by Rose Pressey
“Really?” I asked. “What were they saying?”
“That I don’t know. I could see them and tell that the exchange was heated.”
Charlotte waved her hands. “They could have been fighting about anything.”
“Who is the other person?” Hannah asked.
“The designer Shandra Johnson.”
“Do you know this for sure?” Hannah stared at me.
“Yes, at least this is what they told me. I saw her designs in Meaghan’s book.”
“How will they prove it?” she asked.
“That I don’t know,” I said.
“So you think one of them murdered Melanie?”
“I think it’s possible.”
She pushed her hair behind her ear. “I don’t know. Are you going to work with my lawyer?”
Charlotte laughed. “Again, I wish.”
“No, I just want to see that justice is served.”
She looked me straight in the eyes. “How do you know I didn’t do it?”
I met her gaze. “I don’t know, but I plan to find out. I’ll talk to Ken.”
The guard motioned that our time was up.
“Ken hasn’t been by to see me in a couple days. I hope he is finding something.”
“I’m sure he’s trying,” I said.
The officer stood beside Hannah and she placed the receiver back on the stand. She looked at me as if she wanted me to rescue her. Sadly, that wasn’t something I could do. The officer took her out and I walked back to the lobby. I had no idea if Dylan was there. Maybe it was best if I didn’t see him because I needed to hurry over and talk with Ken.
As I headed toward the door, Charlotte asked, “Are you going to talk with Dylan?”
“I don’t think there’s time,” I said.
“She’s right, we need to speak with the lawyer as soon as possible.” Sam walked beside me.
“If you think it’s for the best,” she said reluctantly.
I thanked the officer and hurried back to my car.
The sun was setting and it would be dark out soon. Ever since the murder, Sugar Creek was a lot scarier, even more so when it was dark. I hoped the mystery was solved soon so Sugar Creek could go back to normal. I pulled out onto the highway and headed toward town. I hoped to catch Ken before he left the office for the day.
“I think it’s great that you’re doing this for me,” Sam said.
“That’s because Cookie is a sweetheart,” Charlotte said.
“Y’all are making me blush,” I said.
“I’m just speaking the truth.” Charlotte winked.
Chapter 23
Cookie’s Savvy Vintage-Clothing Shopping Tip
Rhinestone or beaded cardigans from the 1950s
add spark and pizzazz to a wardrobe.
Don’t be afraid to wear them with jeans.
“Maybe you should freshen up your lipstick,” Charlotte said.
I glanced in the rearview mirror. I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of actually doing what she said. I could use a little touch-up though. We arrived at Ken’s office and I parked in front. There was parking behind the building, too, but since it was so late in the day I had found a vacant spot right in front at the curb. I looked at the time on my phone.
“We have about fifteen minutes before he leaves,” I said as I opened the car door.
After stepping up to the office, I pushed through the door. No one was at the receptionist desk, so I moved over to the open door at the first office on the left. A large desk was at the back of the room. Ken was sitting at the desk but had his back facing me as he looked out the window.
“Hello,” I called out.
He spun around in the chair. He smiled widely. “Wow, I didn’t expect to see you.” He pushed to his feet and closed the distance between us. Ken wore a black suit and red tie. When he was next to me, he leaned down and kissed my cheek.
“He is so sweet,” Charlotte said.
She was right about that.
“Please, have a seat.” He gestured toward the brown leather chair in front of his desk.
I sat in front of the desk and he took his seat behind it.
“To what do I owe this pleasure?” he asked.
I placed my hands in my lap. “I’m afraid it isn’t a social call.”
He frowned. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I just came from the jail where I was visiting with Hannah.”
He leaned forward in his chair. “I didn’t realize you were such good friends. More than one visit?”
“I just had to ask her some questions,” I said. “I know that Melanie stole designs from Shandra Johnson and her assistant, Meaghan. Of course I don’t know if that means anything, but I don’t know what to do next. Did you speak with Shandra?”
“Yes, I did, but as I suspected, she didn’t provide many details. I am working on finding evidence, but at this point my time is best spent on working on a defense for Hannah.”
Sam tapped his index finger against his bottom lip. “So he has already decided that Hannah is guilty.”
“I can understand that, but I don’t want to give up just yet.”
Ken leaned back in his chair. “You are dedicated to this. I’m not sure why, but it’s commendable. It certainly would make my job easier if Hannah was really innocent.”
“I’m just doing what I think I have to do,” I said.
“Thank you for doing this. I wish I could offer some other clues, but I haven’t found anything.”
“Then he is not doing a very good job,” Sam said.
Of course Sam was being very critical of Ken. I understood he was doing the best he could.
“Well, I guess I’d better go. I’ve taken up enough of your time.”
“Look at his face, Cookie, I don’t think he wants you to leave just yet.”
Charlotte had a knack for pointing out things like that at just the wrong time. I couldn’t acknowledge her. I pushed to my feet and Ken stood too.
He moved around his desk and stood in front of me. “Why are you really doing this?” He looked me in the eyes.
“I just want to make sure the police have the right person.”
His eyebrows drew together. I wished I could tell him the truth. I wished I could tell him that two ghosts were in the room with us. I didn’t have the nerve to do that right now. Maybe some other time, but not now. I was afraid he wouldn’t believe me. Though I suppose it would be better to know that now rather than later.
He studied my face. “Okay, I suppose I have to accept that answer.”
“Yes, I guess so,” I said.
“Do you have plans tonight?” he asked.
I knew this would upset Charlotte, but I had to do it. “I’m sorry, but I do have plans.”
“What plans?” Charlotte asked.
“Well, she does have other things to do with the case,” Sam said.
Charlotte waved off his answer.
Ken leaned against his desk. “Maybe some other time.”
“Yes, some other time,” I said. “I really should go.” I inched toward the door.
I knew Ken was right behind me.
I paused at the door and turned around. “I’ll call you soon.”
“That would be great.” Ken leaned down and kissed me on the cheek again.
I looked up into his big blue eyes.
“I don’t think we should be in here for this,” Sam whispered.
I wasn’t sure if Ken was going to kiss me on the lips. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that either. At that moment, I turned and opened the door. If he had been leaning in to kiss me he would get the back of my head instead. I walked to the main entrance and felt his presence behind me.
When I stepped out onto the sidewalk, I turned and waved to Ken. He stood at the entrance to his office building and waved back.
“He looks disappointed,” Charlotte said.
“He should be after not getting that kiss from Cookie,” Sam sai
d.
I really didn’t need the two of them discussing my love life. Nothing was off-limits for my spirit friends though. I jumped in the car and pulled away from the curb. When I looked back, I spotted Ken still standing at the door watching me drive away. I hoped I hadn’t hurt his feelings.
“You shouldn’t have turned away from him,” Charlotte said.
“I panicked, okay? It didn’t help that you two were watching,” I said.
“How were we supposed to know he was going to do that?” she asked.
“Well, I suppose you wouldn’t know. But it’s over and done with now. We have to focus on something else.” I pointed the Buick toward my house.
“If you say so,” Charlotte said.
I wouldn’t tell her that Dylan’s face had flashed in my mind when Ken had started to kiss me. That would just complicate matters.
Finally I was in my bedroom lounging on my bed. No television, no radio, no book. Just me, staring at the ceiling and letting my mind wander. Sometimes it was good for the soul just to do nothing at all. I had no idea what Charlotte and Sam were doing. I closed my eyes and tried to erase everything from my mind. A couple of minutes passed and I felt the edge of the bed sink down. I knew it wasn’t Wind Song. That left only one other option. Charlotte had come for a visit. I didn’t even bother to open my eyes.
“Cookie, are you awake?” Charlotte whispered.
I didn’t answer.
“Okay, I know you’re awake, so I’ll just start talking.”
“Charlotte, why did you bother asking if I was awake if you were just going to talk anyway?” I opened my eyes.
“Good, you’re awake.”
“What do you want to talk about? Wait. Don’t tell me, I already know.” I sat up in bed. “You want to discuss Sam.”
She stared at me. “How did you know?”
I pushed the hair out of my eyes. “It’s kind of obvious. You have been short with him for a while now.”
“You noticed?” she asked.
“Yes, like I said, it was kind of obvious. I’m sure he noticed too.”
“Oh, that’s not good. The last thing I want to do is hurt him.”
“So what is the problem?” I asked.
She rubbed her forehead. “Okay, I am afraid of losing him.”
My heart sank. “I was afraid it was something like that. What can I do?” I asked.
If only I could give her a hug.
“Tell me what to do?” She stared at me with her big ebony eyes.
That was probably the hardest thing for me to do. I didn’t know what to tell her to do. I took in a deep breath and hoped that I said the right thing. I had to make her feel better.
Live each day to its fullest? Okay, that wasn’t the right way to phrase it.
“Don’t hold back, Charlotte. Enjoy your time with him even if it’s only for a short time. A little bit of time is better than nothing, right?”
She stared at the wall. “I suppose you’re right. I do love talking with him and spending time together.”
“I know you do, Charlotte. Can you go with him?”
That was a tough question to ask, but it was something that had to be said. I was sure she had already thought about it. But what was her answer?
“I don’t know,” she said. “I don’t know how this works. I don’t even know why I am still hanging around. I suppose it’s just because that is my choice.”
This was a little more than I could understand. I had no idea how the next dimension worked, much less traveling back and forth between the two. I didn’t even know how to navigate this dimension. It was kind of hard for me to give advice about it because of that. This was something Charlotte would have to decide on her own. I couldn’t do it for her. As much as I would love to help.
“I guess it’s something that I will have to find out,” she said.
I picked at the corner of the bedspread. “I guess so. Does that help at all?”
She shrugged. “I guess it helps to talk with someone about it. Thank you for everything, Cookie. You’re a true friend.”
Tears formed in the corners of my eyes. “You’re a true friend too, Charlotte. I’m glad we met.”
She chuckled. “Even if we don’t understand how it happened.”
I laughed. “Exactly, it doesn’t matter how . . . just that it happened.”
She pushed her shoulders back. “Okay, it’s time for me to put my big-girl girdle on. I’m Charlotte Meadows, for heaven’s sake. I can figure this out.”
“Exactly,” I said. “You’re smart. You will know what to do. Have you told him how you feel? Have you shared your fears with him?” I asked.
She twisted her hands together. “There was never the right moment. I didn’t know how to start that conversation.”
“What do you mean? You’ve had nothing but time to tell him,” I said.
“I just didn’t know if he felt the same way,” she said.
“There is only one way to find that out.”
“I guess I have to tell him now.”
“Yes, you do,” I said.
“There is no better time than the present. Plus, if you go talk to him now, then I can go back to relaxing,” I said.
“I think you have relaxed enough. You can come out in the living room and brainstorm with Sam and me.”
I leaned back in the bed. “No way. You need to take this time to talk with him. Don’t make me get rough with you.”
She snorted. “I hardly think that would ever happen.”
Okay, she was right about that. But I had to keep up the façade.
I motioned with a flick of my wrist. “Now get out of here.”
She stood from the bed. “Okay, I’m going.” She paused.
“I mean it, Charlotte, go now. Do you want me to talk with him?”
She hurried over to the door. “No, there is no telling what you would say to him. That would be a mess. I’ll handle this myself.”
Finally that was one way to get rid of her.
“Thanks again, Cookie,” Charlotte said.
I smiled. “You’re welcome.”
She disappeared through the door. Maybe I should listen in to their conversation. No, it was none of my business. I would leave them alone to sort out their problem. I just hoped Charlotte would make the right decision.
Chapter 24
Sam’s Surefire Sleuthing Pointer
Don’t be afraid to Dumpster dive
or look in the trash for clues.
You might get strange looks, but it’s worth it.
The day had passed with little action. It almost seemed like the calm before the storm. I sat behind the counter, working on my inventory. Once I’d finished with that task, I pulled out my computer so I could take a quick glance at my e-mail. I didn’t want to miss any potential orders, but I also was looking for another message from the person who had wanted to meet me. I had dropped the request and not responded at Sam and Charlotte’s request. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, though, and I was seriously thinking about setting up that meeting. I just hoped the person contacted me again. Sam and Charlotte would be unhappy about it, but after all, they did want me to solve the murder, and that just might be the key to doing it.
I held my breath as I opened the browser. When I spotted the message, I glanced up to see if Charlotte and Sam were watching me. They were busy talking to each other, so I clicked open the message. If they knew what I was doing they’d be hovering over my shoulder within seconds telling me to turn off the computer. What they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. Sure enough there was another message from the person who had wanted to meet me.
Please, I need to speak with you about the murder. This is urgent.
The person seemed even more insistent this time. Something was different about this message though. This time the person had left her name. That was what let me know she was desperate to talk with me. What was strange, though, was that she had been in my shop and had a chance to speak wit
h me but hadn’t. Rita Riggs had signed the message. She had been in my shop, so why hadn’t she told me what this message was then? I figured there was only one thing for me to do now: contact her and find out. That wouldn’t be easy, though, because she hadn’t left her number.
She also hadn’t left the e-mail address for me to contact her. If she wanted so desperately to get in touch with me, then why hadn’t she left her contact info? I typed a response to her comment and told her to call me as soon as possible. With any luck she would see that I had left a response. If not, I would continue to look for a way to get in touch with her. Since she hadn’t left her number, I figured I would have to find her another way. I’d seen her a couple times now, so maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to find out. I knew I couldn’t ask Meaghan, because there was no way she would help me. I’d have to figure this out on my own. Sam and Charlotte were still talking. Thank goodness they hadn’t noticed what I was up to yet.
Taking the opportunity before the ghosts noticed, I typed Rita’s name into the search engine. The links that appeared didn’t look as if they were about her. I clicked on the first one, but it was just a site that had lists of names.
“What are you doing?” Charlotte asked from over my shoulder.
I clutched my chest and jumped. “Oh, you scared me. What are you doing, Charlotte?”
Her brow furrowed. “You sound guilty. What are you up to?”
I closed the screen that I’d been looking at, then said, “I was just checking my e-mail.” I knew she could read my guilty expression.
Sam stood in front of the counter. “Are you hiding something from us, Cookie?”
“She is hiding something. I can tell by the look on her face. You got another message, didn’t you?”
I tried to talk, but the words wouldn’t come out.
“I knew it. Cookie, you know it’s probably dangerous for you to see this person.” Charlotte placed her hand on her hip. “We’ve already discussed this, Cookie.”
“I know we already discussed it, but something new has come up,” I said.
“Like what?” Charlotte asked.
