He was going to tip his hand, so I shot him a knowing look that said, ‘shut your mouth, you idiot.’ He gave me the same look in return.
“I didn’t think of them,” she said. “Do you think I should?”
“It’s okay,” Jim said. “Let me see what’s going on and I’ll handle it, with your sister’s help.” He looked over at the piece of paper in my hand. “Can I have her phone number, too?”
“Sure.” I ripped the paper in half then held out my hand. “Got a pen?”
He reached into his pocket and removed his pen, handing it to me. I wrote it out for him and put a heart at the bottom. I handed him the paper and threw the pen into my purse, just seeing what he’d do about it.
He studied the paper. “What’s with the heart?”
“So you won’t forget me once you reach fame and fortune.”
“Another doctor groupie?” he asked.
I winked. “Something like that.”
“Yeah.” He put the paper in his pocket then opened his hand for the pen.
I ignored him because I wasn’t about to hold his hand. He was quite the fresh one.
“May I have my pen?” he asked. “Doctors need pens, you know.”
“Oh yeah.” I yanked it out of my purse and handed it to him. “I figured I could get something for it on the Internet, considering you’re a doctor and all.”
“Women,” he muttered, and then turned toward Edith. “By the way, I’m Jim Henry and this is Jane Black.” He nodded toward me then addressed Edith again. “I’ll call your sister and find out what she knows. Thanks for the heads up. I may not be staying after all, if the town’s got problems.”
“At least find out what the problem is. I worry about all the children and babies.” I could see a tear in her eye.
“I will,” he said and looked at me. “Want to join me in this town?”
“Sure. I don’t have anything better to do.” I looked down at my hand. “I think you need to rewrap this thing and start earning your money, too.”
“What happened to your hand?” Edith asked.
“I was bitten by a tarantula and my boyfriend refused to help me out. I had to hitch a ride to the hospital, and this nice man, who just happened to be a doctor, helped me. I went back to my apartment, packed my things, and I was out of there. Fortunately, my boyfriend went off drinking, even that early in the morning.” I thought twice. “Actually, he’d never stopped drinking from the night before. He didn’t care about me at all.”
“That’s so sad.” She looked over at Jim as if in thought. She lowered her head slightly and leaned toward me. “He’s single and a doctor,” she whispered. “Latch onto him. He’s got to be loaded.”
I studied his face. “I’m not sure, even though he is kind of cute. He looks rather mean to me. I don’t want a repeat performance of what I’ve been through already.”
Jim lifted his eyebrows while chewing on a fry. “So I’m cute, huh?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “Sure. In a surly sort of way.”
“Want to go out tonight?”
“I don’t know. It kind of depends on what’s going on after I get there. I may not stay if I find someone nicer.”
I could see it on his face. I was now a challenge to my own husband. “I’m nice. I think we need to go out tonight so I can prove I’m not nasty. I did help you with that spider bite, remember?”
Edith grinned, glancing at her husband with a stupid smile on her face. “Budding love, Donny. Remember those days?”
The man grunted, making me realize he really was alive.
I chuckled under my breath, just thinking about Jim trying to woo me all over again. This should be fun.
Chapter 6
I bit into the burger and licked my lips from all the juice running down my chin. Jim just watched, his eyebrow lifting as if he was interested. This work would be better than ever.
Edith and Donny said goodbye and I studied the paper.
“You call,” he whispered. “I was serious about taking you out tonight. I can see you cheating on me, just to get me upset.”
“I’d never do that,” I whispered back. “You’re my one and only and don’t ever forget it. If I dated, it would just be for the job, and I’d never do anything to jeopardize us.”
“Date me anyway. I should’ve thought this through better. You’re a loose cannon. I’m going to have the guys come here, given what I just heard. I may need backup…for you and your appetite.”
I grabbed my burger with a grin. I knew better, but it was good to keep him guessing.
After we finished eating, Jim paid for both of our meals, and we headed out to the car. As soon as he got inside, he ran a wand over the car, checking for listening devices. Declaring it clean, he sat down, turned the key, and backed out.
“Do you really think someone’s listening to our conversation?” I asked.
“Force of habit and it’s a good one, too. I never trust anyone.”
I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket. “Should I call her on a cell phone or use a pay phone?”
“Pay phone. You look more destitute that way. When did you learn to act?”
“Why?”
“You’re good. I even believed you and I know the scenario. Do you need money?”
“No, but I won’t be using that credit card, so I’m saving my cash. I can’t let the boyfriend track me down.”
“Tell me whenever you need cash and I’ll give you some. You need to have me look at that bite every day, just so I know what’s going on. I’m still serious about dating. I’m going to find out where you’re staying and ask you out.”
“Good. I don’t think I’ll like these men in town, unless one’s a model.” I chuckled, but he wasn’t amused. “I’m kidding.” I reached over and stroked his hair. “No one’s like you, sweetheart.”
He closed his eyes briefly, a smile lighting his face. “I love when you do that. I’d do anything for you when you touch my hair.”
“I know. I can’t overuse it or it won’t be effective. Just keep your eyes on the road, Dr. Studly.”
As he smiled, Jim’s cell phone rang and he answered it. I moved my hand away, and he shot me a dirty look. “Yeah, Chris. What’s up?” He watched the road. “Yep. I have a contact name.” He pulled the paper from his pocket and read it. “Pearl Johnson.” I was surprised he didn’t laugh at the heart again. “She lives in Señora Bonita. We met her sister and got the lady’s name. Something screwy’s happening in that town, and the sister told us all about it. We’ll keep an eye out, but we’ll need you all there.” He paused. “Good. I’m glad you’re on your way and that problem’s taken care.”
“Tell him about Willy Nilly,” I said.
Jim nodded. “Oh yeah. There’s this guy in town named Willy Nilly, which I’m sure is an alias. I need you to find out. Also, this lady talked to a guy from Fort Hood, named Lance Corporal Clark. Silence him. I don’t want any of this to get out.”
“Good idea,” I said. “Think I can find a terrorist to date?”
He ignored me and listened to the call. “Got it. I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“I wonder if he’ll be dark-haired,” I mused. “Interesting concept.”
He ended his call and then put his hand on my arm. “No dating terrorists.”
“But I’d get in with the bad guys right away.”
“And you could get shot.” His hand moved to my stomach. “I’m not endangering Junior because you think you can solve a case.” He moved his hand back to the steering wheel. “Just sit back and get to know a few of the locals. The bad guy will bubble to the top, eventually.”
“You don’t think Willy Nilly’s the bad guy?”
“Nope. I think he’s a pawn. The bad guy wouldn’t be known to the townspeople, I think.” He massaged my stomach again. “A baby. If you’re not pregnant, I want to work on one anyway. I like practice.”
I laughed at him and held his hand. “Fine. No terrorists.” I sig
hed in frustration. “And I really wanted to play with their heads.”
“Not until you know Arabic and I mean it.”
My smile brightened. “So there’s a terrorist date in my future?”
“After the kids are grown, sure. I may even double-date with you.”
“No way. No skanky woman’s taking my man.”
He chuckled. “So it’s different if the shoe’s on the other foot.”
“That’s not even funny, and don’t you even think of something like that. We have a date tonight. I’ll show you a real woman.”
“Oh, really?”
I leaned closer to his face. “Yep. You’ll be up all night…again.”
He chuckled. “Beg me and I’ll think about it.”
“There will be no begging, unless you’re begging me. I’m in charge and you’re mine. Just remember that.” I had to make him toe the line, or he’d be yanking my chain in no time.
He kissed my hand. “I love when you talk dirty.”
I could only laugh. We got along really well, which worried me at times. I did love him, more than I probably should, because he could control me with just a word. If he ever found that out, I’d be doomed.
Chapter 7
I stood facing the front desk counter at the town’s only bed and breakfast. A thin woman with dark hair and wrinkles, looking to be about fifty, sat behind the desk, eating cookies and reading the paper. She looked like she didn’t wanted to be disturbed, so I cleared my throat.
“Want a cookie?” she said, never looking up from her paper.
“No, I was wondering if I could get a room. I’m new in town and want to make a fresh start.”
She looked up and squinted at me. “What happened to ya? Why come here? There’s nothin’ for outsiders in this town.”
Feisty. It made me wonder a bit, so I went into my memorized story. “It was time to move away from a controlling boyfriend in Tucson. Is there any way I can get a room until I can find an apartment? I only have these two suitcases to my name.” I pointed so she’d see I was serious. “Getting an apartment will take time. I have to get furniture and things like that.”
“I can rent you a room and it includes breakfast. You can’t cook in your room, but it might work for ya.”
“Does it have a bathroom?”
She went back to her paper and the cookies. “Yes, but you can’t have any men in your room overnight.”
“Good. I’d hate to think this place was a brothel.”
“That’s across the street.”
I did a double take. “A brothel?”
She nodded and looked up at me as if nothing was wrong.
I had to change the subject. If I asked how they could legally get away with a brothel, I might tip my hand. “How much for a week for the room?” I asked.
She walked over to her old-time adding machine. “I’ll give you a discount, because you’re renting for more than a night. It’s seventy bucks a night, which is four-ninety…with tax, let’s call it an even five hundred.”
“Sounds good to me. I took a little money from Johnny before I left. Do you take cash?”
“Five hundred? In cash? Sure.”
I opened my purse and whipped out five hundred bucks, all in twenties. I counted it all out and handed it to her. Fortunately, Jim had given me some extra cash to make it.
“It’s not safe to carry around that much cash,” she said.
“I know, and that’s about all I have. I need a job. Do you know of any?”
She nodded then pointed across the street. “The mortuary’s hunting for someone.”
“Dead bodies?” It sounded more like Jim’s work than mine.
“They just need a receptionist to keep the records.” She pointed out the door. “Go across the street and three doors down. Tell Mr. Moody that Maybelle sent you.”
“Moody.”
She leaned down a bit. “And his name fits his personality. He’s an odd one, that guy.”
“That’s good to know but I need the cash.”
“You’re in room 2-C, upstairs. It’s a nice place, and you can even see the cemetery and mortuary from there.”
What a selling point.
I smiled, grabbed my two suitcases, and headed up the stairs. As I approached room 2-C, a very heavy man of about forty years of age opened the door to 2-A and fell onto the floor. He grabbed his stomach with his left hand and groaned.
“Are you okay?” I asked him. He looked like he was having some sort of seizure.
The man rolled onto his back with a lit cigarette in his right hand and burst into infectious laughter.
I left my suitcases where they were and approached the man. “Are you okay?”
“Sure.” He opened his eyes and smiled, his day-or-two old white scruffy beard covering his face. “I get it. I understand it now.”
“Understand what?”
“This town. It makes sense.”
I sniffed the air. “Have you been drinking?”
“Yep. It helps with the aftermath.”
“What are you talking about?”
He got up to his knees and finally stood up. “I can’t explain it, but every few nights, this place goes wild. The only way to get rid of the hangover in the morning is to drink yourself silly.”
“How does it go wild?”
“Dancing in the streets, laughing, singing…you know, a party. Every night sometimes. It’s been like this for a while.”
“But just at night?”
“Yep. It starts at dusk and continues until dawn. I’m so tired, I don’t think I’ve slept in a week. I have to go to work, but everyone’s so tired, no one wants to even come into my store.”
“What store do you have?”
“A grocery store. I’m losing money and I’m going to have to close, I think.” He laughed again.
Strange man.
I had to know more. “You own a grocery store, but you live in a bed and breakfast?”
“I’m waiting for someone to die who owns a nice place. Real estate in this town is tough. They don’t want anyone building, except outside of town. So I stay here. I’m surprised you could get a room, because it’s always filled. What room are you in?”
“2-C,” I said, pointing.
“Oh. Jerry Krumpet’s room. He died last night. Makes sense.”
Ewww. The thought of it made me shudder.
“So what’cha doin’ in this town?” he asked.
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I’m here to get a job and run away from an evil boyfriend. Do you know of any jobs around town?”
“I’m not hiring right now, and the only person hiring is Mr. Moody. He runs the mortuary. Every night, we have at least one dead body from the partying.”
“Are they killed?”
“No,” he said. “They just keel over dead. You’d think, in a town of a little over two thousand, we wouldn’t have that many people die. But we’ve had twelve people die in a little over a week. That’s just not right. I spend every day going to another funeral for one of my friends.”
“Are they old people?”
“No. Old, young, and even very young. The other night it was a young boy. His heart just stopped. And now, the doctor is quitting, because he’s tired of dealing with people dying.”
“I came here after hitching a ride with a doctor. He heard there was an opening for a doctor in town. I think his name was Dr. Henry.”
“Well, the doctor in this town is also the coroner, since the closest coroner is in Las Cruces. He refused to come out after the first three died.”
“That’s very interesting.” I backed away toward my suitcases. “I really have to get a job. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
“Yep. I’ll see you at the party tonight.”
Not if I could avoid it. The town sounded idiotic and there was no way I was going to endanger my life, or possibly my baby’s life, by being one of the dead.
I headed to my room and unlocked th
e door. For seventy bucks a night, it was a steal. I had a huge television, a dresser, a closet, a desk with a chair, a couch, a queen-size bed, and my own full bathroom. And to think I got breakfast as well, it was amazing.
As I was putting my things in the dresser and closet, my cell phone rang. “Hello?”
“It’s Jim. The doctor left and sold me the entire practice and his house for a song. The government’s the proud owner of a house attached to the practice, complete with furniture. Need a place to live?”
I looked out the window. “Nope. I’m staying at a bed and breakfast near the mortuary, overlooking a cemetery. It’s quite a view.”
“Sounds gorgeous.” He laughed. “Anyway, I’m on the edge of town, about a mile out. Did you call Pearl yet?”
“I will. I need wheels.”
“Good luck with that. Make sure it’s a four-door.”
I ignored him. He knew I wanted a motorcycle, but that was a different discussion. “I need a paycheck first. I paid for a week for this place and am almost wiped out.”
“I can meet you if you want.”
“No, I’ll be fine for a few days, I think, if I don’t eat.”
He sighed. “I’ll send Chris up to see you. You have to eat.”
“Uh-huh.” I continued to watch out the window. “I wish I could have men up here in this room. You’d be amazed at what I’m looking at right now.”
“What?”
“The sheriff is digging in the cemetery, but I think he’s not allowed to do it. He’s alone, and looking all around like someone’s watching. At least I think he’s the sheriff, because he’s dressed in a police uniform.”
“Who would care if he’s digging in a cemetery? I mean, he’s the law so he probably has a good reason or something, right?”
“I don’t know. I need to talk to you, though. I found out something very interesting.”
“Don’t trust your room. I think we need to date tonight. I’ll figure out how to run into you and ask you out.”
“I like that idea. Stock up on something romantic.”
“Yeah. I’ll have Chris with me, probably. He’s a romantic guy.”
“The more the merrier,” I said with a grin to Jim’s laughter.
Murders on the Edge Page 4
