by Marja McGraw
Mary stood, ready to leave, or maybe feeling she’d been dismissed. “I will. Please let me know what you decide. Don’t waste time. The third letter was left just yesterday.”
I showed her to the door before joining Chris on the couch.
He’d slouched down and looked up at me. “Come on, Pamela. A gun moll? A hit lady? Is there any possibility that Mary is getting senile?”
“I don’t think so, Bogey Man. For as little as she told us, she was too concise. She told us a lot without going into great detail. She wasn’t confused about any of it. I’ll call her and ask to see the letters she’s received recently. I’m sure she must still have those.”
“Good idea.”
A young voice called down the stairs. “I think it’s a good idea, too.”
“Ace, come down here.” Chris didn’t sound too jovial.
Mikey knew he might be in trouble and pretty much dragged his feet when he came down the stairs. “Aw, Dad, I couldn’t help it. I had to hear what was going on.”
I stepped in before Chris could speak. “Young man, if I ever find you eavesdropping again you’ll be in big trouble. This isn’t a situation I want you involved in. Do you understand?”
He hung his head and wouldn’t look at me.
“I said, do you understand?”
“Yes, ma’am. But you know that guy outside of her house was casing the joint.”
“Mikey – “
“Okay, Mom, I’m off the case. I promise I’ll dummy up. But if you need advice, I’m your boy.”
Before I could say anything else, he took off and ran up the stairs.
“Oh, good grief, Chris. Now he’s talking like you. You know we’re going to have trouble keeping him out of this. Maybe we should send her to the police. What can we do to help her?”
“I don’t think the police will help her, to be honest. There’s not enough to go on. She is an old woman, and she does need help.”
I didn’t roll my eyes, although Chris watched me closely.
“Oh, Bogey Man, here we go again.”
Chapter Three
There was no doubt in my mind that we were coming out of retirement. But, seriously, gangsters and a hit woman? This was way out of our league.
“Chris, maybe we shouldn’t get involved in this one.”
“Maybe you and Mikey should stay out of it, but I’m in. I don’t like the idea of that little old dolly from down the street being in danger. The house on one side of her is vacant, and old man Dutton lives in the house on the other side. He wouldn’t be any help to her. He can’t hear a thing anymore.”
I thought about what he’d said for a moment. “I’m in. I can’t just let her fend for herself now, can I? You go finish working on the car and I’ll have a heart-to-heart talk with Mikey. I don’t want him anywhere near trouble.”
“Ace is the son I always wanted, and I don’t want him near this one either. Maybe we should have him visit your parents again.”
This time I sighed. “Chris, school isn’t out yet. He’s only home today because it’s Saturday. We can’t send him to visit his grandparents. And that reminds me. Let’s try to keep this from your parents. You know your mother would want to horn in on things.”
“Yeah, my mother. Maybe we can get her and Ace involved in some kind of project that’ll keep them both busy. You know how she loves a good cause. Maybe we can come up with something.”
Chris was actually Mikey’s stepfather, but after we married he legally adopted my son. I lost my first husband to cancer when Mikey was just a baby. Chris jumped right in with both feet and took to parenting like a duck to water.
My husband’s parents had moved to town a couple of years ago, and our son was as much of a real grandson in their minds as if Chris was the natural father.
My parents lived out of state, on the other side of the country. They adored my son and had him visit as often as possible. We told them as little as we could get away with about the situations we’d become involved in.
“Mom?”
“I was just thinking about you, Son.”
“I helped you and Dad when you met some spies, so what’s different about gangsters?”
I didn’t have to think about that for very long. “The spies were elderly and retired, and you spent most of your time out of state with my parents. Gangsters, real ones, are a whole different story. They’re dangerous and – “
“But, Mom, you’ve had dangerous people in your life before,” he interrupted.
“Not like these people. Plus we’re talking about a hit lady – “
“What’s a hit lady?”
“Stop interrupting me, Michael.”
“Uh oh. I know when you call me Michael I’d better be careful.”
“A hit lady is a bad woman, Son. It means that she kills people for money. She doesn’t care about who they are or if they’re good or bad. It’s just a job to her.” That was too blunt. “You know there are some bad people in this world. I guess I can’t really sugarcoat my explanation, sweetie, but you need to know there are some people I’d rather you never come in contact with – ever.”
Mikey screwed up his face like he’d tasted something sour. “I don’t think I’d like her.”
“Well, if Mary is right, her cousin probably died many years ago. But some of the people she worked with might still be around.”
While I talked, questions started nagging me. I needed to write them down so I didn’t forget anything.
“So, Mikey, I want you to stay out of this one. You may have to spend more time with Constance or at the restaurant with your father and me.”
Constance is a longtime friend who watched over my son when Chris and I were working, whether it was at the restaurant or on a case. A case? Oh, no! I’d made up my mind already. I mean, really made up my mind.
“Okay, Mom. But if you need someone to talk to, I’m always around to listen.”
“Thanks.”
My now ten-year-old son was way too mature for his age.
“Is it okay if I tell Danny about what’s going on?”
I rolled my eyes. He wanted to tell his best friend. I’m surprised Danny’s parents let him hang out with my son.
“No. Absolutely not. You’re not to tell anyone about this, not even your grandparents. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Now go outside and make sure the dogs have enough water.”
He ran through the kitchen and out the back door. The dogs were his pride and joy and he’d do anything for them, plus they were a good distraction.
I found a pad of paper and wrote down a few things I wanted to ask Mary. I wasn’t sure if the answers would mean anything to me, but at least it would give us a place to start.
I walked out to the backyard where I found Mikey playing with the dogs. He’d throw the ball, Sherlock would run after it and return it, and Watson would wait until he dropped it and then run off with it.
Moving on, I visited the garage where Chris was finishing the oil change.
“I’m going to walk down to Mary’s house,” I said. “I have a few questions I want to ask her.”
“Okay, babe. Don’t take too long though. We’ve got to get to the restaurant.”
“I’ll be back soon.”
Following the driveway out to the street, I passed two houses before reaching Mary’s home. I walked up her driveway and saw her watching out the window. When she saw me she backed away.
Huh.
I climbed the steps and knocked on her door.
She opened it before I’d even finished knocking.
“Come in. Come in.” She opened the door wide, closing it the minute I was out of the way. This wasn’t like her at all.
“Mary? Are you okay?”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t get rid of the feeling that I’m being watched. I haven’t seen anyone today. It’s just a feeling.”
I hurried to the window and looked out. I didn’t see anything out of the ordina
ry.
“Mary, I have a few questions. Can we sit down and talk?”
She pointed to the couch. “Have a seat. Would you like a cup of tea?”
“No, thank you. I can’t stay long. Chris and I have to change clothes and get to the restaurant.”
She sat down in an easy chair across from the couch. “Ask away.”
“Okay. First, when did you last hear from Meredith?”
“About six months before she disappeared.”
“I mean, what year was it?” I asked.
“Oh. Let me see.” She thought for a moment, although I thought that was something she’s remember clearly. “It was 1952. That’s when I received the last letter from her. I have to admit, her letter made her sound nervous and more like her old self, like she’d dropped her guard.”
I nodded. “Where was she when she sent the last letter?”
“She was in Las Vegas. Things were heating up there, or maybe I’m saying that wrong. I mean that it was becoming very popular. I even drove over there once with a boyfriend, but that was after she disappeared.”
“There’s no delicate way to ask this, but are you sure she died? Could she have disappeared on purpose to start a new life?”
“It’s okay, dear. I’ve thought about that a lot. They never found her body, but she was out in the desert. She could have been buried anywhere and no one would have found her.” She clasped her hands and put them between her knees, looking thoughtful. “I’ve pondered whether she might have disappeared on purpose, but I honestly think I would have heard from her sometime over the years. At the very least, I would think she would have telephoned me. No, I think someone killed her. My mother always thought so, too. And so did the authorities.”
I nodded. “One last question, at least for now. Do you have any idea why someone would think you know something about… I don’t know. About Meredith or what she was involved in?”
She shook her head and looked out the window. “I honestly have no idea. Maybe they thought she told me something. Well, now, that doesn’t fit. Whoever wrote those notes seems to think I’m her. I just don’t know what to think.”
She turned her gaze from the window to me.
“Pamela, I’m old, but I’m not senile. And yet I find this very confusing. I looked like her, but we weren’t twins. Someone besides me is confused if they think I’m my cousin, and it scares me. Excuse me for just a moment.”
She left the room and returned with a photo in hand.
“This is a picture of my cousin and me together when we were teenagers. I thought you might like to see the resemblance and judge for yourself.”
I took the photo from her and, son-of-a-gun, the two girls really could have been sisters. Other than the difference in hair color, they looked quite a bit alike. I noticed that Mary’s hair had been darker than she wore it now, but it wasn’t as dark as Meredith’s. I glanced up at Mary. Yes, I could see that she was still recognizable as the same person.
I handed the photo back to her.
“Chris and I will do what we can to watch out for you. You don’t need this kind of stress this late in your life. Oh! I didn’t mean you’re old, just – “
She laughed. “I am old, but only in years. You have a choice in life. You can choose to be old, or you can choose to be young. I choose youth, no matter how many wrinkles I have.”
“Words to live by,” I said, and I took my leave.
Chapter Four
I walked home slowly, thinking about Meredith. I found it interesting that she ended up in Las Vegas. I found it even more interesting that she was a hit man, or hit lady, or whatever they might have called her. Then again, maybe Mary had her facts wrong. Maybe she’d been given bad information all those years ago.
Those thoughts led me to think of a question I should have asked, so I turned around and walked back to her house.
Knocking on the door brought an instant response. She must have been watching out the window again. Was she feeling a bit paranoid? I might if I thought someone was watching my house.
“Mary, I didn’t ask you what might be the most important question in this situation.”
“Come inside and ask me about whatever it is you want to know.” Her eyes darted around the neighborhood and she didn’t look at me.
“No, thanks. I’ve got to hurry home and get ready for work. What I want to know is, do you think your cousin was a killer?”
She looked surprised and finally looked into my eyes.
“No, I do not believe Meredith was a killer. I don’t know what happened back then, but even though she was kind of a wild child, so to speak, I don’t believe it. She had a healthy respect for life.” There was no doubt in her voice.
“Thank you for your honesty,” I said. “I needed to hear you say that. We’ll talk again.”
I turned and left, hurrying up the street this time. I knew Chris would be antsy about leaving for the restaurant and I needed to put myself into character for the forties-themed restaurant.
Mikey and the dogs were already waiting in the living room. My son was wearing dark blue slacks with a lighter blue shirt and suspenders. This was my tip off that he was going to work with us.
Chris was already changing clothes when I ran up the stairs and joined him in the bedroom. He wore a pinstriped suit with a white shirt, blue tie and black suspenders. His shoes were black and shiny. He topped it off with his fedora, the hat being one of his prized possessions. It was slightly askew and pulled forward. He was going for the “bad boy” look.
I chose an off-the-shoulder dark blue cocktail dress with buttons down the front side of the skirt that hit me a few inches above the ankle. While the dress had short puffy sleeves and a full skirt, it also had a tight bodice. I slipped on some three inch heels and added pearl earrings and a pearl necklace. I wore my auburn hair down and it fell in soft waves.
Chris looked me up and down. “I don’t remember that dress, but you sure look foxy.” He made a clicking sound out of the side of his mouth.
“Thanks! I found it at one of the vintage clothing stores in town. Someone had just sold the store some forties clothes and I picked up a few things.”
If Mikey was going to the restaurant with us, I wanted to update Chris about my conversation with Mary before going downstairs.
I told him what she’d said and he listened with interest.
“So, anyway, she doesn’t believe her cousin was a hit lady. She was adamant about how she feels. I have to admit, I trust her judgment. What do you think?”
“Let me chew on this for a while. I can’t put my finger on it, but something doesn’t feel right. Why would this come up now, after so many years? We’ll need to do some research. The fifties always intrigued me anyway, so I’ll see what I can find out about Las Vegas gangsters in those days. Maybe that’ll turn something up about the Black Butterfly, too. It sounds like she kept company with some shady characters.”
Mikey’s voice floated up the stairs, which is a polite way of putting it. “Come on, you guys, we’ve got to hit the bricks.”
“Hit the bricks?” I had to chuckle. “At least you’re not teaching him bad language. The kids think he’s cool. Some of them have even started using the slang he shares with them. Danny’s mother thanked me, if you can believe that.”
Chris smiled and took hold of my hand. “Let’s do some fancy footwork and go to work.” He did a quick two-step to make his point.
We loaded Mikey and the dogs in the back seat and headed for Bogey Nights, our restaurant. We’d had a fence built behind the place so we didn’t have to leave the dogs at home alone all the time. The Health Department had, thankfully, turned a blind eye to the dogs since they weren’t in the public areas or the kitchen. If the weather was bad, then they spent their time in my office at the rear of the building. There were two instances I could think of when they’d gotten into the kitchen and dining room, but those were exceptions to the rule and couldn’t be helped.
Mikey h
elped greet the customers when he came in with us. The customers loved him because he was such a little gentleman. The fact that he used forties slang didn’t hurt any.
Our son got the dogs settled in the yard and filled their water dish while Chris and I checked in with Chef Luis. Phillip, our sous chef, was busily helping prepare dishes.
We checked the tables in the restaurant to be sure everything was in place and ready for the evening crowd. We’d started opening for lunch, too, and one of our waitresses, Donna, had taken to managing the restaurant during the day.
“Black Butterfly,” Chris said. “What are we thinking? We shouldn’t get involved in this. We’re retired from sleuthing, remember?”
“I know, Bogey Man, but Mary is such a sweetie and it looks like she’s in trouble. We’ve got to help her.”
“You’re probably right,” he replied, grudgingly. “I was getting used to a quieter life, babe, even if it was kind of boring.”
We walked through the restaurant and into the lounge. The small band that played for us, Monday Moonshine, was already there. They sat around at tables and drank coffee. The band’s name was unusual, but their music was the best.
“Is Lila coming in to sing tonight?” I asked.
The band leader, Scott, nodded. “She and your mother-in-law are both coming in.”
Without a word I ran out to the Reservation Desk to find Mikey. He was reading the names on the list.
“Mikey, do not, under any circumstances, tell Grandma Judy about Mary.”
He nodded. “Okay, but Grandma and Grandpa are – “
“I mean it, Son. Not one word. I don’t want her getting involved.”
“Okay, I promise.”
The dreaded voice came from behind me.
“You promise what?” Judith asked.
Mikey thought faster than me. “Hi, Grandma Judy. I promised Mom I’d work on my homework tomorrow. I should have done it this morning.”
“Ah.” She smiled at him.
