I grabbed the handle above the window. “Whoa. Slow down, you’re going to get us killed, or run over some little old lady.”
“Aw, you’re just jumpy this morning. I wasn’t going that fast. You relax, and leave the driving to little ole’ me.” Relaxing while she drove was an oxymoron.
“Let me see your list and I’ll check where Jeffrey works.” I thought he worked at one of the banks, but I wasn’t sure which one.
“It’s in my purse.” She scooted it toward me. Dee Dee’s love for large bags was no different today. She had a hot pink purse to match her shoes. It sported a giant pink flower on the front. I removed a billfold, brush, bottle of Tums, and an address book before I found the tablet.
“Hmmm, you’ve written down the First Trust Bank located a couple of blocks from the square. I think I’ve seen it going to the hospital. Take a left at the next….” She took the corner so fast my heart palpitated, and I feared it would fly out of my chest. “Good grief, Dee.”
“Well, you said take the next left.” She slowed behind a truck loaded with hay bales. “Out of the way, Farmer Brown!”
I silently offered a prayer of thanks when we managed to arrive without running down any little old ladies or kids. I couldn’t wait until I could drive again, because Dee Dee would certainly be the death of me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
There’s a parking place right in front.” Since I couldn’t walk far, I was grateful for a space this close.
“Allll righty!” She parallel parked quicker than a lizard hiding under a rock. I was impressed.
It appeared like any other bank – ostentatious. I would never understand why banks built such enormous buildings. The bank is located on the bottom floor and who knows what is on the other levels.
The receptionist hung up the phone as we arrived. “May I help you?”
“Yes. Could you tell us where Jeffrey Jones’ office is located?”
“Sure. Go down the hallway, and his office is the last door on the left.” She turned around and returned to her business.
Raised voices filled the hallway as we walked toward the office. And they weren’t friendly. I lifted my hand to knock on the door when I overheard a familiar voice. “Just remember what I said.” Sammy turned around and saw us standing in the doorway. “Excuse me ladies.” He took off like a fox chased by hound dogs. What was that all about?
“May I help you?” Jeffrey sat behind an oversized mahogany desk. Framed certificates covered the dark paneled wall. “Weren’t you at the museum fundraiser the other night?” He stood up, and looked directly at me. “I believe you’re the one they transported in an ambulance.”
“That’s right.” Not knowing if he was one of the bad guys, I didn’t want to give away too much information. “I have a bum knee and I fell when the lights went out.”
“I hope it’s better.” He looked at my cane, motioning to two red leather visitor chairs in front of his desk. “Now what can I do for you?”
“I’m Trixie Montgomery and I write for “Georgia by the Way.” I motioned toward Dee Dee, who had made herself comfortable, and I sat in her chair’s twin.
“I’m familiar with “Georgia by the Way.” He leaned forward and settled his hands on his desk. “What does that have to do with me?”
“I’m working on a story about the museum. The night Jacob was killed, Dee Dee and I were there.”
He stood up, walked around his desk and closed the door. I wondered what he had to hide. I intended to find out.
“I’m interviewing all the board members. Can you tell me a little about your position at the museum?”
I let him drone on about his love of history and the antiques he’d collected over the years. It was time to get to the nitty-gritty.
“Jeffrey. Doc is in a lot of trouble. Detective Bowerman, the investigating officer, has his sights on Doc. We’re trying to help him. Did you demand Doc fire Jacob for making passes at Susan Gray?”
“Yes, I did. And I don’t see why you’re getting mixed up in this.” He leaned forward, arms crossed. “What is it to you?”
“Trixie helped solve a murder last year in Dahlonega, and saved my hide.” Dee Dee told him. “She’s got a knack for it. When Doc found out he was in deep, he asked Trixie to help.”
I couldn’t tell who owned the biggest mouth, Dee Dee or Nana. It’s a toss-up.
“Really?” He stared directly into my eyes. I didn’t like the way he glared at me. Fear gnawed at the pit of my stomach, and perspiration beaded on my forehead.
“And what have you found out so far?” He glanced from me to Dee Dee.
“Well, let’s see,” Dee Dee began. I faked a pneumatic cough hoping Dee Dee would put a lock on her lips. She grabbed the water from Jeffrey’s desk and handed it to me.
“Drink it, Trixie. It’ll keep you from choking.” When I didn’t take the water she shoved it in my hands. “Drink it! I promise it will work.” I was going to choke her if she didn’t sit down in her chair.
“I’m all right now.” We had to make a quick escape. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I was getting a real bad feeling about Jeffrey. “Come on, Dee Dee. I think I need to go, I’m not doing well.
Jeffrey opened the door for us. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well, Ms. Montgomery. Please be careful. Digging into a murder investigation could turn out to be dangerous.” Was it my imagination or did he over emphasize “danger?” Relief flooded through me as we exited the building.
Back in the car Dee asked, “Where to James?” This time, her joke fell flat. She wasn’t as perky as earlier, and neither was I.
“Let’s head to the museum and see if Doc’s in. Maybe he can update us on his status with the detective.”
“Trixie, what if Doc killed Jacob? We don’t know him that well. Maybe we’re wasting our time.”
She had a point. But my gut told me Doc was innocent. I prayed my gut wasn’t wrong. Our lives depended on it.
We pulled into the parking lot. I grabbed Dee Dee’s arm before she could exit the car and gave her my serious look. “Don’t you dare pretend you’re Scarlett. I’ve had enough of Scarlett for the rest of my life.”
“Okey dokey, your wish is my command. Obviously your knee hurts and it’s making you grumpy.”
I was grumpy, and my knee did hurt, but I couldn’t give up. We were close. Maybe too close and someone tried to stop us.
Marianne manned the front desk. “Hi, I’m glad to see you.”
“I’m glad to be here.” Marianne met my gaze, her eyes clear and bright. “Doc and I worked out a plan so I can repay what I took.”
I patted her hand. “That’s wonderful. Is he in?”
At that moment, Doc walked out of his office and saw us. “Hey, there.” He eyed my cane and gently took my elbow. “Penny and I were so worried about you. Come in and sit down, tell me how you’re doing.” He led us into his office.
“I’ve been better. The question is how are you doing?” He showed me to a chair and waited until I settled in.
“Not so good,” he said. “Detective Bowerman has been back, questioning me several times. He’s relentless. Maybe he thinks I’ll confess if he wears me down. If so, he’s in for a big disappointment. I’m not going to confess to something I didn’t do.”
“Doc, Trixie and I believe we’re getting close. That’s why Dora’s house was broken into and Trixie was pushed down last night,” Dee Dee said.
“I appreciate your help, ladies. But I don’t want you in harm’s way. You probably shouldn’t try to investigate anymore. The case is getting too dangerous.” He shook his head and his shoulders drooped.
“We’re already in up to our eyeballs. The killer doesn’t want us to finish what we started, but we don’t have a choice,” I argued. “It’s imperative we find out who the killer is before he kills us.” I readjusted my bottom on the seat. The worn chair had lost its padding long ago.