Murder and Salutations (13 page)

“
Small towns,” the man said. “You just have to love them.”

After he was gone, Kaye saw me and asked, “Jennifer, what brings you here? Did you decide to contribute more to the fund? I’m still taking donations.”

That was a cheap shot, clean and at the knees. I had to give her credit for so viciously attacking me with a smile on her face.

“
Actually, I was hoping I could have half of it back,” I said before I could stop myself. She looked stunned by my words. “I’m kidding,” I added, but she still wasn’t sure how to take it. Good. I wanted her off balance.

“
So what can I do for you?” “I was wondering where you were just before Eliza was murdered. I didn’t see you at your table, and I’d wanted to ask you where you got that dress you were wearing.” That was nothing but a bald-faced lie. The only reason I would have asked her where she’d bought it was so that I would never shop there myself. It looked like a bridesmaid’s dress with a hangover, with more ribbons and bows than a county fair. “I had it made for me exclusively,” she said proudly.

No doubt by a blind seamstress. “So where were you?” I smiled as I asked her, but it didn’t take the heat from my question. “I’m sure I was right there.”

“
And I’m sure you weren’t,” I said. “And that’s what I’m going to tell my brother.” Lillian would have been proud of me. She’d taught me that when they called your bluff, you raised over the top to drive them out.

“
Let me see. Oh, yes, that’s right. I’d stepped outside to have a smoke. You can ask Polly. She was there with me.”

“
Did anyone else see you two?” I asked.

“
No, it was just the two of us. Jennifer, are you snooping around again? You know you shouldn’t.”

“
We all have our vices, don’t we?”

I left before she could get another jab in. I headed straight to Polly’s realty office so I could ask her the same question I’d just asked Kaye.

Sure enough, she backed Kaye’s story completely before she ducked out the door to show a house on Hickory Street. Fancy that. Either they were both telling the truth, or the two women had conspired to alibi each other. Did that mean they were guilty of anything more than a nicotine habit? I couldn’t see them agreeing on where to eat lunch, let alone on killing Eliza Glade, but it was still a possibility. I’d managed to waste most of the day tracking down leads and taking a walking tour of Rebel Forge. I’d have to grab a quick bite before I headed back to the card shop, since Lillian had her mysterious errand to run. But I needed to see how my sister was doing first, and if that made Lillian late, then that was just too bad. After all, she had been the one drilling it into me from birth that family came first, and the whole world had to take second place.

I still felt a little uneasy going into Forever Memories. After all, I’d been working there part-time right up to the day when Sara Lynn had turned down my card-crafting idea and I’d walked out to start my own business. My job as a corporate sales rep peddling dog food had been completely unsatisfying, but working at Sara Lynn’s with all those tools, stickers, papers and stamps had been my true love. It was wonderful that they all applied as much to card making as they did to scrapbooking.

Sara Lynn’s shop was well stocked with many of the same supplies I carried, but my sister had arranged things in a completely different way than I had. I liked a lot of her ideas, but I’d been hesitant to borrow her displays without permission, and I wasn’t comfortable asking. I noticed she’d recently added a workstation where people could use a custom letter-cutting machine.

“
That’s new,” I said as I saw Christy Keystone behind the register.

“
The customers really love getting their hands on the equipment. We’ve sold more machines in the past two weeks than we did the four months before it.”

It appeared that my sister didn’t have the same compunction about borrowing that I did. I would have been stunned if she hadn’t gotten the idea for the demonstration area from me. Maybe I’d return the favor and steal some of her better ideas. After all, at least we were keeping it in the family.

“
It’s so nice to have you back,” Christy said. “I’ve missed seeing you every day.”

“
How are you, Christy?”

“
Haven’t you heard? I’m going by Chris now. It seemed silly for a woman my age to keep being called Christy.”

“
Chris it is,” I said. “Is my sister around?”

She frowned. “No, she’s gone for the day.”

“
Did something happen?” I asked.

“
No, at least I don’t think so. She said there was something urgent she had to take care of, and then she took off.” Oh, no. I wondered if it had anything to do with her errant estranged husband. “Do you know if it involved Bailey?”

Chris looked shocked by the suggestion. “I didn’t think so. No, I’m sure of it. This had to be something else.”

“
I’m calling Bradford anyway,” I said. “Can I borrow your phone? The battery’s low on my cell, so I turned it off.”

“
Sure thing,” Chris said as she scooted the telephone toward me.

I dialed Bradford’s cell number, and when he answered, he was out of breath. “Yeah?”

“
What have you been doing, chasing down criminals?” I asked.

“
Something like that. What’s up?”

“
I’m at Sara Lynn’s scrapbooking shop, but she’s not here. Bradford, I’m worried about her.”

He paused a moment, then said, “Hang on a second, would you?”

“
Okay,” I said. As I waited for him to come back on, I let my gaze drift around the shop. Sara Lynn had a knack for display that I envied, and I promised myself I’d do a better job at the card shop once things settled down. If they ever did.

He came back on. “Sorry about that. Don’t worry about Sara Lynn.”

“
I can’t help it. I’m afraid she’s with Bailey.”

He laughed. “I doubt that, since I’m looking at her right now.”

“
What have you two been doing, racing each other around the town square?”

“
How did you know? Listen, did you need to talk to her?”

I thought about it. Was there really anything I needed to share with my sister? She was with Bradford, so I knew Sara Lynn was all right.

“
No, just tell her I’ll talk to her later.”

“
Will do,” he said, and before I could ask him what they were up to, he hung up on me. I’d been meaning to remind him to pick me up after work, but I’d have to call back later. I walked back to my card shop, and when I got to Greg’s business I saw that the lights were back on. He was sitting at the counter, and on an impulse that was against my better judgment, I walked in.

When he looked up, it was pretty obvious he’d been hoping I was someone else. “Hi, Jennifer.”

“
I’ve had warmer welcomes in my life,” I said. “Did you ever catch up with her?”

“
No, she was too fast for me. Sorry I ran out on you like that.”

“
Greg, you have nothing to apologize for.”

“
Not even that kiss?” he said, giving me a sheepish grin.

“
Kiss? What kiss?”

“
If you don’t remember it, I didn’t do a good enough job.”

I smiled. “Actually, you’re even better at it than I remember. It’s almost a shame we won’t get to do it anymore.”

There was silence for a few moments, then he said softly, “You’re right. It’s over, isn’t it? I guess I knew it in my heart, but seeing Stephanie run off like that tore me apart. She’s who I belong with, Jennifer, not you.”

“
I couldn’t agree with you more,” I said, “though it’s not an easy thing to hear. I hope you can fix things with her.”

“
Me, too.”

He didn’t sound like he had much hope. “If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”

“
I think we’ve both done enough, at least together,” he said.

“
As long as we’re clear that whatever we had is gone,” I said, needing the closure of that final admission.

“
Agreed,” he said. “But as corny as it sounds, I still want to be your friend.”

“
I don’t think it’s corny at all.” I approached him and stuck out my hand. “Let’s shake on it.”

We did, and I started for the door. “Jennifer?”

I turned back. “Yes?”

“
Thanks. For everything.”

“
Even this afternoon?”

He smiled. “Yes, even for that. Stephanie will come around, especially if I apologize enough.”

“
Then you’d better get to it,” I said, “because here she comes.”

Stephanie didn’t even break stride as she walked into the pottery shop. Ignoring Greg for a moment, she faced me and said, “If you think I’m giving him up without a fight, you’re nuts.”

“
Believe me, he’s all yours,” I said. “What you saw was a good-bye kiss, nothing more.”

Stephanie frowned. “It looked more like hello to me.

I looked at her intently. “I promise you this. You don’t know me, but I keep my word. Ask anybody. You have nothing to worry about from me.”

She acted like she couldn’t believe it.

Greg said, “It’s true.”

She iced him with a glare, then turned back to me. “Are you sure? I know about your history together.”

“
That’s just what it is: history,” I said. “But we’re going to be friends, and I won’t give that up without a fight, either.”

Stephanie smiled slightly. “I think I can handle that.”

“
Good,” I said as I stuck out my hand. She looked surprised by the gesture, then shook my hand. I was glad she hadn’t wanted to arm wrestle for Greg. That girl had a grip on her.

Greg said, “I’m glad that’s settled.”

Stephanie stared at him a second. “You’re kidding, right? Do you honestly think I’m letting you off the hook that easily?”

“
I was kind of hoping you would,” he said.

I laughed as I headed for the door. “Good luck.”

“
Thanks,” Greg said.

“
I wasn’t talking to you.”

I felt good as I walked to the card shop. It was going to be an adjustment changing my attitude toward Greg, but I had a feeling it would make my life a lot less complicated having him as a friend instead of a sometime love. Maybe I could even start being nicer to him again.

Stranger things had happened.

Chapter 11

‘
What did you find out?” Lillian asked as I walked in the door.

“
You’re not going to believe this, but Polly and Kaye are acting as each other’s alibis. I didn’t even realize they were friends.”

“
I heard they couldn’t stand each other,” Lillian said.

“
So it’s unlikely that they conspired to kill Eliza together, isn’t it?”

Lillian frowned. “That depends.”

“
On what?”

“
Whether they hated Eliza more than they do each other.”

“
I don’t know which is more likely,” I said.

“
Maybe we should do a little more digging.” Lillian looked at her watch, then said, “But not now. I’ve got to go.”

As she started out the door, I asked, “Are you sure you don’t want to tell me where you’re going?”

“
Positive,” she said, and then I was alone. The shop was quiet for most of the afternoon, so I decided to copy Sara Lynn’s display techniques and show the steps to making a simple double-fold card with window cutouts. My wrist was sore, but I could still work through it. Besides, it was the best therapy, physical and emotional, for me. I had samples for each step and was ready to mount them onto cardboard backs when the phone rang.

“
Custom Card Creations,” I said

“
I never get tired of hearing you say that. You sound so professional,” Gail said.

“
It’s all an illusion,” I replied as I glued one of the cards to a bright orange piece of cardboard. “What’s happening?”

“
I was hoping we could hang out a little tonight, but I’ve got to go out of town for a few days,” Gail said.

“
Don’t tell me Reggie’s taking you to Cancun.”

Gail sighed. “At this point, I’m not even sure he’d take me to a convenience store for a Coke and a Zinger.”

‘
Trouble in paradise?” I asked as I mounted another card sample. I was the queen of multitasking. Well, at least the princess.

“
Honestly, he’s been distracted lately, and I’m wondering if he’s been seeing someone else.”

“
You’re kidding. What man in his right mind would two-time you?”

“
My point exactly,” she said. “Anyway, I’m not sure if we’re going to date anymore.”

“
I hope I didn’t make it worse by moving over there,” I said, “It’s still not too late if you want me
to back off,”

“
No,” Gail said, “That cottage sounds perfect for you. Don’t worry about me. I’m sure someone else will come along,”

“
There’s no doubt in my mind,” I said. She hadn’t mentioned the shooting last night, and I wasn’t sure I should bring it up myself, After all, there was nothing either one of us could do about it at the moment, and 1 didn’t want to worry my friend unnecessarily.

I was just about hang up when she said, “I can’t believe you weren’t going to say anything about what happened last night.”

“
So you heard?”

“
Jennifer, all of Rebel Forge knows. Why didn’t you all me?”

“
I didn’t want you to worry,” I said.

“
Too late for that. Are you sure those shots weren’t meant for you? I know how you like to snoop. Maybe you got too close to somebody.”

“
If I did, it was purely by accident,” I said, laughing.

“
Be careful, okay? I couldn’t afford to lose my best friend.”

“
I wouldn’t want you to lose her, either,” I said.

“
Well, I’d better go,” Gail said. “I’ve been dreading this sales call. The guy’s a real Neanderthal.”

“
I’m sure you can handle him.”

“
Oh, I can handle him, all right, but I’d like to make the sale, too.”

“
Just consider it a challenge,” I said.

“
Jennifer, they all are.”

By the time I was ready to close the shop, I had the display finished and mounted to the wall by my card kits. It looked really nice, but I felt a little guilty stealing Sara Lynn’s idea. I’d have to say something to her before someone else did. I just hoped she’d understand.

I waited outside for five minutes before my brother showed up. Since he was my ride, I hadn’t had much choice, though my wrist was starting to bother me again. All I wanted was to go back to my place, grab an ice pack, take a few aspirin, and lip on an old movie on television. Okay, a pizza would be nice. And some Coke. But that was it. Then again, I’d love a piece of chocolate cake for dessert. It was probably all a little self indulgent, but I figured I was due. I could really use some comfort food.

Bradford drove up wearing street clothes and driving his pickup. At least he had the courtesy to hold the door open for me as I got in.

“
You’re late,” I said.

“
Sorry, I got tied up with something. I hope you weren’t waiting too long.”

“
Five minutes,” I admitted. “So what have you been doing? And why are we in your truck and not your patrol car?

“
I took this afternoon off,” he said.

“
With a killer loose in Rebel Forge?”

“
This couldn’t wait till later,” he said.

As he started driving, I said, “Is there any chance your dear, sweet wife has any chocolate cake lying around?”

“
If she does, she’s better at hiding things than I am at finding them. Would you like me to stop someplace for you?”

“
Honestly, I’m in the mood for some pizza and some cake, but it can wait. Right now all I want is to get home and relax. Bradford, that was my turn back there.” My brother had completely blown past the path that led to Whispering Oak.

“
Trust me, I know what I’m doing”

“
Listen, big brother, you’re going to cancel whatever it was you had planned. I’m not in the mood for any surprises this evening.”

“
Then you’re not going to be very happy,” he said softly.

“
We’re not going to your house, are we? I’m fine on my own. Honestly. Just take me home.”

“
That’s what I’m doing,” Bradford said.

I turned around and pointed. “It’s back there, remember?”

“
Not anymore,” he said, “What do you think I’ve been doing all afternoon? Sara Lynn, Lillian and I moved you out of Whispering Oak, including Oggie and Nash.”

“
You what?” I screeched. “I wasn’t even finished packing.”

“
We took care of it for you,” he said. “I’m sorry, but your car’s still parked there. I’ll take you over to pick it up tomorrow.”

“
I can’t believe you did this.” It was just like my family, butting in and offering help when none was needed.

“
Believe it,” he said. “It was Sara Lynn’s idea, and I wasn’t about to say no. She had a good time, and it seemed to get her mind off her problems, so be gracious, would you?”

“
Maybe I did overreact a little,” I said. “It really did help her?”

“
The only thing that would have made it better would have been if you were there, too, but part of the kick for her was doing this as a surprise for you.”

“
Okay, I’ll be gracious,” I said. “But it’s going to be a stretch.”

“
Did you think that was a news flash? I’ve known you longer than anybody should.”

He paused at the gate of my new place, then punched in a set of numbers. As he drove in, he chose a path I hadn’t seen earlier. “Do I have my own entrance?”

He laughed. “I guess in a way you do. They can’t even see you come and go at the main house. I think it was designed that way on purpose. You’ve got more privacy than anybody needs here. The way it was situated, it wouldn’t surprise me if they couldn’t even see your lights from the house.”

“
I like that,” I said.

“
I knew you would.” He stopped in the trees just before we got to the cottage. “Listen, we all worked really hard on making the place feel like home. It would help if you could smile once or twice, even if you’re not feeling it.”

“
Got it. Fake it till I make it.”

“
Jennifer, you know what I mean.”

I wanted to pat his shoulder, but my wrist really did hurt. I doubted it would be healed by the time I would have been evicted, so my family really had helped me out. I just wished it would have been at my bidding and not theirs.

As Bradford pulled up in front of the place, Sara Lynn and Lillian came out to greet us.

“
Surprise!” they shouted.

“
It’s that, all right,” I said. “You all really shouldn’t have. It’s too much.”

Sara Lynn hugged me, and I noticed that she was being careful of my wrist. “Nonsense. We were happy to do it. It looks lovely,” she added.

“
I can’t wait to see it. How do my roommates like it?”

Lillian smiled. “You’re kidding, right? There are so many places to swoop down from, they both think they’ve gone to cat heaven.”

I walked inside and took it all in. They’d done a marvelous job, even adding fresh flowers to the small dining table in the kitchen. “Those are beautiful,” I said as I saw the skillfully arranged roses, baby’s breath and ferns.

“
Thanks,” Bradford said.

“
You picked them out?” I asked.

“
Hey, I’m not completely without taste.”

Lillian and Sara Lynn looked at me, but nobody said a word. Bradford said, “I don’t get any respect in this family.”

I kissed his cheek. “Thank you, it was thoughtful of you to bring me flowers.”

“
Okay, it was Cindy’s idea, but I picked them out. Well, I picked them up, anyway. She ordered them and had them waiting for me at the florist.”

We all laughed, including Bradford. Lillian asked, “Would you like some company tonight, or would you like to settle in by yourself? You won’t offend us if that’s your preference, I promise you.”

“
I’d love to have a housewarming party,” I said. “Just not tonight. My wrist’s aching, and I just want to grab a bite and go to sleep early.”

“
That’s fine,” Sara Lynn said. “We’ll do something next weekend, once you’ve had a chance to settle in.”

Lillian nodded her agreement, then said, “There’s a pizza in the oven, and we took the liberty of stocking your refrigerator. I hope you don’t mind.”

“
No, I think I can live with that,” I said, smiling. Okay, maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing being the baby of the family. Sometimes it was nice being pampered.

I walked them outside, and Bradford said, “I’ll pick you up bright and early.”

“
I’ll let you come get me on one condition,” I said. “We go get my car so I don’t have to rely on the kindness of strangers to get back and forth from work.”

“
You’re calling your dear, sweet brother a stranger?” he asked.

“
Bradford, I’ve known a lot of people in my life, and they don’t come any stranger than you.”

Lillian and Sara Lynn laughed, and the three of them got into the pickup and drove off. I went back inside, feeling good about my family, and what they’d done for me. Nash was on one of the beams in the kitchen, swishing his tail as he watched me. “So, what do you think?”

He didn’t comment, but he looked happy enough to be there. I was alarmed when I couldn’t find Oggie, then I spotted one paw hanging down from the loft. The little rascal was already asleep on my pillow. Trust my cats to land on their feet, no matter what the situation was. I just hoped I’d do as well. The place looked smaller with my things there, and I wondered how I’d manage, but rearranging would have to wait for another night. For now, I just needed some peace and quiet.

I was jarred awake by a pounding on my cottage door, and for just a moment, I incorporated it into my dreams, imagining someone was driving nails into my car’s roof.

From outside, I heard Bradford’s voice, and realized it was real. The cottage was pitch black, and I nearly fell out of the loft as I climbed out of bed. My robe was on a nearby chair, and I hastily wrapped it around, me as I answered the door.

“
Bradford, what’s wrong? What time is it?”

“
It’s a little after three,” he said. “Get dressed, Jennifer.”

“
Can you tell me what this is about?”

He looked so sad it nearly broke my heart. “Somebody just burned down Whispering Oak.”

Five minutes later, we were in his squad car heading back to my old apartment. Bradford had supplied coffee for both of us, and I took a sip of mine, trying to wake up. I could see an orange haze in the sky, diluted by black smoke. “What happened? Do you know yet?”