Fit To Be Tied

by Elizabeth Craig

  Piper said gently, “Sounds good. I’m going to head back to school to finish some things up. I’ve already texted Ash, too, and he’s heading back to the university.”

  “That Ash,” said Meadow darkly, as if the entire encounter between the key and the storm drain was his fault.

  Piper hid a smile. “He was already getting in his car, Meadow, I promise. He called me back probably just eight minutes after I left the message.”

  Miss Sissy looked rather deflated but patted Piper on the arm. “Glad you’re okay,” she said gruffly. Piper gave her another hug.

  A few minutes later, Beatrice and Miss Sissy were heading back to the house. Beatrice suddenly realized that they’d left Len completely unmonitored in their scramble to get out of the house. She checked in with him on his progress while Miss Sissy loped out to the backyard again.

  Len had indeed made some progress on the work and updated her on it.

  After checking in with Len, Beatrice fixed both herself and Miss Sissy some ice waters and headed for the backyard. She opened the door to find Miss Sissy sound asleep and snoring in the supposedly-hated hammock. Apparently, after a full tummy and a rather alarming day, Miss Sissy had decided to give the hammock a chance.

  Beatrice settled in a chair at the table, but became uncomfortable after a little while. She was just contemplating a move into the living room, noise or no noise, when Wyatt came into the backyard.

  He walked right up to her and gave her a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re all right.”

  Beatrice realized that it had been so busy after finding Salome that she hadn’t even remembered to call Wyatt or text him and let him know what happened. All she’d had the presence of mind to do earlier was to text him about Piper and then to update him on Piper. “I’m sorry I didn’t get in touch about Salome. It’s been sort of a wild day. How did you find out?”

  Wyatt said wryly, “Meadow called me a few minutes ago to update me on Piper and then launched into what happened to Salome. She’d heard from Ramsay, of course.”

  Beatrice sighed. “And I’d already given you a Piper update, although I was a total failure at updating you on what happened with Salome.”

  Wyatt said, “Do you know anything about what happened? I know it must have been such a shock to find her—I know how I felt when I found Gerald.” There were grim lines on his face as he looked at her.

  “It was awful—mostly because she was young and has a child and because I knew and liked her so much. The only good thing that I can say about her death is that I don’t think she must have suffered. She was hit on the back of the head with a pan and likely never saw it coming,” said Beatrice sadly. “She must have turned her back on the person who attacked her.”

  Wyatt shook his head and they were quiet for a few moments.

  Beatrice added, “And no, I don’t really know what happened. All I can guess is that the person who murdered Gerald thought that Salome knew too much and decided that she had to be silenced.”

  Wyatt said, “But how would Salome know anything? It seems to me that she’s been over at the Patchwork Cottage all the time. Or, if she’s not there, that she was at home with her daughter.”

  “Yes, but Salome was at Gerald’s office early on the day that he died. According to Miss Sissy, Salome was talking on the phone with someone that she’d seen at the office the morning Gerald was murdered. She’d planned on speaking with him again about supporting her daughter. She’d approached him about support before and he’d turned her down. Fortunately, she’d had Carla to help her out. But she wanted to talk to him again and try to reason with Gerald about providing support. She knew his work hours better than anyone and drove up to the factory early in the morning to see him first thing with no one there. She said that she ended up leaving, but she might have seen someone or something before she did. Maybe she didn’t even realize what she’d seen until later. But it might have been enough for someone to murder her.”

  Wyatt said, “If Miss Sissy is right and Salome was calling the killer on the phone, shouldn’t it be someone that she knew? Otherwise, how would she get the phone number?”

  Beatrice said thoughtfully, “Good point. Although she likely had everyone’s number who might be considered a suspect since she was Gerald’s assistant for so long and might have made phone calls for him. But it could be that she more easily knew how to contact one of the family members.”

  “You spoke to Ramsay?” asked Wyatt.

  “A little bit. Then I spoke to Joan. She was very upset.”

  Wyatt nodded. “It must have been a really rough day for her. She didn’t seem herself when we had our meeting about her father’s service. Of course, why would she be?”

  “What was that like?” asked Beatrice. “I was thinking that Laura Carpenter might want to be in charge of all of the arrangements. And it didn’t seem to me that she was a huge fan of Joan’s.”

  Wyatt said, “The meeting was all right. But you’re right: Laura was definitely in charge of every aspect of the service. Joan just kept shrugging as if she didn’t want to make suggestions because it might mean having a conversation with Laura. And Mark seemed very distracted, as if his mind was somewhere completely different.”

  Beatrice raised an eyebrow. “Well, that does surprise me. I could see Mark wanting to be in control of the service, too. I’d think that Laura and Mark would butt heads through the entire process. After all, making sure the family image is intact seemed very important to him. He was worried about the effect his father’s murder might have on the business.”

  Wyatt shook his head. “Something else was on his mind. He was very quiet and reserved.” He paused. “I’m a little scared to ask, but how is everything going inside?” He gestured to the house.

  Beatrice said, “Len has made some good progress, but he also discovered some issues that are going to cause a few setbacks.”

  Wyatt chuckled. “I was afraid of that. When I was coming in, Len was on his way back out. He said something about going to the hardware store and that didn’t sound like good news since we should have all the materials here.”

  Beatrice sighed. “Should have, yes. But he came across two problems from the previous contractor. They’re the kind of things that need to be fixed. I guess we ended up with a better contractor because he spotted the problems pretty quickly.”

  Miss Sissy gave a prodigious snore and they exchanged a smile.

  “And she hated the hammock and didn’t want anything to do with it,” said Beatrice, rolling her eyes.

  “Everything changes when it’s naptime,” said Wyatt.

  “Maybe when she wakes up, she’ll be a little better,” said Beatrice.

  Wyatt knit his brows. “She’s not doing well?”

  “She had made friends with Salome and was upset when she found out the news,” said Beatrice.

  “Upset in what way?”

  “Angry. Which is Miss Sissy’s favorite reaction to just about anything. Apparently, she’d gotten to know Salome while she was at the Patchwork Cottage. Anyway, we went to the grocery store for food and had a feast outside, which was a good distraction. And then Piper’s false alarm created a tremendous distraction.”

  “And you’re a good friend,” said Wyatt, reaching out a hand for hers.

  “Even though she drives me crazy sometimes,” said Beatrice with a sigh. “When she wakes up, let’s see if she’s ready to head back to her house. I can’t think of anything else to entertain her. And when Len is done for the day, I’ll pick up Noo-noo.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  MISS SISSY DID WAKE up in a far better mood than she’d been in when she fell asleep. With a full stomach and a nap behind her, she was ready to go back home. And Len wrapped up for the day just a couple of hours after that.

  The next couple of days went by much quieter than the previous ones. Len made quick progress in the house and Noo-noo made lots of quilting friends at the Patchwork Cottage. Beatrice finished up her work on the diape
r bag and brought it over for Piper and they ate ice cream together (something Piper had been craving lately and which Beatrice was happy to indulge in, herself).

  The morning of Gerald’s funeral dawned rainy.

  Beatrice looked out the bedroom window at the unrelenting rain. “This looks like the kind of day that Hollywood would create for a funeral.”

  Wyatt carefully tied his tie in the bedroom mirror. “I don’t think Hollywood would make quite this much rain happen.”

  “You’re right. It’s like cats and dogs out there. At least Laura didn’t want a graveside service, although it might be tricky even running into the sanctuary from the parking lot,” said Beatrice. “Do you know anything about this reception that’s happening afterwards?”

  Wyatt nodded and followed Beatrice into the living room. “Laura wanted everyone to come by their house. And it’s certainly large enough to hold the number of people who are probably going to attend.”

  Beatrice said, “Unfortunately, any mention of an open gathering in Dappled Hills and the entire town shows up. Hopefully, Laura won’t be totally overwhelmed.”

  A few minutes later, they headed to the church. There was no break in the clouds so they used large umbrellas and wore rain coats and sloshed through the puddles.

  They were early, of course, with Wyatt officiating, and the church was already starting to fill up. Beatrice found a spot in the first third of the pews and spoke to a few members of the congregation as they came in.

  She stood up to greet Mark Carpenter as he approached her. His mouth was set in a grim line and he looked stressed. But then, it was his father’s funeral. He sat down in front of her in a pew and turned around. “I heard that you found Salome Hewitt the other day.” He spoke in a hushed voice although there was no one around them.

  Beatrice nodded.

  Mark sighed and rubbed his forehead with his hand. “I’m trying to get some more information on what happened and how things are going now with Salome’s sister and daughter. I feel a sense of responsibility.” He saw Beatrice looking curiously at him and quickly added, “As a former employer. Salome worked many years at Dappled Hills Pimento Cheese and I want to make sure to recognize that.”

  “That’s kind of you, especially considering that she hadn’t been an employee there for a little while,” said Beatrice.

  Mark’s neck flushed red. “My father and I didn’t always see eye to eye when it came to the business. That was one instance in which we disagreed. I felt as if Salome had been a loyal employee for many years and was one of the few people who was as organized as my father was. I don’t think he realized how good he had it until he went through a slew of replacements recently for Salome after he fired her.”

  There was no mention of the reason Salome had been fired, which made Beatrice wonder if Mark even knew.

  “Anyway, I feel terrible about it. I contacted Ramsay just as soon as I heard that morning. I was in the office early, trying to get caught up, when one of our employees told me.” He watched as more people filed into the church. “I feel terrible about it,” he repeated in a somewhat automatic tone.

  Beatrice said, “It’s a tragedy, to be sure. I’m so glad that Salome’s sister lives in town, for her daughter’s sake.”

  Mark said, “I’m sure it’s a comfort to Salome’s child to have her aunt there.”

  Beatrice said, “And how are things for you? I’d imagine that it would be hard to try to step suddenly into your father’s role.”

  Mark clearly didn’t want to say anything that would make the business appear in a bad light. He said briskly, “Oh, it’s been all right. Of course, I was very involved in the business anyway in terms of the general operation. There were a few areas, naturally, that my father liked to handle himself that could have been a challenge to step into. But the saving grace has been the fact that he was meticulously organized and made notes on everything that he did. I’ve gotten up to speed pretty quickly because I didn’t want to let the employees down.”

  “How are things going with the employees? I’m sure that it must be so hard on everyone, having your father gone.”

  Mark appeared to be going off of a script when it came to the business. He quickly said, “Oh, the business is fit as a fiddle. It practically runs itself so it hasn’t been too much of an adjustment. Everyone just does their job every day.”

  Beatrice nodded. “That’s good. And I’m sure it must be helpful to have a routine right now. I know that’s supposed to help when you’re going through tough times.”

  Mark said, “It is, indeed. At least, for most people.” His tone was dark and he glanced around to make sure they couldn’t be overheard. “Except, perhaps, for Laura. I noticed last night when I stopped by that she seemed to be busily packing her bags.”

  Beatrice stared at him. “Laura is getting ready to leave? For good or just a trip out of town to clear her head?”

  Mark said dryly, “From the number of boxes I saw in the house, it certainly seemed to be for good.” He added, “But you won’t see them today, not with everyone at the house for the reception. She has everything upstairs packed up, though.”

  “Maybe she’s having a hard time being in the same house now that your father is gone. I’d imagine that there would be constant reminders of him there. Could she be moving to another house locally?” asked Beatrice.

  Mark shrugged. “I’m not sure, but I doubt it. Twice now, I’ve seen her hang a phone up hastily when I’ve entered the room. I strongly suspect that she’s seeing someone else. And I’m not convinced that it hasn’t been going on for a long time, either.” He made a face. “Sorry. That’s probably inappropriate, considering where we are. But it just made me angry when I saw it.” He glanced up again at the people entering the church. “Being here in the church reminds me that I need to find the information Dad was working on: the bids for the church heating and air renovation. I’ll take a look for those in the next few days.”

  “Thanks,” said Beatrice. “It was nice of your father to do that for the church.”

  Mark gave a distracted nod. “I should go. Good talking to you, Beatrice.”

  Beatrice studied the church bulletin she’d been handed when I first came in. It looked like Laura, whatever her other failings might be, was definitely on top of things. She had managed, in a very short period of time, to reserve the best soloist in the church. There was also a string quartet and a brass section. From what she could see, it was going to be a celebration of Gerald’s life instead of a more somber service.

  She was interrupted by Meadow plopping down next to her. “Okay if I sit with you? Both of our hubbies are working this event, after all.”

  Beatrice turned and spotted Ramsay standing at the back of the sanctuary, keeping an eye on the large room. He lifted a hand in greeting.

  Meadow made a face. “Once in a while, it would be nice to be able to actually sit with my husband. You must be used to it—sitting by yourself at church all the time.”

  Beatrice shrugged. “It’s all right. I knew it would be that way going into the marriage. Besides, when I was single, I was sitting by myself, anyway.”

  Meadow said in her usual stage whisper, “Have you found anything out? About the murders, I mean?”

  Beatrice chuckled. “Shouldn’t you be asking Ramsay that? It’s his case, after all. I’m sure he’s found out some helpful information.”

  Meadow snorted. “Ramsay? You know how he is. He doesn’t want me involved in it. He seems to be under the mistaken impression that I can’t keep a secret.”

  “Mistaken impression?” asked Beatrice.

  “You know that I can! Maybe not with some things, but with the most important stuff I can. And certainly when it comes to information about solving a murder. Besides, you’re the one who found poor Salome. I think you have plenty of thoughts on what’s going on. But all I can tell you is that Ramsay has been mostly focused on speaking with the family. I don’t know if that’s because he’s hoping to
widen the field of suspects by finding out if anyone outside the family had a grudge against Gerald or whether it’s because he really thinks that a family member is responsible,” said Meadow.

  Beatrice made sure that no one was in earshot again. She was sure that, the way the church was filling up, someone would be next to them soon. “I’ve been speaking with the family members, too. I spoke to Mark just a few minutes ago and he mentioned that Laura was packing up her things.”

  Meadow’s mouth opened in an O. “No! Really? Is that because she just doesn’t want to have lots of reminders of Gerald around? I mean, they were married for a while.”

  Beatrice said, “I asked Mark that, but he seemed to think that maybe Laura has another man.”

  “Wow. I can’t imagine that Gerald would have been happy about that if he’d known about it,” said Meadow frowning. “He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would just look the other way if his wife was having an affair.”

  Beatrice said, “I guess we just never know what’s going on in someone’s marriage. But that was simply what Mark thought. Obviously, don’t say anything to anyone about it.”

  “Aren’t we going over to Laura’s house right after this? Are we all to be sitting on boxes?”

  Beatrice shook her head. “He said that she’d started packing up the upstairs so I don’t think we’ll even be able to tell that she’s planning on moving when we’re over there for the reception.”

  Meadow asked, “Have you spoken to anyone else again? I mean, since Salome died.” She put her hand to her heart. “I simply cannot believe that we lost Salome. I’m really just heartbroken at that. And she had that little girl to raise! What a tragedy. It was so crazy that day with Piper heading to the doctor that I didn’t even have a chance to ask you about it.”

  “It’s very sad. I’m just relieved that Carla is in town and is so close to Salome’s daughter. And I did—actually, I spoke to Joan right outside of Salome’s house.”

  Meadow said, “Well, I’m not sure why Joan was outside Salome’s house, but I’m sure she had absolutely nothing to do with it.”