Amy Phipps - Amanda Blakemore 01 - A Bazaar Murder (6 page)

“I wouldn't miss it.” She answered smiling at Henry's uncomfortable expression. “Don't worry one or two romance novels won't hurt.”

His face scrunched up in distaste. “I wouldn't bet on that.” They all laughed.

Chapter 6

Amanda ran her hand through her hair as she, Margaret and Henry waited on Olive's front porch. She lived in a pale blue ranch style home with white trim. Margaret knocked on the large white front door for a second time. “Maybe her hearing aid isn't working.” Henry suggested with a chuckle giving Amanda a wink.

“Don't be mean, besides she doesn't wear a hearing aid.” Margaret whispered.

The door opened and Olive complained. “Your late.....” Stopping in mid-sentence she blinked her large owl like eyes a couple of times. “Henry Walters... looking for a little romance?” She asked waving the romance novel she was holding in her hand. His face turned three shades of red as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

“Stop teasing, Olive and let us in.” Margaret pushed past her and made her way into the living room.

To Amanda's surprise all of the female suspects that Margaret mentioned were already here and lounging around Olive's house as if everything was perfectly normal. “Have a seat.” Olive announced. “And we will get started.”

Setting in a wing back chair that was strategically placed for conversational purposes. Amanda observed the three ladies none of them looked capable of murder but looks could be deceiving. Take Debbie for instance she was a rotund woman in her mid to late forties with graying hair and a kind plump face. She looked more like someones Aunt than a vicious murder. I guess if murder's all wore signs on there foreheads it would make it a lot easier.

Letting her eyes roam to Molly, she was a tall thin woman with big hair and fake nails. She was probably older than she appeared and dressed, she was maybe in her early forties. Amanda supposed that came with the trade of being a hairdresser.

Glancing over to Connie, she looked about fifty with gray hair and quite frankly didn't look strong enough to overtake Florence if a struggle ensued with her small frame and frail spaghetti arms. This was verging on the ridiculous she thought. She wasn't a detective. It took her walking in on her husband with another woman for her to figure out he was cheating on her.

Now she was trying to solve this crime. But she was determined. For some reason there was some deep emotional need to do this to prove to herself that she could, but not just for Florence. It gave her a purpose amongst all the recent chaos of her life.

Hearing Olive's voice she tuned back into the conversation. “Let's get a bite to eat and then we can finish the discussion.”              

Everyone agreed. Amanda started to make her way to the dining room with all the others when Margaret grabbed her arm  pulling her over to the side and whispered. “You work on Debbie and I'll take Molly.” She waved her hand toward Henry. “He can distract Olive.”

After getting her food Amanda noticed that Debbie and Connie was sitting over by the window chatting. Making her way over to them she thought she could kill two birds with one stone. So she plastered a smile on her face and asked “Can I join you?”

“Of course”Connie answered taking a small bite of her sandwich.

“ How do you like our little town?” Debbie asked taking a drink from her teacup.

“I've been enjoying myself. I haven't been here since I was thirteen.” Amanda answered, thinking this was her opportunity to steer the conversation. “Well, all but that horrible business with Florence Hardy.”

“It's so sad. I just couldn't imagine finding her like that.” Connie shaking her head giving Amanda a look of sympathy on her face.

“It's so sad.” Debbie agreed “I heard that it was a heart attack.”

“Really,” Amanda decided to add a little fuel to the fire, so she leaned in close to whisper. “I heard it was ….. Murder.”

“No!” They both said in unison.

“That doesn't surprise me one bit.” Debbie announced nodding her head to emphasize her words. “She treated people so poorly. It was bound to happen.”

“You are right about that.” Connie agreed leaning in close she cryptically asked. “Did you happen to hear who it was that....you know.... did the deed?”

“No,” Amanda whispered and shook her head. “I thought you two would have an idea.”

“Well,” Debbie lifted her plump finger up to her mouth and tapped for a few seconds deep in thought.

“If you ask me....I think it could have been.....” Lifting her hand up to shield her pointing finger from anyone else seeing she indicated Molly.

Amanda thought this was going to be easier then she thought.  “Why would you think it was her?”

“I'm not one to gossip but she used to date Florence's son, Adam.” Debbie informed placing her hand on her chest.

“Really?” Amanda was surprised Molly didn't look like Adam's type or age. But then again she barely knew him.

“I remember that.” Connie jumped in. “It was a big scandal.” Her eyes grew wide at the memory.

“What happened?” Amanda asked politely.

“They had been dating secretly for a while. When Florence found out she blew a gasket. Going on and on about how Molly was to old for him and she was beneath him because she was just a hairdresser.” Connie shook her head and continued. “To the point that she said if he didn't end it she would toss him out without so much as dime.”

“It's sad really.” Debbie interjected looking over at Molly where she was standing talking to Margaret. “He dropped her like a hot potato when Florence threatened to take away the money. Molly was totally humiliated and heartbroken.” Debbie informed. “They don't even speak. When they happen to be at the diner at the same time they pretend they don't even know each other.”

“That is sad,” Amanda agreed.  “I think I would be more mad at him than Florence though.”

“Me too!” Connie agreed shaking her head furiously in agreement.  “He should be like the hero in that novel we just read and fight for the woman he loves!”

“Reality is very different then fiction.” Amanda interjected “In reality there are very few hero's.”

Margaret could tell from her position in the dining room that Amanda seemed to be having some success at getting Connie and Debbie into conversation. Poor Henry was assigned with the job of keeping Olive occupied while she tried to get Molly to talk. He was managing pretty well judging by the way Olive kept batting her eyes at him and giggling at every word coming out of his mouth. She would owe him big time, considering he looked completely miserable. She really shouldn't be enjoying his discomfort this much. 

Returning her attention to the task at hand Margaret asked. “Do you know when Florence's funeral services are?”

Molly shrugged and said “I think they are the day after tomorrow.”

“It's so sad what happened.” Margaret sighed this may be harder than she thought. 

“If you ask me I'm surprised that she lasted this long.” Molly said and continued to eat her chips with a crunching noise.

“Why would you say that, was Florence sick?” She asked politely.

“Not that, I'm aware of.... I just meant that I'm surprised no one killed her a long time ago.” Molly shrugged again as if that comment was perfectly normal conversation to be having while eating chips. Margaret couldn't mask her surprise at Molly's comment about murder.

Noticing her surprise Molly then rushed to justify her attitude. “I own the beauty shop. I hear all kinds of gossip.” Margaret looked expectantly waiting for her to continue. “Take for instants Connie over there.” Waving a chip filled hand in Connie's direction. “She worked for the Hardy's and got fired.”

Following Molly's eyes over to where Connie sat with Amanda and Debbie she asked. “For what?”

“She was their accountant and some money came up missing. When Florence found out she threatened to have Connie arrested but, there was no proof that she was the guilty one so....” She tilted her head to the side and lifted one shoulder.

“So they asked her to resign?” Margaret finished her thought.

“I don't think Debbie's got a reason unless she's still mad over Florence not using the diner to cater the factory's shindigs anymore.” Dusting her hands off before taking a drink of soda then continuing. “Florence said that the Hardy's had more class than that. So they started ordering food from a restaurant in Meadows Landing.”

“I knew Florence could be rude but I had no ideal she said something like that to poor Debbie.” She commented feeling bad for her friend.

“That old dragon was about as mean as they come.” Molly assured her with a nod of the head.

Olive called everyone back to the living room to discuss which book they would read for next month. After some deliberation everyone decided that one of the two new members should choose the book for the following month. “Well” Amanda said quietly “I don't have any suggestions.” Looking over at Henry for help.

“I do.” He announced. “The Murder at the Vicarage, by Agatha Christie.” Amanda thought Margaret's eyes were going to pop out of her head.

While Olive clapped her hands together and announced “What a perfect suggestion.” Everyone else agreed that it would be a nice change from their typical romance novels.

Chapter 7

Amanda awoke the next morning with a very heavy weight sitting on her chest. A weight that was purring and staring right in her face. Rubbing her eye with the back of her hand she sighed. “Is this going to be an every morning thing?”

Ghost tilted his head to the side and answered, “Meow.” 

“Thought so,” she mumbled. Sitting up he jumped to the floor with a very annoyed look on his face. “I can't spend the whole day in bed.” She commented. “Twinkie should be here any minute.” Another irritated sound came from the  large gray tomcat as he jumped upon the chair by the window. She laughed and made her way to the shower.

After a shower she put on a pink t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Quickly blow drying her hair and twisting it into a knot and securing it with a rubber band, She yawned the entire time. Henry, Margaret, and herself spend most of the night going over what they had learned  at the book club meeting and tried to make sense of it all. In conclusion, they still had more questions than answers.

Making her way downstairs she could hear Margaret talking on the phone in the kitchen. At the base of the stairs was Twinkie lounging on his back with his paws up in the air. Smiling she stepped over him and said. “Good morning Twinkie, make yourself at home.” At the sound of her voice he jumped up and followed her to the kitchen. Margaret was hanging up the phone as Amanda reached into the cabinet and retrieved a cup and poured herself some coffee.

“Good news!” Margaret announced. “That was the garage. Your grandfather's car is ready.”

“That's great! Me and Twinkie can walk over there and pick it up.” The dog's ears perked up at the mention of his name.

“I can give you directions.” Margaret suggested.

“I can use my phone for directions.”

“It can do that?” Margaret looked surprised.

“Sure can.” Jumping up she kissed Nana on the cheek and grabbed the leash from the counter and headed for the door.

“Don't you want any breakfast?” She questioned.

“I'm good.” Amanda answered on her way out the door.

It took them about twenty minutes to make it to Carson's Car Lot. They would have gotten there faster but Twinkie decided to stop and smell the roses. Literally. Why was beyond her. The roses was nothing but thorny sticks at this time of year. But to Twinkie they were an irresistible treat that couldn't be passed up without thorough investigation. Maybe it was like women and shoes she mused. One thing she was thankful for was that the massive creature didn't try to bolt and drag her through the muddy slush today. She sent up a little thank you prayer to God for that one.

Amanda looked around the lot. There was quite a bit of cars both new and used. The building had  glass windows encasing the front of the show room and a sign that read Carson's Cars was sitting atop the building in large blue letters. This was Priscilla's husbands business. She remembered the man sitting in the front pew of the church wearing a pinky ring and more concerned about his phone than the service that day. She was a little surprised that the business was opened considering that his mother-in-law had just passed away and the funeral was tomorrow.

Making her way around the side of the building with Twinkie in tow she could see large garage doors opened and Max waving at her from inside. “Hey, I thought I might see you here.” She called entering the garage.

“I see you brought your friend.” He bent down and rubbed Twinkies ears.

“I thought this would be a good way for him to get some exercise.” She informed. “And thanks for that little tip about....” She pointed at Twinkie, who was enjoying his ears being rubbed. “You are a lifesaver.”

“No problem.” Max smiled and his eyes lite up with amusement.  “Are you sure you're not just avoiding riding in the car with Olive?” 

She laughed. “You caught me!”

“I can understand self preservation.” Dusting off his clothing. “Your car is right outside let me get your keys and paperwork.” He walked into a small office located in the rear of the garage.

As she waited Amanda could smell the oil and hear the clanking of tools as the other mechanic's worked on the other cars. Twinkie was interested in everything smelling the tools and car parts. He was so thorough in his search that he smeared black grease on his nose and side of his head. Turning he pulled Amanda outside to smell the tires of some of the cars waiting to be repaired.

Hearing a loud slam Amanda jumped drawing her attention to a woman storming across the parking lot. There was a man following quickly behind her. “Don't be like that, Baby.” Carl whined.

Priscilla rounded on him screaming. “I can't believe you! My Mother is dead and all you can say is when are we going to get the money!”

“You're taking it all wrong.” His voice was dripping with soothing charm. “I just want this to all be over so we can move on with our lives.”

“Move on!” Her face was so red Amanda thought she was going to have a stroke right there in the parking lot “She's only been dead for a few days, you pig.” She waved her hands franticly.

“Baby, I just want what's best for you.” He soothed trying to put his arms around her.

Jerking away from him. “Best for yourself you mean! Do you think I don't know about your gambling debts!” She whirled around climbing into her car and squealing the tires on her way out of the parking lot leaving him standing all alone.

He kicked the nearest car as hard as he could and screamed in pain afterward. Turning, he saw Amanda standing there watching and gave her a menacing look then limped into the building.

“Serves him right don't you think?” She said to the dog, who was standing there staring after Carl with a confused look on his face.

“Well I wasn't expecting to see that.” Max said from behind her holding her paperwork in his hand.

“Me either.” She admitted, thinking that gives Carl motive for murder. “It's sad really.”

“Yes, it is.” He agreed quietly.

“Is that my paperwork?” She asked trying to change the subject.

Shaking his head he smiled. “Yelp and keys to.” Holding up a set of keys and rattling them.

She signed the papers and retrieved the keys from him and turned to get in the car, when it hit her she didn't know which car was her grandfathers. Feeling stupid she turned and called to Max who had already headed back toward the garage. “Which one is it?” 

He laughed and walked back to her and pointed. “That one over there.”

“That one.” She looked at him not thinking he was serious. “The silver one.......Your joking..... right.”

“Nope.” He smiled at her reaction.

“But....But....That car is huge!” She stammered. How in the world was she going to drive a car that big.

“That car is in mint condition. It's a 1994 Lincoln Town Car. Your grandfather must have taken excellent care of it.” He informed her.

“I can see that but.....” She bite her lip embarrassed. “I don't think I can drive a car that big.”

“Sure you can. You just got to get used to it.” He patted her shoulder and shook his head encouragingly.

She signed. “Do you know how bad I'm going to feel if I wreck this thing.”

“Then you just bring it back here and I will fix it for you.” He laughed motioning toward the garage.  

Opening the door and letting Twinkie in the car she called. “Your laughing, but I will take you up on that and.” She held up one finger leaning over the door. “I expect a discount.”

The drive home wasn't as bad as Amanda thought it would be. She drove very slow and Twinkie  was more interested in hanging his head out the window than anything else. Pulling in the driveway Amanda could see boxes sitting on the front porch, a lot of boxes. Getting out of the car with Twinkie in tow she could see Margaret stepping out of the front door. “What is all this?” Amanda questioned sweeping her hand toward the boxes.

“The boxes are for you.” Henry chimed in as he came out the front door. “Or at least that's what the delivery man said.”

“Henry's been helping pack the boxes inside.” Margaret smiled at him.

“I don't understand?” Amanda said shaking her head confused. “The list I gave to Ethan wouldn't take this many boxes.”

“A letter came too.” Margaret went inside and retrieved the letter and handed it over to Amanda.

Opening the letter quickly Amanda read it and her eyes watered up and she plopped down on one of the boxes with a sigh. She felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. “What's wrong!” Margaret inquired with concern as she watched all the color drain from her granddaughter's face.  Swiping at her eyes with the back of her hand “It's all of my belongings.”

“Isn't that a good thing?” Henry asked confused at her reaction.

“No....Yes...I don't know.” She answered weakly dropping her head in her hands. Twinkie came over and laid his head on her lap in a effort to console her. “I just thought he would want to try and work things out or at least talk to me......not be in such a rush to get rid of me. Maybe the years we spend together really didn't matter at all.”

“Of course they matter. Life experience is what makes us who we are.” Margaret said gently. “Do you want to work things out with Daniel?”

“No....Maybe.... I mean I don't think I could ever forget about what happened, but I thought he would at least want to try.” She sighed swiping at the loose hair hanging around her face.

“Hello,” Jonah called making his way up the front steps he continued.“Thought I would pick up Twinkie a little earl....” The words died on his lips when he saw Amanda crying and Margaret's arm around her.

“Hello, Dr. Winters.” Henry greeted shaking his hand.

“This is a bad time.....I will just grab my dog and go...” Jonah's expression full of concern.

“Probably, a good idea.” Henry grabbed Twinkie's leash and handed it to Jonah with a reassuring look.

Margaret helped Amanda up and ushered her into the house saying. “How about you go and wash your face and I will make you something to eat.” Margaret watched Amanda disappear into the house then turned and looked at Henry and Jonah placing her hands on her hips. “If I was a man, I would kick that man's rear end.” Giving her head a nod to emphasis her words she turned and marched into the house.

“Remind me not to get on her bad side.” Jonah stated eyes as round as saucers.

“Uh huh,” Henry nodding his head in agreement.

Later that night, Amanda tossed and turned in her bed for the hundredth time. Releasing a deep sigh she finally threw the covers back and climbed out of bed. Ghost opened one green eye and glanced at her from his perch on the shelf hanging above the window. He decided long ago that if he was to get any sleep he would have to abandon the bed. So he did.

Shoving her feet into her slippers and rubbing her eyes as she looked out the window, the moon was full and there was an unusual glow to everything. Her mind replayed the events of the evening before. She had spent most of the evening talking to Margaret and Henry about Daniel and it was decided that maybe a divorce was for the best. Nana was right, people don't change just because you might want them too.

They had spent the rest of the evening moving the boxes of her personal belonging into the basement and garage. Neither place was big enough to hold everything. So some of the boxes remained in the living room until they could come up with a better idea for storage.

Amanda filled them in on the confrontation between Priscilla and Carl  moving them to the top of the suspect list. Gambling debts was a very good motivator according to Henry. The only problem with that is Carl wasn't there that night, and Priscilla seemed to upset to be his accomplice.

Her stomach growled. It had been awhile since she last ate. Glancing at the clock on the bed side table it glowed  3 o'clock in the morning. If she was quiet she could find something quick and be back in bed without waking up Nana.

Quietly she made her way to the kitchen and turned on the lights. Retrieving the bread and peanut butter and jelly she made herself a sandwich and started eating. A loud scratching noise rattled the door and made her jump. It was coming from the back door.  Again that loud scratching noise made the door rattle. Grabbing a rolling pin from a drawer she crept over to the door and glanced outside. There was no one.

Slowly she unlocked the door and turned the knob raising the rolling pin up to strike as hard as she could. Taking a deep breath she jerked the door open and there stood Twinkie. “You scared the daylights out of me.” She said reaching down to scratch his ears. He was covered in dirt and looked up at her with his big brown eyes as if saying. “It's about time you open the door.”

“What are you doing here? ” She asked surprised and relieved at the same time. “I almost took you out.” She laughed shaking the rolling pin in her hand at the dog.

Tossing it onto the counter she could hear a muffled voice. “Twinkie when I find you I'm going to choke the life out of you.”

Looking down at the big dog she said “Sounds like you are in big trouble, mister.” Shaking her head she stepped out the door into the cool night air. “Come on, we better get you home.” Twinkie walked obediently beside her down the side of the house and out to the front yard where they found Jonah whistling for his dog.