Murder in the Maternity Ward

by Michelle Francik

  “I don’t have to. That’s a receipt from Texas Gold Jewelers over in Whitten. See the intertwined T-G-J in the logo?”

  Maggie looked up from the laptop to stare at Ashanti. “What? I got class you know.”

  “I know, but I’ve never heard of this place and you’re so familiar with it you recognize the logo? What gives?”

  “Well, if you must know, I got plans. I got to provide for my baby so I been tryin’ to figure out what a little ole girl like me can do that would pay the bills. I was thinkin’ since I got class and style, I might try sellin’ fine jewelry. I applied for a job at that place last month.” She paused for a moment, thinking, then added, “I ain’t heard from them yet. Can I borrow your laptop to send them an email? I’m sure they just forgot or somethin’.”

  Maggie’s wheels were spinning. If she and Ashanti could talk to someone in the store, they might be able to find out who the receipt belonged to.

  “I’ve got a better idea. Are you up for a road trip?”

  “Well, hello there. I’d like to speak with your hiring manager, please.” Maggie grinned at Ashanti’s cultured tone. The young man in the $1000 suit looked at the two very pregnant women in front of him, then gestured to a grouping of chairs in front of a roaring fireplace.

  “If you ladies would like to have a seat, I’ll see if Ms. Morgan is available. May I tell her who’s asking?”

  “Why certainly. You can let her know that Ms. Ashanti Jones is inquiring about the status of her application.”

  The man’s eyes widened slightly, but his good manners kept the smile on his face. “Very good. I’ll be back momentarily. Meanwhile, help yourself to the bottled water on the table, if you’d like.”

  As he scurried away, Ashanti grabbed two bottles of water, handed one to Maggie, then sat down heavily on the upholstered wing chair. “Ahh, this is the life.” She grinned and took a sip of water. “Rich water always tastes better than poor water, don’t you think?

  Maggie was getting used to Ashanti’s ways, but it still rattled her when she asked these kinds of questions. “I don’t know. Isn’t water just water?”

  The other woman took another sip. “Nope, definitely tastes better.”

  Maggie opened her bottle and drank some. She nodded, “You’re right, this is really good.”

  As Ashanti gloated, a silver-haired woman in a red power suit, black stockings and four-inch high, black patent Louboutin’s glided towards them.

  “Hello, I’m Ms. Morgan. How can I help you ladies today?”

  Ashanti tried to stand up, but her belly got in the way, so instead she scooted forward in the chair and reached out a hand to the manager.

  “I’m Ashanti Jones. We were passing by and thought we’d stop in to check on my application status.”

  The woman’s mouth twitched ever so slightly as she looked at her, and Maggie prepared herself for a reaction from her friend. But Ashanti held her own, looking right back at Ms. Morgan until she dropped her eyes.

  “Well, I’m sorry, but we don’t hire women who are ‘with child.’”

  “What? This?” She patted her huge belly. “That’ll be gone in no time, so nothing to worry about there.”

  “Yes, well, we also require a college degree, experience selling fine jewelry and a personal recommendation from one of our patrons.” The smug look on her face made Maggie squirm and before she could stop herself, she stood up and challenged the woman.

  “Oh, you mean like one from Dr. Slade? He’s the one who pointed Ashanti in your direction. She was going to apply elsewhere but when he showed us his most recent purchase from your establishment, she decided to go with you.” She turned to her friend. “What was it he showed us? A necklace, I think.” She turned back to the manager and was pleased to find her arrogance had vanished, a look of confusion on her face.

  “No, no, I think it was a bracelet,” Ashanti offered.

  “Oh yes! I know the piece you’re speaking of.” The woman’s face flushed as she wrung her hands and turned towards Ashanti. “I’m so sorry, I didn't realize he’d recommended you. It’s so sad what happened to that poor man. He was one of our best customers, always buying matching items for his wife and daughter.” She paused and let out a sigh. “I’ll take another look at your application. Now I know you were recommended by Dr. Slade, I might have an opening. I’ll call you for an interview next week.” She winked at her, nodded at Maggie and walked away.

  As the two women walked back to the car, Ashanti complained. “Well that was a waste o’ time. She ain’t gonna hire me and I couldn’t stand to work with those stuck up rich folks.”

  “Why do you say it was a waste of time?” Maggie asked.

  “You heard the lady. He bought fancy jewelry for his wife and daughter. That leads us nowhere.”

  “Well, if it were true it might not. But, of course, we know it’s not true.”

  “What are you talkin’ bout? Spill it marshal.”

  “He doesn’t have a daughter.” Maggie grinned as Ashanti’s eyes widened in understanding. “Since he doesn’t have a daughter, we just need to find out what he bought his wife and find the younger woman who has the matching item.”

  Ashanti clapped her hands excitedly. “I’m new to this here investigatin’ stuff, you know, so where do we start?”

  “We pay a visit to the grieving Mrs. Slade and somehow, check out her jewelry collection.”

  “Oh, you devious, Miss Maggie.”

  “Yep!” She grinned and her friend laughed out loud.

  “Sounds like we got a plan, but can we stop for ice cream before we go chasin’ down the grievin’ widow? This baby’s hungry.”

  “That’s a great idea. I’m hungry too and I think we deserve a treat. I’ve been wanting to check out Caramel Creamery, since they’re one of our competitors. Is that okay?”

  “Lead the way Miss Maggie. You don’t gotta ask me twice.”

  Chapter Nine

  “We’re so sorry for your loss. Your husband was a fine doctor and he’ll be missed.” Mrs. Slade took Maggie’s extended hand in both of hers and squeezed it tightly.

  “Thank you both so much for stopping by. It truly has been a nightmare.” The woman’s soft, heartbroken voice tore at Maggie’s heart and she silently cursed the dead man for cheating on this wonderful woman. “I loved my sweet Edgar somethin’ fierce and I don’t know how I’ll ever recover from his loss.”

  As Maggie’s indignation rose, a young man, broad chested and tall, with wavy black hair down to his shoulders approached them. He put his arm around the distraught woman and placed a kiss on her cheek. “I’m here for you, Jasmine. I’ll help you get through this.”

  As she lifted her eyes to his, the sparks between them caused Maggie to gasp--these two were obviously lovers. Mrs. Slade quickly stepped away from him, but it was too late; they knew her secret.

  “I’m sorry, I’ve already forgotten your names.” She looked from one woman to the other, but they were still so stunned by this turn of events neither one had a ready answer.

  Ashanti rallied first. “My name’s Josephine and I was one of the good doctor’s last patients. I say last because he died, you know.”

  “Yes, I know.” The woman’s dry response irritated Maggie and she looked her in the eye.

  “Actually, my husband saw the bracelet your husband bought you recently and asked me if I wanted one like it. I never had a chance to ask Dr. Slade if I could see it, with him dying and all.”

  Jasmine’s eyes narrowed and even her eye candy seemed to feel the tension in the air. He excused himself and walked away, Jasmine’s eyes glued to his behind as he left the room.

  “Why are you really here?” Pretense dropped, she looked directly into Maggie’s eyes.

  “I told you; my husband saw the bracelet Dr. Slade bought you and thought I’d like it. I know it’s kind of crass to ask when your husband just died and all, but I’d really like to see it. My husband promised me a new piece of jewelry for going
through all this and I want to be sure he gets me something I like. Can we see it or not?”

  Jasmine glared at Maggie, but she returned the stare without flinching. After a moment, she snapped her fingers and a young woman appeared in the doorway. “April, bring me my newest piece of jewelry.”

  The woman nodded her head. “Yes ma’am.”

  She scurried off as Jasmine led the two women to a sitting area and plopped herself down on a chaise lounge. “So what do you think of Gunther? He has some nice, um, attributes, don’t you think?” Her cat-ate-the-canary smile made Maggie’s stomach turn. She felt Ashanti stir beside her and quickly placed a hand on her arm. She met her furious eyes and shook her head. This was not the place or time to call her out. When she was sure Ashanti wasn’t going to go off, she turned back to the doctor’s wife.

  She pasted on her best fake smile and said, “You know, I think you and your husband deserved each other.”

  Ashanti snorted and Jasmine frowned, but April returned before she could question her statement. “Ah, here it is. It’s a lovely piece. Ed always did have an eye for beauty.” She sniffled and for a moment, Maggie wondered if the woman had actually cared for him, at least a little.

  She opened the box and held it out so they could take a good look. Ashanti reached out and ran her finger along the diamond-encrusted edge. “That’s a mighty fine bracelet,” she said.

  “Yes, it is.” Jasmine snapped the lid closed and handed the box back to April. “Well, if that’s all you wanted, I have some grieving to do.” Still looking at Maggie, she called out, “Gunther.” The man appeared in the doorway and held out his arm. She linked her arm with his and they exited, leaving the two women alone with the maid.

  “Thank you, April, we appreciate you getting the bracelet.” Ashanti’s thoughtfulness made Maggie smile. When she’d met her, she seemed like a “what you see is what you get,” kind of person. But there were many layers to her friend and she never ceased to be amazed by them.

  “You’re welcome.” April gestured towards the front door. “I’ll see you out now.”

  The ride home was quiet, both women lost in thought. Maggie looked over at Ashanti, who was staring out the window, slowly rubbing her belly.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  The woman sighed heavily. “I’m alright. I just don’t understand how people get like that. We’re both about to have babies, you know. And one day they’ll be grown up. How can we make ‘em so they don’t turn out rotten like the Slades?”

  “I don’t know Ashanti. I have to believe that being good examples and showing them unconditional love will keep ‘em from turning into bad apples, but it’s not always enough. I’m sure you know good people who have kids that turn out selfish and lazy.”

  Ashanti looked out the window again and Maggie was afraid she’d upset her until she replied, softly, “I’m gonna love this baby like nobody’s business. And she’s going to be a good woman who loves with all her heart.”

  “I have no doubt that’s the truth.” She reached over and squeezed her friend’s hand. “I’m gonna do the same. We’ll have the two best-loved kids in Texas.”

  “Darn tootin’ we will.”

  They arrived back at the farmhouse and were greeted by a chorus of bleats and baas from a herd of goats intent on blocking the driveway.

  Maggie laughed and carefully drove through them to park in front of the house, but Ashanti wasn’t so sure.

  “What’s happening? What do they want?” She rolled her window up and locked her door, as if the goats were capable of using the door handle.

  “The gate to the pen must’ve broken again. They like to escape when they can and make their way up to the farmhouse.” Maggie opened her door and two of the goats immediately stuck their heads in and tried to climb onto her lap. “Hey Zeus and Apollo, slow your roll, pregnant lady coming through.”

  She turned in her seat, swinging her legs out the door. Once her feet were firmly planted on the ground, she used the steering wheel and the back of the seat to hoist herself to her feet. The goats gently butted her with their heads, and she laughed with delight. She leaned down and rubbed their ears, to Ashanti’s horror.

  “Don’t be touchin’ those nasty beasties,” she exclaimed. “I can’t believe you’re petting them like they’re dogs or somethin’.”

  “They’re not nasty beasties.” Adam’s voice penetrated the din of the goats as he leaned in the driver’s side of the car to grin at her.

  “How can you say that? Look at ‘em.”

  “Hey Ashanti? You know that blanket you love so much on the office sofa?” He paused while the woman looked at him, trying to ignore the goats trying to climb up his back. “It’s made of yarn spun from the hair of these very goats.”

  Maggie turned to watch her expression and was not disappointed.

  “Eww! That’s what I been cuddlin’ up in?”

  Adam turned to Maggie and shook his head. “City folk.”

  She laughed out loud. “You’re one to talk. You live in a condo and work in a high rise building in downtown Houston.”

  “Yeah, but I can shear a goat with the best of ‘em,” he bragged.

  “Hey, what’s going on over here?” Garrett whistled and the noise quieted as the goats flocked towards him. “Adam? Did you break the gate again?”

  “Of course not. I was fixing it and I ran into a bit of a problem. Then these clever goats decided to make a run for it.”

  Garrett leaned down to look at Ashanti, still cowering in the car. “You okay in there?”

  “Not really, no,” she muttered.

  “Come on Adam, let’s get these runaways back in their pen.” He whistled again and started walking backwards while the goats followed him. He turned and walked faster, the goats scrambling to keep up.

  “And the pied-piper of Stony Gulch Farm strikes again.” Adam rounded up the last of the stragglers and followed his brother, and the herd of goats, back to the pen.

  “You can come out now,” Maggie called out to Ashanti.

  “You sure? I don’t want no goat cooties on me.”

  “I’m sure. Come on, I’m tired and thirsty. What do you say to a glass of lemonade?”

  “I say, you speakin’ my language.” She climbed out of the car and the two women headed inside.

  Chapter Ten

  “Santiago sent over a list of females, under 50, who were at the hospital on the day Dr. Slade was killed. While you were sleeping in, I was doing some research and I’ve narrowed it down to 3.” Maggie looked over at Ashanti whose eyes were still puffy from sleep.

  “Sorry, Miss Maggie. Jayla here was movin’ all night and I feel like I didn’t get no sleep.” She yawned widely and rubbed her belly. “I realized when I was gettin’ all kicked and elbowed from the inside that her initials are going to be J.J. I ain’t sure how I feel ‘bout that.” She sat heavily in the chair across from Maggie, grunting as she scooted back, trying to get comfortable.

  “I guess I’ll give you a pass, seein’ as how you’re pregnant and all.” Maggie turned back to the computer, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ashanti grimace. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Yeah, yeah. Just tired is all. You say we got 3 suspects now? Who looks good for this?”

  Maggie laughed. “You sure are picking up the lingo. We’ve got a nurse, an administrator and an orderly.”

  “What’s an orderly?”

  “In this case, the orderly, Dorothy Huerta, acted as an assistant to Dr. Slade. According to her file, she assisted with things like ordering supplies, prepping patients, monitoring their vitals, and stuff like that. She worked closely with Dr. Slade for four years. Before that, she rotated between the OB/GYNS. It looks like he asked her to work exclusively with him when he was promoted to head of the department.”

  “Hmm. Did they work closely or did they ‘work closely,’ if you know what I mean.”

  “That’s why she’s on the list. I don’t know if they had a
personal relationship or not.”

  “Who else is on the list?”

  “Here’s where it gets interesting. Our next suspect is Anastasia Westerly and she’s an administrator.”

  “Why does that name sound familiar?”

  “Well, that’s because her husband is Marcus Westerly, the nurse who claims he was discriminated against by Dr. Slade.”

  Ashanti grinned. “You thinkin’ love triangle, or what?”

  “I don’t know yet, but that’s a possibility. Or Anastasia was cheating, Marcus found out and he was trying to get Dr. Slade in trouble without revealing his wife’s affair.” She sighed, “Or it could be a coincidence and have nothing to do with his murder at all.”

  “Well, we ain’t cleared any of ‘em, yet. Who’s the third one?”

  “That would be Nurse Gwen Abara. She works on the fifth floor with oncology patients.”

  “So, that’s one floor above where he was killed. It would be easy enough to take the elevator down one floor for a meet and greet, if you know what I mean.” She waggled her eyebrows and Maggie shook her head.

  “What’s up with you today. That’s twice now you’ve said, ‘if you know what I mean.’”

  “I know. I’m all discombobulated today. I don’t know what it is. I think them goats got me spooked or put a curse on me or somethin’.”

  “Well, why don’t we take a break from this and get you some breakfast. Marta can make you some eggs and bacon, if you’d like.”

  “That sounds good. I can’t believe I’m sayin’ this, but maybe we could take a walk after? I’m feeling kind of wound up.”

  “Of course. I’ve been wanting to show you the farm. I’ll give you a tour and we can pick up some fresh eggs for Marta.”

  “I ain’t touchin’ no chicken butt,” Ashanti declared. Maggie laughed and grabbed her arm, helping her stand up.

  “Don’t worry, no chicken butts will be touched.”