Gertrude, Gumshoe by R.E. Merrill

Author:R.E. Merrill
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: funny short mysteries, good books for seniors, senior snoop, senior sleuth, cozy mysteries, amateur sleuth
Publisher: New Creation Publishing
Published: 2021-10-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Lalima did not know of any office space for rent and echoed what everyone else had already said: anything in Deadwood would be incredibly expensive. “You might try East River,” she added. “Things are much cheaper on the other side of the state.”

Gertrude narrowed her eyes at her. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

Lalima smiled and walked away without answering.

Gertrude looked at Calvin. “Maybe we could rent a room here. I’m going to be quite famous once I disprove the Bullock ghost.”

“Again, it would cost a fortune to rent a room here, and I don’t think they’d let you. If you manage to disprove any ghost, you are going to become an enemy of this place.”

Gertrude was frustrated. “I need to win the lottery.”

He sighed. “Don’t we all.”

She eyed the slot machines. “How hard is it to win on those things?”

“Gertrude, no. That is a fool’s game.”

She looked up at him. “Do you know how to play?”

“No.” He was lying.

“Show me.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“I will not.”

“Fine!” Gertrude shouted. “Let’s go see the movie star’s wife.”

Calvin groaned. “I thought we were going to focus on Bullock.”

“We are.” She had no idea what the next step was in the Bullock investigation. “This is all part of my plan.”

“Uh-huh.” She started across the casino, and he followed. Soon they were back on the second floor. “You would think those stairs would get easier with practice,” she said.

“No, because we’re older each time we attempt them.”

“Speak for yourself.” She raised a hand and knocked on the movie star’s door.

“Gert, you might like to keep your age a secret, but that doesn’t mean you don’t actually age. You are human like the rest of us.”

The door opened, and a tired-looking Natia filled the space.

“Hi,” Gertrude whispered. “Let’s go.”

Natia stepped out into the hallway and pulled the door shut behind her. “What’s the plan again?” she said softly.

“No, plan, really. Just knock on the door, get her to answer it, and then see if you recognize her. I want to know her real name.”

She nodded. “That seems so simple I don’t even see how it can be helpful. If I knew someone else staying here, I would think I would know about it already.”

“Maybe. Let’s find out.” Gertrude hurried to Room 213. Then she stopped and stared at Natia expectantly. Why was this woman so slow?

Finally, Natia knocked on the door with a deliberateness that Gertrude appreciated. Then she stepped to the side so Bridget couldn’t see her through the peephole. What a smart woman! Gertrude hadn’t thought of that!

“Who is it?” Bridget called from inside.

“Jennifer. I’m staying next door.”

There was a hesitation. “Why can’t I see you?”

“Not sure. Can you open the door, please? I just have a quick question.”

“If it’s a quick question, you can ask it through the door.”

Yes, this woman was definitely a criminal.

“I found something, and I want to know if it belongs to you. It might be best if I don’t broadcast it to the entire hotel.”

As she spoke, she slipped her bracelet off her wrist.

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