“I can see it now,” Gwen said. “I get a bit upset, and that brunette suddenly becomes a redhead.”
“Or an orange-head,” I added.
“You’re right,” Gwen said. “I would make a lousy stylist.”
“THERE YOU ARE!”
I didn’t have to turn to recognize the voice. Dalmer had found me. And I knew her loud voice had warned all the other patrons, who were, no doubt, watching and listening.
“What are you doing here?” Gwen asked.
Dalmer arrived at our table, and I could tell she still was still bristling from the beauty shop earlier.
“I don’t get you,” Dalmer said. “Jennifer is home, crying her eyes out, and the murderer is out painting the town.”
“She didn’t murder anyone,” Gwen said.
“Helga would never kill anyone,” Penelope added.
“Are you sure about that?” The voice didn’t belong to Dalmer, but came from another table.
“We’re sure,” Gwen said.
“It’s a bit cheeky to be out and about,” someone else said.
Dalmer smiled, and I knew she had started the ruckus on purpose. She knew people would join in.
“Hear that?” Dalmer asked. “No one believes you.”
“You’re not welcome here,” I said to Dalmer. “So, why don’t you move on.”
“Are you going to kill me if I don’t?” Dalmer asked.
“She won’t, but I might,” Penelope said.
Dalmer laughed. “You’re going to fight her battles?”
“I’ll help,” Gwen said.
“Why don’t you take it outside,” someone called out.
I knew the crowd was stirring, and that was not a good thing. It wasn’t as if anyone would actually do anything, but if it came to a shouting match, the entire bar would be in a bad mood.
“I think it’s time for carryout,” I said.
“At least, you can take a hint,” Dalmer said.
I stood and faced Dalmer. “Don’t get the idea that you made me run,” I said. “I’m leaving because I don’t want to ruin the evening for all the others here. Remember that the next time you try to bait me.”
Dalmer laughed. “My dear, I don’t need to remember anything. And we both know it.”
Arguing with Dalmer was a fruitless task. I breezed past and went to the bar, where Gigi stood next to a man I had seen before. For a moment, I couldn’t place him. Then, I remembered that he worked at the flower shop, although he wasn’t the owner. More, there was something just a bit off about him. I had the feeling that he was disguised in some fashion.
“I don’t know about you,” the man said to Gigi, “but I, for one, am glad that Thomas won’t be hanging around, hitting on anyone that couldn’t grow a beard.”
Gigi laughed, and I smiled. At least, I had some sort of ally in the place, even if he wasn’t what he looked to be.
“Gigi,” I said. “I think you should make our meals carryout. That way, the rest of your customers can eat in peace.”
“Already done,” Gigi said. “I thought things were getting a mite uncomfortable. I’ll bring them right over. Drinks too?”
“Absolutely,” I said. “I can’t forego the best mint julep in New Orleans.”
Gigi winked, and I returned to the table. Luckily, Dalmer had moved on—but not too far.
“We’re doing carryout,” I said. “Drinks included.”
“We don’t have to,” Gwen said. “I can nudge these people a bit.”
“No, you can’t,” I said. “It’s time to go, we all know it.”
We picked up our food and three new drinks at the bar.
“The drinks are on the house,” Gigi said. “And you know you’re welcome here any time. If that other lady raises a fuss, I’ll kick her out. You three are better customers.”
After paying, we said good-bye on the sidewalk. Penelope was giving me a ride. Gwen was headed in another direction. We hugged and kissed and promised to see each other the next day.
“I hate to turn tail and run,” Penelope said as she drove me home. “There is something in me that just wants to fight.”
“I understand,” I said. “But battling Dalmer isn’t worth the energy. I’m sure we’ll have sufficient opportunities to turn the tables.”
“Well, at least, we got our food...and a drink. I can hardly wait.”
I waved good-bye from my porch before I went inside to eat dinner. I found myself starved. I had just settled at the kitchen table when Andromeda wandered in. How he got in and out of places baffled me. I might have asked him, had I really needed to know. I was pretty sure that if the house or Richardson’s Antiques ever caught fire, I would follow him.
Andromeda, are you hungry?
I have eaten already.
What do you think of the murder?
Few are slain by arrows.
Why do you bring that up?
Arrows are not as certain as bullets.
So, you’re saying we’re looking for some kind of expert?
Anyone can get lucky once.
But if you’re looking to kill, why trust an inefficient weapon?
Because, for some, it’s not inefficient.
I thought for a few minutes. Andromeda had a point. If someone was going to kill, why would they opt for an arrow when a bullet would be vastly more reliable? So, the police (and me) should be looking for an archer, someone handy with a bow and arrow. I didn’t know many people who shot arrows on a regular basis. Although, there might be more than one fairy or cupid with the requisite skill. Did that mean I was looking for someone magical? New Orleans had its share of magicals. Could one of them have shot Thomas? And why? Did Thomas know something he shouldn’t have known? Too much knowledge could be a very dangerous thing.
Would you like to snoop?
Andromeda looked at me a moment.
Snooping is when you have no need to know.
You have a point, Andromeda. I have a need to know. I think we need to pay someone a visit.
Chapter 8
That I didn’t know the address of Jennifer’s house was not an obstacle, since she had bought several items from the store. A simple lookup, and we were on our way—Andromeda and I. We were lucky Jennifer lived in the quarter, where no house was too far away. Yes, it was off the tourist route, but that was a feature. We wouldn’t have to worry about being closely observed. It was an easy walk, as the hot sun was gone. Andromeda drifted away as we walked, but I was certain he would show up again at the house. Cats are like that. They don’t walk by your side like dogs.
Jennifer’s house was nothing special. Despite several lights, it looked almost deserted. I hesitated, wondering just that to do. I didn’t dare break in if someone was home.
Knock on the door.
Andromeda made perfect sense. If Jennifer was home, I’d make up some excuse about the antiques she had purchased. If no one was home, I would break in, although I wouldn’t break anything. There are some simple lock spells that would work, especially since the locks were probably old. As I stepped onto the porch I stopped to look around. I didn’t see anyone, but that didn’t mean no one was watching. People are nibby no matter where you are. I was thankful that she hadn’t installed one of the modern camera doorbells. I’d hate to be seen on someone’s phone.