Murderous Muffins (9 page)

I said, “Sure.”

“This here is not only valuable but almost irreplaceable. And you’re right. The strand is old, for sure, possibly from 1909, give or take. And in great condition, considering you wore it all the time. This is a rare find indeed.” Jack shook his head. “From prestigious Tiffany & Co., to boot.”

Cat looked over at me as though urging me to say something.

I was speechless. Tiffany & Co.? Wow.

“So how does that translate into its monetary value?” Cat asked.

I nudged her in the side. “I just hope that it’s enough to take care of a few pressing matters.”

“My rough guess is around one hundred fifty to two hundred.” Jack gazed at the pearls in his hand.

“Oh.” My heart sank into my stomach. “I guess I could pay the electric bill with that. It’s better than nothing.”

“Miss Gordon, you do know that I meant one hundred fifty to two hundred thousand, right?” Jack looked at me.

Cat jumped. “Holy smokes, Bezu, this is terrific!”

“You do know, though, that I can only give you a portion of that for a loan, and if you don’t pay me back with interest in thirty days, then the necklace becomes mine.” Jack carefully set the necklace on top of the black velvet square and paused. “I’m stretching it, but the most I can loan you is twenty thousand. Are you sure you want to do that?”

I reached over and ran my fingers over the pearls. Closing my eyes for a moment, knowing that I would never see them again. I held back a tear. “Yes. I understand.”

“Would you please excuse us for a second?” Cat pulled me away from Jack and the glass counter. “Do you realize what you’re doing? You’re throwing away a ton of money as well as a family heirloom. There has to be another way.”

“I appreciate your concern. I really do. But I have to do this. You know that.”

“What about selling it at an auction? Or on eBay? Or at a jeweler?”

“All of those would take too much time and call attention to my financial dilemma. I cannot and will not shame my family’s name.” Tears welled in my eyes. “And this is real money and it’s right now. And it’s anonymous.”

Cat threw her hands up. “Fine. Just know that I tried to prevent you from doing something you may regret later.”

“What I lament is that I let myself get into such a mess. I have to get myself out, any way that I can.” I marched over to Jack, my heels thumping on the dark green carpet. After we agreed on a price, I said, “Let’s do this.”

I signed several pages of forms, and Jack handed me a check. “If I were you, I’d go right to the bank with this.”

I put the check in my purse. I should’ve been happy. I had money. Yet I felt like a traitor to my family. Guilt and remorse washed over me like rain.

Cat said to Jack, “I was admiring a ring you have in the case over there. The men’s ruby-and-diamond ring.”

“Do you want to look at it?” Jack moved to the display case, the sound of metal clanging as he took out keys.

“Yes, we do.” Cat held my arm and guided me to where Jack stood.

Jack unlocked the glass door and extracted the ring. “It’s a mighty fine piece. We just got it.”

Cat squinted as she looked at me. “Lucky for us.”

Jack slid the ring toward us. I picked it up and felt the weight of the ring.

“Go ahead and look inside. It’s stamped fourteen-carat gold,” Jack added.

I looked inside the band. Squinting to see, I made out the fourteen-carat stamped inside along with the letters H. A. P. I handed the ring to Cat. “Look inside.”

Cat turned the ring over in her hand. “I see the initials inside. Do you know what those initials are for?”

Jack said, “I’m guessing that they’re the owner’s.”

Cat whispered to me, “Hu Phong. Maybe his middle name began with an A?”

“You ladies interested in the ring? I think it’s going to go fast,” Jack said.

“May I ask how much you’re selling it for?” I asked Jack.

“Just under three thousand,” Jack answered. “You want it?”

Cat placed the ring on her finger. “Actually we’re more interested in how you got the ring rather than in buying it.”

Exhaling, Jack stuck out an open palm.

Cat set the ring in Jack’s hand. “It’s a matter of life and death, really. We need to know who you got it from.”

“As much as I would love to help you ladies, you have to understand. Just like with you, Miss Bezu, if someone came in looking at your necklace, I would not be at liberty to discuss anything at all about you. This business is run with utmost professionalism, and that means strict confidentiality and discretion to my clients—both those who leave merchandise and those who buy it.” Jack placed the ring back inside the display case and locked it up.

“I do understand and certainly appreciate your discretion,” I said.

“Let’s just say that you got a court order, and then you would have to disclose who gave you the ring, right?” Cat asked.

Jack narrowed his eyes. “Are you ladies on the force?”

“In a six-degrees-of-separation roundabout way, we sort of are,” Cat said.

I bumped Cat in the side. “No, we’re not in law enforcement in any sense of the word. However, we’re doing an investigation into a death. And we’re pretty sure that that ring was owned by the person who died.”

Jack adjusted a standing mirror on top of the glass display case. “I still cannot help you. Although, I’m very sorry about your loss.”

“He was like a relative to her.” Cat winked at me.

I rolled my eyes. “Not really. He was a tenant of mine, until he passed away last night.”

“He choked on something, or it could’ve been an allergic reaction or something else. Just so you know, neither one of us had anything to do with his death,” Cat said.

I shot Cat a look that Hattie used to give me when I went off track. It was a half smile and a raised eyebrow.

“Never mind.” Cat waved her hand at Jack.

I inhaled. “Jack, we’re attempting to figure out what happened to my tenant. There’s also suspicion that he may have been poisoned. So I’m trying to figure out who may have done that to him.”

Jack squirted Windex on top of the glass display case. The smell of the ammonia wafted in the air. He swiped a paper towel over the blue liquid. “And you’re here at my pawnshop to get an answer?”

“Not really. My original intent was just to sell my necklace. But then we saw the ring Mr. Phong owned, in your case.” I wrung my hands. “I remember seeing the ring on him, and now it’s here. And he’s departed. I have no idea if there’s a connection or not.”

“But it sure sounds like there’s something going on here. Like maybe someone stole the ring from Mr. Phong, like his angry cousin Joseph? And then, let’s say, after Joseph stole the ring, he needed to get rid of it and also get some money quickly. So he brought it in here. Later on, he realized that he had to cover his tracks, and then he went back and killed Mr. Phong.” Cat paced back and forth. Then she stopped. “Now that I said that out loud, it doesn’t sound that plausible. Although there still may be something there.”

Jack chuckled. “Well, it sounds like you have it all figured out. But I still can’t give out information.”

“Yes. Of course. I understand,” I said.

“Not even a little description of the person who brought it in? Even a tiny bit of information we can use? You really won’t have to say anything at all. That way you’re not violating your confidentially rules. If, for example, I said, ‘the person who brought the ring in was a male.’ And then you shake your head no or nod yes. Then I keep asking questions and you answer nonverbally,” Cat said to Jack. She whispered to me, “This worked on my last case.”

“No can do. That would still be a breach,” Jack said. “And now, ladies, I need to get back to work. My suggestion, Miss Bezu, is that you go right to the bank with that check.”

“Thank you again.” Cat and I exited the pawnshop.

Cat said to me, “Here’s what I think. Whoever killed Mr. Phong took the ring. Our task is to figure out who that was.”

Depositing the check at the bank ripped my soul apart. The rest of my life, I’d have to live with the fact that I’d betrayed my family by selling the pearls. But I had to remind myself I did what I had to do. It seemed like the lesser of two evils: surrender the pearls or the house. I had to make a choice.

After leaving the bank, Cat went to the Sunshine Market while I headed back to the house.

Entering the kitchen, I noticed a syringe sitting on the counter next to the sink. I remembered earlier that Frank had mentioned he injected his medicine. Perhaps he’d left it behind. However, I didn’t want to touch it, for fear of getting pricked. Busying myself with a stack of bills in my kitchen drawer, I ordered them by their due date and priority.

Moments later, Lily and Frank walked into the kitchen.

We said our hellos.

Lily scanned the room, then shouted, “Oh no, Frank, you left your things on the counter. I told you to be more careful.” Lily grabbed a paper towel and picked up the syringe.

Frank’s eyes slit as he looked at me.

“Here, put this with the rest in your duffel bag.” Lily handed the paper towel to Frank. Lily then said to me, “He keeps them until he gets a chance to dispose of them in one of those hazardous material containers they have at South University. Oh, and I will clean that up over there.” She pointed to the cutting board, which had some sliced lemons on top. Next to that was a protein powder drink. “I made some fresh coffee, too.”

I wanted to ask more questions about the needle but thought I had better not. It would seem like prying into their personal lives. The coffeemaker gurgled, announcing that it finished brewing. “It’s so nice to see both of you. I am sorry about all that has taken place. Sweet Mr. Phong.”

“I know. It’s just awful.” Lily hugged me tightly. “I’m so glad that you’re out of jail. Did you have to wear a horrid orange jumpsuit? It’s so not your color.”

While in the embrace, I patted her back the same way Hattie used to comfort me. Lily was so sweet worrying about me. “Lily, I wasn’t arrested.”

“But the policeman took you away in his squad car.” Lily pushed back from me.

“I just had to answer some questions, that’s all,” I reassured her.

“So you’re okay then?” Lily asked.

“Yes. You don’t have to fuss about me one more second.” I flicked my hand as if I were wiping away her worry about me.

“Fine.” Lily scooped some powder mix into a cup, filled it with water, dropped a lemon slice in, and then screwed a top on. She shook it and then handed it to Frank.

“Thanks, babe.” Frank kissed Lily. “We’ve got to get going. Have to move our things to my buddy’s house.”

“I’m so sorry about all of this. You don’t need to move out.” I shut off the coffeemaker. “However, if you do, I will refund this month’s rent money.”

Frank huffed. “Good. We’ll need it to find another place.”

Lily said, “Oh no, Frank. I love it here. I want to stay as long as we can.”

“It’s up to y’all. You’re welcome to stay.” I’d miss Lily but not Frank. “But if you leave, I’d understand as well.”

“Miss Bezu, I couldn’t leave you. Not now.” Lily held my hand.

Frank said, “Now is the perfect time to leave her. Remember, she may’ve killed a guy?”

Lily let go of me and glared at Frank. “She did not. And she’s like our family. We need to stick together.”

“I just need to stick with you, babe.” Frank chugged his drink.

“Don’t you have any loyalty, Frank?” Lily asked.

“To you.” Frank washed his cup.

“I know.” Lily ran her hand on his back. “But we need to keep together— all of us here in this house.”

“You’re so adorable how you take care of everyone.” Frank’s face filled with a big grin as he looked at Lily.

“We need to protect Miss Bezu. Like you protect me,” Lily said to Frank. “I love you, so please do this for me. Be sweet, okay?”

“Sorry. It’s been weird lately.” He took a finger and ran it along her cheek. “I haven’t been sleeping well, and all the stress of school and the contest, and, well, you know I get irritable.”

“I know you do. Maybe you also need to cut back on your medication.” Lily glanced at me. “And regardless of what anyone may think, there’s no way that Miss Bezu could even harm a fly.”

Frank blurted out, “Have you seen the arsenal of poisons she has under the sink? I bet that muffin plate found outside of Phong’s room was laced with toxins. I’m just saying there is foul play.”

That night, I’d seen the plate on the floor outside of Mr. Phong’s room. I’d brought it into his room when I’d gone looking for him. How did Frank know that plate had been on the exterior of the room? Maybe Frank had seen it when he’d gotten home.

Lily huffed. “Miss Bezu is innocent.”

Although I’d hoped that Lily meant that to sound as a statement, her voice rose at the end, indicating a question.

“I didn’t hurt anyone. Nor could I,” I said.

Frank shot his eyes at me. “Right.”

Lily tiptoed and whispered in Frank’s ear.

Frank sighed, “I’m sorry, Miss Bezu. Lily said, I mean, I know I was out of line for thinking you killed the illegal immigrant.”

Lilly struck his arm.

Frank continued, “I mean, Mr. Phong.”

“Apology accepted. No harm done.” Picking up a kitchen towel, I dried a wet spot on the counter.

“We’ll catch you later.” Lily grabbed Frank’s hand and walked away.

I only caught glimpses of Frank being saccharin sweet when he interacted with Lily. I just wished that he could spread that amiability to others as well.

A moment later, Xavier entered the kitchen.

Even though something about him seemed duplicitous to me, bordering on uncomfortable, above all, the good manners instilled in me as a child never faltered. “There’s coffee if you want some.” I pulled a mug out of the cupboard and handed it to him.

Xavier poured himself a cup and then leaned back on the counter. “Are you well?”

I filled the thermal carafe with the rest of the coffee, then tightened the lid. “Fine. Thank you for asking.”

“Even though we don’t know each other very well, I’d like to help you if you need any assistance.” Xavier took a sip from his mug.

I’d noticed when I first met him, but now, talking with him, I was convinced that English was not his first language. His accent was becoming more pronounced.

“That’s mighty kind of you. But I assure you, I don’t need your help.” I was slightly suspicious of his offer to help.

Xavier shifted his stance. “Did you have to sell it?”

I stopped filling the empty coffeepot with soapy water. “Huh?”

“Your necklace. I saw you had it on when I ran into you outside of the pawnshop, and now you don’t.”

My hand flew to my neck. Sorrow washed over me as I felt my unadorned collarbone where, for years, the silky-smooth pearls had resided. I was overcome by a deep hollowness, as I knew they were gone for good. There was no way that I’d be able to pay the pawnshop loan in thirty days.

Xavier’s head lowered. “I’m sorry. The look on your face is my answer.”

“What look?” How dare he think he knew me? But then again, I didn’t have a poker face. Still, that did not give him a right to intrude into my personal life.

Xavier’s phone buzzed as he set his cup in the sink. He grabbed the phone and said, “Excuse me,” and left the room.

Humph. He acted as if he knew me, like we were old friends. As if I would ever rely on him for anything. I’d managed just fine by myself. Although sometimes I thought about Cat and Andrew, and how they were always there for each other. It might be nice to rely on someone.

“I had to come back.” Cat entered the kitchen. “I’m convinced that Xavier is the killer.”

“Whoa, there,” I whispered as I placed a hand on her arm. “He’s still here.”

“He’s on the front porch talking on the phone.” Cat guided me through the back door. “Let’s go on the back porch.”

I followed her outside.

Cat darted her eyes around and lowered her voice. “Listen, Bezu, I was at work, and, well, I just couldn’t think of anything else besides the ring at Jack’s Pawn Shop. Seeing Xavier outside of the store and then seeing the ring in the display case. It’s too much of a coincidence. Remember when we were all there when Mr. Phong died and Xavier rummaged around the room?”

“Yes.”

“I think he’s a thief.”

I put my hands on my hips. “I didn’t actually see him take anything. Did you?”

Cat shook her head.

I said, “Then we have no right to accuse anyone of anything if we don’t have proof.”

Cat sighed. “You are right.”

“He may not be a crook, but I don’t believe he is being honest about who he is.” I bit my lip. “He acts like he is from around here, but his speech has a hint of an accent.”

“Spanish or something like that. I can’t place it for sure.” Cat tapped her foot. “This all makes sense, though. Do you remember calling out his name when we saw him on Broughton a while ago? He didn’t answer.”

“He said he had a lot on his mind.”

“Or maybe he’s a liar and forgot the alias he was using,” Cat said.

“Do people really do that?” I asked.

“Of course they do. All the time.”

“Like who?”

Cat said, “Like writers, some use pen names.”

“Pseudonyms.”

“Yes.”

Shaking my head, I smiled. “You’re comparing an author to a killer?”

“Why, yes, some kill off characters. So it’s all the same.”

I had to chuckle at her logic. I loved having one of my favorite friends living with me. I poked my head into the house.

The loud bang of the front door shutting was followed by footsteps on the stairs. I pointed up. “He’s back in the house now, and it sounds like he headed upstairs to his room.” I kept the door cracked open.

“Let’s keep our voices quiet.” Cat ran her hand through her dark brown hair. “Trust me, Bezu. Something isn’t right with Xavier, or whoever he is.”

“I have to admit he does seem to be a little off, as though he’s not comfortable in his own skin, like he’s performing.”

“Exactly.” Cat nodded.

“So that makes him a killer?” I asked.

“Maybe. When Annie Mae and I did our first case, we learned that a murderer has to have a motive, means, and opportunity.”

“First case?”

“Lucy’s was our first.” Cat looked away for a moment.

I felt the tug at my heart. Every day I missed Lucy.

For a few moments, Cat and I remained silent.

“We have to defend the innocent, right wrongs, find justice. That’s how we can honor the dead,” Cat continued. “And now we have Mr. Phong’s case.”

“You’re calling this a case?”

“Yes, for all intents and purposes, it is. And to clear your name, we need to find his killer.”

“Don’t you have work to do?”

“I’m at a standstill with the books, unless I can find out who made the big deposits.” Cat bit her bottom lip.

“I see,” I said.

“And we have experienced, reliable employees working at the store. They don’t need me there. So in the meantime, you and I are solving Mr. Phong’s murder.”

“We are, are we?”

“Yes, and I will only take yes for an answer.”

I sighed. “Fine.”

“That will do, too.” Cat shook her hand. “Let me talk this out.”

I smirked. “I’m on pins and needles.”

“Hey, enough, smarty britches.” Cat playfully tapped my arm. “Okay. Xavier had the opportunity since he lived in the same house as your departed tenant. And they worked together as well. Didn’t you tell me that Mr. Phong would take muffins all the time?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s say that Xavier knew this. And he spiked them with some sort of poison and then gave them to Mr. Phong. So he had both the means and the opportunity.”

“What’s his motive?”

Cat rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know.”

I placed a hand on her shoulder. “Two thirds isn’t bad.”

Cat mumbled, “But it may not be enough. I’ve failed again.”

“What are you talking about?”

A tear ran down Cat’s cheek. “Where do I begin? I haven’t found my dad’s killer. I get so close, then a dead end. So far my life’s mission is to figure that out, and even though I won’t give up on that, I’ve been unsuccessful.”

“I wouldn’t call that a failure. You’re trying to do the impossible.”

“Oh, but I have more letdowns. I insisted on staying here, and now I’m missing out on spending time in Korea with my family. Want me to go on? Now I’ve burdened you with all my foolishness. Plus, the doggone store books don’t balance. I’m sorry. I’m having a pity party now.”

My dear friend was hurting. However, I knew she was resilient. I attempted to lighten her mood. “I love parties, pity or not.” I smiled. “And you are welcome to vent anytime you need to.”