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

by Madison Johns

  Janice’s frowned. “If someone intentionally caused Donald’s accident, I want to know about it.”

  “I’m sure if we can prove that, the sheriff will take action, but be careful, would you? I’d hate for anything else to happen.”

  “Sounds like good advice,” Brian said. “I’ve been telling them that since two members of their club have already died.”

  “You really need to relax more, Brian,” Janice said. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m old enough to take care of myself. You should go on back home.”

  “Not a chance, sister. I’m here for the long haul.”

  Eleanor and I walked back to our table and we ate our dinner in silence. I enjoyed watching children outside who held binoculars and were pointing at the boats on the bay. It would be dark soon and I didn’t want to follow the birdwatchers anywhere, but I did want to know what they drove.

  After dinner, Eleanor and I paid for our meal and left. When we were back in the car, Eleanor asked. “Are we really going to Elsie’s today?”

  “No. I’m beat for the day. How about you?”

  “The same.”

  When I glanced around the parking lot, I didn’t see any large trucks, not a GMC or otherwise. I pulled out and headed back to Eleanor’s house, expecting a nasty confrontation with Andrew over his LX.

  “So, what do you think, Agnes?”

  “About what?”

  “The Bird Geeks?”

  “Well, Janice sure seemed upset about Donald’s death.”

  “Yes, but not so much that she’s packing it up and going home.”

  “The other members of the group didn’t seem to be upset at all. I wonder if it’s possible one of them might have had it in for Donald and Mary.”

  “I can see having it in for Donald, perhaps if one of them liked Janice since she had a thing for Donald, but that doesn’t explain Mary. So I think we hit a dead end here. I just can’t see any of them wanting the members of their group dead. Donald seemed to be the one helping out the group. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was the one financing it,” Eleanor pointed out.

  “With only a part time job?” I asked.

  “Well, his mother was feeding them when they were in town, too, remember?”

  “Mary’s mother helped, too. I’d like to speak with her again, but we’ll do that tomorrow.”

  “You have a full day ahead for us. We’re going to see Elsie, Mary’s mother, and the coffee shop?”

  “After we get you car legal tomorrow. You need your tags and insurance and now you’ll have to pay for high risk insurance because you let it lapse.”

  “Who are you kidding? I already pay high risk.” She laughed.

  Chapter Twelve

  I pulled into Eleanor’s drive and Andrew was standing outside, massaging his LX with his hand like he was trying to ease the pain of a child who had just been hurt. He turned to greet me as Eleanor and I clambered out of the car. She made a move, but I stopped her, “Not so fast, Eleanor. I need you to back me up.”

  “Fine, but I can’t see him being less angry about the damage to his LX.”

  “What happened to my LX, you let Eleanor drive?”

  “No,” I choked out.

  “I’ll have you know that Agnes nearly killed us so many times today that I lost count.”

  I gave Eleanor a look. “I think you’ve said enough, Eleanor. You’re not helping right now.”

  “I just hate being the one anyone would blame. I drive much better of late.”

  “She’s right,” I had to admit.

  “Perhaps Eleanor should go inside so we can talk privately.”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice,” Eleanor said, as she raced in the direction of the door, disappearing inside.

  “What does she mean you almost got her killed today?”

  I fidgeted with my hands. “Oh, you know how the traffic on US 23 was today. I’m sure you’ve seen the traffic going past Eleanor’s house.”

  “I didn’t really even look out the front until I heard the Caddy roar to life. I’d appreciate it the next time if you’d tell me before you took off that my LX was in a wreck.”

  “It wasn’t exactly a wreck. We were questioning Donald’s mother and her boyfriend wasn’t the friendliest. He smashed into your LX when he was backing out of her driveway and took off.”

  “Did you report it to the police, at least?”

  “Yes, and the trooper told me that he couldn’t do anything since it was on private property. He told me I could pick up a copy of the police report for the insurance company.”

  “I suppose that’s it then. I won’t get on you about investigating, but did this woman’s boyfriend try to hurt either of you?”

  “No, but he’s high on my suspect list. He drives a GMC truck with a lifter like we suspect the killer might be driving.”

  “You don’t have to tell me anything else. The less I know about your investigation the better I’d feel.”

  “So should I drive the LX home or my Mustang?”

  “We’ll keep the LX here in the garage and take your Mustang home.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  We went inside to tell Eleanor goodbye, and she was on the deck fast asleep in a lawn chair. Obviously Wilson never even noticed she was sleeping, as he was talking to her.

  Andrew slid the patio door open. “See you tomorrow, Wilson.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  I led the way back through the house and outside. Andrew unlocked the doors of the Mustang and we climbed inside. The ride back home was a quiet one. “Are you okay, Andrew?”

  “Yes. I guess I’m tired of waiting for you to come back.”

  “I swear I didn’t mean to be gone so long.”

  “It doesn’t matter anymore. I’m just happy that you’re home safely,” he said, as he pulled in the driveway.

  I was the first one out of the car and into the house. I immediately walked over to the counter, grabbing the cat food to feed Duchess, who seemed quite angry from the way she carried on. I then went into my bedroom and put on my pajamas. Only then did I meet Andrew back in the living room.

  “Did you have dinner?” I asked.

  “Yes, we ordered a pizza.”

  “Oh, I had no idea Wilson could eat things like that.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Just that I thought he only ate tuna casserole.”

  “Let’s take this to the bedroom.”

  Now, that was on offer I couldn’t refuse even if it was preceded by the mention of tuna casserole.

  * * *

  I didn’t wake up from the bright sunlight streaming through the window, nor from Duchess clawing me. When I finally opened my eyes, I was tightly snuggled up against my husband. There was no better way to wake up in my opinion.

  Andrew opened his eyes and smiled at me. “Good morning, beautiful.”

  I raked a hand through my hair. “Don’t be silly. I’m old and my hair must look awful.”

  “You look beautiful to me.”

  I hated to leave my bed, but my weak bladder was calling to me. I slid out of bed despite Andrew’s complaints. If I stayed in bed with him much longer, I’d probably remain there until two in the afternoon. Perhaps after the case was wrapped up, I would do that, but I couldn’t just now.

  I took my shower and as the water streamed over my face, the details of this case were all I could think about. Now that we knew Stephan’s last name, hopefully Elsie could point us in the direction of where he lived. I really wanted to take a better look at his truck to see if paint matching either vehicle was on it. I had been so intent on questioning Stephan yesterday that I never even thought to examine his truck. That was sloppy investigating and it was something I wasn’t prone to do.

  I dressed in suede-like pants and a matching sweater with ankle boots. Andrew was in the kitchen in my fuzzy bathrobe, making coffee when I walked in.

  “You do know you have your own bathrobe, right?�
�

  “Yes, but I like yours better.” He winked.

  “Make sure you bundle up today. It’s not going to get past the fifties.”

  “I plan on it since we’ll be out and about.”

  I sat at the table until the coffee was done and Andrew brought it to the table, filled with my favorite creamer. I could hear the sounds of birds singing outside. It was a sure sign that spring was here when the warblers flocked to Tawas. It was then that I remembered that the Bird Geeks were heading to Tuttle Marsh last night, or at least they had said that they planned to. I just hoped they hadn’t gotten themselves lost or in trouble. There was no telling how many people were traipsing in the woods there last night.

  “So, where are you headed, just in case I have to file a missing person’s report?” Andrew asked.

  “We’re going to question the mother of one of the accident victims. She lives in Oscoda and while we’re there, we’ll also be stopping by the Garden View Coffee Mill. To start with.”

  “All the way there?”

  “I can’t help where the clues lead us. Of course later I’d like to pay Elsie a visit to ask her where Stephan Hasse lives. He owns and GMC truck with lifter, the vehicle we believe is involved in the accidents.”

  “So just because he owns a similar truck that you believe was involved, he’s guilty of a crime?”

  “It sure sounds different when you say it that way.”

  “Who told you a truck with that description was involved, anyway?”

  “Jimmy. He’s the wrecker driver that has been helpful in the past.”

  “Have you ever thought this Jimmy might be leading you astray?”

  “Actually, I have, but I just won’t believe he’s involved.”

  “Now that’s not something I’d expect you to say. I’d expect that you’d investigate every avenue before you make any educated guesses.”

  I finished up my coffee and asked, “Do you want to take me to Eleanor’s or should I leave you here?”

  “Since it doesn’t seem like I’m dressed, why don’t you have Eleanor pick you up here?”

  “I really wish we’d brought home the LX last night.”

  “Perhaps I’ll get ready after all. I should pick up the accident report and start getting estimates. I’ll need a rental, too. Until you finish with your investigation I can’t be expected to be without a vehicle.”

  I waited for Andrew to shower and called Eleanor to tell her that I’d be there soon and to be ready.

  Andrew walked back into the kitchen dressed in a blue suit. “Whoa, why are you bringing out the three piece?”

  “Oh, I forgot to mention that I have a new client who was arrested last night for drunken disorderly, Jack Winston.”

  “Winston, eh? Why doesn’t it surprise me?”

  “It might surprise you to know that Bill Hays was also arrested last night.”

  “I hope you check to find out if he also needs legal council.”

  “I will. I can imagine they’ll both just have a fine to pay.”

  “If Jack Winston doesn’t lose his cool, you mean?”

  “I’ll do my best to stop him from doing that.”

  “What time do you plan to be there?”

  “After I take you to Eleanor’s house.”

  “Oh, please, can’t I go with you. I’d love to see how Jack handles himself in court.”

  “I don’t need anyone stirring up trouble for Jack, even if it’s my lovely wife.”

  I frowned as I put on my hooded jacket. It was warmer than I might need, but I wanted to be prepared. Andrew didn’t put on a jacket since he wore the suit. In seconds, we were out the door. I settled myself in the passenger seat since Andrew preferred to drive. It didn’t bother me that much anymore like it used to, but I still wondered why men felt the need to be at the helm when women were quite capable drivers, too.

  It was smooth sailing all the way to Eleanor’s house. She waved when we pulled in and Andrew parked my Mustang well out of the way of the garage and the Cadillac. True to his word, he headed for the garage and Eleanor pressed the button for the remote door opener. Andrew fired up his LX and backed it out, heading in the direction of Tawas.

  “So what’s up?” Eleanor asked.

  “Andrew is heading to town. Apparently Jack Winston and Bill Hays were arrested for drunk and disorderly.”

  “I’d love to see Jack in court.”

  “Me, too, but Andrew said my presence would only rile Jack up.”

  “You can go to court and watch if you want. We’ll just sit in the back and hopefully nobody will notice us.”

  “Like we could be unrecognizable to Andrew.”

  “Aren’t you a little curious what will happen in court?”

  “I should call Elsie and see if she’s going. We should offer all the moral support we can to our friend.”

  “You’re right. I’ll make the call,” Eleanor volunteered.

  I slid behind the wheel of the Cadillac while Eleanor moved beside me, laughing as she spoke to Elsie. “We’ll see you there.” She hung up the phone and couldn’t gain control of herself. Her face reddened and tears ran down her face. She finally regained her composure and said, “S-Sorry.”

  “So, that means it’s a go?”

  “You have that one right. Elsie bet me five dollars that Jack gets thrown back into the tank for contempt of court.”

  “That surprises me. You’d think Elsie would want to support ol’ Jack.”

  “It might just be the only entertainment Elsie will have all month.”

  I doubted that. Perhaps Elsie would have personal enjoyment to see Jack in a fix. It might just be the way he gets so angry sometimes, or bent out of shape. But he’s been much better since he and Elsie have been together.

  “We’ll need to pick up Elsie, though,” Eleanor went on to say. “It seems Jack took her car.”

  “Why didn’t he take his?”

  “Oh, something to do with him losing his license. He didn’t pass his eye test and it was yanked.”

  “That wouldn’t prevent him from still driving. We know Jack isn’t exactly the type of man to let something like not having a driver’s license to stop him from driving.”

  “It would when his son confiscated his car.” Eleanor laughed.

  “And Elsie let him take her car?”

  “Oh, no. You know how Jack can be.”

  And that I did. He’d be spending more time in jail for sure.

  I drove down Plank Road and all I could think about was how those poor kids lost their lives and for what? So far we hadn’t figured it out. When I pulled into the drive, Elsie and Marjory raced to the car. Once they hopped in the back, Elsie said, “Let’s hurry. We don’t want to miss the show.”

  “I’m surprised at you, Elsie. This is a serious matter. Jack’s been arrested,” I said in mock outrage.

  “Oh, come now. Where’s the Agnes we know and love?”

  “I hope you act at least a little upset that Jack’s been arrested when we get there.”

  “At least I thought ahead and called your husband to help him out.”

  “And I hope he’ll help out my Bill, too,” Marjory said.

  I turned back onto Plank and went to where the accidents happened. It was then that I saw another set of skid marks, but instead of hitting a tree, these marks went well up the road.

  “Why are we going this way?” Elsie asked. “The sheriff’s department is the other way.”

  “Oh, I guess I forgot where I was going.”

  I turned around and Eleanor said, “Perhaps those skid marks were only kids squealing their tires.”

  “What skid marks?” Elsie asked.

  “The accidents on Plank Road.”

  “That was so horrible,” Elsie said. “It makes me afraid to drive up my road.”

  “That’s why she called you to pick us up,” Marjory admitted.

  I grumbled, but remained silent the rest of the way to town, but I had to ask Marjory, “S
o, since when does Bill go anywhere with Jack? I thought you two were connected by the hips.”

  “Oh, come on now. It’s not my fault we’re so close, but no need for you to be jealous, dear,” Marjory said. “Last night I had to stay with Elsie. I’m just not used to being without my Bill.”

  “Oh, and that decision wasn’t in part because of spiked lemonade, was it?”

  They laughed just as I pulled into the sheriff’s department. We wandered around until we were directed to the Honorable Judge Moore’s courtroom. We walked down the hallway where there were chairs lined against the wall with people seated while they waited to enter a courtroom. We silently crept into Judge Moore’s courtroom and took a seat in the back. Andrew, Jack, and Bill were not there as of yet and I hoped Andrew would be representing both men. I would hate for Elsie and Marjory to come home empty-handed.

  I glanced over now and saw that Marjory was wearing a lavender outfit. If Bill wasn’t equally dressed, it might be the first time they weren’t dressed the same. I smile to myself, thinking about that.

  The judge made bail for some people, and yet for others, it was set so high they weren’t able to make it, or so their attorneys said. I watched the clock at it was now ten o’clock and I was actually surprised court was starting so early. Most cases you had to wait for the Judge to show up in court, although they were in their chambers finalizing last minute details, no doubt. I had no idea what it would take for a judge to get ready for court. All I knew was that plea bargains happened in the last minutes oftentimes, which made it a boring day if you were on jury duty. But so far today, the judge was handling arraignments.

  The door finally opened and Andrew walked up to the first bench with both Jack and Bill. I had to clap a hand over my mouth not to laugh out loud. How disappointing it would be if Jack didn’t cause a scene, although it’s not that I wanted him to get himself into more trouble.

  More cases came and went before the judge announced Jack Winston’s name. Andrew and Jack walked over to an empty table where they were sworn in.

  Judge Moore adjusted his thick-rimmed glasses and said, “Are you entering a plea, Mr. Winston?”

  “My client would like to plead guilty to drunk and disorderly conduct.”

  The judge read over something on a laptop that was near his desk and then said, “This is the third time within the last few months, Mr. Winston.”