| |
Back in Sinful they found Ida Belle and Minnow at the fitness center. Min had Marc help the clients while she unpacked the Wal-mart bags.
"How come you stuffed the bags so full? And what happened to the bananas?" Min asked. "Did you even look at them before you hurled them to the bottom of the cart? I've seen less bruising on accident victims." She held up the mangled fruit and part of one fell from the split peel.
"Well, they might have been on clearance. Stores will do that, you know, when fresh food starts going bad," Gertie replied. "It's best you use them right away or they'll turn straight to sugar."
"Clearance? You mean the broken aisle! Why is there grass on the bags of frozen... thawed fruit?"
Jo took the bags from Minnow and started putting the supplies away. "Don't be picky," she advised. "Why don't you ask us about the money Tabby was hiding?"
"You found the money?" Ida Belle asked in disbelief. They looked to make sure Marc was busy, then Gertie waved the bag and Ida Belle yanked it from her. "Did you count it?"
"In the car? We're not stupid, Ida Belle. What if Jo got pulled over for speeding?" Gertie asked.
"It might happen if you were at the wheel," Ida Belle replied.
"No, some of those tickets were a case of mistaken identity," Gertie insisted. "At least the judge thought so."
"He thought you were disruptive and deliberately trying to confuse him."
"Not my fault. He should know the law, right, Jo? Minnow?" Gertie looked to the sisters for support.
"So, what did the Sorcerer have to say?" Jo asked after exchanging a glance with Min. No way they were taking sides on that issue.
"Let's go to the office." Leaving Marc on his own, they gathered in the office and closed the door.
Ida Belle waved some papers at them. "He set me up with a secure email to send this information. Once I printed it, the account vanished." She held up a page. "Tabitha was born Catherine Marie Holt. She became a dancer at one of Sammy's clubs. He was infatuated with her and she enjoyed the lifestyle he provided. Then one day she disappeared along with the cash from his safe. Fast forward a year. Catherine became Tabitha and picked up a few gigs at low profile clubs, but she kept to herself. The Sorcerer believes she was staying low until she could safely leave the country. One doesn't cross a man like Sammy without him having the potential escape routes watched closely. Plus, planning to live abroad takes time to plan. It's rumored she stole nearly a quarter of a million from his safe."
"The rumor is true," Gertie confirmed after she and Jo totaled up the bundles of cash from the duffle bag. "She didn't spend much."
"The preliminary cause of death was asphyxiation from chemical inhalation. That's confirmed by the police report evidence log. Empty bottles of bleach and cleaner were found in the trash can," Ida Belle continued.
"Well, Mo was right about the bleach," Jo said. "Tabby's killer combined the bleach and cleaner to make a potion with deadly fumes. If that was poured into a steaming hot shower it would enter her lungs quickly and she'd lose consciousness."
"And that would explain the bruise on her cheek," Ida Belle confirmed. "Tabby had random chemical burns, which she likely sustained when she fell. The shower spray washed the residue down the drain so those were kept to a minimum. Also, the toxic fumes would have dissipated by the time Minnow entered the building several hours after the time of death."
"Well, whoever did this knew how to handle the mixture so as not to be overcome by the fumes," Gertie said. "Or they came prepared with a respirator."
Minnow scanned a confidential report with a mental tip of her hat to the Sorcerer. He was good. Good enough to give them just what they needed- the name of the man Tabby spoke with at the grand opening of the fitness center. The report was entered into the FBI record just yesterday.
"Edward Horace Fogel," Minnow said. "A long-time associate of Sammy Sharkey. The Sorcerer even provided a photo."
"I recognize him," Gertie said. "He was the man who smashed my éclair."
"But not the first one you saw following Tabby," Ida Belle stated.
"Does the report mention other men, besides Eddie? Tabby had a box of condoms by her night stand. Maybe one of her private clients followed her here," Jo speculated.
"The Sorcerer compiled his own report on her extracurricular activities," Ida Belle replied. "How many men does it take to scr... never mind," she grinned. "But there's at least five men on the list." She showed the photos the Sorcerer provided.
"How did he get these?" Min asked in amazement.
"Who knows? Just be prepared to pay," Ida Belle warned.
Gertie finally pulled out her glasses and looked at the photos. "They were all at the open house."
"All of them?" Min asked and Gertie nodded firmly.
"She's right." Jo showed matching photos from the event. "I guess this widens our field of suspects."
"I guess she had a thing for married men," Ida Belle said. "They are all from Chalk Lake. Business owner, attorney, architect, doctor and a court bailiff."
"So where do we start?" Gertie asked.
"Follow the mob money, which means Eddie." Jo suggested. "That's my opinion, but it's up to you, Min. What do you think?"
Minnow agreed. "We might as well give it a shot. Unless the married men knew about her money, we don't have anything concrete on them, other than they're idiots. So I say let's contact Eddie and toss him the bait. If he's not the murderer, then we look at the others."
Ida Belle dug into her purse and pulled out a burner phone. "Use this and set up a meeting for tonight. Here at the fitness center."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Min asked. "Never mind." Ida Belle, Gertie, and Jo all pulled guns from their bags.
"Min, seriously?" Jo scoffed. "When are you going to get with the program? You live in Sinful now, not Atlanta! A weapon is necessary here. We know you have a gun. You need to understand it has to be with you at all times."
"She's right," Gertie nodded. "It also comes in handy if you happen to cross a hungry alligator."
"Does Mo have a gun?" Min asked.
Jo confessed, "I have a stun gun picked out for her. I wonder if Tony will let her keep it?"
"Wonder about it later," Ida Belle advised. She handed Minnow the paper with Eddie's phone number. "You can be sure this is up to date. The Sorcerer doesn't waste time tracking down dead ends. Shall we say midnight for the meeting?"
Jo and Gertie agreed so Minnow made the call to Eddie. "I have Tabby's money. If you want it, then you'll have to meet me at the fitness center tonight at midnight." She disconnected and handed the phone to Ida Belle.
"Anyone for Monopoly?" Gertie asked.
"I'm researching the married men in case this doesn't pan out," Jo replied hurriedly.
"I need to make sure the juice bar has everything it needs," Min said hastily.
"And I'm going to help," Ida Belle added.
"Fine. I'll play by myself," Gertie answered. "Jo go get that game for me and I don't want to hear any complaints that I cheat."
"No one cares if you cheat," Ida Belle retorted.
"Good! I'll remember that the next time we play cards." Gertie's blue eyes lit up with merriment.
Minnow and Marc took care of their clients and closed the fitness center at eight. Ida Belle, Gertie, and Jo had long since left. After a quick cleaning, Min told Marc she was working late and pushed him to the door. She waited a half hour then went to Gertie's where Jo had passed the time. After Ida Belle arrived, they drove to a street near the fitness center and left their vehicles.
By midnight the plan was in motion and they took their positions inside the building. Jo was in the back storage room, Ida Belle behind the juice bar, and Gertie stood just inside the women's bathroom. Minnow sat at the back of the main area, behind a row of equipment, the bag next to her stuffed with paper towels and the cash stored in the office safe. She left the front door unlocked and a dim light at the entry was the only illumination besides the EXIT signs. It was almost midnight and the women came to attention when the front door opened.
"What the hell are you doing?" Min shouted to Marc when he entered.
"Pardon me? I'm not the one sitting in the dark with the front door unlocked," he replied. "What's in that bag next to you?" His voice rose on the last syllable when he felt the muzzle of a gun in his back.
"I'll take that bag." Eddie stood behind Marc and nodded across the room to Minnow. "Now. And you better have the money or Muscles gets popped." Min hesitated and he growled, "Move it, Skinny!" Crap! They hadn't counted on Marc disrupting the plan and they hadn't positioned anyone in the office to get the money from the safe in case things fell apart.
Outside, a man in a black domestic sedan made a motion and all hell broke loose. In the storage room, Jo whirled when the back door was forced open. Heavily armed and flak vested men with assault rifles motioned her to the side. After taking her gun, one kept his weapon on her and the others rushed through the door to the front. The front of the building was invaded at the same time and the shattering glass door startled Eddie. Min was just a step away from him when it happened. She didn't know who was scared the most- herself, Marc, or Eddie. Before the room filled with shooters she dove for the floor and Marc's legs. He landed on top of her and Eddie fired wildly in the air. A spray of ceiling plaster had Marc cursing as he rolled off Min to find a weapon in his face. Min looked up to see the same. Then Ida Belle and Gertie were rousted from their positions and the building was cleared. Jo's gunman nudged her to the front with the business end of his weapon.
"Listen, if you jab me in the ass one more time with that thing you're going to learn how well it fits up your ass," she snapped. He dropped his head in shame when she whirled and took his weapon, then used the butt to poke him in the stomach. "Now why don't you get moving?" The other men laughed and Jo turned on them. "Who's going to hell with me? Because I'm not going by myself. I promise at least two of you are coming along to keep me company."
"Geez, lady, put the weapon down," the leader of the strike team advised as he lowered his weapon. "No one wants to take that trip."
"I'll go," one of them offered and the others teased him. Jo lowered the weapon with a look of confusion.
The man who drove the black sedan stepped through the smashed front door. His hard shoes crunched on the shattered glass as he scanned the room. The team leader nodded and escorted Eddie from the building in hand cuffs while the rest of the men disappeared as quickly as they came. Except Jo's guy. She held his weapon for a few seconds, then said, "It's not a cattle prod," before returning it. He saluted with a grin and left quickly, then Jo turned to the man in charge. "You drive a black car." It wasn't a question, but a statement of fact.
"Touché."
Marc rolled to his feet and reached down to pull Minnow up while the mysterious man watched. It was quiet in the building while outside crickets chirped. Marc rubbed his neck. "Minnow, what's going on?"
"Ask him," she suggested, pointing to the unknown man who smiled after he looked inside the duffle bag.
"Nice try, Minnow March Massey Gaines. Now why don't you get me what I came for?"
"I don't think it belongs to you," she said stubbornly.
"And I know it doesn't belong to you," he responded in a mild voice.
"I guess we're at an impasse then." Min shrugged.
"Line up because you're all under arrest," Carter roared from the doorway. When he saw the women, he sighed. "I should have known!"
"Who invited you?" Jo snapped back, and the mystery man turned to Carter with an amused smile.
"Deputy LeBlanc?"
Carter recognized the man's voice. "You're responsible for putting her back on the street, sir," he accused.
"Sir?" Min's brows rose.
The man cleared his throat and effectively silenced the whole group with a single gesture. "If one of you would be so good as to retrieve the evidence, I'll give you a receipt and be on my way."
Marc sent the women a dark look. "They stole the money, didn't they?" he asked. "Never mind. I don't want to be implicated in their mess."
"So much for better or worse," Ida Belle chuckled to Gertie.
"Get the damn money!" Carter yelled.
"I'll get it," Marc volunteered, heading to the office. He returned with a Wal-mart bag stuffed with bundles of cash. "Why is the bag sticky?" He sniffed. "It smells like bananas."
"Really? I thought it would smell like dough and bread," Gertie joked.
"I'm done," Carter growled. "If you want them arrested, call the state police." He handed the man a contact card. "Call this guy. You'll make him happy."
The man read the card out loud. "Trooper Anthony Reese. Your brother-in-law, right Jonah June Jeffries? And yours, Minnow? Deputy LeBlanc, I'll need you to witness the count and the transfer of evidence before you leave." Everyone watched as the money was counted. Then Marc put it into the man's briefcase while Carter entered the total on the official paperwork.
"Well, since you have everything under control, we'll be on our way," Ida Belle smiled as she shuffled to the back door with Gertie and Jo on her heels.
"Not so fast." The quiet voice made them cringe as they stopped. "I'd appreciate it if you'd stay out of official business." Carter made a rude sound, and Jo turned back, her ire roused. The man beat her to the point. "Thank you, Jonah and Gertrude. You succeeded where we failed."
"Huh?" Carter looked grumpy.
"The ladies found the missing money," he explained. "This money is key evidence in our case against Samson Sharkey. As is Edward, who decided to run instead of honoring his plea agreement. Of course we followed him. Finding Catherine was an unexpected bonus for us, but tragic for her. I hope you find her killer. Now, Deputy, if you'll sign the papers I'll be off."
"Wait," Min shouted. "Who killed Tabby? I mean Catherine. Are you saying Eddie didn't do it?"
"Edward was drinking at a bar in Asphalt when Catherine was murdered." He turned to leave.
"Hey, not so fast." Gertie and Ida Belle stepped forward. "Did Eddie trash Tabby's apartment?"
"He's not here for questioning," Carter thundered.
The man just smiled. "No, ladies, he did not. Now I really have to be on my way."
"Where do I send the bill for the door? It wasn't necessary to smash the glass," Min called after him while Marc shook his head in resignation.
"I think you know the answer to that, Minnow." His voice floated through the night air as he got into his black domestic sedan and left the town of Sinful in his rear-view mirror.
"Does this mean you're arresting Minnow again?" Marc asked Carter.
"You sound eager," Carter chuckled. "But not tonight. You cool her down and maybe I'll pick her up after I've had a good night's sleep." He tucked the evidence receipt into his pocket.
"I didn't kill her," Min bellowed. Carter waved as he left, dropping four fingers at the door.
"Well, I'm not driving home," Jo said flatly. "And I'm not sleeping at the fleabag motel so someone had better offer their guest room. Not funny, Deputy!" she yelled. "That jail should be condemned as well." Carter had stopped and tapped on the front window when he heard Jo's remark.
"I put all of my sheets in the wash today," Ida Belle lied. "I guess Gertie gets the shaft, I mean privilege. Good night!"
Gertie shrugged. "Don't forget the Monopoly game, Jo. We can stay up late if you want." Jo slapped her forehead and vowed to burn the game as soon as possible.
***
Marc and Minnow looked at the mess where the front door once hung. "Can't we just leave it?" Minnow asked. "If they broke it, they're responsible for any damage to the equipment."
Marc's brow rose. "You might want to think that through," he suggested. "Because I'm pretty sure you should count your blessings that you're not in the tank on federal charges of obstruction and various other felonies, which I'm sure are true."
Minnow grinned suddenly. "We have Gertie on our side, Marc."
"Maybe that's why he let you walk. Or else Jo and Gertie really did come through with the evidence and he was willing to overlook your indiscretions in exchange, which is more likely. Now help me get the front door covered. Sinful might be small, but I bet by morning everything is gone except your sprouts. And those disgusting bananas. Who's to blame for that selection?"
"You should see the apples!" she exclaimed as she followed him to the storage room. "I think they've been used for baseball practice."
Marc laughed until Minnow reminded him he didn't get change or a receipt. As she held boards in place while he secured them, he complained, "Your sister ripped me off."
"But she kept me out of jail with the hidden money discovery," Min reminded him.
"Then I lay the blame on her for that as well," he teased as they finished boarding up the door.
Min walked with him to the storage room. "Hey, we can't open tomorrow morning with the door like that. Is it okay to leave the broken glass for now?"
"I'm not staying to clean," he stated. "But you're welcome to, seeing that you caused it."
Min sniffed and followed him out the back door, then waited for him to lock it. "Hey, why did you come here so late?" He pretended he didn't hear her question, so she repeated it.
"You weren't home." His reply was short.
"And you were worried about me." Minnow stated it as a fact and took his arm as they walked the few blocks to their apartment. She held it tight and he didn't complain.