Murder in Marietta (A Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Book 2)

by Deborah Malone

  Raised voices filled the hallway as we walked toward the office. And they weren’t friendly. I lifted my hand to knock on the door when I overheard a familiar voice. “Just remember what I said.” Sammy turned around and saw us standing in the doorway. “Excuse me ladies.” He took off like a fox chased by hound dogs. What was that all about?

  “May I help you?” Jeffrey sat behind an oversized mahogany desk. Framed certificates covered the dark paneled wall. “Weren’t you at the museum fundraiser the other night?” He stood up, and looked directly at me. “I believe you’re the one they transported in an ambulance.”

  “That’s right.” Not knowing if he was one of the bad guys, I didn’t want to give away too much information. “I have a bum knee and I fell when the lights went out.”

  “I hope it’s better.” He looked at my cane, motioning to two red leather visitor chairs in front of his desk. “Now what can I do for you?”

  “I’m Trixie Montgomery and I write for “Georgia by the Way.” I motioned toward Dee Dee, who had made herself comfortable, and I sat in her chair’s twin.

  “I’m familiar with “Georgia by the Way.” He leaned forward and settled his hands on his desk. “What does that have to do with me?”

  “I’m working on a story about the museum. The night Jacob was killed, Dee Dee and I were there.”

  He stood up, walked around his desk and closed the door. I wondered what he had to hide. I intended to find out.

  “I’m interviewing all the board members. Can you tell me a little about your position at the museum?”

  I let him drone on about his love of history and the antiques he’d collected over the years. It was time to get to the nitty-gritty.

  “Jeffrey. Doc is in a lot of trouble. Detective Bowerman, the investigating officer, has his sights on Doc. We’re trying to help him. Did you demand Doc fire Jacob for making passes at Susan Gray?”

  “Yes, I did. And I don’t see why you’re getting mixed up in this.” He leaned forward, arms crossed. “What is it to you?”

  “Trixie helped solve a murder last year in Dahlonega, and saved my hide.” Dee Dee told him. “She’s got a knack for it. When Doc found out he was in deep, he asked Trixie to help.”

  I couldn’t tell who owned the biggest mouth, Dee Dee or Nana. It’s a toss-up.

  “Really?” He stared directly into my eyes. I didn’t like the way he glared at me. Fear gnawed at the pit of my stomach, and perspiration beaded on my forehead.

  “And what have you found out so far?” He glanced from me to Dee Dee.

  “Well, let’s see,” Dee Dee began. I faked a pneumatic cough hoping Dee Dee would put a lock on her lips. She grabbed the water from Jeffrey’s desk and handed it to me.

  “Drink it, Trixie. It’ll keep you from choking.” When I didn’t take the water she shoved it in my hands. “Drink it! I promise it will work.” I was going to choke her if she didn’t sit down in her chair.

  “I’m all right now.” We had to make a quick escape. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I was getting a real bad feeling about Jeffrey. “Come on, Dee Dee. I think I need to go, I’m not doing well.

  Jeffrey opened the door for us. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well, Ms. Montgomery. Please be careful. Digging into a murder investigation could turn out to be dangerous.” Was it my imagination or did he over emphasize “danger?” Relief flooded through me as we exited the building.

  Back in the car Dee asked, “Where to James?” This time, her joke fell flat. She wasn’t as perky as earlier, and neither was I.

  “Let’s head to the museum and see if Doc’s in. Maybe he can update us on his status with the detective.”

  “Trixie, what if Doc killed Jacob? We don’t know him that well. Maybe we’re wasting our time.”

  She had a point. But my gut told me Doc was innocent. I prayed my gut wasn’t wrong. Our lives depended on it.

  We pulled into the parking lot. I grabbed Dee Dee’s arm before she could exit the car and gave her my serious look. “Don’t you dare pretend you’re Scarlett. I’ve had enough of Scarlett for the rest of my life.”

  “Okey dokey, your wish is my command. Obviously your knee hurts and it’s making you grumpy.”

  I was grumpy, and my knee did hurt, but I couldn’t give up. We were close. Maybe too close and someone tried to stop us.

  Marianne manned the front desk. “Hi, I’m glad to see you.”

  “I’m glad to be here.” Marianne met my gaze, her eyes clear and bright. “Doc and I worked out a plan so I can repay what I took.”

  I patted her hand. “That’s wonderful. Is he in?”

  At that moment, Doc walked out of his office and saw us. “Hey, there.” He eyed my cane and gently took my elbow. “Penny and I were so worried about you. Come in and sit down, tell me how you’re doing.” He led us into his office.

  “I’ve been better. The question is how are you doing?” He showed me to a chair and waited until I settled in.

  “Not so good,” he said. “Detective Bowerman has been back, questioning me several times. He’s relentless. Maybe he thinks I’ll confess if he wears me down. If so, he’s in for a big disappointment. I’m not going to confess to something I didn’t do.”

  “Doc, Trixie and I believe we’re getting close. That’s why Dora’s house was broken into and Trixie was pushed down last night,” Dee Dee said.

  “I appreciate your help, ladies. But I don’t want you in harm’s way. You probably shouldn’t try to investigate anymore. The case is getting too dangerous.” He shook his head and his shoulders drooped.

  “We’re already in up to our eyeballs. The killer doesn’t want us to finish what we started, but we don’t have a choice,” I argued. “It’s imperative we find out who the killer is before he kills us.” I readjusted my bottom on the seat. The worn chair had lost its padding long ago.

  “We’ve interviewed all the people on our list: Marianne, Susan, Gloria, Jeffrey, Sammy and Steven. Each and everyone have a motive. Jacob was blackmailing Marianne. By the way Doc, we’re happy to see Marianne still here.”

  “I gave it a tremendous amount of thought and prayer. Jesus had a lot to say about forgiveness. He tells us in Ephesians to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” He cupped his hands over his face as if he was praying. He was silent for a minute, Dee Dee and I waited.

  “How could I not forgive her?” he said. “I’ve fallen short so many times in my life. Several people have given me a second chance, and that’s why I’ve come as far as I have. I could be rotting in jail in the Bahamas. Penny is going to take over the finances for the museum and I’ve come up with a plan for Marianne to pay back what she borrowed. I pray I’m doing the right thing.”

  “You’re being more than generous and I’m sure she appreciates it,” Dee Dee said.

  “Not to mention that Gloria is telling everyone you stole the money,” I said. “Won’t the board demand her dismissal?”

  “I have the last word on employees, and Marianne will stay as long as I have a job.”

  “Then all the more reason we need to find the killer.” I leaned back, the chair squeaking in protest. “Let’s get back to our list.”

  Dee Dee pulled a rumpled piece of paper from her bag.

  “Susan also has motive,” I began. “She had an affair with Jacob and she didn’t want Jeffrey to know. On top of that, her bookstore is about to face foreclosure.” I mentally put a check by her name. My vote went to Susan. She had the most to lose or gain, depending on how you looked at it.

  Dee Dee spoke up. “We visited Jeffrey this morning. When we arrived, Sammy was in his office and we heard them arguing. I haven’t figured out what Sammy’s motive might be. Jeffrey could have found out about Jacob and wanted him out of the way.” She tapped Jeffrey’s name on her list to accentuate his guilt.

  “That leaves Gloria and Steven,” Doc stated. “I can’t envision Gloria being strong en
ough to kill anyone, and I’m not sure she has a motive. I know she wants Steven to take over as director, but killing Jacob wouldn’t guarantee Steven’s appointment.” He pushed his glasses up on his nose and wiped his brow with his handkerchief.

  “That’s not exactly true, Doc,” I said. “If you go to prison for killing Jacob, then Steven could step in as director with her recommendation. So she does have motive.”

  “Put that way, I guess you’re right,” he said.

  “That goes for Steven as well. It would be to his advantage if you were out of the way, Doc.” I thought back to last night, when I met Steven. He seemed like such a nice young gentleman. I struggled picturing him as a killer.

  “We need to go, Trixie. It’s time to meet Jill.” Dee Dee pointed to her pink watch.

  “Doc, we’re meeting my daughter for lunch, but if you think of anything else please let us know.”

  “I will. But please, please be careful.” Famous last words.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  I’m starved. Where is this Papa’s Pizza?” Dee Dee scanned the roadside, hands on the wheel.

  “It’s on the next corner. I hope you can locate a parking place close to the door. If not, then let me out front.” We weren’t successful finding a space close enough, so Dee Dee dropped me off and left to park the car. I was anxious to see Jill.

  She ran up and rewarded me with a big hug, and I hugged her tightly.

  She stepped back and inspected me from head to toe. “How are you feeling? You’re using your cane again.”

  “I’ll be fine. I’m scheduled to visit the surgeon when I get home.” My goodness, she looked great. Her presence was the best medicine I could receive.

  When her father and I divorced, I worried how the separation would affect Jill. My fear she’d choose sides, was unwarranted. She’s been supportive of me and I’ve tried to be supportive of her when she wanted to talk about Wade. After all, he’s still her dad.

  “Come on over and sit down. I want to show you my surprise.” I couldn’t wait to see what she’d brought. A guy? What in the world was she doing with a guy? Well, never mind, I know what she was doing with him, but she never mentioned her surprise was a date.

  “Mama, this is Paul. Paul this is my mother.” Standing, he towered over me by at least six inches. We shook hands. He pulled the chair out for me to sit down. No wonder she couldn’t wait for me to meet him. I winked at Jill. Her face turned a pretty shade of pink and her smile widened.

  “Where are Nana and Dee Dee?”

  “Nana sends her love. She’s sitting with her friend Dora today. And Dee Dee’s parking the car.” Just then she walked in, and I gave her a big wave. “Over here, Dee Dee.”

  We repeated introductions and I could see Dee Dee was enamored with Paul, too. We ordered pizza all the way around and pigged out until we couldn’t hold any more. I updated Jill on my article, but failed to mention anything about our part in investigating the murder. I didn’t want her to worry.

  “Mama, it’s been so good to see you. But, we have to return to Athens today, so we need to be on our way.” She reached over and laid her hand on Paul’s. I could tell this was serious. I hoped she’d fill in the details later. They stood up to go, Paul grabbed the check, insisting on paying for the meal. “Let the cops do their job, this time, Mama.” Jill gave me a hug, and then Dee Dee. “Dee Dee, watch after her.” How ironic. Dee Dee was usually the one who got me into trouble in the first place.

  “I promise to be careful if you do as well, honey, those roads can be—“

  “Mama. I love you!”

  We walked them to the door. Saying goodbye was bittersweet. I waited on Dee Dee to retrieve the car. When she returned, I attempted to get in as fast as I could, but it wasn’t easy with a swollen knee. An impatient person blew their horn. Dee Dee, decked out in her pink Keds, got out and stomped back to the car. The woman in the little red Mini Cooper shrunk down in her seat. Dee Dee went up to her window and said something to her. The lady nodded her head yes. Dee Dee climbed back in the Jeep.

  “What was that all about?” I really didn’t need to ask. I knew full well she probably gave the poor woman a lesson on disabilities.

  “Oh, she needed a little educating.” She put the car in gear and pulled off, followed by the Mini Cooper.

  “You ready to go to Dora’s and rest?”

  “Yes. But there’s one more place I need to go. I want to take some pictures of the Marietta National Cemetery for my article. It’s located on Washington Avenue, the road that leads into town.” All articles for the magazine required accompanying photographs. I’d neglected my research, so it was imperative to concentrate on my journalism for a bit. This would be a great opportunity to accomplish some work.

  “Hang on. Here we go!” Dee Dee sped down the road out of town and toward the historic cemetery. We arrived in a matter of minutes. “Wow, look at that archway. Isn’t it beautiful?”

  “From what I’ve read, it’s one of five archways that lead into a National Cemetery.” I glanced in my side mirror. Someone in a red oversized truck pulled in behind us. “Dee Dee, there’s a truck behind us. Let’s park away from it so I don’t get it in my pictures.”

  “I would, but he’s following us. Every time I make a turn, he turns, too.”

  “Pull over here and maybe he’ll go around us.” I turned around to see if he was going to pass. Instead the passenger jumped out wearing a ski mask. In this weather?

  “Get out!” He shouted. His hand was in his pocket as if he had a gun pointed at us, so we obliged. “Hurry up and give me that book.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Dee Dee said. “What book?”

  He gestured wildly with his pocket. “Yeah you do. The book you bought downtown.”

  A truck rumbled by on the road, but trees blocked the driver’s view of us, hands in the air.

  “I know you have that book written by the union soldier. And you’d better hand it over quick. I don’t have time for your shenanigans.”

  “Oh, I think I know what book you’re talking about now. It’s in my purse.” Dee Dee walked back toward the Jeep.

  “Don’t do anything funny. I’ve got you covered.” He followed Dee Dee as close as he could while she reached in and retrieved her purse. He grabbed it from her and rummaged through the contents. “Good grief, lady. What do you have in this suitcase?”

  “Don’t ruin it. It’s one of my favorites, and it matches my shoes.” Only Dee Dee could worry about her bag while being held up.

  He raised the book and declared, “I knew it.” He threw the purse at Dee Dee’s feet. “Do not follow us or you’ll be sorry.” More pocket brandishing, and he turned and ran. He hopped in and they sped away. I memorized the first three letters on the license plate before the truck sped past the arch.

  “What in the world was that all about, Trixie. It’s just an old book. Why would they want it?”

  “Do you think it has something to do with that diary, do you suppose they thought we had a copy?”

  “Well, we’re going downtown right now and telling Detective Bowerman what happened. This hit too close to home. All of these events can’t be coincidental. They have to be connected to the murder investigation.” This is one time I couldn’t agree more with Dee Dee.

  “Come on. I can take pictures later.” I was concerned Dee Dee would have a heart attack before we arrived. Not from fear, but from anger. She was so mad someone stole her book and her dignity in the process.

  A young lady sat soldier straight behind the front desk of the police station. She wore a crisp uniform, her hair pulled back in a bun. “May I help you?”

  “Yes,” Dee Dee said. “We’ve been robbed.”

  “Really?” She reached for a tablet to take notes. “What did they steal?”

  Straight-faced Dee Dee said, “a book.”

  “Oh.” The officer didn’t appear to be as interested when she found out it was a book. I think I saw a smi
rk on her lips. “Have a seat.” She pointed to a row of dirty, orange seats lined against the wall.

  “Yuck! I don’t want to sit in those,” Dee Dee whispered.

  “Me neither, no telling what we might catch. They look like they’re covered in cooties.”

  I turned back to the officer. “Would you please inform Detective Bowerman we’re waiting? This might concern a case he’s working on.”

  She looked at us like, ‘yeah sure.’ “What are your names?”

  “Just tell him Trixie Montgomery and Dee Dee Lamont need to see him as soon as possible.”

  She picked up a phone, and punched a button. I wondered if she’d tell him, or pretend to and send us on our way. I couldn’t blame her. Who in their right mind would report a stolen book?

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Hello, Ms. Montgomery. Ms. Lamont. What can I do for you, I’m very busy?” He wasn’t wearing a jacket today, but Bowerman’s shirt was as rumpled as usual. I didn’t spot his cigar. He looked kind of naked without it.

  “We’ve been robbed,” Dee Dee exclaimed.

  “So I’ve heard.” He hiked up his pants. “Come on in my office.” He sounded reluctant, but motioned us to follow him down a hallway into a dingy cove filled with the scent of male – stale cigar smoke and sweat. The interior decorator had gone for early utilitarian. A large desk pitted with numerous dings and scars sat center stage. No pictures adorned the wall. Two ragged chairs sat in front of the desk. On the desktop sat a picture of a middle-aged woman with two teen-aged children. I was taken aback, I’d never pictured the detective with a family.

  “Your family, detective?” He actually smiled, revealing smoke stained teeth.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He turned the conversation back to the reason for our visit. “What’s this about a book robbery?” He unwrapped a cigar and stuck the pacifier in his mouth.

  “We went to the National Cemetery to take pictures for my article. Some strange man jumped out of a truck and ran up to us. He insisted we give him the book.”