Death by Donation

by Sarah Hualde

“Why don’t you come inside,” Della said. She opened the front doors wider and gestured to the foyer.

  “I should really be going.”

  “No, please. I could use your help. Let’s take this up to Bill and then you and I can chat.”

  Della rounded on Ivy and stood almost behind her, urging her inside the house. “I need to get ready.”

  “You’ve got plenty of time for that.” Della offered one last pouty plea. “Won’t you please help me? I’m a stranger here and I want to look my best.” Della placed a firm hand on Ivy’s back and pushed her gently.

  Ivy caved. “Okay. But I can’t take too long.”

  “Great.” Della bounced and clapped like a teenage cheerleader and not at all like a grieving thirty-something.

  She tossed the suit back in Ivy’s arms. “You take that up to Bill and I’ll get us a snack and a soda. I’m getting dressed in the room across the hall from Bill’s. I’ll meet you there.”

  Ivy protested but Della had already disappeared. Without much of a choice, Ivy drudged up the stairs.

  Grant stood in the hallway. “Psst.” He called her over.

  “Hi.”

  “We need to talk.”

  “Yes, we do. But not now. I’ve got to give this to Bill and help Della get ready,” Ivy said.

  Grant shook his head. “No. Now.”

  “Hey, Grant.” Bill’s voice boomed down the hall. Grant jumped. He ignored the call. Bill stepped out of his room. “Ivy! You’ve got my suit!” Bill’s grin stretched widely across his freshly shaven face. He ran a hand across his bald head and grimaced. “I keep forgetting about these.” Bill contemplated his bandages. They were considerably smaller than his last set.

  “Are you in a lot of pain, Professor Barnaby?” Ivy left Grant’s side and approached Bill.

  “Not anything I can’t handle. It gets better by the minute.”

  “Where would you like me to set this down for you?”

  Bill nodded to his room. “On the desk chair would be great. Thank you.”

  Grant tugged at Ivy’s sleeve. She turned to him. His hazel eyes cast an odd shadow on his expression. “I’ll be right back.” She reassured him and squeezed past Bill into the guest bedroom.

  Careful to lay out the suit just so, Ivy draped each item delicately over the chair back. In the nearby wall mirror, she watched Bill’s reflection shut the bedroom door.

  ✽✽✽

  Lydia listened as Gus described the stranger lurking around Honey Pot. “I wonder if that’s the same man Grant said was stalking Ines.”

  “Wait, what?” Gus leaned against a wall and tugged a notepad from his back pocket. “No one told me Ines was being stalked.”

  “We’re not sure she is. Grant just mentioned Ines has a secret admirer that pops up at random when they’re in town. I was wondering if they were the same person. Who do you think he is?”

  “No idea. But he’s creeping out all of the Main Street business owners.” Gus patrolled the tossed apartment. “Did Grant mention if this stranger was near Ines the day of the mobile fire?”

  “No, he didn’t. But I didn’t ask. Why? What have you found out about the fire?” Lydia approached Gus. He was holding out on her.

  “You know I can’t say anything about that.”

  “Then it really wasn’t an accident? How horrible.”

  Gus scratched his forehead. He opted to change the subject back to the rummaged through apartment. “I’m going to process this mess and then I’ll need to talk to Ines and Bill.”

  “Talk to them about the break-in or about the murder?” Gus refused to respond to Lydia’s inquiring. “Can it wait until after the memorial?”

  Gus frowned. Lines of debate creased his forehead. “When is it?”

  “Tonight. 7 pm to 9.”

  Gus stood with his hands on his hips surveying the situation. “I guess I can wait for a few hours. I’ll lock this down and put Parker on the lookout. But the minute the memorial is over I’ve got to inform them.”

  “Thanks. I can’t imagine they’ll be much help to you. I believe they’ve been running around all day preparing for tonight.” Lydia cautiously walked around the room.

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought. Still, you never know. Whoever made this mess had a reason. I’ll need Bill and Ines to tell me if anything is missing.”

  “Do you think the stranger did this?”

  “He’s definitely high on my suspect list,” Gus stated flatly.

  ✽✽✽

  Ivy flinched as the door clicked closed. “Okay, well. I need to get home and get ready. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” Ivy forced her voice to stay naive and helpful.

  Bill’s cheerful, quiet expression turned sour. He leered at Ivy, sending prickles of alarm up her arms. She took a deep breath to center herself.

  Bill lifted his wrapped hands into the air. “Don’t be afraid. I’m harmless. I can’t even scratch my own head, remember.”

  Ivy struggled to steady her nerves. Again, her thoughts turned to her past. Fear bubbled in her stomach. Flight beckoned to her feet. She wanted to run but Bill blocked her exit.

  “I could use some help.” Again Bill showcased his injured hands. “No thumbs make using buttons more than impossible.”

  Ivy shrunk back against the desk as Bill took one step closer.-”I’m sure Grant could help you out,” Ivy said.

  “Grant’s helping Ines’.”

  Before Ivy realized what was happening, Bill was only a handbreadth away from her. She could smell the ointment soothing his burned hands. Ivy decided to leap onto the bed and scurry around her career counselor to reach the door. However, before she could spring the door shot open and a livid Della entered the suite. Ivy rushed past her and into the hall. Della cursed at Bill and slammed the door. She turned her fury toward Ivy.

  “I don’t know what you think you’re doing but you’re going to pay if I catch you up here with Bill again.” Ivy stammered but couldn’t form sensible words. “In fact, you can be certain I’m telling your boyfriend about this. See how fast his Puritan mind spins. Now, if you don’t mind. I need to get ready for a memorial service for my cousin. You’d be wise to stay out of my sight this evening and away from Bill.”

  ✽✽✽

  Ivy shot wordlessly into her room. She was happy to leave the entire crazy mess at Ines’ house behind her and be back home. Lydia had already picked up Scout and the baby slept in her bed. Ivy could hear Lydia blow-drying her hair, upstairs. She wanted to know what happened at Bill’s apartment. And she longed to discuss her encounter with Bill Barnaby. But there simply wasn’t time.

  Safe in her room, Ivy’s body trembled without her permission. She willed herself to continue on, for just a few more hours. Her instincts refused to comply. Instead, Ivy scooped her slumbering baby into her arms. Cradling the innocent angel face close, she buried her head in her little girl’s hair and cried.

  Chapter 19

  Arriving winded and alarmed to the memorial was not exactly the entrance Ivy or Lydia was going for. Both dressed solemnly in their best church outfit and Scout in hers, they chose to enter through the kitchen door. Ivy hoped Jacqui or her niece needed help. She didn’t want to mingle in the same crowd as Bill or Della. Lydia felt the same.

  Getting Bill his suit, finding the break-in, and discussing things over with Gus had eaten up their energy and time. When they walked into the kitchen they found only Maude and her helper Stefan pacing the tiles, waiting to be summoned.

  “You better hurry on in there,” Maude said. “I believe they’re about to start the speeches.”

  Lydia and Ivy did their best to slink unseen into the crowd. Over forty people milled about the library and hall. None had really known Jake Cloverdale, other than his coworkers and cousin. Most attended out of respect and love for Bill and Ines. They stopped chatting and anxiously awaited the odd eulogies.

  At center stage, aka the first landing of the grand staircase, Della Strap stood arm in arm with Bill
Barnaby. Ines leaned against the bottom step looking up toward her fiancé. Her eyes ran with tears and she clutched a handmade handkerchief. Grant linked his arm in hers and held her hand.

  Ivy smiled to see him taking such great care of his aunt. Lydia followed Ivy's gaze and grinned knowingly. Scout burbled and bellowed when she spotted Flora. To quiet her, Lydia left Ivy’s side and took the baby to visit her first friend, Enoch.

  Bill cleared his voice to speak and the speeches began. “I didn’t know I had a brother. Though, I’d always felt incomplete. Jake reached out to me right in time for one of the happiest events in my life. My wedding to Ines. The night before the tragedy I went to ask him to be my best man and he accepted. I'm extremely grateful.” Ines stiffened at Bill’s speech. Grant patted her arm. “Yes, I'm a very lucky man. How else can you explain bonding with my one and only twin only hours before his death? But one thing Jake’s death has taught me is that any time spent waiting on luck is time wasted. So, before Della has her say. I want to make a very special announcement. Ines and I are eloping.”

  The crowd gasped. Some applauded. “I’m never wasting another moment. We’re running away this weekend. Keep your save the date cards but instead of a wedding we’ll have one big party.”

  Ines leaned into Grant. Grant smiled at the crowd and nudged his aunt to do the same. Flora leaned over to Lydia and whispered, “That’s sweet to be that excited about starting a life together.”

  “Ines doesn’t seem to think so.”

  Looking toward the bride-to-be, Lydia and Flora ignored Della’s entire speech. Though it lasted 15 minutes the ladies didn’t hear a word. They watched Ines Justice fluctuate between sobbing and fuming. Questions shot from her eyes directly at Bill and Bill answered them with winks.

  “Something is going on.”

  ✽✽✽

  With the few speeches handled, Lydia and Ivy trolled the buffet. Con Fuego’s food was scrumptious, to say the least. But neither woman could fully enjoy the tantalizing dinner and desserts. Lydia looked for an opportunity to talk with Ines, alone. Meanwhile, Ivy hoped to get a moment with Grant. Each lady had something important to investigate.

  Ivy sipped cucumber water. She watched Della lead Grant around the room. Della forced him to make introductions and bring her food and drinks.

  After his huge announcement, Ines and Bill did a courtesy pass of the library. They each thanked guests for their condolences and then disappeared up the stairs.

  Lydia stayed near the main staircase. Ines would have to come down eventually. She sat with Flora in padded folding chairs and played with the babies. Neither woman had much to say.

  The entire week was shot before it had a chance to begin. Flora did her best to keep homeschool flowing. Helping with memorial prep presented service opportunities but not many moments to sneak in math lessons.

  As she watched the room with Lydia, Flora noticed an unfamiliar face. A tall man stood behind the crowd, cradling a plate of food but not eating it. His eyes darted from person to person and then toward Lydia.

  “He’s watching the stairs, too,” Flora said out loud without meaning to.

  “Who is?” Lydia spun, suddenly tuned in to her friend.

  “Him?” Flora kept her hand close to her skirt as she pointed out the stranger. His cold eyes locked with Lydia’s. Lydia stopped breathing and stared back. If this was the same guy Gus was talking about she wanted him to know she’d spotted him.

  Still locking eyes with the stranger, she smiled a phony grin and talked out the side of her mouth. “Text Gus. Tell him the man is here.”

  Flora mentally sputtered. There was so much she wanted to ask. But she knew better. If Lydia was calling the police then Lydia believed there was danger nearby. During all their escapades calling for professional assistance was the last resort on Lydia’s list.

  Flora held Enoch in one arm and reached for the diaper bag with the other. She forgot the tea sitting on her lap until it overturned and splashed across the hardwood.

  “Great!”

  The momentary distraction drew the attention of everyone in the room. Except for Lydia and the stranger. The man nodded at Lydia and gestured toward the kitchen. Lydia nodded a response. She ignored her friend as she rose from her seat.

  Scout clapped, shocking Lydia back to the moment. She couldn’t charge into a discussion with a man who could be dangerous with Scout on her hip.

  Flora was busy. Many helping hands gathered to help her clean up her mess. The man would have to wait until Lydia found Ivy. She wandered away from Flora in search of Scout’s mother, as she struggled to keep one eye on the stranger.

  Chapter 20

  Ivy sat alone, stirring the life out of a cold cup of coffee and smashing apple crumb cake into apple sauce. Every breath brought her closer to tears. She replayed her encounter with Bill Barnaby just a few hours earlier and shivered. Sometimes she could convince herself the professor was only drugged and anxious. Other times she was certain he was being proactively creepy. Her brain replayed the situation. It always ended with her imagining Don’s breath on her neck and the stench of old beer saturating her memories.

  Lydia found her sitting by herself in the game room. “What are you doing here?”

  “Hiding. This entire house is strange.”

  “I feel that way, too.” Lydia set the diaper bag on one of the bistro tables. “Plus, I believe the stranger man from Bill’s apartment is here. Take Scout. I intend to talk to him. Now!”

  Ivy took Scout onto her lap, happy to have the distraction. “Are you going to be okay,” Lydia asked before leaving.

  “Yes. We’ll talk later. Go.”

  Lydia hurried out of the game room.

  Just a few moments later, Grant appeared. His smile was only slightly smaller than normal. In his hands, he carried two plates full of tapas and dessert.

  “Lydia sent you.” It wasn’t a question. Ivy knew Lydia too well to assume anything other than her staging a self-pity intervention.

  “Of course.”

  ✽✽✽

  At 8 pm, Ines returned to the large group. Della collided with her in the middle of the crowd and brushed past her without so much as a nod. Ines sniffled and stiffened at the exchange. Lydia stood so close she could feel the jolt from their shoulders bumping. Ines mumbled an apology. Della glared at Ines’ retreating back.

  Lydia continued behind Ines on her way to the kitchen. She was more than disappointed to see the strange man slink out the back door. She walked behind him, trying to catch up.

  Gus flagged her down; entering through the same door the man had left by.

  Lydia’s eyes went wide. She grabbed Gus by the shirt sleeve. “Did you see him?”

  “Who?”

  “The stranger! That’s who. You must have seen him! He just left.”

  “Out this door?”

  “Yes. Go. Look before you lose him.” Gus hurried outside. Lydia paced in the kitchen. The deputy returned a few seconds later. “I didn’t see anyone. If he was there, he’s gone now.”

  Lydia frowned and gave a slight stamp of her foot. She looked at Gus. His uniform was spotless. He’d freshened up after his search with her at the apartment. “Why are you dressed like that?”

  “I’m on duty.”

  “And?”

  “I’m here to talk to Ines and Bill. I don’t feel right postponing it. I’d like them to be ready to leave as soon as the guests go.” Lydia understood. The night couldn’t get any weirder. Ines might actually enjoy Gus’ distracting questions.

  “Ines is mingling with the guests. She was here only a second ago. Bill hasn’t been down since the eulogies. I have a feeling he’s had a bit to drink and it hasn’t mixed well with his medication.”

  Gus’ jaw clenched. He ground his teeth as he processed the situation. The smell of the buffet made his mouth water. Lydia noticed his eyes flit from her face to the food. “Why don’t you eat something and I’ll get Ines to come over and talk to you. Come in her
e. It’s a bit more private. The guests are in the library and foyer. I’m certain they’ll start making their exit soon.”

  “That’s a great idea.” Gus retrieved a plate and began selecting treats.

  ✽✽✽

  With Grant nearby, Ivy actually ate her food. Her stomach and shoulders relaxed. She noticed, though, Grant’s never did. He sat stiffly across the table and wore a flat-lining smile. The normal spark was absent from his eyes. She was about to ask if he was alright when Della stumbled into the room.

  “Oh, there you two are! Flirting at a funeral, huh?” Ivy watched Grant’s face flush. She wondered if he was embarrassed or angry. Clearly, he was unsettled at the very least. “I thought a sweet Christian boy like you wouldn’t have such poor timing. It’s a little disrespectful, don’t you think?”

  Grant took a deep breath and looked straight at Della. Her dress was tight and low and not at all like a mourning gown. Ivy watched Grant’s eyes. They focused squarely on Della’s face. The woman’s forward ways weren’t a distraction for him.

  Ivy’s memory played tricks on her once more. She remembered Martin. Her deceptive ex-boyfriend, and Scout’s father, would have had his hands all over Della Strap. Her age wouldn’t have bothered him.

  “Disrespectful to whom?”

  Della scoffed and cackled. “My cousin and your uncle.”

  Grant sighed. “I’m sorry if you find my attitude and lack of mingling disrespectful.”

  “You can make it up to me.” Della cruised over to him and placed a hand on his collar.

  Ivy’s flesh crawled. She shivered. Della’s eyes shot daggers at her. “What are you laughing at, Miss High and Mighty? Don’t pretend you’re not a tramp. The proof is sitting on your lap.”

  Grant moved Della’s hand off his shirt and rose to his feet.

  “Miss Strap!”

  Della let her bottom jaw drop, feigning surprise. “Oh, I see. Little altar boy didn’t know he was crushing on the town tart. Maybe if you asked nicely, you could be her next baby’s daddy.” Della flicked her hair over her shoulder and left the room. She called behind her, “If not, you know where you can find me.”