Loco Motive (25 page)

Earl went to the far end of the car. The cousins followed at a discreet distance. As soon as he'd served his customers, Judith asked a question. “Have you seen the redhead who was traveling with Mr. Weevil?”

Earl thought for a moment. “Pretty lady, but kind of sour? I saw her pass through a while back.”

“Going this way?” Judith asked, pointing toward the dome car. Earl nodded. “Haven't seen her since, though it's hard to notice when we're busy.”

“I understand. Thanks.” She smiled and moved on.

The dome car was crowded, but Pepper wasn't among the noisy passengers.

“Everybody seems to have lifted their spirits by lifting spirits from the bar car,” Renie noted. “I'll see if Pepper's getting a refill.”

“Okay. I'll check the coach cars in case Pepper's hiding out.” There were several empty seats in the first coach. Judith figured their occupants had gravitated to the club and dome cars. Many of the remaining passengers were asleep. Judith kept going. The other coach sections followed the same pattern. Giving up, she made her way back to the dome car. The train began to move just as she stepped inside. Stopping by the stairwell, she wondered why Renie was taking so long. Before she could decide about going to the club car, two cowboy hats appeared before their owners came into view.

“Hi,” she said cheerfully as Jack and Rosie Johnston stepped into the dome car.

“We're finally on our way.”

Jack tugged at his hat brim in a courteous gesture and mumbled hello. Rosie offered a toothy smile. “That's right,” she said. “You're a sleeping car neighbor. Mrs. Flynn, isn't it?”

“Call me Judith. You missed some excitement from the room between us.”

“What kind?” Rosie asked.

“Mrs. Kloppenburg had a heart attack,” Judith said. “They took her to the hospital in Malta.”

Rosie gasped. “Really?” She turned to Jack. “We wondered why that ambulance was by the station, didn't we?”

“You did,” Jack said, moving into the aisle. “Let's go. I'm beat.”

“It has been a long day,” Rosie murmured. “G'night, Mrs…. Judith.”

The Johnstons hurried off. Before Judith could see if there were any vacant seats, Renie emerged from the stairwell.

“It's still a zoo down there,” she said. “But no Pepper. I did see the Cowboy Hats while I was at the back of the line, but they left.”

“I know,” Judith said. “They were in a rush. At least he was. I couldn't get a good look at Jack to see if he was the same guy we saw earlier. His hand covered most of his face when he made a halfhearted attempt to tip his hat and then he hustled Rosie out of here.”

“That sounds a little suspicious,” Renie said.

“Yes.” Judith sighed. “Let's see if Pepper's in the accessible bedroom.” She gestured at the soda cans, pretzels, and packs of gum Renie was holding. “You replenished our snacks—again,” she said as they started for the car's exit.

“You know me,” Renie said as Judith opened the door. “I see a line of people with food at the other end, and I have to join it.”

“Sad but true,” Judith allowed.

The train had picked up speed, trying to make up for lost time. The cousins didn't speak again until they got to their compartment.

“Are you sure you want to go downstairs?” Renie asked, set
ting the snack container on the table. “It's risky while we're traveling this fast.”

“Confronting Pepper is risky if we're standing still,” Judith noted.

“But it's harder to hit moving targets.” Renie ripped open the pretzel bag and stuffed a handful in her mouth. “Lethgo.”

Judith scowled. “You sound like Emily with your mouth…” She stopped at the top of the stairs. “Where did Emily find the camera?”

Renie swallowed before she answered. “Where I dropped it when the truck crashed into the train.”

“You didn't see the camera there?”

“I wasn't looking for it,” Renie admitted. “I thought we'd derailed. Meanwhile, you were having some kind of fit.”

“It wasn't a…skip it. I want to know exactly where Emily found it.”

Renie clapped a hand to her head. “Don't tell me we have to see that brat again. Emily. Pepper. Charles Manson. Jack the Ripper. Torquemada. Anybody else on your visiting list?”

“Stop. You're going to make me crazy before we get to Boston.” Judith gave Renie a shove. “Go. Down. Stairs.”

With a huge sigh, Renie began her descent. “Abandon hope, all ye—”

“Stop! Even I can go faster when you're dragging your butt.” At the bottom of the stairs Judith poked a finger at Renie's chest. “Stay out of sight. Sound, too. Hide in one of the bathrooms.”

“Gee,” Renie said innocently, “I wish I'd brought my crossword puzzle. If you don't come out in an hour, I'll organize a search party.”

Ignoring the remark, Judith headed for the family room. She made sure Renie was out of sight before knocking. Courtney responded almost immediately.

“Oh, hi,” the younger woman whispered, looking frazzled. “I just got the children settled. Was your camera okay?”

Judith cursed herself for not realizing that even Emily would be sleeping by ten o'clock. She figured the adventurous little girl was like a windup toy or else she ran on batteries—the heavy-duty variety.

“I won't come in,” Judith said, also whispering. “Yes, the camera's fine. Thanks again. But do you know where Emily found it?”

“I'm not sure, but somewhere near the stairwell. Or maybe the luggage rack,” Courtney said, looking uncertain. “She's so full of high spirits that I can hardly keep up with her. I think she's explored every inch of this part of the train. Curiosity is a wonderful thing in children, but I caught her pretending the duffel bag in the storage area was a pony and she was galloping around on it up and down the corridor. I'm afraid I…” Courtney was interrupted by a voice calling for mama. “Emily, go back to sleep, sweetheart.”

“I'll leave,” Judith said, but before she could move, Emily bounded into sight wearing a pink nightie that at first glance appeared to have a boxing gloves motif. Up close, Judith realized the brown items were chubby gingerbread boys.

“I wanna thee the big lady,” Emily said, staring up at Judith with critical eyes. “You go' thomding for me?”

“I'm afraid not,” Judith said, forcing a smile.

Emily stomped her foot. “You took my camer.” She pouted briefly before tugging at her mother's slacks. “No pwethenth. Can I thee the corpth?”

“Want to
be
the corpse?” Renie came through loud and clear.

“Whath dat?” Emily asked, zipping into the corridor. “Ith dat mean lady. I thaw her kill dat man wif a big gun, jus' like da Theel Athathin.” Emily pantomimed shooting.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

Courtney grabbed her daughter and hauled her back into the family room. “You shouldn't watch those violent video games,
darling. They could give you nightmares. Sorry,” she murmured to Judith. “I have to go now.”

“That's…”—the door closed—“…okay.”

Renie came out of the bathroom. “Serves you right.”

Judith shook her head. “You couldn't keep your mouth shut, could you? Why hasn't Bill killed you during the forty-odd years you've been married?”

“Some of those years
were
pretty odd, now that I think about it.”

“That happens,” Judith said, heading for the accessible bedroom. “Try not to screw up this encounter.” She knocked three times and waited. “Pepper must be in here, unless she got off at Malta.” She knocked again. There was still no response. “Damn! Dare we go in?”

A male voice from behind the cousins made them both jump. “Still looking for Pepper?” Wayne asked from his roomette's doorway.

“Yes,” Judith replied. “Is she down here?”

Wayne stepped into the corridor. “She must be. The door's locked. She was really drained by what happened today. Maybe she took something for sleep and she's dead to the world.” He winced. “So to speak.”

“So to speak,” Judith echoed, and hoped it was only a turn of phrase.

I
f,” Judith said to Wayne, “you're worried about Pepper, we could ask Jax to unlock the door.”

Wayne briefly considered the suggestion. “No. It's after ten. Pepper needs her rest. The last few days have been so hard on her. And then today…” He looked helplessly at Judith. “It's a shock. Willie was really tough. I figured he'd rally like he always did. But he…didn't.”

Judith felt gauche. “I must see her before she gets off at Wolf Point.”

Wayne cleared his throat. “She's going on to Chicago. Pepper decided against having Willie's body removed in Malta. The weather and our late arrival complicated things. I notified the undertakers to meet the train in Wolf Point. Final arrangements will be made after Pepper consults with family members.”

Judith was surprised. “They're in Chicago?”

Wayne flushed slightly. “Not all of them. It's…” He shook himself. “Sorry. I shouldn't talk about this, since you told me about the lawsuit.”

Judith put her hand on Wayne's arm. “Please hear me out. There's more at stake than a frivolous lawsuit. How long have you worked for Mr. Weevil?”

The question surprised Wayne. “Four years. Why do you ask?” Judith pointed to Wayne's roomette. “Can we speak privately?” Wayne appeared to be considering how much danger two ordinary middle-aged women might present. Judith had assumed a solemn yet kindly expression. For once, Renie looked almost amiable.

“I suppose we could,” he finally allowed, “as long as you don't intend to get me into trouble with Pepper. She's my liaison with Willie.”

Judith nodded. “That's fine. We're trying to figure out what's going on, and not just because of the lawsuit. There are some things about Mr. Weevil's death that don't make sense.”

Wayne looked surprised. “I don't understand. His heart failed.”

“I know,” Judith said. “Can we talk about that in your roomette?”

“Okay,” Wayne responded, stepping aside so the cousins could precede him. “There's only room for two on the couch. I'll stand.”

“I'd rather stand,” Judith said as Renie sat down. “One of the drawbacks of train travel is too much sitting.” Noting Wayne's wary expression, she quickly reassured him. “Don't worry. I won't ask any awkward questions. I'm interested in how well you knew him—and Pepper. Is her last name Gundy?”

“Yes,” Wayne answered readily. “Pepper's a nickname.” He uttered a faint chuckle.

“Her red hair, her temperament. She's a bit of a pistol.”

“Did you know there were other Gundys on this train?”

“No,” he said, seemingly surprised. “It's not a common name. Does Pepper know? They could be related.”

“I wondered, too,” Judith said. “She never mentioned them?” Wayne shook his head.

“Pepper never talks about family. She's all business. Willie was like a father to her. I figure her own dad is dead or he walked out. Pepper's mom died years ago.”

“Why's Pepper going to Chicago?”

“Her sister, Lynne, lives there. They keep in touch, but I don't know her.”

Frustrated, Judith cast tact aside. “Were Pepper and Willie lovers?”

Wayne burst out laughing. “No!” His face flushed again before he grew serious. “Oh, I see what you mean. They shared that big bedroom in your B&B. They often did that because Willie had been banned by so many hotels. For many years, he had a bodyguard who acted as his double and stand-in. But the guy died of an aneurysm or something. Willie was paranoid about people trying to take him on and show him up. That went back to his early days in Butte. Being a tough, macho guy was a big deal. Willie was always kind of small, so he got picked on even in grade school. To make up for his size, he started working out and learning martial arts, then moved on to cars and planes and motorcycles. But that made some locals jealous. On any given night in Butte's taverns, there was a drunk who'd challenge Willie. It got worse when he became famous. No matter where he went, there were plenty of macho types who'd pick a fight. But when he was making movies, he had to avoid taking on tough guys in case he got bruised or cut. That could delay filming, and time was money, so he hired a bodyguard.”

Judith was incredulous. “Can Pepper fend off an attacker?” Wayne nodded emphatically. “Oh, yes. She's trained in various martial arts. Pepper could put anybody out of action.”

Renie jumped up from the couch, staring daggers at her cousin. “I quit! Go see Pepper by yourself. I didn't sign up for combat duty.”

Judith was also disconcerted. “Maybe we can skip it.”

“That's the spirit,” Renie said, sitting down again.

Wayne seemed mildly amused. “Pepper wouldn't get physical, unless Willie was threatened. Basically, she's not a violent person.”

“You're saying Pepper never left Willie alone?”

Wayne nodded. “Only if she was certain there wasn't any kind of potential danger. I doubt they ever shared a bed. She brought along a sleeping bag.”

“Loyal,” Judith murmured. “Devoted.”

“Psycho,” Renie muttered. “Send her to Bill.”

Wayne looked puzzled. “Pardon? What bill?”

Judith ignored Renie. “My cousin and I are bowled over by Pepper's dedication. Was the original bodyguard as steadfast?”

“As far as I know,” Wayne said. “I never knew him, except that he was another Montanan. I'm from Denver. I'd never been to Montana until I got my job with Willie. I don't remember his name, but he probably got a credit in the movies he worked on.” He scratched his head and frowned. “It was a short first name, something that made me think of somebody on TV. Hank? No, that's not it. Dave?” He waved a hand in disgust. “It'll come to me.”

“It's not important,” Judith said. “The bodyguard must've been reliable as well as tough. Willie evoked strong feelings from people, both good and bad.”

“Definitely,” Wayne responded. “Willie inspired hero worship. I saw some of his movies when I was a kid, but I wasn't a big fan. I took the publicist job because I felt it'd look good on my résumé.”

“You must be handy with a camera,” Judith remarked.

“I'm workmanlike,” Wayne said. “I'm more into promotion and the media. I'm working on how to handle Willie's death in the media. Pepper won't talk about it, but it's big news. We've got to move on it ASAP.”

“Yes,” Judith agreed. “By the way, did you ever find your camera?”

Wayne's hazel eyes opened wide. “How did you know I lost it?”

“It's a long story,” Judith said, not giving away what had been a wild guess. “It involves Emily and the camera she found.”

“Emily.” He chuckled. “She's a little cutie, isn't she?”

“Ah…” Judith didn't dare look at Renie. “Very…spunky.”

“The camera she found was a different model,” Wayne said. “I used it last at your B&B.” He made a face. “Sorry. That must be a sore subject with you.”

Judith let the comment pass. “You didn't leave it there, I assume.”

“I thought I took it back to the hotel where I was staying. You were booked by the time I got around to making a reservation.”

A tap at the door was followed by Jax's voice asking if she could make up Wayne's bed. He looked at Judith. “Do you mind? Jax probably wants to finish her chores. She's had a rough day.”

“Go ahead,” Judith said, getting up. “Thanks for your time.” Jax was surprised to see the cousins. “Oh—hi.” She smiled weakly, but fatigue was obvious in her face and movements. Even her usually crisp white shirt seemed wilted. “Shall I do your beds after I finish here?”

“Sure,” Judith said. “I hope you're almost done for the night.”

“Yes, thank goodness.” She leaned against the doorjamb. “I couldn't find anyone on my first pass down here except for the mother with her kids, so I made up the other rooms anyway. See you shortly.”

“When do we get to Glasgow?” Judith asked.

Jax looked at her watch. “Probably before eleven at the rate we're going, then Wolf Point around midnight. Don't forget the time change.”

“We won't,” Judith said, nudging Renie to move on before she could start yet another harangue about daylight saving time.

Mr. Peterson was at the top of the stairs studying his clipboard. “Greetings, ladies,” he said. “Have you survived today's events?”

“We're okay,” Judith said. “It's harder on you than it is on us.”

“It's better than flying,” Renie declared. “If we'd been hit by a pickup at thirty thousand feet, we wouldn't be around to talk about it.”

“Um…” Mr. Peterson looked bemused. “I've never thought about that. This isn't a typical Amtrak trip. Still, we've had some passengers who left us.”

“Oh?” Judith said, bracing herself against the corridor wall as the train hit a rough section of track. “How many?”

Mr. Peterson studied his clipboard. “Not counting the Klop
penburgs, a family in coach whose children were panicky, a woman who thought she was having a stroke, and an elderly couple who apparently left the train in Scuttle. That's odd. I know them from other trips. They were going home to Wolf Point.”

“The Gundys?” Judith said.

Mr. Peterson's expression was curious. “You know them?”

“We were in the dining car when the tavern fight broke out,” Judith explained. “They left with a younger couple who'd stayed at my B&B. Their last name starts with
Z
.”

“Oh, yes.” The conductor studied his clipboard. “They're in B5, the other sleeping car. Jax made up their room, but didn't mention they'd gotten off.”

“They did,” Judith said. “I saw them with the Gundys in the motel parking lot when the train pulled out of Scuttle.”

Mr. Peterson looked flummoxed. “How peculiar.” He slid the clipboard under his arm. “Is Jax downstairs?”

“She was making up Mr. Fielding's bed when we left,” Judith replied.

Mr. Peterson nodded. “I'll ask her about the Zyzzyvas.”

“Excuse me,” Judith said before the conductor started down the stairs. “What happened to the state trooper?”

“Purvis? His superiors told him to get off in Malta.”

As the conductor continued on his way, Judith wondered why the trooper had been called away. Renie read her cousin's mind.

“At least Purvis can't grill you again,” she said. “You look beat. Let's sit and wait for Jax.”

Judith didn't argue. “I need more resources,” she declared as they entered their room. “Wayne's background on Pepper strikes me as strange. It doesn't suit Willie's macho image to have a woman as a bodyguard.”

“Read your book,” Renie said, taking out her crossword puzzle.

“Play solitaire.”

Judith sat down. “Want to play cribbage? Maybe I could beat you. Mother always wins when I play with her.”

“I've forgotten how,” Renie said. “Besides, we don't have a cribbage board. I suppose we could put a small one together with the rest of the cheese and use toothpicks for pegs, but that seems so wrong.” She got a pen out of her purse and studied the crossword.

“What's a six-letter word for ‘fiasco'?”

“‘Debacle'? No, that's seven.”

“I'll go the other way,” Renie said. “Ha! Got it. ‘Striped hyena-like animal' must be an aardvark.” She started putting in the letters.

“I didn't know aardvarks were striped,” Judith said.

“They must be because it fits.” Renie wrinkled her nose.

“You're right. Something's wrong here. The
v
doesn't work. ‘Aard'…what?”

“I don't know. What kind of puzzle is this?”

“The theme is ‘A TWO Z.' That indicates all the clues with question marks after them are words with two of the same letters in them.”

“Good luck.” Judith opened her time travel book, but after two pages, she slammed it shut when Prince Albert and Elvis went skiing with Julius Caesar. She'd found a P. D. James novel in her carry-on when Jax arrived.

“Sorry to bother you,” she said, still looking as if the next bed she made up should be her own, “but it won't take long.”

“We'll wait in the corridor,” Renie said.

The cousins stepped outside just as Matt came out of the Chans' roomette. He looked almost as weary as Jax.

“How's Laurie?” Judith asked.

“She's okay,” Matt replied woodenly. “I'm going down to the club car again to see if I can get her a sandwich.”

“Maybe,” Judith said, “she had a delayed reaction to the train collision.”

Matt looked ill at ease. “Maybe.”

Judith waited for him to elaborate, but he didn't respond. “I'll let you go on your way,” she finally said.

As Matt continued down the corridor, Renie sidled up to Judith. “You flunked a grilling session. You must be tired.”

Judith's shoulders sagged. “I guess.” Except for the clatter of steel wheels on iron tracks, it was quiet. “The Johnstons must have settled in for the night. If Jim Downey says he first saw Mr. Johnston with sideburns and then without, there's a reason for the men changing places. But what?”

“I've no idea,” Renie admitted.

Jax exited their room. “Is there anything else you need?”

“We're fine,” Judith said. “I'll set my travel alarm, so you can skip the wake-up call. Oh—did Mr. Peterson ask you about the
Z
couple?”

Jax frowned. “That's beyond weird. If they got off, they left some belongings behind. Maybe they got back on without anyone noticing.”

Judith kept her doubts under wraps. “I hope they weren't left behind. Did Mr. Peterson mention they'd stayed at my B&B last week?”

Jax was surprised. “No. So you know them. I can see why you're concerned. They seem like nice people.”