Mrs. Mcgillocotty Finds A Body Read online

Chapter 3

  As the day grew long the heat set in the house and Sarah dressed to ease the stress and the humidity in the kitchen. The aromas were thick and airy, full of yeast rolls, roast beef, and a faint whiff of the cinnamon spice from a juicy apple pie.

  “Sarah!” Elva sang out from the dining room. “How many places should I set tonight?”

  Sarah came to the door wiping her hands on the pale green apron she wore. “Well that’s a good question.” Sarah backed up a step and inhaled. “What have you got on your head Elva?”

  Elva reached up, patted her head. “Oh me, that’s my shower cap. I took a shower. My deodorant wore off and it’s only been three days?”

  “Dear if you want to shower more often than every three days that is perfectly fine.” Sarah visibly sighed. “So how many are we having for lunch, I mean dinner? You’ve got me doing it now.”

  “Now that’s a good question. Let me see. Help me count. You and I,” Elva began using her fingers to keep track, “Mr. Donovan, Nicholas and I suppose the new boarder. What was her name?”

  “Karalina… Karalina, let me see what was her last name. Started with a J?”

  “J?” Like a ladder.” Elva said.

  “Jacobson,” Sarah nodded. “Yes, like the son of Jacob’s ladder.”

  “I’m glad you remember these things.” Elva said. “Now let’s see, that’s the two of us, two more, for Nickolas and the teacher, then the bimbo. That makes five.”

  “Sister please don’t use that term. You might forget and use it when she’s here. Oh, and then Agnes and Randy said they will be here. So that’s seven, and Constable McTavish makes eight.”

  “Winkin’ Willie’s coming?” Elva said then burst into laughter as she watched her sister’s face turn beet red.

  “Set eight places Elva.” Sarah said as she turned quietly and went back into the kitchen.

  Elva had just finished with the last place setting of silverware when the doorbell rang.

  “Ding Dong.”

  Elva raised her head, looked around and said loudly, “Avon calling!”

  Several moments later it rang again. “Ding dong.”

  “Avon calling,” Elva sang out again, shrugged laid the napkins down that she had been holding and left the room to answer the door.

  “Ding dong.”

  Sarah came back into the room. “Elva?” Then she sighed and headed into the hall toward the front door just as Agnes stepped through.

  “Oh hello, Sarah,” Agnes said looking around. “Am I early?”

  “Aggie, you live across the street, you know more about what goes on here than we do. Don’t play stupid.” Elva said then covered her mouth with her hand and giggled. “Oops, that’s right. You’re not playing.”

  “Elva! Listen, I promise I will be nice to you tonight if you will be nice to me. Can you remember that? Let’s call a truce.”

  “I thought you were trying to put me away in some home.” Elva accused.

  “You were eavesdropping.” Agnes accused.

  “Don’t be a diddle squatter. It’s not eavesdropping if it’s in your own house. Is it Sarah?”

  Sarah shrugged as Elva continued, “I’m not promising you anything.”

  “Ding dong.”

  “Avon calling,” Elva smiled as she went to the buffet and began moving things around.

  “I’ll get it.” Sarah left the room.

  “Listen Elva,” Agnes walked over beside Elva. “What have you got against me?”

  “Against you…? What makes you think I have something against you? Just because you like to talk behind my back to have me locked away?” Elva picked up a sharp steak knife and began wiping it with a soft napkin. “If I were you I would be careful just who you talk about behind their back. Some people don’t like that and not everyone is as civilized as I am.”

  Agnes gasped, backed up bumping into a chair almost tilting it over.

  “Hello Agnes, Elva.” The Reverend Randy Reed said as he entered.

  “Randy!” Agnes said. “Thank goodness you’re here. Elva just threatened me.”

  All faces turned to Elva.

  “Hello Randy.” Elva pushed a loose hair behind her ear. “Agnes, I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I just told her that civilized people never talk behind somebody’s back and certainly should never threaten to have them placed in a home. You wouldn’t do that would you Randy? Don’t answer yet. I heard you talking about me today with Agnes. That really isn’t very polite and certainly not very Episcopalian of you.”

  “Please everyone,” Sarah interrupted. “We’re going to have others arriving soon and we must all calm down. Sister, I’m sure Agnes didn’t mean anything by it. She and the Reverend are just concerned for your well-being.”

  “Ding dong.”

  “Avon calling,” Elva sang out then left the room to the kitchen and Sarah headed to the front door.

  “I swear she threatened me,” Agnes said her voice nervous and shaking, “with a knife!”

  “What?” Randy asked. “She threatened you with a knife?

  “Well she was wiping the knife with a napkin, but I know what she was meaning.”

  “For heaven sakes, Agnes you can’t go around making false accusations.”

  Sarah came back into the room brushing her hair down in place, followed by Willie McTavish.

  “Sheriff!” Agnes said. “I have been threatened. Elva threatened me.”

  Willie stood there a moment, looked around the room and then at the faces of everyone there. “Agnes, Elva says a lot of things but she’s not dangerous. Let me ask you — did she come to your house and threaten you?”

  “No, but I….”

  “Did anyone witness this threat?”

  “Well, no, but she repeated if for all to hear.”

  “Is that right Randy?”

  “Hum, let’s see — she said she heard us threatening to put her in a home and that it wasn’t very Episcopalian of me to suggest such a thing, especially behind her back. Sarah, wouldn’t you say that’s about what she said?” He took a handkerchief and wiped the moisture from his balding head.

  Willie turned to Agnes. “It sounds to me you have no witnesses and the only thing anyone witnessed was her accusing you of doing the threatening.”

  “But Sheriff….” Agnes began but was interrupted.

  Elva entered the room carrying a full tray of food. “Oh hello Constable, foods ready. Sarah, would you help me please?”

  “Let’s all calm down and have something to eat. We more than likely will have others joining us soon.” Sarah turned to Elva. “Have you seen Nicholas? He knows he should be here to eat with us. I imagine Mr. Donovan and Miss Jacobson will be here later. They have their own keys so if we start to eat we won’t be interrupted.”

  Nicholas rushed into the room. “I’m not late am I?” Then turned to Sarah and held up his hand. “See? Clean.”

  “Have you seen Miss Jacobson?” Randy asked as he unconsciously straightened his collar.

  “She moved in earlier and then went back out. Everybody help yourselves.” Sarah said.

  All heads turned to the shrill tone of feminine laughter. Mr. Donovan with Miss Jacobson attached to his arm strolled through the arched doorway.

  “We were just getting ready to eat. But I want you to know we have warming trays and keep the evening food available for an hour.” Sarah explained. “Please everybody, serve yourself and choose a seat.”

  Sarah watched as everyone rapidly chose places by picking up plates. Sheriff Willie McTavish took one end of the table, Reverend Reed the other end. Miss Karalina Jacobson sat to Willie’s left and Patrick Donovan sat beside her. Nicholas scooted his chair and sat beside Patrick.

  Reverend Reed sighed stared at Willie at the other end and huffed loudly as Karalina sat next to Willie and grunted unconsciously as Agnes sat beside him on his left.

 
Elva hurried and sat beside Agnes on her left. Although the table had room for additional places the last space was on Willie’s right side. Sarah glanced at the table and reluctantly sat beside Willie on his right side. She was directly across from Karalina.

  Willie began cutting and stirring his food and looked up as everyone sat quietly looking at the Reverend Randy Reed.

  “Willie McTavish, show a little respect for the Lord!” Agnes chastised.

  “The Lord I respect — Randy not even.” Willie bit into a juicy slice of roast beef that he had dipped into succulent gravy.

  “Go ahead Reverend Reed.” Agnes frowned, shook her head then bowed it followed by everyone except Willie.

  “Our heavenly Father,” Randy raised his head and peeped through his left eye. “Thank you for this food we are about to receive and please forgive those that are weak of the flesh. Forgive those that are insecure in their own insignificant statue no matter how physically trivial they are and impotent their persona may be. Amen.”

  “Amen,” Several voices repeated aloud or in a whisper.

  “That certainly was a strange blessing.” Agnes said staring at Randy as he took a napkin and spread it in his lap.

  “Strange? It was accusatory.” Elva said.

  “You know, Elva for once I think you’re right. Reverend what did you mean? Insignificant statue…? Physically trivial ― Impotent-persona…?” Agnes questioned as she rearranged her silverware.

  Suddenly Elva let out a high pitch cackle that caught everyone’s attention. She continued laughing as everyone watched her in dismay.

  “Elva what is it?” Agnes nudged her with a finger to get her attention and in hopes the high pitched laughter would cease.

  “Why Randy, you’re a bad boy.” Elva said with a loud snort. “Who were you talking about? The Constable…?” She burst into laughter again. “You will have to ask Sarah about the answer to those questions Agnes.”

  “Elva!” Sarah snapped.

  Everyone became quiet and turned to look at Sarah, and then to Willie who was busy stuffing his face while ignoring everyone. Finally he paused, looked up, sat down his fork, lifted a cup took a sip, slowly dabbed his mouth with the linen napkin.

  “Randy,” Willie began. “I know when we were in the 8th grade you used to peek at me in the locker room and for many years….”

  “That will be enough!” Sarah scolded. “Constable McTavish, please refrain from further remarks no matter how you wish to continue. Please?”

  “Certainly Sarah,” He patted her hand and she jerked like she had been shocked glances around the table to see who was watching.

  “Oh I get it now.” Karalina spoke up with a sexy giggle. “The preacher over there said the cop had a little willie that was flaccid. Even said it to God. And I thought this was going to be a dry boring evening.”

  “Please can’t we change the subject?” Sarah pleaded. “What do you do for a living Karalina?”

  Karalina burst from a giggle to a full laugh. “I help little willies stand tall and become big willies.” Then she laughed loudly at her own ambiguous remark.

  “What do you mean?” Patrick grilled as his own curiosity peaked.

  “Nicholas!” Sarah interjected. “Please take your food and go to the kitchen this is no place for a child.”

  “Ah man! It was just getting interesting. I miss out on everything.” But he stood picked up his plate and went into the kitchen.

  “Please forgive me Ms. Jacobson — Karalina. I understand you’re probably not used to young children being around but Mr. Donovan — Patrick, you will have to get used to children.” Sarah nodded as if to punctuate the end of her sentence.

  “I’m sorry, I did forget about the boy.” Karalina responded.

  “So what did you mean?” Patrick resumed the questioning with a goofy grin on his face. “Make little willies big.”

  “I make my living making little willies big.” Karalina paused for effect then laughed deep and loud.

  Everyone stopped eating and sat quietly slack jaw watching her enjoy the moment.

  “Well?” The Reverend questioned, dabbing his neck with the napkin.

  “I sell drugs.” She answered flatly and pursed her lips together in wait as she bit into a hot flaky biscuit, she smiled and thought to herself maybe she should call it a crumpet.

  “What?” Agnes screeched.

  “Whoa, I sell ED and tranquilizer drugs to pharmacies and doctors’ offices. You know Viagra and Valium.”

  “I know Valium it’s a tranquilizer. What is Viagra? What is ED? Whatever does she mean?” Elva asked.

  “I haven’t a clue.” Agnes shook her head.

  Both women turned to Sarah for information.

  “I don’t know.” Sarah shrugged.

  The three men sat silently. Willie grinned, Randy’s face was beet red and Patrick sniggered.

  “Well for gosh sakes, will someone tell us?” Agnes looked around at the men.

  The room became silent. Karalina sat smiling daring the gentlemen to answer the ladies, raising one eyebrow as she looked from man to man.

  Suddenly the door to the kitchen slung open. “It’s erectile dysfunction!” Nicholas shouted as he continued back into the room. He stopped for a moment at the buffet, added a few more vegetables, then proceeded to return to his vacant seat by Patrick and sat down.

  “Nicholas….” Sarah gasped.

  “Aunt Sarah, obviously you need me in the room to explain these things.” Nicholas scooted his plate to where he wanted and then his chair squeaked as he pulled it across the floor and sat down.

  “Very well,” Sarah answered in defeat.

  “What is it? This ED…?” Elva asked and both Sarah and Agnes focused their attention on Nicholas.

  “It is pills, that makes men’s penises erect.” He turned to Mr. Donovan and asked, “Is that the plural of penis? Penises?”

  “That will be enough.” Sarah’s eyes flew wide and as she rapidly interrupted them.

  “It’s no big deal anymore.” Karalina replied looking around the table.

  “I said that will be enough. Let’s talk about something else please.”

  Everyone was quiet for a moment and then Agnes spoke up. “Willie did you find out anything about Mr. Berkinbuss?”

  “All this talk about penises, is it making you miss your conversatin?” Elva piped as she cackled with laughter.

  Agnes looked at Elva and then glanced at the plea in Sarah’s face, nodded to Sarah and chose to ignore Elva’s comment. She looked to the Sheriff and awaited his answer.

  “I did check with the Sher… uh, constable in Bruburn. He said, he didn’t know anything right off but would check around and get back to me.”

  “Thank you.” Agnes responded.

  Elva stood up, picked up her tea cup and went to the buffet. “Would anyone like me to serve them some more tea or coffee?” She asked.

  “I would Elva,” Willie said, “Coffee please.”

  “I’m full,” Agnes said. “Jeffrey always said I eat like a bird.”

  “Yeah a damn vulture,” Elva snipped.

  “Thank you darling tea for me, please.” Karalina said suppressing a laugh.

  Elva served Willie first and then brought Karalina hot unsweetened tea. She returned the tea pot to the buffet and then brought over the creamer and sugar bowl sitting them between the two of them.

  “Nicholas? Anyone? Milk?” Elva paused as everyone indicated no. She then asked, “Anybody ready for pie? We have apple and pecan.”

  Everyone except Nicholas indicated they didn’t desire pie.

  “Perhaps later then,” Elva said then looked at Sarah.

  “Would anyone like to retire to the parlor for wine or something a little stronger than coffee or tea?” Sarah asked.

  “I’ll clean up in here.” Elva offered.

  “Are you sure Sister? I’ll do it.”
Sarah offered.

  “No, that’s fine. Nicholas will give me a hand. Won’t you Nicholas?”

  Nicholas huffed, grunted and mumbled, “Like I have a choice.”

  As if on cue, when Sarah arose everyone followed suit.

  “That sounds good.” Willie said standing, “I’m about coffeeed-out.”

  Sarah led the way to the parlor, walked over to a huge vintage liquor cabinet, pulled a key from her neck, unlocked the doors and slid a front board out. She opened the doors to a cornucopia of glasses, wines, and liquors.

  “Please help yourselves, there is a chalk board, so just write your name down and put a mark each time you get a drink. Remember it’s an honor system.” Sarah said and then walked over to an old Edison Cylinder Phonograph, they called the Edison. She pulled out a cylinder that looked larger than the toss away cardboard from a toilet roll then slide it onto a spindle. Cranked the handle several times and carefully engaged the needle.

  Several pops, then thick fuzzy static with a slight roar and then the room filled with ‘The Rites of Spring.’

  “This was one of Papa’s favorites.” Sarah said to no one and everyone at the same time.

  “Le sacre du printemps.” Karalina smiled her eyes softened within moments.

  “You really have to move into the digital age.” Willie said to Sarah after pouring himself a scotch and water. “You could get a much clearer rendition of whatever that song is. Do you have any ice Sarah?”

  “I forgot. I’ll be back in a moment.” Sarah hurried out of the room.

  Patrick poured himself a bourbon and coke, looked at Karalina and said, “Can I pour anything for anyone?”

  “Would you make me something sweet? I don’t care what as long as it’s sweet.” Karalina added.

  “That looks interesting.” Randy picked up an old bottle of brandy; the label faded, pulled out a glass and poured some into a snifter.

  “Constable McTavish….” Karalina began.

  “Please call me Willie.” He said. “We use the Constable for Elva. It is not for me to say why, but we play along with her perpetual delusion that we are Anglos. The area was settled way back when by the English but mostly the Scotts so we have come to humor her over the past several years.”

  “Why is that?”

  “She gets agitated easily. If you’re here any length of time you will see what I mean.”

  “I see. What I was going to ask is what is it between you and the Reverend and why was he insulting your manhood? And you his proclivity and curiosity?”

  “Here try this.” Patrick interrupted the two and handed a drink to Karalina. “It’s about all they had in the sweet category.”

  “That’s nice.” She took a sip and said, “A sweet martini with Gin and vermouth.”

  “You got it.”

  “Perfect.” She graced him with a smile and then turned back to Willie, but moved her body to the left opening up the conversation so Patrick could join.

  “Willie, what was all that hostility between you and the Reverend?”

  Agnes had just finished pouring her a glass of white wine and nosed her way into the conversation. “I can answer that.” Agnes said loudly as she scurried over to the group, leaving Randy with the brandy bottle.

  “Willie used to date Randy’s girlfriend, back when they were still teens. Took her away from him and Randy never forgave him.” Agnes explained.

  Willie just dropped his head and shook it while he muttered. “Sometimes it just doesn’t pay enough to live in a small town. By the way Agnes, if I remember correctly didn’t your husband, Jeffrey, take her away from me and made her his first wife.”

  “Oh, yes.” Agnes smiled. “My Jeffrey was a ladies man.”

  “Here’s the I-C-E!” Elva sang out carrying a bucket and setting it down on the liquor cabinet. “Who wants some ice?”

  “I believe I will have me one more.” Willie excused himself and lumbered over to Elva and the ice.

  Agnes lowered her voice to just above a whisper then continued her story to Karalina and Patrick. “Willie used to accuse Randy of peeping at him in gym class. Jeffrey told me about that. Joanna ― that was Jeffrey’s first wife ― Jeffrey is my late husband. I was actually his fourth wife.... Anyway, Joanna used to tell him that Willie told her Randy was a peeper. He would peep at any and everybody. Anyway, Jeffrey said, Joanna said, Randy said Willie was… how do I say this…? Rather small in the gentlemen’s department. If you know what I mean.” Agnes inhaled loudly gasping for air then added, “They used to say a lot of things.”

  Elva piped in from across the room. “They called Willie here an, ‘itty bitty, teeny weenie.’ Didn’t they Willie?” She added slapping Willie on the back.

  “Elva how did you hear me from way over there.” Agnes said.

  “They say I’m addlepated, not deaf.” Elva replied and added. “That over there is peeping Randy. He became a preacher so people would drop the peeping. Now they just call him the peeping preacher.” She cackled at her own joke.

  “Elva,” Randy sighed loudly, as if he had been through this many times. “When people are young they get into lots of mischief. It is part of the growing process. If I recall you have a few skeletons per say, in your own closet.”

  “Reverend Reed!” Sarah barked from the doorway. “We need not go into people’s lives in front of our boarders, if you please.”

  “But they started it.” Randy half whined.

  “Well you are the adult here, a man of the cloth and in full control of all your faculties, you should act as such.” Sarah reminded him.

  An audible grunt came from Randy and then he exhaled loudly, turned back to the liquor cabinet and poured some more brandy.

  “Ding dong.”

  “Avon calling,” Elva chimed in grinning as every eye looked at her.

  “Now I wonder who that might be.” Sarah said as she left the room.

  “Can I get anyone another drink?” Elva asked.

  “I would love another one.” Karalina said. “But two is my limit. They will have to pull me off the ceiling if I have more.”

  “And you were having?” Elva asked.

  “Sweet martini.”

  “Agnes, and you?”

  “The white wine.”

  “Patrick, my boy?” Elva asked.

  “Gin and tonic water for me, maybe some ice now.”

  Elva busied herself over at the liquor cabinet. Then she put all the drinks on a tray served them and retrieved their old ones.

  They thanked her and each took a test sip.

  Karalina’s eyes flew open wide. “Wow, that’s powerful.”

  Both Patrick and Agnes took a sip.

  “So is mine,” Patrick said.

  “I’m not too sure but I think she added some gin to my wine.” Agnes said snarling her nose.

  “Well look who’s here!” Sarah said from the doorway.

  All heads turned to stare at a young woman near Patrick’s age. Thick long brown hair tied up with a pale blue bandanna, large brown eyes, shapely hour glass figure dressed in tan slacks and a white smudged blouse. She looked as if she had been cleaning.

  Agnes grimaced for a moment then smiled. “Hello Tamika.”

  “Hi Aunt Aggie,” The girl said gritting her teeth as she glanced around the room. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

  “Please come in and join us Tamika.” Sarah said, then glanced at the Edison Cylinder Phonograph and sighed. “Couldn’t anyone have changed that? It’s not good to let a cylinder sit and spin.” She walked over to administer to the phonograph.

  “Sit and spin. Sit and spin.” Elva mimicked the intonation of Sarah’s frustration.

  “Tamika please let me introduce you to Sarah’s new boarders.” Agnes nodded to Tamika.

  “This is Karalina,” she turned to the women. “I’m sorry I can’t remember your last name.”

  “J
acobson, darling,” Karalina answered offering out her hand palm down, fingers slightly bent.

  “This is my step daughter, Tamika, from Jeffrey’s first wife.”

  “Hi sugar, aren’t you just the sweetest slice of pie that’s come around here in a long time.” Tamika took her hand and lifted it slightly in the air as if to insinuate she was going to kiss it.

  “Harrumph!” Agnes cleared her voice forcefully. “And this is Patrick Donovan. He’s a new science teacher at the high school.”

  “My, my, my, when did they start making stud-muffins out of science geeks?” She grinned and winked at Patrick.

  “Glad to meet you.” He grinned and glanced back to Agnes.

  “Tamika’s a social studies teacher at the high school.” Agnes replied.

  “Great. It’s always good to know someone when you’re new at a job.” Patrick stated flatly and grinned at Tamaki.

  “How do, you do?” Tamaki said stiffly with a faux snob attitude while holding out her hand for him to grasp. “I don’t believe I caught the name.”

  “Patrick Donovan.” Patrick placed both of his hands on hers and gave it a warm shake. “Is that Miss or Mrs.? I didn’t catch the last name.”

  “Hilltop.”

  “Of the Hilltops?” Patrick added.

  “Tamika, what music would you like?” Sarah called from across the room.

  “I’ll be over there in a moment.” Tamika called to Sarah then turned back to Patrick and Karalina. “When I was a little girl after my mother died, Sarah took great care of me. We used to listen to music for hours on end. She still likes for me to pick the music. I think the world of her. She’s like the mother I never had.” She glanced at Agnes then left the three of them standing there.

  “But, but, Tamika….” Agnes groaned and turned to Karalina. “She never did say why she came over or what she wanted.”

  “Hey everybody,” Nicholas rushed into the room cupped his hands over his mouth and yelled. “It’s starting to rain. If you have car windows down you might want to roll them up. Looks like a bad storm coming. Looks like cumulonimbus clouds.” He spoke loudly then looked around to catch Mr. Patrick’s eye and was rewarded with a nod and a smile.

  “Anybody want me to roll up their windows?” Nicholas’ chest puffed up just a bit as he looked around.

  “Darling, dear boy, would you? That would be so nice. Let me get my keys. You will need them to put up the windows.” Karalina hurried over to the table where she had left her purse and began fishing deep within.

  “My windows are up but would you grab my cell phone?” The Reverend came over and handed Nicholas his keys.

  “Anybody else?” Nicholas scanned the room then hurried out.

  “Ding dong!”

  “Avon calling,” Elva sang out from where she stood watching Tamika and Sarah as they gently handled the fragile cylinders of music.

  Then slowly they heard the static and pop, as the thick bass notes of piano filled the room with Rachmaninoff’s piano concerto #2. It was a slow methodical evolution of masculine chords intertwined with progressive tones forcefully vibrating the room. Everyone paused and looked toward Sarah then at the door to see who Nicholas had let in the front door.

  The music built hard and fast as they watched the entrance of Deputy Veronica Devilin. She was short and shapely, long blonde hair, huge blue eyes with an immaculately neat pressed uniform and an attitude to prove.

  She glanced around the room then called out, “Sheriff.”

  “What is it VD?” Willie asked.

  “Please Sheriff, don’t call me that. It’s Deputy Devilin. I swear I will complain to the state for harassment.”

  “Sheriff!” Elva shrieked. “What’s that? What did she say?” Elva started to sway back and forth and huff. Her hands started to tremble as she reached up and held her chest.

  Sarah rushed over and patted her sister on the back. “Dear, dear… she said sherry. She wants a glass of sherry!”

  “What?” Elva stilled and looked at her sister. “Sherry? Oh I’ll get it.” Elva scurried over to the bar relaxed and calm as if nothing ever happened. “Would white wine do?”

  “VD! What did I tell you about that word here?” Willie hissed low and threatening.

  “Don’t call me that!” Veronica hissed back. “So that’s the old dimwit with hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia.” She sucked in air at the end of the last syllable and grinned.

  “It’s not long words that give her anxiety attacks just that one word. Besides that’s not a real phobia, VD.” Willie explained. “So, what are you doing here? What do you want? And now you know why you need to call me Constable.”

  “The weather is supposed to get bad. It’s a tropical storm almost a hurricane class. They call it tropical storm Florence. They say it’s changed course and is already on us. It’s going to get pretty rough.”

  Willie nodded. “I had been keeping an eye on the storm. I figured it would head our way. Last time I checked it had picked up speed. It was on the border of being a class 1.”

  “Boom!” A heavy crack of thunder and a blinding flash of lighting permeated the room then the room went black. The house and the ground itself shook. Everyone stood frozen in the blackened room for a moment.

  “Nicholas!” Sarah gasped and another flash so bright it nearly blinded them.

  “I’m all right!” Nicholas yelled his voice spat forth loudly from the long foyer and then he ran into the room followed by the distant slamming bang of the front door.

  “Whew, thank God.” Sarah whispered.

  Several ‘amen’, punctuated the darkened room and then there was light. Cell phones started popping on throughout the room.

  “VD, I’ll contact Gay at the office and see what I can find out about the power. See what all is out. She probably can tell me.” Willie shouted loudly as the sounds of Rachmaninoff’s concerto overwhelmed the room now.

  “I have some candles in the library.” Sarah said. “Sister would you bring the lanterns in from the back pantry? Could somebody with a phone light help us?”

  Another blinding light and roar of thunder shook the building. “I’ll help.” Patrick said holding his phone up.

  “Nicholas, were you able to get my phone?” Randy asked.

  “No sir, I did get the windows up on all the vehicles, here’s all of your keys back.” Nicholas said. “I’ll help Aunt Elva and Mr. Donovan, carry the lamps.” He then fell in behind them as they left the room.

  “I’ll help with the candles.” Tamaki said. “I’m not sure how much charge I have. It has such a good battery I forget to plug it in.”

  “Sheriff, did you get in touch with Gay?” Deputy Devilin asked when she saw he had finished with the radio.

  “I said call me Constable here. Is that too hard to remember?” Willie clinched his jaw, his voice harsh and commanding.

  “No sir, I’ll remember.” She answered. “So what’s with the old lady? What makes her so crazy?”

  “Listen you snot nose little shit. She’s ten times the woman you’ll ever be and I don’t want to hear any talk like that ever again. Understand?”

  “She ain’t around. What’s the dif?”

  “VD, you ought to have your brains counted.” Willie shook his head in frustration. “Consider yourself off duty get yourself a drink.”

  “We have the lanterns.” Elva sang the words melodically as they brought in five large chimney lamp oil lanterns.

  The music had ended and the phonograph made a repetitive thumping hiss as the needle slowly cuts a groove in the wax cylinder.

  “Oh no,” Sarah said as she returned with Tamika, candles and holders in hand.

  She rushed over to the phonograph. “I forgot about father’s Edison. Oh my, I hope it didn’t damage the record.”

  Tamika set the candles on the liquor bar and followed her over. “It will be okay Sarah. It has
n’t been spinning that long.”

  “You think so? I hope so. It was fathers.”

  “Who’s got fire?” Elva asked loudly paused and waited, “Anybody? Surely somebody has matches, a lighter. Nobody smokes anymore?” She kept looking around. “You expect to live forever, or what?”

  “Uh, I do.” Nicholas sheepishly volunteered. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a Zippo flip top lighter.

  “What the… never mind.” Elva said. “Well it’s your lighter you might as well light them, Nicholas.”

  He grinned and lit the first one and watched as the room bloomed outward in the amber flamed light.

  Outside the rain fell in torrents. The heavy lightning receded to a distance with the long rumbles of thunder as the sound continued to vibrate the house infrequently.

  It wasn’t long until the room was bright and the cell phones were put away.

  “Well Constable,” Veronica spoke loud slow and deliberate. “Did our dispatcher say anything about the power outage?”

  “Gay said a way station transformer was hit on the outskirts of town. The power company said it may be morning before they get power back on.” Willie explained.

  “Thank you for the information Constable.” Veronica again said loudly.

  “Well when everyone is ready for bed, I have candles and finger ringed carry candle holders.” Sarah said, demonstrating the holder as she hooked her index finger through it.

  “Sarah, would you play some Chopin?” Tamika asked.

  “Tamika don’t you remember that cylinder was broken years ago.”

  “I have some on my phone, it won’t be very loud but it will be soothing.” Tamika clicked it on and found the tune.

  “Pop! Pop!”

  “What was that? What was that pop?” Elva asked.

  “I thought it was your hip Sister.” Sarah shook her head.

  “Not this time.” Elva snapped.

  Sarah looked around the room and started counting heads. Patrick and Karalina were in the love seat sipping a drink with Nicholas standing close. Her hand was patting him on the leg and he was smiling. Nicholas was taking it all in. Then there was Deputy Devlin talking to Willie McTavish. Sarah wondered what had brought the Deputy over. Everything had happened shortly after she had arrived. Tamika was chatting now with Elva. That didn’t surprise her. Tamika loved to come over. She always said it was better than hanging around with Agnes.

  Agnes? Where did she go? And where was Reverend Reed? How odd. Maybe they went to the bathroom but that didn’t seem quite right to Sarah. She wondered. She had brought eight tapered candles and carriers. She walked over to the liquor cabinet where she had sat them and counted.

  Seven. One was missing but why one. She hadn’t seen them light it. They could have used one of the lanterns to light it. As far as she knew Nicholas had the only fire. How had he gotten that lighter? It looked familiar. One of the men in the Frengland Channel had smoked. She tried to remember whom, didn’t she get on to him for smoking in the house. It was the clicking sound she remembered; the metallic clinking sound of the opening and closing of the lighter. It had been Mr. Berkinbuss’ lighter. But how did Nicholas get it? Surely he couldn’t be responsible.

  What if Agnes saw the lighter? She had been sweet on Mr. Berkinbuss. And her husband hadn’t been dead that long. Sarah caught herself shaking her head from time to time and forced herself to stop. If Agnes saw the lighter she would demand to know how Nicholas came about having it. She wished she could talk with Sister.

  Should she ask if anyone had seen either one of them? Sarah caught her hand wringing and stopped. What had that popping sound been earlier? It wasn’t a normal sound. She forced herself again to quit the hand wringing. Maybe a glass of wine would help her nerves.

  She walked over and retrieved a long stem wine glass. Looked for the red wine and turned several bottles. Maybe they were out. She decided she would have a little white wine and began to pour.

  “Excuse me Tamika for a moment I need to say something to Sarah. Have you met the new teacher? Please introduce yourself. Hey science guy, have you met Tamika. She’s a teacher too.” Then Elva left rapidly and bee lined to Sarah.

  “Sarah! Whatever are you doing?” Elva huffed out breathlessly.

  “Hi Sister, I wanted to talk to you. Oh, I’m pouring myself a glass of wine.”

  “But you don’t drink white wine dear.”

  “I didn’t see any red or rosé.”

  Elva picked up the glass of wine her sister had just poured. “Dear, white wine makes you ill. Don’t you remember?”

  “It’s been years since I drank it. I figured a little wouldn’t hurt. I’m beside myself with dread.”

  “Dread? Why is that?” Elva poured the wine back into the bottle and bent down opening the doors below and dug through the cabinet. “Here I found some red.”

  “Oh thank goodness. I’m worried about Agnes. She and Randy have disappeared and only one candle gone. And there’s more but I don’t want to talk about it here, now.”

  “There they are.” Elva pointed at Agnes and the Reverend as they returned carrying one candle.”

  “Hey Aggie,” Elva yelled. “You, been conversatin’ with peeping Randy?”

  Agnes blew out the candle and set it down on the bar where Elva stood. “Elva if you must know, I had to go to the bathroom and Randy went with me. And before you say it, he stood outside the door, so just knock it off.”

  Elva cackled loudly. “Don’t you have a home and don’t forget you still owe for the buffet and the drinks.”

  “I’ve eaten here often over the years and Sarah can tell you I always pay.” Agnes clicked her tongue at Elva and shook her head. “You’re sick Elva you need to be locked away! I’m sick of your weird accusations, innuendoes and outright lies.”

  “And I’m sick of looking at your ugly mug.” Elva puffed up her chest, her heavy bosoms swelled, she narrowed her eyes and in a very low cold voice she whispered, “Listen Agnes! You and I have been enemies for years. Ever since the incident! Now, for Sarah’s sake I have put up with you. If you don’t stay out of my business I will kill you. And that isn’t a threat.”

  Because of the flickering flamed lights the stark fear in Agnes was visible only to Elva and Sarah. Agnes backed up and started whispering furiously to Randy who was emptying the brandy bottle. Randy pulled out his handkerchief and wiped the spritz of Agnes’ spittle from his face.

  “What the…!” Somebody shouted.

  A commotion was taking place across the room. The Deputy had fallen.

  Everyone in the room rushed towards the activity. Tamika stopped the music she was playing.

  “What’s going on?” Sarah asked.

  “The Constable caught VD.” Tamika proclaimed.

  “What! What? What are you talking about?” Sarah’s hand went to her chest as she inhaled heavily.

  “She said Willie caught VD.” Elva repeated. “You better get yourself checked Sarah.”

  “Not that…. Veronica passed out and the Constable caught her.” Tamika clarified as she helped Willie lower Veronica to the ground.

  Tamika raised her head her voice quivering. “I think she’s dead. Somebody call an ambulance.”

  Hands started moving reaching for phones. “I’ll call.” Patrick said, “Dispatch? Yes we need an ambulance at 2424 Mockingbird. We have a female Deputy that has collapsed.” Patrick nodded several times as he listened. “Sheri… Constable.... The dispatcher wanted to know if you were still here. I said yeah and she wants to talk to you. She said her name is Gay.” He handed the phone to Willie.

  “Yeah Gay, it’s Veronica. She stopped breathing. We’re going to start resuscitation but check her medical file and see if she’s allergic to anything. I’m going to start now. I’m giving the phone back to the feller who called and you can tell him. Okay. Thanks.” He handed the
phone back to Patrick. “You heard that didn’t you?”

  Patrick nodded.

  “Just stay on the line and pass any info she might find.” Willie ordered. “And remind her that the power is still out over here.”

  Tamika and Willie administered resuscitation while everyone stood around holding lamps. After several minutes Patrick spoke up. “The dispatcher said the bridge is flooded out. The ambulance can’t get through.” Patrick informed them and then asked, “Is that the only way out?”

  Willie stopped, raised his head. “I don’t know what’s wrong but this isn’t working.” He looked up at Patrick. “Ask Gay if she found her medical records. Was there anything in there?”

  Patrick started to speak on the phone and stopped. “She heard you. She said she was allergic to shellfish but nothing else was indicated.”

  “Shellfish!” Willie repeated. “There hasn’t been any shellfish here.”

  “Maybe she got a hold of some before she got here.” Tamika said. “This isn’t doing anything. Her lips are turning blue.” She stood up and shook her head.

  “Oh Sister,” Sarah said. “I can’t believe this.”

  “If they can’t get through to us tonight what shall we do with her?” Elva scratched her head. “Agnes, can she spend the night at your house?”

  “For God sakes Elva, she’s dead! She’s not here for a slumber party.” Agnes fussed.”

  “I suppose she could spend the night in the library. The sofa pulls out into a bed. I really don’t want her staying in one of our empty rooms. If future tenants find out they will never stay here again.” Sarah said.

  “Sarah! That sounds so callous.” Elva chastised. “Gentlemen, if we could get you to carry her to the library I will get a blanket to cover her.”

  Willie nodded. “Elva’s right. Rescue may get through later but we can’t leave her here. If I can get some help here?”

  “I’ll help.” Nicholas volunteered. “Wow, she’s really dead.”

  “Nicholas, I believe Mr. Donovan, the Reverend and the Constable can handle it. They don’t need your help.”

  “Ah man! I can help. I’m a lot stronger than I look. Besides she’s dead.”

  “That’s enough.” Sarah said.

  “I’ll get a lamp and hold the doors.” Nicholas volunteered, and rushed to get one of the lamps.

  “Knock, knock, knock!”

  The room became silent.

  “Bam, Bam, Bam.”

  “Maybe it’s the ambulance people.” Sarah suggested. “Maybe they got across the bridge.”

  “She’s right. Maybe it’s the rescue department.” Willie agreed.

  “I’ll check.” Nicholas said. “I’ve already got the lamp. Don’t move her until I get back.”

  “Don’t run with that glass lamp.” Sarah called after him as the shadows in the room deepened from one less lamplight.

  “I’ll get the blanket from the back downstairs linen closet.” Elva said. “I’m going to take one of the lamps.”

  “Sister looks like we’re going to have a few extra people spending the night. Help me figure it out and we better open some of the other rooms.”

  “Let me help you.” Tamika offered and the room dimmed more as they left with two lamps.

  “Wow the rain is still pouring down hard.” Patrick said more to fill the silence than for any other reason. “I’m going to have me a shot. Anybody want one? Reverend? Mrs. Hilltop? How about you Constable?”

  “Thanks, I better pass for now.” Willie said and added with a mumble. “Got to keep my senses.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” Randy said as he headed back to the bar. “Agnes, would you like another glass of wine?”

  “White, please… just a bit.” Agnes said, leaning over Veronica’s body. “What’s that on her arm there?”

  “What is it?” Willie squatted back down. “Looks red… could be a rash. It might be where I caught her when she fell.

  Randy walked over and handed Agnes the glass of wine then took a gulp of brandy. It took his breath. “Does she have anyone that needs to be contacted?”

  Willie straightened up and ran his hand through his hair. “I hadn’t thought about it. Thanks for reminding me. I’ll call Gay and let her check the records. I don’t have a clue.”

  “I wonder who was at the front door.” Agnes mused. “Shouldn’t Nicholas be back by now?”

  “It does seem like he’s been gone too long.” Patrick noted. “Then again, he’s probably experimenting with the lamp and shadows on the wall.”

  “I guess I better go check on him.” Willie said. “I’m going to take another lamp. If you need more light than that, don’t forget the candles. Tell the sisters if they get back before I do.” He picked up the lamp and left.

  “Wow, one lamp doesn’t put out much light.” Patrick said. “Maybe I should light a candle or two.”

  “It’s not so bad and somebody will be back soon.” Randy said with a crooked grin. “Makes the wrinkles not look so deep.” Then he winked at Patrick.

  “O… Kay ….” Patrick dragged the word out slow and deliberate. “Uh, I think I’ll go light a couple candles anyway.”

  “I meant her. You dumb ass.” Randy slurred the explanation.

  “Reverend,” Agnes said with a smiled and a laugh. “You have always been a flirtation drunk. And Patrick, I wouldn’t bet he didn’t mean both of us.”

  “Now Aggie, you know I always had a thing for you.”

  “Really? Do you know Elva still carries a grudge towards me for the incident all those years ago?”

  “The incident?” He giggled then caught himself and stopped. “I forgot all about the incident.”

  “Well Elva’s getting more dingy every day. She’s losing her mind and now she’s returning to her childhood. She threw the incident up in my face tonight. I hadn’t thought about it in years and now that her mind’s failing she’s revisiting it. And we don’t need that now, do we? She can be violent you know.”

  “We were so mean. Well you and Valerie were. Wasn’t that her name? Higg…, something or other.”

  Agnes sighed and took a sip of her wine. “Higginbottom. She really was a dear and then her death. Do you know part of me still believes Elva had something to do with it? More than just an accident that is.”

  “Now, now, she was cleared of all those charges.” Randy said. “And we did do what we did.” He laughed then shook his head as if to make himself quit.

  “It was all for fun but….” Agnes stopped as Sarah, Elva and Tamika returned.

  “We got everything set up and situated. We are ready for whoever wants to stay.” Sarah declared. “Elva, would you cover the poor dear deceased girl?”

  Elva stopped and looked around a moment. “Sarah, I wonder who was at the door. Where’s Nicholas?”

  “You’re right, and the Constable. Where’s Nicholas?” Sarah asked Agnes.

  “He never came back and Willie went to look for him.” Agnes answered.

  “Oh my, something must be wrong.” Sarah declared. “Here let me have the blanket and I’ll cover her up. I need to keep busy. I can’t imagine why they aren’t back.”

  “Sarah, everything is okay. I’ll go find them.” Tamika picked up the lamp she had just sat down and left the room.

  Almost as soon as Tamika left the room she came back in with Willie just behind her.

  “Thank goodness.” Sarah declared with a deep breath then she kept watching. Nicholas wasn’t following them. She dropped the blanket and ran over to them. “Where’s Nicholas? How did you get wet? What’s going on?”

  “Sarah, calm down. Panic isn’t going to help anything.” Willie said. “Nicholas isn’t there. When I got there the front door was open. Nicholas was gone. There was mud all over both the external and internal foyer. I went outside and called him. I checked the den and the fr
ont sitting room. Nothing. I came back to get some help. We will break down and look the house over. He has to be here. Surely he didn’t go out into the heavy rain. As for someone being at the door, there’s just the muddy mess all over the place. But most of all I need you to stay calm. Sarah do you hear me? Are you listening?”

  “Yes Willie, I’m listening.”

  Willie walked over and gave her a hug and a pat on the back. “It will be okay. Don’t worry. We will break down in teams and search the house and the grounds. But first we need to move the Deputy’s body into the library.”

  He let loose and walked over to the body, paused and started looking around. Then he squatted down and looked closer. “Where’s the Deputy’s gun? It’s gone. Did anybody take it?”

  Willie stood up and looked around the room, from face to face. Everyone remained quiet.

  Willie stood there trying to remember before he accused everyone. Did she have her gun? He couldn’t remember. He hadn’t noticed. Maybe she had left it in her car but why would she have done that? He would have to go check.

  “Come on guys let’s get the Deputy moved then we will break up into groups and find the boy.” Willie said.