by Melissa Rees
"I can't wait to tell Louise we're going to the party capital of the world." Mildred said, and then hung up the phone without remembering to say good-bye.
Staring at the now silent phone, Miss Pettybone sighed, then pushed end on her cell phone.
***
Miss Pettybone strolled out of the hotel lobby to the back courtyard, and then dropped down in an easy chair that was sitting next to a white steel patio table. The bright red umbrella above the table was cheerful and pleasing to the eye.
She held the small piece of paper out in front of her with Mildred and Louise's flight schedule, then dialed Mildred Bartlett’s home number and listened as it rang several times. She was about to hang up when she heard the voice mail come on the line. Sighing, she tried to decide what she should say. She suggested Mildred call her so Lynn and she could meet her and Louise at the airport. Flipping the phone shut, she ordered a Diet Pepsi from a hovering waiter.
She settled back into her chair as she waited for Lynn to appear and thought idly about Mildred Bartlett and decided she had never met anyone who was so determined to have a good time.
Mildred always told her that keeping a keen mind helped her stay young at heart. And Miss Pettybone could understand that. But what kept her body young enough to be busy every day, all day long was a mystery to her.
Miss Pettybone was not completely wiped out from traveling but she was tired. Mildred never appeared tired or crabby.
She leaned back to catch a ray of sunshine, and sighed. She was looking forward to going to Scott T's nightclub that night. It would be a diversion, something to occupy the time until Mildred and Louise arrived.
**
Miss Pettybone stood in the small plaza in front of the hotel and felt optimistic for the first time since they had begun their search for the murderers of Warren Jones.
Mildred and Louise would fly in the day after tomorrow and they would finally know if Keel and Wagner were the men they had been searching for.
She glanced over at her friend and smiled. Lynn was wearing her new white caprices and bright blue shell. She looked lovely. She had even curled her hair into soft waves to compliment her outfit. She didn't look thirty-six, Miss Pettybone decided firmly.
She stared critically at her own reflection in the huge panes of glass that fronted the hotel. She, on the other hand, should have visited the beauty parlor before she left for New York. Her light brown hair had a few silver hairs showing. But other than that, she guessed she looked okay.
She could remember the day Lester told her she looked like Katherine Hepburn. She had laughed but felt flattered. Of course, after complimenting her, he had broken their engagement which had taken the laughter right out of her. But she had always felt better about her looks since he told her that.
Moreover, the new clothes did make her feel attractive and gave her added confidence.
She tilted her head and glanced at her reflection in the window. She wore her soft cream slacks with a pale yellow button down cotton shirt. The yellow softened her complexion and with the help of Lynn's blush, her skin glowed.
Overall, not too bad for a couple of middle-aged women, she decided.
Maybe they could even do some sight seeing tomorrow. Hopefully that would make Lynn feel a little better. She had not been very happy about sharing her vacation with the town's oldest party girl.
Miss Pettybone walked over to stand beside Lynn and gazed at their reflection.
“Not too bad, are we?" Lynn quipped.
"Not too bad." Miss Pettybone agreed. "Have you spoken to Edgar yet?"
"Not yet." Lynn said, sighing.
“What’s he going to say when he finds out we are not in New York?" She asked.
"I have a feeling he’s going to be more then miffed." Lynn admitted.
"You haven’t told him anything, have you?"
"Are you kidding? Although Edgar usually is the typical absentminded professor. He would not want me going to Savannah chasing murderers. Especially with Mildred Bartlet." Lynn pointed out.
Miss Pettybone glanced at her friend. "You should at least tell him where we are. You don't have to tell him what we're doing."
Lynn glanced around for Cab 20. "I know, I will tomorrow. Tonight I am just going to relax and have fun. Look, there's Cab 20, let's go."
***
Hunkered down in the seat of the truck, Keel and Wagner gazed across the street at Miss Pettybone and Lynn Cooper. The women were obviously waiting for someone.
"Is that the blonde woman?" Aaron asked.
"Yes, she's the one that asked me if I've ever been in Mississippi."
Wagner leaned back against the leather seat. "Remember the postal carrier that was at Warren's the day we went back to check for incriminating information?"
"Yes." Otis said, fearing he was about to hear something awful.
“The woman standing beside the one who spoke to you is the same woman I hit over the head."
"No." Otis moaned.
Wagner hit the steering wheel with the palm of his hand and swore softly.
"What are we going to do?" Otis asked his eyes on the women across the street.
"We'll follow them and see where they're going and then decide what we should do."
Otis rubbed a tired hand across his whiskers and wished things were the way they were. Before they killed Warren Jones. The fear of being caught was growing larger everyday.
And the fact that he and Aaron were arguing more and more increased Otis's foreboding. They had just had a vicious argument before coming uptown to check on the woman. Something that never use to happen.
He could remember when they first started dating. The lovely dinners, the concerts, the over night trips to rest and be together. They had so much fun just being a couple.
The euphoria of first love had stopped, of course. But what took its place was better, deeper, more meaningful, he felt. He thought Aaron had been happy as well.
Then came the vacation to France where they both fell in love with the country. When they had returned to the States, Aaron decided they would need a lot of money to retire there.
After a particular hard week at the show, Aaron had figured out a way to get money. And that, Otis felt, was the beginning of the end.
Of course, Aaron was the boss. Otis did what he wanted most of the time. Nevertheless, he was growing fearful. Aaron had changed since he killed Warren Jones. Hardened.
***
A few hours later, Otis listened unhappily as the water shut off in the shower.
He walked over to the dresser and picked out Aaron’s underclothes, then laid them on the bed. Walking to their closet, he lifted a dark suit and white silk shirt from the hangers and placed them carefully on the bedspread. Turning, he watched Aaron walk out of the bathroom, and then sighed. He loved him so much. Why couldn't that be enough? Otis was ready to retire any place if all the madness could stop.
Aaron avoided Otis's eyes and walked in front antique in-laid dresser with the beveled mirror. “I’m sorry about the fight." He began, glancing at Otis.
Feeling a rush of love and sympathy Otis shook his head. "That's all right."
"Are." He began and then fell silent. "Are you okay? I know I have been a bit on edge lately?"
"Yes. I’m okay."
"That's good." Warren muttered, almost to himself.
"Do you have to go out tonight? I mean I could make us dinner." Otis asked, his hopes rising with the apology.
Annoyed, Aaron looked at Otis. "I have to try and see what those women are up too. We can't let them continue to snoop around."
"But you aren't going to hurt them?"
"I may have to hurt them a little, just a little, to scare them off."
"Just a little?" Otis repeated, uncertainly.
"Otis, I mean, I'm going to do whatever I have to do to protect our interest. I told you that. Be a man for God's sake."
Otis was stunned. Aaron had never spoken to him like that before. Chocking
back tears, he stared at the floor.
Infuriated by Otis's weakness, Aaron dressed quickly. Throwing Otis one more hard glance, he stormed out of the room.
Otis threw himself onto the bed and allowed the tears to roll off his cheeks onto the white bedspread. Whatever was to become of them?
***
Seated at the back of the bar, Miss Pettybone heaved a relaxed sigh. This was wonderful. She had been surprised and pleased when they had pulled up in front of the nightclub.
Given, the club was small, but it still had plenty of style. The faded front brick facade curved onto Cline and Jackson. Standing in front of the building, pedestrians and passing traffic could hear jazz music as it floated out into the streets, with honking saxophones and poignant trumpets filtering into the warm night air.
A mixture of young and old gathered on the sidewalk in front of the nightclub and spilled out into the streets. Everyone there with the same purpose in mind, to let their hair down and have some fun.
In the two hours time since they had arrived, they had feasted on food that had been delicious, if a little hot for Miss Pettybone’s palate and cold drafts of beer.
The band had announced that they were going on break in a few minutes and she was looking forward to thanking Scott T for a wonderful time.
Miss Pettybone was a little surprised to discover she was enjoying herself so much. She was raised by strict middle-age parents who considered everything but the waltz undignified.
Lynn, however, was having a grand time. Watching Lynn fling herself around the dance floor, Miss Pettybone predicted sore joints and a worse head for her friend the next day.
She gazed around the crowded bar and marveled at the diversity of the crowd.
Black, white, young, old, tourist and locals seemed to be intermingling with cheerful abandonment.
Her smile froze as she met the cold brown eyes of a man standing across the room. Giving her a mocking salute, he downed the last of his drink and turned to go, pushing himself towards the door.
He looked like a prosperous businessman but the way he glared at her was threatening. Trying not to panic, she wondered what she should do.
Could the man have been Aaron Wagner? He answered the description Lynn had given her?
Disgusted with herself for over-reacting, she clenched her jaws. Miss Pettybone needed to pull herself together and think about the predicament this placed Lynn and her in if the man was Wagner.
She took a deep breath and watched as Lynn danced up. The band had played their last song and was now taking a break.
"You're missing out, Loraine."
Miss Pettybone pulled Lynn in to her seat. "I think Aaron Wagner was here."
"What?" Lynn asked, trying to hear.
"I think Aaron Wagner was here."
Concern crept in to Lynn's blue eyes. "He's here, in the bar?"
"I think he might have left, but Lynn, he knows who I am. He looked straight at me and saluted me with his drink."
"We have to call the police." Lynn said, reaching for her purse.
Miss Pettybone pulled Lynn's hand away from her purse and demanded. "And tell them what? That some man saluted me. They will think we're crazy."
"What are we going to do, then?"
Miss Pettybone waved a hello to Scott T as he walked up. Leaning over, she whispered. "We'll talk about it later."
***
Scott T. stopped in front of their table and gave Miss Pettybone and Lynn a bright smile. Stepping back, he introduced them to the owner of Roosters.
"I hope you don't mind, but when I discovered Scott T. knew you two lovely ladies, I requested an introduction." Eli Rawls said, smiling directly at Miss Pettybone.
Lynn grinned and gave her friend an amused glance. "Not at all." She assured them, pushing out a chair with her hand. "Please have a seat."
"Thank you," Eli said, sitting down.
Lynn was matchmaking again. Sighing, Miss Pettybone met Eli's eyes. He had followed Lynn's obvious intentions with little trouble. Uncomfortable, she looked down at her drink.
Eli Rawls was a handsome man, she thought, but the last thing she wanted to think about right now was another man, handsome or not.
"Scott T. tells me you're looking for your brother." Eli said, setting his drink on the table.
"Yes, but unsuccessfully so far," Miss Pettybone replied, taking a sip of beer from her glass.
"Savannah is a big city and it helps to know many people. I thought perhaps you might let me help."
Uncertain about what she should say, she glanced at Lynn. She would be no help, Miss Pettybone thought. She was leaning over, fascinated by whatever Scott T. was saying.
"I appreciate the offer, but my friend and I might be leaving Savannah sooner than we thought."
"That seems a pity. Just when I've met you, you have to leave." He said, smiling into her eyes.
She raised her glass. Her eyes met Eli's dark blue ones. He is truly a good-looking man. He was probably a little taller than she was, with straight black hair surrounding a lean tanned face. He wore his clothes comfortably and his eyes held a sense of humor as he flirted with Miss Pettybone.
She placed her drink carefully on the table and said. "You're very flattering."
“I’m very direct." He corrected. Glancing at his watch, he looked at Scott T.
"Time's up for you my friend. Back to work. And I too, must get back to work." He said, smiling at Miss Pettybone. "I hope you will not mind but I informed your waiter that your dinners and drinks are on the house."
"We would much rather pay our own way." Miss Pettybone remarked.
"Please accept this small token of appreciation. It’s not often that I have the pleasure of such delightful company." Eli urged.
“We are happy to accept your kind offer." Lynn said gratefully, ignoring her friend's frown.
"Thank you for your kind offer?" Miss Pettybone repeated looking at Lynn as the men walked away.
"Loraine, not only is he breathtakingly handsome, he’s rich. I mean really rich. Scott T. was telling me he owns just about every bar and restaurant in the city and he has a huge plantation that he farms."
"You were pumping Scott T. for information about Mr. Rawls?"
"Yes, I was pumping Scott T. for information. But it's only because Scott T. told me that Eli was smitten with your looks."
"My looks?" Miss Pettybone repeated, trying to remember how much beer that Lynn had consumed. "All right, let's forget about Mr. Rawls for the time being and think about Mr. Wagner."
"Oh yeah." Lynn said, humor fading in her eyes. "What do we do about Mr. Wagner?"
"I don't know, but I think we should go. He knows we're here and I would feel better if he didn't know where to find us."
***
When they got up to leave, Eli Rawls noticed and met them at the door before they walked out. Taking Miss Pettybone’s hand, he said. "I hope you will let me call on you at your hotel tomorrow, Miss Pettybone. There are many beautiful places to see in Savannah and I would enjoy showing them to you and your friend. My working plantation might also interest you ladies."
Surprised and annoyed at herself, she heard her voice say that it would be nice to see a working plantation.
Lynn watched them, feeling smug. The no-nonsense Loraine Pettybone had said yes almost against her will and Lynn thought that was an interesting sign. Deciding to give them some time alone, she said, "Oh my, I think I forgot my wrap at the table. I’ll be right back."
"Your wrap?" Eli said. "Allow me to come with you. We have, unfortunately, sometimes-unruly tourists. It is better if I help in your search."
Dismayed, Lynn glanced at Miss Pettybone.
"You probably left it in your chair, Lynn." Miss Pettybone offered, straight-faced.
Miss Pettybone watched as they headed back in to the bar. She wondered how long Lynn would look for the non-existent shawl. Pushing open the entrance door, she stepped out onto the sidewalk.
She gazed aro
und the street and noticed that the crowd of tourist had thinned considerably since they had arrived at the bar earlier.
Savannah was an interesting city and Mr. Rawls was an interesting man. He was charming and gracious. In addition, it would be fascinating to see a real working plantation, she reasoned.
Deep in thought, she didn't hear or see the car until it was upon her. The nearby screams of the people on the sidewalk startled her. She turned just as the car jumped the sidewalk and headed straight for her.
Flinging herself back towards the building, she stumbled and pitched forward as the car clipped the right side of her hip. She folded herself in a fetal position, trying to make herself a smaller target.
She felt the car speed by her, the wind surging around her. The tires screeched as it hit the paved street and sped away.
She forced herself up on one elbow and stared after the car. Looking up, she saw people running towards her. Someone in the small crowd was screaming for an ambulance.
She took a deep breath of relief that she hadn't landed under the wheels. It had been a close call. She was convinced the car had deliberately jumped the sidewalk and headed straight for her.
She saw Lynn and Eli Rawls push through the crowd. Eli hurried beside her and knelt down. "Miss Pettybone, are you alright? Did you get hit?" he asked, cradling her in his arms.
Miss Pettybone looked up into his face and frowned, feeling blackness descend on her. "That's why he stared like that. Those bastards." She muttered, sounding surprised, before she passed out.
Chapter 36
Wagner pulled the sedan over to the side of the road and turned the engine off, then sat quietly trying to compose himself. He had promised Otis that he would take care of things. And he had tried. Although he didn't know for sure if her hit her or not.
He jumped out of the car and hurried to the front of the automobile, then bent down. Rubbing his hand over the fender, he felt for dents. Nothing, damn. Maybe he just clipped her.
He straightened and walked to the car door, opened it and slid in. Starting the engine, he drove slowly home. Parking Keel's car in the garage, he turned the engine off and jumped out.
