by CeeCee James
“We’re just having a light meal tonight.” Ms. Christoff’s tone seemed to imply the blame was squarely on Elise being an unexpected guest.
Elise took her place next to Sue. Mrs. Hamilton sat across from them. The butler efficiently served them ham, asparagus tips, and a lovely French pastry. As they were eating, Elise nudged Sue’s foot.
Sue set down her fork and softly cleared her throat.
Her mom immediately looked up from the head of the table. “Susan? What are you hacking about down there?”
“I had a question. Apparently, Uncle Roger had plans to meet someone that same day as his visit to the ice rink. A detective was asking me about it. Does anyone have a clue what that was about?”
The clatter of silverware on the plates ceased as one family member looked at another.
“Well, I know what it was about,” Mrs. Hamilton said. She pulled out a cigarette and lit it with a gold lighter.
“Kindly do not smoke in here,” Ms. Christoff glared at her.
“Oh, I’m sorry. So sorry.” She put it out in her crystal water glass and stood up. “I had a date that night with my husband. The one I’m grieving,” Her eyes flashed along the table. “I’d planned to give him a watch with a private engraving. To congratulate him on being able to block the petition of the FDIC. And, really, that’s all I have to say. Good night to you.”
With that, she stormed from the room, with the butler chasing after her with her stole.
Chapter 13
“So that was how my last night went,” Elise finished describing the visit to Lavina. They were in Lavina’s white mustang on their way to the wedding dress boutique. Technically, Elise was on her lunch break, but Dr. Gregory had told her to take as long as she needed.
“Sue can cover for you this one time,” he’d said, with Sue adamantly agreeing.
Things between Elise and Lavina were still a little stiff. Elise had gotten used to that about Lavina a long time ago, and just waited for her to process. As much as Vi would deny it, she hated confrontation with people she cared about. Elise thought it might stem from being forced to live with her grandparents at a young age. The whole “be a good girl or they won’t like you” phenomenon.
So, Elise waited. Eventually Lavina would start to share, and then like an uncorked champagne bottle, she’d spill her guts.
In the meantime, Elise had a mystery on her hands. One bank manager murdered, a puzzle that was even more intriguing after meeting the family. One very dysfunctional family. Who had killed him? She thought about the suspects.
The most obvious one, at least to Elise, was this strange son showing up out of no where. His existence voided the will. Now the son got a chunk as well. But the odd way the will was written, most of the money would be funneled back into the Bank.
The amendment said anyone who contested the will would be cut from it. How enforceable was that? Elise didn’t know, but she figured Ms. Christoff would get a good lawyer to find out.
Mrs. Hamilton had no motive to kill her husband. In either case, the will entitled her to the same thirty percent. Besides, it seemed she had an alibi. She was waiting at the restaurant with a gift.
There was that interesting bit of news that Grandma Babe’s grandson had tried to file a petition against the bank. But since the FDIC decided not to follow through with the investigation, could she really afford to cut Michael off the suspects list? After all, he showed up into town filled with anger and more than a little craving for revenge. No matter what the reason he gave the police, he was at the ice rink that day.
And there was something else…what was it?
“Honestly, Elise. I don’t even feel like you listen to me, anymore,” Lavina said peevishly.
Elise jerked. “Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I have been a little air-headed, lately.”
Lavina heaved a long sigh and flipped the car’s visor down at the stop light. She dug into her purse for her lipstick and quickly patted it on. Elise was surprised Vi let that lay-up go without teasing her.
In fact, her best friend gave no response at all.
All right, I’m done waiting. “You seem kind of off, too, Lavina. What’s going on with you?”
She shook her head. “It’s nothing. Here we are.”
Elise frowned at the denial as Lavina pulled in to the parking garage. A few minutes later, they were walking up the block.
“It’s right here,” Lavina said as they approached a white canopy covered door. She opened the door, and a bell trilled out.
This bridal shop was much different from the last bridal shop Elise had once worked at. For one, there wasn’t a giant poodle to greet them.
“Lavina!” a voice squealed and a woman on very tippy heels ran across the carpet toward them.
“Stella!” Lavina hugged her. The two did air kisses.
Elise stepped back, sincerely hoping she wasn’t expected to air kiss. It turned out there were no kisses, but there was a lot of gushing of “Is this the bride? Oh, my goodness! She’s beautiful! Just look at the bone structure!” as if she were a statue rather than an actual person standing there.
But then the champagne showed up, and after that everything was better. Elise and Lavina were soon planted in a frilly pink changing room to wait while Stella went to pull dresses for her.
Elise eyed the pink tassels on the couch.
Lavina followed her gaze. “Shh, you just ignore that. Stella is wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. She’ll find something just perfect for you. I already gave her some tips.”
“And I already told you I’m perfectly happy wearing my summer dress I wore to the fair.”
“Elise Pepper!” Lavina’s face screwed up to really give a scolding, when the curtain was whisked back. Stella stood in the doorway with a pile of white taffeta cascading out of her arms.
“Just look what I’ve found! A real Caroline Stacy! Just look!” The boutique owner held the dress up and the small dressing room was nearly filled with boney structures, bias tape, silk and petticoats.
Elise’s mouth dropped open. Lavina’s face shone with huge approval.
“Shall we try it on?” Stella asked.
“It’s amazing,” Elise said, her head automatically shaking no. “But it’s just not me.”
“Not. You?” Stella eyed Elise’s simple work outfit. “I see.” Her smile slipped for a moment before flashing back at a hundred watts. “Perhaps I’ll keep looking, then?”
Elise breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. Stella walked out of the dressing room.
“You didn’t even try that on,” Lavina scolded. “It was lovely.”
“Lovely for you, maybe, with that skinny figure of yours. I’d look like the abominable snowman coming down the aisle. People would run away, screaming.”
Lavina’s penciled eyebrow lifted at Elise’s grin. She gave a quick eye roll.
“Honestly,” Elise continued, just warming up, “I’d probably look like I got tangled in the living room drapes and just went with it.”
A smile appeared at the corner of Lavina’s mouth. She fought it.
“Tell the truth, Vi. You put her up to that, didn’t you? To bring in that crazy white monstrosity!”
“Shhh! Darlin’ I’d never do something like that!” Lavina whispered indignantly.
“Really. You actually liked that?”
“I think you would have looked gorgeous.”
“But Vi, you know it’s not me.”
“I wish you would have just tried.”
Stella came in again, carrying another dress. This one didn’t look that much simpler than the last.
“Can you just give us a minute, please?” Elise asked gently. Stella glanced at Lavina, who nodded.
“Of course! I’ll be right here, champagne in hand. Just call me when you’re ready.” With a swoosh, Stella closed the velvet curtain again.
Elise turned to her friend. “Come here.” She patted the pink damask-covered couch. “Sit next to me.”
La
vina reluctantly sat. She started to go for her purse, probably to dig for her compact.
“Wait a minute for that, Vi. Please, just tell me…Why is all this so important to you?”
Lavina pulled at the front of her shirt and glanced around the room. “It’s hot in here.”
Elise continued to wait.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. It’s just, you deserve happiness. That fairytale princess finally finding her prince.” Lavina nodded sharply at the end of her sentence, as if to say that’s that.
“I don’t want the fairy tale, Vi. And Brad certainly isn’t perfect. But who he is, is good enough for me.”
Lavina looked at her, like she had something she wanted to say. But all that came out was, “I just want to do this right for you.” And then quieter, “For us.”
“What do you mean, ‘us’?”
Lavina studied her ring finger, her face suddenly drawn with sadness. “I don’t think I’ll ever have a wedding.”
“What do you mean? Of course you will. You and Mr. G…”
“You don’t understand. Mr. G is probably never going to marry me.” She lifted her chin a little defensively. “And that’s okay.”
Elise paused for a moment, needing time to consider her friend’s words. “It’s okay, if you really think it’s okay. What are you feeling? Do you love him?”
“I love him. I do. But he skirts the conversation of marriage every time it’s brought up. And I’m starting to realize maybe he doesn’t want to marry me. So here I am, staring into the face of forty. Still with dreams of a family. Who’s going to want me now?” Lavina’s eyes filled with tears. As one started to fall, she angrily grabbed a tissue from her purse. “Darn it. I didn’t want to cry.”
“Vi…You don’t stay with someone because you’re afraid no one else will want you.” Elise scooted closer. “Besides, I don’t think you not finding someone will ever be the problem. I just don’t want you to settle. Find the guy that’s perfect for you.”
“Perfect for me?” Lavina snorted and dabbed her face.
“Yes. Someone who makes an effort to value you and makes you want to value yourself. Someone that when you think of them, you realize they’re family, they’re home. The relationship can be messy, you might not always get your way. But if, in the end, you both have that respect, then it’s a success.”
“I’m glad you found it,” Lavina said.
“Me too. And you will too. Even if it’s just a new confidence in yourself. You are here on earth for a reason. You are made to be loved, girl. One way or another, you’ll find it.” Elise hugged her. “And I still love you even though you tried to dress me to look like I was the wedding cake myself.”
“Whatever. Simple dress, I got it. Blah, blah, blah,” Lavina teased as she heaved herself to her feet. “Let’s get going. I have a feeling we aren’t going to find what you want here.”
Chapter 14
It turned out Elise did find something she liked as they were heading through the display room to the front door. Stella did not approve, but Lavina backed her up.
They made a quick stop at her house so that Elise could hang up the dress, carefully hiding it behind a bathrobe. Then, Lavina dropped Elise off at the chiropractic clinic and sped off, tire’s squealing. Elise shook her head, but secretly was glad to see the spunky side of Lavina back.
Not that she’d admit that to her boss, who surely wouldn’t appreciate the two new black tire tracks in front of his establishment.
Dr. Gregory’s eyes lit up as she walked in. “Ah! Perfect timing.” He held out a blue zippered cash bag. “Can you drop this off for me? Need to get it there in time for your pay checks.”
The clinic had discounts with those who paid with checks or cash. Invariably, at the end of the week, he’d have one of the girls deposit it for him. Elise definitely didn’t mind the chore, especially today. She’d been meaning to visit the bank out of curiosity.
The glass door to the entrance of the Hamilton Securities bank was emblazoned with the logo of the glacier. In curly script underneath the design was the motto, just like Lucy had said. Elise silently read, “Since nearly from the ice ages, we keep you solid.” The door unexpectedly opened, letting out a mom and her kid.
Elise stepped to the side to let them pass. With the blue zippered pouch tucked under her arm, she walked up to the front counter.
The bank clerk looked harried as she greeted Elise, “Welcome to Hamilton Securities banking. How can I help you?”
Elise passed the envelope over. “Just a deposit today.”
The woman brushed back a few escaping fly-aways from a bun that was slowly sliding down her head. Quickly, she ran the money through her counter. The shuffling sound of the bills always reminded Elise of walking into the hen house and hearing the chickens ruffle their wings.
“So, how are you today?” The clerk asked. Her tone indicated that she asked this a million times a day.
“I’m good. How about yourself?” Elise replied.
“It’s been a long day.” The clerk smiled.
Elise decided she did look rather tired. “I bet this entire week’s been long, especially with…”
“Yes,” the clerk nodded, knowing what Elise was referring to. “Mr. Hamilton’s passing. It’s been very sad and difficult.” The clerk finished counting the money and printed up a slip. She slid it back over the counter, along with the empty pouch.
“I’m so sorry.” Elise accepted the receipt. There was no one waiting behind her, so she felt she could expand with a question. “Was he here every day? Who’s running things right now?”
“Yes. His office was upstairs. It’s been a crazy few days but now Mrs. Johnson, our office manager, is back,” the clerk said. “She had to cut her vacation short, poor lady. She worked closely with Mr. Hamilton, so it’s really hit her hard.”
Ah, yes. The notary public who notarized the amendment to Mr. Hamilton’s will. Elise nodded. “Again, I’m sorry. Hang in there, okay?”
The clerk nodded with a small smile. Elise grabbed her things and turned to go. As she walked toward the front doors, she glanced over at the personal banking center.
Here there were several glass partitions that made separate more private sections, each holding a desk and a couple chairs, for those wanting to discuss mortgages, loans, and other banking options.
A glass door at the back of the space caught her attention. She squinted to read the name, Mrs. Isobel Johnson.
“Can I help you?” One of the bank employees approached her.
“Is…” Elise hesitated, and then blurted it out, “Is Mrs. Johnson available?”
The man glanced at the office. “Let me go check.”
The employee briskly walked back there and knocked on the door. Mrs. Johnson look up. The manager’s face appeared drawn, with dark circles under her eyes. The specialist cracked the door to relay the message. Her gaze cut out into the lobby, meeting Elise’s. With a quick nod, she gave permission for the meeting.
The employee came out. “You can go in now,” he said with a smile.
Speakers overhead play Christmas music softly as Elise made her way to the office. Mrs. Johnson had a ready smile as Elise knocked and then entered.
“Come in,” she said, gesturing to the chair. “Please, sit down. How can I help you?”
Elise felt tongue-tied as she pulled out the oak chair. Mrs. Johnson leaned forward and reached for a pen. Twirling it a bit, she raised her eyebrows in a silent echo of her verbal question.
“Hi, Mrs. Johnson. I’m Elise Pepper. I’m friends with Sue Christoff.”
The office manager’s eyes flickered in recognition of the name.
“I was at the Hamilton house for dinner last night,” Elise hedged, knowing it made her sound closer to the family than the actual truth. “They mentioned that you were close with Mr. Hamilton. When I saw you working, I guess I just wanted to know if you were okay. I-I’m the one who discovered him.”
Mrs. Johnson looked
away and the end of the pen found its way into her mouth. She bit the end as if needing a moment to gather her thoughts. When she glanced back, her eyes were red rimmed. They began to fill with tears.
“I’m so sorry,” Elise said lamely.
Mrs. Johnson pressed her lips together in a tight, brave smile. “No, it’s fine. I’m okay. I really am. I just wasn’t expecting Mr. Hamilton to… but really, when is it ever expected?” She reached for a tissue from her drawer and dabbed under her eyes.
“Do you know if he had any enemies?”
She gave a sarcastic laugh. “Of course he did. Any banker does.”
“Really? Why is that?”
“People get upset if they don’t get approved for their loan. Or they break their contract by missing payments. Then they get upset when the bank has to enforce consequences.”
“Consequences?”
“Fees. Bad credit. Repossession. Foreclosure.”
“Oh, yeah,” Elise nodded. “I can see what you mean.”
“It’s not like Mr. Hamilton wanted to. Like he wants to bring a foreclosure against someone. It’s their fault.” Her eyes flashed with anger.
“Right. I get that.” Elise was surprised at Mrs. Johnson’s vehemence. “Was there someone recent?”
“I can’t tell you. It’s not our policy to bring up other bank members. But, let’s just say we’ve had a few upset customers lately. Someone actually was here the other day screaming at him. ‘Someone’s going to ice you, ice man,’ they said. Unfortunately, one of our town’s beloved businesses is not doing well.”
“Grandma Babe’s?”
Mrs. Johnson shrugged. “Her grandson came in for a visit. He may or may not have been the one screaming.”
“I heard. Mr. Bingham brought up that the FDIC dropped the investigation.”
Mrs. Johnson’s face flushed. “Sounds like a person of interest, right? You’d think the police would be in here asking me questions about him.”
“He threatened Mr. Hamilton?”
“I’m not at liberty to say. But Mr. Hamilton did call for security. I told him to report it to the police.”