Going Through the Notions (A Deadly Notions Mystery)

by Price, Cate

  Martha was called over to one of the booths, and it looked like she’d be tied up for a while, so I kept walking.

  Detective Serrano was hanging out by the fire engine, wearing a T-shirt and jeans, and also licking at a cone.

  “What kind of ice cream did you get?” I asked him.

  “Coffee mocha.”

  Of course. What had Sarah said about people looking like their dogs? Did they also resemble their ice cream choices?

  He took another long, loving lick at the cone. Too bad Martha and Eleanor were missing this.

  “By the way, I checked with my pals in New York,” he said. “They’re still waiting for the autopsy results on Fiona’s stepmother, but seems as though there’s nothing suspicious. It looks like she died of natural causes—a preexisting heart condition. Fiona’s father was a heart surgeon, and that’s how they met.”

  “Thanks for letting me know.” Obviously the detective was one of those people who never took a day off.

  “And speaking of autopsies, I’m also ordering a more in-depth review of the one for Jimmy Kratz. He had some kind of allergic reaction right before he died. Perhaps from the mold, pesticides, or other hazardous substances he came into contact with as he cleaned out houses.”

  I appreciated how thorough this guy was. The fact that Jimmy’s head was completely bashed in would be reason enough for most people as the cause of death.

  Serrano licked all the way around the top of his cone, swirling the ice cream into a sharp point. Martha would have been in the first aid booth by now. “I also noticed our boy Jimmy was snipped a couple of years back.”

  “Snipped? You mean he had a vasectomy?” I gasped.

  “Yup.”

  I stared at him. “So he couldn’t possibly be the father of Carla’s baby? Oh, wow, that’s a huge relief!”

  Serrano made a slight inclination with his head, and I turned to see Carla heading toward us, hand in hand with a tall guy that I assumed was the crazy boyfriend. They stopped to chat with the firefighters, and I could feel Serrano giving the guy the once-over just as I was doing. He didn’t look that homicidal to me. Freckle-faced, and possibly hot-tempered, but not crazy.

  I moved closer and managed to maneuver Carla to one side and whisper the good news that her baby wasn’t Jimmy’s.

  She nodded. “Yeah, once I calmed down, I did the math and I didn’t think it could be his. But thanks for letting me know for sure.”

  Carla had on about a quarter of the makeup she usually wore. Like Reenie, she looked much healthier and prettier.

  “My boyfriend’s actually really happy about the baby. He said it’s time for both of us to grow up.”

  I gave her a quick hug. “I’m glad.”

  Serrano had disappeared by this time, so I thought I’d go find Joe and see what he was up to. On the way, I passed a cow lift in demonstration and stopped to watch. It was an apparatus that rolls a cow that is down on the ground with post-calving paralysis or some other ailment onto a fabric sling, which was then attached with hooks to a front end loader to gently lift the animal.

  The old farmer demonstrated how there was an open area for the udder to hang through, to reduce stress and pressure. “This here cow lift can lift up to twenty-two hundred pounds.”

  My phone chimed with a text message. It was Sarah. Gone to Kratz farm to take more pix. Lite perfect now. Rain tmrw.

  I sighed. I’d better tell Reenie that Sarah was over at her place. I didn’t want her to freak out again.

  It was almost 3 p.m. We’d planned a brief ceremony at 3:30 p.m. to present Reenie with a symbolic check. The actual money would be donated once any fixed expenses for things like the insurance were deducted and the accounting finalized.

  Cee Cee was still at the face-painting table. Reenie’s son was sitting in her lap and the little girl was wiping the table with a wet paper towel.

  “Have you seen Reenie?” I asked.

  “She asked me to watch these two for a bit.” Cee Cee smiled at them. “Said she was going home to change before the presentation, but she’d be back in half an hour.”

  Oh, crap. That meant she’d bump into Sarah. I hoped she wasn’t as mad as when I stopped over unannounced.

  Suddenly there was a commotion at the admissions booth, and I thought I heard someone screaming.

  I ran, my feet flying across the grass of their own accord, and as I got closer, I saw Liz Gallagher weeping uncontrollably, surrounded by several of her friends.

  “The cash box with the money is missing!” Eleanor’s face was white as she rushed up to me. “I asked Liz to watch it while I went to the bathroom. She got distracted when two of the kids started fighting, and when she looked back, it was gone. Jesus, Daisy. There was about twenty-five thousand dollars in that damn box.”

  As I stared at Eleanor in shock, I suddenly realized where I’d seen one of those cow lifts before. At Jimmy’s place, for the cows that were down with milk fever. You could probably lift quite a few barn beams with one of those devices.

  My heart started racing. Reenie had mentioned a dozen pens, but as I forced my frantic brain to do a quick mental calculation, there were actually thirteen in Fiona’s photos. Who would know to describe them as a dozen other than someone who had seen them firsthand?

  Minus the one that I’d found.

  I looked around, panic-stricken. I didn’t know where Joe was and Serrano was nowhere to be seen. Sarah had taken the car, and even if I could get someone to give me a ride in a hurry, the fair was winding down and a long line of cars were sitting at the exit, waiting to pull onto Sheepville Pike.

  I didn’t have that kind of time.

  I sprinted back to the flea market, praying that the bicycle I’d seen for sale was still there. The price tag said ten dollars.

  I thrust a twenty at the owner and rode faster than I ever had in my life.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  When I got to the Kratz farm, heaving for breath, there was no sign of Sarah or Reenie.

  I dropped the bicycle on the ground and ran into the barn, praying I was wrong, but I felt around inside the cow lift and my hand came out with a small pile of wood shreds.

  I looked up and my world ground to a sickening halt as Reenie walked Sarah into the barn at gunpoint.

  “I’m so tired of you two sneaking around, checking up on me,” Reenie snapped. “I tried to warn you off once. Why the hell didn’t you listen?”

  “She stole the money we collected at the fair, Mom.”

  “I know.”

  Sarah’s eyes were hot with anger. “The cash box is on the front seat of her truck.”

  “Shut it.” Reenie shoved the end of the barrel of the gun into Sarah’s back.

  My mouth was dry and I took shallow breaths. Now was not the time to pass out.

  “You know, you people crack me up. When I saw you in town that day, talking about a fund for the kids’ college, for Christ’s sake. College! You have no idea. I need the money now!”

  My mind was racing. I couldn’t rush Reenie. She might pull that trigger and Sarah wouldn’t stand a chance. I fingered a seam ripper in my pocket and edged closer.

  “Yeah, I always wanted to go to Florida. It’s cheaper there. I figured I may as well wait until after the fair and get the cash, too. There’s my gas and rent money until I can sell the pens.”

  “What did you do with them?” I knew the police had searched this barn and the house.

  Reenie smirked. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

  Sarah frowned. “You were planning on leaving your kids behind?”

  Reenie shrugged. “They’ll be better off with Cee Cee and her fancy doctor husband than me. I need to start a new life. I deserve it! After all I’ve been through.”

  I swallowed, never taking my eyes off Reenie. I was praying that someone at the fair would put two and two together. I had to keep us alive until I figured something out.

  “I know you used the cow lift, Reenie, but how did you manage to
keep Jimmy still long enough to hit him with the beam? After all, he drove Angus home, so he wasn’t that drunk.”

  She chuckled. “I left cookies in the barn that night for when he came back and got the munchies. Jimmy only ate a certain brand, because he had a real bad peanut allergy. I made some that looked the same, except with a trace of peanut butter.”

  A picture flashed into my mind of backing into the recycling container. That’s why she had been so upset. I remembered now, too late, the empty peanut butter jar on the ground.

  “After he had an allergic reaction, I waited until he was unconscious. It was easier to hit him with the beam when he was passed out.”

  Even with a gun poking her in the back, Sarah rolled her eyes at this.

  “When I was sure he was dead, I took the keys and went to the auction house and stole the pens.”

  In spite of the fact that Reenie had committed a greater crime with no compunction, I was shocked as another fact hit me. “Hey, wait a minute, did you really leave two young children home alone?”

  “They were fine. Why don’t you shut the hell up?”

  She swung the gun in my direction.

  It felt like my heart had crawled up and was now beating in my throat instead of my chest. I swallowed again, struggling for the right words.

  “Reenie, you’re not a murderer. Killing Jimmy was a crime of passion after all you’d been through. You don’t really want to hurt us.”

  Sarah moved ever so slightly to her right.

  This was the opening I’d been waiting for and I hurled myself at Reenie. If she shot me, so be it. I’d lost one child to a maniac with a gun, and I’d be damned if I’d let it happen again.

  Reenie whipped it around and cracked me on the side of the head with the butt end. My brain exploded and I crashed to the floor. She pointed it at Sarah now and I looked up at them as I desperately tried to make my stunned body move, hearing the screaming inside my head.

  But Reenie was slightly off balance, and one of Sarah’s long legs swung in a roundhouse kick, sending the gun into a nearby pile of hay.

  I fought a wave of dizziness, struggling to all fours to the sounds of grunts and heavy breathing as the two fought.

  They were unevenly matched. My taller, athletic daughter with slight, shorter Reenie, but with the desperation of a cornered animal, Reenie scrabbled for the weapon again in the hay. As she came out with it, I saw by the glint in her eyes that this time she’d take the shot.

  I pulled the seam ripper from my pocket and lunged at Reenie, gashing her calf with a nasty slice. She screamed in pain, and with that split-second advantage, Sarah grabbed the gun, twisting it in Reenie’s hand to break her grip.

  For good measure, Sarah whacked Reenie on the side of the head, too, the same way she’d hit me. She fell to the ground, unconscious, blood already oozing through her baby fine hair.

  A car pulled up outside, and Serrano and two other police officers came rushing in.

  “Daisy! Are you guys all right?”

  “We’re fine. Nice of you to show up,” I said, heaving for breath.

  He grimaced. “Finally figured this one out when I saw that cow lift at the fair. Told you it was a crime of passion.”

  One of the officers handcuffed Reenie, and the other radioed for an ambulance.

  “Oh, Sarah.” I scrambled to my feet, held out my arms, and my daughter fell into them.

  “Guess all that fight-scene training on film sets paid off, huh?” she whispered.

  “You were amazing,” I said. She squeezed me tight, and I felt the lithe strength of her.

  Serrano coughed. “So this just leaves one question. Where are those damn pens? We’ve already searched this fricking place. Maybe we need to go over it again, all the nooks and crannies. There’s acres of farmland as well.” He ran a hand wearily over his cropped hair.

  “Hold on, I have an idea.” I let go of Sarah and hurried over to the henhouse, remembering how well Reenie had cared for the chickens. Better than her own children.

  I felt under the straw, and smiled when I felt the shapes beneath my fingers. With a flourish, I pulled out a clutch of valuable fountain pens.

  Serrano grinned at me. “I’m no country boy, but them’s some funny-looking eggs, ma’am.”

  I caught my breath as I held up the Magical Black Widow pen, the beautiful silver web gleaming in the sun.

  After Reenie was driven off in the ambulance, and the police had taken our statements, Sarah and I walked over to the car and my bicycle.

  “You know what, Mom, you’re so brave. I never realized it before. You fought for Angus when no one else believed he was innocent, and now you risked your life fighting for me. You did good.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Um, Mom? There is one more thing . . .”

  “Yes?”

  “Would you be willing to look after Jasper while I’m on location? I know he’d be happier here at home with you than with a sitter. What do you think?”

  I grinned at my daughter. “I think that sometimes you come up with a really great notion,” I said as I got on my flea market bicycle. “Race you home.”

  The Millbury Ladies’

  Home Companion

  Daisy’s Yard Sale Tips

  Whether you call them yard sales, tag sales, garage sales, or rummage sales, they’re a lot of fun, and there are bargains to be found!

  The early bird catches the worm, but don’t get there so early as to be obnoxious.

  Plan your route to save gas. Block or neighborhood sales are great because you can park and walk from house to house.

  Bring plenty of single dollar bills and quarters. It’s harder to haggle when you need change for a twenty.

  Speaking of haggling, don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal. Experienced sellers expect it.

  Bundle! If there are several items you have your eye on, add up the prices and make an offer on the lot. For example, if your items total eight dollars, ask the seller if she’ll take five. Chances are she’ll agree in order to move the merchandise.

  If you’re the seller, price everything to move. You’re better off selling ten books at two dollars each than one book at five dollars.

  Put a few grocery bags in your pocket so you can carry your small items to the car. Not all sellers have them, or they run out.

  If you see something that you’re interested in, pick it up and carry it around so someone else doesn’t buy it out from under you. Finders, keepers!

  Be friendly and chat with the seller. Building a rapport can often get you a better deal. I’ve had sellers throw in “extra” things for free just because we hit it off.

  It’s okay not to buy. It can be strange to be the only buyer in the yard, but don’t feel obligated. Just say, “Thanks very much,” or “Good luck with the sale,” and move on.

  And finally, my favorite tip. Go back to the yard sales that you attended on Saturday late in the day on Sunday or on Monday morning before trash pickup. Chances are that the remainder of the stuff is now out by the side of the road with a FREE sign next to it. Can I tell you how many books I’ve collected that way? Really nice hardcover cookbooks and novels. Hey, I’m not too proud to pick through. As they say, one man’s trash is another’s treasure.

  Happy yard saling!

  Martha’s Awesome Oatmeal Cookies

  Martha often brings these oatmeal and dried cherry cookies into Sometimes a Great Notion for the customers. We tell ourselves that the oatmeal and fruit make them healthy. One thing’s for sure—these delicious treats don’t last long!

  MAKES ABOUT 4 DOZEN

  11/2 cups all-purpose flour

  1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  1/2 teaspoon salt

  1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

  1 cup dark brown sugar

  1/2 cup granulated sugar

  2 large eggs

  1 teasp
oon pure vanilla extract

  2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

  2 cups dried sour cherries

  Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set the flour mixture aside.

  Beat the butter and sugars together for a couple of minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat to incorporate. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until all is combined. Stir in the oats and dried cherries.

  Using a small scoop, drop the dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 6 inches between cookies. (The cookies will be rather large when baked.)

  Bake until the edges are just turning brown, about 20 minutes.

  Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, and then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

  Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

  I have yet to meet the person who doesn’t drool over these cheesecake bars. Evil, but so good!

  MAKES 36 BARS

  1 pouch (1 pound 1.5 ounces ) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix

  1 box (4-serving size) French vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix

  2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

  1/2 cup melted butter

  21⁄2 teaspoons vanilla

  2 eggs plus 3 egg yolks

  2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

  1/2 cup sour cream

  1/2 cup sugar

  2/3 cup toffee bits, finely crushed