A Frosty Mug of Murder Read online

  I started. “What do you want to talk about?”

  “Elias. He’s always been a little off, but he started acting real weird just before Donna’s death. I overheard him a few times talking about starting some sort of high tech company, robots or something. And I think he borrowed a lot of money to start it.”

  I shrugged. “So? And why tell us?”

  “Everyone knows you’re poking around into the murder and you’re the only one today to show me some kindness when we talked on the bench outside the police station. Plus I know you’re one of the few who’s probably aware I didn’t do it. So you’re the only one I can really tell, other than the police. And I already told them.” She paused a moment. “I think he may have killed her to pay off some large debts. I don’t like him at all, however I don’t make accusations lightly. But he might have done it.”

  I reached out and touched her hand. “Thank you for sharing. I know this is hard for you.”

  “Yes, it is. Knowing all of this, and living under this particular roof. It is an odd situation to say the least.”

  Piper broke her silence. “Let us know if we can do anything else to help.”

  Amber nodded slightly, then started waving and bounced on her feet. “Dad! I thought you were going to spend the night there.”

  Robert was slowly walking up the front walk to the porch steps and replied. “I think they thought about keeping me all night. They just kept asking questions about what I was doing all day. They asked who saw me and then they would leave me alone for a while, then come back again. I even gave them all my receipts to show I was in town doing business. But they kept me sitting in the conference room, alone, until a detective finally came in and interviewed me some more, asking once more where I was all day. Finally, the Sheriff came in and told me that they weren’t going to hold me for the night, so I could leave. I’m so tired now.”

  Amber beamed. “I was so worried. But you’re home now. Are you hungry? I have some left overs in the fridge.”

  He smiled. “No, I’m good. And hello Ginger and Piper.” We both nodded politely in reply and Robert continued. “What are you doing in the foyer. It appears to be taped off and the police told me to keep to the in-law apartment in back. We shouldn’t be here.”

  Amber hugged her father and said, “We’re pretty much done here and I was just about to head back to the apartment.”

  Piper added, “Thanks for the information, Amber. But we should be going now and leave you two alone. We’re sorry to have bothered you.”

  Amber was actually smiling when she replied. “It’s okay. Dad’s home, things are getting better already. Oh, by the way, you should just leave using the front walk.” She squinted like she was about to tell us a secret. “Less cats that way.”

  I laughed because she was the last person I expected to be funny. “Thanks for the tip, less cats is good. We’ll see ya around. Thanks again.”

  We slowly made our way down the front walk. Piper whispered to me in a gruff manner. “What did she mean you probably knew she didn’t do it.”

  “She was just guessing since she told me she didn’t do it. And I do believe her.”

  Piper eyed me from the side of her face. “Hmph! Okay, I guess. So after all the gymnastics here, what did we learn?”

  “Well, neither of them did it. But I am pretty sure Elias and Amber are not having an affair.”

  Piper chuckled, “I’m surprised that they haven’t killed each other yet.”

  And with that we went to gather our motley crew. We found Digger covered in grass and leaves, plus a foul smelling unknown substance. Dog had mysteriously applied some black makeup to his face and was shaking his right foot, trying to get all the dead mice parts off. And Guardrail had beads of sweat streaming down his face and he was breathing so hard I thought he might pass out.

  I asked Dog, “Where did you get that black stuff for your face?”

  Dog shrugged, “I’m surprised Guardrail and Digger didn’t bring some too? It's what you do on a stake out.”

  I sighed.

  With endless chatter about precocious cats and our failed attempt to inspect the den again, we headed back to The Grumpy Chicken while taking care to stay out of sight. While we weren’t fit for human eyes, we also didn’t want anyone knowing we had visited the Holland place.

  It was after ten o’clock when we straggled on back to find a small crowd at the pub. We were all tired from the long day and Dog, Digger, and Guardrail went immediately for their usual stools. Piper leaned on the bar to talk with Dixie, and I went behind the bar. Guardrail plopped the box full of gear on the bar and I poured shots for the five members of the stake out team, then passed them out.

  Digger spoke, “To Donna, may she rest in peace.”

  We all repeated ‘to Donna’ and downed our shots. Guardrail added, “And to the chicken, may he rest in peace and not bother us again.” He took a sip from his beer after saying it. I eyed him to non-verbally let him know I didn’t like mention of the ghoulish fowl in the public areas.

  Dixie interrupted, “Well where is mine? Why am I being left out?”

  Bones yelled through the order window, “What about me too?”

  “You’re both working! And “Bones you’re underage.” I honestly try to avoid speaking like the boss, but at times it just comes out that way.

  Dixie chided me, “You’re drinking, so why can’t we?”

  “I’m about as off duty as you can get. I’m spent. And Guardrail, please get that dirty box off the bar.”

  I said good night to everyone and went up the stairs to the apartment. I needed sleep and Dixie and Bones would have to close-up shop tonight.

  Chapter Eleven

  The next day, I woke with a headache. Discovering a murder victim, experiencing a possible grumpy chicken event in the pub, and confronting potential murderers all make for a long, tense day. But the night was even longer as I tossed and turned with no sleep. I made my morning coffee and poured an extra large mug, then carried it with me as I strolled down the stairs from the apartment to the pub.

  Dixie greeted me. “What’s all this junk on the bar? And are we going to talk about our chicken apparition yesterday?”

  “Sorry about the mess. Guardrail must’ve left it there last night. And no, there is no ghost chicken, it was a fuse blowing.” I stared at the filthy box. “I told him to get it off the bar. It’s the stuff we needed for our stake out at the Holland place. But it wasn’t much of a stake out. It turned into more of an exercise of crossing a lawn mined with cats. But we ended up having a nice visit and chat.”

  “And what did y'all chat about?” Dixie had a hint of sarcasm, or maybe even jealousy, in her voice.

  I took a sip of coffee. “You know, who did it. Is there still some aspirin next to the register?”

  Dixie pointed at the money drawer. “Yeah, there is always a bottle there. So did you find out anything from your little chats?”

  “Nope. Just got real dirty and stepped on a cat or two. And, oh yeah, Amber and Elias are not best friends.”

  “You know, it’s not my place to say, but seems you forgot you run this place yesterday.”

  “I know, I’m sorry. But, I found the body and it shook me up a little. And the thought that a murderer might still be lurking among us bothers me. I know this is going to sound weird, but I need closure. I need to see the killer caught.”

  “Well don’t forget who carried the load while you were playing Nancy Drew and stumbling around looking for a murderer. Especially when it comes time for the Christmas bonuses.”

  “What? When have I ever handed out bonuses?”

  Dixie laughed. “Exactly. This year might be a good time to start!”

  I laughed with her. She was the only person I knew who could make me feel glad to have her as my friend while asking for money. I always tried to help her when I could. It was the least I could do. She was forced to raise three kids on her own after a difficult divorce. But yesterday, she and Bo
nes went above and beyond without me even asking.

  We went to work and prepped the place, getting ready to open at eleven thirty as usual. And Bones was on time for once. Seemed today was off to a better start. But in a rare instance, our first customer was a stranger. He was big, wearing dungarees and a leather jacket with a black T-shirt underneath. He looked like a bad James Dean imitation.

  He took a stool in the middle of the bar and ordered. “Give me a burger and a beer.”

  Dixie threw a coaster on the bar. “Welcome to The Grumpy Chicken. What kind of beer, and how do ya want your burger.”

  “Medium rare on the burger, and give me whatever IPA you have on tap.”

  Dixie nodded and answered, “Can do.” She spun around and raised her eyebrows at me. It was hard to miss that this man was gruff, impatient, and most likely dangerous.

  The front door opened once more and I hoped to see a friendly face. I sort of got my wish; it was Elias. He saw me and said, “Hey, how is the late night prowler this morning?”

  I responded, “We didn’t prowl. It was more like loudly announcing our arrival at your place.”

  Elias laughed. “You’re honest, if nothing else Ginger O’Mallory.”

  I had to say something, “Thanks, I think...”

  Elias took a seat next to the thuggish man at the bar and they began to talk. As the stranger leaned on the bar and turned to address Elias, his leather jacket fell open and I saw the handgun holstered on his left side. I also heard him say, “You told me this was a sure thing.”

  Elias replied, “It is, it still is. The death of my stepmother has ramifications, sure, but it changes nothing between us.”

  “You had better be right. You know this impacts the land deal with Palmer too? Don’t forget that. He wants this deal to go through. And you would be wise to avoid being the fly in his ointment. He’s dealing with his own set of problems and wants this deal to go smoothly. Capiche?”

  Elias looked up at the stranger, “I didn’t know anyone actually said that outside of a Godfather movie, but yes I understand.”

  “You smart mouthing me boy?”

  “No, it’s just I live in a small southern town here. I never heard anyone use the word capiche in an actual sentence before.”

  “They said you were smart, but I don’t know about that. Capiche wasn’t used in a sentence. I used it in a one word question.”

  “I stand corrected.” Elias nervously eyed the stranger for a moment. “Back on point, are we good? Nothing has changed and your boss will be paid back on time, with interest.”

  “I’ll tell him, but if you're late, I’ll be back. And I won't be happy coming back to this one horse town either.”

  Elias quipped, “I know, and with bells on too, I bet.”

  “I’ll be packing, but not bells. Capiche?”

  Elias nodded yes. “Yeah, capiche!”

  The stranger scowled at Elias as he rose. Then he left, leaving his burger with only one bite missing and a full glass of beer. But to my surprise, Elias threw some money on the bar to cover the stranger's meal, then rose himself and chased the man out.

  Dixie cleaned the bar and said, “Well that’s a waste of food. And what was that all about?”

  I put my hand on my chin. “I’m not sure. But did you hear that?”

  Dixie joked, “Hear what. That the stranger knew some Italian lingo?”

  Bones broke his long silence and yelled from the back, “You talking at me! I’m the only one here!”

  I looked through the order window and blankly stared at him. “What in the world are you talking about?”

  Bones shrugged, “I thought we were doing famous Italian movie lines. You know, the famous line from Taxi Driver? And what about Fuggedaboutit!”

  I grimaced, “Bones, somehow those lines just don’t work with your southern drawl. Just keep the kitchen caught up and clean, please.”

  He saluted and said, “Can do, boss. I mean yes, Godfather.”

  I pulled back from the order window and turned back to Dixie. “I’m surrounded by unfunny comedians.” I paused for moment. “No, I was asking if you noticed the other part. Did you hear it?”

  Dixie replied, “What, that Elias owes money. We know that already.”

  “No. Palmer. The Palmer land deal. It’s the same name on that sign for the development just down the block. What do we know about Palmer Properties?”

  Dixie made that weird beats me face and said, “Nothing. This is the first time I ever paid attention to the name.”

  “Exactly. The company is doing some major business in Potter's Mill and no one knows who they really are. And we just learned somehow Elias is involved with Palmer. But how?”

  “Oh no, the amateur detective is back.” Dixie stuck her head through the takeout window. “Bones, we’re going to be alone, again. Get ready.”

  I felt guilty about it, but I had to followup on this new information. “Sorry, it’s just for a little while. I need to find Ida and Piper. Do you know where they are?”

  “I’m not their keeper. And you’re the newly anointed detective. Not me.”

  “Ouch. See ya in a few. Thanks Dixie.” I raised my voice so Bones could hear me in the back. “Thanks Bones.”

  I had a new spring in my step, maybe the aspirin was kicking in. In just a few minutes, I made my way to the Potter’s Mill Oracle. As expected, Piper was inside sitting at her desk, tapping on her keyboard. I burst into the office unannounced. “Hey, we got work to do. I just learned something new.”

  Piper popped up and motioned at the door. “Let’s roll. Where are we going?”

  “To find Ida. I need both of you to find out all that we can about Palmer Properties.”

  “Well, what happened to investigating Elias?”

  “Get this, Elias and Palmer Properties may be tied together.”

  “How in the world did you find this out since last night?”

  “Sometimes luck comes into play. And let’s just say I’m glad the local pub is where everyone goes to meet.”

  “Ida should be at home. Maybe I can just call her?”

  “Okay, track her down if you would? I’m heading back to the pub, meet me there with Ida.”

  I started for the The Grumpy Chicken, but stopped and turned. I headed in the opposite direction, toward the sign at the new development out near the Holland house. I wanted to reread it one more time before meeting with Ida and Piper.

  I scanned the sign and realized it didn’t really say much. There was no description of what was being built or who was involved. Only that something new was coming soon and brought to us by Palmer Properties. So I headed back to The Grumpy Chicken.

  I arrived back at the pub to find Dog Breath, Guardrail and Digger at the bar eating lunch. I was not surprised and knew they came to discuss the recent events and what we would be doing next. Guardrail was dominating the discussion as usual, and boomed, “I told you a thousand times, we’re the Potter’s Mill Flatfoots.”

  Digger shook his head no. “That name stinks. We should be the Grave Detectives.”

  Dog shot back, “What, like we investigate graves? That name makes no sense. You’ve worked in the cemetery too long.”

  I smacked the bar top with my hand. “Are you serious? With a murder to solve, you’re still arguing over a stupid name for a club that doesn’t even exist.”

  Guardrail blustered, “Well, for a group that doesn’t exist, we got a lot of information on our first assignment.”

  I spit back at him. “Yeah, I learned Digger doesn’t like cats, Dog flashed back to ‘Nam with just a few cats nipping at his heels, and you left your post to go get Digger at the first sign of trouble. I wouldn’t call that a team, or a club, or anything.”

  Guardrail looked at me sideways. “Zikes! Did someone get up on the wrong side of the bed or what?”

  “Keep it up. And get your nasty box off my bar. I’m not telling you again. Next time I confiscate the box and its contents become mine!”
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  Guardrail knew me well enough to know I was serious. He hurriedly took the box off the bar before forgetting about it again and losing his belongings.

  Just then, the front door flew open and it was Ida and Piper. Dog lit up on seeing them and said, “So, we’re back in business. What’s the next move for the Grumpy Gumshoes?”

  I raised my voice. “Leave the pub out of this investigation stuff. Got it?”

  Dog sneered, “You don’t own the word grumpy, ya know.”

  “For this conversation, yes I do own the word and leave the pub out! If not I will own your butt too, don’t try me Dog!”

  Dog leaned back. “Wow, Guardrail was right, this place should be called The Grumpy Ginger today.”

  “Dog, you’re pushing it, I’m going to ...”

  Ida plunked two laptops on the bar, the crashing sound interrupting everything and commanding attention. She looked around at everybody staring at her and responded, “What? We need a place to set up, get things really humming. I brought the needed laptops and necessary peripherals.”

  I asked, “And why does this have to happen here?”

  Guardrail didn’t miss a beat. “Because we got the brand spanking new whiteboard here.” Dog and Digger laughed at his comment.

  I sensed I was being too hard on everyone and tried to find a centered calm voice. “The whiteboard is for pub business only, got it.”

  Dog laughed and said, “Yeah. Just like we had buffalo wings yesterday, wink, wink.”

  I threw my hands in the air. “I give up. So Ida, what are you really planning?”

  She pawed through the wires she also brought while she answered. “I thought of a few things we should explore further. And last night while you were out I set up some web crawlers, a kind of data mining program to get more information on our list of suspects.”

  “I don’t know what that is, but sounds like it might get us more information?”

  Ida never looked up but said, “One can only hope!”