Meows, Magic & Murder (17 page)

“She’s just very busy is all.”

“And that’s it, then?”

“Yes, that’s about the size of it.”

Noah drove off in the direction of Cora’s house and Petunia, for one, was happy that Noah let this one drop, for now. In no way would he not grill her later. What was it about this man? It was like he could see right through her, but she really hoped that he couldn’t. She didn’t want him to know she actually made potions that sometimes actually worked. Sure, he already knew that many people in town believe she was a witch, but at this point, Petunia hoped that he just thought those stories had no merit. It’s not like the regular, run-of-the-mill person actually believed that witches were real.

Cora happened to be outside when they pulled up and got out. She was carrying paper grocery bags since Cora insisted upon them at Norm’s Meat Market.

Petunia smiled kindly, one of the worst faked smiles of her life. “Hello there, Cora. I was hoping we could chat about Helen’s death.”

She eyed Noah suspiciously, and said, “I had no idea you and your new neighbor were that close. Are you dating?”

“No. I’ve asked, but Petunia said no.”

Petunia fumed. “You’ve dropped a rock on your head, mister,” Petunia whispered.

“Come in, then,” Cora said. “If you keep standing out here, people will see you over at my place. I can’t have people spreading rumors.”

Oh, no. That was Cora’s job.

Petunia and Noah waited just inside the door as Cora went into the kitchen, presumably to put her groceries away. As she glanced around, the interior was ‘70s green with an ugly, wood-framed sofa that she must have had for years. There was also yellow shag carpet that was oh-so-dated.
What was it with older people who never updated their homes, anyway?
Not all of them, but many of them.

Cora came back into the room and motioned us toward the sofa. “Sit won’t you. I hate to look up at people.”

Petunia would much rather have remained standing, but she decided to follow Noah to the sofa. When Petunia sat, her eyes widened as she sank in the sofa considerably and she felt a spring where the sun don’t shine.

Noah laughed as he sat as low as she did.

“I was wondering about the black car you saw over at Helen’s the day before she died? You know, the one that looks an awful like Noah’s outside.”

“And I certainly have never even been over to Helen’s house,” Noah said with raised brow.

“Oh, right. I think I was mistaken about that.” She smiled. “I just wanted to know what you knew about Helen’s murder. I’m her neighbor and deserve to know.”

“That’s up for some dispute, since it’s really none of your business.”

“Yes, it is. It’s a concern in this neighborhood about what happened. I don’t feel safe now.” She shuddered.

“I suppose, but you knew I was the one who found the body—with Noah, that is. This is an ongoing investigation into the matter and I can hardly tell you exactly what the sheriff asked me.”

“I know, dear. Especially since you’re the suspect.”

“How would you know who the suspects might be? The sheriff hasn’t even had a press conference or released the news to the press, that I’ve heard.”

“I’ve heard from more than a few people that the sheriff hauled you off to the sheriff’s department. Did you bail yourself out?”

“No, I didn’t,” Petunia said, standing as she rubbed her backside. “And what is it about starting a petition to oust me from Lake Forest?”

“Not Lake Forest, just the neighborhood,” she said. “I bet that Lucy told you, since she wouldn’t sign my petition.”

“Good, at least someone has good judgment.” Petunia’s hands went to her hips and she tapped her foot now. “What have I ever done to you?”

“Nothing, yet, but you’re a witch and we don’t need your kind living amongst us. Move in with your aunt to that house on the hill. That’s where you should live,” Cora said with a curt nod.

“You’re just nuts.” Petunia stomped her way to the door.

“Do you know who killed Helen?” Noah asked Cora.

She pointed a boney finger straight at Petunia. “It was her. I can’t prove it, but I know it. She knew all of the victims. I bet she didn’t tell you that, now did she?”

Noah opened the door for Petunia, but she insisted he exit first and once he did, Petunia choked out, “I’m not a witch, y-you—”

Petunia put a finger under her nose as she felt a sneeze coming on, and this so wasn’t the time. “Ah-choo,” Just like in the past, bubbles floated into the air as Petunia sneezed and she made a hasty retreat.

Cora followed her outside. “Witch. I have proof now!”

Petunia didn’t give Cora the benefit of a response. She just hopped into the car.

“What was that all about?” Noah asked.

“What part exactly? Her saying a car that matched yours was over at Helen’s or her screaming on the top of her lungs that I’m a witch?”

“None of that. I was talking about the petition to boot you from the neighborhood. Is that why you wanted to talk to Lucy privately?”

Petunia folded her hands. “Oh … yes, that was it. It hurt my feelings after I found out Cora was actually getting signatures.”

“Did you personally know all of the victims?”

“Fine, yes. They went to high school with me. Charlene Catlin held a grudge against me after I spilled punch accidentally on her white prom dress. It was a total accident, but I’m afraid that she didn’t see it that way. I haven’t seen her since high school, if you discount being flipped off as she drives past.”

“And the other victim?”

“That would be Kaye Horton. In regards to her, it’s more complex. She was dating Henry back in high school. My ex-fiancé, if you remember. Anyway, Henry and I started dating and he wasn’t exactly broken up with Charlene at the time. I felt bad when I found out, which wasn’t until after they had officially broken up.”

“And you still dated him after that?” Noah asked, with furrowed brow.

“Yes, I did. I really liked Henry and he was so nice to me. I shouldn’t have been all that shocked when he cheated on me, since that’s apparently who he is.”

“We can be blind at times with matters of the heart. We probably should question their families, but I probably should be the one who does. If you do, it might be a problem.”

“There’s no way I’m not going along. Perhaps their families doesn’t even know who I am.”

Noah gave Petunia an incredulous look. “I imagine that would be something a teenager would tell her family.”

“Yes, but that’s been years ago and they might not know what I look like.”

“Small town and everyone thinks you’re a witch, remember?”

“Yeah, I got it, but please. I need to be a part of this investigation.”

“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Noah said.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Petunia gave Noah the directions to where Kaye Horton lived with her parents. Glenda and Hank lived in an average home on the edge of town. Their house was all brick and quite small, but the yard was manicured quite nicely, with rose bushes that hugged the front of the house. When Noah pulled into the driveway and they clambered out, the fragrance of the roses was almost overwhelming and Petunia had to hold back a sneeze. However would she explain bubbles spontaneously appearing out of thin air to Noah, especially when she was trying so hard to hide it from him?

Noah knocked on the door, and Petunia stood behind it. That way, they wouldn’t see her until hopefully Noah was invited inside. She wasn’t sure if they knew who she was, but she hoped that they wouldn’t recognize her.

Glenda opened the door. She was a shorter woman, both thin and shaking as she asked, “If you’re here to see Kaye, she’s dead.”

“I know. I’m investigating the murders here in town,” Noah said.

Glenda hesitated for a moment and then said, “I don’t understand. Do you work for the sheriff’s department?”

Petunia peeked around the door now and began, “No—”

Before Petunia had the chance to say anything further, Noah interjected by saying, “We’re launching an independent investigation into the murders here in Lake Forest.”

“I’m not sure what I can tell you that I haven’t already told the sheriff, but if it will help to find out who did this to my Kaye, I’d be more than willing to answer more questions.” The door was opened further, and Glenda said, “Please, come inside.”

Glenda walked over to a table, grabbed a tissue and swiping at her nose as Noah and Petunia stepped into the living room. Petunia admired the oil paintings on the walls that consisted of delicate brushstrokes depicting landscapes of Lake Forest.

“What beautiful paintings,” Petunia observed.

Glenda nodded sadly, and said, “Yes, our Kaye painted them. She was quite a budding artist.”

“I had no idea she was so talented.”

“She’s always loved to draw as a child, but it wasn’t until she was in her twenties that she became interested in painting after she took a course at the community college. It was something she really enjoyed doing.”

Kaye’s mother grabbed her glasses, slipped them on, and asked, “Who are you? Your face looks so familiar but I can’t quite place it.”

Petunia sighed. “I’m Petunia Patterson.” She held up a hand. “Before you throw me out, please know that I’m … we’re trying to figure out who murdered your daughter.”

Glenda’s eyes narrowed slightly as she asked, “Why would I throw you out? Did you do something to my Kaye?”

“No … yes … I don’t know, I guess. What I mean is that we went to high school together and I dated Henry and never knew at the time he was also dating Kaye.”

Glenda shook her head now. “I never much liked that Henry, and what a snake in the grass that one was. Kaye was quite heartbroken when he dumped her and I think she might have mentioned your name before, but it’s been some years since she was in high school.”

Petunia smiled, kindly. “So, she didn’t hold a grudge against me?”

“Not that I know of. She was very hurt about Henry, but Kaye oftentimes kept many things to herself.”

“That’s understandable,” Noah said. “Parents sometimes only know what their children want them to.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.” Petunia frowned for a moment, not wanting to cause Glenda any more pain, yet she had to ask her, “Did Kaye have anyone that you know of who would want to hurt her?”

“Not that I know of. Kaye stayed at home for the most part.”

“So, where was she—?”

“Petunia means where was her body found?”

“At the Lake Forest beach. It appears someone might have lured her out there.”

“Yes, and her name is Petunia Patterson,” a male voice said as a man walked into the room.

Petunia gulped as she stared at Kaye's brother, Andy. He was certainly not Petunia's fan as his eyes narrowed, his fists clenched at his sides. “Kaye received a letter and it was from Petunia, wanting to make amends.”

“Amends for what, Andy?”

“Yes, Kaye didn't want to tell our mother how she
really felt
about how Petunia stole Henry away.”

“But I didn't. I swear. I never knew they were still seeing each other when I began dating Henry back then.” Petunia shook her head sadly. “I certainly didn't send Kaye any letter. Why, I had no reason to and everything that happened was in high school. I would have thought that Kaye would have gotten over the past by now.”

“Well, she didn't. She was very angry at you still and when she received that letter, she thought she'd finally have the chance to tell you how she really felt and how what you did ruined her life.”

“Ruined her life? That's a bit harsh, don't you think?” Noah asked.

“She was very depressed and despondent after she lost Henry, and she never really had gotten over it. She rarely left home, preferring to isolate herself.”

“Well, I had no idea and I'd have no reason to want her dead or kill her.”

“It has to be you. Kaye didn't have an enemies in town besides you.”

“She hated me?” Petunia asked, shocked by his tone. “I certainly didn’t consider us enemies, nor did I hate Kaye.”

“Of course she did. I just told you that.”

“It makes no sense. I haven't seen her since high school. Was she dating anyone?”

“No, and she didn't have any friends. Only occasionally spoke to a few from high school.”

“Which ones?” Petunia asked.

“Charlene Catlin for one, and we all know how that worked out. Get out of here before I lose my temper with you!” he bellowed.

“I'm so glad your temper isn't out of control!” Petunia shouted.

Noah stepped between Petunia and Andy as he made a move toward her. “Take it easy, we're leaving.” Noah then maneuvered Petunia toward the door.

Petunia was livid. How dare Andy speak to her this way? He acted like he meant to harm her. As Noah pushed Petunia toward the door, she said, “I didn't have anything to do with Kaye's death and I vow to find the person responsible.” She locked eyes with Glenda on her way out the door and she was visibly upset, now. Petunia felt so bad how the questioning had taken a wrong turn when Andy came into the room.

Noah opened the car door for Petunia and she sat inside. Once Noah slipped behind the wheel, Petunia said, “Thanks, I think Andy was ready to deck me.”

“Families get emotional at times, but you were provoking him by shouting at him.”

“After he nearly threatened me, you mean.”

“I suppose.” Noah laughed. “But there's never a reason to hit a woman no matter how upset you are and I'd never let anyone hurt you, Petunia. But it might be better if I question the other family. For some reason, you don't have many fans in this town.”

“I wish I could have seen that letter. I wonder if the police have it. If they dusted it for prints, they'd know it wasn't me who wrote it.”

“And how do you plan to find that out?”

“I have my ways.”

“We're not moving until you tell me exactly what you're up to now.”

“I'm not up to anything if you need to know. I just met the nicest deputy at the sheriff's department, Natalie Cartwright. It turns out she was my lab partner in high school. I'm afraid I didn't help her out all that much since I always blew things up. Our chemistry teacher was always at the ready with a fire extinguisher.”