“We didn’t get the chance.”
“They took off before we could get much information,” Agnes said.
“And they lied about selling lemonade. Agnes found broken-down boxes of lemonade by the trash compactor,” Eleanor added.
“That would hardly prove they sold lemonade that night. I’d imagine the UAW hall has more than just bingos held there.”
“Did a Nancy or Ben Shepard have an appointment or not?” Eleanor asked.
Jeremy shook his head. “I’m very sorry that I can’t help out you ladies, but I’m not willing to share information about even a potential client.”
“It must have been Ben,” Agnes said. “Nancy sure seemed upset to hear her husband had an appointment with you, Jeremy.”
Jeremy stood up, walked to the door and opened it. “You should know better than to tell anyone who may have had an appointment with me, Kimberly. I’d hate for people in town to think I can’t be trusted to handle their cases without having them become common knowledge.”
“And you should know better than to tell your sister before your wife that you’re leaving town on a business trip,” Kimberly shot back.
“I’m very sorry about that.”
“And I’m sorry that I let that slip out of my mouth.”
“It’s not like it was intentional,” Agnes said as she stood up and helped Eleanor to her feet. “But a woman is dead and it would be helpful to know if one of the Shepards had anything to do with it.”
“There’s nothing that was discussed in this office that would have anything to do with what happened at the bingo hall.”
“You can at least give us their address,” Eleanor suggested. “We won’t tell them where we received the information.”
“Or mention details that would pertain to why one of them would require the services of an attorney,” Agnes said.
Jeremy folded his arms across his chest with a slight narrowing of his eyes.
“That means it’s time to leave,” Kimberly said.
Jeremy kissed Kimberly. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Go on ahead,” Agnes said. “Eleanor and I would like to have a word with Gladys. It’s been ages since we’ve been to town.”
“Sorry, but she’s too busy making preparations for my business trip.”
“Surely she can’t be going with you.”
“No, but it takes time to rearrange my schedule.”
“We’d love to help.” Eleanor grinned.
When Jeremy sighed Kimberly walked toward the door. “We better get going. I’d hate for my husband to blow a gasket.”
“Perhaps Eleanor and I should handle this case,” Agnes said. “I’d hate to see you and Jeremy quarrel.”
“My disagreement with my husband had nothing to do with the case. He’s just not willing to share information with us,” Kimberly insisted.
“Couldn’t you have called Jeremy to soften him up?” Eleanor asked.
“I never play on the affections of my husband.” Kimberly winked. “And I’ll be taking a look at the appointment book.”
“Or you could take a peek in the computer,” Agnes suggested.
“Once Jeremy leaves for California his office will be empty. Gladys is never in the office in his absence.”
“I like a woman who thinks on her feet,” Eleanor said with a bob of her head. “So where are we off to now, Kimberly?”
“Why are you asking me? You and Agnes are much more savvy than I am.”
“That’s not true. When Milly keeled over you were at her side rather quickly from my recollection,” Agnes said.
Kimberly smiled. “In that case I know just where to go next.”
Kimberly drove north on M-25 along Michigan’s thumb. She admired the view of Lake Huron today. It was all clear skies and sunshine.
She made a right on White Pine Road and arrived at the First Baptist Church minutes later. The church was small and had a steeple, with a fresh coat of paint thanks to a recent volunteer effort. It was the only church in Redwater. Catholic and Lutheran residents had to make the trip to Port Austin for worship.
“This is a lovely little church,” Agnes remarked.
“Most of the Baptists in town think so.”
“Milly works here ... or I mean worked here as a secretary. I had hoped we could ask Pastor Williams a few questions about her.”
Kimberly walked around back with Agnes and Eleanor struggling to keep their footing in high, dry grass.
“The back door is always unlocked,” Kimberly explained as she disappeared inside.
It took a moment for Agnes’ eyes to adjust to the dimmer light. She tugged Eleanor along behind her. The poor dear really could use a new pair of glasses, or wear the ones she’s prescribed.
They moved down the darkened hallway admiring the stain glass until they came to a locked door. Kimberly knocked lightly and frowned when nobody answered.
Eleanor muscled her way to the front of the line and pounded on the door. This time it was answered by an angry woman who stood barely five feet, her shirt undone more than was decent.
“I was wondering if you were here, Rosa,” Kimberly greeted.
Rosa quickly buttoned up her blouse as she greeted Kimberly. “I’m sorry I didn’t answer the door soon enough. I was just busy—.”
“Getting freaky at church?” Eleanor interjected.
“No!” Rosa gasped. “It was so hot in here I had to unbutton a few buttons.”
“It doesn’t feel hot to me,” Agnes said. “Of course sometimes there are things that could make a woman hot.”
“I beg your pardon? I don’t deserve a comment like that. I’m a Christian woman!”
“I only meant that menopause can make a woman pretty heated when a hot flash occurs.”
“I’m sorry, who are you ladies?”
“I’m Agnes and this is Eleanor. And you obviously know Kimberly.”
“I don’t understand why you’re here.”
“I’m really sorry to hear about Milly,” Kimberly said. “It’s so awful.”
Rosa wiped at an invisible tear. “You’re right; it’s so horrible.”
“Is it too soon to answer a few questions about Milly?” Agnes asked. “She worked as a secretary here, is that right?”
“We’re looking into Milly’s death,” Kimberly explained, “with the help of my friends from out of town.”
“We’re investigators from Tawas,” Agnes informed her.
“We can talk in the conference room.” Rosa led the way into the small room that barely fit the four of them as boxes were stacked and filled with bulletins and hymn books.
They squeezed into chairs and Kimberly asked, “How long have you known, Milly?”
“I moved to Redwater three years ago. Milly was the first person I met at church. She told me First Baptist had a need for a youth group, and I convinced my son Mark to start one. He used to be a pastor, but decided he’d be able to serve the lord in another manner.”
“How generous of him,” Agnes said. She knew perfectly well a youth group was hardly a paid position. “So do you also work at the church?”
“Not in a paid capacity, I play the organ during the Sunday and Wednesday services. And I’ve been helping out in the office until Pastor Williams can find a permanent secretary.”
“How charitable of you,” Eleanor said. “What can you tell us about Milly other than that she was the secretary?”
“She was a wonderful woman who was always willing to be of help.”
“Is that all? I was hoping for something a little more scandalous.”
“First Baptist is not like that. You’ll have to find a Catholic church if you’re looking for a scandal.”
“You know I’ve never understood why the Baptists have it out for the Catholics,” Agnes said. “And for someone who most likely has never set a foot in a Catholic Church, you shouldn’t be insinuating there is anything scandalous happening there.”
“It’s not very Christ
ian if you ask me,” Eleanor said with a curt nod.
“Can we get back to Milly please,” Kimberly said. “So according to you, Milly has never engaged in any gossiping.”
“That’s right.”
“Did you routinely see her?”
“I’d spend at least a few hours a day with her.”
Eleanor slapped her hands noisily. “Ah-ha!”
Agnes couldn’t help but smile when Eleanor made them all jump.
“There is just no way you can be in the office with Milly for a few hours without some gossiping or complaining.”
“Oh she certainly complained.”
“What would she complain about?” Kimberly asked.
“The normal things people complain about, I suppose. Annoying neighbors and barking dogs.”
“How does that not translate to gossip?” Eleanor asked with a cockeyed grin. “Complaining about her annoying neighbors is most certainly gossip.”
“I suppose that depends on your definition of gossip,” Rosa shot back.
“She never gossiped about any of the congregation?” Agnes asked.
“Not to my recollection.”
“Thank you for your help,” Kimberly finally said. “Do you know anything about Milly’s family?”
Rosa’s face lit up. “She has a sister, Endora Green.” She laughed. “Milly often called her a witch, but I took it as a joke.”
Eleanor slammed her fists on the table. “You really don’t understand the concept of gossip, do you?”
“Do you know where we might find Endora?” Kimberly asked.
“She lives in Port Huron, but the pastor mentioned that Endora is here in Redwater. I assume she’s at Milly’s house.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Because she drives a rusty Impala and I noticed one parked in Milly’s driveway.”
“Do you live that close to Milly?” Agnes asked.
“No, but I pass her house on the way to the church.”
“Is Pastor Williams here?”
“No. He hasn’t been here for a few days.”
“So he left before Milly died?”
“Exactly. He’ll be quite shocked when he learns of Milly’s passing.”
“Murder,” Eleanor put in. “Milly was murdered. Do you have any idea if anyone in the congregation would wish her harm?”
“She’s always gotten along with the congregation.”
“Thanks again,” Kimberly said. “Can you give us Milly’s address? We’d like to pay our respects to her sister.”
Eleanor grumbled on the way back to the car. “I wonder if any of the congregation really had a problem with Milly. I’d have asked Rosa, but she would have told me no because they’re all too Christian or would never gossip a day in their lives.”
Agnes snickered. “I have to agree with you there. I’m taking everything Rosa said with a grain of salt. I think we might make better headway if we spoke to the pastor.”
Agnes nodded as the car was in motion and she drove to 1515 Brook Drive, pulling up behind a rusted Impala just as Rosa suggested was parked there. “I hope Endora is here.”
Kimberly led the way to the door. “Allow me to knock this time.”
“Knock like you’re really trying to solve this case then,” Eleanor said.
Agnes shook a finger at Eleanor as Kimberly rang the doorbell. The chimes were heard from inside and by the time they quit ringing the door was opened by a rather tall man wearing a brown suit.
He waited until Agnes asked, “Is Endora Green here?”
“Who’s asking?”
“We’re here to pay our respects,” Kimberly said.
“She’s in the kitchen going through Milly’s belongings.”
Agnes frowned when they walked into the kitchen, curious about the man. Endora was yanking contents out of the drawers. Agnes cleared her throat to let Endora know they were here.
She glanced up. Endora wore a blue and white housedress with a beehive hairdo. She didn’t look much different than Endora on the television show Bewitched, including heavily applied makeup.
“We’re here to pay our respects,” Kimberly said as she made the introductions.
“My sister was a friend of yours?”
“Oh no, we were merely acquaintances.” Kimberly sighed. “I was at bingo the night Milly died.”
Endora slipped to a chair. “I still can’t believe Milly’s dead. She’s always been such a strong woman. Of course she should have taken better care of herself. Heart disease runs in our family.”
Agnes was shocked at the revelation. “If only that is how your sister died. We believe she was murdered.”
“Murdered?” Endora exclaimed as she pressed a hand to her chest. “I can’t believe that!”
“We were there,” Agnes said. “We think she was poisoned.”
“But Deputy Danworth told me the cause of death hasn’t been determined yet.”
“I assure you she did not die from natural causes,” Kimberly said.
“I just don’t understand this. Who would want to kill my sister?”
“That’s what we’re trying to figure out. I just can’t sit by and hope the police find out who did this to Milly. We’re looking into her death.”
“To what end?”
“To find the person who killed your sister and bring them to justice.”
“That’s a job for the police don’t you think?” Endora countered.
“Yes, I’ve heard that said,” Agnes said. “But we’ve all solved more than one case before, and believe me when I tell you that you can trust us to learn the truth.”
“That would be nice, I suppose, but how can I help?”
Kimberly sat down and said, “It would help if you can answer a few questions about your sister. Do you know anyone who would want to hurt her?”
Endora frowned. “To be perfectly honest I haven’t spoken to my sister in a number of years. She was never an easy woman to get along with.”
“That’s come to our attention. Do you live in Redwater?”
“No, I live in Port Austin. I had to come right away when I learned about her death. I’ve been going over her paperwork to hopefully find at least an insurance policy. I can’t afford to pay for a funeral on my income.”
Eleanor frowned. “Do you have any reason to want your sister dead?”
Endora’s face fell. “N-No,” she quivered. “Our last argument was about her inability to keep her mouth shut. She’s the worst gossip in Redwater, from my understanding.”
“What makes you think that?” Agnes asked.
“Well, Pastor Williams here told me all about it.”
Agnes zeroed in on Pastor Williams, who so far was only taking in the conversation. He was the man who answered the door. “Can I ask how you got into Milly’s house?”
“I have a key,” Pastor Williams said. “Milly didn’t have anyone else she could really trust. I knew she’d want her sister to plan the funeral.”
“If they were at odds I can’t believe that would be the truth, but Endora is family.”
“Did Milly have any other family?” Kimberly asked.
“No, just me. My sister wasn’t the friendliest sort of woman. I just hope it hasn’t led to her death if it really was murder.”
“So you were aware that she was a gossip.”
“A gossip with a vengeance. My sister has been -- excuse me, pastor --hell-bent on destroying the lives of her neighbors.”
“Why would she go to those extremes?” Agnes asked.
“We’ll never know,” Pastor Williams said. “I was aware that she gossiped at the church, but I hardly thought it was as malicious as Endora told me. If I had known I would have let her go.”
“The organ player, Rosa, told us you’ve been out of town for a few days, pastor,” Eleanor said.
“I came back early this morning when I learned of Milly’s death. I’ll be scheduling grief counseling for the members of the congregation.”
&
nbsp; “You mean the ones who actually liked her.”
“I can’t believe Milly’s hated by everyone she came into contact with,” Pastor Williams said with a notable frown.
“Since you’re here I believe that is true, but where exactly were you the last few days?”
“Cleveland. My mother lives there. Why?”
“We’re investigating Milly’s death and we’ll be asking everyone their whereabouts at the time of Milly’s death.”
“Well, I’m the one person you can assure yourself had no ill will against Milly. She was a good secretary and helped keep me organized so I could concentrate on writing my sermons.”
“Rosa mentioned her son Mark started a youth group. Do you know where we’ll be able to find him?”
“He’ll be at church tomorrow night.”
“Is that an evil plot to get us to come to church?” Eleanor asked with a chuckle.
“There’s nothing evil about going to church, but not going ... .”
“We get the drift,” Agnes said.
Once they left Milly’s house, Kimberly said, “I’m ready to call it a day. I must admit I’m rather tired -- and I miss my baby.”
“Can’t blame you there,” Agnes said. “I’d like to help Eleanor get settled at the cabin anyway. Where should we pick you up tomorrow?”
“I’ll pick you ladies up around ten.”
Chapter Four
Eleanor admired the immaculate cabin. It had two small bedrooms with the queen-sized beds taking up most of the room, but the mattresses were quite comfy when she sat on one of the beds. A patio door led off the living room and onto the small deck, which contained a picnic table and gas grill. The beach was only a handful of steps from the cabin. Eleanor trudged her way through the sand and dipped her toes in the cool water.
“How is the water?” Agnes asked.
“Too cold to do more than walk in.”
“The lake is quite lovely, I must admit. It’s too bad there’s no wind today. I was expecting to see a sailboat or two.”
“Tawas Bay is never that calm, but I love it all the same. I must admit I rather enjoy getting away from it all. It’s too bad we have a case,” Eleanor said.
“Did you just say that it’s too bad there’s a case to solve, Eleanor?”
Eleanor shrugged. “I know how strange that may sound, but that doesn’t mean we won’t have time for some relaxing. What did you think about Jeremy’s reluctance to help out?”
Pretty, Hip, & Venomous Page 3
