Sequestered with the Murderers by Dr. Tanner (best books to read for self improvement .TXT) 📗

Even though I told her this event would one day happen, I’m going to help my friend find a driver.”

“What about those two big strapping grandsons of yours.”

“They have already told me no way. They both said the two hundred dollars Tish pays each way is not enough.”

“Are either of them working now?”

“No.”

“What is it, about ten hours to drive from Orlando to Danville, perhaps more considering bathroom breaks? It’s about two hours to fly to Orlando straight through. Let’s say they would use twelve hours of their time. That equates to about sixteen dollars an hour. Where else can they get a job for sixteen dollars an hour?”

“I said to them exactly what you just said. Plus, Tish pays for all the food and drinks both ways.”

“Don’t those boys want to work, Aunt Clove? And Reed now has a daughter to support. Dottery is not going to let him live off her forever.”

“I’ve got Dottery working on Reed to do the job. So we shall see.”

“What is it with these young people today? They want to make big money right out of high school. How many of their high school friends are working making $30,000, $40,000, or $50,000 a year with just a high school diploma. You got to start somewhere; this driving job may lead to something big.”

“You echoed me almost word for word, Vett.”

“We can lead them to water, but we can’t make them drink, right?”

“Absolutely. Reed has got to do better. That baby girl of his deserves better. You talk to him when you go over there. He listens to you.”

“I will, Aunt Clove.”

“Dottery spoils him. What is it about young people today that make them want to go back home to their parents? When I got out of high school, I couldn’t wait to be on my own and have my own place. Nowadays, with the first sign of toughness or a problem, the child gives up and goes back home.”

“Didn’t both Reed and Cindy lose their jobs?” I asked.

“Just Reed. Cindy is still working at that fast food place on Riverside. When they lost their apartment, Cindy’s mother wouldn’t take them in. Well, she couldn’t. She only lives in a small one-bedroom apartment. Cindy’s father is dead. Since there was no one else to help them, Dottery let them move into her house.”

“Dottery may have spoiled Reed, but knowing her the way I do, she’s not going to let them stay there for long with Reed not contributing to the expenses. Reed is going to have to get a job soon and find an apartment.”

“You’re right about that.”

We talked about baby Chloe and the living arrangement in Dottery’s house for the next twenty minutes.

Then Aunt Clove said, “I’m making a pineapple cake for tonight. It isn’t on the menu, but I know how Rachel loves it. So make sure she knows it is available.”

“I will.”

“You have no idea why they decided to invite you and Gam to dinner on such short notice?”

“None at all. I know something is up because Rachel doesn’t make short notice meetings like this. You know how she is. She is a planner.”

“Well, I hope it is all good. I’m leaving at 5:00 pm. If you need me before then, let me know.

We then approved the menu for next week. After that, Aunt Clove went back to the kitchen, closing my office door behind her. After reading and answering some of my e-mails, paying bills, and reviewing food pricing advertisements, I looked at my watch, and it was 5:30 pm. I jumped up, grabbed my bag, and then went to the ladies’ room to freshen up. I put lipstick on my lips, blush on my cheeks, and combed my hair. Looking into the mirror, I turned my head several ways to make sure I was happy with my appearance.

Leaving the ladies’ room, I quickly walked to the hostess stand.

“Hi, Connie. How are you?”

“I’m fine, Vett. How are you?”

“Fine, too. I’m expecting Mr. and Mrs. Cuthbert Ellison for dinner at 6:00 pm tonight. When they arrive, would you seat them at one of the back booths on the right? And be sure to call me when they arrive.”

“Sure, Vett. No problem.”

“Thanks, Connie.”

I was about to turn and walk back to my office when I saw Gam walking to the front door. I waited for him. He looked up, saw me, and then smiled.

“Hi, Baby,” Gam said as he entered the room.

“Hi, back at you,” I said as I kissed him on the cheek. “Come on back. We have a few minutes before your parents arrive.”

Once in my office, we embraced and kissed long and passionately. When we released each other, Gam said, “I could hardly wait to see you. I missed you. I need a replay of that morning we had at Serenity.”

“You’re so bad. I missed you, too, but we can’t do that here.”

“Why not? Mom and Daddy won’t be here for another ten minutes or so.”

“Oh no. You’ll get your replay tonight at home.”

“You’re such a spoilsport.”

“I won’t be tonight, trust me,” I said teasingly.

“I’m ready for you.”

I then sat in my office chair. Gam sat in the chair in front of my desk.

“How was your day today?” I asked.

“It was a slow day. This was good. I was able to catch up on some paperwork. How was yours? Did you get any further along on your case?”

At that moment, it all rushed back on me. I hadn’t thought any more about the case since I made the phone call to Detective Rivers this morning. Now it mushroomed inside of me. I need to have an answer to Jackson by Friday. Today is Wednesday. I have no answer. What was I going to do? I don’t know who murdered Duffy. How do I get an answer by Friday?

“No, I’ve not worked on the case today. I’ll get back on it tomorrow,” I said with trepidation.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” Gam asked, seeing the apprehension and concern in my face.

I then heard