Thursday Club Mysteries: All 7 stories

by Sheila Hudson

  Loren was markedly uncomfortable. “I suppose so. I did have a few threats by some whackadoodles who didn’t want the exhibit. But I wasn’t building it; I was merely gaining permission to use the sharks to test my hypothesis using sonar and electrical current.”

  “I can’t imagine why anyone would harm Franco especially in this horrible way. And what about Kitty. Was she killed in similar fashion?”

  “No. She died of head trauma. Apparently, she hit her head in the women’s rest room near the exit. I guess it could have been an accident.”

  Loren put his head in his hands.

  “It’s all my fault. If I had only known, I never would have allowed this to happen.”

  “What are you saying?” Neal walked over to Loren and sat on the edge of the sofa.

  “When Beth got sick I needed cash badly. There were so many things that the insurance didn’t cover. She had to have infusions, round- the-clock nurses, expensive medications, and finally hospice care. A few of the investors in Mandelay Cape were anxious to open and paid me to expedite a few findings. Nothing big. I just to omit the fact that the team laid an electronic pad underneath a layer of stones at the bottom of the tank. If I neglected to include that and the fact that voltage could cause unpredictable behavior, then the shark reef exhibit could open on time and within budget.

  “They were waiting for the final report so that the installation could begin for the glass tube so that guests could swim alongside the sharks. For this little side show they collected a nice price which helped to fund everything.

  “I figured without connecting the pad, what was the harm? But alas someone discovered the pad and re-connected it. That’s why Franco was attacked by the bull shark. The voltage made the shark go into a frenzy and he attacked the first thing he saw.”

  “Wow that’s a lot to take in. Franco was either an accident or premeditated murder, but what about Kitty?” I asked.

  Neal said, “I suppose the motive was that she knew who the killer was. Any thoughts, Nelle?”

  “No I don’t know anything. I guess you’re correct. It WAS a long time ago,” Nelle replied.

  “But Nellie, I thought that I remembered that you were dating someone on the team. Is that correct?” Loren looked at Nelle expecting an answer. He dried his eyes and Nelle kept chewing her sandwich.

  Neal turned to Loren, “You know of course that I must report what you just told me.”

  Loren nodded and pecked Hattie on the cheek as he whispered ‘good-bye.’

  Clara, Amy, and Suzy went back to their poker game. Loren, Neal, and Nelle left the suite. Still I was wondering why Nelle was so elusive in her answers. A mystery for another day.

  I took the files Kitty provided plus my notes and headed to my room to do some thinking. My roomie, Clara, took my cue and followed suit. We spread everything out and began sorting out the crimes, the clues, and our cast of characters.

  We were so enthralled in our theories that we didn’t hear the bedroom door open.

  “Want some company?” Amy and Suzy said waiting to be granted entrance.

  “Of course,” I replied. “What about Hattie?”

  “She is emotionally overwrought with Loren’s confession. Neal told her that there will be charges filed for fraud. No way to know how the University will react. Hattie said she had a migraine and went to her room,” Amy offered.

  Clara divided the evidence and list of suspects between us. We worked individually for a while then pieced what we had together. Little did we realize that none of us would like the conclusions that we arrived at.

  16

  It was around 2:00 a.m. when I finally looked at the clock. I’d had so many cups of coffee I was percolating. We’d not seen nor heard from Hattie since she took to her room. That wasn’t a good sign.

  Clara was our unofficial organizational leader. The group gathered evidence, time tables, events, suspects, direct quotes, and conversation snippets. Suzy sketched a diagram of how and when each piece fit into the puzzle. We were finally ready to put our heads together.

  “Okay,” Clara began. She sipped on her fifth Diet Coke© of the evening. “I believe a bathroom break is in order and then we can get down to business.”

  That item was one we agreed to 100%. Relief was evident as we reassembled. It’s true ‘the brain can only absorb as much as the bladder can bear,’ or something like that.

  “First, who was at the Shark Reef Restaurant when we received news about the diver being attacked by the shark?” Clara asked.

  “Roxy, Amy, Hattie, me, and you,” Suzy answered. She counted on her fingers to make sure she had included everyone. “Dom came in with us and helped Hattie with the seating arrangement. Neal joined us next and later Nelle.”

  “Who was the last person to come to the table?” Clara quizzed.

  “Nelle,” I said.

  “Who was on the investigative team which Dr. Wentworth conducted and is currently present with us?” Clara continued.

  Amy reiterated the list of team members’ names.

  “Anyone on that list that we know?” Clara asked.

  Amy answered, “Nelle.”

  “And one more question. Do we know who dated Franco Adams and might have a motive to want him dead?”

  “Nelle?” Suzy ventured. “But do we know that for sure?”

  “Kitty found pictures, notes, and interviewed some of the other team members. Word is that Franco and Nelle were engaged but something happened and they broke up,” Clara added.

  “But why would Nelle want to kill Franco? Breaking up is one thing but murder? William and I broke up but I don’t want to murder him,” Amy said.

  I thought she was about to cry. It was very late or very early depending on how you looked at it. The evening had been one of emotional upheaval and this last bit had lasted for hours. Each of us had examined and re-examined every report, statement, and picture in the file.

  “A very excellent point, Amy. And on that note, I think we should get some rest and discuss this with Hattie in the morning. It will be a tough subject to bring up. But think about it – until a few days ago we’d never even heard of Nelle. We don’t actually know much about her. But one thing’s for sure, if she is involved it will break Hattie’s heart.”

  “And of course, there’s Kitty’s death to consider,” Suzy said.

  “And another thing. Plans are made for the bridesmaid luncheon, dinner, and we have reservations for the Minus5 Experience ice bar. Loren and Hattie have gone to a lot of trouble and expense to see that we have a great time. Is there any way we could put what we’ve found out on hold for a few more hours?”

  Clara looked around the room. We were all exhausted. My brain couldn’t hold one more fact. All I could think about was sleep.

  “I don’t see why not if everyone agrees. But we have to swear not to breathe a word. Remember, tonight DID NOT happen. Not one word,” Clara cautioned.

  “Not one word,” Suzy and Amy mumbled.

  “Not a word,” I repeated all the way to my room and accidently closed the door on my roommate.

  “I don’t think you’re THAT sleepy,” Clara said with a humph.

  But I was.

  17

  Acting like I didn’t suspect Nelle of foul play wasn’t as tough as it might have been. It was just the Thursday Club at the Bridesmaid Luncheon at the Flamingo which was much like eating inside a bottle of Pepto Bismal©. I’ve never seen so much pink in my life. Our table was arranged in a private section of the Paradise Room with a floor to ceiling window overlooking the waterfall.

  The waiter offered made-to-order omelets, waffles and/or pancakes, every fruit known to man, plus an unending supply of coffee and juice. We had a round of Mimosas before ordering. It seemed like the bachelorette thing to do. After all, it’s not like we were driving.

  Hattie seemed in good spirits in spite of last night. No one spoke of Loren, the shark tragedy, or Kitty. We concentrated on Suzy. Hattie began the festivities by cr
owning Suzy as the official bride-to-be. It was a reprieve just to sit with my friends, enjoy the peaceful water bubbling over the falls, and temporarily forget the occurrences of the last few days.

  A friend from law school gave me a brief ‘worst case scenario’ for Loren over the phone. I was especially happy that no one could read my mind today. If Hattie’s heart didn’t break for Nelle, it surely would if Loren got sent to prison for aiding and abetting a murder even if he did it unwittingly.

  With calorie counting a thing of the past, we indulged in waffles with fruit and whipped cream, crisp bacon rashers, and Bloody Marys without bottoms. No silly boiled eggs and grapefruit halves here. This was the stuff celebrations were made for.

  The Flamingo hotel provided a bridal bingo game to play after which we took turns saying why we loved Suzy and wished her the best. After all our appetites were sated, we took a spin around the waterfall we’d been looking at during the meal.

  It was a gorgeous day and the flamingoes and penguins were out. It was the first time I’d seen either of them this close. Until now I thought penguins only lived in cold environments, but I learned this was only one variety. The others preferred sunshine and plenty of it. Who knew?

  We toured the Gardens Wedding Chapel and picked up some brochures for ideas. Maybe Suzy would change her mind and move the wedding here. One could always hope.

  “All aboard for the Minus5 Experience,” Hattie yelled and we followed like baby ducklings to the van where Dom awaited.

  18

  First order of business was to stay warm in the Minus5 Experience ice bar. We donned our capes and mittens giggling all the time. Those Bloody Marys were kicking in. We had help transporting Hattie’s scooter so that she would fall.

  Blocks of ice covered the floor and walls. Special lighting made everything sparkly and iridescent. Benches were carved out of ice and covered with faux animal pelts for seating. Tables, urns, and even an Elvis bust were carved out of ice. We were greeted at the literal ice bar by the bartender who prepared our vodka cranberry cocktails in ice sculpted glasses.

  A sculpted chandelier hung above us. If it thawed it would take out a customer, but at minus 5 degrees I don’t think that would happen. The shelves behind the bar were ice and the bottles containing the alcohol were ice as well. One drink was included with admission but of course they offered more. The only problem, if it was indeed a problem, was that if you took your cocktail outside the barroom, the glass would melt.

  Our capes were lined with fur and so were out mittens. They also offered fur hats for sale. By the looks of the price tag, those were not faux anything but real. I wondered how many times I would get to wear a faux fur hat in Georgia, but the price tag wiped that question from my mind.

  A nagging question kept me from completely enjoying our outing: When and how do we tell Hattie what we suspected? Maybe we were wrong about Nelle. I prayed to God that we were. The longer we waited the harder it would be. Should we confide in Neal – Nelle’s twin? How broad-minded could you be about an accusation against someone with whom you shared DNA?

  I must have looked too serious because Hattie caught my eye.

  “Why so glum?” she asked.

  “I’m just missing Tom. This is all great fun. I supposed I’m just a bit tired,” I said.

  “I understand. I want to talk with Loren, too, but I keep waiting for more information on the crime scene and what the final verdict will be. I don’t think I realized how much I really cared about him until Neal took him into custody,” she whispered.

  Clara, Amy, and Suzy went to the bar for another round of cranberry vodka concoctions. They turned to Hattie and me. We shook our heads ‘no’ and they mocked us.

  “I guess we are the mother hens,” I observed.

  “Better a sober hen than a ditzy chick,” Hattie chuckled.

  Fortunately, the Minus5 Experience was in the Mandelay itself and we didn’t have to commute. We were still laughing when the elevator reached our suite floor.

  Dom was waiting for us when we entered the suite. He had arranged for nightcaps of coffee (decaf) and cookies. We didn’t require any more alcohol that’s for sure.

  “Wait. What about The Ghost Bar?” Suzy asked.

  “I think it would be prudent to wait,” Hattie replied.

  “Prudent, who says prudent?” Amy giggled.

  Their responses only proved our point. Even Clara slurred a few words. It was clear there would be no serious discussions this evening and that actually eased my mind. But in truth, I wouldn’t ever be ready to tell Hattie that her niece was a murderer.

  19

  The condo was alive with music when we returned. Neal and Nelle awaited us in the living room area. The smell of coffee greeted us – no champagne just caffeine. That was my first clue.

  “Aunt Hattie, we have to talk,” Neal began. “And I don’t think Nelle minds if you are all in on this conversation.”

  Nelle faked a smile and nodded.

  A collective sigh went up from the group. We filled our mugs, took off our shoes, and settled in.

  “Nelle has something to confess,” Neal said and turned to his twin who looked as though all the blood had drained out of her face.

  “First, let me say that I love you, Aunt Hattie, with all my heart. And your friends are the best. I don’t know if my aunt told you but Neal and I weren’t raised together. Our parents had opposing ideas on almost everything. They divorced and separated us at an early age. It was only as adults that we were reunited.

  “Neal never cared for any of my boyfriends, so when Franco and I started dating I didn’t tell him. When I was on Dr. Wentworth’s research team, Franco and I were an item for a while. When I left for college in California, we broke up.

  “It was only in the last few months that we reconnected. By then he was engaged, but Franco swore that he would break it off. That was weeks ago. The other day I’d had enough and decided to give him a scare. I remembered the panel in the tank, so when he dove in to do the feeding exhibit I reconnected it just to give him a few jolts.”

  Nelle’s voice cracked. Tears ran down her face. You could hear the proverbial pin drop. The coffee in my mug was cold and I was too enrapt in what Nelle was saying to care. Hattie clenched her hands. Neal stared ahead willing himself not to cry.

  “I had no idea,” Nelle whimpered.

  “The tests weren’t completed when I left the research team for college. The experiment called for miniscule voltage so that the shark hardly noticed. When the bull shark attacked, I couldn’t believe it so I dismantled the connection and distanced myself from the scene. I was still reeling from disbelief when I came into the restaurant. I was counting on everyone being so excited that no one would notice how rattled I was. But of course my twin did notice so I had to make up something.”

  Neal put his arm around Nelle to comfort her.

  “I could tell she was lying but I never dreamed that it had anything to do with the shark attack. I didn’t know she and Franco were dating again. But I pocketed a charm that I found in the control room of the shark tank. I knew it belonged to Nelle because I gave it to her. When I confronted her, she confessed everything.

  “I am convince that the authorities will rule this a freak accident and that no premeditation was involved. We have a lawyer friend who will defend Nelle in court.”

  Because of what my friend confided in me, I was doubting what Neal said but I wasn’t about to dash his hopes. No one wanted Nelle to go to prison or worse.

  Clara, Amy, and Suzy were scrutinizing Hattie. On the surface, Hattie had kept her composure. The rest of us were dabbing our eyes and blowing our noses. In the past twenty four hours, Hattie had seen her good friend taken into custody on fraud charges and now her niece just admitted to manslaughter.

  “Nelle, is there anything else you would like to tell us?” Hattie said quite calmly.

  “I’m so sorry, Aunt Hattie. I never meant to hurt anyone. I was just angry at Franco and tired
of his lies.”

  “What about Kitty?” I blurted out. It seems like everyone had forgotten about the intern/investigator that died in the ladies’ room.

  Nelle started weeping again.

  “Wrong place, wrong time?” I asked.

  She nodded.

  “Kitty cornered me in the ladies’ room and came on strong with her accusations. She told me that she was Franco’s fiancé. She had heard about me from when I was on the research team years ago. Evidently Franco still carried a torch for me and she was jealous. When Franco had his . . . accident, she persuaded her boss at the gaming commission to let her go undercover and investigate the claim again Mandalay Cape. She assumed the identity of a library intern and got to know everyone involved. When I was washing up, she slammed me up against a mirror and accused me of murder.

  I pushed back, grabbed my purse, and got out of there as quickly as I could. She must have tripped and hit her head. I didn’t know she was dead until later when I heard you talking about it,” Nelle said as she reached for more tissues.

  “We’ll take care of this won’t we Neal?” Hattie said. She looked to him for reassurance. He nodded.

  “Of course,” Neal said.

  “Come along Nelle. We have to contact the local authorities and let you tell your story,” Neal said sadly.

  “Aunt Hattie. Ladies. Please try and get some rest. In the morning, we can have a long talk, but right now we are all exhausted.”

  Neal put his hand under Nelle’s elbow. They both kissed Hattie on the cheek and left. I looked around the room. We were all still in a stupor. Hattie seemed to have the clearest mind of any of us. Maybe she knew all along about Nelle and was waiting for her to come clean. My brain was full. My emotions were overflowing. And I wasn’t the only one.

  Amy and Suzy whispered something to Hattie and went to their room. Clara patted Hattie’s hand as she moved past her heading to our room. I wanted to say something but no appropriate words would come, so I followed Clara. In the night I heard sobbing. Hattie’s heart was broken.