She sat up. “I thought I heard Elvira say something about burial grounds. What was that all about?”
“She claims that while she was researching Montgomery Hall, she found out that during the excavation of the site, the workers stumbled upon an ancient Indian burial ground.”
“What if it’s true?” Mercedes’ eyes widened. “Imagine all of the unhappy Indian ghosts hanging around.” She whipped her cell phone out of her pocket. “I’m going to look it up right now. Thank goodness for cell towers.”
Carlita stepped to the window and stared down at the pool, her eyes drawn to the pool house. Ava Torrez had her share of enemies, but who hated her enough to murder her? Flirting with male co-workers wasn’t a crime, nor was threatening people.
A sudden thought popped into her head. “I need to find out if Ava’s former employer gave Tori any information on her. I’m beginning to suspect she wasn’t let go because the former employer couldn’t afford her. What if she stirred up trouble there, as well?”
“Oh yeah.” Mercedes held her cell phone in the air. “When the construction crew began excavation, they found tomahawks, bones and pottery. They moved the building site back, so they wouldn’t disturb the grounds.”
“So the house technically isn’t on the burial grounds.”
“Close enough.” Mercedes tossed her cell phone on the bed and stood next to her mother at the window. “Somewhere out there are Indian spirits, roaming the grounds. Maybe they killed Ava.”
“Mercedes. That’s impossible. Let’s ask Tori about it during dinner. I’m going to head back to my room to freshen up.” Carlita patted her daughter’s shoulder. “If it makes you feel better, why don’t you leave your bedroom door open? I’ll leave mine open, too, in case you get scared.”
“I’m not scared,” Mercedes insisted. “Just a little freaked out because I think the house is haunted and now I find out we’re next to a burial site.” She followed her mother to the hall. “While you get ready, do you want me to track Tori down to see if she has a file or information from Ava’s previous employer?”
“Sure,” Carlita nodded. “Maybe it will take your mind off the Indian spirits.”
Mercedes waited until her mother was inside her room before jogging down the hall, rushing down the stairs and hurrying to the back of the house, to the only room she knew was occupied…the kitchen.
She tapped on the swinging door before gingerly pushing it open where she found Mrs. O’Brien, Iris and Jenny working in the kitchen. The smell of smoked meat filled the kitchen and Mercedes sniffed appreciatively. “Something smells delicious.”
“It’s Mrs. O’Brien’s shepherd’s pie. You’re in for a treat tonight,” Iris said.
“We all are,” Jenny chimed in.
Mrs. O’Brien shut the oven door. “Is there something you need dear? Perhaps a snack to tide you over until dinner is ready?”
“No thank you. Your quiche was delicious. The sausage biscuits smothered in gravy were some of the best I’ve ever had. The croissants were light and airy.” Mercedes smacked her lips. “It was all wonderful.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed your lunch,” Mrs. O’Brien beamed. “If you’re not hungry, there must be another reason you stopped by.”
“Actually, I was hoping to track down Mrs. Montgomery. I have a quick question for her.”
“She’s in her office. I’ll ring her to see if she has a moment to speak with you. She’s been busy trying to catch up after the party.” Iris hustled across the kitchen, to a small counter and a wall phone.
Mrs. O’Brien reached for a cutting board. “Dinner will be served promptly at 6:30 in the dining room.”
“Should we dress for dinner?” Mercedes hadn’t thought to bring dress clothes.
“Mrs. Montgomery doesn’t allow shorts or ripped jeans in the dining room, but if you’ve got a nice pair of jeans or slacks and a blouse, you’ll be fine.”
“Mrs. Montgomery said you can stop by her office now.” Iris hung up the phone. “She has a conference call in ten minutes. You’ll have to hurry.”
“I’m on my way.” Mercedes thanked the women and darted out of the kitchen. She slipped into the private wing and walked to Tori’s office door, tapping lightly.
The door opened and Tori peeked out. “Hello Mercedes. I was getting ready to join a conference call. Is there a problem?” She opened the door wider.
“Not really a problem, but Ma thought of something.” Mercedes glanced down the hall to make sure no one was lurking nearby. “She thinks perhaps Ava’s previous employer didn’t let her go because they couldn’t afford her. She thinks there may have been another reason.”
“I see. I have a copy of Ava’s personnel file from Mimi Dykstra. I already looked at it and didn’t see anything unusual, but you’re free to look, as well.” Tori crossed the room and grabbed a manila folder off the desk. “The Dykstras were here for the party last night and were also questioned by the authorities since they were Ava’s previous employer. I don’t believe they told the authorities anything that raised suspicions.”
She handed the folder to Mercedes, who flipped it open and peered at the cover sheet. Her eyes scanned the first page and she turned it over, studying the second page. It wasn’t until she got to the end that she noticed something odd.
“I think I may have spotted something,” Mercedes said. “Do you mind if I take this file upstairs? I want to show something to Ma.”
“Of course.” Tori’s desk phone started to ring. “That must be my call. If you’ll excuse me?”
“Of course.” Mercedes hurried to the door and quietly closed it behind her. She picked up the pace and took the stairs two at a time.
When she
