Fashions Fade, Haunted Is Eternal

by Rose Pressey

  “I just can’t get rid of my anxiety,” I said.

  Another minute passed and the officer walked back to my car.

  “No sign of her. Are you sure you saw someone?” he asked.

  “If he’d been paying attention he would have seen her too,” Charlotte said.

  “I’m positive,” I said.

  “It’s probably best if you see something like that to come and get me first. Under the circumstances it’s a bit dangerous for you,” he said.

  “The officer is right, Cookie,” Minnie said.

  “Cookie can handle herself,” Charlotte said.

  I forced a smile. “I’ll make sure and do that.”

  I knew he was helping me, but I was stubborn.

  “I’ll go to work now,” I said.

  He smiled. “I’ll follow you.”

  “We know you will,” Charlotte said.

  After pulling out of the parking lot, I drove the rest of the way to the shop. Now I had to find Shanna and ask her why she was snooping around the hotel. People were blissfully unaware of the potential danger that loomed as they strolled along the sidewalks and drove up and down the streets of Sugar Creek. If I could help it they would stay that way too. I wouldn’t allow a murderer to walk free. Not if there was any way possible for me to solve the crime. When I pulled up to the shop, I spotted Ken heading down the sidewalk. His office was on the opposite side of town. Not that it was far, though, since Sugar Creek was such a small town.

  “He’s here to see you early,” Charlotte said.

  I rolled the Buick up to the curb in front of the shop and cut the engine. “I hope nothing’s wrong.”

  “Well, hurry up. I’m curious to find out what he wants.” Charlotte motioned for me to get moving.

  “More like you are nosy and want to know why he’s here.”

  Charlotte gasped as I got out of the car.

  “Cookie Chanel, you are too sassy for your own good.” Charlotte rushed behind me.

  “Pot meet kettle,” I said.

  Minnie laughed from over my shoulder. Grandma Pearl meowed as she and Tyler rushed down the sidewalk ahead of us. People in town probably thought I was officially a crazy cat lady. I hurried down the sidewalk. Just as I was about to call out to Ken, I realized he wasn’t stopping at my front door. He walked by my shop and over to Heather’s.

  “He didn’t even notice you,” Charlotte said in a stunned voice.

  Ken paused until Heather opened the door for him. He walked inside. They never looked over and noticed that I had been watching them. Charlotte and I exchanged a look.

  “Something weird is going on with those two,” Charlotte said.

  “Should I go over and check or mind my own business?” I asked.

  Now who was the nosy one? I should definitely mind my own business.

  “Maybe they’re planning a surprise birthday party for you, after all,” Minnie said.

  “I doubt they’d be doing that this early,” I said. “I suppose it’s none of my business. If they’re in trouble they’ll come to me.”

  I stepped in front of my shop and unlocked the door.

  “Just one little peek in the window wouldn’t hurt,” Charlotte said, trying to persuade me.

  “If you want a peek you can go over there.” I opened the shop door.

  Wind Song rushed past me and into the shop. I knew it was Wind Song in control because the cat made a beeline for the counter where I kept the food. Grandma Pearl was just holding on for the ride at this point. Tyler wasn’t quite so quick to make it to the food dish. As grouchy as he was, the cat he was sharing bodies with probably didn’t want to complain.

  I figured if I told Charlotte to go she would understand that it was wrong to invade their privacy and not go over to Heather’s place. I was wrong. After all this time I should have known Charlotte better than that. Charlotte left my side and was now in front of Heather’s shop. I hoped she only looked in the window and didn’t actually go inside.

  Minnie stayed with me.

  “Now I have to go after her,” I said.

  “I’ll go with you,” Minnie said.

  Minnie and I marched over to Heather’s shop. I stopped at the door. I spotted Charlotte through the window, but didn’t see Heather or Ken.

  “Charlotte,” I whispered as if someone would overhear me.

  I was the only one at this section of the sidewalk. Though the cop was parked just down the street. I hoped he didn’t see me. That would only add to his thought that I was a bit bonkers. I could only imagine what he would tell Dylan. A few more seconds passed and Charlotte returned. She stared at me, but didn’t say anything.

  “Well, what are they doing?” I asked.

  “Oh, now you want to know,” she said, inspecting her plum-color-painted fingernails. Charlotte changed her outfits and nail color quite often.

  “It doesn’t matter,” I said with a wave of my hand.

  Charlotte picked imaginary lint off her black trousers. “Maybe I shouldn’t tell you.”

  I turned and rushed back toward the shop. “Fine. I don’t want to know anyway.”

  Charlotte and Minnie hurried after me.

  “Okay, if you must know,” Charlotte said. “They’re just talking.”

  I flipped on the light switch and stuffed my purse under the counter. “I’m surprised you didn’t stay around to find out what they were talking about.”

  I poured food into the cat dish. Wind Song narrowed her bright green eyes at me. She wasn’t happy that I’d made her wait.

  Charlotte waved her hand. “It was probably boring. You want to know though, don’t you?”

  I picked up a shirt and folded it. “Like I said, I don’t care.”

  Charlotte opened her mouth to say something else, but the door opening caught her attention. A customer walked in. Her focus was set on me as she crossed the room. The woman was tall with long brown hair. Her smile lit up the room.

  “Good morning. Welcome to It’s Vintage Y’all,” I said. “May I help you?”

  “Just looking around,” the woman said, turning to the right.

  That was odd. I’d thought for sure she was coming to talk to me. She walked toward the rack of dresses that lined the far right wall.

  “She looks familiar,” Minnie said.

  “Yes, I’ve seen her before too.” Charlotte moved closer to the customer.

  I studied the woman and realized that I’d also seen her before. I jotted down a note and showed it to Charlotte and Minnie.

  “That’s where we’ve seen her. She was one of the models at the photo shoot,” Charlotte said.

  The woman must have sensed me staring. She looked up and smiled once again. Why would she be here?

  “That doesn’t seem like a coincidence,” Charlotte said.

  I agreed and this meant that I needed to ask her what she was doing here. Well, I wouldn’t come right out and say that, but I would get around to the point. I moved from around the corner and over to the woman.

  When I got close I pulled out a turquoise and yellow Emilio Pucci dress. “This would look amazing on you.”

  “What are you talking about, Cookie? Everything in this store would look amazing on her. Look at her long legs, gorgeous eyes, dazzling hair, and perfect complexion,” Charlotte said.

  That was true, but this was a way for me to break the ice. By the way the woman looked at me, I figured she knew what I was doing. Had she come here specially to speak with me about Tyler? How did she know I was involved with the investigation? I was probably putting too much thought into it. She was probably just here to look at the vintage clothing. No, my instincts had to be correct. I’d push for more information.

  The model eyed the dress. “It’s lovely.”

  “Don’t mess this up, Cookie. Get her to talk,” Charlotte said.

  The model watched me. It was as if she wanted to say something, but didn’t know how to start the conversation. That meant I’d have to do it for her.

>   “I know you, right? You were one of the models for the photo shoot?” I asked.

  “I’m so nervous,” Minnie said.

  “Cookie, you can handle this. Get her to talk,” Charlotte said.

  It was as if I had my own paranormal cheerleaders.

  The model nodded.

  As she remained tight-lipped I pushed for more conversation. “How are you?”

  “I’m doing well,” she said as she studied another blouse.

  “This is going to be painful if we keep going at this pace,” Charlotte said around a sigh.

  I was quickly tiring of my cheerleaders. The model wasn’t making this easy.

  “Have you heard anything about if they found the killer?” I asked.

  “I doubt she believes your clueless act,” Charlotte said around a sigh.

  The model picked up a black and white Lorrie Deb linen short-sleeved dress. “I haven’t heard anything. I’m just still in shock that it happened.”

  “Okay, this is a start. I was beginning to think she’d forgotten how to talk,” Charlotte said.

  “She must be scared,” Minnie said.

  “Did you see anything unusual that day?” I asked.

  She placed the dress back on the rack. “No, I suppose I didn’t.”

  I wouldn’t let the conversation stop there. Not if I could help it.

  “Did Tyler act any differently?”

  “He was just being his usual self,” she said with a wave of her hand.

  “And what was that like? I didn’t know him well.” I studied her face for a reaction.

  Of course I knew he was cranky and demanding, but I wanted to hear her impression.

  “She will probably wonder why you’re asking so many questions,” Charlotte said. “Just don’t let her get away without more answers.”

  “Tyler was always hitting on all the models. That gave him a reputation, of course. It was a bit stressful working for him sometimes.”

  “I’d say so. She should have let the jerk have it.” Charlotte pumped her fist.

  “Maybe she did,” Minnie said with a raised eyebrow.

  “Good point, Minnie.” Charlotte eyed the woman up and down.

  “What did he do to you?” I asked.

  “He was always asking me and the other models out on dates. Needless to say that made his girlfriend extremely mad.”

  “I guess that’s why she broke up with him,” I said.

  “You’d think so, wouldn’t you? I don’t think that was the case. He broke up with her. I think she was crazier than he was, and that’s saying a lot,” she said.

  Tyler hissed from his spot in the corner of the room. She looked in his direction.

  “Sounds like Tyler and his girlfriend were a match made in heaven. They should have stayed together,” Charlotte said.

  “Plus, Tyler owed Krissy money. She was another one of the models there that day,” the model said.

  “Oh, we’re well aware of who she is,” Charlotte said with a sarcastic look.

  “Why did he owe her money?” I asked.

  “I think he liked to gamble,” she said.

  “That would certainly give Krissy a reason to murder Tyler,” Charlotte said.

  “Did he ask you for money?” I asked.

  She scoffed. “It wouldn’t have done him any good. I don’t have extra money to lend.”

  “I understand that,” I said.

  The model sorted through the rack of clothing. “You know, I think someone has been following me.”

  Charlotte moved closer. “Whoa, now this is getting interesting.”

  I frowned. “Who has been following you? Why do you think someone is following you?”

  “She could have a stalker,” Charlotte suggested.

  “I’ve never actually seen anyone, but I’ve noticed strange things at my place.”

  “This is odd,” Charlotte said.

  “What kind of strange things?” I asked.

  “Things have been moved at the hotel room, and I hear noises at night as if someone is trying to break in,” she said.

  “That sounds like what has been happening to you,” Minnie said.

  “It does sound like the same stuff,” Charlotte said. “I doubt this is a coincidence.”

  “Have you told the police about this?” I asked.

  “She should tell the police,” Charlotte said.

  “No, I wasn’t sure there was anything really to tell. I have no proof.”

  Now I was worried about her safety. What if the killer came for her next?

  “You really should let them know. Just to be safe. If it’s nothing, then there’s no harm done,” I said.

  “I’ll think about it,” she said. “Well, I’ve taken up enough of your time.”

  “Let me know if anything else happens?” I grabbed my card from the counter and handed it to her.

  She took the card. “Yes, I will call you.”

  “Isn’t she going to buy anything?” Charlotte asked in a disappointed voice.

  Charlotte always wanted to sell. Forever the businesswoman.

  The model walked out the door. I followed her to the window. I peered out, watching her walk away down the sidewalk. A woman stepped out from behind a nearby building. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make out any features or get a description of the woman. She wore a blue baseball cap and dark sunglasses. She fell into step directly behind the model. There was something strange about the way she walked. Even though I couldn’t see what the woman’s face looked like, I was sure I recognized her.

  “Hey, isn’t that Shanna?” Charlotte pointed.

  “It is her!” Minnie said.

  Grandma Pearl meowed and pawed at the window.

  “What is she doing following that model too?” I asked.

  “This is strange,” Charlotte said.

  I wanted to follow and see just how far Shanna trailed the woman, but I couldn’t leave the shop. What if Shanna wanted to harm the woman? Was she the one who had been doing the strange things? Why though? Her only connection with Tyler was that they’d talked and were supposed to meet. That was hardly a reason for murder. Though I suppose people had murdered for a lot less.

  “There’s something more to this story,” Charlotte said, as if she’d read my mind.

  I pulled out my phone.

  “Who are you calling?” Charlotte asked.

  “I think I need to tell Dylan about Shanna’s strange behavior.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Minnie said.

  Dylan picked up right away. “Cookie, are you okay?”

  His voice was full of alarm. All my snooping around had caused him to be panicked every time I called him. That wasn’t good. I explained what had happened.

  “Thank you, Dylan,” I said.

  “I’ll stop by soon,” Dylan said.

  When I ended the call, Charlotte asked, “Well, what did he say?”

  “Dylan said he would have the officer follow them. If he sees Shanna he’ll stop her and ask why she’s following the woman.”

  Chapter 18

  Charlotte’s Tips for a Fabulous Afterlife

  Did I mention you have to nag the living?

  That can be exhausting.

  Hence my previous tip for why relaxation is important.

  I stood by the window for a bit longer. Now the police officer had left the front of my store. What if the killer took this time to slip back in? I knew I had locked the back door, but maybe I should check once again. No, that would be excessive. I was letting my mind work overtime with crazy thoughts.

  “You have to find out what this Shanna woman is up to.” Charlotte leaned against the counter. “How many people is she following?”

  “I will send her another message,” I said, pulling out my phone.

  “It’s doubtful she will speak with you since she thinks you stood her up at the diner,” Charlotte said.

  “She probably hates Cash now,” Minnie said.

  “Who?” Charlo
tte asked with a frown.

  “That was the fake man’s name.” Minnie waved her hand.

  “Oh right, right,” Charlotte said.

  “I have no other way to get in touch with Shanna,” I said.

  Charlotte sighed. “I suppose you can give it a try.”

  “It can’t hurt, right?” Minnie asked.

  Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “Don’t be so sure.”

  I typed in a message on the app to Shanna.

  Sorry I missed you the other day. Something came up. I tried to message you, but I figured it was too late and you were mad at me. I can’t stop thinking about you though. Can we meet? I promise to be there this time.

  When I finished, I set the phone on the counter.

  “Oh, you are way more devious than I ever thought,” Charlotte said with pleasure in her voice.

  “No, I’m not. I don’t like doing that at all, but it had to be done.” I blew out a deep breath.

  We stared at the phone, as if she would respond immediately.

  “What are we doing? If she responds at all it could be hours,” I said.

  “Maybe even never,” Minnie said.

  “Maybe even never,” Charlotte said in her usual dry tone, mocking Minnie.

  “Oh, Charlotte, stop being so negative,” I said.

  “Me negative? She’s the one who said Shanna may never respond.” Charlotte scowled.

  Again, we watched the phone. Still nothing happened. This was a waste of time.

  “I wish she would answer,” Minnie said.

  When the bell over the door jingled we all jumped. Charlotte and Minnie screeched.

  Heather chuckled. “What are you all staring at?”

  I sighed. “It’s a long story.”

  “I have time,” Heather said as she walked across the room.

  “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you with this much bounce in your step.” Charlotte eyed Heather.

  Heather blushed. “What? I’m always happy.”

  “Something’s going on with her,” Charlotte said, gesturing toward Heather.

  “There’s nothing going on with me.” Heather looked down when she answered. “Just being my usual happy self. Nothing wrong with that.”

  Heather staring at her feet while she talked was a sure sign that something was definitely going on with her. I guessed by the smile that it was something good.