by Teresa Trent
“Only if the doctor says you’re well enough to go. I’m so glad you’re all right. Prim scared me to death. She said you had been attacked.”
“I don’t know what happened. There was a scuffle, and I fell and hit my head. I think it was an accident, but I’m not sure. Bosco was involved, but it was all so quick. That’s all I can remember right now. My little notebook is gone, did you hear that?”
“Yes, but if that’s the worst of the damage, it doesn’t matter. I’m just glad you’re okay. When things like this start happening, it makes me question whether this yearly hunt is such a good idea. I mean, look, it has attracted someone like Bosco Brown.”
“Ruby went to confront Bosco, but if I know her, there might be some shopping on the way. I need to get up and check on Danny. I’ve been calling him every hour. I don’t know why I bothered to buy that boy a cell phone when half the time he doesn’t have it charged, or for some reason, he doesn’t bother to answer it. Where are my shoes?”
“This probably won’t make you feel any better, but Danny got tired of babysitting Coco and decided to make his way back home.”
“Land sakes. Was he okay?”
“Leo’s with him right now.”
“Thank God you two found him.”
“He was sitting on the front steps. We had this crazy idea that one of the clues might be at your house.”
“My house? You’re right, that is crazy. What made you think that?”
Once again, I had said too much. If I explained our reasoning, she would find out about the three-sisters clue. “That’s a story for another time. I was just so worried when I heard about you. You’re not as young as you used to be. Are you going to press charges?”
“I hadn’t thought about it. I’m still unsure whether I was attacked or not, but right now all I want to do is find the golden pecan.”
“If you lost consciousness, it could lead to a brain injury.”
“Darlin’, I’m fit as a fiddle. You’re worrying too much lately. Everything seems to be upsetting you. I think you need to lay off that Marie Kondo stuff. It might spark joy in you when you straighten something out, but now you get all heated-up when you see messy things. Some of the best parts of life are the messy things. Don’t you know that?”
“That’s not true. My life is more organized than ever. Tidying up has made me feel empowered. I do admit it’s a bit like a drug. You can’t stop once you start.”
Maggie shook her head, causing the ice in the bag she was holding to jiggle. “Betsy darling, it’s important to find the joy in life, and I don’t mean reorganizing the garage. I know it sounds cliché but sometimes you do have to stop and smell the roses. Don’t worry about what might happen but concentrate on the wonderful things happening in front of you right now. If you’re going to worry about anybody, worry about that beautiful family of yours. Your aunt Maggie is doing fine.”
“I’ll be the judge of that,” Dr. Morton said as he entered the room. He took a small flashlight from his white jacket pocket and held it up to Maggie’s eyes. He turned to me for a second and smiled. “Hello, Betsy, here to check on your aunt?”
Maggie shifted the bag of ice to her lap. “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”
“I heard she was at death’s door, Dr. Morton.”
The doctor flipped the light to the other eye. “Well, then, I have some bad news for you, Betsy. I think your aunt’s going to outlive us all. Looks like she just bumped her head.”
“Wonderful,” I said.
“I told you.” Maggie gave me a stern look. Her gaze shifted back to the doctor. “When can I go home?”
“Your eyes look good, but it might be prudent for you to spend the night so our staff can keep an eye on you.”
Aunt Maggie scowled and began to scoot off the bed. “Not today, doctor. I’m in the middle of the Golden Pecan Treasure Hunt. I need to get back to my team.”
“I should’ve known. We’ve had a run on accidents today. People are spraining ankles and coming in dehydrated in this heat.”
As much as Maggie wanted to continue the treasure hunt, an extended stay might be good for her. “If you think she should stay here overnight, doctor, I will make sure that she does.” Maggie shot me another look.
Dr. Morton sighed. “I don’t know. This really is a minor injury. Will you have somebody around you at all times?”
“Yes. I’m on a team with Ruby Green.”
“Well, I should probably keep you here, but as long as you stay with somebody the entire time, I think you’ll be fine. The minute you start feeling dizzy or nauseous, you stop. You promise me?”
Aunt Maggie put a hand over her heart with the allegiance of a brand-new Cub Scout. “I promise.”
I wasn’t sure the doctor’s decision was a good one, but I knew I needed to keep an eye on her from here on out. “I’ll drive you home so you can check on Danny. Leo’s probably ready to get back to the treasure hunt.”
“A quick trip before that?” Maggie asked.
“I don’t know…” I said, thinking Maggie already looked tired.
“Humor me. I’m injured. I want to run by the police station to see if anyone else has been knocked out.”
“And you could also press charges on Bosco.”
“I told you later. I thought about calling over there but we’re in the throes of competition, darlin’. Loose lips sink ships. Someone could be listening in on the party line.”
I decided not to tell her party lines hadn’t been in existence for forty years, and just like the doctor, I easily succumbed to her will.
Ten minutes later, we stood talking to Dad at the Pecan Bayou Police Department. Lieutenant Boyle was standing near the back, his customary dark suit jacket off as he slogged down a bottle of water.
My father leaned over the counter, holding a file folder. “Well, Maggie, it seems you’re the only victim at present. You sure you can’t give me any more details?”
“I’m not even sure myself. Maybe I fell, but I do have my suspicions and the notebook I was carrying around is missing.”
“That’s interesting. If someone did push you down, who might that be?” Boyle asked, coming up for air.
She leaned forward and whispered, “Bosco Brown, the brute. That man is trouble.”
“So, you say, sister.” My dad’s hesitance was obvious from the way he began touching the ends of his mustache, a maneuver I’d seen many times. “I haven’t seen enough of him to make a judgment as of yet.”
“Take my advice, Judd,” Maggie said. “Whatever is stinkin’ in Pecan Bayou, you can just bet he’ll be at the root of it.”
“I’ve seen guys like that all my life. If they’re not in trouble, they’re looking for it,” Boyle added.
Vic Butler stepped into the lobby of the police station, and cleared his throat. “Judd, I’m glad I found you. Sarah’s gone missing.”
“Missing? What do you mean? We just saw her a few hours ago.”
“Yes, but—” He focused on the handkerchief he was holding, appearing to avoid eye contact with anyone.”
“That was before.”
Boyle joined my father at the counter.
“Before what?” Maggie asked.
The last time I spoke to Vic Butler, he had given his wife Sarah something to sleep. It seemed like over-medicating to me, but I wasn’t married to the woman.
He stammered. “Sarah has a problem.”
“You mean other than flirting with my son?” I
I know it sounded cold, but every time I thought of Tyler and that woman together, I knew it had the potential to get out of control fast.
“This is the first we’ve heard of that,” Boyle said. “Your wife is a real looker, but I never knew she was flirting with anyone else. That’s why I’ve always been single. The mind of a woman is the only case I’ll never solve. Funny, your wife never made a play for me.” From the looks on the faces of the other people in the room, Boyle was the only one who wa
s surprised by this fact.
“Don’t judge a woman just because she has good taste. Seriously, though, a woman your wife’s age going after my grandson. You could have some pretty big problems. Has she done this type of thing before?” Dad asked.
Vic straightened. “Of course not. She isn’t like that, and frankly I’m insulted you would insinuate such a thing. The flirtation thing is minor. She’s not good with people and sometimes she goes overboard without realizing it. For your information, Sarah has somnambulism.”
“She has what?” Maggie asked.
“She’s a sleepwalker,” I said.
Vic gave me a grateful smile. “She took some medication and was at home sleeping when I last saw her. Now she’s gone. I’m afraid she walked away while in a state of heavy sleep. And I hate to say it, but she can be extremely dangerous when she’s like this. Her eyes will be open, and she will see people, but she doesn’t see them for who they are. They take on the characters in her dream. She might see you or she might see a monster she feels is threatening her. Can you have your officers search for her?”
“I’m on it,” Dad said. “Our fill-in dispatcher is taking a lunch break, but I think I can make an all-call.”
Dad walked over to Prim’s dispatch desk and began announcing to the officers on duty to keep an eye out for Sarah Butler. After finishing his official announcement, he turned back to us. “I have to go and chase after these golden nut fools, but we’ll be looking for Sarah while we’re out there.”
“Thank you.” Vic pulled a business card out of his pocket. “Call me if you hear anything. This is my cell number.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” I asked.
“She’s very vulnerable when she’s like this. Thanks.” He handed me a card as well. He was such a kind man and so concerned for his wife. Pulling me aside, he whispered. “There is one little thing you could do for me.”
I nodded, curious as to why he would pick me.
“I need you to get into Mark Valencia’s store. You have a reputation for figuring out crimes in this town. Sarah is terrified it was Bunny who killed Mark and feels like she could be next. You have an eye for detail. I’ve been reading your wonderful columns on organization, and well, this is something that needs to be…organized. Could you look around the store one more time? Maybe you’ll see something the police haven’t. Getting this murder solved would be a huge relief for my wife.”
“Why don’t you do it yourself? I mean, I’m flattered, but I don’t think the police will have missed much. My dad is pretty thorough.”
“Yes, but they don’t see things the way you do.”
So basically, Vic wanted me to help his wife and disregard the fact she was flirting with my son, a naïve high school senior. He continued to watch me, waiting for an answer. “I guess I could take a look around.” I never was good at saying no.
Maggie started coming toward us, so Vic began to speak quickly. “Thank you so much. My priority is finding Sarah safe. If you can help catch this killer, it will give her some much-needed peace of mind.”
I shrugged. “No problem.”
He placed a hand on my arm. “Thank goodness. Use those superior observation skills you were blessed with, and once again, you’ll be helping our family.”
As we exited the police station, Maggie announced, “Before I join Ruby, I want to find that Bosco Brown and give him a piece of my mind. She texted me and says she’s getting off her feet in the air conditioning for a half hour. She never found Bosco, but I sure will.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Not only would it stir up trouble, but it would put us all even further behind in the treasure hunt. “Leo and Danny are waiting. We could help you hunt him down after the contest.”
“I’m sure.” She marched to the car with all the might of someone of small but mighty stature. Hell hath no fury like Aunt Maggie on a roll. Leo had texted while we were at the police station telling me he went ahead and walked Danny back to our house. I grabbed my cell and typed out an update.
My phone beeped. Reading the text aloud, I said, “Leo said he saw Bosco and Earl go into the coffee shop. He’ll meet us there.”
“And Danny?”
“He’s fine.”
“Thank goodness. And that’s perfect. I’m feeling under-caffeinated after all those needles in the hospital. I can get a cup of java and the chance to square up against a bully. Two birds, one stone.”
“Aunt Maggie, stop. You will do no such thing. I promised Dr. Morton we will look after you. That doesn’t include a slap-down with Bosco Brown.”
“I always taught you bullies were not to be toyed with. I’d be living a lie if I backed down now,” Maggie said, walking surprisingly well for a woman who just left the emergency room.
I loved this woman more than anything, but she could be the definition of stubborn. “Don’t overdo it, Aunt Maggie.”
“I can take care of myself,” she snapped.
My thoughts drifted to the possibilities of juggling taking care of her, along with everything else on my schedule. It could create the very chaos that Marie Kondo warned against. I would have to totally redesign my bullet journal if I had to add Maggie’s infirmity into it. Perhaps I was being cold, but I firmly believe the expression fail to plan and plan to fail. If she needed me, no matter what was going on in my life, I would be there for her and for Danny. Maggie was potentially forcing me to revise my plan, and I found that unsettling.
When we approached the coffee shop, Leo was leaning against the brick wall underneath the hanging sign that displayed a cup of steaming coffee with Earl’s Java lettered boldly above it.
“Are you okay?” Leo straightened himself and bent over to touch the arm of my diminutive aunt.
“I’m fine. Sure, I’m a little stiff, but old bones don’t always cooperate. You’ll find that out someday. It’s all mind over matter anyway.”
Maggie glanced past him into the coffee shop. Earl was behind the counter, and we could see Bosco sitting at a booth, with clues spread out in front of him. On the corner of the table was Aunt Maggie’s notebook. We could hear his loud voice through the window as he and Earl shared a laugh.
“Easy as pie,” he said as we entered the shop.
Earl placed a coffee filter into a machine and grinned at his brother. “I knew we could do this. Coming right up—a chocolate caramel coconut mocha, Bosco’s signature drink.”
“Hell to the yes. These yocals don’t have a clue when it comes to finding money,” Earl boasted, his chest puffing out a bit.
“Bosco,” Maggie said, positioning herself square in front of the booth where Bosco sat, holding her pocketbook in such a way that I wasn’t sure whether she planned to use it as a weapon. “I’m not exactly sure what happened, but I think you need to know…”
Vic walked through the door, interrupting, “Has Sarah been in, Earl?”
“No,” Earl answered. “I think I’d remember that.”
Vic nodded. “If you see her, will you give me a call?” He walked over and plopped a business card on the counter.
“Sure. Is everything okay?” Earl asked.
Vic gave a reassuring smile. “Just call if you see her. It’s important.”
As Vic left, Maggie tried to resume her discussion, but Bosco wasn’t having it. “Yeah, yeah. I get it. You think I’m the reason you got banged up. News for you, lady. I did nothing to you. Now skedaddle and take this worthless notebook of yours. I found it laying on the ground. Maybe you should keep up with your stuff better. You old biddies are way behind. We’re about to win this here treasure hunt.”
A red cloud started up Maggie’s neck and continued to her cheeks. “I will not skedaddle. Not for a minute, you big bully.” She eyed the clues spread out on the table and began to count to herself.
“You have two more clues than we do,” she said.
Bosco moved his meaty arms over the compiled clues. “Big deal. Move on, lady. I can’t help it that you and your
biddy buddy can’t keep up.” Bosco glanced up at Earl. “Hurry up with that coffee. I need to get my creative juices flowing.”
Before Earl could respond, Maggie leaned forward, intent on slapping Bosco. Thinking fast, I grabbed the notebook, and Leo took her by the elbow, guiding her out of the coffee shop. “Don’t start up with him, Aunt Maggie. There are some people you just can’t reason with.”
Even though I attempted to speak calming words to my aunt, I had to admit I was still angry after seeing Bosco’s spread on the table. As we stepped out of Earl’s, hearing the words “good riddance” behind us, Aunt Maggie quickly excused herself.
“Let’s go find Ruby,” Leo said, following behind us. “You don’t need to waste your time with that guy.”
“I can find Ruby on my own,” Maggie replied, straightening her visor.
“I don’t know,” I said. “I told the doctor—”
“Yeah, I know what you told him, but that was just to get me out of that place. I promise you, I’m fine now. I’ll text you when I get with Ruby. You two go off so you can get closer to finding the pecan than that gorilla in there. Ruby put this GPS thing on our phones, so we’d always know where the other one was.”
She peered at the phone, trying to pull up the app, and then Leo gently pointed to an icon to push. “Thanks, Leo. I’m still stuck in the handheld calculator days, I guess. My division is great, but smartphones are still a mystery to me.” Maggie held the phone in the air as if it were a torch in the night, following the signal to Ruby’s location.
As Maggie marched down the street, I whispered to Leo, “We need to check out something. I made a promise to Vic Butler.”
“Really?”
“I’ll tell you all about it later,” I answered, knowing he wouldn’t be too happy we were about to go search a crime scene.
Chapter 12
When Leo and I got to Maximum Muscle, also known as the crime scene, we found the door open and Lieutenant Boyle standing inside with a clipboard. With the air conditioning flowing throughout the store, he had returned to his suit jacket with a white shirt underneath that was not quite tucked in properly.