by Marja McGraw
“Fine, and thanks for asking. We were eating lunch when we heard Bubba barking his head off. Chrissy looked out the window and saw someone sneaking around your house.”
I glanced at Pete. His nostrils flared.
“We watched for just a moment, and Chrissy said it looked like the man was going to try to break in. He seemed to be trying to pry the screen off your window. While I ran to call 9-1-1, Chrissy shoved Tammi at me and ran out the door. I tried to call her back, but she wouldn’t listen. I heard her yelling, and I told the police to hurry. As it turned out, there was a patrol car not too far away, and they arrived in just a few minutes. But Chrissy had already scared the man off. They were too late.”
“Did you get a look at him or his car?” I asked.
“No, she didn’t.” Pete jumped in. “He apparently parked around the corner. Chrissy said she heard the car start, but she couldn’t see it.”
“She rightly decided not to run after him,” Stanley explained.
“She said he looked like he was wearing a wig and make-up,” Felicity piped up.
I found myself looking from one to another and wishing just one person would relate the story. I turned back to Dolly.
“What, exactly, did Chrissy say?” I asked.
Dolly shook her head. “Haven’t you been listening? Someone tried to break into your house. He was wearing a disguise. Chrissy scared him off and he ran to his car, which was parked around the corner. She came back inside the house and shortly after that the police showed up. End of story.”
“No, it’s not. How tall was he? How much did he weigh? What was his complexion like?” I wanted information, and I wanted it now. I had to figure out who was after me, and why.
“He seemed tall, but then everyone seems tall to me,” Dolly replied. “I’d only be guessing about any other description. Really, Sandi, with a wig and make-up, how could we know what he looks like. I can’t even guess at his weight because he could have worn something to make him look heavier.”
“You’re right.” I relented because obviously this person didn’t want to be recognized. “I’m just glad he didn’t turn on Chrissy. That was a stupid thing for her to do.”
Dolly nodded. “In this case, I agree. But she felt like she owed you after the incident you helped her through, and she’s been taking self-defense classes, like I did. At least she yelled at him from the corner of your front yard. She didn’t get too close to him.”
I groaned. Two little women who thought they could conquer the world because they had taken classes. I didn’t want to see either one of them injured.
The corners of Dolly’s lips turned up. “Although, I must tell you that Chrissy quietly let Bubba out before confronting your intruder. She had Bubba for backup.”
“Yeah? I’m surprised he didn’t knock the guy over.”
“Chrissy was afraid he’d tear the intruder to shreds. She hung onto the dog and kept telling him to stay.”
“And he listened? Will wonders never cease?”
Chapter Thirty-six
Pete stepped up to me. “So, Sandi, you can see why I’ve decided to stay at your house tonight. Inside, not out in my car. I think this guy means business, and I don’t think he’s going to wait long to try to get at you again.”
“But my mother is staying with me,” I said.
“Big whoop-de-do.” He turned to my mother. “No offense, Livvie.”
She smiled sweetly. “None taken.”
“Besides, how would he know your mother is staying with you?” Pete had a stubborn look that I’d never seen before, and I wasn’t sure I liked it.
“If someone has been watching me, they’d certainly know I have a houseguest. Don’t ya think?”
“I don’t believe this guy’s been watching you. It seems as though he’s doing things at his own convenience. Think about it. Why would he try to break into your house in broad daylight?”
Chris nodded. “He’s right, Sandi. Even that photo was taped to your door during the daytime. This character was just lucky that no one saw him.”
“Since he’s only been here during the day, why would you expect him to come back tonight?”
“He has been here at night,” Stanley said. “Remember when he tried to come through the window?”
“That was Jolly,” I said.
Mother wagged her finger at me. “You think it was Jolly. It might not have been him.”
“So, back to the plan,” Pete said.
“I’ll be outside in my car,” Stanley said. “We’ll have all contingencies covered.”
“And I’ll wait around the corner since that’s where he parked today,” Chris said. “Don’t forget that particular contingency.”
“Your car is too recognizable.” Pete turned a face on Chris that begged for the Bogey Man to argue with him.
“But I want to be in on this, too.” Chris’s whining didn’t count as an argument.
“You will be. I want you at Dolly’s house, watching out the window.” Pete hadn’t left Chris out after all. What a guy. “That is, if you don’t have any appointments tonight.” Pete’s sarcasm was uncalled for, in my humble opinion.
Chris pushed his fedora forward on his head, making a statement. I wasn’t sure what the statement was, but it didn’t matter because Pete ignored him.
Felicity turned to Stanley. “I want to be here, too. Sandi’s my best friend. I want to help.”
“You can watch from the car with me,” Stanley said.
“Would anyone like to introduce me to this lovely little woman?” my mother asked.
“I’m sorry, Mother. This is Felicity DuBois. Felicity, this is my mother, Livvie Brewster.”
My mother held out her hand and Felicity, ignoring it, pulled her close and gave her a big hug. “I’ve heard so much about you, Livvie. It’s really a pleasure to meet you.”
My mother beamed. “Apparently you didn’t hear all about me.”
“Ah, but I did. We each have our little moments, don’t we? And that’s what they are, just moments. They go away. I think you and I are going to be great friends, just like Sandi and me.”
Mother glanced from me to Felicity and appeared to be genuinely happy. Felicity had said and done all the right things.
“Okay, okay. Let’s get back to business.” Apparently Pete wasn’t into all the touchy-feely things that were being shared.
Stanley nodded his head. “Go ahead, Pete. We’re all listening.”
Everyone turned to Pete. “Okay. We’ve got me, Livvie and Sandi in the house. Stanley and Felicity will be across the street, watching. Chris will be at Dolly’s house, also watching. I’ll stay here and out of sight. The rest of you move in after dark. I think tonight’s the night. This slug is coming back, and we’re not only going to stop him, but we’re going to catch him.”
Pete turned to Dolly. “I’m counting on you to help keep an eye on things until everyone is in place.”
Dolly nodded, smiling in spite of herself.
“We’ve all got cell phones. If you see anything suspicious, call Sandi’s number. If Bubba barks, check it out. See what he’s barking about. I want teamwork tonight. Any questions?”
No one spoke.
“I don’t know if any of you noticed or not, but a storm seems to be moving in. If it stays cloudy, then it’s going to be dark tonight. This guy probably won’t be able to see you, but that means you’ll have trouble seeing him, too. I expect you all to be in place and ready as soon the sun goes down.” Pete looked into each set of eyes as he spoke, seemingly wanting everyone to realize how serious he was.
Each head nodded. Chris had pulled his hat too far forward and it fell off. Stanley leaned down and picked it up, brushing it off before he handed it to Chris, who looked embarrassed. Stanley, my favorite klutz, looked at Chris knowingly. I had a feeling these two men could become friends.
Chris programmed my phone number into his cell phone, and they all left, Pete included. He wanted to hide his car in Dol
ly’s garage, which meant moving hers out and his in. He’d sneak back into my house via our back yards.
I noticed as Chris walked toward his car he called someone on his cell phone. I wondered if he was canceling his regular appointment. My curiosity was getting the best of me and I wanted to find out whom he was meeting with every day. I’d figure it out later. First things first.
“You sure have some good friends, honey.” Mother sounded pleased.
“Yes, I do.” I grinned at her. “And that includes you, Mother.”
“Why, Sandi, what a sweet thing to say.” Her face softened perceptibly and I thought there was a tear in her eye.
We heard a sound at the back door and my mother immediately stepped in front of me, hunched over and balled her hands into tiny fists. I’d never seen her act so protective before. It was a surprise.
“It’s just Pete,” I assured her.
She relaxed. “I have a feeling this is going to be a long, dark and stormy night.”
“A dark and stormy night? Just what we need right now. At least you didn’t say it’s a good night for a murder.” I realized the house was cooling off and shivered. “I’ll turn the heat up a little.”
Mother rubbed her arms and nodded.
Pete made his entrance and walked through the house closing all the curtains and drapes. “No sense making yourself an easy target. Besides, I don’t want to be seen.”
Mother walked over and peeked through the drapes. “Pete’s right, Sweetie. We all need to take care of you. If anything happened to you, I don’t know what we’d do. You’re such an important part of all our lives.”
Something in my mother’s loving words triggered a different type of reaction than she probably expected. They’d all pushed me into a narrow little slot with a sign over it that read Victim. I was not a victim and refused to be thought of that way. My role as private eye meant I should be the aggressor, not the target.
“Wait a minute,” I said. “I’m not going to sit around and let you protect me. You can all help me, but I don’t need protection. Pete, you have a good plan, and you’ve placed everyone where they can help the most, except me. Sitting here and wringing my hands isn’t going to solve anything. I need to be a part of this gig.”
Pete had a guilty look on his face. “You are a part of the plan. Uh, you’re the bait.”
My mother pulled herself up to her full height, which wasn’t impressive, and glared at Pete. “You’re using my daughter as bait? Why you – ”
Pete held his hands out toward my mother. “Wait a minute, Livvie. Listen to me. No matter how you look at it, this guy is coming after Sandi. She’s what’s drawing him here. That means she’s the bait, whether we like it or not.”
“He’s right, Mother. However, I don’t have to be too easy for this guy to catch. I can play games, too. And here’s my plan, which is similar to Pete’s but with a few small changes.”
I told my mother and Pete about my own scenario. Neither one of them was thrilled, but it made sense to each of them. All we had to do was to wait for darkness.
Chapter Thirty-seven
None of us was particularly hungry, so I made a light snack and we settled in to wait for night. Waiting made me impatient. I wanted things to happen. I wanted an end to all of this. Of course, not my own end. I couldn’t ignore the threats against me.
Pete and my mother took turns pacing, making me realize they felt as I did. I’d had Pete make a run to the sporting goods store and buy four walkie-talkies, one for each position. My mother wouldn’t need one in the house. I’d passed them out to Pete, Chris and Stanley, and kept one for myself. I clicked it on and checked in with each individual, making sure the gadgets worked. I’d already done that a few times and got the impression my friends were annoyed with me.
“You should have bought one for me, too,” my mother said. “You never know when it might come in handy.”
“You won’t need one since you’ll be in the house,” I replied.
“But… Oh well, I guess you’re right.” My mother pouted, apparently feeling left out.
Although it felt like hours, it was only a short time until the sun disappeared. The heavy cloud cover made a dark night even darker. The quarter moon was hiding behind the storm front. I could see a reflection on the clouds from distant city lights.
Pete sneaked out the back door like a thief and took the place I’d assigned him in the bushes at the side of the house by Dolly’s home.
My mother sat in her place, a recliner near the doorway leading to the kitchen. She picked up a book she’d brought with her and set it on her lap, leaned back, and appeared to doze. She had a towel wrapped around her head as though she’d just washed her hair. Her hair was short, and mine was long. We needed illusions.
I turned on a lamp near the window, the light set at a dim setting, and opened the drapes leaving about an inch gap. Stepping back into the shadows, I watched my mother. She could easily be mistaken for me in the dim lighting. A touch of guilt swept through my heart as I realized that she had become the bait, even if she had volunteered for the job.
Bubba lay on the far side of the chair, and as I crept past my mother I quietly told him to stay. He glanced up at me and blinked before he placed his head back on his paws.
I quietly made my way out the back door. My gut said, Sandi, things are about to come to a head, and my stomach lurched. I turned on a flashlight and held my fingers over the lens so there wouldn’t be too much light. Even though I knew where everything was, it was dark enough to cause me trouble finding my hiding place. As it was, I almost walked into the oak tree next to the barbeque table. I hid myself on the opposite side of the house from Pete.
I clicked the button on my walkie-talkie. “Chris, are you in place?”
“Yeah, Dollface. I’m hidden in the bushes at the rear of your yard, right beside your storage shed. I’m eyeballin’ your house right now.”
“Pete?” I whispered.
“Good thing you have so many bushes around here. Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to hide. I can see your house and Dolly’s place.”
“And Stanley?”
“Felicity and I are in my vehicle, and we’re parked in Dolly’s driveway. We can see your front yard perfectly. Oh, and we’re sitting low so no one can see us.”
“Okay,” I said, “I guess it’s show time.”
We waited for a very long time, and nothing happened. I wasn’t sure why I was so positive that my enemy would be back before daylight, but I was.
It began to sprinkle lightly and I heard a rumble off in the distance. I wondered briefly in what direction the storm was moving. It was cold outside and I didn’t relish the idea of a hard rain moving in.
I went over everything in my mind, trying to fit the pieces together. It made sense that Jolly had murdered Purity, but I couldn’t figure out his death. No one seemed too heartbroken about Purity dying, and yet the two crimes had to be linked in some way.
I pushed the button on my watch to light the dial and check the time. We’d been waiting for a few hours. It was close to eleven o’clock.
“Everybody awake?” I whispered, speaking into my gizmo.
One by one they all replied in the affirmative, Chris’s reply being a little more colorful.
“I know better than to dope off during this deal,” he said.
It took a moment for me to remember that doping off was an old term referring to falling asleep or goofing off. I chuckled to myself, imagining what the others might be thinking.
I wondered how my mother was holding up. It had to be nerve-wracking for her.
Around midnight I began to think maybe I’d been wrong about the bad guy coming back at night. After all, he’d always come during the day.
I was suddenly alert as I heard a rustle coming from the bushes at the rear of the yard. I strained my eyes, trying to pierce the darkness. My eyes had adjusted, but not enough.
“Chris? Something going on back there?”
> “Sorry, Doll. That was me changing positions. I’m stiff from sitting for so long.”
I thought about it for a moment. “If anyone sees or hears anything, just click your walkie-talkie and the static will alert the rest of us. Uh, Chris you use one click. Pete, you use two, and Stanley, you use three.” I heard a whole bunch of clicks and static and had a feeling Pete was rebelling.
I smiled to myself, recalling how silly Pete thought I was sometimes. Once when we’d been going in to search someone’s room in a sleazy hotel, I’d worn a large hat and glasses to disguise myself. Pete had suggested the only thing missing was a fake nose.
I turned my attention back to the house, realizing if I let my mind wander I might miss something. The light sprinkle turned into a slight drizzle. I pulled up the collar on my jacket as I heard another rumble. It seemed a bit closer than the last one.
I sighed, wishing something would happen so I could move on with my life. I didn’t like this threat hanging over my head. Well, who would?
Ah, the life of a private eye. I couldn’t remember Sam Spade hiding in the bushes with rain running down the back of his neck.
The back door of my house opened and Mother let Bubba out. “Hurry up and do your business, Sweetie.” She spoke loudly, obviously letting us know my mutt needed to make a pit stop and she was okay. The door closed.
Bubba walked directly over to me and sniffed my foot, the one thing he could reach through the bush.
“Go away,” I whispered. Finding my foot interesting, he forced his head in and sniffed my knee. “I said, get lost, you dumb dog.” I pushed his nose away.
I could hear chuckling coming from the back of the yard and wondered how Chris could see what was going on.
Click click. “Be quiet, Chris. It’s bad enough that the dog might give me away.”
There was one static click in reply.
I could see the side of my house and the rear of Dolly’s from where I sat. Her kitchen light, which had been on, disappeared. Either she was going to bed, having given up, or she wanted to make it look that way. It was pretty late for her, but with all the excitement I was sure she was staying up.