Disrobed for Death

by Sylvia Rochester

“I’m sure she’ll enjoy hearing from you,” she said, knowing A. K. was more than anxious to get that call. Susan also knew she would also meet with him, as well, when this was all over. He wouldn’t be able to dismiss her then. Even Ramona would be there to back up her story.

  Thursday morning, the sun reared its head and chased away the clouds. As so often happens in a Louisiana winter, the temperature moderated. The forecast for the next few days couldn’t be better. No wind and the high sixties would allow for part of their sale to take place outdoors.

  On the way to the boutique, her cell rang.

  “I’m fine, Mother. I know I should have called, but I’ve been busy. Yes, we do need to get together. Dinner? I’d love it. Give me two weeks. I should have things under control by then. You know I’m having a charity sale today and tomorrow. If you get a chance, swing by the boutique and make a contribution to the widow of the slain officer.” Susan turned into the parking lot. “Yes, I love you, too. Bye, Mother.”

  Shortly after Susan opened the store, Sheila and Debbie arrived along with their model friends. The caterers followed, and A. K. entered the boutique on their heels. She held several helium filled balloons of various colors.

  “Tie these to your easel. They’ll help draw attention,” A. K. said.

  “Okay, thanks. Debbie, please help your friends get changed. I’m anticipating early arrivals.” Susan held the balloons in one hand and tucked the easel under an arm. She also carried a tote filled with colorful markers. At the front of the parking lot, she set up her grease board. She was sure it should attract a lot of attention. As if in confirmation, cars honked from the highway, and others began turning into the parking lot. One particular group of ladies exiting their vehicle caught her eye—Myrtle Thigpen and her faithful followers.

  Oh, no, Myrtle, give me a break.

  Her nemesis marched straight toward her. Susan readied for her verbal assault. At least this time, she wasn’t toting her pitchfork…uh, sign.

  “We might have our differences,” Myrtle said, her voice somewhat mellow, “but what you’re doing here is a good thing. And I’m so grateful that Wesley wasn’t killed. My friends and I would like to contribute.”

  Seems Wesley recognized a quality in the woman that Susan had failed to see—compassion. Maybe it was because Wesley wasn’t harassed daily by Myrtle. But if Myrtle was ready to take that first step toward friendship, Susan would meet her halfway.

  “Thank you, Myrtle. You, too, ladies. I’m sure you’ll find many things of interests, and there are refreshments, too. Any merchandise you might find offensive has been moved to the rear of the store.”

  Myrtle took the arm of a woman next to her. “This is my sister, Lorraine. She moved away fifteen years ago. Last night, she showed up at my front door and said she had decided to come home. Seems Christmas came a little late for me. I am so happy to have her back in my life.”

  “I’m happy for you, Myrtle. Nice to meet you, Lorraine.” Susan never would have tagged Lorraine as Myrtle’s sister. Small in stature, her cobalt wool dress and matching wrap revealed style and fashion. Light brown hair with highlights complimented big amber eyes. A single strand of pearls and matching earrings were her only jewelry. This woman reeked of elegance and confidence.

  Susan wondered what happened that made Lorraine leave. Where did she go, and what did she do all those years? What plans did she have for Palmetto? These and other thoughts raced through Susan’s mind, but now was not the time to ask. Now was just the time to be happy for Myrtle.

  Myrtle patted her sister’s hand. “Susan only recently returned to Palmetto herself.”

  “Yes, I’m trying to adjust to small town life again,” Susan said.

  “Okay, ladies,” Myrtle said. “Let’s have a look.”

  Susan blew out a sigh of relief as the middle-aged groupies followed their leader through the door and into the boutique.

  Customer traffic was heavy all day long, and the merchandise flew off the shelves. She was thankful they had more in the storage room. Before closing for the day, they would have to replenish the racks. Myrtle and her friends left with smiles on their faces and pretty items in their hands. They bought earrings, blouses, and dresses.

  “What do you think, Susan?” Myrtle asked, holding up a beautiful, black and white cashmere scarf with fringe, one that Susan had been eyeing. The woman obviously had good taste.

  “It’s elegant and will look good on you.”

  Myrtle smiled and turned to her sister. “Here, dear, I want you to have it. Consider it a welcome home present.”

  Lorraine seemed thrilled and hugged Myrtle.

  It was late by the time the store cleared of customers. Susan locked all the cash and checks in the safe, located in the storage room. “Thanks, everyone,” she said to her workers. Let’s hope tomorrow is just as good. Try and get some rest.”

  “You want to grab a drink?” A. K. asked.

  “I’ll take a rain check.”

  A. K. sniffed. “Wesley, huh? Told you I smelled smoke.”

  Susan laughed. “See you in the morning.”

  Chapter 14

  Susan parked in front of Wesley’s house. Exiting the car, she heard the high-pitched sound of an electric saw. Light streamed from the open door of the workshop.

  “Hi, there,” she said, stepping into a room filled with the smell of sawdust and paint thinner.

  Wesley glanced at her and switched off the table saw.

  “Helps to get my mind off things,” he said, brushing the front of his sweat shirt with his hands.

  “To what do I owe your visit?”

  “Just wanted to make sure you were okay. I thought maybe I would have heard from you today.”

  “Still sorting things out, but I’m getting better.”

  His was a forced smile, but Susan was glad to see even that.

  “How did your sale go?”

  “Fantastic. Even Myrtle and her friends declared a cease fire and bought a few items. They said they wanted to contribute something to Melanie.”

  “I knew she had some redeeming qualities.”

  “You were right about her being lonely. She introduced me to her estranged sister who decided to come home. Wish you could have seen the change in Myrtle’s demeanor. She seemed genuinely happy.”

  Wesley picked up a long plank of wood and propped it against the far wall. “Would you like to go up to the house? Maybe share a cup of hot chocolate?”

  “Hmm, chocolate, my downfall. It’s tempting, but I’m going to pass. The sale sapped all my energy, and tomorrow promises to be another busy day. A hot bath and a good night’s sleep is what I’m really craving.”

  “I can understand that,” he said as he walked her to her car. “I’m glad you stopped by, even if it was for a second. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow, although I don’t imagine you have anything in my size.”

  He gave her an impish grin.

  “We have other things besides clothes. How about a set of satin sheets? One size fits all.”

  “Now that’s a possibility. Any chance you could help me break them in?”

  “Careful what you wish for.”

  He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her. She loved the feel of his body next to her, like they were made to fit together. Lost in the warmth of his arms, he kissed her. His lips, gentle at first, became urgent and hungered for more. She responded, moving and swaying against him, feeling his readiness.

  When he released her, he brushed back her hair and nibbled kisses at her ear. “I’m so glad you came home.”

  Susan answered with another kiss, and then gently stepped away. “I really have to go.”

  He held open the car door while she slid behind the wheel.

  “Be careful,” he said. “Satin sheets, huh?”

  Driving down his driveway, she glanced in the rearview mirror. Wesley stared after her. She wondered if he was thinking what she was—all the ways the two of them could warm up those sheets.

>   Cars filled Susan’s apartment complex, but her numbered place remained vacant. She pulled in and stepped from the Camaro. For the first time in a long time, she felt good about everything, really believed everything was going to work out. While it was terrible that Wesley’s partner had lost his life, she was grateful Wesley had escaped unharmed. And with the blood money gone, Gary would have no incentive to kill Jack. She pushed thoughts of Gary from her mind and concentrated on the benefit sale. The response from the community was more than she anticipated, and she looked forward to Wesley’s visit. Would he really buy the satin sheets?

  Halfway to her apartment, she changed her train of thought. However optimistic things were looking, this was not the time to let down her guard. She took special notice of her surroundings again. No one was present, and everything looked normal. She unlocked the door, stepped inside, and turned on the light.

  One glance and her heart jumped into her throat. Her apartment was in shambles. It had to be Gary. He was on a rampage, and she was on the top of his list. Sofa cushions lay on the floor. Drawers from the mahogany secretary were turned upside down, their contents strewn about the room. Then the thought hit her—is he still here?

  Susan bolted into the front yard, climbed into her car, and locked the doors. Holding the cell phone, she hesitated. If she called the police, Wesley would find out for sure. He’d put two-and-two together and figure she was the one who ripped off his money. Not wanting to implicate Herman or possibly get herself arrested, she decided to call Herman. He could search the apartment, make sure Gary wasn’t there. She was glad Herman kept the money. If Gary had found it, Jack would be in his sights again, and Wesley would be facing an armed Gary.

  Herman arrived within ten minutes.

  “I left the front door ajar, and no one has come out,” Susan said.

  “More than likely, whoever did this is long gone,” Herman said.

  “We both know it had to be Gary. Where’s Vera?”

  “I didn’t know what this might involve, so I suggested she stay at home for her safety.”

  Herman pulled a gun from his waist band and eased up to the apartment. He waited at the door for several seconds. Susan imagined he was listening for any sound within, before entering. Silhouetted against the living room light, he stepped inside.

  Susan gave a slight gasp and hoped no one was in there.

  It seemed forever before Herman emerged and waved her into the apartment.

  “I’m sorry about all this,” he said. “It’s my fault. Earlier today, Gary came home in a fit of rage. He was slamming doors and breaking things. Then he jumped in his car and took off. I tried to follow him, but he gave me the slip. I suspected he was making the rounds, trying to find out if some of his cronies had stolen his money. Anyone willing to hire out to kill someone must run with some real cruds.

  “I knew you were at the boutique with the benefit sale, so I figured you were safe. I didn’t think about him breaking into your apartment.” Herman glanced at the door. “I didn’t see any sign of forced entry. How’d he get in here?”

  “Most of the apartments in Palmetto have used Gary’s exterminating service for years. Being in and out of the manager’s office and different apartments, I suppose he stole or made pass keys. I’m calling a locksmith first thing in the morning. He sure made a mess here.”

  “You can say that again. He didn’t leave a room unturned.”

  “Well, he didn’t find anything. I’m so glad you had the money. I don’t keep any cash at my place, and I doubt my keepsakes would be of any value to him.” She walked over to Herman and squeezed his arm. “This is not your fault.”

  “Yeah it is. You can bet that creep won’t get out of my sight from now on.”

  “I’ve got to admit—hearing that makes me feel better.”

  After Herman left, Susan threw the dead bolt and looked with despair at the mess.

  “Oh no, Marmalade! Kitty, where are you?”

  Susan raced through the rooms calling the cat, but the fluffy fur ball didn’t answer. She checked her closet, under the bed, and behind the dresser.

  “Please, please, come here, kitty. It’s okay.”

  Nothing.

  Dropping to her knees, she looked under the sofa. Pressed flat as a pancake, the calico was doing her best to appear invisible. She didn’t so much as twitch when Susan called her again.

  “Okay, I know you’re scared, but I’m here now. Nothing’s going to hurt you.”

  She reached under the sofa, grabbed hold of her front paw, and drew the cat to her. With gold eyes the size of marbles, the animal hissed at her. That was a first. Susan hoped her baby would never go through such trauma again. She held the cat close and gently stroked her. When she finally put her down, Marmalade slinked her way once again under the sofa.

  Susan picked up the drawers to the secretary and slid them into place. Her papers lay scattered on the floor. No use trying to organize anything now. Main thing was to pick up everything and get it back in place. As she finished with the last drawer, the land line rang.

  “Ms. Griffin, this is Home Light Security. The alarm at the Bawdy Boutique just went off. Police have been notified and are on the way. They’ll need you to turn off the alarm. I’ll have a representative contact you in the morning for any repairs that might be necessary to reinstall the system.”

  Susan’s stomach turned a flip. First her apartment and now the store? “I’m on my way.”

  This time, Susan didn’t hesitate to call Wesley. With the police involved, he would find out sooner or later. While she believed Gary was to blame, most everyone in the community was aware of the benefit sale. Anyone could have broken into the store hoping to find a large amount of cash.

  When she pulled into the boutique’s parking lot, Wesley was waiting for her.

  “They busted out the glass on your door. We should wait for the police and not disturb any evidence the thieves might have left behind. They might not find any, but that’s procedure. I can’t help but wonder if this isn’t a result of your trip to New Orleans.”

  Susan dug her hand deeper into her jacket pocket and stared at the broken glass. “It’s possible. But we advertised the benefit sale everywhere. The burglar might have hoped to make off with the cash from the sale. Then again, it could have been anyone.”

  A marked unit with two policemen arrived.

  “Didn’t expect to see you here,” a deputy said to Wesley.

  “Ms. Griffin is a friend,” he replied.

  The deputies entered the store, and after a few minutes, they turned on the lights.

  “Clear,” the deputy called out.

  Wesley took her arm and they entered the store.

  “Don’t touch anything,” he said.

  “The cash register is opened,” the deputy said. “Did it contain any money?”

  “A hundred dollars operating cash.”

  Susan took Wesley’s hand and walked to the office.

  The deputy jotted down information. “Any other money on the premises?”

  “I locked the cash and checks from the benefit sale in the safe. It doesn’t look like they managed to open it.” She crossed to the gray metal wall safe behind her desk and after a few turns of the dial, the heavy door opened. “As far as I can tell, nothing’s missing.”

  “I have plywood at my place. Let me go get what I need and I can board up the front door,” Wesley said. “Would you guys wait with Ms. Griffin till I get back?”

  “Sure.”

  The deputy finished gathering the information he needed to make his report and handed Susan a card with the accident report number. “Give it a couple of days and you can get a copy for your insurance company.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Thank you,” the deputy said. “That’s a nice thing you’re doing for Terrance’s family.”

  A few minutes later, Wesley returned, and the deputies left.

  “I guessed about right,” he said, screwing a plywood pan
el to the door frame with an electric drill. This should work until you get it replaced.”

  Susan swept up glass then inspected Wesley’s handiwork. “Nice job. I think I got most of the glass, but I’ll make another pass in the morning.” She carried the bag holding the broken shards and put it into the dumpster on the side of the building. “I might as well use the wood on the door to make another sign tomorrow. I’m sure A. K. will come up with something catchy.”

  “You’re something else, Susan. What’s that saying, ‘If someone hands you lemons…’

  “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

  He stepped closer. “I like having you obligated.”

  This time it was Susan who took the initiative. Pressing her body against his, she drew his lips to hers.

  “We need to start this earlier tomorrow,” Wesley said. “You’ve had quite a day, and it’s getting late.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  “Lock up, and I’ll follow you home.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “I’m not asking your permission.”

  When they arrived at the Pine Crest Apartments, Wesley waited until Susan reached her door. She was glad he didn’t get a look inside. After opening the door, she turned and waved goodnight. If he knew about the breakin at her place, he really would go in orbit.

  That night, Susan’s bath came much later, and her good night’s sleep amounted to a mere four hours.

  The next morning, a bleary eyed Susan pulled into the boutique’s parking lot. The sale was already underway, and crowds had gathered.

  “Thought you’d be here early,” A. K. said. “Imagine my surprise when I saw our new, wooden door this morning. Debbie and Sheila were wondering the same thing.”

  “The police think it was a smash-and-grab,” Susan said. “Cash from the register is missing.”

  A. K.’s eyebrows did a Groucho Marx imitation. “Any suspects?”

  “There’s no proof, but you know what I think. This isn’t the only bad news from last night.”

  “Oh?”

  Customers began arriving and Susan didn’t want to be overheard. “I’ll tell you about it later.”