By the Book (A Gracie Andersen Mystery 2)

by Laurinda Wallace

  “I was on a call at Woodson’s this afternoon. That place is really buzzing.”

  “No doubt,” Gracie said, closing the pizza box lid. “What’s the latest?”

  “Apparently Alice Harris had been working with Roger to get the collection appraised. Something about selling it. The word in the milking parlor is that the Woodsons have some big financial problems.”

  “How valuable can old guns and knives be?” Gracie pulled the Brita pitcher from the refrigerator and poured herself a glass of water. “Want some?”

  “Sure,” Kelly replied. “It’s a pretty valuable collection. I wouldn’t pay anything for the stuff, but this guy Jack at the farm said the knife that killed Alice was worth about $50,000.”

  Gracie handed a tumbler of cold water to Kelly. Haley appeared in the kitchen with a manila folder in her mouth.

  “Give me that, Haley,” Gracie exclaimed, grabbing the damp folder. “Stop getting into paper. You’d think you’re addicted or something.” She wiped the folder across her jeans.

  Kelly laughed. “She does seem to have a thing for paper.”

  “Especially Kleenex,” Gracie added. “She was chomping up a pile of it in the office wastebasket today. It may not be so nice for you tomorrow morning, girl. Remember that.” She glanced at the folder. “Oh. This is a good reminder anyway. It’s the payroll folder. I’ve gotta see Sybil tomorrow sometime to get their timesheets. I can’t forget to pay everyone.”

  She laid the folder on the counter. Kelly rose from the stool and groaned.

  “I can’t eat another bite.”

  “Me neither. Let’s go in the living room and rest from consuming mass quantities.”

  Kelly laughed as Gracie led the way and the dogs trailed behind. Max settled by the French doors while Haley and Sable curled up on the big dog bed together.

  “So this knife is worth $50,000?”

  “From what this guy said. I guess there’s plenty more to the collection, so it’s probably a lot of money.”

  “Interesting. This Jack wasn’t Jack Greene, was he? Dark hair. Sort of intense?”

  “Sounds like him. He was helping with the milking.”

  “He’s the one who actually discovered the body, well, other than Max. He was plowing the parking lot.”

  “Ohhhhh.” Kelly stretched her legs across the length of the leather sofa. “He is intense. I’d say he’s got some anger issues.”

  “Yeah—that’s my impression too.”

  “The really valuable part of the collection has something to do with Mary Jemison, according to him.”

  “Mary Jemison? Really? How could that be? I thought any of her stuff is in museums.”

  “Jack mentioned a James Seaver and Mary Jemison.”

  “He was pretty talkative with you.” Gracie laughed.

  “Not really. I just happened to be picking up my instruments while a group of guys were shooting the breeze.”

  “Eavesdropping?” Gracie teased.

  “Ha! He was basically holding a conference. He sure wasn’t whispering.”

  “Well, that’s interesting about Alice and Roger. I guess that’s why he’s a person of interest.”

  “I’d say that Jack knows quite a bit. He’d be on my list,” Kelly commented, closing her eyes and yawning.

  “He may already be there. Wish I knew who James Seaver is.” Gracie held her iPad in one hand as she popped the recliner back, mirroring her friend’s yawn.

  “Here it is. He’s the journalist who interviewed Mary Jemison in the early 1800s before she died.”

  “Oh. Remind me about Mary Jemison. Wasn’t she an Indian captive?” Kelly’s tone indicated she wasn’t quite connecting.

  “You know, Mary Jemison—the White Woman of the Genesee. Her statue is in Letchworth Park.”

  “That’s right. Now I remember. She’s the one they do the pageant about in Castile every once in awhile.”

  “Right. I played a pioneer in that production when I was 12. That was fun. I even got to start a campfire and cook over it. It was like being in a real live Little House on the Prairie.

  Kelly laughed. “You know, I think my older sister was in that pageant one year too. So collectors would want stuff about her.”

  “That’s my guess, or a museum. She led an interesting life. An Indian captive as a teenager and then she never left them. She ended up owning a lot of land in this area. Most of Letchworth Park at one time, from what it says in this article.” She placed the black iPad on the table next to the chair. “Probably anything associated with her would be valuable. If there are documents or some kind of artifacts connected to Mary Jemison, that would be a find.

  “Interesting stuff. A little dry for my taste, though. I’m not big on history. I have too much present to deal with.”

  The dogs were suddenly up and barking. The faint sound of a vehicle turning into the driveway had captured their attention. Gracie followed the dogs to the kitchen door and peered out through the curtains.

  “You’ve got to be kidding! What could she want?”

  “What’s the matter? Who’s here?” Kelly was on her feet, surprised by Gracie’s outburst.

  “It’s Isabelle. Just when I thought my day was going better, it tanks.”

  Her exceptionally irritating cousin wasted no time getting into the house. She stomped her slushy spike-heeled boots on the mat, spraying dirty snow onto the floor. The dogs crowded around her, sniffing furiously with hackles raised.

  “Get these dirty animals away from me. You’ve got three now? Aren’t they police dogs?” She waved an index finger at the dogs. “They’re dangerous. For heaven’s sake, shoo, shoo.” She waved her hands toward the wary dogs. Max’s hackles began to rise.

  “Come on, guys.” Kelly clapped her hands and called the dogs to retreat with her to the living room.

  “What’s going on, Isabelle? Why the late visit?” Gracie tried to keep her voice even, although she wanted to toss her in the snow.

  “I should be asking you what’s going on.” Isabelle tossed her white fox car coat onto a stool at the counter. “What are you trying to do? Ruin my real estate career before it gets off the ground?” A wisp of blond hair fell into her eyes, and she quickly brushed it away.

  “What are you talking about? Why would I ruin your real estate career?” Gracie’s voice rose, and she put her hands on her hips.

  “This Terry Castor person. One of my sources tells me she wants to break the lease I just negotiated for her, and she’s involved in this murder investigation. How am I supposed to build my business if you send me clients like her? I can’t believe a librarian would be involved in this … this awful thing.” Isabelle’s arms were akimbo, and her blue eyes flashed. Gracie looked away to Kelly, who shrugged her shoulders and kept stroking Max.

  “Isabelle. Really? She was with me in the parking lot when the body was found. I saw Alice’s hand first. Plus, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” Gracie’s eyes narrowed as memories of last summer came flooding back.

  Isabelle was silent for moment. “Well, the lease thing is certainly bad for business.”

  “I don’t know anything about that. I do know she’s got the flu and is home in bed. She’s not breaking any lease tonight.”

  “Oh.” Isabelle seemed at a loss.

  Gracie felt rather smug with such a quick slice and dice of Isabelle’s unwarranted attack.

  “Everyone knows the person who discovers the body probably did it,” Isabelle sniffed. “Just so you know, I no longer represent Ms. Castor in any real estate matters. I don’t need this … this blemish at the start of my new career.”

  “Well, Max discovered the body, and as far as I know, dogs don’t have opposable thumbs. So they aren’t capable of stabbing someone in the chest.”

  Gracie shoved her hands into her jeans pockets. Isabelle picked up her coat and inched closer to the kitchen door, tinges of color peeking above her white turtleneck.

  “Well, that’s settl
ed then. I’ll thank you not to refer any more strangers to me.”

  “Uh, that was my mother, if you recall.” Gracie couldn’t help defending herself one more time and throwing her mother under the bus.

  “Aunt Theresa did it on your behalf. Really, Gracie, don’t blame your mother for your bad judgment!” Isabelle looked disdainfully at the pizza box. “No wonder you’re gaining weight. You’d better watch it, you know.”

  Gracie immediately sucked in her stomach and smoothed her sweater. Isabelle noticed everything, always.

  “Good night, Isabelle. Let me get the door for you,” Gracie said firmly through gritted teeth. She fought the urge to push her perfectly groomed and svelte cousin down the steps. It would only mean excessive insurance paperwork if she did, and a whole lot of explaining to her mother. She slammed the door with a flourish as she watched Isabelle take mincing steps to her luxury SUV.

  “Dang! She’s a piece of work, isn’t she?” Kelly exclaimed. “She’s your cousin?”

  “Unfortunately, it’s true. Sorry about that. I guess you get to see our family, warts and all.” Gracie sat down heavily on the sofa. Haley pushed her head into Gracie’s hand that rested on her knee. “All right, girl. We survived another tizzy from Izzy.” Haley put a proprietary paw on her mistress’ lap and whined.

  “Your cousin has sources?” Kelly laughed.

  “Always. They can be real or imagined from my experience,” Gracie grinned. “Terry said nothing to me about breaking the lease. She’s sick.”

  “There’s a lot of flu going around. I’m glad to be in the barns. I think it’s safer than being with people.”

  “I agree. Dogs don’t get the flu either, so I’d rather hang out with them.” Gracie suddenly stood. “I know what’s been bothering me about that parking lot.”

  Kelly sat up from her prone position on the sofa. “What are you talking about?”

  “It’s Alice’s car. Where was her car?”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  The morning brought another day of dogs and more dogs. Evidently, Catherine Woodson was very pleased with Milky Way’s grooming and had sent several friends Gracie’s way. Marian finally put her foot down mid-morning and said she wasn’t taking any more appointments until she was caught up. Gracie was secretly amused since Marian prided herself on grooming more dogs than anyone around. Apparently she’d reached her limit.

  Gracie was running the accounts receivable when she noticed that Catherine still hadn’t paid her bill. She’d meant to call her, but hadn’t. Reluctantly she picked up the phone and then decided on an email. The kennel used a marketing email service to keep customers informed of specials and events. She logged into the account and decided to use a template that gave the Woodsons a 20-percent discount on their next visit. Maybe the payment reminder wouldn’t seem too offensive with such a good deal. Gracie absolutely hated asking anyone for money. It was all so awkward. Jim, on the other hand, had no compunction about asking customers to pay up. She should probably have him make phone calls to delinquent customers.

  “Hey, Chief! How’s the morning going for you?”

  “Speak of the devil, Jim. I was just thinking about you.”

  “Hope they were happy thoughts,” he said, hooking his thumbs in his jeans belt loops, looking pleased with himself.

  “Happy for me. I was just thinking I should have you make the calls to customers who haven’t paid their bills.” Gracie held up her two-page report for her handsome business partner to see.

  “Ah, you’re always a chicken about asking people to pay up. You know, not paying your bills is just a more genteel way of stealing.”

  “Yeah, yeah. I know. It’s all so uncomfortable though. I know these people. If they were strangers, it would be a little bit easier.”

  “Who’s on your list today?”

  “Not as many as last month. The tricky one is Catherine Woodson. I’m sending her an email though.”

  “Very brave,” he smirked.

  “Well, at least I’m contacting her.” She sat back with a deep sigh. Jim shook his head at her mournful expression.

  “At least it looks like you’re getting back on top of the kennel stuff again.”

  “Finally, but now I have to run to the library and pick up …” She stopped. It was too late now. She’d have to tell him. “I may not have mentioned it, but I’m helping the library board out for a few weeks. Just writing a few checks.”

  Jim shook his head. “Nice. I thought you weren’t getting involved.”

  “They’re in a bind,” Gracie chewed her lip thoughtfully. “It’s probably better that a volunteer is helping out. The board members have all been questioned by the police and well … it’s just for a few weeks.”

  Jim poured himself a cup of coffee and took a seat in his ratty plaid recliner that Gracie had relegated to the far corner of the office. It was extremely ugly, old, and falling apart. The partnership negotiations had been hot and heavy over this one stipulation when Milky Way was starting up. Jim had been adamant over it, and in the end, Gracie’s decorating sensibilities were overcome by sheer male stubbornness. He slurped the hot coffee, leaning forward with his big hands wrapped around the mug.

  “It’s your funeral. By the way, Dan was talking to me this morning at Midge’s. He says that Darlene is ready to resign. She’s pretty upset about Alice’s financial shenanigans. She thinks they should have gotten Alice to resign a year ago, but Will wouldn’t go along with it.”

  “I wonder why not? Darlene’s right. Alice was charging them for her services for some reason. It’s a volunteer board.”

  “Search me. The Woodsons are big donors to the library, according to Dan. Roger was donating some of his collection to the library, and Alice had something to do with that. Maybe Will didn’t want to upset the apple cart.”

  “I heard Roger’s in big financial trouble. Why would he be donating stuff to the library?”

  Jim shook his head. “Don’t know that either. Maybe you should talk with Darlene, or on second thought, maybe you should stay out of it.” His eyes crinkled with humor.

  “It’s just getting interesting now. But I do have my hands full at the moment.”

  Gracie found Darlene helping her husband check in a shipment of kerosene heaters. She thought they made the cutest couple. Dan was tall, bearded, and bear-like, while Darlene was a petite brunette with fine features and a small pert nose. Her shoulder length hair turned up at the ends. Even though she’d been out of high school for over 20 years, she still looked like a cheerleader. It was even more amazing when you knew she had had three sons in quick succession. Two were in the Navy, and one had just started at Genesee Community College. Darlene looked grateful for the interruption, and she took Gracie back to the cramped office with modular walls for privacy that was stuck behind the sales counter.

  “Gee, Darlene, I thought you’d started the job with the Village.”

  Darlene frowned. “I thought I’d be starting too. They delayed the hire until March when the new fiscal year starts. Who knows if they’ll really follow through now?”

  “Oh, I hope so.” Gracie said, pulling off her gloves. “I’m on my way to the library, but I stopped to ask you some questions about the library board.”

  Darlene pushed the wheeled desk chair back toward the wall. “Fire away. I’ve written my resignation. We really don’t need any more problems right now, so leaving the board would help.”

  “I understand. I’m curious about why Alice wasn’t asked to leave the board when she started charging for her accounting services.”

  “Good question. Will said we needed her to stay and help with a donation from the Woodson family. It wasn’t a cash donation—some historic memorabilia. I’m not sure now. He said there would be a big write-up in the paper when it happened.”

  “Why would that matter?” Gracie removed some papers from a small wooden chair and sat down.

  “I’m not sure. Something about her connections with the right
appraiser. Will was sure any money we paid Alice would more than be returned when the donation came through and it was sold.”

  “Was Roger the one donating?”

  “No. It’s his grandmother’s estate. She left some historical items to the library for the endowment fund. It’s been months, and no one has laid eyes on the stuff as far as I know.”

  Darlene picked up a pencil and began tapping it on the desk. “Personally, I don’t think they were too happy that Grandma Amelia gave the collection to the library. There’s some dispute about who really owned the stuff. Grandma may have bequeathed things that really belonged to Roger. But I think they could use the money from the sale too. Just like everybody else.” Her voice broke on the last word, and she brushed away tears that spilled.

  “I know, Darlene. I’m sorry you and Dan are having such a hard time,” Gracie’s voice wavered sympathetically. Running your own business was a very personal thing, and she understood the pain. “I’d stay on the board, though. There might be more questions if you resigned.”

  “Dan said that same thing. Maybe you’re right. There’s just a lot of pressure right now. I’ve got to find at least a part-time job to help out. That’s not easy either. Dan is trying so hard.” Tears flooded her pale cheeks, and she quickly grabbed a tissue from the box on the desk. “Sorry. It’s just been a bad week,” she gulped. “Really bad.”

  Gracie shifted her feet uncomfortably. “Times are tough for everybody.”

  “For sure,” she said regaining control. “The farmers are really complaining about the price of milk. It’s way down again. I don’t know how some of them survive.” Darlene sniffed and wiped her eyes again. “Our accounts receivable just keep getting bigger. It’s part of our problem. The farmers don’t have it to pay us, so we keep carrying the accounts. It’s hard to know if you should shut off their credit or what.”

  “I know. I hate asking people to pay their bills. It’s not my favorite task.” Gracie said nodding her head. She could hear Dan greet a customer up front. She glanced at her watch, realizing she still needed to check on her parents and the afternoon was slipping by. “I’d better get going. I have to see how my Dad’s doing today.”