For the next hour and a half, she let Sean show her his place of business. She was impressed with all the gadgets and the number of people working for him. She guessed that he was truly a young man on the rise. She adjusted the collar of her blouse several times and was pleased to catch him frequently enjoying the sight of the upper swells of her breasts. She “accidentally” pressed her breasts against him twice. There was no indication of an erection, but then, he was wearing baggy pants. She excused herself just before four after succeeding in getting him to agree to share a home cooked meal with her at seven.
Without an appointment, she found herself sitting in the waiting room of the clinic until nearly five. When at last she sat in Mary Lou's office, the doctor smiled at her and said, “Al came in this afternoon and told me you have changed your mind about having an abortion. I know it must have been a difficult decision. I've already called the Nickels. They are so elated they can hardly stand it. They, of course, will pay all of your medical expenses."
“That's good,” Penny said expressionlessly, “but I want some money out of you also."
“I don't understand,” May Lou responded.
“You knew Amos Stone a hell of a lot better than I did, at least until after he died and I found some interesting entries in his journal and some very graphic videotapes. Let's see, now,” she said with one finger touching her chin as if she were trying to recall something. “One of those tapes features a pony and a very clear close-up of a woman's lips on the pony's red dick."
Chapter Twenty-two
Jo carefully cut a small bite from the southern fried chicken breast and, before tasting it, said, “Mother Nickels, I may have to change my mind about wanting you to move in with Randy and me."
“Whatever do you mean, child?” the elder Mrs. Nickels asked. She picked up a golden brown chicken leg and ripped off a large chunk with her teeth."
Jo chuckled. “I can't keep up with you."
“I do believe this Dot Diner's fried chicken is almost as good as my own,” Mrs. Nickels said, smacking her lips and preparing for another bite. “But Jo, dear, you obviously don't know how to eat southern fried chicken. I don't care what the etiquette books say, it doesn't taste nearly as good if you use utensils other than your fingers."
“Thank you Mother Nickels.” Jo laughed. “I was trying to make a good impression. If your chicken is better that Dot's, I want to try it before you return to Maryland."
“Trying to get rid of me, are you?"
Jo smiled. “No, but I swear you have run my legs off today. We've been in every store in Dot, but that wasn't enough for you. You wanted to check out the new recreation complex too. Not only did you talk the man into letting us borrow a golf cart, but you also insisted on touring all three of the courses."
“Honey, playing golf used to be my life. These new courses are beautiful. I'll bet with a little practice I could still break 90 on any one of them."
“I won't argue with that,” Jo laughed. “You beat me three straight games of shuffleboard."
“The homes they have built around the courses are fabulous. I would love to live in either of the two we looked at."
“They have fabulous price tags, too."
“$500,000 is a very reasonable price for those homes, Jo. I think you and Randy should buy one of them."
“Buying a house is not a priority, right now,” Jo said. “And we certainly wouldn't pay that kind of money."
“Jo,” Randy's mother said, lowering her voice. “There must be something going on."
Jo looked in the direction of Mrs. Nickel's focus. Two men, dressed in cheap suits, seemed to be going from table to table. “Beats me, Mother Nickels,” Jo said with a shrug of her shoulders.
“Jo, I wish you would call me Leora or Mom. ‘Mother Nickels’ makes me feel older than I am."
“Sorry, Leora."
“I know you love your house, Jo, but you and Randy are going to have to move before long anyway and I think you should do it before you get the baby."
“Now, Leora. Randy and I both have asked you not to get your hopes up about the baby. We've been disappointed too many times to get overly excited."
“I know, dear. But didn't the lawyer tell you it was a done deal?"
“Something like that, but no papers have been signed. My guess is that when Penny Swanson holds her baby in her arms for the first time, she will change her mind about giving it up for adoption."
Leora sighed. “Never give up your dreams, Jo. When one quits dreaming, one dies even if the heart continues to beat."
“Why do you say we are going to have to move before long?"
“That nice black man we talked to at the last house we looked at told me that Dollar Enterprises was also building a moderately priced housing complex. He said they have completed two homes in the $100,000 range and have seven more under construction. He showed me a plot map. That complex includes your present home."
“The guy's name is Carl Elliott. He's the contractor for Dollar Enterprises. Randy told me that one day Tim Dollar would build on the property we are renting, but I don't think even he knew the project was already underway."
“Excuse me, ladies,” interrupted the older of the two mysterious men moving from table to table. The unbuttoned jacket of his inexpensive brown business suit provided Jo a glimpse of a holstered handgun. “My name is Detective Borders of the Mecklenburg Sheriff's Department.” The detective folded up his badge case, placed it in his coat pocket and produced a small, black and white photograph. “Do either of you recognize this man?"
“I'm sorry, detective,” Leora said. “I'm a visitor in Dot from Maryland."
Borders placed the photo on the table in front of Jo. “And you, ma'am?"
“He looks a little like the new nurse practitioner working at the clinic. I don't recall his name, but I'm sure you can get that information from Dr. McGee."
“Yes, ma'am. You're right. His name is Alfred Young, sometimes known as Al, sometimes as Spud. Have you had any dealings with Mr. Young? Anything at all?"
“No, I haven't,” Jo said.
“Is he in some sort of trouble?” Leora asked.
“He's in trouble, all right,” the detective said wearily. “Some boaters found his body floating in Lake Norman last night."
Jo's eyebrows lifted when Leora clapped her hands in glee. “Oh, boy. A murder mystery."
The detective snapped his head towards Leora. “I didn't say he was murdered."
“I just assumed ... I'm an old lady who has read too many mystery novels,” she apologized. “But this is as close to a real life murder mystery as I've ever been. If there's anything I can do to help, I'd be delighted. My name is Leora Nickels. I'm staying with my son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Jo Nickels."
“Thank you, ma'am,” the detective said automatically as he picked up the photograph.
“Shouldn't you write it down?” Leora asked.
“Write what down?"
“My name and where I may be reached."
“I'll remember,” he said.
“I'd feel better about it if you wrote it down."
Borders looked at the elder Mrs. Nickels for a moment, smiled and pulled out his notepad.
“That's N-i-c-k-e-l-s,” Leora said. “Not N-i-c-h-o-l-s."
“Yes, ma'am."
“And may I assume I was correct in guessing that Mr. Young was murdered?"
The detective smiled again. He put away his notepad, leaned over, and spoke conspiratorially. “As the old joke goes, if it wasn't murder, it was the most ingenious case of suicide I've ever seen. His hands were bound with piano wire behind his naked body and the entrance of the single bullet hole was at the back of his head."
“Oh, my,” Leora gasped. “Sounds like a gangland execution to me."
“Yes, ma'am,” he said with a smile, “but don't say anything about that in public just yet. I'll get in touch with you if I come up with any clues you can help me with."
“And I'll
do the same,” she said very seriously. “Do you have a card?"
“I appreciate your interest,” he said, handing her his business card. He turned and winked at Jo and moved on to the next booth.
“Isn't this exciting?” Leora asked.
“Leora,” Jo replied. “He was putting you on."
“Of course he was,” Leora smiled, “but I'm going to surprise him. I'm going to solve this case."
As they paid their bill, Leora asked Dottie Frank if she knew Al Young. “Not really,” Dottie replied. “The only person I remember seeing him with was that poor girl, Amos Stone's niece. He ate lunch with her two or three times."
As they left the diner Leora asked, “Do you know this niece of Amos Stone's?"
“Sort of,” Jo grinned. “Her name is Penny Swanson."
“That's the name of the mother of your baby, isn't it?"
Jo nodded. They walked to their parked car in silence.
“Jo,” Leora said. “I've thoroughly enjoyed this day. Please don't let my fascination with murder mysteries ruin it."
“Of course not, Leora,” Jo smiled. “I am just all talked out. Frankly, I'm exhausted."
“Will you do me one more favor?"
“Of course."
“Let's look at the less expensive houses Dollar Enterprises have for sale. If I remember the map correctly, they're just a short distance down the road from your house."
Jo sighed and then smiled. “Okay, but you may have to carry me."
The completed homes were on one-acre sites next to each other. They were both two story, eight room homes with two and a half baths and an unfinished basement. Leora especially liked the one with a fireplace in the den and suggested adding two studies, complete with pine slab walls, in the basement.
“Jo,” Randy's mother asked as they finally headed the car for home. “Do you really want me to move in with you?"
“You know I do."
“Do you think you could teach me to use a computer?"
“What?"
“Don't look so amazed. I know how to type. I might want to be a writer too. Agatha Christie made a fortune out of writing murder mysteries."
“That she did,” Jo agreed. “Sure, I can teach you."
“Then I will stay with you on three conditions. The home can ship the rest of my stuff. I don't even need to go back to Maryland."
Jo reached out her right hand and squeezed her mother-in-law's arm. “Do you mean it, Leora? That's wonderful news! What are the conditions?"
“First, you and Randy must let me buy a car."
“Uh-oh,” Jo said. “With your condition Randy is going to have a problem with that one, but I will drive you anyplace you want to go in our new Toyota."
“That won't do. Sometimes I like to strike out on my own. Besides, I refuse to be a burden to you, and, as you said, you have a hard time keeping up with me. I can sense when my attacks are coming on. If I am driving when my head starts acting up, I will pull over until the danger passes."
“I can't speak for Randy,” Jo hedged. “What are your other conditions?"
“That you teach me to use a computer and that you buy the little house we just looked at."
“Mother Nickels—Leora—we are not in the market for a house right now. With the baby coming and the healthcare expenses we have agreed to pay to the mother, we just can't afford a house."
“Maybe not, but I can."
“Leora, he shouldn't have done it, but Randy told me about your financial situation. You can't afford it either."
“Randy's knowledge of my finances it limited to what I have allowed him to know. The fact is, I have a sizable investment through AARP that he knows nothing about. I can afford it. It would be a good investment since I will be living there with you and besides, I haven't given you kids a wedding present yet."
Jo parked behind the pickup truck in front of her house.
“Looks like you have a visitor sitting on the porch,” Leora said.
Jo nodded. “That's Penny Swanson. I guess she wants to talk about the baby."
Penny slid out of the porch rocker as the two Mrs. Nickels approached. She embraced Jo. “I've ... I've come to talk about the baby."
“I intended to come to see you tomorrow,” Jo answered. “This is Randy's mother, Leora Nickels."
“Pleased to meet you,” Penny said politely as Jo ushered her inside.
“Go on in the kitchen, Penny. This woman,” she said as she smiled at Leora, “has kept me out for nearly six hours. I have to take a potty break, but then I'll put on a pot of coffee and we'll have a good talk. Randy and I are so excited it's hard to describe."
“I'll take care of the coffee,” Leora said. “You go on and pee.” She motioned to Penny. “The kitchen's this way."
“So tell me, Penny,” Leora said as she filled the pot with water. “How did you get into this mess?"
“That's ... that's personal, Mrs. Nickels."
“Yes, it is, but it's also important. Randy and Jo want a baby so badly they can't think straight. Not once have they inquired about the baby's father.” She measured the coffee into the filter and placed it in the coffeemaker.
“I'd rather not say,” Penny said, dropping her head.
“That's rather noble, young lady—protecting the father's reputation and all. However, I have considerable influence with my son, and I think my new daughter-in-law will listen to me also. I can see that you are a healthy specimen, but I need to know something about the father too. Specifically, I want to know if you're fucking that retarded boy who lives with you?"
The “f” word, coming from the dignified older woman, caught Penny by surprise. “Of course not,” she said. “I ... please, Mrs. Nickels. I am so ashamed. If I tell you who the father is will you promise to keep it just between the two of us?"
“I will try. I may have to tell Jo and Randy."
Penny nodded. “It was my uncle Amos. He ... he required me to have sex with him. He always used a condom, but those things are not one hundred percent effective."
“Incest!” Leora said. “There are sometimes unfortunate consequences when the union of related couples produce offspring. I'll have to check this out with Dr. Wood."
Penny nodded.
“Where were your parents during all of this?"
“They won't have anything to do with me. I got into some trouble while I was in high school down in Florida and they kicked me out. That's why I had to come live with Uncle Amos."
“What about Uncle Amos?” Jo asked as she entered the kitchen and began to pour mugs of the freshly brewed coffee.
“Just girl talk,” Leora said.
Jo delivered the coffee and joined the other two women at the kitchen table. “Penny, I know it was a difficult decision for you to make. I promise you that Randy and I will take good care of your baby."
“And he or she will be spoiled rotten,” Leora laughed. “If Randy and Jo don't do it, grandma will."
The two Mrs. Nickels watched as Penny spooned sugar into her cup and stirred the mixture. “I'm not sure there's going to be a baby,” Penny said softly. “At first I wanted to have an abortion, but then Al told me how badly you wanted a baby, Jo, and that you would pay all the medical expenses."
Jo nodded but said nothing.
“Now that I've thought about it, I'm not so sure. Uncle Amos left me the farm and greenhouses, but not much more. Working those greenhouses is hard work. Of course, I have Billy to help me, but I have to put in long hours too."
“Excuse me,” Leora interrupted. “Billy is the retarded boy who lives with you?"
Penny shot the elderly lady a dirty look. “Yes. He's a good guy, strong and works hard, but as you said, he's not too bright. I have to work along side of him to keep him from destroying the plants. As my pregnancy progresses I'm not going to be able to do all that hard work. I don't know where the money is coming from for Billy and me to live on even though you are paying the medical bills."
“Are Billy's
parents dead?” Jo asked.
“His father is. His mom works as a maid, cleaning people's houses. She barely makes enough to keep her head above water. She can't help us. I've about decided to go ahead with the abortion."
“No!” Jo cried out.
Leora held up her hand to silence Jo. “You say you've about decided. That sounds to me as if you have an alternative plan in mind."
“Well, Mrs. Nickels, if I can come up with enough money to live on, I wouldn't need to have the abortion."
“I see,” Leora said.
At almost the same time Jo offered, “I'm sure Randy and I can help out. How much do you think you will need?"
“This is going to sound terrible,” Penny answered. “It also seems to me that if I am going to carry this thing in my belly for nine months, put up with the inconvenience, the morning sickness and the pain of childbirth, I ought to get something more than payment of medical bills and living expenses out of it."
“How much?” Leora asked dryly.
“I know it sounds like a lot, but all things considered, I was thinking of fifty thousand dollars."
“It does sound like a lot because it is a lot,” Leora said, looking deeply into Penny's eyes.
“Don't do anything rash,” Jo pleaded. “Let me talk with Randy. We'll work something out, Penny."
“I just feel terrible, talking to you like this,” Penny said. The tears she was trying to produce would not appear. “It doesn't seem right putting a price tag on a human life, but I don't see that I have any other choice."
Leora thought, I'll bet you feel terrible. She silently watched as Jo reached for Penny's hand.
“How well did you know Alfred Young?” Leora asked. “He's been murdered, you know."
“Mother Nickels!” Jo exclaimed.
“Don't Mother Nickels me, Jo. Being in on the beginning of a murder investigation is the most exciting thing to happen in my life in a long, long time. Did you know Alfred well?"
Sintown Chronicles I: Behind Closed Doors Page 70
