Murder So Festive

by Eileen Curley Hammond

  “I won’t use any names. The point is to let parents know about the problem.”

  Jenny shrugged. “Fine by me, but we need to get going.”

  Rob put his coat on and held out Jenny’s. He glanced at me. “See you later?”

  “For sure.” I smiled at him and gave Jenny a kiss. “Be safe. Love you.”

  She wriggled away. Rob stole a quick kiss from me before he left.

  I rinsed the mugs and put them in the dishwasher. Taking one last look around the house, I left. A stiff breeze assaulted me, and I pulled my scarf tighter. Shivering, I opted for the car. I smiled as I zipped into a prime parking spot near the police station; striding in, I asked for Detective Ziebold. One of the clerks escorted me back to his office.

  “Merry. Good to see you. What’s up?”

  “Thanks for seeing me, Jay. Drew stopped by this morning and gave me a list of the phone numbers of the people who have been calling to harass him.” I showed him the spreadsheet. It contained the phone numbers, whether it was a hang up or a threatening call and the number of times.

  “Why did he give the list to you?”

  I avoided his searching look. “He thought that you might not be his biggest fan. Plus, he knows that I’m concerned about Jenny. I don’t want her involved in any of this.”

  “I’ll look into it. I promise.”

  Waving, I pulled on my coat again and wound my scarf around my face. Bracing myself, I opened the outer door and then scurried to my office. Yanking that door open, I wiped my feet and luxuriated in the warmth. I took off my scarf and coat and moved through the office, pausing to touch base with some of my associates.

  While I hung my coat up in the closet, Cheryl stuck her head in. “Rob called. He wants to know if you can meet him at the Pickled Herring at noon for lunch.”

  I checked my phone. “Unless you know something I don’t, that should be good.”

  “I’ll let him know.”

  I massaged my fingers to try and get some blood flowing and then read the call list. Amanda Thomas was on it to talk about commercial insurance for her small business. I thought for a moment and then picked up the phone. “Good morning, Amanda. The reason why I’m calling is to see if you’d like to learn more about the products we offer for small businesses.”

  “It’s funny that you would call today. I was just looking at my bill and wanted to know if the coverage I have is right for me. Is it possible for you to stop by at four? We’re usually not that busy then.”

  I checked my calendar. “I can make that happen. Look forward to seeing you.” I hung up. This should be interesting.

  At noon, I bundled up and hurried down to the Pickled Herring. Rob waited inside the door. He laughed. “Are you in there, Merry? It’s kind of hard to tell with the amount of clothing you have on. On second thought, I think you could have added another scarf or two.”

  My eyes were the only things peeking out from between my hood and scarf. I gave him a dirty look as I unwound it. “At least I’m warm.” Kissing his cheek, I sat in the booth. “How was the walk to school this morning?”

  He moved his silverware around. “It was fine, but Jenny couldn’t stop talking about Drew. She’s so excited he’s living here now. I know it’s not really any of my business, but I’m worried he’s up to no good and he’s going to disappoint you both again.”

  I took his hand. “Thanks for caring about us. I appreciate it. Drew worries me as well, but there’s not a lot I can do about it.” Our food arrived, and we ate for a while in silence. “I’m seeing Amanda Thomas this afternoon on business. It will be interesting to see if she lets anything slip about Drew.”

  “Doubtful, since she’s been sneaking around.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Just before four, I bundled up again. Cheryl said, “I don’t envy you having to go out in this weather.”

  I glared at her for effect and then smiled. “Text me if you need anything.”

  I scurried the two blocks and practically leapt into Amanda’s store, closing the door swiftly behind me. I glanced at Amanda. “So glad to be back in the heat again.” I shed my coat and scarf, putting them on the old-fashioned hatstand by the door.

  “Let me just finish up with Barbara, and then I’ll be right with you.”

  A hand waved from the top of one of the white louvered dressing room doors. “Is that Merry?”

  “Yes, it’s me, Barbara. How are you?” Barbara was Jay Ziebold’s wife. They had five boys, and somehow she juggled the havoc they caused very gracefully.

  She emerged from the dressing room wearing a muted gray-and-white angora sweater over a pair of gray slacks. “How lovely,” I said.

  She turned to see herself in the mirror. “Are you sure it doesn’t make my rump look too big?”

  “No. If anything, I think the cut makes you look quite slender.”

  “Did you hear someone bought the Morning Pastry? I lost five pounds when that place closed.” She smiled. “Still, I’m hopeful that the new owners can cook even half as well.” Barbara looked at Amanda. “I’m going to take these and the scarf I gave you earlier.”

  “That’s great. I’ll start ringing you up.”

  Barbara changed quickly. “I’d like to stay and chat, but the boys have been home for an hour now, and who knows what damage they’ve caused.” She grabbed her packages, waved goodbye to both of us, and left the store.

  Amanda gestured to two café-style chairs with a small table between. “Why don’t we sit over here?”

  I pulled out my iPad and joined her. “Let me pull up the coverage you have currently, and then we’ll talk about some things you may want to think about adding. You might also be able to save some money by bundling your coverage together.” I talked her through some options.

  “Thanks for explaining this to me, Merry. I’m going to have to think about it. I want to make sure I have the appropriate coverage, but I need to weigh the costs. I’ll get back to you next week.”

  I put away my iPad. “Jenny’s excited about the fashion show next week.”

  “She’s a natural. She’s so pretty and tall. My clothes look great on her. I’m sure she’ll do a super job, and we’ll make some good money for breast cancer research.”

  “I’m glad you’re doing this. It’s such a great cause.”

  She smiled. “It is. Well, if there’s nothing else?”

  Here we go. I stood. “One thing—the last time I saw you, you were very concerned about Drew being back in town. I just wanted to tell you that I had no idea he was going to rent Nancy’s house.”

  She stood and glanced down at the table, her finger tracing the lace under the glass top. “I think our worries were overblown. As you said, he paid his debt to society; he can live where he chooses.” She finally looked at me. “I’m sorry if I was a little rough on you.”

  “No problem. I’m glad you feel that way.” I paused, caressing the material of one of the display sweaters. “This feels so soft.” Then, taking a deep breath, I plunged in. “I’ve been curious about something. I don’t remember, but did you know Drew well before he went away?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I knew him, certainly, like most people in town. What are you implying?”

  “I’m not implying anything. I was just curious.” I put on my coat and scarf. “Let me know what you decide to do on the insurance. I look forward to the fashion show next week.”

  My neck hairs bristled as I felt her gaze following me all the way down the block. She was definitely sleeping with him before he went to jail. But for how long?

  Cursing myself for having left my car near the police station, I hurried past my storefront, head down, trying to conserve whatever heat I could. Not paying attention, I barreled straight into Drew and bounced off him into one of the snowbanks lining the sidewalk. “I hate winter.”

  Laughing, he pulled me up. “Maybe you should pay more attention to where you’re going.”

  I smiled. “Sorry for running into yo
u.”

  “Hardly felt it, pipsqueak.”

  It all felt so familiar and comfortable. You rat. You cheated on me. I yanked my hand from his and frowned. “I have to go.”

  “Don’t be like that. We need to try and get along for Jenny’s sake.”

  I pushed my forefinger into his chest. “Maybe you should have thought about that before you slept with Amanda.”

  He smirked. “Like you said, we’re divorced. I can sleep with whomever I want.”

  I leaned closer to him. “I meant back when we were still married, you creep!”

  He backed up, his mouth a perfect circle. “I didn’t.”

  I put my hand down. “Whatever. I just don’t want Jenny hurt again.”

  He flinched. “I would never hurt her on purpose.”

  I glared at him. “I’m not happy that you qualified that statement. You should have left it that you would never hurt her.”

  I stalked off to my car. As I unlocked it, I saw Drew ducking into the alleyway behind Shades of Gray.

  I drove slowly past the store, but the lights were out, and I couldn’t see anyone. Changing course back to my house, I sped up. Remembering Jenny’s harangue about coming in the back door, I made my way carefully up the front steps and let myself in.

  She was lying on the couch playing with her phone. “Shut the door! You’re making it all cold in here.”

  Exasperated, I gave her a dirty look and trudged over to the closet to put my coat away. “I thought you would be doing your homework in the kitchen. That’s why I came in the front.”

  “Can I help it if I finished early today? Do you know how hard my life is? Dad’s way more sympathetic than you are.”

  I sat next to her on the sofa. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong. Did I say anything was wrong?” Her voice reached screeching proportions. Then she continued with a calmer voice. “Dad asked me to go away with him for Christmas. He wants to go to Jamaica. It would be warm there, and I’d get to swim every day. But I can’t go. I can’t leave you alone at Christmas.” She broke off with a sob.

  I took a deep gulp of air. “He wants you to go to Jamaica?”

  “Yes, he asked me yesterday. He said that it would be a chance for us to get to know each other better. And he pointed out that you’ve had four Christmases alone with me.”

  “That’s because he was in jail!” I stood and paced, trying to calm myself. What a jerk. I stopped in front of her. “Do you really want to go?”

  She looked miserable. “Not really. I love traditions, and you make Christmas so special. I love the tree and all the decorations, Midnight Mass, and waking up to French toast that’s been soaked all night and baked fresh in the morning.” She smiled at the memory and then frowned again. “But am I being fair? Dad’s been alone in prison for the past few years. He talks about how special it was when we had Christmas together. Maybe I need to adopt new traditions.” She looked sad and far younger than her seventeen years as she pulled a throw pillow to her stomach.

  I sat next to her and put my arm around her. “We don’t need to make a decision right now. Let me talk to your father about it. Sometimes things change. And maybe that’s okay too.”

  She hugged me. “I hate change.”

  I smiled. “I’ve heard that before."

  Chapter 8

  The rest of the week was a blur. Jenny had fittings for the fashion show seemingly every night. The VFW agreed to donate the use of their hall for the show; the Iron Skillet provided the hors d’oeuvres and staff to pass them. As I strolled in, my mouth dropped, for I was stunned by the transformation of the normally utilitarian hall. The volunteer high schoolers did a terrific job. White folding chairs lined either side of the long runway, and the stage was festooned with flowers and pink ribbons. Bars were set up in the corners of the hall, and crowds formed at each of them.

  Rob eyed the lines. “The one over there seems shortest. Would you like a drink?”

  I gave him my tickets. “I’d love a glass of Pinot.” I turned slowly in place, admiring everything.

  Patty swooped in. “They did a great job, didn’t they?”

  “Yes. I can’t wait to see what the kids are wearing.” One of the waiters came by carrying a tray of scallops wrapped in bacon. Patty and I each took one. I bit into it and smiled. “This is so good.”

  “It is. Too bad we didn’t persuade him to stay.”

  I smiled. “Probably better for our waistlines. Where’s Patrick?”

  She pointed at one of the queues. “He’s over there. It looks like he is edging closer.”

  I looked at the one Rob was in. “Rob’s almost at the bar.” Another waiter with tiny eggrolls appeared. Sampling, we both moaned with delight.

  Rob arrived a second too late and missed the tray. “Hey, that’s not fair.” He handed me my glass. “How was the eggroll?”

  I smiled. “Not half as good as the bacon-wrapped scallops.”

  Patrick gave Patty her wine. “Scallops?”

  “Yes. You missed the scallops and the eggrolls,” Patty said.

  Rob shook his head. “Next time you get the drinks.”

  I laughed. “Patty and I will put our coats on the chairs to save us seats. Hopefully some good food will come by for you while we’re gone.”

  We scampered over to the seating area and saw that other people had the same idea. Luckily we spied four together that were still left in the front row. We hurried over and claimed them.

  “Good thing you had this idea,” Patty said.

  “I can’t claim all the credit. Some other people thought about it before me.” I nodded at the number of seats already taken.

  “You thought of it in time.” We wound through the crowd back to where the guys stood. “How’s your Christmas planning going?”

  I stopped. “Don’t ask. Drew’s thinking of taking Jenny to Jamaica.”

  She sighed. “I wish he would take me.” I elbowed her. “Oops. Sorry, that wasn’t funny.”

  “It’s not. This would be the first Christmas Jenny would be away from me.” I pointed toward Drew, who had just come in. “And there’s the rat who’s going to do it.” I sighed. “Let’s focus on tonight. It’s going to be fun.”

  We rejoined Patrick and Rob. Patty asked, “Did we miss any good food?”

  Patrick smirked. “Just crab puffs and tiny filet mignons with blue cheese crumbles.”

  Disappointed, I sighed. But then Rob showed me the hand he had hidden behind his back. “I did manage to grab one of the crab puffs for you.”

  Smiling, I took it from him and popped it in my mouth. “You’re the best.”

  He laughed. “Yes, I am.” The lights dimmed and went back up. “I think that’s our cue to sit.”

  As we ambled to our seats, Patrick’s eyes widened. Drew removed a reserved sign from a chair to the right of the stage. “How does he rate? And, wow, that’s a nice bouquet of flowers.”

  Crap. I should have gotten flowers. “He’s secretly sleeping with the woman running the show. And isn’t it nice that he brought Jenny flowers?” Patty stared at me. “What? It is nice of him.”

  She shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t know who you are.”

  A few minutes later, Philip Piper arrived. He removed the reserved sign from a seat to the left of the stage. I gestured with my eyes at Patty. Her eyes widened. I nodded at her. Oh my. This should be interesting.

  The show started. I had no idea that there were so many different shades of gray. It was a relief that Amanda inserted some pops of color in the forms of scarves, belts, and shoes. Jenny looked spectacular in a charcoal-gray dress with fuchsia shoes. Drew beamed with pride as she strutted down the runway. Cindy had on lovely steel-gray capri pants and a matching top that included a vibrant turquoise sash. She looked like a natural, and both Patrick and Patty lit up as she sashayed past.

  The show was soon over. Everyone was on their feet whooping and hollering, applauding the models. Just when I thought it
couldn’t get much louder, Amanda came out and joined the models for a bow. The crowd was with her. Then Drew leapt up on the stage, giving Amanda a kiss and handing her the bouquet. The sudden silence in the room was deafening. I stole a quick glance at Philip. His cheeks sported angry red circles. An uneasy murmur began as people reacted.

  “You tramp!” Susan Clime threw her drink at Amanda.

  It was like a switch had been thrown. The air was full of flying cups and elbows.

  Rob pointed east. “Make your way to the side entrance. I’ll get Jenny.”

  Clutching each other, Patty and I wove our way carefully through the angry mob. We huddled by the entrance. Before long, Rob and Patrick joined us with Jenny and Cindy. Rob had a long scratch on his face, and Patrick’s nose was bleeding. Luckily the girls looked like they had escaped relatively unscathed, with the exception of some rips in their clothes. The police came in force through the front door.

  Rob said, “We should leave.”

  Jenny crossed her arms. “We can’t go. We have to get Dad.”

  I shook my head. “Jenny, the police are here. They’ll help your father. We’re leaving.” I grabbed her hand, but she refused to budge.

  “I’m not going without Dad.”

  I looked at Rob. He moved over and held Jenny’s arms, making her focus on his face. “I’ll only try to help your dad if you agree to leave with your mother.”

  “You promise?”

  He nodded. “Yes. Now go.”

  I gave Rob a quick kiss and pulled on Jenny’s hand. This time she came with me. I turned to look at Patrick, but he had followed Rob back into the VFW. Patty shrugged and gestured to her car. Running to it, we climbed in.

  Cindy said, “Should we wait in the car?”

  Patty shook her head. “Buckle up. We’ll wait for them at the house.” She drove slowly home.

  Once there, we piled out and hurried into the kitchen. With the better light, I was able to see that Jenny had a bruise developing under her right eye. “What happened to your eye?”

  She touched the spot lightly. “Someone was punching Dad, and as I came up behind him, his elbow hit me. Mr. Jenson picked me up and pulled me over to where you were standing.”