“It has been a while. I wish there was something we could do to make Miss Dolores feel better when she comes on out.”
“There is. I nearly forgot, Dolores wanted me to check with Lucinda to make sure we have plenty of root beer and ice cream at the house. She’s planning a root beer float party when we get home. Perfect end to a stressful day.”
“I can call Lucinda for you, ma’am. And we can stop for supplies if needed.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. And while you are pitching in, I was wondering if you could help with something else. I know Dolores spoke to you and Marla Mae about cleaning the storage room file cabinets when it is convenient.”
“We are planning to get that done fairly soon.”
“Eventually Dolores will want the files and cabinets moved from the storage unit to somewhere at Manning Hall. Would you be able to hire a truck and find someone to help you move them? Naturally, Dolores would pay you both and cover all expenses.”
“My friend Quinton, who works with me at Success City, has a brother-in-law with a truck. We borrowed it once to move another driver’s family from one house to another. I’m sure we could borrow it again. Quinton and I can easily move some cabinets for Miss Dolores. She only needs to call on us when she is ready.”
At that moment I heard my name being called from near the front desk. “Miz Fletcher. What are you doing here?”
I almost didn’t recognize Deputy Lascomb because he was dressed in baggy denim shorts and a baseball jersey that read zeke’s zombies. He noticed I was staring at his shirt and he pointed to the logo with both index fingers. “Cool, right? Sheriff says we are like the walking dead: We sneak up on the other team and whomp! They’re goners.”
“It certainly is a catchy name for a, I’m guessing, softball team.”
“Yes, ma’am. The season starts next week, and we have a preseason game against the fire department tonight. It’s a practice game for both teams but I can tell you now, we’re going for blood.” He glanced over at the desk. “Is Remington taking care of you?”
“Yes, she has been very helpful. In fact, she was able to find out that the koi are coming home tomorrow.”
“Well, that’s good news. I know you were worried about those poor little fish.” His tone was not quite mocking. “So I suppose you’ll be on your way, then.”
“Actually, no. I’m waiting for Mrs. Nickens. She is meeting with Lieutenant Hall.”
His entire demeanor changed from happy-go-lucky ballplayer to deputy on the case. He stiffened, gave a half wave, and rushed off into the inner sanctum.
“That was weird,” Elton said. “He made a complete one-eighty in a split second.”
“In a way, and I think it indicates that being called in to a meeting with Lieutenant Hall means Dolores is a serious suspect. It’s possible things are about to get a lot worse. Elton, can you wait here in case Dolores comes out? I don’t want her to be alone for even an instant, but I need to make a quick phone call.”
“Sure ’nuff. Happy to.”
I found a spot under a tree where I could have some privacy but still keep my eye on the front door in case Dolores and Elton came out.
Harry McGraw’s voice mail picked up immediately.
“Harry, it’s Jessica. Things are getting urgent here. I’m spending the day with Dolores, but if you have anything that you think can help her, please call me tonight.”
I was walking back to the building when Dolores came out, flanked by Elton and Francis McGuire. She looked flustered but not completely done in. As I got closer I heard McGuire say, “You were really a trouper in there, Mrs. Nickens. From my perspective you are a dream client, following my lead consistently.”
Dolores gave him a gracious smile. “I had an excellent coach. But I am inclined to wonder what happens next.”
“The next move is up to them.” McGuire shrugged. “Your job is to sit tight and wait to see if they call you in again. Just remember, you are not to talk to anyone from law enforcement, including the Sheriff’s Department and the County Solicitor’s Office. Call me if anyone from those offices tries to talk to you or if you have any questions.” He started to walk toward the parking lot, half turned, and said over his shoulder, “Oh, and for goodness’ sake, avoid the press at all costs.”
“The press?” Dolores looked baffled. “I never even thought of the newspapers or local television. I mean, our wedding was in the society news and Willis has been mentioned here and there for some business deal or charity work, but I can’t imagine being in the news for . . . this.”
I linked my arm through hers and tried to sound as positive as I could while we strolled to the car. “Don’t worry about the press. Mr. McGuire is clearly pleased with how today’s interview went. Perhaps this is the end of it.”
I didn’t believe a word that came out of my own mouth, but I thought it was imperative to keep Dolores feeling optimistic. “Now, why don’t we get into the Escalade and see what Lucinda has prepared for us to snack on while we head off to keep your appointment with Marcus Holmes?”
The law office waiting room looked like a library. The walls were covered with floor-to-ceiling oak bookshelves filled with dark-covered hardback books. Brown leather chairs and love seats were arranged neatly around a Persian rug. The only office fixtures were a corner desk and computer and Mr. Holmes’s fifty-something assistant. Her nameplate specified she was Elizabeth Duett, Executive Secretary, but she could easily have been a librarian.
In keeping with the room’s decor, Dolores and I spoke in hushed tones. “Jess, when we are finished with this meeting, I hope I am done with lawyers for
