Book Fair and Foul (Ashton Corners Book Club) (13 page)

Lizzie shuddered. Not her idea of a pleasant time. “And, did they agree?”

“Oh yes. They were quite thrilled, apparently. I was to have gone there on Monday, but having Ashley’s body found there, that sort of put the kibosh on it. Oh my gosh, I wonder if she’d gone over there because of my story? Do you think that’s it? I sure hate to think that. The owners are still pretty upset. I did stop by yesterday, though, and they answered a lot of my questions but I didn’t really feel all that welcome. I hope to spend some more time before I leave town. I’ve taken ten days off from work to do some writing. I’d planned to go on to Mobile, maybe rent a room by the water, but I can write just as well here and I’ll be close to the funeral home, too.”

“When did Ashley set up this meeting?”

“Several weeks ago,” Gigi said. “I googled Ashton Corners after getting the invitation to the book fair and I got all the details about the White Haven Funeral Home, then emailed Ashley to see if she could set something up. I thought it might sound more impressive if a publicist approached them first. Ashley said she’d be happy to help me in any way she could.”

Lizzie gave it some thought. Ashley had contact with the funeral home and then her body was found there. Either there had to be a connection or else it was a very freaky coincidence. But did that mean Gigi was the killer? Nothing seemed amiss in their relationship. So far, anyway.

Lizzie realized that Molly was speaking.

“I hope that works out for you, dear.” Molly finished off her coffee. “You don’t happen to know if any of the other authors are around, do you? We wanted to let y’all know that we’ve arranged a reading event at the public library this Saturday from three to five, and on Sunday, another reading at the band gazebo in the town square from two to four, followed by dinner at my place.”

Lizzie raised her eyebrows at the additional news about dinner but was pleased Molly had thought of it. More author time meant more question time.

“Gosh that’s great. I’m really excited to hear that and I know the others will be, too. Caroline and Lorelie are off in their rooms writing and you know that’s a no-go zone, if you want to keep all your limbs intact.” She laughed as she said this. “I’m happy to fill them in on everything, though.”

Lizzie asked, “You don’t happen to know where A.J. is, do you?”

“No. I don’t see much of him. I don’t even know if he eats breakfast here. I do know he’s out in his car most of the day, doing his own touring. I did ask if I could tag along but he refused; said it would interfere with his plans, whatever they are. I thought that was very rude of him actually.”

They stood to leave. Lizzie asked, “One last thing. Did Ashley ever mention to you that she knew someone here in town?”

“Only you, and that was after dinner on Friday night. She was sure surprised to see you.”

Lizzie cleared her throat. “So, she didn’t say anything about planning to spend more time in Ashton Corners?”

“No. Wait a minute, she did say something when we went out for a bite on Sunday night.” Gigi’s face twisted into a look Lizzie couldn’t quite peg. “What was it? Oh yes, how one person’s secret can be another’s pot of gold.”

*   *   *

P
aige Raleigh was already seated in their usual booth at Barney’s when Lizzie arrived a bit after twelve thirty. A half-empty wineglass sat on the table but Lizzie knew it held tonic water. Paige just liked to have her sodas in wineglasses.

Lizzie pointed at it as she sat down. “Oops, I’m late, am I?”

“Not very. Only six minutes by my watch.” She held up her glass. “But I was thirsty. Would you like some wine?” She waved the server over.

“I’ll have the same as she’s having,” Lizzie said to the young girl dressed in black pants and a tailored pink shirt, with her hair in a ponytail. “Do you think she’s playing hooky?” Lizzie asked Paige in a soft voice after the girl had wound her way through the tables toward the back.

Paige snickered. “I’ll bet she’s not a day under twenty-four. I, too, looked that young and innocent at one time, you may remember.”

“Oh yeah. That was you.” Lizzie sank back against the cushioned seat. It felt good to be spending time with Paige, her childhood friend and confidant. They’d been through a lot together over the years. In fact, it was Paige who helped Lizzie cope with her mama’s illness when it first started creeping into their lives. Paige and Molly, of course. Lizzie counted herself truly blessed to have such close and caring friends.

“Now, tell me all about all this horrid stuff that’s been happening,” Paige said, tapping her fingers on Lizzie’s hand.

“Well, you know the most of it. In a nutshell, Ashley is dead and I’m a primary suspect because of the argument that you saw and heard. Of course, the fact that I couldn’t stand her counts, too.”

“I cannot imagine how you kept it to only one argument after all that woman had put you through in college.”

Lizzie smiled, grateful for the support. “Spoken like a true friend. And you know, I might have been able to hold myself in check if she hadn’t mentioned Mark.”

“What? She didn’t!”

“Oh yes. She said words to the effect that he was good-looking and she was looking.”

“I know you didn’t do it, but if you had, it would have been ruled justifiable homicide,” Paige said, keeping her voice low.

Lizzie grimaced. “You do my spirits good, Paige Raleigh. We shouldn’t be making light of such a horrific occurrence but I think I’ll just start screaming if I don’t keep it light.”

Lizzie’s drink arrived and after the server left with their orders, Paige said, “I know, sugar.
She who laughs, lasts
 . . . right? So she was here because of the authors?”

“That’s right but Ashley did say she might be spending more time in Ashton Corners but I don’t know why. No one here seems to know her, so what could be her interest in the town?”

Paige was thoughtful a few seconds. “Does Mark have any other suspects lined up?”

“He’s being very careful of appearances. He doesn’t want anyone pointing a finger later and saying I got special treatment. So, he’s not really sharing too much information, either. Except to say none of the authors have solid alibis.”

“Well, that’s something, isn’t it?” Paige paused again when their orders arrived.

She had a taste of her veggie chili while Lizzie tried to decide where to start with her roasted sweet potato salad.

“Oh, this is divine. I so love the food here,” Paige finally said after several mouthfuls. “Look, Lizzie, is there anything I can do? I mean, I’m not much of a sleuth and you’ve got the book club doing that part, if I’m guessing right. But you know you can count on me for anything. Just ask.”

“Thanks, Paige. I know and, believe me, I will if there’s something I think you can help with.” She tasted the arugula on her plate. “This lime vinaigrette is so yummy. Let’s not ruin the meal with more talk of murder. Tell me about my two favorite munchkins.”

“Well, Jenna is playing the role of big sister to the hilt, being in kindergarten and all. And Cate demanded her own school pack and supplies. She pulls them out and sorts through the paper, crayons and colored pencils while Jenna does her ‘homework.’”

“I love it.”

“Why don’t you come over for dinner sometime on the weekend? Maybe you could help them both with their homework.”

Lizzie laughed. “I’d love to but we’ve got some events lined up for the authors to keep them from getting too antsy and wanting to leave town. Once this all settles down, it’s a date.”
If it does settle down.

Paige kicked her under the table. “I can read your thoughts you know. Stop it right now. It’s going to turn out just fine. I truly believe that Mark will not let anything bad happen to you.”

Lizzie sighed. She really did believe that, too. But was it enough?

Waking is like rising from the dead. The slow climb out of sleep, shapes appearing out of blackness, the alarm clock ringing like the last trumpet.

THE CROSSING PLACES
—ELLY GRIFFITHS

L
izzie woke with a headache the next morning. She knew immediately what had caused it. The late-night phone call from Caroline Cummings. She thought back through what Caroline had said, wondering if it would be useful. She could hear Caroline’s sugary voice telling her about yet another argument she’d overheard between Lorelie and Ashley. One that had happened this past weekend.

“That Lorelie likes to appear all sweet and sugary but, you know, deep down she has a mean streak,” Caroline had said. “Why, she tore a strip off Ashley for one tiny little mistake she’d made and not only that, she threatened her.”

“Exactly when did this happen?”

“Why, it was Sunday just after supper. Carter and I had just gotten back to the Quilt Patch and came upon Lorelie and Ashley out on the front porch. Lorelie had worked herself into a good one. I think the entire neighborhood heard her. After which, her royal highness stomped off down the street and Ashley went up to her room.”

“What was the mistake?” Lizzie asked.

“Ashley, who really was overworked taking care of so many of us, forgot to send in copies of Lorelie’s book to the Cozy Lovers awards this year. You’d think that Lorelie had missed trying on the glass slipper or something, the way she carried on.”

“What did Ashley say?”

“Well, I must admit, she added fuel to the fire with her attitude, but that’s what Lorelie does, she brings out the stubbornness in people.”

“But what words did Ashley use?” Lizzie was starting to get annoyed and she was so tired on top of it. She had little patience for another diva episode.

“Well,” Lizzie could tell Caroline would be enjoying repeating the next part, “she said she had more important things on her plate than pandering to a diva’s ego. She actually called her a diva.” Caroline snorted. “Lorelie looked like she’d split her corset. She sputtered and told Ashley in no uncertain terms that she’d regret what she’d just said and what she hadn’t done.”

Lizzie had found it hard to fall asleep after the call. She’d wondered if this was tit for tat. Maybe Caroline had learned about the earlier call outing her own argument with Ashley. Lizzie finally fell asleep wondering just what made the divas tick.

She willed herself to get out of bed and she headed straight for the shower. No run this morning although it would do her a world of good. She knew she needed to make a list. It’s what would save her sanity and stop her from thinking about not having a job and not hearing from Mark. In fact, she’d make two lists: one with suspects, motives and opportunities; the other, a to-do list for the day.

As she dressed she thought about the evening ahead, looking forward to the monthly meeting of the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society. Tonight they’d be discussing Bob’s choice,
Shoot the Dog
by Brad Smith. She’d finished reading it a couple of weeks ago and was extremely relieved that it didn’t live up to its title. She wanted to give it a quick perusal at some point during the day.

After fixing her first espresso of the morning, she grabbed the new issue of the
Ashton Corners Colonist
out of her mailbox and spread it open on the table. Just as promised, George had put in a short note about the authors remaining in town a little while longer and the two events that had been planned.

Lizzie felt like she was on a Ferris wheel, unable to get off. Had one of the authors indeed murdered Ashley? It was apparent nobody was likely to confess. She wondered if they could trick the murderer into it, but first, they’d have to know just who it was. It had to be one of the authors. Who else knew Ashley? Maybe that elusive person that Ashley had known in town. But what if they never found out that person’s name?

She needed to talk to Mark, to see him face-to-face, to help settle the panic that lay just below the surface. Maybe she could use Patchett as bait. Offer to walk him and suggest Mark join them, for a short while anyway.

The phone rang as she eyed the espresso maker. It sure felt like a three-cup day. Sally-Jo’s excited voice greeted her when she answered.

“You’ll never guess what the staff is doing,” Sally-Jo jumped right in without a greeting.

“Probably not, but by the sound of your voice, it should be good.”

“It is. They’re passing around a petition to get you back on the job. Most of the staff members have signed and now they’re inviting your students’ parents to join in. Isn’t that just great? Benton can’t possibly keep you out of the school when he sees how in demand your skills are. They’ve already sent a copy to the superintendent and to the entire school board.”

“I’m speechless,” Lizzie said, feeling deeply moved. “Who thought this up? Wait, it was you, wasn’t it?”

“Of course. Benton is being such a turkey and there’s absolutely no reason you should be treated this way. We need you back here and I think you need to get back to work, too. Or are you having too good a time sleuthing? What’s the latest, by the way?”

“Molly and I will tell you all about it tonight at book club. Back to the petition, dare I ask who didn’t sign? No, don’t tell me. I think I can guess the woman, teaches fifth grade, very opinionated and doesn’t take kindly to advice.”

“You got it. I think she doesn’t want you back because she’s gotten you out of her hair and can just do dipsy-doodle about the reading schedule you set up. Or maybe, she’s in cahoots with Benton and they’re trying to take command of the system.”

“Umm, conspiracy theory. Maybe not so. But I do really appreciate it.”

“Well, let me know when the old goat calls you and make sure he goes down on bended knee.”

Lizzie laughed. “He’s not proposing. I hope. Well, just in case this works, I’d better get going on a few of these things on my to-do list.” She glanced at it and shook her head. Pitiful as it was.

“Great. I’ll see you tonight but I’m hoping to hear from you sooner.”

The call spurred Lizzie into action. She’d head on over to Mark’s house to rescue Patchett from a day spent indoors. In the meantime, she’d let her subconscious play around with the suspects list. She knew she was being too emotional about this, since she was at the top of the list, so maybe a little distance would help put things into perspective. She didn’t expect the murderer’s name to suddenly start flashing but a little illumination would help.

Mark wasn’t in his office, so Lizzie sent him a text once she’d arrived at his house. She heard Patchett’s plaintive yowl as she inserted the key into the back door. He came waddling over to her but stopped at her command and stared at her, large dark eyes pleading, large pink tongue hanging out of his mouth.

“You are so pathetic looking, Patchett,” Lizzie said. “No wonder you wrap us all around your big paw.”

She snapped his lead on and had just locked the door behind them when Mark pulled into the driveway. He parked behind Lizzie and sat looking at them a couple of seconds before getting out.

Lizzie wished she’d taken time to get a bit more presentable. She wondered how she looked. That part she hadn’t thought through. Just see Mark, talk to him and find out what’s what.

He reached them and first of all patted Patchett behind the ears, then gave Lizzie a big hug followed by an equally deep kiss. Her toes did the tingly thing and she felt her world click back into place.

“It’s good to see my gal with my best pal,” he whispered in her ear.

She pulled back, a mock look of hurt on her face. “And here I thought I was your best pal.”

He laughed. “Always. But a guy’s got to have the four-legged kind, too. Thanks for thinking of him. I’m afraid his walks have been infrequent these past few days.”

“It’s not entirely altruistic,” Lizzie admitted. “I miss seeing you and, just as important, I need to know what’s going on. I feel like I’m going to burst at times.”

Mark sighed. “Let’s start walking and we’ll talk.”

They followed the street to the end and turned toward the high school. They were well along the path that worked its way to the river by the time Mark spoke.

“I sent Yost up to Crawther Publishing in New York to talk to some of Ashley Dixon’s coworkers and her boss. Nobody pointed the finger at anyone else. She seemed to have a good working relationship with everyone, even with Nick Jennings, her ex-fiancé. Her boss was surprised that she wanted to join these authors here in Ashton Corners and at first said no. But she did tell him she had some business from the past to settle, so would take it as holiday time and still help out the authors while here.”

Lizzie looked at Mark. His face had clouded over as he said the last bit. “You think she meant me? That business about the past?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know, Lizzie. I haven’t been able to find any other connections here in town.”

“Even if that’s true, ‘settling’ things doesn’t have to be a negative thing. I mean, she wanted to be friendly but I doubt she’d come here just to do that. Besides, she was as surprised to see me as I was her. She may, as she told me, have wanted to patch things up, at least to the point where we could coexist with a certain amount of civility. And if that were so, why? I’m not the reason she’d be spending time in Ashton Corners.” Lizzie shook off memories of Ashley’s interest in Mark. “Remember, she said that’s what she’d be doing in the future.”

“I’m not forgetting, Lizzie.” Mark sounded exasperated. “But it’s just that I’m not coming up with a reason for her being here, other than the book event.”

“What about her car? She had a rental, a bright orange convertible.”

“We’ve taken a look through the car, which was parked in the lot at the funeral home, and there’s nothing suspicious in it.”

“So, do you think she went there intentionally to meet her killer?”

“That could be. Or else she was followed, but if that’s the case, we still don’t know why she went there.”

“You know, Ashley had arranged for Gigi Briggs to spend some time at White Haven Funeral Home doing research.”

“I do know that, Lizzie. It’s part of Ms. Briggs’s statement. Where are you going with this?” Mark stopped to watch Patchett suddenly chase a squirrel.

Lizzie stopped beside him. “Well, don’t you think it’s odd that Ashley set that up and then her body is found out there?”

“You know I don’t believe in coincidences. We are checking out all possible angles.”

Lizzie nodded. “But what if something went wrong with it all? Maybe the funeral home backed out at the last minute or something and Gigi got all angry, killing Ashley in a fit of rage? And what better place to leave her body than at the funeral home?”

“I have talked to the owners and they said Ms. Dixon stopped by to see them over a month ago and made the arrangements. Gigi Briggs confirmed an appointment with them by email a couple of weeks ago and they hadn’t heard from or seen either of them until the body was found. But even if the deal had gone south, I think Briggs would be smart enough to realize Dixon might be able to set up something elsewhere, so why kill her? Seems to me it wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Mark put his hand on Lizzie’s elbow and gently steered her toward home.

“Hmm. I guess not,” Lizzie agreed. “But that means Ashley had already spent time in town. I wonder who all she saw? Any indications?”

“Not aside from her visit to the funeral home.”

“Hmm. Can’t you tell from the GPS in her rental car or something just where she traveled in it? That might give you an idea as to what her other reason was.”

“You’ve been watching too much TV. We’ve got the mileage and she obviously put some miles on it, but there’s no way to know where she went. Look, try not to worry about it. I’ll keep looking, you know that.”

Lizzie sighed but not too loudly. “By the way, we’ve arranged two events for the authors,” she said and explained the details.

“Glad to hear that. I’m sure they won’t keep asking me when they can leave, until next week anyway.”

They walked in silence for a few minutes. Lizzie felt both hope and despair at the same time. Mark wouldn’t give up on her but the future did look bleak. If she couldn’t find the murderer, at least she could try to find out Ashley’s connection to the town.

That gave her a bit of a lift as she and Mark parted ways back at his house.

*   *   *

A
t the meeting on Thursday night, Bob kept trying to get them all settled and talking about the book he’d chosen, rather than socializing around the food.

“I’d say the sooner we settle down and talk about this here book, which I might remind you is what we do as the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society, the sooner we can get onto the important part of the meeting and try to solve Lizzie’s problem,” he finally said, exasperation making his voice much higher pitched than usual.

“Just calm yourself down, Bob,” Molly said, thrusting a plate of cheese straws at him, “or you’ll soon be asked to join Lizzie’s choir, as a soprano.”