Death in Dahlonega (A Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Book 1) (9 page)

Chapter Eighteen

I’m sorry about your misfortune. I’ve been told John touched a lot of people’s lives, but not always for the best.” I spied the Visitor’s Center approaching and knew the ride was ending, and I’d almost forgotten the magazine interview. “Sueleigh, can we take another lap around? I want to ask you a few more questions. Uh, about the carriage rides.”

“If there’s no one waiting. You want more information about the horses? We train our own you know. My father has trained carriage horses for people all over the United States.”

“Uh, yeah, that’s interesting.” I scribbled so she’d think I really cared about the horses, and glanced over my shoulder. DeeDee’s fingers were steepled in prayer, her eyes closed and lips moving. I shouted to get her attention and made a circle with my hand indicating we were going another round. She gave me a little wave. “Uh, Sueleigh. Can you think of anything else that might help clear my friend’s name?”

“Nope, I can’t tell you anything else that would help.” She smiled thin and even, more like a sneer under her carefully placed façade.

I could see continuing this line of questioning was pointless. Sueleigh had given me enough to confirm she had as much a reason to want Tatum dead as anyone. And, she’d added two more suspects to my list. John certainly didn’t hold a special place in her parents’ hearts, either.

“One more question. I’m looking for Tommy Hawkins. Do you know where he lives?” I thought those Tammy Faye eyes would pop right out of her head.

“Everybody knows Tommy Hawkins. Look, you don’t want to go out there. He’s crazy. He used to go around town, drunk as a skunk, telling anyone who’d listen he was going to kill John for shooting his brother.” Sueleigh pulled back on the reins at the stop, and the carriage slowed to a halt.

“I heard as much. I need to talk with him, though. It sounds like he had every reason to want John dead. Don’t you agree?”

She bobbed her head in agreement, catching my bait. “Yeah, sure. But that doesn’t mean you need to go out there. You’re asking for trouble if you do.”

“Please tell me where ‘there’ is. If it were your friend in trouble, wouldn’t you want to help her?” I must have hit a chord on her heartstrings because I could see her expression soften.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. The Hawkins’ are the meanest folks in these parts. Everyone says they run a still back up in the woods behind their house. They’ve made it clear they don’t want anyone snooping around their property.” Her blue-shadowed eyes widened as she spoke. “Are you familiar with Amicalola Falls?”

I nodded my head yes.

“That’s the road you’ll take. Go five miles out of town until you see the sign. Take a right, and go another ten miles or so and you’ll see the entrance, but don’t turn in. You’re going to go past the entrance and down the road another three or four miles.” She gestured each turn with her hands.

I jotted down the directions in haste. I hoped I’d be able to read them when the time came. Outside the carriage, I had Dee Dee take a few shots of Sueleigh, posing with her horse.

By the time we said good-bye, you’d have thought we were best friends. It didn’t seem to dawn on her that I had asked her questions that could implicate her in a murder. Maybe she wasn’t “the brightest bulb in the room,” but I’d taken a liking to this girl and hoped she didn’t have anything to do with Tatum’s murder.

Dee Dee and I were beat, emotionally and physically, and I needed to get back to the inn and check on Nana. “Come on, assistant.” I hobbled a few steps and Dee Dee took my elbow to help steady me. “Let’s go see what trouble Nana’s cooked up.”

When I limped into the room, Nana sat up sharply.

“Missy, what’s wrong with you? Is your knee acting up again? If it were me, I wouldn’t wait to have surgery.”

“It’s not your knee they’re going to cut open, Nana.” I clipped, and regretted it. She was right, though. I had put it off much too long. My job required a lot of walking, so the condition wasn’t going to get any better as time went by. I made a mental note to consult with the orthopedic surgeon when we got back home. Sooner than later I hoped.

Nana sat on a cot surrounded by an empty pizza box and a big bottle of Coke she’d had for lunch, and practically thrummed with the sugar coursing through her veins. “Well, do you see anything different?”

I assumed she was talking about the roll-away and not the food.

In the crowded room, the extra bed made it impossible to go to the bathroom without turning sideways. The small area had become a breeding ground for stubbed toes and bumped knees.

“And who will be sleeping on the cot, may I ask?”

Nana spoke up. “I don’t mind sleeping on it. I’m tough.”

Dee Dee glanced at me with raised eyebrows, then turned to Nana. “Nana! Don’t be silly. I’ll be glad to.”

“Oh, good grief. I was kidding!” I sank down on the cot, squeaks filling the room, wires poking my backside. “Can’t you guys take a little humor?”

“You most certainly will not. Your knee is killing you. I won’t have you tossing and turning all night. You’ll keep us awake,” Dee Dee winked. She stood with her hands on her hips, looking as if she could take on the world. Who was I to argue? She needed a little control in her life. Since my knee hurt, it was a win-win situation.

“Ladies, let’s save this for later. I’m hungry, and they’re serving dinner now. You don’t want to miss it, do you? Just let me get my pocketbook.”

Dee Dee and I grabbed our purses, too, and together we maneuvered out of the door.

Chapter Nineteen

The dining room held a menagerie of people. The sights and sounds transported me back to Granny Morgan’s where my family would meet for weekly Sunday dinners. The dark oak floors of the dining room shone like polished glass. Off-white wainscoting complimented the flowered wallpaper. Country blue molding and chair rails tied everything together like a photo in Southern Living magazine.

High ceilings, painted to match the wainscot, were accented with heavy oak beams and chandeliers that hung over each large family style table. The smell of frying chicken and freshly baked biscuits swirled around me like ghosts from a time gone by.

My eyes scanned the room, and I observed guests partaking of homemade dishes. Others sat with heads close together, talking and laughing, all of them oblivious to our troubles.

Nana interrupted my thoughts. “Why, there’s Joyce, and that nice, young nephew of hers. He had the cot set up in our room in no time at all. They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore. Except for Beau, of course,” she added, with a sharp elbow to my ribs.

Joyce approached and led us to a large round table already occupied by Sheriff Wheeler. “Ladies, I hope you enjoy your meal. If you need anything, be sure and let me know.” She gave us a smile and went off to tend to other guests.

“Good evening.” Sherriff Wheeler greeted us by standing up, offering out a chair to Nana and when she’d accepted, pushed it in with a chivalrous flare.

I gaped after Joyce, now chatting at another table. Why did she seat us here? She had to have made a mistake.

Nana floated out her napkin.

“Nana, get up. We’re going to find another table.” I placed a hand on her chair back.

“Trixie, what’s gotten into you? There’s nothing wrong with this table, and I’m not moving.” She stuck to the seat like glue. She made goo-goo eyes at the sheriff. Not long ago, I thought he was easy on the eyes. Things change. Right this minute he didn’t look so good to me. His sidekick, Deputy Ray, plodded across the room and, with a nod, sat next to him.

“Trixie, sit down. You’re making a scene,” Dee Dee pleaded. Her face paled in the dim light.

How dare he do this to her! Couldn’t he leave us alone long enough to eat in peace? I had a gut feeling this was a set up.

“Trixie, why don’t you introduce your young friend? I don’t believe we’ve met.” The sheriff met my eyes.

Oh puleeeeeeeese
.

Nana grinned from ear to ear.

“Sheriff Wheeler, this is my great-aunt. Nana, this is Sheriff Wheeler.” I reluctantly sat down, and settled my napkin. “Shouldn’t you be out looking for John Tatum’s murderer?”

He met my gaze with equal measure, and then turned back to my aunt. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ma’am. I see where your niece gets her good looks.” He shook Nana’s hand and held it longer than necessary.

The waiters brought large bowls of mashed potatoes, green beans, potato salad, and baked beans and sat them on the table. Silence ensued for the next few minutes while everyone filled their plates. I needed energy, so I wasn’t going to let this put a damper on my appetite. Looking at the mountains of mashed potatoes piled on the other plates, I could tell no one else was, either.

After several minutes, the sheriff disclosed the reason for this supposedly impromptu meeting. “I heard you’ve been asking some questions of our local citizens.”

“That’s what writers do, Sheriff Wheeler.” I gave him a sickeningly sweet smile.

“You know what I mean. This is serious, and I’m not going to be responsible for what might happen to you.” The sheriff put both hands on the edge of the table and gave me his now famous “I’m not kidding” look.

“All right, I won’t hold you responsible.” I had no intention of giving in yet. I had leads to follow. I returned his look with my best “I’m not giving up” stare.

He continued. “I have some information that might lead us to another suspect. This could possibly clear Dee Dee once and for all. It’s being checked into as we speak.” He leaned in further towards me, returned my gaze, and didn’t look away.

What beautiful blue eyes you have, Jake
.

“I promise to let you know if anything transpires from the lead. Now, you promise to leave the investigation to us.”

He looked so satisfied; I hated to burst his bubble. “That’s great news Sheriff, but I’m not sure I can do that. I have more people to interview for my article. I can’t help it if they’re acquaintances of Tatum’s. It’s a small town, after all.”

His demeanor changed in a millisecond. He grumbled, just loud enough for me to hear. “Look, Ms. Montgomery, I’ve tried being nice to you. I know this has been hard on you and Ms. Lamont, but stay out of where you don’t belong. Consider yourself warned.” With hands on the edge of the table, he pushed his chair back and nodded to Deputy Ray.

“But, I’m not through eating yet.” The deputy met his boss’s eyes and he changed his mind. “Oh. I guess I’ve had enough.” He scooted his chair back and tipped his hat to us. “Ladies.”

With that, we watched the local law enforcement, and any olive branch they might have offered, storm out of the restaurant.

Chapter Twenty

The rest of our meal subdued, we finished our dessert and retreated to our room.

“Trixie, you heard what that handsome sheriff said. Are you going to mind him?” Only Nana had the nerve to ask, but I saw the same question mirrored on Dee Dee’s face.

“Nana, I really
am
working on an article. Remember, that’s why I came to Dahlonega in the first place. I’m just taking the opportunity to ask questions that might help Dee Dee while I’m at it. What if I trust the sheriff, who wants to run for mayor, and he slams the case closed? And Dee Dee behind bars!”

“Put that way, it’s as clear as the nose on my face. That’s why you need my help.” She had a glint in her eye that scared me. I half-expected her to grab her jacket and pocketbook again and head out the door. “Together, I bet we can not only clear Dee Dee, but solve who did this terrible thing.”

“Uh, that’s great Nana. I’m sure you’ll be an asset.” It was late; I didn’t have the energy to argue. I still had research to do before I could go to sleep. I looked to the closed door and sighed. “Dee Dee’s sure been in the bathroom a long time.”

“That girl needs to see a doctor. It’s like watching a commercial with the leaky pipe people!”

Right then, the door flew open, and in Dee Dee bounced, dressed in her bright green kitty pajamas.

“Well, who let the cats out?” Nana asked. I doubled over in a fit of laughter.

“Very funny,” she said as she grinned. “Y’all are jealous because you don’t have any p.j.s like this.” She modeled for us, to our hoots of laughter.

“You’re right.” We both laughed and applauded.

Dee Dee gingerly made her way to the roll away bed and straightened out the blankets. She sat down and sighed.

“How are you really doing, Dee Dee?” I clasped her hand and pressed my lips together in a smile. I wanted to help her so badly. I couldn’t imagine being in her shoes.

“I feel a little better since Sheriff Wheeler told us he has another person of interest. Isn’t that good news?” She shook off her matching kitty slippers and put her feet on the bed.

“Yes, it is. I won’t be satisfied, though, until they’ve made an arrest. Then I’ll breathe easy.” I spoke slowly, watching Nana grab her toothbrush and jammies and head to the bathroom. I made sure the door closed tight before I lowered the boom.

“I plan on driving out to the Hawkins’ in the morning. From everything we’ve been told, Tommy could be a prime suspect. I’m not sure what reason I’m going to use for an interview. I don’t suppose I could tell him I’m doing a story about stills, and someone told me he might have one in working condition?” I emitted a nervous laugh.

Dee Dee smiled, but shook her head. “Very funny, but I don’t think so. Approaching the Hawkins clan sounds dangerous to me.” She pulled the covers up to her nose.

“I’ll come up with some idea tomorrow. I have to.”

“Well, if you insist on going, I’m going with you. After all, you’re doing this for me. The least I can do is help.” Dee Dee wore the look she would don when she was dead set on doing something. I didn’t even try to talk her out of it. My problem was to figure out how to keep Nana from joining us.

Dee Dee smoothed the bed covers. “I called Sarah to see how things were at the shop. She told me not to worry, business couldn’t be better. And she was fine working alone. I hope when I reach her age I can be as active as she is.”

We sat and discussed what we had learned from talking with Miranda and Sueleigh. Both of us were in a lighter mood with the news that Sheriff Wheeler had another person of interest. In a few minutes, Nana emerged from the bathroom wearing a nightie that had surely been ordered from Victoria’s Secret.

Something was definitely going on with Nana. What would cause this gray-haired little lady to become so flirtatious lately? I had many memories of my spunky great-aunt, but flirting shamelessly was not one of them. Now the sexy nightie? I would have to keep a watch on her.

Even though it wasn’t quite dark, Nana and Dee Dee had settled down to sleep. I turned off the big light and used my book light to read from one of the Dahlonega research books I’d brought from home.

Harv had asked me to look for a murder that took place during the original gold rush days and, after looking at several books, I found an unsolved murder I thought would make a good article.

In the early 1930s, a farmer named Donnie Haygood lived and worked the land that had been handed down through generations of his family. His great-grandfather, Micah Haygood, had won the acreage in the Cherokee Land Lottery. Micah hoped to find gold, but was unsuccessful. The spread became a working farm, and the Haygoods spent their spare time looking for gold.

Tired of working his farm, Donnie decided to sell and move into town, hoping to offer his children a better life. He promised the property to a buyer, but before the transaction took place, Donnie discovered gold and backed out of the deal.

A few days later he was found dead behind the assayer’s office.

I screwed my lips and tried to remember if I’d seen or heard anything about this at the gold museum. I yawned and set the light and the book down, unable to keep my eyes open any longer.

It seemed I’d just laid down when my eyes opened to light peeping through the curtains. Propped up on one elbow, I craned my neck to see the alarm clock. The lighted face of the clock showed it was nearly seven. I seriously considered turning over and going back to sleep. In my dazed, half-awake, half-asleep state, my dream of a handsome cowboy tempted me to resume snoozing.

But sleeping in was not a luxury I could afford. Important interviews waited. I wanted to interview Tommy Hawkins as soon as possible. I willed myself to jump up and rush around with enthusiasm, but I couldn’t.
Cowgirl up!
It took several minutes before I could force my tired body from the bed.

It wasn’t easy maneuvering around Dee Dee’s cot. I stumbled, bumped into her bed, and fell over on a wadded up body.

“What the ….” Dee Dee shot up like a jack-in-the-box.

I held my sore knee. “I’m sorry, Dee Dee.”

“Are you okay?” She asked with concern in her voice, and rubbed sleep from her eyes.

“Yeah, I’m all right.” I held my painful knee. “I hit my knee. I tried to be quiet.”

“Need me to do anything?” She spoke in a sleep-slurred voice.

“No. Go back to sleep. I’m going to get a shower. We’ve got a lot to accomplish today.”

She rolled over, covered up, and started snoring.

Another head popped up on the other bed, reminding me of a bobble-head doll. “What’s going on over there?”

Nana! “Nothing, Nana, everything’s fine. You can go back to sleep.”

She did, and right quick, two of my favorite people in the world snored in unison.

When I flipped on the bathroom light, a big black spider fled the scene. I looked around for any other creepy, crawly creatures sharing quarters with the spider. Coast clear! I turned on the water as warm as I could stand it.

Several minutes of warm water relaxed my tight muscles. I toweled off and dressed as quietly as possible. I applied a double dose of make-up to cover the dark bags that had sprung up, literally overnight.

I would need all the help I could get this day if I were to charm a story out of the likes of the Hawkins clan!