1 Pretty, Hip & Dead

by Madison Johns

  “Yes,” El reiterated. “He asked Clare’s father to leave.”

  Kimberly bit a fingernail. “I know you’re right, but we’ve been at odds ever since Clare was found murdered. It’s so hard to relax when I expect the cops to arrest me anytime.”

  “Don’t worry about that just yet. I’m sure they’re still investigating.”

  “They have the clothing I wore that day. I got blood on me when I checked Clare’s pulse. I can’t imagine them not arresting me.”

  “Don’t worry, dear, but it might not hurt to touch base with Sheriff Clay Barry.”

  Eleanor wrung her hands. “Oh, do you think that’s wise? He wasn’t too happy with us when he was running for sheriff in Iosco County.”

  “Not to worry. I’m sure that’s old news to him now that he’s sheriff here. We could always ask Mrs. Barry to invite him over. That way it won’t seem too intrusive to ask him a few questions.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kimberly was perched on a high-backed chair in Mrs. Barry’s dining room, eating grapes. She pressed a napkin against her face as a trickle of juice trailed down her chin. “When is the sheriff getting here? I’m starving.”

  “I could cook you something to eat,” Mrs. Barry suggested, leaning against her china cabinet with a beer can in her hand.

  “Not a chance. Jeremy is taking me out to eat tonight. We’re going to Wang’s. I have a plateful of almond boneless chicken with my name on it.”

  Eleanor grinned. “You have a Chinese restaurant in town?”

  “Oh, yes, Redwater is sophisticated. Wang’s is located behind Pete’s Garage.”

  “Oh wow, are they running a two-for-one special? Lube job and eggrolls?”

  Agnes flicked the top of Eleanor’s head. “Be nice. I must admit that Redwater reminds me of East Tawas. I’m getting a little homesick.”

  “Oh, are you?” Mrs. Barry said. “Or is it because you miss that man of yours?”

  “Well, we haven’t spent much time together since he popped the question,” Agnes said.

  “I don’t see any ring. Are you sure he was serious about marrying you?” Mrs. Barry asked.

  El’s eyes flashed. “Of course he was. I’m sure he forgot all about buying the ring is all.”

  Agnes fingered the bare spot where an engagement ring should be. “It was a sudden proposal, I think. The problem is that we’re both so busy. He’s an attorney and El and I are busy sleuthing most of the time.”

  The conversation was interrupted by the sound of a male throat being cleared and they looked up to see Sheriff Clay Barry standing directly across for them. “I’m sorry to disturb you, ladies, but mother—what’s going on here?”

  “Oh, nothing, son. I’m just entertaining. Agnes and Eleanor here are helping clear Kimberly’s name.”

  His handsome face turned down into a frown. “I’m aware of that, but why did you invite me over if you’re entertaining company?”

  Agnes fingered the tablecloth. “I was hoping we could touch base with you, that’s all.”

  His brow shot up. “About what?”

  “Have you finished your investigation yet in regards to Clare Barnett?”

  “I should have known you’d ask, but I really can’t divulge any information right now.”

  “I see. Well, do you have any suspects yet, besides Kimberly, that is?”

  “I never said Kimberly was a suspect—she’s more of a person of interest.”

  Kimberly flashed him a dark look. “And what does that all mean?”

  “We’re looking into every possible angle here. I’m not as convinced about your guilt as Deputy Danworth is.”

  “He also doesn’t like me. I kinda ran over his dog once.”

  “I heard that, Kimberly, but I hardly believe you’d be able to bash in Clare’s brains in your condition. It was unfortunate that you were the one to find the body, though.”

  Agnes grabbed a glass of water and took a healthy drink before she responded. “Well, it’s my understanding that she called 911 right away. I’m sure you could check her GPS to determine when she left her house.”

  “Very insightful of you, Agnes, but I really don’t need your help with this case. I believe when I ran for office in East Tawas that I told you how I felt about you two interfering in investigations.”

  Kimberly slid off the chair. “My husband hired Agnes and Eleanor to clear my name.”

  “I understand that, but you should know that I can’t hand over pertinent information about this case. It might just jeopardize my investigation.”

  Agnes gave this some thought before responding. “I know you’re doing your best to find out who really killed Clare, but I’d like to ask you a few questions.”

  “Go ahead, but I can’t say I’ll be of much use since I can’t tell you any specifics.”

  “Understandable, but I wondered if you knew Clare Barnett?”

  He squared his shoulders and that told Agnes more than he ever had to say. “I ran into her a few times.”

  “Like at Peyton’s Pub, perhaps?”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “Well, you’re an attractive man, and word has it that Clare made her rounds.”

  “I’m sorry, you’re losing me here.”

  “She picked up men from the bar on many occasions. I just wondered if you were ever one of them?”

  “That’s awfully presumptuous of you. This is a small town and just because we might have gone to the same bar in town doesn’t mean I hooked up with the woman.”

  “You’re right, but I also know you have a way with the ladies.”

  He pulled at his collar. “Hey, I know I made mistakes in the past, like back in East Tawas, but I’ve done my best to change my ways, especially since I became sheriff here in Redwater.”

  “Oh? I had forgotten all about that incident at Fuzzy’s Ice Cream Parlor.” Agnes tried not to say too much—like how Clay didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer so easily when he tried to manhandle the counter girl, Sally Alton.

  “Yes. Well, I assure you Clare and I were only at the bar together a few times and I thwarted her advances. I know trouble when I see it.”

  “Is that how you perceived her to be? Trouble?”

  “She’s from Hollywood for one, and it was common knowledge she was trying to interfere in Jeremy’s marriage.” He gave Kimberly a quick glance. “Sorry.”

  “So, how surprised were you when Clare was found murdered?”

  He shook his head. “I guess I wondered if she might have come across the wrong person. She lived in that extravagant beach house and it didn’t take a genius to know that she came from money.”

  “Oh, and what made you think that?”

  “Because she sure mentioned it often enough.”

  “Really? Was anything missing in the house at the crime scene?”

  “I can’t tell you any details.”

  “Of course, someone might have robbed her or planned to. Perhaps even decided to kidnap her for ransom.”

  “Then why was she found dead, Agnes?” Eleanor wanted to know.

  “It might have gone awry. Haven’t you ever seen that movie, Fargo?”

  “Sure, but there was no indication that anything like that had gone down, though it’s a possible scenario.”

  “I hope you’re investigating that angle, Sheriff,” Agnes said.

  He sighed. “I assure you ladies that I’m looking into all of the scenarios you have mentioned, plus a few more. If you find out anything pertinent to the case, I hope you’ll pass the info on to me.”

  “Oh, but I thought you just told us to butt out.”

  “I did, but I’d like to be kept in the loop.” He glanced at his watch, gave his mother a peck on the cheek, and was out the door.

  After a few moments, Agnes said, “Well, he certainly wasn’t of much help. I had hoped that—”

  “What, that my boy slept with the dead woman?” Mrs. Barry asked. “I know you don’t think much of Clay
, but he’s really turned his life around since he was elected as sheriff in Redwater.”

  “I believe it now, but he was rather tight-lipped about his investigation,” Agnes said.

  Eleanor shrugged. “And you expected something different?”

  “I had hoped he’d be more forthcoming is all, since this was his mother’s house.”

  “So, you were just using me to get at my boy?” Mrs. Barry demanded.

  “Not exactly, but I have the best intentions. What if he arrests Kimberly?”

  “He didn’t seem ready to do anything specific. No sense in wallowing in self pity. Get back out there and pound those streets. I’m sure somebody in town knows who might be responsible,” Mrs. Barry said.

  “Whatever you say, Mrs. Barry.”

  Jeremy Preston entered just then, carrying a bouquet of flowers, which he handed to his wife. “What’s the occasion?” Kimberly asked.

  “Just that I’m married to the most beautiful girl in the world. I’m going to wine and dine you tonight to make up for my behavior where Vincent was concerned.”

  “Wine?” Agnes asked.

  “She’ll have milk of course, but I could sure use a stiff drink.”

  “Which you won’t be having, since you’re a recovering—”

  Jeremy’s eyes widened. “I’m a recovering chocoholic.”

  Agnes nodded curtly as the cute couple left, but she wasn’t fooled a bit. “So, Jeremy had a drinking problem, Mrs. Barry?”

  She belched. “Not that I know of, but he’s originally from Hollywood. You just never know about those people.”

  “That’s a bit judgmental, but I understand how you feel.” Agnes eyed up Mrs. Barry’s beer can. “More people could stand to cut down, at least.”

  “I don’t have a problem,” Mrs. Barry said, waving her beer can.

  Eleanor patted Mrs. Barry on the back. “I’m sure you don’t, but just make sure you do all your drinking at home.”

  Mrs. Barry stumbled into the kitchen, returning with a bag of barbequed potato chips.

  “Oh no, you don’t, Mrs. Barry,” Agnes announced. “We’re going out to eat today. You need a decent meal.”

  Eleanor clapped her hands. “Great, I’m starving.”

  Agnes escorted Mrs. Barry outside, minus her beer can, and they piled into the Impala, heading to town. When they passed a bright neon sign with a rooster dancing on it, Mrs. Barry said, “Turn around. I want to go to Rooster’s Inn.”

  Agnes made a u-turn and doubled backed. “Isn’t that just a bar?”

  “Yes and no. They serve the tastiest chicken. It’s to die for.”

  Agnes never liked it when someone used the term “to die” for anything. It always turned out to be a premonition. As Agnes made the turn into Rooster’s Inn, sirens sounded right behind her, and sure enough, a cop car followed her in. “Oh, great. What now?”

  Agnes rolled her window down and Deputy Danworth gave her a sidelong glance. “Do you know why I’m pulling you over?”

  “Because the grocery store is out of donuts?”

  He glared at her. “You made an illegal u-turn.”

  Eleanor leaned forward from the backseat. “Is this gonna take long because I hafta pee?”

  Agnes shrugged. “What can I say? I have too many backseat drivers.”

  “But I’m not sitting in the backseat, Agnes,” Mrs. Barry whined.

  “I smell alcohol. Have you been drinking, Agnes?”

  “No, it’s Mrs. Barry, which is why I’m driving. She didn’t tell me to turn in here until it was too late.”

  Deputy Danworth stroked his chin. “Fine. I’ll let you off with a warning this time, but don’t let it happen again or I’ll write you a citation.”

  That was the signal for Agnes, Mrs. Barry, and Eleanor to get out and waddle their way toward the red door of the Rooster’s Inn. When they were inside, Agnes had to adjust her eyes to the dim light. Mrs. Barry found a clean table that was covered with a gingham tablecloth and they all sat down.

  A waitress with vibrant red hair approached them and handed them each a menu. She was wearing cutoff shorts and a button-up shirt that was tied at her waist, exposing a fair amount of skin. She took their drink orders and returned minutes later with two diet colas and a mug of beer for Mrs. Barry.

  The waitress hovered close by as El asked, “So, what’s the specialty here, Mrs. Barry?”

  “Fried chicken. It comes with French fries, salad, and a dinner roll.”

  Agnes turned to the waitress and gave her their order. Once she sprinted away, Agnes spied Jeremy and Kimberly on the other side of the room, holding hands, but she kept it to herself. She wondered what happed to Wang’s, where Kimberly had said her husband was taking her? “This place sure packs them in.”

  “Yes, it’s quite good.” Mrs. Barry smoothed her hair down. “He must be new in town.”

  Agnes turned to glance behind her. “Who?”

  “That distinguished man at the end of the bar.”

  Agnes frowned. “That’s Clare’s father, Vincent Barnett.”

  “He keeps staring at me. Do you think he’s interested?”

  “That, or maybe he’s keeping an eye on Kimberly.”

  Eleanor gazed across the room. “Oh, what do you know? It’s a small world.”

  “It’s a small town,” Mrs. Barry said. “I should have mentioned to her that Wang’s is undergoing renovation.”

  Vincent strode over and whisked a palm over his silver hair. “Hello, ladies. Who is this lovely lady?”

  Agnes tried her best not to glare at the man who had been so unkind to Kimberly. “Why, don’t you know?”

  “This is the first time I’ve been to town, but since Clare died, I had to show my face.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Well for one, to retrieve her remains.”

  “So are you planning to take them back to California?”

  “Oh, no. She’s being cremated as we speak. I plan to scatter her ashes along Lake Huron.”

  “Which is illegal,” Agnes informed him.

  “That’s what they say, but I’ll be careful not to get caught.”

  “Are you planning a memorial service?”

  “Not here, no, but I’m planning a small service back in California.”

  “So you plan to stay in Redwater for a while?” Mrs. Barry asked.

  “Yes, I had hoped to stay long enough for them to arrest Kimberly Steele. I have no idea what is taking so long.”

  “Maybe because the investigation isn’t done just yet. You need not stay in town, I’m sure the sheriff will contact you when they have it all sorted out.”

  “Why are you in such a hurry to see me gone, Agnes?’

  “I’m not. It’s just a waste of time hanging out here in town when I’m sure you have business to attend to back in Hollywood.”

  “I can do that via my iPad, if you need to know. I’m long overdue for a vacation—and why not while away my time with an interesting woman?” He winked at Mrs. Barry. “Why is it that you look so familiar, dear lady?”

  “Oh, I don’t know,” she gushed.

  “Were you an actress or model at one time?”

  “Oh no, but thanks for asking.”

  “She’s Sheriff Barry’s mother.”

  Instead of backing off, he smiled widely. “Oh, that must be it. Can I interest you in another drink?”

  “No, I think she’s had enough for now. What she really needs to do is eat a decent meal.”

  Mrs. Barry opened her mouth to say something, but just then, the waitress brought their food. “Please sit with us,” Mrs. Barry said. “I’m sure Agnes and Eleanor won’t mind.”

  El shrugged and tore into the food on her plate. Agnes lost her appetite, so she just picked at her food, while Mrs. Barry shared her meal with Vincent.

  After they ate and the waitress had cleared their plates, Mrs. Barry asked Vincent, “So, what do you do in Hollywood?”

  “I own a production compa
ny.”

  “Oh, really?” she gushed. “So you make movies, then?”

  “Yes, my company is currently planning to make a movie with George Clooney, when we have raised the necessary funds.”

  “How exciting. I’m sorry about your daughter, by the way. It’s just awful she was ... you know—murdered.”

  He brushed crumbs that had gathered on his lap. “Yes, I just don’t know how I’ll go on living in that house all by myself, now. I had hoped that I’d meet a woman, but alas, I’ve been unlucky in love.”

  Agnes rolled her eyes. “But what about all those starlets you dally with?”

  He signaled the waitress over and ordered a vodka shot for each of them.

  Eleanor and Mrs. Barry slammed back theirs, but Agnes pushed hers aside. “I’m the designated driver tonight,” she explained.

  “I’m done with all those younger women. I’m ready to date a woman my own age.”

  “What about Sasha? Is she part of your past or—”

  “I’m not sure what you’re hinting at. Just spill it, already.”

  “I’m trying, but you interrupted me.”

  Eleanor took Agnes’s discarded shot glass and downed the shot. “What my illustrious partner means is, do you know where Sasha Reynolds is?”

  He glanced at his watch and then responded, “I’m not sure why you think I would know?”

  “We really need to question the woman. That’s the only reason I asked.”

  “I appreciate your asking, and in part, I’d like to ask her a few questions, too.”

  Agnes put her hands down on the table. “Oh, and what would you like to know?”

  “Why she was still sleeping with my daughter when I had clearly paid her to leave Clare alone.”

  “You paid her to leave Clare alone?” Eleanor asked with wide eyes.

  “Well, she obviously knew how to milk money from you Hollywood types,” Agnes said. “She’s very important to our investigation, so if you even think you might know where she is, it might help.”

  “I’m just not certain.”

  “Are you staying at the beach house where Clare was murdered?”

  He shook his head. “No, I’m staying at the Inn here.”

  “Redwater sure doesn’t have many accommodations for a man of your standing,” Mrs. Barry said. “If only my house wasn’t so full of guests right now.”