by Molly Dox
Annie squeezed the woman’s hand. “Truly, thank you.”
Somebody came to wheel her gurney down to the operating room. “I’ll be back.”
Annie nodded. “I’ll go take care of Mitzi.” Tears rolled down her cheek as she was leaving the room. If Mrs. Bushmiller hadn’t come in when she did and knocked Gretchen down…Annie shuddered. Things could have ended very differently.
She hoped her statement was enough to hold Gretchen. She didn’t wait around to see if she was released. Her only thought was to get to Mrs. Bushmiller’s side and make sure she was being taken care of. Gretchen’s confession of having ‘already taken out one woman’ and her plans to be with the mayor might have been enough motivation. Annie wasn’t sure how the mayor was involved or if he even was. Did he plan it with her, or did Gretchen do it on her own?
Annie stopped to pick up Mitzi. She hoped the dogs would get along…and the cat. It was going to be an adventure, but she’d make it work. She wasn’t expecting the mayor to be waiting on her when she got home. Everything inside of her froze up. She hesitantly got out of the car with Mitzi.
“I was hoping you’d show up soon. I tried going to your shop, but you weren’t there,” he explained.
“Can I help you?” She didn’t trust him.
He moved in close and wrapped his arms around her tightly. Annie stiffened up.
“I got a call that they arrested Sharon’s killer, and it was thanks to you. I don’t know how to thank you enough.” He dropped his head. “I was a fool, and my dear wife paid for my mistakes.”
Annie said nothing. She was tongue-tied.
“Anyway, thank you again. They said she confessed that she’d set the entire thing up. She thought she could get away with it by blackmailing herself too. I won’t keep you, but just know that I owe you one. If there’s anything I can do…”
Annie found her words. “Actually, there is. A friend got hurt during all of this. She’s going to need extra help and care. Do you think you could pull some strings and get her a day nurse while she’s recovering at home? I want to help her, but can’t afford…”
“Say no more. Tell me what you need. I’ll take care of it.” He was on it.
“Thank you.” She gave him Mrs. Bushmiller’s information and then said good-bye.
Pip was less than thrilled to share her space with another dog, but after a few terse moments, the dogs decided they could be in each other’s company. She put them outside and watched them chase each other around. The cat watched from atop the fence.
Chapter 14
When Charlotte dropped by, she hadn’t heard the latest news. “Hey girl, I baked another pie. This time it’s cherry.”
“Thanks, Char. This isn’t a great time. If you want to come in, you’re welcome, but I’m kind of in a rough place.” Annie carried the pie into the kitchen and left the door open for Charlotte to follow.
“Oh no! What’s got you down? Did Alex finally marry your sister? How did your folks take the news?” She was oblivious to the latest events of the day.
Annie opened the back door to let the dogs back inside. The cat, Squeak, slipped in as well. “You got another dog?”
“It’s Mitzi, Mrs. Bushmiller’s dog.” She knew she’d have to tell her about what happened, but the lack of energy she had, left her feeling like a wet washcloth. “Grab a drink from the fridge. You might as well have a seat; it’s going to be a long conversation.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow and scowled. “Are you okay, kid?”
Annie shook her head. “No, I’m not.”
“You’re really taking this thing with your ex-husband harder than I thought you would. You don’t still secretly harbor feelings for him, do you?”
“Oh my gosh, no. It’s not him.” She drew a deep breath, not even sure where to start. “I’m just tired of being a magnet for drama. I’m exhausted, getting paranoid, and generally scared half the time these days. These last few months… And then today…”
“What happened today? What am I missing? It’s like a puzzle with a missing piece.” Charlotte looked at Annie like she was talking in code.
“Gretchen did it. She killed Sharon. Then today she tried to kill me.” The words felt bigger than her.
Charlotte was stunned. “What?!”
“Mrs. Bushmiller saved my life. I should probably start at the beginning.” Annie sighed, exhausted from the day.
“Okay, don’t leave out a single detail.” She got up and gave Annie a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Let’s go in the other room,” Annie suggested.
Squeak followed along, having gotten comfortable without much effort. He claimed the back of the sofa, stretching out and keeping one eye on the dogs.
“Where should I start? Okay, so Gretchen had a hair appointment today, and I thought I’d poke a little bit. That turned into a mistake.” She thought for a moment. “Well, a good thing and a bad thing. We got to talking and she made some statements that stood out to me. When I said something in particular, she looked at me in the mirror. She knew I was putting pieces of the puzzle together. Next thing I know, she jumps up, grabs my scissors from the station below the mirror, and turns to stab me.”
Charlotte chimed in. “Get out! Are you kidding me? She really tried to stab you? She’s lucky she didn’t hurt you, or she’d have to answer to me.” Charlotte was furious.
“Anyway, we start to scuffle and she’s about ready to swipe at me again. That’s when Mrs. Bushmiller walks in. She sees what’s happening, and before I can react, she’s already tackled her to the ground. It was amazing.”
“Mrs. Bushmiller? Are we talking about the same woman? Mrs. Bushmiller from…”
“Yes. She saved my life, Charlotte. No lie. But in the process, she broke her hip. As soon as I was released from the police station, I went over to the hospital to see her.”
Charlotte was confused. “Wait a minute. Stop. You went to the police station? What for?”
“Okay, so I held Gretchen down so Mrs. Bushmiller could get up. We finally got the police out there. Both Gretchen and I were brought in for questioning. She made a statement about taking out one woman, and was about to finish a second one, meaning me. Anyway, they’re holding her and charging her with Sharon Millbourne’s murder. They released me after they took my statement. Mrs. Bushmiller was brought to the hospital. When I went to see her, she asked if I could look after Mitzi for her.”
“Wow.” Charlotte didn’t know what to say. “All this happened today?”
“Yeah, I actually just got home a little bit ago when you showed up.” Playing it out again, saying it out loud made it real. “With everything that’s going on…”
Charlotte waited for Annie to finish. She seemed stuck on the words. “What?”
Annie hesitated. “I’m thinking about leaving. I’m not sure I can live here much longer. The place I’ve always loved has turned into a heartbreaking and scary experience. My ex-husband marrying my sister, both of them living here, the murders, the arsons, and my own life being in danger…I’m not feeling so attached to this place right now. Money is tight with my business anyway and-”
“No. I won’t have it. And neither will Mrs. Bushmiller. We’re your family, and you belong with family,” Charlotte clarified.
“Char, I’m tired.” Annie dropped her head.
Charlotte spoke from her heart. “I know, hon, but things will get better. Give it a chance. You love this place. It’s been crazy lately, but things will quiet down again. Please don’t leave. I’d miss you so much. You’ve become home to me. I know it sounds funny, but you’re the closest thing I have around here. You’ve become like a sister to me.”
“Thanks, Charlotte.” She didn’t make any promises, but said she’d keep an open mind for a bit.
“And what about Mrs. Bushmiller? Do you really want to leave the woman that saved your life?”
“Like I needed the guilt?” Annie scolded.
“You’re right. I
’m sorry, I shouldn’t have gone there. I just can’t imagine this place without you. You’re my best friend.” Charlotte hated the thought of losing Annie.
Chapter 15
When Mrs. Bushmiller was released from the hospital, Annie stopped by to visit, bringing Mitzi with her. She was grateful to see both of them.
“How are you feeling?” Annie sat down beside her.
“As long as I keep the pain meds in me, I’m fine. Thank you for watching Mitzi for me.”
“It’s no bother; her and Pip play well together. I’ll keep her until you’re able to get up and move around better, but we’ll come by and visit.” Annie said.
“Thank you so much. I don’t know what I’d do. I’m not sure how long my recovery will take.” She was exasperated.
Annie understood. “I’ve also arranged for a day nurse to help you out. I spoke to the mayor, and they’ll pick up the tab. He’s pulled some strings, so it’s at no cost to you.”
“What? You didn’t have to do that for me.” Mrs. Bushmiller was surprised. “I’m so touched you thought of that.”
“You saved my life. You didn’t even stop to think. You just reacted and because of that, I’m here today. I’m eternally grateful.” Annie had never appreciated the woman more.
“I’d just be glad if we could be friendly again. I hate how things got between us for a while. I’m so sorry about everything that happened.” Mrs. Bushmiller hugged Mitzi as the dog jumped up beside her. She quietly urged, “Gentle.”
“It’s behind us. Okay?” Annie reassured her.
After a visit, Annie loaded Mitzi back in her car and drove her home. She had a few appointments later in the afternoon, and wanted to re-examine the books. The thought about leaving the island stayed with her. She still had no idea what she was going to do. Even with Jamie’s added clients, the off-season was getting harder each year. She had to learn to plan better for the quieter months, to get her through.
***
Chief Wylie had been cleared of any wrongdoing, but decided to step down from his position. His reputation was marred, and with his wife being charged with murder, he decided to keep a low profile for a while. He’d eventually move on. Officer Frisco was named the new Chief of Police.
Annie promised to stick around a little bit longer. She just wasn’t sure how long that meant…maybe if things quieted down. Only time would tell.
THE END
Thank you for reading “High Anxiety Dye Job” – an Annie Addison Cozy Mystery. Look for more titles by Molly Dox coming soon. If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review so others can decide if this is a book they would like. Thank you for your time. If this is the first book you’re reading in the Annie Addison Cozy Mystery series, be sure to look for “Color Me Crazy” which starts it all, and thank “A Tangled Mess” which is book 2 in the series. Thank you again for your time.
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