When the last notes of the postlude hovered in the air, a number of people stopped to speak to Jenna. I followed my family down the side aisle to the vestibule. On the landing outside the doors, Marie stopped me to ask several questions about the bazaar. Andrea stayed with me while her parents brought the car.
Tammy Garner stomped toward us and grabbed Andrea's arm. “Think you're smart getting a scholarship to the summer camp. I'm going, too, and we'll see who's the best."
Andrea pulled free. “If you practiced the way you run your mouth, you could be a good dancer."
I took Andrea's hand. “Let's go. I see the car."
As we started down the steps, Tammy shouted. “Killer."
I turned to see Richard and Jenna step out of the church. He put his arm around her waist. Tammy's shouted comment created a lull in the other conversations.
"You stole Mommy's diamonds and Daddy's money. The police are gonna put you in jail ‘cause you killed Mark and Grandmother Garner."
I gripped the railing. Had this nasty child heard her parents talking about Martha's death? Marcus grabbed his daughter and marched her away.
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Chapter 6
~
Sudden Chills
-
For the rest of the day, Tammy's outburst played in my thoughts like a scratched record. Had there been an ounce of truth in what the child had said? Not about Jenna, but about her grandmother's death. I knew the accusation was out of line. My tenant had no reason to want Martha dead. Jenna hadn't known about her inheritance until she'd gone to see the attorney and visited the bank. She'd been as surprised as Marcus.
I've been fooled by people in the past and charmed by those who have turned out to be less than nice. Not this time, at least about Jenna. She'd been happy about the reconciliation with her grandmother. She hadn't enjoyed sneaking around to avoid her uncle. If Jenna had wanted anyone out of the picture, Marcus was my choice followed by Sophie.
After dinner, Andrea invited me to watch her practice for her role in the spring recital. I followed her to the family room and sat on the couch. When she finished, she curtseyed and I clapped. Her lithe grace always amazes me.
"Miss Juliette let me choreograph the dance, then she revised the steps.” Andrea flopped on the couch beside me.
"It's great.” For a moment, I paused. “Did the things Tammy said this morning bother you?"
Andrea made a face. “Why? She's so full of herself. She missed the audition for dance camp. Sure her mother can pay for her to be there, but only the ones with scholarships can be in the special troupe and have solos. Tammy will be mad and start arguing with the teachers about how unfair they are. They'll ask her to leave like they did last summer."
"Why is she so disagreeable?"
"Her mother acts the same way."
"I can see that."
Andrea nodded. “She's always bragging about not practicing and it shows."
I patted her hand. “Success in any undertaking takes practice.” Andrea spends at least an hour a day honing her talent. “Just seems sad for you to lose a friend."
"Her!” Indignation colored the single word. “Who would want her for a friend? She sneaks around listening to other people when they talk. Then she repeats what she heard to hurt other people and she always gets it wrong."
"Do you think she does that on purpose?"
"Probably. You heard her this morning."
I straightened. Had Tammy heard her parents planning Martha's death? Had Jenna's name entered the conversation? The scenario was easy to imagine, but hard to prove. Especially when the tale-bearer had a reputation for stretching or changing the truth.
When Andrew took me home, I found Jenna on the porch. “Do you have time to talk?” she asked.
"Only if you come upstairs. I need a tea break. My daughter-in-law seldom serves anything but water, wine or juice. Andrew considers my passion for mint tea as an obsession. He hasn't touched a drop since he left for college."
She laughed. “He doesn't know what he's missing."
"What's on your mind.” I opened the door and stepped into the front hall.
Jenna followed. “The scene my cousin staged this morning. Richard thinks I should threaten to sue."
"Why?"
"He was more bothered by her lies than I was. He's afraid everyone who heard her will believe the tale. Sure she upset me, but going to court over a child's nastiness seems silly."
"Lawyers."
She laughed. “That's a thought."
Before we reached the landing, as though he'd teleported, Robespierre appeared. Jenna gasped. “Didn't we leave him on the porch?"
I grasped her arm to keep her from a tumble. “He's good at surprise appearances. Some people think he's my familiar."
"If you're a witch, you're a good one."
"Only if I'm not angry with someone. Then my dark side surfaces."
After feeding the cat his usual snack, I put the kettle on and took two pieces of key lime pie from the freezer. Tonight my health-conscious daughter-in-law had served fresh pineapple for dessert. Not that I minded, but when serious subjects are under discussion, sweets are desirable. I defrosted the pie in the microwave.
"Do you think my cousin was right when she said Gran had been murdered?"
"I'm leaning that way. Of course, Tammy could have jumbled several overheard conversations. My granddaughter says that's one of Tammy's habits."
Jenna met my gaze. “Uncle Marcus called to apologize for the scene at church. I nearly fell off the couch."
"I would have.” Why had he called? Was he trying to divert suspicion from himself? Was he worried because Jenna had been with a lawyer?
"Is there a way to prove she was wrong about me but right about Gran?"
"The body would have to be exhumed and an autopsy performed. Either your uncle or the police would have to make the request. Right now, there's no evidence of foul play."
She nodded. “That's what Richard said."
I filled two cups with a relaxing mixture of tea and mint. “He seems like a nice young man and he's definitely easy on the eyes."
Her laughter bubbled. “You're got that right. He's also given me advice about the diamonds and bonds."
"Oh, as in?"
"He thinks I should quit at Le Lune and concentrate on school.” She sighed. “Everything's happening too fast."
"Define everything."
She rested her elbows on the table. “Since high school, I've dreamed of attending college full-time without ending with a massive debt. Then wham, I can."
"Is that a bad thing.” I tasted the pie and savored the tart creaminess.
She shook her head. “A good thing. It's also Richard. I really like him. More than like and that scares me. He pushed me to go to church this morning. Said it was time I stopped hiding. Then he wanted to take me to visit his parents and I panicked. Am I making any sense?"
"You are.” I closed my eyes and remembered the first time I'd seen my husband. The night of the senior recital at the conservatory, he had come with a friend. I'd been instantly attracted. He'd asked me out. After our first kiss, I'd known he was the man I would marry. “Love sometimes strikes like lightning."
"What if something happens to mess things up?"
"Tell him how afraid you are of losing the people you love."
Her eyes widened. “How did you know?"
"Perfectly logical given the losses you've experienced."
"There's one more thing.” She savored the last bite of the pie. “Louise is...How do I explain? Envious, jealous, angry about my good fortune. She thinks I should foot the rent for the apartment. I could, but I don't think that's fair."
"Neither do I. She can't change the lease she signed without my agreement."
Jenna jumped up and refilled our mugs. “What if she refuses to pay her share?"
"Then she'll have to move."
"Just like that."
I nodded. “
I can't have her living here when I can't trust her. She can't change the rules to suit herself."
Jenna sipped the tea. “One last thing. Richard suggested I give some of Gran's jewels to my cousins."
"A good idea."
She cradled the mug. “I know, but I have these visions of Sophie claiming what I give them."
"Then wait until their sixteenth birthdays or for them to graduate from high school."
"Super.” She finished the tea. “Got to go. Have a Psych paper to finish tonight."
* * * *
The next afternoon as I wondered what to prepare for dinner, the phone rang. “Miller residence."
"Kate, it's Pauline."
My thoughts churned with possibilities. Here was a chance to gain access to the records I wanted to see. How could I frame my request without sounding pushy or alarming her? “What can I do for you?"
"Spare me from having to call a temp agency in hopes of finding a good nurse. I'd really like to persuade you to work here."
She sounded edgy. “Tell me what's entailed."
"Three months at the most. One of the part-time evening nurses is going out on maternity leave. She's planning to return. So far any ads I've placed have gone unanswered. Even with the carrot of eventually being assigned to days hasn't brought any bites."
"How many evenings?"
"Two a week and on rare occasions, three."
"Give me a few days to think about this. I've a catering job for a shop in town. Actually I'm an investor and we just received an order for furniture from a bed and breakfast that will open soon."
"Congratulations. Guess I can't bribe you with money."
"You're right about that.” There were other ways to tempt me, but I wasn't ready to mention them. Not until I spent some time with her. Years had passed and she could have changed. “I'll get back to you."
"Promise."
"By Friday.” After I hung up, I revised my plans for the day. I was going to take the job. Once I learned if my suspicions had a foundation, I hoped I could enlist Pauline's help. At the moment, I wasn't sure how to proceed, but I would find my way.
* * * *
The next morning, I began baking. If I took the job at Hudson House, I needed to have the cakes and cookies for the bazaar on hand. There were also the canapes and pastries for tonight's celebration at the furniture shop. By late afternoon, the cakes were iced and in the freezer along with a dozen boxes of cookies. Trays of appetizers and dainty desserts covered the dining room table. When Paul arrived, we stacked the trays in boxes and carried them to his van.
The shop specializes in old and new oak furniture, though there are some cherry, mahogany and maple pieces in the antique section. I peeked into the workroom where a dozen partially finished chests, headboards and chairs stood. Paul's crew from the shop came to help set up the buffet.
Maria stepped from the antiques showroom. “Mrs. Miller, welcome.” She looked at the table and began rearranging the trays.
"Where's Carlos?” I asked.
"He will come with Mrs. Sarah and Blanca. We would not have enough hands for him and the food. I will bring the plates and cups.” She looked around. “Paul, where are the juices and soda?"
"On the way.” He waved to one of the men. They returned with a large galvanized tub. We filled it with ice and the drinks.
By the time we finished arranging the food, a stream of family, friends, neighbors and Paul's business associates arrived. Paul handed me a flute of champagne. “To a successful venture."
"And many more orders.” I sipped. “Now for a plate of food. I was so busy cooking I forgot to eat lunch.” I didn't count the samples I'd tasted or the broken pieces of cookies.
Andrew stood at the table choosing appetizers. “Mom, you've outdone yourself. Ruth and I would like you to make the same assortment for the party after Andrea's recital."
"I may not be available to cook."
He arched a brow. “Is there something you're not telling me? Are you and Lars eloping?"
"No. I may be going back to work."
"Why?” He looked around the gathering of people. “According to Paul business is good. Your investments are solid. If you need money, I'm good for a gift or a loan."
I looked away. “It's not the money."
"Then what?” A note of exasperation crept into his voice. “You can't be bored. You have more projects than three people."
"Curiosity. In the past three months, the number of deaths at Hudson House have escalated. Before that there were less than one a month."
He shrugged. “Why would that surprise you? The place is a nursing home."
"The increase."
"Sicker patients. Less capable staff. A dozen other reasons.” He motioned to Pete. When the young police officer reached us, Andrew grabbed Pete's arm. “Will you tell my mother there have been no suspicious deaths at Hudson House, no police reports, no autopsies ordered?"
Pete nodded. “I can tell her but will she believe me?"
I glared at them. “If a patient dies under a doctor's care, no autopsy is performed. Without one, the real cause of death can't be determined. There are ways to cause death that are hard to detect."
"She's right there.” Pete grinned at Andrew. “Let her run after smoke. It's easier to stop a runaway train than your mother."
"She plans to work there,” Andrew said.
"Give her a week in uniform and she'll be out of there.” Pete turned to me. “What does Lars think of your plan?"
My spine stiffened. “What does he have to do with my decision? He's not my keeper."
"Aren't you marrying him?” Andrew asked. “I distinctly remember you asking me how I'd feel if you did."
"I'm considering the possibility of taking that step. Just because I asked doesn't mean it's a done deal.” I walked away.
Across the room, I spotted Jenna and Richard. I wanted to ask him to do some research for me, but I wasn't about to bring up the subject here. My request wasn't a subject to be addressed in the middle of a crowd. I made my way along the buffet and watched the young lawyer fill two plates, one with canapes and the other with sweets.
He saw me and grinned. “These are great. Jenna says they're nothing compared to the dinners you cook."
"How would you like to have dinner at my apartment tomorrow evening?"
"I'd love to."
I laughed. Nothing shy about this young man. “Is six thirty too early?"
He swallowed one of the appetizers. “I thought you were kidding. I wasn't hinting, not really."
Since I'd decided to investigate the deaths, I needed his help. “There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"A legal matter?” He frowned. “Why not come to the office? You don't have to bribe me with food."
"This isn't official. I need some information you might be able to access.” If Pete hadn't thought I was being foolish, he could have done this for me. “This isn't a matter I want to discuss here or at your office. Your receptionist seems a bit nosy."
He laughed. “That's why I close the door and lock my desk and files."
I smiled. “I like to cook for people. Tomorrow at six thirty."
"I'll be there."
"Where?” Jenna asked.
"Dinner with your landlady."
She pouted. “This is totally unfair. I have to work."
"I'll send a plate down. Thought you were quitting."
"I am. Had to give two weeks notice.” She grinned. “My boss will be calling. I told him about the gazpacho and the killer brownies."
"Tell him I might share."
They wandered off. I circulated. Before long, Sarah's children, both birth and foster, had gathered around me. We played hand games until they were ready to leave.
Once the affair ended, I rode home with Paul and his family. After we pulled into the driveway, Paul removed the box of empty trays. “What's this I hear about you returning to work?"
"I am and don't offer to buy me out."<
br />
He chuckled. “I wasn't going to. Pete said you're chasing a possible murderer. Just be careful. You're the glue that holds the neighborhood together."
"I'm always careful."
"Right.” Sarcasm colored the word. “I won't point out the times you haven't been."
"Good.” I took the box of trays and carried them upstairs. Tomorrow I would have dinner with Richard and see what he could dig up. Then on Friday, I would go to Hudson House and fill out an application for employment. Soon my investigation would be underway. If my suspicions were right, the town and county would host a rather large scandal.
* * * *
The next morning, I called Pauline and made an appointment to talk to her about the job. She sounded relieved and I wondered if her suspicions matched mine. How much should I tell her? She'd been at Hudson House for six months, three of them prior to the escalation in the deaths.
After hanging up, I decided to go slowly. I needed more information than I had before I spoke with her about murder.
I reached into the recipe file for several cards to prepare dinner for Richard. Since most men are fond of meat and potatoes, I chose one of my many variations on the theme for this evening. There was no reason to make them plain. I marinated the steaks in beer and herbs and set about preparing twice baked potatoes. With a tossed salad and gingerbread baked over a bed of peaches, I had a meal sure to please a man.
Jenna popped in after class. She drew a deep breath. “Gingerbread. Save me a piece. Smells like Gran's house when Dolly used to make it for me.” She saw the empty can on the counter. “It's the same. Can I have a piece now?"
I chuckled. “Dolly gave me the recipe and you'll have to wait. I'll add a piece or two to the plate I send down with Richard."
She studied my face. “More matchmaking."
"Not this time."
"What are you up to?"
"I want him to check some wills for me."
"So you still think there was something odd about Gran's death."
I nodded. “I can't prove anything and I doubt I could question your cousin.” For a moment, I paused, then decided to plunge ahead. “I don't think your grandmother's death was the only suspicious one."
Hudson House Murders [Book 4 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Page 8
