THERE IT WAS again. That phrase, murder magnet. I carried the title the rest of the day as if it’d been emblazed in scarlet on my forehead. Cloaked in paranoia, I imagined the glare of accusing eyes and the sting of bated whispers behind me. It made for a long day.
Finally, around eight o’clock that evening, after the day’s expo events wrapped up, I gladly made my way across the parking lot toward Mama’s truck. Tight little snowflakes danced under the light illuminating from the parking lot poles and pelted my face as I stepped carefully over the snow-packed areas of the pavement. I could see exhaust from the truck’s tailpipe and uttered a word or two of gratitude that she already had the heater going.
Despite everything hanging over our heads, we’d managed to pull off a successful day. The authors and vendors had been busy enough that they didn’t have time to gossip over the yellow tape that many of them had spied yesterday. Plus, of course, they had a vested interest in not letting anything taint the attitudes of their potential clients. So the crowds remained mostly oblivious to everything but vintage lace veils and Hawaiian honeymoon packages. As expected, the wine tasting event was completely sold out. And with all the refreshments as a primer, the crowd was ready to buy, buy, buy when it came time for Franklin’s author to read from his hit book, Wines for All Occasions.
Before leaving the Arts Center, I’d stopped by Lynn’s booth and we talked about Jodi’s arrest. She’d been shocked by the news because she didn’t think Jodi and Chuck even knew each other. When I’d asked her about Chuck’s work record, she’d told me he had never held a job for more than a few months at a time and his current occupation as a handyman surprised her, because, as she’d put it, “He was about as useful as a chocolate teapot.” Apparently, he’d never done as much as change a lightbulb when they were married.
I tried to push all that out of my mind, though, as I climbed into the passenger seat and greeted Mama. “How was your day?” I asked. Things had been so busy, I’d really only had a chance to check on her a few times throughout the afternoon. Each time she’d been so involved in giving tittering groups of ladies glimpses into their futures that she’d barely had time to say hello to me.
“Exhaustin’! I don’t think I’ve told this many fortunes my whole life. I’ve ’bout worn out my gift. And am I ever bone tired.” She stretched a few kinks out before looking over her shoulder and putting the truck in gear.
I eyed her closely. Mama was so vibrant and youthful-looking, it was easy to forget she was in her seventies. “Really? You shouldn’t be overdoing it, Mama. Maybe you should take some time off tomorrow. I’m sure Pam could spare you for a few hours.”
“Pssh! Don’t you be worryin’ none ’bout me. I can take it. Besides, it isn’t nothin’ a sit-down with my best man can’t cure.”
I smiled. Mama and her best man, Mr. Jim Beam, had been consorting for many years now. In fact, I was just sure her veins probably flowed with the stuff by now.
She continued, “Well, that and a little pasta.”
I let out a little groan. “No, I’m not up for that tonight, Mama. Sorry. Anyway, aren’t they going to close up soon? It’s getting close to nine o’clock.”
“Good point.” She kept her focus on the road, and I was relieved we were headed home and not to a confrontation with my son. “How was your day, sugar? Any more news on the killin’ of that handyman?”
“Not really. Jodi’s arraignment should be tomorrow, but I haven’t heard for sure.” I’d already told Mama all about Jodi’s arrest earlier that morning.
“Now, I can’t keep all these authors straight. She’s the gal that writes those romantic suspense novels, like Pam’s, right?”
“Well, no . . .” I hedged. I couldn’t believe she hadn’t read Pam’s books yet. Was she ever going to be surprised! “Pam’s books aren’t quite like Jodi’s. They’re a little heavier on romance and definitely lighter on suspense.”
She shrugged. “Been meanin’ to read them, just haven’t found the time yet. Anyway, sugar. Tell me who the suspects are. Maybe somethin’ will come to me.”
I drew in a deep breath, knowing darn well she wasn’t going to like what she was about to hear. “Well, there’s Lynn and Jodi, of course.” She waved those two names off. “And we added someone new today. Matt Reynolds. He owns the pet store in town.” I told her about how Chuck had done a poor job constructing the aquarium stand. “I was in the store after it collapsed. It was a huge mess and Matt lost so many fish. He was very angry about it.”
“Angry enough to kill?”
I shrugged. “I don’t want to think so.”
“Well, I’m not gettin’ a feeling from any one of them folks. Is that all you have?”