Chicken Culprit

by Vikki Walton

  “Why that time frame?” Anne inquired.

  “Ralph left the diner around seven-thirtyish the evening before his death. By the time he got home, and then went out to his backyard, we’re talking at least eight at night. Kandi found his body around six the next morning.” Hope reached over and comforted Kandi who had tensed at the recollection.

  Eliza shivered. “It’s just too horrible.”

  “Come sit by me, dear.” Everyone jumped as the older woman spoke for the first time. “You need not be afraid any longer. They can’t find you here.” Faith looked directly at Eliza, whose shocked face contrasted greatly with her usual calm demeanor.

  Hope rose and went over to her mother. “Mama, here. Let me put this over you.” She tucked a nearby throw around the woman and rejoined the group sitting around the antique oak table. She lowered her voice and spoke to Anne. “Some days are good and some not so good. We just never know from day to day.”

  “What did Faith mean by what she said to Eliza?” Anne poured more coffee into her mug.

  “She’s, like, got the sight,” Kandi quipped to Anne. “What?”

  “Oh, yeah. She, like, got it from her mama, and, like, her mama’s mama had it too. Some in town say it’s the gift of second sight. The old-timers call it witchcraft.”

  “Does she have it?” Anne nodded toward Hope.

  “If she does, she keeps it hidden. She’s pretty good at knowing what’s wrong with a person though.” With Hope correctly diagnosing her menopausal symptoms, Anne couldn’t dispute that. Blood tests advised by Hope had also shown Anne was a bit anemic and had some adrenal insufficiency caused by stress. Hope’s medicinal protocol had helped Anne immensely and she was already feeling much better.

  Hope spoke to the group. “Let’s see, where were we? Oh yes. A killer. Back to you then, Stewart. You never said. Where were you?”

  “I wasn’t even in town that day. I was over in Frisco with a delivery. I got sleepy driving home, so I pulled over into a parking lot and slept in my truck.”

  “So no one can vouch for you or your whereabouts that evening?”

  “No. But why would I want to kill the old man? He’s always been good to me. He got me set up with my van and helped me get my business going.”

  “What about the house and property?” Anne interjected. “You stand to inherit it.”

  He looked at Anne. “Hope and I both inherit.

  Anyway, what do I want with that old place?”

  “You could sell it,” Anne answered. “Ralph’s lot is definitely bigger than mine and Kandi’s. Or he could have left you money in his will. Maybe he told you that recently, and you thought you could use the money now versus later. We saw you storming off from his place, mad about something.”

  Stewart gaped at Anne. “You’ve been thinking a whole lot about this, haven’t you?”

  “Not really. I’m simply saying you have motive.” “Well, how about this? All of us have been here for years. Yet you show up and within a month, my uncle is dead. You just said his property is better than yours. You got hurt in his compost pile. Maybe you decided to retaliate, but it went too far. And just after I said the killer returns to the scene of the crime, I see you out in the middle of the night in my uncle’s yard!”

  Anne felt the intense stares. One person’s gaze in particular.

  Kandi’s.

  Chapter Eight

  The meeting at Kandi’s had lasted over two hours, but they had come up with nothing conclusive. Anne wanted to talk to Kandi about getting some real professional help. Anne decided to take it up with her the next time they met.

  As luck would have it, they met up a few days later. After Kandi had grabbed some juice from Anne’s refrigerator, Anne spoke. “Um, so tell me a bit about—”

  “You, like, hate men.” Kandi pointed her finger at Anne.

  “I don’t ‘like’ hate men. Plus that makes absolutely no sense. How can you like hate men?” Anne grabbed at Kandi’s finger. “Don’t be pointing that at me. It has a nail in it.”

  “What?” Kandi cocked her head. With her hair pulled up into pigtails she looked a bit like a cocker spaniel puppy, one with bright red fur.

  “Oh, forget it. But just to settle it so we can move on, I don’t hate men.”

  “Yes, you do!”

  “No. I. Don’t!” Anne took a deep breath. She knew Kandi was teasing, but her emotions concerning men still felt a bit raw. “First, I don’t know how we even got on this subject to begin with. Second, I have no idea where you got the impression that I hate men.”

  “Well, you have warned me off about Stewart since you think he could have, like, the best motive for killing his uncle. I can tell you’re, like, not a fan of Jeff. Every time he comes into the room you act like you’ve just smelt something bad. You, like, just told me this morning how rude Sheriff Carson is. Need I go on?”

  Anne felt she was battling a twelve-year-old.

  “You know, like, Stewart stands to make quite a bit of money. Like, off his uncle’s house. I’m not, like, going to talk about Jeff. And Carson, like, was rude, like .” Anne grinned widely at Kandi.

  “I don’t know why you’re getting so, like —” “Argghhh. If you say like one more time, I’m going to bang you over the head!” She dug through her recycle bin and threatened Kandi with an empty paper towel tube.

  “Why do you, like, have a problem with…oh.” Kandi giggled. “I didn’t even know I was saying it.”

  “Well, you are. A lot. I’m glad your placeholder is the word ‘like’ versus a cuss word, though.”

  “Okay. I will, like —” She covered her mouth and giggled. “I will try not to say like.” She curtseyed. “Ma- lady.” Kandi crossed her arms. “Hey—you’re getting off topic. I still say you hate men!”

  “I’m not going to argue with you. I like men.” “Good.” Kandi picked up her phone, typed in a text message, and pressed send. Her phone pinged with a return message. “You need to be at the Plowman’s Pub at seven tonight. They do a mean chicken-fried steak. Your date will be wearing a red tie.”

  “What! Did you just set me up? I don’t want to go on a blind date!”

  “I thought, like —” She stopped, then started again. “I thought you didn’t hate men?”

  “I don’t. I’m simply not ready to date.” Anne slumped back in her chair.

  “You don’t have to get married. Go have some fun.

  You never leave your house.”

  A knock at the front door interrupted the tirade. Kandi jumped up and Anne strode to the door, opening it.

  Kandi continued her chattering, “Now what are you going to wear?”

  “Wear?” Eliza stood at the door.

  “Eliza. Come in. Perfect timing.” Kandi motioned the woman to join them. “Would you like some tea?”

  “I wanted to bring you some flowers Kandi. I feel so horrible about…” The thought trailed off, and Anne watched as a somber expression passed across Eliza’s face. “Anyway, Jeff told me you were over at Anne’s. I hope I’m not intruding.”

  Kandi moved quickly and embraced the woman, who stood a good head taller than her. “That’s so sweet. Thank you.”

  “So what is this I hear about something to wear?” Eliza handed the flowers to Kandi.

  “Anne has a dinner date tonight.” Kandi grinned smugly.

  “Oh, how fun.” Anne felt Eliza giving her the once- over. “What are you going to wear?”

  Anne’s thoughts traveled back in time to when she had a closet full of couture. She’d donated them to a thrift store that supported battered women.

  That had been when she knew she’d truly left her old life—and Duke—behind. He couldn’t force her to be or do anything she didn’t want to be any more. She was free.

  “Hello? Anne? Daydreaming?” Kandi’s voice chased away the past.

  Anne glanced up to see Eliza and Kandi staring at her. “Looked more like a nightmare.” Eliza frowned.

  Anne ignored th
e pair. “I don’t have anything to wear. Basically a few pairs of jeans, some tops, and the dress you saw me in the other day. Oh well, that’s unfortunate. But looks like you’ll just need to call him back and cancel.”

  Kandi shook her head. “Oh no, you don’t. That’s the dumbest excuse ever. You’re going, even if you wear what you’re wearing now!”

  “Oh. This will not do.” Eliza sized Anne up. “What are you a ten to twelve?”

  Anne shrugged.

  “Wait here. Kandi, can you help me get some clothes out of my vehicle?” Eliza exited the house, with Kandi trailing behind her.

  Returning quickly, Kandi held the door while Eliza entered the room, a pile of dresses on hangers draped over her arms. “Yes, I think one of these will do. Stand up, please.”

  Anne obeyed. Eliza moved quickly, sizing up the dresses, throwing those she rejected over the back of a chair, until she came to a flowing shift of mint green with a matching jacket. “This.” She held it up in front of Anne.

  Kandi gasped. “Beautiful. Where did you get these?” “Designers often do knockoffs and samples. I take whatever the other models don’t want and give them to a charity I support. Go try it on.”

  “Wow. That’s like awesome timing.” Kandi beamed while Anne went into the bathroom to try on the dress. She gazed at herself for a long moment in the full-length mirror attached to the wall. The dress fit like a glove. She fingered the material on the jacket. The tag showed a size ten.

  Duke would have thrown a fit. It would have been just like that time before that fundraiser when he’d shamed her into a ridiculous amount of dieting so she could look appropriately skinny on his arm. She’d landed in the hospital after that one. She’d much rather be a size ten than do that again.

  Even after gorging herself on food and drink after she’d left Duke, Anne knew she was still an attractive woman. She didn’t need to be bone thin to feel good in her own skin. She smiled. It had been a while since she’d felt this good about herself.

  Kandi and Eliza clapped as Anne returned to the kitchen and took a turn around the area. They all laughed as she did her worst catwalk imitation, striking poses and making duck faces over her shoulder.

  Eliza looked at Anne and then turned to Kandi. In unison, they cried, “Marilyn!”

  “Who’s Marilyn?” Anne removed the jacket and placed it back on a hanger.

  “She’s the genius who’s going to do something super cool with your hair. Go change and let’s get moving. No time to waste.” Kandi reached for her phone.

  The day passed quickly. Marilyn hennaed Anne’s hair into a glossy auburn color, which she then cut and styled to enhance Anne’s naturally flowing curls. Gone forever was the straightened bleached blond. Or its unkempt opposite of dull brown strands. After that, the star treatment had continued with a manicure and pedicure. She’d forgotten how nice it felt to be preened over. The transformation complete, Anne stood in her kitchen, and was inspected by her fashion entourage.

  “Whoa. You look amazing.” Kandi cheered. “Beautiful.” Eliza air-kissed each of Anne’s softly blushing cheeks.

  While Anne had been changing, Kandi had also gone home and changed her own outfit. Anne glimpsed Kandi absently pushed something red down into her pocket.

  Kandi smiled at Anne. “Listen, I have to go into town for some errands. Is it okay if I drop you off? And not to worry, I’ll be back in a jiff in case you want to skip out early. I have one small errand I have to do before they close. Then I’ll be right back with you. ”

  Anne gulped. Her stomach clenched. Reality came plunging back in. Now she had to go meet a man. A man she didn’t want to meet. She knew that few men were like Duke, but she couldn’t help the dread that enveloped her.

  “I haven’t been out on a date in a very long time. I’m not sure I’m ready for this. Maybe it would be okay to cancel for today and reschedule?” Anne pleaded with Kandi.

  “Don’t worry. It will be fun. In fact, I’ll make you a wager that by the end of the evening, you’ll be thanking me. So trust me, okay?” The young woman’s face lit with delight.

  “Okay. Yes, that would be nice. Thanks for everything. You’re so sweet. Really. Sorry I’ve been such a pest lately.” They went out and got into Kandi’s truck, which had been cleaned.

  “No worries. Hope told me to give you some grace due to the menopause thing.”

  Great. I’m old again.

  “Oh, that reminds me. Here.” Kandi handed Anne a tiny brown bottle. “This is from Hope.”

  Anne uncapped the bottle, and a lovely lavender fragrance wafted into the air. She breathed in deeply. “Oh, that’s nice.” She put a few drops in her hands, rubbed them together, and took another deep breath. Anne sighed with contentment.

  “Feel better? Hope said this would help with any jitters.”

  “Yes. I do feel better.” She took a deep breath of the calming scent.

  I’m a grown woman. How bad can this be?

  Chapter Nine

  The short drive only heightened Anne’s senses. Though she tried desperately to calm her nerves, they refused to listen and ignored her inner pleadings. If Kandi hadn’t been driving, she would have turned around and gone home.

  Kandi pulled into the parking lot. As usual, the local gathering spot looked to have a full crowd inside. Anne sat in the truck and glanced toward the door. Had it always looked that imposing?

  This is it. I can do this. She bolstered her confidence and opened the door.

  After exiting the truck, Anne faced Kandi. The young woman had the goofiest grin on her face.

  “Thanks for bringing me, Kandi, and for all of your help today. I’m really thankful for all you’ve done.” Anne stumbled as she took a step away from the truck. Kandi’s three-inch heels were far from her usual choice of comfortable flats.

  “You’re welcome. You look terrific. Now go knock ’em dead.” Kandi waved her off.

  Anne gathered her courage and stepped tentatively toward the entrance of the town’s primary meeting hall. The large nondescript building held a restaurant, a community center, and in the back, a four-lane bowling alley. The building also held a craft beer pub and a small dance hall/theater space. She took a deep breath and pulled the heavy wooden door open.

  The pub’s interior was dark, so Anne allowed her eyes to adjust for a moment. As she did, she noticed movement to her right.

  A gentleman of at least ninety stood up. Actually, he pulled himself up and held on to the table. His scraggly gray beard covered much of what was an attempted smile, which was probably for the best since most of his teeth were missing.

  He wore a red tie.

  Seriously? How old does Kandi think I am? She smiled back at the man.

  Her shoulders began to relax. Actually, this may not be so bad after all. With all the medals he’s wearing on his jacket, I bet I can learn a bunch of history. This might turn out to be a nice evening after all.

  As she took a step toward the older gentleman, another man stood. He was more her age, balding on top. He opened his jacket. He had on a red tie.

  What the—?

  To her left, two women stood. They opened their blazers to reveal red ties. Little by little, more people across the pub stood. All wore red ties.

  Anne felt a light push on her back, propelling her into the midst of the room. She turned to see Kandi, now also sporting a red tie.

  “Is this a practical joke?” Anne questioned Kandi. “Not a joke.” Kandi squeezed her arm. “You’ll see.”

  She turned Anne to face the stage. The band—also wearing red ties— produced a resounding ‘dut-dutta-da’ from their instruments. Balloons fell onto the stage. A banner hanging from the ceiling unfurled. It read “Welcome to Carolan Springs.”

  A silver-haired man made his way toward her. He took Anne’s hands in a hearty shake. “We want to officially welcome you to Carolan Springs. This”—he gestured around the room—“is our town’s welcome committee.”

  The tensi
on Anne had been holding back released, and she broke out in hearty laughter. She smiled at everyone. “Thank you. This is the most memorable welcome I’ve ever received.”

  The pub responded with cheers, clapping, and a hoisting of mugs, glasses, and coffee cups.

  “Oh, but the ceremony is not over.” Kandi led her to the stage.

  The mayor followed. “First, you must commit to this union.” He moved next to her.

  “Um, okay.” Anne glanced out at the group, now clustered around the stage.

  “Repeat after me.”

  The mayor recited a pledge, pausing occasionally to give Anne time to repeat his words. “I, Anne Freemont… do solemnly swear to uphold all the silly rules of my new town…and to carefully understand the importance of my role as citizen ambassador of my fair city…forever and ever, Scooby dooby doo.”

  Anne tried to repeat it with a straight face but struggled to compose herself as she watched the audience try to stifle chuckles.

  “The chalice!” yelled the mayor.

  Someone bounded onto the stage and handed her a strange looking cup. The goblet was crafted from aspen wood and had the initials C and S carved into the side. Anne peered into it. Nothing strange. It looked like water. She took a sip. Carbonated spring water.

  She chugged the rest of it down with gusto. After she finished, she held the cup upside down while everyone cheered. The mayor spoke. “And for the final piece of the initiation, Kandi, if you will do the honors.”

  Kandi pulled another red tie from her pocket and placed it over Anne’s eyes. Then Anne was led outside. “Lean on me. I need you to sit. It’s a scooter.” Kandi’s voice was calming.

  Anne sat gingerly down onto a seat. Her arms were placed around someone.

  “Hold on tight.” A male voice she recognized. She grabbed onto the jacket. Wait, was that? Yes, the smell of popcorn. Warm hands enveloped hers as he made sure she had them securely wrapped around his waist. “Okay, here we go.”

  The scooter started up. Their pace was fairly slow and Anne relaxed. The distance to their destination was short. She felt them stop. Gentle hands helped her to her feet.