Death Pays a Visit (A Myrtle Clover Mystery Book 7) by Elizabeth Spann Craig Page A

sweeties,” she said. She looked behind them into the hall as if expecting to see an army of Greener Pastures staff or police investigators there. “Did you tell the home what happened?”
    Myrtle said, “We certainly did, Ruby. We told them what we’d heard Mickey say yesterday and we told them what you heard last night.” She tightened her lips for a second, irritation with Darla sweeping over her. “But, unfortunately, they didn’t take me seriously.”
    Ruby’s face fell and she nodded sadly. “I sort of thought that might be the way. Well, you did what you could, sweetie. Mickey would have appreciated it.”
    “But we’re not through,” said Myrtle briskly. “Not yet. No, we’re going to talk directly to the police.” She was thoughtful for a moment. “And perhaps we should speak with Inez Wilson before we do.”
    Ruby said, “Oh, but Inez isn’t here, sweetie. She got on the bus this morning to go to the mall. And that’s a long way away, you know.” Her eyebrows pulled together in a worried frown. “And—the police? Greener Pastures won’t like that.”
    “Greener Pastures is of no concern of mine,” said Myrtle. “Especially in terms of what they like and don’t like. We just wanted to let you know that we’re on it. Miles and me. We’ll come back here tomorrow and start poking around a bit more to see what we can find out.”
    Ruby startled Myrtle by reaching out and giving her a hug. “Thanks, sweetie,” she said. Then she pulled back to give Myrtle a hopeful look. “Can you bring your cat then, too?”

Chapter Seven
    As they drove off the Greener Pastures grounds, Miles said uneasily, “Myrtle, I know you have a plan and everything, but I’ve got a concern.”
    Myrtle looked over at him in surprise. “A concern? Well, share it. You’re the sidekick, after all.”
    “You’re planning on having us barge into that tiny police station downtown, put Darrell on the spot, and have him call up the medical examiner, right? And all that sounds great—as long as he complies with our request. But what if he doesn’t?”
    “He will,” said Myrtle calmly.
    “But what if he doesn’t? What if we barge in and he feels overwhelmed and defensive and weird about the fact that the chief’s mother is making the complaint? What if it doesn’t go well? Because this is our last resort. If Darrell doesn’t want to check it out, then we don’t have a case.” Miles was gesticulating excitedly with one hand, which made Myrtle frown. Miles didn’t ordinarily get excited about anything . And now he was driving with one hand on the wheel.
    Myrtle was eager to agree with him to ensure her personal safety. “Yes, all right, Miles. You could be right. So what’s our plan, then?”
    To her relief, Miles put his other hand back on the wheel, gripping it firmly in his usual ten o’clock and two o’clock positions. “I was thinking we’d run it by Red.”
    “Red? Are you out of your mind?”
    Then she bit her lip as his hand flew off the wheel again, waving around to emphasize his point.
    “I don’t think you’re giving him a chance. I’ve never known Red to shirk his duty—whether it’s investigating a murder or investigating a trespassing complaint. I say we fill Red in and let him talk to Darrell about it. Because, sure, Darrell sounds like he might be an overzealous deputy who goes above and beyond. But we don’t know how he’s going to react when he comes up against a murder.” Miles turned a bit in the driver’s seat to look at Myrtle and nearly hit someone’s mailbox.
    “Fine! Fine, Miles. We’ll head straight to Red’s. I can show up there early for my babysitting gig and make lunch for Red while I’m at it. But, for heaven’s sake, put your hands back on the wheel and focus on the road! I’m not ready to meet my Maker today. I need to get at least another couple of church services under my belt before I do,” grumbled Myrtle. “And maybe a Communion.”
     
    Elaine was