Be Mine, Dead Valentine, page 2
part #2 of Crescent Falls Series
Blanchard turned to leave, calling over his shoulder, “No hard feelings, Jeremy. I’m just trying to run a newspaper. The people have a right to know.”
Marty lifted up the wooden-hinged partition that afforded access to the interior bar area and walked Daniel to the door. “You know, Jeremy’s been drinking his lunch for about a month now. I like that young couple and hate what happened to their inn. There must be some way they can get out of that awful deal he was forced to make with those scumbag casino owners.”
“He could get legal help. Even though I hesitate to recommend Mark Cardosa, he is probably just slick enough to figure something out.” Daniel had taken an instant dislike to the oily attorney during the murder investigation in December.
“I mentioned that to him already, but right now he’s trying to find his solution in the bottom of a bottle.”
Glancing back into the bar, Daniel noticed two things: Jeremy Rausch now had two drinks sitting in front of him, and Patty Regan and Bob Jackson were huddled together deep in conversation.
Chapter Three
When Adelaide entered Tina’s Tresses, the local hair salon, at a little after three in the afternoon, she was pleased to see her best friend Ethel Henshaw there, along with local librarian Mary Ellen Oliver and Gayle Nelson, owner of Gayle’s Gifts & Flowers. She was not quite as pleased to see Zelda Jackson.
The salon, located on Main Street, was large enough to accommodate three styling stations, a waiting area, break room, storage room and a restroom. The station to her right was the largest, and that was where Tina Engler worked her magic. The two stations on the other side of the room were side by side. The décor was 1960s retro with pink walls, white speckled tile on the floor and black shampoo bowls and chairs.
Ethel was in the chair at Tina’s station while Zelda and Gayle were being tended to on the other side of the room.
Tina waved and said, “Be with you in a minute, Adelaide.”
Adelaide took a seat beside Mary Ellen Oliver in the cozy waiting area. “I’m early, Tina. Take your time.”
“I’m the same way,” Mary Ellen said softly. “I’d rather not show up as to be late, so I usually arrive at least fifteen minutes ahead.”
Adelaide assessed the woman next to her. Her long, light brown hair was pulled back at the nape of her neck in a tight bun as usual. Gone, however, were the rimless glasses that did little to flatter her beautiful turquoise eyes. “Are you wearing contact lenses, Mary Ellen?”
The woman’s cheeks turned pink. “You’re the first one to notice. I just got them yesterday, though. They’re the soft ones. Very comfortable.”
“Well, I must say, I’m surprised. But you look wonderful.” Adelaide also noted that Mary Ellen’s outfit was a little less conservative than usual.
Mary Ellen smiled. “That’s not the only change I’m making. “I’m having my hair cut today.”
Adelaide’s reaction to that was interrupted when Ethel, who was now finished, approached them. Her snow-white hair looked like a fluffy cloud around her round, rosy-cheeked face. “I heard James Preston is staying on at the church. I wonder how Vernon will take that news,” she said to Adelaide.
Adelaide wasn’t surprised word was spreading fast. “I haven’t seen Vernon today. We’re having dinner tonight at the Dovetail Inn. I’m sure we’ll be discussing it.”
Ethel went to the counter, paid her bill, then sat down next to Adelaide. “The Business Development Committee needs to meet before the next town council meeting, Adelaide. We have to have our report ready, and we can’t make any mistakes. Those casino people will be very prepared and professional.”
Adelaide sighed. To combat the move that Mirador Entertainment, owners of the Royal Aces Casino in Columbus, was making to build a casino in Crescent Falls, the Business Development Committee had been formed in January to seek out other companies who were planning to relocate or build an additional facility as part of an expansion plan. The members were Ethel, Tina, Harold Purcell, owner of the local funeral parlor, Vernon, Hal Buckner, owner of Buck’s Market, Zelda, and herself.
Zelda, who was now finished with her blow dry, joined them. “Ethel’s right. We can’t afford to look foolish, or we’ll lose. You could have spoken up more at the last council meeting, Adelaide. I had to end up doing practically all the talking.” Her sharp, blue gaze bored into Adelaide.
As if anyone else could have gotten a word in edgewise if they’d wanted to. Just like always, you run everything, then complain about how overworked you are.
Aloud, Adelaide said, “We have three good suggestions to take to the next council meeting. Vernon plans to present them, so you don’t have to worry about being overburdened.” She heard Ethel emit a half snort, a sure sign she was suppressing a laugh.
“Ready, Adelaide?” Tina said.
At the same moment, a stylist across the room signaled for Mary Ellen to come sit down at the shampoo bowl.
Ethel waved at Adelaide as she left the salon. Zelda stomped out in a huff.
“So, tell me,” Tina said as she secured a black, satiny cape around Adelaide’s upper body to protect her clothing, “how do you think Tim is doing on the town council? Have you heard any comments?”
Tina’s husband, Tim, owner of the auto repair shop in town and chief of the volunteer fire department, had replaced slain member Jerry Hatfield on the council in January. “Well, if January’s meeting was any indication, I think he’s going to be great. I’m just glad he accepted the appointment when Carl asked him. We didn’t need any more casino supporters on there.”
Leaning back in the chair, Adelaide tried to relax as Tina wet down her hair and began shampooing it. “You know, he’s really enthused about being on town council and says when this term he’s fulfilling is up, he’s going to run for the seat.”
“I hope he does,” Adelaide replied softly, as Tina’s nimble fingers massaged her scalp. She also got a conditioning treatment, which had to sit on her hair for five minutes.
Once Adelaide’s chair was upright again, she stared across the room just in time to see the stylist finish trimming Mary Ellen’s hair. “It looks great,” she called.
“I’m afraid to look,” Mary Ellen said tremulously. As if to emphasize the point, she scrunched her eyes shut.
Gayle Nelson was now at the counter. Adelaide had to admit she looked stunning. Her long, reddish-brown hair had some curl in it today, adding a softness to her features. Once she paid her bill, she turned to Adelaide. “I have to get back to work at the gift shop, but I just wanted to tell you that Mark and I have set the date.”
Adelaide felt the familiar dislike she had for Gayle’s fiancé, attorney Mark Cardosa, resurface. With effort, she forced a smile. “Really?”
“June fourteenth at St. Mark’s Lutheran. You’ll be getting an invitation.” With that she breezed out of the salon.
“Maybe she’ll come to her senses before then,” Tina muttered, as she began trimming Adelaide’s hair.
A half hour later as she and Mary Ellen left the salon at the same time, Mary Ellen said, “Don’t forget the Friends of the Library meeting on Tuesday night, Adelaide. You’ve missed the last few and we really need all the people we can get. I want to discuss how we can increase our membership.”
Guilt pulled at Adelaide. “I’ll be there. I promise. By the way, your hair looks wonderful.” She glanced at the woman, who now sported a layered style, even though the stylist had only taken about an inch off the length. Mary Ellen actually blushed as she thanked Adelaide and walked away.
Once Adelaide arrived home, she called Daniel at the police station. Since his near-death experience in December, she’d found herself keeping tabs on him more often.
“Mother, I was going to give you a call anyway. I was doing a follow up at Marty’s earlier today and guess who was there drowning his sorrows?”
Adelaide could think of several people who might qualify, but she didn’t want to mention names. “Tell me.”
“Jeremy Rausch. And Marty tells me it’s just about a daily occurrence lately.”
Adelaide felt sick inside. She really liked the couple and hated to see this happening. “I wonder if Elaine is aware. Vernon and I are going to the Dovetail Inn to eat tonight. Maybe I’ll get a chance to talk to her. Don’t worry, I’ll be subtle.”
“That will be the day,” Daniel said, before hanging up.
Chapter Four
As Vernon pulled his Escalade into the front parking lot of the Dovetail Inn, Adelaide looked out the passenger side window at the stately three-story Victorian structure. It being Saturday night, of course the front lot was full, so he drove around the building to the back, finally finding a spot along the perimeter that abutted the woods behind the structure.
The drive from her home had been a little strained, with sparse conversation. Adelaide knew the reason why Vernon was so quiet. She glanced over at him as he shut off the engine and prepared to get out of the vehicle. She’d always thought he was good looking, and the years hadn’t changed that. Oh, his once thick sable-brown hair now formed a thinning ring around his bald pate, and he was a little pudgier than he’d been in his youth, but those green eyes with the brown flecks dancing in them still sparkled with humor and his complexion was as youthful as that of a thirty-year-old. Tonight, he was wearing a pair of grey woolen slacks and a light blue shirt under a dark grey sweater. His overcoat, unbuttoned, was the exact same shade as the slacks. He’d obviously splashed on some aftershave, something tangy with a musky undertone.
For this occasion, Adelaide had chosen a russet-colored pair of slacks and a white sweater. A black blazer completed the outfit. She’d opted for a gold locket and diamond stud earrings as her only jewelry. For comfort, she wore her trusty tan cashmere coat.
A blast of icy air hit her in the face as Vernon opened the car door for her and she climbed out. “It’s going to snow or something,” she commented. A mumbled reply that she couldn’t decipher was carried away on the chilly breeze.
Inside the inn, it was toasty warm, and Adelaide could smell wood burning, which meant the fireplaces in the two separate dining areas were ablaze. A wide, walnut staircase to their right led to the upstairs where guest rooms were located. Adelaide love the décor, so rich looking with gold, brown, tan and splashes of umber as the main colors. The widely spaced tables afforded privacy, which she particularly appreciated tonight because she knew Vernon had some things to say.
It was co-owner Elaine Rausch who showed them to their table, since the hostess was busy seating other guests. The petite blonde looked like someone who wasn’t getting enough rest. Her blue eyes were bloodshot, and the skin on her face was mottled with something resembling hives. She looked on edge and nervous.
“Are you all right, Elaine? How are things going?” Adelaide said softly as they wended their way past occupied tables to a table for two against the far wall.
“I’m all right,” Elaine snapped. She slapped the menus down on the table, turned and left them there without another word.
Vernon held out Adelaide’s chair for her then sat down across the table. “Who spit in her oatmeal?” He was eyeing the young woman as she walked back toward the foyer.
“You know what the problem is. Jeremy and she are still under the thumb of Madora Entertainment, the casino people who now own half of this inn.” Adelaide felt anger rise up in her again as she thought of how that situation had come about. “That’s not all. Daniel told me today that when he went into Marty’s earlier to do a follow-up on an incident that occurred Friday night, he saw Jeremy in there belting down one drink after another.”
Vernon sighed. “I’m not surprised. He came into the pharmacy the other day to pick up his prescription and I could smell the booze on him, and it was only two o’clock in the afternoon.”
They studied their menus for a few moments. Finally, Adelaide said, “I guess you’ve heard by now that James is staying.”
He put his menu down and stared across the table at her. “How do you feel about that, Addy?”
“Truthfully, I’m glad. We need someone right now who knows the congregation, especially with a new associate pastor starting soon.” She saw something flicker in his eyes she couldn’t quite decipher.
“I’m not so sure those are his only motives,” Vernon snapped.
“Vernon, James and I are just good friends.”
Vernon’s brow furrowed in a frown. “I wonder if he realizes that’s all it is.”
The waiter arrived just then to take their order. He must have sensed some tension in the air, because he looked uncertainly at one of them then the other and said, “I can come back.”
“No need. We’ll have the sampler appetizer and iced tea,” Vernon said. He looked at Adelaide for confirmation.
Adelaide nodded her approval and the waiter scurried quickly away. Just then she spied Gayle Nelson enter the dining room along with her fiancé, attorney Mark Cardosa. Gayle looked radiant, just as a prospective bride should. Mark, who was well build with the dark good looks that indicated his Italian ancestry, had his arm around Gayle’s waist. “I have some other news, if you’re interested.” Adelaide purposely kept her tone cool.
Vernon laid one hand, palm up, in the middle of the table, as though he wanted her to place her hand in his. “I’m sorry, Addy. This dating thing has me in a tizzy. I guess I didn’t expect to have competition…again. Please be patient with me.”
After just the right amount of hesitancy, she slid her hand into his upturned one and squeezed. “You know how much I treasure our friendship, Vernon. I don’t ever want to lose you.”
He seemed to relax. She could feel the tautness leave his hand. “Okay, tell me this other news.”
The waiter returned with their tea and appetizer, so Adelaide withdrew her hand from Vernon’s. For just a second, a sudden feeling of loss spiraled around inside of her. Once the waiter took their dinner order and left the table, she said, “Gayle and Mark have set their wedding date. June fourteenth.”
Vernon shook his head. “Oh, I hope that young woman knows what she’s getting into.”
Adelaide looked toward the table where the couple now sat. “They look pretty blissful.”
Vernon glanced over his shoulder briefly then turned back around. “How do we get some of that, Addy?”
Adelaide was shocked by the question and wasn’t quite sure what to say. Luckily, at that point another dating couple walked by their table and stopped to talk.
Diner owner Dora Carmody smiled down at Adelaide. “I see we’re not the only ones braving the cold tonight.”
Beside her, Harold Purcell, the tall, lanky funeral home owner, stood with his hands clasped behind his back. As always he was dressed impeccably, and his salt and pepper hair looked freshly trimmed. He leaned down a little and said, “Don’t you think the Business Development Committee should meet one more time before the town council meeting on the eleventh?”
Vernon nodded. “Definitely. I’m certain the representatives from Madora Entertainment will be prepared, so we’d better be, also. I’ll make some calls and see when it’s convenient for the others.”
Adelaide glanced up at Dora, who was completely in favor of the casino idea, wondering how she and Harold avoided letting this issue come between them. The two had only been dating since late December, so the relationship was still in its early stages. At the moment, Dora was tugging on Harold’s sleeve, indicating that they needed to follow the busy hostess to their table.
Still feeling unsettled by their previous conversation, Adelaide had to make sure things were once again all right between her and Vernon. “I want to make it perfectly clear that I think of James as only a friend. It’s important that you believe that. I can’t help what thoughts he might have in his mind about me.”
Vernon transferred some of the appetizers onto his plate. “You know how I feel about you, Addy. I made that clear in December. I will never give up on us. Never. If James Preston wants a fight, he’s got it.”
The determination in his tone and the set of his jaw told her that Vernon was ready to do battle. Not really sure how to respond to his declaration, she put two appetizers on he own plate and began to eat.
Chapter Five
Patty Regan was tired. It was closing time at Marty’s and the last of the customers had just left. She glanced at the large beer-sign clock on the wall. It read two-thirty-five. She quickly cleaned up the bar area and began sweeping the wooden floor. Once that was finished, she scooted the chairs snugly up to all the tables in the main area and the adjacent room. She racked the pool balls on the felt covered table, checked the restrooms and did what had to be done in there, then shut off the lights and reentered the main bar area.
She wasn’t supposed to be doing this alone, but Marty had to leave at midnight and the bartender, Mickey, who was supposed to work with her until closing, had gotten sick and gone home around one o’clock. She’d thought about calling Bob Jackson back in, but then remembered he was on call as a paramedic from the time he left at six until two AM. Luckily it had been quiet for the last two hours, which was kind of unusual for a Saturday night. But, she wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth.
She went into Marty’s office, taking the drawer from the cash register with her. She put the money into a canvas bag and deposited it in the safe behind his desk. As she closed the heavy iron door of the safe, she thought about how much her life had improved in the past few years.
Especially since I divorced that deadbeat, Pete Hicks.
Money was always a problem when she was married to Pete. He spent it like there was no tomorrow and cheated on her constantly. Their five-year marriage had ended badly with a lot of hard feelings on both sides, although she wasn’t quite sure why Pete was sore. After all, she hadn’t been the liar and cheater. He’d stayed in Rosewood, where they’d moved shortly after the wedding, while she’d gratefully moved back to Crescent Falls. She received a measly amount of alimony, which he constantly griped about, but had no choice but to pay, since it was automatically taken out of his paycheck.
