Disrobed for Death (27 page)

“Do you even own a fishing rod?” Wesley asked Susan.

“I will by tomorrow, and considering that snide remark, I’ll bet you five dollars I catch a bigger fish than you.”

“You’re on.”

“I want some of that action,” A. K. said.

“I got a better idea,” Wesley said. “Let’s all kick in five dollars, and the one who catches the biggest fish wins the pot.”

“Hmm, I could use that forty bucks,” Debbie said.

Susan shook her head. “Don’t you mean thirty-five?”

“Don’t forget James. He’ll want in, too.”

“What kind of fish can I expect to catch?” Dylan asked.

“Uh, y’all go ahead and talk fishing,” Wesley said. “I’d like a word with Susan and A. K.”

Susan tried to read his face, but couldn’t. She knew it had to do with Clarissa or Vera, and she sure wasn’t in the mood for bad news. “Let’s go into the office.”

Wesley closed the door behind him. “Atlanta police found Gary last night.”

The first thing that hit Susan’s mind was the money. Had he heard about the big donation to Melanie and put two-and-two together? Had he made plans to steal it from her? She shook the thought from her head and silently admonished herself. There was no way for him to prove that was his money. Nevertheless, a chill crawled down Susan’s back. “What’d he say?”

“Nothing. He was dead—robbed and beaten to death. Seems he went on a binge and wound up in the wrong part of town.”

“I…I can’t believe it. How will that affect Clarissa’s case?” Susan asked.

“It won’t. She admitted in front of witnesses to hiring him to kill Jack. When that failed, she decided to finish the job herself.”

“Will the police look for the money?” A. K. asked.

“What money?” Wesley said. “All we have is Clarissa’s word that she paid him. Why should we believe her?”

Susan and A. K. exchanged glances.

“Don’t worry, ladies. I don’t intend to bring up the money. It’s where it’ll do the most good—with Melanie,” Wesley said.

“While the money helps, it’s not going to last forever,” Susan said. “She’s going to have to find a job, and she hasn’t worked in years. If she’s interested, I’ll hire her.” Susan looked to A. K. for approval. “How do you feel about that, A. K.? Think she’d be an asset?”

“Most definitely.”

Susan plopped down in a chair. “Did you hear anything about Vera’s case?”

“It’s looking good. She’s lucky to have Herman helping her. He’s hired a top-notch lawyer, and I don’t think she’ll go to trial. The D.A. said Jack refuses to testify against her. In fact, he wants to plead on her behalf. Considering the wishes of the victim, along with Vera’s age and mental state at the time of the incident, the D.A. agreed to a plea bargain. He’s going to ask the judge for a suspended sentence, with the condition that Vera gets psychological counseling.”

“Oh, I’m so glad,” Susan said.

“Be glad Jack forgave her. That tells me a lot about him,” A. K. said.

“If he agrees to go fishing, that’ll tell me even more,” Susan said and laughed.

Wesley opened the door to the office. “I’d better hit the road if I want to get everything done before tomorrow. You ready, Dylan?”

Dylan held up a bikini bottom. “Not my size.”

“You wear something like that, and I’ll be looking for a new partner.”

Susan slipped her arm around Wesley waist and walked him to the front door. He hugged her close and whispered in her ear. “I’m looking forward to a day on the water with you.”

“Me, too.”

Wesley climbed into his car, and Susan leaned in to give him a kiss. “Yes, I think it’s about time we had a little one-on-one.”

After Wesley pulled out of the parking lot, Susan returned to the shop. The rest of the day she and A. K. placed orders with suppliers for costumes and other accessories while Debbie and Sheila took care of the customers. It didn’t take long for A. K. to go over budget.

“Sorry, but if we want to make a good impression when we open, we have to have lots of merchandise.”

“I hope we turn a profit, and quick, or we’re going to be eating a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.” Susan rocked back in her desk chair. “Purple Pickle? Are you sure?”

“Trust me. It’ll grow on you. I’m going to call Jack and see if he’ll join us tomorrow.”

When she hung up, A. K. was giddy. “He said he can’t wait. I really do like that guy.”

“I can tell. Oh, look, Melanie is here.”

Susan stepped out of the office and called to her. “Come on back, Melanie.”

“This is the first time I’ve been in your shop. It’s really nice. Thanks for letting me interview for a job.”

“Have you met my partner, A. K.?”

“I’ve seen you at a distance. Nice to meet you.”

“Have you ever worked out in the public?” A. K. asked.

“Afraid not…but not because I’m antisocial. I enjoy people. It’s just that I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at home and raise my children.”

Susan took her hand. “Have a seat, Melanie. How have you been? And how are those adorable children?” Susan could have sworn some of the sparkle left Melanie’s blue eyes.

“It’s been tough on all of us. Andrew is really having a hard time. He and his daddy were close. Wesley said he was going to spend more time with the boy, and I’m grateful. He misses that father figure something terrible. And the bills keep mounting. I’m hoping this job will help.”

“I know it must hurt, but hold on to your memories, especially the good ones.”

“I hear you and Wesley are seeing one another. He’s a wonderful man. And I know he’s having a hard time, too. He and Terrance were like brothers.”

A. K. cleared her throat as if to get the conversation back on interviewing for a job. “We’re looking for a full-time employee, Melanie. Will your children pose a problem?”

“Not at all. Terrance’s mother lives in the same subdivision and has volunteered to pick up the kids from school and stay with them until I get home.”

“That sounds great. Debbie and I are going to work the costume shop when it opens, but Sheila will swap with Debbie from time-to-time. They’re the best and will do everything they can to help you learn the ropes. You still interested?”

“Indeed.”

“Then we need to talk salary and hours. Both stores will open at nine and close at five, and you’ll have a thirty minute lunch break. While I can’t start you at the same level as Debbie or Sheila, you can work your way up to their salary, and you’ll also be paid a commission on your sales. Recently, we joined with other mercantile businesses so we could offer reasonable health insurance. Is fifteen hundred a month agreeable to start?”

“That would be wonderful. I have very little outside expenses. I live within minutes of the shop, my home is paid for, and my mother-in-law refuses to take anything for watching the children. When can I start? Oh, that’s right…the building for the costume shop isn’t finished yet.”

“That’s not a problem,” Susan said. “I’d like to start you off in the Bawdy Boutique and oversee your training. We’ll operate the same in both businesses, so you can transition when you’re ready. Is next week okay with you?”

Melanie’s eyes glistened. “You have been a Godsend to me. I’ll be here Monday morning at nine o’clock.”

“Wonderful, but first, you have to fill out these forms. Otherwise, the IRS might pay you a visit.”

After closing, Susan and A. K. stopped at Walmart and explained to the man in the sporting goods’ section about their fishing trip. He issued them a fishing license then helped them pick out a rod and reel combo, hooks, corks, and some artificial bait.

“This is a good time for sac-o-lait,” the man said.

“What’s that?” A. K. asked.

“I take it you’re not from here. Other places they’re called white perch. They bite best on blue and white jigs. Black and chartreuse is also a good color. It’s a little early for bream, but you might pick up a few.”

“Honey,” A. K. said with a smirk, “I can’t tell one fish from another, except maybe a shark or a whale.”

“I was a little girl the last time I used one of these,” Susan said, holding up a Zebco 33 and whipping the rod in the air. “Guess it’ll come back to me.”

“Sure will,” he said. “With that wrist action, you might be able to sling it a long ways, but you’re probably going to have to work on your aim. That tends to get rusty.”

“I’ve never even held a rod.”

“Don’t worry,” Susan said. “I’m sure Jack will teach you how to use it.”

The next morning, everyone gathered in the parking lot of the boutique. A blue sky with cirrus clouds promised a clear but chilly day. Susan had dressed warm with warm ups and a windbreaker, knowing how the wind could whip off the water. The others had dressed accordingly. Wesley and Dylan loaded the ice chest and fishing gear in the back of Wesley’s truck.

“Dylan, you think you can handle Debbie and Sheila?” Wesley asked.

“No problem.”

“Debbie knows the way, so we’ll follow,” Wesley said.

Debbie and Sheila climbed into Dylan’s 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The white body and black top made for a sporty combination. They drove to the front of the parking lot where they waited for the others to fall in line.

“Looks like they’re ready to roll. You sure you’re up for this, Jack?” Susan asked.

“I feel great. Glad y’all included me.” While he answered Susan, he never took his eyes off A. K. He opened his car door, and A. K. crawled into his dark, green Jaguar.

Not to be outdone, Wesley opened the passenger door of his truck.

“My lady,” he said with a sweeping bow.

“I seriously doubt royalty would be going on such an outing. Nevertheless, I appreciate the gesture.” Before buckling up, she leaned over and gave him a kiss.

“I like this day already,” he said.

“Couldn’t be any better.”

The caravan pulled onto the highway and headed for the marina.

Susan put her hand on the back of his neck and toyed with his hair. “Debbie and Sheila flipped out over Dylan. With such a friendly personality, I can’t help but wonder why he left his job in Mississippi. And how did he manage to stay single, or is he?”

“He’s divorced, and his ex is the reason he had to leave Gulfport. She ran an escort service and some of her girls took it to the next level. While they have casinos on the coast, they’re not Las Vegas, and prostitution is against the law.”

“That’s terrible. He must have been humiliated.” Susan thought about the situation for a while. “Dylan wasn’t involved, was he?”

“No, but the trial just about destroyed his family’s name. For the past three years it has hung over his head like a black cloud. It got to where he couldn’t do his job. Detainees were quick to throw it up in his face. Even worse, some of the town folks turned against him. It didn’t matter that he was innocent.”

“What about her? Did she get jail time?”

“A few of her girls did minor time, but she walked. The D.A. couldn’t prove she had any knowledge of the prostitution, and running an escort service is legal.”

“Is she still in Gulfport?”

“And Biloxi, Pass Christian, and Waveland. As the towns grow, so does her bank account. She’s not about to give up such a lucrative business. She’s got a lock on all the coastal towns. Dylan was hoping she’d take back her maiden name, but she didn’t, until recently. Seemed she liked turning the screw. That’s another reason he left.”

“It’s not fair. I can’t imagine being driven from the only place you’ve called home. I’m so glad I’m back, making a living, and loving every minute of it.”

“I agree, but there’s nothing he can do about it.”

“How did he manage to wind up here?”

“Dylan’s dad and Hammond’s sheriff grew up together and have maintained their friendship over the years. It was only natural for Dylan’s dad to reach out to him.”

“Does anyone else in the department know about Dylan?”

Wesley shook his head.

“Where is he living?”

“He found an apartment in Hammond. Why? You planning on visiting him?”

“Of course not, but I’m sure Debbie and Sheila will want to know.”

Jack’s turn signal blinked, and Wesley followed him off the highway. For the next mile, they dodged potholes the size of washtubs on a narrow and much abused blacktop. The road ended at the marina.

Music blasted from a pavilion located in front of the bar, and smoke billowed from barbecue pits. Trucks and empty trailers filled the parking lot. Dylan drove to the back and found a place against the woods. Jack and Wesley pulled in beside him. Stepping from the Tundra, Susan caught a whiff of something good cooking on the grill. This was the Palmetto she remembered. An easy-going, fun-loving community, not one involved in murder and mystery.

Debbie jumped from the Wrangler and pointed to three party barges floating side-by-side in the river and moored against the bank.

“We’re the one with the Jolly Rogers flag,” she said. “Haul your gear onboard, and then we’ll go get registered.”

“Be careful getting your rods out of the truck,” Wesley said. “They’re all tangled. Before leaving, I’ll show you how to secure a rod so that won’t happen again. Dylan, give me a hand with the ice chest.”

Once onboard, Debbie introduced her brother. “This is James, best pilot and fishing guide on the river.”

“That’s Captain James,” he said with a smile, and then gave the men a handshake. He wore a do-rag on his head, a big gold earring in his right ear, and skull and crossbones tee shirt tied off at the waist with a sash. Tucked into his make-shift belt was a toy flint-lock pistol. Despite his best attempt at pirating, Johnny Depp he wasn’t.

Debbie and James were definitely cut from the same cloth—both short, a little on the chubby side, and with an effervescent personality. Only their coloring was different. James had blue eyes and sandy colored hair peeked out from under his scarf.

“You better hurry and register,” James said. “We’re about to get underway.”

As Debbie led the way to the Rusty Nail, Susan looked back at the river and was amazed at the number of boats wobbling in the water. The majority consisted of aluminum John boats with modest outboards, but sprinkled among them were a few bass boats with big motors. The high-priced rigs looked totally out of place. This wasn’t a bass tournament, and chances were the smaller boats would out-fish them. There were places the larger boats couldn’t cozy up to.