A Simmering Dilemma

by Tyora Moody

  That video from the coffee shop was also bothering me. Sondra fiercely confronted Briana in the coffee shop a week ago. Why? These were two adult women with almost ten years between them of never crossing paths. Was the altercation about Theo or was there still lingering blame for the loss of a childhood friend? Amos said people were suspicious that Briana had something to do with Yvette’s death.

  Now that Briana had returned, it almost felt like someone was getting back at her. Sure, I didn’t know her like Amos, but I had my doubts the child would knock someone in the head only to call her father over to see the body.

  I really didn’t want to burden Gladys with all the questions swirling around in my head, especially since the woman was grieving and recovering from a heart attack. But as Sondra’s mother, she had to be aware of the dynamic between Sondra, Yvette and Charlene.

  Did she really suspect Theo had something to do with Sondra’s death? It wasn’t really clear why, and when I talked to her a few days ago, even Gladys wasn’t sure why she went off on the man.

  When I walked into the hospital room, Pastor Jones was by Glady’s side. I was glad to see him offering support to a woman who a few years ago had left his flock for really petty reasons.

  They both turned to find me in the doorway. Whatever smile I may have had on my face slowly started to fade. My gut churned with dread, especially when I noticed the concern on Pastor Jones’ face. Had Gladys’s health gone downhill since I last saw her?

  Whatever way the woman was feeling, the fiery stare Gladys sent me spoke volumes. I recognized this Gladys from years ago. She’d always been a hell raiser, and her daughter inherited her mouthiness from her mother.

  I tentatively stepped into the room, “Good morning, Gladys.”

  Gladys continued to glare at me, slowly shaking her head as if she couldn’t believe I was standing in front of her. I glanced at Pastor Jones who looked from me to Gladys like he wasn’t sure whether to run or stand between us.

  “Gladys, remember what your doctor said,” he soothed.

  “I remember,” she snapped. “I also remember telling this woman I needed help finding my daughter who she already knew was dead.”

  My heart dropped clear down to my stomach. When I talked to Amos about this, something in the back of my mind told me I should have said something to Gladys. “Now wait a minute, I didn’t realize that it was Sondra …”

  “She was your student. How could you not remember her? I know. You wanted to make sure you protected that murderer.”

  Gladys was a grieving mother and if I were in her shoes I would want justice too. That means going after the person who appeared the most guilty. I stepped back, “I’m not protecting anyone. I really didn’t know it was Sondra. She looked … familiar to me.” I couldn’t tell this woman how I found her daughter, with those vacant eyes and the horrible gash on her head. “I encouraged you to tell the police. I know the detective on the case and I know how diligently she works to solve her cases. Besides, you stood out there the other day and accused Theo Nichols of doing Sondra harm. He was there at the house too.”

  Gladys shook her head vehemently, “He’s not the only one. That woman, what’s her name, Briana, she probably worked with him. They worked together to get rid of Sondra.”

  I shook my head, “No, I don’t believe that’s what happened.” I frowned, “What would be their reason?”

  Gladys wailed, “They wanted her out of the way. That’s why Sondra is dead. My stubborn daughter kept going after that man. She had two of his kids and he still didn’t want her. But I couldn’t tell her anything. She wouldn’t listen to me.”

  I closed my eyes, shaken by Gladys’s anger and grief. “I’m so sorry about Sondra. The police will discover the true story.”

  She sat up in bed, shaking her finger at me. “The story is you all are covering up something. You are just trying to protect your new husband’s daughter,” she spat out.

  I shook my head. “We want to know the truth as much as you do. Someone took your daughter’s life. I intend to find that person.”

  “Get out. We know who did it. Theo and that woman did it. Trying to pretend they’re innocent.”

  By this time Gladys’s anguish had made enough of a commotion that I watched as a nurse hurried into the room straight towards the vitals equipment. The full-figured nurse stared Pastor Jones and I both down, speaking firmly, “I think you both need to leave. Mrs. Howell is too distraught to have visitors at the moment. We can’t have her getting this upset. It’s not good for her heart.”

  Pastor Jones, who’d been standing helplessly by, urged me out of the room. I was too embarrassed to say anything to him so I found myself walking down the hall next to my pastor feeling like some scolded child. It wasn’t until we entered the elevator that Pastor Jones spoke, “Ms. Eugeena, Gladys is grieving. She didn’t mean some of what she said.”

  I nodded, “I know. She has a right to be upset, but she doesn’t have all the facts. The police don’t even have all the facts.”

  Pastor Jones said, “No, but they will.”

  Because I didn’t have a chance to ask, “What made her this upset? Did she see the video?”

  “The one from Sugar Creek Cafe?” He nodded, “Yes, she called me this morning. I was planning to visit her this afternoon, but she needed to talk to someone. Someone sent her the video.”

  I frowned, “Someone sent it to her? How?”

  Pastor Jones sighed. “Apparently by text. That’s pretty evil, upsetting a grieving mother like that. That was not how she needed to see her daughter.”

  “No, she didn’t.” Someone was purposely trying to lay the groundwork to build a case against Briana. No better ally in their corner than the mother of the slain woman.

  We walked through the lobby out of the hospital. I had a moment where I thought about touching base with my son, Cedric, who was an obstetrician at this same hospital where his father worked before he transitioned. His wife, Carmen, worked here as well. Let’s just say I was in need of some family at the moment.

  I was still shook by Gladys’s anger, knowing deep down I deserved it. But I really meant her no harm. Something occurred to me once outside in the hot sun. I held one hand over my face until I could dig my wraparound sunglasses out of my bag. Once my eyes were protected from the blazing sun, I asked, “Pastor, could Gladys tell who sent the text?”

  Pastor Jones shook his head. “Funny you asked that. I asked her that same question because I couldn’t fathom why someone would do that. She said she didn’t recognize the number.”

  The sun was beating down, and I should have been moving with a swiftness towards my vehicle where air condition awaited, but it was like my feet were glued to the sidewalk. I was grateful for my large goofy wraparound shades because I was close to a watershed moment. It wasn’t like me to get emotional. I wiped sweat from my forehead and then from the side of my face. I was fairly certain there were some tears mixed in with the sweat.

  Pastor Jones must have noticed my approaching meltdown moment, he encouraged, “I know this is all upsetting, Ms. Eugeena. Give all your burdens over to God and he will care for you. He will comfort Gladys. It will take some time for healing to begin. The truth will come out. In the meantime, I pray for peace for you and Amos.” He smiled, “You two are still newlyweds. This has to be a shock for both of you.”

  My pastor had no idea. Really up until now, Amos and I had no major arguments or fights between us. I was here to support him, but I could tell this was taking a toll on us.

  “Thank you, Pastor. We appreciate your support.”

  I watched as my pastor walked away before I started towards my car. It wasn’t that far, but I felt baked, from the heat and my encounter with Gladys. I blasted the air conditioner on high and practically pressed my face against the vent. Once I felt my body temperature cooling, I sent a text to Amos.

  I’m leaving the hospital. Gladys was really upset. She saw the video too. I hope you are able to
find Briana soon. Keep in touch!

  I waited.

  No reply.

  I was too upset to drive away from the hospital, so I called the person I knew could help reign in my emotions. Cora was technically my aunt, but being two years older than me, she was more like a sister. She picked up on the second ring, “Hey, Eugeena, we’ve been waiting for you to call us.”

  By we, I knew Cora was talking about her and my other living aunt, Esther. Esther was the oldest living relative I had and was taken care of by her younger sister. “I’m sorry I haven’t been over in a few weeks.”

  “Don’t worry, we know you have been enjoying being a newlywed.”

  I smirked, “Well, I was enjoying it.”

  “Oh no, I was afraid something was going on, especially when I talked to Leesa last night.”

  Leesa often got along better with Cora than me. “I’m not surprised Leesa talked to you.”

  “Yeah, she told me some of the things about Briana and this guy named Theo.”

  “That’s why I’m calling. This is getting out of hand. I just got blasted by the victim’s mom, Gladys Howell. Cora, I had this feeling in my gut when I talked to Gladys on Monday, but how can you tell somebody you suspect the dead body found next door could be their daughter?”

  “Sister, that’s a tough call. Nobody wants to be the bearer of bad news. I imagine it was better for her to hear that officially from the police.”

  “That’s what Amos said too.”

  “Well, don’t beat yourself up. The woman lost her daughter. Wasn’t she her only child too?”

  “Yes, and she really has it out for Briana who hasn’t been the most honest person in the world. Still, I don’t believe that child hurt anyone.”

  Cora agreed, “I only met Briana a few times and she seemed quiet, but you could tell she had some resentment towards Amos. Sounds like she’s had a hard life and misses her mom. Why do you think she’s not being honest?”

  “I believe the girl is carrying around a world of hurt and some mistrust. From what I gathered, this girl found in the shed was one of the same girls who bullied her in high school. In fact, it was a group, a trio of girls. One of them died before they all graduated. Briana got some blowback from the girl’s death since the girls had been fighting a few days before.”

  “What? Wow, Eugeena, that’s a lot.”

  “Yeah. Briana and I didn’t hit it off that well when we first met last Christmas, but I’ve been trying to make her feel at home. I have to admit sometimes she just annoys me because she doesn’t try on her end. But I feel for her now. I do want to help her.”

  “I know you do, Eugeena. Believe it or not she knows this too, even if she doesn’t show it. Just pray for her. You know how you had trouble with Leesa all those years ago. You two are closer than ever now. Briana just needs someone to be in her corner too. Sister, ain’t no better person to have in their corner than you. Does she even know that you are going out of your way to find the truth?”

  I smirked, “And how do you know this?”

  Cora laughed, “Eugeena, you ain’t fooling nobody. I’ve known you all your life. I also know since you found Mary a few years ago and hooked up with Amos, you got a thing for solving crime. Almost like you missed your calling.”

  “First of all, where do you get off saying I hooked up with Amos? That’s Leesa’s line.”

  “Well, you are married to the man now. You being the person who thought she’d never get married again.”

  I had to laugh at that myself. “I’m so glad I called you. I wasn’t doing too good and life is even more complicated now.”

  “Oh! What else is going on?” Cora asked.

  “You can’t tell a soul.”

  “Who am I going to tell? Okay, well, Esther is going to want to know all about this when she gets up from her nap. She’s been cross at not hearing from her niece.”

  I sighed, “Okay, just keep this between you two. We need all the prayers we can get because Briana left.”

  “Left? Left the house? The city? Not the state?”

  “Girl, I don’t know. Amos is trying to find her. I hope he can find her soon or the girl is going to look like she’s running away.”

  “Oh my! This is worse than I could have ever imagined, Eugeena. Why did the child run away? She’s a grown woman. Better for her to stand and prove she’s innocent.”

  “I think those past issues, on top of Sondra showing back up in her life, are probably making her run. I have a hunch about something that I need to investigate.”

  “Investigate? Now what are you up to, Eugeena. You are not nosing around in places you don’t need to be. Does Amos know about this hunch?”

  “Not yet. Besides, I told you he’s worried about his daughter and that’s all he needs to be concerned about right now.

  “Be careful, Eugeena. You aren’t even an official private detective.”

  “No, but I’m definitely going to get some answers.”

  “Well, be sure you are taking care of yourself, Eugeena. You check your sugar.”

  Always the nurse, despite being retired herself. “Thanks, I will do that and grab some food to eat.”

  “Alright now, stay hydrated, Ms. P.I.”

  I laughed and placed my phone on the car seat while I rummaged around in my bag. I wasn’t stopping anywhere for lunch, but I kept supplies on hand. Digging into a bag of almonds, I munched and drank some water feeling a lot more settled in my spirit. That’s what I needed. To talk to someone. We all need to have that someone.

  I checked my phone again. Amos still hadn’t responded to my text, and just like that I started to feel my spirits slipping again. Now I understood why Leesa complained when people didn’t return her texts. Although her complaints centered around the fact she didn’t get an instant response, I wasn’t concerned about Amos getting back to me quickly. But I was bothered that he hadn’t replied by now.

  I knew his mission today was to find Briana, but I hadn’t been privy to what Amos had been doing the past few days. Not that I was trying to keep tabs on the man. That wasn’t my thing at all. Still, I was curious why I’d seen him glued to his phone.

  Oh well! I still wanted to do something productive today, and this morning had been a complete bust. While there wasn’t anything wrong with my Camry, I was about to take a visit to a certain auto shop.

  I needed to dive more into these so-called friends of Sondra and Briana.

  Chapter 16

  When I pulled into the Nichols Brothers Auto Shop, it seemed vacant compared to the bustling atmosphere from only two days ago. I wasn’t sure if I should exit my vehicle or not until I caught movement inside. It appeared someone was probably looking back at me, wondering what I was doing in the parking lot.

  I didn’t leave them long to figure out. I climbed out of the car, once again questioning why I was running around in this hot weather. The humidity had my t-shirt stuck to my back by the time I approached the door.

  I frowned at the closed sign. It was a weekday and I knew they were supposed to be open since there was also another sign indicating their operating hours from 9 am to 6 pm. It was past the lunch hour by now, but the auto shop didn’t strike me as the type of business to close down. I pulled on the door anyway.

  Locked.

  I peered inside and then jumped back.

  Damion Nichols was looking back at me, his face a mixture of hostility and confusion.

  I smiled and waved at him, hoping he would take pity on an old woman.

  He relented and unlocked the door. “Can I help you, Ms. Patterson?”

  “Are you open today?”

  He glanced around the parking lot as if he was expecting a car load of people to arrive and break down the door. “Why don’t you come in out of the heat?”

  I was grateful. Damion might have had a bad rep, but somewhere along the way, he still remembered his manners.

  “How’s your brother doing?” Now I didn’t mean to ask that, but that’s ho
w my mouth worked. Words came flying out before I could stop them.

  He eyed me. “Why are you asking?”

  “I’m concerned. Briana is my stepdaughter, you know, and she’s having a hard time with all of this. I understand her and Theo were getting close since she’s been back in Charleston.”

  Damion sighed, “Yeah, they been hanging out. He’s doing as fine as he can, I guess. His lawyer is working to get him out of there. They can’t hold him much longer. He didn’t do anything to Sondra and they don’t have evidence. Plus, he doesn’t even know how she ended up at Briana’s house.”

  “Well, that’s good. You know Briana found Sondra. She also had no idea she was there at the house and from what I saw on a video, those two shouldn’t have crossed paths anyway. I mean why would Sondra show up at Briana’s house?”

  Damion shrugged, “Who knows. Sondra was crazy.”

  “Crazy?’

  He walked back behind the counter as though he needed to put distance between himself and me.

  “Theo and Sondra have not been a couple for a long time. They were on and off. Really, if Sondra never got pregnant with the kids, I doubt Theo would have had anything to do with her. I warned him to leave her alone. She would always do dumb stuff like not let him see his own kids and then claim he was a deadbeat dad. He takes care of his kids and makes sure Sondra gets a hefty check every month. I’m not trying to speak ill of the dead, but Sondra talked a lot of smack that wasn’t true at all. Then her Mama would come right behind her acting like Theo was the worst man ever. Even she wouldn’t allow him in the house to see his own kids.”

  Wow, I wasn’t expecting all that.

  “Sounds like Theo is getting a bad rap.”

  “Yeah, hopefully the cops will let him go soon.” He looked at me. “I hope Briana doesn’t get harassed by the cops. Sondra was known for starting stuff. Whatever went down, I’m sure it wasn’t Briana’s fault.”

  “No, it wasn’t. Which brings me to another question.”