Terror on Tybee Island (A Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Book 3) (14 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

D
etective, I take the blame for this.” George didn’t seem worried he’d destroyed evidence. “I’m somewhat of a jewelry connoisseur and when I saw this piece I couldn’t help it. I cleaned the bracelet up to see if it really was a Cartier. It is.”

Detective Baker stared at George as if he could see right through him. “Don’t you know not to tamper with evidence from a crime?”

“I’m sorry, sir. But we don’t really know it’s evidence from a crime, do we?” George had a point, but it was too much of a coincidence for Captain Jack to be running from the scene with something shiny in his mouth.

He exchanged an exasperated look with his partner. “It’s too late to do anything about your mistake now.” He looked around the room and made eye contact with everyone present. “If you find anything else,
do not handle it.
Put it in a plastic bag and call me immediately. Is there anything about those instructions you don’t understand?” Heads shook back and forth, accompanied by a chorus of “no.”

“Ms. Montgomery, I’d like to consult with you in my office in the morning. I want to go over your statement concerning the crime scene. For the rest of you, don’t leave the island. This is not over yet!” He turned so abruptly he almost bumped into Detective Taylor, who followed him like a baby duck following his mama.

When the front door closed on them for what I hoped was the last time that night, Laura spoke first. “I’m tired to the bone. I’m going to retire for the evening. Please treat this as your home. Louise will leave night-time snacks out for everyone. Good night, and I hope you have a restful sleep.”

I walked over to where she stood by Mama. Laura looked like she could use more than a night of peaceful sleep. Her hair needed a good comb through and her rumpled clothes looked as if she’d slept in them. She was bare of make-up and her skin revealed a sickly pallor. The bags under her eyes reminded me of a woman who’d given up on life. Memories of when I had been at my lowest, after Wade left, flooded my mind. I had been so thankful for the help my friends and loved ones offered. How could I not do the same for Laura?

Mama hugged Laura. “You’ll continue to be in my prayers. Let Trixie and Dee Dee do what they can and we’ll leave the rest up to God.”

“I want to believe everything will turn out all right, but it’s hard to muster up faith when you’re in the midst of the storm. I’m calling a lawyer tomorrow.”

I took the opportunity to give Laura a hug. “I understand how you feel. I’ve been where you are.” She gaped at me in disbelief. “Really? You’ve been accused of a murder?”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well, no. But I’ve been to the valley where it’s hard to find strength. Your friends’ faith can help strengthen your assurance. Before you know it, yours will be strong again.”
Wow, did I just give Laura a pep talk about faith?

It wasn’t that long ago Dee Dee had given me the same pep talk. I was a firm believer a friend could be a good influence and help you through the hard times. Dee Dee and Beau had proven it over and over. Now it was my turn to share that faith with Laura. She offered me a weary and not-so-sure smile, but at least it was an attempt.
Dear Lord, please help me help Laura.

She went on to bed while the rest of us milled around and waited to discover what Louise would bring out for a night-time snack. I’d never been on a cruise, but I imagined this was what it would be like where food was the favorite pastime of the tourists.

I spotted Ellie sitting in a corner. She held a mug of coffee. This would be a great chance to talk with her. The burning question was, did she know John Porter before they arrived on the island or not. I refilled my cup and wandered over to where she sat. I nonchalantly took a seat next to her.

“Hi.” Great conversation starter.

She looked at me like I was a fly in her soup. “Hi.”

“This has been a real bummer for our vacation. How about yours?”

“Yeah, a real bummer.” Okay, this line of questioning wasn’t getting me anywhere. I decided to pull out all the stops.

“Harold Daniels told me they ran into you and John Porter downtown the night of Grace’s murder. Did you know John before you came to the island?” For a fleeting moment I detected a look in her eyes that said ‘oh no.’ But it was gone as quick as it came.

“Uh, no, I didn’t know him. We ran into each other outside and decided it would be nice to go downtown for a while.” She tilted her head and gave me a wary look. “Why do you want to know? I don’t see where this is any of your business.”

“I’m trying to help Laura and I can only do so by asking questions.”

“Well, if I were you, I’d leave that to Detective Baker. One person has already turned up dead.” The hair on my neck stood up. Was this a harbinger I’d later regret?

She stood up. “I’ve had a long day and if you don’t mind, I’m going to bed.” She didn’t hang around for my permission.

I made my way over to a little group huddled together comprised of Mama, Dee Dee, Nana, and George. “I’m going up to my room to call Beau. This has been a stressful day and I could use someone to bounce ideas off of.”

Nana gave me an exaggerated wink. “Sure honey, we understand. You go ahead and ‘bounce’ ideas off Beau.” She turned to Dee Dee. “Why don’t you come up to our room and keep me and Betty Jo company and give the lovebirds some privacy.” Nana cackled. I loved that about Nana. She could make me smile even when I didn’t feel like smiling. And I let myself enjoy thinking about Beau that way.

We bade the Daniels goodnight and moseyed up the stairs. Dee Dee came in and grabbed her pajamas. “I’ll take my bath and visit with the girls while you’re on the phone.”

“I don’t think I’ll be that long, but I’ll give you a holler when I’m done.” I appreciated the private time with Beau.

CHAPTER THIRTY

H
i, Babe.” The sound of his voice sparked a longing. I knew without a doubt I wanted to share my life with him. Yes, there was that old niggling doubt that recurred, but I didn’t want to lose out on a chance at happiness.

“Beau, it’s so good to hear your voice.” I ached to touch him, to hold his hand.

“It’s good to hear you, too. How are things going on the island? Have you been able to get information on that George character?”

“He didn’t give me an address, but I did get his tag number. I hope this helps. I know there’s more to him than meets the eye. I’m afraid he’s up to no good.”

“Trix, I know you have a deep desire to help others and anything I say won’t change that. But I want you to be careful and please give the information you gather to the detectives and let them do their jobs.”

“We only have a couple more people to interview and then I’ll hand the material over to Detective Baker. I’m not too concerned about the interviews; it’s Nana who’s going to be the death of me.” A hearty laugh blasted through the phone. Beau loved Nana and he took her antics with a grain of salt. Of course, he didn’t have to live with her. “Beau, it’s not funny. Do you know she tried on a hot pink two-piece swimsuit and then modeled it for everyone in the store? I could have lifted the floor and crawled under it. If it hadn’t been for Dee Dee’s fast thinking I don’t know what I would’ve done.”

“Don’t take it too seriously, hon. She won’t be with you forever.” I knew he was right.

“I know. I love her dearly, even if she makes me want to pull my hair out.” I don’t know how long we’d been talking when Dee Dee stuck her head in the door and whispered, “You about through?” I looked at the clock and realized we’d talked for forty-five minutes. I nodded my head. She gave a little wave and shut the door.

We said our good-byes and promised to talk the next day. As soon as we disconnected I missed him. I couldn’t wait to get home and give him the answer he was patiently waiting to hear.

The bathroom door opened and Dee Dee peeked in. “Hey, can I come in now? I’m ready to hit the sack and read for a little while if I can keep my eyes open.” Dee Dee came around the door dressed in a pair of red pajamas covered with white kittens. I couldn’t remember a time when we’d spent the night together when she didn’t have on kitty PJs. She was definitely devoted to her babies – I mean her cats.

“New pajamas?”

“Yeah. I bought them just for our trip.” She plucked at the flannel fabric. “What do you think?”

I thought,
they kind of look like the rest of your pajamas,
but I said, “Nice.” Her smile was worth the compliment.

We talked a little longer and Dee Dee snuggled in bed with her book. I turned over and willed my errant thoughts to focus on Beau and our future to replace the memories of murder and mayhem that tried to hold my mind hostage. I faded into sleep, dreaming of Beau’s sweet kisses.

I awoke to Dee Dee singing, “Wake Up, You Sleepyhead!” I covered my head with my pillow, and she jerked it off.

“Oh no, you don’t. We need to hurry if we’re driving to Savannah this morning to interview Grace’s ex. I want plenty of time to find some costumes for tonight’s Pirate Fest.”

“Please, let me sleep ten more minutes,” I whined. She pulled off my covers.

“Nope. I’m already dressed. Come on, get up. I’m going downstairs to drink a cup of coffee. If you’re not down in fifteen I’m coming for you.”

I lobbed my pillow toward her, but missed my mark. Her laughter floated down the hall. To meet Dee Dee’s time requirement I splashed my face with water and threw on a pair of jeans and tee shirt. I could come up later and put on my face.

We managed to convince Nana to stay with Mama. I suggested they find Nana a costume for the evening festivities and headed to Savannah.

On the drive over we discussed what we planned on wearing to the Pirate Festival. The choices for women were few. You could be a lady pirate, wench, or princess. We decided princess or lady pirate worked best for us.

We headed downtown to the Mercer Williams House where Bert, Grace’s ex-husband, worked as a security guard. Dee Dee studied the brochure for directions. “Hey, listen to this.

The Mercer House was designed by New York architect John S. Norris for General Hugh W. Mercer, great-grandfather of Johnny Mercer. Construction of the house began in 1860, was interrupted by the Civil War, and was later completed, circa 1868, by the new owner, John Wilder.

“I knew Johnny Mercer was connected to the house, but I wasn’t sure he ever lived there.”

Dee Dee continued, “It goes on to say Jim Williams bought the house in 1969 and began a two year restoration.” She lowered the brochure. “He’s the guy who was portrayed in the movie,
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

“I know. Wouldn’t it make a great story for
Georgia by the Way?
I mentally filed information to use at a later date. “If we have time, I’d love to take the tour. Maybe take some pictures and buy a book or two for research.” My interest piqued as she continued to read.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

J
im Williams, accused of murder, claimed self-defense. After four trials he was acquitted.” Dee Dee finished reading from the brochure.

“I wonder how he warranted four trials. I’ll put that on my research list. He definitely beat the bullet.”

Dee Dee flipped the brochure over. “Listen to this.
Jim Williams was one of Savannah’s earliest and most dedicated private restorationists. He began to restore houses in 1955 at the age of 24, the same year the Historic Savannah Foundation was founded. It was the beginning of a career that would span more than 30 years and result in saving over 50 houses in Savannah and the Lowcountry. When he bought the Mercer house in early 1969, it had been vacant almost a decade. Thus began a painstaking restoration that lasted two years and was finished in time for a Christmas party.

“We’re getting close. It should be in the next square.” I knew from my research that Savannah boasted 22 squares. These squares, first designed by General James Oglethorpe, made this unique city a beautiful place to visit. I looked in awe at the huge oaks draped in Spanish moss standing like sentinels throughout the city. The traffic moved at a leisurely pace around the squares. Tour buses dotted the traffic.

“Look!” Dee Dee thrust the brochure in front of my face. “There it is. See? It’s the same house as in the picture.”

I slammed on the brakes, glanced in the rearview and breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, no cars were in sight. “Girl, what are you doing? Trying to get us killed?”

Dee Dee turned around to look, too. “Aw, Trix, you do tend to overreact. There isn’t anyone behind us.” She pointed at a two story, red brick house across the square. “Look at that. It takes up the whole block. Hurry and park; I can’t wait to take the tour.”

“Yikes, I haven’t parallel parked in a coon’s age.” The secret was out when I scraped my tires on the curb during my third try. The driver in the waiting car honked their horn. I didn’t blame them.

“I can tell,” Dee Dee said.

“A perfect job. Thank you very much.” I air pumped my fist.

“Yeah. And it only took four tries.”

Dee Dee sure knew how to put a damper on a girl’s accomplishment.

I grabbed my camera and clicked away. The Mercer Williams House stood proud among other historic homes in the area. Tall arched windows decorated the Italianate mansion. Ironwork balconies surrounded the stately windows. I took pictures from the front of the house and then from several different angles. I’d learned through my work that it took many shots to produce one or two images good enough to be print worthy.

We walked around to the back of the house where other tourists waited in line for tickets. A young lady informed everyone it would be twenty minutes before the next tour so we decided to browse around in the gift shop. I glimpsed through books showcasing the interior, making me even more anxious to see it for myself.

“Trix, here they come. I guess we’re next.” We stepped back to let the line of tourists pass by.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Mona, and I’ll be your guide for the next tour in about five minutes. Please be ready to go.” The matronly woman never cracked a smile during her announcement.

Dee Dee turned around and whispered, “Who took her teddy bear? She looks like she’s been sucking on lemons.” She puckered her lips in a mocking expression.

“Play nice, Dee,” I cautioned, but I couldn’t help giggling.

We followed her out of the gift shop into a small garden area. Mona started her spiel about the house. I positioned my camera to take a shot.

She stared straight at me. “Ma’am!”

I pointed my finger toward my chest and shrugged my shoulders.

“Yes, you. There is no photography during the tour. Did you not see the sign in the gift shop?” All eyes turned toward me.

I felt my face turning red. “No ma’am, I guess I didn’t.”
Geeze louise, you don’t have to be so rude about it.

We entered the house and I pulled out a pen and tablet to take notes since I couldn’t shoot photographs. Before I could make my first stroke I heard that authoritative voice again.

“Ma’am!”

I glanced up, hoping she wasn’t talking to me. No such luck.

“You can’t take notes in here.”

I guess Dee Dee had enough of her rudeness and decided to call her on it. “Well, just why can’t we take pictures
or
notes?” She put her hands on her hips, mimicking Mona’s stance. Under her breath I heard her say, “It’s not like this house is top secret or anything.”

Mona’s eyes grew round and her face turned pink. Her reaction made me wonder if anyone had ever questioned her authority. She sputtered before giving Dee Dee a response. “Just because we don’t.”

Wow, that’s the best reason I’ve ever heard.
I discretely nudged Dee Dee. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll memorize what I need.” Her glazed stare and open mouth indicated she doubted my recall skills. I smiled encouragement, anxious to get the attention off of us.

We walked through several rooms filled with valuable antiques and pictures. Our sober tour guide gave a detailed history and description of every artifact. No one could claim they didn’t get their money’s worth. We headed toward Mr. William’s office when a disembodied voice from the back yelled out, “Isn’t this where Williams bit the dust?”