Murder So Deadly

by Eileen Curley Hammond

  He stared at his glass. “No. I think if I regret anything, it’s that I somehow failed my mother. Maybe if I had pushed harder, she would have gotten the help she needed. And maybe she’d be happier today.”

  “That’s a lot of ifs. You were scarcely older than Jenny then. Do you think Jenny should be responsible for what happens in my life?”

  “Of course not.”

  “We all chart our own courses. Your father’s death must have been a terrible blow for her. But it was horrible for you and your sister too. It doesn’t sound like she helped you with your grieving.”

  “At least my sister and I had each other. When we were younger, we weren’t that close because Elizabeth was four years older than me. My father’s tragedy erased the age difference, and we banded together. That may have made my mother feel even more isolated.” He stood and poured a touch more Bailey’s into his glass. He held up the bottle.

  “Nope. I’m good.”

  Rob sat. “I try to focus on the good times we had when we were kids, and how much she loved us then. She probably still loves us; it’s just more complicated now. I’m not sure how well I know her anymore.”

  I kissed him. “You turned out pretty terrific. I love the man you are today.”

  “Even with my mother?” He pulled me onto his lap.

  “Mother and all.”

  Chapter 7

  Sunday morning came way too early. My one open eye stole a glance at the clock. Still time to sleep. I snuggled back under the covers. Carefully shifting my feet so they wouldn’t inadvertently wake one of my sleeping companions, I realized the cats were no longer on the bed. Birds chirped loudly, sounding as if they sat on my windowsill. I yawned. May as well get up. I donned sweats and a t-shirt and made my way downstairs.

  The cats were on the window seat in the kitchen, their noses pressed against the glass. They seemed entranced by the cardinal hopping back and forth on the cherry tree branch outside the window. An ear twitched as I poured food in their bowls. Courvoisier tore herself away from the riveting view, hopped down, and trotted to her bowl. I chuckled and pushed the start button for coffee.

  I laced my sneakers, filled the mug, and pushed the back door open. The cats tripped over each other, trying to beat me out. A dandelion’s cheery face mocked me at the edge of the garden. I pulled it and deposited it into my weed bucket. Two more caught my attention. I ripped out the culprits and heard, “You’re up early.” Alex leaned over the fence. “May I come in?”

  “Of course. But don’t let the cats out.”

  I motioned to the Adirondack chairs. “I’m surprised to see you up so early. When we left Ed and Andy’s last night, it looked like you were going to be there a while.”

  She laughed. “When you get older, you don’t need as much sleep. It was a fun party.”

  “I hope you made some new friends.”

  “Everyone has been so welcoming. I made the right decision on this town.”

  I cocked my head. “How did you decide on Hopeful?”

  “I was tired of the city. All that hustle and bustle. And so impersonal. I don’t think I said more than two words to my next-door neighbors in the three years I lived there.” She pulled the slide back on her coffee lid and drank.

  “That’s too bad. Did you grow up in a small town?”

  “The smallest. We weren’t too far from a city, but our town couldn’t have been more than five hundred people on a good day. Then the auto plant closed and our town went into a death spiral. It was time to pull up roots and plant them somewhere else.”

  “You sound like a true gardener.”

  “I try.” She pointed to the clusters of tulips that were tantalizing us with peeks at their colors. “I also like being able to throw open my back door, set up an easel, and start painting. People pay attention to their gardens here. It gives me such a wonderful place to work.”

  “I agree. I’m puzzled though. Hopeful isn’t that well known. I’m happy you found your way to us, but I’m still not clear how you heard about the town.”

  “A friend mentioned it. I researched it on the internet, and it looked like a place I’d want to live. And now, my dear, the light is calling me.” She picked up her coffee mug and left.

  Courvoisier leaped onto my lap and head-butted my hand. I pulled her close. “That sounded logical.” I threw the rest of my coffee into the garden and went back inside.

  Rob had texted. “Ten thirty Mass okay?”

  I checked the clock. “Okay. I’ll meet you there.” I jumped in the shower, donned better clothing, and ran out the door. Rob and his mother were waiting for me on the steps of the church. “You didn’t need to wait outside.”

  Rob grinned. “Waiting for you gave us a good excuse to enjoy this beautiful day.” He extended his arm. “Shall we?” We strolled into the church, Wanda a few steps behind.

  I found a relatively empty pew halfway up the aisle. “This work?” I slid in, and Rob and his mother followed me.

  After the Mass, Wanda led the way. There was a small cluster of people surrounding Father Tom. He waved us over. I called to Wanda, “Hold up a minute.”

  She grimaced but stopped.

  Father Tom said, “I’d like you to meet two of our newest parishioners, Diedra and Kevin Green.” They were older, potentially eighty, with that kind of hair color that was between gray and white. We shook hands.

  The skin around Kevin’s sky blue eyes crinkled. “Everyone’s been so nice to us since we moved in.”

  “What part of town did you move to?” Rob asked.

  Diedra said, “North on Elm. That pretty gray craftsman.”

  “It is a lovely house. I’m sure you’ll be happy.”

  Kevin said, “We will be.” He held out his arm for his wife. “Nice to meet you.” They strolled down the steps.

  Rob asked. “Can I talk anyone into a late breakfast?”

  I raised my hand. “Me.”

  “I guess so.” Wanda shrugged.

  Rob led the way to Delightful Bites. He had French toast, I chose blueberry pancakes, and Wanda opted for the low-fat yogurt and berry parfait.

  The food came quickly. Wanda took a bite and then gestured toward us with her spoon. “Those people looked very familiar. I just can’t remember where I saw them. This is a strange town. I don’t know what it is, but I keep on feeling that I know people. It’s ridiculous, but the more I try to remember, the farther away it gets from me. Oh well.”

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  When I got home, I phoned Father Tom’s assistant. “Hi, Belinda. Father Tom introduced us to that nice new couple, The Greens.”

  “They are sweet, aren’t they? I met them last Friday when they registered at the church. And Kevin’s eyes. Such a beautiful blue. Too bad he’s twenty years too old for me.” She paused. “Why are you calling, Merry?”

  “I wanted to know if you knew where they were from.”

  Papers shuffled and crinkled. “It’s a good thing I decided to straighten up. I was supposed to be on a picnic with my brother.”

  My palms began to sweat. I met Belinda’s brother after Thanksgiving last year, and it wasn’t a pleasant experience.

  “Here it is. They moved here from Lancaster. That’s strange.”

  “What is?”

  “I remember reading that Lancaster was the top town for retirees. I wonder why they came here.”

  “Maybe our winters are better.”

  She cackled. “Merry, you are such a card. Well if there’s nothing else, I better get back at it.” She hung up.

  I doodled on the pad in front of me. Hadn’t Kathy said her dad’s house was in Lancaster? I pushed my phone around the counter with my pencil, then I grabbed it, and pressed Rob’s number. “Howdy, stranger.”

  “Howdy yourself. What’s up? I thought you wanted some downtime.”

  I bit on the eraser. “I did. I have a quick question. Do you know what town Richard’s house was in?”

  “He had a few houses.”
r />   “I’m looking for the one Kathy was talking about. Her family home.”

  “I don’t remember. Hold on.” There was a low murmur. “Lancaster. Why?”

  “I’ll talk to you about it tomorrow.” I hung up the phone.

  What were the odds that The Greens would move here at the same time Richard was visiting? I needed to find out more. I picked up the phone again and called the Greens’ number. “Mrs. Green? Merry March. We met at church today.”

  “Were you the short woman with curly red hair?”

  “Yes. That’s me.”

  “Your beau was so handsome. Kind of reminded me of Kevin when he was younger. Of course, Kevin’s eyes are blue, and your man’s eyes are green. Oh, listen to me gabbing away. What were you calling about, my dear?”

  “The church fete is next Saturday. I wanted to know if you and Mr. Green would like to accompany us there. It’s always fun, and you’ll be sure to meet a lot of new people.”

  “We’d love to go.”

  “Great! We’ll swing by your house on our way to the church. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better.” I hung up.

  Jenny bounded in the back door laughing. Her hair was windblown, and her left hand was in Jacob’s. They came to a halt when they saw me at the counter.

  “What have you two been up to?”

  “Jacob met me after church, and we went hiking near the quarry. Can we make nachos?”

  “Of course. There are some green chilies in the cupboard and a jalapeno or two in the fridge if you want to spice it up. I’ll let you two have the kitchen.” I retreated to the office to give them some space. I still couldn’t believe Jenny was old enough to be dating. Where had the time gone?

  I pulled up the spreadsheet showing potential college expenses on my computer and gulped. It wasn’t likely my ex-husband Drew would send me any money to help; he was still wanted by the Feds. Plus it was doubtful he’d even make an effort. I shuddered. I really didn’t want him to try. He’d get me wrapped up in some scheme of his, and I’d have to unwind it again. It was a good thing that Jenny had excellent grades and was researching scholarships. The phone rang. “What’s up, Patty?”

  “I was driving back from the store, and I saw the guys who used to work for Richard.”

  “And?” I drew a tulip on an envelope.

  “They were driving very slowly past the new couple’s house.”

  “The Greens?”

  “Yes, them.”

  “I asked Mrs. Green to go to the church fete with us. Are you going?”

  “Someone talked me into manning one of the booths.” Something rustled as if she were unwrapping something.

  “What are you eating?”

  “A candy bar. I bought it at the store, and I’m trying to finish it before the kids get home, or they’ll want one.” A door slammed. “Darn it.”

  A child’s voice broke in. “Did you get one for me?”

  “No, honey, but you can have the last bite of mine.” Patty came back on the phone. “Gotta go.” She hung up.

  I sketched the church with daffodils edging its outline. What’s so interesting about the Greens?

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  Wanda complained all the way to the Greens’ house. “I don’t see why we have to pick up these strangers. In fact, I don’t see why I have to go to this Podunk town’s anything.”

  Rob sighed. “Mother, it’s not to benefit the town, it’s to benefit the church. And as I’ve told you before, the Greens are new. They don’t know anyone.”

  She sniffed and looked out the window. Rob rolled to a stop in front of their house. I leaped out. “I’ll let them know we’re here.”

  The Greens came out the front door, carrying various containers. Mrs. Green balanced one as she shut the front door. I took it from her. “Let me carry that so you can lock the door.”

  “Oh, we never lock the door, dear. It doesn’t seem neighborly.”

  “I don’t think anyone would think badly of you.”

  Rob popped the trunk open. I shifted the Tupperware to make room for the Greens’ items. As I was placing their containers, I sniffed. “Smells like chocolate.”

  She smiled. “Brownies. They were always a big moneymaker at the church we used to attend.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be a hot ticket here too. Mr. Green, why don’t you sit in the front, and I’ll slide into the backseat with Wanda and Mrs. Green.”

  Mrs. Green put her hand on my arm. “No need to be so formal. Call us Diedra and Kevin.”

  I slid into the back seat, and it was tight. Wanda tsked. “Good thing we aren’t going far.”

  We drove in silence to the church. The vast expanse of green lawn in front had become a sea of white food tents and merchant stalls. Children’s delighted squeals signaled the games and small carnival rides on the right. Andy waved me into the next parking space. Wanda got out of the car, and I followed. “Should I add parking attendant to your resume?”

  He gave me the evil eye. “Everyone has to do their part. Ed’s organizing the food into the appropriate stalls.” He extended his arm and pointed to where Ed was standing, clipboard at the ready. Rob helped me unload the trunk, and we trooped toward the food general.

  “Lovely day. What did you bring?” He glanced at his clipboard.

  Diedra said, “Brownies and Cherry pie.”

  “Desserts are at that end, over there.” He pointed toward the far stall.

  I said, “Handheld savory pies and macaroni salad.”

  “Does the salad need to be refrigerated?”

  “No. Olive oil and garlic.”

  He smiled. “Sounds yummy.” He pointed. “The tent right over there.”

  “I hope you’ll get to enjoy the fete!”

  We ambled to the tent. Patty stood inside. She checked our dishes and told us where to put them on the table. She put a price tag in front of both. I said, “I feel kind of guilty not helping out.”

  “You cooked. I chose this so I wouldn’t have to. Enjoy yourself. I’ll see you later.”

  The air smelled of popcorn and foods being deep-fried. We met the Greens as they wandered back up the aisle that ran between the booths. Diedra said, “There are some lovely crafts down that way. Kevin was impressed with the birdhouses.”

  He nodded. “The craftsmanship is terrific.”

  We strolled the grounds admiring the lovely handmade items, interspersed with carnival vendor trucks. I introduced the Greens to people as we stopped.

  Wanda picked up a small wooden birdhouse. The top was a rich mahogany, and the bottom was a light balsam. Both kinds of wood gleamed. A tiny perch protruded below a perfectly round hole. “I love this Christmas ornament. It would be perfect for Elizabeth. She loves birds.”

  Rob and Kevin tried their hands at a ring toss game. Although their effort was valiant, neither came away with the prize. Wanda stepped forward. “I’d like to try that.” Rob paid the vendor. Three flicks of her wrist and each peg was adorned.

  Rob’s mouth sagged. “Where did you learn to do that?”

  “I have many talents.” She gestured to the pink bunny. “That one, please. It’s silly, I know. But I get a kick out of it.” She tucked the rabbit under her arm and said, “I’m hungry. Hopefully, they’ll have something I can eat here.” She turned toward the main tent.

  Diedra followed. “I’m peckish myself.” Her husband trailed her.

  Rob’s eyes were still round. “I can’t believe she nailed all three.”

  “Me either. Did she play a lot of carnival games?”

  “Not to my knowledge. Let’s catch up to them.”

  Everyone made their selections, and we found a picnic table. Rob pulled out the benches, and we helped people get seated. I turned to Diedra. “I’m so pleased you chose to settle in our town. It’s an undiscovered gem.”

  She put her sandwich down. “It wasn’t that scientific. We knew we wanted to move, so we did some research. When we told our priest the places we were thinking
about, he told us all about Father Tom. We knew that this was the place for us.”

  “Didn’t you used to live in Lancaster?”

  Diedra gave me a sharp glance. “Who told you that?”

  “Not sure. I remember someone mentioning it.” I took a sip of the cola.

  Her shoulders relaxed. “Oh. It’s not like it’s a secret or anything.”

  “Lancaster’s so lovely. I’m surprised you wanted to leave.”

  Kevin sipped his coffee. “This place is nice too.”

  Wanda stopped playing with her salad. “It’s odd, but you two look very familiar. My husband Richard Franco used to live in Lancaster. Maybe you knew him?”

  Diedra dropped her fork. “Your husband? But when you introduced yourself, I thought you said your last name was Jenson.”

  “It is. I’ve been married several times, but I haven’t changed my name since I married my first husband.”

  Kevin broke in. “But didn’t he just die?”

  “No, no. My husband’s been dead for twenty years.”

  Rob cleared his throat. “Mom, I don’t think they meant Dad, they meant Richard.”

  “Oh. Richard. Yes, he did die. Quite unfortunate.”

  I kept my head down, but a smile threatened. It wasn’t funny, but I couldn’t believe how cavalier Wanda was about her dead fifth husband. I stood. “Does anyone want dessert, or would you prefer to stroll first?”

  Wanda said, “Let’s stretch our legs.”

  There were nods in unison, so Rob helped me clean the table.

  I walked out of the tent with Diedra. I pointed toward some of the kiosks we hadn’t yet visited. “Shall we start over here?”

  She nodded.

  “I would find it difficult to leave Hopeful. So many memories with Jenny. Did you get tired of the town?”

  “Not at all. We wanted to experience something new.”

  Chapter 8

  Rob and I sat in the backyard. There was the slightest nip in the air, and I grabbed a throw from the hope chest near the back door and tucked it around my legs. “Why do you think Diedra and Kevin decided to move? I could think of a lot more exotic places if I were looking for new experiences.”