A Season for Killing Blondes (6 page)

“There is no explanation or justification for the violent and senseless way she was taken from us. But let us take solace in the fact that she has now entered another realm and will always be with us in spirit.”

Melly Grace bowed her head and stood silent for a few seconds. She then walked toward the pew and sat next to Anna May and Jenny Marie. The two sisters embraced her, and Carlo patted her shoulder. I wondered why he sat with the family.

“That was some eulogy,” Sofia whispered in a voice tinged with envy. “Who would have thought the dipstick had it in her.”

I decided not to respond. While I loved my cousin dearly, there were times when I wanted to muzzle her. She was filter-free, a trait I sometimes envied, but not today.

One of the funeral directors approached the podium. He cleared his throat and addressed the group. “On behalf of the Godfrey family, I wish to thank all of you for coming to pay your last respects to our beloved Carrie Ann. You are all invited to join us for refreshments in the meeting room.”

“I’m ready to go. What about you?” It had been a tame experience, and I didn’t want to press my luck and risk the chance of running into Anna May.

Sofia sighed. “I guess you don’t want to partake.” She wanted to stay and sample some of the pastries and chat with the other guests. Like my mother and aunt, she made an afternoon of it whenever she paid her respects.

“You got it.”

“All right, we’ll go.” Sofia headed toward the corridor. “I need to use the washroom. I’ll meet you in the foyer.”

I slipped out the back entrance and headed toward the donation desk. I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on two older ladies standing in front of me.

“Isn’t it wonderful that Melly Grace came up for the service?”

“I’m not surprised. She and Carrie Ann were very close. What did you think of the eulogy?”

“Well done! I hear she’s a successful attorney. Someone said she made partner.”

“I’m not surprised. Doesn’t she look wonderful?”

“Hmm. I wonder if she had any work done.”

“You would never know she was in her late forties.”

“She can’t be that old!”

“She and Carrie Ann were the same age. And I know that Carrie Ann planned to celebrate her fiftieth birthday next year.”

“So that makes both of them forty-nine. I’m surprised that Melly Grace never married.”

“If you think about it, none of the Godfrey women seem big on marriage or family. The sisters are all divorced, and Jenny Marie is the only one who produced a child.” The women reached the head of the line, wrote their checks, and headed for the exit.

When I reached the front desk, I made out the check to Genevra House, a local organization that offers support services for women experiencing abuse. Sofia waved me over. “There you are. I don’t think we should go back to your condo or my place.”

“Why not?” I asked.

“Don’t you remember what our mothers taught us about wakes and funerals?” Sofia spoke in a sing-song voice. “It’s bad luck to visit anyone right after a wake or funeral. If you do that, you bring death into the guest’s home.”

I shivered. “We don’t need any more deaths. Where should we go?”

“Out to supper,” Sofia said. “You love eating out, and I haven’t been out in a while.”

“Okay, but you pick this time.”

“How about we try that new Greek restaurant out on Falconbridge Road. I think it’s called Olympius.”

“Olympia. Yes, I’ve heard wonderful things about their souvlaki and roast lamb.” I glanced at my watch. “It’s ten after four. I don’t want to have supper this early.”

Sofia’s face brightened. “Home Depot is just around the corner from the restaurant, and we could spend some time there. I know it’s not of your haunts, but—”

“It’s one of yours. I don’t mind hanging out there for a while.”

As we drove away from the funeral home, I breathed a sigh of relief. From now on, things could only get better.

Chapter 6

Sofia visited every nook and corner of the store and ended up buying a cart full of bargains. By the time, we left the store and headed for the restaurant, we were tired and hungry. The hostess seated us and gave us menus. Flushed with excitement, Sophia chatted about her bargains. As she spoke, she scrutinized the other patrons. Whenever we went out, Sofia was like a bee, jumping to every flower. If she could not physically table hop, her eyes would nervously dart around the room.

Our waiter approached. “Good evening, ladies. My name is Niko, and I am here to help you experience the best of Grecian cuisine.”

“Hello, Niko,” I said. “What do you recommend?”

“Our signature dishes are the chicken souvlaki and moussaka. Our catch of the day is the red snapper, and most of our seafood dishes are popular choices.”

“I’ll have the chicken souvlaki with the Greek salad. I’d like the squid as appetizer.”

“You are as decisive as you are beautiful. I like that in a woman.” Niko winked at me. “What about drinks?”

“A glass of your white house wine would be fine.”

Niko raised his eyebrows at Sofia. “And you, ma’am?”

“I’ll have the same as her,” Sofia answered abruptly and turned her attention back to the two couples at the door.

After Niko left, I admonished her. “You could try to be more polite. He seems like a nice young man.”

Sofia’s lips formed a tight red line of anger. “He flirted with you. I just got a ma’am and you know how much I hate that.”

I decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. “In the chapel, you were talking about Melly Grace and all the trouble she created in the past. What did you mean by that?”

“I can’t believe you don’t remember any of it,” Sofia shook her head in amazement. “Melly Grace had already completed her school year in Tennessee at the end of May and decided to come up to Sudbury. Carrie Ann arranged for her to participate in all grad activities. She even got to attend the prom, her second prom of the year.”

“I’m sure that didn’t sit too well with many of the female grads.”

“You’ve got that right. When the boys saw Melly Grace and heard her southern drawl, they started lusting after her.”

And then I remembered. Carlo and Melly Grace had attended the prom together.

“Those two were pretty tight for most of the month,” Sophia said. “I heard he even went down to Tennessee to meet her family.”

“I wonder what came of that relationship.”

“The scuttlebutt was that she did the dumping.”

“Hmm.

“You’re interested in him, aren’t you?”

“Well, I don’t know…I guess…yes, I am. I thought…”

“You thought he was interested in you, but now you’re not so sure, and you don’t want to put the moves on him if he’s still lusting after Melly Grace.”

“That’s about right.” It was time to change the subject again. “I heard some of the ladies in the foyer talking about Melly Grace. They mentioned that she never married.”

“I thought she’d marry young, like her cousins, but she turned out to be more career focused.”

“I don’t remember much about her, but she sounds very shrewd and used to getting her own way.”

“The Godfrey women excel in that area. They always—” Sofia frowned as she watched the entrance. “I think we are about to be graced by their presence.”

I followed her gaze and watched as the hostess seated Melly Grace, Anna May, and Jenny Marie. I sighed. “I was hoping for a pleasant meal.”

Sofia picked up her purse. “We don’t have to stay if you’re not comfortable.”

I had nothing to do with Carrie Ann’s death, and I would not allow Anna May to intimidate me any further. I managed to plaster a fake smile on my face. “We’ll leave when we are ready to leave.”

As the evening progressed, the restaurant became more crowded and noisy. Sofia and I were quiet throughout most of the meal. We liked to eat in silence and then chat over coffee and dessert. I smiled as I watched Sofia try to figure out the ingredients in her blueberry dessert.

“This was not cooked. It was prepared yesterday and refrigerated overnight.” Sofia took out a small notepad and started jotting down the ingredients. “I can taste a bit of vanilla, and there is a definite lemon flavor, uh…maybe two or three tablespoons of lemon juice. It’s very light and creamy; I’m not certain, but it could be Cool Whip.”

“You take a few bites, and presto you can figure out the recipe.” I envied the gift that Sofia shared with all foodies worldwide. Our grandmothers and mothers also possessed the gift that had somehow bypassed me.

“I’ll make it for next Sunday’s dinner at my in-laws.” Sofia made a face at my dessert. “New York cheesecake—pretty basic. I’m not even going to bother tasting it.”

“Sorry, I’ll order something more exotic next time.”

“Well, well. Look who followed us here.” Anna May was breathing heavily and speaking in a loud voice.

The Godfrey women were standing next to our table. Jenny Marie avoided my glance while Melly Grace nodded in my direction. “Hello, Gilda. It’s been a long time.”

“Hello, Melly Grace.” My pulse quickened, and I felt my palms grow wet. “It’s unfortunate that we must meet under these circumstances.”

“Now that’s an understatement,” Anna May said. “Why don’t you tell us how you really feel? We all know you had something to do with Carrie Ann’s death.” The other patrons were staring and listening intently.

“That’s enough, Anna May.” Melly Grace’s blue eyes blazed at her cousin. She then focused her attention upon me. “I will be staying in Sudbury until Wednesday, and I intend to make very good use of my time. I will leave no stones unturned. I will meet with you tomorrow morning at ten. I want to know every detail—”

“I’ve already given my statement to the police,” I said

Melly Grace smiled frostily. “I’m representing the family, and you are considered one of the prime suspects.”

Sofia gasped. “You’re out of line, Melly Grace. You don’t have a license to practice law here in Canada. So back off. “

“Sara? Sofia? You haven’t changed a bit since high school.” Melly Grace dismissed her and addressed me again. “If you feel the need, by all means have your attorney present. I would expect that you have already spoken with him or her at length.”

“There is no need for any attorney or any meeting with you,” I said, lifting my chin defiantly. “I don’t know what cozy little arrangement you have with the police department, but I will not be giving you any information.”

Melly Grace laughed. “Cozy little arrangement. Can’t you come up with something better than that? What was it that Carlo said about you?”

“Don’t patronize me, Melly Grace Godfrey. I don’t know your game plan, or what lives you plan to ruin this time, but I won’t be part of it.” I couldn’t believe the words coming out of my mouth. And I had raised my voice at least one octave higher.

Melly Grace raised her eyebrows. “This time?”

Anna May roared. “She’s talking about the prom, all your beaux, and high school!”

Melly Grace’s eyes widened. “High school? Don’t tell me you’re still at that stage of development. You need to move on with your life, Gilda Greco. More importantly, you need to get a life.”

Out of the corner of my right eye, I caught a glimpse of Sofia’s shocked face. My hands curled into tight fists at my sides. I longed to pick up the steaming cup of coffee sitting right in front of me and hurl it at Melly Grace’s blonde curls. I noticed a steak knife at the next table. It would be so easy to reach for it and throw it at Anna May’s smirking face. I closed my eyes and forced my hands to remain at my sides. I took several deep yoga breaths and then opened my eyes. The Godfrey women were no longer at our table.

Sofia whispered, “Let’s wait ten minutes and then leave.”

“I won’t give them that satisfaction.” As I sipped my coffee, my eyes traveled around the room. I knew that I was the main topic of conversation. I didn’t want to fuel more of that talk with a dramatic exit.

“What are you thinking?” Sofia hissed.

“Now, don’t you start! I’ve had enough putdowns for one evening.”

“Putdowns?” Sofia’s eyes popped. “Those women attacked you. They’re out for your blood.”

“Maybe, but I don’t think that I’m the only one under investigation.” I felt strangely calm as I mentally dissected the scene. “I watched Anna May throughout that whole escapade. She didn’t look too happy.”

“She was drunk.”

“She’s afraid of Melly Grace. So is Jenny Marie.”

“Jenny Marie is afraid of her own shadow. She’s been depressed since her husband had that affair and left. Carrie Ann tried to help, but Anna May just bullied her.”

“More information from Curves?” I managed a tight smile.

“I don’t think I’ll go tomorrow.”

“Are you afraid they might talk about me?”

“I know they’ll be talking about you.” Sofia gestured around the room. “There are over forty people in this restaurant, and I am willing to bet they’ll all go home tonight and tell at least one other person.”

I signaled for Niko. When he approached, I smiled at him. “Niko, I would love another cup of this delicious coffee, and I think I’ll try the crème brûlée.” He nodded and left quickly.

Sofia eyes popped. “Two desserts in one evening!”

“Well, if everyone is going to talk about me anyway, I may as well indulge myself and get my sugar fix for the month.”

Chapter 7

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Under normal circumstances, I would still be fast asleep. But normal no longer existed for me. At five-thirty, I found myself on Highway 17 West headed for Manitoulin Island. I needed to get away from Sudbury and the Godfrey women. Last night’s escapade had set me back, and I was still reeling from the after-effects.

As I passed the city limits, I felt myself relaxing. In the four months since I had moved back to Sudbury, this was the first time I was letting my hair down. What a luxury to disappear and not have to account for every minute of my time! I had considered not bringing my cell phone, but then realized it wouldn’t make sense to travel without one. So, I compromised and turned it off before leaving.

Providence Bay was one hundred ten miles away: Northern Ontario miles with isolated, small towns and little traffic. I enjoyed driving on country roads, and I didn’t consider it a long trip. My Guelph friends had a hard time understanding the Northern Ontario concept of a day trip. Growing up, we would spend seven hours on the road whenever we visited Sault Ste. Marie for the day. And from what I hear, that still goes on. Many Sudburians still spend that much time on the road when they visit Casino Rama for the day.