Read and Buried (21 page)

Chapter Thirty-six

Be careful of what you wish for, Gretchen thought.

DING DONG DEAD
—DEB BAKER

L
izzie turned quickly and glanced around the school parking lot. She had the distinct
feeling someone was watching her, but aside from a teacher parking his car, she was
all alone. For a few seconds, she regretted having asked Mark to remove the protective
cruiser.

She shrugged it off and gathered the casserole dish from the backseat, clicking the
alarm system on as she walked toward the school. Final day before vacation and the
annual staff Christmas luncheon in the staff room at noon. Her potluck contribution
was a red lentil casserole she’d actually made from scratch a couple of days before
and stashed in the freezer. She’d added sprigs of fresh parsley to complete the Christmas
color theme. It wasn’t often she felt the urge to cook but after seeing the photo
of the casserole in
Southern Living
magazine, she wanted to try it out.

She left it on the counter in the staff room and went down the hall to Vanda Striker’s
office. Still dark. In the main office she checked the bulletin board and, sure enough,
Vanda had taken the two days off. There was also a note that Ellen Germain would not
be in. Everyone else seemed to be assembling for the feast day.

She had nothing left to do so she offered to help anyone who needed it. She was snapped
up by a sixth-grade teacher and was asked to help sort workbooks for the next term.
At noon, they both followed the wonderful aroma down the hall and into the staff room,
which had been transformed into a Christmas tableau. Garlands of greenery had been
draped along the edge of the counters, tinsel dangled from curtain rods, and poinsettias
festooned coffee tables, bookcases and the fridge top.

Word had not turned into gossip about either Vanda or Ellen, for which Lizzie was
thankful. The chatter revolved totally around Christmas plans, who was flying out
to where, who had relatives coming in, how many gifts still needed buying and the
like. By the time they were into cleanup detail, Lizzie felt energized and eager to
get home and finish decorating. Finally, the Christmas spirit had arrived.

She stopped by Clifford’s Home Hardware on her way to pick up an extra extension cord
and while there, on a whim, chose an artificial holly wreath to hang on her door.

The cats were tuned in to the plans and sat awaiting her at the front door. She deposited
her purchases and sprinted upstairs to change. She snuck a quick peek out the bedroom
window but didn’t see anyone lurking about.
Silly of me.
The cats sat poised on the end of the bed awaiting directions.

She laid out her plan of action, grabbed the first bin of decorations she’d returned
upstairs to the office, and the cats followed her back downstairs. She poured a glass
of acai juice from the fridge, drank half of it and went back upstairs for the second
bin.

She took her time emptying the bins, pausing over the nativity scene and its memories
of her daddy fashioning the stable out of an old Arturo Fuente cigar box. The porcelain
figurines were in mint condition, although the shepherd had lost his crook when she
was still a child. She could almost picture her daddy’s big hands gently adding the
pieces to the stable, tucked into the cotton snow on the mantel in their old living
room.

The phone pulled her out of her reverie and she was pleased to hear Mark’s voice.
She glanced at the clock. Four thirty already.

“I was just leaving the office and going to walk Patchett. I thought I might come
by after and we can . . . discuss the case some more.” She could hear the suggestive
tone in his voice.

“As much as I’d like to talk about the case all evening, I’d really appreciate it
if you could help me choose and transport a Christmas tree.”
You have a Jeep, after all.

“Sure. We could start with that. See you in about an hour.”

What about supper, she wanted to ask? Should she assume he’d eat on the way or plan
something? Maybe she’d have some almond butter now to stave off hunger and just see
how it played out.

Lizzie grabbed her jacket and scarf when Mark arrived and ran out to the Jeep. He
drove to the other side of town and a lot that sold Christmas trees as a fund-raiser
for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“I didn’t even know this was here,” Lizzie admitted.

“I buy from them every year. They have some good quality trees here and it’s a good
cause. Now, how tall were you thinking?”

Lizzie stood on her tiptoes and stretched her right arm skyward.

Mark laughed. “Let’s say six feet for your space.”

“All right. That sounds manageable. I’d really like a pine.” They wandered along the
rows until Mark stopped and pulled out a nicely shaped Virginia pine.

“Perfect,” Lizzie said. “How much?”

The attendant appeared like magic and quoted her fifty dollars. She was tempted to
try and barter but she thought about the kids and knew that the few extra dollars
could help.

Mark managed to bundle the tree onto his roof racks and tie it down. They headed back
to her place and struggled to get it into the house. After securing it in the stand,
Lizzie added water and stood back to admire it.

“It fits so well. Very good choice, Mark. Thanks.”

He turned her to face him, wrapped his arms around her and said in a low voice, “Do
you know the only thanks I need?”

She didn’t trust herself to speak. “What?”

“Supper. I’m starving.” He kissed her lightly on the lips.

“Humph. Actually, I am, too. Let’s raid my freezer. You never know, we might get lucky.”

“That’s sort of what I was hoping,” Mark said as he followed her to the kitchen. She
noticed he took a thorough look around the room and peered outside. When he was satisfied,
he leaned over her shoulder while she checked the fridge. She frowned and bent to
sort through the items in the bottom freezer instead.

“Hmm,” he said. “Not a whole lot of choice. How about grilled cheese sandwiches?”

Lizzie stood, almost knocking Mark over. “I can do that. And they’ll taste just great
with some wine.” She pulled a bottle of Shiraz from the top cupboard and handed it
to Mark.

He unscrewed the top and found a couple of glasses in the cupboard, filling them and
passing one to Lizzie.

“To Christmas,” he toasted.

She joined him, “To Christmas. Speaking of which . . .”

“Let me go first,” he said. “I’d like to spend Christmas Day with you.” He looked
at her expectantly.

“Um, that’s pretty much what I wanted to say but I’d like you to spend it with me
at Molly’s. I usually visit my mama in the morning, then go to Molly’s for the afternoon
and turkey dinner. Would that be okay with you?” She waited expectantly, hoping the
arrangements would work for him.

He took a few moments to think about it. “That doesn’t leave us much alone time.”

She felt a tensing in her stomach, hoping he’d understand how important it was to
her to have some time with both her mama and Molly on Christmas Day. She took a sip
of wine and waited.

“Not wanting to plot this too heavily, but how about after you sing at the Christmas
Eve service, we go to my place and walk Patchett, maybe even give him his gift, and
then head over to your place? We could visit your mama and Molly after our Christmas
morning together.”

She couldn’t remember seeing such a look of insecurity on Mark’s face before. Like
all his hopes and expectations were out there, ready to be blown away if she chose
to do so. She realized he couldn’t imagine how happy that suggestion made her feel.

She put her wineglass down on the counter, removed his from his hand and placed it
down also and threw her arms around his neck. “I’d love to do that, Mark. It would
be a perfect Christmas.”

He kissed her until the tingle in her toes reached the top of her head. Both cats
jumped up on the counter, not wanting to miss out on some attention. The head butt
from Brie drew Lizzie back into the present and she glanced at the cat, then at the
stove, and shrieked.

Mark turned around and grabbed the fry pan, flipping the crisp grilled cheese sandwiches
into the sink.

“Oh my God. They’re ruined. This kitchen’s becoming a disaster area for me,” she wailed.

He put an arm around her and grabbed the phone, dialing with one hand. Before placing
an order for Chinese takeout, he kissed her on the forehead.

“Fifteen-minute service, guaranteed,” he said, hanging up. “Now, let’s just leave
this until later and we’ll finish our wine in the living room.” He handed her a glass
and gently shoved her in the direction of the settee.

By the time the food arrived, they still had most of their wine waiting, and had to
untangle to open the door. Mark took care of the food while Lizzie set the kitchen
table for two.

“Your holidays start tomorrow, right?” Mark asked between mouthfuls of General Tao’s
chicken.

“Uh-huh. Why, do you have an assignment for me?”

“Well, you could walk Patchett in the late afternoon, if you don’t mind.”

“Sure, but I was thinking something more along the lines of trying to shake some names
of Derek’s lovers out of Xenia Henshaw.”

Mark stiffened. “We had an agreement, Lizzie. I don’t want you talking to her, really.
Not until I get the analysis back. Promise me you won’t do that.”

Lizzie sighed. “Yes, I promise. But maybe there’s somebody else I can just casually
talk to for you?”

“That would be a ‘no.’ Why don’t you try some Christmassy pursuits instead? Like asking
me for a gift list and then spending the day trying to fill it.” He grinned.

“Huh. Who says I haven’t already found your gift?”

“So, I can go ahead and buy what’s on my list for myself?”

She tried to keep a straight face. “Well, not for another week. I’d like to take a
look at the list anyway. Just for fun.”

“Who would you want to talk to, just out of curiosity?” he asked.

She waved him off until her mouth was empty. “I’d like to go back to Calvin Knox.
I know he’s a remote possibility but he sounded like there was still a lot of anger
inside him. Did you check his alibi?”

“Yes, he was at work, although he made a delivery for the store around noon.”

“How long did it take him? Could he have made it here in that amount of time?”

“He tacked his lunch break onto it, so yes, he could have. But how would he have known
where to find Derek? Whoever shot him either had to know his plans for the day or
had to have been following him since he left the hotel. Knox doesn’t fit either of
those scenarios.”

“What if he hired someone to tail him?”

“A private eye? We don’t have many of those in Ashton Corners. And I’ve already checked
with the two we do have to see if either had a job keeping an eye on Alton. Neither
did.”

“Hmm. So, probably not Calvin Knox.”

“Doesn’t look like it. Besides, I don’t think he could afford it. But he’s not off
the list.”

“What about Sally-Jo, is she off the list?”

“No, but she’s at the bottom. Until the killer is behind bars, that list stays intact.
I’ll add to it but not subtract.”

“So, we’re back to the women in his life.”

“Seems the most likely. Lizzie, I know you’re anxious to help, but please, just don’t.
I’m not able to do my job properly if I’m worrying about you all the time.”

Should she tell him about feeling like she was being followed? Probably not. He might
put it down to foolishness or, on the other hand, reassign a car to tail her. Neither
appealed to her.

“I’d also like to point out, I’m off duty right now and I’d really like to get through
a meal without discussing the murder of Derek Alton.”

“Too late for that,” Lizzie said. “But, we can probably find something to do that
will take our minds off him.” She ran her fingers lightly up his arm.

He grabbed her hand, set aside his food and pulled her toward him for a kiss.

Chapter Thirty-seven

“Oh dear,” she murmured. This was the last thing she needed.

THE TEABERRY STRANGLER
—LAURA CHILDS

L
izzie woke feeling totally energized and ready to get on with her day. She dressed
quickly, fed the cats and was out the door within ten minutes. She looked around but
couldn’t spot anyone else out at that hour. She turned right and planned to do her
usual route in reverse. She did notice the Prius parked in Nathaniel’s driveway yet
again.

Her curiosity sensors were quivering but she decided Nathaniel would have to talk
to her; she couldn’t just come out and ask whom it belonged to. Maybe a relative was
moving in to keep him company, or even take care of him. He was aging. Maybe he wasn’t
too well. She hadn’t seen him much in the past couple of weeks and hadn’t really given
too much thought to him, what with everything going on.

Maybe she should stop over today and make sure everything was okay. She felt badly
that she’d been so wrapped up in her thoughts of murder that she might have missed
something right under her nose.

Just before turning into the park, Lizzie stopped abruptly and turned, searching for
movement. That feeling of being watched was back. She wondered if it was wise to take
the park path but, seeing nothing, decided to go for it.

Her senses tingled as she ran toward the main roadway at the entrance. She’d worked
her imagination up real good.
Stop it. No one is watching you. No one is around.
Only the squirrels, she added as two ran across her path.

By the time she got home, she’d managed to shake the fear and chided herself for being
such a wuss. She did some cooldown stretches, blended a protein drink, which she drank
standing at the counter, and went upstairs to shower.

Over breakfast, she made a list of her plans for the day. Christmas shopping was at
the top. Contrary to what she’d told Mark, she hadn’t bought any gifts as yet. Not
for anyone. She’d offered to take Stephanie to her doctor’s appointment at two
P.M.
and she had to finish decorating the tree. Well, start decorating it, actually. Not
much got done the night before. She smiled at the memory.

First stop in town was at Justine’s Frocks, where she picked out a poncho for her
mama. The deep rose color was her favorite and she knew the soft cashmere would appeal
to her sense of touch. She was leaving the shop when a mother-of-pearl hair comb on
a shelf near the door caught her eye.
Very Spanish senorita.
Molly would love it, she was sure. She left feeling pleased that two gifts were now
off her list.

She’d drawn Bob’s name in the book club gift exchange, and although she was tempted
to buy him an Agatha Christie, she thought that better left for Molly to do. She’d
stop by Clifford’s Home Hardware on her way home and pick up some handy-dandy new
tool. But she wanted to have gifts for Stephanie, who was to be at Molly’s for Christmas
dinner, and Andie, too.

She veered into Creamy Delights and was immediately caught up in the fragrances of
the shop. Some luxurious body cream would be a treat for Stephanie, she was sure.
She found some, thick and wonderful smelling, called Mango Memories. Pricey but certainly
something Stephanie wouldn’t be able to buy herself. Not for a long time. She wondered
if Andie would like something from the shop.

She realized just how hard this gift would be to choose. She had no idea if Andie
was into creams and fragrances. She wouldn’t dare choose any item of clothing, especially
since her own tastes were nowhere near punk or gothic. Books were a possibility but
since they spent so much time with them, she wanted something totally different. She
let her eyes wander over the counters and displays. Nothing leapt out at her as the
“perfect gift.”

She sighed and hoped inspiration would hit before Christmas Day.

She couldn’t resist stopping at the Book Bin, which meant, of course, another book.
Maybe something for Mark but she had no idea what his tastes in reading were. Odd.

Lizzie waved at Jensey who was surrounded by desperate shoppers. Two high school girls
were also working the floor helping to relieve the pressure. One asked if Lizzie needed
any help but she declined. When she’d chosen a book for herself, the first in a new
mystery series by Jacklyn Brady, she took her place in line at the cash register.

Jensey looked harried but smiled at Lizzie when it was her turn. “Business is good,”
Lizzie commented.

“It will be like this all week. This is what keeps me going until spring,” Jensey
answered in a soft voice. “Are you all set for Christmas?”

“Just finishing off my shopping today.”

“You’re off school now?”

“Yes, for two wonderful weeks.”

“Nice for you. Are you singing at the Christmas Eve service at St. John’s again?”

“Yes. Will you be at the service?”

“Absolutely. It sets the whole tone for the season.”

Lizzie stared at Jensey for a moment, wondering if she should slip in a question about
Derek, but they’d been over it all before and she didn’t want to harangue her in front
of her customers. Next week when things calmed down, she’d be back in.

She dashed home for a quick lunch. She had some time to spare so she pulled out the
strings of lights and set about adding them to the Christmas tree. Edam and Brie appeared
without warning and batted the lights around as Lizzie tried to finish the job without
having the tree pulled over. She then distracted them with treats before running off
to pick up Stephanie.

She managed to read a few chapters of the new Jacklyn Brady book while she waited
for Stephanie’s appointment to end.

“Would you like to stop by the Oasis for a drink before going home? My treat,” Lizzie
said as she helped Stephanie maneuver back into the car.

“Oh, that’s real sweet of you, Lizzie, but I don’t think I can manage getting in and
out of this car too many more times. I’m just so tired of being so humongous. I can’t
wait for this baby to get here.”

“What did the doctor say?”

“Same as last week. ‘Any day now.’ Easy for him to say.” Stephanie looked like she
might erupt in tears.

“All right, I’ll take a rain check for an afternoon escape after the baby’s born.
We’ll get Andie to babysit and just have a quiet break. I’m sure you’ll need it.”

Stephanie chuckled. “I’m already looking forward to that. Thank you. I really am sorry
to be such a bother and I’m sorry I’m not helping out more with this murder thing.”

Lizzie glanced at her in surprise as she started the car. “Why, there’s nothing you
could be doing. It’s all up to the police now. Don’t you worry about it.”

“Well, I know you’re right but I also feel just so badly about your being shot at.”

Lizzie reached out and touched her hand. “Thank you for that, Stephanie, but the police
have it all under control. See, no police cruiser following me anymore. For all we
know, they may be closing in on the murderer right now.” She glanced around as she
said it, suddenly aware how vulnerable they were in that parking lot. And that feeling
of being watched had returned. She gave her head a slight shake.

“I’ll get you home and settled right quick. You’re planning on coming to Molly’s for
Christmas dinner, aren’t you?”

“Oh yes . . . if I’m still around. It’s been a long time since I’ve been part of a
really happy Christmas celebration. I’m really, really looking forward to it.” She
clapped her hands like a small child.

“And everything else is all right?”

“You mean the calls? I haven’t heard a thing from my ex-boyfriend since I told him
I was going to the police about harassment. That was a good idea. I think he got the
message. At least, I hope so.”

“Well, you remember to call right away if you hear from him or if you’re feeling spooked
at all.”

“I will. Thanks.”

They pulled up in front of the small two-story building where Stephanie rented the
basement apartment. Lizzie helped her out of the car and on the short walk along the
sidewalk, holding her purse while she unlocked the door.

“Can I get you something to drink? Help you tuck in?” Lizzie asked inside.

“No, I’m just fine. I’m going to go lie down on my bed for a short nap. I have some
soup that Molly brought over ready to heat up for my supper. And Andie’s coming by
later with a DVD for us to watch. Something with vampires in it.” She grinned. “Not
that it’ll be good for my blood pressure.”

Lizzie gave her a hug and let herself out. She glanced at the dashboard clock. She
had a little over an hour to get home, feed herself and then get off to choir practice.
She started humming “Silver Bells” as she planned her meal, something with three food
groups for a change.

Everyone had made it to the practice. Everyone who would be singing at the Christmas
Eve service, that is. Lizzie glanced around at the smaller but still well-balanced
group. Just enough sopranos, altos, tenors and basses for a full sound. Lucille winked
at her.

After the warm-up, Stanton Giles took them on a run-through of the service since many
of them were not members of the congregation. He spent more time on the parts the
choir would be leading, and after the break, he concentrated totally on the mass setting
and the anthem.

She felt invigorated by the time the practice was over and headed home eager to finish
decorating her tree. After adding the final ornament, a crystal ballerina her daddy
had bought her, which always had the place of honor near the top, she threaded some
wide red velvet ribbon around the tree then stood back to enjoy her masterpiece. She
had Christmas music playing on the CD player, a glass of wine at her fingertips and,
as she settled onto the couch, two cats instantly attached to her lap.

Eventually she dislodged the cats and searched for the list of code names that Derek
had been using. She found it on the counter by the telephone. She now had some new
names to add. And she had two code words without names
:
“ending”
and
“veritas.” The connections glared at her. Ellen Germain had to be “ending.”

The other name came as a shock. She only knew one person whose name started with a
“V.” Was Vanda Striker “veritas”? How had she missed that? She thought back to their
conversation about Derek. It hadn’t really raised any red flags. Maybe that’s why
Vanda hadn’t sprung to mind. But what was her secret? Surely not an affair with Derek
Alton? It boggled the mind.

She’d already denied knowing him. Lizzie would just have to come right out and ask
her. Was that what had really led to the divorce?