Chapter 16
SARA LEE
The sun was warm on Sara Lee's face as she and Nana June walked back toward their home. Pippi trotted contentedly between them, and Mister Smee was peeking out of his backpack carrier.
Sara Lee's mind was still churning over everything Nana June had learned from the judge…
his genuine grief mixed with relief, the taunting threat about Petunia, and that detail about him walking his dog at ten o'clock in the park when he’d said he was at home.
And then she thought of the real estate.
"What are you thinking about?" Nana June asked, glancing over at her.
"Everything. All the things. How do we figure any of this out?"
Nana June's expression was thoughtful. "Slowly and methodically. We listen, observe, and allow people to talk. Then… eventually, we should see patterns."
“Time for a tea-time clue review?”
“Oh, yes. A cup of tea with sandwiches would be delightful!”
They turned onto Maple Street, the houses lining the road picture-perfect with their manicured lawns and flower beds. Sara Lee loved this part of Meadowlark Creek and Nana June’s house the best.
They both looked up to see Lucy walking toward them, dressed in yoga pants and a fitted athletic top, her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. She carried a casual bag over her shoulder and looked effortlessly put-together even in workout clothes and large sunglasses.
"Lucy," Nana June greeted warmly.
Lucy's smile was pleasant, if not practiced and a little forced.
She stopped a few feet away from them, and Pippi immediately moved forward to sniff her shoes with great interest. Lucy looked down, and her lips pinched together tightly as her breathing hitched.
She lifted her gaze back to them. “Ms. June. Sara Lee.”
“It’s nice to see you, Lucy,” Nana June continued. “Just out for a walk today?”
"I… I needed to clear my head by taking a brisk walk."
"That sounds lovely," Sara Lee said.
Lucy walked closer, her sunglass-covered gaze keeping them from seeing more of her expression. She pointed her finger, first at Nana June and then waggled it toward Sara Lee. "You two have been making a lot of visits around town."
Sara Lee felt heat creep up her neck.
"What is there to be curious about? Raymond?” Lucy scoffed, the sound almost choking her. “Sometimes death just happens."
"Of course it does," Nana June said, her countenance as calm as ever. "But it seems his legacy was many hurt feelings and anger."
For just a few seconds, Lucy looked down at Pippi still sniffing her shoes, her expression frozen before she swallowed deeply.
Sara Lee could have sworn the woman was trying not to cry.
Then she looked back up and continued. "Hurt and anger," Lucy repeated, her tone low.
“What a pitiful legacy.” She then lifted her head and adjusted her bag over her arm.
"By the way, if you want to look for some excitement, try looking a little closer to home. "
Sara Lee blinked. "What… what do you mean?"
Lucy's tight-lipped smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "I heard there was some excitement at the vet clinic this morning. The sheriff was called. Who knows? Perhaps the key to what you are looking for is someone very close to you."
Sara Lee felt her stomach clench. The vet clinic. Carl's clinic.
"Take care, ladies," Lucy said, already walking past them. She called over her shoulder as she headed down the street.
Sara Lee and Nana June stood there for a moment, watching Lucy disappear around the corner. Pippi sat down at Sara Lee's feet and looked up at her, tail wagging slowly.
"That was… weird," Sara Lee said finally.
"Very strange." Nana June's brow was furrowed. "She was trying to tell us something without actually telling us."
"The vet clinic." Sara Lee's voice was strident. "Carl's clinic. Nana June, what could have happened?"
"I don't know, but we need to find out." Nana June gently touched Sara Lee's arm. "Come on. Let's go home, and then you can call Carl."
They walked the rest of the way in silence, Sara Lee's mind racing with possibilities. What had happened at Carl's clinic? Why had the sheriff been called? And what did Lucy mean about the key being someone very close to them?
By the time they reached their home, Sara Lee's anxiety had grown into a knot in her chest. Whatever had happened, it couldn't be good.
"I’ll get Pippi inside," Nana June said as they climbed the porch steps. "Try calling Carl. If you can’t get hold of him, I’ll call Ted. Surely his grandfather knows what’s going on!"
She hurried inside with Mister Smee’s carrier and opened it so he could jump out. He stretched and then jumped onto the back of the sofa, staring out the window and grooming himself with elaborate dignity, as if he hadn't just been caught behaving like an ordinary cat after a mouse.
Pulling her phone from her purse, Sara Lee dialed Carl’s number, but he didn’t pick up. She hesitated, not wanting to call the vet clinic number, preferring to speak directly to him.
Just as Nana June walked back into the room, she tried again, unsuccessfully. Frustration filled her, and she said, “I think you may have to call Ted.”
Her grandmother’s gaze moved behind her through the screen door, and she shook her head slowly. “I think we’re about to get our answers.”
Sara Lee turned and saw Carl’s SUV stop outside their house, and he and his grandfather alighted. The two men, with tight faces, headed up the front walk. Nana June walked to the screen door and pushed it open, letting them inside, as Sara Lee’s feet stayed rooted to the floor.
“Looks like I need to make some tea,” Nana June said.