“Glad to be home.” She grabbed a glass of milk and put a scone on a plate. She blew on her fingers. “Ouch! These are still hot! Got a test tomorrow. Need to study. Love you!” She disappeared around the corner.
Shaking my head, I put some coffee on to brew and sat at the counter. I opened the paper. The wake for Suzie’s husband was scheduled for the following evening. Debating going, I decided Suzie needed my support. I poured myself a cup of coffee. The scones were calling my name, but I was determined to resist them.
Rob ambled into the kitchen. “What is that wonderful smell? Oh, scones, my favorite.” He grabbed one and took a bite, savoring it.
I poured him a cup of coffee as he sat. “Paul Devlin’s wake is tomorrow.”
“So?”
“We need to go.”
“He was a wife beater.”
“Wakes are to help the living, not the dead. We need to go to support Suzie.”
“I guess you’re right.”
The back door opened, and Jay came in. “Do I smell coffee?”
“I just made a fresh pot. Blueberry scone?”
He smiled. “Twist my Gumby arm.”
“I’m assuming that’s a yes.” I laughed as I put one on a plate and slid it in front of him.
Jay took a bite, and his eyes lit up. “Wow, that’s good.”
I smiled. “I’m glad you like it. What happened with John and Paula?”
“We caught up with Paula at the bank today. We escorted her out in handcuffs. You know where we found John.”
Rob asked, “What did they have to say?”
“Paula said it was John’s idea to take the necklace and get the money from the insurance company. John claims he didn’t know anything about Paula reporting it stolen and that Paula gave him the necklace in lieu of the money she owed him from the divorce. It’s early days yet, but we’ll unravel the story. Both of them have lawyered up, so it’s going to be slow going.”
“What about Ben and Nancy?”
“They’re both claiming they didn’t have anything to do with the deaths. John did admit to paying Ben blackmail money. It doesn’t look good for him.”
Chapter 28
Since we had to be at the funeral home at seven, I decided to order a pizza. Jenny made us a salad so it wasn’t all carbs. Even so, I felt my waistband tightening. I told Jenny, “I’m sorry, honey, but you’ll need to come with us. I don’t want you to be alone.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine, but I’m not going anywhere near the body. And I get to use my phone.”
“Deal. We’ll find somewhere unobtrusive for you to sit.”
As we headed for the wake, I told Rob, “That pizza was delicious, but I’m going to need to think about dieting. I can’t continue to eat this way.”
He put his arm around me. “I think you look great. However, I’ve noticed that I’ve put on a pound or two since I’ve been living at your house. Maybe we should exercise together.”
Jenny giggled. “The couple that exercises together stays together.”
I glared at her. “I’m not sure our relationship has progressed that far yet.”
He laughed. “Not far enough to see you sweat?”
We entered the funeral home. Finding Jenny a seat in one of the other rooms, we entered the parlor for Suzie’s husband and made our way to the casket. Luckily it was closed, due to the condition of the body. I placed my hand on the coffin and said a prayer.
We then made our way over to Suzie and her mother. “Suzie, I’m sorry for your loss.”
She nodded at me sadly. Gloria leaned over. “I don’t even know why we are having a wake for that bastard. I’m glad he’s dead!”
Appalled, Suzie put her arm on her mother and pulled her back. “Mother, control yourself!”
Rob and I nodded to Suzie and made our way to the back of the funeral home where Patrick and Patty sat. I said, “Wow. Her mother had no use for Paul.”
Patty nodded. “She sure didn’t. She called him a bastard.”
“She said that to me too.” I giggled. “I wonder when she’s going to tell us what she really thinks.”
Patty snorted and gave me a dirty look. “Don’t make me laugh at a wake.”
I smiled. “I couldn’t help it. Are you going to stay much longer?”
“I thought I’d say hello to Father Tom.”
Gloria bent over Father Tom’s ear. “Are you going to interrupt him?” I asked.
She followed my gaze. “No. I don’t think so. Let’s go.”
Patty and I picked up Jenny, and we left together. Patrick and Rob followed.
Patrick said, “Rob and I were thinking about going for a drink. Would you both care to join us?”
“After that, I could use one,” I admitted. Patty concurred, so we made plans to rendezvous at the Pickled Herring.
“What about me?” Jenny asked.
Patty said, “We didn’t forget about you. My mom is making cookies with Cindy and the other kids. Would you like to join them?”
“Definitely.”
“Then we’ll drop you off and meet your mom and Rob in a few minutes.”
Rob and I arrived first, so we claimed a booth. Patrick and Patty arrived, and we waved them over. After ordering drinks, Rob and Patrick decided on a game of pool. We assured them we’d cheer them on from afar.
Patty looked across the table at me. “I heard you had some excitement this morning.”
“It scared me, Patty. I was glad the police caught up to John when they did.”
“I can’t believe he was the school superintendent. It seems like there should have been a more thorough background check.”
I shrugged and took a sip of my wine. “I don’t think they would have found anything. Think about it. I actually went out with him.” We both shuddered. “Hopefully that chapter of my life is over.”
“Speaking of chapters in your life, anything new to report on you know who?” Her gaze flicked to Rob.
“Same status, other than the fact he gave me a bath this afternoon.”
“What?”
“Doesn’t count. I was in shock, and he was administering first aid.”
She stared at me. “I don’t know whether to laugh or be worried.”
“You can laugh. I’m safe now. It looks like we’ll be platonic for a while with Jenny being home. I’m so happy to have her back, but it does kind of put a crimp in the romance department.”
“If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”
“You have such a way with words.”
She grinned. “I do, don’t I?”
Patrick came back to the table. “Anyone want to play the winner?”
Rob did a little victory dance by the pool table. I shook my head. “Nope. I think I’ve had enough fun for one day. I’m tired.” I motioned Rob over. “Do you mind if we go home?”
He finished slapping himself on the back. “We can leave if you want to. Are you sure you don’t want to play the winner?”
I laughed. “Home, James, but don’t forget we need to pick up Jenny on our way back.”
Patrick said, “We’ll give you a lift.”
Picking up Jenny, we decided to walk home from there. The air was chilly, and leaves blew around us. Bundling through the door, I was happy to feel the heat blowing through the vent.
“Make me some hot chocolate, Mom?” Jenny asked.
“You know how to make it.”
“I know, but I don’t know how to make it as good as you do.” She batted her eyes and gave me a hug.
I looked over my shoulder at Rob. “I think I’m being played.”
“Make me some too?”
I sighed. “Three hot chocolates coming up. Rob, could you light the fire in the living room?”
“I live to light your fire.”
“Gross.” Jenny followed him into the living room.
I made the hot chocolate, grabbed some cookies, and headed for the living room. I was cheered to see the fire going. I handed Jenny and Rob their mu
gs and sat on the floor by the fire, leaning against the sofa. “This feels great.” I stretched my feet out.
Jenny smiled. “The hot chocolate is delicious, Mom. I’m so glad you made it.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m glad you like it, dear.”
Rob chimed in, “Mine’s great too.”
“I’m happy you are both pleased. You can clean up when we are done.”
“Anytime,” Rob said.
“Mom, Bobby Ziebold texted me while you were gone. He said you got into some sort of trouble this morning. What happened?”
“Nothing really happened. Let’s enjoy the fire and our hot chocolate.”
Jenny shot me a troubled look but decided to enjoy the moment. “It’s so nice to be home.” She sank down next to me on the floor and put her arm around me.
“Yes it is,” I agreed.
✽ ✽ ✽
Feeling slightly guilty for neglecting my staff, I decided to run by the Morning Pastry to see if they were open the next morning. I was surprised and pleased to see they were. Suzie ran the cash register. She looked tired, her skin had a grayish cast, and there were bags under her eyes. Her uniform looked like it hadn’t been ironed. Reaching the front of the line, I asked for a vanilla latte, a raspberry Danish ring, and a loaf of pumpkin bread. The server packaged the items as I paid Suzie.
“I was surprised to see you were open this morning.”
“The funeral’s not till tomorrow, and I can’t be closed that long. I need the money.”
I nodded sympathetically. “Please let me know what I can do to help.”
“Thanks for coming to the wake yesterday. I’m sorry if my mother upset you.”
“She seemed pretty vehement.”
“What can I say? I’m her only child, and he treated me badly. The line’s getting longer, so I need to get back.”
“Thanks. Please remember you have friends. All you have to do is let us know if you need help.”
I waved to her, and she smiled wanly at me. When I reached my office, I was greeted warmly. I preferred to think it was because they missed me, but the baked goods may have had some impact. The staff meeting went well, although it was filled with questions about John. I answered the ones I could and was upfront about the ones I couldn’t. I gently guided everyone back to work-related issues. Business handled, I retreated to my office to return client calls.
Jenny texted me, “Don’t forget basketball tonight.”
Groaning, I tried to figure out what to do. I had planned on doing a Facebook Live segment on the value of life insurance, and Cheryl had already teased it to our clients several times.
I texted Rob, “Any way you could watch Jenny’s bball game tonight at seven?”
“Love bball. I’ll be there.”
That handled, I settled down to write the script for the segment. Finishing the first draft, I ran over to the Morning Pastry to pick up a quick lunch. Suzie’s mother was behind the counter, and I ordered a cup of the split pea soup and a small salad.
As I waited, I said, “We haven’t really had a chance to chat. How are you enjoying living in Hopeful?”
“It’s fine. Suzie’s happy here, which makes me happy.”
“What did you do in Urbana?”
“I worked in a butcher shop. I made friends with the farmers who supplied our meat, and the butcher taught me a lot of his trade. It’s tough work. You have to be plenty strong, but I really enjoyed helping customers get the cuts they were looking for and introducing them to new ones. Here I’m helping to prep the food and wait on customers. My experience and connections mean Suzie gets better deals for this place.”
“I’m sure she appreciates it.”
“She does. Suzie and I have always been close, even when that scum tried to drive a wedge between us in Urbana.”
“How’s Suzie doing? She looks like she’s having a tough time.”
“She’ll be fine. It was just a shock, them finding that jackass Paul’s body and all.”
My order came out, and I thanked Gloria for the chat. As I was leaving, Suzie grabbed my arm and pulled me into her office. “What did Mom tell you?”
“We were just chatting about what she did in Urbana. She didn’t say anything out of the ordinary.”
“Okay. That’s good.” She looked relieved. “Thanks.” She let go of my arm.
I glanced around the small office. “I’ve never been back here before.”
“It’s not much, but it’s a quiet place for me when everything is chaos in the kitchen.”
A plaque hung over her desk. I edged closer so I could read it: Top Batting Average 2005 .730. “Wow. Your school must have been happy to have you on their team.”
She smiled. “They were. We were state champs three years in a row.” Eyes widening, she took the plaque down and turned it upside down on her desk. “That was a long time ago, but it was the best time of my life. Thanks for stopping by, Merry. I appreciate your business.”
I hurried back to the office. Why was Suzie so nervous about what Gloria and I discussed? It must be rough for Suzie to be mourning her dead husband while her mom made snide comments about him. But I wouldn’t have liked him either.
Chapter 29
Rob entered my house with a bucket of chicken. I gave him a big hug. “You’re a lifesaver. I was trying to figure out how I was going to make dinner and get you and Jenny off on time, and you came through for me. Problem solved.”
Jenny ran down the stairs in her gym attire. “What smells so good?”
“Rob brought fried chicken. We had it the other night, and it was terrific.”
She smiled at him. “You are now my favorite out of all the men my mom is dating.”
He raised an eyebrow at me. “All the men?”
I tapped his shoulder. “It was her idea of a joke, dear. I don’t have time to date any other fellows.”
“I have a good mind to hog the chicken, Jenny.”
She wrapped her hand around the bucket. “Don’t do that. You know I was only kidding.”
I smacked her hand. “Why don’t you set the table? We’re under a bit of a time crunch.”
“Will do. Thanks for the chicken, Mr. Jenson.”
I glanced at Rob. “How fancy do you want to be? Should we put everything on platters?”
“Nope, let’s rough it and serve out of the containers.”
“A man after my own heart.”
We made quick work of dinner, and they left shortly thereafter for the game. I put the dishes in the dishwasher and threw out the containers. Kitchen clean, I set my iPad up in the center of the island. I put a flip chart behind me with some drawings I created to illustrate the benefits of life insurance. Just before seven, I signed on to Facebook and went live.
“Good evening, everyone. I’m so glad you tuned in to learn more about the importance of life insurance. Don’t forget; if you miss something, you can always find these sessions catalogued on my Facebook page. The last educational session was about pet insurance, and everyone remembers Drambuie, right?” I picked up the cat and waved her paw at the screen.
“Let’s talk about life insurance, shall we? I have life insurance because, as many of you know, I have a fabulous daughter who brings a lot of joy into my life. Here’s a picture of her.” I moved a picture onto the screen so everyone could see it. “She’s the best thing in my life, and I want to make sure she’s protected. If something were to happen to me, I want her to be able to stay in this same house and attend the school she wants to attend. That’s why I’m passionate about the benefits of life insurance for the loved ones we leave behind.”
Someone knocked at the back door. Startled, I decided I would work whoever it was into the presentation. I told the audience, “You’ll have to excuse me for a moment while I answer the door.”
Suzie and her mother stood there with Patty’s clean casserole dish. I sighed. “I’m sorry, but this is not a good time for me.”
Gloria pushed her way past me. �
�Too bad. You’re going to have to make time.”
“I don’t understand.”
Suzie came in behind her mother. “I’m sorry, Merry.”
I frowned. “That’s Patty’s casserole dish, not mine, and are you sure we can’t do this another time? You see I—”
Gloria backhanded me across the face. I fell on my butt. “No, we will not do this another time. You know too much, and I want to make sure my daughter is safe.” She grabbed a knife from the butcher block and casually picked up a tomato from a dish I had on the counter. Holding it gently, she slashed it with the knife. It made a clean slice. “Sharp enough.”
I rubbed my aching cheek. “Sharp enough for what?”
“To silence you.”
I was amazed that the iPad captured the drama happening in my kitchen. “So you killed Ben and Nancy.”
Gloria nodded. “Ben was blackmailing my baby. She had paid him more than enough to keep her secret. He would have bled her dry. I couldn’t believe it when I stopped by that night to drop off the coffee ring and saw him talking to Belinda in the church. I knew God was telling me it was time. I snuck into the rectory, grabbed the butcher knife, and hid behind the side door to the church. When he came out and started down the stairs, I stabbed him.” Regret flashed across her face. “I didn’t get a chance to enjoy it, though, because your daughter and her friend came out a moment later.”
She smiled coldly. “Then I heard you found something at Ben’s house. I ripped this place apart but didn’t find it.” She made a stabbing gesture toward me with the knife.
I scooted backward. “I gave it to the police.”
“Busybody. Just like Nancy. Nancy stuck her nose where it didn’t belong. She asked to use the phone in Suzie’s office to call you. She pretended someone in the store was not who she said she was.”
“That was the truth!”
“It doesn’t matter. We fixed her. Then you come along all neighborly: I’m so concerned about Suzie, yada, yada, yada, and it was all a pretext to get into her office.”
“I don’t understand. What is so special about her office? Oh. I saw the batting trophy.” I turned to Suzie. “Your husband was killed with a baseball bat.”
Tears streamed down her face. “Yes. He was drinking at the local tavern that night. When he got home, something set him off. I don’t even remember what it was. Might have been the towel wasn’t straight in the washroom. The littlest things set him off. He began to beat me, and then when he got tired, he sat down at the table and demanded I get him a beer. I limped to the refrigerator and got one, worried my hands were shaking so badly the beer would foam when I poured it. I carefully twisted the cap off, and luckily it was okay. He chugged it, and when he was done, he put his head down on the table and fell asleep.
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