How Now Purple Cow

by Marja McGraw

  “It sure feels like we are sometimes.” I couldn’t help but grin at my husband. We’d had to solve a few cases during our short history together.

  Chris took my hand and pulled me out of my chair. He gave me what I’d call a very romantic kiss. Curling his upper lip under, a la Humphrey Bogart, he said, “Shweetheart, this marriage is all the case I need.”

  Sometimes he simply melted my heart.

  And the phone rang.

  Chapter Eight

  I picked up the receiver and said hello.

  “Pamela, this is Coral. What time are you going over to Judith’s house?”

  Before replying I turned and glanced at the kitchen clock. “In about an hour and a half.”

  “Okay, Carol and I will be there.”

  “I have a question, Coral. Do you know if there are any photographs of William or Marsha? I’d like to know what these people looked like. It gives me more insight when I can picture the person we’re investigating.”

  Chris shook his head and left the room.

  “There aren’t any that I know of, but I’ll check with Carol before we leave. She’s got part of the family albums and I’ve got the rest.”

  “Thanks. If you find any pictures, please bring them with you.”

  “Of course. See you in a little while.”

  We hung up and I finished straightening the kitchen before I went in search of Chris.

  I found him in the office looking for more information on the O.W.I.

  “Find anything interesting?” I asked.

  “According to the Internet, the O.W.I. photographers took pictures of Americans working in aircraft factories, members of the military, and women who were working. I guess they encouraged women to become more involved, and Americans in general to ramp up their patriotism. There were O.W.I. broadcasts, too. From what I read, Ethel Merman, Billie Burke and Patrice Munsel were involved in the radio broadcasts – American women doing their part in the war effort.”

  “Anything else?”

  “There’s something here about propaganda leaflets being dropped in foreign countries. There’s a lot to read. I’m reading between the lines, but I think they took secret pictures of the enemy and their movements, too.”

  “Okay, all interesting stuff. I’m going to get cleaned up so I can run over to your mother’s house. I think I’ll take the dogs with me. The twins love Sherlock and Watson, so it’s a win-win trip.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Chris said.

  “Really?” I was surprised he’d voluntarily visit with the twins.

  “You never know, but maybe we can encourage some of their memories to surface.”

  “Maybe so.” I kissed him on the cheek and headed upstairs for a shower.

  ~ * ~

  When we arrived at Judith’s house, Chris knocked on the door and walked in.

  His mother had the stereo turned up and she was doing a slow, soulful dance. She had her eyes closed and her forehead was a maze of wrinkles.

  “What –”

  “Shhh!” She shushed me and I stopped in my tracks.

  The dogs stood next to us and watched her in wonder. Then they sat and studied her further.

  Chris and I watched her with a little wonder of our own.

  She dropped to one knee and raised her arms in the air, singing with the music.

  We waited.

  “Please, please, please,” she sang, as soulfully as she could.

  Sherlock howled, but she ignored him.

  The music ended and she stood up, bowed to us and grinned. “That was James Brown singing Please, Please, Please. I looove that song.”

  “I’m surprised,” I said. “I would have figured you for a Golden Oldies fan.”

  She patted Sherlock on the head and turned to Watson. “That was a Golden Oldie. Maybe I’ll sing it at Bogey Nights sometime.”

  Chris shook his head woefully rather than soulfully. “Where’s Dad?”

  “In the garage working on the car. Where else?”

  Another song came on the stereo, but Judith turned it off.

  “Carol called and said she and Coral are on their way over. Separate cars, of course.”

  “Those two are really something. Neither one is going to give in. I guess old habits are hard to break.”

  “Uh huh. So what did Chef Luis say about me using his kitchen?”

  “It’s a go. You’re in like Flynn. You’re our new tea time baker. We’re going to need more than just scones though.”

  “Not a problem. I’ve got a few other recipes up my sleeve.”

  “We need to stop talking in clichés.”

  “But it’s fun,” she said.

  “Tell me more about your other recipes.”

  She had recipes for gourmet cookies and we talked for a few minutes before the twins arrived. Judith mentioned finger sandwiches, but I decided to think that one over since we’d be serving lunch just before teatime. She had a few other ideas, too, and we decided to talk more later.

  The twins entered the house with a knock followed by a windstorm. Nothing out of the ordinary.

  “We found only one picture of William, but you won’t like it.” Coral sounded breathless. “He turned his back to the camera and talked to Daddy. All you’ll see is that he was quite tall.”

  “Ah. Can anyone draw a picture of him?” Judith asked.

  “Not unless you enjoy stick figures,” Carol said, glancing at her sister.

  “Well, at least give us a description.” I wasn’t sure why, but I really wanted to know what this man looked like, and I wanted Marsha’s description, too, if they could remember her. From what they’d said, they’d only seen her a couple of times.

  “Got any more scones?” Coral asked.

  Judith held up her index finger in a just a minute mode and headed for the kitchen.

  Figuring she had her answer, Coral headed for the dining room table and sat down. Carol followed suit.

  Not wanting to be left out, I brought up the rear.

  Judith heated scones and brought jam and a whipped cream substitute to the table.

  I narrowed my eyes at her.

  “Sorry, I don’t have any more whipped cream.”

  Chris, Chris Sr. and the dogs came in as though the scent of our food had called to them.

  Judith heated more scones and grinned like we’d paid her the highest compliment possible.

  We stuffed ourselves before talking. The dogs waited patiently and I reluctantly gave them each one bite. That didn’t seem to satisfy them, but, oh well…

  “We finished reading the notes,” Carol said, “but we have no idea what the O.W.I. is. It sounded kind of secretive, don’t you think?”

  “I agree,” I said.

  Chris explained what he’d read on the Internet and everyone listened intently. He turned to the twins. “Did you find any photos?”

  “Only one of William’s back,” Carol said.

  Coral gave her the evil eye for not letting her tell him.

  Carol ignored her sister.

  “Okay, now would you please tell us what William and Marsha looked like?”

  This time Coral took the lead. “I had a crush on William as a little girl. I was in awe of him. He was as tall as they come. He had to be at least six foot four or five, and he was a big man.”

  Carol spoke up before Coral could say more. “Well, of course he was big. Six foot five isn’t small. Really, Coral!”

  Coral sighed. “I meant his build. He wasn’t a skinny guy, you dork. He had dark hair and he was handsome – movie star handsome – in my opinion.” She turned to her sister. “Do you remember his cigars, Carol?”

  “How could I forget them? Mother made him go outside if he pulled one out of his pocket. She said they’d stink up the house if she let him smoke inside.”

  “Anything other than his size to distinguish him?” Chris asked.

  Carol looked up, thinking. “No, just that he was big and handsome, and Coral and I both
had a crush on him. I remember he had a sense of humor. It seemed like he was always making someone laugh. Oh, and he had a mustache.”

  “What about Marsha?” I asked.

  Coral sat up straighter and also glanced skyward, or in this case, ceilingward. “We only met her a couple of times. I remember she was small. She looked downright puny next to William. I think she was shorter than Mom, if I remember right. I’d guess she was about five foot two or so, and she was pretty. Oh, and she had brown hair, but kind of a light brown. I remember Mom commenting on what a cute figure she had.”

  “That about sums it up,” Carol said. “That’s the way I remember her, too, except I remember her hair as being dark blonde.”

  Chris held up his cell phone. “While Dad and I were in the garage, Simon returned my call.” He glanced at the others. “He’s a friend who retired from the post office. He has a nephew who works for the C.I.A. and I asked if he could find anything out about William.”

  Judith looked surprised. “The C.I.A.? Why would you check with them, Junior?”

  Chris ignored the nickname this time. “Because Marguerite and a few others seem to think he might have been a spy.”

  “Oh. I haven’t finished reading the notes.”

  “Anyway, Simon said his cousin told him he couldn’t discuss William with him, which makes me think maybe he was a spy. The cousin could have said he’d never heard of him. Well, initially that’s what he said, but Simon pushed him a little and that’s when he said the subject of William Howard is off limits. Simon is on his way over. He said he’d tell me more when he gets here.”

  “Interesting,” I said. “That leads me to believe he was at least connected to the C.I.A. in some way.”

  The man of few words, Chris Sr., rubbed his chin. “Sounds that way to me.”

  The doorbell rang.

  “Are you expecting anyone else, Judith?” I asked.

  “Nope.” She stood and headed for the door to see who’d come calling.

  She opened the door wide and there stood a very tall man, only slightly bent over, with a head of thick white hair, a mustache and a cigar in his mouth.

  I’m not sure, but I think the twins and I gasped in unison.

  Chapter Nine

  “What the heck?” I asked softly. “Could that possibly be William?”

  Carol’s mouth was hanging open, and Coral looked shocked.

  Carol shook her head. “It can’t be. He’s dead.”

  The twins walked to the front door, almost as if in a trance.

  “William?” Coral asked, speaking softly.

  The man chuckled. “No, I’m James, William’s half-brother.” His voice was deep and booming, not that of a senior citizen.

  Carol stepped forward. “How did you find us? What are you doing here?”

  “I heard someone was making inquiries about my brother. I know he was friends with Jefferson, so I thought Piper and I would stop by and see what’s going on. I couldn’t think of anyone who might be looking into things except someone from this house. William didn’t seem to have any friends other than Jefferson and Marguerite. And me, of course.”

  “Well, that was fast,” I mumbled. The couple showing up so quickly gave me pause. It simply hadn’t been that long since Chris talked to his friend, and since his friend spoke to his nephew.

  “Pardon?” he said.

  “Oh, nothing.”

  “Who’s Piper?” Judith asked, looking past James.

  “Get the lead out,” James said gently, grinning and turning to his right.

  A small woman climbed the steps and stood next to James. She lightly slapped his arm. “’Get the lead out?’”

  He shrugged and patted her back.

  The couple looked like they might be in their late eighties, but if so, they sure looked good for their age. Piper might be an older woman, but her hair was colored red and it looked good on her. She was stylish with both her hair and her clothing, not letting her age get the best of her.

  The woman held out her hand. “Hello, I’m Piper Hathaway.”

  Judith took her hand and shook it. “Please come inside.” She stepped away from the door.

  Carol and Coral were being uncharacteristically quiet and stared openly at the couple.

  Chris and Chris Sr. stepped forward and introduced themselves, shaking hands with James and Piper.

  We all took seats in the living room.

  “So what’s the sudden interest in my brother?” James asked.

  Before anyone could answer, Coral said, “I never heard that William had a brother. You look like him, but are you sure you’re related? I can’t believe how much you look like him.”

  Silly question, especially since there was a family resemblance.

  “Yes, I’m sure. We were raised in separate homes but we had the same father. We resemble our father, too.”

  “Besides, look at your friend,” Piper said. “He looks just like Humphrey Bogart, but obviously he’s not the movie star. No, James is William’s brother. They were only a couple of years apart in age.”

  Coral nodded and kept her eyes on James. “I can’t believe he never mentioned you. You’d think – “

  “I feel like I know you two,” he interrupted, glancing from Carol to Coral. “William often talked about the tenacious twins.”

  “Well, I’ll be a son-of-a-gun,” Coral said. “Now that I think about it, you even sound like him.”

  “Do I?”

  Piper sat on the edge of her seat. “I never had the opportunity to meet William. James and I met after his brother’s death. Such a shame. I’ve heard so many good things about him.” She turned and half-smiled at her husband.

  “So, again, tell me what drew your interest to my brother?”

  Chris had contacted Simon early in the morning. Well, fairly early. How could these people have heard about it already? Was there truly a C.I.A. connection, and did it involve James, too? These people had to live nearby in order to show up so fast.

  “Judith, you tell him,” Carol said. “You’re the one who found everything.”

  My mother-in-law had been very quiet while she studied the couple, but now she spoke up and told the basic story of Mikey finding the purple cows and where they’d been hidden. I noticed she didn’t mention the diamond ring. She didn’t go into much detail at all, really, which surprised me.

  “Purple cows?” James asked. “I can’t imagine what they might have to do with my brother. Do you still have them? I’m just curious.”

  “Come and see,” Judith said, standing and heading for the hidden drawer.

  James and Piper stood and followed her.

  Judith pulled it open and I saw James’ shoulder tighten, just slightly.

  “Why, I remember those cows. My father gave them to William as a joke. I can’t recall what the joke was, but yes, I remember them.”

  He held his hand out and Judith handed him the calf.

  “It seems to me there should be a bull, too. Is there another one?”

  “According to Marguerite’s letter the bull was broken.” She handed him the bigger, purple, mama cow.

  Piper studied the hidden drawer. “Well, if that isn’t a kick in the pants! Who’d expect to find a drawer under the stairs? I thought you were joking.”

  James carried the mama cow and the calf to the living room and set them on the coffee table, watching them with an expression on his face that I couldn’t read.

  “Can you tell me more? This is turning into an interesting story. Maybe my brother wasn’t quite the man I thought he was. You say his lady friend disappeared? He never mentioned her to me. I can’t imagine he would have had anything to do with her disappearance though.”

  “Oh, yes,” Carol said. “They were planning to be married, or at least that’s the way I remember it.”

  “Yes, married,” Coral said. “I’m sure of it.”

  Piper smiled, but it was a sad smile. “What a shame. It sounds like they had such big plans an
d yet the woman disappeared and James’ brother died. Things don’t always work out the way we expect.”

  I couldn’t put my finger on why, but I liked these two already. It seemed like there was something so real and down-to-earth about them, and yet… Why had Marguerite said she didn’t believe William had a brother? I guess it really didn’t matter. Maybe if it turned out William was really a spy, he hadn’t wanted to involve his family in his life.

  I couldn’t imagine the life of a spy. They’d feel so protective of their families, and yes, they’d have to be careful about every aspect of their existence. I don’t know that I could live that way. I’m too outspoken. I’d give myself away in a heartbeat.

  I turned to Chris and saw he was watching James and Piper intently. Was he trying to pick up some small nuance in the conversation? It seemed like he was listening to every word, trying to pick something up. Maybe he was looking for clues.

  He tipped his head to the side and continued to watch James while he spoke. “Does it bother you that we’re looking into this? Do you want us to leave it alone?” He rolled his upper lip under, Bogey-style.

  James stuck his unlit cigar in his mouth. “Nope. Investigate away. I’d like to know what my brother was up to.”

  Interestingly, with the cigar in his mouth, the thick white hair and the mustache, James almost reminded me of a gangster. Huh! I wondered where the thought had come from. Surely he wasn’t tied to the mob. Looks can be deceiving.

  My eyes wandered around the room. Everyone except Chris Sr. looked relieved to hear James wouldn’t try to stop us. My father-in-law seemed interested, but not overly so. He sat back with his arms crossed and just listened. He glanced at me and I saw that tight-lipped smile of his. If I could read minds, I had a feeling he was thinking, “Yeah, like you’re going to get the Cross’s to give up an investigation.”

  I smiled back. He knew us so well.

  “Where are my manners?” Judith asked. “Would anyone like some coffee? Maybe a cup of tea?”

  “I’d love a cup of tea,” Piper said. “And thank you for asking.”