“Hello Ms. Degan, what are you doing here? Did you have an appointment with the mayor?”
“No ma'am, I stopped by to speak with Wanda Anderson if she's not busy.”
“That woman is busy being a meddler. She thinks she knows more about my husband's tastes than I do. I don't know why Forrest insists on keeping her on. She has gone to fetch me a sandwich from that inferior deli across the street. What in heaven's name could you want from her?”
“Nothing special,” Samantha lied. “I'll come back some other time.”
“No, I want you to get her out of my hair. She keeps watching me and André in our efforts to make this office worthy of the mayor of Lancashire.”
Samantha noticed the look on André’s face as he rolled his eyes. It was obvious he wasn't enjoying Mrs. Wakefield's company.
“Here's the little troll now,” Margaret said loud enough for Wanda to hear.
Wanda grimaced as she set the sandwich down on a table by the wall.
“I hope this will be to your liking, Mrs. Wakefield. I asked them to make it as you requested with white meat turkey only, extra thin slices of fresh tomato on cracked wheat bread.”
“You imbecile! I asked for a whole-wheat roll, can't you handle a simple task? Ms. Degan is here to see you, take your lunch break now and get out of my sight.”
Wanda walked out of the room with her shoulders slumped further than normal.
“Wanda, I'm so sorry she spoke to you that way. Does Mayor Wakefield know how his wife treats you?”
“She's never rude when he is around. I tried to tell him what she's like, but he's afraid of her as much as the rest of us. She was never a nice person but being the first lady has made her a monster.”
“Why do you put up with that treatment? I don't think I could tolerate working here.”
“I'm hoping when the redecorating is finished, she won't be around as much. Not only that, I have worked for Mayor Wakefield for years. He's a wonderful man, I won't kid myself, no one wants to hire a plump, middle-aged woman despite my excellent clerical skills. Look around, you see nothing but young attractive people.”
Samantha didn't agree that the world was like that outside of the mayor's office. She had to admit, most of the young women she observed were attractive. Perhaps they were left over from Richard Delaney's administration.
“What did you want to see me about, Samantha? I'm happy for the distraction but did you want something specific?”
“You were so helpful the last time we talked. Since then, I've had a few nice visits with Cindy Matthews.”
“Yes, Cindy Matthews, the one who shot her boss.”
“I don't believe she did, Wanda, she admits to having feelings for him but she didn't kill him or have him killed.”
“Are you sure? I can see where someone might be tempted to commit murder.”
“You aren't talking about Richard Delaney now, are you?”
“All I'm saying is that anyone who knocks off the illustrious First Lady of Lancashire would be a hero. I'm sorry Samantha, I shouldn't joke about murder.”
“I don't blame you for feeling that way, there is no excuse for the way you were treated today. Poor André looked like he wanted to be anywhere but with Margaret Wakefield.
“I don't know how to ask you this, Wanda, other than to say it. Do you know if either of the Wakefield's own guns?”
“Mayor Wakefield hunts in the fall. You're not suggesting Forrest killed Richard?”
“I'm not suggesting anything but the fact remains that someone killed him. Isn't it better to eliminate your boss from the list of suspects if he is innocent?”
“I guess so, he and Mrs. Wakefield were having dinner with friends when Richard was killed.”
“I understand they were dining at Chung Lee's, only a few blocks from the theater. Perhaps Mrs. Wakefield excused herself to go to the ladies’ room, slipped out the door, shot the mayor and returned to their table as if nothing happened.”
“Oh, how I wish that were the truth. I can picture her sitting in a cold jail cell. It would serve her right but I don't buy it. I would doubt she owns a gun, and if that were so, she'd never fire it herself. Mrs. Wakefield is well-known for hiring people to do everything for her.”
“Perhaps she hired a professional.”
“It's possible but I don't think she would. It was not a well-kept secret that Richard intended to throw his hat in the ring for the race for governor. He made it clear to Mayor Wakefield that he would go it alone. That decision made Mrs. Wakefield happy because she didn't want her husband to be second banana state-wide as he was in the city. Forrest confided in me that his wife was happy that an upcoming election would force Richard to resign as mayor and Forrest would take over. Her goal was to be the first lady of Lancashire.”
“What about Mayor Wakefield? Was he upset that Richard didn't ask him to run for lieutenant governor?”
“Forrest liked what he was doing before he became involved in politics. He is a good leader; he doesn't have the looks Richard had, but he has the brains to run the city. I know Richard couldn't have done it without Forrest. The only reason he took over as mayor was to please Margaret. That woman controls everything the poor man does.”
“From what I've seen of Forrest Wakefield, he doesn't seem to be a murderer.”
“That leaves me,” smiled Wanda, “I can only tell you I don't own a gun and I didn't hire someone to do the deed. I didn't have dreams of becoming executive assistant to the mayor. I'd prefer to be back in the accounting office on Cyprus Road. There was nothing more exciting than tax time, I miss the good old days.”
“Thank you for being so honest with me, I knew you would be helpful, in the last few days, I've eliminated everyone on my list of suspects. It's easier to write a mystery than to solve one.”
“Get that handsome detective friend of yours to help. I see you have a ring on your finger, does that mean you snagged the hunk? Don't look so surprised, because I'm gray-haired and dowdy, doesn't mean I can't enjoy a pretty face.”
“I'll tell Fletch you think he's pretty. I'm sure he will be happy to hear it.”
This has been an interesting day. Samantha thought to herself. I'm missing something, but what?
Chapter Eighteen
Samantha arrived at her apartment parking garage as Fletch pulled into a vacant spot on the side street. They walked to the elevator together.
“How's my favorite sleuth tonight?” he said as he squeezed her hand. He wanted to pull her into his arms, but Mrs. Barkley and her three children were standing beside them. Molly, the youngest, stared at Fletch. She was holding a red, sticky lollipop close to the hem of his jacket.
The doors opened and the kids and Mrs. Barkley exited in time to save Fletch a trip to the dry cleaner.
“I had a good day if you call eliminating suspects good. I'm stumped, I wish I was writing this mystery so I could drop a clue in the middle of the page.”
Fletch listened when she told him about her conversations earlier in the day.
“I know how frustrating it can be but eliminating suspects is the way to go. Let's assume the killer is a sharpshooter. To keep up my skills, I don't go out in the streets and fire off my gun.”
“You go to the shooting range, why didn't I think of that? If a person is an expert, they would go to the shooting range regularly. I wonder how many shooting ranges are in the city?”
“We don't get many at the academy, although there are a few civilians who want to learn how to shoot a gun after they have bought one. We can check that out but this person has been shooting most of their lives.”
“What are we looking for? I don't have a name to check,” lamented Samantha
“Most reputable ranges have a sign-in. We look for any name that sounds familiar. I'll go with you tomorrow morning. I'd like to forget about murder tonight and concentrate on you.”
They prepared dinner together. Samantha had to admit Fletch's cooking skills were much better than
hers.
“I've lived on my own for longer than you, I had a choice of learning to cook or starving to death. Luckily, I found cooking relaxed me after a day with the bad guys.”
They were enjoying the last bite of dinner when Samantha's computer made a sound indicating she had a call.
She turned it on and saw her mother and future mother-in-law together on the screen.
“Hello darling, isn't this wonderful? Dennis came over and fixed me up so I can talk to you and see you at the same time.”
“I'm glad he did that for you, hello Mrs. Fletcher.”
“Hello, Samantha, dear, call me Sandy, please. Where's that handsome son of mine?”
“I'm right here, Mom, hello Colleen.”
“Hello, Fletch, isn't this fun? You both look so well. It’s because they're happy, don't you agree, Sandy?”
“Yes, they have a glow about them. We called to go over wedding plans with you. Samantha, your mother and I wondered if you have gotten your dress yet?”
“I’ll check my closet, but I'm sure I'll find one suitable for an outside wedding.”
“Nonsense, Samantha, you will need to buy something new. You only getting married one time. Don't you think your groom should see you in a pretty new frock?”
“Or without it,” Fletch whispered in her ear.
“I heard that son, you behave yourself.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Mom, I told you, Fletch and I want a simple ceremony. Don't make us sorry we involved the two of you.”
“Please go out and buy a new dress. I'll send you the money if you are worried about the cost.”
“Mother, I can afford to pay for my wedding dress.”
“Calm down, I know you're a grown-up but you will always be my baby.”
“Okay, Mom, you win, I'll go shopping tomorrow. How are Dad and Jack?”
“They're doing great, they're out buying a new charcoal grill, Jack talked your dad into it. Those two men are getting along famously. You'd better not change your mind about marrying each other. The Fletchers are our new best friends.
“An old friend from high school, Patsy Burke, called the other day. She asked for your phone number. I gave it to her, I hope that was all right.”
“Yes, it's fine. I'll see what she wanted when I am in Ashville.”
“Perhaps to wish you well, dear. You two have a wonderful evening and don't forget to go shopping tomorrow.”
“Who is Patsy Burke?”
“I knew her in high school, we weren't especially close, I can't imagine why she is calling me. Maybe she's on the alumni committee and is making plans for our tenth reunion.”
“I guess you'll be out shopping tomorrow.”
“Not on your life, we have shooting ranges to visit.”
“We can do that in the afternoon, I have paperwork I should finish in the morning.”
“I'll have Megan help me with a dress, she always looks nice. I was tempted to ask Mom to buy something for me, but I'm afraid it would be a fancy bridal gown. You don't mind that I want something simple, do you?”
“Whatever you choose will be fine with me. You look terrific in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, I don't suppose your mom would go for that?”
She laughed as he slapped her gently on her jean covered behind.
Chapter Nineteen
Megan arrived at the apartment, ready to work, at the usual hour.
“Don't turn on your computer, I have another assignment for you.”
“It sounds serious.”
“It is serious and something I'm not looking forward to. I'd love it if you could go with me to look for a wedding dress. In fact, I'd love it if you would check out the bridesmaid dresses too. My mother tells me a maid of honor is required and I hope you will be mine.”
“Samantha I'm honored but there must be others you have known longer than we've known each other.”
“If knowing someone a long time is a prerequisite, I have no business marrying the groom, I don't have many friends, Megan, and I feel close to you, what do you say?”
“I would love to be your maid of honor, Samantha, if my boss will let me have the day off.”
“Your boss will let you have the week off since she will be on her honeymoon.”
Samantha dreaded entering the bridal shop Megan suggested. She didn't want to try on a slew of fancy dresses. If only she and Fletch had run off to Las Vegas as he'd suggested. It was too late now, she was stuck.
As feared, a saleslady approached before the door to the shop closed behind them. She had a huge smile on her face showing off her shiny white teeth that seemed to sparkle as she spoke.
“I'm Miss Evelyn, which of you lovely ladies is our bride?” she gushed.
“That would be Samantha,” answered Megan.
“Samantha, what a beautiful name for a beautiful bride-to-be. Tell me, dear, when is our special day?” she said while scrutinizing her body.
“The wedding is in two weeks, it will in a chapel in the woods in Ashville. I want something simple.”
Samantha looked around the room and saw nothing but pure white dresses with miles of fabric and sparkling baubles brighter than Miss Evelyn's teeth.
“Two-weeks?” Miss Evelyn cried, glancing at Samantha's belly, “I will need at least two months to special order the perfect gown, we will need several fittings before we send you off to the most glorious day of your life.”
“I understand, thank you for your time.” Samantha turned to walk out of the door when Miss Evelyn called her back.
“Now, wait a moment, I might have a few dresses in the back. We can't guarantee perfection with so little time but let me show you our choices.”
“Remember, I want simple, please don't bring out anything like those,” she said pointing at the window display.
Miss Evelyn's smile faded, but a sale was a sale. She disappeared into the next room.
“I don't think Miss Evelyn is happy.”
“Miss Evelyn's happiness is not my concern. Will you look at the prices on these things? Some of them cost more than a new car.”
Miss Evelyn walked back into the sales area rolling a rack filled with dresses. At first glance, Samantha could tell they were not as outlandish as the ones she had already seen.
Instead of letting her look through the rack herself, Miss Evelyn held each dress up individually. The woman made Samantha uneasy, she wished she'd walked out of the shop when she had the chance.
She finally spotted one she liked, an off-white full length, form-fitting A-line satin gown. Megan nodded in approval and Samantha walked toward the dressing room with Miss Evelyn following.
She resisted the temptation to tell the overly attentive saleslady to back off.
Samantha came out of the dressing room.
Megan's eyes grew wide, “Samantha you look beautiful, the one shoulder style looks so sexy. Fletch will freak out when he sees you.”
“I hope he doesn't; do you think it looks okay? It's not as simple as I wanted but I love the dress.”
“You look lovely, my dear,” Miss Evelyn chimed in. “Your height and slimness are perfect for this style. I wish all my brides had a figure like yours. Let us find a suitable veil for you.”
“I won't need a veil, but, you could direct Megan to the bridesmaids’ dresses.”
Twenty minutes later, they walked out of the bridal shop each carrying their dresses. The realization she and Fletch would be married in two short weeks hit Samantha and she was feeling like a bride-to-be.
Fletch was waiting for her when she returned to her apartment.
“Close your eyes,” Samantha said when he opened the door.
“I can't see anything, it's covered with a garment bag.”
“I don't care, close your eyes.”
Samantha carefully hung her dress in the closet and returned to the living room to greet him properly.
“Oh Fletch, it's finally sinking in we will be husband and wife in a matter of days.”<
br />
“You're not changing your mind, are you?”
“And miss wearing the fabulous dress I bought?”
“I took your suggestion and asked Mike to be my best man. He said yes, but it had more to do with Megan being your maid of honor than with his friendship with me.”
On the way to one of the largest shooting ranges in town, Samantha told him about Miss Evelyn and her bridal shop experience.
“Megan apologized all the way home for suggesting we go there. It turned out fine and gives us something we'll have fun laughing about when we've had a bad day.”
Fletch pulled into the parking lot of the shooting range.
Samantha felt nervous about going inside the large facility. She'd never been to a shooting range before and didn't know what to expect.
The young man at the check-in desk was far from the intimidating Neanderthal type she'd pictured. He looked to be in his early twenties with a boyish look that would be with him until middle age.
“Good afternoon,” he said watching Samantha. “This must be your first time at a shooting range.”
“How did you guess?”
“You'd be surprised how many people have a look of panic on their faces when they walk through those doors for the first time.”
“Pal, we aren't here for target practice. I'm Detective Fletcher from the Lancashire Police Department.” Fletch held out his badge. “This is Samantha Degan, we are investigating a recent crime and would like to look at your registration log.”
The friendly young man's shoulders stiffened and the boyish smile left his face.
“You got a search warrant?”
“I can get one but you could make my life easier if you would let me look at the log.”
Fletch felt Samantha's hand on his arm.
“Look who's walking out of the restroom.”
Fletch turned his head to the left.
“Well, I'll be darned. I believe we have found our murderer,” he whispered quietly enough that the desk clerk couldn't hear him.
“Is it all right if we watch from the windows out here?”
“I guess it will be okay, be quick about it. People get nervous around cops.”
Murder in Lancashire Page 10
