“What did Grace do?” Dee Dee stacked the bowls and shoved them to the side.
“She went crazy, that’s what she did.” Green eyes full of fire replaced the defeated look Mary Sue wore just minutes before. “She got herself a lawyer and stalked me everywhere I went, she even came to the show and disrupted taping. The studio got scared of a lawsuit and started looking for my replacement. Scared to death I’d never find another job, I quit The Blue Dolphin and lost the show, too. They wouldn’t even keep me on as a stage hand.” Her face flushed a deep pink. “Some of the kids at school even picked on my Sarah Joe. We were about to move away but it all settled down.”
I laid my hand on her arm. “I’m sorry, Mary Sue. It seems Grace spread her malice from one end of the island to the other. She had to be one unhappy person to feel the need to lash out at others.” Thoughts of how miserable she must have been almost made me feel sorry for her. Then I remembered all the people she’d hurt.
“Yeah.” Deep in thought, she visited a place we couldn’t follow. Then she spoke slowly and deliberately. “It was just a matter of time before someone put a stop to her meanness.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Looks like death decided it was time to knock on her door,” Nana said.
“Or somebody determined that for her.” I looked at Mary Sue and tried to imagine a killer. I failed to picture her as a murderer. But I’d learned the hard way that even the gentlest of humans could become angry over wrongs done to them and their families, and then justify retaliation. Everyone will face this challenge in life and ultimately have to make a choice on how to react. Thankfully, most people rise to the challenge and realize the hard knocks of life can make you stronger.
Dee Dee reached across the table and jiggled my arm. “Trixie! You’re staring.”
“Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry. I took a trip and lost my way back.” I laughed, praying Dee Dee and Nana would join me. Their laughter was music to my ears. Even Mary Sue was gracious enough to laugh with me.
“Ladies, it’s time for me to go back to work. I can’t imagine how my sad story can be of any use to you, but I hope it helps Laura in some way.”
I covered her hand with mine. “Thank you. I’m sure it wasn’t easy dredging up old memories.” Her doleful eyes reflected the pain in her soul. I was familiar with the agonizing hurt remembrances could trigger. All I had to do was conjure up thoughts of Wade.
I was thankful, through Dee Dee’s companionship and her strong faith, I’d learned to let go of some of the past hurts. Friendship like ours was as sweet as the nectar of a honeysuckle on a summer’s day.
The bell on the door tinkled and Mary Sue yelled “have a seat,” breaking the mood. She grabbed a handful of dishes and left to return to a job Grace had forced her to take. Could the reminder day after day of what she had lost, of the added anguish of her child’s pain, drive her to seek revenge? I didn’t know, but I intended to find out.
“I don’t know about y’all, but I’m plum tuckered out. How about we go back to the bed and breakfast and rest up?” Dee Dee stood up and stretched.
“Sounds like a wonderful idea.” My knee ached a little and the respite would bring sweet relief.
“Times a’wastin’. I think we should move on to the next person on the list.” Nana was certainly a little fireball of energy. “And don’t even think about rolling your eyes, Missy.”
I wouldn’t dare. “Nana, I wouldn’t think of it.” I linked my arm with hers as we walked to the car.
“Humph.”
Dee Dee grabbed Nana’s other arm and we strolled along like the three Musketeers.
As we drove away from town, we left the crowd behind and headed to Seaside Cottage. I looked forward to a breather. Afterwards, Dee Dee and I could get together and regroup. Tomorrow we could drive to Savannah and interview Grace’s ex-husband, Bert, and get back in time to attend the Pirate Fest. And I wanted – no, needed – to call Beau. I realized how much I missed him.
“Do you think Laura would mind if George came over and ate with us tonight?” Nana had fallen head over heels for George. He was nice enough, but I wasn’t convinced he was on the up and up. If he came over tonight, I could pick his brain and maybe find out some personal information about him.
“I’m sure she won’t mind,” Dee Dee assured Nana. “Okay, who blocked the driveway with their Crown Vic?”
“Oh, no. That’s Detective Baker’s car. It can’t be a good sign he keeps showing up at Laura’s.” I pulled in behind him and parked.
When we entered, tension as thick as pea soup filled the room. Detective Baker and one of his cronies occupied the couch. Mama and Laura claimed the two wing back chairs. A coffee table laden with desserts and drinks sat between them. Laura, ever the gracious hostess, had made sure her nemesis was well cared for.
“Trixie, I’m so glad you’re back. Detective Baker’s been waiting to talk to you.”
“Me?” Suddenly, my knee throbbed. I plopped in the nearest chair.
“Yes, Ms. Montgomery.” He scooted to the edge of the couch, leaned forward with elbows on knees, and regaled me with his full attention. “It’s been brought to my attention you’ve been questioning some of the locals.”
“Yeah. Isn’t it great how she uses her work as an excuse to interview suspects?” Nana spoke between bites as she made her point by shaking a potato chip at the detective.
God please beam me up. How could I love Nana so much and feel like killing her at the same time? “What Nana means is I’ve been interviewing people for my article on Savannah and Tybee Island and they just happen to know Grace. What a coincidence.”
“Yes, what a coincidence,” Detective Baker said in a mocking tone. Somehow I didn’t think he believed me.
Nana wouldn’t shut up. “That’s not what I meant at all. Trixie’s helped solve two murders and I’m sure she’ll be able to help you crack this one.”
Detective Baker’s face turned bright red. “Ma’am, I don’t need any help.”
Dee Dee jumped up and grabbed Nana by the elbow. “Nana, I need you to help me for a minute.” I shot her a grateful look. She gently pulled Nana up and escorted her toward the door.
“What do you need help with? I’m not through eating.” I could hear Nana grousing all the way down the hallway. I owed Dee Dee.
Laura sat with her mouth agape, and Mama shook her head. I could have sworn I saw a hint of a smile appear on the Detective’s partner. I should be used to Nana’s antics by now, but I had a terrible urge to pull up a rug and slink under it like a snake going into its hidey-hole.
The Detective managed to speak. “Ms. Montgomery, your reputation precedes you. I know you have a habit of sticking your nose into matters that are none of your business. I have no intention of letting you railroad this investigation. Do you understand?”
“Uh, yes sir, I do. But what about my job? I have to conduct interviews for my article.” I held my breath. If I couldn’t interview people, I’d never be able to help Laura.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Detective Baker eyed me long and hard before he answered. “You can conduct your interviews, but I’d better not get another call that you’re harassing people about this case.”
I exhaled. “Okay.” He didn’t say I couldn’t interview suspects. He just said it shouldn’t get back to him. I would have to be more subtle. And keep Nana at bay. “Detective, while you’re here, could you tell us if you’ve made any progress in finding who the killer is? I’ve gathered that Grace made a lot of enemies.” I figured it wouldn’t hurt to remind him other people besides Laura might have wanted to kill Grace.