Found Dead in the Red Head Read online

  “Right, I remember.”

  “His occupation was listed as a farmer. Decent guy probably.”

  “I don’t think the census takers would write gangster down as a profession.”

  She smirked, “You know what I mean. Anyway, he had two boys listed an Amon Simon and another William Henry—out beside the kid’s name a big F was printed in the occupation.”

  “How old was he?”

  “Said 10. I hadn’t thought much of it until this Floyd business happened.”

  “So, you’re thinking what? What does the F mean?"

  “I dunno. Looked out of place, that’s why I noticed it.”

  “Maybe the person writing down the information made a mistake. It’d happen.”

  Neither of us touched the cinnamon rolls, and she sat back, balancing the mug on her belly. “Now that I know I’m gonna die, I’m making it my mission to find that kid.”

  “You’re not gonna die yet.”

  “You never know. One of my disgruntled frenemies could off me for failing to water her African violets properly.”

  “You violet-sitting for someone?”

  “Yeah, Della Brooks, over in 624.”

  “Okay. Della is a hundred years old, she won’t off you.” I drank the last of my tea. “If you can find Willie, it’d help. My curiosity won’t rest until I solve his mystery.” Saying my curiosity worked, since Fanny wouldn’t stop bugging me until she finds Willie.

  “I gotta run. Things to do today.”

  “Yeah, me too. Just thought I’d tell you before I forgot.” She stood and I took our mugs to the kitchen.

  Chapter 34

  Kay

  Day two crawled by as we waited for any news of Belly’s case. As much as the turmoil bothered me, the quiet was worse. Fanny retreated, I assume to the empty rooms upstairs overlooking the avenue.

  Sandy futzed with her bob, even bringing a hair dryer to keep it styled.

  Ally and Walker were honeymooning, so I didn’t bother them.

  More bad weather rolled in, no snow but plenty of rain, which made business slow.

  I mixed Valentine bath bombs and shopped online for Christmas gifts, clothes for Allison and Ally. I still hadn’t connected with Craig, but would after I heard from Dick.

  Afternoon, Sandy mumbled about having another appointment, but didn’t reveal her new secret, which might be lip injections or a tummy tuck. She isn’t aging gracefully, and I never expected that from common sense Sandy.

  When Bubba’s hulk cast another shadow in our door, I was overjoyed. “Hey there, you ol’ coot.”

  He came inside and took off his black Stetson. “Girl, what’s going on?”

  I knew Bubba well, he had news. “Waiting on news, you got any?”

  “They called in this old geezer. Ha!” He sniffed, rubbing his nose. “Dang, I’m allergic to this stuff.”

  “They?”

  “Dick. He wanted to know what I knew about Gretchen.” If there was anyone in the state who knew more about the Floyds than Bubba, I’d be surprised.

  “Is he… close? What about Bangor? Does he have an attorney?” If he didn’t I would make sure, he got one.

  “Kid isn’t charged. They have him protected.”

  Things sounded worse than I thought. Protective custody didn’t happen unless someone was in imminent danger.

  “What about the creepy cookie jar?” Two days was forever in terms of investigations. Either they had Gretchen or they didn’t.

  “They found an old key in the bottom of the jar.”

  “A key? To what?”

  “Dunno. It’s got a number on it.”

  “Was it a car key or door?”

  “Padlock. No telling. Gretchen’s as smart as an alley cat. She’ll probably slip through this one, too.”

  If she did, I’d be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life.

  “But I’m thinking it wasn’t her who put it there. She’s only protecting another jake-legged Floyd.” He worked up a sneeze, squeezing his nose trying to stop it. “I was wondering if you’d want to help me in the unsolved case files. We always talked about doing that together.”

  “Ah, not right now. Maybe in the spring.”

  “I thought so, with the baby and all. Congratulations.”

  “Huh, thanks. She’s darling.” Word was out if Bubba knew, he wasn’t exactly in my loop anymore.

  He worked up another sneeze. “I gotta get. I’ll let you know if something else comes up.” I walked him to the door and he hurried away.

  Fanny flickered beside me. “Bloke. That’s bad news. Belly said there was money in that car.”

  “Did you hear what he said? Gretchen’s protecting someone else.”

  “That’s the way the gangster world works. An eye for an eye.” She moved into the display window, and I followed her, happy to have her back.

  “I have…” Should I tell Fanny about the hint Anita gave me about Willie? Or should I save it until Anita learns more? With her gallivanting and chasing a Highlander, she won’t have time for boring census records.

  “Ah—“

  “Watch out here comes that woman.” With my back to the wall I could only see north on the avenue, but before I could turn around the doorbell tinkled.

  I peeled out of the window saying, “Welcome to the Row. Oh, it’s… you.”

  Looking drugged and deranged, Bangor’s mother opened the door, casting glances at the showroom, taking in everything at once.

  Behind me, Fanny flew from the window, circling the woman.

  “Hey. I’m looking for…are you Pattianna Fuqua?” Dressed in too-tight faded black jeans, a stained men’s T-shirt with the neck hacked out in a V, and a worn leather bomber jacket, she looked fierce. Her hands were shoved into the jacket’s pockets, and she ticked jerking.

  Fanny flashed. “Call the coppers, she’s got a gun.” She stabbed at her coat pocket. “Bloke, that thing can blow off a horse’s head.”

  High-caliber flashed in my mind. Walker said Belly was shot with a pistol at close range.

  Red flags forced me backward, looking for an escape route. She stood in the doorway, but close enough she could reach me quickly.

  She watched Fanny circle her. “What’s with the spook? She’s acting awful haughty.”

  Adrenaline surged through my veins, churning a storm of fear. “May I help you? You must have the wrong shop.”

  I didn’t dare talk to Fanny, but she didn’t back down because this glassy-eyed—she was hyped up on some kind of drug—woman was threatening.

  “Gretchen’s in jail because of you—an’ her. You been snooping in business that’s not yours.”

  Edging, I moved toward the counter only because it felt safer than standing out in the open. What I needed was another customer to come in, or a baseball bat. Either one would distract her so I could call 911. Too bad Bubba left five minutes too soon.

  Fanny’s needle flashed, but I doubt the woman would feel it if she poked her… this case she needs to stab.

  “I did nothing to put her in jail.” No point in denying my minimal involvement. This woman saw me with Teddy.

  “I don’t care about her.” She moved, matching my movements. “What I want is that key.”

  “What key?” I made it behind the counter, but she stalked toward me, pulling her hand from her jacket pocket.

  “Ah. You know about the key. Belly knew about the key. I figured he gave it to you. You’re so stupid, showing up acting high and mighty, Pfft—Gretchen was right about you.”

  She pointed, but she didn’t hold a gun. I flashed a look at Fanny, and she motioned at her other hand.

  “I don’t have a key. What does it unlock?” I cannot imagine what on the Floyd property needed a key to protect it.

  “It’s a key to Danny’s future. When he gets out, we gotta have that key, or he’ll off us all. He’s already saying her gonna have mama’s house torched.”

  Sweat beaded across the bridge of her nose.
“When he gets out…he’ll…off Bangor…if I don’t have that key.”

  Now, I understood her motivation, but not her method. “I worry about my children…my daughter was missing for a time. Now that she’s back…I’ll never let her go away. I could make some calls. Ask about the key. Who’s Danny? What’s your name?”

  I hoped my questions would soften her, playing on how she felt about Bangor.

  The shop’s land line phone sat on the shelf behind the county, but it’d be too obvious to use. Using the counter as cover, I fished for my cellphone from my pocket hiding it from her.

  Fanny stalked, pacing watching her. She immobilized Morris with a barrage of needle pricks, but this time I wanted her to wait. I needed answers from this woman.

  “Kay. That’s my name. Danny’s Bangor’s daddy. We never got hitched, but he took care of us.”

  “And Danny…is where?”

  Kay sniffed wiping her nose on her hand. “Angola. Twenty to life.”

  “Ah-ha. That’s so.” I relaxed knowing that Danny wasn’t waiting in the getaway car.

  “I’m scared to death he’ll get out early. I fear…for…Bangor.” She coughed into her fist and her eyes watered. “He loved that old fart…teaching him how to steal parts real good.”

  She pinched her lips, shaking her head. “I wish he’d never…”

  Thankfully, I kept my phone ringer silenced, but it buzzed, vibrating an incoming text message. I shifted so I could glance at the screen, it was Teddy.

  “We can protect you. I know people.” I was ready to duck, my nerves twitched wanting to run. Could I make it to the backdoor before she shot me? No, I wasn’t going to risk it.

  She pouted, poking out her bottom lip. “I bet you will. They locked up Bangor. He got one phone call, an’ he called saying that the gig was up, and I should tell him where the car was…I can’t. He’d kill both of us. Bangor for telling Belly, an’ me for killing him.”

  Fanny lit up flashing quickly and blindingly bright. “Now ain’t that the truth.”

  Up until Kay said ‘an’ me for killing him’ I thought I was going to talk her out the situation. Instead, I stuttered, “So… you… shot… Belly?”

  Hearing my words they sounded deeply toned, muffled like I was listening to them through water.

  Kay didn’t flinch at my question, but drilled down staring into my eyes. I held steady, looking for answers in her glistening eyes and I saw her determination, her willingness to complete her mission—protecting her child.

  It was several long seconds before she spoke. “Danny’s got a car locked up in a storage unit…that key goes to the lock on the door. We pay the rent on that unit before we eat. I only want the cookie jar, nothing else… it just happened…”

  There were so many questions I needed to ask, but I asked, “What kinda car?”

  Throwing her head back, she paced almost turning her back. “Danny knows his cars. All them Floyds know their cars.”

  Fanny floated behind the counter. “She’s a goner… we can’t help her.”

  “It’s a Camaro. 1969 supped-up. That Shelby ain’t nothing. Danny wanted it kept, so he’d have startup cash when he gets out.”

  Teddy text a second text. If I didn’t answer soon, he call or show. I wanted him to come, but I also didn’t, I wanted to save Kay, if only from herself.

  “I can help you. I know the sheriff, I have his personal number…we could get him to come here…and talk.”

  Fanny moved toward her. “I can take her down.”

  Kay scowled. “Who is this woman, my eyes hurt when I look at her.”

  “She’s my friend… she wants to help. Tell us where the storage unit is.”

  Kay pulled her other hand from her pocket and pointed her pistol at Fanny. “Stop it. You’re giving me a headache.”

  “Eh!” Fanny faded into hazy grayscale and as she moved a puff of smoke trailed from her cummerbund. “I can’t be shot twice. I’m dead enough already.” Her sewing needle flickered. “I’ll give you a headache.”

  Behind us, someone keyed open the security door, and I grabbed my cellphone. “That’s the cops. Put away your gun.”

  Kay turned, pointed the gun and pulled the trigger.

  Chapter 35

  Act of Congress

  Kay pulled the trigger, but she jerked and missed shooting me. The bullet landed in the plaster over the swinging doors. Unfortunately, I also jerked so hard I lost my balance, knocked over the stool and bashed my temple on the foot of the overturned stool.

  It was Teddy who keyed opened the door, and he barged through the swinging doors, waving his pistol. Shocked, Kay dropped the gun and fell to her knees sobbing. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to kill Belly, it just happened.”

  He pulled a zip tie from his hip pocket and subdued Kay, but she was spent. She talked to herself, mumbling about seeing flashing lights in a woman.

  Teddy called 911 relaying the situation. When he was done, he turned his attention to me. “You okay? We can get you looked at?”

  By the time Dick arrived, although thoroughly shaken, I was oddly calm.

  With his black Stetson setting beside him, he sat on the loveseat taking a break, surfing the internet. “You people make me exhausted. Give it a break, okay?”

  Fanny sat on the arm of the loveseat, but she didn’t fawn over Dick.

  I sat on the workroom stool, nursing a cold cup of coffee. “I’m not doing this on purpose. It’s coming to me.”

  Why would I seek drama like what just unfolded in the Row? What I needed was a spa weekend, far away from the spa city.

  “You know what I mean.” Struggling, he pulled up from the sofa. “When you get your wits together, come see me. We’ll talk.”

  With two fingers, I saluted him, holding onto the ice bag Sandy made for me, again. “Will do.”

  Dick snickered going toward the backdoor. “You gotta stay on your feet. Stay out of trouble.

  Grimacing, I frowned at him. “Go away. You’re bugging me.”

  Out front, Sandy fumed futzing about the showroom. She arrived seconds after Teddy and the entire scene so discombobulated her, she reached for a bottle of pills in her purse. She bit a pink football-shaped pill in half, tossed it back and handed me the other half. That must be the reason I’m so calm, I hadn’t asked what the pill was, but swallowed it.

  “Guess Kay’s gonna spend some time thinking.”

  “Plenty. Sandy’s shutting down the shop. I’m taking you home.”

  “No. I promise. I can drive.” I wanted him to fuss over me. “Besides, Ally said she was coming to spend the night. She doesn’t want me to be alone. And there’s Anita.”

  I’d have a whole host of people fussing over me, and all I wanted was to be alone.

  “Sorry, get your coat. I’m not taking no for an answer.” He stomped toward the door. “I’m starting your car. I’ll drive it home, get Walker to bring me back.”

  Earlier, Teddy called Walker and he hurried over, but Kay had already been taken into the station. They talked with Dick as I nursed my head listening to the story’s facts.

  “Gretchen had already ratted on Kay. She wasn’t about to take a murder rap.”

  Walker asked, “So tell me about this Camaro?”

  “Like I said, the key found in the cookie jar is a key to a storage building in Nashville. If that’s the truth.”

  All three men hung around the workroom, while Sandy fussed and I iced my head.

  “It’d take an Act of Congress to get a search warrant for every storage facility in Nashville.” Dick chuckled, dreaming of the possibilities.

  “To get my hands on that car, I’d give it a try.” Walker pulled up vintage car sites online his phone looking at other 1969 GT350 Camaros. Whistling, he showed the guys one car, “Look at that one.”

  “What a honey,” Teddy nodded, agreeing.

  “So, what about Jimmy Hoffa’s hand?” I had to ask, since Teddy so wanted it to be the missing mafia ringleader’
s hand.

  “Only you’d remember that stupid remark.” He smirked, grinning.

  Dick shook his head. “I wish. Forensics said it’s a monkey paw. Go figure. Kinda made me upchuck.”

  “Nasty all right. Did Gretchen elaborate on why the paw was in cookie jar?”

  “Nope. Would you?” Dick snickered. “They probably had a pet monkey—they had exotic animals before—bet she thought it’d be funny.”

  “Poor monkey lost its paw in a cookie jar.” I added, taking the ice bag off my temple. I wasn’t hurt, but the cold kept me cool. If I thought too much about what the Floyds had done to my family, I might sic Fanny on them. She can tame junkyard dogs, why couldn’t she tame a family of gangsters.

  “Better’n than its head.” Teddy guffawed.

  The showroom lights went off, and Sandy came into the workroom. “We’re taking the day off tomorrow. Besides, after word gets out, nobody will ever shop here again.”

  Sandy’s grumbly mean attitude had returned, and it made me feel comfortable. Perky new hairdo Sandy was harder to handle than the fussbudget pen straightening nurse. Tsking she mumbled about poisoned bath bombs, plaster and monkey paws, pulling on her coat and grabbing her purse.

  That jinx Etta mentioned might very well be true. When she walked in after her shift at the Arlington, she turned on her heal and left without a word. We might not ever see her again.

  Bumping out the backdoor, Sandy left without saying goodbye. Dick followed her, but he muttered goodnight.

  Teddy said, “I’m warming up the truck.”

  “Okay, be right out.”

  Now that Ally had returned, I wouldn’t be so distracted worrying over her whereabouts. With Allison’s arrival, I’d settle into a regular grandmotherly routine, who knows maybe I’ll learn to crochet. She was right, I wasn’t fully participating in the Row and needed to focus.

  I put the ice bag in the sink and pulled on my jacket. “Fanny, you around? I’m going home. Sandy said we’re taking the day off tomorrow. I won’t be around.”

  Nothing rustled, and I looked over the swinging doors into the dark showroom, hoping she sat happily glimmering and sewing in the display window, but she wasn’t there.