Spangled to Death, page 10
“Stupid woman,” he said, standing up.
“Sorry,” she replied.
“Here’s my napkin,” I said, handing it over. In the confusion I hid the two dolls within my palm and hurried out the room. As I walked, the voices behind me rose. In the hallway, Wanda approached, causing me to avert my eyes.
As soon as she turned into the room, I stuffed the dolls into my bag. I took the back way, exiting out the side door and rushed to my car.
Once inside the car, I hadn’t realized my heart was racing and my fingers were shaking as I stuck the key into the ignition. I opened the bag and peered at the dolls and the missing Madison outfit. Mr. and Mrs. Madison looked brand new. I stuck the key in the engine and began my drive home.
Chapter eleven
The house was empty. As I leaned against the closed kitchen door, my heart was still beating like a drum. I shut my eyes as my mind replayed the last hour. When I’d come to grips with the situation, I went straight to the office and turned on the light over Grandpa’s desk before plunking down on the chair. I pulled the dolls out of my bag, setting them carefully on the desk.
Leaning back in the chair, the word “coincidence” went through my mind. Another one. There were so many.
For the time being, I wrapped the dolls in tissue with the outfit and shoved aside the cigar box, which covered the carved rose wood block on the desktop. I pressed into it and waited for the latch to pop before lifting the rose plate out. I peered inside and found it empty.
Is my life in danger because of the cufflinks? They must be returned.
“Well, little Dolley and James, I aim to get to the bottom of this escapade of yours, even if it’s the last thing I do!” I removed the magnifying glass from the desk drawer and picked up the James doll. A framed picture of my grandparents on their anniversary was on the desk. I zeroed in on Grandpa’s cufflink from the picture and found it similar to the doll cufflinks. I picked up the doll and inspected it with the magnifying glass before setting it down. The next step was to wrap them in tissue paper and place them in the pocket. I closed it, replaced the magnifier plus returned the desk top to its original state.
I went to the refrigerator, took out two small sodas, then headed out the door. I crossed over the snow-dusted yard, climbed Aaron’s back steps, and knocked on his back door. When he didn’t answer, I yanked out my keys and unlocked it.
“Honey?” I called while entering. I hated waking him, but we needed to discuss the cufflinks. I found him sleeping and whispered in his ear. I glanced at the clock. Since it was mid-afternoon, I knew he’d soon awaken without my help. I kissed his cheek and tickled his ear, causing him to open an eye.
“Hmm.” He grabbed me.
“I, ahh, have some exciting news to tell you.” He began kissing me all over, and we spent time reacquainting ourselves.
A while later, we were out in the kitchen where I had left the sodas. Aaron popped open the cans, handing mine over. “Well, so what news do you have to tell me?”
“It’s like this... There’s another huge coincidence,” I said, looking closely at him.
“Tell me. Speak up.” He took a gulp from his can. “I know. You saw the two somewhere, dressed like bums. They spotted you and chased you down the street—and you barely got away.”
“Hush now.” Aaron always made me giggle. “Almost. I put on a wig, changing my looks.” I cleared my throat. “I went to the bar lounge in the hotel to wait for Stone and Wanda. Would you believe they entered? The waitress spilled drinks on Stone who had been holding the dolls. You won’t believe this, but—”
“You took them? I never believed you’d do that. We have to call the detectives right now. It could mean my job.” He gave me a concerned look.
“You’re right. I will.” I sipped my soda and took a moment to piece my thoughts together. I left a message on Erlandsen’s phone, relaying to him about the dolls. Afterward, I told Aaron about the remarkable resemblance between Grandpa’s cufflinks and the painted ones on the doll. “The dolls are in the desk pocket.”
“And the cufflinks in a bank box for safety until we know exactly where they belong?”
“Yes.” I ran my hands through my hair. “At least only a few people know about them.”
“I know they want me to wear them for our wedding too.”
“It seems likely.” I thought for a moment. “Also, there’s the gadroon that says ‘Polly,’ which we need to find out about. And then we have Grandpa’s great-grandpa Elijah Putnam. More coincidences that circle the Madisons.” I shook my head. “It’s mind boggling.”
“Who are we going to share this information with—or will we keep it between us?” Aaron said. “It’s soon time for our afternoon meeting, hon.”
“Let’s keep it between us.” I stood, picked up the empty cans, and threw them in Aaron’s recycling bin. “I’m not sure if we should let anyone in on the dolls’ matching cufflinks. What’s there to tell, anyway? We don’t have any clues or facts that lead to Wanda or Stone.”
“Which leads us nowhere.” Aaron reached for his keys. “Let’s get over there. August and Marie are waiting.”
“You’re right. Grandpa and Grandma are holding their breath waiting for us.” I ran down Aaron’s back steps before zipping back across the yards. When I entered the house, I went downstairs to bring up laundry, walking right beside the wine cellar Grandpa had invested in years ago as a wine dealer. The room gave me the creeps whenever I walked near it because it loomed so big and dark.
The meeting lasted only a few minutes between us since Grandma and Grandpa had plans for the evening. Aaron had a late shift, so I stayed in my own bed. I was ready to face the day when morning came and hurried to work.
One of my tasks for the day was to supervise the Two Jims. I’d picked up the downtown newspaper when I stopped for coffee and a roll.
“I miss my girls!” I said. The showroom was empty. “Everything’s starting to come together.” I thought of my mother. She’d always told me to keep my chin up and all would be well with the world. I missed her something fierce. I pasted on a smile.
Sitting by the computer counter, I spread the newspaper out, then glanced at the photo on the front page. I sipped my steaming coffee and leaned in closer for a better view of the lead article, the one with a headline reading “THE MURDERER IS YET TO BE FOUND.”
My mouth dropped open. Right below the headline was a picture of the two thieves, Wanda and Stone. The story touched on Jackie’s murder, missing dolls and the clothing item. I plunked the coffee down on the counter. My mind spun as I gave the photos a closer look. “Pshew! The police are onto them, but are they the killers? Anyway, they’ll be jailed soon.” When I finished the article, I found that Ronnie was the reporter.
As I swallowed the last bite of my roll, the Jims entered. Both wore striped shirts under hooded sweatshirts, khaki pants, and leather boots. I shook hands with the tallest Jim first. “I’m Liv,” I said, and he pumped my arm so hard I wondered if it would fall off.
“Just call me Slim.” His smile revealed a missing front tooth, and his huge, puppy dog eyes reminded me of a pet cocker spaniel we used to have.
“Call me Jim.” The second Jim smiled, his eyes twinkling. He was about my height. With his cap removed, I thought of a conehead from Saturday Night Live. I sucked the inside of my cheek to stifle a laugh.
“Let me show you around.” I nodded toward the bathroom and touched the storage room door. “This room is off-limits.” At the previous evening’s meeting, Max told me the tables were folded and stacked against the side wall. He’d also covered the sewing table, the counters, and the workbench. All of the dollhouses were upstairs in his apartment.
“Follow me.” I waved my hand and headed into the showroom. “This floor needs the stripping.”
“Sounds good,” Jim said.
“We’ll get the sanders,” Slim said.
They turned and began marching out. Slim suddenly stopped and Jim plowed into him. “What have I always told you?” Slim said over his shoulder.
“Yah, well, don’t stop so sudden-like.” Jim flipped off his cap, then set it back down.
I shook my head and looked away. This day was going to prove itself to be entertaining, I reckoned as I went back to the computer and covered it in plastic.
The whir of two sanding machines, plus all the dust, forced me into the workroom. I was eager to research Dolley Madison and Polly. I gave Aaron a call.
“You sleeping?” I disconnected when he said he’d bring his laptop down for me to use. I tucked away my phone and got up to check on the two Jims. The sander noise had stopped, and I heard the door close.
Stepping into the room, I found it empty.
“Oh, my goodness. Now where are they?” I walked to the front door and looked out the window but didn’t see them. They’d vanished. I went to open the backdoor and saw them sitting in a van with two women. “What the heck?” I opened the door and was just ready to call out when they turned in my direction. Instantly, they shot across the street and started their explanations.
“Our wives. They brought us an early lunch.”
“Get to work, boys.” I blew the hair from my face as I went back to the workroom once I felt secure they’d get back to work.
I sat down before pulling the Historical Homes magazine out of my bag. It wasn’t easy to concentrate with all the noise and annoyances. It was only 10:30, and I already felt as if I’d put in a full day’s work. I locked the door.
The back door opened a few minutes later.
“I’m in here,” I said to Max.
“Noisy. Yikes.” He stood by the doorway and stared inward.
“I’ll say. That’s why I’m in here.” I frowned, wishing the day was over.
“Did you lock it?”
“No, I suppose I should’ve,” Max stated. “Just a sec.”
“I’m getting a headache from all of this.” I knew he’d be securing the door.
“I can see why.” He cocked his head. “I saw someone last night hovering near the entrance, and the sensor lights went on and off.” Max looked at me squarely. “I think they’re getting serious.”
“You’re saying someone tried to break in again? The police need to know about this. What about the new alarm system?” I stared at him. “There’s nothing here. What could they be after?”
“These people mean business.” Max dropped into the nearest chair. “You must have something they want, even if you don’t know what it is. Jackie was after the dolls and got them. Did you ever get them back?”
“Yes, but don’t tell anyone. Not even Dorrie. I’m calling Erlandsen.” I called it in and left another message.
“Hey! Just checking in,” Aaron called as he entered, carrying the laptop. “What’s up?”
“A possible break-in last night.” Max looked seriously at me. “I’ve got things to do. I plan to catch up on the doll head carvings. I’m behind with Eleanor Roosevelt.”
“Wait a minute.” Aaron gave me a puzzled look. “Didn’t anyone get a call from security?”
“Nothing happened. I saw two figures outside, but then they left. I never got a chance to call because they left right away. I’ve got to get busy. You two figure it out.” Max stood with his hand on the doorknob.
“Interesting.” Aaron shook his head. “The police are still interviewing today.”
“Oh yeah?” I perked up. “Who?”
“Don’t know for sure what’s happening. I’m not in the loop. It’ll be over soon. Just be patient.”
“Patient, you say? What’s that?” I was about ready to reach into Dolley’s grave and yank her out by her feathered turban.
Chapter twelve
Loud voices boomed from behind the closed workroom door.
“Yes?” Aaron got up and opened it.
“Liv?” Slim lowered his eyes. “The floor...well...” He cleared his throat.
“What he’s trying to say is that it’s done.” Jim stood straight. “We’ve put a layer of polyurethane on it, so don’t walk on it.”
I got up and walked over to Aaron, who placed his arm around my waist and pulled me close.
“Take a look.” Slim stepped aside.
We followed them to the showroom and stopped. The floor glistened and looked brand new. “It’s beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous.”
“We’ll be back in the morn to add another coat.”
“How many coats are you doing?” Aaron asked just as his phone rang, which he answered. I watched him frown and slip it into his pocket.
“One more should do it. It’ll shine like a newborn baby’s—”
“Hush, now.”
I giggled. I couldn’t help it. “Okay. See you about ten. Right?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I watched them leave and locked the back door. The smell of the polyurethane started to give me a headache. I gave Max a call and told him they were finished for the day and warned him it would be like this for another day.
“Hon?” I stood with my bag in hand, eyes on Aaron as he walked toward the back door. “I have an appointment. I’ll call you when I can.”
“I’ll be fine,” Aaron said, closing the door behind.
I went out to fetch the mail after he’d left. I zipped through the few pieces and shoved them into my bag. I walked out to my car and climbed in. My thoughts went to the gadroon and the word, Polly.
And what was the secret Jackie had referred to? I knew I’d soon have to go to the
u
niversity
library and spend time researching through old history books. There had to be something I’d missed when working on my doctoral.
I switched gears and walked to see Inga. I thought she might be able to shed light on the name of Polly. She hadn’t closed early like me, so I entered.
“Hi Inga.” She stood behind her counter with a pair of reading glasses perched in front of her regular set and held a small plate upside down. “Do you want me to read that for you?”
“Please do. The label is pretty much worn out. It’s barely visible.” She removed the front set of glasses.
“It reads, Prussia. So it’s dated.”
“Yes, but I can only put about twenty on it or it’ll never sell. Sad to say.” She took the plate back. “What is all the noise from your place? I saw funny looking men coming and going. I’ve been busy or would’ve stopped in.”
“Two Jims. They’re sanders. I have dust from here to China. Tomorrow, they’ll put down another layer of polyurethane. I hope to be done soon. The smell is sickening.”
“I bet.”
“I have a question for you. Do you know anything about a Polly, directly or indirectly associated with the Madisons?”
“Polly?” She rubbed her chin. “I don’t recall.”
“Okay. Thanks. That means I may have to go to the library. I hoped to avoid it.”
“If I think of anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Okay. Good night.” Puzzled, I drove home.
As I walked up to the house, my mind went over the research I’d done on Dolley Madison. Once inside, I locked the door. A note on the table read: A) Hairdresser: B) Grocery shopping: C) Home. I glanced at the calendar where Grandma usually made notes and found the answer was A—one o’clock hairdresser appointment. B and C followed right after. It was now after two. I had little time alone and planned to make the most of it. I took the envelope from my bag and headed into the den.
I fetched the dolls from the hidden rose pocket because they needed a better hiding place. Since I didn’t have a personal safe box I couldn’t bring them to the bank. I brought the stool from my room closet over to the attic opening and set it down. The opening roughly measured two feet by three. I stepped on the stool and pulled the cord to drop the attic stairs. I wasn’t sure what I’d find up there and hoped the light bulb hadn’t burned out.
I pulled the string and the dim light illuminated the small room. Two small trunks sat off to one side. Large hatboxes were stacked on the other side with smaller boxes in front of them. Plenty of cobwebs as well as dust covered everything. I sneezed. My old rocking horse and a large box full of old dolls sat in the forefront. In the far corner sat an old, rickety birdcage surrounded by Victorian-style women’s shoes. I made my way over to the birdcage for a closer inspection. The bottom was covered with an old newspaper, but the birdseed and water holders were relatively clean. For the life of me, I couldn’t imagine where this cage had come from. Underneath it was a small drawer, so I slid it open.
“Perfect.” I set the dolls in the bottom of the drawer and closed it. I placed the birdcage back in the corner and carefully replaced the shoes, setting them exactly as before. If someone snooped, the displacement of dust wouldn’t be evident.
After shutting off the light, I started back down the attic stairs and closed the hatch door. I checked to be sure it was closed tight and the latches were in the worn grooves. I set the stool back in the closet and stacked a pile of dirty laundry over it.
I heard Grandma and Grandpa entering the back door. I took a minute, just to let my mind rest, then walked down the stairs to find them unloading the groceries.
“Aaron called. Your phone must be turned off.” Grandma smiled at me. “He said for me to tell you to get dressed up. He’s taking you out to dinner.”
“Oh. He didn’t say anything about that earlier.” I opened a can of soda and watched them sort through the grocery bags. I knew I should’ve helped, but they had some kind of system between them, whereas I always seemed to get in their way. Experience took over, I realized, sitting down. “What time?”
“Five. He was on his way to gas up, but he’s probably home by now,” Grandpa said.
“Thanks.” I took a swallow. I was excited to be alone with Aaron.
“You look nervous.” Grandma gave me a quick study. “A little peaked.”
“Headache from all the noise and dust.” I took a deep breath. “I have the dolls. They are now upstairs in the attic.”
