by Fry,Patricia
“That doesn’t mean he’s there,” Colbi reminded them. When the other women looked at her, she added, “I’ve reported on a lot of missing persons cases. Heck, remember when we were involved in one during Iris’s birthday celebration up at the cabin? Just because they’re dragging the lake doesn’t mean that’s where he is. He could have had a brain freeze and can’t find his way home. He might be simply blending into the community. He’s probably just fine.”
“Let’s hope so,” Iris said.
Savannah nodded.
****
The women had been working for a little over an hour when Savannah announced, “Colbi, all we have left is Damon’s and your clothes and a box of personal stuff. That’s probably something you two should do. It won’t take you long.” She entered the hallway and peered into each of the bedrooms. “Just look at how much we’ve accomplished. Iris,” she called, “how’s the bathroom coming along?”
“Come take a look,” Iris invited.
“Oh, nice job,” Savannah said, peering in. “No wonder you’re getting so many home-decorating clients.”
Colbi, who had squeezed through the doorway, held her hands to her cheeks and said with emotion, “I love it.”
“Nice that you have towels in colors that complement the tile in here. It’s a perfect combination, don’t you think?”
Colbi nodded. “Yes. And those silk flowers in that antique Oriental vase make a nice accent. You know, I had just stuck them in a mason jar and put them in the kitchen window.”
“I know,” Iris said. “They belong in here.”
“And my rose painting apparently belongs in our bedroom,” Colbi said, grinning.
“Absolutely,” Iris agreed. “Did you see how it brings out the colors in your bedspread?”
“Yes, I wouldn’t have thought to use it in there, but it looks great.” She swooned. “Oh Iris, I can’t wait for you to help me decorate the baby’s room.”
“That will be a pure labor of love,” she said, choking up.
Colbi smiled, then stepped out into the hallway. “How about lunch, ladies? I have a spinach, pecan, and cranberry salad ready for raspberry vinaigrette dressing, and a nice baguette.”
Savannah’s eyes lit up. “Sounds healthy.”
“…and French,” Iris added. She looked at her watch. “I guess I have time to eat a bite.”
“Well, come on, then,” Colbi invited as she headed into the kitchen. She called out over her shoulder, “This is so nice now that everything’s in its place. I sure appreciate the help, you guys.” She opened a drawer and began looking through it, suddenly squealing, “Uh-oh.”
Savannah glanced up from opening a fruit pouch for Lily. “What?”
“I can’t find my salad server.”
“In the second drawer next to your knife set,” Iris responded calmly.
“Perfect,” Colbi said, pulling the server out of the drawer.
Forty minutes passed, during which time the three women chatted over lunch—mostly about Colbi’s and Damon’s honeymoon trip to Hawaii. They had finished recapping some of their recent adventures together, when Savannah lifted Lily and kissed her cheek. “Someone’s tired and fussy. I’d better get her home for a nap.”
“And I’d better head out to meet the Kaisers,” Iris said, standing.
“Kaiser?” Colbi questioned. “As in the former crooked politician—the one with gangster ties?”
Iris hesitated before explaining, “Well, actually Scott and Melvin Kaiser and their sister, Melody Kaiser-Plumb. Yeah, the same family, I think. The heirs haven’t discussed their parents or grandparents except to say they closed up the home some forty years ago—in the seventies—before leaving town.
“And going to prison,” Colbi said, her eyes flashing.
“They didn’t tell me that,” Iris insisted. “I guess their mother recently died in an assisted living facility back East someplace and the home fell into their hands.” She looked at Colbi. “So who went to prison and why?” Before Colbi could respond, Iris asked, “And how do you know that?”
“When the news editor saw the death notice for Geraldine Kaiser come in, the name rang a bell, so he did some digging. I guess that house has a pretty colorful past, as do some of the former residents. You lived here then, Iris. Don’t you remember all the scandalous rumors flying around in the fifties and sixties?”
“No,” Iris said indignantly. “I was a mere child in the sixties.” After thinking about it for a moment, she said, “I believe the Kaiser offspring are around my age, but I don’t remember them.”
“That’s because they went to school abroad. In fact, the family lived out of the country much of the time,” Colbi said.
She tilted her head. “What was their family accused of?”
“Oh, it mostly had to do with crooked politics and bribery…things like that,” Colbi explained. “There were hints and accusations of worse—murder, missing persons…”
Just then, Lily let out a screech and threw herself backward in Savannah’s arms. “Hey, I’d better get this one home,” she said, breaking the baby’s fall. “Colbi, when do you go back to work?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Are you ready?” Savannah asked, snuggling and bouncing a little with the baby.
“Yeah, I think so. I love my job and, yes, I’m ready to focus on my writing again—maybe even write that novel that’s rattling around in my head.” She grimaced. “You know, Damon has already started a novel. I feel left out.”
“Hey, whatever happened with that story you were going to write about Arthur?”
“Who?” Iris asked, picking up her purse.
“You know, the young burn victim we met in San Francisco last year.”
Colbi added, “…living secretly in the basement.”
“Oh yes,” Iris said. “His mother kept him prisoner in that mansion for all those years. You’re going to write about him? In a novel?”
“No, probably not a novel. There was a time when Arthur wanted to tell his story,” Colbi explained. “I’m not sure that’s still the case. Arthur’s in a whole different place now and the timing might not be right. It may never be or it might be once he…you know, comes to terms with a few things.”
“Hey, I’m outta here,” Iris said, heading for the door. “Thanks for the lunch.”
“Sure. Thank you for helping.”
“Good luck with the new job,” Savannah said. When she noticed that Lily had settled contentedly against her chest, she asked Colbi, “Have you been in touch with Arthur and Suzette? I haven’t talked to them in weeks.”
Colbi smiled. “Yes, Damon and I stayed an extra day in San Francisco on our way back from Hawaii and visited them before heading home. They’re doing well.”
“And Ruth? Did you see her?”
“No, but Arthur said she’s doing great.” She paused. “Let’s see, he said he doesn’t remember her looking so well, it’s as if, in his words, ‘she has been released from some sort of hell, herself.’”
“Wow, maybe you have a story with her, as well,” Savannah said. “After all, she’d been Arthur’s caretaker for most of his life. She was also a virtual hostage of the mansion.”
Colbi shrugged. “Could be a story there.” She faced Savannah and said excitedly. “Arthur and Suzette are getting married—we’re all invited to the wedding!”
Savannah smiled. “Well, that’s not totally unexpected.” She shivered before saying, “But, wow. I’m really happy for them.” She put one hand on Colbi’s arm. “Did he have more surgery? How’s that going?”
“Good. His face is almost back to normal. He’s happy with the results. Next, they’ll tackle the burn scars on his back that have caused his poor posture. He wants to stand up tall next to his bride at the altar.”
“So their wedding would be…when?”
“Probably in the fall or winter, I’m guessing.” Colbi reached out and smoothed Lily’s hair.
; “No!” she snapped.
“Oh Lily is that any way to talk to your friend?”
“You make Auntie Colbi cry,” Colbi said, feigning a sob.
Lily stared at Colbi for a moment, then reached out and patted her on the head.
“You are sooo cute,” Colbi said, taking her from Savannah and cuddling with her for a minute.
“Kitty,” Lily said, pointing.
“Do you see those kitties?” she asked. “Oh, you’re pointing at Molly. Can you say Molly? That’s Molly.”
Lily looked at Colbi, then at Molly, and said, “Kitty.”
At that, Savannah headed for the kitchen. “Maybe she’ll let me help you with these dishes,” she said.
“Oh just leave them,” Colbi insisted. “I’ve got it covered.”
After placing all of the dishes on the sink counter, Savannah said, “Well, kitty girl, we really do need to get you and your kitty home.” She called in the direction of the hallway, “Rags, get ready to go, buddy? Come on. Time to go.”
Colbi chuckled. “They must have tired each other out and are sleeping in the back of the house someplace.”
“Rags!” Savannah called, walking toward the bedrooms. “Rags!” Within a few seconds, she reappeared. “Colbi, I don’t see them anywhere. Do you know where Dolly’s apt to hide? Maybe we closed them inside a closet.”
“I don’t know,” Colbi said, heading quickly down the hallway with Lily in tow.
Minutes later, Savannah’s eyes darted around the master bedroom, searching for a place they hadn’t thought to look. “Did they sneak past us and go into the service-porch area? Or maybe they’re under the couch,” she suggested. But soon she had to conclude, “Colbi, they’re not here. Is there any way they could have gotten out?”
“I…I don’t think so,” Colbi said.
“Let’s check the doors and windows,” Savannah insisted, pulling back the drapes in the living room, then the dining room.
Colbi headed down the hallway again. “Oh nooo,” she called.
“What?” Savannah asked, a sinking feeling in her stomach.
“The bathroom window; it’s open and the screen’s gone.”
She joined Colbi in the bathroom, letting out a sigh of frustration when she saw the open window. “Darn. I guess Iris didn’t notice the screen missing.”
“There was a screen,” Colbi said. “I know there was. I checked all the windows the first time we looked at the place. One screen was missing and I insisted they replace it, which they did.” She grimaced. “Those two rascals must have knocked it out and escaped.” She rushed to the front door, shouting to Savannah, “Maybe they’re still out in the yard. Come on, let’s look.”
But no amount of searching resulted in finding the cats. Both Rags and Dolly were gone.“I’m so sorry, Savannah,” Colbi said. “I had no idea…”
“I know. It’s not your fault. These things happen.” Savannah clenched her teeth. “He just takes any advantage he can find. Makes me so mad.”
“So you think he’s the instigator, do you?” Colbi asked, grinning.
“Probably. In which case, I owe you an apology. I’m the one who’s sorry. I shouldn’t have brought him over. I know what he’s capable of. I should have checked the windows myself.” She shook her head in disgust. “I just hope he brings her back before…”
“Me too,” Colbi whispered. She said out loud, “I can’t bear to think of my Dolly running the streets.” When Colbi began to weep, Savannah put her arms around her in a hug. Soon, Colbi pulled back. “Thanks,” she said, sniffling. She dabbed at her eyes with a paper napkin. “I’m okay. I’m sure they’ll be back, unless…”
“Unless what?” Savannah asked.
“Unless they try to go across town to the other house.”
“Oh, I don’t think they’ll do that, especially with Rags in charge,” Savannah reasoned. “Hey, I’d leave that bathroom window open, Colbi, in case they come back.”
“Good idea. But…”
“But what?” Savannah asked. Then it dawned on her. “Oh yes, Molly. Probably she can’t get up there—that window sill would be quite a jump for her, but you can keep the bathroom door closed.” She grimaced. “That darn cat. Just when I think I can trust him…” When she noticed Colbi’s lower lip quivering, she said, “I’m sure they’ll be back.” She smiled weakly. “…probably in time for supper.”
“But they don’t know their way around this neighborhood. Even outside cats should stay inside for a week when you move them to a new place.” Colbi’s eyes welled up. “Oh Savannah, what if they can’t find their way back here?”
Chapter 3
“We scoured the neighborhood,” Savannah told Michael that evening. “No one has seen the cats. I just hope they’ll go back to Colbi’s and Damon’s once they’ve exhausted their sense of wanderlust. Crazy darn cat,” she said, plopping down on the overstuffed chair across from where Michael sat, the evening newspaper spread across his lap.
He let out a deep sigh and shook his head. “He sure gives us a run for the money, doesn’t he? I’ve never known a cat who was so…”
“So what?” she asked. “Exasperating, that’s what he is. We try to do the right thing and keep him safe and he just continues to break all the rules.”
“Maybe it’s the two of them.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Well, he was behaving okay until he started hanging out with Dolly. Don’t you think so?”
Savannah couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t believe this. You’re going to put the blame on Dolly?”
“Well, she does have a feral background. She lived in that colony for a while. She’s probably showing him a few tricks.”
“Could be, I guess, but…” Savannah hesitated, then picked up her phone and looked at the screen. “It’s my aunt calling. Hi, Auntie.”
“Are you sitting down?”
“Yes, why?” Savannah asked, worry lines forming on her brow. “Oh no, what has happened now?”
“You’re not going to believe this, but I just talked to Iris and she said they have identified the guy they found dead Saturday. Vannie, he was our neighbor.”
“Oh my goodness. What neighbor?”
“Your next-door neighbor—the Crane’s brother or uncle or whatever. Isn’t his name Rodney? Is it Rodney Turner?”
“Um, Rodney, yes. I don’t know about the last name. Oh my gosh, that’s creepy. What happened to him?”
“Murder,” Margaret said quietly.
“Huh?”
“He was murdered. His body was found in that field behind the park where we take Lily to play sometimes.”
“Ewww, gross. Wow, I wonder what happened. I mean, why…”
“Well, Craig’s working on the case, so maybe we’ll find out before long.”
Suddenly Savannah thought of the children next door, especially the one she’d grown so fond of—the sensitive one. “Poor Kira. I don’t know how close she was to her uncle, but it has to be difficult for any kid to deal with the loss of a family member, especially when he’s been murdered.” She hesitated. “How, do they know that, by the way? Was he shot or what?”
“Aren’t you the macabre one, Vannie—wanting details…”
Ignoring her aunt, Savannah asked again, “Do you know what happened to him?”
“Well, actually I do know a little about it. He was stabbed. I guess it was a bloody scene, and they found illegal drugs on him and cash,” Margaret explained. “…but no ID. It took them a while to figure out who he was.”
“That’s odd, isn’t it? I mean drugs and cash are often a reason to kill someone, but who would kill him and not take that stuff?”
“Someone who hated him, I guess,” Margaret said. “….or…”
“Or what?”
“Or maybe they planted the dope on him to make it look like he was a drug dealer.”
“Where do you get this stuff, Auntie?” S
he thought for a moment before saying, “Actually, that makes even less sense. Why would they go to that trouble if they were going to kill him, anyway?”
“Well, if he was a drug dealer, maybe someone showed up at the scene and the killer didn’t have time to take the drugs and money, so he had to leave that stuff behind. Vannie, don’t you watch crime shows? I love trying to figure out a good mystery. I’m usually pretty good at it, too.”
“You are? Well, how about telling me where Rags and Dolly are.” All Savannah heard on the other end of the phone was silence. “Auntie?”
“Vannie, are you saying…has that cat escaped again? What happened?”
“Oh, I took him to visit Dolly this morning and the two of them evidently conspired to leap out through an open window and go who knows where. It looks as if they pushed the screen out to make their escape. So what do you think? Can you solve that crime?”
Margaret hesitated before saying, “For that, I guess you’d need a crystal ball.” She giggled. “Ask Iris. That’s her territory.” She spoke more seriously, “Or your friend in San Francisco—the artist’s wife or girlfriend or whatever she is.”
“Rochelle? It seems premature to get her involved. The cats could actually be back by now, or maybe in the morning when they get good and hungry.” Savannah let out a sigh. “In the meantime, I’d better see if I can be of any help to Kira’s family. I just feel so awful for them.” After pausing, she said, “And I feel somewhat violated, too.”
“What?”
“It’s just darned unnerving to have something like that happen to someone in your neighborhood, don’t you think so?” Before Margaret could respond, Savannah said, “Hey, I want to pay my respects to the Crane family. I’ll talk to you later. Thank you for letting me know.”
“Bad news?” Michael asked hesitantly, as he returned to the living room with a bottle of water. When she didn’t respond, he said, “Savannah?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, hon. That was my aunt with bad news.”
“What has happened now?” he asked. He spoke more solemnly. “It’s not about Mr. Kittleman, is it?”
She shook her head. “You know the body they found Saturday night—Auntie thinks it was Tiffany’s brother, Rodney. He was murdered—stabbed.” She folded her arms across her stomach. “It just makes me sick. Michael, they found drugs on him. But, according to my aunt, they’re pretty sure it was a plant.”