I left the ‘Closed’ sign on the window while I picked up the books off the floor and arranged the shelves. I never dusted yesterday. I would have to wait for another day. I heard a quiet knock and peered from around a shelf to see who knocked. It was Mitzi. She carried her basket of candles and essential oils I sell for her in the front corner of the store.
I opened the door. “Hi Mitzi, come on in.”
She smiled at me. “I hope it’s okay. I saw the ‘Closed’ sign, but I also saw lights. I was a bit worried. I heard about yesterday. Are you all right?”
“Right as rain,” I answered. “My aunt came to my rescue.” I looked into the basket. “Something smells good.”
“It’s spring so of course I have lilac scented candles.”
I pulled two out of the basket and placed them behind the front counter.
“Those are mine. I’m grabbing them before my customers beat me to it.” I smiled and walked back to the glass shelves near my front door Mitzi used to display her candles.
She glanced up at me and said, “You know I take special orders.”
“I know. I’ve been so busy that I forget to call you. Could you make two of your primrose candles for me? Laci loves them, and I’d like to put them in her room before she comes home. She likes surprises.” I stared out the window wondering if Laci would care or not this time. I fought the tears I felt and turned back to Mitzi.
“Sure thing,” she replied and popped to her feet. We settled the financial dealing between us and she hurried on her way.
I needed to finish dusting and picking up the books that were on the floor near the back bookshelf.
I picked up a large history book and placed it on the shelf. Several books that should have been next to it were moved out of place. I pulled them off the shelf to rearrange them and something caught my eye. It was a glimmer of something gold. I pulled another book off the shelf and saw what I noticed. It appeared that someone most likely my intruder had dropped it there since it sat on a thin layer of dust. The gold object was dust free. That means it was dropped since I dusted a week ago. I looked closer. It was a key fob. Why would someone hide a key fob here? It was upside down, but I could see the letter pressed into the metal even if it was backward. It was the letter ‘B.’ Could this be Barbara’s or was it planted here to make it look as if I stole it after I killed her.
Hmm, what is it with the key fobs? I can understand someone with the initial ‘A’ lost their key fob in Barbara’s car, but why would anyone place a ‘B’ in my shop. It has to be Claudine. She does not think clearly on a good day. She must be a mess now. I know she thinks I’m responsible. Does she think hiding this in my store makes me look guilty? If I were, I certainly wouldn’t hide anything behind my books. Time to call 911. This is part of yesterday’s crime against me, not something I did. Darn, my phone must be in my purse.
I heard the bell over the door jingle. I must have forgotten to lock the door when Mitzi left.
A female voice I didn’t recognize called out. “Annie Ryan where are you? Come out here and talk to me. I know you’re here.”
Yummy growled. It was a quiet growl from a tiny dog, but I know when he’s not happy. I think he’s as concerned as I am.
I froze. It was the killer coming back in broad daylight to kill me. I began to walk backward hoping to get to the rear door before I was shot.
“Annie, please, it’s serious. I can’t find him anywhere. You need to help me.”
I peeked around a bookshelf and saw Lyle’s daughter, Ruthie, standing near the front counter.
It’s not the killer. I called out, “Coming.”
When I approached Ruthie, her pale face concerned me. She appeared to be in severe pain. I thought perhaps her appendix was acting up. I think she’s too young for a heart attack, but one never knows.
“Can I help you? Do you need some water, a chair? I can call 911. You don’t look well, Ruthie.” I moved toward her, and she let out a whimper.
Her purse dropped from her hand and made a loud thud when it hit the floor. She dropped to her knees and covered her face with her hands. Her sobs shook her body.
Yummy raced in front of me and pushed his nose against her. He whined, but I doubt she heard him over her sobs.
I rushed to her side. She continued to cry and babble, but I couldn’t understand her. I helped her to her feet and moved her slowly to a chair I keep near my front counter. After several minutes, her tears dried, and a look of horror flashed across her face.
“Ruthie, what’s wrong?” I asked afraid of the answer.
“It’s my dad.”
Worried for Lyle and my aunt since the two have been inseparable lately, I felt fear tighten my chest. Yummy ran around my feet the way he did when he sensed I was worried. I picked him up.
“What about him? Is he okay,” I stammered.
“I don’t know. He’s with that woman. They got married. I think she’s some kind of black widow. She’ll kill him for his money. Do something,” she pleaded.
“Me, why me?” The woman was hysterical again. How can I help her father?
She thrust her cell phone at me. “Because he texted me. He’s with your aunt.”
I grabbed the phone and read Lyle’s text.
“Irene and I got married this morning.
We’re going on a two-week honeymoon.
Call you when we get home.”
I stared at the phone, then at Ruthie, and back at the phone.
She looked at me, “Well, do something. Did you know about this?”
I shook my head. “No, my phone is in my purse. Let me see if I have a message.” I hurried to the back of the store and retrieved my phone. I did have a text from Aunt Irene.
“Lyle and I eloped. Don’t panic.
Will explain tonight.
Ruthie thinks we’re on our honeymoon.
We’re going to hide at my cottage.
Please keep our secret.”
I swallowed and took a deep breath. I walked back to the front of the store. “Sorry, no messages, but if I get one I can call you.”
“You’re aunt wants my dad’s money and house. She’s a gold digger.” Ruthie bounced her fists on her knees.
That did it. I try not to get angry, but family is important.
“Listen, lady, my aunt doesn’t need whatever money your dad has or his house. She worked for the government all her adult life. She has an excellent pension and owns her cottage. Besides, if she wanted a bigger house, I’d let her and Lyle live in one of the wings of the Kelleher mansion. I could buy half the town for them if I wanted.” I set Yummy back on the floor and crossed my arms and tapped my foot.
Whoa, Annie, slow down. She’s worried about her dad. Don’t use your money to make her feel bad. You promised yourself you’d never do that to anyone. Even if she called Aunt Irene a gold digger and a black widow, she’s worried sick. Breathe, Annie, breathe. Goodness gracious, you’ll turn into Claudine.
I shuddered.
She stared at me, her wide eyes filled with tears.
“Ruthie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get upset, too. I know you’re worried, but please don’t think poorly of my aunt. She’s a sweet woman. I believe we can talk as long as you refrain from using words like black widow or gold digger when describing my aunt.”
She looked up at me. “I’m sorry, too. I really didn’t mean it. I spoke to my brother just before I came in here, and he upset me. He’s worried he won’t inherit dad’s home. He has money problems.”
“Your dad’s alive, how can your brother expect to inherit anything now?”
I became worried about Lyle and Aunt Irene.
“He wants dad to sell the house and move into an apartment. Ronnie could borrow enough to help him now and help dad invest the rest. Then when…” her voice trailed off. Tears ran down her cheeks again.
I felt my anger build, but I needed to keep my temper. I’m in enough trouble with the authorities. If Ruthie complains about me,
they’ll arrest me and throw away the key.
“I’m not sure what I can do. What can I do for you,” I asked.
“Nothing, I’m sorry. I should go. If you see my dad, tell him I love him. Ask him to call me. I won’t try and force him to do anything. I’m just worried. Since mom passed, he’s been acting strangely like attempting to build that time machine.” She stood and picked her purse off the floor. Wiping the last of her tears off her face she headed for the door.
“I’ll do what I can,” I told her as she walked out the door.
I’m not sure what I can do. I guess I’ll talk to Aunt Irene and Lyle this evening. Time to call the police about that key fob.
Detective Berg arrived this time. I was pleased he didn’t bring Detective Nate with him. He stared at the key fob lying on the back of the bookshelf and called for a tech.
He chewed his lip while his gaze drifted between the key fob and me. He finally asked me a question.
Yummy stood at my side and growled again.
“How often do you move these books?”
“Not often. I have a long handle duster, and I run it down the back of the books and the shelf once a week. Four times a year I remove all the books and give the shelves a thorough cleaning. I do it more often if a book is sold and leaves a gap. I move a few books and rearrange the books. While the books aren’t moved that often, the shelves are clean.” I drummed my fingers on my thighs wondering what he was going to say.
He asked another question. “If you dusted behind these books do you think you would have noticed the key fob?”
I shook my head. “I doubt it. I usually have music playing when I dust. It wouldn’t make much sound if the duster just pushed it along. Why?”
“It’s a good hiding place,” he commented.
“Yeah, and I think it was planted yesterday. Take a look at it. There’s no dust on top of it. It was dropped there recently. You can tell that, can’t you?”
He shrugged, and I began to feel nervous. I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans. Maybe I should have picked it up and flushed it without calling the police. With my luck, it would have gotten stuck in the plumbing, and I’d be in more trouble.
The Tech snapped a dozen pictures from every angle, dropped the key fob in a plastic bag, and told Detective Berg he’d see him at the station.
Detective Berg raised one eyebrow when he looked at me and then a broad smile crossed his face. “Relax, Annie. I agree with you. It looks as if this was planted, but don’t tell a soul I shared that info with you. I’ll deny it.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks, I wish Clark was here.”
“If he were, he couldn’t work on the case either way. You have to depend on us to figure it out. I believe you, and although the Chief doesn’t say much, I think he does, too.” He walked over and placed his hand on my shoulder.
“Your cousin thinks I’m guilty of everything.” My shoulders drooped, and I shook my head.
“He likes it here and would like to be hired on permanently. He’d like to have Clark’s job. I would like to see him go back home. I’d feel better leaving the force and working on my P.I. business if I knew Clark took my place.” He patted my shoulder. “Buck up, it’ll be fine. I’m working on it.”
“Thanks, Clark said you were a good cop, umm detective, sorry.” I tried to smile.
“No problem, call if you need us. Take care, Annie.” Detective Berg said and strode toward the front of the store and left.
I hurried behind him, locked the door, and kept the ‘Closed’ sign up. I finished dusting and organizing books and headed home. I needed to find out about Aunt Irene and Lyle.
~ * ~
Neither my aunt’s nor Lyle’s vehicles were anywhere to be seen when I arrived home.
Yummy ran around the puppy run while I placed a chicken breast in the oven to bake. I returned to the patio when I heard Yummy barking.
“What’s wrong boy,” I asked.
He pushed against the puppy run fence and whined. He was staring at Aunt Irene’s cottage. I listened and heard faint barking. It was Peanut. My aunt must have left her home since she and Lyle were evidently going somewhere they couldn’t take animals. I used my key and brought Peanut out to the run, and she and Yummy scampered and played. My aunt’s headlights pulled my attention away from the dogs.
I breathed a sigh of relief seeing my aunt and Lyle climb out of my aunt’s car. I walked over to her and hugged her then said, “You scared the life out of me. Ruthie came into the store and practically had a meltdown.”
I heard Lyle moan and apologize. “It’s all my fault. Irene is trying to help me. You aren’t supposed to be bothered by my kids.” He sat down in a lawn chair looking more dejected than any groom should.
I sat next to him, and Aunt Irene sat on his other side.
“Okay, you two, explain. I’m not making any judgments. You’re adults and can do what you want. I just would like to understand before Ruthie or Ronnie come to the store and accuse me of helping my aunt swindle you out of all your money, Lyle.”
“She didn’t?” His eyes filled with concern.
“No, but she did accuse my aunt of marrying you for your money which I know is ridiculous. Anyone want a beer or wine cooler,” I asked. “I could use one.” Both nodded.
I hurried in and grabbed a beer for Lyle and two wine coolers. I handed one to my aunt and sat back down. “Okay, I’m ready to hear the story.” I took a big gulp of my wine cooler.
“Okay, it really is simple,” Lyle stated.
“Uh huh,” I mumbled not sure what he meant by simple.
Lyle continued, “I’m in good health. Except for arthritis in my hands, my doc says I’m doing great for a man my age. My kids think I’m going batty because of the time machine. Doc says it’s good I have a hobby even if it’s unusual. Keeps my mind sharp, and using my hands is good for my arthritis.” He slugged back a third of his beer.
Aunt Irene spoke up. “We talked to several agencies that offer services for older folks who want to remain in their homes. Mostly what Lyle needs is someone to clean the house and some meals either delivered or in the freezer for when his hands hurt. We set up a housekeeping service for him. I told him he could eat dinner with me. He likes cereal for breakfast, and a sandwich for lunch and he can do that even on bad days.”
I nodded.
Lyle jumped into the conversation again. “Well, I was really worried the kids would force me out of the house. Ronnie has money trouble and would like me to sell the house and give him part of the money. I don’t mind helping Ronnie. I have in the past, but I don’t want to lose my home. Even with everything set up the way it is, the kids could try and prove I’m nuts. If they have me declared incompetent, they could force me to move, and Ronnie could be given the guardianship over my finances. I would be in serious trouble then.” He shook his head and finished his beer.
“I understand all that,” I said. I downed the last of my wine cooler, too. I felt sorry for Lyle.
Aunt Irene said, “We tried to think of a way to keep the kids from doing that to him. We went to see Lucas Stone. He explained Lyle’s options, and none sounded too appealing. Just before we left, he laughingly added, ‘You could always get married. Then Irene would be able to take care of your finances with you, and your children couldn’t force you to move. You’re of sound mind and body. Any judge would side with you.’”
Lyle said, “We thanked him and left. By the time we walked to my car, we looked at each other and said ‘let’s do it.’ We began making plans and went to the next county right away to apply for a license so my kids wouldn’t know. Today we went and were married at their city hall.” He smiled at me.
I need another wine cooler.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have loved to be there. Aunt Irene this is your first wedding. Did you have flowers, at least?” I asked.
“Sure did,” she answered handing me her phone. “Look, we had someone take our pictures. We’re going
to e-mail them to friends tonight.”
I have to admit they made an adorable couple, but I’m still concerned about the fallout from Lyle’s kids.
“Okay, but your kids are going to hit the roof. Lyle, they’ll try to hunt you down. They think you took a honeymoon. Why are you here?” I scrunched my nose. I was confused.
“We’re hiding in plain sight,” Lyle laughed. “My house is locked up tight and although Ruthie has a key, it looks as if I’m gone. I stopped the paper, and the post office is holding the mail.”
“Uh huh,” I muttered not sure what else to say.
“After two weeks, we’re hoping they’ll calm down and we can pretend to come home. By then we’ll be settled in as a happily married couple.” Lyle grinned at me.
Not sure what that grin meant I raised my eyebrows.
“Oh my, don’t get the wrong idea, Annie. Things are going to stay the way they are. We’re keeping both houses, and Irene isn’t changing her name. We’re just married friends, and I’d never hurt her. Umm, you don’t have to worry about us. Oh well I mean, her virtue is safe with me.”
Information overload. Oh, my goodness gracious.
“Good,” I mumbled. “I’m tired and heading inside.”
I smiled at them both, picked up Yummy and headed into my house. I closed the vertical blinds on the happy couple. I spent too much time outside and my chicken breast burned. I tossed it, grabbed two granola bars, and headed for the shower.
Chapter Thirteen
Yummy and I arrived at the bookstore a bit earlier than usual. After dealing with a found key fob, the police, Ruthie, and the Aunt Irene and Lyle situation yesterday, I never opened the store. I needed to be open a full day today before my customers begin to worry. Rumors fly like wildfire in a small town. By tomorrow who knows what people would think if the store remains closed?
I turned the ‘Closed’ sign to ‘Open’ and let Yummy out of his carrier. My first call was to Clark’s dad. Clark’s parents own Cavanaugh’s Hardware, and I needed a new cellar door and lock installed.
“Hi, Annie, how are you?” I heard Mrs. Cavanaugh’s voice come through the phone.
Murder, Trouble & Family Page 12