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

“I am,” I said, mustering up the excitement I didn’t feel.

“Okay, baked seafood stuffed chicken, here I come,” Gam sang out as he entered the bathroom.

After the shower had run for a few minutes, I let out a big sigh, then said, “This case is so baffling. Why?”

I got up off the bed, sat in the chair at the makeup table, then stared into the mirror. My next step came to me quickly. I grabbed my handbag, pulled out my phone, and then dialed Carolyn’s number. I wanted to offer my condolence on the passing of her friend. I let the phone ring seven times before I hung up. I felt guilty telephoning her since I had promised Gam I would not let this case interfere with our weekend. But that was before I knew Gwen had committed suicide: her suicide changed things. Why would she do it? Why were she and Carolyn quarreling while on a fun trip? Why did Carolyn lie about what Marjorie said to her on the way home? Where in the world is Marjorie? I wondered.

“Absolutely nothing but questions,” I cried out, then stood still hoping like mad that Gam didn’t hear me. I heard the shower turn off. I opened my overnight bag, pulled out my make-up kit and toiletry bag, and then sat waiting for Gam to exit the bathroom. While waiting, I appeased my irritation with what Gam had said on our way here, ‘You’ve got another week. You’ve solved every one of your cases in two weeks or less.’”

With my irritation quieted down, I acknowledged that I needed to slow down and not make too many assumptions. This case was no different from my other cases. I needed to stop making it different.

“Revelations will come to me in due time to complete the puzzle,” I whispered to myself.

“Baby, I’m done,” Gam said as he walked out of the bathroom.

I kissed him on the cheek, then strolled into the bathroom for a quick freshening up.

We were downstairs in the dining room at exactly 6:30 pm, the time dinner began. There were seven separate tables located around the large wide window at the back of the room, and there was one rectangular table with six chairs in the middle of the room. Up against the wall to the room’s left and right were gorgeous buffets that matched the table in the middle of the room. The red walls had a touch of cinnamon to their color. The white chair-rail molding and the ceiling molding added elegance and made a grand impression of the room. They were a show-stealer, as was the elegant crystal swag twelve lights chandelier hanging over the rectangular table. Small crystal lamps that matched the chandelier were on each of the seven tables. White table clothes with red lace trim were on the tables, along with fancy silverware and red cotton napkins. The floor looked to be a ceramic dark wood tile. It was beautiful and an upgrade since my last visit.

The room was full of chatter and excitement. It appeared all the other guests were just as excited about the meal as Gam was. The hostess and owner of the lodging, Haiden Crawford, was a heavyset dark skin Black woman with large brown eyes, chubby dimpled cheeks, and a smile that brightens her face and the faces that set sight on her smile. Since her skin was so smooth and unwrinkled, it was hard to tell her age. She had once told me she taught elementary school for ten years after college, then decided to go into business for herself, buying the bed, breakfast and dinner. She’s been in business for twenty years, so I’m guessing she is in her early fifties.

Haiden took us to a table where a handsome-looking Black couple sat. They looked to be in their mid-sixties.

“Vett Brayborn and Gammon Ellison, you’ll be dining with Kaylor and Mercy Charlamayne. Kay and Mercy, this is Vett and Gam.”

After acknowledging each other and shaking hands, Gam and I sat down.

“Where are you from?” Mercy asked, showing beautiful white teeth. He was a brown skin man, with wide set eyes, a flared nose, and salt and pepper hair.

“We’re from Danville, Virginia, and you,” Gam replied.

“We’re from Envyton County, Virginia,” Mercy said.

At that moment, I froze. Time stood still. I quickly regained my senses.

“Did you say Envyton County?” I asked.

“Yes, that’s right. Do you know it?” Mercy asked.

“I’ve recently come to know it.”

“How so?” Kay asked. Her dark skin was smooth and creamy. She had hazel eyes, mascaraed eyelashes, arched eyebrows, and dark cinnamon lips. She was a pretty woman.

I was shaking inside. God has done it again. As in all my cases, God orchestras events when I least expect them that furthers the case along. Never in my wildest dreams would I have seen myself meeting someone from Envyton County at Serenity Bed, Breakfast and Dinner.

“I’m an unlicensed private investigator working to solve who murdered Duffy Radley a week ago today. The Lacecap Hydrangea murders that took place in Envyton ten years ago are associated with Duffy’s murder somehow. I’m trying to figure that out.”

“Perhaps, we can help you. We remember that case and know who Duffy was,” Kay offered.

Just a half-hour ago, I had cried out in irritation at having so many questions and no answers. God had already worked out a plan for me to get some answers before I screamed out. Oh, ye of little faith, Vett, I said in my mind.

“I would love that. Let’s discuss once the entrée is served?” What I really wanted to do was to plunge right in with questions. However, a better approach was to find out a little bit about them first and allow them time to get to know us. I would then be better able to assess the information they provided.

“That’s fine. Those murders have always had a spellbinding effect on me,” Kay said, then looked