Sequestered with the Murderers by Dr. Tanner (books for 8th graders TXT) 📕

“It is. But I do have good news. Armie can meet with you today. In fact, he seemed very eager to meet with you. He was working in his shed. You know, he was trained in carpentry work and loves making furniture pieces. That’s his hobby. He’s going to clean himself up and meet you at the Attribute Country Diner at 3:00 pm for a late lunch. I hope that’s okay.”

“Lemmonee, that’s perfect. I appreciate all your help. You have outdone yourself.”

“Thank you. I aim to please. Montgomery, Jackson, and Lanta have already gone out for lunch. Jackson will probably be back in the office later on, but I doubt Montgomery and Lanta will return today. Do you have any questions for him?”

“Oh, no. I’ll contact him on Wednesday as planned and address any questions that may surface with him then.”

“Well, Armie said he would wait for you outside by the front door of the restaurant. He’s a Black man, heavy-set, about five feet eight inches tall. He’s taller than me. You’ll like him. He has a great smile.”

“Thanks, Lemmonee.”

“Okay. Is there is anything else I can do for you? If not, I’m going to leave for today. You have my phone number. Call me at any time.”

“You’ve been most helpful. Here, take Duffy’s personnel file. I’ve finished reviewing it. I’m going to take the passenger list, police report, crime scene photo, and autopsy report with me.” I put the four folders into my bag, then pushed the chair back and stood. “If you give me a minute to freshen up in the ladies’ room, I will walk out with you.”

“Oh, sure, take your time. I’ll put Duffy’s file back in the personnel drawer. When you are finished, come to the receptionist’s desk. I’ll meet you there.”

Ten minutes later, we walked out of the office to a gray overcast day.

“Vett, it was nice seeing you again. Call me any time.”

“Thanks, Lemmonee. You have been a big help.”

Lemmonee drove quickly off the lot. I then telephoned Gam, and we talked for twenty minutes. Afterward, I telephoned Dimma to provide her with a quick update.

CHAPTER 7

I arrived at the Attribute Diner at five minutes to three. As I drove past the front door to the parking lot, I paused to peer through my window, looking for Armie. He wasn’t there. I parked my Jeep, then walked back toward the door. Ahead of me, Armie crossed my line of vision. He caught sight of me, stopped, and then began walking toward me.

“You must be Vett Brayborn. Lemmonee described you perfectly,” Armie said.

“I am, and you must be Armie Bledsoe.”

“I am indeed.” The cluster of keys Armie had in his hand jingled as he put the keys in his left hand and held out his right hand.

“Nice to meet you,” I said as I shook his outstretched hand.

“You, too.” I understand Jackson has got you looking into who murdered Duffy.”

“Yeah, he has.”

Reaching the front door, Armie held the door open for me. I walked the short distance to the hostess desk with Armie trailing along behind me. The restaurant inside was quite different from the way it was last night. The crowd noise was gone, and the place was almost empty.

“Will there only be two in your party?” the young, petite, and pretty hostess asked. I was admiring her long braids and braided bun on top of her head.

“Yes. Your braids are beautiful.”

“Thank you,” the hostess said, her smile widening on her face.

After seating us in a booth and leaving menus on the table, she said, “I’ll have some water brought to you right away.” Her customer service and friendliness were right on the money. Since I own a restaurant, I take a great deal of notice of other restaurants’ operations and their level of customer service.

“So how are you going to find out who murdered Duffy before the police do?” Armie asked.

“By doing the only thing I know to do—ask questions and delve deep into those things that stand out.”

“I’ve heard about you. Is it true you found out who murdered your aunt and her millionaire boyfriend before the police did?”

“It’s true.”

“But how do you do it.”

“I can’t explain it except to say it is a gift. The puzzle pieces are shown to me at different stages during my investigation, and I put them together. It is then that I know.”

“That’s kind of, uh, weird. You want to make a selection before I answer your questions?”

“Yes. Let’s do that.” I perused the menu and decided on baked chicken, potatoes and onions, and turnip greens. Since it was so late in the day, this meal would be my lunch and dinner. With that feat out of the way, I looked up at Armie, who was trying to read me. I know the signs anywhere since I make use of them, too.

“You’re not bullshitting me, are you?” Armie asked

I knew what he was asking. “Armie, I am who I am. With or without your help, I am going to find out who murdered your friend and why. I am going to do it. The only question I don’t have an answer to is when this will happen.”

“Here are your waters. My name is Kit. I am your waiter today. Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?” The waiter was six feet tall and had long braids pulled back into a ponytail. His smile was infectious.

“I am ready. I’ll have the baked chicken, potatoes and onion, and turnip greens. And I’ll have a glass of iced tea.”

“And for you, sir?” Kit asked.

“I’ll have the pork chop meal with mashed potatoes and gravy and swiss chards. And I’ll have a coke with my meal.”

“Your meals are both excellent choices. You’ve come at a good time. This time of day is our slow period. So your meals won’t take long to prepare. I’ll put in your orders and bring your drinks right away.”

As soon as the waiter walked