The Graves of the Guilty (Hope Street Church Mysteries Book 3) (7 page)

After giving Cooper’s shoulders a final, reassuring squeeze, Nathan rose from the sofa and hugged Ashley. “How are you doing?”

Ashley managed a thin smile. “You are the sweetest man, Nathan Dexter.” She patted him on the arm and then sank onto the sofa. “Coop, I thought we’d better get things out of our systems before we go down for supper.” Reaching into a zebra-striped purse, she removed a Love Motors newsletter and pointed to a boxed article on the inside page. “This is Miguel. He was the Employee of the Month the past December.”

Cooper stared at the photograph of the young man. Miguel Ramos looked to be in his early twenties. He had a round, friendly face and a shy smile, but there was also a glimmer of pride in his dark eyes.

“Miguel Ramos is a relatively new member of the Love Motors team,” Cooper read aloud. “A former employee of Double A Auto in Norfolk, Miguel has been overseeing the West End lot since he started work this fall and our inventory has sparkled ever since! The first to arrive and the last to leave, Miguel says that he takes great satisfaction in a job well done. When he’s not on the lot, Miguel enjoys going to nightclubs, singing karaoke, and playing video games.”

“He has a nice face, doesn’t he?” Ashley murmured. “His death seems so senseless. Why would anyone kill him? He was a lot attendant who liked to sing and dance. He wasn’t rich, he worked hard, and his hobbies were harmless enough.”

“What happened at the dealership today?” Cooper asked as she continued to study the photograph. She was having a difficult time connecting the image of a smiling, healthy man to the shrunken, lifeless form curled up in the back of the gold Cadillac. “Have the police come up with a motive?”

“That pair of investigators, Wiser and McNamara, questioned all the employees, made a copy of Miguel’s personnel file, and went off to search his apartment.” Ashley reclaimed the newsletter and folded it in half. “I don’t think they have any leads, though. Lincoln talked to the same people afterward and all they said was that Miguel was a quiet, friendly guy. He took good care of the cars and everybody liked him.”

Cooper stood and walked over to the window. Looking down, she could see her mother moving around in her kitchen. At the moment, she was setting the table using birthday-themed paper plates and napkins. “Did you find out about his family?”

“No wife or kids. I don’t know about his parents,” Ashley said and then began to fidget with her diamond tennis bracelet. “I kind of read through Miguel’s personnel file. Lincoln made a copy and brought it home. I think he was searching for answers in the records, but Miguel didn’t even list an emergency contact.” She frowned. “There’s one thing that seems kind of strange, but I don’t want to mention it because I’ll sound like a snob.”

“You
are
a snob,” Cooper pointed out.

Ashley turned to Nathan. “See how mean your girlfriend is to me?” When he shrugged helplessly, she sulked. “It’s clear where
your
loyalties lie. Anyway, Miguel lived in one of those new apartment complexes right behind the dealership. They’re supposed to appeal to up-and-coming yuppie couples who want to live within walking distance of shops and restaurants.”

 “I know which apartments you mean,” Cooper said. “They’re within walking distance to the mall, a gym, two spas, five nail salons, and about fifty restaurants.” She realized what Ashley was implying. “You don’t think Miguel could afford to live there on his salary, do you?”

Ashley nodded. “It was bugging me, so I called over there. A one-bedroom costs over a thousand dollars a month and Miguel made less than ten dollars an hour. I’m no math whiz, but that seems like a lot of money to spend on rent. There’d be nothing left to live on.”

“Unless he had a roommate,” Nathan said.

“I hadn’t thought of that. I still think of a roommate as a college girl who blasts the stereo and borrows your clothes without asking.” Ashley pursed her lips. “I guess the police will know everything about Miguel’s private life within a few days. And everything about mine, too. I told them I parked my Lexus at the service entrance sometime after six. A service tech drove the Caddy around front for me, and I sped on home. I only opened the trunk because I was planning to return some clothes to the mall today.” She sighed. “They made me repeat these details like ten times.”

Cooper gazed at her sister. “I’m sure the police are just covering all the bases.”

“But I
feel
guilty, even though I did nothing wrong,” Ashley complained.

“Do you know how Miguel died?” Nathan asked. “Have the police shared any information with you?”

Ashley shook her head. “It’s a one-way street. Lincoln couldn’t be here tonight because he has to provide them with records on the Caddy, Miguel’s time sheet, and a mess of other documents.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not stepping foot inside my house unless Lincoln’s there. I’m scared to be home alone now.”

Cooper put her arm around her sister. “It’s going to take time for you to recover. If the police can find out what happened to Miguel, maybe you’ll be able to let go of the fear.”

“Maybe.” Ashley didn’t sound convinced. “But right now, my house feels haunted.
I
feel haunted. I keep seeing his face.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I wish I could do something to help. I feel responsible. There he was, in the trunk, with me driving around without a care in the world. The whole time I was listening to music and sipping my mocha latte, he was back there . . .”

Cooper was about to offer words of comfort when the sound of small rocks peppering her window caused her to get up and peer outside.

“It’s Grammy,” Cooper said. “She’s pointing at her mouth. I guess it’s time to eat.”

Nathan joined her at the window. “Her aim is incredible.”

“You should see her shoot Daddy’s rifle,” Ashley said, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “You do
not
want to get on Grammy’s bad side.”

Nathan gulped. “Man, I hope she likes her present.”

• • •

Grammy was so pleased to be served her favorite supper, Shake ’n Bake pork chops, macaroni and cheese, butter beans mixed with sweet corn, and white dinner rolls, that she was in high spirits from the moment her birthday meal began.

“Marryin’ this gal was the smartest thing you ever did,” she told Earl and toasted Maggie with a loaded fork. “If I go to my grave tonight, I’ll still be lickin’ my chops when I stand before the Almighty.”

“Don’t you talk about joining the angels,” Maggie remonstrated. “I’ve made a chocolate mousse cake big enough to feed the Gum Creek Volunteer Fire Department, so if you want leftovers, you’d best plan on waking up tomorrow.”

Once decaf had been poured into the china cups Maggie had been given on her wedding day, Earl carried out the birthday cake to appreciative claps. Despite Grammy’s threats that they’d be disinherited if they dared to sing, they serenaded her in exaggeratedly loud voices lacking any semblance of harmony.

“Doesn’t look like you have near enough candles on there,” Earl said to Maggie as Grammy inhaled a deep breath.

“Watch out, boy, or my birthday wish’ll be that the rest of your hair falls out!” Grammy retorted and blew out the small flames perched on the tips of half a dozen pink-and-white-striped candles.

As Nathan and the members of the Lee family dug into large slabs of the moist, rich chocolate cake, the doorbell rang.

“That must be Lincoln!” Ashley exclaimed, pushed back her chair, and raced out of the kitchen.

Maggie shook her head. “I don’t know when that boy will learn to just come on in. We’re his family, after all. He doesn’t need to stand on ceremony.”

Grammy shot Maggie a look of pity. “His folks are different stock. Just ’cause he married one of us don’t mean he’ll take up our ways. I reckon it’s a good thing you broke out the fine china coffee cups tonight. I doubt the Loves ever drink from Dixie cups.”

Putting a finger to her lips, Maggie rose from the table and gave Lincoln a warm embrace the moment he entered the cozy room.

“Always huggin’—the women of this family,” Grammy grumbled, but Cooper knew she was secretly fond of being squeezed, kissed, and patted by all members of the family. More than once, Cooper had walked into Grammy’s room to find Little Boy, her enormous tailless tabby, licking her wrinkled face as she giggled with pleasure.

“Have you eaten?” Maggie asked Lincoln and, without giving him a chance to reply, placed the last pork chop onto a clean plate and loaded the empty spaces with scoops of macaroni and butter beans.

Lincoln accepted the laden dish gratefully. “Thanks, Mrs. Lee. I don’t think I’ve had a bite since breakfast.” He cast a sideways glance at Ashley. “It’s been a really hectic day at work.”

“Poor dear.” Maggie shot both him and Ashley a warning look. “Sit down and fill your belly. Cooper? Get your brother-in-law a beer, would you, honey?”

Grammy cleared her throat. “I might’ve polished off the last one this afternoon.”

“Mama.” Earl’s tone had a reprimanding edge. “Did you at least wait ’til five?”

“It’s my party and I’ll drink when I want to,” Grammy replied casually.

Cooper laughed as she dug through the refrigerator and then stood up, holding the last bottle of Budweiser aloft in triumph. Earl and Grammy drank their beer right from the bottle, but Cooper suspected Ashley would prefer her husband’s beer to be served in a pint glass. While she poured, Cooper scrutinized Lincoln.

Without a doubt, Lincoln Love was a handsome man. His all-American features—sandy brown hair, bright blue eyes, and boyishly rosy skin—didn’t look much the worse for wear. However, his conversation was more stilted than usual and his smile seemed forced.

Cooper often felt like she didn’t truly know the man her sister had married, but until recently he’d always treated Ashley like a queen. Now, Cooper placed a tentative hand on Lincoln’s shoulder as she presented him with the cold glass of beer. He turned to her with a look of affection she’d never seen before. It was as if he were silently thanking her for coming to Ashley’s aid when he’d been unavailable.

He’d barely taken a sip when Grammy slapped her napkin on the table and said, “Let’s get this present nonsense over with. Imagine! A woman
my
age gettin’ gifts. It’s damn foolish. Y’all should be savin’ your money, times bein’ tight as they are.”

“You’re not going to spoil our fun. Anyhow, I know you’ll want these.” Maggie handed Grammy a birthday card. She sat back expectantly, but when Grammy opened the card and the strains of “Margaritaville” burst into the air, Maggie dug an elbow into Earl’s side. “I told you to get her the ‘Twist and Shout’ card!”

Earl shrugged. “They all looked the same to me.”

“Tickets to the Maymont Flower Show!” Grammy was thrilled. “Are you sellin’ your cookies there?”

“Yes, ma’am. I was finally invited to be a vendor,” Maggie said proudly. “And I was hoping one of your granddaughters might take you around during setup. Then you can see everything without being jostled by the crowds.”

“I bet my gardenin’ partner will take me.” Grammy winked at Cooper.

 “Of course I will.” Cooper smiled. “Maybe we can get some new ideas for the vegetable patch.”

Next, Ashley placed an exquisitely wrapped box on the table in front of Grammy. The gigantic bow was tied so tightly that she couldn’t undo the knots, so Earl severed the beautiful satin with a quick stroke of his steak knife. Grammy placed the bow on her head, bowed jauntily, and tore the lovely floral paper.

A delicate waft of perfume floated from within the box and when Grammy pulled out a rose-colored throw made from lush cashmere, everyone oohed and aahed. She’d also been given a pair of slippers and a scented neck wrap that could be heated in the dryer.

“You’ll be warm and toasty for the rest of the winter,” Ashley said.

Grammy smiled at her. “Thank you, darlin’, even though you went overboard as usual.”

Ashley preened. Her gifts were always too extravagant, but Cooper knew that her sister possessed a generous nature and truly enjoyed shopping for others. The sisters were polar opposites in that regard, for Cooper found the notion of spending hours in Richmond’s overpriced boutiques as pleasant as a root canal.

Nathan cleared his throat and presented Grammy with a book on animal first-aid. She loved it and showed her delight by squeezing Nathan’s cheek. “All right, Granddaughter. Hand yours over and let’s be done with this. I’m tired and I need a Tums.” Grammy put her hands on her stomach.

Because it was heavy, Cooper pulled the scrapbook from the gift bag and set it on Grammy’s lap. “Both your girlhood and wedding pictures were faded and in need of restoration, so I made you an album. It has all your old photos as well as some pictures of the animals you’ve saved over the years.” She watched Grammy turn the pages. “There are a few of us, too, even though we’re not as good-looking as that three-legged beagle or your blind raccoon.”

Grammy flipped through the book in silence and then turned back to the cover, which showed her as a solemn bride. She ran her hands over the photograph, her eyes pooling with tears.

“I didn’t mean to upset you.” Cooper covered Grammy’s brittle, weathered hand with her own.

“You haven’t caused me grief, girl. There are just so many faces here my heart’s achin’ to see again.” She smiled and wiped her eyes with her thin forearm. “When you’re old as dirt, it can be bittersweet to think of those who’ve gone before you.” She tucked a lock of Cooper’s ash-blonde hair behind her ear. “Don’t worry. I don’t wanna leave you yet, and I will cherish this book until I do.” She placed the album on the table. “Now, it’s long past my bedtime. You young folks can keep the lights burnin’, but I’m goin’ to bed!”

Maggie refused to let Grammy go without a hug and a peck on the cheek. “We love you!” she shouted as the birthday girl shuffled down the hall.

Earl rose from his chair. “I’ll tidy up, Maggie. You outdid yourself with that cake.”

“No, Daddy.” Ashley collected a pair of coffee cups. “You two go put your feet up. The kids will clean tonight.” As soon as their parents relocated to the living room and switched on the television, Ashley gestured for Lincoln to join her at the sink.