“Do you know who the woman was?” Kimberly said.
“I didn’t ask, and I couldn’t care less. All I know is we’re through.”
“I’d want to know.” Kimberly pounded her fist on the table for emphasis so softly that it didn’t even rattle the salt and pepper shakers. “I would have hunted her down and demanded to know the truth. And if I didn’t like what she said I’d dump her in the middle of Lake Huron!”
“Wow, Kimberly,” Agnes, startled, said. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”
“I’m only talking, of course, but that’s where my mind would go if I found out my husband was cheating.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of, which is why I never questioned Clark about this woman. I feared if I found her I’d run her down with my car.”
“There’s way too much violent talk in this room,” Agnes said. She secretly wondered how far Beth might go if she truly became that angry. “Let’s get back to Milly. Did you harbor any ill feelings for telling you about Clark?”
“At first I was angry that she was butting into my life, but when it turned out she was right … I focused all that anger on Clark.” Beth paused in thought.
“We heard Clark was sleeping in his car these days,” Kimberly said.
“Only because he refused to leave the driveway. He’s just trying to make me feel guilty.”
“Why have you been staying here?” Agnes asked.
“My parents convinced me to bring the children here and stay until I figured out where to go. Clark’s staying at our house for now, and paying me support.”
“Which is why we think Beth should at least hear Clark’s side of things,” Beth’s father said as he ambled into the room. “What if he’s telling the truth and this woman really was trying to help him arrange an anniversary trip of your dreams?”
“Daniel, we’re not getting involved, remember?” a slender woman with a radiant smile said.
Daniel, who dwarfed his wife, shot back with, “But Sue, how else are they going to work things out.”
Sue’s hands went to her hips. “Who says Beth wants to work it out?”
“They have two children in diapers,” Daniel said. “I’m not altogether convinced that Clark cheated on Beth.”
“Daniel!” Sue gasped. “Beth saw that woman with her own two eyes.”
“Daddy, I know how you feel, but I have to do what I think is right. I came here so I can sort things out.”
“I know that, Beth, and it’s not my place to tell you what to do. Next time I’ll keep my opinions to myself.”
Daniel and Sue left the room with linked arms. Eleanor sighed. “They’re such a nice-looking couple.”
“Yes, my parents are great,” Beth confirmed.
Agnes waited for a few moments before asking, “Weren’t you sitting with Milly at bingo the day she was poisoned?”
“I don’t think I like where this is going.” Beth’s face reddened. “I hope you don’t think I had anything to do with killing her.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Deputy Danworth said as much. I believe I’m on the suspect list.”
“I believe everyone at bingo that night is,” Kimberly said.
“Are you sure you weren’t angry at Milly for telling you about Clark?” Eleanor asked. “Did you want to get back at her?”
“I didn’t care that she told me, but I’m not about to off an old lady just because she’s in everyone’s business.”
“Have you spoken to Clark about Milly?”
“It didn’t come up. There was no need to tell him when I caught him dead to rights.”
“You caught him in another woman’s car,” Kimberly clarified. “It would take more than that for me to go crazy on my husband.”
“It wasn’t your husband.” Eleanor chuckled. “Believe me, it’s much different when it happens to you. I chased my ex-husband around our house when I caught him cheating.”
Beth leaned back and smiled. “I’m glad you ladies came by today. This is the first time I’ve smiled in weeks.”
Agnes knocked on the door of Clark’s lovely blue Cape Cod with white shutters. At Milly’s it was quiet. Her sister’s car was no longer in the drive. Could she have left town already?
Clark eased the door open and swept a hand over his brown hair. His dark pants hung off his frame and the white button down shirt he wore hung at his neck.
“Hello Clark,” Kimberly said. “Beth told us you were staying here.”
Clark’s eyes drifted to Kimberly’s belly. “I hope she’s not trying to pin that on me too.”
“Could we come in and speak with you privately? I believe your neighbors are glancing out their curtains,” Agnes said.
Clark led the way into the house and collapsed on the couch. “So I suppose Beth wanted you to deliver the divorce papers.”
“That’s not why we’re here,” Kimberly said. “Were you aware that Milly Clark was the one who told Beth about you cheating on her?”
Clark plopped his feet on the floor quickly. “That can’t be true.”
“Why would Beth lie to us?” Agnes asked.
“Because that’s what she wants to think, and now that I know why I’m going to try even harder to speak with her. She needs to listen to me explain … she has it all wrong …. I never cheated on her!”
“I believe Daniel might agree with that.”
“At least one person in her family believes I’m not a louse.”
“So what did happen?” Kimberly asked as she sank into a chair. “Who was that woman?”
“A travel agent who was helping me plan a trip to Paris for Beth and me for our anniversary. I didn’t want my car seen at the travel agency, which is why Mel picked me up from the IGA parking lot. Kimberly should know how gossipy they are here in Redwater. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you right away when I opened the door.”
“So because you weren’t aware that Milly whispered in Beth’s ear about your possible infidelity you’d have no reason to want her dead.”
“Not even if I had known. No good would come out of confronting an old woman whose only enjoyment comes from spinning untruths about her neighbors.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Clark,” Agnes said. “You don’t think Beth is capable of murder do you?”
“If she were, I wouldn’t be standing here now.”
“Does she normally go to bingo?”
“It’s one of the only things to do in this town for good adult fun. Beth’s really enjoys the company of the older people in town.”
“Thank you, Clark,” Kimberly said. “And I promise we’ll find a way to get Beth to listen to your explanation. It’s just too bad that your secret will be out of the bag.”
“Serves me right for trying to keep a secret from Beth. I just thought she deserves a romantic trip. She’s always dreamed of going to Paris. We planned to for our honeymoon, but Beth’s father had a heart attack.”
Chapter Sixteen
Pastor Williams was on the opposite side when the girls opened the door.
“This is a surprise,” Agnes said.
Pastor Williams smiled. “I’m just making my rounds. I visit parishioners in need of a little uplifting.”
“Like Mrs. Barry?” Eleanor asked.
“She had a strange car in her driveway. I had to make sure she was okay.”
“Oh, you know all of her friends and what they drive?”
“Yes. I make it a habit of knowing. Someone has to look after the older residents.”
“I know, but aren’t you worried what you might run into doing that?” Kimberly asked with a sly smile. “Whatever would you do if you saw a gentleman caller in a bathrobe in Mrs. Barry’s kitchen?”
Pastor Williams’ brow furrowed. “I would hope Mrs. Barry wouldn’t open the door.” He laughed.
“Hello, Pastor,” Clark greeted from behind them. “I was hoping you’d stop by today. I really could use some spiritual guidance.”
�
�Well, we’ll leave you to it then,” Agnes said.
“That Pastor Williams is certainly a hoot,” Eleanor said. “I didn’t know there were pastors like that anymore. I should switch churches.”
Agnes’s brow jumped up at that. “And what church would that be, Eleanor?”
“You don’t need to make fun of me,” Eleanor shouted, “just because you go to the church of Tim Hortons.”
“I didn’t mean to. And you’re right, I do belong to that church.”
Kimberly led the way into the Redwater Travel Agency, where a gorgeous tall blonde was jotting down names next to destinations on a large dry-erase board.
Agnes cleared her throat until the woman turned, flashing her hazel eyes their way.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t hear you come in.”
“Are you Mel?” Agnes asked.
She hesitated as she bit down on her full lip. “Yes, why?”
“We were just wondering if you’re the travel agent who caused all the trouble with the Bentleys’ marriage,” Kimberly said.
“Are you on team Beth or team Clark.”
“It would be easier if you just explained what happened. We’re investigators and were trying to get the two love birds back together,” Agnes said.
Mel crossed her arms. “I certainly hope they do. This was a misunderstanding. I feel so bad for Beth. I can’t imagine how she must have felt when she saw Clark coming out of my car. I’d been picking up Clark for a few weeks. I worked with him to put together an amazing anniversary vacation. His parents were even coming to Redwater to babysit.”
“That’s a huge misunderstanding,” Kimberly said. “It looks like the surprise was on you.”
“Unfortunately, that was the case. I’m putting everything on hold, but I hope they make amends. I’m more than willing to explain everything to Beth if she’d give me the chance. I can even show her the vacation arrangements if that would ease her mind.”
“We’ll do all we can to make that happen,” Agnes said. “I don’t suppose you know how Beth found out where to find Clark’s car?”
“I assumed she tracked his phone.”
“Car actually.”
“Clever girl.”
“Did you know Milly Clark?” Eleanor asked.
“Why yes. She’s the poor woman who was poisoned at bingo.”
“She’s the one who told Beth about you and Clark.”
“Oh! She must have spotted us together in a car and let her imagination get the best of her. It’s horrible she died like that.”
“I want to thank you for speaking with us about this delicate matter,” Agnes said. “We’ll be bringing this couple together soon.”
When they were back on the road, Kimberly sighed. “I really hope Beth listens to reason.”
“It’s too bad it will come at the expense of ruining Clark’s surprise,” Eleanor said. “Where are we heading now?”
“Gordon and Felicity’s house,” Kimberly said. “They’re the last on our list of people who Milly spread rumors about.”
“Is that it then?” Eleanor said. “We haven’t found any viable suspects.”
“Unless Meadow killed her Aunt Milly after all,” Agnes said.
Kimberly pulled up to a modest home. Gordon and Felicity Wolfe were pulling weeds in the flowerbed. Felicity was a bright-faced woman with a red bob, her fingers stuffed in muddy gloves when she turned to greet them.
“Can I help you ladies?” Felicity asked.
“Are you Felicity and Gordon Wolfe?” Agnes asked for clarification.
“Yes. Why are you here?” Gordon asked as he stood looking down at them.
“We’ve looking into Milly Clark’s death,” Kimberly offered. “We were told Milly informed your daughter that you two were getting a divorce.”
“That’s true, but who told you that?”
“Does it matter?” Eleanor asked. “We just came to ask if you were angry at Milly … enough to kill her?”
“I should hope not!” Felicity said. “I’d never do anything that rash!”
Gordon pulled his wife near him. “We have since reconciled and won’t be pursuing a divorce.”
“What great news,” Eleanor exclaimed. “So really if it hadn’t been for Milly you might not even be back together.”
Gordon laughed. “That’s true, but at the time we were so focused on Fern that we didn’t have time to burn Milly’s house to the ground.”
Felicity slapped Gordon’s arm. “He’s not serious. Tell them, Gordon, before Deputy Danworth shows up with guns blazing.”
“So you’ve encountered Deputy Danworth too?” Agnes asked.
“I can’t think of anyone in town who hasn’t. At least we didn’t attend bingo that night, so we have an alibi.” Gordon winked.
“Is Fern here?”
“No, she’s at church right now. The youth group is having a barbecue.”
“How fun!” Eleanor said as she darted to the car.
The church parking lot was all but roped off, but Agnes found a parking spot. She was quite shocked at how many young people were here, all laughing and having a good time.
They weaved their way through the crowd until they spotted Rosa removing coverings from bowls that most likely contained side items. Mark, the youth pastor, stood behind the grill, cooking hot dogs and brats from the smell that wafted through the air. Eleanor gave him a quick wave.
“Hello there,” Mark called out. “I didn’t know you were part of the youth group.”
“We couldn’t resist the smell of a barbecue,” Agnes said.
“I must admit I’m always hungry,” Kimberly said with a smile.
“You’re welcome. We have plenty to go around. Mother, I believe we need more sides. I’m sure Agnes and Eleanor would be happy to help you out. I don’t see the lemonade out here yet.”
“Th-that’s because I’m making fruit punch, not lemonade. And I’d hate to trouble these ladies to help me. I can handle it.”
“Rosa, could you help me light the Sternos for the chafing pans?” an older woman asked from the other end of the table.
“Oh bother. I’ll be right back,” Rosa said.
“I sure we can help with the punch,” Kimberly said as she moved in the direction of the church.
“You should find everything you need in the kitchen,” Mark said. “It’s in the basement.”
Agnes, Kimberly and Eleanor took their time going down the stairs. Agnes sighed at the cooler temperature. Two couples quickly exited the basement when they spotted the investigators, leaving Agnes, Kimberly and Eleanor to snoop in the kitchen. Four large containers of dry mixture for the punch sat on the counter with jugs. Kimberly went to work measuring and mixing just in case Rosa came looking for them.
“Ugh, I’m too old to be on my knees,” Eleanor whined.
“Would you quit complaining? I’m not about to allow Kimberly to do it.”
“I don’t even know what we’re looking for.”
“I’d say lemonade mixture,” Kimberly said.
Eleanor opened a cabinet under the sink and Agnes scoffed. “And what do you think you’ll find down there?”
“Arsenic.”
“Milly died from cyanide. And I doubt you’d find that under a sink or in a kitchen, for that matter.”
“What are you doing?” Rosa asked.
Eleanor bumped her head under the sink. “Ouch!”
“Under the sink, really?”
Where else would you hide poison?”
“She means she’s looking for sugar,” Kimberly said as Agnes took over stirring the fruit punch.
Rosa narrowed her eyes as she joined them. “If I went around poisoning people I wouldn’t bring it into the church,” she sneered. “Let’s bring the punch out. The kids are thirsty.”
They carried the jugs of punch out and set them on the tables, smartly moving out of the way of the thirsty teenagers.
Agnes spotted Rosa whispering to Mark, so she joined them. “How ar
e the hot dogs coming along? These teenagers won’t be able to hold off much longer.”
“I’m working on it.” Mark laughed as Rosa stomped away.
“What’s the matter with your mother?” Agnes asked.
“She just hates it when anyone invades her kitchen here.”
“We made the punch and I lost an earring,” Eleanor complained. “I don’t know what made me look for it under the sink.” She shrugged.
“My mother thinks you ladies have it out for her.”
“Out for her how?” Kimberly asked sweetly.
“She said one of you mentioned poison.”
“As a joke,” Eleanor said. “I couldn’t help it when she came down there with fire shooting from her eyes.”
“She can be sensitive like that sometimes. I believe she’s overtaxed herself what with taking over as the secretary and now supervising the barbecue. She’s been working the last twelve hours preparing the food with a few of the older church members.”
“I can’t believe Pastor Williams gave her Milly’s job so soon.”
“Well, there’s a lot to running a church.”
“Is that why you’re not a pastor anymore?” Eleanor asked. “It was too difficult for you.”
“Not at all. I have a family that needs more of my time.”
Kimberly frowned. “That’s not how it should work. I believe if you truly have a calling—.”
“There are other ways to serve the lord,” Mark countered.
“Where is Kane?” Agnes asked as she glanced around.
“He wasn’t able to be here.”
Kimberly frowned. “Really, but I thought you were helping him put his life back together.”
“I don’t have to be with him every waking moment.”
“Where is your wife?” Eleanor asked. “We’ve never met her.”
“She’s not here.”
“Not here either?” Kimberly asked. “What, do you have them all tied up in your basement?”
Mark’s smile faded. “What have I ever done to any of you?”
“We know you wouldn’t have a reason to tie Kane or your wife up in the basement.” Eleanor guffawed. “You’re too straight for something like that.”
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