Death is Long Overdue (Phee Jefferson Book 1) (6 page)

CHAPTER TWELVE

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” - Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!

The rest of the week passed quickly.  Before I knew it, it was Sunday evening and time for my dad's party. I took my time getting ready for the night’s festivities.  Mom had called earlier and advised me that quite a few more people than originally planned were coming to celebrate Dad's big 6-0.  Because the weather was unseasonably warm, she had decided to have it on the patio overlooking the cove.  I spent the afternoon running around town purchasing lights to hang across the back yard and citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes at bay.  I dropped the cake and the lights off to Mom and hurried home to get showered and dressed.

I had purchased an emerald green silk halter dress and a beautiful ombré shawl in complementary shades.  I managed to coil my long, curly hair up into a chignon secured with a silver hair comb. I added a silver cuff bracelet with a Celtic design and dainty silver hoop earrings with green jade stones.  I swiped a shimmer of silvery shadow across my lids and added a hint of liner and black mascara.  For a final touch, I applied a soft petal pink lip stain.  Looking in my vanity mirror, I felt pleased with the result.  Clint had mentioned seeing me at the party. I was determined that tonight he would see me as Ophelia Jefferson, gorgeous woman of intrigue, and not as Flea, Rick Jefferson’s little sister.  I slipped my newly polished toes into a pair of green and silver sandals with a kitten heel and headed out the door.

As I drove up to my parent's house, I saw that the caterer's van was already there.  I walked around the side of the house and into my parent's backyard.  Mom and the caterers had done a marvelous job transforming the patio.  Several long tables had been set up to accommodate the additional party-goers.  The lights crisscrossed the patio and lanterns of varying shades hung from the trees.  Mom had created centerpieces using fall leaves and candles floating in water in large, light green glass bowls.  The caterers were busy grilling and setting out the side dishes.  I spotted Mom fussing with the cake next to the gift table.  I walked over to her and placed my Dad's present on the table.

"Hi, darling!  What do you think?"  Mom gestured to the patio.

"I think it looks magical, Mom!  You have done an amazing job with everything.  Dad's going to love it.  Where is he, by the way?"  I looked around but didn't see him.

"He’s hiding out in the den since he says I drive him crazy with all of my fussing."  Mom laughed.  My parents still acted like teenagers in love.  They had met at the university when my dad was finishing his PhD in English and my mom was studying for her Master's degree in art history.  Dad said it was love at first sight when he spotted my mom sitting in the Quad.  He said she sat there quietly drawing underneath a tree and was oblivious to everyone and everything around her.  He had been playing Frisbee with his friends and had "accidentally" let it land in the grass at her feet.  They had been together ever since.

"Do you need my help with anything?" I offered as I looked around to see what else needed to be done.

"No, but thank you.  You go on in and visit with your dad,” Mom replied.  "The band will be here in a few minutes, and I need to get them set up and ready to play before the guests start arriving.  Everyone should be here in the next half hour or so."

"Alright. If you are sure, then I am going to go hang out with Dad."  I turned and headed through the French doors and went to go find Dad in his "man cave" as Juliet and I called it. I spotted him sleeping on his leather couch.  He had fallen asleep with a book on his chest, and he was gently snoring.  Our Irish Setter, Hamlet, was asleep on the floor next to him.  I tiptoed out and quietly shut the door.  I decided to go hang out in the kitchen and stay out of my mother's way.  She was tougher than a drill sergeant at boot camp when it came to hosting parties.  My brother, sister and I were smart soldiers and kept our heads down and ran for cover when party planning was in full swing.

I poured myself a glass of lemonade and sat on a kitchen stool.  I watched through the window as Mom directed the band to their designated spots. It would be great to have everyone here.  Dad's brother, Uncle Paul, was driving up to surprise Dad.  Uncle Paul was a retired Marine sniper.  He lived in a remote cabin two hours from Miller's Cove and didn't venture out too often.

"Hey there, PheePhee."  Rick walked into the kitchen followed by his very pregnant wife, Carrie.  "Rumor has it that you are doing a little B & E.  Interesting career move.  How's that working for you?"

Carrie swatted him. "Rick, leave your sister alone.  I’m sure she is upset enough about what happened without you picking on her.  Sheesh!  What are you?  Twelve?"

"Today I am feeling a young ten," Rick joked.  He leaned over, kissed Carrie and rubbed her protruding belly.  "Don't worry R.J. and C.J. I won't let your bad Aunt PheePhee lead you into a life of crime."

"Ha ha.  My family is just full of comedians.  I assume Clint told you since it’s supposed to be top secret." I glared at him in mock anger.  "And quit calling me PheePhee.  I am not a French Poodle."

"Yep." Rick opened the refrigerator and pulled out a beer.  Twisting the top off, he turned back to me.  "You should be glad it was Clint that took the call.  Otherwise you might be in the big house. We’d have to change your name to Hoosegow Honey."

"Whatever.  Just promise you won't tell Mom and Dad.  Especially not tonight!"  I admonished him.  Rick might be older than me, but most of the time, I felt like a big sister.

"Hmmm...My silence could be bought..."Rick stroked his upper lip as if he were an evil villain with a handlebar mustache.

"Enough you two!  At least you both give me experience on dealing with bickering siblings."  Carrie laughed and rubbed her stomach.

"How are the twins? And how are you?  You look marvelous, by the way.  I can't believe it's already been seven months!" I adored my sister-in-law. She was going to be a phenomenal mother and her gentle nature was a good balance to Rick's hyperactive, comedic personality.

"I'm alright.  I am just tired most days,” Carrie replied.  "I’m glad I was able to start my maternity leave early.  I don't think I could take teaching a room full of active kindergartners right now.  I swear all I do is eat and sleep.  The doctor said that he may put me on bed rest for the final month. As exhausted as I am, I am looking forward to it!"

"I will be happy to supply you with all the books, movies and chocolate bonbons your heart could desire.  I can't wait to meet my niece and nephew."  I looked forward to being an aunt.  I wasn't quite ready for children yet, but I liked to imagine the future family I might have.  I wondered if they might inherit their father's green eyes.

"Phee?"  Startled, I realized I had been daydreaming and Carrie was talking to me.  "You were a million miles away.  What were you thinking about?"

"Oh, nothing.  Just planning what to get for the babies' first Christmas," I fibbed. I heard the front door open and heard Juliet's voice. She walked in the kitchen and behind her stood Wade.  I did a quick double take.  Where was his wheelchair?

"What...?  What's going on here?  Wade?  Are you standing?"  The shock made me stumble over my words.

"Yup!" Wade leaned over and tapped where his calves used to be before the IED.  "I'm bionic, baby!"  A wide grin split his face.

"Oh my gosh!  When? Where? How?  Hey!  How did you manage to keep this a secret from me?"  I demanded.

"Whoa!  When?  Oh, about 5 months ago, but I kept my physical therapy a secret because what if I just couldn't do it?  I have been visiting the V.A. hospital over in Burlington on my days off. And, Phee, you are incredibly easy to keep secrets from.  No offense, but you kind of live in your own little world sometimes," Wade said.

Tearing up, I sniffled a little.  I walked over and gave him a huge hug.  "I am just happy for you, my friend.  I even forgive you for keeping it a secret from me."  I released him and then looked at my sister.  Then I looked down and realized that she and Wade were holding hands.  Juliet must have been the "hot date" from the other day.

"And?" I hinted and looked pointedly at their clasped hands.

"And I ran into Wade when I was teaching yoga over at the V.A.  You know I do a modified routine for people in chairs or who aren't as mobile. Wade showed up for one of my classes. We went and had coffee afterwards and one thing led to another..." Juliet shrugged her shoulders.

"I can't believe you kept it a secret from me!" I really needed to start paying attention because I was clearly clueless with what was going on around me.

"It was my decision to keep it a secret," Wade replied. "Juliet wanted to tell you after the first date, but I told her I wanted to wait. You are my boss. It might make things a little weird between us."

"I forgive you, but only because I am so happy that one, you are walking, and two, you are dating my flaky sister!"  I teased them.

"Hey now!  I am not a flake. I just operate on another plane of existence than the rest of you unenlightened people," Juliet protested.

Just then, Dad walked into the kitchen.  His red hair was a mess after his nap.  It stuck out at angles that must have confounded gravity and a comb.

"Greetings and salutations, progeny!" Dad yawned.  "Where's your mom?"

"Hello, father dearest!" Rick, Juliet and I chimed in unison. We burst out laughing.  Carrie and Wade looked at us, then at each other and just shook their heads.

"Mom's out on the patio directing the band," I informed him.  "But she will murder you if you go out there without straightening up a little after your nap.  You'd better hurry because I see that Sheriff Dawes and Sheila have already arrived.  We'd better head out."

"Tell your mother that I will be out in just a second.  I need to make myself gorgeous for my fans."  Dad wiggled his eyebrows and pretended to pat his hair like a Hollywood starlet from the 1950's.  He turned and headed down the hallway.

The rest of us walked outside to greet the guests who were starting to arrive.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

The party was going full swing.  Mom and Dad were dancing to the Bee Gees. Rick, Juliet and I pretended to not be mortified by Dad's John Travolta arm.  Everyone seemed to be having fun.  Grant arrived with his mom.  I was shocked by how haunted Shari looked compared to last time I saw her.  Her husband's death must really be taking a toll on her. I decided to make a point to go visit her more frequently.

"Shari!  I am glad you could come this evening.  You must be thrilled to have Grant home with you," I said.

"Most definitely, Phee.  You and Grant should stop by next Saturday.  I will make you my famous fried chicken.  I remember how much you loved it as a girl."  Shari was a soft-spoken woman, and I had to lean in to hear her over the band.

"I'd love to.  I'm happy as a kitten in cream to have my best movie buddy back home."  I bumped Grant with my hip and he smiled.

"Wait a minute there, Phee.  You can't just use me for my outstanding taste in Whoppers, popcorn and Jujubes,” Grant joked.  "Mom, let me get you settled at the table. I am going to show Phee my show stopping dance moves.  Fred Astaire has nothing on me."  Grant did a little shuffle with his feet.  He tucked his arm around his mother and led her towards a corner table.

"I can't believe how fragile his mother looks.  She has always looked strong and tan from all of her gardening, but now she just seems faded," I remarked to Juliet.  "I loved going to her house after school because she was always so much fun.  She made the best root beer floats for Grant and me.  Mr. Davis' death has really taken its toll on her. She has aged twenty years overnight."

"Sad," Juliet said shaking her head. "I bet you're glad to have Grant back.  You know he has had a huge crush on you for forever."

"You're wrong," I replied. "He and I tried to go on a date once in high school.  We both decided that our friendship was too important to risk.  I'm just sad we lost touch."

“I’m telling you.  I know when a guy is interested in a girl as more than friends.  Grant may say he is okay with just being friends, but his body language says differently.” Juliet gave me a knowing look.

Grant walked over to me, bowed and held out his hand to me. "M'lady.  Might I be honored with the pleasure of your company on the dance floor?"

"Why, sir, I'd be delighted!" I said in my best Scarlett O'Hara voice.  I took his hand. As we walked to the patio where the other couples were dancing, the band began to play Doris Day's
Again
.  Grant swung me into his arms and we began to sway back and forth.

"I remembered this was one of your favorite songs," Grant said softly.  I felt his hand tighten on my lower back as he guided me around the small dance area.

"You have a great memory, my friend," I said lightly.  I loved Grant but only as a friend.  Maybe Juliet was right, but I hoped not.  I didn't want things to be uncomfortable between us.

"We could be more than friends," Grant said huskily. "I mean, we're no longer teenagers, Phee."

"Can I cut in?" A deep voice asked from behind me.  Clint was standing off to the side.  He held his hand out to me.

"Sure. Why not?" Grant responded with a voice that was just short of a snarl. He handed me over to Clint and stalked away.

"Lover's quarrel?"  Clint raised an eyebrow and looked down at me.  He pulled me closer to him.

I sighed. "No.  I am just starting to realize that maybe he wants something more than I am willing to give.  It's complicated."  I looked up at him and noticed the dark circles under his eyes. "You look exhausted."

"I am, but I couldn't disappoint your parents. Besides, I needed to dance with the prettiest girl in the room."  His eyes swept over me and paused at the plunging neckline of my dress. "You look beautiful, Ophelia."

"Thank you," I whispered and ducked my head.  I moved a little closer to him. We danced under the moon and the world faded away.  In my mind, it was just the two of us out there on the patio.  All too soon, the music ended and the band began to play ABBA's
Mama Mia
.  My mother and Sheila Dawes began to sing and dance in a spoof of the musical and the moment was over.

Clint walked me over to the makeshift Tiki bar that my Mom had set up just for the party.  Ordering a Cosmopolitan for me and a tap beer for himself, he handed my drink to me. We walked over to the corner farthest from the band. Clint yawned.

"Late night?" I asked, hoping it was from work and not from a new girlfriend.

"Yes." He took a long draw from his beer.  "I spent the night over at Chris Karsen's.  Phee, I might as well tell you now since there will be a press release in the morning.  Carla was murdered.  The autopsy results came back and I had to break the news to Chris.  He took it hard."

I gave out a shocked gasp, "How?"

"At first, they thought it was just severe food poisoning.  She and Chris had gone to the benefit breakfast over at the fire department Saturday morning.  She was the only one who became ill, so that pretty much ruled food poisoning out.  Based upon her symptoms and the contents of her stomach, she ingested some kind of poisonous mushroom.  It had to have been intentional.  With half the town at the breakfast, it's going to be next to impossible to narrow down the suspects at this point.  Heck! Your brother was there, Grant and his mom, Cincinnati, your sister and Wade were all there helping out and eating.  It is going to take me a week just to get all the witness statements."  Clint ran his fingers through his dark hair in a frustration.

"This is awful.  I feel even more horrible because I got into an argument with both Carla and Huey last week.  I should have been nicer."  I felt lower than a worm. First, I had gotten angry with Huey and then I had insulted Carla.  They weren’t nice, but I should have been the better person.

"I know you said you didn't like Carla, but I didn't realize you had argued with her.  What about?"  Clint took another sip of beer.

"It's no big secret.  She wanted to tear down the library and build a new recreation center with a gym and pool.  She had already approached the rest of the town council. Carla was browbeating me to accept defeat and skulk away with my tail between my legs.  I refused and told her that just because she couldn't read, didn't mean the rest of the town was illiterate."  I grimaced at how harsh I had been.  "I guess I wasn't very nice."

"Who else knew about your argument with her?" Clint asked.

"Anyone who attended the town council meeting, as well as anyone who talked about it afterwards would know.  Cincinnati was with me when she accosted me on the sidewalk the other day.  Pretty much anyone in town knew that there was no love lost between the two of us.  You had already graduated, but she made my life a living hell in high school and hasn't let up much since.  She is the reason Grant and I became friends.  He came to my rescue after she played a joke on me." I shook my head.  "Sorry. I'm not much help, am I?  I wish I could narrow it down for you."

"What about you and Huey Long?  Who knew about your problems with him?"  Clint asked.

"A lot of people.  I wasn't quiet when I yelled at him after he made some nasty comment about how he had a library card and would like to check me out.  This was after he pinched me on my butt."  I shuddered as I remembered the hungry look in Huey Long's eyes as he leered at me.  Huey had a habit of looking at me like I was a steak and egg breakfast, and he was a starving man.                

“Hmm..." Clint frowned. "Well, this isn't common knowledge, so you need to keep this to yourself.  Huey was the prime suspect in a series of rare book and map thefts in the area.  It appears he was going to the university libraries throughout the state and somehow cutting illustrations and maps from rare texts and selling them overseas.  Your buddy, Grant, was actually Huey's defense attorney. He was probably casing the library’s rare books and used his obnoxious behavior to ensure you wouldn’t bother him."

"Holy Toledo!  I didn't like the man because he was always really slimy to me.  He just made me feel like he was undressing me every time he looked at me.  I never imagined he was a thief, too."  I was dismayed when I realized that he might have stolen from the town library.

Clint placed an arm around my shoulder.  "Phee, it looks like someone is killing off anyone who mistreats you."
Shocked, I looked up at him and saw that he was deadly serious.