by Rose Pressey
“You’re his ex-wife, so I’m not sure what I can do,” Cady said.
My eyes widened. Was she talking with Hank’s ex-wife again? Why? I still didn’t know why she and Darlene had been with Melissa that night. Maybe Cady was talking with Brannon’s ex-wife.
“Listen, I have to go,” Cady said. Her voice faded as she moved down the hall and into her room.
After a few seconds of silence, I peeked out. The bedroom door was closed. I had to hurry out of there before she popped back out again. I opened the door slowly so that it wouldn’t make any noise. I eased the door shut and then rushed over to the stairs. I hadn’t expected the floors to be so slippery though and my shoes slipped. I managed to catch myself before falling all the way down the stairs. That would have been even harder to explain. I still had to worry about Sandra catching me.
I hurried down the stairs as fast as I could without losing my footing. I didn’t hear any talk coming from downstairs so I immediately wondered what they were doing. Had they stopped talking and gone to another room when Cady came back? Where was Gail? The silence was making me nervous. The more steps I took, the longer it seemed to take. Had steps been added since I went up? Finally, I had almost reached the bottom. There were only a couple more steps left.
When I got to the bottom step, I stopped in my tracks.
Sandra was at the bottom with her hand on the banister. She stared at me with a scowl on her face.
“What are you doing up there?” she asked. “I thought you were talking with Gail.”
I smiled. “I just went up to use the bathroom.”
“There is a bathroom down here by the kitchen.”
My eyes widened. “Really? I didn’t know that. I guess Gail forgot to tell me.”
Sandra still stared at me. “I didn’t hear you go up.”
I stepped off the bottom step and around her. She was even taller than I remembered. “I guess I’m light on my feet,” I said with a smile.
Tammy was staring at me as if she was terrified.
“Well, I guess we’re ready to go.” I motioned for Tammy to follow me to the door.
She looked more than relieved. Sandra watched us. I hated that I didn’t get to say goodbye to Gail, but I wanted to get out of there before Sandra asked more questions. Tammy and I stepped out the door and onto the porch.
“That was a close one,” Tammy said.
“Why was she coming upstairs?” I asked.
“I couldn’t stop her. She was finished talking.”
“Sorry it took me so long,” I said.
“That’s okay, but did you find anything?”
I glanced over her with a wry smile. “Did I ever. I’ll show you when we get in the car.”
“Did you steal something?” Tammy asked with panic in her voice.
“No. I took a picture of her picture. Just as I thought, Hank was wearing the scarf before he was murdered.”
“Wow. So what are we going to do?”
“I have to call Brannon and tell him. Now we’ll have to prove that it’s the same scarf.”
“That could be a lot harder than we think.” Tammy slipped behind the wheel.
Once I’d gotten in, I closed the door and then buckled my seatbelt. “That’s what I’m worried about, but if there’s a way we’ll do it.”
Chapter 22
Tammy dropped me off at the diner and I immediately called Brannon. Of course he knew that I had no way to prove that Melissa had Hank’s scarf. He promised to look into it though. He also wanted to know if we were on for the tour again tonight. I told him of course we were.
As I walked toward the diner, up ahead I spotted Cady and Melissa talking. They were by the diner’s entrance. Cady was leaning up against the trash can by the door. What I wouldn’t give to hear what they were talking about. I stopped and leaned against the building. I hoped that they didn’t notice me. There was no place to hide. If I could only get closer so that I could eavesdrop. The alley was nearby, but it was on the other side. I would have to either walk past the women to get there, which would defeat the purpose, or I would have to turn around and walk behind the building to get over there. By the time I did that they would be gone. I could try to move closer, but I was sure they would notice me. I was already standing a good chance that they would spot me.
They continued talking. Based on the way Melissa was pointing her finger, I sensed that she was unhappy with Cady. They definitely knew each other. I wondered if Melissa was asking Cady about her ex-husband’s murder. Just then they turned and walked away. I could have followed them, but I knew it would do no good.
I moved over to the diner’s entrance. I hoped they didn’t come back and see me. What was I saying? I had every right to stand here just like they did. I should have even gone up to them and asked what they were talking about. After all, they were talking right out there in the open.
I pulled out my phone to give Tammy a call. Maybe she wanted to meet me at the diner. Unfortunately, it looked as if I would be headed into the diner alone because she didn’t answer. I would have to leave her a message. I shoved the phone back into my pocket. Now what? I glanced down the sidewalk and didn’t see either woman. I guessed there was nothing left to see or do, so I decided to head into the diner for a quick bite to eat. Although I wasn’t sure I would be able to eat. I had too much on my mind at the moment.
I’d just turned around to leave when something caught my attention. It was behind the trash can. I peeked over to get a closer look. On the ledge behind the can was a cell phone. I reached behind the can and picked it up. I tried to turn the phone on, but it was dead. The phone had a navy blue protective case. On the back were the initials HMK. My stomach did a flip. Could it be? What were the odds? It was close to the graveyard. And Melissa and Cady had just been beside this trash can.
Had they meant to throw the phone away? How long had it been back there? They could have tossed it and missed the can. The phone might have landed on that little ledge. How else would it have gotten back there? It was too much of a coincidence that the phone had his initials. It had to be his. Now I just needed to find out. I had my phone charger. We had the same kind of phone. I could charge it up to see if it belonged to him. Although I supposed I should call Brannon and tell him I found it.
Before I had a chance to decide what to do, I spotted Melissa and Cady coming back my way. Were they coming back to find the phone? If they saw me there and then couldn’t find the phone they would think that I had taken it. I stuffed it in my pocket and headed down the sidewalk and toward my house. I just hoped they hadn’t seen me and followed me home. I would charge the phone once I got there and see what I could find out.
I would call Brannon of course, but not before I figured out who the phone belonged to. I mean, there was no need to tell him if it wasn’t even Hank’s phone. Yes, I told myself that was the best thing to do. Of course he would want to know why the phone was still charged. He would probably know what I had done, but I would worry about that later.
I hurried down the sidewalk looking over my shoulder every few seconds to see if they were following me. So far I hadn’t seen them back there. I finally made it back to my place and rushed in the door.
I tapped my fingers against the table as I waited for the phone to power on. How long would this take? It seemed as if it had been forever, but in reality it had probably only been a minute. Finally, the phone lit up and I grabbed it like it was a hidden treasure. I tapped on the screen. I looked at the call log, but it had been deleted. I checked the email, but there was nothing set up. The web browser had been deleted too. I shouldn’t have been surprised.
Now I didn’t know for sure if it was his phone, but I was almost positive. It had his initials and the info had been deleted. I supposed it was time for me to give Brannon a call. I picked up my phone and dialed his number.
When he answered, I said, “I think I have something you need to see.”
Brannon said he would be over soon. In
the meantime, I had to wait and wonder. I had no idea if this would even help the case, but I hoped it did. If Melissa and Cady had killed Hank then they needed to be arrested.
Chapter 23
I sat on my sofa and stared at the wall as if that would somehow make me figure out this whole mess. I closed my eyes and leaned back on the sofa.
I didn’t know if I drifted off to sleep or if I was awake, but the ghost was there. She appeared as if a living person right in front of me.
When I opened my eyes, the ghost was gone. I still felt the cold that had surrounded her though. I knew that she had been there. Just then it hit me where I’d seen the name Corabeth. It had been on one of the tombstones in the small graveyard in front of the library. The last name had faded from the stone, but the epitaph was still visible. Once your eyes have been opened, you can’t un-know or un-see.
I had two mysteries on my hands. I didn’t know if they were related or not. As I sat there trying to figure out what to do, it hit me. I had to confront the ex-wife. Maybe not directly confront her, but I had to at least pay her a visit.
I knew she worked at the tea shop in town. Now that I thought of it, that was the card I had found in Cady’s planner. The shop was new and had just opened. I would go in and ask Melissa what she thought about the investigation. I knew she would remember me from the diner. I didn’t know if she would give me any info though. It was doubtful that she would admit she had Hank’s scarf. I had to at least give it a try.
After leaving a message and telling Brannon I had to go out for a while, I grabbed my purse and headed out the door. He would have to wait to get the phone. This was urgent. I didn’t want to walk even though it wasn’t that far. The more I thought about the dangers of walking alone, the less I wanted to take that risk.
As I climbed in my car and looked in the rear-view mirror, I spotted him. The ghost was in the back seat of my car and he’d finally revealed himself to me.
It was the ghost of Hank.
I let out a gasp. When I turned around, he was gone. I looked in the mirror again, but he wasn’t there either. Had I imagined it? No, I wasn’t still dreaming.
My phone dinged and I jumped. I grabbed the phone to get the text. The word ‘stabbed’ showed up on my screen. I knew that wasn’t a coincidence. What did his message mean? Had he been stabbed?
“Hank, are you there?” I called out.
There was no answer and he didn’t appear again. I looked around, but didn’t see him outside of the car either. I did spot a shadow go behind a tree again. Was that him? Or someone else sneaking around? I was glad that I was in my car.
I started the engine and pulled away from the curb. Whoever was behind the tree wouldn’t be able to get to me now. I made it to downtown and finally found a spot to park. It was a short walk to the tea shop, which made me nervous, but I had to do it anyway.
The crisp evening air whirled around me. Leaves had fallen and scurried across the sidewalk as if they were keeping pace with me. I glanced over my shoulder, hoping that Sandra wouldn’t appear. I was also looking for the shadow. A few people waved as I passed by and I threw my hand up in return.
The shop was just up ahead. The sign that hung above the little shop came into view. I picked up my pace, as the more I walked, the more my anxiety increased. I figured my mind was just playing tricks on me.
I looked back again and I thought for sure that I spotted Sandra. See, now I was seeing things.
I reached the shop and hurried in. With all the worrying about someone following me, I hadn’t even had the chance to worry about what Melissa might say to me. I wasn’t even sure she was working. If she wasn’t, I could also try to find out something from her co-workers. Had she been working on the night of the murder? Surely that was something the police had already found out. Usually it would be the people closest to the victim who they would concentrate on first.
I stepped into the shop. A couple of women were seated at a table. The shop had little white tables with white iron chairs around them. The counter was on the right where you could order. It was like a combination deli and tea shop.
The women looked over at me and smiled. I grinned and moved further into the shop. So far I didn’t see Melissa or any other employees. The walls were painted pink with floral pictures on the walls.
I walked up to the counter and perused the menu. I hadn’t had dinner yet, so maybe I would get a sandwich and tea. They had every tea I could imagine, even sweet iced tea, although it was a little too cool outside for that right now. A nice cup of warm tea would be good, plus maybe it would help ease my anxiety too.
Finally I decided on a warm turkey sandwich and a cup of orange tea. I waited at the counter and was just about to turn around to leave when I spotted an employee step out from the back room. She spotted me and smiled. Of course I was disappointed that it wasn’t Melissa. I should have figured there was a good chance she wouldn’t be here. I would have to ask this woman if Melissa was working.
“Hi, may I help you?” the young brunette asked with a smile.
I placed my order and watched as she prepared my sandwich. This was my chance to ask about Melissa.
“Excuse me,” I said.
She looked up at me. “Yes?”
“Is Melissa Key working?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
She stared for a second and then nodded. “Yes, she’s in the back. I can get her for you if you’d like.”
Even though I was nervous, I said, “That would be great. Thank you.”
I paid her for the sandwich and tea and took my tray over to a table by the door. Just in case I needed to make a quick getaway. I sat down and took a sip of tea. It warmed me instantly.
After taking a bite of the sandwich, I spotted Melissa appear from the back. She glanced around the room and then her eyes fell on me. Her eyes narrowed. She moved over from behind the counter and headed my way. I swallowed hard. It wasn’t too late for me to get up and leave. No, I had to suck it up and be tough.
When she approached I said, “I’m sorry for bothering you.”
“Do I know you?” she asked.
“My name is Ripley Van Raden. I work at the library.”
She frowned. “Oh, yes. I saw you at the diner too. Are you here to ask questions about my ex-husband?”
For a moment the words wouldn’t form. Finally, I managed to say, “Do you know who may have killed him?”
“I don’t know,” she snapped. “The only reason Hank came to town to do that book signing is to stick it in my face. It wasn’t enough that he was abusive to me when we were married.”
My eyes widened. “He abused you?”
“It’s not something I want to talk about.” She stuck her head up a little higher.
“You wanted to talk with him that night at the library. So did you see him when he was here,” I said.
That was practically like I had asked her if she’d murdered him. I knew she could read my mind. I could tell by the way she looked at me. If we hadn’t been in a public place she might have come over the table after me. I wouldn’t have gone down without a fight though. She might underestimate my ability to fight her off.
“Obviously I didn’t talk with him. And I am glad that I didn’t.”
Apparently they didn’t have the best of relationships.
“Do you have any idea who may have done this to him?” I was hoping she would give me a clue why she would have killed him.
“I don’t know. He probably has a lot of enemies. I heard that he had a fan who was following him around. The police will probably arrest her soon.”
I wouldn’t be so sure about that. Sure, Sandra had acted strangely, but she hadn’t been the one wearing Hank’s scarf. I really needed to ask Melissa about the scarf, but I doubted at this point she would tell me the truth. I knew she was already sick of talking to me and just wanted to get away from me.
“If you’ll excuse me I have to get back to work.”
I nodded. “Sure. It
was nice meeting you.”
She stared for a second and then turned around and walked away without answering. I hadn’t made a friend. I watched her walk away. Thank goodness she didn’t turn around and look at me or attack me. That was all pluses for me.
The women who had been at the table on the other side of the room walked out. The other employee was in the back with Melissa. She was probably telling her about me. I was all alone in the room. That was when I figured that maybe I should take a look around. Melissa might have worn the scarf to work. After all, she had worn it the other day at the diner. Although even if I spotted it I didn’t know what I would do.
My curiosity was getting the better of me. I pushed to my feet and took my tray over to the trash. I dumped the trash and placed the cup and plate in the designated spot. Still no one was around. There was an area with restrooms, so I took off in that direction. I figured I wouldn’t be able to get in the back area if Melissa and the employee were both back there. At least I could take a look.
When I reached the restroom, I realized there was another door in the hallway that led to the employee area where Melissa was. Now if I could just get back there.
The front door opened and about five customers filed in. Melissa and the employee both stepped out from the back to help the people.
My heart thumped in my chest, but there was no time for second-guessing. I didn’t have much time, so I had to move quickly. While the women were at the front of the shop helping the customers, I would slip in the back and have a look around.
I opened the door and immediately came into the kitchen area. I glanced around, trying to figure out which way to go. Where would the office be? It had to be at the back.
I rushed toward the back with adrenaline coursing through my veins. The door was open and I spotted several little lockers and a desk on the right. There was a coat rack at the left. It was the first thing I saw. The scarf was hanging right there. She wasn’t even trying to hide it. Though I supposed she figured there was no one to hide it from. As far as she knew, no one had ever seen Hank wearing the scarf. Although Cady the assistant would have seen him, right? But had she seen Melissa wearing it? I assumed Cady had seen Melissa wearing it because they’d been together. I still didn’t know why they had been talking to each other.
