As we formed a receiving line, I was careful to put Kathy at the front, and Wanda at the end. Patty handed out small cards that invited mourners to my house after the burial. I was pleased to see my new neighbor as she left the church. “Alex, it’s so kind of you to attend.” I shook her hand.
“We’re neighbors. Of course I came.” She skirted the rest of the receiving line and left the church.
Two big men came out last. I sidled up to Rob as we walked to the gravesite. “Who were they?”
“Said they were business associates.”
“Large guys.”
“Wouldn’t want to run into them in a dark alley.”
“Nope.”
We climbed the small hill to the burial site. Two heavy boards suspended the casket over the grave. Draping masked the opening that yawned underneath, but the aroma of freshly dug earth hung in the air. A small line of white folding chairs sat near the coffin, protected against the chance of inclement weather by the canopy above. Wanda sat on the chair furthest left and Kathy on the one furthest right. Rob, Elizabeth, Jenny, and I sat between them. Father Tom said a few words, and then we lined up to put roses on the casket. Once they had placed their flowers, Rob, Wanda, Elizabeth, and Jenny left for the house. Kathy was the last one to approach. Her lips moved as if she was praying silently, and then she rested her forehead on the coffin. I touched her shoulder. “Are you okay? Do you want some time alone?”
She lifted her head, wiping at her eyes. “I’m fine. Thanks.”
“Let’s go back to the house.”
The street was lined with cars. I turned to Kathy. “It looks like people got here before us.”
The kitchen was crowded, and Ed shouted over the din, “Good. You’re back. I need more platters.”
I strode past him and stretched to try and open the top cupboard. Rob appeared at my side. “What do you need?”
I pointed to the platters. He grabbed three and handed them to me. I said, “Must be nice to be tall.”
He kissed the top of my head. “Makes me handy to have around.”
I passed the platters to Ed. “What else do you need?”
He paused his plating. “Can you take the cheese puffs out of the oven? Andy’s pouring wine in the living room.”
“No problem.” I opened the oven and was enveloped by the delightful aroma of melted cheddar cheese. My stomach growled. I looked over my shoulder. “How long do these have to cool?”
“Give them at least three minutes. You won’t burn your mouth, and they’ll taste better.”
I set the timer. “What else?”
“I’m good for now. Go mingle.”
I slid past people in the crowded hall, emerging in the living room. Andy had a bottle of white wine in one hand and a bottle of red in his left. I came up behind him. “I didn’t know you were ambidextrous.”
“You’re finally here.” He pointed with the top of the wine bottle at the Finnegans. “They want coffee. Could you make a pot?”
Rob walked into the living room, carrying a carafe of coffee. Andy blinked. “He’s good. You should keep him around.” Andy topped off another person’s glass.
I retrieved coffee cups from the dining room and walked in front of Rob, handing out mugs, as he trailed behind me pouring the coffee. Richard’s two business associates took up most of one corner. Their eyes roved the room, more intent on the crowd than each other. Patty appeared at my shoulder. “You may want to get to the kitchen. Kathy and Wanda are squaring off.”
I handed her the two remaining mugs and wound my way back through the packed hallway into the kitchen. Wanda and Kathy stood a foot apart glaring at each other. People formed a circle around them, closely watching the drama playing out. I grabbed an antacid from the drawer and chewed it.
Wanda said, “He was so disappointed in you. He was hoping you’d take over the family business.”
Kathy grimaced. “The family business? Not likely. Wouldn’t you like to know where his money came from? I chose an honorable profession.”
“He was a businessman. There wasn’t anything wrong with his company.”
“Whatever.” Kathy flicked her hand dismissively.
“You should thank me. I made your father happy.”
“You were one in a long line of floozies. It was only a matter of time before he showed you the door.” Kathy lifted the wine glass to her lips.
“How would you know? You never talked to him.”
“The house staff. They practically raised me, you know.” Kathy smirked, turned her back, and walked away.
Wanda paled and swayed. I grabbed her arm to steady her. “Are you okay?” I motioned for the crowd to give us room, pulled a chair out from the table, and put her in it.
Elizabeth joined me. “Mom, take a breath. That’s it. Nice and easy.”
Wanda began to regain some color. “I want to go back to Rob’s. Now.”
“I’ll get his keys.” Elizabeth walked back down the hall.
I crouched next to Wanda. “Would you rather lie down in my room?”
She glared at me. “I don’t want to spend another moment under the same roof as that woman.”
Elizabeth handed her mother her purse. “Let’s go. Do you need help?”
Her mother shrugged her off and pushed through the crowd for the door, like a salmon swimming upstream in the spawning season.
✽ ✽ ✽
The dishwasher was on its third load, and Rob and I sprawled in the living room. I nudged him. “A little more wine please.” He topped off my glass. I lifted it. “To the funeral being over.”
Rob said, “Amen to that.”
Kathy strolled down the steps. “May I join you?”
“Certainly.” I pointed to an open chair. “Would you like some wine?”
She nodded, and Rob poured her a glass. “I’m sorry I spoke harshly to your mother. It was kind of you to plan this for my father, and I made a scene.” She sipped the wine.
“It was an emotional day. Did you try one of Ed’s cheese puffs? They’re cold now, but they’re still delicious.” I pushed the tray toward her.
“Thanks. I didn’t get a chance to eat much.”
“Would you like me to make you a sandwich?”
“No.” She gestured toward the coffee table. “I’ll pick at what’s left.” She selected a carrot stick and dipped it in the roasted red pepper hummus. “Did Ed make the dip?”
“Yes.”
She bit into the carrot and slowly chewed. “It’s so good.”
“It’s too bad you’re leaving tomorrow. I’d take you to his tea room.
“Did you see the two goons?” She popped another cheese puff in her mouth.
Rob put his wine glass down. “Yes. Business acquaintances of your dad’s?”
She snorted. “They were his muscle. The people he sent when he wanted to keep other people in line.”
My jaw dropped. “They were his enforcers?”
“Pretty much. And if they showed up here, they must be trying to find out who killed Richard.” She patted her lips with a napkin. “Your mother’s been charged. Maybe they think she didn’t do it.”
Rob stood. “Speaking of my mother, I should be getting back.” He turned to Kathy. “What time is your flight tomorrow?”
“Early. The car’s picking me up at six.”
He shook her hand. “It was good to meet you.”
“Same.”
I rose. “I’ll walk you out.”
We stood by his car, and he hugged me. “It feels like we haven’t been alone in weeks.”
“We haven’t.”
“One kiss.” His lips met mine.
Still smiling, I let myself back in the front door. Kathy said, “He seems like a nice man.”
“He is.” I sat on the couch and tucked my foot underneath me. “How did you know those two men were your father’s enforcers?”
“Easy. When I was sixteen, my father told me I couldn’t go out with my boyfriend one nig
ht. I was bored and pissed off. So when the phone rang, I picked it up at the same time as him. My father told Frank, the one with brown hair and the scar, to take care of the Peabodys. A week later the newspaper reported that some people named Peabody had lost control of their car on a turn. At first, they thought it was an accident because the guy was going pretty fast. But then they found out their brake lines had been cut. I probably should have gone to the police. But I was a kid; who would have listened to me?” She crossed her arms. “I told you he wasn’t a very nice man.”
Chapter 5
I wiped away the last of the water rings that somehow ended up on every surface downstairs after having gotten up early to see Kathy off. Soon everyone would go home, and my house would return to normal.
I made fresh coffee, and Elizabeth rounded the corner into the kitchen. She pointed at the pot. “Is that for me?”
I filled a mug and handed it to her. “I have some leftover coffee cake if you’d like it.”
She mumbled something that I took to be a yes. I heated a piece in the microwave for a few seconds and brought it over to her.
“Thanks.” She yawned. “Rob, Mom, and I were playing cards last night until late.”
“How was she?”
“Still shaken up.” Elizabeth used the side of her fork to cut a piece of the cake.
“I can see how that would be upsetting.”
“By the time I left, she seemed okay. She was talking about firing his staff and selling the house. She said it was a monstrosity. She showed me a picture, and she’s not wrong.”
“I wonder if Kathy has any affection for the house. Maybe Wanda should see if she wants to buy it.”
Elizabeth paused. “I don’t think she’d be able to afford it on a teacher’s salary. Plus it’s quite a distance from where she works.”
“It’s sad. I think it was their family home. She even kept up with the house staff.”
“My mother won’t listen to me when it comes to money.” Elizabeth shifted in her seat. “I’m worried about leaving tomorrow with Mom still under suspicion for Richard’s murder, but I’ve patients waiting for me.”
“Rob and I will look out for her. If anything changes, we’re only a short flight away.”
She stood. “I’d better let you get to work. I’ll cook dinner tonight.”
“You’re on.” I tossed her my keys. “In case you need something from the store.”
Strolling to work, I texted Jenny. “Are you coming home today? Bedroom’s back to normal. It would be nice if you came for dinner. Elizabeth’s last night.”
“Okay.”
I sighed. It would be nice to have Jenny back home. I missed hearing about her school day, her hugs, and the sound of her voice. I hurried to work, and the day was hectic from the moment I set foot inside the office. We still had quite a few claims pending after the storm, and the people who hadn’t sustained damage were calling to double-check their coverage. The staff did a good job coping with both, but there were some calls I needed to handle. At six, I wrapped up the last of the paperwork and made my way home.
It was a lovely spring day, and the sun still seemed high in the sky. My tight shoulders relaxed. People were planting pansies of all different hues. I walked through my gate and swore that I would fill my planters soon. I opened the back door, and the mouthwatering smell of garlic, tomatoes, and onions wafted toward me. I put my briefcase on the floor and my purse on the kitchen stool. “Smells terrific. Why haven’t I had you cook before?”
Elizabeth stirred the mixture in the sauté pan. “It’s my take on chicken cacciatore.” She poured red wine to deglaze the pan and then nestled the chicken amongst the mushrooms and peppers. She handed me the bottle. “Pour yourself a glass. I got it from your local wine shop.”
I chuckled. “Your mother thought the Pick of the Vine was provincial.”
She rolled her eyes. “Mom wouldn’t know a good wine if it bit her.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Salad fixings are in the fridge. You could toss those together in a bowl. We’ll be eating in about thirty minutes. Jenny’s upstairs.”
I got to work, and a few moments later there was a knock at the back door. Rob and his mother walked in, deep in conversation. She said, “I still don’t understand why I have to stay here in town. They should accept my word that I’ll come back if and when they have a trial.”
Elizabeth stirred fresh peas into the rice. “You’ve been charged with murder, and you live in a different state. They are not going to let you leave.”
“That’s what I keep trying to tell her.” Rob’s normally sparkly green eyes had bags under them. He kissed my cheek. “What can I do?”
His mother sat at the table. “You could pour me a glass of wine to start.”
“I was talking to Merry.” He spat each word.
“I’ll get your mother a glass of wine; you set the table.” I touched his arm.
He flashed me a quick smile and gathered plates.
I poured Wanda a glass of white wine and brought it to her. “Elizabeth was kind enough to cook tonight. Hopefully, we can find something more pleasant to talk about.”
“I don’t know why she gets to go home, and I don’t. I didn’t kill Richard. No matter what his daughter says.” Wanda set her glass down on the table.
I leaned against the kitchen counter. “Actually, the last thing Kathy said to me was that she thought you might not have done it.”
Elizabeth’s eyebrow rose. “How did she come to this epiphany?”
“Because Richard’s business associates turned up. I wonder if they’re still in town.”
✽ ✽ ✽
Rob took his sister to the airport. I hurried to work, crossing my fingers that it would be a slower day. Thank heavens, it was. Cheryl came in with my call list. “You have some catching up to do if you want to make all your outbound calls this week.”
“I may give myself some leeway. I think between the funeral and the storm, I’ve spoken to everyone in town. Do you have a moment?”
She said, “Sure,” and sat down.
“Is your cousin still a maid at the motel?”
“Yes. She’s been thinking of another line of work though. She says it creeps her out that someone was murdered there.”
“I can see how it might.” I tapped my pencil on the desk. “Two men came to the funeral. They were big, and one had a jagged scar running down the right side of his face. Would you check with her to see if they are staying there?”
“No problem.” She stood. “Anything else?”
“Yes. Would you call Patty, and find out if she’s free for lunch?” I held up the list. “I need to get busy.”
Twenty minutes later, Cheryl stuck her head in the door. “Patty’s good for lunch at Delightful Bites at noon, and my cousin said your mystery men are staying at the motel. They haven’t checked out yet.”
I doodled for a moment and then picked up the phone to continue my calls. The alarm rang, giving me ten minutes to get to lunch, so I gave my lips a quick swipe with gloss and walked out the door. Patty was standing in line when I got there. She ordered and claimed a table, and a few minutes later, I joined her. “You are such a good friend. Thank you for helping with the funeral. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“No, you couldn’t.” She sipped her coffee. “Has everyone gone home now?”
I groaned. “Everyone except for Wanda. She has to stay in town until the trial. Or until I kill her.”
“Don’t say that so loud.”
“I’m not sure I care. I liked Rob’s sister; she’s great. But his mother is another thing entirely. I guess I have some sympathy for her, losing Rob’s father in such a violent way. But still.”
“She must be pushing your buttons. You don’t normally talk trash about anyone.”
I sat straighter. “You’re right. I should keep my feelings to myself.”
Patty touched my shoulder. “It’s okay. I’m a haven.
I’m not going to tell anyone. Now, why are we having lunch?”
“The tough guys from the funeral are staying at our local ‘no-tell’ motel.”
“And this concerns me why?” Patty lifted her sandwich to her lips.
“I want to find out why they’re still here.”
“Maybe they like to shop for antiques.”
I put my spoon down. “Did they look like doily shoppers to you?”
She smirked. “Nope. Maybe machine guns.”
“I thought we might follow them to see what they’re up to.”
She set her coffee down. “You want us to follow two goons by ourselves?”
I nodded. “I want to see where they go. Wine at my house afterward. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
✽ ✽ ✽
I eased the car into a parking spot with a good view of the door and shut off the headlights. “May as well get comfortable. We may be here a while.”
“I shouldn’t have had that extra glass of water at dinner,” Patty said. “How much longer are we going to be here?”
“Wimp. There’s a bathroom past the front desk. I’m sure if you ask nicely, they’ll let you use it.”
Patty eased open the door while I covered the car light with my purse.
I hissed, “Hurry back.”
She scurried to the door, pushed it open, and passed the two men we were supposed to be following. Patty disappeared into the motel. The two men walked to a large black Lincoln and slid in. The car purred as it passed me moving toward the exit. I stared daggers at the motel door. “C’mon Patty. Where the heck are you?”
She darted out the door, running full tilt toward the car. I pulled up next to her. “Get in.” Patty jumped into the car, and I floored it. “Didn’t you see them come out?”
“Of course. They held the door for me.”
“I’m happy they still have their manners. They took a left on Lemon. Hold on.” My tires squealed, and I made a sharp turn. I pointed to a car stopped at the traffic light. “You’re lucky they were going slow.” I stopped behind them. The light changed, and the men proceeded at a slow pace toward the center of town. “Where do you think they’re going?”
Murder So Deadly Page 5