The Blood Spangled Banner: A First Ladies Mystery

by Barbara Schlichting

  “Ronnie asked me about the two suspects, Tweedledee and Tweedledum.”

  Aaron returned just as I finished speaking.

  “What did she say about Ronnie? I can’t believe that he used to be nice,” Grandma said.

  “He never was nice. He’d bully everyone on the playground only to later make fun of them. When Mom and Dad were killed, he laughed. He’d make fun of my girlfriends and me when we’d play dress up, even though he liked wearing Daddy’s old Marine Corps uniform. He was mean.”

  “It sounds like it. I daresay that not much has changed. Too bad,” Grandma said. “Hazel, his mother, is a nice woman. She looks out for his daughter, Jessica. Don’t forget, you have to see her for the final music arrangements.”

  “Did we ever get the bracelet back that Dorrie stole when I was about fourteen? Remember that?” I said.

  “Yes, I do.” She shook her head. “Not that I recall. Why?”

  “Just wondering. I’m starting to think weird thoughts. Also, there’s Brad, the chauffeur. He would’ve heard Jackie and Wanda talking in the limo about the family secret. I just wonder.” I scratched my head. “I feel as if I’m missing something.”

  “Don’t worry your pretty little head so much. It’s your wedding. Everything will work out. Be happy. You’re already beautiful.” Grandma’s eyes twinkled.

  “Thanks.” I kissed her and grabbed a set of plastic gloves from Aaron. He made sure we each had a pair before passing the next four letters out. “Grandma?” I wondered if she wanted to read hers first.

  “Sure.” With the letter in hand, she adjusted her eyeglasses to read it. “Here goes.”

  Washington City,

  Dearest Husband,

  Let’s take a drive to visit our Williamsburg friends once I’ve returned from Montpelier. I believe that we need to visit the fair City for our Countrymen. They need to see their President and Mrs. President so they know that we weren’t injured in the War.

  Lovingly,

  Dolley

  “Now we have a reference to Colonial Williamsburg. Isn’t that interesting? We have the war, and then travel plans. I think we’re finally making headway,” Grandma said. “Don’t you see? It’s mapping out their life.”

  “Never thought of that.” I raked my fingers through my hair then said, “Next?”

  “I’ll go.” Grandpa cleared his throat while opening the envelope and removing the letter. “Hmm. I bet she means Jefferson here.”

  Dear Thomas,

  Please send me a small candle from your darling wife, if you have one. I’d so like to have one to keep her memory alive in my heart.

  Burns bright the light

  Of the wickless candle

  Held upright and tight

  By the glow of Jesus’ feet.

  Your First Lady,

  Dolley

  “How come she signed it that way?” Grandpa handed me back the letter and envelope. I placed the letter back inside and gave it to Aaron who already had Grandma’s.

  “Wickless candle?” I thought about the newest clue. “This is an enigma, isn’t it? Jefferson was widowed when in office. At the time, James Madison was Secretary of State, so they were always at the White House. Dolley, being Dolley, assisted him with formal gatherings, thus he began to call her his First Lady. It was a prelude and training for what was to come, but Dolley played the part well.” I turned to Aaron.

  “This one seems almost lame.” Aaron held up the letter.

  Dear Mrs. President,

  Here is the recipe which you requested for Oyster fritters.

  Aaron glanced up and said, “The rest is all ingredients.” He placed the letter into the envelope and set it on the pile. “People did send her recipes, didn’t they?”

  “Yep. That’s how she was able to build everyone’s trust and assist her husband in passing the bills. She used her bipartisan skills to the nth degree.” I opened my envelope and removed the letter. “This is weird.”

  There is a thing

  which in the night

  Is seldom used

  but in the light.

  It serves the female

  maiden crew

  The ladies and

  the good wives too.

  They used to take it

  by the hand

  And then it would

  uprightly stand.

  And to a hole

  they it apply

  Where by its goodwill

  it will die.

  It spends, go out

  But still within

  It leaves its moisture

  thick and thin.

  “This is one of the strangest things I’ve ever read.” I gave it to Aaron. “What do you think?”

  “I think it might be the answer we’re looking for.”

  Chapter Twenty-two

  I stood in the middle of the showroom and spun in a slow circle. Dorrie had certainly decorated it properly, and all in good taste too, plus keeping with the ambiance of the White House. A small table had been assembled which held a facsimile to the National Tree outside on the lawn. Another small addition was the inside tree featuring the various branches of the armed forces, which kept in the spirit of the current White House occupants. The two displays were tasteful, and I admired how nicely they fit with the other decorations.

  “Dolley, it’s our secret. Did you bury Polly in a cemetery?” I leaned in closer to the Madison dolls in case a flash of knowledge might pass between us. “You’re pretty tight-lipped.” I took a deep breath. At the Wilson White House, I stopped to say, “I bet you two kept your share of secrets because of the President’s illness.”

  I continued around the room adjusting dolls and furnishings, the front door opened and a customer entered. Short and plump, the woman reminded me of Mary Lincoln.

  “Hello. How may I help you?”

  “I’m interested in the war years during the Lincoln administration.” She gave me that cherry pie smile. “You see, I impersonate the First Lady, and would love one of your houses.”

  “I thought you looked like Mrs. Lincoln.” I smiled back. “Come right here.” I waved her over. “This is the house you want to see.”

  “It’s beautiful. She did a lovely job of decorating, didn’t she?” She ooohed and ahhed. “Which room is the Lincoln bedroom?”

  I pointed it out to her. “This room is where little Willy died.”

  “Oh my.” I noticed tears filling her eyes. “I’ll buy it.”

  “You take your time looking at it, while I get my helper to load the house for you. He’s just in the back room.” I began walking away, stopped to look back. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay.”

  When I returned, she stood by the counter and I rang up the purchase. It wasn’t long before Max emerged with the needed boxes while Dorrie entered with the rest. When they’d reentered, and we were alone, I said, “Thank you, you two.”

  “Anytime.” Max grinned. “This place is starting to hop, isn’t it?”

  “Word is getting out,” Dorrie said.

  “You two will be able to take over when I leave for our honeymoon? Grandma can help out too.”

  “We’ll be fine,” Max replied. “Marie can bring some of her cookies.”

  “Next Saturday, you can close early so you can make it for the wedding. We sent the invitations over the weekend, so you should get them today. Kind of late, but, well—that’s how it happened.”

  “We’ll probably close at one,” Dorrie stated. “I have to get dressed and so does Brad. He asked me to mention, that he’ll be around if Aaron needs help with the tables or make sure that everything is safe and secure.”

  “Sure, I’ll tell him.” I drew in a deep breath and suddenly felt very tired. “I’ve got wedding errands to run, so I’m taking off. You’ll be able to close up?” I glanced at Max.

  “Will do. No problem.”

  “Thanks.” I grabbed my bag, and slipped on my coat, heading out the door. Grandma texted me as I
jumped into the car, asking me to meet her at Ingrid’s, the caterer. I started the car, and began driving over the bridge down toward Hiawatha Avenue, eventually meeting with Ingrid.

  We’d changed the menu a few times, eventually deciding on the original menu, along with a medley of cooked vegetables, plus two kinds of potatoes—twice baked and mashed—which had to be peeled, cooked and mashed by hand, plus an assortment of breads as well as pasta. Of course, there’d be melted butter and plenty of garlic in the scampi, since this was one of Aaron’s favorite dishes. I wanted the menu to be all seafood, but Grandma rejected the idea because not everyone could eat it. There must be a variety, as she stated.

  The week was a whirlwind of errands with the proverbial last minute planning. Few people were invited, but we had to meet with the police plus the attorney to make sure that the cufflinks transference went without a hitch. By Friday, I was a wreck and very happy that the wedding was only a day away.

  Aaron and I decided to have a small dinner party the evening before the groom’s dinner, the following night. We invited Dorrie, Brad, Maggie, and Tim for a small dinner at Aaron’s house. I was giddy with excitement, but I also wanted to get a personal take on Brad.

  When I heard Aaron’s voice, I chased over to meet our guests at the door.

  “Hi. Thanks for the invitation,” Dorrie said, walking inside. “Have you met Brad? I think you have, Liv, but not Aaron.”

  “Glad to meet, ya.” Brad thrust out his right arm. I couldn’t help but notice the large disc earrings he wore, and around his neck was a heavy cross. I wondered why I hadn’t noticed his jewelry the day he’d chauffeured Jackie, then realized he had worn a suit.

  “We haven’t really met. I only saw you opening and closing doors for Jackie.” As I shook Brad’s hand, I bit my lip instead of wincing. The man’s grip was tighter and stronger than a lumberjack’s. Standing dwarfed beside him, I felt like I was Little Orphan Annie and he was Paul Bunyan. “Come on in.” We stepped aside, and at the same time, Maggie and Tim appeared in the doorway.

  “Where’s the beer?” Tim started for the kitchen.

  “I’m right behind. Coming?” Aaron asked Brad.

  “One more night remaining before we’re married.” It seemed like the right time to question Brad about Jackie. “Did Jackie ever complain in the limo?”

  “Nope, I heard very little. There was a partition between me and the passenger compartment that she kept closed. I did hear something about jewelry. I haven’t a clue what she was referring to.”

  “Jackie sure has me puzzled.” I glanced at Maggie. I thought really hard, hoping for mental telepathy, that she wouldn’t say anything.

  “I wonder if she didn’t mean the cufflinks that August wore on their anniversary?” Maggie giggled. “Remember that? We couldn’t find him for the toast.”

  Shoot! My telepathy didn’t work.

  My heart sank to my knees, or at least felt like it. I found it hard to catch my breath. Fortunately, Aaron spoke up. “August was in the office behind closed doors smoking a cigar with his neighbor, Hank.”

  “Yes, they evidently made some kind of date or bet, that Grandma would leave Grandpa for Hank back in high school, since they were old school chums.” I grinned, hoping that it would put an end to that vein of conversation.

  “That’s too funny.” Maggie chuckled. “They adore each other.”

  “I saw those cufflinks. I was here for the anniversary party, so I remember them. They sparkled and shone like diamonds.” Dorrie eyed me over her glass. “I bet they’re worth a fortune. Aren’t you wearing them, Aaron?”

  “I could pay my student loans off,” Brad said. “I suppose your cop buddies will be incognito during the ceremony?”

  “No clue,” Tim said.

  Bad vibes.

  “No idea where they are or what they’re worth,” Aaron said, looking at me.

  I started talking about my wedding dress, getting the holiday finery tomorrow, setting up everything, and all the flowers we had ordered. I felt overwhelmed at all there was left to do, but both Maggie and Dorrie volunteered their services. I had to remind Dorrie that I needed her in the store.

  The wedding was planned for four o’clock with the reception immediately following. I glanced over at my house and realized that my grandparents were probably strolling through it, making sure that everything was in its place.

  A rented movie brought an end to the evening with our guests exiting soon after it was over. I was satisfied knowing that Dorrie and Max would watch over the store in my absence the next two days.

  It felt good to be alone once again with my honey, kissing each other as we climbed the stairs to his bedroom.

  The morning brought sunshine and a promise of warmer temps, even a possible thawing. We both got up early, and went over to help my grandparents.

  The day began with the caterer arriving with extra chairs and folding trays to scatter around the house, which Grandpa and Aaron supervised. Grandma busied herself making sure that everything was done to perfection.

  “What are you looking at?” I stood beside her, staring at the vases of pink, red, and white roses on the dining room table.

  “Trying to decide which vase to put where. They’re so lovely. So very beautiful.” She smiled, and gave me a big hug. “You’re going to be very happy and make a lovely bride. I can tell.”

  We headed into the living room, arm in arm. The beautiful greenery and mistletoe hung over the doorways, combined with the added holiday decor took my breath away. It was all so lovely.

  “Jessica’s going to want to rehearse.” I looked out the window and noticed that Grandpa and Aaron were positioning electrical cords to connect with angels, which lined the front sidewalk. “It’s going to be so beautiful. I’m so glad that we’re getting married here. Thank you.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Grandma said.

  The day flew by. The keyboard was positioned in the TV room, and the open bar was set up in the office. The dining room sparkled with the addition of draped Mini Lights circling the greenery. The caterer brought the cheesecakes. She returned several more times with pans and the food service warming cart, which was arranged near the kitchen table.

  Jessica began rehearsing just as Maggie sent me a text message reading “How r u do n.” I sent one back, “Go n crazy.” I slipped the phone back into my pocket.

  Once everything was set up in the yard, we went inside. We took turns getting ready for the evening’s dinner. Grandpa was taking us to a new restaurant out in Burnsville, The Forest. The menu was quite pricey, but Grandpa was treating. We had a delightful meal—duck under glass, steak, trout—and of course I had to have lobster. Silly of me, I know, but I love it.

  I spent the night with Aaron. I had a hair appointment in the morning. Aaron and another officer planned to accompany Mr. Nye when they drove to the airport to pick up Don from Montpelier.

  “Busy day.”

  We kissed before going our separate ways.

  At eight-thirty, Maggie messaged me, “Car died u pik me up.” I wasn’t surprised. She always seemed to forget to shut off her headlights or else would get flat tires. The kids in her neighborhood were mischievous and would throw nails in the alleyway. I responded, “Ok.”

  I quickly finished dressing. Maggie and I had not only booked hairstyling appointments, but also facials with makeup application. Our appointments would take all morning. Pictures started at two o’clock. It was already nine.

  With my bag in hand, I chased out the door. I honked as I parked outside Maggie’s house. In seconds, she was out the door and rushing toward the car.

  “I’m so excited!” She slammed the car door shut. “Aren’t you?”

  “I’m ready to split.” I was too. My heart leapt every time I thought of Aaron and taking the marriage vows.

  I drove toward Forty-Second Avenue and Thirty-Eighth Street, parking behind Jeanette’s Hairnet. I glanced at Maggie as I unbuckled my seatbelt.
/>   “Time to get remade.” I climbed from the car.

  The morning zipped by, and I felt like a beauty queen after the facial. I loved the light-pink tones and soft blue shadow she’d given me. My hair was styled in a French braid with soft ringlets framing my face, which fell on my neck. My red hair sparkled under the sun that reflected in the mirror as she held it high for me to view the back.

  “Thank you. It’s lovely.” I turned toward Maggie. Her style was much the same only without all the ringlets. Also, of course, not the red hair. “You’re beautiful.”

  “You too. When Aaron kisses you, he’ll never let you go.”

  “I hope so.”

  After paying, we drove toward my house, but I parked my car behind Aaron’s, so Mr. Nye’s driver could park in my spot. He’d soon arrive with Don, who hadn’t arrived yet. I hoped there wasn’t a problem. His flight was scheduled to arrive at ten; it was now noon. Just as I started walking across the lawn, a Cadillac parked in the street. The driver got out and opened the two side doors. I walked over to meet him while Maggie continued to the house.

  “Hello,” I said, and held out my hand once he’d climbed from the vehicle. “I’m Olivia Anderson, the person who contacted your offices.”

  “Oh yes. Liv.”

  “Don.” We shook hands.

  “I am excited to meet you in person, as well as your grandfather, especially since you may be the caretakers of the famous cufflinks.” He smiled at me. “Where’s your grandfather?”

  The back door opened, allowing Grandpa to step out. “Olivia? Maggie’s wondering where you are. Come on! You must get dressed.”