Flowers for Her Grave

by Judy Clemons

  Time passed quickly, and before she knew it, she was back in the aerobics room, picking out music for Zumba, which was basically a dance class. The class consisted of all new faces this time, except for Death, who now wore skintight Spandex and a smile. Casey ignored the back corner, and led the again all-female class through the exercises.

  The class sped by, and the women seemed happy with their workout, clustering around Casey and introducing themselves afterward. Not that she would remember any of their names after one session. Laurie came in as the last of the residents trickled out, Death studying their clothes as they passed.

  Casey smiled. “So, where can we get some lunch around here?”

  “Don’t you want to change first?”

  Casey looked down at her sweaty outfit. “You’re right. Give me a sec.”

  Casey hated leaving Laurie alone with Death, but there was no alternative. She couldn’t exactly tell Death to beat it with Laurie there listening.

  Fifteen minutes later, after a speed shower, Casey and Laurie sat in a little café across the street.

  “The Flamingo has breakfast and dinner—if you like bar food—but you’ve got to go out for lunch, unless you want to make your own.” Laurie made this sound like it was the least appealing of any other option. “Most of the residents eat somewhere close to work, except for the retirees, who hang out at the neighborhood restaurants. You’ve got your variety just on this road—Italian, Amish, Chinese, you name it. There’s more exotic stuff on the other side of town—Japanese, Cuban, Ethiopian. Not all of the closer ones are great, but it doesn’t get boring, at least.”

  It was no wonder the residents needed so many exercise classes. If they ate out every meal they would be complete blimps, otherwise.

  “So how have you enjoyed the morning?” Laurie said. “Do you like the variety? What do you think of the facility? Has Sissy said whether or not you’ll get the job?”

  “No, she hasn’t. Yes, I enjoyed it. And the facilities are great.”

  “The senior ladies are especially appreciative. They like the attention, and it keeps them from growing too restless during the day when their husbands are out sailing or playing golf. Not that the older men don’t use the fitness facilities, because they do, but usually the weight room, and swimming laps. They don’t do classes.” She giggled. “Could you see it? Old, saggy guys trying to kickbox? They’d throw their backs out for sure.”

  “I don’t know,” Casey said. “I’ve seen older men who have done a great job—”

  “And some of the younger women. Can you believe them? They show up in their tight little outfits, with the perfect make-up. It’s like they think they’re going to land a man at aerobics.”

  “Maybe they’re just more comfortable going out in public afterwar—”

  “At least with water aerobics the old ladies wear one-pieces instead of skimpier ones. I certainly wouldn’t want to see that first thing in the morning, or even in the afternoon.”

  “Good lord, this woman never shuts up, does she?” Death stood beside the table, tablet in hand, chomping on chewing gum, and wearing the typical server outfit of a striped shirt, khaki pants, and an apron. The nametag on the shirt’s breast pocket said El Muerte. “Do you think she’s ever going to order, or is this merely a ‘working lunch?’”

  “If you’ll excuse me,” Laurie said suddenly, shivering and casting a glance around at the other tables. “I’m going to use the little girls’ room. We can talk water aerobics when I get back.”

  “Of course.” Casey breathed a sigh of relief when she was gone.

  Death took Laurie’s seat across the table. “What’s her problem all of a sudden?”

  “You mean other than somehow feeling that you’re in the room?”

  Death shrugged. “Not my fault she’s a head case.”

  “No, she’s not. She’s just nervous.”

  “About what?”

  “I don’t know. Me taking the job. What I think of the place, and of the people. I’m not sure. Maybe she’s worried I’ll take her spot.”

  “Has she said anything about the last guy?”

  “Not a peep.”

  “Bet you could find out some good stuff if you asked. It would all come gushing out, the way she goes on.”

  “Oh! Daisy! You’ve found our little café.” Sissy came waltzing in, blinding Casey with her fruity brilliance, and plunked down right in Death’s lap. She ran her hands over her arms and glanced at the ceiling. “They keep it so cold in here.”

  Death made a face and squeezed out from under Sissy, pointing at her in a threatening manner. “Some people are just too giddy to live.”

  Casey waved, as if swatting away a fly, and Death’s image wavered. Casey’s hand went numb, so she tucked it under her arm. “Laurie brought me over.”

  “Laurie? Is she here?”

  “In the restroom.”

  “I see.” She hesitated, then said, “Laurie does a very good job as a sub for our main classes. I told you before she’ll help manage your schedule when you start full time.” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “I wasn’t supposed to say that yet.”

  “Say what?”

  Sissy took her hand away and leaned forward. “That we’re going to offer you the job.”

  “Really? Already?”

  “I’ve had a dozen women stop by my office this morning to say how much they loved your class. They about went nuts when I told them we were also adding a self-defense course. I’m afraid if I don’t give you the job right this minute the residents will have my head!” She beamed at Casey.

  “But what about my references? What about checking me out for a week?”

  Death laughed. “Are you trying to sabotage yourself?”

  “I know,” Sissy said, “I’ve picked some doozies in the past. But I have a good feeling about you.”

  No wonder the last two guys had been trouble. Sissy was the head case, not Laurie.

  “So will you take it?” Sissy said.

  “Well, yes. I’d love to.”

  “Wonderful! I can’t wait to tell them.”

  “Tell who what?” Laurie was back.

  “That we’re hiring Daisy. She’ll be moving in today!”

  “Already? Today?”

  “Of course. People are ready for some stability again, and I don’t want to let Daisy slip through our fingers. She’ll be perfect, don’t you think? Completely opposite from our last instructor. You should be able to work with her very well, don’t you think?”

  What was that that flitted across Laurie’s face? Embarrassment? Fear? Disappointment? “I’m sure we’ll do fine.”

  “Good. I’ve told Daisy you teach several classes, and will do your best to help her out with her full schedule.”

  “Of course I will. You know that. I’ve already said that.” She gave a faltering smile. “The residents will be very happy.”

  “Yes, they will!” Sissy jumped up. “I have to go tell everyone!” She practically sprinted to the front door, then came running back. “I forgot my lunch!” She grabbed a take-out bag and zoomed out the door.

  Laurie eased into the chair Sissy had vacated. She picked up the menu and studied it with more concentration than Casey thought necessary.

  “Hmm,” Death said. “Suddenly she’s not so chatty.”

  Laurie looked up. “So, did you order yet?”

  The real waitress, whose nametag said Vanessa, came over just then, looking much more professional than Death had. She neither chewed gum nor regarded Casey and Laurie with disdain.

  Casey and Laurie gave their orders, and the waitress smiled and left.

  Death watched her go, head cocked. “What ever happened to good old diner waitresses? Food’s no good without that touch of grumpiness.”

  “Is everything okay?” Casey said to Laurie.

  Laurie gave her a quick smile that wasn’t quite convincing. “Sure, it’s just…don’t take this wrong, but I thought she was going to see how things went
for a week before actually hiring you.”

  “Wow,” Death said. “Rather blunt, isn’t she?”

  “I thought the same thing,” Casey said. “She surprised me. I’m sorry if it makes you uncomfortable.”

  “Oh, no, I’ll be okay.” But Laurie’s focus had obviously gone elsewhere. “It’s just…I was kind of hoping she’d consider me for the position. But I guess that’s too much to ask.” Her mouth drooped. “You’d think she’d be happy to have someone from in-house instead of hiring a stranger again. No offense.”

  “No offense taken,” Casey said.

  Laurie waved a hand. “There’s really no point in me getting all upset. Sissy probably never even thought about hiring me, anyway.”

  Laurie looked like she was done talking so Casey said, “I was wondering what went on with the last couple of instructors.”

  Laurie almost knocked her water glass over, then wiped up the drops with her napkin. “Nothing. Nothing went on with them.”

  Death laughed. “Which obviously means something did. With her.”

  “I mean,” Casey said as gently as she could, “why did they leave? You’re obviously worried about what harm I could do. Is there anything I need to look out for? Or avoid?”

  Death snorted. “You mean other than scamming old ladies and getting yourself written into their wills?”

  “Oh,” Laurie said. “I…” She took a deep breath, composing herself. “Richie, Richie Miller—he wasn’t the last one, but the one before that?—he was having some trouble keeping up.”

  “He was old? Out of shape?”

  “No, not at all. He was young. And cute. What I meant was he wasn’t up-to-date with fitness. He still thought we should do Richard Simmons tapes, and sit-ups the old-fashioned way. A sweetheart, really, everybody loved him, but…” She shook her head. “He had no idea what he was doing.”

  “Why did Sissy hire him?”

  “I can’t imagine. Except he was adorable. And friendly. Everybody liked him. The problem was that people kept getting injured, and he didn’t know how to deal with it. He eventually had to go.”

  But Sissy hadn’t fired him, from what Del, the guy in the weight room, had said. “What happened?”

  “Well, everybody thinks he took off, because one day he just didn’t show up for classes. What the residents don’t realize—and this is confidential, of course—is that Sissy gave him an ultimatum. He had to leave immediately or she’d sue him for every person who’d gotten hurt. She said she’d better never see his face again or he’d be sorry. So he left. No one’s heard from him since. It’s too bad, really.”

  “Was it really all his fault people were getting hurt?”

  “Of course not. But Sissy—well, people—needed to have someone to blame. Like I said, he wasn’t really qualified for the position, but he wasn’t a bad guy. Most of the people who got hurt were doing too much, and he wasn’t firm enough to rein them in. I wish…” She shook her head.

  “What?”

  “I wish I could have taught him a few things, but I wasn’t actually on staff until later. And even then…” She looked away. “Sissy makes it very clear I’m second best.”

  Casey grimaced. She’d noticed Sissy was a little short with Laurie, but she’d hoped it was just the stress of hiring a new person. “So what about the next guy? Did he know what he was doing?”

  Laurie went pink, and picked at her napkin. “Yes, he was…more equipped for dealing with the job.”

  “Ooo,” Death said. “Equipped. I can guess what she means by that.”

  Casey glared at Death, and turned a sympathetic eye toward Laurie. She’d obviously been burned by him one way or another.

  Before Casey could ask anything else, the waitress set their plates in front of them and filled their water glasses. “Anything else you ladies need right now?”

  Casey smiled up at her. “I think we’re good. Thank you.”

  The waitress left, and Casey dug into her BLT, hoping she hadn’t set back her relationship with Laurie by asking too many questions.

  Laurie picked up her sandwich, but held it above her plate without eating. “The last guy, his name was Brandon. Brandon Greer. He was…a lot more qualified than Richie. He had an actual personal training certificate, and an amazing résumé. He certainly knew what he was doing.”

  In more ways than one, apparently.

  “So what happened with him?”

  Laurie set her sandwich down and rubbed her hands on her napkin. “He got a little too close to some of the women. Older ones. Widows. Turns out he was just a…just a con artist in disguise.”

  “So Sissy fired him?”

  Laurie nodded. “I—We never saw him again. Sissy told him to leave, and it was like he just vanished. He completely disappeared after he walked out the door. I mean, he’s nowhere.”

  “Which means,” Death said, “that our dear Laurie here has looked for him.”

  “I’m sorry,” Casey said. “It sounds like you miss him.”

  Laurie’s head shot up. “I don’t. I don’t miss him. He was— I’m sorry, I have to go.”

  “But—”

  “Congratulations on the job. We’ll talk about water aerobics later, okay?” She grabbed her purse, threw a twenty onto the table, and hustled out the door.

  “Well, that went well.” Death sat in Laurie’s chair and peered at her uneaten sandwich. “Wish I could eat this. You going to?”

  “No, but I’ll take it back for her. She can eat it later, once she regains her appetite.” She took another bite of her own sandwich and chewed it slowly.

  “Uh-oh,” Death said. “I see thinking going on.”

  “I’m just wondering. You haven’t seen either of those guys, have you? Richie or Brandon?”

  “You mean, like, are they dead? Not that I remember. And I would. Although Florida is one of my most frequent destinations. All the old people, you know. But my mind is like an especially efficient steel trap, and they’re not in it.”

  “Efficient? More like annoying. Your mind is an annoying steel trap.”

  “Don’t mock me. I remember everybody who goes to the other side. Tons of people go from down here in the glorious Sunshine State, and they’re each up here in the old brain trust. Forty-seven people from Raceda last month, and none of them was named Richie Miller or Brandon Greer. The last person to go from the Flamingo complex was five weeks ago and that was absolutely an age thing. Nothing suspicious at all.”

  Casey finished up her fruit plate. “So that means these guys fell off the map on their own.”

  “Or they were told to fall off the map.” Death shrugged. “But what does it matter? They’re gone, you’re in. Why and how they left isn’t your concern.”

  “You’re right. It’s just…weird. And I’m especially curious, seeing how I’ve just made myself fall off the map.”

  “Then it seems to me you’re in the right place.”

  “Yeah,” Casey said, feeling suddenly content. “I guess I am.”

  Chapter Seven

  “So would you like furnished, or unfurnished?” Maria held a key in either hand.

  “Furnished, definitely,” Casey said.

  “Seriously?” Death said. “This is your chance to have really nice stuff. Make a statement. Have an actual style.”

  It was mid-afternoon, after Casey’s BODYPUMP and water aerobics classes. Sissy had shown up for BODYPUMP, giving up halfway through, but Casey saw no one else she knew. She had enjoyed the older ladies in the pool, and they’d seemed to like the workout, even though she hadn’t had a chance to benefit from Laurie’s expertise. Several men had been in the water, as well, doing their own independent laps at the other end of the pool, along with a couple of women. A lifeguard watched from an elevated chair with an air of boredom.

  Casey’s next class was at eight, when she would teach kick-boxing, and following that would be an abs class. She was glad she’d kept up her fitness as well as she had while on the road, or she
would have been dying.

  Maria typed “Daisy Gray” into the computer and printed out some papers for Casey to sign. Maria’s desk was impeccably neat, filled only with office items, papers, and her computer. A small photo of two children was taped to the corner of the computer monitor.

  “Your kids?” Casey asked.

  Maria didn’t look up. “Yes.”

  “How old are they?”

  “Six and four.” Maria held out the papers and a pen. “Okay. It’s all yours. The apartment you saw yesterday. You’re responsible for phone hook-up, whether you want a landline, or a cell, or both. Utilities are taken care of, and trash goes in the chute at the end of the hall. No pets, no smoking, and no painting or holes in the walls without permission.”

  “Got it.”

  Maria glanced toward Sissy’s closed office door, then leaned forward. “I’m sure you’ll find it, and you’re not really supposed to use it, but the previous tenants found that the service stairs, which are next to the apartment, are the quickest route to the fitness floor. If you prefer an elevator, the service one is across the hall. Just don’t tell Mrs. Williams I mentioned it.”

  “The previous tenants? Were they the fitness instructors before me?”

  “Yes.” Maria straightened some papers on her desk and raised her voice back to its usual volume. “Mrs. Williams put up a sign saying personal training would resume tomorrow, and that there are some slots for new clients. Here’s the schedule so far.” She added it to the stack of papers Casey had already accumulated, along with her contract, her rental agreement, and her benefits package. “So you’ve got a few hours, if you want to move in.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  “You need help with a truck, or carrying anything?”