Black Cat Crossing

by Fitz Molly

  “It was my first big trip. The boat set sail, but I hadn’t met your mum yet. The ocean was rough. My stomach was rolling right along with the waves. Queasy would be describing it politely. Of course, being young and embarrassed, I didn’t want anyone to know I was seasick.”

  Tilly put her hand on Charlotte’s arm and smiled. “I thought I was the bravest and most daring young female ever to head off on a trip through Europe and Africa all by myself. But when I sat down for dinner that first night, the weight of loneliness hit me along with my unsettled stomach. I didn’t know anyone. I’m sure this will sound silly, but I looked at the table setting, and I didn’t even know which fork to use.”

  Charlotte snorted, then covered her mouth. I’m sure she was embarrassed but Tilly continued.

  “Your mum plopped down across from me with a cheery grin and a conspiratorial wink. She saw my confusion and gave me a quick silverware lesson. Who knew there were separate forks for fish, salad, dinner, and dessert and then all the knives, spoons, plates, and glasses?”

  Tilly threw her head back and her hearty smile brought back that wonderful night.

  “Oh, Charlotte, we had such a good laugh about it all. You won’t believe what we did next.”

  Charlotte’s eyebrows soared. She was completely engrossed in Tilly’s story. I was too.

  “We thought we were total renegades. We used the wrong forks on purpose.”

  Charlotte sat back and laughed a genuine from her heart laugh. I remembered that day like it was yesterday and wished I could hug Tilly for making my Charlotte a little happier in this sad moment.

  “Mummy was always making people feel comfortable. She never put on airs like Daddy’s family. They all looked down their long noses at her.”

  Tilly patted Charlotte’s knee. “One thing I learned from your mum was, be true to yourself, no matter what. Never change for someone else.”

  Charlotte twisted and turned the handkerchief she held until it was a knotted mess. “I miss her so much, but with you here, it feels like she’s standing right next to me. Isn’t that weird?”

  “Not at all. Your mum will always be with you, Charlotte. Right here.” Tilly moved Charlotte’s hand to cover her heart. “She’s in that spot inside you, and no one can take that away.”

  I wrapped my invisible self around my daughter and my friend, sending my love and strength to both of them, not that Tilly needed it, but at the moment, they were a package deal.

  “It’s so strange. I feel like Mummy is all around me.” Charlotte leaned close to Tilly. Her voice, barely a whisper, but my keen hearing still caught the words she shared with Tilly. “Can I tell you something, Tilly?”

  Tilly nodded. “Of course, dear.”

  Charlotte’s face clouded. “I’m leaving Tucker. He’s not right for me. All he cares about is money, money, money. I can do better with my life.”

  I saw Tilly’s face fill with love and kindness. “You’ll do just fine, Charlotte.” Tilly gently stroked my dear girl’s face. “You look so much like Audrey, I feel like she’s right here with me, too.”

  Then I heard footsteps approaching to spoil the moment.

  “Oh, here’s Sunny with my jacket, and I’m ready for my walk. Care to join us?”

  “I need to unpack. Tilly? Thank you for sharing that story. And, there’s something else that I haven’t told anyone. Can I trust you?”

  “Of course, dear. You can tell me anything.”

  “I don’t think Mummy’s death was an accident.”

  “Really? You think someone pushed her?”

  “I do. And, I think you suspect that also. Please do everything to get to the bottom of what happened.”

  Tilly gripped Charlotte’s hands. “We’ll do our best, dear.”

  Charlotte left the parlor with a confidence I hadn’t seen in a long time.

  “Thank you, Sunny,” Tilly pulled her jacket around her shoulders. “I’m looking forward to our garden stroll.”

  “I agree. Fresh air and sunshine always helps to stimulate my imagination.”

  They stepped out the front door and followed the path into my garden. I hovered close.

  “You were brilliant,” I whispered to Tilly. She startled at the sound of my voice.

  “Where are you?” She looked around. “Don’t scare us like that, Audrey. I might have a heart attack.”

  “I can’t risk anyone seeing me, but just assume I’m always right here with you.”

  “By the way, those were some clever parlor tricks,” she said, giving me the side-eye.

  “If I have to be dead, I may as well have a bit of fun. Tilly? Thank you for saying exactly the right thing to Charlotte. Now, I know she’ll be fine.”

  “Yes, and as far as I’m concerned, she’s off the suspect list. Now, it’s between Sir Michael, Tucker, and Douglas,” Tilly said, ticking each name off on a finger.

  I agreed but had no idea which one.

  Chapter Ten

  Sunny meandered around my formal garden, snapping lots of photos. It wasn’t the best time of year to appreciate the plants, but the sunflowers, asters, and coreopsis still created plenty of fall color.

  “See anything special?” Tilly asked.

  “I’m always looking for new ideas for my business. Many of these plants aren’t hardy in Maine, but it’s still fun to learn something new while we’re here. Now this,” she wandered toward the koi pond, “would be great in my greenhouse, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, but what about the cats? Wouldn’t they go after the fish? Having your kitty shelter in the greenhouse is a great idea, but it does put limits on how far you can take this landscaping plan.” Tilly sat on one of my favorite custom-made chairs in the shape of a pansy.

  “Hmmm, good point. I’ll file that idea away for now.” She pulled another chair next to Tilly and sat down. “How did your talk with Charlotte go?”

  “Great. Audrey and I both agree that she definitely is not the killer. And, you know what else Charlotte told me? She’s leaving that smarmy husband.”

  “Finally,” I blurted out, not wanting to be left out of anything to do with my daughter. “Maybe Tucker is the one who snuck up and pushed me over the railing. I’ve never gotten along with him. It would be just like that worm to get me out of his life, so he had more control over Charlotte.”

  I hovered over the koi pond and the fish all swam for cover. Interesting. They must be able to sense my ghostly presence.

  Mocha strolled out of the shadows. She moved carefully, like a tightrope walker, circling the Koi pond on the surrounding rocks. I didn’t remember her ever showing interest in the fish before. Maybe I’d just never paid attention. I guess the fish provided her with entertainment if nothing else. I made a quick count of the gleaming goldfish and was relieved that none were missing. Mocha, as dainty as cats come, preferred her food prepared and served to her on a china plate instead of catching it herself.

  Sunny patted her lap. “Come on, Mocha. Sit and enjoy the garden with us.” Mocha obliged, jumping effortlessly onto her lap.

  I heard the soft squish of soles on my manicured grass come up behind Tilly and Sunny. “Heads up, you two. Visitor inbound,” I warned as I spied Douglas walking toward them with a purpose that I’d seen before. He had a grievance to get off his chest.

  “Ladies? Mind if I join your party of two?” Douglas asked, his mouth pulled into a smirk. He pulled a third chair over without waiting to be invited. Crude as usual, but I got some satisfaction that he was clueless that I was an invisible member of the group.

  “Douglas,” Tilly said. “You’re joining the rest of us other outsiders?” Her smile leaned more toward a humorous grin than a glad-to-see-you expression. Nonetheless, she held her hand out in a welcoming gesture.

  “You feel it, too? Sir Michael and Tucker are the worst. They look at me like they’d like to carve me up and feed me to those fish. Charlotte is too feminine for that type of behavior. She only ignores me.”

  “I find
them all charming,” Tilly said. She was such a good liar. “I mean, once they warm up a bit. But your role will be over soon once the will is read. Am I right?”

  Douglas puffed up like a proud peacock. One who’d lost a few feathers along the way. “Yes. I’ve worked closely with Audrey for many years.” He made the appropriate tut-tut noises and took a polite moment of silence before continuing. “This is a sad time for me, but I’ve figured out how to honor her memory.”

  “Isn’t that nice,” Tilly said, sitting forward to give him her full attention.

  “Yes. Did you know that Audrey was running for mayor?”

  “You don’t say. Now, why on earth would she take on something like that?” Tilly shook her head like this was completely beyond comprehension.

  “Well,” Douglas leaned back comfortably now that he had his audience. He stretched his legs out and crossed his ankles. “She wanted to have some say in the development of Frog Hollow. There are some in town who want to modernize our quaint spot into a showcase for tourists. It’s a grand plan if I don’t say so myself, and with that in mind, I’ve thrown my hat into the mayoral race.”

  That scoundrel! Angry, I swirled so quickly, I created little waves in the water of the koi pond. My poor goldfish leaped like dolphins then disappeared under the lily pads.

  Douglas’s complexion lost a few shades of color. “Did you feel that wind? Did you see the goldfish? What just happened?”

  “What wind?” Tilly asked with an innocent air.

  “All I felt was a little breeze. Quite refreshing, too,” Sunny said as she stroked Mocha. I noticed a slight twitch play at the edge of her lips. “I think Mocha felt something. Her claws dug right through my pants into my leg, but she retracted them before they did serious damage. But cats can startle over nothing. Douglas, you were saying something about plans for Frog Hollow?”

  He stood up, pale and a little shaky for sure. “I need to go to my room for a rest before lunch. I’m not feeling right.” Without any further explanation, he made a hasty retreat into Moonlight Mansion.

  Tilly beamed with pleasure. “That was brilliant, Audrey. That was you, wasn’t it?”

  “Of course, it was me! That silly man thinks he can outsmart me? I’ll show him a thing or two. I only feel bad for my goldfish. I didn’t plan to frighten them, but Douglas jumping into the mayoral race caught me completely by surprise, as did my reaction to his words. I should have anticipated that move.”

  “What do you think it means?” Sunny asked, getting straight to the heart of the matter.

  “It’s got to be about his amusement park tourist destination plans. I would have stopped it. He must have figured out I’d be against a tacky business venture coming here. If he gets elected, his plan will sail right through.”

  “That’s what I suspected,” Sunny said. “It gives our friendly lawyer a solid motive for pushing you over the railing,” I liked the way she thought. “But now we need to brainstorm. How was he able to sneak up on you? I noticed some squeaky treads on the stairs to your apartment, and your door has its own distinct click when it’s opened. Unless you had music on or the T.V., wouldn’t you have heard someone entering?”

  “Good points, Sunny. You’re right. I always knew when someone was coming to visit. I always had an open-door policy, so it wouldn’t have been unusual for one of my guests to make a visit if they thought I was still up.”

  Sunny gazed at my mansion. Something was brewing in that smart head of hers. “You know,” she said slowly. “Your mansion has lots of wings jutting out here and there. Some are one story, some are two. Would it be possible for an individual to climb out a window and navigate over the different rooflines up to your balcony?”

  Well, there’s a thought. “Possibly. I would have seen them coming when I was on the balcony, though. I always spent time before I went to bed admiring the stars and listening to the night sounds. I’m sure I would have heard someone climbing on the roof.”

  Sunny cocked an eyebrow. She wasn’t done with her idea. “Not if they were already there hiding. What if,” Tilly said, joining in, “the killer knew your habits? Didn’t they all?” Now she was getting excited. “Let’s imagine this scenario: you said your goodnights to everyone, climbed up to your third-floor apartment, and completed your nightly rituals—changing into your nightie, brushing your teeth, and the rest of those activities that I don’t need to mention. Suppose,” she continued, “the killer had anticipated your movements. He climbed to your balcony and waited in the corner, in the shadows, for the perfect opportunity.”

  We all gazed at my balcony, staring at it as if demanding it reveal its clues. It had been designed for privacy. On each end, I’d insisted on an alcove for storing extra chairs or tables to keep clutter at a minimum.

  “I never thought of that,” I said. “I’m not sure Douglas could maneuver across the roof and over the balcony without falling and breaking his neck. Although, that would be a welcomed end to that insufferable man. But Michael and Tucker are both in excellent shape. Tucker especially, being younger, could certainly manage that feat silently and quickly, and in the dark. He could have hidden and waited for the perfect opportunity.”

  Mocha twitched her tail and let out a yowl just as I saw Tucker approaching like he owned the universe.

  I whispered. “Don’t look now, but guess who’s walking over with a something’s-up-his-sleeve expression?”

  Chapter Eleven

  “Tucker!” Tilly said with more friendly enthusiasm than I could have mustered. But, of course, she was playing her role as an old friend with a touch of daffiness.

  “Tilly. Sunny,” he said and nodded politely to each woman. “Birdie tasked me with informing you that lunch will be served shortly.” He sat in the chair that Douglas had just vacated. “We have a few minutes, though. I thought we could have a friendly get to know each other chat without all the others around.”

  “What a good idea,” Tilly said, turning to give him her attention. She even took his hand in hers. He jumped at her touch like she’d shocked him with a cattle prod, but he didn’t pull away.

  “I’m so enjoying getting acquainted with Audrey’s family and friends,” she cooed. “Charlotte is such a dear and Sir Michael, well, doesn’t he have all that British stiff upper lip thing going on? And, we just had a nice chat with Douglas, but he left in a rush. I don’t think he was feeling well.”

  “Douglas.” Tucker spit out the name. “I never liked him, but he’ll be out of my life soon enough. Just as soon as he reads Audrey’s will. He’s being a bit cagey about the actual time frame for some reason, but that’s of no importance to you.”

  I drifted back to my spot near the Koi pond. Douglas and Charlotte will both be out of your life, Tucker. As soon as Charlotte goes through with her divorce plans, I told myself.

  “It’s so unfortunate that our visit happened during this sad time. I wish it could have been otherwise,” Tilly said.

  “About that.” Tucker extricated his hand and brushed them together like he was removing cooties. “You did hear the investigation into Audrey’s fall has concluded?”

  “Oh, yes, we did. You must be so relieved.” Again, Tilly invaded Tucker’s space by putting her hand on his leg. He tried to twist away from her, but she moved closer. “Was there actually any question that it was anything but an accident?”

  I stared with amazement at her ability to sound sincere, sad, and sentimental and, at the same time, make Tucker squirm uncomfortably.

  “I suppose any suspicions had to be ruled out in a situation like this,” Tucker said. “The detective explained that it was strictly routine.”

  “What situation would that be?” Sunny asked, jumping into the conversation and ganging up on the unsuspecting Tucker.

  “That Audrey fell over her banister. The detective couldn’t find any hint of foul play. Everyone was in their room for the night. Nobody heard any loud noises or yells for help to indicate she’d been accosted. Obviously, tha
t meant her death was ruled a tragic accident.”

  “I wonder if they could have missed something,” Tilly said. “Maybe they didn’t consider all possibilities.”

  Tucker shot up straight in his chair like he’d just received a jolt of electricity. “How dare you waltz in here and question the local experts? Who do you think you are?”

  Tilly blinked at him, as if she didn’t quite understand his question. “Audrey’s good friend, of course. And, since Sunny and I aren’t clouded by any hidden agenda or biased ideas, we look at this whole situation with clear eyes and a new perspective. We’re only thinking about Audrey. Isn’t that what everyone here has done? Oh, dear, have we overstepped some invisible boundary?” Tilly asked, batting her eyes like a naïve co-ed.

  “I think you have. However, I’ll choose to forget those comments as you should also. So, to the point of this chat.” Tucker put on his lecture face, which I assume he thought showed strength and possibly intimidation. Not that it would do either as far as my friends were concerned. Both Tilly and Sunny looked at him with their undivided attention. Wouldn’t he be surprised to know they were evaluating him as a murder suspect?

  He continued in his condescending manner. “Please don’t take this the wrong way. I’ll be blunt. With Audrey dead, there’s absolutely no reason for you to stay. After lunch, you two should pack up and head back to your quaint little town up north. The will reading is a private matter and you aren’t wanted around for that. Nothing personal, of course.” He stood up and dusted off his immaculate pants like he’d done my friends a great favor by joining them in the first place. “Understood?” He didn’t even have the courtesy to wait for a reply before turning his back on them and walking away.

  “Oh, yes, we hear you loud and clear, Tucker,” Tilly said. “The only problem is,” she paused until he stopped and looked back at them. He had a smug look with one eyebrow raised.

  “I’ll be blunt also. We have no plans to leave today. As a matter of fact, Tucker, we quite like it here. You might be surprised to hear this, but it’s not your call when we leave. Isn’t that right, Sunny?”