I gripped Nilla’s leash a little tightly and decided to move on, when suddenly, there was a clashing sound coming from inside of the large house and within seconds, at least a dozen crows appeared on the front lawn. I hated when I saw those birds—feeling each time it was nothing more than a bad omen.
The house was quiet again.
Maybe Luke’s back, I thought. And maybe he’s just having a hard day.
I heard he’d had a lot of them since Sir Clement’s passing. After all, who could blame him for feeling the way he felt, especially after his relative had contributed so much of his wealth to the betterment of this society? And far worse was the fact that Sir Clement’s murder had never been solved—and according to the Tucker family—never properly investigated, for whatever reasons.
Nilla was becoming impatient. She’d started barking at the crows and edging closer to the gate. Despite her small frame, she was no coward. She’d take on anyone or anything regardless of their size or stature. She probably thought she’d have an advantage over the birds, but little did she know, those beaks of theirs could send her to the vet or an early grave in a matter of minutes. I gently pulled her along and we moved on.
Not only could I feel the sun, but without glancing up, I was able to see it. Having inner vision certainly came with its advantages. No worries about the sun glaring down at you if you made the mistake of looking up directly at it. The only problem was not knowing how long my inner vision would last. It came and went without warning.
A car slowed to the side of us. It was Carla Walkes and her girl, Brittany.
“Mornin’, Lucille!” Carla said.
I tried not to immediately look in her direction. I believe Merlene had me a bit overly paranoid about this whole thing.
“Who’s there?” I asked, knowingly.
“It’s Carla. Can I give you and Nilla a lift into town or are you just having your morning stroll?”
Carla was kind enough to offer us a lift into town several times. She usually set out early to take Brittany for gymnastics practice. The fifteen-year-old was growing well and had been doing gymnastics since she was five.
“How nice of you, Carla! I’d planned to take a cab into town since I do have some shopping to do, but if you’d be so kind to give us a lift, we’d just take one back.”
“Wonderful!” she exclaimed.
Brittany offered the front passenger seat to me and she gladly sat with Nilla in the back.
Carla was a big woman who took up most of the space between her driver’s seat and the steering wheel. Yet, she had an attractive face and her size did no damage to her self-confidence, and rightfully so. I always thought, if only she could shave off about a hundred pounds, she’d look like a beauty queen. But so much for wishful thinking—it was no secret that Carla really loved to eat. She once told me she went on binges for nearly every emotional state she found herself in: whether she was happy, sad or angry—you name it. Thankfully, Brittany was on the thin side. Her dad’s genes were probably much stronger. That—or she didn’t have a runaway appetite. Either way, it was good.
Aside from my inviting Carla to the party I decided to throw in a few days, I must admit we gossiped for most of the drive—mainly about our beloved neighbors. Tom and Irene Clancy were having marital trouble ever since Irene hired their new maid. Irene suspected the two were having a steamy love affair.
“Is that what she told you?” I asked.
“Yes!” Carla said. “Irene blurted out the whole thing to me the other day. I was outside watering the plants when she came over. She looked a little down, so I asked her what was wrong. Well, I guess she needed someone to talk to.”
“I hope it’s not true. Would be a shame to break up a happy home.”
“Happy home? Those two put on a show for years, Lucille. I live right next door to them, so I heard the occasional fights. Yet, every time they left that house together, they had a cheerful look on their faces! Don’t know who they thought they were foolin’. Then that spoiled son of theirs, Clyde, keeps sneakin’ young girls in the house when his parents are off to work.”
“Did you tell Irene about these girls parading through her house?”
“’Course not! And spill the beans that I knew everything wasn’t the way they portrayed it to be? I may be a single mother, but Brittany and I don’t have to pretend to be contented. We just are.”
“Well, how come Irene hasn’t said good riddance to the maid?” I asked. “She likes the headache or is she hoping to catch them in the act, so she’d have grounds for divorce?”
“Tom’s against letting her go—the maid, that is. He’s adamant that the whole affair thing is in Irene’s head. Personally, I don’t know if it is.”
After dropping Brittany off to practice, Carla offered to wait around while Nilla and I did our shopping instead of us catching a cab back home. Brittany’s father was expected to pick her up at noon.
“Good morning, young ladies!” went a deep male’s voice the second we entered Sal’s Convenience Store.
“Morning, Sheriff,” Carla and I replied in unison.
He stooped down to pat Nilla’s head. In response, she lunged forward for his hand and he jerked back just in time.
Gerald Cooke had been Sheriff in the county for the past four years and was doing a darn good job at it. Chadsworth boasted a very low crime rate, compared to other neighboring parts. Usually petty thefts kept a few officers busy, but homicides and other serious crimes were pretty much non-existent. Chadsworth hadn’t seen a single murder for at least six years, and I believe before that, there wasn’t any reported homicides for around ten.
“For Heaven’s sake, Nilla!” I lowered my head in her direction. “Must you always react that way every time the good Sheriff here tries to be friendly?” My diplomatic scolding of her instantly changed her growl to a whimper as she turned away.
“Hee…” The Sheriff grinned, standing up again. “I’ll keep trying ‘til I’ve won her over. One day, she’ll give me the time of day.”
Carla chuckled.
“Getting that early shopping done?” he asked.
“Yes, sir,” I said. “I’m picking up a few things for a little party I’m having at the house Saturday night. You’re more than welcomed to come by.”
“Oh, I’d love to, Lucille, but I’ll be on duty.”
“You are the Sheriff right?” I tilted my sunglasses, out of habit.
He seemed quite taken aback by the question. “Yeah.”
“Thought so. Which means you can do whatever the hell you wanna do.”
“I’m afraid it doesn’t work that way.”
Carla stood there awkwardly. I believe it was my challenging that nice Sheriff there that made her feel a bit uncomfortable.
“What’s hard about passing by for a few minutes, picking up some food and something nice to wash it down with?” I pressed.
Cooke appeared to be thinking, then with a slightly yellow show of teeth, soon replied, “I’m sure I can do that, Lucille. Thanks for the invitation.” He tipped his hat. “I have to be going now. You ladies have a good day.”
“Sad to say, you practically ran the Sheriff off!” Carla exclaimed as we headed toward the nearest aisle.
“I did no such thing! If he was uncomfortable, it’s because of the silly response he gave to my invitation! He really insulted my intelligence. Everyone knows the Sheriff can go wherever he wants, whether he’s on or off duty. What Sheriff doesn’t? Furthermore, who’s monitoring his every move?”
“You mean, other than a house full of party-goers?” Carla just put it out there.
She probably had a point.
We finished up around ten o’clock, then headed home.
5
_________________
I sat with David for a while in the TV room that night, while he waited for Juliet—I mean—Sabrina to show up. By his account, she was running late. He’d settled in quite nicely at my place and in a way, I was glad to have him t
here. Of course, I didn’t let him know that. My plan wasn’t to keep him, but to send him back to Merlene who felt she was pretty much fending for herself in that three bedroom house. If I didn’t hear her gripe about David’s sudden departure a million times a day, I didn’t hear it once.
Sensing Anthony in the doorway, instinctively, I turned. He seemed a tad surprised when I did so since he was sure the blind lady shouldn’t have been the one to look in his direction.
“I’m making some coffee…” he pointed behind with his thumb, “…and thought I’d ask if anyone wanted any.”
“How nice of you, Anthony! I’d love a cup,” I told him.
“Thanks, but I’ll pass,” David replied, politely.
Anthony returned minutes later. He was cautious in handing the coffee to me, but didn’t know I could see those smooth hands of his just fine. “Could you sit with us for a minute?” I asked as he was about to leave.
I immediately knew the request didn’t sound very good to David since Sabrina was sure to pop up at any moment and they’d want their privacy.
Anthony hesitated.
“Just for a moment,” I said. “I’d like to share something with you both. I got to tell Theodore before he went to work.”
Anthony sat directly across from me. My fine glass table stood between us.
“I wanted to let everyone know that I’ll be hosting a party here this coming Saturday in celebration of my and Donnie’s fiftieth wedding anniversary! Yes, I know he’s dead and gone, but he’s still my husband, the love of my life,” With that utterance, I almost felt butterflies inside again after so many years. “And had he been here, we would’ve had a grand celebration. He loved parties and so do I. I want to honor our life together and his memory. And I’m sure wherever he is, he’ll be watching with a huge smile on his face.”
“Sounds awesome, Miss Lucille,” David said.
“Yes!” Anthony added, rather excitedly, to my surprise. I understood if he had reservations though—he just wasn’t the “crowd” type; more of an introvert. After all, he barely spoke a word around there unless spoken to.
“It won’t be anything big. Just a little gathering of a few neighbors and my new friends from the Pichton Pet Society. You both, along with Theodore are welcomed to be a part of the celebration, of course. After all, you are living in the Donnie’s house. He’d expect you to not exclude yourselves.” I couldn’t help but point out that last part as a bit of motivation for them to show up. I know—there I go with my mouth again. Merlene was right all along. I guess I just never learn.
The boys surprised me.
Anthony promised to pick up some decorations the next day and David offered to help tidy up for the guests before the party. I knew Theodore would assist in any way he could. I’m not one to discriminate, but that’s why I preferred renting out rooms to men instead of women. Not just that the fellas were often helpful and easier on the eyes when I could, in fact, see them, as opposed to my looking at another lady, such as myself. But my Momma always used to say while I was growing up that two women cannot live in the same house. She was right! In my banking career, I put up with nothing, but drama—the curse of working with a lot of women and I wasn’t about to during my twilight years. Life’s just too darn short. Besides, Merlene supplied me with the balance I needed—bringing enough drama all on her own.
The party was in three days and I was thrilled to be sharing my and Donnie’s anniversary with close friends, and old and new acquaintances. Jim Haygood, director of the Pichton Pet Society, Claire Fairweather, Montey Williams and several others said they’d be there. I’d met most of them at the new member introductory meeting. I was truly honored and if Donnie was here, he’d be too. I planned to make it an unforgettable night in celebration of two lives that had been knitted together for decades filled with love, happiness, and sacrifice—the latter, mostly on Donnie’s part.
The doorbell rang a few minutes after Anthony had left the room. David got up as we heard a female’s voice at the door. Anthony had shown her in and David met her at the entrance of the TV room.
“Good evening,” she said.
I figured she was speaking to me since I hadn’t immediately turned in her direction.
“Miss Lucille, I’d like for you to meet my girlfriend, Sabrina,” David proudly said.
Before shifting slightly to my right, I clearly envisioned her and boy, wasn’t she a gorgeous young lady?! It’s no wonder David had fallen head over heels in love with her.
“Good evening, young lady. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I tried to remember not to make eye contact with people, particularly when I knew I could see them.
“The pleasure’s all mine, Miss Lucille.” She smiled.
I got up to give them some privacy.
“No funny business, ya hear? Not under my roof. If you start to feel frisky, there’s a motel just off Highway Nine.”
They both chucked as I walked away.
Nilla darted from under the sofa as I approached the stairs. Her wet tongue licking my ankles was her way of expressing her profound affection for me—at least I liked to think so.
“I’m going to bed, Nilla. Wanna join me?” I asked.
She barked once in response. That fur of hers was becoming a bit tinged, but when it was sparkling clean, it was so much more beautiful. I loved to caress it every chance I got.
“You’re going in the bathtub tonight!” I told her.
She barked again, then growled, which was no shock to me. She knew that word “bath” like she knew where to find her fresh food and water several times a day, and she absolutely detested the word. I picked her up and started up the stairway. That’s when I heard my front door creak open.
“Going to bed already?” Merlene asked.
I stopped in my tracks and turned around. “What’re you doing here this time of night?”
She shut the door behind her and approached us. “Couldn’t sleep. Knew you’d be awake.”
“Well, you barely caught me. I was about to go to bed before stinky here convinced me by her dingy fur to give her that bath she needs.”
“It’s after eight o’clock! Can’t it wait ‘til tomorrow?”
“Not if she’s to sleep anywhere near me tonight,” I replied. “Now’s just as good a time to get her cleaned up as any.”
“Okay. Since you insist on doing this now, let’s take her upstairs to the bathroom; I’ll wash her and you dry. How’s that?”
“If you want, but I can handle it myself, as I always do.”
“I know you do!” She barked.
Here we go again.
“Can’t a person be helpful around here?”
I sighed. “Sure. No problem at all. You can bathe her and I’ll dry.” There was no point in arguing with her. She already had enough on her mind.
Then I thought of David and wondered if I should mention anything, but quickly realized it would be pointless not to. She was bound to bring up his name sooner or later. “David and Juliet are in the TV room,” I whispered loudly.
A cold, almost menacing expression crossed her face. “I see.”
She stood quietly for a few moments.
“Well, aren’t you going to say ‘hi’?” I shuddered to think her hatred for the young lady in there was enough for her to avoid her own son.
“Sure, I will,” she said, dismally.
“Girl, you’d better swallow your pride from now on and get yourself together! Don’t be a fool. You know you’d better pass the test.”
“I know.” She started to walk off in the direction of the TV room. I waited by the staircase.
“Hi, David,” I heard her say. “Sabrina…”
The kids hailed back. The David I knew would’ve gotten right up and given his mom a hug. He’d always been very affectionate toward her and I knew that’s what Meddling Merlene was missing the most.
“Uhh!” he said, apparently after he’d gently squeezed her.
“You kids are doing a
ll right?” she asked.
I could’ve cried! She was making me proud.
“Yes, ma’am!” Sabrina sounded especially cheerful, probably because Merlene had bothered to ask.
Nilla tried to wiggle herself out of my arms, but I held her within my grip. “Don’t worry, Snookums. We’re going upstairs now.”
I made my way upstairs with Nilla. Merlene knew where the bathroom was. When we almost reached the landing, footsteps echoed behind us.
“I’m right behind you!” she said.
“Figured as much,” I responded.
We got Nilla into her bath and watched her try her hardest to get out of that bubbly doggie pool. This is what she hated the most—getting clean!
“So, you’re not going to say how it went?” I said to Merlene as she worked the shampoo through Nilla’s fur.
“It went okay, I guess,” she replied, evenly.
“Okay.”
She switched the topic to ask about the party arrangements, though she’d been kept up-to-date as far as that went. I filled her in anyway, though I must’ve sounded like a scorched record to her. The stoic expression on her face didn’t conceal her pain as I knew she felt that David had simply chosen that girl over his own mother—regardless of the blabbering he gave about Merlene controlling his life. She was going to believe whatever her mind told her and that was the size of it.
“It’s good that everyone here has offered to help, in some way,” she said as she handed my snookums to me. I had Nilla’s big, brown towel waiting to wrap her in. It was her favorite part of the bath.
Lucille Pfiffer Mystery Series Box Set Page 3
