Mulch Ado About Murder

by Martha Rogers

  Recognition replaced confusion and a broad smile lit up the elderly lady’s face. “Oh, do come in. I don’t have many visitors, and this is a pleasure.”

  Ben followed me into the room and we sat down with her in her living area. I gazed around at the furnishings and recognized them as fine antiques. The rich dark woods gleamed in the light from crystal lamps adorned with silk shades.

  Then I realized she had spoken to me. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Wentworth. I was admiring your beautiful home.”

  “Oh, please call me Olivia.” Her hand swept through the air. “These are some of my most favorite pieces. Mr. Wentworth bought them for me.”

  At this moment Olivia seemed to be perfectly lucid and completely in control. I had difficulty imagining this dear lady being lost, but I had seen it with my own eyes. However, this visit would probably go down as just a nice morning with a lovely lady. But why did she refer to her son as Mr. Wentworth?

  I leaned forward. “Olivia, are you planning to attend Pete’s memorial service tomorrow evening?”

  Confusion filled Olivia’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t know about any party. I wasn’t invited.”

  “Oh, but everyone’s invited. It’ll be right here in our prayer chapel.”

  Olivia shook her head. “Oh, my dear, you must be mistaken. There’s no party here tomorrow. I haven’t sent out invitations or planned a menu or anything. I’ll have to speak to Mr. Wentworth about this.”

  Suddenly the reference dawned on me. Olivia thought she was in her own home, and Mr. Wentworth must be her husband. But he’d been dead for many years.

  Olivia peered up at Ben. “Now who are you? And why are you here?”

  Ben moved to Olivia’s side. “I’m Ben Martin, and we came for a visit. I live at Spring Hills.”

  Olivia clasped her hands together in her lap. “I think my son owns that place. I’ve heard the name somewhere.” Suddenly she stood. “I’m not minding my manners. May I get you a cup of tea?”

  I shook my head. “No, thank you, I’m fine.” I stood and motioned for Ben to do the same. “It’s been pleasant visiting with you, Mrs. Wentworth. We’ll come back when we have more time to visit.”

  She accompanied us to the door. “I’m sorry, you can’t stay longer. Please do come back. I’m worried about safety ever since that gardener was murdered.”

  Now she was back in the present. Maybe she knew something after all. “Yes, that was a terrible thing.”

  “A number of things went on. A woman talked to him and some man came up the way a bit. He drove a silver car.”

  That car again. “What did he look like?”

  “Big and brawny.” She nodded her head and pointed at Ben. “Bigger than this man who came with you.”

  How could she have seen him so well from this distance? “Did you notice what he was wearing?”

  “Not really. He wasn’t wearing a suit, but he had on some type of dark jacket like a windbreaker.”

  Not sure how much that would help, but it was a lot more than I had before. At the door, I extended a hand toward the older woman. “Thank you for allowing us to visit with you. You are a gracious hostess.”

  Olivia beamed. “You’re welcome. You and your friend can come back any time.”

  I nodded. “That would be nice.”

  Ben stepped out into the hall. Olivia snapped her fingers. “Those numbers I saw were 555-LQR and they were red and white.” Then she closed the door.

  “What on earth was that?”

  Ben shook his head. “I’m not sure, but it may have been a license plate number.”

  “I think you’re right. Arkansas plates are white with red and are a combination of letters and numbers just like that.” Her strange behavior did raise doubts, but stranger things have happened.

  Ben shook his head. “The poor woman doesn’t know where she is. And she’s so proud of everything in her home. One minute she knew exactly what she was saying and doing, and then the next I was a complete stranger.”

  “I know, and I believe her son was right in saying she may be suffering from Alzheimer’s.

  “If you think it’s worth a try, I’ll give those numbers to Harry, and let him check it out.”

  “Thank you, it may come to naught, but it can’t hurt.” No sense in giving them to the police until we knew if there was a connection to Pete.

  When we left the building, Ben turned towards the cottages and Harry’s place. I planned to make another visit with Ellie. I had neglected her for a few days, and she needed to know I hadn’t forgotten her.

  I kept thinking about poor Olivia. Ben was right. There was no way an elderly lady like Olivia could have seen the license plate on the car in my driveway from that distance. Probably another wild goose chase, but then again, stranger things had led to solving crimes.

  Chapter 10

  Sunday evening, we gathered in the chapel for our regular evening service, but tonight it would be a special time of memory for Pete. Our own resident Pastor Lewis conducted the service this week.

  We sang a few old hymns we all love, and just before his message, Pastor Lewis said a few words about Pete.

  “Pete Graham loved the earth and working in it. Many times, we spoke of nature and God’s creation. One of his great prides was in the beauty of our grounds here at Spring Hills. No matter what task any one of us requested regarding our own gardening, he took it on and did his best. He’s the reason behind Mrs. Billings’ beautiful azaleas each year and the lovely rose garden we all enjoy.

  “Pete believed in the Lord, but like all humans, he had his faults. Despite those, he was a good man, and one whom we will all miss. His mother called me this afternoon, and Pete’s funeral service will be Tuesday afternoon at two. There will be a van available to take any of you who would like to attend and don’t want to drive. And now, Miss Taryn Ryan will sing for us in Pete’s memory.”

  Taryn’s lovely soprano voice sang out the words to How Great Thou Art. My heart soared with the melody, and I realized anew how great our God is. When she finished, we all sat in silent appreciation of a song well-done. Pastor Lewis brought a short message on forgiveness and love, and then we were dismissed.

  A number of our residents gathered around Taryn to compliment her solo. Her smile lit up her face, and I could see why any man would be attracted to her. I would add her to my prayer list for her to find the right man for her life.

  Ben nudged my arm. “I would never have believed Taryn could sing like that.”

  “She’s a member of the choir at her church, and she’s sung before for us. That’s why I suggested she sing tonight.”

  “Very good choice, which leads me to believe she’s not our killer despite the fact she did argue with Pete.”

  “I’ve come to the same conclusion.” I nodded toward Harry. “See if you can get him out of the grips of Bessie and come down to my place. We need to discuss this some more.”

  “I’ll do that. See you in a bit.” He strolled over to Harry, and I made my way outside and down the walk to my cottage. My cell phone jingled its merry tune.

  Bessie’s voice came on when I answered, and she didn’t sound happy at all.

  “Abigail Billings, Ben just canceled our practice Bridge game for tonight. What’s this all about? I’ve seen you and him and Harry with your heads together. What’s going on?”

  “I’m sorry Ben canceled. I didn’t know you were due a practice session when I invited him for coffee and a piece of pie. I’ll tell him we can do this some other time and send him back.”

  Her exasperated sigh came over the airwave loud and clear. “No, that won’t be necessary. As long as you and Harry aren’t going over strategy, we’ll be okay. I’ll see you at breakfast. Good-bye.”

  The call ended, and I slipped the phone back into my pocket. If Bessie knew what we were really doing, she’d have a hissy-fit and want to be included. If we did that, she’d be spreading the word faster than greased lightning. I wouldn’t bet on any contest pi
tting her against Tillie for letting people know what was going on, but then most of Bessie’s information came from Tillie anyway.

  After the coffee started dripping, I went out the back way with Mitzi and let her off the leash for a few minutes. A car now sat in the carport of the Stewart cottage, so they must have returned from their trip. That got me to thinking again about that silver or gray car. If we knew who had been driving it, we would have another suspect and a good one at that.

  Mitzi bounded around the corner and stopped at my feet. She dropped something on the ground, sat back on her haunches, and tilted her head. I leaned down to pick it up and found an earring.

  I held it a moment because I had seen one like it recently. Nothing came to me, so I pocketed it and picked up Mitzi. “I don’t know how, but you keep digging up more clues for us. This earring could be important. Good girl.” I’d return the piece to Noreen in the morning, so she could check to see if anyone had reported losing it.

  Ben opened the front door and called out my name. “Abby, we’re here, and we have some news.”

  Harry followed him in. “I just got a call from a friend of mine at the station, and he gave me the information about that number you gave me. It was a license plate number, and I’m going to look it up and let you know what I find.”

  I drummed my fingers on the counter by the coffee pot. “Well, well, Mrs. Wentworth is more observant than we give her credit for. First thing after breakfast I’ll pay her another visit.”

  I poured the coffee into mugs on a tray and added a plate of muffins I had taken from the freezer. When I set them on the table, Ben grabbed a blueberry one.

  “That’s a good idea. She may remember something else. I’ve been thinking about the funeral, too. Let’s check at breakfast to see who at our table plans or wants to go to Pete’s service. We could all go in one of our cars and not take up space on the van.”

  It wouldn’t be mine because it only holds five. Clara and Doris don’t drive, and Bessie’s was the same size as mine, so that left Ben or Harry to drive. “Which one of you wants the honor?”

  Harry laughed and poked his chest with his thumb. “Me, of course, I’m the only one with a big enough car.”

  His SUV did seat seven, so we had our ride to the service, but now it was time to get back to other things.

  I pulled the earring from my pocket. “Mitzi brought me this a while ago. Not sure where she found it, but I know I’ve seen it on someone around here before. It’s not for pierced ears, so it could have easily fallen off any lady in our community.”

  Harry held out his hand, so I handed it to him. He eyed it from several angles. “I think I’ve see this, too. Do you plan to turn it in? It could be another clue in our mystery.”

  “Well, yes, I was going to give it to Noreen tomorrow, but the longer I look at it, I’m not sure any of the women who live here would wear one like that. It’s a rather large stone and has an intricate designed frame around it. The color is unusual, too. Not really purple, but not maroon either. It also looks like it may be hand-crafted.”

  Ben shook his head. “I wouldn’t know anything about that, but it will be interesting to see who has the matching one.” He frowned with his eyebrows bunched together. “Why not post a notice on the bulletin board and see who answers it.”

  “A good idea, but I think I’ll hang on to it a little longer.”

  “Okay. I’ll make up a lost sign for it without a description then whoever says they lost one will have to describe it or show the other one. Whenever you decide, it’ll be ready.” Ben drank the last drops of his coffee. “It’s getting late, so I’m heading home. How about you, Harry?”

  “I’m right behind you.”

  I followed them to the door where Ben stopped. “Do you mind if I go with you to visit Olivia in the morning?”

  “After giving it some thought, I think I’d rather do it alone. It’ll be less confusing for her if no one is with me.”

  “You’re probably right, but be sure to let us know what you find out. I’ll go with Harry in the morning, and then we can meet here tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Of course I will let you know about Olivia. We’re in this together. See you tomorrow afternoon.” I started to close the door but remembered Bessie. “Oh, and Ben, be sure you apologize to Bessie in the morning for skipping out on your Bridge game tonight.”

  Ben’s face colored. “I guess I should. I didn’t give her any excuse or explanation. I don’t know why I agreed to be her partner again except I like to win.” He winked and backed off the porch.

  “Well, you won’t this time. Right, Harry?”

  He grinned and gave me a thumbs-up sign. I shooed them off of the porch. “Now get on, both of you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  I closed the door behind them. It was only a little after nine, so I decided to pop some corn and watch a Hallmark movie I’d taped earlier.

  The movie was good, but my mind wandered off in all directions. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced that earring had something to do with Pete’s murder. If it was a clue and belonged to the killer, we’d be in trouble for withholding evidence. I couldn’t say if it had actually been found at the scene, so I wasn’t really hindering the police from their investigation.

  The fact that Olivia had remembered the license plate number still amazed me, and it meant she may have seen a lot more than she told us before. I switched off the TV. I’d watch the movie some other time.

  I made a list of questions and things I could say to Olivia to help her remember that day. I prayed she’d have more lucid moments and give us a clue that would lead us to a prime suspect. Harry could then turn the information over to that detective. If I did, and told him the source, he might not believe me, but he’d listen to Harry.

  Tomorrow might turn out to be a most interesting day.

  Chapter 11

  After breakfast the next morning, I went in search of Noreen to see if she had returned to work.

  Taryn stepped out of her office at the same time I arrived at her door. “Oh, Mrs. Billings, you’re just the one I wanted to see.”

  “Oh, I came by to check on Noreen. Is she coming back to work today?”

  “No, the doctor said one more day, so she’ll be here tomorrow. Now, what I wanted to see you about. We have the food arranged and everything set for the Harvest Banquet. Our guest speaker is a Christian comic recommended by Reverend Lewis. You need to form a committee and get started on what we can use. We have a harvest theme, so you can go from that. Be sure to check with Mr. Kirk about the flowers as well.”

  “I can do that. Do you have any suggestions for the floral arrangements?” Something else to add to my list of “to-do,” but I couldn’t disappoint our residents.

  “Some bronze and gold mums would be great and other fall flowers that might be available.”

  That wouldn’t be so difficult. “I’ll speak to Mr. Kirk about it today.” I started to ask why she couldn’t speak to Tom Kirk herself, but she was taking over Noreen’s duties as well, so I figured she must have a good reason. Then I remembered one of the reasons I wanted to see her or Noreen in the first place.

  “By the way, I thought you’d like to know that Ben, Harry, and the others in our group are going to Pete’s funeral in Harry’s car. That should make for more room in the van.”

  “Great. Thanks for telling me. The van is filling up, and this will allow for more residents.”

  “I’m glad, now I must run some errands.” I hurried away before she could think of some other task I could do for the dinner. Not that I minded helping, but I had too many other things on my mind, the first being my visit with Olivia Wentworth.

  I knocked on Olivia’s door, and a strange woman opened it. “Hello, I’m Abigail Billings, and I live in one of the cottages. Is Mrs. Wentworth available for a visit?”

  A grin spread across her face. “Oh, Mrs. Billings, Mother has mentioned you. I’m Georgene Wentworth, Olivia’s daughter-in-
law. Please, come in.”

  I did, but with a little apprehension. How much would I be able to get from Olivia with Georgene here?

  “Olivia will be out in a moment. May I get you a cup of tea or coffee? We just finished breakfast, so the coffee is hot and fresh.”

  “Coffee would be nice, Mrs. Wentworth.”

  “Oh, do please call me Georgene. I feel like I know you from all I’ve heard about how you solved the mystery of the missing money and the embezzling a few months ago.”

  Heat rose up my neck. Of course, she’d know about that since she was the wife of the board president. “I’m glad I was able to help Spring Hills police catch the thief.”

  “Trenton was as well.” She set a mug of coffee on the table. “Here comes Olivia now.”

  I’d never seen the woman when she didn’t look like she was ready for guests, and this morning was no exception. Her white hair held a perfect coif, and her face glowed with subtle make-up. Even her attire, navy wool slacks and a blue sweater fit her slight frame to perfection.

  “Mother, Mrs. Billings has dropped by to see you.” She pulled out a chair for Olivia to be seated across from Abigail.

  Olivia smiled and leaned forward. “Where’s that handsome man you were with the other day?”

  My goodness, she remembered our visit. “He’s off taking care of some business. I’ll tell him you asked about him.”

  “Please do, and Georgene, I’d like another cup of coffee please.”

  Georgene headed for the kitchen and the coffee pot. She returned a moment later and set the cup and saucer before Olivia.

  “Thank you, dear. Now, Abigail, are you here again about that awful murder?”

  I jerked back. Wow, I hadn’t expected that. “In a way, but I wanted to thank you for the numbers you gave us. They belonged to the car that was seen at my cottage that morning.”

  “I’m glad they may help.” She reached over to the sideboard and picked up a pair of binoculars. “I love watching the birds out at the feeders every morning.”