“I do. If Mrs. Grimshaw found love at her age, I’d jump on the bandwagon and help her plan the wedding.” I gathered our used bowls and carried them to the sink where they would sit until I washed them after breakfast in about five hours.
“Mary, I just realized I never asked you why you were roaming around this time of night. I suppose it has to do with all the problems at Reed’s.”
“You got it. All that stuff that’s taken place at Reed’s ranch is just swimming around in my noggin looking for an outlet. Why and how are horses jumping over a neighbor’s fence? What prompts a young woman to return to a ranch after hours? Why did a healthy horse suddenly die? Could all three events be connected?”
Aunt Zoe arched her shoulders as she shook her flame-curled hair. “I don’t know, Mary. You’re the sleuth. Just figure it out before we both go nuts.” Now she got up from the table and went back to bed.
“I plan to,” I said under my breath as I flicked off the kitchen light switch, “just as soon as I speak to Matt about another problem.”
Chapter 42
Friday
I was sitting at the kitchen table deep in thought trying to figure out which scenario worked best for what’s been going on at Reed’s ranch when Aunt Zoe quietly treaded into the room. I think she was worried I was sneaking a snack after just finishing breakfast. “I’m not eating anything. See,” now I held a pen in the air.
“Honestly, Mary. You make it sound like I’m a spy. Can’t a person come in here to get a cup of coffee?”
“Sure. I don’t control anyone’s coffee intake,” I said tongue in cheek.
“Okay, you got me. I was worried you might be sneaking a snack.” She walked over to where I sat and leaned over my shoulder. “What are all those squiggles?”
“They represent people who might have it in for Reed.”
“And the lines?”
“I’m using that to show which squiggles might be working with each other.”
“Would I be correct in assuming the letters of the alphabet you’re using stand for different people, like A for Jackson and B for Terry?”
“Yup. So far, I’ve got Terry connected to Jackson and Reed’s wife, but I’m thinking Nat and Clint might play a part in it there somewhere.” I took a peek at the wall clock now. “Oh, boy. I didn’t realize it was that late already. I have to call Matt. Do you want me to give him a message?”
“Why are you calling Matt? Asking him for advice about the case?”
I waved my hand. “Heavens no. Matt doesn’t know about it, and I want to leave it that way. It’s just that when I begged to use the Topaz, he made me promise to let him know how the car was running, and I haven’t done that yet.”
Aunt Zoe backed up so I could get up. “Well, just tell that brother of yours I said hello and that his mutt’s doing fine.”
Since I was still keeping my involvement with Clint Russell a secret in regards to my aunt, I ventured off to one of the only two rooms in the apartment that offered absolute privacy, my bedroom, and dialed the contact number I had for Matt. “Hi, I didn’t wake you, did I?”
Matt yawned into the phone. “Nope. Got a few things to do before I can get some shut-eye.”
“So, are you in Ireland?”
“I was in Dublin last week, and I head there again next week. How are Mom, Dad, and Gracie?”
“Mom and Dad are fine. They’ve been traveling a lot this summer, so Aunt Zoe and I volunteered to have Gracie with us. She’s been great. Of course, Mrs. Grimshaw’s thrilled she’s here again.”
“How are you and Aunt Zoe doing?”
I laughed. “Some days I’m ready to kick her out and let her fend for herself. Other days she surprises me with ideas I would’ve never thought of.”
“Sounds promising. How’s the Topaz been working out for you?”
“So far, it’s going where I want it to go.”
“Great. So, what’s up, sis? This is only the second time you’ve called since I left Minnesota. Is Rod Thompson giving you a hard time? If he is, I’ll have someone back home kick his butt for me. You wouldn’t believe how many people owe me favors.”
“In your line of work, probably a small army, but you can cool your jets. Rod’s in and out of town too much to make trouble for anyone in this complex. I’m just calling about a friend of mine. She’s dating a guy who says he’s a certain person, but when I checked him out I discovered he isn’t really that person. When I told her he was lying about his identity, she was adamant he wasn’t a criminal.
“Ah, this friend doesn’t happen to be you does it, Mary?”
Darn. Why does Matt always have to see through things so easily? “Me? No way. I’m not dating anyone.” Which is the truth. My date’s not till Sunday. “The person I’m referring to is actually a teacher friend of mine.” Now, I do have to get to the confessional. “What I’d like to know, Matt, is what other people use a fake identity to cover up who they are?”
“Well, a married person for one. I’ve seen a lot of that in my line of work. Then there are police informants and those in the witness protection program. Of course, the person she’s associating with could be a very famous person who is just trying to stay out of the limelight.”
“Believe me, he’s not anybody famous.”
Matt yawned over the phone lines again. “Look. You could talk to my buddy Sergeant Murchinak and see what he thinks. He’s at the sub-station nearest the apartment.”
“Now, that’s a thought. So, there’s nothing else you can think of?”
“Ah, let me see.” There was a short pause and then, “How well does your friend know this guy?”
“She hasn’t known him long. Is that important?”
“Could be. I was just thinking somebody working undercover wouldn’t want anyone knowing his true identity either. You know, like an investigator, a cop, an FBI agent or someone involved with the CIA.”
“Hmm? Well, you’ve sure given me plenty to chew on,” I said. “Oh, and I definitely like your suggestion about talking to your cop friend. I wouldn’t have thought of something like that on my own. By the way, before I hang up Aunt Zoe sends her love.”
“Tell her I said ditto, Mary.”
“I will. Good luck with your work in Ireland, Matt. Who knows, maybe you’ll find time to look up our Malone clan while you’re there.”
“Maybe. Good night, sis.”
“Good night.”
I came out of the bedroom and went straight to the living room where I found my aunt sitting on the sofa with another romance book in hand and Gracie snuggled up next to her. “Auntie, my stomach says it’s time for lunch. How do you feel about going to Milt’s to get one of their juicy California burgers?”
Aunt Zoe used her hand as a bookmark now as she glanced up at me. “I’m fine with that. You’re the one who is dieting.”
“Ah, phooey, grapefruit doesn’t spoil that fast. Let’s go. You too, Gracie, come on.”
Chapter 43
I didn’t realize at the time what a great decision I had made to pig out at Milt’s Hamburger Joint. As soon as the skinny, pimple-faced teenager opened his mouth to take Aunt Zoe’s and my orders, bells and whistles blasted away in my head. Unfortunately, the music I heard had nothing to do with being the millionth customer to walk through Milt’s doors. I just finally remembered where I heard the kid’s voice before.
“Mary. Earth to Mary,” Aunt Zoe said as she waved her hand in front of my face. “Our waiter is waiting for your order. Are you having that hard of a time deciding?”
“What? Oh, sorry. I was thinking about something else.”
“That’s okay,” the waiter replied, “Take your time. We’re not busy.”
I opened the menu and gazed at all the offerings even though I already knew what I planned to get. �
��So, are you new at Milt’s?” I asked as I pretended to be searching for the right meal.
“Nah, I’ve been here a while. I’m only part time.”
I smiled. “I see. Well, I’ll take a double cheeseburger, onion rings and a chocolate shake.
“Okay, thanks, ladies. Your orders shouldn’t take too long. Do you want a bowl of popcorn while you wait?”
“I don’t know. Mary?”
“Sure, why not.”
When the teenager was out of range, Aunt Zoe burst out with, “What was that malarkey all about, Mary? You knew what you were going to order before we even left the underground parking at the Foley.”
I leaned in closer to my aunt now and cupped my mouth so only she could hear me. “I know. I just wanted to hear the kid talk.”
She gazed at me sharply. “What were you smoking before we got here?”
“Smoking? Speak for yourself. Your eyes are burning a hole in my head, Auntie.”
“Well, you aren’t making any sense.”
Look who’s talking! “Yes, I am. I haven’t lost my marbles yet.”
She drummed her hand on the plastic tabletop now. “Then please explain.”
I stalled. Aunt Zoe wasn’t pleased. She gave me her not-a-happy-camper frown. Too bad I didn’t have time to explain my dilemma. I was only putting her off because I didn’t want to jeopardize the case I was hired for. You see, my aunt’s back was to our young waiter who was rapidly approaching with the popcorn and beverages. “I don’t understand you, Mary. All I did was ask a simple ques—”
“Shh,” I warned. “Here he comes.”
Within seconds, the snack and shakes were plopped on our table. “There you go, ladies. The cook said your order will be ready in about five minutes. Is there anything else I can get you?”
“Nope. Thanks,” we answered in unison.
Now, Aunt Zoe glued her eyes to the teenager as he trotted back to the kitchen. “Okay, Mary, he’s far enough away. What’s going on?”
I pulled my shake closer to me. “I heard that kid’s voice the night I got knocked out.”
“Really? Are you positive?”
“Oh, yes. Did you notice how his voice is changing a little?”
Aunt Zoe stared at me for a moment. “Ah? And that’s what gave him away.”
“Ah huh,” I replied as I took a sip of my shake.
My aunt mimicked my movements. After she swallowed what she had sucked up in her straw, she said, “What are you going to do about the kid?”
“I think we’re going to watch for him to go on break. If he’s anything like teenagers working at other fast food places, he’ll be sitting in his car listening to his favorite music.”
Aunt Zoe got excited now. “And, we’ll trap him in his car.”
I shared a smile. “Exactly.”
*****
It was late afternoon, and Margaret Grimshaw had been asked to join Aunt Zoe and me in our Moroccan-style living room as we relived our little lunchtime escapade in the alley behind Milt’s.
“I still can’t believe you two surprised that youth the way you did,” Margaret said as she tried to persuade her body she could get down low enough to sit on one of the covered cushions resting on the carpet. “Weren’t you afraid he’d pull out a knife? Or worse yet, run you down with his car?”
I put off the elderly woman’s questions for the time being. Right then, it was more important to resolve her struggles with our housing accommodations, and in order to do that I’d have to give up the La-Z-Boy. I jumped up. “Margaret, here, take my seat. You’ll be more comfortable,” then I moved towards where she’d originally planned to sit.
Of course, being of the old school, our neighbor hastily questioned my interference in who should sit where. “You don’t have to give up your chair for me, you know. I’m perfectly happy to sit wherever.”
“Yes, I do,” I firmly stated. I didn’t relish the thought of sitting on the floor either, but unlike the much younger generation coming up, I highly respected my elders. Besides, it would be easier to help the nonagenarian get out of the recliner than it would be to get her off the floor.
Margaret didn’t say another word. She just straightened out her aged-body and slowly padded her way to the large chair.
Now that the seating arrangement was settled, I was ready to answer her previous questions concerning the teenaged waiter at Milt’s. Unfortunately, Aunt Zoe beat me to the punch. I suppose I could’ve stopped her since I was the sleuth, but I didn’t feel like causing a ruckus in front of our neighbor.
“We didn’t think about the danger at the time, Margaret. We just wanted answers.”
The elderly woman clapped her hands. “Bravo.”
Great! Margaret thinks we’re some kind of super heroines now. If I don’t set her straight, she’ll be spreading the wrong message around the Foley. “Ah, we weren’t alone. Gracie was with us too.”
“Oh?” The elderly woman put a hand to her chest and then just as suddenly took it away. My, God. I hope she’s not having a heart attack. Luckily, that wasn’t the case. “I’m so relieved to hear that, Mary. Gracie’s very protective. So, what did the teenager tell you? Whose idea was it to have Reed’s horses jump over the fence?”
“It wasn’t Terry’s, if that’s what you’re thinking,” Aunt Zoe announced as she slowly melted into a cushion pressed against Gracie’s body. “The description didn’t fit.”
“Didn’t the young man give you a name?”
“Oh, yeah,” I said, “Get this. The adult’s name was Mr. Smith. How original is that? What’s wrong with Mr. Zorba or say Mr. Rogers?”
“Yeah,” Aunt Zoe agreed. “I wouldn’t have questioned those names.”
Our visitor steepled her fingers and then slowly flexed them back and forth. “Think a little harder about the youth’s description, Mary? There’s got to be someone at the Bar X who fits the bill.”
I shook my head. “I’ve tried. I just can’t think of anyone. The only person I haven’t met is Jackson.”
“He’s the one you filled in for, right?”
“Yup, that’s one day I’ll never forget.”
Aunt Zoe stood up and began to move around the room a little. “Maybe if we’re lucky, he’ll be at the party Saturday.”
“According to Reed, he’s quite the ladies’ man,” I added.
“A party?” Margaret said excitedly. “Where?”
Aunt Zoe blushed. “At the Bar X.”
“Of course, another possibility,” I stated, “is that Reed’s wife is involved with what’s been happening at the Bar X. If that’s the case, the guy working with the teen could be her boyfriend.”
Gracie got up and wandered over to the woman in the La-Z-Boy. “I know they’re both ignoring you, aren’t they?”
“Wuff. Wuff.”
Now, Margaret tilted her head and began rubbing Gracie’s noggin. “You know, ladies, it wouldn’t surprise me if Jackson was both the boyfriend and the mysterious horse man.”
“Me neither,” I chimed in. “It takes two to tango.”
My roommate suddenly stopped pacing. “Tango? Why, Mary, I thought you didn’t like to dance?”
Chapter 44
I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror. My reflection was downright scary. I was beginning to take on the shape of a few familiar balloons in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and I didn’t like it one bit. I really needed to shed several pounds and start exercising. Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to happen tonight, not while I was standing around being tempted by generous portions of free food being served on a zillion different plates. Why, it’s plain downright rude to turn down goodies offered by the host. Besides, when I’m nervous, I need comfort food, and there was plenty to be nervous about. I was hunting down a kille
r or two.
“Mary, will you please stop jiggling. I’ll never get the recorder attached to your vest, and it was your idea.”
“I can’t help it, Auntie. This mirror makes me look like an elephant.”
“Don’t drag me into this, Mary. It’s your problem, and you need to work with it. Now stand still.”
I sighed. “Why, couldn’t I have been born to be a size eight like my mother’s side of the family?”
“I’m not the one to ask. Perhaps your mom ate too much before she delivered you.”
“Boy, if only I could blame it on that, I’d feel a whole lot better.” I moved too sharply now.
“Ow! That’s it. If I prick myself one more time, Mary, you can just get someone else to finish the job.”
“I’m sorry. I’m just worried about the recorder. Are you positive I’ll be able to reach it?”
“Here, give me your hand and see for yourself.” I shot my right hand behind me now, and my aunt set it where she had partially sewed the recorder in place. “See, you’ll be able to reach it, and no one will ever be the wiser.”
“That’s for sure. If I was doing this spy gig a couple years ago, the only thing you’d spot floating over my pants would be the vest. Now, no one cares what rides over his or her pants just as long as they can tug on whatever upper covering they’re wearing to hide their humongous derrières and underpants.”
“Just remember you’re hiding more than that tonight,” my aunt stressed, “so don’t raise the vest too high.”
“Gott’cha.”
*****
Reed was all thumbs when we arrived at his backdoor carrying the bakery treats he requested for tonight. “I’m glad you gals came so early. I haven’t a clue what I’m supposed to be doing. Terry usually handles everything when we have the cookouts.”
Aunt Zoe immediately took his hand and led him inside to the kitchen table. “Don’t you fret any, Reed. Just tell us what needs to get done, and we’ll see to it, but first I’m going to get you a cup of coffee.”
Death at the Bar X Ranch Page 24