We’ll figure this out together. It’s a possibility that her death might have nothing at all to do with what she shared with you.”

  “I hope you’re right.” I sobbed some more.

  * * * *

  That afternoon around four-thirty, there was loud knocking at my front door and I heard Carla demanding that I open up.

  I descended the stairway from my bedroom and hoped I was getting there quickly enough for her, as I couldn’t imagine what the rush was. The boys had gone out and just Nilla and I were at home.

  Nilla was at the door looking up the staircase for me to hurry up and get there. She’d obviously sensed Carla’s urgency as well.

  The moment I swung open the door, Carla, wide-eyed and seemingly perturbed, rushed inside and quickly shut the door behind her, locking it.

  Thankfully, Nilla had swiftly moved out of the way or she might’ve gotten hurt and I would’ve killed Carla.

  “What’s the matter?” I asked, as she dashed over to the side of the window, peeping out.

  “I got something in the mail today, Lucille.”

  She was holding a white, letter-size envelope, which she reached into and pulled out a small, black book with the word “Intel” on it, as well as a neatly folded letter.

  “Come over here.” She took my hand and led me over to the couch where we both sat down.

  “Glenda had an envelope mailed to me,” she started. “Inside was a little, black book filled with all sorts of serious allegations concerning some very important people.”

  “Glenda sent those things to you?” I was shocked.

  “Yes!” She unfolded the letter. “And also a note, which reads:

  ‘Dear Carla. If you’ve received the contents of this envelope, it means that I am dead and one of the persons named in this little black book of mine has either killed me or has had me killed. I’ve sent this book to you because I know if need be, you’d get the word out as you were never very good at keeping secrets (no offense intended). If you’re afraid, I completely understand. You’re not in this alone. Get to Lucille Pfiff
er as quickly as possible so that she will guide you as to what needs to be done. She may not know this, but she’s the only person I trusted with my life. She was like a mother to me.

  ‘Please tell her that I love her and I know she will do whatever she can to bring me justice.

  ‘Thank you, Carla and I’m sorry to have involved you in this.’”

  I was sobbing towards the end where Glenda had expressed her love for and trust in me.

  “This is no time for crying, Lucille!” Carla exclaimed. “I’m in real danger here. I’m sorry about Glenda, but I don’t want any part of this. Why did she send this to me? It wasn’t like we were the best of friends.”

  “She sent it because she knew you’re a blabbermouth and would squeal on everyone mentioned in that book. The problem for you would be squealing about the wrong person—because your squealing might get you killed,” I said.

  She started to cry. “What am I gonna do, Lucille? I don’t wanna die!”

  “Just keep calm. Give me the book and the letter.”

  She handed them to me. “I know you’ve probably read through this book at least twice, but I’m warning you to keep it all in your head for now and not allow the information to seep through your lips. Glenda knew the horn would need to be blown, but not haphazardly. One of these scum bags…” I held up the book, “...killed my friend and when I find out exactly who that is, you and I can freely shout it from the mountain top.”

  “You can shout it, but I won’t!” Carla shook her head. “I’m not getting involved in any murder. I have a daughter who needs me. Sorry, Lucille, but just keep me out of it.”

  She got up. “I’ve gotta go now and pick up Brittany from piano class. Please, just leave me out of it, okay?”

  “Okay.” I nodded.

  She hurried over to the door and Nilla followed her until she shut it behind her.

  “Nilla!” I called and she came running quickly. “Momma needs a hug.” I picked her up and held her close to me. I completely understood Carla’s fears as I had some of my own.