Death of a Suitor

by Elizabeth Spann Craig

  Bailey froze as if he had been given a pop quiz. “Well, I was upset with Jax, of course. You know why I was. It’s perfectly understandable that I would want to kill him for having an affair with Marigold.”

  Myrtle said, “Wanting to kill someone and actually following through with it are two entirely different things.”

  “Yes. But I did. I went over to Jax’s house and I did.”

  “Hm,” said Myrtle. “And Eloise? Because you seemed genuinely surprised a few minutes ago when I mentioned her body was found in the lake.”

  “Yes, well, I drowned her. She knew I’d killed Jax and she was harassing me about it,” said Bailey. He looked pleased that he’d landed on a viable explanation for killing Eloise.

  Myrtle and Wanda stared at each other again. Wanda shook her head.

  “I’ll call Red, Bailey. But I don’t think you’re telling the truth.” Myrtle took her phone out of her enormous purse and punched Red’s number in. “Red?”

  There was a groan on the other end of the phone. “What now, Mama?”

  “What a terrible way to greet one’s mother. I’m simply calling to let you know that Bailey Pratt has just confessed to killing Jax. And, as an afterthought, Eloise, too. We’re at Bailey’s house.”

  Red suddenly sounded very much on edge. “Mama, you’re not alone with Bailey, are you?”

  “Heavens, no. I have Wanda here with me.”

  “I’ll be right there,” said Red grimly.

  And he was. Minutes later, he and the state police arrived and ushered Myrtle and Wanda out of the house.

  Which was precisely when Marigold showed up, looking bewildered at the number of police vehicles in her driveway.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “WHAT’S GOING ON?” SHE gasped as she hurried over to Myrtle and Wanda.

  Myrtle and Wanda were sitting on a bench under a tree in Marigold’s well-landscaped front yard. “Bailey confessed to killing Jax and Eloise.”

  Marigold suddenly looked extremely annoyed. “He did what?” She shook her head and stared at the house with fury in her eyes.

  Myrtle said mildly, “Wanda and I don’t think he did it.”

  “Of course he didn’t do it. Oh, this is completely absurd.”

  Myrtle said, “Would you like to take a seat, dear?” There was another bench facing Myrtle and Wanda. It was quite a large yard.

  Marigold sighed. “I guess I can’t go inside right now. Not with the police here and everything. What a silly mess.” She rubbed her forehead as if it hurt. “And now he can’t give me an alibi because he says he was out.”

  “Was he out?” asked Myrtle. “Wanda seemed to think so.”

  Wanda looked steadily at Marigold.

  Marigold sighed again. “He was out drinking. I guess he wouldn’t have been able to give me much of an alibi anyway. We’d had an argument, which was unusual since we rarely have them. But now Bailey is more on edge. He thinks now that Jax is out of the way, our lives should just fall right back into our routine again.”

  Myrtle tilted her head to one side. “But you don’t think that can happen, do you?”

  Marigold shook her head. “No. I’m sure that we can’t. Too much has changed between us. Or maybe, too much has changed with just me. I’m not the same person I was when we married.”

  “I’m guessing that if you don’t see a way for the two of you to pick back up again, that you’re planning on leaving Bailey.”

  “I’m afraid so. I don’t have anything against Bailey—he’s always been very kind to me and he’s been a good provider. But I just can’t go on like this. I really feel like I’m living just half a life. At this point, I want to have an amicable parting of the ways and find someone more compatible for me before it’s too late.”

  Myrtle felt very much like she’d just been dropped into an episode of Tomorrow’s Promise. Except, perhaps the script wasn’t quite as smooth. Still, she gave Marigold an encouraging nod. And wondered, as Marigold looked away, if she’d already found that more-compatible companion.

  Marigold turned her attention to Wanda, who was still regarding her with that steady expression. She gave Wanda a quick smile. “Do you see a future for me? I mean, I don’t know how it all works, but can you see what’s going to happen to me?”

  Wanda looked uncomfortable. “That’s not really how the sight works.”

  Myrtle said, “I’ve learned the sight is very ornery and plays by its own rules, Marigold.”

  Marigold leaned eagerly toward the psychic. “How about general feelings in regard to me? Hopeful? Sad?”

  Wanda shook her head regretfully.

  Myrtle stepped in before Marigold could continue pressing Wanda for information. “What did you think when you heard about Eloise’s death, Marigold?”

  “Well, I heard about it over at the library a few minutes ago and I was very surprised . . . and a little worried. I started wondering if it’s safe to walk around downtown alone. You know, if there’s a killer wandering around. I’m starting to wonder if it isn’t just someone killing random people. Someone who’s really deranged.”

  Myrtle thought that sounded like a lot of wistful nonsense but she said, “I suppose it could be. You never know these days, do you? But if it isn’t a deranged stranger, who do you think might have been responsible for these deaths?”

  Marigold looked thoughtful. “I hadn’t thought much about it until the last day or so, but I’ve heard that Allen West remains really bitter about Jax’s role in Allen getting kicked out of his job at the theater.”

  “It wasn’t a paying job,” said Myrtle in the tone of someone wanting to set the record straight.

  “No? I guess that was generous of him to volunteer,” said Marigold, sounding doubtful. “The thing is, Jax had a real problem with Allen. The more I think about it, the more I’m sure Allen had something to do with all this.”

  Myrtle said, “What do you remember about their interactions with each other?”

  Marigold sighed. “Well, at first I didn’t remember a whole lot because I’d kind of brushed it off as drama. Honestly, it was sort of like drama between high school girls. I wasn’t interested in it or listening to Jax complain about Allen. But basically, Jax and I stepped out of his house recently to head to the movies and Jax’s tire was slashed.”

  Myrtle said, “And you thought Allen had done it?”

  “I didn’t think anything because I was a disinterested bystander, like I said. But Jax definitely thought Allen was behind it. He said it was exactly the kind of passive-aggressive thing Allen would do to indicate his displeasure.”

  Wanda croaked, “You think Allen killed Jax an’ Eloise?”

  Marigold shrugged. “Why not? He was clearly unhappy with Jax. And maybe Eloise knew something and Allen had to get rid of her, too. It all fits together. When Red comes back outside, I’m going to tell him all about it.”

  As if on cue, Red walked outside of the house, a grim look on his face. Myrtle noted that he did not have Bailey with him in handcuffs. He sighed as he spotted his mother and Wanda there with Marigold. Marigold waved him over.

  Marigold said to Red, “I’m guessing you realize Bailey’s confession is totally ridiculous.”

  Red said in that cautious way of his, “Let’s just say there are too many inconsistencies in his story. Because his account isn’t credible, we won’t be taking him in.” He paused. “Marigold, do you have any idea why Bailey might confess to something he didn’t do?”

  Marigold’s expression was quite displeased. She pursed her lips. “I can only imagine that it was an ill-conceived plan to protect me from being a suspect.”

  Red said, “So he thought you might be responsible?”

  Marigold said, “I suppose he thought it was a possibility since he hasn’t been around enough to know where I’ve been at different times of the day. And that’s one of the most annoying things—if Bailey had been home, he’d have been able to provide me with an alibi. Because I’ve been here.�
��

  Red nodded. “I gathered that Bailey was out at the approximate time of both of the deaths.”

  Myrtle noticed that Marigold didn’t seem to be in any hurry to lie for Bailey’s sake, unlike Bailey’s selfless confession.

  “That’s right. He likes to go for drives,” said Marigold, rolling her eyes. “And he likes to go out drinking, too. Perhaps one of the regulars can give him an alibi.” Then she said, “There was something I thought you should know about a possible suspect.”

  Red hastily interjected, “Got it. Let’s meet inside, please. I’ll be right there.”

  Marigold walked into the house and Red said, “Now, Mama. This is really getting silly. You’re turning up all over the place.”

  Myrtle sniffed. “That’s because you’re treating Miles and me like suspects. Naturally, we’re going to want to clear our names. Don’t be silly. And it’s pointless to try to hide information from us, by the way. Marigold already told Wanda and me all about her ‘possible suspect.’”

  Red rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. “Fine. But this needs to stop here, Mama. You’re getting too involved. You’re showing up all over town, talking to too many people and being too nosy. You’re going to end up getting yourself into hot water.” He looked at Wanda, who was sitting with her hands politely folded in her lap. “Wanda, you seem like you have a lot of common sense. Can you figure out some sort of diversion for my mother that doesn’t seem to involve murder?” He snapped his fingers. “I know. Christy Heatherington needs a visit.”

  Myrtle said, “Perhaps she does. But I don’t believe Christy needs a visit from me.”

  “She’s at Greener Pastures, of course, and was talking about petitioning the administration to make a few changes over there,” said Red in a wheedling voice.

  Myrtle stared at him. “You’re actually encouraging me to create another insurrection at that retirement facility?”

  “I don’t think Christy used the term insurrection, but she’d like some ideas on how to implement changes,” said Red.

  Myrtle said flatly, “This reinforces the fact that you’re completely desperate. Do you really believe I’m in danger? Wanda isn’t even saying I’m in danger and she always does.”

  Wanda looked at Myrtle seriously. “Yer in danger.”

  Myrtle sighed. “Okay. But you know how the sight works for Wanda. It’s very vague. I could technically be in terrible danger from a staircase or faulty wiring or a defective airbag in Miles’s car.”

  Red drawled, “Considering you’re dabbling in a murder case, I’d guess the danger is something very different.” One of the state police officers called out to Red and he quickly grunted out a goodbye and stalked off.

  Myrtle and Wanda started on their long walk back to Myrtle’s house.

  “Sorry,” said Wanda. “Shouldn’t have told Red that.”

  “It doesn’t really matter since Red always thinks I’m in danger, anyway. He things I’m grossly incompetent at being an adult, although I’ve been an adult for the last 60-odd years of my life.” Myrtle looked curiously at Wanda. “You were really shutting down Marigold’s request for a fortune. Are you feeling worn out? I know psychic activity can be wearing for you.”

  Wanda looked a little uncomfortable. “Nothin’ like that. Just had a bad feelin’. When folks ask for their future, they want to hear the good stuff. Didn’t see nothin’ good for her.” She shrugged her thin shoulders.

  “Well, I can understand where you wouldn’t want to be the bearer of bad news. I can’t say I find Marigold a particularly sympathetic character, but it’s too bad she has troubles heading her way.” Myrtle’s expression darkened as her thoughts moved back to Red. “I know what will get Red’s goat. I need to write a story for the paper on Eloise’s death. Since I was practically an eyewitness, that should make for good copy.”

  Wanda gave her a wary look. “Just remember . . . yer in danger.”

  “I promise I won’t advertise who the killer is. Mainly because I don’t know yet.” Myrtle sighed. “It does all make Miles and me look rather guilty, though, doesn’t it? That Eloise! She was constantly causing trouble and has apparently decided to continue from beyond the grave.”

  Finally back at Myrtle’s house, they walked inside and Myrtle poured them some lemonade. “Now, when Miles comes over, he and I’ll head over to see Allen. Maybe you can hang out here, Wanda, and watch Tomorrow’s Promise. Do you have any insights at all on Allen?”

  Wanda said, “Needs to start clippin’ coupons.”

  “Hm. So Allen is facing some financial issues. I wonder if that means something.”

  Wanda drawled, “Means he’s spendin’ too much cash.”

  Myrtle sighed. “And that’s all it might mean, sure enough. I’m running fairly low on cash, myself. Thank heaven Miles has been the recipient of so much food from the good widows of Bradley, North Carolina. They’re either blissfully unaware of how many women are courting Miles, or they’re overestimating his appetite. And the fact that Miles is an extremely picky eater.” She brightened. “I suppose he’s going to be receiving even more food now, considering Eloise’s recent demise.”

  The talk of food made Myrtle hungry again, despite the generous breakfast Wanda had made earlier. So she and Wanda rummaged through the leftovers from Miles’s lady friends and filled plates with a mix of different things.

  They were just finishing up when the doorbell rang.

  Myrtle frowned. “It’s not quite time for Miles to come yet.”

  Wanda said with a sigh, “It’s Dan.”

  “Dan as in Crazy Dan? Your brother?”

  “The very one.” Wanda took a last bite of her food and walked with Myrtle to the door.

  It was indeed Crazy Dan, standing on Myrtle’s front porch with his grizzled head, wild mangy beard, and a generous amount of stubble covering his leathery features. “Figured you was here,” he said to his sister, completely ignoring Myrtle.

  “Maybe you’re psychic too,” said Myrtle a bit snarkily. Dan seemed to always cause problems for Wanda to solve. He’d spend money they didn’t really have, hoard things in their cramped living quarters, and generally loaf around.

  Dan continued, “Needed some stuff in town and thought I’d see if you was ready for a ride back.”

  Wanda looked unconvinced so Dan continued, “Done some cleanin’ up at the house, too. You should see it.”

  Now Wanda looked a bit more interested. Myrtle knew that ordinarily, if cleaning happened at the hubcap-covered hut, Wanda was the one behind it.

  “Guess I could make it back now,” said Wanda. She looked over at Myrtle. “That okay?”

  “Of course, Wanda! Miles was going to step in, anyway. You can do whatever you need to do. Just keep in touch with me and let me know how things are going. You know that Miles and I will come pick you up anytime you’d like a break.” The last was said with some emphasis, although Crazy Dan looked supremely unconcerned about whether anyone might need a break from his company.

  Wanda turned right before she left. “Elaine’s comin’ in a couple of minutes. Needs you to babysit. She got to go to the doctor.”

  “Really? Okay, thanks, Wanda.” She waved as Wanda and Dan climbed into a vehicle that looked like it shouldn’t be allowed on the road at all. The car backfired and a cloud of black smoke spewed out the back before Dan started driving away.

  Wanda was not only a good friend; she was also very handy to have around. Knowing that Elaine was coming over meant that Jack was also coming over. Myrtle pulled the cookie jar out, opened the small toy chest that held Jack’s trucks and superheroes, and waited happily until the doorbell rang.

  Myrtle opened the door with a smile. “Elaine!” she sang out. But it was Miles there, looking confused.

  “Oh, it’s you,” said Myrtle, looking rather deflated.

  Miles frowned. “I thought I was supposed to come by here now and visit suspects with you.”

  “Don’t be silly. We don’t vis
it suspects, we interview them. And you are supposed to be here. Come on inside.”

  Myrtle whisked Miles in, led him into the kitchen and said, “We have a slight hiccup in our schedule today. Elaine is about to drop off Jack for me to babysit him.”

  Miles glanced around at the toys and the cookie jar and nodded as if it all made sense to him now. “I can come back later, then,” he said, a hopeful tone to his voice.

  “No, no. No need for that. We’ll get Jack started playing and then we can recap what’s going on with the murders. Wanda and I visited both Bailey and Marigold and it was all very interesting. I need to fill you in, since you’re my sidekick.”

  The doorbell rang and Myrtle sailed back off to the front door. “Elaine!” she sang out again as she opened the door.

  This time it was indeed Elaine, with Jack in tow. The little boy gave her a sticky grin—it looked like he’d gotten into something sweet right before coming over.

  Elaine had an apologetic look on her face. “Myrtle, I’m so sorry for barging in like this.” She spotted Miles hovering in the background and said, “Hi, Miles! Wow, I’m messing up everyone’s day.”

  Myrtle ushered them in and said portentously, “Let me guess. You need me to babysit, somewhat unexpectedly. You find that you need to go to the doctor.”

  Elaine gaped at her. “Myrtle! How did you know?”

  “Easy. Wanda was just here and told me.” Myrtle gave Elaine a thoughtful look. “But what’s wrong?”

  It was good that she asked because Miles was already pulling his hand sanitizer out of his pants pocket.

  “Nothing catching,” said Elaine hastily, sending an apologetic smile to Miles. “I think I have an ear infection. I figured I’d better get it checked out.”

  Myrtle crouched down and said to Jack, “Why don’t you look for your toy box? I have a new toy in there for you. I forgot to give it to you last time.”

  Jack cheered happily and headed off for the kitchen.