Amy Phipps - Amanda Blakemore 01 - A Bazaar Murder (2 page)

Making their way into the small church Amanda noticed buckets and wet floor signs sporadically placed throughout the room. Looking up at the ceiling she could see dark rings from water damage. As people milled around the room she commented. “Looks like the roof is need of repair.”

“Oh yes, that's what the Building Fund is for.” Olive informed pointing at the sign hanging on the wall that said Building Fund $2,463.89.

“We are planning a church bazaar to help raise money for the roof.” Margaret chimed in “Maybe you could pitch in and help, you know, to keep you mind off of things.”

“Sure, I can help.” She smiled in appreciation of her grandmother concern.

“Margaret, are you performing my job?” A woman in her fifties interrupted. She was dressed in designer clothing with rings on every finger. A huge fake smile plastered across her face making her bright red lipstick look somewhat disturbing. “Hello” she extended her hand to Amanda. “Florence Hardy, I'm in charge of organizing the bazaar.” She oozed with self importance, laying her other bejeweled hand across her chest as she continued. “You must be Margaret's granddaughter.”

“Yes, I'm Amanda.” While shaking her hand Amanda glanced to see Olive rolling her eyes from behind her thick glasses. Amanda tried not to laugh at Olive's comical look.

“We need all the help we can get.” Olive announced pushing past Florence to pat Amanda on the back. “Besides, Mandy looks like a sturdy girl, she can take it.” Amanda wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult.

“Olive's right, Florence we need all the help we can get, especially with the decorating and also with the food.” Margaret agreed.

Shaking her head she looked Amanda up and down taking in her blue jeans and sweatshirt “I guess we could find something for you to do.” Florence announced as she swept past Amanda then calling over her shoulder. “There's  Pastor Maxwell. I need to discuss some important bazaar business with him.”

Amanda blinked and watched her walk away. “I think I've just been snubbed.”

“Don't worry too much about it, I've never met anyone that meets Florence Hardy's standards, not even her children.” Came a male voice from behind her. Turning she could see a attractive man with wire rimmed glasses and perfectly groomed chestnut hair. “Let me introduce myself Adam Hardy.” Extending his hand.

“Amanda Blakemore” She smiled as she shook his hand.

“Will you be in town long?” He questioned with a smile.

“I'm not sure.” Amanda answered quietly with a shrug of one shoulder.  

“I hope you decide to stay long enough to enjoy the bazaar.” His smile eluded charm and self confidence. “It would be lovely to see a new face around town.”

Florence's voice interrupted their conversation. “Adam, come over here, Dear.” She called from across the room.

“If you will excuse me, Ladies.” He nodded to Margaret and Olive before walking away.

“He sure did pour on the sugar for you.” Olive snickered slapping Amanda on the back. “If I was a few years younger I would give him a run for his money. If you know what I mean.” Wagging her eyebrows at Amanda.

“Olive!” Margaret exclaimed shocked. “The things you say!”

“What?” Olive blinked her owl like eyes innocently.

“You can have him.” Amanda laughed “I've had enough of men.”

“Too much of a Mama's boy for you?” Olive continued eying Adam and then wrinkling her nose with a disgusted look on her face.  “Could you imagine having her as your mother. Besides, the only reason she's in charge of anything is because your grandmother refuses to run against her at the ladies meetings.”

Amanda looked at Margaret with surprise who only shrugged saying. “It seems to be very important to her.”

“Margaret, your just too nice for your own good.” Olive chided wagging her finger at her old friend.

“And you could learn to be a little nice once in a while.” Margaret scolded with a smile on her face which took all the sting out of the comment.

“That will be the day!” Olive snorted grabbing Amanda's arm saying. “Come on, Mandy I'll introduce you to some of the others.” 

After being introduced to most of the congregation, she took a seat next to her grandmother and listened to the service. Her eyes wandering over to the first pew and landing on Florence Hardy. According to Olive and Nana, she was a widow and owns a factory that makes of all things shoe strings and other rope products. Sitting next to her was Adam, he was attractive in a nerdy sort of way. His self confident demeanor was a little charming, but also a little overwhelming.

Next to him was his sister Priscilla who seemed to be a carbon copy of her mother in both demeanor and in looks, minus the red lipstick. Amanda could vaguely remember her from when she lived here as a child. She wasn't very friendly then and looks as if nothing changed.  On the other side was her husband, Carl Carson, owner of the only car lot in Juniper Falls. He was dressed in a fancy suit and a pinky ring. Who wears a pinky ring, Amanda thought. He spent a lot of time checking his phone she noted.

Amanda was brought out of her thoughts when she could feel eyes on her. Turning her head slowly she locked eyes with the same old man who was peeking out the window at her on the first day she arrived. What a strange old man, she thought. She would have to ask Nana who he was.

At the conclusion of the service people were putting on their coats and gloves to fiend off the cold winter wind. Amanda was doing the same when she heard a deep male voice from behind her.  “Hello, I'm Maxwell Parker, I wanted to meet you earlier but Mrs. Hardy wanted to discuss the bazaar.”

“Amanda Blakemore,” she said extending out her hand.“Yes, I've meet Mrs. Hardy.”

Shaking her hand “Then you understand.” He smiled and laughed.

Returning his smile she said. “Yes, I do.”

“I heard you'll be helping us with the bazaar.” He commented leaning against the edge of a oak pew.

“Yes, I have been volunteered.” She leaned in and whispered.

“That is what families are for, getting you into things.” He laughed crossing his arms.  She noticed he had small smile lines around his mouth. He must smile a lot she thought. He was in his early thirties if she had to guess.  “My mother is always volunteering me for things, usually blind dates though.”He said a little embarrassed running his hand through his dark brown hair.

“So your saying that I got off easy.” Her blue eyes growing wide.

“Yelp, that's it exactly.” He nodded his head.

She noticed his laughter had an infectious sound making her laugh too. “I don't mind. It's not like I have anything better to do with my time right now.”

“I have heard about your recent martial problems.” He whispered making her laughter stop and she eyed him cautiously. He held up his hand “It is a small town. “ He mentioned as if that was all the explanation needed. “If you need to talk to someone just let me know.” He whispered, his brown eyes seemed sincere. Making it very hard for her to be mad about him mentioning her problems.

“Thank you, I will keep that in mind, but my Nana is a pretty good listener.” She said waving her hand in the air.

He nodded his head at that information. “I thought so, but I just wanted you to know if there's anything I can do.”

“But there is something you can do for me.” Leaning in close and whispering “Can you pray for my safety, Olive is driving me home.”

He laughed and nodded in understanding giving her a thumbs up. “Will do.”

Chapter 2

That night, tossing, turning, pacing, and reading Amanda finally fell asleep only to be awakened by that barking dog. Sighing she jerked her pillow over her head and tried to drown out the noise. It didn't help. “That dog is driving me crazy!” She huffed and tossed the pillow to the bottom of the bed. “This has got to stop!”

Climbing out of bed she rushed down the stairs. Pulling on a pair of mud boots and grabbing a sweater she headed out the front door. A cold gust of wind sliced her to the bone, but did nothing to cool her temper. She marched over to the neighbors house and banged on the door. No answer. She banged even louder.

The lights came on and the door opened. Standing there was a man a little older than herself. His dark blonde hair was messy and he needed a shave. “Do you know what time it is?” He complained.

“Do you?” She countered as she pointed toward the backyard. “Would you please shut that dog up!”

“Don't you think I would if I could.” He snapped running his hand through his blonde curly hair making it stick out everywhere.

“Well I would like to sleep sometime this century.” She complained. “So figure something out!”

He huffed his temper raising. “Look, I bought the dog for my girlfriend and when we broke up she gave it back to me.”

“You bought your girlfriend a dog the size of a small farm animal.”Her blue eyes widened in disbelief. “No wonder she dumped you”

“I never said she dumped me.” His voice defensive.

“Right,” She snorted a laugh and shaking her head in mock sympathy. “For future reference girls like small fluffy puppies that fit in their purses. At least the kind of girls you probably date.”

“Thanks for the insight into the female psyche” His voice dripped with sarcasm as he leaned on the door with his arms crossed. “So... Miss Smarty Pants what do you suggest that I do to shut him up.”

“How about bringing him inside to see if he's hungry. If that’s not it, try petting him or even talking to him.” She suggested her voice raising with her hands on her hips.

“You want me to talk to a dog.” He laughed. “And if talking to him doesn't work?”

“You better hope that it does or I'm calling the cops and maybe they can give you some suggestions.” With that she turned and stomped away.

He yelled after her before slamming the door. “Love your pj's.”

Looking down she realized that she was wearing one of Nana's flannel night gown with ruffles at the neck. Since she had left in such a rush she forgot to bring her pj's. Clenching her fists at her sides she turned and gave a dirty look back toward the house and growled “That has got to be the most annoying human being of the face of the earth.”

Pushing on the  front door Amanda realized that the door locked behind her when she stormed out. “Perfect!” She threw her arm's up in the air. Another cold gust of wind rushed past her. She didn't want to wake up Nana, but she didn't want to turn into a Popsicle either. She absolutely wasn't about to go back and ask him for help. Wrapping her sweater tighter around her to ward off the cold, she tried to think. “Think” she whispered.  After a few seconds she answered herself. “That's it” she snapped her fingers. “Nana said there's a spare key inside the basket hanging on the back door.

Shivering she quickly making her way around the side of the house. She could hear the crunching of the remaining snow under her boots. Stepping on a patch of ice located at the bottom step of the back porch her feet went flying out from under her and she hit the cold wet ground hard. “Ouch!” she yelled. Trying to get her footing without falling again she saw eyes peeking at her from the shrubs. She jerked back and fell on her bottom again. Letting out another squawk of pain she looked again at the glowing eyes from under the shrub.  “Meow” Came from the darkness.

“Kitty?” She crawled over to get a better look. “Kitty, you almost gave me a heart attack. I thought you were a ghost or something.”  A skinny gray cat limped out toward her. “Are you hurt?” She reached down and petted the cat. “Let's get inside and get a good look at your leg.”

Climbing to her feet she carried the cat up the stairs  and on the back porch. When she caught a glimpse of that strange old man watching from the window. “Really dude don't you ever sleep.” She grumbled raising her hand and waving.

“Meow” The mangy cat said.

Looking down at the cat she answered “I'm cold too.”

The back door came open and Margaret was standing there  in her pink fluffy robe. Her silver hair hanging down her back in one long braid “What are you doing outside at this hour?”

“Saving a cat.” Amanda smiled and shrugged holding the cat up for Margaret to see.

“Get in here before you freeze to death.” Margaret ushered them inside. 

Amanda could feel the heat from the kitchen sweeping over her body. “He was hiding in the bushes.” She said rubbing the cat's ears.

“I knew that dog must be barking at something.” Margaret said glancing out the window.

“I think he's hurt.” Amanda said as she tried to examine the cat for injuries. “He has a cut on his leg looks pretty bad.”  After getting supplies needed to care for the cat she asked “Who's that man who lives in the blue house next door. The one who's always peeking out the windows.”

“That's Henry Walters, you remember him from when you was little, don't you.” Margaret asked.

Shaking her head Amanda answered, “No.”

“He would always call you freckles. When he would come over to talk to your grandfather, and you hated it.” She laughed at the memory.

“Oh yeah, I remember him.” She recalled. “He had that big yellow dog that would steal my shoes off the porch. I would have to chase that dog all over the neighborhood. I think that dog did it just so I would chase him.” She laughed still cleaning the cat's wounds.“His wife would give me lemonade after I gave up the chase.”

“Kate, she was such a sweet soul.” Margaret sighed sitting down at the table. “I don't think Henry has ever gotten over her death.”

“When did she pass away?” Her heart going out to him as she opened a can of tuna for the large gray tomcat.

“About five years ago. I don't think he gets out much.” Margaret patted the cat on the head.

“That's so sad.” Amanda said as she placed a the bowl of tuna in front of the cat. “I think I have managed to patch you up the best I can, but you might need stitches.”

“You can take him to the vet in the morning it's only about four blocks down on Main Street.” Margaret informed. “I think there's a old cat carrier in the garage.”

“I think he's a stray.” Amanda commented as he munched down on his food, while she rubbed his head causing him to purr loudly.  “Do you mind if I keep him?”

“I think we can give him a home.” Margaret said scratching his ears. “What should we name him?”

“Ghost” She smiled at Margaret's confused expression then explained. “His eyes glow in the dark making him look scary like a ghost.”

“Ghost it is then.” Margaret laughed in agreement.

Amanda was waiting in the small waiting room at the local vet's office. She could see a bulletin board hanging across the room from where she was sitting. Noticing a poster saying. “ Help Wanted “ She walked over to get a closer look. “Dog Walker Needed for Twinkie.” She read aloud with a smile on her face. “Who names their dog Twinkie?” Pulling the notice down and sticking it in her purse she told Ghost. “Even I could handle a dog like that.” He meowed in agreement as she stroked his gray fur.

Hearing a clicking noise coming from down the hallway Amanda leaned to peak out the doorway. The noise grew louder and louder as she caught a glimpse of Priscilla entering another exam room. She was carrying a tiny dog with a hot pink collar. A dog that fits in her purse that's the kind of woman her neighbor would go for, she thought with a smile on her face. 

“Ghost?” The vet's assistant called entering the waiting room.

“That's us.” Amanda followed her to a small examination room. In a short while the vet entered the room. She was young with chestnut hair, medium build and a bright smile. “Hello, I'm Doctor Cassandra Hardy, you must be new in town.”

“News must travel fast around here.” Amanda was surprised that even the vet knew she was a newcomer. “Amanda Blakemore.”

“It's a small town.” She said putting on some latex gloves.“Are you related to Margaret Blakemore?”

“She's my grandmother.” Amanda tilted her head to the side in thought. “Hardy.... are you related to Florence Hardy?”

“She's my mother.” She smiled a weak smile. “Try not to hold it against me.”

Amanda laughed, “I just met your mother at church on Sunday.”

“You would have met me, but I had an emergency surgery.” The vet waved her hand in the air. “A dog got hit by a car.”

“I hope the poor dog is going to be okay.” Amanda said her voice full of concern.

“She'll be fine.”

“So you go to the same church as my Nana. Does that mean you will be helping with the bazaar?” Amanda asked secretly hoping there would be someone there her own age.

“Yeah, I will be helping with whatever my mother assigns me.” She laughed and  nodded her head making her chestnut curls bounce with the motion. “So why are you here to see me?”

“I found this stray and his front leg is injured. I treated it the best I could.” Amanda said as she handed Ghost to Cassandra.

“Let me take a look at him” She placed the cat on the examination table and removing his bandages. She petted and spoke encouraging words to him as she worked. “It looks pretty deep, but I don't think he needs stitches.”

“Good,” Amanda sighed. “I haven't had him very long but we are becoming fast friends.”

“If you are planning on keeping him he will need shots” Cassandra stated as she cleaned and wrapped his leg. “I can give them to him today.”

“Sure, whatever he needs.”

“Let me go get them.” Cassandra walked into a small room adjoining the examination room. Amanda could see her walk over to a locked cabinet retrieve the keys from her pocket and open it. Pulling out the correct medications she needed before re-locking the cabinet and returning. 

“Is this going to make him sick?” Amanda asked concerned stroking him on the head as he made circles on the exam table.

“No, he will be fine.” She smiled reassuringly as she gave him the shots. Ghost never even noticed the needle stick. “All done.” She rubbed the cat on the head and gently handed him back to Amanda.

After placing Ghost in the cat carrier she found in the garage she paid the bill with what little bit of money she had left, then turned to leave. Exiting the building she ran right into the chest of Adam Hardy. “Oh” she stumbled and he caught her before she fell to the ground. “I'm so sorry.” Amanda blinked looking up into his handsome face.

“My fault.” He smiled. “But I will say it's nice to see you again.”

“Meow!” Complained Ghost not enjoying the bumping ride in the carrier.

“I better go I don't think my cat's too happy.” She laughed lifting the carrier to emphasize her statement.

“I wouldn't want to be the cause of any distress.” He waved goodbye before opening the door and disappearing inside.

Amanda walked into Nana's house carrying Ghost in his cat carrier. Her nose was red from the cold. Setting him down on the table by the door she called “We're home.” She reached in and retrieved her new friend and placed him on the couch.

“I'm so glad your home.” Nana said as she entered from the other room. “Make this thing stop!” Handing Amanda her cell phone, she continued. “It's been ringing all morning.”

“Why didn't you just answer it?” She asked. “I wouldn't have cared.”

“I tried but I couldn't figure it out.” She admitted looking a little embarrassed.

“You don't have a cell phone?” Amanda asked surprised, she thought everyone had a cell these days.

“I have never needed one.” Margaret commented defensively.

“I can show you how to use one if you want they are like having a mini computer with you the time.” She offered walking over to Margaret and showing her the phone with the screen all lite up.

“I don't think... I need to know.” Margaret said looking at the phone as if it were a snake ready to strike.

“If you learn how to use one you can at least answer it. Then it won't drive you crazy when I forget it.” Seeing her grandmother wavier Amanda hedged on “And emergencies.... it's great in an emergency situation.”

Still looking unsure Margaret sighed. “I guess you are right.”

After about ten minutes of showing Margaret how to use the various features of her phone it started to ring. Looking down at the number Amanda's hand started to shake and her eyes widen “It's Daniel's office.”

“Answer it,” Margaret urged pushing the phone toward her.

Sliding her finger across the touchscreen and putting the phone to her ear Amanda answered, “Hello.”

Margaret wanted to give her some privacy so she went to the kitchen to make lunch. Ghost limping behind her wanting to have his lunch too. After about 15 minutes Amanda walked into the kitchen with tears in her eyes. “Honey, what's wrong?” Margaret asked.