Shandra Higheagle Mystery Books 7-9 by Paty Jager

Author:Paty Jager
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Murder mystery investigation, dreams visions mysticism, spirits angels, paranormal detective, Nez Perce grandmother, small town amateur sleuth, Native American mysteries
Publisher: Windtree Press
Published: 2018-04-07T00:00:00+00:00

Haunting Corpse

Book 9

Shandra Higheagle Mystery

Chapter One

Shandra Higheagle finished poking white baby’s breath into her friend Ruthie Kerby’s hair. The large tube curls in her usual afro and the flapper style white wedding dress, gave the bride the look of a gangster’s songbird from a 1920s movie.

“Maxwell is going to faint when he sees you,” Shandra said, hugging her friend. “I still can’t believe you two are finally getting married and I get to be your maid of honor.” Shandra swung her hips, making the fringe on her red flapper dress swing.

Ruthie laughed. “Maxwell was beginning to wonder if this would ever happen as well.” She peered at a spot above the floor length mirror in Shandra’s bedroom. “I’ve only told Maxwell this, but I never intended to marry and have kids.” Her gaze landed on Shandra. “You can’t trust a man to stay when the going gets tough.”

Shandra shook her head. “There are many men who do stick around. Look at Ryan, and Dr. Porter, and even Maxwell. He’s hung out a lot of years waiting for you to finally give in. I think that means a lot.”

A soft smile tipped Ruthie’s full lips and her eyes sparkled. “Yeah, he has proven he’s not going anywhere.”

A soft knock and the door opened. Naomi Norton, another close friend, stuck her head in. “There’s someone here who wants to see the bride.”

“Not Maxwell!” Ruthie cried, ducking behind the full-length mirror. “That’s bad luck.”

Naomi shook her head. “It’s your mother.”

Ruthie’s eyes narrowed. “My mother? I didn’t tell her—”

A thin, crinkle skinned, African American woman with more gray than black in her short dreadlocks, stepped in the door. “Your wonderful young man invited me.” The woman’s voice was stronger than her appearance.

“He had no right. If I wanted you here, I would have invited you myself.” Ruthie didn’t budge from her spot behind the mirror as if she needed it to shield her from the woman.

“You are beautiful. I always knew you would grow up to be a beauty like your grandmother.” Mrs. Kerby didn’t appear to take the hint she wasn’t wanted.

“Why don’t you wait to reminisce until after the wedding,” Shandra said, steering the older woman back toward the door.

For a woman who looked so frail, she dug her feet in and wouldn’t be budged. “I came to tell my daughter I’m sorry for the years I lost to drinking. I’m sorry for the years I wasn’t there for you.”

“You left me on Nattie’s doorstep. You didn’t want to be there for me after Daddy left. You abandoned me just like he did.” Ruthie’s voice no longer sounded grownup.

Shandra had never seen her always cheerful, upbeat friend look so sad and lost.

“Mrs. Kerby, you’ll have to leave.” Shandra physically grabbed the woman by the arm, led her to the door, shoved her out, and closed her away from Ruthie.

She crossed the room and put an arm around her friend’s shoulders. “Are you okay?”

“What was he thinking inviting her?” The lost little girl was now a fuming woman.

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