Gin Mill Grill

by Marja McGraw

  “I guess that makes sense,” she replied. “Anyway, I heard the message. Marcus Windsor called and apologized for the things he said to you.”

  “That’s interesting. He’s one of the people who has my cell phone number. Maybe he didn’t want to actually speak to me. If he was apologizing, maybe he was embarrassed about his temper. Who was the other call from?”

  “You might want to listen to it yourself.” Felicity didn’t look me in the eye. Something was up.

  I pushed the Play button and listened, with Stanley by my side. He’d apparently noticed Fel’s attitude, too.

  “Bruce Brown knows you’ve been nosing around. He’s not happy about it. He’s not someone you want to cross. Get my meaning?”

  My first impression was that the caller wasn’t Bruce Brown. The voice had been that of someone younger than Brown would be by now, and his tone was that of someone trying to scare me. Secondly, I noticed he hadn’t used the nickname of Water Boy. Maybe the name hadn’t stuck after all these years. Of course, the call had been a warning or threat, maybe both. It also told me that Water Boy was still among the living.

  “I’ll get right on it,” Stanley said. “Now we know that Mr. Brown is still alive. I’ll see if I can find something on him. I should have dug deeper when I researched him.”

  “You do that. Maybe Eloise was right about someone watching her. I’m going to call and warn her to be careful. Then I’m going to call Pete and ask him to talk to Rick. I think we need some help, if that’s possible.”

  I phoned Eloise, but she didn’t answer so I left a message asking her to call me right away.

  Pete didn’t like the news I gave him. “I’b cobig id.”

  “I’m sorry, did you say you’re coming in?”

  “Yes.”

  “No you’re not. You’re still contagious, so stay at home. But call Rick and fill him in.”

  “Hold od.”

  I heard him blow his nose. It sounded like the mating call of a moose. I held back my laughter.

  “Okay, I can talk now. I’ll call Rick, but I want you and Stanley to stay together for now. I don’t want you taking any chances.”

  “I won’t. You know me better than that.”

  “And therein lies the problem. I know you better than you think I do.”

  “I’m going to drive over to Eloise’s house. I called her and she didn’t answer so I want to make sure she’s okay.”

  “Take Stanley with you,” Pete said.

  “And leave Felicity here alone? Not on your life.”

  “Sandi, we’ve had two break-ins, if you include Eloise’s place, and now a threatening phone call. I want you to be careful.”

  I decided it wasn’t the right time to tell him about Estelle’s visitor at the assisted living facility.

  Somehow I perceived that as a threat, too. After all, the man had told her to let the past stay buried.

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  “I’m heading over to Eloise’s house,” I said.

  “Do you want me to go with you?” Stanley asked.

  “No, you stay here with your wife. I’ll be fine.”

  Before pulling out of the parking lot, I took a careful look around. I didn’t see anyone suspicious, but that doesn’t always mean much. On the way to Eloise’s, I also watched the traffic carefully. Even though I didn’t see anyone unusual, I didn’t let down my guard. I knew from experience, my own surveillances, that if someone knows what they’re doing, you’d never know they were there.

  Eloise had just returned from somewhere and was letting Butch out of the car when I pulled up. Maybe he couldn’t jump into a car, but he had no trouble jumping out.

  My client waved at me. “I’m learning things about Butch already.” She was grinning.

  “Oh? What’s that?”

  “I think he gets car sick. He doesn’t seem to like riding in the car. He turns around on the seat and butts his head up against the back of the seat.”

  She didn’t have a leash on him, which surprised me. Of course, I never used one for Bubba, either.

  “No leash?”

  “No, thankfully he’s already been trained. He sticks pretty close to me. I guess dogs have feelings, too. He seems kind of needy, which makes me think he’s feeling insecure.”

  “You’re probably right. You seem to have a good feel for his personality. Let’s go inside.” I took a cursory glance around the neighborhood.

  “Something wrong?”

  “Let’s talk inside.”

  Her grin had disappeared and she led the way up the walkway. I waited while she unlocked the front door, which now included a deadbolt.

  She’d already had a doggie door installed and Butch made a beeline for the backyard.

  We sat down at her dining table.

  “Let me bring you up to speed,” I said.

  I told her about my visit with Estelle, and that Harley and Estelle had an affair. She was surprised to hear that Loretta had been pregnant and that Horace was the father. I explained that Rusty had fallen and broken his hip.

  “And we’ve learned that Water Boy is still alive,” and I explained about the phone message and the threat.

  I also told her about Humin’s wife’s diaries and his notes.

  She mulled over what I’d told her for a minute. “Wow! It seems I’ve missed a lot. What’s next?”

  “I’d like to revisit the Gin Mill Grill and make sure we didn’t miss something. Now that we know more, I have a better idea of what was going on there all those years ago. Something that didn’t interest me before might grab my attention now.”

  “I’d like to go with you,” she said.

  “Aren’t you a little worried about your safety?”

  “Not really. You’re doing all the digging, and I’m just a late-comer. Since whoever broke in here didn’t find what they were looking for, they won’t bother with me again.”

  “What about the rock through your window?”

  She frowned. “I hate to say this, but I’m not the target anymore. You are. I mean, I don’t hate to say it, but… Well, you know what I mean. I’m glad I’m not the one they’re after, and I’m sorry I dragged you into this, but I had no idea this would involve anyone new to the case. It boggles my mind that someone obviously younger than the people involved back then would take an interest now.”

  I shook my head. “I know I’m missing something – some piece of the puzzle – but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Now I know more about what the interactions were between everyone, and yet there’s something so elusive – just out of reach.”

  “You’ll figure it out. I have confidence.”

  I smiled. “Thank you.”

  “Estelle didn’t know who’d been hitting Loretta?”

  “No,” I said. “Loretta wouldn’t tell anyone who it was.”

  We sat quietly for a few minutes. Butch came in and checked to be sure Eloise was still there before going back outside.

  “There’s something Estelle said that seems to be making red lights go off in my head, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out what it is. And then there’s the man who visited her at the assisted living place. How could anyone know we’ve been talking to her?”

  “He made a threat,” Eloise said. “Because of her age, maybe he figured it would scare her to death. He’d be rid of her.”

  “Actually, it didn’t seem to bother her. She’s fearless, and at her age, that says a lot about her character. I talked to one of the nurses and they’re going to beef up security for a few days.”

  “When do you want to go back to the speakeasy?” Eloise asked.

  “Would tomorrow work? Felicity and I are going to visit Rusty this afternoon. I just hope his son will let us see him.”

  My cell phone rang. The Caller ID said Private Caller. What now?

  I answered somewhat hesitantly, putting it on speakerphone. I wasn’t sure why I felt I needed a witness.

  “Water Boy sends his regards,” t
he voice from the answering machine said. “He says to tell the old battle axe you’re with that he’s watching her, too.” He hung up.

  How did he know I was with Eloise? Or did he think I was at the assisted living facility?

  I jumped out of my chair. “That’s it,” I said, angrily, “I’m not putting up with anymore.”

  I stomped through the house and out to the porch, down the walkway and to the sidewalk.

  “Here I am,” I yelled. “Come and get me, you coward.”

  A neighbor was watering her lawn and looked at me like I was nuts.

  “Sorry,” I said. “I just had to get something out of my system. Have you seen anyone hanging around here who doesn’t belong?”

  She shook her head, turned off the water and hurried into her house.

  Turning around, I saw Eloise standing on her porch. “You’re just asking for trouble, you know.”

  I sighed and let my shoulders slump, and walked to the porch. “I know. I just couldn’t help myself. This isn’t the first time I’ve been threatened, and it probably won’t be the last. But at least for the moment, that call was the last straw.”

  “Come back in the house.”

  We resumed our seats and our conversation at the dining table.

  We heard a car speed by the house, obviously going way over the speed limit.

  We looked at each other.

  “You wouldn’t happen to have any chocolate in the house, would you?” I asked. Chocolate is my comfort food of choice.

  “I’m afraid not. I ate it all. I think I’ll take Butch to the gin mill with me.”

  I’d stop at the convenience store on my way back to the office and buy a candy bar.

  “Funny, but I was just thinking about bringing Bubba along.”

  “Neither dog seems aggressive. Let’s take them both and see how they get along.”

  “Clementine will have to come, too. Pete’s home sick and her barking drives him nuts.”

  “I wondered where he was.”

  “He’s either got the flu or a cold, and a nasty cough. He promised me he’d take himself to an urgent care clinic today. I wanted to take him, but he’s one of those people who feels he’s too manly to let me help.”

  “Oh, brother. I know the type.” She thought about what she’d said for a moment. “Don’t get me wrong, I like Pete. I just know his type. My husband was the same way,” she added quickly. “Very frustrating men.”

  “I’d better get going if I’m going to try to see Rusty today.”

  “May I go with you? I’d love to meet him.”

  I thought about it and said, “Sure. I have to pick up Felicity first. If he’s lucid, he’ll enjoy three women coming to see him. It’s a long drive, you know. What will you do with Butch?”

  “I’ll close the doggie door and leave him inside. He’s already attached to my oversized armchair, and he’s got to learn he belongs here, even if I’m gone.”

  I nodded my understanding.

  Eloise brought the dog inside and placed a doggie toy on his chair.

  “You don’t mind him climbing up on the furniture?” I asked.

  “Not that old chair. I think it’s as old as I am.”

  We picked up Felicity and the three of us started the long trek to the hospital.

  Before we went inside I called Pete and asked if he’d been to urgent care. He had, and they’d put him on antibiotics.

  “They said it’s a virus that’s going around right now and reminded me to wash my hands frequently, especially after being in a public place.”

  “Makes sense to me. I didn’t think they gave antibiotics for a virus, so you must have something else, too. That cough of yours says a lot. Did you talk to Rick about what’s been going on?”

  “I did, and there’s nothing he can do, which shouldn’t surprise you. We don’t have a whole lot to go on.”

  “We’ve got a lot of guesses, but not a lot of hard facts. I can see his point,” I said. “I’ve learned a few more things and we’ll talk when I get home. Right now I’m at the hospital and – “

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, sweetie. We’re going to see if we can get in to see Rusty.”

  “Who’s we?”

  “Me, Felicity and Eloise.”

  “Uh huh. I spoke to Stanley. I know what’s been going on. Be careful.”

  “So you know about Estelle’s visitor?”

  Dead silence.

  Oops. Apparently Stanley hadn’t told him that part of the story. Talk about letting the cat out of the bag.

  Chapter Thirty

  “I won’t be alone, Pete, and you know I’ll be careful,” I said.

  “Sandi, at some point these threats are going to become more than just threats. Please don’t lose sight of that. I’ll be up and around and able to help out soon. Try to stay low key until then.”

  “We’re on our way to a hospital to see a ninety-nine-year-old-man. What could possibly happen there?”

  “You never know.”

  I tried to stop myself, but I couldn’t help it. I sighed and rolled my eyes.

  “You just rolled your eyes, didn’t you?” Pete knew me so well.

  We hung up and Eloise, Felicity and I entered the hospital.

  A receptionist sat at a desk with a few people lined up to ask questions. She looked harried, and I understood and waited patiently, but not for long.

  I saw Marcus exit the elevator and head for the front door. He didn’t look happy which, of course, was no surprise.

  “Marcus,” I called.

  He didn’t respond.

  I left my friends waiting in line and hurried in his direction.

  “Marcus,” I called again.

  He stopped and turned to me. “What are you doing here?”

  “My friends and I came to visit your grandfather. Is he allowed to have visitors?”

  “He’s in the ICU, and meaner than ever. They said he’s not a good candidate for surgery so he’s stuck there. They can’t send him to rehab either. Too many medical issues.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Do you think a visit from three women might perk him up?”

  I was grasping at straws. I really wanted to speak to Rusty.

  “You can try visiting him, but I’m not sure they’ll let you in since you’re not family.”

  Marcus glanced up when the elevator doors whooshed open again.

  “Here comes my mother. I’d be willing to bet he kicked her out of his room.”

  A very attractive woman whom I guessed to be in her seventies approached us. She was wearing designer jeans and a blue silk shirt along with suede boots. She looked comfortable, and yet I could picture her in a silk suit instead of jeans. Her dark brown hair was sprinkled with grey and pulled back into a French braid. She was quite tall, at least by my standards.

  “Mother, this is Sandi Goldberg.”

  He glanced at me.

  “Or is it Webster?”

  “Webster-Goldberg. I kept the name Webster for business purposes.”

  “Sandi, this is my mother, Rose Windsor.”

  He’d called me Sandi, so apparently he wasn’t upset with me anymore. Maybe his grandfather’s accident along with the old man’s crusty nature had set him off.

  I held out my hand and Mrs. Windsor stared at it for a moment before clasping it and shaking hands.

  “I understand your visit had something to do with my father-in-law’s accident?”

  “I don’t know if it was because of my visit or not. Your son seems to think dredging up the past set him off.”

  She didn’t reply and turned to Marcus.

  “Son, we have to go home. I’ve got a meeting at four and plenty of paperwork to take care of before then.”

  “Yes, Mother.” Marcus’ lips tightened before he took her elbow and headed for the exit.

  “I’ll talk to you later,” he said, looking over his shoulder. “He’s in Room 303 in the ICU.”

  I saw his
mother’s back stiffen.

  I nodded, but he’d already turned away.

  Felicity and Eloise hurried over to meet me.

  “Who was that?” Eloise asked. “They didn’t look to happy to see you.”

  “That was Rusty’s daughter-in-law and grandson. Marcus said Rusty is in pretty foul mood. I’ll tell you about it on the ride upstairs.”

  We waited for the elevator to return before heading for the third floor, and I explained about our brief meeting.

  “They sound kind of snooty,” Felicity said. “If we run into them again, leave it to me. I’ve learned snooty from the best. My modeling career has taken me on some interesting journeys.”

  I laughed just as the elevator doors opened. “I can’t picture you acting like that. You’re about as down-to-earth as they come.”

  She sniffed rather haughtily. “That’s only because you know the real me.”

  Eloise smiled and shook her head. “You’re quite a pair. I’m glad you’re on my side.”

  We reached the ICU and they told us Rusty was allowed visitors, but only two at a time.

  “Felicity, you come with me first,” I said. “One look at you and he’ll soften up. Then I want you and Eloise to trade places because she may think of something pertinent to ask him.”

  Fel and I walked into Rusty’s room just in time to see a nurse walk out crying, and yet looking angry. Not a good sign.

  He was on oxygen and had an IV in his arm, and he had a heart monitor and some other apparatus attached to him.

  “Rusty, do you remember me?” I asked.

  His eyes were mere slits as he studied me. “Yeah, you’re that detective lady.”

  He slowly turned his head and looked Felicity up and down. I could hear the heart monitor speed up a little.

  “If I didn’t have a broken hip, I’d offer you my lap. Who’s the chicken-livered buzzard standing behind you?”

  I turned, but no one was there.

  “What’s he talking about?” Felicity whispered.

  “I’ve seen this type of thing before. They must have him on pain pills. I think he’s hallucinating.”

  “You tell that jack rabbit to get outta here!” he demanded.

  “You betcha, Rusty. I’ll get rid of him.” I made a move toward the door, and just to be sure, I looked up and down the hallway. I didn’t see anyone other than a doctor and a few nurses.