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

CHAPTER FIVE

I
longed to talk with Dee Dee to debrief, but Detective Baker called her name as soon as he told me I could go. She jumped up, grinning from ear to ear. She seemed way too eager to be questioned in a murder case. She’d changed clothes and now wore a hot pink pant suit with sandals to match. How she had time to change and put on make-up was a mystery to me. A modern day Houdini?

She followed Detective Baker like a lost little puppy dog. Nana appeared beside me.

“Did you notice Dee Dee’s expression?”

“Yes, I did. What do you make of it?”

“Looks like she’s taken a liking to the detective,” Nana said.

“How about you, Nana? You seem to have your eye on George and I must say he is pleasant to look at.”

Nana turned beet red. “What if I do? He’s handsome and a gentleman. Not a bad combination in my book. He’s been around the world you know.”

I gave her a quick shoulder hug. “Aw, Nana. I’m just teasing you. I’m glad you’ve found a new friend. Maybe you’ll get to know each other better while we’re here.” I had no idea what this week held in store for us. I never in my wildest dreams thought we’d stumble upon another dead body.

“Come on, let’s see what Mama’s up to.” We perched on the couch next to her. I scooted closer.

“Trixie, I’m so sorry you found Grace. It must have been awful.” Mama reached over and took my hand in hers. She gave it a squeeze.

“I’ll never forget her lifeless body lying in the sand.” I shivered at the thought. “It doesn’t matter how much you’re disliked, no one deserves to die in that manner.”

“Of course not. But according to Laura, she made enemies like a dog draws fleas. Detective Baker has his work cut out for him.”

We chatted for a while then sat in silence until Dee Dee returned. Detective Baker asked if we knew where Laura was. I guessed she was next in line for questioning.

Mama pointed towards the kitchen. “She’s in there, Detective.”

Dee Dee made a bee-line to the table filled with sweets. “Wow, look at this. Laura sure knows how to take care of her guests.” Frayed nerves must have plagued her but they didn’t seem to interfere with her appetite because she filled her plate with goodies. “Scoot over.” She plopped down, squeezing in-between Nana and me.

“How did the questioning go?”

“That Detective Baker is something else. He was so thorough in his interrogation. I wish I’d had more to tell him.” She took a big bite of a cream-filled donut. The cream oozed out the other end. She took a minute to chew then proclaimed, “I have no doubt he’ll have this case solved in no time at all.”

I was right. She was smitten.

We talked for a while, and then roamed around the inn. Several hours passed before all of the guests had been questioned. At the detective’s request everyone gathered in the living room.

Detective Baker stood tall, reaching his fullest height. He hiked up his pants and placed his hand on the gun strapped in his shoulder holster. “We’ve interviewed every person from the Seaside Cottage and Ocean View Inn for now. You are free to roam the Island, but please stay within the area in case you’re needed. We’ll ask some of you to come down to the department for further questioning.”

“How about Savannah, Detective? Can we visit there?” George moved from behind Bubba.

“Savannah’s fine. Just leave your information with Officer Caldwell or Officer Stevens if you haven’t already.”

He tipped his head in our direction, but his gaze lingered on Dee Dee. “Ladies, I’ll talk to you later.” With that, he was on his way. Dee Dee swooned to my side of the couch.

“Dee Dee, get a grip.”

Laura addressed the guests of the Ocean View Inn. “This is a terrible thing to happen while you’re staying at Grace’s house. I want you to know you’re welcome to come over any time to socialize or share a meal. I’m inviting all of you to the Seaside Cottage for dinner tonight. I’ll be serving at seven.

“That’s right nice of you. I’ll be sure and be here around then,” Bubba said.

“Yes. That is more than kind. I would like to come, too.” George shot Nana a glance.

“Okay. That settles it. I’ll see you for dinner.” After Laura completed her announcement, the guests went their separate ways. That left Nana, Mama, Dee Dee, and me alone with Laura.

“Ladies, if you don’t mind I’m going to take a nap. I’m wiped out and I have a lot to do to get dinner ready.” Laura’s voice shook. “I’m so sorry this happened on your vacation. Grace might have been a thorn in my side, but I’d never wish this on her. It’s scary to think the killer is still on the loose and in the neighborhood.” She chewed on a fingernail.

Mama placed her arm around Laura’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’m glad we’re here so we can support you during this awful time. Go lay down and we’ll see you this evening.” Laura let Mama guide her toward her room.

“You heard the Detective. He said we could go to Savannah. If we hurry we’ll have time to clean up, change clothes, and head on over to Paula’s. After all, she did ask me to come.” Nana put her hands on her hips daring anyone to deny she was Paula’s new best friend.

“I don’t know, Nana. So much has happened. Maybe we should stick around here for a while.” I wanted to go to Paula’s as much as the next person, but finding the body had put a damper on my spirits. I didn’t feel like doing much of anything and I hadn’t slept all night.

“Come on, Trix.” Dee Dee pulled out her pitiful face from her bag of tricks. “I know you’ve been through a lot, but a trip to watch the taping will help lighten the mood.” She put her arm around my shoulder, pulled me close, and gave me a big squeeze. “Aw, come on.”

I didn’t have a chance with Nana and Dee Dee in cahoots. “Let’s ask Mama if she feels like going. She might be too tired to go.”

“What? Too tired to go and watch the special cooking show she’s taping in her restaurant? This is a chance in a million. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Obviously, Mama wasn’t as tired as I thought she was.

Nana and Dee Dee did a little happy dance while Mama grinned from ear to ear. I was definitely outnumbered. Maybe it would do me good to get away for a while.

Dee Dee drove while I dozed, and we made it to downtown Savannah, one of the most beautiful cities in the South. Moss-draped trees lined the streets. Historic homes and buildings comprised most of the downtown area. Yawning and stretching, I looked out the window at the gracious buildings full of history.

I’d researched Savannah so I’d have ample background material for my article. Founded in 1733, it became the first city in Georgia. Originally laid out in four squares, each consisting of eight city blocks, by 1851 it had grown to 24 squares with 22 squares left today.

Dee Dee whipped my little PT Cruiser into a handicapped parking space.

I’d recently splurged on a new car. I’d traded in my beloved Jeep because I needed dependable transportation for my job. Actually, my Cruiser wasn’t brand new, but it was new to me. A few thousand miles logged onto the odometer made it an affordable buy. I loved the light cream color and for a bonus it came with a convertible top.

This past year I was the recipient of a new knee, thanks to a knee replacement. Even though the result had been nothing less than remarkable, I still had to be careful. If I walked too much, my knee ached. I rarely needed a cane anymore, but it was helpful to park as close as I could to my destination.

The Lady and Sons, located at the corner of Whitaker and Congress streets, was a favorite place for tourists. By the time we arrived, a line snaked down the sidewalk. Thank goodness we had tickets.

I’d brought my camera, a necessity in my line of work. I clicked pictures of the crowd as they stood around waiting for their turn to enter. I took several shots of historic buildings while we waited.

We stood with other anxious tourists when a black limo pulled up to the entrance. Out stepped Paula. The crowd went wild, cheering and pushing to get a glimpse of her.

“Paula, Paula!” Nana pushed her way through the throng until she found an opening. She threw up her arm and waved vigorously. “Did you see that? She waved to me.” I wasn’t about to pop Nana’s balloon. If she believed Paula waved to her then who was I to disagree?

CHAPTER SIX

O
nce the line started moving it wasn’t long before we were settled in our seats. The dining area was large and open. Ivy covered wallpaper adorned the walls. Oak wood tables covered with white tablecloths filled the room. On each table was a vase filled with multi-colored, fresh flowers. There wasn’t an empty seat in the place.

While the guests were served, a young woman stepped up to the front of the room and explained the filming process. We were instructed when to clap, and reminded to wait for permission to get out of our seats. I glanced at Dee Dee, glad she was wearing a fresh patch and wouldn’t have any emergencies, or she might miss the taping altogether. In a few minutes, quiet filled the room as Paula made her entrance.

Bouncing out, she was dressed in a pretty lavender pant suit and her beautiful smile welcomed us.

“Hey y’all!”

The audience answered with a warm hello and applause. She went right into cooking the selected meal. We were served the same menu: salad, fried green tomatoes, baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and a choice of banana pudding or peach cobbler for desert.

My mouth watered in anticipation. We dug in while Paula asked who her number one fan was. Most people raised their hands – not Nana. She stood up and made her way toward the front. A young woman with a clipboard rushed to stop her, but Paula waved her off.

“Hey there! And what’s your name?” Paula guided Nana over just a bit so she didn’t block the camera’s view.

“Belle. It’s so good to be here. I just love your show. There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you. How do you get your hair to stay in place all the time?”
Way to go Nana.

I thought I saw Paula roll her eyes, but like a trooper she laughed and moved right along. She even let Nana help with some of the recipes. Everything moved smoothly until she made the fatal mistake.

“Belle, I’d like you to taste some of the goodies we’ve made.” She forked up a big bite of collard greens. “Here, try some of these. I just know you’re gonna’ love ‘em. It’s my dear mama’s recipe.”

Nana took the fork and slowly put it into her mouth. Then she took a minute and savored the taste. Everyone held their breath waiting her approval.

“mmm. Delicious.”

Paula heaved a sigh of relief. Only to be blindsided by Nana. “But, I think they could use a tad more sugar. It would help smooth out that bitter taste.” She leaned over to whisper in Paula’s ear unaware the microphone picked up her every word. “You can add a little beer, too. My family hasn’t figured out my secret ingredient yet.”

That’s why they taste so good? Beer? Oh my goodness.
Mama’s eyes were about to pop out of her head, Dee Dee stood up and waved to Nana, and I wanted to duck under the table. Especially when I noticed all eyes turned our way.

Paula couldn’t guide Nana off the stage fast enough. “Thank you, Belle, for your help.” She motioned to someone to get Nana back to her seat.

Nana wore a grin from ear to ear as she sat down at our table. “Well, it’s not every day you get to be a taste tester for Paula Deen. Aren’t you glad I talked you into coming, Trixie?”
God, please forgive me for the thoughts invading my head right now. I don’t really want to kill Nana.

It was all I could do to get through the meal even though it was some of the best Southern fare I’d ever eaten. As soon as we finished we high tailed it out of there. I don’t think it was soon enough for us. Or Paula.

“Nana, what were you thinking when you told Paula she needed more sugar in her collards? And you’ve been putting beer in yours all these years?” Mama’s voice was unnaturally high pitched.

“I was being truthful. She asked me what I thought.”

“No, Nana. She asked you how they tasted. I don’t think she really wanted your opinion on her recipe.”

“It sure was a memorable day. Right girls?” Leave it to Dee Dee to find the good in a situation. She’d been my rock more times than I could remember. When Wade left me, my life as I knew it had fallen apart. Not only had I lost my husband, I lost my house too. Unknown to me, Wade had made financial decisions that left us in ruins.

Mama, bless her heart, had urged me to return to Vans Valley and stay in her garage apartment while I sorted out my future. When I moved back, I was lower than a snake’s belly. Dee Dee took me under her wing and supported me during a rough time. She’s been there for me ever since.
Thank you, God, for my friend.

After we returned to Laura’s we had enough time for a quick nap. The good Lord knew I needed it. I sank down on the feather soft bed and felt like I was floating on a cloud. I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Next thing I knew I was dreaming that Paula Deen was screaming at Nana for ruining her show. The crowd at the restaurant stood, turned our way, and chanted, “Throw them out. Throw them out.”

An angry customer shook me by the shoulders. “Trixie! Trixie!” How did she know my name? I managed to pry open my eyes, struggling to awaken from this awful nightmare. I was surprised to discover a goofy looking face inches from mine. I yelped, and Dee Dee jumped back.

“What are you doing? You scared the starch out of me.” I sat up in bed and tried to clear the images of an angry Paula from my head.

“I was trying to wake you. I can’t help it if you were dead to the world.” Dee Dee sat on the other bed. “I called and called, but you kept right on snoring.”

“Sure I did. I don’t snore.”

Dee Dee laughed so hard I thought she was going to fall back on the bed. “Come on and get up. Your mama stopped by and said dinner was about ready to be served.”

“It can’t be that late.” I looked at the bedside clock to see for myself. Sure enough it was almost seven.

“Yep. We slept longer than I thought we would, but the trip took a lot out of us. Go ahead and I’ll wait on you to get ready,” Dee Dee said.

A few minutes later we walked down to the dining room together. A crowd had already gathered. It looked like everybody from the Ocean View Inn was in attendance: George Knight, Bubba Maxwell, Kiki and Nick Sanderson, and John Porter.

George sat by Nana and Mama sat next to her. Ellie sat next to Cassie and her husband Harold sat next to her. There were two empty chairs for Dee Dee and me at a table occupied by Bubba and John.

“Ladies, take a seat,” Laura waved across our table. “Louise, my fabulous cook, is going to help me serve.” She returned to the kitchen. When Laura and Louise walked back into the dining room their arms were laden with food. Fresh fish was the entrée for the evening. Side dishes included slaw, hush puppies, green beans, and baked potatoes. Now this is what I’d been waiting for with baited breath: a fresh seafood meal.

Talk around the tables focused on Grace’s death.

Who would do something like this? Why would someone do this? And the burning question was, “Is the killer or killers still in the neighborhood?”

Laura urged all of us to retire to the living room for coffee and our choice of bread pudding, or chocolate cake. That’s where we were when the doorbell rang. Louise promptly answered the door.

“Ms. Laura, there’s a man here to see you,” she called.

Detective Joe Baker followed her in. “Good evening, people. I’m sorry to interrupt your evening, but I’m here on business.” He looked around taking in the crew of guests in attendance. His gaze stayed a little longer on Dee Dee. She smiled like a cat that just finished a bowl of milk, and though he didn’t smile back, his eyes said it all with their twinkle.

“Hi, Detective. Were you looking for me?” Laura came in from the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron.

“Yes, ma’am. I need to talk with you. Let’s go somewhere private.”

We busied ourselves stacking the empty dessert dishes, wondering what the conversation was in the other room. We didn’t have long to wait because they returned quicker than a hound dog chasing a coon. Tears trailed down Laura’s face. When she spotted Mama she openly cried.

“Oh, Betty Jo. They’re taking me in for questioning. The detective said he has evidence that makes me a person of interest. Please, help me.”