Part 2 (1/2)
She turned her cell phone toward me. The walls were decorated with picture frames holding black-and-white photos. A white leather sofa with turquoise and tan throw pillows sat atop a block-print rug. A gorgeous blue and white vase with yellow roses, a stack of books, and a few other tasteful knickknacks adorned the oversized white shabby chic square coffee table.
”Very artsy,” I said.
”I'm telling you, after all these years decorating clients' homes, it sure is nice to finally have time to focus on my own.” Lucy stirred Splenda into her iced tea.
”I bet.” Then I noticed a large bandage wrapped around her right hand. ”What happened?”
She put her phone back in her purse. ”Burned myself taking out the pie. It's no big deal, really, other than now it's a little difficult to grab things with it. It's fine; I dabbed a little aloe on it.”
”Good.”
”Oh, before I forget, that same box ended up containing five adorable dinner plates with the vase. Anyway, one of the plates was wrapped in the newspaper crossword puzzle page. Some of the s.p.a.ces were filled in with purple ink and the words *Your next.' This was not only misspelled, but also not the correct answer to fourteen down.”
It felt like a metal wrecking ball collided with my stomach. ”Do you think the message was meant for you?”
”No way. I have no enemies. Besides, everything was already wrapped in the box before I even bought it. So it's not like anyone even knew that I'd be the one buying the box.” Lucy shook her head. ”Just saying, it may have nothing to do with that night, but I knew you'd want to know.”
”Thanks.” Was it pure coincidence or another clue to help solve my dad's death? My gut twisted as a chill ran down my spine.
”I brought it here.” Lucy pulled the paper out of her large, multicolored, quilted handbag and gave it to me. ”Should we show Jose?”
I held the paper as though it were dusted with a.r.s.enic. It was dated a week ago. My insides twisted. Could the same person who killed my father have done the crossword?
As if on cue, Jose entered the room. ”Sorry, I had to take that call.”
We got Jose up to speed on our conversation. I handed him the newspaper.
”Cat, I know why this worries you.” Jose looked me in the eye. ”I'll try to make a few calls and see what I can find out.”
”Thanks.” I felt my eyes well up.
Jose put his hand on my shoulder. ”You know I'll help you for as long as it takes to find an answer that'll give you closure.”
”You're a good man, Jose. Let me give you some sugar.”
He leaned down to meet me as I gave him a peck on the cheek.
”Still doesn't do anything for me, but thanks.” Jose smirked.
I pointed to the paper in his hand. ”Maybe this is finally the break I need.”
Lucy held up her tea gla.s.s. ”Here's to you finding an answer, and here's to me finding ways to keep sane while Bert's retired.”
”Cheers.” I clinked my gla.s.s to hers.
Bezu entered the dining room, Annie Mae at her heels. ”Pardon my interruption, but I'm afraid dinner is a little delayed. My oven has been acting up. I've underestimated the time it takes to cook the vegetables. They still need about a half hour.”
Annie Mae set down a gla.s.s bowl full of salad on the table. ”Have some salad while we wait.”
Bezu placed two bottles of dressing and wood tongs next to the salad.
”Before I forget, these are for you Annie Mae.” Lucy offered Annie Mae the bag of peaches.
”Thank you. You're always so thoughtful.” Annie Mae held the bag. ”I hope that you didn't go out of your way to get these.”
”Nope,” Lucy said.
”I've been busier than a moth in a mitten.” Bezu began to pace. ”I thought I had some fresh bread to serve with our meal, but I can't find it. I feel like the most incompetent hostess.”
”I told her we don't need any bread, but you know how Bezu gets when she's stuck on a thought.” Annie Mae turned up her hands.
”I have some fresh dinner rolls I just got today. Let me scamper home and get them.” Lucy stood and slung her purse over her shoulder. ”I'll be back in a few minutes. By then, supper will be ready.”
”No, don't bother yourself,” Annie Mae said.
”Yes, please don't,” Bezu added.
”I absolutely insist.” Lucy walked to the door. ”I'll be back before you know it.”
”That is so very kind of you,” Bezu said.
”I'll go with you,” Jose offered.
”Me, too,” I added.
Lucy held her keys in her hand. ”No. No. Don't be silly. I'll be back in a flash.” Lucy blew us air kisses and left.
”What a sweetie, huh?” Bezu uncorked a bottle of red wine.
”She's one of a kind, that's for sure.” I also hoped that the crossword puzzle Lucy found was one of a kind and not related to anyone else's death. Yet, the hairs on my arms stood on end.
Chapter Three.
Thirty minutes pa.s.sed, and Lucy had not returned. Several times, we tried phoning her, but the call went directly to her voice mail.
I looked at my cell. Still no missed texts from Lucy. The crossword puzzle with purple ink really bothered me. Paranoia drenched my thoughts to the point where I had to do something. ”I need to go to Lucy's house.”
”Cat, she probably got caught up in something and forgot about the time.” Annie Mae put her hand up. ”And dinner is ready.”
”I'm sure she'll be here any minute.” Bezu fidgeted with her pearl necklace. ”However, it's unlike Lucy not to answer her phone.”
Looking out the window at Forsyth Park, I hoped to see Lucy heading up the walkway. A few joggers ran by, followed by a couple pus.h.i.+ng a baby in a stroller. ”I have to see what's going on and if she's okay.”
Annie Mae huffed. ”You're being fearful for no reason.”
”Maybe.” I turned on my heels. ”But I'm going to her house.”