When Daisy had met Glenda, she’d realized that the woman was guarded. If she had any emotions, she saved them for her acting parts . . . or her play-writing.
“I’ll say again, you don’t have to interfere with the police, but maybe you could whittle down that suspect list. I’ll pay you.”
Daisy was already shaking her head and motioning for him to stop. “No. No payment. And I’m not going to agree to help you, at least not yet.”
“What will convince you?”
“I understand how desperate you are. I’ve seen this situation before. What I will do is talk to Vanna. Maybe she had some insights. How about if I start there?”
“The truth is—I don’t know Vanna very well. She’s never warmed up to me. Maybe you can find out something I can’t. That would be a good start.”
He took a business card from the inside pocket of his jacket and slid it over to her. “All of my numbers are on there. Please call me if you learn anything.”
As Jada brought their tea and accompaniments on a tray, Daisy studied his business card and wondered if she was ready to question anyone.
Chapter Six
Daisy and Jazzi had gone over to Vi’s apartment after Daisy’s Tea Garden had closed for the day. Iris had spent the whole day with her and Sammy. As they climbed the stairs, they heard Sammy fussing. But by the time they reached the apartment, he was quiet again.
Iris was sitting in the living room, such as it was, in a platform rocker. It was small so it would fit beside the sofa.
As soon as they greeted her aunt, Daisy could see that Iris had concern on her face. Daisy went to Sammy and held her arms out for him with a grin. “How are we doing today?”
Iris brushed the stray strands of Sammy’s hair over his forehead before she carefully handed him to Daisy. “It’s hard to give him up after I’ve been holding him.”
“I imagine so.” Sammy had been born at seven pounds three ounces, and he fit into her arms just right. She kissed his forehead.
Iris sat down on the sofa and let Daisy take the rocker. “How’s the new mom?” Daisy asked in a low voice.
Iris shook her head. “She’s eating minimally. She knows she has to eat for the baby to get nourishment. And she’s sleeping a lot.”
Iris turned her attention to Jazzi. “Jazzi, why don’t you go in and see if you can talk to her. Talk about your day, about the tea garden, about anything. Get some lights back into her eyes.”
Jazzi studied her aunt. “Is this something to worry about? Are all new moms like this?”
Daisy shook her head. “Fatigue is normal. Sleep deprivation is normal. But not eating and sleeping all the time isn’t normal. Go ahead and see if she’ll have a conversation with you.”
After Jazzi had gone to the bedroom, Daisy sighed. “I don’t know what to think. Has Foster been home at all today?”
“He left after I arrived. He stopped in again before his afternoon class. He’s enthusiastic and loves carrying Sammy around. But I can’t even convince Vi to get dressed. She says it’s not practical with breastfeeding and all.”
“I’ll have to call Willa and talk to her. If she stops in for a visit, maybe she and I can give Vi some strategies to get back on her feet.”
After looking down at her black tennis shoes, Iris flicked a piece of lint off her indigo jeans. “I’ve done some reading on this.”
“On having babies?” Daisy asked with a smile.
“Vi said I could use her computer. It’s so much easier to read on there than my phone.”
“And what did you find out?”
“If a new mom has terrific mood swings, sleeps a lot, doesn’t want to eat or eats too much, she might have more than baby blues. It could be postpartum depression.”
“I’ve heard of that. Vi’s certainly showing the symptoms. Maybe I should just call her doctor.”
“I think she might become defensive if you do that. Willa might be a better bet. From what the articles say, if this kind of thing goes on for two weeks or more, that’s when the mom should see a professional.”
Daisy let out a long breath as she placed her thumb on Sammy’s cheek and relished the feel of the purely soft baby skin. “How did you even know to look this up? I was thinking she was just tired from having to breastfeed the baby every two to three hours. Lack of sleep can cause confusion and mood swings too, not to mention hormones scrambling all over the place to rectify themselves.”
Iris looked down at her shoes again. “I must have seen a talk show about it.”
Daisy and Iris had never lied to each other, as far as Daisy knew. Her aunt was a straight shooter and was kindly when she did it. Now, however, the way she wouldn’t meet Daisy’s eyes, the way she was hesitating, convinced Daisy that something wasn’t quite right. “I’ll see how Vi is tonight while I’m here. Jazzi and I will stay until Foster gets home. If I see the symptoms you’re seeing, I’ll call Willa and set something up with her. Do you think you can handle the tea garden tomorrow if it’s busy?”
“Jada wants more hours. I’m sure it won’t take much convincing to have her work the afternoon shift, as well as the morning shift. We all work well together. Tessa and Eva can bake and cook, and Cora Sue, Jada, and
