Murder in South Carolina

by Agnes Alexander

  “I mean, describe him. Is he tall, fat, bald or what?”

  Nola Dean laughed. “Tall is the only thing you got right. He has nice dark hair with a little gray and he has a nice build. I assume he works out.

  “Is that all?”

  “Well,” Nola Dean hesitated. “He has beautiful dark eyes and a dreamy smile.”

  “Oh? Dreamy, huh?” Emily giggled. “Where has this dreamy guy taken you?”

  “To the movies, out to eat, bowling and things like that.”

  “Sounds like a courtship to me.”

  “Don’t be silly, Emily. We enjoy doing things together. Mainly we talk about the murder.”

  “At least he seems to be a better catch than Link.”

  “You’ve got that right, though I’m not trying to catch anyone.”

  There was a pause then Emily said, “You’re not doing anything dangerous, are you, Mom?”

  “Of course not. I’m poking around asking some questions.” She laughed. “In fact when I find the answers, Joe’s already ahead of me.”

  “You be careful, Mom.”

  “I will. You know what a big chicken I am.”

  “Just see that detective socially and let him handle the investigating.”

  “Look who’s giving dating advice.”

  “Sounds like you might need it.” Emily laughed. “I’d better hang up. I’ve got to look over some notes for a pop quiz which has been announced.”

  “I bet you like professors who warn you when tests are coming up.”

  “Oh, yes.” She took a deep breath. “I’ll call you later, Mom.”

  “Thanks for calling back today and again, I’m sorry I wasn’t here last night.”

  “Don’t be silly. You can’t sit there and wait for me to call.”

  “I know, but I hate it when I miss hearing from you. I love you, you know.”

  “I love you, too. And you keep going on those dates. They’re good for you. Talk to you later.”

  The line went dead before Nola Dean could say goodbye. She turned into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator and took out the bacon. She’d make herself some breakfast before she called to check on Dolly.

  * * * *

  “I got it,” Joe motioned for Bett to stop dialing numbers to pet shops. “I see.” He said into the receiver. “Could he identify the man who bought the snake? Thank you...” Joe put his hand over the receiver. “A snake was purchased there a couple of days ago. They’re calling the guy to the phone who sold it,” he said to Bett.

  She nodded and hung up the receiver she was holding.

  “This is Rodney,” a voice said over the phone.

  “Hello, Rodney. This is Detective Joe Randell. I want to talk to you about the snake you sold.”

  From Joe’s end of the conversation, Bett knew they weren’t going to learn much about the person who bought the snake.

  When he put down the phone, Joe confirmed this. “The kid was working alone during lunch hour and a man came in and bought the snake. He had a beard. That was the only thing the clerk could remember about him. He paid cash for the snake and no record was kept of the buyer’s address or anything. The kid had never seen him in the store before.”

  “Damn,” Bett said. “I hoped we’d get a real lead on that.”

  “Me, too.” Joe handed her a folder. “See what you make of this. It’s the fingerprint results from Dolly Overton’s house.”

  Bett looked at the folder Joe handed her. “I don’t understand,” she said.

  “Neither do I, but I think we need to talk to Mr. Norrick.”

  “I know he has the Overton house for sale. Maybe that explains it.” She looked at him with a question in her eyes.

  “It explains part of it. The front rooms, some of the closet and cabinet doors and maybe some of the strange places in the bedroom, but not some of the other areas. There’s no possible reason for fingerprints to be there unless he was searching for something.”

  “I guess you’re right,” she continued looking at the list. “It’s hard to explain the walls of the master closet, the walls in the storage room in the garage, the baseboards in the living room, and of all places, the underside of the dining room table.”

  “As I said, I think we should question him.” He glanced at her. “Do you want me to get someone else to go with me?”

  “Of course not.” She whirled around. “He’s my realtor, but I’m still a police officer. I can do my job.”

  Joe ignored the sharpness in her voice. “Then let’s go find Mr. Shane Norrick.”

  * * * *

  It was almost lunch when Nola Dean picked Dolly up at Megan’s place. They had settled in the car when Nola Dean asked, “Do you want me to take you back to your house to get your car?”

  Dolly said, “No, I’m not going back there without a man to protect me. Let’s go to the bank. I need to get a check cashed.”

  “Which bank?”

  “I want to go to my bank in Garden City.”

  Nola Dean frowned. “Why can’t we go to a branch here in Myrtle Beach. It’s a long drive to Garden City.”

  “Please, Nola Dean. They know me there.”

  “That doesn’t matter. I live in Greenville, but I don’t have any problem cashing a check at a branch of my bank here. I’m sure you won’t either.”

  “I want to go to my own bank.”

  Nola Dean didn’t argue. She didn’t want to listen to Dolly’s unreasonable explanations of why going to her bank was so important.

  “I appreciate this.”

  Nola Dean ignored her and asked, “How did you sleep last night?”

  “Not worth a damn. I saw snakes all night.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “When’s it going to end, Nola Dean?”

  “I don’t know. My guess would be whenever the killer is satisfied you don’t have what belongs to him.”

  “I’ve told you before, if I knew what he was after, I’d give it to him.”

  “Maybe it’s some artifact you haven’t noticed in the house. Did Walter bring home any trinkets or anything?”

  “Not to my knowledge. I’d probably throw them out if he did. He had terrible taste in decorating.”

  She shot Dolly a glance. “Have you thrown something out?”

  Dolly shook her head. “I don’t think so. Wait...there was this awful little gold and black vase he brought home. He said it was some kind of antique. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t throw it out.”

  “Do you still have it?”

  “No. I sent it to the office. It’s probably still there unless Megan got rid of it. I haven’t asked.”

  Nola Dean made a mental note to mention the vase to Joe.

  * * * *

  “I know you visited Officer Willis last night, Mr. Norrick. What time did you arrive at her apartment?” Joe looked at the nervous man before him. He and Bett had decided he’d do the questioning.

  “It was around six or seven, wasn’t it Bett?” His dark eyes were worried and he kept looking at her. “I brought her a plant.”

  She simply nodded.

  “And before you went to her house, where were you?”

  “I came by the office and made a few calls.”

  “But the office was closed.”

  “I know. I like it that way. I don’t have to worry about anyone stealing my clients and I can get a lot more work done when I’m alone.”

  “Who did you call?”

  “Let me get my book.” He pulled a drawer open in the desk and took it out. “A real estate salesman lives by his appointment book,” he said.

  Neither Joe nor Bett answered him.

  “I called Mrs. Nathan Riley. She has some land that she’s thinking of selling not far from the Greek Church on seventeen. I wanted to see if she was ready to let it go.”

  “Was she?”

  “I don’t know. She wasn’t home.”

  “Did you leave a message?”

  “No. There wasn’t a machine.”
He looked at the other notes in his book. “I also called Dave Saunders. He’s interested in a condo at Sea Cloisters. I recently listed one there and I wanted to tell him about it.”

  “Did you get him?”

  “Yes. I have an appointment to show him the place on Saturday.”

  “Anyone else?”

  “No. Once I make an appointment, I quit calling for the day. I did some paperwork then left and ate a sandwich before going to Bett’s.”

  “Where did you get your sandwich?”

  He looked perturbed. “I’m sorry, Detective Randell, but why all these questions? Am I suspected of something?”

  “Until we find out who has been harassing Mrs. Overton, everyone who has been in contact with her is a suspect.”

  Shane sighed. “I went to the deli at Boulinoues and had a sandwich made. I don’t like fast food. I sat at one of the tables in the eating area and read the paper.”

  “Someone kept paging you at my house, Shane. Who was it?” Bett spoke for the first time.

  He looked startled that she had joined the questioning. “It was Dolly Overton. She calls me a lot and I didn’t want to return her call at that time.”

  “When did you call her back,” Joe asked.

  “I called her this morning, but I only got her answering machine.”

  “Why didn’t you call her last night?”

  He dropped his head and mumbled.

  “I didn’t understand what you said.”

  “I said I wasn’t in a mood to talk to her last night. She can be very demanding at times.”

  “Did you see her yesterday?” Joe shifted his weight in the dark green arm chair where he’d seated himself when arriving at the real estate office.

  “Why?”

  “Did you go to Mrs. Overton’s house yesterday?”

  “I saw her a little while yesterday morning, that was all.” Again he asked, “Why?”

  “Someone went into Mrs. Overton’s house while she was out. They left a threatening message on the wall in her bathroom. Did you do it, Mr. Norrick?”

  “No! Dolly was there when I was. Ask her. Why would I want to leave her threatening messages? Dolly has her house listed with me. I stand to make a good sum of money on the sale of it.”

  “Did you leave a dead snake in her bathroom?” Bett spoke for the second time.

  “Me? No. I hate snakes, dead or otherwise.”

  “Then, Mr. Norrick, why are your fingerprints all over Mrs. Overton’s house?” Joe eyed the nervous man.

  “I’ve been there several times to discuss business with Mrs. Overton. I’ve also taken clients to see the place. Of course my fingerprints are going to be there.” He looked frightened. “Ask Dolly. She can tell you I’m there often.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll talk with Mrs. Overton,” Bett said.

  “Mr. Norrick, have you ever called Mrs. Overton and threatened her life?”

  “No, of course not. Dolly has been good to me. I wouldn’t do anything like that.” He crossed and uncrossed his legs. “She did tell me that someone was threatening her. I didn’t take it seriously.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because Dolly tends to exaggerate.”

  Joe stood abruptly. “I think that will be all for now. We’ll get in touch when we want to talk with you again, Mr. Norrick.”

  “Of course. You can call me anytime. I’m always willing to help the police.” He looked at Bett. “I hope you won’t let this come between our friendship?”

  She forced a smile. “It won’t, Shane. Thank you for seeing us.”

  “Anything I can do to help,” he said as he opened the door to the conference room for them. The look on his face showed relief.

  As soon as they were in the car Joe looked at his partner. “Just how close are you and Shane Norrick.”

  She chuckled. “Why, Joe. I didn’t know you cared who I see.”

  He bit his lip. “I’m sorry. It is none of my business. I didn’t want you to be upset if I decided to talk with him again.”

  “I’d have no problem with that. I don’t think he’s guilty, but if you do, you have the right to ask him anything you want.”

  “I intend to. I didn’t want to bring it up yet, but sometime he’s going to have to explain how his fingerprints got on the bottom of Dolly Overton’s dining room table.” He looked at her again. “Unless you have a good explanation.”

  “How would I know?” She shot the words at him.

  Joe’s voice was calm when he answered, “There’s no reason why you should know.”

  They rode back to the station in silence.

  * * * *

  The weather turned unseasonably warm by afternoon. The beach began to fill with local sun worshipers and late fall tourists. Nola Dean wanted to put on her shorts and stroll in the water but Dolly insisted she stop at the real estate office to see Shane Norrick.

  They were ushered into his office and Nola Dean settled in the dark green pull-up chair recently vacated by Joe Randell. Dolly sat near the desk.

  “Shane, I have to get out of my house. Not when it sells, but now. I’ve got to get another place to live.”

  “Well, Dolly, what would you like me to find for you?”

  Nola Dean couldn’t help thinking she’d never seen Shane so nervous.

  Dolly didn’t seem to notice. “I don’t know. I want a nice place, of course. Something safe.”

  Shane forced a smile. “Are we talking condo?”

  “Probably. If you have something I like.”

  He flipped open the multiple listing book. “Masion ser Mer isn’t one of the newest high rise condos at Myrtle Beach, but you can’t beat it for prestige.”

  “I’ve heard of that. Isn’t it near here?”

  “About four or five miles. It’s in the restaurant row section.”

  “Do you have anything available there?”

  “Yes. We have one listed on the twelfth floor. There are a few others available too.”

  “I’d like to see one.”

  “Of course.” He smiled at her then looked at Nola Dean. “How about you? Are you about ready to move into a larger condo?”

  “I’m happy where I am.” She returned his smile and wondered how she was going to get out of going with them to see the properties.

  Dolly answered her a question. “I’m sure Nola Dean has other things to do. Would you mind taking me to my house for my car after showing me the places?”

  “I’d be delighted.”

  Nola Dean stood. “Then you have no further need of me.” She turned to Dolly. “Call me if you want anything.”

  Dolly nodded, engrossed in the pictures Shane had handed her.

  Before going home, Nola Dean decided to go to Walter’s office. She would say she wanted to ask Megan for more details on the deal Rex had offered her, though her goal was to see if the vase Dolly had mentioned was at the office.

  The receptionist informed Nola Dean that Megan was on a call to Rex Collier in Columbia. Nola Dean seated herself in the waiting room and picked up a magazine. It was only a few minutes until Megan appeared at the door.

  “Come in, Nola Dean. I’m sorry; I was on the phone.”

  “Yes, your receptionist informed me.” She followed Megan into the small, but comfortable office. “She said you were talking with Rex.”

  “Yes. He took his mother home this morning because his father had to meet with some people.” Megan eyed her. “Since Walter is no longer with us, I feel I need to touch base with the home office almost every day.”

  “I understand. I feel the same thing when I’m away from my office. I talk with them frequently.”

  “How may I help you, Nola Dean?”

  “I wanted to discuss the business deal Rex invited me to take part in. I’m still undecided about what to do.”

  Megan’s face lit up. She loved to talk business. It wasn’t often someone came to her, though she knew she was very capable of handling anything that came into the office.<
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  In the course of the conversation, the two women went into Walter’s old office. Megan made a quick survey and immediately noticed a black and gold vase sitting behind the glass doors of the credenza.

  As Megan was going through files, she took a closer look. “What an unusual collection,” she mumbled as she studied the eclectic group of vases and figurines.

  Megan laughed. “Isn’t it though? Walter had unusual taste when it came to decor. Dolly didn’t like it so it ended up here.” She pulled out a file. “I must say, I have to agree with Dolly. It stays back here in this office because I don’t know what to do with it. Dolly said she didn’t want it and to be honest, neither do I.”

  Nola Dean didn’t answer. She simply took the file Megan handed her and began studying it.

  Chapter 24

  After Nola Dean left, Megan re-dialed the Columbia number. When she had Rex on the line she said, “Guess what?”

  “I don’t have time to play guessing games, my sweet. What’s going on?”

  “I think Nola Dean Buckingham is hooked. She came by today to go over the business plans for South Myrtle again.”

  “Hey, that’s great.” He lowered his voice. “You’re going to be a real asset to this firm.”

  “I plan to be.” She took a deep breath. “How’s your mother coping with the idea?”

  “Still huffy about it, but she knows there’s not a thing she can do.” He laughed. “You’re not going to be mean to the old girl, are you?”

  “Have I ever been mean to anyone?”

  He laughed again.

  “Let me rephrase that...” she said.

  “Never mind. It’ll work out.”

  “I hope so.” She shifted her position at the desk. “When are you coming back to the beach? I want to see you.”

  “I want to see you too, but I think it will be a while before I get there.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, it seems that I have to go to Atlanta for a few days and then Mother is insisting I join my wife in Europe.”

  “Are you going?”

  “I have to make the Atlanta trip, but I have no intention of going to Europe.”

  She bit her lip. “I hope I get to be with you soon.”

  “You will.” He lowered his voice again. “I’ll see about getting you to Atlanta or maybe I can slip away for a day or so and come to the beach. I can always come by there on the way to or from my other trips.”