by Susan Harper
She gave him a friendly pop in the arm. “Relax, Brian. Besides, if I get in trouble, it’s not like I don’t know a really good defense attorney, am I right?”
“Very cute,” he said with an eye-roll. He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. “I’m heading home for the night. I have an early court date in the morning up in Atlanta. Are you going to be all right?”
“I’m fine, Brian,” Felicity insisted.
“All right,” he said and gave her another kiss. “Call me if you need me, okay?”
She thanked him and watched him leave. When she turned around, she could see that same distant look in Jefferson’s eyes. She chose to ignore it for the time being. Right then, all she could think about was what had happened to Wanda and what she was going to do about it.
Chapter 5
After Brian left, Felicity went into the back of the store to change out of her elf costume. She returned to the front desk where Jefferson was uploading some client information onto their computer system with a scrutinizing gaze. She grabbed her sleuthing notebook and scribbled down what she knew so far. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get started on an investigation. “Listen, I think I’m going to run down to Newnan Hospital to speak to Autumn,” Felicity said. “Would you mind keeping an eye on the event? I promise I’ll head back here afterwards so you’re not stuck on cleanup duty by yourself.”
“Yeah, that’s fine,” Jefferson said. “I’ll keep an eye on things and check in with our last-minute Santa. Hard to believe he was able to get down here that quickly for us.”
“Thanks, Jefferson, and no kidding. The Younglings put in a good word for us to get him down here as quickly as he did,” Felicity said, smiling at him as she hurried out the door. The event was still going on and the streets were still fairly crowded as she made her way across Main Street and toward the parking lot behind the office buildings.
After locating her car, she had to take a few back roads to get to Highway 16 since Main Street was closed down for the event. Soon, though, she was on her way to Newnan Hospital. It was getting late, so the parking lot wasn’t too crowded, and she was able to find a spot quickly. She headed inside toward the elevator she knew would take her down into the morgue where Autumn worked, but as she approached the elevator, she ran into some familiar faces.
Blanche, Wanda’s mother, was seated on a bench a short distance from the elevator. Beside her was her friend Sandra. Both women sat with sad eyes near an officer who was standing over them, talking to them about Wanda. Felicity approached slowly, and Blanche looked up and smiled. “Miss Overton?” Blanche asked as though she was not entirely sure that was her name—they had only just met earlier that evening, after all.
“Yes, Missus Monroe,” Felicity said with a sad smile.
The officer sighed when he saw Felicity coming over. Evidently, only Jack was compliant with her sticking her nose into police investigations. Either way, the officer seemed to slowly back up as though accepting defeat and allowing Felicity to speak to the women somewhat privately. “I am so sorry about your daughter,” Felicity said to Blanche.
Blanche nodded; she had a few tears in her eyes. “My sons are on their way here,” she said. “I couldn’t find them at the event, but I wanted to get here as quickly as I could. My brother is on his way too. I just can’t believe someone would hurt my daughter. And she was going to retire this summer! She was going to travel. See the world like she always talked about doing.”
“Missus Monroe,” Felicity said quietly. “I really don’t want to upset you worse, but would you mind if I asked you a personal question?”
Blanche shrugged, but ultimately she nodded. “Okay. Go ahead.”
“Could you tell me about your other daughter, DeAnn, and what exactly happened to her?” Felicity asked. Blanche stiffened slightly and simply nodded at Sandra.
Sandra sighed. “Yes, well, that was a long time ago. Our daughters were all part of a Girl Scout group, and we all decided to go in together and rent a cabin up in Blue Ridge and ride horses—there was a farm right near the cabin. Wanda had experience with horses, so she took all the younger girls out to ride while the adults were all inside preparing dinner. Oh, it was just awful. Apparently, DeAnn’s horse attempted to throw her, and her boot got caught in the stirrup, and the dumb beast dragged her and attempted to shake her. Wanda and the younger girls all carried her back to the cabin, but she had already died. Poor Wanda always blamed herself for what happened.”
“Why would she blame herself?” Felicity asked.
“She was the one who strapped all the saddles onto the horses for the girls,” Sandra said. “She didn’t tighten the girth enough. The saddle slipped back on the horse, and the stirrup was hanging down which is how her boot got caught.”
“Your daughter was there too, Miss Sandra? Where is she now?” Felicity asked.
“California,” Sandra said. “She’s going to college.”
“What about Claudia, the woman I met earlier tonight? Wanda introduced her as her sister’s friend. Was she referring to DeAnn?” Felicity asked.
“Oh, yes,” Blanche said. “Claudia was DeAnn’s best friend growing up. She was there the day DeAnn died. After DeAnn’s passing, Claudia was quite traumatized. She had to go to a lot of therapy, but she remained very close to our family, especially to Wanda. Wanda practically adopted her as her little sister.”
Felicity spoke with the older ladies for a while, but she noted that the officer was growing impatient. She eventually made an excuse to leave and headed toward the elevator to the morgue. The lobby area was empty, so Felicity cringed slightly, realizing she would have to go into the cold storage area where Autumn was probably working. Felicity hated that room. She entered through the double doors just in time to see Autumn covering Wanda up.
“Finished already?” Felicity asked.
“Just getting started, but I’m taking a break to look at these x-rays I took of her,” Autumn said, removing her gloves and walking over to wash her hands. She hung up the x-rays, shaking her head. “Broke her neck,” Autumn said. “I need to confirm it, but I’m pretty sure that’s what did it. From the look of the markings on her throat, the carriage wheel ran right over her head and neck.”
“That’s awful!” Felicity exclaimed.
“Most of the other injuries she sustained seem to have happened post-mortem, so honestly, it was probably for the best. She didn’t suffer too long,” Autumn said.
“What else can you tell me?” Felicity asked as she wandered over to a side table where Autumn had laid out Wanda’s bloody and tattered clothes.
“Not much yet—only that I’m pretty sure she died from the neck injury. She tried to escape by the cuts on her wrists from the thin rope that was used to tie her up,” Autumn said. “Like I said, I’m just getting started on my examination. She may have been knocked out at some point before getting strapped to the carriage based upon some additional bruising I found on the back of her head…which is probably why the Mister and Missus Claus didn’t hear her back there. I don’t know for sure, though. I imagine if she was conscious, she would have been making a good bit of noise.”
Felicity reached over and pointed at Wanda’s pants, seated on the far table. “Something’s sticking out of her pocket.”
“Hold on,” Autumn said, hurrying over and replacing her rubber gloves. She pulled out what appeared to be a slip of paper and gently unfolded it. “Looks like the police forgot to check her pockets,” Autumn said.
“Sloppy,” Felicity teased. “What does it say?”
“This is your fault, and you’re going to pay for it,” Autumn said. “Well, looks like you probably have a sample of the killer’s handwriting now. Why do people even do that? I mean, it’s like they’re intentionally leaving trails of bread crumbs.”
Felicity took a picture of the note. “I’m assuming you’re not going to let me take the note with me, right?”
“Right,” Autumn said. “This is going
with the police when they come to pick up my report.”
“If you say so.” Felicity sighed. “Well, when you’re finished with your report, give me a call.”
“Will do. You headed back to Senoia?” Autumn asked.
“Got to go help Jefferson close down the party,” Felicity said. “I’ll talk to you later.”
She headed back to her car and back down 16 toward Main Street in Senoia. By the time she arrived, the event was slowly dying down. She checked in with the Santa Claus, informing him that she would be at the Overton’s Events shop once the last child was finished paying him a visit. She checked in with the volunteers, making sure everyone knew what their closing duties were, before heading up the street to her shop.
Jefferson was speaking with some of the head volunteers, and he sent them on their way as she entered. “How did it go at the morgue?” Jefferson asked once they were alone.
“It was informative,” Felicity said and began to recount her visit. She wrote down notes as she told Jefferson what all she had learned. She talked about her conversation with Blanche and Sandra, about what Autumn had found during the first part of her examination, and about the note that they had found in Wanda’s pants pocket.
“Sounds like whoever killed Wanda probably blamed her for what happened to DeAnn. Her dying on the thirty-fifth anniversary of her sister’s death under similar circumstances…plus the note… Well, looks like we need to look into anyone who was there or anyone who was close to DeAnn back in the day,” Jefferson said. “I am pretty hesitant to call all of that a coincidence.”
“Ugh, I guess I’m going to have to track down all of those Girl Scouts who were there,” Felicity moaned. “I can start with Claudia, I guess. She was here at the event, after all.”
The door to the shop opened and Jack entered, looking over his shoulder as he came in. “Just making sure none of my nosy brothers in blue catch me,” he said. “I think you’re stepping on some toes, Felicity. They’ve been giving me a hard time too for talking to you about cases.”
Felicity laughed. “My bad, Jack. What do you think? Am I crossing a line?”
“You’re a better detective than anyone else on the force,” Jack said. “Just don’t tell any of the guys I said that. So tell me what you know. You two have already been looking into this, I’m sure.”
Felicity recounted her story for a second time. He nodded along, and by the firm look on his face, Felicity suspected he knew something that she didn’t. “Okay, spill the beans,” she told Jack. “If I’m going to share my information with you, you need to play nice and do the same for me. No more secrets. You know this always goes better when we work together, right, Jack?”
He sighed and nodded. “Claudia is missing,” Jack said. “We think she skipped town.”
“I just talked to her a few hours ago, what do you mean she skipped town?” Felicity questioned.
“I mean she’s gone. Went by her house, and her car isn’t there. Her neighbor told me that Claudia asked her to watch her dogs for a couple of days,” Jack explained. “She left before anyone in the family could tell her about what happened to Wanda. I only went to the woman’s house because Blanche asked me personally to let Claudia know what had happened; said she couldn’t bring herself to tell her.”
“So,” Jefferson said. “Whoever killed Wanda left her a threatening note about blaming her for something. We know it’s the thirty-five-year anniversary of DeAnn’s death—who died after being dragged by a horse—and that Wanda blamed herself for that because she was the one who tied the saddle. And now Claudia, who was DeAnn’s best friend when they were children and was there when DeAnn died and was here tonight when Wanda died, is missing. I don’t know about you two, but it sounds like you have a possible suspect.”
“I agree,” said Jack.
“So now,” Felicity said, waving her pen about as she spoke, still gripping her sleuthing notebook under her arm. “Now we just have to find Claudia.”
Chapter 6
Overton’s Events opened up Monday morning after being closed all day Sunday, like the majority of the shops in Senoia. Felicity had spent her Sunday attempting to find out where Claudia had gone off to, but she had been unable to find any friends or family outside of the Monroe family to contact. The Monroes were all currently not answering their phones or messages. The police didn’t have a lead yet either, but Felicity was confident she would be able to figure something out soon.
She stood behind the counter of the shop at the computer, her face scrunched up with frustration while Jefferson straightened books and dusted. “You look stressed,” he said at last.
“It’s like she just disappeared,” Felicity said. “Claudia is quite the social media bug, and after the Light Up Senoia event, she just stopped posting. And she doesn’t really seem to have any family in the area either.”
The doors to the shop opened and Felicity and Jefferson were both pleasantly surprised to see Dawn and Monte. “Hey!” Jefferson said, and Felicity pulled herself away from the computer screen.
“What are you two up to?” Felicity asked, smiling at her friends.
“Well, we thought we would make it official and come down here to hire Overton Event’s as our wedding planners,” Monte said, smiling.
“Ah!” Felicity exclaimed. “That’s great! I’ve been daydreaming about this ever since Jefferson told me he busted you two making out at that Halloween party.”
Dawn laughed. “Good to know. Well, we brought the deposit, so I’m ready to get going on some actual planning!”
“Great!” Felicity and Jefferson started pulling sample books from the shelves. The four of them went over to the lounge furniture in the corner and began diving in. Dawn and Monte had a theme in mind and had already picked out colors. They discussed venues, food, flowers, and Felicity gave Dawn the name of the wedding dress shop in Senoia that gave Overton Event’s customers a deal.
Jefferson and Monte wound up at a display in the corner where various suits were hung up; there were sample books on the subject on the nearby shelves as well. Dawn smiled briskly in her future husband’s direction, and Felicity nudged her teasingly. “Look at you!” Felicity giggled. “You look so happy, Dawn.”
“I really am,” she said. “So how are things with you and Brian, by the way? Will we have another wedding to attend come next year?”
Felicity blushed. “Oh, I don’t know about that.” She tried her best to conceal her thoughts, but Dawn had a knack for reading people.
“You’re not all in with him, are you?” Dawn asked.
“I don’t know yet,” Felicity said. “I mean, I don’t know why not. He’s sweet, funny, and very charming. He’s well off and handsome. His family loves me. My family adores him. He’s dedicated to his work like me. There’s really no reason not to be all in.”
“But you just don’t feel it, do you?” Dawn asked.
“I guess not. What’s wrong with me, though? There’s nothing wrong with him; it’s like I’m finding excuses!” Felicity shook her head. “He’s such a good guy. A gentleman. But, to be honest, something just doesn’t feel quite right. I don’t get butterflies in my stomach when he’s around. I’m only moderately excited when we have plans to go out. He’s so wonderful, though! I think there must be something wrong with me.”
“There’s nothing wrong with you, Felicity,” Dawn said. “It just means Brian hasn’t swept you off your feet. Maybe he’s not the right guy. Maybe he is. Give him a chance, and if you keep feeling this way, it just means he’s not the right one.”
“Thanks, Dawn,” Felicity said as the guys wandered back over.
“What do you think of a green suit?” Monte asked, holding up a sample book.
“Eww,” Dawn responded. Both of the guys laughed. “You were messing with me?” Dawn asked and then laughed. “Okay, good. That’s not funny.”
Monte plopped down. “I actually like these charcoal gray suits. I always thought black was standard, but I kind of li
ke the newer wedding styles. What do you think, Dawn?”
“I told you to pick out your own suit,” Dawn insisted.
“Yeah, but you’re the bride,” Monte said. “I want you to be happy.”
“Aww, that’s so cute, Monte,” Jefferson teased, and Monte shoved him slightly.
Monte turned to Felicity, quite eager to change the subject to avoid being pestered. “So are you going to work Wanda’s case, Felicity?” he asked.
Felicity nodded. “That’s the plan. I’m having a hard time getting a hold of anyone, though.”
“Well, if it helps, I heard that her uncle is heading down to the welcome center this morning to gather any of her belongings that were left there. I guess he’s doing it so that Wanda’s mother won’t have to,” Monte said.
“Really?” Felicity looked at the clock hanging on the wall. “I don’t suppose you guys would mind if I slipped out for a bit?”
“You’re good,” Dawn said. “I think Jefferson can handle just the two of us for a while.”
Jefferson laughed. “Okay, yeah, sure.”
Felicity rose from her seat and snatched her sleuthing notebook from behind the counter before hurrying up Main Street. She crossed at the first crosswalk and continued until she was standing outside of the welcome center. She headed inside and asked the woman at the counter if Wanda’s uncle had come by yet; the woman informed her no, so Felicity went and sat on the bench out front to wait.
The streets were always so deserted Monday mornings. Senoia was certainly a weekend crowd type place. Soon she spotted two elderly men walking up the street. Felicity stood. “James?” she beckoned, and one of the men looked up.
“Who wants to know?” he asked, stopping in front of the welcome center.
“My name is Felicity Overton. I was friends with Wanda,” Felicity said, and the man frowned. “Are you her Uncle James?”
The man looked very sad. “Yes, I’m James.”