Amy Phipps - Amanda Blakemore 01 - A Bazaar Murder (8 page)

“That means everyone in town could be a suspect.” Amanda said tossing her hands up in the air. “How are we going to figure it out now.”

“We could take our list of suspects and compare with who could have gained access to the drug that killed Florence.” Everyone looked at Olive in surprise at her suggestion.

“Why didn't we think of that before?” Margaret asked.

“Don't know, even that simpleton Sheriff Thomas knew to do that.” She shrugged taking a bite of her food.

“He's wrong! Cassie may have had access to the drug but she was with me the whole time.” Amanda interjected. “We need to look at the appointment book for the vet clinic.”

“It's probably at the police station in evidence.” Henry remarked. “I will make some calls in the morning see what I can find out.”

“I think we have had enough of murder for one day let's go watch the rest of my soaps.” Margaret said getting up from the table.

“Soaps?” Henry sounded doubtful.

“Don't worry, I'll fill you in.” Olive cackled slapping Henry on the shoulder. 

Chapter 9

Over the next few days Amanda and Margaret had started removing the wallpaper from her room to start painting. She didn't mind the work, it was better to fall asleep from hard work then from crying over her failed marriage. Finally, reading through the divorce papers, she and Daniel had managed to hash out an agreement, through Ethan of course. Daniel still refused to talk to her. Nana thought that Daniel was too ashamed to face her, maybe she was right.

Mentally shaking herself she looked around the room and smiled at Twinkie laying in the middle of the floor napping. Ghost bathed himself in the window sill, but he still kept a close eye on Twinkie. Amanda could hear her grandmother humming a old hymn that they sang in church, so things hadn't turned out too bad.

Henry knocked on the door carrying some papers in his left hand. “You ladies have been working hard, but I think it's time for a break.” He waved the papers back and forth, and grinned.

“Are those from Cassie's appointment book.” Amanda asked climbing down from the ladder.

“You betcha!” He smiled. “Where's Olive, I thought she was helping?”

“We sent her to the hardware store for some supplies and to keep her off the ladder.” They laughed.

“What took you so long?” Margaret asked as they made their way downstairs.

“Charlie was out of town on a fishing trip.” He answered laying the copies on the kitchen table before taking a seat.

“You couldn't convince one of those young deputies to give you confidential evidence?” She mentioned giving him a sly smile as she put on her reading glasses and picked up the papers to browse through them. Amanda grabbed three cups from the cabinet and poured coffee into them before taking her seat.

Olive came trotting in the kitchen carrying a bag and a gallon of paint. “Sorry it took so long....that Archie just about talked my leg off and I ran into Debbie. She wanted to know if you wanted some part-time work at the diner.” She pointed at Amanda.

“That would be perfect.” Margaret chimed in. “Considering she's a suspect.”

“You want me to investigate people while working at the diner.” She asked surprised. “I don't know how to investigate.”

“Easy, observe and listen.” Henry said trying to sound encouraging.

“I could have been an FBI or CIA agent if I had been born when you were.” Olive exclaimed with excitement in her eyes.

“You can do it.” Margaret gave her hand a squeeze. “I have faith.”

Amanda let out a long puff of air. “Alright, I'll give it a try.” Giving them a weak smile. “At least it's a job.”

“With that being settled, let's move on to the appointment book.” Margaret explained.

Olive practically jumped in her chair and announced. “I'm all ears.”

“I copied the entire month. The only person on our suspect list that had an appointment is Priscilla Hardy.” Henry explained while the girls browsed through the papers.

“I was there that day. I saw Priscilla bring her dog in, but I don't think she killed her own mother.” Amanda put in but she had a nagging feeling that she was forgetting something about that day.

“I agree! I don't think she was acting, if so she deserves a Oscar.” Olive agreed with a shake of her head.

“Olive!” Margaret exclaimed. “That's an awful thing to say.”

Henry sighed. “This puts us back to square one.”

“Then we should get back to work.” Margaret suggested getting up from the table.

Amanda nervously walked in to the small country diner. The diner had red checked tablecloths and the delicious smell of apple pie. She had never worked at a restaurant before not even in college. In college she worked in a library. Luckily the place didn't seem to be busy.

“Amanda I'm glad to see you made it.” Debbie came from behind the counter wiping her hands on a white towel.

“Thanks for the work. It's really hard to find a job around here.” She smiled.

“You might change your mind after the dinner rush.” A red haired woman in her early twenties announced carrying a tray of food in one hand.

“That's Wendy.” Debbie waved a dismissive hand. “She'll show you the ropes.”

Wendy came back to where Amanda and Debbie were standing. “Don't worry, Sugar, I'll take good care of you.” She winked a green eye at Amanda.

“Back to the stove.” Debbie laughed turning toward the kitchen.

“Deb, handles all the cooking.” Wendy informed handing her a apron. “You serve all the tables from there back.” She continued to fill Amanda in on all the duties of her new job and the location of everything she needed to complete it. “If you get in a bind just give me a holler.” Turning to collect some dirty dishes from a vacant table. She turned with a sympathetic expression on her face. “Sorry about your husband.”

Amanda asked with a surprised look on her face. “How did you know?”

Giving her a lopsided grin. “Small town....and working here you hear everything even the things you wished you could forget.” Laughing she continued. “Like Mr. Watts gout.” Wrinkling her nose “Trust me he'll fill you in about it too.”

“Sounds fascinating,” Amanda commented with a sarcastic laugh escaping her lips. 

The bell above the door rang and Wendy announced. “That's him and he's sitting in your section, good luck.”

“Excellent.” Amanda said under her breath and pasted a smile on her face.

Pouring coffee to people who littered the counter she raised her head when she heard a familiar voice. “I see you found a job.” Adam smiled standing at the cash register.

“Yeah today's my first day.” Amanda answered filling up another customers cup with coffee. “What can I get for you?”

“I called in a takeout order.” He said. “Priscilla not much on cooking and frankly neither am I.”

“Sure thing, just let me check on that.” When she returned with his order Molly Mason was standing at the counter waiting to pick up her takeout order as well. “That will be $25.76.” She said after working the register. “Tell Cassie that I'm praying for her and I will come and visit her as soon as the Sheriff will allow.”

“Amanda,” Molly called from behind Adam. “I didn't know you worked here. Now maybe you could come over to the beauty shop and let me do something about those roots.” Amanda's hand went instinctively to her hair. “Everyone is going to know your not a natural blonde if you don't do something soon.”

“Cassie will be glad to hear it.” Adam interrupted before making his way out the door.

“Let me check on your order.” She told Molly with a forced smile when what she really wanted to do was dump it on her head. 

After Molly paid for her order and left, Wendy whispered to Amanda. “Don't worry about her she is obviously not over Adam and your competition.”

“I'm not interested in him. I'm still married.” Tossing her hands in the air.

“But not for long.” Wendy reminded wagging her eyebrows.

“I'm swearing off men for awhile.” She announced firmly.

“That's just the divorce talking. You'll change your mind.” Laughing she grabbed a tray of food and headed for table ten.

Debbie called from the little window. “You'll find the right man when you're ready.”

As Amanda's shift came to an end she learned a lot about how much everyone loved Deb's cooking and Mr. Watt's gout, but nothing about the murder. Wendy and Deb were fun to work with constantly joking and introducing her to all the customers.

“Closing time!” Debbie called from the window that separated the kitchen from the dinning area.

Wendy turned the sign from open to closed. “I'm beat.”

“Me too.” Amanda chimed in as she gathered up the dirty dishes from table five.

“How about some pie.” Debbie called from the kitchen.

“Absolutely!” Wendy answered for them both. Perched on a stool at the counter.

“Here we go...” Sitting the plates in front of the girls. “That's the last of the coffee.” Pouring three cups before returning the pot and turning off the machine.

Taking a bite of hot apple pie Amanda sighed. “Heavenly.”

“Deb makes the best apple pie around.” Wendy smiled as she took a bite.

“Oh Amanda, could you drop these off at Connie's house.” Deb slid two boxes of apple pies toward her.

“Of course, just give me directions to her house.” She agreed taking a sip of coffee.

“It's on your way home.” She announced with a wave of her hand.

“Why did she order two pies?” Wendy asked.

“She's going to see her nephew tomorrow and she wanted to take some with her.” Deb answered.

Amanda decided now was a good time to fish for information. “I was surprised to see Adam Hardy here today.”

“It's truly a shame about poor Cassie.” Debbie said shaking her head. “If you ask me, I think she innocent.”

“Me too!” Wendy and Amanda agreed simultaneously.

“Good to know we all agree.” Deb laughed.

“Then who?” Amanda pushed for information. “Who do you think did it.”

Wendy shrugged her shoulders. “Don't know.”

“She did have a way of rubbing people the wrong way.” Amanda suggested listening intently.

“But being rude doesn't make people want to kill you, does it?” Wendy chuckled, “If so, you would want to kill Molly after what she said earlier.”

“I can safely say. That will not happen.” Amanda giggled. “I have thick skin.”

Amanda knocked on the door of a quaint white house at the end of the Elm Street. Carefully balancing the two pies in one hand as she reached to knock again when the door popped open. Connie stood there her eyes red rimmed from crying. “What are you doing here?”

“Pie,” Amanda stammered holding them up for her to see. “You ordered pies from Deb's she asked me to deliver them on my way home.”

“Come in I'll give you some money.” Stepping back into the house.

Amanda followed and said. “Deb said just to pay her when you get back from your nephews.”

“What? Oh yes, I'll pay her when I get back.” Taking the pies from her and sitting them on the coffee table.

“Connie are you all right?” Amanda asked quietly.

“Yes.....No....I will be after all this murder business is over.” She sighed. “I hear what everyone's been saying.” She let out an unladylike snort.

“Is someone accusing you?” Amanda asked hanging on her every word.

“Molly Mason that's who. When everyone knows she has her own motive.” She sniffed.

“That's just idol gossip. I wouldn't worry about that.” Amanda said trying to comfort her.

“You're new around here.” Connie sighed plopping down on the couch looking very defeated. “People talk.....”

“About what?” Amanda urged.

“You'll find out soon enough.” She sighed. “I worked for the Hardy's for fifteen years as their accountant. When about a year ago the accounts weren't adding up. Money was missing from the business. I told Florence about it and she accused me of stealing and fired me.” Connie sniffed and blew her nose then whined. “If I was stealing money why on earth would I draw attention to it.”

“Who do you think took the money?” Amanda inquired taking a seat next to her on the couch.

“I don't know. I never got to trace the money trail before she tossed me out. Adam said he would find out and get my job back but nothing ever came of it.” Wiping her eyes she grabbed Amanda hands and pleaded. “I swear I never took a dime of the Hardy's money and I didn't murder Florence. You have to believe me.”  Connie pleaded.

Amanda looked into her eyes and saw the hurt of being betrayed by her friend. Deep down she knew that Connie Marks didn't kill Florence.

“I believe you.” Amanda hugged her tight thinking if Connie didn't do it than who did?
 

Chapter 10

Amanda awoke the next morning with bright yellow eyes staring at her. Ghost was perched on her pillow taking almost all of it as his own. Slowly she rubbed her eyes after, of course rubbing his head first, which started his engine purring making her smile. Laughing as she got up out of bed “You can have my pillow. I've got to take a shower.” He meowed his contentment with her decision as he stretched out to cover the entire pillow.

The entire time she was getting ready for her day she continued to have the same feeling as yesterday that she was forgetting something. Her room was still a mess with paint cans and supplies scattered around the room. Taking even longer to find her shoes because they seemed to have disappeared in all the mess.

She heard the loud clicking noise of Twinkies paws coming up the steps. He pushed the door open with his nose and snorted. Amanda was on her hands and knees reaching for her shoes from under her bed. Raising her head Twinkie decided to cover her face with sloppy dog kisses. “You only love me for my Twinkies.” She laughed rubbing him behind his ears. “How about we grab something to eat, and then I got a surprise for you.” She said pulling her shoes on and then headed downstairs.

Margaret was in the kitchen putting bacon and eggs on plates. “Good morning.”

“I see Dr. Winters dropped off Twinkie a little early.” Amanda mentioned taking a seat at the table.

“Yeah, he got called in early,  with an emergency.” She handed a plate to Amanda and tossed Twinkie a piece of bacon.

“I hope everything is all right.” She said buttering a piece of toast.

“I'm sure everything will be fine.” Margaret sat down and started eating. “What have you got planned for today.”

They decided the night before to take the day off from painting. “I found a bike in the garage when I was putting some of my boxes out there the other day, so I thought I would take Twinkie for a bike ride over to the park and go for a hike down by the Falls. I remember going there with Dad when I was little.”

“Your Dad used to love the Falls and that old bike has just been collecting dust for years. So I think that's a wonderful idea. Maybe you can wear this begging monster out so he will stop packing off all our painting supplies.” She laughed tossing him another piece of bacon.

“I can't find my black tennis shoes. I think he ate them.” Shaking her head at the dog. “If you did eat them I wouldn't want to be you when they decide to come out.” Twinkie whined and licked his lips.

“Let's go!” She laughed as she grabbed the leash and her jacket then headed for the front door.

The weather was wonderful the sun was shinning it was still cool but she could feel spring trying to surface. As they made their way throughout town, people waved and Twinkie stopped here and there to sniff at some trees. They moved slowly to enjoy the air and sunshine.

Parking her bike next to a large oak tree she grabbed her bottle of water out of the basket. Taking a drink she surveyed the park. There was an area set up with picnic tables and benches over looking the lake. She could see the Falls in the distance, feel the damp cool breeze blowing against her cheeks. Remembering a time when she and her dad would camp here. She hasn't thought of those times in years the memory was bittersweet.

The park was deserted at this time of year. Camping is only permitted in May through September. Reaching down to release Twinkie's leash she said holding up one finger. “Now listen you can't run off so be a good boy.” He danced and whined with excitement.

They started up the trail. Twinkie brought her a stick and she tossed it up ahead. He would grab it and bring it back, all wet and slobbery but he was having fun. The sun drifted through the trees and the fresh air helped to clear her head.

Ethan called her last night and explained that since she and Daniel agreed on everything the divorce papers had been filed. It shouldn't take long for the divorce to be final and she could move on with her life. She felt a little sad but also a little relieved that it wouldn't take long. Starting over was scary and also a little exciting at the same time.

Twinkie lost interest in playing fetch and started digging about twenty feet away. Snorting and tossing dirt everywhere. She decided to sit and rest on a log. There was still something bothering her about Florence Hardy's murder. It was like she was forgetting something and it was nagging in the back of her mind trying to surface. Pulling her bottle of water out of her jacket pocket she took a drink. Replaying all the evidence over and over in her mind.

She shook her head in frustration and stood up. Amanda started to walk over to where the dog was digging, but hearing voices coming from a clearing she turned to see who it was. Adam and Molly was arguing. “I don't understand?” She whined.

“I told you it's too soon.” He returned.

“But I love you and I want to be with you.” She took a few steps closer to him.

“Just give me a little more time.” He reached up and caressed the side of her face. “Once my sister gets convicted she'll be disinherited which means more money for us. Then we can get married and you can shout about our love to the world.”

“But what about Priscilla?” She asked snaking her arms around his neck.

“She can be controlled.” Adam shrugged lightly kissing her lips.

“Are you sure? What about Carl he's a wild card.” Molly sounded concerned.

“If he becomes a problem we will deal with him just like we did mother.” He smiled before leaning his head forward and kissing her. 

“That's It!” Her brain screamed. Adam was there that day at the vet clinic. I ran right into him she thought to herself. He must have stole the phenobarbital then. I've got to get out of here. Every fiber of her being screamed. Quickly turning Amanda stepped on a large branch breaking it into with a loud snap.

She could hear Adam's deep voice say “Did you hear that?”

Grabbing Twinkie by the collar she gave it a jerk and demanded. “Got to Go... Now!” The fear in her voice motivated the large Saint Bernard because he turned and followed her down the trail. Running as fast as she could she fished her cell phone out of her pocket and called Nana.

“Hello,” Came Margaret voice from the other end.

“Nana, I know who killed Florence it was Adam and Molly and their chasing me.” Amanda's words came out breathlessly.

“What?” Margaret screamed putting the phone on speaker.

“Call the police!” She was gulping air with each word. “Their going to kill me!”

“Freckles, I'm coming! I will call the police just stay on the line.” Henry demanded.

“Okay” She huffed and began to silently pray.

“She's at the park, Henry! Hurry!” Amanda could hear the panic in her grandmother's voice.

Panic and fear ran through her as she heard footsteps growing closer with each step. Her lungs were burning with each breath. Finally she burst out into the bright sunlight she could see her red bike calling to her. Just a little bit farther, she told herself.

Suddenly a large hand attached itself to her long blonde hair  pulling her backwards, causing both her and Adam to crash to the ground. She let out a loud scream in pain as her cell phone went flying from her hand. Struggling to get up as he used his weight to pin her to the ground. He was strong, very strong. Amanda was clawing and hitting him in her quest to break free.

Molly was panting. “She knows too much, Kill Her!” Adam managed to get his hands around her throat and started to squeeze. Bringing tears to her eyes. She could feel her heart beating out of her chest. Digging her fingernails into the flesh on his face. Her legs flailing trying to throw him off her. 

Twinkie slammed into him at full speed barking and growling at Adam. Knocking him off of her and onto the ground as he attached himself to Adam's arm. The massive dog was shaking his head not willing to release her attacker. Adam screamed in pain.

Amanda was dazed but still tried to get to her feet. Molly grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to the ground. They were rolling in the dirt clawing, punching and hair pulling when a shot rang out and a male voice yelled. “Hold it right there!” It was Henry's voice. Amanda looked up and there stood Henry's legs spread and both hands holding a revolver pointed right at Molly. Slowly she let go of Amanda, held up her hands in the air and started crying.

Adam was screaming. “Get this dog off of me!” He was covered in blood and Twinkie was growling and shaking his head refusing to let go.

Amanda stood up and staggered over to stand behind Henry. “Twinkie drop it!” She called. The massive beast released the whimpering man and ran over to join Amanda as if nothing had happened at all. “Freckles you all right?” Henry's voice full of concern but his eyes never leaving the two murders in front of him.

“Yeah, Thanks to you and Twinkie.” Her voice hoarse from her ordeal.

Sirens blaring as three police cars came to a screeching halt. Sheriff Thomas and two deputies jumped out of their vehicles and arrested both Adam and Molly.

After returning home Amanda climbed out of the car, she still wore Henry's coat and Twinkie followed close behind still covered in mud and blood from Adam's forearm. Margaret rushed to meet them and hugged her so tightly that Amanda thought her ribs might break. Looking up at Nana's Victorian house made a smile spread across her lips and she knew there was know place on earth that she would rather be.

“Let's get you inside, Dr. Winters is here and I want him to check you out.” Margaret insisted as she fussed and pulled Amanda inside the house.

“The EMT's said I am fine.” She grumbled as Margaret shoved her down on the couch.

“I think I will be the judge of that.” Jonah commented sitting his medical bag on the coffee table.

Olive burst through the front door demanding. “What happened!” She practically landed atop Amanda as she plopped down on the couch not even bothering to take off her coat. “The rumor mill is on fire.”

Amanda sighed as Jonah shined a small light into her eyes continuing with his examination. “Twinkie and me stumbled on Adam and Molly in the woods. I overheard them talking about Florence's murder and they saw me.” Amanda could feel Jonah's warm hands on the sides of her neck as he checked the bruises that had already started to form.

“They tried to kill you!” Olive gasped her hand flying over her mouth.

“After you kill your own mother.” Margaret interrupted and handed Amanda a glass of water. “Another person is no big deal.”

“Why? I know she wasn't the nicest person, but your own mother.” Olive shook her head in disbelief.

“Money.” Amanda answered. “Remember when Connie got fired for money missing from the company accounts.”

“Yes,” Olive answered nodding her head.

“That was Adam. He was stealing money from the company. He and Molly never broke up just made a show of it to get his mother off his back. They decided before Florence realized that it wasn't Connie, because it was still happening, they needed to get rid of Florence.” Amanda explained.

“How sad.” Margaret said in a quiet voice.

“What's really sad. He even tried to frame his own sister so Adam would inherit her half of the estate.” Henry commented in a disgusted voice.

“People will do all sorts of things for greed.” Jonah announced as he put some antibiotic cream on a few of Amanda's scrapes. “I guess Sheriff Thomas will be letting Cassie go.”

“Absolutely.” Henry chuckled, “Molly started singing like a canary before they finished putting the cuffs on her.”

“Good! I never thought Cassie was involved.” Olive interjected leaning in close she asked. “How did they do it.”

“Remember the picture of the unlocked door in the basement of the church.” Henry said looking at Margaret.

“Yes, I thought it was strange that it would be unlocked.” Margaret announced.

“You also thought there was two people involved and you were right.” Olive interrupted and patted Margaret on the shoulder.

“Molly unlocked it earlier after carrying some boxes from the basement. Adam slipped in later when no one was watching and killed her.” Henry explained.

Amanda's eyes grew wide with realization. “And I gave him the perfect excuse.” Her shoulders sagged as she continued. “I spilled my drink on him and he said he had workout clothes in his car. That must have been when he did it.”

“That's not your fault.” Margaret said in a sympathetic voice.

“Your grandmother's right. He would have found another way.” Jonah said giving her a reassuring smile. “I think you will live.” Standing to give Amanda some space. 

Margaret leaned over and hugged Amanda again. “I'm just glad you didn't get hurt.”

Amanda smiled saying. “Luckily for me Twinkie and Henry were there to save me.” She reached down and patted Twinkie's head, who had found himself a soft spot right next to the couch to rest.

Margaret announced. “Twinkie, I will cook you anything you want, since you're a hero.”

“There will be no living with him after this.” Jonah interjected as everyone laughed and Twinkie rolled over to get his belly rubbed.