Law and Author (22 page)

“I think there's no stopping you when you put your mind to something, Teensy.”

Teensy grinned and threw the car into gear.

“Let's go. I think we just made a bad thing worse.”

A ROUX OF REVENGE—
CONNIE ARCHER

“I
have a thought,” Lizzie said, as Teensy eased her car back into Lizzie's driveway.

“Something to do with Fannie?”

“No. Darla.”

“You have my attention, sugar.”

“I was just thinking about Fannie's symptoms of abuse. The bruise, easy to get if you walk into something, and the wearing of scarves. Does that remind you of someone?”

“Are you suggesting darlin' Darla was pulling those same tactics?”

Lizzie paused, wanting to be clear on just what she meant. “I know you didn't actually see her but you heard our accounts of what happened. We saw bruising on her arms and neck and she whimpered when touched on the shoulder. Her face was untouched, although I've read that
serial abusers know just where to punch the victim so that it doesn't show. On the other hand, there is Fannie. I may be way out of line here, but it's got me wondering.”

“As you know, I've always wondered about her. But what's her motive? Money?”

“Yes. She admitted that she needs money to pay off her gambling debt and also that Wade thought Molly would be willing to give them some if asked. I'm thinking she did, as did Bob. And Molly even paid them some to help with the organizing of the upcoming literacy book sale. But if that had run out, what could they come up with next?”

Lizzie thought a moment before going on. “He's abusing her, and Molly was going to train her to work in the bookstore, but with all that's been happening, that hasn't. So, to answer you, I don't know. It falls sort of flat here.”

Teensy snapped her fingers. “The girl stole something valuable from Molly's house. They're going to sell it and run away.”

Lizzie grimaced. She guessed anything was possible at this point.

“I always did think that girl was up to no good,” Teensy continued. “And even her mama said she was always scheming. I'd say she got that from her grandmamma.”

“You knew her?”

“Sugar, I knew everyone back then. We all went to school together—Molly, Bob, Sue-Ann and me. It didn't take much to see that Bob was really sweet on Molly.” Teensy had a faraway look on her face.

“Why didn't anything come of it?” She was interested in hearing another take on the situation.

“Not in those days. Molly was well above Bob socially and he knew it. There's no way he'd make a play for her. Now Sue-Ann was more his class and she knew something good when she saw it. She went after Bob faster than greased
lightning. They got married right after high school, as I heard tell. Of course, I'd married my John and moved away before that had happened.”

“Did Molly know how Bob felt?”

“Didn't have a clue. She thought everyone was her friend. And they were.”

“Well, I'd like to head over to the motel right now and see if we can maybe convince Darla to play show and tell. She shows us her bruises and tells us how she got them.”

*   *   *

L
izzie took a good look around the parking lot at the Mountain View Motel, on the lookout for Wade's pickup. It wasn't there and she hoped he was with it, wherever that was. She took one last look over her shoulder as they approached the door. All clear.

Teensy tried knocking lightly on the door and when that didn't work, gave it a good pounding. She was just about to try again when the door eased open a crack. Teensy pushed it back and they heard a cry as someone bumped against the wall.

Lizzie flipped on the light as Teensy closed the door behind them. Darla had slumped down against the wall, her face bleeding from cuts to her mouth and the side of her eye.

“Oh my Lord, child,” Teensy said, dropping down beside her.

“Did Wade do this?” Lizzie asked.

Darla tried nodding but grimaced instead. Lizzie and Teensy each grabbed an arm and helped her to stand, leading her to the bed, and easing her into a sitting position. Lizzie pulled out her iPhone and punched in Mark's number. After quickly explaining what they'd found, she locked the door as he suggested.

“I just called Mark and he'll be here in a jiffy. This time
it doesn't matter what you want, Darla. Charges are going to be laid against Wade. He can't just go using you as a punching bag whenever he wants.”

Lizzie took a good look at the bruises on her left arm, fading at this point. Darla's neck looked clear. She'd leave it up to the doctor to find out if there were traces of ongoing physical abuse but that's what it looked like.
Guess I was wrong
. It took just a few more minutes before Mark was knocking on the door, telling them to let him in.

He took one look at Darla and spoke into his radio, asking for an ambulance. “I've got cars driving around and positioned close by in case Wade comes back.” He walked over and kneeled before Darla.

“Do you want to tell me what happened?”

She shook her head ever so slightly but after a few seconds said, “Wade got real mad that I came back without getting any more money. He also doesn't want you hanging around here. He flies off the handle sometimes, you know.”

Lizzie wanted to ask how she'd planned to get money but realized this wasn't the time for it. She'd fill Mark in on her suspicions and let him deal with it even though she wasn't entirely sure about them herself.

The ambulance arrived shortly and after an initial checkup, Darla was convinced by Teensy to go with them just to make sure everything was okay.

Mark looked around the room and then asked the two what they were doing there. After Lizzie had explained, he gave it some thought and then said, “So, you think the original claims of abuse were part of a con to get money out of Molly and Bob?”

“We do,” Teensy answered before Lizzie had a chance to say she'd changed her mind.

“Well, seeing as this is now a crime scene, I'm going to
have my people search it top to bottom. Let's find out all that Wade had going on in town.”

He held the door open for them and then waved in two police officers.

“We'd better go and break the news to Molly and to Bob,” Lizzie said. She looked at Teensy, who nodded.

Mark squeezed Lizzie's arm and then went back inside to join the search.

“Let's grab Molly and then hightail it down to the hospital,” Teensy said, backing out onto the street. “We can do our explaining in the car.”

They reached Molly's house in no time. She smiled at them as she opened the door but that changed to a frown when she saw their faces. She held the door wider and they shuffled inside.

“Mopsy, honey, we've got some disturbing news.” Teensy looked at Lizzie and then continued, “We've just come from visiting Darla and the girl's gone and gotten herself beat up. She's at the hospital right now getting checked over. We're here to take you there.”

Molly said nothing but carefully put the vase of flowers she'd been holding down on a table in the hallway. It took but a few minutes for her to go upstairs and then return, handbag in hand. Once they were out in the car, Molly said, “Now, tell all.”

Lizzie decided it might be better for her to explain but she left out a lot of the details. Molly seemed to accept what she said and didn't ask any more questions until they reached the hospital parking lot. “Did you tell Bob?”

“No. We thought we'd leave that to you,” Lizzie admitted a bit sheepishly.

“We'll see how she is, then decide when it's best to call him.”

They were ushered down the hall in emergency to a small examining room. Darla was alone in the room, perched on the edge of the bed. Molly rushed over and gently hugged her. “How are you, honey?”

Darla shrugged but then winced in pain. “All right, I guess. They say nothing's broken and I can go.”

“They're not watching you for signs of a concussion or anything?” Molly turned to Lizzie. “That seems rather lackadaisical, wouldn't you say?”

“I'll go talk to them.”

Lizzie returned a few minutes later confirming what Darla had said. “She's good to go but she should take it easy.”

“All right then, let's head to my place.”

When they arrived back at Molly's, she said, “Now, I'm going to insist that you go straight up to your room and try to get some rest, Darla. I'm going to give your granddaddy a call.”

She shooed the others out to the patio while she phoned Bob. He arrived within ten minutes and joined them outdoors. His face looked pinched. He was wearing what he called his painting clothes, and Lizzie detected flecks of green paint on his arms and hands.

“That's it. That scumbag goes behind bars and they can throw away the key, if I have any say in it.”

“Calm down, Bob. It's all in hand.” Molly walked over to him and turned the wing of his collar over. “Darla's upstairs resting and I think this might be a good time for you to head on over to the motel and pick up her things. Surely the police will let you in to do that.”

“I've already thought of that, Molly, and cleared it with the chief. He also said he'd have a patrol car keeping an eye on your place, so you're not to worry. But if you hear anything out of the ordinary, do not wait to see if you actually
heard it, you get on the horn right away, Molly Mathews, and call 911. Do you hear?”

“Of course I do. And I certainly will do that. We know what this monster is capable of doing. Now you get going, Bob, and when you return, we'll all just have a settling glass of wine out back. Lizzie, you can stay for a while, can't you? And Teensy?”

“I'd be happy to, Mopsy, but I'm getting awful hungry,” Teensy answered. “Why don't I just give a call and have some Tex-Mex takeout delivered.” She looked at the other three hopefully.

“Sounds like a good idea. I'm sure by the time it gets here, we'll be able to eat something.”

“Sure. You get yourself ready, Mopsy. I'm already set.”

Lizzie grinned. Bob left and Teensy grabbed the phone, checking her smartphone for the number she needed.

Lizzie touched Molly's arm. “Why don't you pick out some wine and I'll get a tray and glasses. There's nothing else to do at this point.” She wanted to keep her busy rather than sitting around worrying.

Molly nodded and led the way to the kitchen. “Do you think she'll be all right?” she asked, as she checked her wine cupboard and pulled out a bottle of Shiraz.

“I'm assuming you mean Darla and yes, I'm sure she'll be just fine. Her injuries aren't severe even though they look terrible. Let's just hope she sees Wade for what he really is, this time.”

“That poor misled girl.”

Or not.
Lizzie realized she wasn't totally ready to give up her earlier suspicions.

“Things you and I are going to need two long spoons and a quart of Haagen-Dazs to talk about,” I said.

THE LAST GOOD DAY—
GAIL BOWEN

L
izzie was itching to get Darla all to herself and question her about her earlier bruises. There was no doubt that this time, the wounds were real and inflicted by Wade. But Lizzie was dithering, wondering again if maybe the earlier ones were pretty much for show. The problem was, she needed to speak to Darla and she knew that doing it while the girl was still vulnerable gave her the best possibility of learning the truth.

She also knew that Molly, especially after today's incident, would not be amenable to that. She no doubt believed everything Darla had ever said. What to do?

She glanced at Teensy and realized she was being watched. Teensy gave her a quizzical look and then took the final mouthful of her chicken enchilada. Lizzie answered with a slight shrug. She had no idea how to proceed. Tonight, anyway.

Darla provided the answer an hour later when she joined the others outside.

“How are you feeling, child?” Molly asked, standing at the same time as Bob, to escort Darla to a chair.

“I'm feeling light-headed from those drugs and a bit achy all over, but I don't want to stay alone up there.” She spotted the tray of wine. “Could I have some wine?”

“Not with all that medication in you. I'll get you some iced tea. It's hibiscus sweet tea. It should hit the spot.” Molly disappeared into the kitchen while Bob retrieved some of the remaining enchiladas and passed a plate to Darla.

“Are you hungry? This was real good earlier. I could heat it up for you if you'd like.”

“No. Thanks anyway. I'm not really hungry. Just thirsty.”

Molly was back in no time with a tall glass of tea. The others watched Darla take a sip before they settled back in their seats.

Teensy spoke first. “Well, you go right ahead and enjoy your flowery drink, sugar, and I'll do the heavy lifting for ya.” She saluted Darla with her glass of bourbon on the rocks.

Molly shook her head but Bob started laughing. Soon, they'd all joined in.

Even Darla managed a smile. But not for long. Lizzie noticed her attention wandering over to the maze.
Perfect chance.

“Have you walked the maze yet, Darla?”

“Uh-uh.”

“It might be too wearying for her,” Molly said.

Teensy jumped right in. “Of course not, Molly. Lizzie, why don't you go walking with her and make sure she comes right back if she looks tired.” Teensy gave Lizzie a wink that no one noticed and then smiled at Molly. “Now tell me, Mopsy, are you planning on going to the Morgans' garden party at the end of the month?”

“What? You do flit all over the place, don't you, Teensy? I hadn't really thought about it but I guess I'll probably go.”

Darla pushed herself gingerly out of the chair and Lizzie matched her pacing as they made their way to the maze.

“I just love walking this,” Lizzie said. “It's been here as long as I can remember and it's just the greatest way to forget your troubles or sort out things that are troubling.” She left it at that for a few minutes and they walked together in silence.

Finally, Darla said, “It is peaceful in here. I feel like the world is far away.”

Lizzie nodded but didn't want to break the spell by talking. Not yet, anyway. Finally, Darla broke the silence again. “You must think I'm a real dork.”

“Why would you say that?”

“My going back with Wade after what he'd done to me before.”

“Oh, but you didn't really think he would actually beat on you, did you, Darla?” Lizzie stopped and faced her. “Those earlier bruises weren't because he hit you, were they?”

Darla gasped. She stared at Lizzie for a few moments and then nodded. “You're right, but how did you know?”

“Something someone said today triggered the memory that we never actually saw anything except for some bruises on your arm. They could have been caused by anything, even just walking into the door, couldn't they?”

Darla nodded again.

“But what I don't know is why.”

Darla started walking more quickly this time. Lizzie caught up to her easily and then paced her until she was ready to speak again.

“For the money.” Darla spoke softly and Lizzie had to strain to hear. “I needed lots of money to pay off my gambling debts and I also needed money to live on.”

“And you thought Molly, even though she'd already given you some money, would be a good source of more? But why pretend to be beaten up?”

“Because I knew I couldn't just keep asking until I had enough, and I couldn't ask for the whole amount all at once. Wade came up with the idea. I bruise easily, you know? He only had to grab me hard or I would bump into the doorframe or something like that and I would have a bruise. He thought that Molly wouldn't hesitate to buy him off if it looked like he was beating on me.”

“And you went along with it.”

“Yes.” She was quiet so long Lizzie thought she'd finished talking. “Don't you get it? I really needed the money. My life could be in danger. That was the only way to get it.”

“Oh, I get it all right, but you sure don't. Molly and Bob also trusted you. They were worried sick to think you'd been hurt, as they are now. Tonight it was for real, though?”

“Yeah. Wade thought I'd changed my mind.” She paused a few minutes. “And, I had,” she added in a soft voice.

“Why?”

“Because I realized he wanted a lot more money than just to pay off what I owed. And also, I kinda feel bad about trying this scam on Molly and Granddaddy. They're nice, ya know?”

“Yes, they are. You know, all you had to do was ask and be honest about it. I'm certain they would have worked something out for you.”

“You really think?”

“I know them. They care about you. But they do not take kindly to deceit.”

“You can't tell them, Lizzie.”

Lizzie stopped and waited until Darla had also. “No, I can't, but you can. And will.”

“I can't,” she squeaked out.

“Think about it, Darla. You have to start doing the right thing at some point in your life. It might as well be now when you're surrounded by friends and family.”

Tears started flowing and Darla wiped her eyes on the hem of her T-shirt. Lizzie hadn't brought any tissue either. She waited until Darla had regained her composure, then suggested they walk back, which they did once again in silence.

Molly looked from one to the other as they reappeared and took their seats. After a minute, Darla pushed herself to a standing position again. “I'm really beat. I think I'll just go back in and lie down.” She left, avoiding looking at Lizzie.

Lizzie sighed and avoided looking at Teensy.