Murder in South Carolina

by Agnes Alexander

  At Belk, Dolly bought ninety-three dollars’ worth of Lancôme makeup, at Victoria’s Secret she spent almost two hundred dollars on underwear and at Foxy Lady she paid four hundred and fifty dollars for a suit and the matching accessories.

  For lunch they decided to go to T-Bonz at Barefoot Landing and were seated at the window overlooking the inland waterway. While Dolly munched on a salad, Nola Dean had a hearty shrimp stir-fry.

  Much of their conversation centered on Walter and who had killed him, though neither could think of anyone who disliked the man enough to bump him off.

  “I thought I was the only one who didn’t like Walter,” Dolly said with a short laugh.

  “You don’t mean that.” Nola Dean glanced at her.

  “Oh, yes I do and I don’t. I’m tired of lying, Nola Dean. Everyone knew what a rotten marriage I had. I’m sorry Walter had to die in such a horrible way, but now that I’m beginning to get used to it, I can’t help feeling a little bit relieved to be free.”

  Nola Dean didn’t know what to say so she changed the subject. “I’m glad I didn’t get trapped in a marriage with Link.”

  “Now he’s one sexy guy. What happened to the two of you, anyway?”

  “I found out about a girl he was messing around with. At first I was upset because I thought I’d found someone I might could be happy with again. Now I think the breakup was the best thing that could have happened to me. I see him for the shallow, evil person he really is.”

  “I don’t think he’s so bad. He was nice to me at the funeral.” She looked at Nola Dean. “What did happen? It had to be more than him messing around with a girl, as you said. After all, you two weren’t married or anything.”

  “When I said girl, Dolly, I meant it. He was sleeping with a sixteen-year-old girl he met online.”

  “You’re kidding.” Dolly’s eyes were wide.

  “No, I’m not. I’m no prude, but I have no use for a child molester. Besides,” Nola Dean said, “Emily told me she thought he was after what little money I have. Now I think she may have been right.”

  “Well, even I wouldn’t want to be stuck with a man like that,” Dolly said. “At least your fling with him didn’t hurt the relationship with Emily.”

  “Nothing could ever destroy the closeness my daughter and I have.”

  Dolly sighed. “Sometimes I wish I had a child. Walter never wanted children and to be perfectly honest, I guess I didn’t either.”

  “It’s not too late. You may have children yet.”

  Dolly laughed. “I doubt that, but who knows what the future will bring?” She eyed her friend. “Is there any other man in your life?”

  “No.” Nola Dean glanced away when a picture of Joe Randell crossed her mind. Shocked at her own thought she quickly added, “I’m perfectly content with Maxie and Bubbles at the moment.”

  “I want to meet someone someday. I don’t like being by myself.”

  “I wouldn’t rush into anything, Dolly. Right now your emotions are in no condition to take on another man.”

  “I know, but I’ll want to be with someone again.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with that.” Nola Dean smiled at her. “I have to admit that if I met the right man, I could fall in love again.”

  “What about Rex Collier for you? He was sure attentive to you at Walter’s funeral.”

  “Rex is a married man, Dolly.”

  “I know, but there’s such a thing as divorce you know.”

  “I have no intention of getting mixed up with a married man. I’m not that stupid.”

  “Well, I’m sure there’s someone for you. At thirty-seven we’re still young.”

  “Maybe, but I’m in no hurry.”

  They finished their meal and Dolly insisted on getting the check. When Nola Dean protested she said, “Don’t be silly. Walter left me scads of money. Let me enjoy spending some of it.”

  “Thank you. Next time it will be my treat.”

  They started to stand when a man walked up to their table. “I thought that was you, Nola Dean. I came over to say hello.”

  “Hello, Shane,” she said. Nola Dean couldn’t help noticing how handsome Shane Norrick was, and he’d aged very little since the last time she’d seen him. She knew most women wanted to swoon when they looked at him. She wondered why his good looks had never affected her.

  He smiled his charming smile. “It’s been a long time. Are you down to your condo for the week?”

  Dolly butted in. “Oh, no. She’s going to stay longer this time.” She smiled at the dancing gray eyes. “I’m Dolly Overton, by the way.”

  “I’m sorry,” Nola Dean said. “Dolly this is Shane Norrick. He’s in real estate, and we’ve had some deals together.”

  “Delighted to meet you, Dolly.” He took her hand and flashed his perfect teeth at her.

  “Likewise, I’m sure.” Dolly smiled back.

  After a few minutes of small talk, Shane said. “I won’t hold you ladies up. I’m delighted to see you again, Nola Dean.”

  “It’s good to see you, too, Shane.”

  He nodded at Dolly and walked away.

  “Be still my heart,” Dolly said fanning herself with her hand.

  Nola Dean couldn’t help chuckling. “He is quiet a charmer.”

  “How do you know him?”

  “He sold Marcus and me the condo and since then, we’ve had a few real estate referrals between us. We’ve gone out to dinner a few times.”

  “Oh, you lucky girl. He’s even better looking than Link.” She shook her head. “I sure wish I had your luck with good-looking men.”

  Nola Dean ignored the remark. “Do you think we should go?”

  After looking around in the shops at Barefoot Landing for a couple of hours, they mutually agreed it was time to call an end to their shopping day.

  It was almost four o’clock and Nola Dean decided to get groceries before going home. She wheeled her car into the Food Lion parking lot.

  Her grocery cart was almost full and she was struggling with a large bag of Meow Mix when a man’s mellow voice said, “No wonder your cat is so big.”

  “He does manage to eat one of these bags in a short period of time, believe it or not.” She smiled and added, “Hello, Officer Randell.”

  “Let me help you.” He bent and put the bag on the rack under her grocery cart. “May I ask, how do you expect to get this up to your condo?”

  “It won’t be easy, but the larger bag is a much better buy and I’ve always been lured by a good buy.”

  “I understand that.” He eyed the groceries in the cart. “You’re going to have to make several trips into your condo, you know.”

  “I know. I should buy less, but sometimes I just want to get the groceries bought and over with. That way I don’t have to come to the store so often.” She began loading in cans of cat food. “My pantry is almost empty.”

  “It won’t be after this.”

  “I guess you’re right.” She eyed Joe. “How’s the investigation going?”

  “Slow.”

  “I’ve talked with Olive Brunson on the beach a few times. She’s the lady who found Walter’s body. She lives at the point.”

  “Yes. I met Ms. Brunson the day the body was discovered. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to help us very much.”

  Nola Dean finished gathering cans of cat food and slowly moved her cart down the aisle. “She did tell me she wasn’t sure now that she hadn’t met Walter before.”

  Joe followed her. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s not sure what it is, but she says there’s something about the picture of him in the paper the other day that rings a bell with her. She promised to call you when she remembers what it is.”

  “Maybe I should talk with her again.”

  “So, you don’t have any real answers yet?” Nola Dean cocked her head to the side and looked at him.

  “We have a few things we’re working on. Nothing solid.”

  “That�
��s too bad. I wish you could solve it quickly and everyone could put the matter behind them.”

  “Has your friend had any more threatening calls?” Joe asked.

  “Not that I’m aware of. Maybe it was only a prank call.”

  “Let’s hope so.”

  They finished the round of the aisles and headed for the checkout stands. Joe was able to go through an express lane so Nola Dean told him goodbye and stood patiently behind a woman who had almost as many groceries as she did.

  Twenty minutes later, she exited the store pushing the bagged groceries. Joe was waiting for her.

  “I thought you were gone.” Nola Dean was surprised to see him.

  “I decided to take pity on you and help you get all these groceries home. I don’t want you running up and down the elevator at midnight trying to get them all in.”

  “That’s sweet, but you don’t have to do that.”

  “I know I don’t, but I have an ulterior motive.”

  She unlocked her trunk, and he began putting the bags inside. “And what is your motive, Officer?” she asked.

  “I saw some good-looking groceries in your cart. It looked much more inviting than the bologna and cheese sandwich I planned to eat. I’m haggling for an invite to dinner.”

  Nola Dean laughed. “If you carry all this inside for me, I’m sure I can come up with something. Maybe I’ll make you a ham and cheese sandwich.”

  “That’s a step up.” He smiled. “And I won’t have to eat alone.”

  She watched him for a minute and said. “How do you like spaghetti?”

  “Love it.”

  “Good. I made some fantastic sauce this morning. I think that’s what I’ll feed you.”

  “And since you have the makings, I can mix you up a salad that will look like it came from the food network.” He slammed the trunk. “I’ll meet you at your condo.”

  Nola Dean could have sworn that he winked at her as he turned and walked to his car.

  * * * *

  On Friday night the club was full of golfers and Denise was busy waiting tables between her dances. It was almost ten o’clock when she saw him. He was sitting with a group of men at one of the oblong tables. Everyone was ordering a different drink and she was trying to get it all written down. She probably wouldn’t have noticed him at all if he hadn’t kept staring at her.

  “Scotch,” he said in a smooth and enticing voice.

  She looked at him and for an instant their eyes locked. She looked away and wondered if he knew she’d recognized him. How could he, she reasoned. He didn’t know she’d seen him with Arthur the few times he’d been in here. She was worrying for nothing.

  She placed the order and went to the pay phone in the hall to call Randell, but someone was using it. She’d decided she’d call later.

  Her drink order came up and she carried it back to the table. This time she was careful to avoid the eyes of the velvet voiced man. She knew he was looking intently at her, but he said nothing. He threw a tip on the tray when she served his drink.

  She waited another table and then went to the phone again. The man was still talking. The call would have to wait until she completed her next dance. It was time to go back and put on the G-string she wore to perform.

  The dance went well. Men were grabbing and being pushed back by the bouncers. Money was tossed at her feet. Denise was in another world when she danced. She pretended she was a famous star and was performing in New York or Las Vegas or even London.

  The music ended. She picked up the money and her discarded clothes and headed backstage. The house was fuller than it was earlier, and she knew there were people to be served, and serving meant more tips. Some day she would have enough money to move away from this life and maybe go to New York and become a legitimate dancer.

  Coming out of the dressing room in her serving uniform, she saw the phone in the hallway finally vacant. She picked it up and dialed the number she’d memorized because she knew she’d not have the card handy.

  When the phone was answered she said, “I need to talk to Joe Randell.”

  “He’s not on duty now, Ma’am.”

  “He told me to call him when I saw the man who met with Arthur Brown at the club. He said I could call day or night.”

  The officer on the other end of the line seemed to be more interested when she mentioned Arthur. “I can get a message to Detective Randell right away if it’s important.”

  “That will have to do.” Flipping her long blond hair out of her face because she’d forgotten to put on the head band she wore when she served, she said. “Tell him the man who met with Arthur is at the club tonight. He’ll know what I’m talking about.”

  “Could I tell him who’s calling?”

  “He’ll know that too.”

  She hung up the phone and turned toward the dressing room as the door to the men’s bathroom closed. She hadn’t seen anyone go in there and wondered if someone was listening to her conversation.

  “Hey, Denise. Stop dilly-dallying and get your ass in here. We’re covered up.” Pepper came into the hall and snapped at her. “You dancers think you’re such big stars. I wish I didn’t have to put up with you doing both jobs.”

  “I’ll be right there Pepper. I left my head band in the dressing room.”

  Denise didn’t notice anyone following her into the dressing room, but as soon as she bent to pick up the headband she knew she wasn’t alone. She opened her mouth to call Pepper for help, but she didn’t have time to get the words out. A hand covered her mouth. She tried to struggle. It was no use. He pulled her backward down the dimly lit hall and out the back door of the club.

  Chapter 15

  Nola Dean watched in horror as the Saturday morning news carried the story. The body of a stripper had been found in the dumpster behind the club where she had performed earlier in the night. She was known as a girlfriend of recent murder victim, Arthur Brown.

  The telephone rang before the story was over.

  “Yes,” she said.

  “Nola Dean, it’s Dolly. Turn on your TV. There’s a story about Arthur Brown’s girlfriend.”

  “I know; I’m watching it.”

  “Isn’t it awful? I’m getting scared.”

  “I don’t think you have anything to be scared of, Dolly.” Nola Dean couldn’t help remembering the menacing voice of the man who asked Dolly to return his property. “Do you?”

  “I don’t know.” Her voice was shaking. “Somebody did try to run me off the road. And you said I got a call.”

  “Has he called again?”

  “No.”

  “Then maybe it was a prank.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Try to think, Dolly. Do you have anything that belongs to somebody else?”

  “A book or two maybe, but nothing of value.”

  “What about Walter? Could he have had something?”

  “If he did, I haven’t seen it. I’ve gone through most of his things now. There’s nothing that didn’t belong to him.”

  “Maybe it was money. Have you found any?”

  “A little. He had it stuffed in a sock. Can you believe that? In a sock.”

  “How much was it?”

  “I thought it was a lot but it turned out to be only three hundred and twenty dollars. It was in tens and twenties.”

  “Well, all I can tell you is if you find something you think belongs to someone else, call the police.”

  “I will.” She paused. “Maybe I should call them anyway and see if they’ve found the car that ran me off the road.”

  “That might not be a bad idea.”

  “I could call that policeman who told you about Walter. The good-looking one. What was his name?”

  “Joe Randell, but I think he’s busy on this new murder case. The television mentioned his name.”

  “Nola Dean, do you think you could come see me today? Maybe spend the night with me. It would make me feel much better.”

  Nola Dean started to
say yes, but changed her mind. “I think you’ll be fine, Dolly. It’s hard for me to leave the animals. Maxie has to be walked or he might mess in the house. You’re welcome to come here.”

  “I wish you’d get rid of your animals. They tie you down so.”

  For an instant Nola Dean was angry, but she remembered how self-absorbed Dolly was. “I’ll never do that. My pets are very important to me. You should get one and see how much you’d love it.”

  “There’s not a house in America big enough for me and any animal. I know that sounds selfish, but it’s the way I feel.” When Nola Dean didn’t comment she added, “Well, I’ll let you go. I may call later just to keep in touch with somebody.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll be here.”

  Nola Dean had no more than hung up the phone when it rang again.

  “Hello,” she said a little sharply.

  “Nola Dean?” a male voice said.

  “Yes.” She wasn’t sure who her caller was.

  “It’s Rex Collier. I’m at the beach for the weekend, and I thought I’d check on you.”

  “Hello, Rex. How are you?”

  “I’m fine. And you?”

  “Great.”

  “That’s good. Have you spoken with Dolly since the funeral?”

  “Yes. As a matter of fact, I talked with her a few minutes ago. She’s doing as well as one can expect.”

  “That’s what I thought and that’s one reason I called you. I want to bribe you with dinner so you’d go with me to call on her. I don’t do well alone in these situations, but I feel obligated to go.”

  “I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

  “I appreciate the confidence you have in me, but it isn’t well founded.” He took a deep breath. “I know you and Dolly are friends, but I don’t know what to say to the woman when there is no one there as a buffer.”

  Nola Dean laughed. “All right, Rex. I’ll go with you to see Dolly, but dinner really isn’t necessary.”

  “Please. I hate eating alone and I’m sure you must feel the same sometimes.”