Murder and Herbal Tea

by Janet Lane-Walters

  He accepted the clipboard and kissed me. “Go call your friend.” He opened the door and started downstairs.

  Robespierre bounded after him. I returned to the window seat with the phone. Quickly I tapped the numbers I remembered but I must have mixed them since I heard a message in Joyce’s voice inviting me to leave a message. I took a deep breath and tried again. Joyce answered.

  “Kate here. You’ll have your loan. Perhaps on Thursday or Friday.”

  “You’re wonderful and so is Lars. I’ll tell Brenda so she can start packing.”

  “So you will attend the wedding.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Why not come on Tuesday? Stay at the apartment both Tuesday and Wednesday. Lars and I are going to a hotel after the second reception. On Thursday we can follow you and take care of business.”

  “I hate to put you out.”

  “You won’t. Your place is on the way to Montreal. We’ll find a motel near your home for a night or two.”

  “Why bother with a motel? You can have the guest room. In fact, the whole house. I’ll bunk with Dana.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “See you Tuesday afternoon. If I can get away, but Wednesday for sure.” She hung up.

  The cat returned and waited until I went to the kitchen to open a can of food for him. There was time for a leisurely bath before Lars arrived to take me to the inn for a dinner of canapes. While I tasted the appetizers, I intended to try to identify the ingredients. Discovering new recipes is a favorite pastime.

  As I soaked in the tub, I thought about the wedding and of all the days Lars and I had waited to take this step.

  * * *

  Wednesday, my wedding day, had arrived. I stood in the bathroom and listened to the noisy chatter from the other side of the door. This was the last time I would be in this house as a resident. For several minutes, I stared at the mirror. So many years of living here. So many memories both good and bad. Time to begin anew as I had once before.

  I opened the door and was surrounded by a bevy of women who had come to help me prepare. Friends who were my neighbors, my granddaughter and daughter-in-law clapped their hands.

  “No veil, Grammy. Why not? You’re a bride.”

  “An elderly one who must maintain her dignity.” I chuckled. Andrea would have gladly seen me in a white creation with a mile long train.

  Maria, Beth, Sarah and Jenna laughed at the comment.

  I fitted on my hat and turned to face them. “Do you approve?’

  “Pretty, beautiful, lovely, terrific, dignified.” Those were the comments. The last one belonged to Ruth, my daughter-in-law.

  “Thank you all but four of you had better head out or you’ll be late for my wedding.”

  With a rush of laughter and the sound of their footsteps heading down the stairs leading to the first floor followed. I heard the front door close. Jenna called to Richard.

  Ruth smiled. “Are you nervous?”

  "Not a bit.” I stood in front of the full-length mirror hanging on the closet door. The dark green suit and the lighter shade of the blouse turned my eyes from hazel to green.

  I thought of my missing friend. I hadn’t had time to call Joyce. Brenda must have played some trick to keep Joyce from leaving Vermont yesterday. She would be at the wedding. She had promised.

  Robespierre crawled from under the bed where he’d hidden during the invasion. He sat in his Sphinx position and cocked his head.

  “Do I meet your approval?”

  He stretched and sniffed my shoes. “Merrup.”

  I bent to pet him. He seldom speaks so this was a special occasion. “Guess you approve.”

  “Merrup.”

  Andrea giggled. “I think he said yes.”

  “Agreed.” I slipped on my pumps. A flutter began in my stomach. Why now? Lars and I had been friends when we both had spouses and had remained so for all these years. I rose and looked at the cat. “Be good this afternoon. Lars and I will be back for my luggage.” From here we would go to a nearby hotel to rest until time for reception number two.

  A rap on the door announced the arrival of my son. “Ready to go?” Andrew asked.

  Andrea and Ruth slid past and started downstairs leaving me with my only child. Tall, handsome and almost always reserved, except for the time my dead tenant had lured him into her web. Andrew looked so much like father. For a moment, I wondered how my son felt about the marriage.

  He clasped my hands. “You look wonderful. Glad it’s finally happening. You and Lars have been friends for so long.”

  I kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

  We walked downstairs. Ruth, Andrea and the cat waited beside the car. Andrea danced toward us. “We could take Robespierre to church.”

  Laughter erupted and with it all my worries vanished. “You don’t want to ride in a car with him unless he’s in a carrier. And when we reach the church he would tear down the aisle and attack Edward’s shoes. Not an auspicious start for the ceremony.” I slid into the front passenger’s seat. “Time for us to go.”

  Five minutes later Andrew pulled the car into the space in front of the church where barriers stood. St. Stephens’ custodian removed the sawhorses and walked across the street for his wife who waited at the curb.

  “Beautiful day for a wedding, Mrs. M.” The elderly man and his wife walked up the steps in front of us. When we reached the entrance, Ruth and Andrea hurried to their seats. Andrew and I waited behind the doors.

  I listened to the vibrant tones of the organ I had played years ago when I had directed the choir. Laurie, a former piano student of mine, was home from college for the summer and had insisted on playing for the ceremony. Brilliant, I thought. Her touch had a different fire from what I’d heard when Roger played the instrument. But he was dead. Murdered here. I’d found his body and faced his killer. I wonder if Laurie’s mother would ever leave the hospital for the criminally insane.

  A quartet from the choir sang the last notes. I clasped Andrew’s arm and remembered Roger. Brilliant, charismatic and evil. I had found his body and solved the mystery of how he had been killed.

  “Mom, you all right?” Andrew asked.

  “Just bludgeoned by a memory.” I peered through the glass of the doors.

  Lars and his youngest son waited at the front of the church. Edward entered. The music changed to the hymn from Finlandia. The ushers, Lars’ older sons, opened the doors.

  “Show time,” I whispered.

  Andrew and I walked down the center aisle. The pews rivaled a holiday service. Friends, neighbors, relatives, acquaintances and strangers who must be Lars’ business associates lined the pews. Andrew and I reached the railing before the altar.

  Lars clasped my hand. The ceremony began. Before long we exchanged vows and the rings Maria had designed for us. Lars kissed me.

  “That’s a wrap,” he whispered.

  I held in my laughter.

  Edward stepped from the podium and clasped our hands. “I present you Katherine and Lars Claybourne.”

  The recessional began. Instead of walking down the aisle, Lars and I led the way to Fellowship Hall where the Women’s Guild had prepared the first reception. Wine, iced tea and coffee and fruit punch were served along with finger sandwiches and other appetizers. Two five tier cakes stood on a table, one iced with white and the other one of my chocolate cakes. Lars and I stood at the door to greet the guests and hear good wishes.

  As the line grew shorter, I realized Joyce hadn’t arrived. Worry stuttered through my thoughts. What had happened? Traffic. Construction. An accident. Illness. Brenda.

  Lars clasped my hand and startled me. My fears for my friend remained strong.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “Joyce didn’t come.”

  “I’m sure she left a message for you. We’ll learn when we go for your luggage. It’s time to taste the food and cut the cakes. On our way to Montreal, we’ll stop at her house.”

  His b
elief in a logical explanation brought a moment of relief. We reached the buffet table where Lars filled two plates with an assortment of tidbits. I tasted a slice of brie topped with sliced strawberries and put the plate down. Though I’m sure the food was delicious, concern for my friend killed my appetite.

  When Lars finished sampling every offering, we cut the cakes and fed each other a small piece. A flawless tasting. Both cakes were terrific. Two of the Guild women cut the bottom layers cakes into slices for the multitude of guests. The two middle tiers would be taken to the restaurant for the second reception. The top ones would be boxed for Lars and me.

  Edward strolled toward us. “Katherine, Lars, what a fabulous celebration. The cakes are fabulous but of course I’m partial to the fabulous chocolate confection. Did you make both?”

  “Just the chocolate.” My smile threatened to morph into giggles. Fabulous must be his word of the day.

  “Lars, a word in private. I’ve had a fabulous idea.”

  Before I could protest he drew Lars away. Moments later two of the Elders joined them. The four walked toward the door leading to the garden.

  Not today. I needed Lars’ phone to make a call. I was convinced Joyce was in trouble. Since the incident in Santa Fe he kept his cell phone in his pocket. Mine was at the apartment. This suit had no pockets and my purse was at home.

  Following to snatch Lars from his kidnappers proved impossible. Every time someone stopped me to gush congratulations, my stomach tightened. I thought about being rude but we were in church and today was meant to be a joyous occasion.

  I noticed Sarah’s foster son near the stage. He held a rectangular object in one hand. His fingers moved so fast they blurred. Texting, I hoped. I hurried toward him. He held a phone.

  "Jamal, could I use your phone? There’s a call I must make.”

  “Sure, Mrs. M.” His hand covered his mouth. “Forgot. You’re now Mrs. C. Do you know how to use one?”

  I patted his crisp curls. “I may be old but I have some skills with modern technology. Mine’s at home.”

  He scuffed the floor with the toe of his shoe. “Didn’t mean you were old.”

  “It’s all right. I won’t be long.” I slipped from the noisy room and ducked into the small parlor. Drawing a deep breath, I dialed Herbal Haven’s number. After fifteen rings I hung up. How did I transpose the last four numbers last week? After two tries, I heard Joyce’s voice.

  “Who is this?” she asked. “More harassment?”

  “It’s Kate. What happened? What did she do?”

  “Got herself murdered.”

  “What?”

  “No joke. Everything’s a mess. I couldn’t call you. They took me in for questioning yesterday morning and didn’t release me until an hour ago when it was too late to call.” Her voice trembled. “They told me not to leave town.”

  “When was she killed?”

  “Sometime Monday night. Yesterday on my way to your place I stopped at the shop for a basket of fresh herbs I’d fixed for you to plant at your new house. I found her body, called the police and instantly became the prime suspect.”

  “Why you? You had no reason to want her dead, especially when you planned to buy her out. Did she know?”

  “She was making plans to move. One problem. She wanted to keep this quiet until she had the cash.”

  “How odd.”

  “I thought so, too but she seemed uneasy. Maybe there was someone she didn’t want to know what was happening.”

  Would Brenda really have kept quiet about receiving money? Who did she want to keep her business from? My dislike of the woman had kept me from learning about her. “Are you all right?”

  “Scared. They all but charged me for a crime I swear I didn’t commit.” She gasped. “Someone’s at the door. I have to go.”

  The phone clicked. The fear in her voice triggered a decision. When those close to me are in trouble a clarion call sounds. Sometimes answering lands me in trouble but I had to go. Joyce needed someone who knew she had no reason to kill her micro-managing partner.

  Was I prepared for another venture into a case of murder? From the day I found my tenant’s body on the lawn of my house, murder has been part of my life. The solver of crimes was a third career I didn’t want. Joyce needed me. I had to go. I returned to Fellowship Hall and handed Jamal his phone.

  Where was Lars? He would understand what I had to do. Surely he would drive me home for my car.

  I glanced at my watch. Half past two. If the traffic gods favored me, I could reach Joyce’s house before dark. I hate night driving. Like a moth drawn to the flames, I wanted to head toward the headlights of other cars.

  I swallowed. What about the dinner dance? If I had to stay, my concern for my friend would make me testy. Lars could do the honors. I was going to Vermont.

  Chapter 3

  The moment I stepped away from Jamal, I looked for Lars. He remained absent. My need to find him escalated and I headed for the door. The crowd had thinned.

  One of the Guild women clasped my hands. “I’m so happy for you. You and Lars are a perfect match.”

  “Thanks. Have you seen my missing spouse?”

  She grimaced. “That Edward and two of the Elders herded him outside. Maybe they’re in the garden. You would think Edward would wait for another day to push some idea for St. Stephen’s.”

  I shrugged. “When it’s a matter of church business, Edward is ever vigilant. Isn’t there an election to replace Mr. Karuse coming up?”

  “You’re right. Lars would be perfect.”

  I wandered away and looked for someone who could give me a ride home. Of my neighbors only Beth and Robby remained. I hurried to Beth’s side. “Could you drive me home? There’s something I need and Lars has been kidnapped by Edward and his cronies.”

  “Wish I could. Robby and I rode with Paul and Maria. Pete promised he would meet us here.” She grinned. “Robby has two pieces of chocolate cake he’s guarding.”

  My shoulders slumped. I scanned the room and spotted Andrew standing with a couple. He looked so intense I didn’t want to bother him. He would also protest even if I asked nicely. Leaving one’s reception wasn’t proper. Something I intended to share with Lars and Edward. Why not now?

  Nothing ventured meant I was a coward if I didn’t search for them. I headed for the door into the garden. I would spring Lars free and convince him my departure was right.

  He wasn’t in the garden. The French doors on the house used by the church for offices were open. Time to do an extraction. I stepped toward the path and saw my police friend, Pete, striding toward me. His red hair looked mussed but when he saw me his scowl became a grin.

  “Mrs. M, sorry I missed the ceremony and nearly didn’t make the reception.” He kissed my cheek. “At least I can have this pleasure.” He looked around. “Where’s the groom?”

  "With Edward. I’m on my way to break up the old boys’ meeting. He should have bailed out an hour ago. I need to go home for something.”

  Pete shook his head. “Doesn’t Lars have a no button?”

  “I thought he did.”

  “There’s something I’d like to talk to you about. Why don’t I do the honors?”

  “Hate keeping you from your family. Robby has two pieces of chocolate cake for you.”

  “He’ll eat one and figure Beth won’t know. Let me drive you. Five more minutes won’t make me much later than I am. What I want to talk about is the reason I missed the ceremony. My partner and our sniffer dog made an arrest this morning.”

  I nodded. “How’s the dog working?”

  “Good. Need another pair of eyes on this and didn’t want to corner you at the dinner.”

  Since I wouldn’t attend, I could listen during the ride to the house. “You’re the driver.” We walked to his car.

  Pete held the door while I settled in the front seat. After he started the car I turned toward him. “So tell me about this strange case.”

  “We stopped a ca
r for speeding and erratic driving. Seems the driver and the passenger were arguing. My partner let the dog out and Max went wild so we told the boys to leave the car. Found weed they’d been smoking. With the dog’s behavior knew there could be more.”

  “Boys?”

  “In their early twenties. Rough looking pair. When the driver got out his jeans cuff caught the trunk lever. Max barked and jumped inside. We found quart jars stuffed with what we thought was pot. Some of the dried stuff was glued to the glass. We called for backup and took them all in.”

  “Marijuana?” I asked.

  “Yes, some. The jars held crack, uppers, grass and probably hydrocodone. What’s your take?”

  I shrugged. “Sounds like someone’s found a new way to carry drugs. What was used for packing the jars?”

  “Don’t know. Everything went to the lab.” He pulled into the driveway behind my car. “I got out. “See you.”

  “Want me to wait?”

  I shook my head. “Go find your family and the chocolate cake.”

  “How will you get back?”

  “My car.”

  He crooked his head. “Doesn’t Lars have his car?”

  “He does.” I wanted Pete gone. “He’ll follow me back. My luggage is here to be loaded into his car.” I turned and hurried across the lawn to the porch. Walking across the grass in pumps was a struggle to keep from being planted. Once inside the house I fished the spare key from its hiding place in the banister and walked upstairs. Robespierre followed me.

  In the apartment I rolled the case I had packed for several nights on the road into the kitchen. Though Montreal was our final destination instead of flying, we had decided to drive and take side trips if we noticed things of interest. I changed into comfortable slacks and sleeveless blouse. My shoulder bag held my necessary papers. I filled my trusty thermos with iced mint tea and poured a glass to drink while I wrote a note for Lars.

  Lars, I love you. I’m not running away from you and the second reception. A dance with you would have been heavenly but Joyce needs me. Her business partner was murdered Monday night. Joyce discovered the body and became the prime suspect.