Statue of Limitations by Tamar Myers

Author:Tamar Myers [Myers, Tamar]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: aVe4EvA
Publisher: Avon Books
Published: 2011-05-22T18:43:08+00:00

5

arriet snorted. “They didn’t get along, them two,” she said, “she and the missus.”

“That’s news to me.”

“Yes, ma’am, they sure didn’t. Had themselves an awful row during them weeks your friend was working here.”

“What was it about?”

“Mrs. Crawford wanted to use the bathroom in the main house, on account the water was turned off in the outbuildings the day you was having them tubs changed. But the missus said she weren’t going to have no help coming inside—except for me, and I have to use the third floor bathroom—but your friend said she weren’t no help, but a professional. Then the missus said she was acting pushy like a Yankee, and that’s when all hell broke loose—pardon my French.”

To Wynnell, those would certainly have been

49

fighting words, but she’d never kill over them. Not unless they’d been uttered by a Yankee, and even then she was only likely to maim.

“Harriet, where was I when this happened?”

“You was with them shower installers. Took them forever, if you ask me. The missus was all upset about them blocking up Legare Street like that. She was sure she was going to get a situation.”

Ah, a citation. “Harriet, I assure you, no matter what you heard, my friend would never kill anybody.”

She tucked a wisp of gray hair under her white maid’s cap. “Ma’am, you ever look closely at your friend?”

“Of course.”

“Don’t it bother you that she has just one eyebrow?”

“But it stretches all the way across her face. Besides, you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

“I ain’t judging no books, ma’am.”

“What I meant was—”

“Excuse me for interrupting, ma’am, but if the mister sees me standing here talking, he ain’t gonna be too happy. I need this job.”

“Yes, of course. Although I must say, I’m surprised he made you come in today. You’d think he would have things on his mind other than housecleaning—not that it isn’t necessary,” I added quickly.

“It’s them tourists, ma’am. The ones renting them rooms you fixed up. The police are making them stay until they’re done investigating. Don’t none of them want to stay someplace where someone’s been killed, so they ain’t at all happy. Just wish they wouldn’t take it out on me.”

“I understand. Maybe I can help.”

“Yeah?”

“I could talk with them—maybe calm them down a bit.”

Her laugh was like marbles being shaken in a jar. “You gonna make them lunch, too? ’Cause I ain’t seen a bunch of pickier eaters.”

Unfortunately I cook about as well as I can sing. The last time Greg cajoled me into trying karaoke, the manager of the establishment refunded our admission charges and bought us drinks, after I promised never to sing in his establishment again.

“Well, I guess I could take them to lunch—somewhere not too expensive. But I’m sure they’re not allowed to leave the premises.”

“No, ma’am, they’re allowed to leave—they just ain’t allowed to leave town. In fact, they’re all off to the Market to buy souvenirs—just like nothing had happened—except for them Greeks.”

“Fraternity kids? Here?”

The marbles got another good workout.

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