She’ll Stitch You Up

by B K Baxter

“Fine,” said Ethel. “But it’s a waste of time.”

  “What else have we got to do? It’s too hot to pick the garden, and those scrawny squash I let sit yesterday could use a little more time.”

  “I said fine, Velma. But I am staying in the car. You can go in and interrogate Harrison, but I intend on loving him from afar.”

  “You don’t love him. You’ve got a stupid crush, and you’re only going to get your feelings hurt when he doesn’t reciprocate your affections.”

  “He’ll call me. You’ll see. He just needs time to put on that coat again. He’s a businessman. They wear those things all the time.” She turned out onto the main road and headed down to Harrison’s office.

  His business headquarters was on the edge of town. The log structure had a red metal roof and a large fence out front with a rocking S brand. Beneath that read “Spoke Industries”, which was spelled out in twisted wrought iron.

  “This place looks more like a cattle ranch than a business office.” Ethel looked up at the sign as they approached.

  “It was a house years ago, and Spoke bought it and turned it into this. I think it’s been everything from a steak house to a feed store at one time or another.”

  “I remember that,” said Ethel. “It’s hard to believe it’s the same place. You know, I think Alfred got food poisoning there once.” She turned into the parking lot and saw a big four-door truck with horns on top of the cab instead of the hood.

  “That’s his truck,” said Velma. “Looks like I was right.”

  “I’m still staying in the car. I don’t want him to see me without my best face on.” She parked.

  “I thought that was your only face,” said Velma as she got out, leaving Ethel ducking down behind the steering wheel.

  As Velma opened the door to the main office, Harrison stepped out of the back room. “Mrs. Harmon? How can I help you?” He had a suspicious look on his face and glanced out the window to the car.

  “I’ve come to talk to you about what happened with Everett and Balthazar.”

  He waved Velma back into his office. “It’s horrible. I’m trying to decide to handle things come Monday morning. As you might know, one of my units is subcontracted under Gaines. His death affects my business as well.”

  “I didn’t know that,” said Velma, standing in the doorway. “I thought you two were big competitors.”

  “We were. At everything. Even oil. But truth be known—and I wouldn’t admit this to anyone else—but Everett helped me get started. He taught me everything I know, and what he didn’t teach me, I observed.” He walked over to a liquor cabinet he kept on the far wall near his desk. “Would you like a drink?”

  “No thanks,” said Velma. “I was hoping you’d tell me if you could remember anything from the moments surrounding the murders. What were you doing? Where were you standing? Your theories.”

  “I see, and you think this is going to help you how? To pin the murders on me? I can assure you I had nothing to do with either.”

  “Ray Wetzel claims someone hid the knife in the window seat, but I want to know if you think that’s possible. You saw where everyone was, right?”

  “Yes, of course, I did, and don’t you think I’ve replayed it in my head a million times since? It could be anyone, but in case you don’t remember, Mr. Wetzel was the closest to the window before and after the lights came on. As a matter of fact, he was closest to Bats when he was killed too.”

  “And I still think that was a mistake. Unless you can think of a reason anyone would kill him?”

  “Of course not. He had the whole new project coming, and despite mine and Everett’s rivalry, it was going to be good for both of our businesses and the community.”

  “I think you, Everett, and Mayor Sheffield were the only ones who knew Bats or would have a reason to kill him.”

  “Well, it wasn’t me. Nor do I remember much about the lights going off, aside from the confusion. I do remember nearly being stepped on by someone, but I couldn’t tell who. It was pitch dark in that place.”

  “Yes, it was. Which is why it’s not unlikely that it could have been someone else. The lights were off for a long time, and that gave anyone the opportunity to get the weapon and hide it again, possibly bumping into you on the way.”

  “That’s possible, I suppose, but I’m still putting my money on Wetzel.”

  “And you’d be wrong. Maybe that’s why you never could keep up with Everett. Maybe he was always a better gambler than you, taking chances on the right deal at the right time, while you were still struggling to keep up. Why don’t you tell me why you would want to kill Everett Gaines? I think of all the people at the party, you had the biggest connection, and I’m beginning to wonder what kind of business the two of you had that no one else knew about.”

  “I think we’re quite done here,” said Harrison with a sad look. “Unless you have anything to do other than insult me and ask me the same questions, I don’t have anything else to say to you.”

  Velma knew she had ruffled his feathers, and that was precisely what she wanted. He hadn’t reacted like a guilty man, more like someone exhausted from the events of the past few days who was dealing with loss.

  “I’ll show myself out.” She turned and walked to the door, and after closing it behind her, she went to the car.

  “Well?” asked Ethel. “Did you get anything out of him?”

  “Not a lot. He’s still insisting that it’s Ray. I needed a little bit more time, but I’m afraid he asked me to leave. I believe him when it comes to him and Everett. But I can’t help but think he knows more than he’s letting on. Turns out, Everett was more like a mentor to him.”

  “Well, that’s just perfect. He’s probably so upset with you that he won’t call me now.”

  Velma looked over at the big truck and suddenly got an idea. “Ethel, if you could go out to dinner with him, would you?”

  “He said he is going to ask me to dinner?”

  “No, but I might have a way to get him to meet up with you. All you have to do is mention the murders and see if you can’t figure out if he’s hiding something. He told me that someone ran into him. If that’s the case, maybe he really does know who it is.”

  “And you think he’s going to tell me?” She didn’t look so convinced.

  “With any luck, yes.”

  “How are we going to get him to come to dinner with me?” asked Ethel. “He’s a busy man.”

  “A busy man who cares about his businesses.” She reached into her pocket and jotted down a note. Then after looking at the building to make sure he wasn’t watching, she got out of the car and put the note under his windshield wiper.

  “Do you think that’s going to work?” Ethel started the car and put it in reverse.

  “I think that he’ll be interested. All we have to do now is take you home and get you ready.”

  Ethel sighed and got a sappy grin on her face as she pulled out of the parking lot. “I hope you chose someplace fancy. I’d like it to be romantic.”

  Velma was on the same page. “The nicest place in town.”

  “Do they have a dancefloor? I’d love to dance with him. I think he’s just the right height.”

  “Yeah, if you were standing on his shoes in platform heels, maybe.” She thought the two of them would look ridiculous, but she also knew the dinner was going to make Ethel’s night.

  “We would look good together, don’t you think?” she asked.

  “Sure, if you say so.” She gave a shrug as Ethel turned out onto the street and headed for home.

  Chapter 21

  “I don’t see why you can’t just wear something in your closet, Ethel. This is just to get information. It’s a mission, not a date.”

  Ethel wheeled the car around into the parking lot of the minimall. “Well excuse me, but I plan on getting all I can out of this mission, and I will look my best doing it.” She had driven them across town to Fannie’s Boutique and Formals and now pulled in to par
k.

  “This is not a formal occasion, Ethel. And if you go trying on wedding dresses, we’re going to have a real problem.”

  “Don’t be silly, but I want a nice dress, and Fannie’s always has something for any occasion.”

  Velma hated to tell her that the only place she’d be dining was Ruby Jacks, and it wasn’t a place you fancied up for. “Just hurry up and let’s get back home. If you take all day on dress shopping, you’ll never have time for your face.”

  “That’s true, but the perfect dress will make or break if I win Harrison’s affections.”

  Velma sighed, and when they walked into Fannie’s, she found the first bench she came to near the dressing room and waited for Ethel.

  “I love this one,” said Ethel, holding up a peach nightmare in silk.

  “That’s hideous. You’re like a peach someone ran over with the car.”

  “Then what about the blue?” She held it up

  Velma shook her head. “You need something with sleeves to hide those wings of yours.”

  “I don’t have wings, silly.”

  “Trust me, with that extra skin you have under your arms, if you got to flapping them hard enough, you’d take flight.”

  Ethel glared at her sister. “You’ve got room to talk. Your wings are flabbier than mine! We could hold them out in a rainstorm and use them for umbrellas.”

  “We could make a tent out of yours and go camping. But then I’d have to smell those nasty pits of yours all night.”

  “You’re crude,” said Ethel. “I’m trying these on.” She took the peach nightmare and the matching blue one and then grabbed a few others in green, gold, and violet.

  “Don’t try those last three on all at once. Someone will mistake you for a Mardi Gras float.”

  The door slammed on the dressing room, and Velma looked over to the saleswoman, who must have been Fannie’s niece from the family resemblance; an unfortunately harsh nose. The young woman looked as if them being there was killing her day, annoyed that she might actually have to do something more than stand around with her crooked nose in the air.

  “What do you think?” asked Ethel, stepping out of the room in the peach one with her guts sucked in and her bosom thrust out like a hen’s. “I’m not sure this is my color.”

  “I’m not sure that’s anyone’s color, Ethel. You look like you have jaundice.”

  She went back in the room and came out with the blue twin. “Well, does this look any better?”

  The dress was not cut for Ethel’s figure. Then again, there probably wasn’t a dress in the store that was. “I don’t like that dress. Try the purple. It’s your favorite color.”

  “Fine,” she said. “I think you’re right. I think purple is going to be better.” She went back into the room and came out wearing the green one.

  Velma sighed. “I thought we agreed you’d try the purple one.”

  “I know, but I like it the best, so I thought I’d save the best for last. What do you think about this color?”

  “Jaundice, and I wouldn’t even try the gold. Besides, we don’t have all day.”

  She let out a long sigh and went to the dressing room. “Oh, this is perfect!” She ran out of the dressing room and turned a circle. “Don’t you just love it?”

  Velma had to admit that it really looked good on Ethel, but she knew if she praised her too much, it would go to her head. “It’s very nice. Let’s get that one. I’ll even buy it since it was my idea to do this.”

  “Even better. I’m going to amaze everyone when I show up to church in this next Sunday.” She ran back into the room, and a few minutes later, she came out and hung the other dresses to the side and took the purple one to the counter.

  Velma noticed Ethel had put her shirt on inside out. The tag was sticking out, and the raw edges of every seam were glaringly noticeable. She knew better than to say a word, or Ethel would have been mortified, so she hurried her along to the car after paying and made sure she didn’t want to stop anywhere on the way home.

  “I’ll have just enough time to do my hair and makeup,” she said. “Now, you swear that he’s coming, right?”

  “I’m telling you. He’s going to be there. I left a very tempting note.” She had kept the message vague and didn’t leave a signature. She hoped that Harrison thought it was someone he knew. She could see him finding it and thinking he was in for a good time with one of the ladies from his past.

  They arrived at home, and Ethel went right into the bathroom to get her hair done. Velma went to her chair. She had been going so much; she needed a rest. But just about the time she got relaxed, Miss Vicky pounced on her, causing her to start.

  “You crazy varmint!” She tossed him off her, and he scrambled under Ethel’s chair.

  To make things worse, Landon came in the back door. “Hey, Aunt V. I just came by to get paid.”

  “Of course,” she said. “Have a seat. You’re Grams will be out in a minute.”

  Landon Jr. sat on the sofa, and while he sank down low in it, he didn’t seem bothered. After another five minutes, he looked down the hall. “What’s taking her so long? Is she sick?”

  Velma realized he must have thought she was on the toilet. “Nah, she’s got a hot date. She’s spiffing herself up.”

  “A date? Grams goes on dates now?” He didn’t seem like he liked the thought of it. “Who is this guy, and do I need to stick around and meet him?”

  “She’s meeting him at the bar.”

  Landon’s eyes widened. “Grams is going to a bar?”

  “She’s a grown woman and a heavy drinker,” she said, messing with him.

  “No way! Really?” His expression faded to a blank stare as he seemed to think about it. “I’m not sure we should let her go.”

  Velma chuckled. “You should see your face, kid. I have to hand it to you. You’re okay when it comes to worrying over your grandma, although most normal boys don’t so that just further confirms what I’ve always thought.” She liked busting his chops.

  “Grams is right. You really are mean at times.” Landon frowned and sank lower in the cushion. “Where is she going really?”

  “She really does have a date, but she’ll be just fine. I’m going along to chaperone.” She was humored by the expression of disgust on the boy’s face and didn’t tell him that she was only going to be watching from afar.

  About that time, Ethel came out to show off her hair and makeup before putting on the dress. “How do I—Oh, hey Landon baby. How do you think your old Grams looks?”

  “You look nice, Grams. Who is this hot date you have? Anyone I know? A man from Church?” He gave her a sideward look. “Why is your shirt on inside out?”

  Ethel looked to Velma, giving her a scowl. “You could have told me.” She turned her attention back to Landon. “He’s an old friend. I’ll get your money, and you can be on your way.”

  Velma had never seen Ethel rush the boy along, but there was a first time for everything. She didn’t want to have to explain herself, and that was probably for the best. The less people knew about the murders, the better. It was only the next day, but so far, it was out of the press, and even funeral arrangements hadn’t been announced.

  Ethel went to get her purse and handed her grandson a twenty. “Thank you for mowing the lawn, sweetie. I’ll see you later.”’

  Landon got up. “Anything else I can do?”

  “No, that’s all, thanks.” Ethel walked him to the door and then gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Be sure to check on me this week.”

  “Okay,” said Landon, hesitating a bit before walking out onto the steps. “Will do. Have fun tonight, Grams, but not too much fun.” He glanced over to Velma and then walked out.

  Ethel shut the door behind him and let out a sigh of relief. “I don’t think he likes the fact that I’m dating again.”

  “Probably because you’re not dating, Ethel. You’re having one date. That doesn’t put you back on the dating scene, and if we want
to get technical, the man will think he’s on business. As you will be. I need to know all I can from him, and the next person we will have to infiltrate is Mayor Sheffield.”

  “Mayor Sheffield?”

  “He was on the scene too, and let’s face it. Who better to commit a crime than someone who was connected to a false accusation already? He probably made sure that I was on the invitation list just so he could use me as an excuse.”

  “No offense, but I don’t think he’s got anything to do with it. He’s just another poor unfortunate soul who was subjected to the horrible scenes, just as we were. Besides, the chief would have your head if she finds out that you suspect him again.”

  “Someone has to question him. It’s unlikely that anyone in his department would. They are all biased, and they are probably afraid of him.”

  “You should be. He’s going to have you locked up if you go around his office again. That restraining order is serious business. I’m surprised he didn’t have you thrown out of the party. Besides, knowing you’re a crime buff, he wouldn’t have put your name on the list. He would have made sure you weren’t on it.”

  “Just don’t forget to ask Harrison about his theories. But make sure he’s had a few beers in him first. That way, you can take him off guard.”

  “What if he tried to ply me with alcohol? I just thought of it. He might like his women loose.” Her face flushed, and she put her hands on both cheeks.

  “If he offers you a drink, just get something that’s non-alcoholic. You’ll be fine. And remember, I’ll be just on the other side of the restaurant, so you have got nothing to worry about.”

  “That’s easy for you to say.” She held her stomach. “I hope I can do this. I’m a bundle of nerves.”

  “Go get dressed, Ethel. You’ll feel a lot better all dressed up, and that new dress looks perfect on you.”

  Her eyes lit up. “You really think so?”

  “Of course, Ethel. It was made for you, and Harrison is going to love it.” She didn’t think she could shovel much more bullshit than that at the woman, but Ethel seemed to buy it. She did look rather nice when she came out of the room twenty minutes later with the purple dress and her fancy shoes.