Angels in Disguise (23 page)

A grin twisted the corners of her mouth. “I never asked. And I doubt my customers even see it."

"Have you done this to all your purses?"

"Sure have."

"Thank you, Elaine. I appreciate your confiding this to me. It will help in my investigation."

"Good luck. I hope you find that girl or whoever did away with her. This world is getting way too evil for my book."

Hawkman left the shop with new energy. He could hardly wait to tell Jennifer about Elaine's brand inside the handbag. Now, finding a way to check Tulip's would be the next challenge.

Hawkman drove to his office and called Jennifer from the landline. She answered immediately.

"Hello, Hawkman, this is Chemo Jen, how may I help you?"

He laughed. “How'd you know it was me?"

"Few people have my cell phone number and who else is going to call me while I'm in the infusion center?"

"You're obviously doing okay."

"No problems so far. There's a little discomfort having a needle in your arm, but not bad."

"I'm glad. You still think you're game for dinner at Mom's?"

"Absolutely, I'm looking forward to it."

He proceeded to tell her what he'd discovered at Elaine's. “It gives us several clues to identify the purse."

"Now, let's hope I can get my hands on it without making her suspicious,” Jennifer said. “But if she's involved in anyway with Carlotta's disappearance, it won't be easy. I'm real excited about being a part of this case, but I don't want to botch it either."

"You won't. I'll see you in a few hours."

"Okay."

Jennifer slipped her cell phone into her vest pocket and pulled the blanket up around her legs. She glanced up at the ceiling and decided the next visit she'd ask them not to put her under the air conditioning vent. Hawkman definitely didn't need to be here; she saw the horror in his face when they poked that needle into her wrist. Her big brave man had a pussy cat heart. She smiled to herself when suddenly, a very strange warm sensation soared through her body. She called for the nurse.

"Yes, Ms. Casey."

"I have this hot feeling in my chest. Is that normal?"

The nurse immediately adjusted the drip, then waited a few moments. “Is it still there?"

"Yes."

"I'm going to cease everything for a while and call your doctor."

Jennifer felt a slight tinge of fear creep down her back.

The nurse returned. “Is the warmth still there?"

"Yes, but it seems to be subsiding. What'd the doctor say?"

"He said to stop the medication until the feeling went away, then to start it again. So let me know as soon as it's gone."

After five more minutes, Jennifer called her back. “It seems to have disappeared."

The nurse smiled. “Good.” She flipped the levers on the tubes running to Jennifer's wrist. “Let me know if the sensation recurs."

"Okay,” she nodded as she felt the cool fluid enter her veins. Extracting a mystery novel from her bag, she leaned back in her chair and opened the book. Her eyelids felt heavy and she drifted into sleep. Soon, she awakened to the sound of a loud male voice in a chair not far from her. He was telling his neighbor they were giving him a dose of potassium and magnesium. Because his blood test showed their levels had dropped so low, it prevented him from getting his chemo. Jennifer took a mental note of the conversation and decided she'd ask for a copy of her blood test every time, also how she'd prevent such an incident from happening.

She checked her watch and noted lunch time wouldn't be for another hour, so decided to take a dose of the oral chemo. The warmth she'd felt earlier hadn't returned, which eased her mind. She didn't want anything to prevent her from getting the treatment.

Her thoughts went to the Gucci purse. How could she examine it without making Tulip uneasy? Hawkman had questioned her several times about Carlotta and if she had any inkling they suspected the purse belonged to the missing woman, it could make her very edgy.

Jennifer glanced down at the novel and tried to read, but the Benadryl hadn't worn off and drowsiness caused the print to blur. She adjusted the recliner to a more upright position, hoping this would keep her awake.

Observing the rest of the patients in the room, gave her ideas for characters in her upcoming mysteries. She took out her notebook and jotted down the reactions she noticed in different people. Some were comical and others very serious. The people came in all shapes and sizes, but had one thing in common; they were all fighting different types of cancer. She took a deep breath and put her notes away. As she leaned back, her stomach growled rather loudly, causing the woman next to her to giggle.

"I think it's time to eat something,” Jennifer said, laughing. She removed the lunch she'd brought from the sack and piled the goodies on the shelf attached to the chair arm. She'd decided to treat herself with a soda, chips, steak sandwich and candy bar. Everything tasted wonderful. Then she needed to go to the bathroom. Having watched one of the others roll their portable intravenous gear, she got up, unplugged the unit and guided it toward the small room. When she returned, she settled back in her chair and opened her book again. The drowsiness had left and she could easily read without fear of dozing off.

She chatted with her neighbors, passed out some of her book flyers and asked a few questions. Time passed pretty fast, and before she knew it, the nurse stood in front of her with a small vial in her hands.

"Now it's time for your chemo,” she said, checking the wrist band.

Jennifer glanced up at her puzzled. “What's been going into my veins all this time?"

"Everything that gets your body ready for this. Then we flush you out again. So once the Vincristine is injected, you'll be ready to go home in about fifteen minutes."

"You mean I've been here for over six hours, just getting ready for that?"

The nurse grinned. “Yes. Seems odd doesn't it?"

"Must be pretty potent stuff."

"It is. Be sure and drink plenty of water when you get home."

Jennifer gave Hawkman a call. “Okay, hon, meet me out front in about fifteen or twenty minutes."

"I'll be there."

Jennifer packed up her belongings while the last of the solution dripped into her body. By the time the nurse removed the needle from her wrist, took her blood pressure, and set up the next appointment, time had moved closer to thirty minutes. She hurried out the door toward the elevator, then dashed to the front entry. Hawkman sat in the 4X4, staring at the door and drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. The minute he spotted her, he jumped out, ran around to the other side of the vehicle, and held open the door.

"Hi,” she said, climbing into the passenger seat.

When he got into the driver's side, he reached over and planted a kiss on her lips, then sat back and studied her for a moment. “You certainly don't look any worse for wear."

She chuckled. “Did you expect me to turn into some sort of ogre?"

"Who knows, I've never seen someone after they've had chemo."

"Well, I'm not sure what will happen in a few days. I very well might become a monster. Talked to some of the people up there and they say the effects don't hit for a day or two. So, I'm going to take advantage of today and tomorrow.” She looped her finger around her pony tail. “And I'll probably lose my hair before the next treatment."

Hawkman looked away. “Do we have to talk about it?"

She lowered her head and looked at him out of the side of her eyes. “Will you still love me if I'm bald?"

He laughed. “No, of course not. I only love women with hair."

She playfully punched him on the shoulder. “You're so mean."

Putting an arm around her, he pulled her close. “Are you still on for dinner at Mom's?"

"I'm famished. However, I don't have a plan on how to examine Tulip's purse without making her suspicious."

"Maybe I should hire a purse snatcher."

"Oh, sure. Williams would just love that."

Hawkman found a parking spot near the front door of the restaurant. “Whoops, they're not open yet. We're a few minutes early."

"That's okay, I'll just relax."

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Yes, just tired. It took a lot out of me up there today."

"I can only imagine, as it drained me, just knowing you were getting that stuff pumped into your veins."

She poked him on the leg and pointed toward his left. “Isn't that Tulip coming up the sidewalk?"

Hawkman rolled down the window. “Hey, Ms. Withers, what's the special tonight?"

She jerked up her head and shaded her eyes with her hand. “Oh, Mr. Casey.” Moving closer to the 4X4, she looked past him. “Who's that with you? The sun's right in my eyes."

"It's me, Jennifer."

Tulip's face lit up in a big smile. “When is your next book coming out. I love your stories."

"Soon."

"Good, I can hardly wait."

Jennifer's cheeks flushed. “Thank you. I didn't know you were a fan."

"Oh, yes, ever since the first novel.” Then she glanced at Hawkman and back to Jennifer. “Why are you guys sitting out here in the car?"

"Waiting for Mom's to open."

"You better get in there soon. The special on Monday night is fried chicken and we're always packed. You won't be able to find a booth if you wait too long."

"Oh, Tulip, is that a Gucci?” Jennifer asked, pointing to her handbag.

She blushed. “Yeah, my dad got it for my birthday. I probably shouldn't be carrying it to work. But heck, it's the only place I go so I can show it off."

"Can I see it? I'd really love to have one."

When she held it up, Jennifer reached across Hawkman and took hold of the straps. Hawkman thought he saw a sign of fear in Tulip's eyes when Jennifer lifted the purse from her hand.

"I better get inside before the crowd gets here."

"It's beautiful,” Jennifer said, examining it closely before handing it back. “Do you know where your dad got it?"

She shook her head. “No."

"Does he ever shop on the internet?” Jennifer asked.

"Sometimes.” She glanced at her watch. “I've got to run. You folks better get inside if you want a seat.” Tulip scurried toward the entry, and disappeared behind the door.

Hawkman quickly turned toward his wife. “Were you able to spot anything on the purse in such a short time?"

"I spotted a tiny bleached spot on the handle and the back of the Gucci symbol is scratched up like trying to hide a previous name or initial."

"That's a start. Both of those clues go along with what Tiffany told me.” Hawkman eyed the street in front of the cafe. “I think we better go inside or we won't get a seat. Look at the people heading toward this place."

They lucked out and got the last booth. Jennifer checked the menu. “Their chicken must be darn good. Let's try it."

"Sounds okay with me."

Tulip finally reached their table. “Boy, good thing you guys got in here as soon as you did, or you'd be stuck at the counter or standing. Mondays are always this way. You want to order the chicken?"

"Yes,” Hawkman said.

"You won't be sorry. It's delicious. Iced tea or coffee?"

"Iced tea,” they said in unison.

She wrote it down on her pad, then placed the menus back in the rack at the end of the table. “Be back shortly with your order."

Hawkman glanced toward the door as several people entered the establishment. “Don't look now, but Hank Withers just walked in. Guess he likes chicken every once in awhile."

Hawkman eyed Hank as he moved up the aisle and headed for the front of the restaurant where a lone seat at the bar remained empty. When he came alongside their booth, he stopped and displayed a big smile.

"Well, hello there, Mr. Casey. See you like Mom's fried chicken too."

Hawkman stood and extended his hand. “Good seeing you again.” He gestured toward Jennifer. “Have you met my wife?"

"Yes. She's been in my shop a number of times. How are you, Mrs. Casey?"

She smiled. “Fine, thank you."

"We understand you purchased a Gucci handbag for Tulip's birthday and wondered if you got a good deal. Jennifer wants one, but they're too expensive for my wallet,” Hawkman said.

Hank shook his head. “Women and their fads.” Then he glanced toward the door and pointed. “Ah, I better grab that seat up there or I'll be out of luck with this crowd moving in. I do enjoy Mom's chicken dinner. Get tired of beef and pork.” He waved and hurried toward the vacant stool.

Tulip appeared carrying two plates heaped with golden brown pieces of poultry, mashed potatoes, green beans and a basket of warm rolls balanced on top. “Here you go. Enjoy."

"Thanks, Tulip"

"Hank sure avoided my question,” Hawkman said, as he munched on a chicken leg.

Jennifer dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “I'm being scrutinized."

Hawkman looked over his shoulder just as Hank turned his attention to the plate of chicken his daughter placed on the counter. “Appears something's bothering him."

"I think you're going to have to corner him to ask pertinent questions. Do you think he's dangerous?"

"Could be."

"Maybe you should get Detective Williams to go with you."

"It's a thought."

After they finished their meal, Hawkman paid the bill and left a hefty tip. He gave Jennifer his arm as she climbed into the 4X4. “I must say they serve a good dinner. I noticed you were able to eat quite a bit. You must be feeling pretty good."

"So far, fine. And you know I love fried chicken."

He walked around the vehicle and slid into the driver's seat. “What's the regimen you have to follow for the rest of the week?"

"When we get home, I've got to take two more doses of the oral chemo, about an hour apart, and then I'll be through with today's batch. I have four more days of these, then I can recoup for three weeks before the next treatment."

"At least you have a break in between."

She told him about the small vial of chemo. “I couldn't believe I'd been prepped to receive one little needle's worth."