“What color?”
“I’d like red and white cuffs. Something like the gowns from the old movie, White Christmas, with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.” I caught her looking at some fantastic man who was strolling by. “The colors will go great with your dark hair.”
“There’s so darn many stores. Let’s just drink up and hit the nearest, and then go someplace else.”
“I’m in agreement.” Maggie picked up her cup and started walking away, with me right beside her.
“Why do you think Dorrie never told us about her marriage?” We stopped a moment. “Why keep it secret?”
“Geez. I really can’t say. Dorrie was always jealous of you. She’d always try to wear similar clothes and do her hair the same way as you, remember? She always wanted to be seen and maybe her jealousy holds through today.”
“How so?”
“Aaron’s a police officer and her husband’s a chauffeur. That might upset her.”
“It shouldn’t, but it makes you kinda wonder, doesn’t it?” We kept hiking briskly around the perimeter of the mall until finally we slowed to a normal walking pace. The bridal shop was around the corner, and we entered. After Maggie tried on three dresses, we decided to look elsewhere because they didn’t fit properly. We drove to an independently owned store in Edina, another nearby suburb. The owner, Debbie, showed us a beautiful short-length, empire-waist dress, which fit Maggie nicely. Debbie, who was also a seamstress, fitted my mother’s wedding dress for me next. Since I was shorter than my mom, the hem needed re-stitching, and our bust lines were slightly different, so an extra tuck was needed before the big day. Fortunately the dress didn’t have many pleats for ironing. The dress accentuated my cleavage, which I liked, and slimmed my figure. Little else needed to be done as the dress had been well-cared for over the years.
Debbie wrote up a receipt, and we were ready to leave.
“We’ll return in a week,” I told her.
“Both dresses will be ready.”
Maggie and I walked out.
“What about shoes?” Maggie glanced at me as we climbed into the car. “Should we go looking?” She started the car’s engine then drove out of the parking lot.
“Let’s have lunch first—it’s on me.”
We both loved Italian, so Maggie entered the freeway and headed toward the nearest chain restaurant. The afternoon went fast. I also purchased matching satin shoes with three-inch heels.
“Now, we’re set.” I grinned, happy that my mother’s dress worked. I hoped she would be proud of me since I chose to wear her dress for my big day. As Maggie parked in the driveway behind my grandparents’ house, I thought of the many years that we’d known each other.
“Remember when we’d play dress up?” I thought of the old dresses that Grandma hauled out of the attic for us to play in.
“Those huge hats. They almost swallowed us up. Don’t forget the one with the bird on it. It looked so real.”
“Oh, wow. Memories.” I climbed out of the car and leaned into the window. “Catch ya later.” I moved away so she could backup.
“Yep.”
With my bag in hand, I walked over to Aaron’s only to find the door locked. I thought he’d be home, and then remembered that he had errands to run. I crossed the lawn and went into the kitchen, where I found two notes from Grandma.
What would you like for supper?
A. Grilled Norwegian salmon and veggies
B. Beef roast
C. Nothing because you won’t be here
I circled C, because I felt sure that I would spend time with Aaron. I still didn’t know where Grandma was. She had a way of keeping to herself when she wanted to. The other note read:
How did it go today?
Would you like me to be your bodyguard tomorrow?
Yes
No
I circled Yes, since it probably was a good idea to have a bodyguard. We also needed to take care of the mess in the bedroom. It was already four o’clock, and I was home alone. I reached for my phone and gave Aaron a call. It was decided that we’d have dinner with his best man, Tim, another police officer.
I peeked into Grandma’s room and saw that the drawers were replaced, the clothing picked up. Why didn’t Grandma put away the jewelry? I thought about the hat that Maggie had mentioned. What kind of bird was on that hat? I decided to go up into the attic and try to find it. I brought the stool over to the area under the ceiling hatch, climbed up, and released the hatch. The steps dropped down, making it ready for me to climb up into the attic. I turned on the light.
I got the jitters as I stood looking around. I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone else had been up here, but everything appeared normal. Nothing looked disturbed. I brushed my sweaty palms against my pants and reached for the large hatboxes. The top box lid was hard to remove because it was so dried out. I grinned as I pulled out the hat. It looked like a flower garden. I replaced the lid and opened the box directly below the first, and that hat featured long, narrow peacock feathers. The hat in the final box had the brim with the bird on it. Inside the lid lip, there was a short note: “Thank you for the strawberry ice cream recipe.”
What in the world? I searched the hat for more writing but found little else. The bird was a parakeet. Back to the bird and strawberries again. I scratched my head before placing the hat back in the box and replaced the lid. I carefully looked at the other hats once again, but they were void of writing. The dates on the boxes were worn off. Next, I went to the birdcage to make sure that the possessions were still safe. I groaned when I saw the cufflinks because they were supposed to be brought to the bank for safekeeping. Since the bank was closed, I left them but made sure that I hadn’t brushed the dust away. I climbed out of the attic and closed the hatch cover.
After showering, I decided to wait before dressing because I didn’t want to wrinkle my dress. Instead, I put on a robe, went downstairs to the office, and fired up the computer. As I waited, my grandparents returned.
“In here,” I called. I logged into the store’s e-mail and began responding to the messages—all thirty-six. I deleted several messages asking how I killed Jackie, which caused me to fume. A few reporters wanted interviews. I glanced at the doorway when I heard my grandparents approaching. Grandma was holding an extra glass of wine, and Grandpa had a bottle in his spare hand.
“Just what I needed.” I took a sip. “Thanks.”
They sat down together on the settee. “The showroom looks really good.” Grandpa placed his arm across Grandma’s shoulder to kiss her cheek. “It’s like brand new.”
“Monday, we’ll clean the shelves. Dorrie asked to help. The three of us will get it done in a minute.” Grandma sipped. “Tell me about shopping.”
I’m keeping Dorrie right by my side and asking about her marriage.
“That’s okay, dear,” Grandma said. “Your parents would be so proud and happy with your choice. Aaron’s a good man.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
“What are you looking up?” Grandpa refilled our glasses. I was happy to have a change of subject.
“Polly was the name of a bird, right?” I started thinking about that hat. “Maggie remembered us playing dress up while wearing that huge hat with the bird. Don’t you think it’s a little coincidental?”
“What are you getting at?” Grandma set her glass on the table. “Someone was murdered for a bird? It doesn’t make sense.” She shook her head.
“I know. I’m really perplexed.” I glanced at the clock and, at the same time, Aaron entered the room. “Hi. We’re having a family discussion about a bird.”
“A continuation?” He reached for the empty bottle, frowning. “How soon will you be ready?”
“Fifteen. Is my little black dress in order?” I noticed Grandpa’s ears turned red while Grandma blushed. “Log me out.” I got up.
“That’s only to wear for me. Wear your navy one instead.” He smiled and gave me a kiss as I walked past him. He cra
wled in behind the desk to sit down.
In the bathroom, I brushed out my hair and pulled it back into a curly ponytail, leaving ringlets framing my face. I applied red lipstick, and put on sparkly red earrings to match. The navy dress slipped on easily. I blushed, knowing where his hot palm would leave its mark.
After saying good night and giving my grandparents each a kiss, we left. We decided we’d meet at the local Chinese Dragon restaurant, where they served wonderful eggrolls and chicken chow mein.
Tim and his date, Peggy, arrived right on time.
During dinner, Peggy had the audacity to ask about the murder and who did it.
“I didn’t, that’s for sure, and so far there’s no firm suspects.” We quickly ate and left.
“Let’s run by the store and take a look at the floors,” I said in the car as we crossed over the 694 bridge, heading toward downtown. We were getting near the exit for the dollhouse store, and I was anxious to see the floors. “Let’s go in and dance before we fill it with the dollhouses.”
“It’s not a dancehall, and it might scratch the wood.” Aaron made the turn for Main Street. “But, it would be fun.”
“That’s my man.” I smiled, and clutched his hand. “Do you still want Tim in the wedding?” I liked Tim, but wished that Peggy hadn’t been so rude.
“I bet he’ll message me before long. He’ll have it all figured out. Trust me.” He slowed as we drove past the front of the building.
“Did you see that?” I gasped.
“See what?”
“Park right over there.” I pointed to an empty spot three cars down from the front of the showroom windows. “Look! I could swear I saw a light.”
“Not possible. We shut off all the lights and locked the doors. Besides, the alarm system would sound if someone entered,” Aaron said.
We stared toward the windows and saw a light beam.
“You’re right. There is a light.”
“Of course. I’m not seeing things.” I opened my car door to get out while at the same time Aaron grabbed my arm. “I want to see. Let me go.”
“You’re staying right here, honey, while I go check it out. I don’t want anything to happen to you. If I see anything, I’ll call for a squad car.” He held my hand. “Trust me.”
“Okay.” I knew that I wouldn’t stay, but it made him feel better.
Aaron got out and quietly closed the door, barely latching it. He reminded me of a movie character as he stole across the street. I waited until he was in the shadows, before doing the same. It wasn’t long before I was standing beside him. I could tell by his not-so-friendly muttering, “Go back,” that he wasn’t too happy.
“Not on your life.” I stood right beside him and didn’t move unless he did. We inched closer to the windows. “Hurry up. It’s cold out here.”
“Quiet or go back to the car,” he muttered over his shoulder.
I wanted to growl back but figured that I might press my luck. When we were in front of my door, I tried to calm my pounding heart. My sweaty palms itched, and I curled them inside my pocket. At the side of the window, we both saw the curtain of light trail across the shiny floor.
“Who is it?” Aaron had peeked from the bottom corner of the window.
I nudged his back when he didn’t answer. “Well?”
“You won’t believe this.” He stood, and knocked.
I peered inside.
“Mikal?” I shook my head. Now I had an older man investigating on my behalf. I pressed in the code and opened the door, letting Aaron enter first. I turned on a light.
“You won’t believe this, but I’d had an analysis party this evening, and started walking to my car with one of the ladies. We stopped for a minute in front of your store, she touched the knob. Presto! It opened.” Mikal said.
“Busted is more like it.” I stared at him. “Really. Why are you here?” We stood near the counter. “Let’s go into the workroom where we can sit, shall we?”
Aaron led the way. I shut the light off in the showroom and turned one on in the workroom. We each found a chair and sat.
“That’s exactly how it happened. I had had a handwriting party in my store and walked out with a guest. The woman, I think her name was, Alice, twisted her ankle, leaned against your door—and it popped open,” Mikal said.
“I’ve never heard anything like this before,” I said.
“It’s all true,” Mikal said.
“Go on. There’s got to be more to it.” Aaron glanced at me.
“Let me tell you about this underground cavern,” Mikal said. “It’s like a long basement.”
“When were you down there last?” Aaron asked.
“I’m not sure if I’ve been down there more than once or twice, which was a very long time ago.”
“It runs under this whole block?” Aaron said, his hands on his waist. “I don’t believe it.” He shook his head.
“It’s got to be registered in the city records.”
“What was the basement used for?” Aaron looked at Mikal.
“The corner restaurant was a speakeasy during Prohibition. I suspect that John Dillinger and Al Capone and the rest of the thugs may have used it as a hideaway, or for stashing liquor from the police.” Mikal rubbed his chin. “There’s a bathroom down there, too, don’t forget. Should we go look? The door is hidden and the steps are treacherous.”
“This whole thing is getting more and more bizarre.” I scratched my head. “We have dolls stolen. Cufflinks. Birds. Roses. Old embroidered samplers. And now Prohibition.” I removed my ponytail and untangled my hair. “How do they relate?”
“The police have checked the hatch and saw that it’s sealed. The hatch by the front door. There’s that other back door which is hidden near ours. Since the police have knowledge of it, we should be allowed inside.” Aaron raised his brow. “Should we?”
“Eew! It might be full of mice and bugs and spiders,” I said. No way would I be left behind. “Lead the way.”
“Follow me,” Mikal said.
Aaron and I followed Mikal outside. The stairs were right outside the back door, hidden under the outside iron fire escape steps, which led upstairs to Max’s. Which made me wonder where he was. It seemed strange that he hadn’t joined us. Mikal shined the flashlight on the door, and we noticed that the magnetic strip from burglar alarm was compromised.
“This has to be called in and reported.” Aaron looked at me. “Know anyone who would’ve gone down there?”
“Not at all.”
“There are two doors. This one and the door at the other end.” Mikal handed the flashlight to Aaron.
“The restaurant. See how the door’s hidden by shrubs? That’s why no one knows it’s here.”
“You two go back inside to wait. I’m staying right here.”
“It’s coming to a head.” Mikal tried to lead me inside.
“I’m stayin’ right here.” I stomped one foot then the other on the ground as I crossed my arms. “And, that’s final.” I clamped my mouth shut and jutted out my jaw.
“You’re impossible.” Aaron glared at me while he dialed the police to speak to the dispatcher. He closed his phone, slipping it into his pocket. “They’ll be here any minute.”
“She’s right, Aaron.” I watched his brow twitch while Mikal talked. “What if someone, the killer, came and clubbed you on the head? She’d protect you.”
“Good grief! The gorilla-man could return.” When Aaron gave me a blank look, I explained, “The bodyguard or else the chauffeur. They were both huge. By the way, why were they dropped from suspicion?”
“They, meaning all three including Wanda, had tight alibis.” Aaron rubbed his chin.
“So what you’re saying is that they alibied each other.” I rubbed my temples. “They’re not off the hook in my book.”
Chapter Thirteen
I sat in the workroom but could still heard sirens in the distance.
When the back door squeaked open, I said, “In
here.”
“Livvie?” Mikal entered and touched my shoulder. He came around to face me. “This will soon end.”
“How? How do you know?” I still didn’t feel any closer to the answers.
“I just feel it. I’m psychic too.” Mikal shrugged, then scratched his head.
“It all remains to be seen.” I smiled when I realized that Mikal was serious.
“They’ll be coming in soon.” Mikal found a chair to sit on and glanced around the room. “It’s no accident that I’m here.”
“Why do you say that? I’d really like to know why you were here.” I ran my fingers through my hair, glanced down at my dress, and then at my ring. “What a night. How many people were in that hand analysis party of yours?”
“Ten, but Alice hung around. This is all the truth, I swear to you.” He rubbed his chin. “And here I am and look at what we found.”
“I’ll have to believe you. The police will get to the bottom of it all. I wonder if anything will materialize?” We turned as Aaron entered.
“I’ll leave you two and we’ll talk tomorrow.” Mikal stood.
“Thank you.” I waited until he walked out the door before looking at Aaron.
“Don’t worry, baby. When things are at the worst, the end is near. The detective’s and a two officers are inspecting the basement.”
After a while I pulled back, just as the police entered.
“Ma’am,” a uniformed policeman spoke, “ever seen this before?” He held a bagged earring up for me to see.
“Good grief. Yes, I have seen it,” I said. “I think I know whose it is, Dorrie’s. She was missing one the other day.” My eyes opened wider and I gasped. “Why would her earring be lost there?”
“We don’t think anything, ma’am.” The officer looked at Aaron. “Got her name and number?”
“I believe it’s all on file, but sure.” Aaron glanced around the room. “Where’s your bag?”
“In the car, remember?”
“Right.”
“Her name is Dorrie Fillmore.” I gave them Dorrie’s telephone number. “I’ve wondered about her, and now the chauffeur, her husband, Brad. He could very likely have killed Jackie Newell after learning what’s at stake for the family secret, which we don’t know what it is.”
The Blood Spangled Banner: A First Ladies Mystery Page 12