by Tim Myers
I had more questions than answers, and I knew it would be a fitful night’s sleep. At least maybe my slumbering thoughts could lead me to the truth, since I wasn’t doing all that well awake.
The next morning, all I had resolved through the night was that I needed a new mattress. I tried calling the hospital to see if Andrew Joy’s condition had changed overnight, but they wouldn’t tell me over the telephone. When I asked for Terri, I was told curtly that she hadn’t left her brother’s side all night, and that she was refusing all calls. I couldn’t fault her for that. Family came first with my clan. There was no reason in the world to think that it wouldn’t be their top priority, too.
I went to the soap shop, figuring that while I was waiting for news, I might as well get some work done. It was twenty minutes before we were due to open when I got there, and my three sisters were working at stocking the shelves and straightening things as they went along.
“Good morning, ladies,” I said.
“Hey, Ben.”
“Hello.”
“Yo,” Cindy said.
I raised an eyebrow as I looked at her. “Yo?”
“I just wanted to be different,” she said with a smile.
“Okay,” I said. “Do any of you have connections at the hospital? I’m trying to find out Andrew Joy’s condition, and they’re stonewalling me.”
Louisa said, “Jenny Bartlett works there. Give me a second.”
Before she dialed, I said, “I don’t want you to put a strain on your friendship.”
Louisa laughed. “Please. She owes me big time.” She turned to Kate and said, “Remember when Paul Jones got married, and Jenny wanted to crash the wedding because she thought she was his one true love? Man, she was drunk that night.”
Kate shook her head. “I couldn’t believe it when you told her you’d drive her to the wedding yourself. I thought you’d lost your mind.”
“I had to get her into the car, didn’t I? After she threw up, I was wishing I’d driven hers. I’d say she can do this for me.”
I clapped my hands. “Ladies, can we focus here?”
Louisa stuck her tongue out at me. “Let me ask.”
She carried on a whispered conversation, then put her hand over the phone. “This will just take a second.”
“Thanks, Louisa, I appreciate you doing this.”
“I’m happy to do it. I’ve been meaning to call Jenny anyway. What?” she said into the receiver. “Okay, thanks. Yeah, lunch tomorrow sounds good. Just no Bloody Marys, okay?” Louisa laughed, then hung up.
“There’s no change, but she’ll call as soon as there is.”
“You know what?” I said. “Sometimes it’s good having such a big family.”
Cindy said, “Sometimes? What does that mean, brother dear?”
“I’ll leave it to your imagination.” I looked at her, then I said, “I thought you were off this morning.” Mom had asked me to help cover the floor, and I’d agreed, since I didn’t have any other ideas to pursue at the moment
“I’ve got a dentist appointment” she admitted. “But it’s not for another ten minutes.”
“Shoo,” I said. “We can struggle through the morning without you.”
Cindy shrugged. “I guess.” She grabbed her coat and left
I started for the back when Kate said, “Hey, I thought you were going to work with us this morning since we’re going to be one short.”
“I am,” I said. “I just need to ask Bob and Jim something.”
Kate tapped her watch. “Just as long as you’re back here when we open.”
I saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
I took the baggie with the paper towel from my pocket as I walked back to the line. Bob had his head under the old burner while Jim stood nearby handing him tools. Jeff was offering his own commentary as I approached.
“Now I know why there were only three stooges,” I said. “That’s plenty enough for trouble.”
From under the boiler, I heard Bob say, “Don’t forget Shep. That makes four in my book.”
Jim said, “Not four at the same time, though. It was always three.”
“I could swear all four of them were on one show,” Jeff said.
Jim threw a rag at him. “Yeah, you also claim you’ve seen a UFO, remember?”
“Hey, it didn’t look like a weather balloon to me. I don’t care what the newspaper said.”
“Guys, I need to ask you something,” I said.
Bob said, “Fire away.” He paused, then asked, “What’s wrong with you guys? That was funny. I’m working on the boiler, and I said fire away.”
Jeff said, “Oh, it was funny. You just can’t see my reaction, because I’m laughing on the inside.”
Jim asked, “What was it you wanted to know? You don’t need these two clowns, I can answer any question you need answered.”
“Unless it’s about your love life; he’s a wash there,” Bob said.
“Or anything factual in any way,” Jeff chimed in. “Other than that, he’s your man.”
I handed the baggie to Jim. “What is it?”
He took the paper towel out of the baggie, studied it a moment, then lifted it to his nose. “Beats me.”
“So much for an expert opinion,” Jeff said.
“Then you tell him what it is,” Jim snapped.
I said, “He already tried.”
“And failed,” Jeff answered with a smile.
“Bob, I hate to ask,” I said, “but do you have a second?”
“Sure, I was planning to take a break anyway.” He crawled out from under the boiler where the old burner was still firmly in place.
“Having some trouble with that?” I asked.
“No, I enjoy lying on the concrete on my back scraping my knuckles. I can’t put the new one on if I can’t get the old one off, you know what I mean?”
I looked at the replacement burner, and was amazed how good it looked. “Where in the world did you find that?”
Bob said, “It’s not that hard, if you just know where to look.”
Jim slapped Bob’s shoulder. “Don’t let him lie to you. We scavenged through junkyards all day yesterday until he found that. It was buried under a coat of grease so thick I couldn’t even tell what it was. I kept telling him all the way home last night that it would never work, so the fool stayed up all night getting it in shape.”
Bob stifled a yawn. “It was worth it. What’s the mystery, Ben?”
Jim handed him the paper towel, and I watched Bob go through the same process Jim had done. He frowned a second, then smiled. “I know what it is.”
“Don’t keep us in suspense,” I said. “What is it?”
“It’s a chemical used to antique things. I’ve seen it before. It takes shiny metal and makes it black. Really, it’s kind of cool.”
That didn’t make sense. “Are you sure it’s not some kind of cleaner?” I’d been so sure that Ralph had been cleaning those coins, but could he have been doing just the opposite?
“I’m sure. It’s a different smell altogether,” he said. “Now if you ladies will excuse me, I seem to be the only one working here today.”
“Hey, that’s not fair,” Jim said. “I’m handing you tools.”
“And I’m giving you some much-needed advice,” Jeff protested.
“I’m working the front,” I said.
Bob held his grease-stained hands up. “I apologize, on all counts. You are all working harder than I am.” He shook his head, but I could see the smile he was trying to hide as he slid back under the boiler.
I went up front to tell my sisters I had an errand to run when I saw that we were already open for business. Kate was running the floor today since it was one of Mom’s rare days off, so I decided to tell her and escape before Louisa could protest.
“Ben, you’re just the person we’re looking for.”
That’s when I noticed Herbert and Constance standing with her. Constance had a Tupperware bowl in her hands as He
rbert said, “That’s not entirely true. We were looking for Cindy, but she’s not here, so I guess you’ll have to do.”
“Herbert, be civil,” Constance said. There was no doubt in my mind that if she hadn’t been holding the bowl in both hands, she would have elbowed her spouse. I saw Kate move away from the conversation, and wished I could join her.
“What can I do for you?” I asked, hoping to make it quick so I could get back to my investigation.
“Tell us how to fix this,” Constance said as she took the lid off her bowl. Inside it was a concoction that looked like cottage cheese gone bad, with lumps of soap floating in a viscous liquid.
Herbert volunteered, “We were hand-milling last night and this is what we got. The stuff wouldn’t set up, even overnight.”
“Let me guess,” I said as I studied the mess. “You used a lot of additives when you combined it.”
Constance said, “Maybe I went a little overboard, but I’ve done it with pours before and it was fine.”
“Hand-milling is different,” I said. “Your soap is curdled, but I can fix this. Maybe.”
Herbert sneered down at the bowl. “I don’t see how.”
“Let’s go back to the classroom,” I said, taking the bowl from Constance’s hands.
I measured out some fresh soap noodles, added water, and set the pot on the hot plate. In no time at all I had nice melt, so I added the contents of Constance’s bowl into the pot and let that combine. I poured the new melt into one of our molds and handed it to them.
“Give this six to twelve hours, then see what you’ve got. I’m not giving you any guarantees, but it might do the trick.”
“What if it doesn’t?” Herbert asked.
“Then toss it out and start over,” I said.
Constance said, “I’m sure it will work. Thank you, Ben.”
Herbert nodded. “Yeah, you’re almost as good as your sister.”
“Herbert,” his wife snapped.
“Honestly, I’m glad to hear you like Cindy’s teaching,” I said.
“She’s very good, but so are you,” Constance said.
Herbert said, “Quit trying to butter him up. He’s not your teacher anymore.”
“I’m just being polite, and you know it.”
Her husband added, “Don’t try to convince me, woman. You’re the one who’s protesting too much.”
After they were gone, Kate drifted back toward me. “What was that all about?”
“They had a problem with a hand-mill,” I said.
Kate looked at me a second, then said, “I hope you’re not upset that they asked for Cindy first.”
“Are you kidding me? I’m elated. I’ve always thought she’d make a wonderful teacher. I’m just thrilled I’ve been proven right.”
Kate kissed my cheek. “You want to know something? You’re the best big brother any of us could ask for.”
“Thanks,” I said.
Louisa was on the phone, and she looked shaken when she hung up. “Ben, that was the hospital.”
“What happened? Is there any news about Andrew?”
She nodded. “He just died.”
Chapter 12
“Where are you going?” Kate asked me as I bolted for the door.
“I need to talk to Terri.” I had to know if Andrew had come out of it before he’d died. If he’d confessed to the murder, it would take the heat off me entirely.
“Don’t push her too hard,” Louisa said. “She just lost a brother and a father in less than a week. She’s going to be a basket case.”
“I’ll be gentle,” I said.
I drove ten miles over the speed limit as I raced to the hospital. I had to talk to Terri. To my surprise, I found her in the parking lot wandering aimlessly around.
I pulled into a spot, then said, “Terri, are you all right?”
“I can’t find my car,” she said, her voice near hysteria. “It was here, I know it, and now it’s gone. Help me find it, Ben.”
“Tell you what, why don’t you get in the Miata and I’ll drive you around until we come across it.” I didn’t want her driving in that condition, but short of forcing her into my car, I didn’t know how else to accomplish that.
Thankfully, she let me help her into the Miata.
Once we were moving, I said, “I’m so sorry about Andrew.”
“I’m in shock,” she said. “Last week I had a family, and suddenly I’m all alone.” There were tears running down her cheeks, though her voice was firm.
“Did he ever wake up?” I asked.
“Why do you ask?” she said.
“I’m just wondering if he said anything about your father. Terri, I’ve got the sneaking suspicion that Andrew might have had something to do with what happened to him.” It was a real risk talking to her like that, but I had to get her to open up while she was still unguarded.
The question hung in the air, then she said softly, “I don’t know what I’m going to do. Just before he died, he told me he’d killed Dad for the jewelry shop. Ben, it’s horrible. I can’t tell anybody, I’m so ashamed.”
“I can’t imagine how you feel, but you’ve got to let Molly know what he said.”
She whimpered softly, and I could barely make out her words. “I can’t, not alone. It’s too much.”
“How about if I go with you?” I said. “I’ll be there for you.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Ben. I’m sorry for all of the mean things I said to you lately. I’ve just been under so much stress I can’t stand it.”
“Hey, you were just trying to protect your family. Let me call Molly and have her meet us at her office.”
“Not the police station,” Terri said, grabbing my arm tight enough to hurt. “I can’t stand being around that many people right now.”
“How about the garden at the soap shop? We’ll have privacy there.”
“That’s fine,” Terri agreed.
I dug out my cell phone and called Molly. Once she realized who it was, she was very curt with me. “Make it quick, I don’t have time for you today.”
Trying to keep my voice calm, I said, “I’m with Terri Joy. Her brother just died.”
Molly hesitated, then said, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
I continued, “Just before he passed away, he admitted to her that he killed their father. She’d like to talk to you, if you’ve got the time.”
That got Molly’s attention. “I’m in my office. Bring her straight here.”
“She’d like to meet you at Where There’s Soap. We’re just about there. We’ll be on the bench in the flower garden waiting for you.”
“I’ll be right there,” she said, and hung up.
I pulled into the customer parking lot. It was closer to the garden, and it had the added benefit that Terri couldn’t see the jewelry shop from there.
As we walked into the garden, she said, “Thanks, Ben, I can do this by myself now.”
“I don’t mind being there with you,” I said.
“I need to tell this to Molly alone. Do you understand?”
“Absolutely. I’ll wait right here for you, and when you’re finished I’ll take you home. We can get your car later.”
“Thanks,” she said as she put a hand on my arm. Terri started crying again, and I did the only thing I could think of. I put my arms around her and did my best to comfort her. I heard a car drive by the shop, and I looked up, fully expecting to see Molly.
Instead, Diana hesitated, saw me with my arms wrapped around another woman, then sped quickly away.
I was going to have some explaining to do, but it would have to wait.
Molly drove up a minute later. As she approached us, she asked, “Are you okay?”
“No, but I will be,” Terri said.
The two of them walked toward the garden, and I could see Terri fighting another breakdown. Ten minutes later they approached me, and Terri said, “Molly’s taking me home. Thanks, Ben, for everything.”
I took
her hands in mine. “If there’s anything my family or I can do, don’t hesitate to ask. You’re not alone, do you understand me?”
She nodded, and Molly led her to her car.
After Terri was sitting inside, Molly turned to me and said, “Thanks for calling.”
“Hey, it was my civic duty,” I said.
She started to speak, then hesitated. “Listen, we need to talk. About a lot of things.”
“I’m here whenever you need me,” I said.
She smiled. “I’ll take you up on that.”
After they were gone, I stared at the garden, wondering what in the world I was going to say to Diana when she drove up and parked beside the shop.
“I was just getting ready to call you,” I said.
She looked embarrassed as she said, “I acted like a schoolgirl running away like that. I don’t know what got into me. We never claimed to have an exclusive relationship. Anyway, I just came by to apologize.”
“Hang on a second,” I said. “Don’t I get a chance to explain?”
Her gaze stared downward. “I just told you, there’s nothing we need to discuss. You’re a free agent, Ben.”
I gently touched her shoulder. “I want to tell you what happened. Terri Joy’s brother just died, but before he did, he confessed to murdering their father. I was just trying to comfort her. There was nothing more to it than that.”
Diana looked relieved by the admission. “Of course. I’m so sorry. I feel like such a nit,” she said.
“I think it’s sweet you care,” I said. “Diana, there’s something you should know about me. I don’t date more than one woman at a time. It’s just not in me. Right now, you’re that woman, unless you’re not happy with that arrangement.”
She showed me how she felt by kissing me, long and hard. As we broke it off, I said, “I take it you approve.”
Diana laughed as she got back into her car. “I’ve got to go open the bookstore.”
“I’ll call you later,” I said.
When I walked back into Where There’s Soap, my brothers and sisters were applauding, whistling, and stamping their feet. It appeared that Diana and I had had an audience without realizing it.
I took it for a few seconds, then said, “Okay, you’ve all had your fun. Now let’s drop it.”