| |
Ruby from the First Lady booth helped me sit down and handed me a water bottle. The medic teamed arrived quickly, hooked Gina up to an IV and wheeled her out. As far as I knew, she was going to be fine. As soon as Aaron was by my side, Ruby left.
“Is she going to make it?” I asked. He sat down beside me. “What could’ve happened?”
“No idea. What can you tell me?” Aaron’s quiet voice and soft demeanor calmed me, and I stared into his eyes. “Any ideas?”
“None.” I shrugged, and ran my fingers through my curly hair. “Don’t know.” I picked up Gina’s spilled pills from earlier and placed the bottle into my bag. “She was fine. She had a headache earlier and had taken a couple of these pills.”
“I’m sure that she’ll be fine,” he said. I leaned closer just as his radio transmitter sent a message. He turned the dial, and said, “I’m on my way.” Standing, he said, “I’ve given Maggie a buzz, and she’s coming to sit with you. I’ll keep you updated. Gotta run.”
“Thank you.” Maggie was my best friend. I blew my nose and wiped my eyes dry knowing that I’d soon feel better once she arrived. You’re fine. Gina’s fine. I reached for the water bottle and realized that I needed to eat. I had many hours to go before leaving and it sounded like Gina would make it. Think positive! When Gina had returned earlier, she didn’t have anything in her hands, but now an empty orange juice container sat on the booth table. I placed the juice container in one of my house storage boxes on the floor with her purse. By now my Yellowstone burger had grown cold, but I ate it anyway. I started to regain my energy and enthusiasm with each bite. The crowd thickened. I am happy that I’d cruised the displays earlier.
My phone chirped once again, and I noted it was Aaron. It read ‘no news’. No news is good news. I responded ‘thx’ and sent it. Sitting straighter, I kept my eyes on the crowd, and chatted with anyone who’d stop.
“Tell me about the TR White House,” a woman asked who stood beside a Ranger.
I began with my usual tale about how First Lady Edith found it small and stifling for raising children so she had the upstairs family area remodeled and added the kitchen. She also wanted her husband to have a sanctuary. She was very astute.
“Oh really?” the woman said. “Tell me about Alice. I hear she was a spitball to raise.”
“She was nicknamed Princess Alice. I have a purse of hers at home.” I realized that I had both of their interest. “Come to my store and have a look around.” I handed each a card. “Don’t forget to say, ‘Bully’ for a discount.” I watched the Ranger stick it inside of his pocket and the lady drop it into her purse as they walked away.
I craved chocolate. I needed something. Sitting alone did that to me. I gave Maggie a buzz. She didn’t answer, but I left a message asking her to bring a candy bar.
Wrangler Jean’s, next to my booth, was busier than a cowboy during roundup time, and I hoped for some of her customers to spill over to my booth. I rearranged my miniature houses, and made sure they were all looking ‘smart’, dusting them with a tiny cloth. I noticed that the First Lady National booth was also busy. I waved to Ruby and caught her eye.
After a few minutes, she walked over. “Doin’ okay?” she asked. Her brown bobbed hair was all the style. She wore blue jeans, a red shirt, and a vest with the U.S. flag style. All three of the ladies wore a similar vest. On the booth wall was a huge Victorian hat.
“I’m fine. A little rattled though.”
“You alone for the duration, or what?” Ruby picked up a card. “Mind?”
“No. Not at all.” I took a breath. “I think she’ll be okay, but haven’t heard yet. My friend’s going to come to sit with me.”
“Good. Was that good lookin’ man wearing a uniform your hubby?”
“Yep!”
“You got lucky. Tall, handsome—what more could a gal ask for?” Ruby spoke, and I giggled. “Want me to stay till your friend comes?”
“I’ll be okay.” I smiled. “I’ll come over to your booth when I hear something.”
“Good.”
I began to think that Maggie wouldn’t show. It was already four and the doors stayed open until nine. A gathering of all representatives was scheduled for the next night. I listened to the jingle dancers and the drumming from a distance. Occasionally drummers and dancers came over to our area. I admired the beautiful orange, yellow, and white dresses with tinkling bells the women wore. The dresses glistened and sparkled from the overhead lighting. Young children wore similar outfits including boys, who wore vests and leggings decorated with beads and tinkling bells. Most of the men and boys wore feathers in their hair and wristbands.
My eyes lit up when I noticed Maggie coming across the vast room toward me. In her hand was a small box, and I couldn’t wait to see what she brought.
I stepped aside for Maggie to have a seat beside me. She set the box down before scooting in. As she did, she asked, “Heard from Aaron?” I shook my head. She enveloped me in her arms. “It’ll be fine, just wait and see.”
“I hope so.” Just as I was about to open the box, my phone rang. I could barely hear Aaron’s voice, and I held up a finger, “It’s Aaron and I can’t hear him. Hold on.” I got up and moved behind the flat back of the booth, which blocked the background noise. I held my palm up over my other ear to better hear. “Speak up!”
“Baby girl, she’s dead.” I could hear concern in his voice. “Just now got the word. Thought I should call. I haven’t called my sergeant yet.”
“Oh dear God,” I whispered. My heart leapt into my throat, and I could barely speak. “You know how or why?”
“Nope. It’s considered ‘questionable’ given the situation,” Aaron said.
I walked around to my chair and slowly sat, internalizing the information.
“Now what?” I asked Aaron.
Maggie saw my eyes and gave me a tissue, then turned her attention back to a visitor to the booth.
“I’m sure that you’ll be questioned.”
“Probably.” I took a deep breath. “She was such a nice person.”
“Yes, well—save it all for the detectives,” Aaron said.
“Here we go again.” I disconnected and slumped forward in the chair. Dazed, I couldn’t believe Gina was dead.
When the customer walked away, Maggie turned to me and asked, “What’s the verdict?”
“Dead.” Tears filled my eyes. “She seemed so happy and she didn’t look sick by any means. She mentioned a headache, but that’s not unusual.”
“They’ll get to the bottom of this.”
“At least it doesn’t have anything to do with me this time. I couldn’t be hiding anything—no clues— nothing that someone would want.” I sniffled.
“Let’s hope you won’t have to eat those words.” Maggie nodded. She shoved the box in front of me and I scooped out a chocolate cupcake and bit into it with delight.
“It can’t happen again. Three times? No way.” I shook my head and held up a cupcake. “This is heavenly.” I smiled with every bite. “I don’t have anything for anyone to want to kill me over. Trust me.” I was referring to my two previous adventures. The first was searching for the original copy of the Star Spangled Banner –an adventure that almost got me killed. I had been on a quest to find the only copy of Lincoln’s Lost Speech–the speech that propelled him toward the White House. More recently, I was almost murdered because of Suffragettes picketing during the Wilson administration—to name the third adventure.
The hours slipped past, and soon it was time for us to pack up and leave. Unfortunately, I only had a few boxes. I hesitated to leave my minis, but when I saw the women from the First Ladies booth had left the Victorian hat decorating their booth, I decided that the minis were safe.
“I’m bringing the empty orange juice bottle I found next to Gina to Aaron. Depending on how the autopsy goes, the police might want it.” I scooped it up, along with her purse, and we left to find Aaron.
We wound our way among the remaining crowds lingering near the various booths until, at last, reaching security where Aaron stood.
“Here. This is what Gina was drinking from in case you guys need it,” I said. I handed it to him.
“Thanks. I’ll take care of it.” Aaron took it.
We said ‘goodbye’ then gave each other a quick kiss.
“See you later,” I said.
Maggie and I left. Only after leaving the elevators and finally stepping out into the fresh air, did I feel better. After a hug, we arranged for Maggie to join me the following day about eleven o’clock. She also promised to bring more of the chocolate cupcakes.
The drive home brought me back via 35W before exiting onto the main drag, Main Street in Northeast Minneapolis. The area was known for its Catholic churches and large population of Polish/German immigrants during the turn of the previous century. I grew up on the other side of town, the South Side, where Swedish immigrants settled.
It didn’t take long before I passed the old Grain Belt Brewery and turned into our small development. I opened the garage door with the remote, drove inside, shutting off the car and lowering the door. The clock read ten pm. I decided that a hot shower plus a cup of hot chocolate to help me sleep was in order.
Aaron found me half-asleep in bed when he got home. “Talk to me,” I said. “How could this have happened to Gina? She can’t be dead.” I sighed and pulled the sheet up to my shoulders. “I can’t believe it.”
“It’s up in the air until all the facts are known.” Aaron sat and removed his shoes and socks. “It seems weird to me, and I told the detectives that also.”
“They know you’re a regular cop?”
“Yes.” He leaned closer and kissed me. “And they also know about our past history.” He scratched his head. “What I’m sayin’ is this—you’ll be questioned right away.”
“Figures.” I yawned. “It gives me the creeps.” “Chances are, it was just a simple death.” “Nothing’s that simple.” A streak of fear raced through me. I started to shiver and he pulled up the blanket. “I might be asleep before you come from the shower.” I looked into his eyes and he kissed me.
I fell asleep immediately but woke during the night and never did sleep soundly afterwards. My thoughts streamed from TR to FDR, and then to the teddy bear that had been a big part of solving a mystery regarding Mary Lincoln. I thought of all the events that surrounded Teddy Roosevelt, from bears and fighting cowboys to the Panama Canal and his Bull Moose speeches. I rolled closer to Aaron and calmed down. Eventually I managed a few more winks of sleep before the morning alarm sounded.
Since I was on my own this morning, I got up and dressed early. Aaron had special hours and duties and had left before I was up. I wanted to stop by the store and see how well Grandma faired yesterday, and decided to pick something up to eat along the way. I headed out the door wearing a sundress and lightweight sweater. As I backed from the garage, I couldn’t help but to glance over at Gina’s house and my heart seemed to almost stop. I gulped and took a deep breath before continuing on my way.
Five minutes later I parked behind the store, and jumped out of the car. I opened the backdoor, entered, marched straight to the showroom. I wanted to do a quick check of my messages and also take a look at the sales. I sat down in front of the computer and got it running. As it started humming, I perused the sales receipts and noticed that two houses were sold—the historic White House, which would be the early house where the Madison’s resided, and Edith Roosevelt’s. I was pleased. I glanced over at the wall shelf and noted that the jingle dancer figurine, pictures and other smaller items were as they should be. The computer was ready, and I logged into my account. I had only a few messages and zipped through them easily, then logged out.
“Morning,” I said, walking over to the houses. I stopped in front of the historic White House. “Dolley? You haven’t been pinching snuff, now have you? Ladies of today don’t do that type of thing.” I leaned closer to the dolls because it seemed as if they whispered to me. “How wonderful, President Madison. She made you ice cream with oysters? I’m happy for you.” I winked at him before moving away. At the Ford White House, Mrs. Ford, Betty as I thought of her, looked sprightly. “Have you been dancing on top of the President’s desk again?” I thought I saw her nod. “Good.”
I walked to the counter, and taking a sheet of paper, I left a short message for Grandma.
Was it a good day or not? T or F?Did anyone ask if Mrs. Washington was still alive? Y or N?
Do you have a pot of chicken soup for me and Aaron? Y or N
Afterwards, I grabbed my bag and headed out the backdoor. I called out, “Be good and enjoy the day!”
I had thought about checking on my employee, Max, but decided against it. He rented the lone upstairs apartment from me. The outside stairs led to his apartment and he used the back door to the shop just like I do. His occupancy was helpful because he kept a close eye on the store, plus he could pick and choose his own hours. I really didn’t see much of him, but always knew when he’d been in the store. He carved the dolls’ heads and took care of assembling all the houses. I depended on him and he was very trustworthy, but a bit of a rogue when it came to women—which wasn’t my concern.
I locked up, headed over to the car, and climbed inside. As I turned onto the street and drove toward the entrance to the interstate, my thoughts went to the detectives and I wondered what questions they’d ask? Then my thoughts turned to Gina as I wondered how well I had really known her.
It didn’t take too long before I crossed the Mississippi River and found my parking spot on the same level in the parking garage as yesterday. I locked up and hiked toward the hallway that would bring me to the main doors.
I showed my pass and slipped past security. I searched among the crowd of officers in the lobby, but didn’t see Aaron. I continued walking, thinking. I thought about the woman who’d stopped by yesterday to see Gina. I couldn’t immediately think of her name, then I saw a picture of a deer on one of the display walls, and remembered; it was Bambi. How could I have forgotten those lovely brown doe eyes and long brown braided hair? Her tiny features reminded me of a deer. Since it wasn’t time for the exhibition to open, I headed toward the jingle dance area.
As I stood to the side of the entrance door, I realized that it wasn’t just Native Americans in costume, many people of all races were dressing up. From the back, a woman resembled Gina so closely that it took my breath away. I didn’t see Bambi, so I left, resolving to return later. Maggie wasn’t expected for another hour, and I stopped to get coffee and a muffin from Wrangler Jean’s, before setting up my booth. I set my cup and muffin down and got to work arranging the mini houses to place on display. I noticed that they were slightly askew, but figured it was because of the late night cleaning crew. After arranging everything, I began eating my muffin and relaxing. I’d barely taken a few sips when I noticed two men wearing suits approaching in the distance, and I presumed they were the detectives. I took another bite and sip, and tried to relax my rapidly beating heart as they neared. By the time they’d gotten within talking distance, I’d finished my muffin.
“Mrs. Reynolds?” He showed me his badge. “Detective Paulson.”
“Liv.”
“Detective Schmidt.” The second detective also showed his badge. “Let’s get down to business.”
“Sure.” I smiled and held my breath. These two guys looked prickly and worn-out. “Have a seat, if you want. There’s one extra, you two can take turns.”
“No, thank you,” Detective Paulson stated. “Let’s get started before it gets too harried around here.”
“You could’ve contacted me at home.” I raised a brow, cocking my head. “I’m in the phonebook.”
“We’re from St. Paul, not Minneapolis. Different jurisdictions.”
“We’re not sure what this is—call it a courtesy call.” Detective Schmidt reached for his smokes, then slid the pack back into his pocket.
“What can you tell us about yesterday?”
“Not much. Gina took a few pain killers before coming here.” My eyes opened wide. “Just a minute.” I reached for the bottle and opened it. “This was her new bottle of aspirins.”
“Count.”
I emptied the bottle and did as told, coming up with twenty-three. “Sounds about right.” I stared at the two men. “Now what?”
“How did she seem?” Paulson asked.“Fine. A bit of a headache. A touch of out of sorts.”
“Anyone stop by?”“Her friend Bambi, and she’s related to Sunflower and Ranger Harry from the TR park,” I said.“See anything suspicious looking or a little odd? Give it some thought Liv, because these details could be important,” Schmidt said.“I had overheard an argument, but thought nothing of it.”“Do you remember who the participants were?” Schmidt said.“I believe it was between Sunflower and Harry. Brother and sister, nothing odd about that.”“Okay.” He made note of it.“I brought her purse and drink to security at the end of the day. I gave it to Officer Reynolds,” I said. “Your husband?” Paulson asked.“Yes.”“We’ll check that out.”
“She was a very capable person. Not prone to excitement or taking chances. She worked hard. This was the first time that we’d ever done this-she as my employee, I mean.”
“Know anything about Bambi?”“She’s a jingle dancer, that’s all I know.”“That’s all for now,” Paulson said.“We’re not finished questioning,” Schmidt said. “Are you treating me like a suspect? I didn’t do it?” Schmidt barked a quick laugh. “You’re jumping the gun. We haven’t determined if it’s a homicide or not.”
The detective’s left.My heart pounded.No way was I going to be charged with Gina’s murder.
Absolutely not.