“Come on girls. If you’re waiting on me you’re backing up,” Nana cackled.
“Remember, I’ve got a new knee, Nana.” Even though I now walked without a cane, I wasn’t up to running marathons.
Tourists of every size and shape poked through booths filled with homemade items. Parents, accompanied by children begging for souvenirs, weaved their way through the throng of people. Couples held hands and made goo-goo eyes at each other. Images of Beau flashed in my mind. The void that filled my heart surprised me. I vowed to call Beau as soon as I had some alone time.
A shoulder shake from Dee Dee interrupted my thoughts. “Trix. Are you in there?”
“Sorry, I was in another world.”
“The one where Beau lives?” At times she knew me better than I knew myself. It was wonderful to have Dee Dee along on this roller coaster ride better known as life. Her faith was a beacon for me in the storm I’d been riding the past couple of years.
We stopped at a few of the booths along the way. “Look at this picture frame with a sea shell border. Wouldn’t it be perfect for a picture of me and George?” Nana turned around and shoved it in my face. I gave her a smile, but I still wasn’t convinced George was on the up and up. I’d tell Beau what little information I’d gleaned.
I stopped a young man in costume and asked where the Pirate’s Treasure was located. “Arrrrg, matey. It be located around the next corner.” He bowed at his waist as he made a wide sweeping motion with his hat. I thanked him and we ventured on. He resembled Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. Lucky man.
“Well, wasn’t he the handsome one?”
When did Nana not think a man was handsome?
Dee Dee didn’t miss a beat. “So Nana, you’re a real pushover for the bad boy type?”
“Yep. I’ve been seeing George, you know.” My head shot up. I wondered if she knew something we didn’t. I gave Dee Dee a look to see if she caught Nana’s reference. She raised her eyebrows in acknowledgement. We had to talk later.
We stopped in front of Pirate’s Treasure. Beach-going necessities filled the display windows. Colorful tops and shorts, flip flops, children’s sand toys, and even a striped beach umbrella decorated the outside area.
“Let’s go in.” Dee Dee pushed the door open and a bell tinkled overhead.
A gum smacking young girl in her teens greeted us. “May I help you?”
“Yes. Is Jasmine working today?”
“Sure. Want me to get her?” She tucked her hair behind her ear and exposed a row of earrings all the way up the side. Ouch, that must’ve hurt.
“Of course we do, dear.” Nana wasn’t one for beating around the bush.
“Nana. Be nice.” A sense of dread filled me and I wished I’d left Nana with Mama.
“Watch it, Missy. Remember, I changed your diapers.” Why did I always have the urge to roll my eyes when I was around Nana?
We looked around at the variety of merchandise. You could find anything you needed for a day or a week on the beach at Pirate’s Treasure – an apt name.
“I’m Jasmine. How may I help you?” I turned around and faced an attractive woman. Her silky hair flowed to her waist. Even though it was obvious she was middle aged, her dark hair was absent of any gray. She wore little, if any, makeup. She had paired her white peasant blouse with a teal blue skirt that reached her ankles. A silver toe ring winked up at me. I could imagine others labeled her as an “old hippie” but I liked her style at once.
“Hi, Jasmine. I’m Trixie Montgomery and I write for Georgia by the Way, a magazine featuring the past and present stories of Georgia. Uh, I’m writing about the sea turtles and I’d like to interview you.” I crossed my fingers and hoped she still had some involvement with the turtles.
“Well, I have a break coming up. Let me tell my manager, and then I’ll be free for about fifteen or twenty minutes. Would that be long enough?”
“Sure. That’ll be great.” I looked at Dee Dee and smiled. She smiled back. Nana, engrossed in looking at the merchandise, was oblivious to our silent conversation. Jasmine disappeared through a door behind the register.
Dee Dee grabbed my arm and whispered in my ear. “You did it girl. She thinks you really work for a magazine.”
“Dee Dee, I do work for a magazine.”
“Oh yeah, that’s right. You do.” I wondered about Dee Dee at times. And this was one of them. Before I could question her sanity she put my mind at ease. “Aw, I was just pulling your leg, Trixie. You need to lighten up.”
“I’m on my last nerve and you just stepped on it.” I stuck out my bottom lip.
“I’m sorry, Trixie. I only wanted to see you laugh. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” She put her arm around my shoulder and squeezed. “You know I’m here for you. You don’t have to face this alone. Your mom doesn’t realize how draining it can be to gather and interview suspects. Right now she’s thinking of helping her friend. She believes in you.”
“I’m sorry, too. It’s not only the murder that has me so upset.”
“I know. Trixie, remember to pray about it. I believe the answer to Beau’s proposal will come to you and when it does a peace will follow.”
“Thanks, Dee Dee. I needed that little pep talk. Hey, where is Nana?”
“She was here just a minute ago. I wouldn’t worry. She can’t get into too much trouble in the store.” Was she ever wrong.
Jasmine walked up, accompanied by a middle-aged man. “Trixie. This is Joe, my manager. I told him you worked for Georgia by the Way and he wanted to meet you.” He stuck out his hand and I reached to shake it.
He drew back his hand as if he’d been bitten by a snake. His eyes bulged and his face turned a bright shade of red. He gasped for breath. I turned to Jasmine for help.
I was surprised to discover her face mirrored his. She’d be of no help to anyone. They stared over my shoulder and I turned to see what had caused such a reaction. I knew, without a doubt, the unbelievable image my eyes beheld would be etched in my mind forever.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Walking toward us was an apparition – no, on second glance I realized the vision was real. Lord, please beam me up and transport me anywhere else. Dressed in a skimpy, hot pink, two-piece bathing suit, with matching flip-flops, mimicking the high-stepping gait of a beauty queen, Nana glided toward us. An invisible hand squeezed the breath out of me and now I, too, gasped for air. The only one who retained the ability to speak was Dee Dee.
“Nana, what have you been up to?” Dee Dee grabbed a beach towel and wrapped it around Nana’s shoulders. Nana pushed the covering away.
She placed a hand on her hip and twirled about. “How do I look?” We sputtered and coughed, unable to find words to describe her. “I found this cute bathing suit and knew hot pink would look great on me. And it’s half-price – icing on the cake. Just wait till George sees me. His eyes will pop out of his head.”
Well, she had that right. His eyes would probably never be the same. I knew mine wouldn’t. When I spoke, my words squeaked out.
“Nana. For heaven’s sake, go back to the dressing room. Dee Dee can help you while I talk to Jasmine.” My ears felt like they were on fire. Why, oh why, didn’t I leave Nana with Mama?
“Look, Missy.” This was Nana’s favorite name for me when she was upset. “Just because I have a little age on me doesn’t mean you have to treat me like a doddering old fool.” I wasn’t so sure about the “old fool” part.