Terror on Tybee Island (A Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Book 3) Read online

  We all studied our empty pudding bowls.

  “Word spread and some of the locals came just to eat one of my meals,” she continued. “But instead of giving me credit for the recipes, she claimed anything I added was hers according to that contract I’d signed. She threatened to sue me if I made a fuss.” She looked around the table. “Grace fought me on a lot of the changes, but she had to admit we were finally on the map.” She glanced at our empty bowls. “Seconds?”

  So that was why the two women fought like two parakeets in a pillowcase. Jealousy.

  “No.”

  “Yes.” I guess two yes’s outweigh a no anytime.

  “Won’t take but a minute. I think I’ll take an official break and drink a cup of coffee with you.” She jumped up quicker than a grasshopper.

  “Trixie, look and see if I have anything between my teeth.” Dee Dee furnished me a Whitney Houston smile. I inspected her pearly whites for any stray food particles.

  “There’s a speck of black pepper right in front.”

  She dug at it with a nail. “Oh no. Mr. Right might walk inside any minute and mistake it for a rotten tooth.” She rumbled around in her bag and came up with a mirror. “Yikes.” She rummaged around a little more and withdrew a small case of dental floss.

  “You’re not going to do what I think you’re going to do, are you?”

  “There’s nobody at this table but us. Just remember, what happens at this table stays at this table.” Her golden laughter filled the air.

  Nana contributed to the fun. “What happens on the island stays on the island.” By the time Mary Sue returned to the table with a new round of pudding and a fresh pot of coffee we were laughing like a pack of hyenas.

  She sat the food on the table and gave us a disapproving look. “You ladies don’t sound like you’re too upset about Laura’s troubles.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Mary Sue sank down beside me. Her stern look put the kibosh on our laughter.

  “Sorry. You know what they say, ‘laughter is the best medicine.’”

  “Yeah, I guess so.” She doctored her coffee and took a long drink. “Mmm. That’s good, even if I did make it.” Three heads bobbed in agreement. Images of Nana’s head atop a bobblehead doll invaded my thoughts.

  Dee Dee leaned forward, silently willing Mary Sue to continue.

  “Well, like I was saying. We’d built up a loyal following of locals at the bed and breakfast. Then one day, a friend of mine, Deidra, got a promotion and knew about my frustration, asked me to work for her in one of the beachside restaurants, The Blue Dolphin. The pay was double what I made at Ocean View and she was going to give me full credit for the dishes. I couldn’t turn it down. I knew this would be a great chance to make things better for me and my daughter.”

  An elderly couple walked in the door and Mary Sue hollered, “Have a seat.” She stood up, but one of the other waitresses gave her a wave to say ‘I’ve got it.’ She sat back down.

  “Mary Sue, what happened after you left Ocean View?” Nana and Dee Dee had wolfed down their second helping of banana pudding and now sipped on their coffee. A few bites remained in the bottom of my bowl.

  Dee Dee eyed my pudding with genuine longing. “Are you going to finish that?”

  “Yes, I am. If you cherish your fingers, don’t even think about reaching over here.” I scooted the bowl closer for protection. Mary Sue looked from me to Dee Dee and back to me. I’m sure she thought we’d escaped from the home for the bewildered.

  She shook her head and smiled. “Y’all have a unique relationship don’t you?” We nodded in agreement. I’m not sure what she meant by unique, but I assumed she meant ‘special.’ “I wish I still had a best friend.” She stared into the distance, possibly remembering a time when she did.

  “Scoot out of the way, Dee Dee. I need to go to the little ladies room.” Nana gave Dee Dee’s arm a little shove – as if her petite frame could move Dee Dee an inch.

  “Sure thing, Nana.”

  “Dee Dee, why don’t you go with Nana?” I gave her an exaggerated wink. I thought she could keep an eye on Nana and give us a few minutes to talk. Dee Dee missed my hint.

  “I don’t need to go. Isn’t it wonderful?” In the past, Dee Dee couldn’t go an hour without having to tinkle. The new patches were nothing short of a miracle, but this was one time I needed her to go.

  “Are you having that eye problem again, Trix?”

  “No, I’m not. Are you sure you don’t need to go?” I winked again. This time she received my telepathic message.

  “Come on, Nana.” She and Nana headed to the ladies’ room giggling like two teenagers.

  “You’re blessed to have your grandmother around.”

  “She’s my great-aunt. And yes, I’m blessed.” I looked upward. Please help me to remember how blessed I am. Sometimes life got in the way and stole the awareness of our blessings. This was something I needed to work on.

  “Where were we? My train of thought derailed.” She laughed a little too loud at her own wit. A sure sign of tattered nerves.

  “You were saying what happened to you when you left Ocean View.” I prompted, scraping the bottom of the bowl for another dab of that delicious pudding.

  “Everything was great for a while. Deidra featured my dishes in the menu of her restaurant. Before long, the customers followed us over, and their traffic doubled.” Mary Sue refilled our coffee cups.

  “We have a little television station that broadcasts local news and activities. Deidra wanted to get the word out about The Blue Dolphin, so she pitched the idea of a cooking show from our kitchen. They took her up on it.”

  “Edna told us you hosted your own show.”

  “It wasn’t long before I was a local celebrity. People recognized me right off and would ask me about my recipes. Between working on the show and at the restaurant, I made pretty good money. For once, I didn’t have to worry about paying bills. It was nice.”

  I could relate to Mary Sue. When Wade left, there were many nights I laid awake wondering how I’d make it through the next month. It took a while before I bounced back on my feet.

  Nana and Dee Dee sidled up to the table. “All done,” Nana announced. “What did we miss?”

  “Mary Sue was just telling me about her cooking show.”

  Nana leaned forward. “We heard Grace ruined that for ya.” So much for tact. I was worried how Mary Sue would react to Nana’s bluntness, but she calmly eyed Nana.

  “You’re right, Nana. Grace ruined everything.” She sighed and rested her chin in her hands like someone resigned to disappointment. “She watched the show and claimed I’d used her recipes as the base for my dishes. She said the contract prohibited me from using them anyplace else but her restaurant. Some of them did have the same basic ingredients, and I changed them around, but that didn’t matter to Grace.” Mary Sue held up the coffee pot for a refill – we declined with a shake of our heads.

  “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 sp
oke 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.

  “Ms. Montgomery, I’m well aware of Grace’s personality, but Laura has a strike against her the others don’t. Her fingerprints were all over the murder weapon. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” Detective Baker and junior Detective Taylor left without a second look.

  “I don’t know what you wanted me for, Dee Dee,” Nana said. She came in the room, Dee Dee trailing behind her. “You could have picked out what you wanted to wear without me. Oh well, I understand why you’d want my advice. I just don’t understand why you needed me right when I was talkin’ to the detective.”

  Dee Dee gave Nana a shoulder hug. “Thanks, Nana. That yellow and orange outfit will be the talk of the town.” She looked at me. “Did the detective leave?”

  “Yes, and I’m glad because I’m about to drop. Anyone ready for a nap?” Dee Dee was the only one who took me up on my offer. We headed upstairs and plopped down on our beds.

  “Trixie, do you have any thoughts on who might have killed Grace?”

  “I’m not sure, Dee. I figure when we finish interviewing everyone on our list we can go to Detective Baker and give him the information we’ve gathered. I know he’s going to be mad we interfered, but I don’t think there’s anything else we can do. It’s too dangerous to go after the killer, even if we have an idea who it might be.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Have you decided on the big q
uestion yet?”

  “What big question are you talking about?” Of course, I knew what she was talking about. I just wanted to pull her chain.

  She grabbed a pillow and threw it at me. I felt a cool breeze as it whizzed by. “You know exactly what I mean.”

  “I know. I thought we could use a good laugh.”

  “You’re right about that, but you’re not going to make me forget my question.”

  “I haven’t had much time to think about Beau with my focus on the murder investigation, but it’s been in a corner of my mind. Maybe I’m afraid to consider it. Dee Dee, he’s so good to me and he’s such a good Christian man. With that combination you would think I couldn’t go wrong. I don’t know why I have this niggling feeling in the back of my mind: what if?”

  Dee Dee came over and sat next to me. “Trix, you’ve been through a lot. I know it was hard on you when Wade up and left. Once you’ve been betrayed by the one person you think will protect you, it’s hard to trust again. But Beau isn’t Wade. There comes a time when you have to let go and let God.”

  “I know, Dee Dee. You’re right; Beau is nothing like Wade. I know in my heart what the answer is. I’ve known since he asked me. It’s just saying the words out loud. Oh well, in the words of Scarlett O’Hara, ‘oh fiddle-dee-dee I’ll think about this tomorrow.’” She squeezed my hand and returned to her bed. Before I knew it I heard soft snoring.

  I turned toward the wall and tried to stop the thoughts that swirled in my head. Finally, sleep called my name. My dreams were more confusing than when I was awake. Grace ran along the beach holding a garden gnome yelling, “You killed me, you killed me!” Laura ran after Grace yelling, “I didn’t do it. Give me back my gnome.” Nana, dressed in a hot pink two-piece bathing suit, ran after Laura yelling, “Wait for me. I’ll help you solve the murder.” Last but not least, Dee Dee and I brought up the rear yelling and flailing our arms. I was unable to decipher what we said.