I got out and kissed him. “Thanks for doing this.”
He accompanied me to the driver’s side and held the door as I got in. “I’ll bring her back. I promise.” He bent for another kiss and then was gone, jogging toward the terminal.
My head sank to the steering wheel. I tried deep breathing but was interrupted by a tap on the window. A policeman said, “You’ll have to move along. Are you okay?”
I gave him a weak smile and started the car. Somehow I made it home. I pulled Rob’s car into the drive, behind a silver Mercedes convertible. Who on earth? I strode to the front door and opened it.
Wanda was on the sofa. “Your back door was open. Where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach Rob, and all I get is voicemail.”
I collapsed onto one of the chairs. “He got on a plane. He’s going to London.”
“London? We were supposed to go to dinner.”
“It was a last-minute thing. It’s a long story, actually, and I don’t feel up to telling it right now.”
“Mac thought I was going to dinner with Rob, so he made other plans.” She examined her manicure. “I wouldn’t say no to a glass of wine.”
I suppressed a groan. “White?”
“Of course. And maybe some of that cheese you used to have. The Swiss.” She stood. “It’s lovely outside.”
She didn’t wait to help carry anything. She eased out the back door, and the cats made a break for it. I grimaced, retrieved a bottle of white, and poured two glasses. The block of Swiss was soon cut into smaller pieces and deposited on a plate. Then I put everything on a tray and opened the back door. I walked out and came to a dead stop.
Diedra was sitting next to Wanda. “Hello, Merry. You’ve been so kind to us, taking us to the fete, and introducing me around, so I baked carrot cupcakes to thank you.” She stood and handed me the carrier. “The frosting’s cream cheese so you probably want to get that into the refrigerator.”
I lifted it. “They look amazing, thanks. Would you care for a glass of wine?”
She nodded. “If it’s not too much trouble.”
I handed her a glass and took the cupcakes into the house. Then I retrieved a folding chair from the shed, brushed it off, and sat down. “Wanda, you should see the garden the Greens put in. It’s beautiful.”
Wanda examined her nails. “I’m not a gardener. We have a team that keeps everything looking good. I suppose you and Kevin have to do all the work.”
“We hired someone to do the heavy lifting, but we enjoy being outdoors and tending to the plants.”
Wanda gave a slight cough. “This is fascinating, but I’m late for an appointment.”
“Your dead husband even complimented us on it. Not that we needed any compliments from him.” She shuddered.
Wanda started. “When was Richard there?”
“Just before he died. He wanted to make sure we weren’t going to make trouble for him in town.”
I leaned forward. “What day was that?”
“The day he died. He threatened us.” Diedra shook her head. “Odious man.”
Wanda looked down her nose. “You are referring to my husband.”
“If rumor is to be believed, you were remarried after an unseemly short time, so I have no idea why you’d defend him.”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry. I’m a little fuzzy. Did you say you saw Richard the day he died?”
She stood. “If I were you, Merry, I’d stop asking so many questions. Some rocks aren’t meant to be turned over.” She strolled out the back gate.
I took two pieces of cheese, threw them into my mouth, and then mumbled, “So the Greens saw Richard the day he died.”
Wanda rose to her feet. “I find I’m not in the mood for this, after all. Would you have my son call me when he has a chance?” She put her wine glass on the table and left.
I ran after her to close the gate so the cats couldn’t escape. A moment later, Wanda reappeared. “Rob’s car is blocking mine. You’ll have to move it.”
I took my time, strolled to the kitchen for the keys, and wandered past the Mercedes.
Wanda’s fingers tapped on the dash. “Could you move any slower?”
“Potentially.” And then under my breath, “But then you’d still be here.” I waved and backed out of the drive. Her car shot out, and she didn’t give me another glance.
I parked the car, locked it, and went through the house to the backyard. Courvoisier and Bailey were on the table, munching the cheese. “Bad cats.” I put the plate into the kitchen, returned to the backyard, and plopped onto the chair. The glass of wine was halfway to my lips when Patty opened the gate.
She sat next to me. “Looks like you’ve been having a party.”
“Diedra and Wanda.”
“Those are some strange bedfellows. I’ll take this used glass inside and get a clean one.” She went into the kitchen and came back out brandishing the new glass. “I hear you’ve been in the slammer. What was it like?”
I stared straight ahead. “You have no idea.”
She put her hand out and turned my face toward hers. “I think you better tell me everything.”
I did.
“So Jenny’s in London, Rob’s en route to retrieve her, and Diedra saw Richard the day he died.”
“But who poisoned Alex and shot Scarface and Big Ears. And who’s trying to frame me?”
“It’s suspicious that someone cut the top off the note. You said it was in your handwriting. When would you have written it?”
My brow furrowed. “I brought Alex Morning Glory muffins when she first moved here. But the note said something like ‘Welcome to the Neighborhood,’ and the next line was ‘Hope you enjoy the muffins.’”
“Someone cut off the top of the note and left the second part.”
My eyes widened. “Who would do that? And how would someone have gotten the note?”
She petted Courvoisier. “I don’t know.” She checked her watch. “Oops. I need to get moving. I promised Patrick I’d take the kids bowling tonight. Do you want to come?”
“Thanks, but no. I have a lot to think about.”
“Should I come back later?”
“I’m afraid I wouldn’t be good company. I’m in dire need of a shower and some heavy-duty teeth brushing. Plus as much as I adore you, I think I’d rather be alone.”
Patty kissed the top of my head. “Try not to worry too much.” She walked out the gate.
I gathered the glasses, made my way into the kitchen, and lured the cats inside by a promise of treats. I glanced at my phone. Nothing. Rob wouldn’t be landing for another two hours. I wandered into the living room and picked up my book.
The second time I reread the third paragraph, I put the book down. Maybe some warm milk.
I slid the mug into the microwave, pressed start, and paced the floor. After two minutes, it was done. I took the cup and sat on the window seat. The clock chimed ten.
Unable to sit still, I walked back into the living room. It was going to be a long night. I finally went upstairs to Jenny’s room and laid down on her bed. Her room looked unnaturally clean. I wanted to take some of her clothes out of the closet and leave them on the back of her chair and window seat. I resisted and turned on my side. Her pillow smelled like her shampoo, slightly floral and fresh. Tears filled my eyes. I sat up and blew my nose. Getting upset wasn’t going to solve anything. My phone dinged with a text from Rob: “Landed. Will call from hotel.”
He didn’t have any baggage, so hopefully, he’d get through customs quickly. It was nearly four in the morning in London. Even though I wanted him to get to Jenny quickly, it’d probably be best if he got a few hours of sleep. If he could. I sighed. I certainly wouldn’t be able to.
I paced the floor of Jenny’s room. It was too cramped, so I moved into the hallway. I walked from the guest bedroom to the wall in my bedroom and back. At least I’d get my steps in. Maybe it was time to redo the guest bedroom; the plaid curtains looked dated. My phone r
ang. I stabbed the answer button. “Rob?”
“Got to the hotel. I plan to head over to Drew’s at eight.”
“Maybe you should go now.”
“Merry, any way you look at it, this is not likely to go well. It’ll be worse if I wake everyone up. I booked Jenny and me on a flight out later today. I’ll make sure she’s on it. Try to get some sleep.”
“The waiting is making me crazy.”
“Hang in there. I’m going to try and get a few hours of sleep. I love you.”
“Love you too. Thanks for doing this.” I hung up.
I walked into my bathroom and eyed the sleeping pills. Nope. Just in case the phone rings. Going to have to tough it out.
Chapter 22
It felt like a dump truck of sand emptied into my eyes during the few seconds of hard-fought sleep I must have gotten. I pulled my phone from under my pillow. Nothing. I texted: “What’s going on?” to Rob. No response. I padded into the bathroom and squirted Visine into my eyes. A little better, but not much. I brushed my teeth, donned a t-shirt and shorts, and sleepwalked my way downstairs.
Somehow the coffee machine button got pushed and the cats fed. I passed the window. The birdbath was empty. Darn. I forgot to fill it last night. I stumbled out the back door, turned the hose on, and filled it. Rubbing my face, I wandered back inside, poured coffee, and sat at the counter. The back door was still open. Not getting up to close it.
I checked my phone again. Nothing. I retrieved the broom and swept the kitchen. On auto-pilot, I leaned the broom against a cupboard to empty the dustpan and then put the dustpan back in the laundry room.
There was a rap at the back door, and it swung open. Alex walked in. “Sorry to bother you but your back door was ajar, and I was worried with everything that’s been going on around here.”
I grit my teeth. “I’m fine. I’m a little tired this morning and didn’t notice it until I sat down.”
“Shall I shut it?”
“No. Leave it partway open, that way the cats can come in when they want.”
She studied me. “You look done in.”
“There’s a lot going on.” I stared at the counter, hoping she would leave.
“I have just the thing. Green juice. It’s so good for you. Kale, lemon, garlic, ginger, and apples, among other healthy things. You’ll love it. I’ll be right back.” She turned and walked out the door.
Sounded disgusting. I tried to edge the door shut with my foot. My leg wasn’t long enough. I sighed and put my forehead on the cool counter.
A few minutes later, Alex bustled back in. “Luckily I already had some made up from this morning.” She handed me a mason jar filled to the brim with what looked like green algae.
My stomach churned. “Thanks. I’ll drink it a little later.” I took it from her and started for the refrigerator.
“You’ll feel better if you drink it now. A good shot of veggies in the morning makes everything right.”
I suppressed a groan. “I do appreciate it, but I’m waiting for a phone call, so if you don’t mind.” I shoved the juice in the refrigerator and turned back to Alex.
She was holding a small revolver. “I don’t want to use this; I want time to establish my alibi. Get the juice, Merry.”
My eyes widened. “What’s in the juice?”
“I told you. Lots of great veggies. Don’t worry. Everything in that glass is all-natural.” She gestured with the gun. “Take it out.”
I retrieved the mason jar, holding it as far away from my body as possible. “Are there castor bean hulls in here?”
“They pulverize so nicely in a coffee grinder.” She barked a laugh. “Course you have to make sure you don’t use it for coffee beans. That would be a nasty surprise. And you have to wear protective gear. But all in all, it’s not that hard.”
I gulped, “But why me?”
“I knew you wouldn’t stop. I saw you. Every time you walked by my house you looked at it and frowned. I could feel your wheels turning.”
“I was worried about you!”
My phone dinged with a text. I grabbed for it.
Alex swept it off the counter, and it hit the floor. “I guess you’ll find out how good your protective case was. Or not. Drink the juice.”
“But the muffin? Who made the muffins with peanuts in them?’
She sighed. “You’re so slow. I did. I waited until I was sure Ed saw me, and then I collapsed. As he ran over, I nibbled the tiniest bit of the muffin. It was enough to send me into shock. I had my EpiPen hidden under a rock, but I didn’t need to use it because Ed got help so quickly.”
The phone buzzed again, and then it rang.
“Someone really wants to get in touch with you. Enough stalling, drink the juice.” The revolver was pointed straight at my chest.
My hand reached for the glass as Patty barged through the back door, knocking Alex off balance. I grabbed the broom and hit Alex’s hand; the gun went skidding across the floor. Alex dove for it and I landed on top of her. We scrabbled for the weapon. Alex came up with it, and Patty slammed her foot down on top of Alex’s hand. The revolver discharged into my phone sending it spinning, inches from my head.
Patty stomped her foot again, and this time Alex screamed and released the gun. “You broke my hand!”
I got to my feet, kicked the gun across the room, and then ran to the laundry. I returned with two small bungee cords. I wrapped one around Alex’s ankles, and Patty took the other and bound Alex’s arms. Hands shaking, I picked up the gun and deposited it on the counter next to the juice.
Alex moaned.
Patty was ashen. “What on earth happened?”
I pointed toward Alex. “She killed Richard, poisoned herself to throw me off the track, and tried to kill me with that juice over there.”
“This looks awful.” Patty picked up the juice, studying it.
“It’s called green juice. But with something special added. Ground castor bean hulls.”
She set the glass down carefully.
I called the police. Alex was still moaning, so we pulled her into a sitting position. She glared at Patty. “I can’t believe you broke my hand.”
“Well you were going to kill my friend, so I guess we’re even.”
I sat on one of the kitchen chairs. “Why did you kill Richard?”
“I found out on Facebook that he and Wanda were coming to visit Rob. It was serendipity that the house next to you was available. I bought the house and settled in. Then when he got here, I followed him. I found out he liked to visit the local pastry shop early in the morning.”
“So when you ran into him that day it was on purpose.”
“Of course. When he turned to get the sugar for his coffee, I dumped the packet of ricin into it. He almost caught me, so I goaded him by saying that I had always planned on leaving him. He exploded. He ripped open the sugar, stirred it, and the ricin dissolved. It doesn’t take effect right away. It was a bonus for me that it happened when Wanda was with him. When she was charged, it was like a two for one.”
“What about Frank and Bud?”
“They were almost as bad as you. They had the nerve to show up at my house and threaten me. I waited until that evening and told them I’d meet them in their room” She tsked. “I would have preferred to use the ricin, but their size dictated the gun.”
Jay and two policemen barged in the back door. I yelled, “Did you close the gate? I don’t want the cats to get out!”
Patty giggled.
I frowned. “What’s so funny?”
“You are. Someone tries to murder you, and all you can think about is the cats running off.”
I started to titter. Pretty soon Patty and I were crying we were laughing so hard. Jay touched my arm. “Are you okay?”
I tried to nod and then dissolved into another gale of laughter.
Jay led Alex from the house, one of the policemen bagged the gun, and then the hazmat team arrived. They corralled the cats into the garage a
nd set up a tent in the backyard. Patty and I were decontaminated, and then they went to work on my kitchen. My phone left in a bag. It was a goner.
I eyed Patty. “At least my kitchen will be spotless.”
They finished their work and moved to Alex’s house. Patty and I looked like refugees from a hazardous spill in the white paper gear with which they clothed us. I rescued the cats and filled their new bowls with food and water.
Patty leaned against the counter.
I hugged her. “Thanks for coming this morning. I don’t think I would have survived without you.”
She snapped to attention. “Oh, my goodness. With all that happened, I forgot. Come with me. Did you record the news this morning?”
“Of course. You know I like to watch the weather.”
We sank onto the sofa, and she turned on the TV. She fast-forwarded and then stopped. “This is it.”
The TV blared: “Breaking news. In a joint FBI and Interpol raid in London this morning, American swindler Drew March, international fashion model Arianna Flores, and an unnamed accomplice were taken into custody.” The picture on the screen showed Drew being led in handcuffs out of a Tudor townhouse, Arianna trailed him, and a tall third person whose head had been covered by a raincoat was last.
“Jenny,” I gasped.
About the Author
Eileen Curley Hammond is an author who retired from a successful marketing career in the insurance industry. She and her husband share the house with two cats that are determined to train them.
For those of you who have been keeping up on this page, you know that Eileen and her husband were going to restock the fish pond this year. Happily, they now have two new koi, two shubunkins, and a school of minnows. They’ve also enhanced their heron defense system.
The author looks forward to continuing to write and getting some rest after a long slog gardening in the spring and summer.
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