Mulch Ado About Murder

by Martha Rogers

  I buried the thought and closed the door when Mitzi returned. I crawled into bed and pulled up the covers. No matter how nice it had been tonight, I didn’t want it to become a habit. I valued my independence too much.

  Chapter 18

  The next morning, I skipped breakfast. I didn’t feel like trying to walk up to the main building with my crutches. I rested all morning, and promptly at noon, Harry arrived with his SUV. Doris and Clara had managed to get to the back seat so I could be in the middle one with Bessie. Clara gave the directions to Harry, and we took off. The other women chattered on about the menu at The Gazebo, but my thoughts kept going over what we did and didn’t know in Pete’s murder.

  I had planned to interview a few other staff members, especially the nurse and Carrie, this morning, but now that would have to wait. Mrs. Benson had said Carrie took a few days off, and my curiosity bade me to find out why. She had never taken time off except for vacations.

  The tearoom was exactly as it had been described. Even Ben was impressed. The hostess smiled and led us to a round table in a corner overlooking a beautiful garden.

  Ben and Harry assisted us ladies with our chairs and Ben sat next to me. “This place is very nice. It looks like a tearoom, but it has something about it that keeps it from being what my teen-age granddaughter calls ‘girlie, girlie.’ If you know what I mean.”

  “Yes, I do.” Ben was right about the décor. Beautiful antiques provided a variety of table types and chairs as well as paintings and mirrors on the walls. The predominant color of blue made up tablecloths and napkins and a number of the chairs were upholstered in the color. Contrasted with the white woodwork, the color scheme gave a very pleasant environment for dining.

  The menu delighted me even more. My favorite quiches and sandwiches as well as salads appealed to me, but heartier soups and even a few grilled meats rounded out the items offered to entice heartier appetites.

  Harry grinned and held his menu straight up between his hands. “Now this is more like it. I don’t see fat-free, sugar-free, or caffeine-free anywhere.”

  The young lady now placing crystal goblets of water at our places said, “Oh, we have those on a special list. I can get you one if you’d like.”

  “Not on your life. What we have here is perfect.”

  After everyone ordered, the talk turned to the dinner tomorrow night and the decorations. Since I had bought so many smaller items, I was grateful I would have help getting the tables all done. We had thirty-six tables in our dining hall, and I had assigned ten each to Bessie, Clara, and Doris. No one else had responded to the call we put on the bulletin board for volunteers, so we’d get it done alone.

  “Abigail, what do you think?”

  I blinked my eyes and peered at Clara. “I’m sorry. What do I think about what?”

  “See, I told you she wasn’t paying attention. We were talking about Pete and were wondering about the rumors we’d heard. Do you think he really was dating so many different women at Spring Hills? If he was, it looks like he might have had a number of people wanting him dead. Jealous girlfriends and all that.”

  I almost choked on the tea I sipped. Where in the world did they come up that information? I had come to the same conclusion earlier, but I didn’t want to share my thoughts on that just yet. “I suppose that could be the case, but we also know he was a gambler and bragged about winning big. I believe several of our residents had given Pete money to bet at the tables for them, and if he lost a lot, they’d have reason to kill him as well.”

  The three ladies jumped on that like a kitten after a ball of yarn. I cut my eyes to Ben at my side with what I hoped he saw as a need to change the subject.

  He got the message and nodded. “Ladies, let’s talk about the bridge tournament coming up. Bessie and I are going to win it all again this year.”

  Of course, Harry had to protest and that led to argument between him and Ben. I listened to them bicker and tease as our meals were served. Jealousy could very well have been the motive for Pete’s murder and would explain what he and that third woman argued about.

  When we finished eating, we headed back to the car and sat in the same arrangement as before. Once we settled, I leaned forward to whisper to Ben. “We need to meet. Can you come in about an hour?”

  Ben nodded. “I’ll tell Harry. You have a new idea?”

  “Not yet, but several keep skirting around in my head, and I want to discuss them with you.”

  I settled back in my seat, and Bessie shot me a look I couldn’t quite describe. She didn’t hesitate to speak her mind. “You and Ben planning a special date after we get back? You two have been spending a lot of time together.”

  How was I to answer that? If I told her we were working on Pete’s murder, she’d want all the details, and then the rest of the complex would know what we were doing. That could lead to getting me into more trouble with the police. “No, I’m trying to get him to meet me for golf.” Maybe a little white lie wouldn’t hurt too much. I almost punched Ben when he had a coughing spasm to hide his laughter. Bessie raised her eyebrows, and her expression certainly questioned my statement.

  I didn’t think any more about it until after we arrived back at Spring Hills. Ben stayed with me on the pretext that he wanted to help me navigate my crutches. When the SUV pulled away, he shook his head. “Those women will talk your arms and ears off. I’m glad we’re only together a short time at breakfast and dinner each day. And what was that bit about golf? That was about as far-fetched as it comes, especially with you on crutches.”

  Heat rushed up my neck. “I didn’t even think of that, but I had to say something to get Bessie’s mind off us, and that was the first thing to come to mind.”

  No wonder she’d looked at me with raised eyebrows. That’s what I get for letting my mouth speak before I think about the words. I led him inside, and he offered to take Mitzi outside for me. That was both a surprise and a relief. I hadn’t relished the idea of taking care of my dog on crutches, but Ben usually avoided anything to do with Mitzi. When he brought her back inside, Harry followed him.

  After I settled Mitzi with a few doggie treats, I got down to business. “Okay, partners, let’s get our notes and ideas on the table and see what we come up with.” I reached for my handy pad and pen. Ben grinned, and Harry shook his head. Neither of them can understand why I don’t use my phone or tablet to take notes and keep records. I suppose I’m old-fashioned and want the feel of the pen as I write. Helps me remember better, too.

  Harry leaned back in his chair. “I don’t know why we’re doing this. We don’t know any more today than we did yesterday or the day before.”

  “We need to review what we have. We’re missing something somewhere.” I tried to focus on the one fact that kept darting in and out but with nothing I could pinpoint. I reached into the drawer in the table and pulled out the earring.

  “There’s something I keep missing, and I think it has to do this even though Mitzi didn’t find it until a day or so later, and I have no idea where she found it or how long it’d been there.”

  Harry held out his hand. “May I look at it?”

  I handed it to him, and he turned it over in his hand. “It can’t have been there very long because the silver isn’t tarnished. It just has a little dirt around the edges of the setting.”

  He gave it back to me. “I notice it’s one of those that clip on instead of the hook for pierced ears. Makes it easier to lose.”

  “Yeah, I know. I’ve lost more than my share. I don’t know why anyone would want to punch holes in their bodies to stick things in. Noreen Jenson’s are like this, but she still has hers and wore them the other day.” I tapped the earring with my finger. “This has to be the clue.”

  Ben stood and stretched. “Well, keep thinking on it. I’m going home for a nap. Maybe I’ll be able to think better after a little snooze.”

  Harry joined him, and he clasped my shoulder. “You’re a smart woman, Abby, and whatever it is
you need to find, you will.”

  With that they both left with me still sitting with the earring in my hand. If only Mitzi could tell me exactly where she’d found it. I sighed. Well, that wasn’t going to happen. I pushed back from the table, reached for my crutches and hobbled to the pantry for my stash of junk snacks. They’d certainly help my mood even if they didn’t help me remember.

  Chapter 19

  On Saturday morning, a throbbing pain awakened me. I’d spent too much time on my feet yesterday and paid for it this morning. The pills taken before bed last night had worn off. I reached for the bottle on my nightstand, poured out two, and swigged them down with a gulp of water. I glanced at the clock and moaned. It was already six-thirty. Time to get up and start my daily routine, but my down pillow beckoned me to snuggle back under the covers and sleep.

  Christian music poured from the clock radio and reminded me that I needed to spend time with the Lord. I pushed the covers aside and sat on the side of the bed. After sliding my good foot into one slipper, I decided to forget the other one. It was still too swollen. Instead, I pulled on the slipper sock worn the night before. I grabbed the crutches leaning against the night table and positioned them under my arms.

  Mitzi yipped about my ankles. “I know I’m slow, but I’ll get your breakfast and let you out soon as I can.” I clunked my way into the kitchen where the aroma of coffee aroused me from my groggy state.

  Thankful for the automatic timer on the coffee maker, I poured a cup of the hot brew and savored the sweet caffeine aroma. After taking a sip, I hobbled to the pantry and filled Mitzi’s food bowl and checked the other one for water. With that accomplished, I sank onto a chair at the table and pulled my Bible toward me.

  The Bible passage for the morning devotional thought centered on ever-present love of God. As I read the eighth chapter of Romans, I marveled anew at the power of the Lord. As much as I hated spraining my ankle, everything works for good for those who love the Lord, and I did love the Lord, so something good must be ahead.

  The Harvest dinner was tonight, and I needed to be in good spirits while we decorated and prepared for all the fun Taryn had planned. Lord, please don’t let me put a damper on everything tonight.

  I wouldn’t make a pretty picture with my crutches and bandaged up ankle, but there was nothing I could about that now. I returned to my Bible. The more I read, the more the pain lessened. Now I could face whatever the day decided to throw at me. It certainly hadn’t given me anything new in the past two days.

  My thoughts kept returning to that earring. It had to be the final clue. If not, we’d all be back at practically square one. I had several more people to interview and after Ben’s suggestion about other staff members Pete dated. I also needed to find time to question Taryn further.

  I hadn’t been to the main building since my little mishap. After the big lunch yesterday, handling those crutches simply wasn’t worth all the effort to go over for dinner. But today was special, and I wanted to be there to supervise all the plans we’d put together. After lunch, the dining hall would be transformed into a wonderland of fall colors and decorations. As much as I wanted to help, I had to settle for the reality that I couldn’t do much but offer suggestions.

  Somehow today, while at the main building, I needed to snoop a little more. Maybe one of the tenants had actually lost the earring. A knock on the door brought me out of her thoughts. I wasn’t expecting visitors this time of morning. I thumped into the living room and opened the door.

  Ben grinned back at me. “I thought you might need a little help this morning, so I went up and borrowed a wheel chair from the clinic. Save you having to manage those crutches all the way up to breakfast.”

  He never ceased to amaze me with his thoughtfulness. All the teasing had been in fun, but his kind gestures were more serious business. Chagrin for the way I had treated him on various occasions rippled through my soul. How could I have been so blind to his sincere caring?

  “Thank you. That’s so thoughtful.” My independence was still important to me, but relying on the help of others at the moment wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

  “I just wanted to be sure you didn’t injure that ankle again. It’s what any friend would do. You about ready to go?”

  “Yes, I am.” I eased into the chair and positioned the crutches at my side. Helping out a friend? Did he really think of me only as a good friend? Maybe I misinterpreted his actions of the past.

  Ben grasped the handles and pushed. “Well, looks like we won’t meet our goal of solving the murder this week, but the police haven’t made any progress either from what Harry says.”

  “I know, and I’m rather disappointed we haven’t. I still have a few people I want to question. Carrie and the day nurse are two of Pete’s past relationships, and I bet there are more.”

  “That wouldn’t surprise me since he was so attracted to the ladies.”

  I snickered, and Ben growled. I twisted around to see his grimace.

  When we entered the main building, the sight of me in the wheelchair drew others to my side wanting to know what happened and how I was feeling.

  After the fifth explanation, I grabbed Ben’s hand. “Please make some kind of announcement or something. I don’t want to tell this story over and over again.

  He laughed. “Okay, that’s a good idea.”

  After I was seated at our table, Ben laid my crutches by my side and wheeled the chair out of the way. He made his way around a few of the tables and told them the same thing I’d been saying. A few looked my way, so I smiled and waved back at them.

  He returned to the table to tell me what he’d said. “I told them you’d sprained your ankle when we were walking home the other night, and that you appreciated their concern, but you’re much better now.” He glanced around the room. “Now, let’s enjoy our breakfast.”

  “Thank you, Ben. Maybe that will cut down on the questions.”

  “Well, they still had one I couldn’t answer.” He reached for the bowl of scrambled eggs. “They all wanted to know when you’re going to find out who killed Pete.”

  “I hope you told them you didn’t know because I sure don’t.”

  Bessie leaned over to speak. “I’ll be glad when this all over, too. What if we do have a killer running loose around here? None of us would be safe.”

  Clara pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. “We know you’re still trying to solve Pete’s murder even though the police said to stay out of it. I think you’re making a mistake in nosing around. What if you make the killer angry and he comes after you?”

  I hadn’t really thought about that, but I doubted it would happen. “We don’t know if the killer is a man or woman, but I’m not worried either way.”

  Bess gave me one of those looks that let me know she’d have a word or two to say later before she said, “The rest of us will take care of everything this afternoon. You’ll need to stay off your feet as much as possible, or you won’t be able to enjoy the party tonight.”

  I couldn’t argue with that, but I did want to be there to help them organize everything. “I’ll do that, but not without helping out a little while.”

  “All right, if you insist.” She shook her finger at me. “But I’m telling you, we’re sending you home early.”

  After that the talk returned to other topics about the dinner that night. They all had their speculations about who would win. Our group supported Ben and me, but deep down, I hoped someone else would win. Ben and I didn’t need the extra attention. We needed to keep focused on solving Pete’s murder.

  Later that afternoon, I thumped my way over to the main building on my crutches. Ben would probably fuss at me, but I didn’t care. He could save the wheelchair for me to use tonight.

  The flowers had been delivered, and they were beautiful. The florist had followed the order to perfection. The gold, yellow, and bronze mums had been arranged in brass containers and filled in with brown magnolia leaves. The tables would look
as festive as I imagined.

  Bessie, Doris, and Clara bustled in and made a beeline for the large cart containing all the decorations I’d purchased at the craft store.

  The wait staff had exchanged the usual white cloths for burnt orange ones to go with the decorations. They now placed the china and flatware on each table. The florist made her way around the tables to place the flowers in the center of each one.

  I felt as useless as a wet noodle sitting around watching everyone else decorate the dining area. Bessie and Doris bustled about helping the staff to place napkins and silverware on the tables. Even Clara worked in getting everything set up for tonight. The mum centerpieces in their brilliant hues sat on each table with scarecrows and candles to complete the array. It all came together just like I had imagined.

  Being on crutches put a damper on everything I wanted to accomplish this day, but they seemed to be doing just fine without me.

  Across the way I spotted Noreen Jensen in conversation with one of the staff members. Noreen shook her head as though frustrated about something. A few minutes later she disappeared into her office. Now what was that all about? Maybe it was because Carrie hadn’t come back to work yet. I sure wanted to speak with that young lady myself.

  Since they only had a few tables left to decorate, I decided to find out why Carrie had not returned. I stood and balanced on my crutches.

  Bessie hurried over to me. “Oh, Abby, I do hope your ankle won’t too much trouble for you tonight.”

  “Thank you, dear. I’m sure I’ll be fine. Right now, I feel like the odd man out, so I’m going back to my place and rest for this evening.”

  Bessie’s curls bounced. “That’s a good idea. We’ll take care of things here.” She hustled away with her armload of table decorations.