Hannah gave a little laugh, Tim squeezed her hand.
Dubois stood by the door and opened it when someone knocked. Gina came in first and saw Hannah. She ran to her and put her arms around her.
"Oh, Hannah! Being separated was one of the worst things about all this." She dashed tears from her eyes as Flora joined them in a three-way hug.
"This must be that handsome judge I've heard so much about." Flora smiled at Tim.
"Yes, Flora," Hannah patted Tim on the back. "Youngest and best and most popular judge Pine County has ever had." She laughed at Tim's embarrassed expression.
"I can believe it." Gina batted her eyelashes, flirting with Tim. "With all that going for him, it's a wonder some selfish woman hasn't married him. Hannah. You'd better hang onto him."
"I'm going to. In fact, I AM the selfish woman who's going to marry him!" Hannah laughed and got excited hugs again from all of them.
"Anyone interested in how the case is coming?" Dubois interrupted.
"You mean the false accusation that we're all murderers?" Gina quickly pointed out.
"That depends on who you're talking to and whether you read the police report or not."
"We know. Please, have you got the evidence you need to get the real killer?" Flora asked for those who could not read the Captain's mind.
"Yes. It's just a matter of a statement or two and some paperwork. Should be soon." He pointed toward the door. "Time's up." He herded Gina and Flora out.
A uniformed policeman was there to escort Gina and Flora. Tim and Hannah followed them out and watched them walk away.
"Who was that blonde girl who came out from somewhere and walked down the hall with them?" Tim asked Hannah.
"Oh, you saw her?"
"Is there any reason why I shouldn't?" Tim was afraid of something else going wrong. Or a delay of some kind.
"No. No reason. I guess she just joined them after Dubose left them. Her name is Elle. She was with us the night all this happened."
"She was with you? Then why isn't she on the police report and in here with you?"
"Ah—well, it's sort of complicated." She smiled at him, "Like your secretary's disappearance. I'll tell you about it later. Dubois is beckoning to us. And pointing at me to follow that other guard."
"I see." He gave Hannah a quick kiss on the forehead as she started away. "I'll be back to get you as soon as he calls me."
Chapter 35
"I hear a truck," Harry looked up from her book.
"Yep, it's the Head of the House," Connie smiled and went to the kitchen door.
As Cas stepped in, she gave him a big bear hug. He showed his appreciation with a kiss and one on the forehead before giving the kitchen his usual sniff test.
"Crockpot chicken?"
"Yes, that okay?"
"Sure, one of my favorites. Along with cabbage and corned beef and other good stuff you don't cook very often. By the way, why is that?"
"Because they smell to high heaven and the flies like them as well as you do. They flock to the back door."
"That's your fault."
Connie stopped in her tracks on the way to take things up. "Just how do you figure that?"
"Because you open the top and let all that smell out. The top is clear, can't you just look through it?"
"Do I tell you how to investigate your cases?"
"No." Cas admitted ruefully. "Not too often, anyway." He grinned mischievously, "You're just nosy." He mumbled something else.
"What was that?"
"I said maybe it's that you're usually too busy matchmaking?"
Connie laughed. "Well, I won't deny that. Let's just settle that I'll do the cooking and matchmaking and you do the investigating." She mumbled something as she checked the rolls browning in the oven.
"What was that?"
"I said, unless I can ah, be of help."
Cas laughed, "I'll not touch that one with a ten foot pole. I'm glad you've got the kitchen duty, that chicken smells good. I'm going to get my boots off and wash up."
"And hello to you, too, nephew." Harry came in and waved her book at him.
"Hi, Harry." Cas grinned at her. "You just don't know what you're missing not having a partner to argue with."
"Oh, yes I do. Being an aunt is like being a grandmother. When you get tired of the game, you can just go home. That's what I'm going to do. Tomorrow."
"Oh, you tired of us?"
"No, you know better than that." Harry told him, "And Lord knows, this place is never dull! I just want to go home." She grinned at him, "About the time you both get comfortable, I'll be back."
"Good. I'll be right back too after I stow my boots somewhere."
Dinner was over and the kitchen cleaned up when the phone rang.
"Larkin residence." Cas answered.
Connie glanced at him, saw he didn't looked worried, shocked, or uncomfortable, and left the room.
"Who was that?" Harry asked her.
Connie laughed. "Maybe we are as nosy as he accuses us of being. I don't know who it was but if he doesn't tell, we'll get it out of him." Harry gave her a thumbs up.
"Well!" Cas ended his call and joined them, looking slightly surprised now. "That was Troy Spruce."
"What's he done now?" Harry said, mouth open, waiting.
"Nothing bad, or illegal, or even questionable." He thought that one over. "Well, I don't know. Maybe you could say questionable."
"Cas!" Connie gave him a warning look.
"He and Muriel Davis are engaged, I guess. A matchmaker would call it that. Anyway, he's asked her to marry him and she said yes."
"Goodness, after all this time. And after all they've been through." Connie said thoughtfully.
Harry tilted her head without commenting, giving the news some thought.
"Maybe it's because of all this time, or all they've been through. And one of the good things he's done in his life back when he was Pine County Judge was to give Muriel a good job with a good retirement and take care of her as her employer all these years." Connie looked at it from her matchmaker point of view.
"I know, Connie." Cas's face was serious. "He's always cared about her, I'm sure. And Muriel is still a beautiful woman."
"And knows all about him and seems to like him anyway," Harry put in. "That's the definition of a friend, isn't it?"
"Yes. He could do worse. I think I'd classify that announcement as good news." Cas decided.
"Have you got any word back from New Orleans or heard from Tim?"
"No. A Captain Dubois left a voice mail on my phone when Gladys and I were both out over the weekend that the case was progressing, but there wasn't a number to return a call. If I don't hear from him by tomorrow afternoon, I'll call the New Orleans Police Department and ask for this Captain Dubois. I guess Tim gave him our number, but I'd really like to hear from Tim before I talk to Dubois."
"I can't believe Hannah McLaughlin is in jail. And accused of murder, too. You can bet Tim will find out what that's all about."
"Yes. In jig-time," Harry nodded.
"My thoughts exactly. I want to hear from Tim first and not say anything I shouldn't. I'm sure they'll pay more attention to the Judge of Pine County than they would the Sheriff."
"I don't know. If they can accuse someone like Hannah of murder, there's sure something wrong down there."
"I know, Harry. If I don't hear from him tomorrow, I will call."
* * *
Captain Dubois picked up his phone and a smile covered his face.
"This is Elfrieda."
"Somehow I knew," he said softly.
"Maybe you've got some genes from your Aunt Belle," Elfrieda said. "How are you coming along with getting my daughter's friends out of your hoosegow?"
"My what?"
"That cross-bar hotel you're running there for the armed and dangerous."
"Oh, that. We're moving along like a pack of dogs on a rabbit trail, spurred on by the Judge of Pine County Tennessee who came person
ally to see what we were doing with his bride-to-be."
"That sounds like an interesting story. But what about the case?"
"All wrapped up but a few minor paperwork details, thanks to diligent police work, that smart dog, and I'll bet a cookie, a little witchcraft."
"Just never mind about witchcraft. Do you have the evidence to clear them or not?"
"We do. We are. The Pine County Judge is waiting for our call to come get them. All three women, including his bride-to-be."
"You said his bride-to-be? Twice. Is that bride-to-be as in they're going to get married or he's just got designs?"
"Yes. They're going to get married. He proposed to her right here in my office."
"In your office?" Elfrieda made a strange sound. "And she's marrying him anyway? Must be love."
"Must be. What I'm feeling right now is hunger. I didn't have a break, unless you'd count having to go out and beat the judge off my employees."
"So all of them will be out soon?"
"Yes. By the way, you never did tell me which one is your daughter."
"She wasn't in your jail. But you will know her if and when you meet her."
"She looks like you?"
"Yes."
"Lucky girl," Daniel smiled. "How about dinner a little later? Are you free?"
"No. I'm very expensive, in fact."
"Yeah. I'd already put you down as a calculated risk. I'm asking anyway."
"I'll see you when you get off."
"I'm parked—"
"I'll find you, Daniel."
Daniel put down the dead phone, a pleasant feeling like an exciting cool breeze seemed to blow around his heart and ribs as he pictured Elfrieda's beautiful face saying "I'll find you, Daniel."
Chapter 36
The next day Connie and Harry let Cas get inside and investigate the dinner menu when he got home but their patience only lasted till he sat down to remove his boots.
"Cas, what have you found out about Hannah?" Connie looked so worried, Cas forgave her as he picked up his boots.
"Just that it's as bad as it sounds. She is in jail. She is accused of murder. All I know is he's there and they are working on this. Tim must have his cell phone off. I tried but couldn't reach him."
Harry bowed her head at such bad news.
"Oh, Cas," Connie moaned.
Cas dropped his boots and held out his arms. Connie went into them and laid her head on his chest. No one spoke until he kissed Connie's forehead and picked up his boots again.
"I'll stow these and wash up. I'm sure we'll be hearing something from Tim soon."
Connie and Harry finished getting things on the table as Cas returned and sat down. Grace before dinner included a prayer for Tim, Hannah and her friends.
"I know you're wondering why I haven't made any waves at the New Orleans Police Department. I finally got a voice mail message from Tim, but all I learned was the bare facts. That Hannah, Gina, and Flora are all in jail. A Captain Dubois is investigating the case. Evidently he's the one I heard from and is trying to help. As I said, I'm not sure I can do any good and I sure don't want to do any more harm. Anyone who knows Hannah McLaughlin knows she did not kill anyone. This is all some terrible mistake. Surely we'll hear more from Tim soon."
"You don't even know who it was who was supposed to be killed?" Harry asked.
"Or if it was self-defense if someone was killed?" Connie put in hopefully.
"No. Nothing. Tim's brief message in the voice mail is all we know for sure right now. Hannah is in jail in New Orleans and she's accused of murder." He gave them a sad smile, "And the Maryvale Cavalry, Judge Tim Carpenter, is riding to the rescue. God help him." His expression turned grim.
"With his cell phone off." Connie shook her head.'
"If I don't hear from him soon, I said, I will call and ask to speak to this Captain Dubois. They will at least tell me what is going on as a courtesy to me as Sheriff of Pine County. And if Tim is there too, maybe I can learn more. I'm going on the theory you catch more flies with honey than vinegar and I'll be humbly asking for information about one of our Maryvale citizens, and they will, hopefully, be cooperative."
Everyone jumped when the wall phone rang.
Cas tossed his napkin on the table and made it to the phone in two long strides.
"Larkin residence."
Connie and Harry strained their ears but they could only hear a faint voice. Cas visibly relaxed and they knew it wasn't Tim. Cas listened, then smiled.
"Congratulations."
Connie raised her eyebrows, her eyes meeting Harry's.
Cas sat back down and put his napkin back on his lap.
"Well?" The Greek chorus at the table sat with lips parted.
"That was Troy Spruce," Cas put them out of their misery. "He told me he and Muriel are going to get married. We'll be invited I guess, soon as those details no groom cares a hoot about and are so important to the bride, can be worked out."
Chapter 37
With the case officially closed, Captain Dubois had seen that Hannah, Gina, and Flora were returned their personal possessions and called Tim Carpenter. A joyous if not neat group stood with Captain Dubois in his office when Tim came to get Hannah and her friends.
"Would you like coffee or some hot chocolate?" Dubois asked Tim as he closed the door behind him.
"No, thank you."
"I'd like an apology," Gina whispered to Hannah with an eye on Captain Dubois.
"Uh-uh," Hannah whispered back and shook her head. "I'm just glad to get out of here." She took Gina's hand and went to Tim.
"Gina, I want you and Tim to be friends. After all he's the man I'm going to marry if he doesn't chicken out when we leave this place." She beamed at them both. "Did I mention Gina is my best friend."
Tim stuck out his hand. "Yes, you did. It always worried me you had more friends in Fort Craig than Maryvale." He grinned at Gina. "I guess now I can stop worrying about you talking Hannah into moving back to Fort Craig?"
Gina laughed. "Don't count on it. None of us gives up easily. Who else would go to the rescue like we did against a real nut case with a sugar cane knife?"
Flora's laughter trilled out, a welcome relief as they got acquainted.
"Tim, I'm happy for you and Hannah too." She turned to smile at Hannah. "Hannah has told us so much about you and about your being the Pine County Judge. And you always had our best wishes."
"Thank you. A lot of good people were kind enough to tell me that, and I'm doing my best not to let them down."
Someone knocked and Dubois opened the door to admit Elfrieda and Elle. Elle, her smile radiant, was immediately enveloped in a group hug by Hannah, Gina, and Flora.
Several conversations and all kinds of questions were in progress as Elfrieda introduced Elle to Daniel.
"You're right," Daniel smiled at Elfrieda, "I'd have known she was your daughter. Beautiful as her mother." He turned his smile on Elle who was still arm in arm with Flora and Gina.
"Thank you," Elle looked at the desk plate, "Captain Dubois. Mother told me how you've helped us. I know how much work you did on this case and we are all thankful for your help."
She glanced at Elfrieda and Daniel wondered if it was Elrieda's words he was hearing. He had heard Gina's whisper about needing an apology. His eyes met Tim's as Gina frowned slightly. Tim tilted his head a bit and shrugged slightly as if he understood.
"Glad as I am to have finally met all of you." Tim began.
"Yes, I know, we need to get back to where we're staying and get our things ready to leave." Hannah said.
Elfrieda stayed with Dubois but the rest of them were soon out on the sidewalk in front, including Elle.
Flora suggested that she and Gina and Elle take a cab or a carriage, since it would be their last chance.
"Yes, I'd like to," Gina said.
"I would too, but I'll go back with—" Hanna began, looking at Tim.
"Well, sure, you'll go back with Tim," Gina laughed. "We'll se
e you there."
Tim and Hannah exchanged relieved looks and Hannah squinted at an approaching carriage. It looked like the one they had gone in to watch the parade.
"Oh, here's a carriage now." Elle signaled the carriage with a familiar looking driver. Hannah smiled when she saw it was Benjamin driving and his horse still wore the flowery hat.
Flora, Elle, and Gina happily climbed into the carriage and got comfortable, waving happily to Hannah as they left.
Inside Tim's car, Tim picked up Hannah's hand and kissed it before he started for the motel.
"I guess you heard Gina saying we should have gotten an apology, she wasn't too subtle or too quiet."
Tim nodded. "I think Dubois heard too. But he can't do that."
"Can't?" Hannah got a grip on her temper. "I don't think can't is the word. How about won't?"
"Oh, it's a legal thing, Hannah. Were you ever in a car wreck or had to give a statement about one?"
"No. But what's that got to do with this?"
"The lawyer on the case or the insurance company tells you not to ever say 'I'm sorry' at the scene of the accident. No matter how bad you feel for the fellow bleeding all over the concrete. Just look around for witnesses and get some license numbers if you can. Because saying you're sorry implies you feel you are at fault."
"Oh," Hannah groaned. "That's not just legal, it's a guy thing, isn't it? You always have to be right?"
"No," Tim denied it. "Your lawyer can be a lady lawyer, so it's not a guy thing. It's a legal thing. But if it will make you feel any better, I think Dubose would have apologized if he could. He did do his best to get the evidence you needed to clear you as quickly as possible."
"Well, it's over now. And about your secretary, what do you mean she disappeared instead of being out on sick leave or something? And is she back now?"
* * *
"A month from now!" Troy Spruce bellowed his outrage. "WHY? should we wait one more day as long as you're ready and I'm ready to get married?"
Troy's face was so red, Muriel worried about his blood pressure. "For goodness sake, calm down. We don't have to be in any hurry. Besides, I feel really guilty about taking off the way I did and leaving Tim with no one to get his work out. He certainly had the patience of Job, the way Margaret and I kept putting him off. It was not a good thing to do, Troy. He didn't deserve it and I feel bad about it. Wouldn't you?"
The Mardi Gras Murder Page 19