Ladies Lunch Club Murders by David Bishop

Author:David Bishop [Bishop, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-30T22:00:00+00:00

17

Max pulled to the curb in front of the home of Janet “Jan” Davis, a member of the ladies lunch club, a partner in the theater ownership, and, according to the notes from Sergeant CC Wilmer who interviewed her, a very religious woman.

The heavyset woman answered the door promptly, looked at their badges, and stepped back. “Please wipe your feet on the porch mat before coming in.”

“If you prefer, we can take off our shoes.”

“Thank you, Ms. Burke, but that won’t be necessary. I’m fussy but not fussier or fussiest.”

Nora and Max wiped their shoes and went inside. In response to Ms. Davis’ gesture, they sat on her couch. A picture of The Last Supper hung on the wall above the couch. There was a large wooden cross on the wall to their right.

“Its lovely weather this morning isn’t it officers?”

Max smiled. “I agree. It’s just grand outside.”

Nora opened her notepad. “I understand you’re one of the four partners who own a movie house a few miles from here.”

“That’s correct. Like I told you on the phone I was close friends with Gayle Ash, the first of our members to die. I was interviewed by some sergeant. I don’t recall his name. He didn’t bring up our movie house.”

“That would be Sergeant CC Wilmer. Your movie house didn’t come up then because at that point, the police weren’t aware of the theater partnership.”

“Oh. I guess that’s true. My partners are Mitzi … Maria Welz, Shirley Germaine, and Sarah Sims. Mary Alice Phelps was our bookkeeper, not a partner. Yes, I remember the sergeant’s name now that you mention it.”

Max spoke for the first time. “Sarah Sims. She’s the member you call Red Rider, correct?”

“The others do, Mr. Logan, not I. It is a demeaning reference, I’ll have no part of.” While speaking she shook her head strongly. Her jiggling neck fat suggestive that she stored Jello the way squirrels stored nuts.

Max leaned to the side, against the armrest. “I understand there’s been discussion about selling the theater, which we understand includes both the business and the real estate.”

Ms. Davis’s housedress sagged down the side of her leg. She pulled it up over her knee and used her forearm to pin it there. “Yes, that’s correct. There’s been talk of selling. Maria is firm in her opposition. I strongly support the sale. Sarah was in agreement with Maria, that is, she was opposed. We could have it sold by now if Shirley Germaine would make up her mind.”

Nora turned to a fresh page in her notepad. “So, early on, there were two against the sale, you in favor, and Shirley Germaine undecided. After Sarah Sims’ death, it would be you in favor, Maria Welz opposed, and Shirley still undecided. Looks like Shirley is the swing vote.”

“Would appear so.” The vertical wrinkles in Ms. Davis’ upper lip deepened when she puckered. “With respect, Shirley sort of goes alone. Frankly, I don’t think Shirley’s comfortable being the swing vote.”

Max engaged Ms. Davis’ eyes before asking his next question.

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