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Marigolds Morning Glories Murder
The Garden Club Murder Mystery Series
By McKenzy M. McBreey
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2012 McKenzy M. McBreey
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4685-7638-2
Chapter One
Pippin's death was ruled a homicide. I questioned Matt about the details of her death, and he informed me it was an ongoing investigation. I knew he would not discuss it with me. Of course, rumor has it that Marnie killed her, but she never left the room.
Tomorrow is Pippin's funeral. Yancy Martin's husband, Sam, is overseeing the service. Deedee Hall is organizing the luncheon after the service. Apparently, Marnie is out of town, visiting her sick mother.
Even though the thought of Pippin lying in the morgue gave me the shivers, it was a beautiful sunny day in Mountain Valley. For the time being, I was just going to put Pippin out of my mind, and enjoy my morning coffee on the back deck. Matt and I were lucky to find our four-bedroom house located right on the lake, a half-mile from the center of town. Carey Stone and her husband were the previous owners. After Carey's husband died, she decided to sell the property and moved into a small cottage at the edge of town.
Matt had fed our two horses, Sir Kingsley and Brandy, before leaving early this morning. The house is quiet, except for sounds coming from the kitchen. Molly, our retriever, is in the kitchen chewing on her favorite bone, lying on the sunlit floor. Four months ago, Matt found Molly on the side of the road. Nobody claimed her, so she is now a member of our family.
Normally, on a Monday morning, I would have been in my studio loft, working. I recently opened my own business, designing greeting cards. Today, I decided to take some time off and invited Kim Jacobs, Ellen Mills, Caroline Owens and Yancy Martin over for lunch.
After setting the table on the back deck, I took a quick shower. I towel dried my shoulder length brunette hair, applied my makeup, and dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt. I was ready for the day.
Kim arrived with her dog, Bowser, a strange looking dachshund mix, with a good disposition. Molly loves playing with Bowser. Kim Jacobs was born in Mountain Valley. For the past ten years, she has been teaching at the elementary school. She recently took a leave of absence to spend more time with her kids. Kim is also a new member of the garden club.
Apparently, last year Kim's kids, Andrew and Ashley, decided to have a party while Kim and Doug, her husband, were at work. Someone called the police because a couple of teenagers were shooting the neighbor's house with paint ball guns, and they were seen running into the Jacobs' house. Her kids deny having anything to do with the party. They claim a bunch of kids just showed up after school, with a couple of six-packs of beer, and started partying. They have never changed their story.
Kim and I were outside on the deck when Caroline, Yancy and Ellen came around the sideyard to join us. Caroline moved to Mountain Valley a year ago, and recently opened The Big Bean cafe. Yancy has lived in Mountain Valley for three years. Ellen has been the town's veterinarian for twenty-five years. She has a new business partner who is sharing the workload, giving Ellen more time to 'seek new life experiences,' as Ellen would say.
"Laurel, I have to say you lucked out getting this property. You have one of the best views of the mountains and the lake," Yancy commented.
"Thanks, Yancy. Matt and I love it. By the way, Yancy, I understand when you found Pippin, you called Anita Stallings at the police department, instead of 911. I was wondering why?"
"Oh, that's because everybody knows, up to a few years ago, Anita handled most all the emergency calls. She is known for her efficiency. If you want something done right, call Anita," answered Yancy.
"Ok, let's get down to business," Kim spoke up. "Laurel, who does Matt think killed Pippin?"
"He won't tell me anything, except it's an ongoing investigation."
"Ok everybody, look what I brought, pictures of Pippin!" Yancy nearly fell out of her chair, as she whipped a stack of photos from her purse. Yancy had photographed pictures of the crime scene, never mentioning it to anyone.
"I can't believe you took those, Yancy. I really didn't think you, of all people, a minister's wife, would have it in you. I think of you as prim and proper, and rather uptight," Ellen commented.
"Ellen this is the 21st century. I'm into technology, especially with my new little digital camera. About being uptight, what is that supposed to mean?" Yancy questioned.
"Well, since you asked, you are like the ideal straight-laced minister's wife. Baking for all the bake sales, being at all the charity events, most likely sex on Saturday, need I continue?" Ellen laughed.
"Ladies, I'll have you know, I know more than you think. Oh, and by the way, when you see my husband on Sunday morning, standing at the pulpit with that big smile on his face, it's because I know how to service my man," stated Yancy, with a grin on her face.
"Ok, so we now know why we have a happy minister, and we have pictures of a murder victim. Maybe, we can figure out who killed poor Pippin," stated Kim, while viewing the photos. With a shudder, Kim returned the photos to their envelope on the table.
"Kim, it's probably not a good idea to include me in we. I'm married to the chief of police, remember?"
"Laurel, it's not like we would interfere with his police work. By the way, I saw Matt at the cafe this morning. That English girl at the counter was drooling over him. She reminds me of a sheep dog, with her long streaked bangs, hanging over her eyes."
"I know, I've seen her. She flirts with him, even when I'm there. Getting back to Pippin, Yancy, did you tell the police you had these pictures?"
"No, they took their own."
"I know, but you took these before anyone else came into the ladies' room. You really need to give these to the police."
"How about if I just leave them here, with you, and you can give them to Matt?" questioned Yancy.
"Fine." I knew Matt was not going to be happy about the photos, especially since Yancy had kept them.
"I know a few of the members in the club were not happy with Pippin," stated Caroline. "It had something to do with the books. I heard she wanted an audit. Sonja and some of the board members didn't think it was necessary."
"The books are supposed to be audited by an outside party; it's in the by-laws. That audit rule was incorporated, when one of the past treasurers used some of the funds, to benefit the update of her new wardrobe. I wonder why someone would not want an audit? unless there was a cover-up. And who is going to take Pippin's place?" Ellen questioned.
"Pamela Higgins volunteered, and from what I understand, she's been a bookkeeper," Caroline explained.
"That's interesting, because when I was at The Big Bean, I ran into Darla Mounts, and she told me she was taking over the books," Kim said thoughtfully.
"I don't know why Sonja would let Darla do the books. From what I understand she doesn't really know much about bookkeeping, at least that's what I heard," remarked Ellen. "I thought Darla was doing the newsletter, which she said she didn't really know how to do, either."
"Maybe that's what Sonja wants, somebody who doesn't know what they are doing. That definitely would be Darla. I heard that Sonja told the board that things are going to be run differently, now that she's the president," commented Caroline. "I wonder what that's supposed to mean?"
"We will just have to wait and see," I said. "By the way, Deedee Hall called and wants the food dropped off at the community room in the morning, before Pippin's funeral. She's asking for items that don't have to be refrigerated."
"My guess is the murderer is probably going to be there tomorrow. One of us could be standing next to him or her, and not even know it," said Kim.
"Of course we wouldn't know it, Kim. We don't know who killed Pippin. But, if I had to guess, I think Big Bart did it," Caroline stated, with a solemn look on her face.
"I'm sure the police checked out where he was on Monday. I think it's his wife, Annelee. She found out they were having an affair, and knocked off poor Pippin," answered Kim. "Besides, Big Bart and Pippin in a stall together? Physically impossible."
"We really don't know if Pippin and Big Bart were even having an affair," I commented.
"It's really a good thing Annelee wasn't at the meeting," Ellen solemnly stated.
"What puzzles me is Pippin's anger she expressed at the meeting. It's just so out of character for her, she was so agitated," Caroline thoughtfully contemplated.
"I know one thing for sure," said Ellen. "Dick told me he had to order an extra-extra large coffin. Pippin was a large woman, who I found was always very caring, with a big heart."
"And, she did love her baked goods," remarked Caroline.
* * *
After everyone left, I had some time to work on an order of wedding invitations before Matt came home.
"Laurel, where are you?" Matt called out as I heard the backdoor slam.
"Up here in the loft," I answered, just as I was finishing the order.
"Honey, I have something for you," I said, reaching for Yancy's photos, when Matt entered.
"And I have something for you," Matt answered, pulling me to my feet, wrapping his arms around my waist while nuzzling my neck with his warm kisses. The photos were soon forgotten as our clothes fell to the floor, and he lowered me onto the couch. We both were soon caught up in the pleasures of the moment.
Chapter Two
The town chapel was filled to capacity with those who came to pay their respects to Pippin. Matt and I were sitting in one of the back pews. The garden club's memorial committee had created a beautiful arrangement of orange and yellow marigolds that was placed in front of the coffin. Evidently, marigolds were Pippin's favorite flower. Since Pippin was a good one hundred pounds overweight, the casket was rather large and needed to be rolled on the cart by the pallbearers.
Big Bart was one of the pallbearers. He was in a tight fitting dark suit, with his red hair and beard in its usual unruly manner. He looked uncomfortable without his plumber's attire and tool belt. Actually, it was the first time his butt crack was not exposed in public ... thank God for small miracles. How a man could not feel that cold air on his behind is astonishing, let alone his wife letting him leave the house like that. At least, she could get him some suspenders. Maybe she told him about his appearance, and like most men, he did not listen.
Getting the casket to the burial site was somewhat of a struggle. A few times, it appeared as if the casket was ready to tip, but finally Pippin was put to rest. It had been a beautiful service. Afterwards, the people gathered at the community center for the luncheon. By noon, half the people who attended the luncheon had already left. It had been a peaceful day until suddenly, a loud shrill scream filled the air. Lynn Struts collapsed to the floor. A large shadowy figure clouded the front doorway.
Pippin, in the flesh! The room fell into total silence. Suddenly, a deep voice echoed from the back of the room. "Everyone, this is Paula Marks, Pippin's twin sister," declared Bob Haas.
Twin was an understatement. They were identical from their curling strawberry blonde hair, round apple face and one hundred extra pounds on a 5'2" frame. Obviously, no one knew Pippin had a twin, except for Pippin's husband, Bob Haas, who had announced Paula's arrival.
A commotion took over the room. Lynn was attended to, and did not sustain any injuries. Of course, everyone who knew Pippin was wondering how she could have kept this secret.
I looked over at my husband Matt, and could tell by the pensive look on his face that he would soon be questioning Paula Marks and Bob Haas.
Chapter Three
Across the street, from the community room, the murderer lurked behind the old oak tree watching as Pippin disappeared through the doorway.
This could not be, I killed her! The murderer began to gasp for air, trying to breathe.
Just stop. That is all I have to do. Stop and think. The inner voice whispered. I know that is not Pippin. I saw her in the casket.
Chapter Four
Sonja Trimmel was having her afternoon glass of wine while relaxing on her back porch swing, reflecting on her relationship with Pippin. They had their differences, but she certainly never dreamed someone would murder Pippin. Pippin could be quite pushy, especially, when she really wanted something done her way. It was rumored Pippin was having an affair with Big Bart, all vicious gossip.
Big Bart and Sonja had become close over the years, but no one suspected or knew about their relationship. They would meet two hours away at the Cloveland Motel twice a month.
When Sonja's husband, Hal, took up golf three years ago, Sonja never saw him except when he came home late in the evening, after being out with the boys. This turned into a seven day a week habit, rain or shine.
According to Big Bart, his wife Annelee was not interested in sex anymore, so it worked out just fine for Sonja. Big Bart might be a big man, but he has what it takes to keep Sonja happy and Sonja did like her sex. A woman had to do what a woman had to do, was her sentiment, especially since she would soon be seventy-six. She certainly was not getting any younger. Big Bart, being a younger man, was great. Sonja never let Big Bart know her true age.
Her husband, Hal, always had a complaint or was just too tired for sex. Hal's idea of foreplay was turning off the TV. Of course, he would only turn it off during a commercial, and he could be done by the time his show resumed. He was proud of his accomplishment to get off in a timely manner. Yes, as far as Sonja was concerned, he can stick with his buddies and golf.
The ringing doorbell interrupted Sonja's tranquil afternoon. Sonja glanced around the corner to see her new neighbor, Candace Hatcher, standing on the front porch, peering into her house through the glass squares in the door. Oh, my goodness! I do not want to see that woman, Sonja thought.
How Candace could afford the house she bought a year ago, next to Sonja's, was speculated upon. It was rumored she was riding the alimony pony from husband number three, and husband number two had paid for her set of 36 double D's. Candace was pretty enough, for a forty-two-year-old, with her thick long auburn hair and trim 5'9" figure. She dressed like a twenty-year-old, wearing mini skirts, tight tops and high boots. The rumor is she is looking for husband number four, and has been participating in online dating, as well as dating any available man in town.
Sonja took off up the back stairwell to hide in her bedroom. Just as she quickly entered her bedroom, she heard Candace shouting out her name. "Sonja, Sonja, are you home? I need to talk to you. I see your car in the driveway. Where are you?"
Sonja froze. She could hear Candace's voice echoing sporadically. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps was on the stairwell. Sonja darted in the closet, pulling the plantation style double doors closed.
"Sonja, are you up here?" questioned Candace, as she walked into Sonja's bedroom.
Sonja peered through the plantation door slats, watching as Candace stood in the middle of the room. Candace bent down beside the bed, lifting the dust ruffle, and took her time looking under the bed.
What is wrong with that woman? Why would she think I would be under my bed? Oh my, I know what she found. My old stand-by vibrator and extra batteries. I should just jump out of the closet and scare her, but then I would have to talk to her. No, I will just wait for her to leave, Sonja pondered, not moving.
Candace stood turning toward the closet. Sonja held her breath. If Candace opens the door, Sonja will tell her she is sorting through her clothes to donate to charity. Candace walked out of the bedroom. Sonja stayed in the closet for an hour, missing the phone call from Lynn Struts announcing Pippin's twin sister's arrival. Lynn does not believe in leaving messages.
Chapter Five
Maggie Kline was filling an order in her florist shop when the bell to the door rang. Looking up she saw Brice standing in the doorway.
Oh no, here we go again, she thought.
"Maggie, I came to talk to you about setting a date for our wedding," Brice stated, walking to the counter, running his fingers through his dark silver streaked hair. Brice was quite attractive, all 6'3" of him, with a hard muscular body and piercing steel gray eyes.
"Brice, I told you, if we get married, we need to move into a house we both agree upon," Maggie said, while she continued working on the flower arrangement. Maggie had moved in temporarily with Brice. After Maggie moved in Brice decided to build an extra bathroom. He knocked the outside wall down, and the next day became sidetracked with building a new addition to the garage.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Marigolds Morning Glories Murder by McKenzy M. McBreey Copyright © 2012 by McKenzy M. McBreey. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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