“We’ve interviewed all the people on our list: Marianne, Susan, Gloria, Jeffrey, Sammy and Steven. Each and everyone have a motive. Jacob was blackmailing Marianne. By the way Doc, we’re happy to see Marianne still here.”
“I gave it a tremendous amount of thought and prayer. Jesus had a lot to say about forgiveness. He tells us in Ephesians to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” He cupped his hands over his face as if he was praying. He was silent for a minute, Dee Dee and I waited.
“How could I not forgive her?” he said. “I’ve fallen short so many times in my life. Several people have given me a second chance, and that’s why I’ve come as far as I have. I could be rotting in jail in the Bahamas. Penny is going to take over the finances for the museum and I’ve come up with a plan for Marianne to pay back what she borrowed. I pray I’m doing the right thing.”
“You’re being more than generous and I’m sure she appreciates it,” Dee Dee said.
“Not to mention that Gloria is telling everyone you stole the money,” I said. “Won’t the board demand her dismissal?”
“I have the last word on employees, and Marianne will stay as long as I have a job.”
“Then all the more reason we need to find the killer.” I leaned back, the chair squeaking in protest. “Let’s get back to our list.”
Dee Dee pulled a rumpled piece of paper from her bag.
“Susan also has motive,” I began. “She had an affair with Jacob and she didn’t want Jeffrey to know. On top of that, her bookstore is about to face foreclosure.” I mentally put a check by her name. My vote went to Susan. She had the most to lose or gain, depending on how you looked at it.
Dee Dee spoke up. “We visited Jeffrey this morning. When we arrived, Sammy was in his office and we heard them arguing. I haven’t figured out what Sammy’s motive might be. Jeffrey could have found out about Jacob and wanted him out of the way.” She tapped Jeffrey’s name on her list to accentuate his guilt.
“That leaves Gloria and Steven,” Doc stated. “I can’t envision Gloria being strong enough to kill anyone, and I’m not sure she has a motive. I know she wants Steven to take over as director, but killing Jacob wouldn’t guarantee Steven’s appointment.” He pushed his glasses up on his nose and wiped his brow with his handkerchief.
“That’s not exactly true, Doc,” I said. “If you go to prison for killing Jacob, then Steven could step in as director with her recommendation. So she does have motive.”
“Put that way, I guess you’re right,” he said.
“That goes for Steven as well. It would be to his advantage if you were out of the way, Doc.” I thought back to last night, when I met Steven. He seemed like such a nice young gentleman. I struggled picturing him as a killer.
“We need to go, Trixie. It’s time to meet Jill.” Dee Dee pointed to her pink watch.
“Doc, we’re meeting my daughter for lunch, but if you think of anything else please let us know.”
“I will. But please, please be careful.” Famous last words.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
I’m starved. Where is this Papa’s Pizza?” Dee Dee scanned the roadside, hands on the wheel.
“It’s on the next corner. I hope you can locate a parking place close to the door. If not, then let me out front.” We weren’t successful finding a space close enough, so Dee Dee dropped me off and left to park the car. I was anxious to see Jill.
She ran up and rewarded me with a big hug, and I hugged her tightly.
She stepped back and inspected me from head to toe. “How are you feeling? You’re using your cane again.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m scheduled to visit the surgeon when I get home.” My goodness, she looked great. Her presence was the best medicine I could receive.
When her father and I divorced, I worried how the separation would affect Jill. My fear she’d choose sides, was unwarranted. She’s been supportive of me and I’ve tried to be supportive of her when she wanted to talk about Wade. After all, he’s still her dad.
“Come on over and sit down. I want to show you my surprise.” I couldn’t wait to see what she’d brought. A guy? What in the world was she doing with a guy? Well, never mind, I know what she was doing with him, but she never mentioned her surprise was a date.
“Mama, this is Paul. Paul this is my mother.” Standing, he towered over me by at least six inches. We shook hands. He pulled the chair out for me to sit down. No wonder she couldn’t wait for me to meet him. I winked at Jill. Her face turned a pretty shade of pink and her smile widened.
“Where are Nana and Dee Dee?”
“Nana sends her love. She’s sitting with her friend Dora today. And Dee Dee’s parking the car.” Just then she walked in, and I gave her a big wave. “Over here, Dee Dee.”
We repeated introductions and I could see Dee Dee was enamored with Paul, too. We ordered pizza all the way around and pigged out until we couldn’t hold any more. I updated Jill on my article, but failed to mention anything about our part in investigating the murder. I didn’t want her to worry.
“Mama, it’s been so good to see you. But, we have to return to Athens today, so we need to be on our way.” She reached over and laid her hand on Paul’s. I could tell this was serious. I hoped she’d fill in the details later. They stood up to go, Paul grabbed the check, insisting on paying for the meal. “Let the cops do their job, this time, Mama.” Jill gave me a hug, and then Dee Dee. “Dee Dee, watch after her.” How ironic. Dee Dee was usually the one who got me into trouble in the first place.
“I promise to be careful if you do as well, honey, those roads can be—“
“Mama. I love you!”
We walked them to the door. Saying goodbye was bittersweet. I waited on Dee Dee to retrieve the car. When she returned, I attempted to get in as fast as I could, but it wasn’t easy with a swollen knee. An impatient person blew their horn. Dee Dee, decked out in her pink Keds, got out and stomped back to the car. The woman in the little red Mini Cooper shrunk down in her seat. Dee Dee went up to her window and said something to her. The lady nodded her head yes. Dee Dee climbed back in the Jeep.
“What was that all about?” I really didn’t need to ask. I knew full well she probably gave the poor woman a lesson on disabilities.
“Oh, she needed a little educating.” She put the car in gear and pulled off, followed by the Mini Cooper.
“You ready to go to Dora’s and rest?”
“Yes. But there’s one more place I need to go. I want to take some pictures of the Marietta National Cemetery for my article. It’s located on Washington Avenue, the road that leads into town.” All articles for the magazine required accompanying photographs. I’d neglected my research, so it was imperative to concentrate on my journalism for a bit. This would be a great opportunity to accomplish some work.
“Hang on. Here we go!” Dee Dee sped down the road out of town and toward the historic cemetery. We arrived in a matter of minutes. “Wow, look at that archway. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“From what I’ve read, it’s one of five archways that lead into a National Cemetery.” I glanced in my side mirror. Someone in a red oversized truck pulled in behind us. “Dee Dee, there’s a truck behind us. Let’s park away from it so I don’t get it in my pictures.”
“I would, but he’s following us. Every time I make a turn, he turns, too.”
“Pull over here and maybe he’ll go around us.” I turned around to see if he was going to pass. Instead the passenger jumped out wearing a ski mask. In this weather?
“Get out!” He shouted. His hand was in his pocket as if he had a gun pointed at us, so we obliged. “Hurry up and give me that book.”