by Ava Mallory
Scooter stood up to take his coffee mug to the sink. “Nathaniel's wives are a lot harder to figure out. Let's just say that his choice in women leaves a lot to be desired.”
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“It means, he prefers women who... I don't know how to put this nicely...” he struggled to explain what he meant.
“Younger women?” I asked.
“I wish it were that simple.” He responded. “What I'm trying to say is that he prefers women who will look up to him and hang on his every word. That's not always the way he was. Something happened after he lost his first wife. He became someone new.”
“That happens. What was his first wife's name?” I asked.
“Rebecca. She was a special lady. She kept him in line and helped him build an empire. Behind the scenes, of course. Times were different. Moms weren't working outside the house the way they are now.” He mused.
“How long ago was this? My mother worked all the years I was growing up.” I said.
Making his way to the door, Scooter said, “We don't live in his world. Like I said, he prefers women who look up to him. Rebecca was special, but in some ways she was pretty much the same as the other women, just quieter. Anymore questions?”
“Yes, plenty, but I'll just ask two more or three.” I answered.
He smiled and leaned his back on the door. “Okay, shoot.”
“How did the accountant die?” I wasn't sure if I wanted to know the answer to this question. It would just be one more thing that I would feel guilty about not having heard it when it happened.
“They say she was shot.” He answered.
I gulped. That's what I figured had happened, but I'd never seen a gunshot wound before.
One question down. Next question.
“Why does everyone call Nathaniel 'Sir'?” I was probably wasting my time by asking that question, but it had been bothering for a couple of days.
“Rebecca used to call him that in front of people. I don't know why really. I think it was just to make him seem important. I really couldn't tell you.” He answered.
Good to know. I preferred Nathaniel.
“Okay, last question. Why didn't anyone mention that Jane used to be Nathaniel's live in girlfriend or mention his estranged wife?”
He opened the front screen door. “That's two questions, but I'll answer. His wife moved out over a year ago. As far as I know, they don't speak. Jane wasn't his girlfriend.”
I was confused. “Scooter, I know that she was. She even got rid of her dog because of him.”
His eyebrows furrowed. “I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about.”
*
“I'm so sorry I neglected you, Barney. Life's been crazy. Shall we go for a walk?” My Pug wasn't amused. Walking or exercise of any sort were not his strong points.
“You are heading out?” Tina asked. “I can't believe how happy he seems. When he was in the nursing home, he learned how to lay low and stay quiet, so we never really had much interaction with him, except when Nubbin got him riled up.”
“I feel like I haven't seen him since then,” I hugged his little body to my chest. “I missed you, big guy.”
“Have fun. Dinner should be ready in a little bit, then, we can finally sit down and catch up.” Tina was right. We hadn't really had any time to reconnect since she'd arrived. I was looking forward to spending some time with her and Noah.
“Sounds like a plan. It smells delicious.” I set Barney down and connected his leash. “We'll be back soon. If anyone drops by, tell them I'll be back soon. If that anyone is you-know-who, tell her I moved.”
“Mercy, I thought you were going to give her a chance,” Tina reminded me.
“I am giving her a chance. She has a chance to breathe every second she's not inviting me to be the third wheel in her epic love affair.” I joked.
The neighborhood looked no different than it always had. I took comfort in that. There was something about being home, among friends that made me feel all warm inside. Sometimes I wondered what it would be like to take a break from all the traveling and work somewhere closer to home. Not that I didn't love my job, because I did. Sometimes though, after several weeks or months away from home, I dreamed of settling down and having a much more normal schedule.
“Look!” Helen scared the living daylights out of me.
I lurched forward, nearly tripping over Barney in the process. “Helen, where did you come from?”
She held her dog in her arms. “Look who came home.”
“Well, if it isn't Killer, the wayward Chihuahua,” I reached my hand out to pet him, but quickly pulled my arm away when the little bugger growled at me. “And, friendly as ever, I see.”
“Oh, he's just excited to see you.” Helen quipped. She was a new woman with a wide smile splashed across her face.
“Did he just walk back? Where did you find him?” I asked.
“Right there,” she pointed to the small recreational area that sat in the middle of the neighborhood. “He was just running around there and yelping his sweet little face off to tell me that he was home.”
“That's great! I'm glad he's back. I wonder where he's been.” I said.
She hugged the snarling dog to her. “Wherever he was, they didn't hurt him, so I'm glad. I don't think I'll ever let him out of my sight again.”
I was glad that he was safe, but that didn't answer the question as to where he's been and who took him. Why would they bring him back?
“Well, I just hope that when you find out who did this and all the other nonsense that's been going on around here lately, that you read them the riot act and turn them into the police,” she said, reminding me that I was supposed to be head honcho in the neighborhood investigations department – the job I never wanted and would probably be stuck with for the forseeable future.
“Yeah, about that, I don't really think that I'm qualified for that position. You're always telling me that I don't spend enough time at home and...” I started.
“And, nothing, Margie told me about what you have been up to. You're like some kind of detective. While I don't like the idea of you putting yourself in danger, I have to admit, I'm kind of tickled that I actually know a crime fighter.” Helen said.
I don't what she'd been told, but whatever it was, couldn't have been the whole story. “I'm no crime fighter, Helen. I sort of landed in the middle of those situations and had to fight my way out of and my fighting skills weren't exactly up to par. After all, I've been spoiled by all the wonderful people in my life, like you, Margie, and everyone in this neighborhood.”
“You're being modest. Whatever the case, I think you are the perfect person for the job.” She winked and walked away, carrying a growling Killer close to her chest.
*
Nathaniel said it again, “Lucilla thought it would be good for him. They should be back by evening.”
I sighed. “Then, why did you have Scooter pick me up this morning? I would have had no problem taking the day off. It would have given me some time to spend with my house guests.”
He waved me off. “Karen is in charge today. She'll find something to keep you occupied today.”
“Karen? Who is that?” I asked.
“My new accountant. I thought you'd been introduced already.” He said.
This place was ridiculous. No one communicated anything to anyone else.
“Just when do you think that would have happened? No one has said more than a few words to me every time I've come here. This isn't the first thing I've been kept in the dark about either.” I shouldn't have said that, but that was the truth. I'd been planted here to care for Cash, but it sure as sugar doesn't feel like it. I keep him occupied while Nathaniel and Lucilla do what exactly?
His eyes narrowed. “You do what you are paid to do.” He turned on his heel and walked into the library, leaving me dumbfounded in the foyer.
Give me patience. Now!
I walked into the ki
tchen, hoping that I'd find coffee already brewing.
“Hello.” A handsome woman, wearing a full length robe greeted me.
“Um, hi.” I said. “I'm Mercy, Cash's nurse.”
“Nathaniel told me you'd be here this morning.” She smiled, offering me her hand. “I'm Karen.”
“The accountant?” I asked, eyeing the robe she had on.
“Yes, among other things. Please, excuse the get up. I had the misfortune of arriving at the same time that the sprinklers were set to go on. I don't normally carry a change of clothes with me when I work, so I had to borrow this until my clothes dried.”
Phew! I breathed a sigh of relief. I wasn't prepared to walk into a morning tryst.
Karen sensed my relief and started laughing. “You didn't think that I... that we...”
“Sorry.” I offered.
She poured a cup of coffee for me and motioned for me to take a seat next to her at the table in the nook.
“I guess I'm supposed to give you something to do today. Apparently, Nathaniel is confused about what my job description is, but that's okay, I'll figure something out for you. I could actually use some help settling in, if you don't mind?” She asked.
I could tell right away that she and I were going to get along just fine. I don't know if it was that she appeared to be about my age or if I liked her because she wasn't one of the harem of women Nathaniel supposedly kept at the ready.
“I'm not much of an accountant. I can barely keep my own finances straight. I'm in the category of those who live paycheck to paycheck.” I felt I should warn her. It was only fair that she knows what she was getting herself into by asking me to assist her.
Karen's laughter rang throughout the eerily quiet manor. “I'll keep that in mind if I'm ever looking for a partner. Right now, I just need someone to help me move some boxes into my new office.”
It was time for me to laugh. I guess, I'd spoken too soon. “Well, in that case, I'm your girl.”
“Good. Let me run and see if my clothes are dry yet. I'll be right back.” I watched her with amusement as she ran out of the room. She was a girl after my own heart. I thought I was the only one who could manage to get themselves into awkward situations. Give me a time, I'm sure at some point, I'll end up soaking wet because of the sprinklers on the property.
Scooter walked in with his coffee mug in hand. “I'm so sorry. I didn't know that Lucilla had taken Cash out for the day. Did you want a ride home?”
“Oh, don't worry about it. The new accountant found something for me to do. I really like her. She seems nice.” I said.
“The new accountant? Already? So soon?” Scooter asked.
“I guess you'll have to put up with me and this robe.” Karen stopped cold when she saw Scooter. “Hey, there, stranger.” She smiled and walked over to give him a hug.
“Hi, sweetheart,” Scooter assessed her outfit. “What is going on here?”
“You two know each other?” I asked.
They both laughed. “This handsome man is my father.” Karen said.
Scooter's eyebrow twitched for a millisecond before he spoke. “Wow, I guess, my daughter works here now.”
I saw a hint of something flash across his face. I thought I could easily guess what was bothering him. I couldn't imagine that he would be pleased that she'd be working for Nathaniel at any time, but especially now, considering what happened here only a few short days ago.
“How fun!” I said not knowing what else to say.
He looked at her and asked, “Why didn't you tell me that this was where you were going to be working?”
“I thought I'd surprise you. Isn't it great?” She squeezed his shoulders.
“Where are your clothes?” He asked, looking confused by the robe she wore.
I chuckled and walked out to give them some privacy. Whatever he wanted to say, he could do without worrying about me witnessing their discussion.
“Oh, hello,” I ran into a man in the hallway. “Sorry, I didn't see you there.”
“Hello, is Mr. Rich available?” He asked.
I looked behind him. If Nathaniel didn't let him in, then, who did? I turned to ask him how he got in, but he was gone.
“Hey, Scooter,” I called out. “There's a man...” The man was standing in the kitchen already speaking to Scooter and Karen. “This guy just walked in here on his own.”
The gentleman turned around and flashed a smile at me. “Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Tanner Crosby.” As soon as he said it, I realized who he was.
“The talk show host? What are you doing here?” I asked. Scooter and Karen looked just as surprised as I was.
“I'm an investigative reporter actually, but yes, I'm Tanner Crosby. Mr. Rich invited me to come down and have a chat with him and the staff that was present the day that his accountant was murdered in cold blood right here where we stand.” He looked around the kitchen, practically envisioning a violent death having taken place there.
“What? It didn't happen in here and it wasn't what you described. In fact, none of us who were here saw or heard a thing.” I corrected him.
Tanner's eyebrows furrowed. “No one witnessed what happened?”
Nathaniel appeared in the doorway. “That's not true. I saw the whole thing with my own eyes.”
What? He did?
Scooter gasped. “That's not what you told the police.”
Tanner rushed to press record on his cell phone video camera. “Tell me what you saw, Mr. Rich.”
Chapter Eight
“I don't want to talk about it. How are your meetings going?” I watched Charlie as he navigated around my kitchen as if he'd lived here his whole life.
Tina teased, “Don't mind her. She gets testy when she's hungry.”
“She must be hungry all the time,” Charlie added.
I put my hands in the air. “Can we finally stop this love fest? I've had a long day. I just want to sit back, put my feet up, and enjoy a good meal.”
Charlie and Tina stopped talking and gave each other knowing looks before they burst out laughing.
“You know what you are? One big, old stress bucket.” Charlie said. “I told you not to let this stuff get inside your head. What happened wasn't your fault. I'm sure this Rich guy has made himself quite a few enemies over the years. If what you're saying about the women he had clamoring for his attention was true, then I'm not surprised that something like this happened in his home. Love is nothing but trouble, if you ask me.”
His face flushed, causing Tina to giggle.
“Why are you blushing, Sheriff?” Tina teased.
Oh, here we go. So much for rest and relaxation. I was about to get an earful about how Charlie and I were meant to be together and all that other nonsense. It was time to defend my position. Now or no time in the future do I intend to become involved in another relationship. That was my stance and that's just the way it was going to be.
Charlie looked at me. “I'm not blushing. I'm trying not to cry.”
Wait for it. Charlie wasn't about to divulge deep, dark secrets. This was a ploy to make me feel sorry for him before he said or did something that would make me throw him right out of my house. It wouldn't sever our friendship. That I was sure of because we'd survived similar incidences in the past.
“Mercy is just being so mean,” he giggled like a schoolboy.
I applauded his Oscar worthy performance before I stuck my tongue out at him. “Are you done now? I'm involved because I was there and the boy I'm supposed to be caring for was there at the time. I couldn't live with myself if I just sat back and did nothing. Besides, now that Nathaniel claims he knows who did it, it isn't like I'll have to go searching for clues or anything.”
“That's what he said? He witnessed what happened?” Charlie's tone was all business now.
“Yes, he told the reporter that he saw the whole thing.” I answered.
Tina asked, “Do the police know?”
The answer to that question was
what bothered me the most. If he'd witnessed the murder, why hadn't anyone been arrested?
“I don't know.” I answered.
“You have to tell them,” Tina said.
I looked at Charlie. Although you wouldn't know it by his everyday behavior, he was a good officer. Even if at one time, he thought I was guilty of a crime.