Garage Sale Riddle

by Suzi Weinert

  “Call my cell with any questions. And thanks, Becca, for overseeing the movers. We’ll be back in about an hour.”

  “Relax, you two. Everything’s under control.”

  Jennifer hoped so.

  Thirty minutes later with shampooed hair, they settled into salon chairs as Chelsea chatted amiably. “In the awareness part of my self-defense course they talked about the color of danger.”

  “The what?” Grammy looked confused.

  Chelsea laughed. “Not real colors but a way to measure danger levels. For example, white is safe—like in your house with the doors and windows locked. Yellow is outside your house but not in risky circumstances, like shopping in the daytime in a familiar area. Orange indicates the circumstances are riskier, but without an obvious threat, such as leaving a store at nighttime to get your car in the lot. Red means you see an actual threat, someone suspicious in the vicinity, or people nearby in a fist-fight, or someone robbing another person.”

  “Oh my, that sounds scary enough.” Grammy shifted uncomfortably. “Is there more?”

  “Oh yes, the worst danger level is black. That’s when the problem is right in your face; you’re the target and someone’s coming at you with their hands or a weapon. You are in urgent trouble.”

  Grammy absorbed this.

  “And how does this color knowledge help you?”

  Chelsea gestured with the curling iron. “The purpose is to learn to protect yourself by making safer choices. Bad choices mean risk. Your decisions affect the likelihood of danger. So if you find yourself in a ‘red’ situation, you get away from that harm and when safe, call 911 to get help for the others in trouble.”

  “And in a ‘black’ situation?”

  “You hope someone calls 911 for you. Also, you could carry pepper spray or some other tool for protection.”

  “Like?”

  “Well, they say if you have a flashlight you can shine it in your attacker’s eyes to temporarily blind him or whack him with it. Or you could carry a tactical tool like a special pen in a sharp-pointed, extra-tough case, and use it to gouge your attacker.”

  Jennifer looked doubtful. “Could you get this weapon out fast enough if caught by surprise?”

  “That’s part of the awareness. If you’re in an orange or red situation, you could have pepper spray in your hand when you walk into the dark lot from a store. Only takes a few seconds and gives an edge. Plus you always have one ever-ready tool.”

  “What’s that?” asked an eavesdropping customer a few seats away.

  “Your voice. You can shout ‘GET AWAY’ to the suspect. He likely wants an easy target and you’re showing him it’s not you. I don’t mean a ladylike tone saying, ‘Would you please get away,’ but shouted like a drill sergeant because your life depends on it. Or you can scream. Someone nearby who overhears may call 911.” She giggled. “Since most of us don’t shout or scream often, the instructor told us to practice at home.”

  Finding a moment, Jennifer whispered to Chelsea. “Has Cliff talked with you about Max Roderick?”

  “Yes. I live alone now, so I let Cliff move into my guest bedroom to protect me. He presented this idea to me in a funny way. He said if I were a celebrity in this situation, I would hire a bodyguard for protection. And Jennifer, I admit, it’s a relief to know he’s somewhere in the house with his police skills and a gun he knows how to use. I guess you could say we’re dating, but I’m… very cautious about men. They’ve broken my heart a few times.”

  Jennifer hugged Chelsea. “Mom has only one more appointment with you and then, if our plans stay on target, she’s headed north. We’ll miss you. Any chance you might move north?”

  “Are you mad? Leave this beautiful climate and magnificent sunsets over the Gulf? No way. And I’ll shed a crocodile tear for you when winter rolls around and I’m in my swim suit.”

  “No cruelty, please. Nobody can fault your choosing to live in paradise. Wish we all could. Cross your fingers for Mom’s good adjustment.”

  Jennifer and her mother returned home to find the movers finishing the upstairs packing.

  “You boys move fast,” Grammy complimented them.

  “Well, we’ve had a little practice, ma’am,” he said. “By the way, those donuts helped us stay focused. Thank you. Also, a little boy’s trying to get in. I couldn’t find your daughter, so we kept him out until you returned. He’s on the front porch.”

  Jennifer hurried to the porch, where Georgie stood shifting from one foot to the other. “He’s here again.”

  “Where?”

  “When I came back from swim club, I saw him down the street.”

  Becca approached with a chocolate donut. They exchanged conspiratorial smiles as she handed it to him.

  “What was he doing?”

  “Just walking slow. He’s gone now.”

  “Remember, you’re our detective,” she said. “Please let us know if you see him again.”

  “I will. I promise.”

  When the door closed, Becca asked her mother. “You think Georgie’s for real or a clever chocoholic like yours truly?”

  “Wish I knew. But I’ll phone Goodwin so he knows what we know. When the movers leave for lunch, let’s lock up until they return. It’s not foolproof protection, but…” Jennifer’s voice drifted away, as she realized how vulnerable they were in the face of a determined intruder.

  But no point in further alarming Becca and Grammy.

  At noon, the movers took the sandwiches and Cokes Becca offered, to eat in their truck. They were all business when they returned forty minutes later.

  One of the movers spoke around the side of the box he carried.

  “The boy wants in again.”

  Becca sighed. “Thanks, I’ll take care of him.” She hurried to the door. “Hello, Georgie. How’s it going?”

  “The man—he’s down by your car. He got in and sat there doing stuff. Then he left.”

  “In the car? Doing stuff?” She knelt down to his same eye level. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean he isn’t sitting still or looking out the window. He’s…doing stuff.”

  “Is he still there?”

  “No, he left a little while ago, but the moving men wouldn’t let me in to tell you about it.”

  “A few minutes ago?”

  “No, a little longer than that.”

  “Thanks, Georgie. I’ll take a look.”

  “Do you have a snack for me?”

  Becca hesitated. Was he fantasizing events for treats, after all? “Sure. Wait right here. I’ll find something.”

  Getting the boy’s chocolate surprise in the kitchen, she told her mother what Georgie reported.

  “We better take a look. Send Georgie home with his reward and let’s stroll down there.”

  They followed Georgie out the front door.

  Suddenly a horrific explosion thundered. They turned startled faces toward the sound, to witness Grammy’s car engulfed in ballooning red and yellow flames. Beneath a cloud of black billowing smoke, charred debris rained to the ground.

  CHAPTER 48

  At this horrendous blast, neighbors rushed onto front porches, many dialing cellphones. Almost immediately, distant sirens filled the air. The charred Mercedes skeleton smoldered, with small flames licking the vehicle’s interior walls and fluttering at the windows. Jennifer, Becca and Georgie stared open-mouthed.

  Georgie recovered first. “Told ya.”

  Becca stared at the Mercedes’ smoky framework as she and Georgie walked toward it. She patted his head. “Yes, you did. Thanks, Georgie. Stay on the job, detective.”

  Meantime, Jennifer rushed inside for her cellphone. Reaching Goodwin’s voicemail, she spoke quickly. “That little boy across the street who’s seen Max’s picture said he saw Max on our street ‘doing stuff’ in my mother’s Mercedes, which just exploded. The car’s a total loss. Please call me ASAP. Doesn’t this prove Max is in Naples and nursing a vendetta against my mother? We’re scared.
We need protection. Please hurry.”

  A fire engine arrived, accompanied by an EMS van. Becca stood near the car, watching them in action as the crew satisfied themselves they’d extinguished the fire and the lead member asked to speak to the car’s owner. Becca directed him to the house.

  As Jennifer described what happened, Grammy struggled to the door, aghast at the sight of her smoldering car’s charred outline. They walked down the sidewalk to the scene.

  The crew leader asked Grammy routine ownership questions for his report. “Any idea about what happened to your car?”

  Jennifer explained Deputy Goodwin’s involvement and Max’s probable sabotage.

  “Then this is a crime scene until the deputy clears it. Meantime, we’ll treat this as arson and look for the cause. Stay clear of the crime scene tape and tell your insurance agent to check with me for the report.” He handed her his card.

  Ever gregarious, Becca chatted with a handsome fireman about her age. “I’m impressed with your crew’s speed and skill. My boyfriend’s a fire fighter and lead medic… back home in Virginia.”

  The firefighter said, “Well, then, on behalf of the brotherhood, we’d like to invite you to join us after shift at a watering hole we favor.” He winked. “As a professional courtesy to your boyfriend, of course. I’m Tony. Here’s my card. Nice to meet you.”

  He extended his hand and she shook it, laughing. “Tell me where and when and I’ll think about it.”

  As the men boarded the fire truck, Becca overheard two talking together. “Ever hear of a guy pulling off a daytime car-bombing in a residential neighborhood like this?” said the first.

  The second said, “Nah. He must think he’s smarter than God or he’s a crazy who doesn’t care if he gets caught.”

  Becca mulled this over as the fire engine pulled away. Tony waved at her through the big truck’s window as it moved down the street.

  Standing beside Grammy on the sidewalk, Jennifer needed to invent some positive spin to downplay the explosion. This added still more to Grammy’s stress list of traumas—being doped, waking in a hospital, facing Max for the ID, downsizing and uprooting her life to start again in a new place.

  “Look at it this way, Mom. This isn’t something you expected, but now that it’s happened, you probably wouldn’t have driven it much anymore.” She didn’t mention her having no driver’s license. “And now you can use the car’s replacement insurance money for decorating your new apartment. Fate worked for you this time. Deputy Goodwin should come soon, and meantime, let’s call your insurance company.”

  But her mother’s troubled expression told Jennifer this elderly lady couldn’t take much more. Nor did she fail to connect her exploded car with Max’s revenge. She was right to feel upset.

  Where was Goodwin when they needed him?

  CHAPTER 49

  As if magically summoned, the deputy’s car appeared, maneuvering to park between the moving van and the gutted Mercedes.

  “Hey, looks like some excitement here. Mind if I come in?”

  As they went toward the living room, the mover crew chief came over. “Shall we continue until we finish?”

  Jennifer confirmed quickly. “Yes, of course. The explosion was down the street. Everything’s under control.” She wanted to believe this.

  “Good. I thought I’d seen everything during a move, ma’am, but I have to admit, yours is a first.” He gave an uneasy laugh and returned to his tasks.

  Hands on her hips, Jennifer faced Goodwin. “So, is everything under control?”

  He barked a mirthless laugh. “Well, not entirely or you wouldn’t have a burned-up Mercedes outside. Although a shock for you, we assume this incident is Max’s work, meaning he’s in town, a fact that we weren’t sure of before. I got a guy interviewing the boy across the street and I’d like to send a deputy to reinforce your security in the house tonight.”

  The three women relaxed a little. “Thank you, Deputy,” Grammy said.

  “Sorry your get-away to your new life in Virginia hasn’t been smoother, but my personal goal’s to get you safely out of Naples and on your way. I’m a phone call away. I’ll stay until my man arrives. Meantime, I suggest you stick close to home for a while.”

  “But we were going out for dinner,” Becca reminded.

  “Well, I don’t feel too adventurous after what’s happened but,” Grammy turned to Jennifer, “do we have enough food here for dinner?”

  “I think so, Mom.”

  “I want to feel safe right now,” Grammy continued. “When will your man arrive?”

  Goodwin glanced at his watch. “Any time now.”

  Jennifer stood. “One small problem. We need a car. Maybe Georgie’s father would give me a lift to the car rental place.”

  “Why not ask?” Becca encouraged. “Do you still have his business card? And shouldn’t I go along to the rental office to qualify as an authorized driver?”

  “Good point. Wait here while I walk over.” She gathered up her purse and turned to Goodwin. “Will you stay with Grammy until we return or your deputy arrives to take over?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Good. By the way, Mom, have you an extra garage door opener?”

  Grammy produced one and Jennifer hurried across the street. When she knocked on Georgie’s front door, he rushed to open it with his father at his heels. In the boy’s earshot, she praised his detective skills to his parents before asking for a ride to the nearby car rental company.

  George picked up his keys. “Of course, I’ll take you. Want to come along, Georgie?” The boy frisked to life and skipped ahead of them to his dad’s car. They paused for Becca to climb in.

  Returning forty-five minutes later, they noticed Goodwin’s car gone and a police car parked in front of their house. They parked their rental car safely in the garage. Entering the house, they were met by a man in a sheriff’s department uniform.

  “Hello, ladies. I’m Deputy Ryan. Cliff Goodwin sent me.”

  “Come right in. Glad you’re here.”

  Grammy’s relief showed. “He’s already been through the house and made sure all windows and exterior doors are locked.” She even hummed a little tune as she set the table for dinner.

  “Don’t set a place for me,” Becca announced. “I, ah…one of the firefighters invited me to join him tonight at a pub where they meet. Mind if I take the car, Mom?”

  This caught Jennifer by surprise, but why not? Becca was a young, attractive, unattached woman spending a couple of weeks in romantic Naples, Florida. Why shouldn’t she have a good time? She handed her daughter the car keys. “With this Max situation on-going, honey, would you mind phoning to tell me where you are, and would you come home early so we don’t worry?”

  “No problem, Mom.” She hooked the keys on a finger, grabbed her purse, and checked her makeup in the powder room. She again took the broom with her into the garage. “Don’t worry, I’ll bring it inside when I come back.”

  “Watch out for snakes,” Grammy called impishly. When the door closed behind Becca, she harrumphed to Jennifer, “That’ll get her thinking about caution this evening.”

  “Mother,” Jennifer admonished. “You naughty girl.”

  The mover’s crew chief interrupted them with a clipboard of papers. “We’re finished, ma’am. The numbers in this column match numbered stickers on each box we packed and on each piece of furniture. If you’ll sign here, we’ll be on our way.”

  Jennifer tipped each man. “Thanks for doing a good job for us.”

  When their truck pulled away, she turned to Deputy Ryan.

  “Would you like to have dinner with us?”

  “No thank you, ma’am. That’s not necessary. I brought something to eat.”

  She showed him how the security system worked and headed for the kitchen to prepare dinner. “The estate sale people may come tomorrow to start organizing. Mom, can you move to the guest room tonight since the movers took your bed today? Becca and I will mo
ve into the twin bedroom. After we talk with Peggy, we can decide when to go to the hotel, where we might as well stay until we go north.”

  After a quiet dinner, Jennifer said, “Let’s walk through the house to make sure the movers took everything slated for McLean.” They started with the downstairs rooms, then prepared to go up.

  “Good night, Deputy Ryan. Would you like a pillow and blanket for the night?” Grammy offered.

  “No thanks, ma’am. I’m on duty the whole time. You may hear me moving around the house during the night. Don’t worry. That’s my job.”

  After checking the movers’ thoroughness in the upstairs rooms, they moved their personal belongings to their new bedrooms.

  “Good night.” Jennifer patted her mother’s shoulder. “This is like olden days when you were the mom and I the little girl. We couldn’t imagine then someday I’d have five children of my own.”

  “True enough,” Grammy agreed. “Want a melatonin to help you sleep? I’m going to take one.”

  “No, thanks. I’m tired enough. With the movers finished today, we’re another step closer to our goal.”

  The phone rang. “Just checking in, Mom.” Becca explained where she was. “I’m having a great time. Home in about an hour.”

  “Good, I’ve moved your things into the twin room. Your bed’s the one nearer the door. Talk to you tomorrow. Love you, hon.”

  “Love you, too, Mom.”

  “Ah, to be young again,” Jennifer sighed wistfully. She hugged her mother and they headed to their bedrooms.

  Her hand on her bedroom doorknob, Grammy turned, her smile melting into concern. “Oh, Jen, I just had a thought. How will we get the contents of the safe north? They were going with us in the car, but now…”

  They exchanged puzzled looks. They hadn’t considered this.

  CHAPTER 50

  With so much on her mind, Jennifer doubted she’d fall asleep easily. The evening’s parting shot about transporting contents of the safe hung heavy on her mind, with no practical solution. She’d face it tomorrow. She wished to escape this chaotic Naples world to rewire her equilibrium, if only for a night. She wished she could transport herself to a faraway Alice-in-Wonderland place—a place where the buck no longer stopped with her.