A New Attitude

by Charlotte Hughes

  “I should probably help out more.”

  “I’m sure Debbie would appreciate it.”

  Irby looked thoughtful as he turned toward his office.

  The day seemed to drag, and Marilee realized she missed the old Irby—his jokes, his irreverent sense of humor that made working at Denton Funeral Home an enjoyable time. She hoped that once Irby got over the loss of his friend, things would return to normal.

  Shortly before Marilee closed for the day, Debbie walked in, wrestling an armful of bags from Belks, the only store in Chickpea where designer fashions were sold, if one could afford it. “Oh, my gosh, Debbie, you look wonderful!”

  Debbie patted her hair, which had been tinted, cut and styled. “Your friend Ruby works wonders. She even showed me a new way to apply my makeup.”

  “Yes, she’s pretty good at that,” Marilee said, mildly amused.

  “I figure, if I can make dead people look good, I should be able to do something with my own looks.” She paused. “How’s Irby?”

  “Not so good.”

  “Still moping around?”

  Irby picked that moment to come in. He came to an abrupt halt and stared at his wife. “Wow, Debbie! You’re beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Irby. It’s been a long time since you’ve told me that. As much as I appreciate it, though, Marilee and I need to talk to you about something serious.”

  “You’re both walking out after all,” he said, more to himself.

  “No, we’re not going anywhere. But you’ve got to snap out of this. I know you’re depressed over losing Tom, and all that transpired afterward, but Marilee and I miss the old Irby.”

  “I thought you wanted me to act…you know…more responsible.”

  “You are a responsible person. Our business is doing very well.”

  “That’s nice.” He didn’t sound very excited about it.

  “This is a serious business, Irby. It can be depressing at times. I know it gets to you from time to time, because it gets to me as well. But the reason we’re successful, at least partially, is because you have a great attitude.”

  “I do?”

  Both women nodded. “Attitude is everything,” Marilee said.

  Debbie walked over to her husband and slipped her arms around his waist. “I want the old Irby back.”

  He seemed to ponder the idea. “I guess I’m still feeling guilty over Tom.”

  “Don’t,” Debbie said. “You gave him a funeral fit for a king. His family was genuinely touched.” Debbie paused. “And because of you, Sheila will never know her husband died in another woman’s bed.”

  Irby looked surprised. “You’re not still mad at me for that?”

  “I’m not saying what you did was right, I’m saying I understand why you did it. I’ve visited and talked with Sheila a number of times, and she is distraught enough over Tom’s death. I can’t imagine the devastation and betrayal she would have felt had she known the truth. I know you had her best interests at heart when you made the decision to move the body.”

  “I could have lost my license,” Irby said.

  “But you didn’t.”

  “I think we should try to put the incident out of our minds,” Marilee said, “and go on from here.”

  Irby studied his wife for a few seconds. “Is that a new dress?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, it is.”

  “It’s awfully pretty. You look…very nice, Debbie. Maybe you and I can get that sitter to come back again so we can have a night out. Just the two of us.” His face suddenly reddened, as though he’d only just realized Marilee was still in the room. He checked his wristwatch as if to cover his embarrassment. “Well, I have a few calls to make.” He disappeared into his office and closed the door.

  “What do you think?” Marilee asked.

  Debbie shrugged. “Hopefully he’ll snap out of it soon. He gets like this from time to time, though not very often, thank goodness. I don’t have to tell you this is a tough business,” she said. “We don’t always get old people who die in their sleep in nursing homes. So my husband makes sick jokes and plays silly pranks, and somehow that gets him through.”

  Marilee nodded. She understood tough times. She knew what it was like to ache so deep inside that it was all she could do to function. Irby had found a way to deal with that ache, and because of it she had a new respect for the man.

  “One good thing,” Debbie said, suddenly brightening. “He noticed me.”

  “And he suggested dinner out.”

  “I can’t tell you the last time Irby and I did something without the kids.”

  Marilee hitched her purse over her shoulders and grinned. “I’d say the two of you are long overdue.”

  Marilee was still smiling when she climbed into her car a couple of minutes later. It looked as if things were working out for her friends. She wondered why couples often took one another for granted, so much so that the romance often flew right out the window. When had she and Grady begun taking each other for granted? Probably long before she started wearing those flannel gowns and floppy socks.

  If she ever had a second chance at love, she would never forget how important it was to keep the romance alive.

  MARILEE FOUND A DOZEN long-stemmed yellow roses waiting for her when she arrived home from work. Attached was a thank-you note from Jack. “Oh, how lovely,” she said, feeling like a young girl.

  Winnie nodded. “I need to meet a man who’ll send me yellow roses. They don’t come any prettier than that.”

  Marilee saw the wistful look on her face. “You will meet someone one day. He’ll be a wonderful husband, and a good father to your baby.”

  “Yeah, but will he send me yellow roses?”

  “Once he finds out how much you like them.” She set the vase on the kitchen table.

  MARILEE FOUND JACK IN HIS office when she arrived at the Pickford Inn. “I just wanted to leave my purse in here and to thank you for the roses. They’re beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” he said, giving her a broad smile. “I had a wonderful time Sunday. Let’s do it again soon.”

  She smiled and floated toward the piano.

  Marilee opened with her usual song, then played from her list as customers filtered in. Tuesday was not a busy night, but the Pickford had its regular customers, so business was steady. She was coming back from her break when she looked up and found the hostess seating Clara, Ruby, Nell and Winnie. The girls had obviously decided to surprise her. She walked over to the table.

  “I thought y’all were coming in Saturday night,” she said, giving them a stern look.

  “Clara noticed you had a Tuesday-night special,” Winnie said. “Surf and turf for twelve ninety-five. We’re going to order two dinners and split them.”

  “Also, I figured there’d be less drinking if we came during the week,” Clara whispered as Ruby rolled her eyes.

  Nell looked excited. “We’re going to eat slowly so we can stay late and hear all your songs. We can drive back together.”

  Marilee nodded. “Okay. Don’t forget I take requests. Only I don’t expect any of you to tip me. Behave yourselves.”

  Marilee stopped by the hostess desk before she returned to the piano. She hadn’t gotten to know Andrea well, but the woman was always polite. “Andrea, those ladies you just seated are friends of mine,” she said. “Please don’t give them a check, no matter how much they insist otherwise. I’ll pay it tomorrow night. Oh, and they’ll be staying until closing.”

  “No problem. I’ll take good care of them,” she promised.

  Marilee took her place at the piano and began playing while requests drifted in, accompanied by the usual dollar bills. Ruby, Nell and Winnie each had a request and insisted on tipping her, despite the dark look she shot them. From time to time, Marilee glanced up and found her friends chatting among themselves as they shared their dinners. She was glad to see them having a good time.

  It was near closing when Andrea seated two men near the fron
t. Only a couple of tables remained, but they were finishing up. Andrea handed the newcomers a menu and walked over to Marilee.

  “Jack asked me to see if you could play a little longer tonight to accommodate these big shots from Atlanta,” she said, nodding toward the men. “Gertie is going to serve them since most of the others have clocked out, but she’s not too happy about it.”

  Marilee nodded. “Sure, I can stay awhile longer. Would you please tell my friends, in case they want to go ahead and leave?” The woman nodded and made her way toward their table.

  “Your friends are here for the duration,” Andrea said when Marilee finished her next song. “I asked Gertie to make a fresh pot of coffee and feed them dessert. On the house,” she added, and winked.

  Marilee was touched by her generosity. “Thank you.” She smiled at her friends and began playing a Barbra Streisand number. Gertie appeared at the newcomers’ table and took a drink order, forgoing her usual smile. The waitress obviously did not want to be there. She served their drinks and one of the men handed her a bill. She nodded and walked over to Marilee.

  “Do you believe these jerks say they need a few minutes to decide on what they want?” she whispered. “The chef is fit to be tied. Why do people wait this late to eat? Don’t they know it’s bad for digestion? Oh, they asked me to see if you know ‘You Are So Beautiful.’” Gertie stuffed a ten-dollar bill into the tip bowl and walked away as Marilee began playing the requested song.

  Jack joined the men as they were eating their appetizers. He smiled at Marilee, and she immediately began playing his favorite, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” He and the men seemed deep in conversation; they pointed to the wine list as Gertie served their salads. They’d obviously selected an expensive wine because Jack, who’d already sent the bartender and the others home, excused himself to unlock the wine cabinet.

  Marilee wondered how long she would be expected to play, but the men kept sending requests, accompanied by hefty tips, so she stayed. Once again she sent the hostess over to tell her friends to go on home, but they continued to wait it out. It was nearing midnight by the time Gertie handed the men their check. They paid, then got up and followed Jack into his office.

  “Jeez, I thought they’d never finish eating,” Gertie said as she stripped the table of the remaining glasses and silverware. “At least they tipped well. I’m going to walk out with you and your friends, if you don’t mind. That new security guard didn’t show up tonight, and I don’t like going out into the parking lot this time of night. I’ll grab our purses from the office.”

  Marilee was surprised the woman was being nice to her, but she wasn’t about to complain. “Thanks, Gertie.”

  “You guys ready to leave?” Marilee asked once she’d gathered her music and joined her friends.

  “Marilee, I had the best time tonight,” Clara surprised her by saying.

  “We all had a ball,” Ruby said, and Nell nodded vigorously.

  Winnie looked tired. “I had a good time too, but I don’t care for old-fart music.”

  “We cater to an older crowd,” Marilee said.

  “I pretty much figured that one out on my own.”

  “Come on, let’s go home,” Marilee said. “I’m just waiting for Gertie to grab my purse from the office.”

  The women stood and walked in the direction of Jack’s office. After waiting several minutes, Marilee tapped lightly on the door.

  One of the men opened it. He smiled. “Come on in, ladies,” he said, stepping aside. “We’re having a little party.”

  “I just came for my purse,” Marilee said.

  “Besides, we can’t stay,” Winnie said. “I’m with child, and I need my rest.”

  “Oh, but I insist.” He pulled a gun from the waistband of his slacks.

  The women froze.

  “On second thought, I think I can spare a few minutes,” Winnie said, going inside. “How about you ladies?” she called over her shoulder.

  They exchanged looks as they followed Winnie into the room, where Jack and Gertie waited, both of them bound and gagged.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  “SHIT,” RUBY SAID ONCE THE MAN had closed the door behind them and locked it.

  Marilee gasped, noting the open wall safe above Jack’s head. “Are you okay?” she asked, looking from Jack to Gertie, neither of whom could speak at the moment. Jack had been taped to his desk chair, and Gertie bound from shoulder to ankle to another chair.

  “Please,” the man said, motioning to the sofa. “Sit down and join us.”

  “Are you asking us or telling us?” Winnie asked.

  He waved the gun in her face. “Guess.”

  The four of them scrunched together on the sofa. “This just beats all,” Ruby said. “We finally convince Clara to go somewhere and look what happens.”

  “Shut up,” the man told her.

  Marilee gazed about, dazed, as if she were watching the whole thing in a movie but not really participating. Seconds passed before she realized she was trembling. Suddenly, all she could think of was Josh, and the possibility that she may never see him again. And Nell. The woman was too old to have to go through something like this. And what about Winnie and the baby? And Clara and Ruby? Oh, how she wished they had never come for dinner.

  “Look, if you’re going to pop us just do it and get it over with,” Winnie said. “I’m too tired to plead for my life, and I’ve already got a killer backache.”

  “Why don’t you just keep your fat mouth shut?” the other man said, showing his pistol for the first time.

  “Don’t touch her,” Marilee said, forgetting her fear for a moment. “You’ve got your money, why don’t you go?”

  “And I’m not fat,” Winnie said. “I’m pregnant. And dealing with a little edema at the moment because—” He put the gun to Winnie’s nose and her eyes crossed as she stared down the barrel, while the others barely allowed themselves to breathe. “Guess edema isn’t a real attention grabber for you, is it?” she said.

  “Lady, if you don’t keep your mouth shut, you’re going to be sorry you ran into me.”

  She opened her mouth to speak, but seemed to think better of it.

  He looked at his partner. “Check the place,” he told the other man, “just in case.”

  “I know you,” Marilee said to the first man. “You’re the new security guard. Frank, isn’t it? What happened to your beard? And your hair? It used to be dark.”

  “He must’ve been wearing a disguise at the time,” Ruby whispered.

  The man smiled. “Hey, you two are pretty smart for a couple of blond chicks. Not to mention good-looking.” He looked from one to the other. “Could be me and my friend might want to have a little fun with you girls before we go.” Frank stepped close to Marilee. “I’m gettin’ hard just thinking about it.”

  “What’s wrong, can’t you get a real date?” Winnie asked.

  “Shut up, you black bitch.” He raised his hand to slap her.

  Nell cried out. “Please don’t do that. I could have a heart attack, and you’d have that on your conscience the rest of your life.”

  Frank paused and looked at her, but before he could say anything his partner returned, bearing more duct tape. “Found this in the pantry. Coast is clear. Let’s bind ‘em up and get the hell out of here.”

  They began taping the women’s arms and legs together, then strapped them to the furniture and to one another so there was no possibility of them moving. Frank made a move to tape Marilee’s mouth, and she turned her head.

  “There’s no need for that,” she said. “You’ve tied us so we can’t escape. Nobody is going to hear us.”

  “She’s right, man,” Frank’s partner said. “Besides, we don’t have enough tape.” He looked at them. “They ain’t goin’ nowheres.”

  Frank shrugged and tossed the rolls to the floor.

  “Please—” Nell began. “Please remove the tape from their mouths,” she said, nodding toward Gertie and J
ack. “I…I can’t breathe looking at them,” she said, “and I feel light-headed. If I end up having a stroke and die, you could be charged with that.”

  “I thought you said you had a bad heart.”

  “I’m old. Everything’s gone to hell.”

  “You’re a pain in the ass, lady.”

  Frank shook his head as he yanked the tape off Gertie’s mouth. She mouthed an obscenity, which he ignored as he pulled the tape from Jack’s mouth as well. “Are you satisfied, old lady? Is there anything else I can do to assure your comfort? A can of Ensure, maybe?”

  “I could use a pillow behind my back,” Winnie said.

  “Stop pushing them,” Clara ordered. “What do you think this is, a dinner party? These guys mean business.”

  Frank smiled at her. “You’re a very intelligent lady. Why can’t I rob more people like you?”

  “Thank you,” Clara said, lifting her chin and giving the others a haughty look.

  Once the men left, locking the door securely, Marilee looked at Gertie and Jack. “Are either of you hurt?”

  “Just my pride,” the waitress said, still smacking her lips where the tape had pulled at the tender skin.

  “I’m okay,” Jack managed to say.

  Gertie looked at him. “I thought you had a buzzer beneath your desk,” she said, “to call that security company if something happened. I specifically remember how you complained for weeks when you got the bill for it.”

  “I was afraid they’d see me reach for it,” he said.

  “So you did nothing?” She gave a grunt of disgust. “You just sat there and allowed them to pull all of us in here? They could have raped or killed us. You’re the man here, Jack. A real man would have tried to protect us.”

  “I don’t know why you keep all your money in that safe, anyway,” Nell told him. “I bury all my valuables in my flower bed. Safest place in the world. ‘Course, my son thinks I’m crazy.”

  Gertie continued to glare at Jack. “You could have prevented this, but you were more concerned with your own hide. You’ve always cared more about yourself than anyone else. It took me a long time to see it, because I was in love with you and saw only what I wanted to.”