Dying for Dinner Rolls (3 page)

“Of course, if I were on that side of town today, I would’ve gone to your store instead.”

“I know. I’m just teasing you.”

“And when I’m at the Red and White, the Blue Belle Antique store is just down the street, so I always stop in there, too. Just today, I found some great things.”

“Like what?”

“A cute vase, which looks old, came in a grab-bag-type box called a mystery box. It’s simply gorgeous and works perfectly with the new color scheme in the sitting room.”

“What colors did you go with?”

“Modern cool colors with an eclectic touch.” Lucy adjusted her magenta-rimmed glasses that matched her billowy blouse. Her chestnut hair was twisted in a loose chignon bun, with a few strands of gray hanging around her face. “Here’s a picture I took of the room this morning.”

She turned her cell phone toward me. The walls were decorated with picture frames holding black-and-white photos. A white leather sofa with turquoise and tan throw pillows sat atop a block-print rug. A gorgeous blue and white vase with yellow roses, a stack of books, and a few other tasteful knickknacks adorned the oversized white shabby chic square coffee table.

“Very artsy,” I said.

“I’m telling you, after all these years decorating clients’ homes, it sure is nice to finally have time to focus on my own.” Lucy stirred Splenda into her iced tea.

“I bet.” Then I noticed a large bandage wrapped around her right hand. “What happened?”

She put her phone back in her purse. “Burned myself taking out the pie. It’s no big deal, really, other than now it’s a little difficult to grab things with it. It’s fine; I dabbed a little aloe on it.”

“Good.”

“Oh, before I forget, that same box ended up containing five adorable dinner plates with the vase. Anyway, one of the plates was wrapped in the newspaper crossword puzzle page. Some of the spaces were filled in with purple ink and the words ‘Your next.’ This was not only misspelled, but also not the correct answer to fourteen down.”

It felt like a metal wrecking ball collided with my stomach. “Do you think the message was meant for you?”

“No way. I have no enemies. Besides, everything was already wrapped in the box before I even bought it. So it’s not like anyone even knew that I’d be the one buying the box.” Lucy shook her head. “Just saying, it may have nothing to do with that night, but I knew you’d want to know.”

“Thanks.” Was it pure coincidence or another clue to help solve my dad’s death? My gut twisted as a chill ran down my spine.

“I brought it here.” Lucy pulled the paper out of her large, multicolored, quilted handbag and gave it to me. “Should we show José?”

I held the paper as though it were dusted with arsenic. It was dated a week ago. My insides twisted. Could the same person who killed my father have done the crossword?

As if on cue, José entered the room. “Sorry, I had to take that call.”

We got José up to speed on our conversation. I handed him the newspaper.

“Cat, I know why this worries you.” José looked me in the eye. “I’ll try to make a few calls and see what I can find out.”

“Thanks.” I felt my eyes well up.

José put his hand on my shoulder. “You know I’ll help you for as long as it takes to find an answer that’ll give you closure.”

“You’re a good man, José. Let me give you some sugar.”

He leaned down to meet me as I gave him a peck on the cheek.

“Still doesn’t do anything for me, but thanks.” José smirked.

I pointed to the paper in his hand. “Maybe this is finally the break I need.”

Lucy held up her tea glass. “Here’s to you finding an answer, and here’s to me finding ways to keep sane while Bert’s retired.”

“Cheers.” I clinked my glass to hers.

Bezu entered the dining room, Annie Mae at her heels. “Pardon my interruption, but I’m afraid dinner is a little delayed. My oven has been acting up. I’ve underestimated the time it takes to cook the vegetables. They still need about a half hour.”

Annie Mae set down a glass bowl full of salad on the table. “Have some salad while we wait.”

Bezu placed two bottles of dressing and wood tongs next to the salad.

“Before I forget, these are for you Annie Mae.” Lucy offered Annie Mae the bag of peaches.

“Thank you. You’re always so thoughtful.” Annie Mae held the bag. “I hope that you didn’t go out of your way to get these.”

“Nope,” Lucy said.

“I’ve been busier than a moth in a mitten.” Bezu began to pace. “I thought I had some fresh bread to serve with our meal, but I can’t find it. I feel like the most incompetent hostess.”

“I told her we don’t need any bread, but you know how Bezu gets when she’s stuck on a thought.” Annie Mae turned up her hands.

“I have some fresh dinner rolls I just got today. Let me scamper home and get them.” Lucy stood and slung her purse over her shoulder. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. By then, supper will be ready.”

“No, don’t bother yourself,” Annie Mae said.

“Yes, please don’t,” Bezu added.

“I absolutely insist.” Lucy walked to the door. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

“That is so very kind of you,” Bezu said.

“I’ll go with you,” José offered.

“Me, too,” I added.

Lucy held her keys in her hand. “No. No. Don’t be silly. I’ll be back in a flash.” Lucy blew us air kisses and left.

“What a sweetie, huh?” Bezu uncorked a bottle of red wine.

“She’s one of a kind, that’s for sure.” I also hoped that the crossword puzzle Lucy found was one of a kind and not related to anyone else’s death. Yet, the hairs on my arms stood on end.

Thirty minutes passed, and Lucy had not returned. Several times, we tried phoning her, but the call went directly to her voice mail.

I looked at my cell. Still no missed texts from Lucy. The crossword puzzle with purple ink really bothered me. Paranoia drenched my thoughts to the point where I had to do something. “I need to go to Lucy’s house.”

“Cat, she probably got caught up in something and forgot about the time.” Annie Mae put her hand up. “And dinner is ready.”

“I’m sure she’ll be here any minute.” Bezu fidgeted with her pearl necklace. “However, it’s unlike Lucy not to answer her phone.”

Looking out the window at Forsyth Park, I hoped to see Lucy heading up the walkway. A few joggers ran by, followed by a couple pushing a baby in a stroller. “I have to see what’s going on and if she’s okay.”

Annie Mae huffed. “You’re being fearful for no reason.”

“Maybe.” I turned on my heels. “But I’m going to her house.”

“I’ll come, too.” José stood. “I need to stretch my legs anyway.”

“What about dinner?” Annie Mae asked.

“It’s not good manners to eat without everyone here. I’m joining y’all, too,” Bezu said.

“You’re going to find her in the middle of a project she got caught up in and lost track of time. You know how she sees something out of place, and next thing you know, she’s redecorated the whole room.” Annie Mae made a circular motion with her finger.

“If that’s the case, then we can speed her along and get her back here so we can have dinner.” I grabbed my purse, feeling a little sick to my stomach. I worried enough for a hundred people. Yet I didn’t know how to stop my spiraling thoughts filled with doom.

“Fine, then. I’ll go as well, since Bezu said we can’t eat without Lucy.” Annie Mae stood.

Bezu turned off the oven, and Annie Mae put the salad back in the refrigerator. José wrote a note and put it on the front door, just in case Lucy showed at the house.

The four of us walked along the tree-lined sidewalk in Forsyth Park, over to Lucy’s house. The hot air coated my skin in a blanket of thick moisture. Spanish moss hung like cotton candy from the live oaks on either side of the path. Draping tree branches provided a canopy of shade from the late afternoon sun. We walked around puddles from recent rains.

“Why the hell did we decide to walk?” Annie Mae sputtered as she gasped for breath. “I sure as hell did not get my PhD and work all those years at the university to finally retire then die of heatstroke.”

“Stop griping,” José said to Annie Mae. “You’re a woman of leisure now. How would you like to put your life on the line everyday like I do?”

“What the hell has that got to do with anything?” Annie Mae retorted.

“Everything and nothing,” José shot back and grabbed Annie Mae around her waist. He gave her a big squeeze.

“You let go of me now.” Annie Mae giggled. “I’m calling the police on you for aggravated assault.”

“I am the police.” José let her go as he playfully patted her bottom.

“All right, you two, cut it out,” I joked. “Jeez. My kids are better behaved.”

“Which set? Your teen boys or the little girls?” Bezu asked me.

“Both.” I tapped José on the arm. “Behave.”

“I didn’t get a chance to talk to Lucy,” Bezu said.

“Neither did I.” Annie Mae smiled. “She sure is thoughtful. I can’t wait to eat those peaches.”

“Cat, you had time to chat with her. How is Bert’s retirement going?” Bezu asked.

“I bet she finds any dang excuse she can to keep him out of her hair now that they’re both retired,” Annie Mae panted. “When I still had my Ernie, if he’d get under foot, I’d send him to the hardware store to buy a little box of something. I have a whole garage packed full of nuts, bolts, and screws.”

“As usual, she’s busy decorating.” I lifted the hair from my warm neck and pulled it into a ponytail. “She just redid her sitting room.”

“Her taste is absolutely exquisite.” Bezu fanned herself with her hand. “It’s hotter than blue blazes. Thank goodness, we’ve only got one more block.”

“I feel like I’m melting.” I wiped the perspiration from my forehead.

“Only the Wicked Witch melts,” José said to Annie Mae. “Annie baby, I’m going to miss you when you liquefy.”

“Good one. I guess you have a brain cell in that straw head of yours.” Annie Mae whacked José on the back with her purse.

“Assault!” Snatching Annie Mae’s purse, José put it on his arm. He swayed his hips, elbows at his side, forearms out front, and held his wrists limp. “I’m Annie. I’m sassy and politically incorrect as hell.”

“Stop. People are looking at us.” Bezu advanced a few feet in front of the group.

Annie Mae shook her hands about. “Who cares? You could waste your whole life trying to please everyone. All that worrying you do about what people think about you, and what you look like, and all that nonsense. You’re going to fret yourself into thin air.”

“Take that from an expert. Annie doesn’t please anyone.” José handed Annie Mae her purse.

“Why should I? I’ve got you crazy people who irritate the wits out of me. That’s all the aggravation I need.” Annie Mae grinned.

“We love you, too.” My insides twisted into knots worrying about Lucy.

“Thank goodness we’re here,” Bezu said.

We followed Bezu up the steps to Lucy Valentine’s house.

Bezu sighed. “Sometimes I’m embarrassed to be seen with you all out in public. Gracious, it’s like a circus show.”

“And who doesn’t love a circus?” I rang the bell. “Except for the creepy clowns—I hate adults dressed in costumes with their faces covered. It freaks me out.”

No one answered the door. We stood in silence for a minute.

I tried calling Lucy again. The call went to voice mail. “Where is she?”

“Move your sorry white behinds aside.” Annie Mae shouldered her way to the door. “This is how you get in.” She banged at the door with her fists and yelled for Lucy. All of Savannah probably heard her. Perhaps even South Carolina.

Still no answer.

“Apparently, Lucy is preoccupied, and we should use good manners and leave. Plus, I’m feeling a little faint from the heat and not eating.” Bezu straightened her floral sundress around her waist. She retrieved a tissue from her purse and dabbed the perspiration from her forehead.

We stood on the porch of the two-story yellow row house. The sweet aroma from a tea olive shrub nearby permeated the air.

I peered into the large front picture window. “The lights are on, but I don’t see her inside.”

“I say we go in.” Annie Mae looked through the glass panel in the door.

“Then we do it my way.” José jiggled the doorknob. He took something out of his pocket. I couldn’t see what he was doing. His back was to me.

“That’s a scary thought coming from a bomb guy,” I said.

“Y’all are making me anxious.” Bezu paced the porch.

“We’re in.” José opened the door. “Welcome, my ladies.”

“That’s called getting the job done.” Annie Mae made her way into the house.

We all followed, entering the sitting room first.

I darted my eyes around looking for Lucy.

“Y’all are absolute barbarians breaking in.” Bezu strolled about Lucy’s sitting area. “My oh my, it sure is nice and cool in here. Maybe I can get a beverage. I’m parched.”

“Holy smokes. That’s ugly.” Annie Mae stood in front of the love seat in the sitting room. She pointed to what looked like a paint-it-yourself, blue and white vase on the coffee table.

“I do declare. Not at all what I expected Lucy would ever purchase.” Bezu leaned into the vase, forming her pink lipsticked mouth into a pout.

“It looks like a monkey painted it.” José walked around. “But I love everything else.”

I shook my head. That vase sure looked better in the picture Lucy had shown me earlier. The yellow roses in the vase looked as though they had been shoved in, as a few of the stems were bent over, the flowers scattered on the table. Lucy was a neatnik, so I was surprised she’d leave anything lying around. I picked up the petals and put them in my purse to throw away later.

Annie Mae yelled, “Lucy!”

We began to walk down the wood-floored hallway, four sets of shoes clopping to the back of the house.

Bezu entered the kitchen first.

“Lucy,” I shouted.

“Lucy, I’m home!” José screamed like Ricky Ricardo had done on the I Love Lucy show.

“Okay. I’m seriously worried now.” My chest tightened.

“Me, too.” Bezu opened a closet door.

“Where is she?” Annie Mae poked her head into a sitting room.

“José, please call your people at the police department.” I ran into another room looking for Lucy. “Remember the crossword puzzle?”

“Everyone calm down,” José shouted. “Let’s search every room first.”

José and Annie Mae looked upstairs. Bezu and I explored the main level. The rooms were very much in order. A cross hung in every room. Fresh flowers sat in vases throughout the house. But it didn’t seem that anyone was home. Even though there were shoes near the front door, a sweater thrown over a chair, and dishes in the sink. My heart raced, and my hands began to shake.

I had this ominous feeling that something was wrong.

Really wrong.

We met back downstairs in the kitchen.

“Look here.” José held the panty door open and pointed at Lucy’s purse next to a clear bakery bag of dinner rolls on a shelf. He picked up the bag containing the dinner rolls. “They’re already cut in half, too.”

On the counter next to the sink sat a cutting board scattered with crumbs. A serrated knife lay near a knife block set—which had two slots empty.

Rocks formed in my gut. “This is not good.”

José dialed Lucy’s cell. We heard ringing coming from the pantry.

I ran in and picked up Lucy’s purse. Pulling out her phone, my hands shook. “Call the police now.”

“Hold on, Cat. Maybe a neighbor came by, and she got to chatting with them.” José went over to a window and pulled the curtains back.

“Maybe, but it may not have been a social call. They’re fighting with one neighbor, Ina Nesmith, over tree roots.” I began to pace the white-tiled kitchen floor accented with red, matching the red-and-white-checkered tablecloth.

“What are you implying?” José said.

“Things are not right.” I glanced around the kitchen. Nothing seemed out of place. Yet everything felt askew.

“Have you tried that back door?” Annie Mae pointed to a closed door near the rear of the kitchen leading to a mudroom.

“I’ll check it out.” José strode to the back.

He turned the handle and swung open the door.

Lucy lay on her back on the lime-green linoleum floor, dark red blood pooled around her left arm. Her wrist was slit open. A kitchen butcher knife lay near her right hand.

I screamed.

“Holy shit,” Annie Mae said.

“Oh my.” Bezu’s color drained from her face as she leaned against the kitchen table.

My knees buckled under me. I felt contents of my stomach lurch into the back of my throat.