“Trixie.” I could imagine Beau shaking his head.
“Beau, I have to help her. She’s Mama’s friend, and I’d want someone to do the same for me.”
“I know, I know. That’s who you are. But I’m worried about you. The last time you were involved in a murder investigation you barely made it out alive.”
“Never fear. Nana’s here and she’s determined to help. Again.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
I knew Beau would come at the drop of a hat if I wanted him to, but for now I needed information.
“Could you run a background check for me? Nana’s got the hots for a gentleman named George Knight.”
Beau’s laughter rang through the phone. “I can’t check on someone just because they want to date your grandma, hon.”
“It’s not just that.” Although now that you mention it. “I’ve got this sense he’s hiding something, but I can’t put my finger on it.”
He adopted his deputy sheriff voice. “Do you know his address? I could run his license plate number if you can get it.”
“No, but we’re going out tonight and I’ll figure out a way to get it.” My journalism skills came in handy for more than just scoops. “I’d feel better if I knew he was harmless.” A knock on the door startled me. The door squeaked open and Dee Dee poked her head in.
“Is it all clear for me to come in?” she stage whispered. I nodded.
“Beau, Dee Dee just came in. I’m gonna let you go, but I’ll call you back as soon as I get George’s address.” Dee Dee raised an eyebrow.
“Okay.” His voice took on a husky tone. “It’s so good to hear from you and I look forward to your next call. Trixie?”
“Yes.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, Beau.” I knew he wanted me to say more, but I couldn’t. I still had a lot to think over.
Dee Dee sat on my bed. “Wanna talk about it? I know you’ve got a lot on your mind.” She looked me in the eye. “Trixie, follow your heart. Beau’s a great guy. He loves you and he loves the Lord. That’s a win-win combination.”
“I know Dee. I’m scared.” I couldn’t help but think of the betrayal I’d lived through because of Wade’s actions. I never wanted to experience that pain again.
“A little fear is healthy, Trix, but don’t let the past prevent you from being happy. There are no guarantees in life, but remember, Beau is not Wade. Let’s pray about it right now.” Dee Dee clasped my hand and said the sweetest prayer. When we lifted our heads I felt a renewed peace.
“Thanks, Dee.”
“You’re welcome. Whose address were you talking about?”
“George’s address. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something about him that bothers me. Did you hear Edna ask him about going in to John Porter’s room this morning? I don’t believe his explanation. We need to wheedle an address, at least get his license plate number. Beau said he could run a background check on him.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard. We’ll work it into the conversation somehow.” She patted my hand. “Hey, want to go downtown and check out the shops? We could stop by the fast food place where Mary Sue works and ask her some questions.”
I sat up. “Let’s check out the Seaside Sisters gift shop while we’re out. Mary Kay Andrews leases a section in the store. She sells antiques and gifts.”
“Oh, I just love Mary Kay’s books. She’s so funny.”
“Did you notice the glass painting in the bathroom? Nancy Smith, one of the shop’s founders, painted it. They’re her specialty. I’d love to purchase one for my apartment.”
Dee Dee nodded and shot me a grin. “Or maybe for your new house?”
I returned her smile and grabbed her arm. “Come on. Let’s go participate in some retail therapy.”
While I tied the laces on my Keds, my mind worked overtime coming up with a way to find out more about the mysterious George. And what exactly were his intentions toward Nana?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Tybee Island was a grand total of two and a half square miles of land. Located on Highway 80, the drive to Seaside Sisters didn’t take long. The gift shop, housed in a small, older home, sat close to the road. Hand-made mobiles, flower pots, lawn ornaments, and even garden gnomes, decorated the outside. Dee Dee parked in the sandy yard of the little white and blue shop. We hopped out of the car and followed excited shoppers into the boutique.
“Oh, look, Trixie. Aren’t these cute?” Dee Dee picked up a pint-sized canning jar, attached to a glass stem, and held up the drinking apparatus. “This is called Hillbilly Stemware.” Other shoppers within earshot of Dee Dee’s announcement smiled at the unique object.
I told Dee Dee she could find me in Mary Kay Andrew’s corner, and headed straight for her space. Blindsided by some colorful jewelry, I stopped to sift through the fascinating trinkets, and picked out one for Mama and one for Nana. I wasn’t disappointed when I finally found Mary Kay’s area. I’d read about her love of antiquing and I knew she wove her adventures into her books.
The instant I spotted the cute little section filled with books, candles, and of course, antique furniture, I knew Dee Dee would adore it. She could choose from plenty of goodies to take back for her own emporium, Antiques Galore.
A middle-aged lady dressed in Dee Dee-like clothes struck up a conversation. “Are you from around here or just visiting?” She picked up a beautiful hand-made quilt and passed her hand back and forth over the lovely material.
“I’m from Vans Valley, a small town in north Georgia. My name’s Trixie Montgomery.” I picked up an outdoor mobile crafted from discarded kitchen utensils. Mama’s yard would make a great home for the decoration. Or maybe my yard?
“Hi, I’m Ruth. Are you staying in one of the hotels on the beach or in Savannah?” She studied the price tag on the throw and quickly replaced it. She bestowed a couple of pats on the beautiful covering as if to say good-bye.
“Neither one. We’re staying at Seaside Cottage.”
Her eyes grew large and her jaw dropped. “Oh. I heard about Grace Watkins’ death. Isn’t it a shame they’ve arrested poor Laura for the murder?” I started to correct her, but she chattered without taking a breath. “I’m not surprised something like that happened to Grace. I’m a member of the Save the Turtles Association and she consistently rubbed someone the wrong way. Now that she’s gone, I wonder if Jasmine will come back to the meetings. She’d never attend while Grace was alive.”
My investigative antennas shot straight up. I wanted to ask more questions, but this wasn’t the place. Too many people milled around.
Dee Dee walked up and eyed the mobile I held, tinkling above my head. “Hey, Trix. Did you find something to buy?”
“Yeah. Don’t you think this is interesting?” She nodded. I turned toward my new acquaintance. “This is Ruth and we were discussing Grace Watkins.”
Dee Dee’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh?”
“Ruth, I’d love to hear more about the Grace and Jasmine situation. Could we meet later and talk?” I grabbed Dee Dee’s arm and pulled her beside me. “We’re trying to help Laura.”
“Sure. I haven’t eaten yet. Would you like to meet for lunch? There’s a great little place right down the road. The Tybee Sandwich and Ice Cream Shop.”
“Okay, as soon as we finish here we’ll meet you. How about forty-five minutes?” We said our good-byes and I made it my mission to find the painted glass. I discovered several delightfully framed stained glass windows covered with brightly colored fish. I easily pictured one of these in my apartment.
“Look, Dee. Wouldn’t this be great in my bathroom?” I held it up so Dee Dee could see the sun shining through the brightly painted windowpanes.