Birds of a Feather (An Agnes Barton Senior Sleuth Mystery Book 9)

by Madison Johns

  * * *

  When my alarm went off the next morning, I knocked it off the bedside table instead of shutting it off, so it continued to ring twice as loud. I then buried my head under my pillow, receiving a small nip for my efforts from Duchess, who was lying next to me. I almost fell back asleep even with the alarm ringing when Andrew came into the room and shut it off for me.

  “Why did you set that alarm?” I asked him.

  “You told me to, remember?”

  “I don’t remember telling you that.”

  “Stuart is supposed to be here this morning. So unless you plan on having breakfast wearing your bathrobe, I suggest you get out of bed.”

  I groaned. This had been so much easier when I lived by myself. There was nobody to tell me what I needed to do then, not that I’m complaining, since I love my Andrew. Usually I’m an early riser, but yesterday was a full day for me and it began no sooner than we came home from Vegas.

  I wasn’t halfway to the bathroom when I knew that I had overdone things yesterday. It must have been the crawling through a hole in the fence and the running from Cujo that had me feeling the pain today.

  I stayed in the shower an extra long time, or so I thought, since Andrew alerted me that my son was here. I finished up and slipped on my most comfortable slacks with a blue button-up shirt. After I slid my feet into my sandals, I waltzed into the kitchen.

  “Hello, son,” I greeted Stuart.

  Stuart smiled, giving me a peck on the cheek.

  “What was that for?”

  “I haven’t been able to spend that much time with you and I really wish I didn’t have to catch a plane later today, but duty calls.”

  I accepted the cup of coffee Andrew handed me, reaching for the vanilla creamer and stirring in a healthy portion. “I understand. Are you hungry?”

  “Only if you’re making your famous corn fritters.”

  “I suppose I could do that.”

  “I don’t think you’ve ever made that for me,” Andrew said.

  “I haven’t made that since my children were small and that was quite some time ago.” I pulled out a bag of frozen corn, pouring some into a bowl and just as I popped it into the microwave, I asked, “So, when do you plan on having children?”

  “I had no idea you had planned to have more children, Mother. Is it still a possibility?”

  “I meant you, Stuart, and you know it.”

  “We really hadn’t planned on having any children. We both work for the FBI and I can’t see Moraine giving up her career to stay home with the kids.”

  “Why does it have to be her?” I asked. “It could be you.”

  Stuart pulled the neck of his shirt. “How about we not talk about this right now? I thought you wanted to find out about that license plate.”

  I stirred the pancake mix and added the corn to it, glad that the conversation was finally getting to this. I didn’t want to bug Stuart about that license plate right off the bat. After all, I really did miss my son and chatting with him was more important than any case.

  I set the bowl next to the frying pan and asked, “So, what did you find out?”

  Stuart leaned on the counter opposite me, waiting until I had poured the batter into the pan and gave him my full attention. “It’s registered to June Crawford from Oscoda. She reported her car stolen this morning.”

  “So, is that why the vehicle identification number was scratched off?”

  “How do you know that? Did the sheriff let you that close to the car at the scene of the accident?”

  “Well … not exactly.” I quickly turned my back, focusing on flipping the pancakes.

  Andrew took the pancake turner from me. “What have you done, Agnes?”

  I had to face down both Andrew and Stuart, with neither of them looking none too pleased with me at the moment. “I found the car at the impound yard and took a little look, is all. No harm done.”

  “When did you do this, Agnes?” Andrew asked.

  “Last night.”

  “Is that before or after the donut caper?”

  “After. Did you know the impound yard has two Dobermans that guard there at night? Quite vicious ones, I might add.”

  Andrew slapped his head with his hand and just shook his head at me.

  “Hey, how am I going to take the pancakes out of the pan if you still have the pancake turner?”

  “I’ll take care of that. Perhaps you should sit at the table and discuss your case with Stuart.”

  I went over to the table and sat opposite my obviously irritated son. “I had to take a second look at the car. The sheriff wouldn’t listen to me that it’s not a routine accident.”

  “I’m sure the sheriff has a good reason to believe it’s an accident. You can’t always think that you know more than he does. The police are trained to solve crimes and they will accomplish that, even if you don’t butt in.”

  “I know, but I found shell casings and slugs near the scene.”

  “Oh, did you find any of the slugs inside the car?”

  My shoulders slumped as Andrew set down our plates. “No.”

  “Did the sheriff retrieve any of them for evidence?”

  “He took the shell casings, but I think we shouldn’t have touched them. I was surprised he didn’t at least cast the footprints we found, though.”

  Stuart smeared his pancake with butter, then layered over it with syrup. “My thought is that it just looked like a normal accident, and it very well may have been. I think you’re betting on the wrong horse.”

  “Well, fine then, but since I know who the victim is, I plan to question family members to see if I can establish why he came to Tawas.”

  “Do you really think that’s worth checking out Agnes?” Andrew asked. “The Birding Festival is tomorrow. That brings plenty of people into town.”

  “Except that he came into town with a stolen car. We just need to make sure that the car involved in the accident was the same one stolen and we might be on to something.”

  “So, the dead guy is a car thief, big deal,” Andrew countered.

  “You don’t understand. I have feeling something more is going on here and I’m seldom wrong.”

  “Oh, and you’re saying that you’ve never been wrong. I can think of plenty of cases where you thought one person was guilty when it wasn’t the case.”

  “I’m just going where the clues lead me is all I can tell you.”

  “I wish you luck, Mother. I’m sure you know what you’re doing, but be careful. I’d hate to see you harmed if you rub someone the wrong way.”

  “Now, that’s something my Agnes is good at.” Andrew laughed.

  I was going to mention the skid marks, but what was the point? Neither Stuart nor Andrew believed this was an intentional accident.

  Stuart washed the dishes and I thanked him. “Do you really have to leave today? I sure could use your help.”

  “You mean my resources?”

  “Whatever.”

  “Look, I ran the plate, but that’s all I can do. This isn’t an FBI case and there are limits to what I can do to help. I’m really needed in Florida. If something goes haywire down there and Moraine is hurt, I’ll never forgive myself.”

  “Of course, dear. Be careful down there. I’d hate to lose you when we only reconnected not long ago.”

  Stuart gave me a tight hug and then he shook Andrew’s hand. “I don’t know how you do it, Andrew, putting up with my mother’s investigative ways.”

  “I have no choice, but I’ll do my best to keep her safe.”

  We walked Stuart to the door and there was a chill to the air. I’d certainly have to wear a jacket today. That’s how it was normally in Michigan, one day it could be quite cool, the next day it was warmer than you cared for. Of course the breeze blowing off the bay always made it feel much cooler anyway, more often than not. Since birdwatchers would be at the point where the lighthouse was located, a parka might just be required attire. The wind blew there much
harder than other places in town.

  “Will I be able to take the LX today or not?”

  “Sure. I was planning to pull your Mustang out of the garage and change the oil. It’s been a while since you’ve driven it.”

  “Tell me about it, but I feel much safer driving your LX. I never thought I’d ever say that since I love my red, hot Mustang.” I smiled.

  Duchess rubbed against my ankles and I fed her before she went to nipping me, something I could do without. I grabbed my jacket right before I headed out the door and made Andrew promise to check on Mr. Wilson while we were gone.

  “I hope you won’t be gone the entire day,” Andrew said. “Although, there is a John Wayne marathon on today.”

  I hugged Andrew. I had the most amazing husband ever. He was not even bugging me about my investigating, which I really appreciated.

  I gave Eleanor a quick call to make sure she’d be ready when I got to her place and she sounded more wide awake than me. That’s Eleanor to a T. She’s vivacious, a little naughty, but a more capable partner than anyone I know of. I’d be lost without her, is the truth.

  Chapter Seven

  I pulled up to Eleanor’s house and she came waltzing over, after giving Wilson a good smooching at the door. I just shook my head and smiled. They were such a cute couple.

  Eleanor grandly opened the door of the LX, using the inside strap to pull herself all the way into the seat. “I swear I’ll need a ladder to get into this SUV. Why don’t we take my Cadillac?”

  “I can’t even remember the last time we’ve driven it. I doubt it would even turn over.”

  “Me either. I should check that out later and possibly take it for a little drive,” she said, her facial features telling me that she was kidding since her eyes were positively dancing in amusement.”

  “We should stop by Rosa Lee’s shop. I’d like to have those skid marks looked at and I’m sure Curt and Curtis will know someone who can do the job.”

  “What job is that, fire at random cars while we check out the skid marks?”

  “Now, Eleanor, that’s not nice at all. Just because those Hill boys are in the Michigan Militia doesn’t mean that everyone they know is. I don’t know anyone in that organization who would do such a thing, unless someone were trespassing on their property.”

  “What? I was just kidding, geez. Are we going somewhere or are you planning to stay in my drive all day?”

  I pulled onto US 23 and headed toward what was supposed to be Rosa Lee’s potpourri shop. The traffic was a steady stream heading into Tawas. It amazed me how many bird watchers there really were. All the events and tours were booked up that took people where they were certain to see more birds, like the Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area. The marsh was seasonally flooded and right now was the perfect time to take a hike there. There were no facilities or buildings there, though, but that tour always booked up fast. Not that you couldn’t go there for free alone. But perhaps a guided tour might be appealing to some. It was pretty desolate out there and it gave me the creeps at times.

  I took a hard turn into Rosa Lee’s place, slamming on my brakes so I didn’t drive the LX though the place as horns blasted.

  Eleanor had a hand pressed to her chest. “Gee, Agnes. Did you see the size of that truck barreling toward us?”

  “I had no choice. You saw the traffic. Did you want me to wait all day to get across?”

  “No, but I had hoped you’d do it without giving me a heart attack.” We got out of the LX and Eleanor marched over, inspecting how close the vehicle was to the store where I had skidded to a stop. “Wow, Rosa Lee almost had a new door.”

  I sighed and walked around to the back of the shop, glancing through a window. I don’t know why I doubted that Rosa Lee had quit growing medicinal products, but I did. “You don’t think Rosa Lee still grows marijuana, do you?”

  “Beats me, but since we saw her recently, it’s safe to say they didn’t find any here.”

  When we came around to the back door, we surprised a young man carrying a tray of marijuana clones. He froze like we were the fuzz and we kindly moved out of the way so that he was able to pass, which he did in a hurried fashion.

  “But I thought—” Eleanor began.

  “It’s none of our business, Eleanor,” I reminded her. “We have our own troubles and can’t be worrying about everyone else.”

  “Yup, so you caught me red handed, coppers. I suppose you’re going to slap the cuffs on me now?” Rosa Lee laughed, holding out her hands as her hip held open the door.

  “Very funny. Perhaps we should speak to you out here. I’d rather not see anything I have to testify to later.” I joined her in laughter.

  We walked inside and chemicals were stacked on the counters, with boxes along a wall. “What’s going on here, really?”

  “It seems that growing plants for potpourri isn’t the best idea for a business. I’ve gone bust on it, I’m afraid. That’s when someone suggested I set up a grow shop. It’s all quite legal. I only sell chemicals for other people to grow their product, along with other supplies they might need to set themselves growing at their own home. You do know when you have a medical marijuana card, you can grow twelve plants for your own use.”

  “I hope you don’t have a doctor come in the back door filling out cards for cash.”

  “Oh, no. I want no part of that. I’m trying to stay out of trouble. Of course some in town don’t like the idea of my business and that’s why they called the cops on me. Sheriff Peterson really needs to watch who he listens to before he authorizes a raid. I didn’t have anything here because I’m not growing marijuana here.”

  Eleanor looked confused. “So why did we just see that man—”

  “He was just showing me his clones. They need a little tender loving care and I’ll be dropping off the chemicals for him later, since you most likely scared him off. I told him he’s to never bring any more to my shop. I don’t need that kind of trouble.” She sighed. “I suppose you didn’t come here to chat about my store, so what’s up?”

  “We need to have your sons come out and check out skid marks we found. Or have an expert they know come. I believe they know someone who can help.”

  “Why not call them yourself?”

  “I don’t have their number, for one, and it’s not smart just showing up at their place uninvited.”

  “And that it isn’t, but I’m certain they wouldn’t shoot first and ask questions later. They know what kind of car you and that husband of yours drive.”

  Rosa Lee called her sons and told them what we wanted. “Curt wants to know where to meet you.”

  “Plank Road, on the other side of M 55.”

  She went back to listening to Curt and hung up. “He says they’ll meet you there.”

  “If only I can get across US 23 with the traffic.”

  “She almost got us killed coming in here.”

  Rosa Lee covered her mouth with her hand, trying not to laugh, apparently not wanting to make me feel bad.

  We thanked her and walked back to the LX and once we were back inside, Eleanor said, “I don’t understand you sometimes, Agnes.”

  “Understand what, exactly?”

  “Why did you tell me what Rosa Lee did was her business and then ask her all those questions?”

  “I suppose I just wanted to look out for her. I’d hate to visit my friend in the joint.”

  “What joint?”

  “Prison, silly.”

  “Are we planning to meet the Hill boys sometime today?”

  I turned around and slammed on the gas pedal to make it in front of a truck and for a second, I wasn’t sure we’d make it since the LX skidded on the gravel drive of the shop, but luckily when I hit the pavement, I narrowly missed being struck by a truck once again today.

  “That’s it!” Eleanor declared. “I’m going to bring a blindfold before I get into a car with you again.”

  “Well, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow since we have quite the
day ahead of us.”

  “Explain yourself?”

  “That car involved in the accident was stolen from a woman in Oscoda. We’ll be questioning her later.”

  “Okay, and what about Donald Downey, you know, the victim in the car crash?”

  “We’ll be going to Au Gres later, don’t worry.”

  Traffic moved along at least and it wasn’t long before I turned on Plank Road and I pulled off the side of the road, waiting for the Hill boys to show up. Eleanor and I clambered out and I stared at the road. “It can’t be.”

  Eleanor agreed. “Now there are more skid marks. Looks like some kids might have just been racing up and down this road.”

  I just wasn’t willing to let this go. “This can’t be.”

  The Hill brothers showed up with a wrecker behind them. They all hopped out and made it over to where we stood waiting. “I’m sorry I wasted your time, boys. It seems that I’m way off base. I thought someone might have ran the accident victim off the road, but now there are even more skid marks.”

  The wrecker driver, Jimmy, knelt down and stared at the tracks. “Appears to be a large GMC truck with a lifter. It struck the rear corner of the Impala, sending it into the tree over there.” He then pointed out a second set of skid marks. “Same truck most likely, but different car and tree this time.”

  “What do you mean, different car?”

  “The one from this morning. I thought you knew that.”

  “There was another accident this morning?”

  “Yup, Chevy Cobalt. The poor sap never stood a chance up against a mighty maple.”

  I walked over to where he pointed out and I found a piece of the wreckage. The Cobalt was gray and the only damage to the tree was an area where the car had no doubt slammed into it.

  “Do you happen to know who the victim was?”

  Jimmy pulled out his notebook. “Mary Watkins from Oscoda.”

  “Are you certain? The other car in the first accident was stolen from Oscoda.”

  “I wonder if there is any connection?” Eleanor asked.

  “I guess we won’t know unless we ask around.”

  “Whatever you do, make sure you don’t tell the sheriff that I gave you the name of the victim.”