Disrobed for Death

by Sylvia Rochester

  The second day of the sale drew even larger crowds. The mayor of Palmetto, Karl Hightower, and his wife, Zelda, stopped by and made a few purchases. He also used the time to politic.

  “I’ve made the rounds in Hammond and here, and the response is overwhelming,” he said.

  “It surprised even me,” Susan said. “I think all of Palmetto turned out. You’ll be glad to know that even Myrtle set aside her protests and made a purchase, a beautiful scarf.”

  “That is a surprise. I’m happy for her.”

  The mayor excused himself and moved through the crowd greeting everyone. Lots of policemen arrived. They seemed especially interested in watching the young models strut their outfits. Strangers, mostly Hammond residents, turned out in droves.

  Around one o’clock, Susan fixed a plate of refreshments and slipped away into the office to eat. A. K. stuck her head in and asked what she tried to tell her earlier. Susan told her about the breakin at her apartment and warned her to keep looking over her shoulder.

  “That creep better not come around my place when I’m home. He’ll get more than he bargained for.”

  “Now’s not the time for heroics. Just be vigilant.” Susan took a few swallows of water and was about to bite into a brownie when her cell rang. It was Herman, and he sounded out of breath.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “That depends on how you look at it. Things are definitely heating up. Gary left his house about an hour ago. Vera and I followed. Guess where he went?”

  “I hope it wasn’t back to my apartment.”

  “No, he went to Clarissa’s. He made such a ruckus banging on the door and calling her names, he got the attention of most everyone in the complex. Finally, she opened the door, and he charged in. I had parked a ways down, so I got out and crouched alongside her apartment hoping to hear what was being said. I could only make out a few things, but it was obvious they were arguing about money.

  “I heard her say, ‘I don’t have any more.’ He said, ‘I don’t work for nothing.’ Then they got rather combative. She shouted for him to get out. I heard glass shatter. No telling what she threw at him, or maybe the other way around. Either way, it was getting really heated.

  “That’s when I heard the sirens and got my butt back in the car. Someone in another apartment must have called the cops. The police didn’t stay long. After a while, the deputies escorted Gary to his car with instructions that he leave. Clarissa must not have pressed charges. I imagine neither one of them wanted to explain the reason for their argument.

  “We followed Gary home. He’s still there.”

  “I’ve got news, too. You won’t believe what happened after you left last night. Seems Gary’s determined to find his money or get more anyway he can.”

  Susan told Herman about the break in at the boutique.

  “That snake,” Herman said. “He isn’t getting out of my sight, and I’ll call a buddy to keep an eye on Clarissa’s whereabouts, too.”

  “I don’t know what I’d do without you and Vera. Two more days and it’ll be over. When I know for sure that Jack survives, I’ll tell Wesley everything.”

  Susan looked through the glass window of the office in the store. “Speaking of Wesley, he’s here. I’ll talk with you later.”

  Hanging up the phone, she eased up behind Wesley who was looking at merchandise on a display table. “Can I help you with something, sir?”

  “Nice store. Looks a lot different than it did last night.”

  “Glad it meets with your approval.”

  “So where are the bawdy items?”

  “The lingerie and personal items are in the rear of the store, but none of my merchandise is really ‘bawdy.’ Are you making a purchase for anyone I know?”

  “Maybe. Let’s have a look.”

  Susan couldn’t help but notice Debbie and Sheila ogling Wesley, and she couldn’t blame them. He cut quite an impressive figure. A deep blue shirt under a tan blazer accented his hazel eyes, and the nippy air had painted his cheeks rosy red.

  He must have felt someone was watching him and turned in their direction. “Good morning, ladies,” he said, flashing a smile and his pearly whites.

  Susan could swear she heard their hearts thumping. Get in line, ladies. “Wesley, I believe this is what you wanted to see.” She pointed to a sheer negligee draped over a mannequin. A variety of delicate items covered a display table.

  Instead, Wesley picked up a black teddy and held it against her. “This is more what I had in mind.”

  Her cheeks grew hot. “Not my size,” she said in a joking manner, “but I’m sure you can find something to help with the sale. If not, we also accept donations.”

  Raucous laughter and deep voices filled the store. A swarm of men in black leather jackets descended on the lingerie department.

  “Yeah, I can dig this,” one of the guys said.

  They began picking up items and draping them over their arms.

  “Just think,” another of them said, “we get to enjoy all of this, and our money will go to a good cause. Can’t beat that.”

  Wesley took her arm and moved aside. “I think you have some serious buyers here. Let’s give them some room.”

  Thank you, Herman.

  A. K. called to Susan, “You got a minute? Someone wants to meet you.”

  “Go ahead,” Wesley said. “I’m going to look around.”

  A woman who looked to be in her twenties introduced herself as Melanie’s cousin. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’re doing to help. Moral support is one thing, but it doesn’t pay the bills. Melanie’s going to need all the help she can get.”

  “I’m glad to do what I can,” Susan said. “There, but for the grace of God….”

  “Exactly. My name’s Frieda. I’m a hairdresser and live in Slidell. You can bet I’ll spread the word about your shop. Here’s my card. Maybe you can let me know about sales or when new merchandise arrives.”

  “I most certainly will. If you’ll excuse me, I have to finish up with a customer, but A. K. will be glad to show you around the store. It was nice meeting you, and I hope to see you again.”

  Susan turned and looked for Wesley, but he was nowhere in sight. She eventually found him in the parking lot watching the models.

  “You should do more style shows. Those girls are very attractive.”

  “Exactly what I was thinking. Well, did you decide on something?”

  “I will before I leave. Would you like for me to pick you up for the memorial service tomorrow?”

  “That’d be a big help. I plan to decorate a box to hold all the donations, and it will be a real hassle to get it in and out of my car.”

  “The service is scheduled for eleven, so I’ll pick you up around ten thirty.”

  A customer grabbed Susan by the arm. “I want to buy a nightgown for my aunt, and I’d like your advice.”

  “I don’t want to hold you from your customers,” Wesley said. “Besides, I want to look around some more.”

  “Sure thing,” Susan said to the customer. “Let’s go have a look.”

  Susan watched as Wesley made a pass at the outdoor tables. She wasn’t the only one with eyes trained on him. Debbie and Sheila stood elbowing each other.

  The crowds never stopped coming, and it was after dark by the time the last customer left.

  Susan thanked Debbie, Sheila, and the models for doing such a great job and watched as they climbed into their cars.

  “Well, let’s total up the sales,” she said to A. K.

  A. K. emptied the register, and Susan collected the previous day’s sales from the safe. The donations and sales totaled over five thousand dollars.

  “This turned out better than I thought. I hope the other businesses had as good a response.”

  A. K. rubbed her temples then fluffed her hair. “Don’t know about you, but I’m pooped. How does a Margarita sound? I could use one about now.”

  “Tempting, but I still have to decora
te the donation box. I found one the right size and stuffed it in my car.”

  A. K. stared at the bundled checks and cash. “The Rain Tree is on the way to your apartment, so I’ll follow you home. I’d hate for someone to rob you after all our hard work.”

  “Good idea.”

  Heading to their cars, A. K. nudged Susan. “Aren’t you curious to know what Wesley bought?”

  “You know?”

  “My name’s on the sales slip. He didn’t give me a chance to suggest anything. He knew exactly what he wanted—satin sheets.”

  Susan burst out laughing.

  Chapter 15

  About fifteen minutes after Susan arrived home, she opened the front door for Herman.

  “Are you sure about this?” he asked, handing her a shoe box.

  “Absolutely.”

  Herman’s cell phone squawked in his pocket. After checking caller ID he flipped it open and mumbled a greeting. A few seconds later, his eyebrows shot up in surprise. “He what? Okay, thanks. Call me the minute he shows up.” He closed the phone and faced Susan, the frown on his face quickly elevating to a scowl. “Gary left a little after I did.”

  “You think he followed you, suspects you had something to do with the missing money?”

  Herman went to the front window and peaked out past the drapes. “I don’t think so, and he sure as hell can’t hurt you if I’m here.” He pulled out his phone punched in a name. “Vera, I’m staying with Susan until I hear from you that Gary’s back at his house.” He slipped the phone in his pocket and grunted his disapproval at the situation. “That crazy nut, ain’t no telling what he’s up to.”

  “Look, I’ll be okay. I’ll lock the door and won’t open it for anyone.”

  “Save your breath. I’m not leaving till I know where that snake is. You go ahead with whatever you were going to do. I’ll make myself comfortable.”

  Susan had no choice. Under the watchful eyes of Herman, she spent the next hour decorating the box. Pink paper covered the outside and top. Then she glued red hearts all over the box. In the top, she cut out an opening so last minute donations could be added.

  “What do you think?” she asked Herman.

  “Looks great. I—” His phone rang. “Gary’s back? Then he wasn’t after me or Susan. Good. I’m on my way.” He looked at Susan and shook his head. “Just cause he’s at home is no reason for you to let down your guard. He’s sneaky. Keep your door locked and don’t open it unless you’re sure who’s on the other side. I’m going to have someone watch your place tonight.”

  “You really don’t have to do that. I—.”

  “Yes, I do. Don’t worry. He’s one of my employees. I have to pay him anyway. He’ll have an easy shift tonight.”

  He wrapped his big burly arms around her in a hug and kissed her forehead. “You lock up now.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  After he left, Susan threw the dead bolt and leaned against the door. Dang, the box did look terrific. She could hardly wait for Melanie to open it.

  After a bath, Susan slipped on a gown and crawled into bed. “Almost over,” she mumbled and reached for the light.

  Susan chose a pale green crepe dress and matching shoes for the ceremony. While not the traditional black garment, the subdued color would be appropriate. Diamond stud earrings and a small gold cross necklace finished the ensemble. She applied a mauve lipstick and gave a final lift to her hair. As she took one last look in the mirror, she heard Wesley’s voice.

  “You ready?” he asked, tapping on the door.

  “I think so,” Susan said, letting him in. After slipping into her camel haired coat, she pointed at the donation box. “It’s cumbersome to get into my car, but it should fit in your extended cab.”

  He didn’t bother to look at the box. He was interested only in her. Like invisible fingers, his gaze started at her head and crept downward. She could all but feel his gentle touch sneaking beneath her lace panties. A shiver of delight rippled through her.

  “How is it you always take my breath away?” he asked.

  She cleared her throat and reined in her imagination. “Glad to hear that I do. So, will the box fit?”

  He lifted the colorful creation. “No problem.” Seeming to weigh it in his hands, he gave her a quizzical glance. “It’s heavier than I thought. How much did you collect?”

  “Lots. It’s going to be a surprise. Other businesses agreed to deposit their donations at the door, and at the end of the ceremony, a bank employee will give us a total.” She glanced at her watch. “We might be keeping some donors waiting, so we’d better get going.”

  She hustled him out of the apartment and locked the front door. Clutching her purse in one hand, and Wesley’s arm with the other, they scampered down the sidewalk to his truck.

  The Hammond’s Sheriff Department had agreed to let Terrence’s hometown of Palmetto host the memorial service, and by the time they reached the high school auditorium, cars packed the parking lot.

  “No telling where I’ll find a place to park,” Wesley said. “Why don’t I drop you at the door?”

  “Thanks. I’ll wait for you out front.” She glanced up at the clear sky. “At least, it’s not raining.”

  Susan thought back to the miserable weather on the day of the funeral, and more of the same was forecast for tomorrow. Would it make the stakeout more difficult? Surely it would hinder visibility. Regardless, she believed Wesley could handle any situation.

  Wesley’s black Tundra exited the parking lot and pulled into a vacant space on the street. With the box in hand, he strode down the sidewalk toward her.

  The front door to the auditorium opened and Mayor Hightower called to them. “Hey, the box looks great. I have a table set up to receive donations.”

  He held the door for Susan and Wesley to enter.

  “How you doing, Karl?” Wesley asked.

  “Not so good. Terrance was a fine man. I feel so sorry for the family, but I’m glad you survived the blast. I hear Terrance shielded you.”

  “I owe him my life.”

  “Where should we place the box?” Susan asked.

  “Right here,” he said, pointing to a linen draped table some twenty feet from the door. This nice young deputy will keep an eye on it for you.”

  At the front of the auditorium, Melanie and her children sat at another table covered with a white tablecloth. To the left, a large picture of Terrance looked out at the audience from an easel.

  Karl made his way to Melanie’s table where he picked up a microphone.

  “If I could have your attention,” Karl said, his voice booming over speakers. “Anyone wanting to make contributions please do so in the donation box in the foyer.”

  Muffled conversations turned to shuffling feet as groups of people made their way toward the entrance. Though Susan had only a brief encounter with Clarissa, she recognized her voice above all—a little higher, a little louder, and meant to draw attention. Had she not said a word, she still would have stood out in the crowd. Her fitted royal blue dress left nothing to the imagination. A diamond pendant in the shape of a flaming torch hung from a chain and dangled between her ample cleavage. Teardrop diamond earrings added sparkle, as if she needed more.

  Tapping an envelope against her palm, Clarissa approached Susan who stood beside the donation box.

  “I didn’t get a chance to stop by the boutique, but I want to make a contribution.” She dropped her envelope into the donation box. All the while, she kept staring at Wesley. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  “Wesley Grissom.”

  “Oh, so you were Detective Oliver’s partner. That must have been horrible.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Ma’am? And here I thought we looked about the same age. Please, call me Clarissa.”

  Wesley shot a quick glance at Susan, who wondered if he saw Clarissa for the vixen she was; that he might be facing the person behind a murder-for-hire conspiracy. Susan was curious about Clarissa’s
appearance. Was she looking for another possible contact, another gullible stooge desperate for money, someone she could con into doing her bidding? After the fiasco with Gary, she had to be frantic and making other plans. But how, when she was supposed to be broke?

  “When are you leaving for Paris?” Susan asked, stopping Clarissa from undressing Wesley with her eyes.

  “In a couple of days. I do hope to get by your shop for last minute items.”

  Either the woman was a good liar or she had money stashed away. Had she already made other arrangements to take care of Jack?

  “Oh, there’s the mayor,” Clarissa said, batting her eyes and waving at Karl. “I really need to speak to him. Excuse me.”

  “Well? What do you think?” Susan asked, looking at Wesley.

  “She’s certainly full of herself, but I can’t arrest her for being flirty.”

  “She’s not fooling me. Under that frivolous façade is one vicious woman.”

  “Some of the guys from the sheriff’s office are motioning to me. If you don’t need me for anything, I’d like to join them for a while.”

  “Sure, I’ll catch up with you when the service begins.”

  Susan turned her attention to the incoming crowd and thanked each person for their contribution. She turned around when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

  “I can’t believe she’s here,” Ramona said, pointing to Clarissa.

  “Me either, but we have to play it cool. Don’t let on that we suspect anything. We have her and the suspected killer under surveillance.” Now was not the time to tell Ramona about stealing the blood money and that Clarissa’s plan was unraveling. Wesley would stop whoever approached Jack’s place.

  Susan hoped Ramona believed everything was under control, because Susan wasn’t sure of anything now.

  “Did you find out if Jack took Clarissa off his insurance policy?”

  “He said that he had, and that his attorney was going to notify her. I hope he meant it and wasn’t just putting me off.”

  “Well, you’ll have lots to tell your brother when this is all over.”

  The doors to the auditorium opened, ushering in a gust of cold air. Arm-in-arm, Myrtle and her sister, Lorraine, approached.