“I am, but—”
“What you waiting for?”
Travis frowned and left with his friend, and Rhonda said, “I think it’s time for you two to leave before I call the sheriff. It must be some kind of crime to be harassing the family of a murdered woman, especially a suspect.”
“Do you have the letter?” Petunia asked.
“I’m calling the sheriff, now,” Rhonda said as she went back inside and Noah motioned Petunia to move back to the car.
Once they were back inside the car, Petunia said, “Well, that’s two victims that were given a note supposedly by me. I just wish I knew if it was handed over to the sheriff or not.”
“I’d imagine so, but as I told you before—”
“I know, don’t talk to the deputy.”
“I suppose we should head over to the Hair Hut.”
“What about questioning Trevor? I’d sure like to hear what he was about to say before his mother cut him off.”
“Me, too, but he’s just a teenager, from the looks of it. It’s better to not question a minor without his mother’s approval.”
“You’re talking like a cop now, not an investigator.”
Just then, the sheriff’s car pulled up behind Noah, and the sheriff made it over to the passenger’s side window. Petunia lowered the window, smiling up at the sheriff. “Hello there, Sheriff. Fancy meeting you here.”
“Indeed. I’ve received two complaints about you already today. Go on home, Petunia and quit harassing the families of those murdered women.”
“I wasn’t, and I’ve now questioned both families. What can you tell me about a letter sent to Charlene and Kaye, supposedly by me?”
Sheriff Pinkerton released a heavy breath and spat, “I’m not about to tell you what I have or don’t have in the case I’m building against you.”
“Since both family members told us that a letter was sent to the victims prior to their deaths at the Lake Forest beach, I know you must have them and just hope you’re checking it for fingerprints. I’ve never written any letters to Kaye or Charlene.”
“Get a move on, Petunia, before I place you under arrest for interfering with an ongoing investigation. I’m sure Noah can tell you all about that.”
“We’re leaving,” Noah said as he roared the engine to life and tore out of the driveway, heading onto Main Street.
“Are we going home, now?” Petunia asked. “Because I’d really like to stop by the Hair Hut.”
“That’s exactly where we’re heading. Someone has gone to quite a bit of trouble to make you look like you’re responsible for the murders. It doesn’t help that you have a shaky history with all of them.”
“I know how it looks, but I’d really like to know how those letters were delivered.”
“Perhaps the ladies at the Hair Hut will know.”
Petunia nodded and hoped they’d catch a break, and soon. Investigating would be hard to do from a jail cell.
Noah parked in the back of the Hair Hut. At least that way, hopefully the sheriff wouldn’t see them when he drove past. They walked toward the all-wood building that was constructed of treated logs.
A bell dinged when they walked in and Henry, of all people, was inside having his hair done. Henry’s eyes widened when Petunia locked eyes with him as he stood, making way for her.
“I’m sorry, Petunia, about everything. I know you’re no murderer. If you were, I’d have been the first on your list, or Olivia.”
“That’s not true, Henry. I wish you no harm or anyone else. I’m simply not prone to violence.”
Peggy stepped forward. “I’m not sure that Olivia would care for you talking to Petunia.”
“We’re just talking and if any word gets back to my wife, I’ll know exactly who is responsible, Peggy.”
“Does anyone here know of anyone who Charlene might have been dating?” Petunia asked the beauticians who now approached them.
“She wasn’t dating anyone,” Peggy said. “Her last boyfriend, Nathaniel Chambers, broke up with her over six months ago.”
Nathaniel from the Grease Monkey auto shop. Now, he really didn’t seem like Charlene’s type. Petunia asked, “What do you know about a letter sent to Charlene from me?”
“She told us all about it, how she planned to confront you about what happened back in high school.”
“People in this town sure have memories like an elephant.” Noah laughed. “I can’t imagine why anyone would hold a grudge that long.”
“I know, but Charlene’s boyfriend, Tim, ended up hooking up with Stacey Keetings after Charlene left that night of prom, and she felt you were personally responsible, Petunia.”
“I had no idea, but that’s hardly my fault. She’s the one who decided to leave that night.”
“You ruined her gown.”
“I suppose, but I don’t hold a grudge against Charlene or anyone else in town. I know you were all friends with Charlene, and that’s why you hacked my hair last year, but is there anyone else in town that would mean to cause Charlene harm?” The beauticians all shook their heads empathically, which caused Petunia to frown now.
“I just don’t understand this. I swear I’m not guilty of this crime and we’ve been questioning witnesses all day now and we’re no closer to finding the killer than we were yesterday.”
Henry shuffled his feet now. “I should get going before Olivia wonders why I’m not home yet.” He then slapped down money on the counter and left.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“I’m too exhausted to hunt down Charlene’s ex-boyfriend, and quite starved,” Petunia said once they were back in the car.
“Would you care to stop somewhere? I’m starving, too.”
Petunia needed to get home so she could have time to think. Sure, she wanted to question the ex-boyfriend, but she also had hoped to speak with the deputy about the letters that were claimed to have been given to both Kaye and Charlene.
“If you’d rather I question Nathaniel Chambers—”
When they drove past Hanover’s Bistro and Petunia saw a deputy’s car parked out front, she interjected with, “Not at all. Let’s go to the bistro. It has the best sandwiches in town.”
Noah raised a brow when he glanced toward the deputy’s car. “I hope we’re just here for food and not asking any deputy questions about the case,” he said as he parked.
“What deputy?” Petunia asked innocently. “Oh, I didn’t even notice that car was here. I’m just so starved and Hanover’s is such a great place.”
Noah’s brow was furrowed now. “You do know if you start asking a deputy questions, it might seem suspect to them.”
“What? Why is that?”
“Suspects should stay far away from the case, not be pestering victims.”
“Or questioning them like we have been doing all day?”
He laughed now. “Exactly. That’s why I should be the one doing it.”
“We’ve been over this before and I insist on seeing this through.”
They went into the bistro, an all-brick building that housed many stores. It was in the corner spot and Noah opened the frosted glass door. There were wrought-iron tables and chairs on a patio, but nobody currently was seated outside. Normally she liked to sit there, but she planned on speaking to the deputy if it was Natalie.
“It would be great to sit outside today,” Noah suggested.
Petunia gave him a look instead of answering and walked into the bistro, as he still had ahold of the door handle. Along one wall was a mahogany bar. All tables to the left of that had a viewpoint of similar brick building on the opposite side of the street, where many other restaurants were. Large, neon signs hung on the side of the buildings and at night, this area was lit up.
They sat near the window and Petunia fingered the linen tablecloth until a server came over. “Hello, Petunia. Who is this? I hope not your boyfriend.”
“Why is that?” Noah asked.
“It’s just that—well, it didn’t go
too well the last time she had one.”
“Jeremy you mean?”
“No, Henry. Jeremy was a serial dater. I’m not all that sorry that he’s no longer in town.”
“He’s also missing,” Noah began. “Did you have an ax to grind with him?”
“No, but he did break my heart, too, Petunia. I don’t believe you had anything to do with his disappearance. It wouldn’t surprise me if he just skipped town.”
Petunia nudged Noah now. “We’re not here to discuss this. We’re here to eat remember?”
Noah ordered an iced tea and Petunia a diet cola, and when the server disappeared, Noah said, “Have you ever considered investigating Jeremy’s disappearance, too, since you’re a suspect in that case?”
Petunia spotted Deputy Natalie Cartwright across the room, making her way to the restroom, and stood. “I’ll be right back. Order me the roast beef hoagie on rye.”
She sprinted away before Noah had a chance to say anything. Petunia just hoped he hadn’t noticed that she went in search of the deputy.
Petunia went into the bathroom and was washing her hands when she heard the whoosh that signaled a toilet had been flushed. Natalie came out of the stall, but Petunia kept washing her hands, eyeing her through the reflection of the mirror.
“Hello, Petunia. Fancy meeting you here. What are you up to today?”
“Up to?”
“Yes. The sheriff mentioned that you were bothering the victims’ families today.”
“Questioning them, you mean.”
“Look, I know what you’re trying to do here, but the sheriff won’t stand for much more. He’s getting ready for an arrest.”
Petunia sighed. “Is it true that both Kaye and Charlene were sent letters supposedly from me asking them to meet me at the Lake Forest beach?”
Natalie stiffened now. “And you learned of that how?”
“The families told us.”
“Us?”
“Yes. My neighbor Noah is helping me investigate.”
“Please, Petunia, for both of your sakes, stay out of the investigation.”
“There’s no way my fingerprints were on those letters and even if I wrote them, it would be very dumb to leave that kind of evidence for the sheriff to find, don’t you think?”
“I can’t say since I’m not telling you about any evidence we have on you, Petunia.”
“Fine, don’t then. But I hope you’re not planning to railroad me like the sheriff is doing. Besides, while I knew Kaye and Charlene from high school, how does Helen fit into this? I believe someone is trying to make me look guilty.”
“And what about Jeremy? Is someone also trying to frame you for that, too?”
“I-I don’t know. I’m sorry to have bothered you, Natalie. I just hoped that—”
“That I’d put my job on the line for you just because we were in a few classes back in high school?”
Petunia frowned and left the bathroom, sliding back into her seat now as Noah smiled. “What did the deputy have to say?”
“How did you know I spoke to her?” Petunia asked, shocked. She was sure he hadn’t seen her following the deputy to the restroom.
“I guess I’m more observant that you think. I used to be a cop. It comes with the territory.”
“Nothing, just the normal, ‘Stay away from the case.’ She did at one point make it sound like there were letters found, but wouldn’t confirm it.”
“I expect not. It would put her in a difficult situation with the sheriff.”
“She also said the sheriff is getting closer to an arrest.”
“Sure, but I bet you already knew that.”
Petunia frowned. She didn’t want to answer any more questions about Jeremy and hoped Noah would not bring that up again. She had no way to answer that line of direct questioning. If only there was some way she could turn Jeremy back into human form, or at least make it look like he actually left town to an unknown location.
The server delivered their sandwiches and Petunia concentrated on eating for the moment. She locked eyes with the deputy who strode past on her way out the door, and wished she’d have been of some help. Time was running out for Petunia, and she shuddered to think what would happen if she was arrested. Would Noah still then be willing to help her?
* * *
After lunch, Petunia called Aunt Maxine, who chastised Petunia for not coming to the shop to help out when they were being slammed, as she put it. Petunia did promise to stop by after they questioned Nathaniel Chambers. It was time to ask her aunt a few questions, also.
Noah drove to the Grease Monkey and they clambered out of the car, heading toward the garage area where there were three opened garage doors.
Petunia asked a young man who walked by if Nathaniel was working. With a nod of his head, he hollered, “Nathaniel, a woman is here to see you.”
Nathaniel surfaced from an opened door and met Noah and Petunia halfway. “Hello, I’m Petunia Patterson, and this is—”
“Noah, right? I heard about you two poking around about the murders here in town. I sure hope you find out who did this. Charlene didn’t deserve to die that way, or any of the other victims.” He shook his head. “I’m still rattled over her death.”
“But didn’t you break up some time ago?”
“Sure, but believe me, I did care for her deeply at one time.”
“Could I ask you about the nature of your breakup, if you don’t mind?” Petunia asked.
“I suppose. It’s not much of a secret. Charlene took quite the tumble in life after her parents divorced. Her father bankrupted them so her mother didn’t get anything to speak of. She works as a secretary for an accountant and Charlene was the kind of girl that was used to having the finer things in life.”
“Then why didn’t she go to college?”
“Perhaps you should ask her mother that.”
“I couldn’t get that much out of Rhonda. She’s quite angry about her daughter’s death.”
“I imagine so. Charlene didn’t think she needed to enroll in college. She thought some rich man would fall in love with her and when that didn’t happen, we dated for a few years. I even proposed to her, but she had set her sights on someone that made more money than I did.”
“That must have been a blow for you,” Noah said.
“Yes, it sure was, but I wasn’t about to chase after her. I don’t need that kind of grief in my life. Charlene was gorgeous. If she’d have left Lake Forest, she might have been able to find what she wanted.”
“It sounds like a fairytale to me,” Petunia said. “College would have been the best bet for her. I’m shocked her mother didn’t press her to attend.”
“She didn’t have the money to pay for her daughter’s education.”
“There are grants and student loans,” Petunia countered.
“I know you’re right, but it wasn’t something Charlene wanted to do, obviously.”
“Seems like she’d have been more motivated than that. Working as a beautician certainly couldn’t have been paying the bills.”
“Which is why she still lived with her mother.”
“Did Charlene have anyone that might want to harm her that you know of?”
“I’ve been broken up with her for six months, so I can’t say.”
“How about when you were dating her?”
“Sorry, I can’t help you there. But why are you investigating this case? Isn’t it the sheriff’s job?”
“Yes, well … I just don’t like the idea of a killer loose in Lake Forest.”
“And it could be because everyone thinks Petunia is responsible,” the young man said, who lingered close by. “Or so people are saying in town.”
Petunia put her hands up now. “No, it wasn’t me for sure. I’d have no reason to want any of the victims dead.”
“Is there anything you could add about Charlene that might help us locate her killer?” Noah asked.
“Sorry, but I hope someone figures out who th
e murderer is in town.”
Noah thanked Nathaniel for his help and they drove back to Noah’s house. Petunia then parted ways with him and went on home herself.
When Petunia opened the door, Pansy was perched on the back of the sofa, pacing. “It’s about time, Red. I was wondering if I’d have to send out a search party.”
Petunia sat down and took her shoes off, massaging her toes that felt pinched from the shoes she wore. “And how exactly would you do that? Call 911?” She smiled. “Send a cat patrol?”
“You underestimate the power of felines.”
“No, I don’t. You cats have it over us humans. Look how trained we have become.” With that, Petunia moved into the kitchen, filling the bowls, as Gem, Merlin, and Sassy waited expectedly until she had finished, making a mad dash to gobble up the food.
“You cats act like you’ve never eaten before.”
Petunia went upstairs and changed into jeans and a tee shirt, finally slipping her feet into more comfortable shoes. She then descended the stairs and Pansy bounded forward.
“Where are you going?”
“What makes you think I’m going anywhere?”
“Well, aren’t you?”
“Sure, I was hoping to pick up ingredients for a potion to turn you back.”
“It’s about time. I’m going, too.”
Petunia's hands went to her hips. “That’s out of the question.”
"Don't even try it with me, Red. I'm going … or else."
Petunia's brows gathered. "Or else? What would you do if I left without you?”
Pansy now rubbed against Petunia's legs. "Please, I've been locked up here all day with those cats."
Merlin came up and swung a paw, knocking Pansy over, and pinned him to the ground as Gem skidded into the room, jumping in her knitting basket.
“Obviously you might want to talk more kindly to your fellow cats, or about them. They've been here much longer than you, and quite set in their ways." Truer words had never been spoken. Merlin was establishing himself as ringleader of the bunch now, even though Pansy had been assuming the role since he had been turned into a cat. Gem was more of a silly heart and quite affectionate. She was also the youngest of her cats. That left Sassy, who was … well, quite sassy. She had all the attitude of royalty, like if Petunia didn't feed her the food she liked. Forget store brand, all she'd eat was Fancy Feast. Petunia had no idea before she owned a cat just how much drama she'd have to endure. Through the course of her day, she could spend it easily picking up cat toys. Petunia then glanced around at her knitting basket and Gem was on the move. Yarn had been scattered and she followed a string into the kitchen and out the back door. Gem had ahold of one end and was taking it with her, under a fence and into a neighbor's yard.
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