by Riley Adams
Dawn said slowly, “I didn’t know you were working over here, Tim. How are you doing?”
Tim’s face flushed. “I’m doing pretty well,” he said in a quiet voice. But his fingers gripped the door tightly, Lulu noticed.
“It’s fine if you want to clock out, Tim. Thanks for helping us out today,” said Lulu.
He gave her a small smile and dodged back into the dining room.
Dawn looked like the cat that had eaten the canary. “Of course, you know who Tim is, don’t you? Your waiter? He used to be a friend of Reuben’s—he was married to one of my coworkers at the preschool. And I don’t know what happened between the two of them, but Reuben stopped speaking to Tim real abruptly and never spoke to him again. Not ever. I never did figure out why.”
“Maybe,” said Cherry sassily, “Tim figured out that Reuben was no good. Before you did, that is. Did you think that maybe Tim was the one who broke off that friendship and not Reuben?”
Apparently not, because a surprised expression flitted across Dawn’s face.
“Like I said,” growled Dawn, “I’ve got to get going to get to my doctor appointment. Thanks for watching after Finn,” she said to Lulu. She glared at Cherry as she stomped off the porch.
Once the screen door had slammed shut behind her, Lulu puffed out a sigh. “Cherry, I don’t believe Dawn is all that crazy about you.”
“She doesn’t know what she’s missing,” said Cherry, putting her stubby nose in the air. “I happen to be a fantastic friend. Even though I’m a friend who’s dragging you into a murder investigation.”
“Don’t you think the police are focusing more on the other suspects?” asked Lulu. “After all, it’s not like you even knew Reuben before the festival. And I can’t think why you’d have wanted to kill John.”
Cherry said gloomily, “It has to do with the fact that I had the opportunity both times. Maybe they think there’s a connection between us that they haven’t learned about yet. Who knows? Maybe they think that I killed Reuben in an angry, impulsive moment and then had to kill John because he knew about it.”
“I guess they could think that,” said Lulu. “But it sure seems unlikely.”
“That’s because you’re my friend, Lulu.”
“Pink is your friend, too!” said Lulu.
“But Pink isn’t calling the shots. He’s part of the team. He’s investigating evidence, asking questions, and making deductions. I really don’t think friendship comes into the equation,” said Cherry. “They could think that I’m a very polished criminal who does these dastardly deeds under the radar and then continues acting like a common, everyday Graceland docent.”
Lulu got the impression that Cherry was possibly enjoying being a suspect. That had to mean that she really didn’t think the police were seriously considering her as the murderer.
They heard male voices approaching the porch from the street and Lulu glanced at her watch. “That should be Derrick and Finn. Morty hasn’t gotten here yet. Hmm.”
“Hopefully he’s not dead,” intoned Cherry mischievously.
Lulu frowned at her. “Certainly not. Morty isn’t even on the periphery of this case.”
“I’m just saying—things are heating up. We never know who’s going to be the next victim,” said Cherry.
Lulu didn’t have time to respond to that because it was Finn and Derrick and they were up on the porch and standing next to them in a couple of long strides. Cherry did a quick hi-and-bye because it was time for her to go run errands and do yard work. After she left, Derrick said, “Granny Lulu, is it all right if we put together some snacks in the kitchen?”
“That’s fine with me as long as you stay out of Ben’s way…he’ll be trying to clean up from lunch and get things ready for supper. There should be lots of snack possibilities in there,” said Lulu, trying to recollect the contents for the family fridge—separate from the industrial-size fridge they used for the restaurant.
“Is there maybe any pink lemonade pie in there?” asked Derrick, trying to act innocent.
Lulu laughed. “Was it you, then, that got into my pie? I noticed when I came in that it wasn’t in the same condition I’d left it in yesterday.”
“What condition had you left it in yesterday?” asked Finn.
“Uneaten,” said Lulu, smiling.
“I might have had one slice of pie, just to see if I liked it,” said Derrick, a smile playing around his lips. “So Ben’s trying to work in there right now? How about I grab the pie and plates and forks and Finn and I knock it out first. Do you mind?”
“I don’t. As a matter of fact, I did remember that I had a hungry teenager on the premises here on school days and I took the precaution of making a whole other pie for the twins when they come in. I hid it under a couple of bags of lettuce,” said Lulu smugly.
“Has it come to that?” asked Derrick, laughing. “To the point where you have to hide food?”
“Oh, I think so,” said Lulu. “The rest of us need to be able to eat, too!”
As Derrick laughed and walked off to the kitchen for the lemonade pie, Lulu smiled after him. It wasn’t all that long ago when Derrick wasn’t comfortable enough to joke around with everyone. He’d come to them insecure, defensive, and nearly silent. She was so happy to see that the warm, loving, and accepting atmosphere of the restaurant had worked its magic on Derrick. He still had plenty of insecurity, but it seemed like he was getting more confident every day.
Now she turned to Finn to ask him about his day when she caught him with a wistful expression on his face. “Everything okay, Finn? Why don’t you have a seat next to me while we wait on the food?”
“It’s just—well, it’s nice to see everybody acting so normal,” said Finn. “At home we’re never that relaxed. I’m uptight, Mom’s uptight. It’s not a fun place like this is.”
Lulu said, “Sweetie, I’m sorry things have been so rough for you. And you know you’re welcome to hang out here with us as much as you’d like, as long as it’s okay with your mom. You know your mother has been under a lot of stress lately and that’s got a lot to do with it.”
Finn gave a laugh that was more like a groan. “Believe me, I know all about her stress over money. That’s all Mom talks about!”
Lulu nodded quietly, figuring that Finn needed somebody to just listen to him.
“I’ve tried to be good on my end, but it’s tough. I try to help out around the house or do the things that Mom wants me to do that Dad would have done when they were together—stuff like clearing out a clogged pipe or mowing the grass, or stuff like that,” said Finn.
“Y’all own a house?” asked Lulu.
“No, we’re renting one. A duplex, I guess it is. It’s pretty small, but a decent size for us. But it’s nice to get away from there and come here to hang out some,” said Finn.
Lulu asked delicately, “And y’all have been getting along with each other okay?”
Finn shrugged. “It’s been okay. Sometimes we fight with each other, but it’s not a lot. The last time was a big argument we had a couple of weeks ago. For the first time, when I came home, there was a guy in the driveway. She even introduced him to me—a guy named John. I figured it was somebody she was trying to date…and I guess I wasn’t ready. As soon as he drove off, she and I really had it out.”
Lulu was very still. There were a lot of Johns in the world. But in this case, everybody seemed like they were connected. She said, “That’s only natural, Finn. That’s a huge adjustment for you. Besides, you were probably trying to take care of your mama and protect her. I was wondering if John was someone that I knew—what did he look like, if you can remember?”
And Finn described the same John. Right down to the stripe of white hair on his head. The same John that Dawn had just finished telling her that she didn’t know.
“You didn’t see him again after that, though?” asked Lulu.
Finn’s shoulders relaxed. “No, I sure didn’t. Mom probably had second thoughts or
something, after we had that argument. I’m really not trying to control her life or anything—I was taken by surprise by the whole thing, I guess. I sort of feel guilty about it now.”
Lulu reached over to hug the boy. “Honey, you shouldn’t worry about it. Your mama loves and cares about you. Did you know that she was here a little while ago? She wanted to check and see that your trumpet lessons were safe. She sure does care a lot about you.”
She had the satisfaction of seeing Finn’s face brighten. Then Derrick arrived on the porch with the pie and Morty arrived with his trumpet and Lulu retreated to the office to get some work done.
Lulu ended up visiting with regulars in the dining room, even helping to wait on tables when they got busy over supper. Then she helped sweep up when it was time to clean. They’d put the closed sign outside when Pink showed up.
The policeman said, “Lulu, is it okay if we talk now? I know you’ve got to be tired out from working all day.”
Ben and Sara were on their way to leave when they hesitated. “Do you need us to stay, Lulu?” asked Sara.
“Heavens, no!” said Lulu. “Pink and I are going to catch up a little bit about these murders. Y’all go on home—you’ve got to be tired. And I know the twins and Derrick are long asleep.”
“Okay,” said Ben. “Tim is here still, by the way. You know he came back to the restaurant to help clean up? Although he worked a full shift today.”
“He didn’t finish his shift yesterday, so he wanted to put in some extra time tonight, that’s all,” said Lulu.
Ben and Sara left, locking the door behind them, and Pink and Lulu settled across from each other in a booth. “I guess we both have the kind of jobs where we’re on our feet all day,” said Pink ruefully. “I never turn down the opportunity to sit for a spell.”
Lulu made her usual offers of food and drinks and Pink turned her down this time. “I appreciate it, Lulu, but I’m good. I’m here to check in with you on what you’ve found out with these murders I’m investigating.”
Lulu smiled at him. “So you’re not here to tell me that you’ve arrested Cherry, then. She seemed happily convinced that everyone thought she might be a villain.”
“I don’t think the focus of our investigation is Cherry. We’d all be completely shocked if she was behind these murders,” said Pink.
“She’ll be crushed to hear that,” said Lulu with a chuckle. “So you’re checking in to see what she and I have found out?”
“That’s right. Not that I approve of y’all getting involved in this in any way—let me go on the record saying that. It’s far too dangerous. As long as y’all are getting information in a natural way—through normal interactions with people you’re associated with—then I don’t mind finding out what I can from you,” said Pink.
Lulu nodded. “Honestly, Pink, I don’t know what information I have to give you. It all seems like a mess. Besides, you probably know all the information that I’ve got.”
“Well, tell me what you’ve learned, and if it duplicates what we know, then that’s okay. I’d rather hear it all anyway,” said Pink. “By the way, it seems like you’ve been spending a lot of time lately with two of my suspects—Brody and Sharon.”
“Sharon has gotten to be friendly with Cherry and me, and Brody has, too. Why? Is there something we should know?” asked Lulu, frowning. “Sharon is an emotional wreck most of the time and seems completely stressed out. Brody is pretty easy-going and seems to balance Sharon out. They both seem nice.”
“Possibly they are. Very possibly. But then, there’s always the possibility that they’re homicidal maniacs, too. I will tell you one thing, Lulu—those two are in a financial mess. They’ve lived beyond their means for way too long. I’m not even sure how they duped a bank into giving them a mortgage. They’ve got debt up to their eyeballs. That money they got from Reuben’s will is a real godsend for them,” said Pink pointedly.
“I’ll be sure to keep an eye on my pocketbook when I’m around them,” said Lulu with a sassy wink. She didn’t mention that she wasn’t at all surprised to hear that Sharon and Brody were having financial trouble. Sharon’s older designer clothes and purse, and the unfinished appearance of the house, definitely indicated they were trying not to spend a lot of money.
Pink sighed. “All right. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. Now that I’ve shared some information, can you return the favor?”
“I really do think you already heard it all, Pink. Like the fact that Reuben Shaw’s ex-wife has financial problems and health issues and was mad at Reuben because he didn’t help out. And the fact that Reuben died a rich man, because his uncle died not long before Reuben was murdered. And…” She hesitated. Because Pink probably didn’t know about Tim. And Lulu wasn’t sure she was the one who should be telling that story.
Someone cleared his throat behind them. They turned around to see Tim. Pink frowned at the waiter in confusion, which didn’t make Tim any more relaxed.
“Pink, you know Tim, don’t you?” asked Lulu.
Pink’s eyebrows were drawn together still. “Well, sure. Tim brings me barbeque plates almost every day.”
Tim’s hands shook. “I’m here because I want to make a confession.”
Now Lulu was staring at Tim, too. Was he going to own up to his connection with Reuben and the hit-and-run involvement from his past? Or was he going to confess to two murders?
Tim cleared his throat. “You don’t know this, Pink, but I’m connected to Reuben Shaw. He and I used to be friends a couple of years back. But then he got to drinking and we were out one night two years ago. He was driving a car that was involved in a fatal hit-and-run. I was the passenger who didn’t make him stop.”
Tim looked like he might fall over, so Lulu motioned him to sit beside her at the booth. He quickly did.
Pink was thinking back. “I believe I do recollect an unresolved hit-and-run from a few years ago. Family man, wasn’t it?”
Tim turned green. The subject was still very raw for him.
“But you weren’t driving, you say? And the person who was driving is dead. And we don’t even know where the car is that he was driving?” asked Pink.
Tim said, “He might still have it in his garage or something. I know I never saw him drive it after that, but he and I stopped talking after that night.”
Pink was still mulling this all over. “You didn’t report an accident.”
“In fact, I encouraged the driver to leave the scene,” said Tim in as brave a tone as he could muster.
“Right.” Pink sighed. “I’m going to need to report this and probably have the officers who were assigned to that case come talk with you, if they’re still on the force. But honestly? I don’t think you’re going to be held accountable for this. You weren’t driving the car. We don’t have any evidence that you’re lying about that. So ultimately, the choice to stop was taken out of your hands.”
“I’ll tell the police everything I remember about that night,” said Tim. “And it’s still pretty clear in my head.”
“I know you said that you and Reuben weren’t speaking to each other,” said Pink. “But had you been in touch with him recently? And did you have anything to do with his death?”
Tim stared down at the table. “I did get back in touch with him. I told him that I’d hit rock bottom and wanted to confess to my part in that accident. Reuben didn’t want anything to do with a confession. Once he realized that I was going to the police even if he didn’t turn himself in, he kept trying to contact me. He even found out I was working here and called for me at work. We ran into each other at the festival and he started yelling at me, trying to convince me to keep my mouth shut.”
Pink raised his eyebrows. “So you saw Reuben at the festival? When was it that you saw him?”
Tim sighed, studying the table’s wood surface as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. “From what I understand, I saw him not long before he was murdered.” Now he stared Pink in the eye. �
�But I didn’t have anything to do with his death. All I wanted to do was to come clean. The last thing I wanted was another death on my hands.”
Pink nodded, like he was satisfied. “Okay. I’ll pull up the hit-and-run incident when I get back to the station. I’m sure some guys from the department will be getting in touch with you.” He wearily rubbed his eyes. “I’m done for the day,” he said, standing up to take his leave.
Tim’s face was relieved. “I’d better go, too. You coming, Mrs. Taylor?”
“I’ve got to finish up in the office and lock up. Y’all go ahead. I’ll be a few minutes behind you,” said Lulu.
Lulu walked toward the parking deck where she’d left her car. This was Beale Street, and even though it was late, the nightlife was only starting up. Music spilled out from the restaurants and bars and people were walking up the street holding drinks and laughing with each other. Like the Rock and Ribs festival, Beale Street gave off a real party atmosphere.
There were gobs of people outside. As usual, Lulu felt perfectly safe—or as safe as it was possible to feel. Was there ever a time in modern life when you were walking by yourself that you didn’t think about your personal safety just a smidge?
Lulu paid attention to her surroundings, she later remembered, as she walked, although she was thinking about the murders. She’d turned off the street and had barely set foot in the parking deck when she felt something smashing into the back of her head. And aside from that, a strange musical sound that accompanied the strike.
The next thing she saw, and she was thankful to be alive to see it, was Tim’s face, peering at her with great concern.
“Mrs. Taylor! Are you okay?” His anxious face swam woozily before her and she tried to focus on one of the Tims she saw.
She didn’t like anybody to worry about her and she tried reassuring him, but all that came out was a grunt.
Tim swung around to peer behind him and Lulu heard the sound of a car. “Hold on. I think that’s Pink leaving.” He left her side.
This time it was Pink’s face she saw, and it was grim. “Lulu, I’m going to call you an ambulance.”