I unlocked the back door and let Yummy out of his carrier. When I turned and locked the dead bolt, I hoped Clark hadn’t made an extra set of keys before he installed the lock. I shuddered to think he might sneak in the back door at any time. He also installed a peephole. He said I would feel safer if I could see who was at the door, but what if he has spare keys.
Goodness gracious, Annie. Get a grip. If and when he kills you, it’ll be somewhere away from the chance of witnesses. Right. Oh boy, I don’t know.
In a panic, I quickly texted Georgie:
“At the store. Clark may have a spare set of keys. If I’m found dead, tell the Chief.”
She texted back:
“Calm down. I’ll tell him. I’ll bring lunch about one.”
The front door bell jingled, and I jumped.
I hurried upfront and came face to face with Mags.
“Get out of my store. You’re not welcome here. I’ll call the police.” I reached for the phone.
“Annie wait; I need to tell you something. Please. I’m not here to hurt you.” Her expression seemed genuine, and I turned to look in her eyes.
“I’m listening,” I said as I crossed my arms.
“First, I’m sorry for all your trouble. I didn’t send the notes or lock you in the shed. I truly thought you tried to poison me since I began to feel ill after our argument in the elevator. Also, I didn’t try to kill myself. There is a killer loose. Second, I’m leaving town. I was angry that Aunt Inga ignored her family, but I understand now. We were never close. Third, I don’t need her money. I’m successful, and I’m engaged.”
She held out her left hand and showed off a gorgeous round center diamond surrounded by a floral design of smaller diamonds.
“That’s a beautiful ring. Congratulations, Margaret.” I smiled. For some reason, I believed her.
“Thanks,” she dropped her head and then looked at me again. “He’s quite successful in his own business and our lives will be wonderful without Aunt Inga’s fortune. I’m leaving now. I won’t be back. Good luck, Annie. Please be careful. Someone did kill my aunt; they tried to kill me, and they’re threatening you. That idiot detective will be of little help. He’s convinced I drank the poison and refuses to investigate. Whoever owns Yummy is in danger. It’s why I dropped the suit. I have never been sicker than when I was poisoned. I’m lucky and quitting while I’m ahead. Take care.” She spun on her heel and just as quickly exited the store. I saw her climb into her car and drive off toward the highway.
My cell vibrated. It was Clark:
“Are you okay? Lunch?”
I texted back:
“I’m fine, have lunch plans.”
My phone began to ring. Clark was actually calling after my text. I pressed “ignore” and slipped the phone back into my pocket.
I had three customers before Georgie arrived with lunch. One bought a magazine, one a book, and one bought two of Mitzi’s candles. It was a typical morning. I turned the sign to “closed” and walked back to have lunch with Georgie.
She smiled as she set out what she brought. Bacon cheeseburgers, onion rings, and chocolate shakes. A plain beef patty for Yummy. Georgie knows how to spoil us.
After she swallowed her first bite she said, “Dot stopped in for an early lunch. She said all is quiet at the station, but Officer Bill and the Chief are spending a lot of time talking privately.”
“I knew Clifford was angry with Bill during the search of my house, but it might have more to do with what Bill said when he ran in and blurted out about having information about Clark and the Kellehers.” I bit into an onion ring and took a long sip of my shake.
Georgie kicked back and crossed her leg. Holding her burger in one hand and her shake in the other, she tried to talk with her hands. She dropped her hands to her lap and grinned. “Do you think they’re all in cahoots? We saw three men, but if Clark was there, he might have been sitting out of view. They knew we were there as soon as we pulled up in the canoe.”
“I’ve been wondering about that and I think you’re right. The only person I think we can rule out is Mags.” I explained about her visit that morning.
My phone rang. “It’s Lucas. I have to take this,” I said to Georgie.
I did more listening than speaking and before I hung up, I asked the question both Georgie and I discussed.
“Thanks, Lucas. I will. I promise.” I smiled and set my phone on the table.
“What did he say? What will you do? What did you promise?”
“Slow down, how much coffee did you have this morning, Georgie.” I laughed. “Okay, the lawsuit has been dropped officially. Yummy is mine.”
“Yeah,” Georgie yelled.
Yummy barked and ran in circles.
“Can I finish?” I asked.
Georgie nodded.
“Lucas told me to call his office and make an appointment. He’ll show me the financials. He said there is more than enough for me to live in the mansion without worry. He knows I want to give the property to the city. He said if I did that, I would still be able to keep all the financial assets, and they’re considerable. Oh, my goodness, Georgie. With or without the mansion, I’m rich beyond rich. No wonder someone wants me dead. He also suggested I give the mansion to the city as soon as I’m sure that is what I want to do. It may stop some of the threats.”
I picked up the phone, called Lucas’ office, and made an appointment for late that afternoon.
My phone vibrated with another text. I didn’t recognize the number, but the message was unmistakable:
“DIE.”
I showed it to Georgie, and her eyes flew open wide. “Whose number is that?”
I shrugged as I dialed 9-1-1.
“They’re sending
