Book Fair and Foul (Ashton Corners Book Club) (20 page)

At any other time she might have found that thought amusing, but now it only served as an unsettling reminder that she was about to set sail on a vast, uncharted sea.

SKETCH ME IF YOU CAN
—SHARON PAPE

L
izzie finished preparing her meal and ate while studying the membership list. Her thoughts then turned to possible motives for Ashley’s murder as she washed up the dirty dishes. Molly phoned just as she finished drying.

“How are things going, honey?” Molly’s calm, concerned voice made Lizzie feel happy.

She quickly filled Molly in on all that had happened that day.

“Oh my goodness. Who would think Fay Huxton-Parson would act in such a way. She must be stressed way beyond her endurance. I should probably drive over there tomorrow and have a little noncommittal chat with her.”

“I’d suggest you don’t ask her about Ashley.”

“Oh no. I wouldn’t do that. I was thinking more like she might want someone to confide in these days. I know she doesn’t have many friends and she’s not that close to the family. Hmm. I’ll take her a caramel chocolate pecan pie, too. She always had a sweet tooth.”

Lizzie chuckled. “Pastry to the rescue. If anyone can help her, it will be you. Any news from the Quilt Patch? Did you see the divas today?”

“I did stop by after spending a couple of hours at the store, just in time for afternoon sherry. I get the feeling they’re starting to get restless so I got them talking some more about the upcoming talent show. I think they’re looking forward to it, at least enough to quell any thoughts of leaving for the time being. And you might be interested in my observations during the sherry hour.”

“For sure.”

“Well, Caroline and Lorelie seemed to be at outs. They talked but not directly to each other.”

“I wonder what that’s all about?”

“Could be nothing more than they both wanted to use the dining room table for their writing at the same time. But I sense a storm brewing.”

“Or it could be that Lorelie got in Caroline’s face. She, Lorelie, thought that Caroline told me about her earlier argument with Ashley. That may have been bugging her.” Lizzie thought that fit.

“Hmm. I’ll try a drop by tomorrow, too. Maybe if they get into it, something about Ashley will be said.”

“I hate to admit it and decrease the names on the suspect list, but I really can’t see either of them being a killer. Only with words. And more than that, what would be their motives? It may be a moot point if the killer happens to be a member of the Huxton family.”

Molly caught her breath. “That would be a real shame. Such a well-known and respected family. But as I know, respect has nothing to do with what’s going on underneath it all. I’ll let you go now, honey. Have a good night.”

“You, too, Molly.” Lizzie wondered if Molly would ever be able to forget what her dead husband, Claydon, had wrought in secret.

Lizzie glanced at the clock. Only seven thirty. The evening was still young, at least young enough for her to be making some house calls. She looked at her list of garden club suspects again. Bernice Waller lived about four blocks in one direction; Maude Drummond lived on the other side of town. She might as well start with the one farthest away. She quickly changed into a tangerine long-sleeved pullover sweater and camel cords, very casual and friendly looking.

On the drive over, Lizzie noticed the streets lined with tall maples and poplars showing off their autumn colors, not the brilliant reds of farther north, but an array of oranges and yellows. She did love this time of year, as much for the display as for the crisp evenings when the heat and humidity of summer became another memory.

A late-model cream-colored Chevy Impala took up most of the short driveway in front of Maude’s picture-perfect house. The two-story white Cape Cod style sported deep blue shutters and the iron-framed love seat on the front porch had matching pillows. A mixture of late-blooming colors provided contrast in a border running in front of the house.

She parked on the street directly in front, feeling there was no need to surprise her, and noticed the front sheers flutter closed. By the time Lizzie had her hand on the doorbell, the door was being opened and a tall, slender woman who looked to be somewhere in her seventies stood in the gap. She had a hesitant smile on her face but waited for Lizzie to speak first.

Lizzie had rehearsed her lines on the way over and was prepared to watch Maude’s face very closely. She wanted a way to get these ladies talking candidly. She’d toyed with the idea of saying she was planning a surprise party for Nathaniel and Lavenia but then realized she’d have to follow through with it. And things might get too uncomfortable for Lavenia if they knew she’d been receiving phone calls.

She’d tell them she was writing a feature article for the newspaper.
One thing she knew, she could count on George Havers to back her up if need be.

“I’m Lizzie Turner,” she said, doubting that would mean anything. “I’m writing a story for the
Colonist
about the garden club and I wondered if you might have a few minutes to talk to me?”

“Why, I can do that.” Maude stepped back to open the door wider. “Would you like some tea? I was just fixing to have some myself and then we can take our drinks out to the back patio and enjoy this ending of a day.”

Lizzie nodded and followed her, waiting for her glass to be poured, and then out to the back patio. Here the color of the front gardens doubled in size and provided an amazing border to the patio stones. They sat in dark green wicker chairs facing the garden that was obviously the showpiece of the property.

“I had no idea there’d be a piece on us,” Maude said once she’d taken a sip of her tea. “Nobody has said anything but I think that’s an excellent idea. What would you like to know?” She settled back, managing to keep her spine straight.

“It’s just a short piece, in fact, it might not even get printed. I’m pitching this idea to the editor about an article that takes a brief look at different groups and clubs that give Ashton Corners such character. And of course, the people who make these clubs what they are. Does that sound like something you’d agree to being interviewed for?”

Maude preened a little at that. “Of course.”

“First of all, could you tell me how long you’ve been a member?”

“I guess about thirty years. I was one of the founding members.”

Lizzie nodded. “I’ve noticed that most of the members are, shall I say, of retirement age?”

Maude tittered. “We are that. We did try to interest the young folk but to no avail, so we’re content with what it is. Unfortunately one day there might not be enough of us still around to keep it going. But that’s life, isn’t it?”

Lizzie nodded again. She had to admire Maude’s attitude. “Given the ages, I’m just wondering if this might be a hotbed for romance? That’s the angle I’d like to take, finding something that makes it a bit unique or quirky.”

Maude had paled slightly at the question but gave it some thought and was soon chuckling. “I think that’s very clever of you, Ms. Turner. Sort of a garden club that’s also a dating service?” She tried to control her laughter while she took another sip. “Forgive me. I don’t mean to laugh at your idea but the club’s not doing so well in that department. We have, let me see, one active romance going, although several hopefuls are in the wings, shall we say.”

“Who would the happy couple be?”

“I don’t know if they’d want this in print, so you’d better check first with them, all right?”

“Of course.”

“Their names are Lavenia Ellis and Nathaniel Creely and they’ve got to be on the later side of seventy, I’d think.”

“Are you very good friends with them?”

Maude gave it a moment’s thought. “Not really good friends, good acquaintances is more like it.” Lizzie gave her points for sincerity and nonchalance.

“How does this affect the group? Are there any jealousies aroused?”

“Oh, I might have had a tinge of the green stuff when it became apparent Nathaniel had eyes only for Lavenia but I’m old enough to know when not to waste my time or energy. My Wilbur died eight years ago and while I’m not desperate for a companion, I wouldn’t say no if the right man came along. By this stage, though, most I can hope for is someone to play nursemaid to. Nathaniel at least is in good health, has his own teeth, I hear, and has a sense of humor. But although we have had some pleasant conversations, it wasn’t meant to be more than that. As for others in the club, I will say there are a couple of very competitive females who are not above going to funerals to scout out the widowers.”

Her eyes were twinkling as she said this and Lizzie felt herself smiling.

“Care to share any names?”

“I think it’s best if I don’t, although . . .” She paused. “You might get some very interesting interviews from them. All right, their names are Bernice Waller and Ursula Nesbitt.”

Lizzie finished her tea and felt a bit abashed as she thanked Maude and left. She felt badly about tricking her. She was certain this was not the rumormonger and was, in fact, one very nice lady. But she had confirmed what Lavenia had said. Were the two women that obvious? She glanced at the clock in the car. Too late to pay any more visits. She’d try them both tomorrow after school.

By the time she reached home, she’d come up with a different angle of attack. She called Andie, hoping to bypass a conversation with her mama. Their short words in passing these days were just that, short. Lizzie put it down to the fact that Andie had fled the family home this past summer and stayed at Lizzie’s. Fortunately, Andie answered the phone.

“Yo, Lizzie. What’s happening?” Andie asked, her voice buoyant and filled with a residue of laughter. Lizzie wondered what she’d interrupted.

“I’m sorry to bother you but I have a task for you, if you don’t mind. Although, I’m a bit worried about what I’m about to ask you to do.” Lizzie paused. She really had second thoughts about getting Andie involved. What if this was illegal?

“Out with it,” Andie begged. “I’m dying for something exciting in my life.”

“Okay. All I can tell you at this point is that someone sent a nasty email to Lavenia Ellis, Nathaniel Creely’s good friend. I’m wondering if we can figure out who it’s from?”

“Oh, goody,” squealed Andie. “I’m so into that. Do you have the email? I’ll need to see it. Can you send it to me?”

“Yes, I can, but I want you to promise not to share its content with anyone. Okay?”

“Yes, fine. But what if I have to bring my friend in on it? He’s a computer whiz and lets nothing stand in his way.”

Nothing? Uh-oh
. “Who is this guy? You’ve not mentioned him before.”

“He’s uh . . . a friend. A guy I met on the computer.”

“Online dating?”

“Yeah. Sort of. Not really. I guess. Does that bother you?”

Lizzie thought fast. She didn’t want to put Andie off but she did want her to be cautious. “No. I know that’s how people are hooking up these days. You will be careful, though, won’t you? What do your parents say?”

“As if they would care. Anyway, we’ve been texting and sending emails and then we met about a month ago. He’s goth and, like I said, a computer genius.”

Oh no. And we’d just gotten her away from her goth styling, too.

“Thanks, Andie. And, thanks to your friend, too.”

“Spike. That’s his name.”

Lizzie felt a mixture of apprehension and relief as she hung up. If they could track down the sender, she wouldn’t have to do more interviews and risk arousing suspicions.

She spent some time getting ready for school the next day and then phoned Mark before going to bed. She wanted to know if he’d talked to Fay Huxton-Parson yet. He answered on the fourth ring.

“I hope I didn’t get you away from something,” she started out.

“Just bed but I’m happy to share this time with you.” She could hear the smile in his voice. She hated to change the mood.

“Me, too. But you can guess what I’m calling about. Have you talked to Ms. Huxton-Parson yet?”

She heard his heavy sigh. “Yes. I called as a courtesy to tell her I was on the way over and I met with her and her lawyer.”

“She’d called him?”

“Yes. Has him on speed dial, I imagine. I asked a few questions which she answered, with a slightly different version of facts from yours, I might add.”

“Well, you knew that would happen.”

“Yes, I expected it. The upshot is, her lawyer threatened to sue you and the city for harassment if I or anyone else continued this line of questioning with her or any member of her family.”

“Can she do that?” Lizzie was indignant.

“It’s a good threat and she can probably do that to you, but I’m not taking it too seriously. If I find evidence that ties a member of the Huxton family to the death, I’ll be talking to them all, over and over, as long as it takes to get to the bottom of it.”

Go get ’em, tiger.

Next time you hatch a plan like that, however, it would be better to hear it from you first.

GRACE INTERRUPTED
—JULIE HYZY

L
izzie had several spare minutes before her first appointment at school the next morning, so she spent them going over her notes for the literacy class that night. She wanted to get the students thinking about description, and while she had been trying to come up with a different approach this term, mainly for her own interest’s sake, she ended up back at the tried and true. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching the classes, but aside from the variety of students and all the new views they’d spring on her, she needed to keep things juiced up to prevent falling into routine patterns, which could eventually lead to routine responses. She needed to keep herself revved up in order to ignite these kids.

She knocked over the lists of suspects she’d been working on at dinner the night before and when she leaned over to pick them up, she hit her head on the side of the table. “Oww.” She stood up moaning and sat down quickly.
Take some deep breaths. One issue at a time. Do not let your brain get scattered.

After a couple of minutes she felt sufficiently calm to start all over again.

Her klutziness had traveled to school with her, she realized, as she shut the door to her shared office on her scarf. She grinned to herself as she freed it. At least she hadn’t pulled an Isadora Duncan. No death by strangulation here, yet.

Her first appointment canceled at the last minute, which left her free to get caught up on workshop preparations for the next teachers’ professional development day. She looked forward to these sessions, a time when she felt she got as good as she gave. The comments from her colleagues were most useful in developing new techniques to interest young readers, and the thanks she always received was most gratifying. The rest of the day proceeded as planned and she waved a cheery good-bye to Charles Benton as she passed him in the hall.

She pulled into her driveway after school and felt a moment’s apprehension when she spotted Andie sitting on her back doorstep, lounging against the door. Had she changed her mind about living at home?

“Yo, Lizzie. I’ve got some info for you,” Andie said with a smile as Lizzie exited her car. Lizzie let out a sigh of relief.

“That was fast.”

“Told you he was good. Anyway, it’s not much, really.” She followed Lizzie into the house, talking the whole time. “Turns out it’s one of the public computers at the library. You know, whenever you use it, you have to sign in and out. So we went to the library but they wouldn’t show us the records. Real bummer.”

Lizzie poured them each an iced tea without asking. “That’s good, though.”

“I know. So if you and me go over there right now, I’m sure they’ll show them to you. I know they’re pretty straitlaced over there and I can be sort of off-putting to look at.”

Lizzie looked at Andie. Today she was wearing a plain black T-shirt, without holes or skulls, and jeans, again without any holes, not at all off-putting. She wondered what her friend had worn. She glanced at the clock. She had time.

“All right. I’ll just top off the cat’s dry food and then we’ll go.”

Lizzie looked for Isabel as they entered the library. She figured she’d go with who she knew and maybe that would work. Isabel was pleased to see them but not so engaging when she heard the request.

“I’m sorry, I can’t show you that, Lizzie. We do have a sign-in and we also track usage, hoping to get a better idea of how many computers we need and also maybe some ideas as to how to allocate space.” She indicated the spiral notebook at the edge of the desk within Lizzie’s reach. “But it’s a matter of privacy. I could get the library into a lot of trouble. Now, if the police chief came with a warrant, that’s a different matter.”

“It’s not a police issue, Isabel. Something personal I’m helping a friend with. And it’s important.” Lizzie tried not to plead too much.

“I really am sorry, Lizzie.” Her phone rang and she excused herself to answer. After a short conversation that had Isabel mainly listening, she hung up. “I’m sorry, I’m needed in the reference section.” She squeezed Lizzie’s hand and walked off.

“That’s a real bummer,” Andie groused. She looked around slowly. “Just turn to the right and look over at the window, Lizzie.”

“Why? What are you up to?” Lizzie asked but turned anyway.

“Shh.” A few pages rustled. “Hmm. Ursula Nesbitt logged on at exactly eleven for a total of five minutes on October seventh. And Rosaline Vernon was on from ten fifty for an hour. That’s it. Let’s get out of here.”

Andie grabbed Lizzie’s arm and steered her out of the building. “Whoopee. That was so cool. Just like on
Castle
.”

Lizzie glanced at Andie. That look of satisfaction on her face. What had she just validated? “Thanks for your help, Andie, but I have to say, I’m wishing it hadn’t come to this.”

“Why?”

“I’ve just encouraged you to snoop, maybe even break the law.”

“First of all, we’re all snooping, trying to find out who the murderer is in order to save you. And we’ve done it before. And now we’re snooping to help another friend. Now, no more feeling guilty.”

Lizzie smiled at the complete one-eighty the lecture had taken. She nodded and grabbed Andie’s wrist to check out her watch. “Oh, boy . . . gotta get a move on. I teach literacy tonight. Want a lift home?”

“Nah, I’m meeting some friends at the Big Boa.”

“Is everything okay at home?”

Andie nodded. “So far so good. We’re in sort of a no-man’s-land here. My folks aren’t too sure just what sorts of rules to use and I’m not sure if I like that. But I’m sticking with it, if that’s what you mean. No, you won’t be stuck with me. For now.”

Lizzie smiled. “Take care.” She gave Andie a quick hug and walked over to her car, thinking about what they’d learned. Ursula Nesbitt had been on Lizzie’s to-visit list. This as good as confirmed that she was the mystery caller, in Lizzie’s mind anyway. The right day and time and for only five minutes. Just enough time to send a warning. What to do now? Make that visit or tell Lavenia all she’d learned and see what action she wanted to take?