A Frosty Mug of Murder (The Grumpy Chicken Irish Pub Series Book 1)

by Constance Barker

  “I don’t know what that is, but sounds like it might get us more information?”

  Ida never looked up but said, “One can only hope!”

  Piper jumped in, “So, what’s our next move?”

  Dog couldn’t resist. “Pick our name?”

  Even Guardrail flinched and all of us just decided to ignore Dog Breath for now. I said, “Palmer Properties. We need to learn all we can about them. They have more to do with this than we thought.”

  Piper noted, “The name on the letterhead?”

  I pointed at her. “Correct. The one and the same. Who are they, what are they doing in town, and are they working with Elias Holland.”

  Ida finally looked up. “What? You think Elias and this Palmer Properties are connected?”

  “Maybe, but that bit of info stays here. Capiche?”

  Dixie started laughing at me and said, “OMG! You hear one person say it today and now you’re repeating it.”

  “I liked when they used it in The Godfather, like Elias said. Guess the comments we heard earlier stayed with me.”

  Digger had been quiet but looked up and asked, “What is this Ka Fish thing? Is it something new on the menu?

  Dixie was laughing even harder now and replied, “Sure Digger, you can have the first plate made.”

  Digger got excited. “It’s on the house too if it’s the first plate, right Ginger?”

  I couldn’t resist so I said, “Sure. One plate of Ka Fish for Digger today, on the house.”

  From the grill in back, Bones bellowed, “I’ll make him an order of Ka Fish he can’t refuse. Fuggedaboutit!”

  Chapter Twelve

  Ida took over my office and set up a small computer center. Then she went to work looking for information on Palmer Properties. I walked back to the dining room to chat some more with the rest of the gang.

  I saw Edith and Lily, earlier than usual, at their table and I knew they were here to be part of the team too. So I went over to them and took a seat.

  Edith greeted me with, “Good morning dear! I hear we need to knit you a ski mask.”

  I scrunched my face. “What?”

  “We heard about your late night antics. You need some help with your covert operations from the version of the story we heard.”

  “I forgot. I don’t know why this town has a newspaper, we don’t need one. Everyone knows everything about what goes on here. And faster than a high speed internet connection.”

  There was no lunch rush today and the place was empty, and very quiet. Piper heard me and sat up, protesting, “You know why we need a paper. What gets passed around town so fast is gossip, not news.”

  I clarified, “Sorry. I’m glad we have a newspaper and we need it, so don’t be offended Piper. I was just making a point.”

  Piper got up from the bar and came over to sit at the table with us. “Apology accepted. But don’t be surprised if you hear a retaliatory remark aimed at the pub from me before the end of the day.”

  “I deserve that, I guess.”

  Edith was all business today and ignored our chatter. She got right to business. “So, what are we going to do next?”

  Lily answered her. “I think we need to dig a little more on that unpleasant Amber girl.”

  I couldn’t hold back anymore. “I have something to tell you. Don’t be mad. When I was at the police station yesterday, I learned that Amber has an airtight alibi. She didn’t do it. I’m sure.”

  Piper said, “You little busybody! How did you find that out and not tell us?”

  “Amber told me she didn’t do it. And the police let her go right away. It was kind of obvious. But I thought I would let the police do their job and see if they really did clear her.”

  Piper sulked. “Well, what else are you holding back?”

  “Nothing. I promise. It was something Amber told me in confidence and I honored her privacy. But it just seems like the right time to tell y'all”

  Lily jumped back in. “Well, that makes Elias suspect number one then, if we rule out Amber.”

  I sighed. “Well, no. He didn’t do it either. We learned last night he was having an affair with Donna. He lost some inheritance money if she remarried, yes, but he was still well off and he had no reason to want her dead.”

  Edith huffed. “Well, we’re running out of suspects, sweetie.”

  “No, there is a new one that has emerged this morning. Palmer Properties, the name I saw on the letter in the den. Ida is checking them out right now.”

  Edith asked, “Aren’t they the ones developing that site not too far from here?”

  I nodded, “The one and same.”

  Ida came out from the back and sat at the ladies table. She plunked herself down like a sack of potatoes. “Well, if things aren’t strange enough already, seems like from what I’ve found so far, Palmer has ties to the mob.”

  Piper asked, “You need to pick your words more carefully. Mob can can mean multiple things. Like those flash mobs we see in viral videos for example.”

  “OK, Miss Merriam-Webster, I meant mob as in the Sopranos.”

  I gulped, “And we had some good fella at the bar this morning first thing. What’s going on here?”

  Dixie came over and took a seat. “What’s going on girls? Saw the gossip circle, and it’s dead in here, so I had to join.”

  Edith answered her. “I’m not sure, dear, but from the silly chatter going on it seems we got a Sopranos problem now.”

  Dixie nodded, “Yeah, you heard about that armed guy saying capiche at the bar then.”

  Ida jumped in, “Dixie, I don’t know for sure about the guy you’re talking about. But I do know we’re talking real world mob ties to Palmer Properties.”

  Dixie’s face went white. “Moldy mozzarella! I served a wise guy this morning?”

  Ida smiled, “Maybe, and he’s most likely from New York from what I see.”

  Edith shook her head. “Our poor little Potter's Mill, touched by organized crime from New York? Unbelievable.”

  I had a different question cross my mind. “Why would they want Donna dead though?”

  Ida stared at me blankly. “I don’t know. From what I can see, her death might actually be a problem for them. But I need more time to dig up some dirt.”

  I looked at her like I was staring over the top of imaginary glasses, “Then why are you out here? Sounds like you have some computer work to do.”

  “Gee-sh! I’m not one of your employees you know. Guess I shouldn’t have updated anyone and just kept the new information to myself.” And with that Ida rose and stomped back to her computers.

  I shouted after her. “I’m sorry, good work. Let us know if you find anything else.”

  Ida never turned or slowed and quickly disappeared through the door into the kitchen on her way to the office. I couldn’t help myself and said, “She may not be an employee, but she handles the swinging door better than Bones.”

  Lily interjected, “Oh, pish posh. Ida does have a job to do as part of our team. She volunteered to help, so let her stew. She’ll figure it out and she will be fine.”

  I lamented, “Why does everyone keep calling us a team?”

  Edith immediately responded, “Because we are, and a good one at that. Look at what we have learned in less than one day.”

  Lily held a lone finger to her lips, and went, “Shhhh!”

  I spun around to see Guardrail, Dog, and Digger approaching our gossip circle. I asked, “Why are telling us to hush? If we’re a team, they’re definitely members.”

  Unfortunately, Dog heard the word team and he beamed. He held his arms up like he was giving us a big air hug. “The Grumpy Gumshoes at work!”

  I hung my head in defeat and said, “Not this again.”

  Guardrail added, “She’s right Dog, we have other things to discuss. What are you gals talking about?”

  Piper replied, “Seems Elias and Amber are not very good suspects. But I think you know that already. However, we learned t
hat Elias may have ties to Palmer Properties. And Palmer Properties may have ties to organized crime.”

  Dog asked, “What like Al Capone?”

  Piper nodded, “Exactly.”

  Digger chuckled and added, “They better pay their taxes, that’s how they got Capone you know?”

  I cut them off. “Thanks for the history lesson, but can we stay focused on Palmer Properties?”

  Dog perked up and smacked Guardrail on the back. “Hey, I might have been right! It’s a professional hit man from the mob. See, they’re the only ones who like to use cords like that to choke their victims.”

  Lily jumped in. “Boys, can you do something for us?”

  Guardrail answered, “Sure, we’re members of the Potter's Mill Flatfoots.”

  Lily waved her hand in the air. “Whatever we’re called, I don’t care. But we need to have you go to town hall and look up the permits for that development project being done down the block from here. The one by Palmer Properties. But do it quietly. OK?”

  Dog stroked his gray pony tail like he did when he was thinking, then added, “Sure, but Bones used to date the clerk down at town hall. You should send him, he can get whatever you need.”

  I couldn’t believe I didn’t think of it. “Sure, that’s a good idea. I’ll work the grill and send Bones.”

  Ida reemerged from the back office. She looked like she had news. “I just got scolded by the FBI!”

  I shot to my feet at hearing her announcement. “What? On my network?”

  “Oh, don’t be so dramatic. It was a posted message on one of the Palmer sites. But seems the FBI has lowered the boom on them. Confiscated some of their sites. I am guessing Palmer is looking to team up with people like Elias to use them as fronts.”

  Piper started thinking out loud. “So Elias may not be as innocent as we think. And the mob wouldn’t hesitate to dispose of one small town black widow if it suited their needs.”

  I added, “I’m going to send Bones down to town hall to get the names of all those involved with that project. What else do we need?”

  Digger raised his eyebrows. “A little luck. If the mob is involved, we should be careful.”

  I sighed, “Now I understand why Aunt Mae was so adamant about staying out of this. She and the Sheriff told me this was dangerous.”

  Guardrail threw in, “Let’s stay positive. For now nothing really changes and let’s see what names are associated with that development project.”

  I rose and said, “Alright, lets wait for Bones to complete his errand.” Then I left for the kitchen to take over the cooking and sent Bones on his way.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Bones returned after about one hour and held a piece of paper as he came through the front door. I came out of the kitchen as everyone gathered at Edith and Lily’s table to hear the latest news. So I went to join the group.

  Bones waved the paper. “Made a copy of the permit, was easier that way. There’s not much in the file for that project since it hasn’t started construction yet.” He slapped the paper down on the table.

  I asked, “Well, what about the plans, or paperwork needed to get the permit?”

  Bones held up empty hands. “Wasn’t anything. The permit is for the sign. Everything else is pending.”

  Digger said, “Well, that was a bust.”

  Bones smiled, “Not a complete bust, I started chatting with Abby and she’s giving me another chance. Got another date with her while I was there.”

  Digger shook his head, “To be young again.”

  I picked up the paper and read the permit. I saw Donna Holland was listed as the property owner and that she held the title. “Do you think Donna loaned Elias this piece of land? Seems she owns it free and clear. She might have tried to help him?”

  Lily asked, “Then why did he take loans?”

  “The property is just one piece. He would still need to construct a building and install equipment, hire people, get supply lines, all kinds of stuff that requires money.”

  Edith asked, “Why didn’t Elias just ask Donna for the money? She was loaded, right?”

  I raised my eyebrows. “That’s a good question. And did we mention that last night Elias admitted he and Donna were having an affair.”

  Edith and Lily leaned back and fanned their faces. Edith gasped and muttered, “Oh my, I think I have the vapors. This is awful. How could she do that? The horrors that house has seen!”

  Lily added, “Maybe Elias did it precisely because they were lovers. You know the lover is always the first suspect.”

  I jumped in, “No, I think Elias didn’t have cause. He needed her to help with his business. And when he talked about her, it seemed like he genuinely cared about her.”

  “But you don’t know that.” Dog stared at me to underline his point.

  I nodded back at him. “You’re right. But I know someone who might know how they got along...Amber.”

  Guardrail said, “Amber goes from suspect to informant in less than twenty-four hours, is that a record?”

  I continued.“But it makes sense. She doesn’t like Elias, at all. She didn’t even want to be on the stairs with him last night. If she has dirt on him, she will spill it. I should go and talk with her again, alone.”

  Piper said, “I can go with you if you want?”

  “No, I should go alone. She opened up to me at the police station. I think she is more comfortable one on one.”

  “Alright, but be careful. We still don’t know who to trust.”

  “I know, but it would be useful to know if Elias and Donna were fighting.”

  I saw Bones head back in the kitchen to work the grill. Business was still surprisingly light today. It seemed the big day yesterday took its toll on more than just me. But I was glad, it meant Dixie and Bones would get a break, at least till dinner, because I needed to head back out to the Holland house.

  “Dixie, you got the helm, again!”

  She saluted navy style. “Aye, aye, captain.”

  I headed out the front door, and once again was on my way to the Holland house. I usually got my exercise scurrying to and from tables with dinner plates and mugs, but the last two days I was burning up the town sidewalks. I arrived at my destination after about fifteen minutes to see Amber sitting on the porch, drinking tea.

  I waved as I walked up the front walk. “Hello, how are you this morn...” I wasn’t looking where I was going and tripped over Harry Potter. I landed on my face in a not so elegant fashion.

  Amber jumped up. “Oh my gosh! Are you alright?” She ran down the front walk to help me get up.

  “I’m fine, but I should know better. I’ve been here enough the last two days to know to watch for cats.”

  “Thank goodness most of them are outside cats. I don’t why Donna wanted so many?”

  “That’s funny, I thought the same thing last night.”

  Amber helped brush me off then looked me in the eye and asked, “So why are you here?”

  I paused at her directness. “Honest answer? Because I know you didn’t do it. But you might know something that can help us find out who did.”

  “The police already questioned me extensively and I told them everything I know.”

  “Then it won't hurt to answer the couple of questions I have.”

  Amber recomposed herself and continued. “Would you like some tea? And maybe I can get a wet cloth to clean your hands. Is that blood on that hand.” She pointed to my right side.

  “Wow, look at that. Just a little scuff. But some tea and a wet cloth would be welcome right about now.”

  “Take a seat on the porch and I will get them for you.”

  “Thanks.”

  Amber went inside to get the tea and wet cloth. I stepped up onto the porch and took a seat next to the one she was sitting in. Gypsy recognized me and came over to rub on my leg. Then she jumped up into my lap and I scratched her ears. She purred so loud that she seemed to vibrate in my lap.

  Amber return
ed with a tray and set it down on a little white table between the chairs. She handed me a wet cloth and eyed Gypsy in my lap. “I see you have a friend. That’s surprising, that cat doesn’t like anybody. I guess I was right to trust you. Gypsy knows it too.”

  “Thanks. But my relationship with Gypsy is a lot simpler than you think. The cat has been mooching off my pub for years. She just likes me because she gets some food out of the deal.”

  “I don’t know, I can hear her purring from here and you don’t have food for her right now.” Amber paused a moment and took a sip of her tea. In a teasing voice, she asked, “So, more to the point, why are you here? Again!”

  I was a bit taken back by her sense of humor. “I know it’s a little weird to be here after last night. But I was surprised to learn Elias and Donna were having an affair. Did you know?”

  “Yes, and I told my father. He didn't seem to care. Said he just wanted companionship in his old age and if she wanted an open marriage that was fine with him.” Amber shrugged. “So it seemed there was no talking him out of it, even though I kept trying. I knew Donna's reputation as a black widow and I was still afraid she might pull something with my father. I was frightened for him even if he wasn't.”

  “I appreciate that, but I need to ask you something. It may be important. Did Donna and Elias argue, even a little?”

  “No, that’s one reason I kept quiet about it. They actually got along very well and it made both of them happy.”

  My jaw suddenly fell open. “I can be so stupid. You and Elias hate each other because your father was to marry Donna. But you didn’t know if the affair would continue – and Elias was afraid the affair would end.”

  “Duh, of course. It seems Donna runs through men like they’re shirts that you just change when you get tired of them. Plus all of her older husbands seem to end up dead. Not the kind of woman I hoped to see with my father. At best, I figured she would keep her boy toy Elias. Not a great situation for my father to marry into.”

  “I get it, now. I guess it is hard sometimes to really appreciate what someone else is going through.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate that. It’s hard to go through this alone. Kind of nice to able to talk to another woman about it.” She readjusted her tea cup. “So why are you so interested in them now.”