Terror on Tybee Island (A Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Book 3) (13 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

L
ooks like death decided it was time to knock on her door,” Nana said.

“Or somebody determined that for her.” I looked at Mary Sue and tried to imagine a killer. I failed to picture her as a murderer. But I’d learned the hard way that even the gentlest of humans could become angry over wrongs done to them and their families, and then justify retaliation. Everyone will face this challenge in life and ultimately have to make a choice on how to react. Thankfully, most people rise to the challenge and realize the hard knocks of life can make you stronger.

Dee Dee reached across the table and jiggled my arm. “Trixie! You’re staring.”

“Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry. I took a trip and lost my way back.” I laughed, praying Dee Dee and Nana would join me. Their laughter was music to my ears. Even Mary Sue was gracious enough to laugh with me.

“Ladies, it’s time for me to go back to work. I can’t imagine how my sad story can be of any use to you, but I hope it helps Laura in some way.”

I covered her hand with mine. “Thank you. I’m sure it wasn’t easy dredging up old memories.” Her doleful eyes reflected the pain in her soul. I was familiar with the agonizing hurt remembrances could trigger. All I had to do was conjure up thoughts of Wade.

I was thankful, through Dee Dee’s companionship and her strong faith, I’d learned to let go of some of the past hurts. Friendship like ours was as sweet as the nectar of a honeysuckle on a summer’s day.

The bell on the door tinkled and Mary Sue yelled “have a seat,” breaking the mood. She grabbed a handful of dishes and left to return to a job Grace had forced her to take. Could the reminder day after day of what she had lost, of the added anguish of her child’s pain, drive her to seek revenge? I didn’t know, but I intended to find out.

“I don’t know about y’all, but I’m plum tuckered out. How about we go back to the bed and breakfast and rest up?” Dee Dee stood up and stretched.

“Sounds like a wonderful idea.” My knee ached a little and the respite would bring sweet relief.

“Times a’wastin’. I think we should move on to the next person on the list.” Nana was certainly a little fireball of energy. “And don’t even think about rolling your eyes, Missy.”

I wouldn’t dare.
“Nana, I wouldn’t think of it.” I linked my arm with hers as we walked to the car.

“Humph.”

Dee Dee grabbed Nana’s other arm and we strolled along like the three Musketeers.

As we drove away from town, we left the crowd behind and headed to Seaside Cottage. I looked forward to a breather. Afterwards, Dee Dee and I could get together and regroup. Tomorrow we could drive to Savannah and interview Grace’s ex-husband, Bert, and get back in time to attend the Pirate Fest. And I wanted – no, needed – to call Beau. I realized how much I missed him.

“Do you think Laura would mind if George came over and ate with us tonight?” Nana had fallen head over heels for George. He was nice enough, but I wasn’t convinced he was on the up and up. If he came over tonight, I could pick his brain and maybe find out some personal information about him.

“I’m sure she won’t mind,” Dee Dee assured Nana. “Okay, who blocked the driveway with their Crown Vic?”

“Oh, no. That’s Detective Baker’s car. It can’t be a good sign he keeps showing up at Laura’s.” I pulled in behind him and parked.

When we entered, tension as thick as pea soup filled the room. Detective Baker and one of his cronies occupied the couch. Mama and Laura claimed the two wing back chairs. A coffee table laden with desserts and drinks sat between them. Laura, ever the gracious hostess, had made sure her nemesis was well cared for.

“Trixie, I’m so glad you’re back. Detective Baker’s been waiting to talk to you.”

“Me?” Suddenly, my knee throbbed. I plopped in the nearest chair.

“Yes, Ms. Montgomery.” He scooted to the edge of the couch, leaned forward with elbows on knees, and regaled me with his full attention. “It’s been brought to my attention you’ve been questioning some of the locals.”

“Yeah. Isn’t it great how she uses her work as an excuse to interview suspects?” Nana spoke between bites as she made her point by shaking a potato chip at the detective.

God please beam me up.
How could I love Nana so much and feel like killing her at the same time? “What Nana means is I’ve been interviewing people for my article on Savannah and Tybee Island and they just happen to know Grace. What a coincidence.”

“Yes, what a coincidence,” Detective Baker said in a mocking tone. Somehow I didn’t think he believed me.

Nana wouldn’t shut up. “That’s not what I meant at all. Trixie’s helped solve two murders and I’m sure she’ll be able to help you crack this one.”

Detective Baker’s face turned bright red. “Ma’am, I don’t need any help.”

Dee Dee jumped up and grabbed Nana by the elbow. “Nana, I need you to help me for a minute.” I shot her a grateful look. She gently pulled Nana up and escorted her toward the door.

“What do you need help with? I’m not through eating.” I could hear Nana grousing all the way down the hallway. I owed Dee Dee.

Laura sat with her mouth agape, and Mama shook her head. I could have sworn I saw a hint of a smile appear on the Detective’s partner. I should be used to Nana’s antics by now, but I had a terrible urge to pull up a rug and slink under it like a snake going into its hidey-hole.

The Detective managed to speak. “Ms. Montgomery, your reputation precedes you. I know you have a habit of sticking your nose into matters that are none of your business. I have no intention of letting you railroad this investigation. Do you understand?”

“Uh, yes sir, I do. But what about my job? I have to conduct interviews for my article.” I held my breath. If I couldn’t interview people, I’d never be able to help Laura.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

D
etective Baker eyed me long and hard before he answered. “You can conduct your interviews, but I’d better not get another call that you’re harassing people about this case.”

I exhaled. “Okay.” He didn’t say I couldn’t interview suspects. He just said it shouldn’t get back to him. I would have to be more subtle. And keep Nana at bay. “Detective, while you’re here, could you tell us if you’ve made any progress in finding who the killer is? I’ve gathered that Grace made a lot of enemies.” I figured it wouldn’t hurt to remind him other people besides Laura might have wanted to kill Grace.

“Ms. Montgomery, I’m well aware of Grace’s personality, but Laura has a strike against her the others don’t. Her fingerprints were all over the murder weapon. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” Detective Baker and junior Detective Taylor left without a second look.

“I don’t know what you wanted me for, Dee Dee,” Nana said. She came in the room, Dee Dee trailing behind her. “You could have picked out what you wanted to wear without me. Oh well, I understand why you’d want my advice. I just don’t understand why you needed me right when I was talkin’ to the detective.”

Dee Dee gave Nana a shoulder hug. “Thanks, Nana. That yellow and orange outfit will be the talk of the town.” She looked at me. “Did the detective leave?”

“Yes, and I’m glad because I’m about to drop. Anyone ready for a nap?” Dee Dee was the only one who took me up on my offer. We headed upstairs and plopped down on our beds.

“Trixie, do you have any thoughts on who might have killed Grace?”

“I’m not sure, Dee. I figure when we finish interviewing everyone on our list we can go to Detective Baker and give him the information we’ve gathered. I know he’s going to be mad we interfered, but I don’t think there’s anything else we can do. It’s too dangerous to go after the killer, even if we have an idea who it might be.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Have you decided on the big question yet?”

“What big question are you talking about?” Of course, I knew what she was talking about. I just wanted to pull her chain.

She grabbed a pillow and threw it at me. I felt a cool breeze as it whizzed by. “You know exactly what I mean.”

“I know. I thought we could use a good laugh.”

“You’re right about that, but you’re not going to make me forget my question.”

“I haven’t had much time to think about Beau with my focus on the murder investigation, but it’s been in a corner of my mind. Maybe I’m afraid to consider it. Dee Dee, he’s so good to me and he’s such a good Christian man. With that combination you would think I couldn’t go wrong. I don’t know why I have this niggling feeling in the back of my mind: what if?”

Dee Dee came over and sat next to me. “Trix, you’ve been through a lot. I know it was hard on you when Wade up and left. Once you’ve been betrayed by the one person you think will protect you, it’s hard to trust again. But Beau isn’t Wade. There comes a time when you have to let go and let God.”

“I know, Dee Dee. You’re right; Beau is nothing like Wade. I know in my heart what the answer is. I’ve known since he asked me. It’s just saying the words out loud. Oh well, in the words of Scarlett O’Hara, ‘oh fiddle-dee-dee I’ll think about this tomorrow.’” She squeezed my hand and returned to her bed. Before I knew it I heard soft snoring.

I turned toward the wall and tried to stop the thoughts that swirled in my head. Finally, sleep called my name. My dreams were more confusing than when I was awake. Grace ran along the beach holding a garden gnome yelling, “You killed me, you killed me!” Laura ran after Grace yelling, “I didn’t do it. Give me back my gnome.” Nana, dressed in a hot pink two-piece bathing suit, ran after Laura yelling, “Wait for me. I’ll help you solve the murder.” Last but not least, Dee Dee and I brought up the rear yelling and flailing our arms. I was unable to decipher what we said.

“Hey, wake up.” I looked into the familiar face of Mama. “Were you running from someone? Your feet were churning the covers.” Mama chuckled softly. It was good to hear her laugh. Even at my expense.

“Something like that.” I stretched my arms above my head and emitted a loud yawn. “I must have been wiped out.” I reached for my cell phone I’d placed on the bedside table. “What time is it? I haven’t missed dinner have I?” My phone showed the time was a little before six.

“That’s why I came up to get you. Everyone’s gathered downstairs. George arrived a few minutes ago.” Mama sat down beside me. “Trixie, I want to tell you how much I appreciate you and Dee Dee helping Laura. I felt so bad for her. I’ve known Laura for years and I feel strongly she couldn’t have murdered Grace.”

“Mama, I don’t say it enough, but I appreciate all you’ve done for me. You lifted me up when I was lower than a snake’s belly and helped me back on my feet. I love you.” I could feel the tears pooling in the corners of my eyes.

“Aw, honey.” She comforted me in a bear hug. “I love you, too.” I noticed I wasn’t the only one with teary eyes. “Come on; let’s go get something to eat.”

“Okay, let me freshen up and I’ll be down in a minute.” I didn’t want to scare anyone with my porcupine hair. A few minutes later I descended the stairs. I looked around and noticed everyone was present. Dee Dee, Nana and George were at one table. Mama, Laura, and Ellie Sloan were at another. Harold and Cassie Daniels sat at another table.

Laura jumped up and headed toward the kitchen. “Now that we’re all here I’ll help Louise serve.” Once again, Louise outdid herself. They placed the feast on a central table and everyone served their own plates. We dined on baked ham, slaw, potato salad, baked beans, green beans, and biscuits. We had a choice of peach cobbler or seven layer chocolate cake for dessert.

We sat around the table and talked between bites of delectable food. Nana recounted the events of the day to George. I didn’t feel comfortable with her sharing information, but didn’t know how to stop her without causing a scene.

The door to the kitchen opened and in scurried Captain Jack. Laura stood up and started toward the cat. “Oh Jack, what are you doing in here?” He scooted past her and ran under our table.

Dee Dee reached under the table and scooped him up. “Look! He has something in his mouth.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

D
ee Dee pulled out what appeared to be a piece of jewelry from Captain Jack’s mouth. As it was covered with sand it was hard to tell. She took a cloth napkin and dipped it in a water glass. Each swipe revealed a little more of the treasure.

“May I?” George grabbed the piece from Dee Dee. His eyes widened. “Cartier pink gold with diamonds.”

Those of us sitting around the table gaped. By this time the others in the room wondered what was happening. Laura voiced her query. “What is it?”

An animated Dee Dee spoke up. “It’s a bracelet. Captain Jack’s found a diamond bracelet.” Everyone rushed over to take a look.

Harold Daniels let out a long whistle. “Look at those diamonds.” He grabbed for the bracelet. “Finders keepers, right?” George drew his hand back a lot faster than I thought a man his age could move.

“Uh, I think this is something we need to call Detective Baker about. After all, Captain Jack was at the scene of the crime. This could be some kind of evidence. Does anyone recognize the bracelet?” Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Ellie leave the room. “I can hold onto it until the authorities arrive.”

“No.”
Well, that was to the point.
What was going on with him? “What I mean is, I will keep it safe until Detective Baker gets here.”

Not wanting to start a scene, I let it go. I called the detective and relayed his message to the others. “He’ll be here in about an hour and he wants everyone to be available when he arrives.”

“Why don’t I get Louise to make a fresh pot of coffee? We can leave the desserts out and you can help yourselves.” Laura walked over to where I stood. “Do you think this might be evidence from Grace’s murder?”

“I don’t know, Laura, but Captain Jack was digging around Grace when I found her body. I remember him running away.”

“I can’t picture her owning a Cartier bracelet. She’d squeeze a nickel until it screamed.” Laura lifted an eyebrow. “Why would she have it in her possession?”

“Good question. Maybe Detective Baker can check it out.”

“I think I’ll help Louise. Staying busy keeps my mind off things.” She shook her head and wrinkled her brow. “I don’t look forward to seeing him again.” She walked over, whispered in Mama’s ear, and then they headed for the kitchen.

I noticed Harold and Cassie Daniels sitting in the living room. This would be a good chance to talk with them. Dee Dee and Nana sampled the coffee and desserts. George had disappeared. I contemplated why he was so interested in the bracelet, but he wasn’t about to share the reason with me. I intended to find out, though.

I poured a cup of java and sat down across from the Daniels. “This has been an interesting evening.” I took a sip of the hot liquid and savored the flavor. It tasted delicious.

“Yeah. I told Cassie I didn’t want to come to Tybee Island. And I sure didn’t want to stay at a bed and breakfast.” He said ‘bed and breakfast’ like it was a dirty word. “It’s like staying with distant relatives that you hardly know. Now look what’s happened. We’re right smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation.”

Cassie’s face flushed. I’m sure her husband’s little tirade embarrassed her. “Daniel, you don’t have to be rude. I’m sure Trixie doesn’t want to hear you whine.” She took a sip and turned to me. “I’m sorry, dear. This has been hard on both of us. When Harold retired we thought we’d be able to find some peace and quiet through travel. It seems we’ve gotten just the opposite. It’s terrible what happened to Grace, and even worse Laura seems to be the main suspect.” She shook her head like she couldn’t believe they’d landed in the middle of this mess.

“I’m trying to help Laura by asking everyone where they were Monday evening. Do you remember what you were doing?” I crossed my fingers they’d be willing to talk.

“What do you want us to do? Incriminate ourselves to get Laura off the hook?”

Cassie sucked in a breath. “Harold! Why are you being so rude? Trixie’s just trying to help, and we don’t have anything to hide.” She turned toward me. “We went for a walk on the beach after we ate. Then we decided to go downtown and look around. We came home around ten and went to bed early. We were wiped out from the drive.”

“You can ask that girl, Ellie. She was downtown, too, with that Porter fellow. Both of them saw us.”

“Really? She was with John Porter?” This definitely put a twist on things. I felt stronger than ever she knew Porter before they arrived on Tybee Island. But why would they hide the fact they knew each other?

“That’s what I said.”

Cassie shrank into herself. I sensed her husband’s brusqueness often embarrassed her.

We sat silent for a while eating cookies and sipping our coffee. The doorbell interrupted our muse. Laura slowly walked toward the door as if she were walking to a firing squad.

“Good evening.” Detective Baker and his ever-present sidekick Detective Taylor entered the room. “I want to talk with everyone who was present when the bracelet was discovered.”

I volunteered my assistance. “I’ll be glad to round them up.” It took a few minutes to find Dee Dee and Nana, who’d stepped outside for some fresh air. Everyone else was in the house. Except for George.

“Uh, I can’t find George.”

“Did someone say my name?” George walked up, dapper as ever. Not a worry line etched on his mature face.

“Could I see the bracelet in question?”

George reached into his pocket and slowly pulled out the now sparkling clean tennis bracelet. Oh my goodness. What did he do to make it look brand new? I had a hunch Detective Baker wasn’t going to be happy with this. Why would George take the initiative to tamper with evidence? This brash decision added fuel to my suspicions of him.

The detective reached for the shiny bracelet. “Is this what it looked like when it was found?” He looked directly at me. “I thought you said it was covered with sand.”