“I saw Eddie and those thugs of his driving off when I pulled in. Don’t let them rattle you.”
Enid remembered Eddie’s warning at the cemetery. “Later,” he had whispered in her ear. “This isn’t the first time.” Enid told her about Eddie’s harassing her when she visited Rosie’s grave.
“Pinewood is no place to go alone. You’re lucky it was only Eddie you ran into.”
Enid laughed softly. “Only Eddie?” What could be worse?
Molly patted Enid’s arm again, comforting her. “You feel like driving?”
“Yes, I think I’ve finally stopped shaking.”
Molly put her hand on the car door handle to open it. “Then follow me. We’re going to have us a girl talk. There’s a place right down the road where can get a good glass of wine.”
Enid was about to tell Molly she was headed to Charlotte, but then decided against a trip alone at night.
As Enid followed Molly down the road, she kept checking the mirrors and looking around for any signs of Eddie. When Molly pulled into the parking lot of a bar, only one other car was there. Enid made sure her doors were locked as she followed Molly inside.
As soon as they sat down and ordered, Enid excused herself to go to the ladies’ room. She walked slowly down the dark corridor, giving her eyes a chance to adjust to the dim lighting in the bar. She sat on the toilet lid and pulled her phone from her pocket to leave a message for Cade to tell him she wasn’t coming tonight, and then she remembered their conversation. He wasn’t expecting her anyway. Not having anyone looking for you, or worrying when you didn’t show up, was a strange feeling. With her parents dead, no other close family, and Cade moving to Montana, Enid was beginning to realize just how alone she was.
CHAPTER 37
Inside, the place looked safe enough. On one side of the bar was a restaurant, where several patrons, mostly older couples, were sitting in dimly lit booths eating dinner. On the other side, a handful of single men and women were sitting at the bar drinking. In spite of the “No Smoking” signs in the bar, a haze of cigarette smoke hung in the air.
Molly directed Enid to a small table near the back of the bar. Once seated, Molly nodded to the bartender, who promptly brought a bottle and two glasses to their table. Molly poured each of them a glass of the deep red wine and then held her glass up to toast Enid. “To your escape from Eddie.”
Enid took a sip, expecting to taste a cheap red blend. Instead, it was bold and delicious. “This is a great Cabernet Sauvignon.”
“Glad you like it. They keep this in stock for me.” Molly laughed. “Not that I get to come here that often.”
Enid smiled politely, as she recalled the bartender’s quick response when Molly walked in.
For twenty minutes or so, the two women engaged in small talk about the town, and about the weather and other mundane topics. When the conversation ran out of steam, Molly put her glass on the table and leaned back in her chair. In the semi-darkness of the bar, Enid could see that Molly had been beautiful in her younger years. A few extra pounds and wrinkles did not obscure her former self.
“Thank you for saving me tonight,” said Enid.
“Good thing I happened along when I did. I dropped by to see Cassie. Didn’t know she wasn’t at the inn.” Molly glanced around to see who was in the bar. “I’m going to tell you this for your own good.” She glanced around again. “You need to steer clear of Eddie and his gang.”
Enid stiffened. “Believe me, I had no intention of getting anywhere near them.”
Molly picked up her glass and took a long swallow. “Mind if I give you some background on Eddie?”
Enid relaxed the tension in her shoulders a bit. “Please, do.”
Molly leaned in toward Enid. “We have an agreement here in Madden with Eddie and his thugs. We don’t bother them, and for the most part, they don’t bother us.”
Enid shifted her weight, trying to get comfortable on the hard wooden chair seat. “You seem to be suggesting I was bothering them.” Enid studied Molly’s face for her reaction but there was none.
“Rosie, God bless her soul, was foolish enough to get involved with them. And look where it got her.”
“How was she involved with them? You mean buying drugs?” asked Enid.
Molly grabbed a few boiled peanuts from the bowl on the table. She opened the soft shell and put it to her mouth, eating the peanut and sucking the salty brine. She then surprised Enid by throwing the hulls on the floor. When Enid glanced around to see if others were looking at Molly, she saw a man at another table toss hulls on the floor also.
Molly threw her head back and laughed out loud. “You must have thought I was crazy, throwing those hulls on the floor.” She pointed down to it, barely visible in the dimly lit bar area. “See, it’s the custom here.”
Enid squinted at the floor. “Yes, I can see that now.”
The smile was gone from Molly’s face. “Rumor had it that Rosie paid for drugs in an intimate way, if you know what I mean.” Molly wiped her mouth with one of the cocktail napkins.
Enid took one of the boiled peanuts in her hand and rubbed its rough, dimpled surface with her thumb, trying to remember what reaction Eddie had shown when they talked about Rosie in the cemetery. All she remembered was the sneer on his face. She laid the peanut on her napkin. Somehow all those hulls on the floor had diminished her taste for peanuts. “Cassie told me you had mentioned it to her. She also told me the bikers shot her son. Was Eddie the one who killed him?”
Molly’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Eddie was just a kid then. His older brother, Sam, was head of the gang, and most folks think he was responsible.”
“Was Sam ever arrested for the killing?”
“Sam got killed himself not too long after that. Infighting in the gang, you know.” Molly ate another boiled peanut.
“Do you think Sam could have killed Rosie too?” asked Enid.
Molly wiped the peanut brine from her hands with the napkin. “Maybe.” She reached behind her for her purse hanging on the back of the chair. “I’d just be careful where you start poking around.” Molly’s face smiled, but her eyes did not. “Like they say, let sleeping dogs lie.”
“Wait. Before you go, I’d like to ask just a couple more questions. I really would appreciate your help.”
Molly eased back in her chair. “Sure. I’ve got a few more minutes. Shoot.”
Enid tried to relax and think before she spoke. “I realize you’ve worked for Chief Jensen a long time—”
Molly interrupted her. “Nearly twenty years.”
Enid considered how to continue. “And I know you’re loyal to the family.”
Molly looked at Enid without expression.
“I need to ask you something. Do you think his son Ray was involved in Rosie’s murder?”
Molly continued to look at Enid with an unblinking stare. “No.”
Enid shifted her weight on the hard seat. “Can you tell me why you feel that way? After all, he was involved with Rosie.”
“I’ve known Ray since he was a little boy. He’s got his father’s confidence. Some call it arrogance. Oh, he can get into some mischief, no doubt about that.” Molly leaned in toward Enid. “Let’s just say I wouldn’t take on the Jensen family either, any more than Eddie. I’d be real careful.”
Enid looked at the nearly empty bottle, wishing she had another glass to fortify her. “I have to look at everyone in Rosie’s life, that is if I’m going to write about her. You understand that, don’t you?”
Molly continued to stare at Enid.
Deciding she had nothing to lose by continuing, Enid asked, “I have one more question. I discovered some information about Rosie I’d like to ask you about.”
Molly remained silent, and Enid felt the tension between them growing. Enid stayed focused on the questions, trying not to let Molly’s stare rattle her any further than what the bikers had already done to her. “I’ve learned that Rosie’s father was your brother, Frank Kel
ly.”
A crease formed on Molly’s forehead. “May I ask where you got that information?”
Enid drank the last sip from her glass. “I’m sorry. I can’t reveal my sources.” How long it had been since she had said that to someone? She and Cade used to joke about journalist clichés while sitting on a blanket by the riverbank, sipping a bottle of cheap wine that cost a fraction of what she and Molly had been drinking.
Molly looked at Enid with a steady gaze. “Paternity was never confirmed.” She paused. "But there were rumors to that effect. Frank was a trifling, lazy man. Never amounted to anything. Rosie probably wasn’t the only bastard child he produced. Although, Wynona Garrett was no saint herself.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you. Please understand, I’m not trying to embarrass anyone. I’m just trying to understand why Rosie was . . . why she led the life she did.”
“Some people are just born into trouble. I just can’t see where any good is going to come from you writing this story. Some things, and some people, are best forgotten.” Those were the same words Fern had used.
“Did you know Myra lied to Rosie about her mother being dead? Were you part of that plan?” asked Enid
“I didn’t know anything about it. Not at first anyway.” Molly leaned in toward Enid. “Just stay away from Rachel. I don’t want her involved. Understand? I’m sure you can appreciate my concern. She’s my baby, and I don’t want her upset.” Molly stood up. “I got to go. You’ll be fine going back to the inn.” She walked over to the bartender and said something to him that Enid couldn’t hear, and then looked back over her shoulder at Enid. As Molly left the bar, she called out, “I’m sure Eddie’s long gone.”
After Molly left, Enid asked the bartender if she owed anything on the bill. He told her it was taken care of. She tried to tip him, but he waved her away, saying Molly had left a generous amount.
Walking to her car, Enid glanced nervously around the parking lot. She didn’t see or hear any bikers, so she got in her car quickly and drove back to the inn. Each time she checked her mirrors to be sure no one was behind her, she cursed herself for letting Eddie play with her head. Cassie had often said Molly was a lifesaver, and after tonight, Enid agreed. She had been lucky Molly showed up when she did.
CHAPTER 38
Enid pulled up in front of the glass and brick building and parked in one of the visitor parking spaces. She pulled down the visor and checked her makeup in the mirror. The freckles across her nose reminded her of Cade. “I love those freckles,” he had told her. She pushed the thought away and picked up her tote bag from the floorboard.
Inside the lobby, a lithe blonde woman appeared. “Welcome to OJ Development. How may I help you?” The woman was either blessed with beautiful teeth or she had spent a considerable portion of her annual salary for top-notch dental work.
“Hi, I’m here to see Ray Jensen.” Enid offered her business card.
The woman glanced at the card. “Is Mr. Jensen expecting you?”
“No, but I only need a few minutes. Can you help me get in to see him? I’d really appreciate it.” Enid showed the woman she, too, could flash an impressive smile.
“Have a seat here in the lobby. I’ll see what I can do.”
Enid walked around the lobby looking at the portraits on the wall. Apparently, Otto Jensen was the CEO of the company. Several other portraits hung on the wall. At the far end was one of a handsome young man with sandy hair and large blue eyes. Enid looked at the name plate: “Ray Jensen, Marketing Manager.” She saw the family resemblance to Chief Jensen.
The sound of high heels clicking on the marble floors made Enid turn around. The woman walked over to her. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Jensen is not in the office today.”
“I see. When do you expect him back?” Enid was careful not to challenge the woman’s role as gatekeeper. She no longer had Enid’s business card in her hand.
“Actually, Mr. Jensen doesn’t work out of this office very often. He travels a lot.” The woman pulled her shoulders back and pushed her breasts forward.
“I read your company website this morning, and I was under the impression OJ Developments purchased local farms for resale.”
“Yes, that’s right. But Mr. Jensen is involved in a number of other activities and committees that involve travel.”
“I’d like to make an appointment to see him. When he returns, that is.”
“You would have to talk with him about that, but I’ll have him call you.” Her smile had disappeared.
* * *
Shortly after leaving OJ Development, Enid heard a short burst of siren and then saw the flashing blue light in her rearview mirror. She glanced at the digital speedometer. Thirty-five miles an hour. She kept driving, assuming the officer was going to pass her and pursue the red Lexus that had just gone by at a high rate of speed. To Enid’s surprise, the police car was right behind her and the driver motioned for her to pull over.
Enid looked in her tote bag for her driver’s license. When she pressed the button to lower the window, she saw a familiar face. “Well, hello, Chief Jensen.”
Jensen tipped his hat. “Ma’am.”
“Since I wasn’t speeding, I assume I must have a broken taillight or something.”
Jensen leaned into the window, his jaw clenched. “Damn it! I thought I told you to stay the hell out of my open cases. What part of that didn’t you get?” Drops of spittle clung to his lips.
Enid clasped her hands to keep them from shaking. “I’m not interfering with anything. As I told you before, I’m just asking about Rosie’s life.” A car passed them and Jensen threw up his hand at the driver before turning his attention back to Enid.
“I’ve got a good mind to throw your ass in jail.” Jensen hit the car door with the palm of his hand.
Enid could feel a trickle of sweat between her shoulder blades. “I’m not breaking any laws. And what are you so worried that I’ll find?”
Jensen glared at her.
“I know you’re getting paid to look the other way while the bikers transport drugs through Madden.”
Jensen looked her in the eye and then straightened up. He stood erect beside her car. “You get the information you need about Rosie’s life and then get the hell out of Madden. And I mean quickly. Her death is a police matter. You are not to interview my family or my employees. Is there anything I have said that is unclear to you?”
Enid clenched her fists in her lap. “I understand. Completely.”
Jensen tipped his hat again and then took several long strides back to his car. Enid was still shaking, now from anger, when he sped away from the shoulder of the road, throwing gravel into her car and leaving a cloud of dust behind him.
As she looked to see if the way was clear to pull out onto the road, a charcoal-colored Mercedes drove past her. The driver looked at her briefly, just enough for her to recognize Ray Jensen from his portrait in the lobby at OJ Development.
CHAPTER 39
Cassie and Jack left early that morning to go to Columbia, and Cassie had mentioned something about “taking care of business.” Cassie, ever the attentive innkeeper, had left fresh muffins and scones, but Enid decided to go into Madden and have breakfast at the diner.
After eating a hearty meal of eggs, maple-cured bacon, and toast, Enid felt better but still suffered the effects of staying awake half the night. She decided to go back to the inn, as it was pouring rain, and she didn’t want to be out in the weather. The inn would be quiet with Cassie gone and the construction work on hold. She could catch up on her research notes after a brief nap. Enid looked forward to curling up on the sofa in the library and pulling one of the cozy throws over her before dozing off to the sound of the rain on the roof.
The drive back to the inn took more time than usual because of the storm. Small tree limbs had fallen across the road, forcing Enid to navigate around them. She turned on the radio, and the announcer said heavy rain was likely all day. She hoped Cassie and Jack would ha
ve a safe trip home late this evening. They had planned to eat dinner at Al’s Upstairs Italian, one of Cassie’s favorite restaurants, so she didn’t expect them until late.
Enid parked her car at the inn and fumbled in her tote to find the key to the front door. She decided not to worry with an umbrella since she would stay in the rest of the day, so she ran from the car to the front porch. She put the key into the lock, opening the inn’s massive oak door.
Enid took her shoes off and left them by the front door before walking upstairs to change into dry clothes, something comfortable to lounge in. When she got to the top of the stairs, she stopped in her tracks when she saw the door to her room standing wide open. She had never felt the need to lock her room door, but she always kept it shut. After a moment’s hesitation, she decided she must have left it open when she left this morning.
The first thing Enid saw when she walked into her room was her suitcase in the middle of the floor. The drawers of the tall cherry chest were pulled out and her clothes were strewn on the floor and bed. The mattress had been moved off to one side, as though someone had looked under it. After checking to see if anything obvious was missing, Enid reached into her tote for her cell phone. She knew the inn was not in the Madden city limits, but she decided to call Molly. She would know what to do.
Trembling, Enid looked in her contacts and called the number to the police station. A man answered.
“May I speak to Molly, please?”
Molly was out of the office running an errand for Chief Jensen, but the man told her he would notify the sheriff’s office. He told her to go to a safe place in the inn and lock herself in until help arrived. Ignoring the officer’s instructions, Enid ran down to the library and looked around. Nothing seemed to be disturbed. Enid pulled a chair over to the tall bookcase and felt her hand on top. Rosie’s box and the coroner’s file were still there.
Enid sat down on the sofa in the library and waited. A few minutes later, she heard the big brass lion’s head knocker on the front door. A deputy sheriff’s car was parked in front of the inn.
Murder in Madden Page 14
