Perplexity on P1/2 (Parson's Cove Mysteries) (31 page)

     “How did they steal that money?” I wanted to know. “I was there, Captain, and there were so many security guards around, I don’t see how anyone could steal anything.”

     “The cops arrested two people who were working the tables. They were stealing chips and passing them on to Andrea and Grace. Apparently, it was quite a complex setup. Andrea was on that case for almost two years.”

     “I told you, Mabel,” Flori said. “I knew that’s what they were doing.” She looked at Maxymowich. “Not that I gamble but my husband used to. Once in awhile. He hasn’t lately at all.”

     “It’s okay, Flori. I’m sure Captain Maxymowich isn’t too concerned about Jake’s involvement in the gambling ring. I was wondering about Ben though, Andrea’s husband.”

     “He was collecting evidence. He’s a good cop.”

     “But what about his wife? I mean, how can he be good and his wife be a crook?”

     He shrugged. “I guess that’s what happens sometimes. The money was too hard for her to resist. Cops don’t make that much, you know. She thought she could make some on the side. Besides, she could get information from her husband and use it. Apparently, that was her downfall. Ben started to get suspicious. She was asking too many questions.”

     I knew Flori would find this upsetting. She has definite viewpoints about marriage and fidelity. 

     “So,” she said, “what will become of their marriage?”

     “I think Ben has already filed for divorce.”

     “That is so sad,” Flori said.

     “Flori,” I said, “don’t worry about them.” I turned my attention back to the Captain.

     “There’s a couple of things that still bother me.”

     “Ask away, Mabel. Maybe I’ll know the answers.”

     “Well, when we were parked behind Ben and Andrea’s house, someone pushed a woman out of the house and into a car. We thought it must’ve been Sally but now I realize Sally was tied up at Stella’s place. Do you know what was happening there?”

     “As far as I know, it was a woman coming for drugs. Andrea made sure no one ever came to the house but I guess this one was desperate. You do have a connection with her though, Mabel.”

     “I do?”

     “She works at the Gulf  Motel and told Andrea that someone had been around asking questions. Guess she thought she’d be rewarded with a few freebies for telling her.”

     “You’re kidding! Somehow, I knew there was something familiar about her but I never would’ve guessed who it was.”

     “That’s it? No more questions?”

     “I have to say I’m kind of curious, wondering who that Mexican man was, you know, the big boss.”

     “I imagine there are a few bigger bosses over him but he was the kingpin in Yellow Rose. His cover was a restaurant. In fact, he was a highly respected businessman.”

     “Don’t tell me he owned a Chinese restaurant.”

     Maxymowich laughed. “Now, how would you know that?”

     “Because the best Chinese restaurants in Yellow Rose are run by Mexicans, that why.”

     “You learned a lot while you were there, Mabel.”
     “But, what about Cecile? Is he
really
an undercover cop?”

     Maxymowich burst out laughing. It was the first time I’d ever seen him laugh so hard.

     “Mabel,” he said. “Cecile Tucker is the best undercover cop in America. After all, he had you fooled, didn’t he?”

     I had to admit that he had. But then, so had Ralph.

     “Mabel,” Flori said, “let’s stop talking about this case. It’s so depressing. Surely, there are other things to talk about.”

     “You’re right. Captain Maxymowich asked for muffins and you know what, Flori? I’m all out. I can’t believe I’ve gone through all the muffins that I had in my freezer. I’m going to go right down to Macy’s Foods and get some flour and bake some more. From now on, I’ll make Monday’s my baking day.”

     “Oh, I almost forgot,” Flori said. “I did have a reason for coming over to see you this morning - you can’t go to Macy’s and get flour today.”

     “Why?”

     “There was a last minute town council meeting on Friday night and guess what? You’ll never believe this: Jake came home and said the majority voted to close all businesses on Mondays.”

     Good grief! I thought everyone on Avenue P ½ was nuts.

The End

About the Author

Sharon Rose and her husband, Al, (now retired) live in the home that they designed and built over thirty years ago in a small community in Manitoba, Canada. Sharon squeezes in writing time between volunteering and grandchildren’s visits. Every winter, she and her husband escape the cold northern winds and head for Galveston, Texas.

While taking a three-year writing course with the Writing School in Ottawa, Canada, she had two novels published.  One of her short stories appeared in
Woman’s World
. Since then, she’s had several short stories and one children’s story published. Her real love, however, is writing cozy mysteries involving her two favorite characters: Mabel Wickles and Flori Flanders. Their first adventure was SLIP AND GO DIE.  This is her second Parson’s Cove mystery.