“Let’s take a break. I need to sleep a few hours. How about you?”
Aaron’s eyes drooped. “Good idea.”
I was so tired that my brain had turned to mush.
Hating to drive home only to return within a short time, I texted Max, knowing he’d probably be sleeping.
“I’ve put a call through to the insurance agent, but she hasn’t returned my call. I’ll have to make a reminder call, I suspect.” I’d suddenly thought of it. “I was surprised that two plain detectives came.”
“Yes, there’s been an awful of lot petty crimes lately, but this one seemed slightly different. That’s why.”
“They said as much.” I waited a minute, and said, “This morning. The assault. The man kept asking, ‘Where is it?’ Then Jackie asked about a ‘secret’. What secret?”
“Why would you first be asked about where something is, as well as questioned about a Madison family secret? It’s like two separate cases.”
“I agree, and she did say something about cufflinks.”
“Cufflinks and a ‘secret’? How confusing,” Aaron said.
We locked up and headed up the back steps to the apartment, using my key to let us in. I had the extra since I owned the building. We fell asleep on Max’s couch and chair.
The morning blast of rap tunes woke us. I rubbed the sand from my eyes and tried to focus. I nudged Aaron, still asleep in the overstuffed chair. In the bathroom, Max turned on the shower.
“Let’s get out of here.” I nudged Aaron once again and he pried his eyes open.
“Geez, my back hurts.” Aaron grimaced as he massaged his lower back.
“Mine aches too.”
“What a night. We should’ve gone home.” Aaron glanced at his cell phone. “It’s eight. How about if you open the store and get things rolling, while I go pick up some coffee and bagels?”
“Only if it’s a double espresso. Better yet, make it a triple.” I got up and went to the bathroom door and hollered inside, “Thanks, Max. We’re leaving. See you when you come down.”
Once inside the store, I called Dorrie to ask if she’d come in early to help. I needed everyone on the job if I wanted to pull this sale off quickly. Time would be tight. Thank heavens for Max’s loyalty, but I did pay him plenty.
“Hi ladies,” I said inside of the showroom. “I hope you all had a great night.”
I went to the workroom.
I set about to put the final touches on the walls. Fortunately, the interior walls were purchased already decorated. All that needed finishing on the walls was setting candles in the wall sconces. Pictures, such as George Washington’s portrait, were already painted where they hung. When Aaron returned, I took a short break to freshen up. I couldn’t meet with prospective clients looking and smelling the way I did.
“Take a look.” Aaron opened the morning newspaper to a headline that read, “Jackie of New York!, the Home Shopping network diva, visits our Fair City.” The photo caption stated, “After spending time perusing dollhouses, Jackie Newell stood beside the statue of Mary Tyler Moore.”
“Look really close at the pictures.” Aaron held the paper so I could see.
“Don’t tell me.” I stared closely at the smaller photos and there it was, me teary eyed, waiting for the police. “What an awful picture.” I sipped my coffee, which helped me wake up. I took a bite of my blueberry bagel. “We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”
“It’s actually kind of funny.” Aaron spread cream cheese on his bagel. “Look at the publicity you’re getting.”
“True. Still, I won’t make any profits if I don’t get in gear.” I finished my bagel and stood up. “Time to get moving. The shop’s been closed for too long.”
I set to work. While Aaron worked on the walls, I sifted through the broken pieces, searching for the arm to a rocking chair. Sometime later the door opened.
“Who’s there?” I stepped from the workroom and peered into the showroom and saw a customer enter.
“You open for business?” she questioned. “I can return later if that would be better.”
“Are you interested in any particular house?”
“Betty Ford,” she said.
“Coming right up,” I said. “I’ll be right there.” I turned to Aaron and showed him where the house was and the box with all the items, which I had him tuck under my arm.
“Here’s the interior pieces,” I said, setting it on the counter. “Someone will be out with the house. I’ll have to fetch the dolls, yet.” I looked at her and asked, “How will you pay?”
“Credit card,” she said, handing it over. “Oh my, here he comes.”
I looked over my shoulder at Aaron, and smiled.
“Your car?” he asked.
“Right outside,” she answered and quickly signed her name to the receipt. “Follow me.”
I heard the back door open, and figured it was Dorrie. “Dorrie,” I called.
“What?”
“Bring out Mr. and Mrs. Ford, please.”
By the time I’d cleared the register and walked around the counter to carry the box out, Dorrie had arrived with the dolls. Together we carried them out to the car.
“Thanks,” I said.
“Came at the right time.” Dorrie’s lips sparkled as did her eyelids. The nose stud made her resemble a genie in a bottle. Her gold dangly earrings shone like the solar system. Were the spheres miniature planets? Her necklace was a peace sign.
We walked back inside. I turned back to sorting and digging for lost furniture parts as Aaron continued with the houses. I was lucky to have Dorrie working for me because she was good with customers and always on time. We’d known each other since we were kids. I always invited her to parties. She’d stolen once from me when we were kids, then returned the bracelet with the excuse she’d wanted to wear it on a date. That was a very long time ago, and not an issue.
My cell rang. The insurance agent, Margo, said she’d come out later today or tomorrow so I could file the claim. Since I most likely hadn’t had a chance to go through the inventory, she could use the police report and pictures when she made out her report.
The day went by fast. Aaron was called back to work. I barely poked my nose out of the workroom all day. Dorrie took care of customers and managed to sort through some of the furniture. Sometime mid-afternoon, Max and Dorrie snuck away. I pretended not to notice. Pink-cheeked and humming, Dorrie returned alone and set to work without making a comment.
“You’re missing an earring.” I chuckled.
“It must’ve fallen off when—,”
The back door opened and Max walked in, holding the newly carved doll heads.
“All set. Just need paint.” He delicately set the Dolley heads on the workbench.
“Did ya find the prezzes?”
“Nope. Been busy assembling houses along with sewing the clothing. Would you get them, please?” I held my breath and looked away.
“Sure, but we need to talk.” He swung the ladder around and stepped on it. He brought down the small wooden box and handed it over.
I raised the lid and smiled. “They’re perfect. Now all I need is Mr. Madison’s cufflinks for completion, but I know where they are.” The recently delivered box was stored on a wall shelf near the sewing machine. “You did great work on those doll heads, and you’ll get a bonus, don’t worry. I’ve got an awful lot on my mind. Between the assault and now getting ready for Jackie, it’s almost too much. Can’t it wait?”
“I realize all of that, but I have something to show you.”
We both turned toward Dorrie as she entered, holding another box to sort.
“Am I, ah, interrupting something?” Her pink blush now traveled down her neck and into her bosom.
“You can tell me now.”
“We have to talk, but now is not the time.” Max jutted out his jaw and strutted away. What on earth does he want? The back door closed with a bang.
I cranked my head back to Dorrie.
“Really? A limo?” I asked.
“I forgot to do something.” She cleared her throat.
“I’m sorry. What were you saying?”
“Never mind, it slipped my mind. It’s almost closing time. Can I go?”
“You bet. It’s been a long day. Enjoy your evening.”
By the time six rolled around, all that was left to do was sew the ball gowns and finagle the teeny tiny cufflinks for the presidents into place. I’d painted the First Lady faces. The bodies were attached and each of the dolls stood on a stand. No rouge for Dolley. As a Quaker, she didn’t use any facial enhancements.
The back door opened, and I heard, “I’m back.”
Aaron entered the room and gave me a kiss. “Sorry, honey. I’d forgotten about court.”
“No problem.”
“I’ll pick up where I left off with the houses. I’m soon done, thank heavens.”
I took out my phone and began snapping picture after picture of every detail in each house, before taking several of the entire house. After photographing the houses, I did the same with the dolls. When taking the photo of Mr. Madison’s clothes, I zoomed in to capture the cufflinks, shirt, leggings, and his boots—everything the president wore. Tomorrow, I’d do the same with Dolley’s clothes, once they were sewn.
I planned to get a good night’s sleep and return early to sew the dresses and clothe the dolls.
“I’ll be done after I straighten these pictures.” I massaged my sore back. “Why are they always off kilter? It must be from the traffic.” My shoulders ached, and my tired eyes barely focused. I removed the first two First Lady pictures, Abigail and Dolley. “Mrs. Adams, I’m glad that you returned to Washington, but did you have to hang the clothes indoors like that? They didn’t dry, did they?” I turned to Mrs. Madison. “You sure received a number of recipes today in the mail. Which do you plan to make first? The clam chowder?” I pounded the nails in deeper before they were rehung. “Please have a quiet night. I’m tired of fixing the pictures.” I set the hammer on the counter and shifted the other three. I looked over toward Aaron. “I think they’re fine now.” My stomach began growling as I went over to the front door and double checked the lock.
“I vote for pizza and beer.” I shut off the CD player. “Good night, ladies.”
“Goofball.” Aaron cocked his head. “Perfect.” He stood and stretched out his arms, grimacing. “Let’s go before I can’t move.”
“Best words I’ve heard all day.” I walked over to him and we embraced. “Thank you, hon. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
When I went to lock the back door, the keys weren’t where they normally were. I found them at the counter. Guess I’m too tired to remember where I left them earlier. We braved the cold and walked a block down to the pizza joint, where we sat and enjoyed the warm atmosphere at a table beside the cozy fireplace.
In the summer, walkers and bikers loved the area because of the towering elm and oak trees that lined the boulevard all the way to the Stone Arch Bridge, which crossed the Mississippi near downtown Minneapolis. The bridge overlooked the tumbling St. Anthony Falls near the historic spot where the Pillsbury and Gold Medal flour mills once stood, dubbing Minneapolis the Flour City. James J. Hill commissioned the bridge to be built in 1883 for his Great Northern Railway.
Enjoying the warmth of the fire, I faced the window and absorbed the few rays left of the day. “I’m starved.” I sighed. “It’s been a very long two days.”
“I know. I’m exhausted.” He yawned. “Let’s get married over the holidays. What do you say?”
“That’s coming up very soon. Let’s discuss it with Grandma. At least they shouldn’t be too upset with me moving out since I’ll still be next door.”
“They’ll be happy. We can continue using the whirlpool and eating your grandma’s delicious cooking. August can keep a close watch on you.” He smiled.
“Grandpa enjoys having you around.” I took a deep breath and the last two days left my shoulders. “Christmas and the house filled with sparkling lights, just like the stars, and plenty of poinsettias and roses.”
Closing my eyes, I reveled in how wonderful it was to be with him. Bing Crosby’s voice echoed through my head as I hummed, “White Christmas.”
Chapter Three
Low hanging clouds promised a day of snowfall. Even though it was still early, I might as well get my day started. When I left for work, the brisk, cold air would wake me—that and a huge cup of coffee. I couldn’t stop thinking about the upcoming sale of my dollhouses to Jackie Newell and her weirdness about the ‘secret’ and taking the dolls. My usual drive thru coffee shop wasn’t open yet, so I planned to go next door after opening the store.
When I turned into the alley, I noticed Ronnie was parked off to the side, and figured he was waiting for Jackie so he could take more pictures. How would he know about Jackie? I locked the door behind me, hung my jacket and dropped my bag inside the workroom before heading into the showroom. Shivers of fear raced up and down my spine the farther I progressed into the room. Something wasn’t right. I flipped on the lights.
“Hello,” I whispered, hoping it wasn’t the ski mask gorilla guy. I glanced behind me. Nothing. While tiptoeing a little further inward, the air seemed to grow cold. “Ladies, are you shivering?” I am.
My gaze stopped on the new houses in the showroom that were supposed to be white. Lines of red dribbled from the miniature windows. Curious, I walked closer. My breath caught in my throat and I had trouble breathing as I stared at all the windows. My heart raced as I inched closer. A metallic stench filled my nostrils. I gasped in horror as I got closer. I saw shoes, pants, a body sprawled and a head face first in the Madison house roof. I peered closer and knew it was Jackie Newell because of her hair color.
“Oh my God! Jackie!” It clicked that she might still be alive. Quickly, I felt for a pulse, but knew I wouldn’t find any because her body was so still. Her head was positioned in Dolley’s boudoir.
The collapsed dollhouse walls and its furnishings had absorbed the blood. The back of Jackie’s head was split, but her long hair seemed to have soaked up a great deal of the blood. Blood trickled down the house and onto the table where it followed a line to the floor. My footprints marked where I’d walked through it.
I tried to scream but couldn’t find my voice. My heart pounded, as I reached for the phone and called 911.
“Th-th-there’s b-b-been a m-murder.” I gulped. “Main Street. Northeast. First Lady White House Dollhouse store. Hurry.”
“We’re sending someone right now.”
Within minutes, my store swarmed with men in blue. After being initially questioned about the basic facts, the uniformed officer brought me out to a squad car, where I tried to stare into my store but the number of spectators prevented it. Tears filled my eyes. I admired Jackie because she used her grit and charm to build that wonderful department store. Why would someone want to kill her? Why my shop? My mind was numb and when my phone rang, I couldn’t bring myself to answer the call. I glanced at the caller ID. It was from Grandma.
A policeman fetched me as the body was carted away.
“Ms. Anderson?”
“Yes. Liv.”
“Please come out to the showroom. The detectives want a minute with you,” the officer requested.
“Yes, sir.” I followed right behind, staying as close to him as possible. I tried to not look at the house as I passed by, but it was impossible. I shivered, and began shaking at the sight of the body plus the blood.
“Just a minute,” Mergens said. He conferred with his partner for a few minutes. “You may leave for now. Go home. Do you have someplace else to stay if you’re worried about being alone? We’ll be in touch.”
“You’ll lock up?”
“We’ll be here a long time.” Mergens frowned. “A very long time. Go home. We know where to reach you.”
During the drive home, my mind went in circles as I tried to figure out who would murder Jackie. Why her? I almost drove through a stop sign, and had to tell myself to slow down and focus. I was lucky to have stopped in time, I knew, as I continued onward. At last turning to drive past Howe school, I knew I’d soon be parking and I could finally relax.
When I got home, I found both grandparents sitting in the office waiting for me. Grandma made me a cup of hot chocolate, and I curled up on the settee. It didn’t take long before they coaxed the entire story from me. I kept my eyes glued on my phone, hoping for a message from Aaron. Suddenly the back door opened, and we heard, “I’m here, Liv.”
“In here!” I jumped up and raced to him, and we clung to each other. We stayed in the kitchen so that we’d be alone.
“You’ve had quite a shock.” Aaron kissed me. “The detectives will want you to return later.”
“I figured as much. I know I can handle it alone, but it’d be nice if you drove me.”
“We’ll wait and see what takes place.” He held me close for a moment. “How are you taking it?”
“It was awful. The scene reminded me of the car accident that killed Mommy and Daddy.” I burst into tears. “Seeing her dead brought back such memories of seeing my parents die. I should’ve been dead that day too, if not for my seat belt. But head on! Mommy and Daddy didn’t stand a chance. And, now this! Oh God!” I cried into his chest.
“Let it out, baby.” Aaron held me tight.
When I looked into his sad eyes, it made me feel sadder.
“Feel any better? It’s almost four, and we have a lot to discuss.”
The Blood Spangled Banner: A First Ladies Mystery Page 3