Law and Author (4 page)

“For sure,” Lizzie said and went to the front desk with her books.

Yes, she would ask her.

THE SATURDAY BIG TENT WEDDING PARTY—
ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH

D
uring the drive to Molly's, Lizzie continued to puzzle about what she'd seen in town. She wondered if she should mention it to Molly and then decided not to. After all, she didn't have any real details and she didn't want to worry Molly. She'd just keep an eye on Darla and if anything else came up, she would share what she'd seen at that point.

Lizzie found Molly in the kitchen, setting the table for two for dinner. “Would you like to join us?” Molly asked.

“That's nice of you, Molly, but I've got some school work to get finished for tomorrow.” Too bad, she thought. It would have been a good opportunity to find out a bit more about Darla. She watched as Molly puttered around the kitchen. “Can I help you with anything?”

“No, honey. I've got it all in hand.”

Lizzie helped herself to a handful of almonds from a dish on the table. “Where's Darla?”

“Oh, she said she was going into town to poke around a bit. She spent part of the day with Bob and he's coming over for dessert, after he finishes doing some more work on that boat he's building.”

Lizzie smiled at the thought of Bob finally having found a project that so totally engrossed him. As far as she knew, he'd been a dabbler in do-it-yourself tasks since he'd retired from being chief of police. But she'd suspected he had a tough time of it, especially after the new chief, Mark, had become so entwined in their lives. The boat kept him occupied and would be put to good use, if it would actually float when done. Now, Darla was a different matter.

“What's she like?” Lizzie asked.

“Darla? Well, we haven't really had a chance to talk much. She turned in fairly early last night, in fact just after y'all left, and slept late this morning. Over breakfast, she did tell me a bit about her childhood. It seems Bob's daughter Lily was a very social being and liked to have a lot of people around.”

“What about her daddy?”

“She never knew him. Apparently, he left town shortly after Darla was born. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders, though. And that would be no thanks to Sue-Ann.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Sue-Ann was always flighty. Never could take responsibility for things, like the time the high school mascot, our wild turkey, got lost.”

“You had a real wild turkey as a mascot?”

“Oh, gracious no. It was a stuffed toy but he was our good-luck charm and had to be at every team game. Sue-Ann begged to be in charge of him and one day, she
said
he
disappeared from his spot in the cupboard at back of the homeroom.”

“You didn't believe her?”

“Not since I knew she often
borrowed
him to take and parade around at parties where she wanted to impress the boys. Anyway, and then there's the way she treated Bob, running out on him and not letting him keep in touch with his own child. Harrumph.”

Lizzie wasn't quite sure what to say to that. She went back to the starting point of their conversation.

“What does her mama do? How did they live?”

“Probably with a lot of help from Sue-Ann and her rich banker hubby.” She sighed.

“Sue-Ann was no good for Bob but it sure did throw him for a loop. She could be very cruel, especially not letting Bob have any contact with Lily. That's what really broke his heart.” Molly sighed. “Darla did say that Lily had a job as a hostess. And that could have lots of connotations although I'd rather not think that.” Molly sat down across from Lizzie at the table. “It's really such a shame that Sue-Ann wouldn't let Lily get to know Bob. Things may have been very different for her, and her daughter, if he'd been in their lives.”

“How does Bob feel about all this?”

Molly sighed. “I think he's really torn up about it. He's spent a whole lot of years worrying about Lily and just feeling so badly that he was cut off. So, here comes Darla and while he's delighted to have this opportunity to get to know her, and hopefully Lily, too, it's also bringing back all those guilt feelings.”

“That's so sad. I feel for him.”

Molly leaned across the table and patted her hand. “That's sweet of you, honey, but I think if we're all here
helping him focus on the good aspect of this, the other will fade, which it is meant to do.”

Lizzie sat silent for a few minutes watching as Molly went back to the stove to stir something that smelled entirely delicious. She wondered just how frank she should or could be with Molly about this.

“Molly, do you get the sense that Darla is really sincere about all this?”

“Why of course, Lizzie. Why wouldn't she be? It's not every day a young girl gets to meet her long-lost granddaddy. Family ties are so important. I believe she's really grateful to have found him.”

“I hope so,” Lizzie said under her breath. She couldn't quite shake the uneasiness though. “So, she doesn't know anyone else around here?”

“Not a soul.”

“That was awfully nice of you to invite her to stay here, Molly.”

Molly turned to look at her. “Why, it was the right thing to do. Once we found out she was staying at that dreadful Mountain View Motel, I couldn't let her go back there. Not Bob's grandchild. And it's for sure she couldn't stay at his place. He barely has enough room for all his belongings in those three rooms. Now, how about pouring us each a glass of iced tea. I just made it fresh.”

Lizzie nodded and after taking the pitcher out of the fridge, had just filled their glasses when Darla came strolling in.

“Hey, Molly,” Darla said and looked over at Lizzie. “Lizzie.”

Lizzie nodded.

“Did you have an interesting day?” Molly asked.

Lizzie wondered how much she would tell.

“I guess. The town sure is small.”

“Well, that stands to reason, seeing as you've lived in Atlanta all your life,” Molly answered pleasantly.

“Yes,” Lizzie added, “and it's not like you know many people here.” She watched closely for a reaction.

Darla shrugged.

Lizzie continued, “I'd imagine Ashton Corners pales in comparison, if you're looking for excitement. What kind of things do you like to do?”

“Me? Uh, dancing with my BFFs. Clubbing a lot. Are there any here?” she asked, sounding hopeful.

“It's not really my scene,” Lizzie admitted. “I'm sure there's something, though. I know a couple of the bars have dance floors and live bands on the weekends.”

Lizzie shrugged slightly when she noticed the look Molly was giving her.
She asked; I told
.

“Do you like reading, Darla?” Molly jumped in.

Darla stared at Molly a minute. Lizzie mentally filled in the imaginary dialogue bubble above her head—
What's that
? Lizzie shook her head.
Not nice.

“Uh, sure. I could spend all afternoon looking through fashion magazines and hairstyle ones, too.”

Molly stood a bit straighter and smiled. “That's nice, dear, but I was wondering if you might enjoy reading mysteries? The reason I ask is we have a mystery book reading club and your granddaddy's a part of it. So are Lizzie, Sally-Jo, Andie, Stephanie and Jacob, all of whom you met yesterday. Our next meeting is this Thursday night, right here. I wonder if you'd like to join us. I know there isn't a lot of time to read the book but you could thumb through it, read the first and last chapters if you'd like. You can use my copy.”

Darla looked in shock. “I . . .” She paused, unable to come up with an answer. “I guess.”

“Well, you don't have anything else lined up for Thursday,
do you?” Lizzie asked, wondering if the mystery man was still around.

“No. No, I don't. Sure, I'll come.”

“That's so good,” Molly said. “I know Bob will be pleased and I think you'll find we're a lot of fun to be with. Especially since Stephanie and Andrea are closer to your age. We call ourselves the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society.”

Darla seemed at yet another loss for words so Lizzie explained further. “Bob came up with the name. I'll bet he'd get a real kick out of it if you made a big fuss over what a great name it is.”

Darla nodded and in a few moments she smiled. “Yeah.” She stretched her arms out above her head and tilted her head to each side before lowering her arms again. “I think I'll just go on up and have a nap before supper. I've done a lot of walking today.” She nodded at them both and left them watching her leave.

“Nap?” Lizzie asked when she was sure Darla was out of earshot.

Molly shook her head. “She seems to be resting a lot. I hope she doesn't have something, like mono or some such. Or maybe it's just that she doesn't want to spend a lot of time with me.”

“Well, you don't really have a lot in common if you ask me, unless you've taken up hip-hop,” Lizzie added, a mischievous smile on her face.

Molly looked taken aback. Lizzie stood and gave Molly a small hug. “It's her loss.”

Even if the curiosity tugged at her brain until she was cross-eyed.

FREEZER I'LL SHOOT—
VICTORIA HAMILTON

L
izzie paused to watch the final stages of the sunrise the next morning during her jog. She looked down the embankment at the reflection in the Tallapoosa River and took a deep breath. Some mornings everything felt right. She tried to hold that feeling for the remainder of her run but felt the tension start to build up again as she walked into her house.

She had a long day ahead of her at school and then, what might feel like an equally long session with her literacy class tonight at Molly's. She loved both her jobs but sometimes, dealing with too many upset parents in one week could take its toll. And since Christmas, at the literacy class, she seemed to be constantly butting heads with Madona Currant, a high school dropout at seventeen who had recently decided it would be to her advantage, monetarily, to get her GEDs. Lizzie had
a feeling it was more that her daddy had made the decision and tough love had taken over the Currant household.

She was all for that, if it motivated Madona to make the grade, but she couldn't tell if there was any sincerity in place. What made it even more irritating to Lizzie was the fact she knew that here was a smart girl who could do the program with flying colors, if she'd only decide to do that.

Lizzie sighed. She'd recently made a pact with herself that some hours of the day were special, when she wouldn't let the worries of work intrude her space. Early morning was one of those times as were weekends, and any time spent with Mark. She wondered where he was at that moment. At work, getting ready to go to work, sleeping in? She knew it wouldn't be the latter. Mark Dreyfus took his job as police chief very seriously. Just one of the many things she loved about him. Love. Hmm, she'd used that word a lot lately when thinking about him. They'd just never really said it aloud to each other. She wasn't sure if she was even ready for that.

She glanced at the wall and snapped into hyperdrive. A power shake would have to do for breakfast and she quickly threw together a tuna wrap for lunch. After showering, she dressed in a tan pencil skirt and red floral blouse, lay down on the bed beside her cats, Brie and Edam, giving them a pep talk about what a great day was in store and finished with a kiss to the top of each head. She grabbed her school bag and car keys, took a final look in the mirror at the front door, and left.

*   *   *

L
izzie filed the final notes from the last meeting of the day in the one section she'd been allotted of the vice principal's locked cabinet behind the desk. The day had felt long, as predicted, and she was more than ready to head out
into the sunshine and try to clear her head. She made it as far as the parking lot when her iPhone rang.

“Lizzie, it's Molly. Can you come right over, honey? It's really important.”

“What's wrong, Molly? Are you all right?”

“Yes, I'm fine but I'd rather wait until you're here to talk about it.”

“I'm on my way,” Lizzie said, sticking the keys in the ignition. She was about to stuff her phone in her purse when she noticed she had voice mail. Molly's voice gave her the exact same message she'd just said a few minutes ago. Lizzie must not have heard the ring that would alert her to this when she switched her phone on after her last meeting.

She drove as quickly as possible, worried about Molly. She felt protective toward her, knowing that Molly was always there for her when needed. It had been that way since Lizzie was a young child. Molly had been her grandmamma Beata's friend, an easy entry into the family where she'd remained ever since. And when Lizzie's mama was moved into Magnolia Manor, the assisted living facility, Molly had been right there for them both. And she continued to be.

She hit the brakes as she approached Molly's driveway. Two police cars were parked on the street and one more, along with Mark's Jeep, were at the top of the drive, in front of the house. As well, a hearse from the Sunset Funeral Home sat at the opposite end of the house.

Lizzie felt her heart pounding in her ears as she parked her Mazda and sprinted up the driveway. She reached the front door just as it opened. Officer Amber Craig of the Ashton Corners Police walked out and almost collided with Lizzie.

“It's all right, slow down,” Craig said. “Molly is just fine, although somewhat upset.”

“What happened?”

“A body was found out in the backyard earlier today by the gardener.”

“A body! Not someone we know, I hope.”

“It's a man and he's not a local.”

Lizzie took a deep breath. “Okay. And Molly is fine?”

“Yes. You can go in if you want. She's in the living room.” Craig held the door open for Lizzie and then closed it as she left.

Lizzie rushed into the living room and found Molly sitting on the love seat facing the front window. She glanced around for Darla but Molly was alone.

“What happened, Molly?” Lizzie asked, crouching in front of her. “Are you sure you're all right?”

“Just a bit overwhelmed and shocked. In fact I'm in total shock. There's a body in my backyard and I've no idea who he is or how he got there.”

“You didn't go out and look at him, did you?” Lizzie clutched Molly's hand.

“No. Mitchell came to do my gardening today and he found him. Mark took a photo of his face and showed it to me.” She shook her head. “I don't know him and I cannot imagine what he's doing back there.”

“Where's Darla?”

“Oh, she's been in town most of the day again. I would expect she'll be back shortly. She doesn't know about this.”

Lizzie stood and put an arm around Molly's shoulders. “Can I get you some sweet tea or would you like something hot?”

Molly nodded. “Some hot tea would be lovely, thanks.”

“Okay. You just stay here and I'll get it ready.”

Lizzie went into the kitchen and right over to the back door to take a look at all the activity. Her initial shock had
worn off and her curiosity had taken over. She was itching to know what was happening and the identity of the victim. Also, just how he had died. She opened the door and a couple of officers turned toward her. Mark looked over from where he'd been examining the ground. He strode over, meeting her before she'd taken more than a couple of steps outside.

“I'd rather you didn't come out here,” he said, squeezing her arm. “It's a crime scene.”

“Was he murdered?” Lizzie held her breath.

“It looks that way.”

“Who is he? Molly said she didn't recognize him.”

“He doesn't have any ID on him but we do have a lead on who he is.”

“Can I have a look at the photo you showed Molly?”

Mark pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and brought up the picture on the screen. Lizzie took it from him and held it at an angle away from the glare of the afternoon sun.

She knew that face. She thought. Finally it hit her and she gasped.

“What is it? Do you know him?” Mark asked.

“I'm pretty sure I've seen him in town but I don't know anything about him.”

“Just tell me what you do know. Where did you see him?”

“He was going into the alley that runs alongside the flower shop on Main, close to Garrett Street. I noticed him when I was on my way to the library yesterday afternoon. He was with someone. They were going into the alley and it looked like they were arguing.”

“Who is ‘they'?”

Lizzie glanced at the hall door and said in a soft voice. “He was there with Darla Lyman.”

“You mean Bob Miller's granddaughter? The one who just arrived in town?”

Lizzie nodded. “Oh, boy. I was worried when she just showed up after all this time. But I hadn't imagined anything like this. How did he die?”
And, who is the killer?

“He was hit over the head from behind with a heavy object.”

“Yikes. Did you recover the murder weapon?”

Mark looked at her speculatively before answering. “We have what we believe might be the weapon.”

“What was it? Can you get DNA from it? Fingerprints?”

“That's all I'm willing to share with you, Lizzie. And you're not getting involved. Got it?”

“Yes. But what if Bob's granddaughter is involved?”

“I think I know how to handle this, Lizzie. Now, what you need to get to work on is finding somewhere else to hold your literacy class tonight because this entire area is off-limits for several more hours.”

“But nothing happened in Molly's house.”

“Not that we know. And, I don't want any of your students getting curious and walking around too much before we've seen everything we need to.”

Lizzie looked around the backyard. It was such a beautiful place of serenity and peace to her. This was almost obscene to have happened here. “What was he doing here anyway?”

“Good-bye, Lizzie. I'll phone you later tonight if I get a chance.”

“Uh-huh.” Lizzie took one last look at where the body lay, hidden from view by a tarp. “Good-bye, Mark.”

She knew when to beat a tactical retreat.

She went back inside and finished brewing the tea and took it, along with a plate of sugar cookies, to Molly. Lizzie poured a tea for each of them and insisted Molly have something to eat, too.

Molly's smile was small. “Are we switching roles here?”

“Only temporarily. What a terrible thing. Did they tell you anything at all about what happened to him?”

Molly shook her head. “And I didn't ask. It's just too soon to be finding another body around here. It's been only a year and a half since the first one. Remember, at our first meeting of the book club? The body in the car outside my house?”

“Oh, I remember all right.”

“Not that there's any amount of time in between finding bodies that would be acceptable. I wonder who this fellow is and what on earth he was doing in my backyard.”

“I wonder when he was murdered. You said the gardener found him early afternoon?”

“Yes, just after he got started. I haven't been out back at all today. Otherwise, I would have seen him, I'm sure.”

“Well, thank goodness for that. What about Darla?”

“You don't think she's involved, do you? I can't imagine that. She's just arrived in town.”

Lizzie took a seat across the ottoman they were using as a coffee table. She sighed. “I might as well tell you because I just told Mark. He showed me the photo of the guy and I recognized him, although I don't know his name or anything else about him. But I did see him and Darla having an argument in the lane just down the street from the library yesterday afternoon.”

Molly gasped. “Darla knew him? Are you certain it was them?”

“Yes, I am. I got as close as I could without being seen but I couldn't hear what was being said. I hate to say this, but I wonder if she might have an ulterior motive for coming to town.”

“Oh, Lordy, I hope nothing illegal is going on. That would break Bob's heart. It would be bad enough if she was
using him as an excuse to be here.” Molly stood and walked over to the window, pulling the sheers aside to peek out. “Where is she anyway?”

“You shouldn't mention any of this to her, Molly. The police will want to talk to her and they should be the ones to bring it up, to see her reaction.”

Molly turned to Lizzie and sighed. “I guess you're right. But I feel we need to do something. But how can we if we don't know what's happening?”

“Well, if you want to do something you can help me call the students that would be coming here tonight. Mark said we'd have to relocate. I'll call the community center first and see if they have space.” She pulled out her iPhone.

“Of course.” Molly headed for the kitchen while Lizzie searched for the phone number and then punched it in. She joined Molly in the kitchen after a few minutes.

“We're in luck. They have two small rooms available. And having the students reroute to downtown shouldn't be a problem for any of them. Would you mind giving Sally-Jo a call and let her know? She'll have to get in touch with her class, too.”

“I have Sally-Jo's class list here. It was a good idea to leave me a copy in case of an emergency. I'll let her students know; that will give me something to keep busy. You'd better talk over the logistics with Sally-Jo.”

Lizzie smiled. Molly was in charge again. “Will do.”

They heard the front door open and Darla's voice raised in argument with Officer Craig. Darla was obviously not pleased to encounter her. Lizzie followed Molly down the hall in time to see Craig, holding Darla's right arm, escorting her around the side of the house.