The Mardi Gras Murder (A Maryvale Cozy Mystery, Book 4)

The Mardi Gras Murder

A Maryvale Cozy Mystery

Book Four

by

Jackie Griffey

NEWLY REVISED

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ISBN: 978-1-61417-692-3

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Chapter 1

Bored glassy-eyed, Sheriff Cas Larkin of Pine County, Tennessee was having a dull Friday. The sun beat down on the outside of the building and on the dusty parking lot outside, empty now of all but Cas's car.

Cas was a six foot tall, well built man and the only good looking thing in sight. The interior of his office was as dull as mud and designed strictly functional as was the outside of the place. But thankfully, it was air-conditioned.

Cas's wife, Connie, referred to the Pine County Sheriff's office décor as Early Walmart. The clock was in fact a recent Walmart purchase and the minutes always seemed to go slowest at this time of day.

Cas's secretary, dispatcher, and general all around help was his only help besides his deputies. Her name was Gladys. She had left a bit early and it made the time seem longer today as Cas sat at his desk watching the clock. He was too dedicated to leave early without his conscience bothering him. His stomach growled and he thought of his beautiful brunette wife, Connie. He smiled thinking about her quitting her full-tune job in nearby Fort Craig to stay at home and do free lance typing. He liked having her home and wondered what she was fixing for dinner.

However, someone was at that moment dialing his phone number. His aunt, Harrietta Larkin, had been born in a romantic era when her mother couldn't decide if she was more in love with the beautiful name of Harrietta or Nelson Eddy starring in the movie, Naughty Marietta. So she christened her little darling Harrietta.

That long and burdensome name having been efficiently shortened years ago by Harietta's schoolmates, Harry seldom gave it a thought. She dialed her nephew's office number and waited.

Pine County Sheriff's office. Cas Larkin.

This is your Aunt Harry. Bet I just caught you, didn't I?

You sure did. Cas let out a relieved breath, glad this call wasn't any last minute trouble to investigate.

Unless you can think of a good excuse on such short notice not to have me, I'm on my way over to your house. Do you think Connie would consider it grounds for divorce if I show up with a suitcase instead of an overnighter?

Cas laughed. No, she'll be as glad to see you as I am.

As glad as you are, huh? I could take that two ways, you know. Harry giggled, her short, white hair shaking like soft white feathers as she tossed her head. You know, I don't even remember what my and Connie's last disagreement was about.

About ten minutes, I'd guess. Cas smiled thinking back. Connie won't remember either. This is a great time to visit, Harry. We're going out to the lake tomorrow. We'll celebrate your coming to visit and have a good picnic while we're at it.

The lake? Harry's voice got cautious. If you've got the weekend planned, you sure I won't be a third leg?

Certainly not. A picnic's not the whole weekend. Connie is going to call Tim Carpenter, so there'll be several of us, and we'll be guests of the Anderson sisters.

Oh, that's good news. It's been a while since I've had a good visit with Miss Mayme and Miss Minnie. I will check up on how business is in their flower shop. Shall I bring something for the picnic?

Before he could answer she hurried on, her voice suddenly dropping a worried octave. Hey, wait a minute. Picnic. Lake. We'll not be getting up at the crack of dawn, will we?

No to both questions. We're having chicken and all the trimmings any of us can think of. Connie's taking enough fried chicken to feed a scout troop and everybody including us wants to sleep late, so we'll just get up when we feel like it.

Before Harry could get another word or question in he asked, Where are you? Do you need a ride?

No, I'm with a friend. She'll drop me at your house then go do her own visiting. Tell Connie I'm coming to see she doesn't put any calories in that chicken!

* * *

In the kitchen at home, Connie stood at the wall phone looking a little worried and listened impatiently to the ringing at the other end of the line.

Hello. Tim Carpenter finally answered, a little breathless. He was a good-looking young man with blue eyes and brown hair combed neatly and could pass for a school teacher or a young professor. He was the youngest Judge Pine County had ever had, conscientious to a fault, and his voice sounded tired.

My goodness, Connie exclaimed. All that help milling around over there and the Pine County Judge is answering his own phone?

Tim chuckled, recognizing her voice. It's just the Fridayitis epidemic that happens every week, Connie. My secretary has it too this time.

Muriel? I thought she was about as much of a workaholic as you are. She didn't break something important like a typing finger, did she? She thought of Muriel. Attractive, fiftyish with becomingly styled ash blonde hair. She was still a beautiful woman, and a good secretary who had also worked for the former judge.

No, thank goodness. She just told one of the clerks she had to leave. I wasn't here when she left.

Connie pictured Tim's handsome face with a worried frown on it as she paused. Oh, I see. Well, I'm sure she'll make up for it tomorrow. She's as hard a worker as you are. Her voice lifted, sounding happier. What I called for is to invite you out to the lake tomorrow.

Tim didn't answer immediately and Connie's excitement came back as she talked. The Anderson sisters invited us out to a picnic at their cabin and they told me to call you and invite Hannah, too.

This is sort of spur of the moment, isn't it?

I suspect Miss Mayme is tired of counting calories, not to mention eating those graham crackers with her coffee. You know how she likes filled doughnuts and gobs of icing on sweet rolls and bear claws. Anything gooey or chocolate covered, she says. She probably decided to just kick over the traces and have a picnic. Connie laughed. Is there such a thing as a food orgy? And this will probably set her way back on her dieting.

Don't worry about Miss Mayme. Tim's laugh brightened his voice. Miss Minnie will be there to rein in the food orgy.

Cheering Tim up made Connie feel good too. Yes, she usually does keep an eye on Miss Mayme's plate all right. I guess that's what sisters are for. But I don't blame Miss Mayme for an occasional splurge. All that work and no play would be hard without an occasional break of some kind.

Yeah, I agree. Tim pictured the two retired school teachers and smiled to himself. All work and no refreshments went out with Ebeneezer Scrooge.

At the reminder about work, Tim's voice dropped, sounding tired again. He sighed. I'm certainly tempted, Connie, but I'm afraid I'm out of luck this time. Both of us, really. I'll be here working tomorrow and Hannah is expecting company. She said some friends from Fort Craig are coming to visit. They're going to make plans to take a few days vacation together.

Oh. Connie paused, disappointed about Hannah not being available either. Matchmaking was Connie's favorite pass-time and her pet project at present was getting Tim and Hannah together. Tim as a handsome young man and the Pine County judge, was the most eligible bachelor in Maryvale. It was hard for a matchmaker like Connie to believe he was still unmarried. Hannah was not only a beautiful red head, she worked at the library and loved books as much as Connie did. In addition to that, handsome, dark, Tim with his dark brown hair combed just so and lovely red-headed Hannah made a good looking couple.

But you could take just a little time off, Tim, even if you have to work tomorrow. Just take time to come out and eat. she coaxed. We won't take it personally if you leave early.

The work Tim was looking at spoke louder to him than Connie's arguments for recreation.

I'm tempted. But I was already behind with some of my correspondence and if Muriel doesn't show up Monday, I'm going to have to write out a lot of things. Maybe I can make it next time Miss Mayme gets hungry. He grinned. It probably won't be long. He sighed then let out a little self-conscious laugh.

Connie looked as sad as Tim sounded, even his slight laugh at himself sounded tired as he said goodbye.

The phone rang as soon as she hung it up.

I've been trying to call, Cas began.

Sorry. I was talking to Tim Carpenter.

Good. Is he going to the lake with us? Him and Hannah?

No to both those questions. He's working and Hannah's going to have company. Some friends from Fort Craig, Connie explained. Guess it will be just us and the Anderson sisters.

Make that plus one, Cas chuckled. Aunt Harry's coming.

That's great. It's been a while since she visited.

She says she can't remember what you two argued about last.

Me either, Connie smiled to herself. It doesn't matter, we'll think of something else to argue about. When's she coming?

She's on her way now. She asked if her showing up with a suitcase instead of an overnighter would be grounds for divorce?

Connie laughed, picturing Harry Larkin's blue eyes and smile wrinkles. Sounds just like her.

She glanced at the clock. Bet your stomach's growling. See if you can beat her home.

* * *

The next morning Cas's friend and Pine County Senior Deputy, Rhodes Cromwell, pulled into the driveway to the Anderson sisters' cabin, He got out, and looked around. He'd been planning to make a routine loop around the lake area anyway, and stopped by the cabin to make sure there wasn't anything dangerous awaiting Cas and his friends.

Walking around the cabin and checking out the grounds he saw nothing that looked out of place or in need of investigation. Satisfied, he returned to his car and went to check out the lake's camp ground on his routine rounds.

A short drive later he parked and sat in his car, looking around the camping area. The lake and the trees where the cabins were set made the place look ideal for camping and boasted an old wooden fishing pier too. It was a popular place and there was quite a bit of activity. Some of the cabins had been rented and a few people were enjoying the water and the fishing pier or sitting at picnic tables with coffee or what looked like lemonade.

Rhodes's sharp eyes watched as a few small children splashed at the edge of the water, but there were adults within grabbing distance of all of them.

The scene was picture postcard peaceful till a bang on his door startled Rhodes. He jumped and the big noise was followed by a child's laugh.

A man in a bathing suit immediately appeared and bent down to the car window to talk to Rhodes.

I'm sorry, officer. The man in the bathing suit said as he picked up a little boy about four. Say you're sorry, he commanded.

But I didn't do anything, the child objected.

I've heard that before. Rhodes smiled at the rosy-cheeked cherub in the man's arms.

I'll bet you have.

I'm sorry. The boy grinned at Rhodes, deciding for some reason to be friendly.

That's okay. Rhodes answered seriously. I don't think your claws are long enough to do much damage.

The little boy was delighted with that and held up his hands, fingers stretched as if to scratch the air with imaginary claws. His father smiled and put him down.

Come on, Batman.

Pooh! I'm Pooh now! The cherub insisted.

Okay then, Pooh. Let's not bother the officer.

The little quick change artist looked up as his father and took his hand. I'll go wave at the lady in the lake.

Lady in the lake? Rhodes repeated it, eyebrows raised. His eyes searched the man's face, then moved to the lake. The surface of the water was smooth as glass. No lady in sight.

Pooh's father flinched and explained. Lady in the lake, Spongebob Squarepants, Big Bird. He's got a lot of invisible friends.

Oh. Rhodes smiled as the boy waved, happy again. Well, have a nice visit.

Chapter 2

The Larkin household slept Saturday morning until the sun and the scent of brewing coffee from the automatic pot woke them.

Waking up to the scent of coffee beats the heck out of an alarm clock, Harry observed as she met Connie in the kitchen.

Amen to that. Smelling the coffee always reminds me it's been at least six hours since I've had anything to eat. She smiled at Harry. This morning I get to eat and I've got help in the kitchen too.

Having been caught up on her arrival in a loving hug that removed all doubt she was welcome, Harry felt at home as she always did. She bustled around helping Connie get breakfast behind them. She stopped as she passed Connie at the stove. Her nose twitched.

Um, is that what I'm hoping it is?

Yep. This is the last of a deer meat package Rhodes Cromwell brought us.

Um, yum, venison sausage.

What do you want to go with it?

An egg over light and a piece of whole wheat toast.

Good. Same as mine.

Harry went on to the kitchen counter and plugged in the Munsey toaster, reaching for a loaf of bread. Good girl! Connie approved.

Cas came in, stifled a yawn, and poured himself some orange juice. He sat down in his chair at the head of the breakfast table and just waited, like King of the Jungle.

Naturally, he was served first and fast. Since Connie knew his habits, he finished his eggs and sausage before picking up the paper and left for the den. Harry watched, grinning at Connie.

Thought he'd never leave, Harry chortled as Connie came back and they sat down to eat.

What's the latest? Any more matchmaking news?

Nope. Not that I've got wind of, anyway. Just Tim and Hannah are still seeing each other.

Harry nodded, picturing young Tim's dark good looks and Hannah's beautiful red hair. They make such a nice looking couple. Cas mentioned they might be at the picnic.

No, Connie shook her head. Tim's going to work and Hannah is visiting with some friends from Fort Craig. Tim said they're going to make plans for some vacation days together.

Harry looked pleased, giving Connie a knowing look. And I'm sure these friends are all female friends or you would be investigating, right?

Connie laughed at that. You know it. Guilty as charged. But it's not the friends, Harry. It's their destination they're considering that's got my attention this time.

Oh? And where is that? What destination? Harry's fork stopped in mid air.

New Orleans. Or at least, Hannah mentioned to Tim that they would probably go there.

Well, Harry's fork made it to her mouth and she shrugged. It's been a while since the storms.

I know but everything seems to be in a perpetual planning stage. I suppose it's safe enough, no sense in worrying in advance, I guess. Let's change the subject.

Right. You said Tim's going to be working. Isn't Muriel Davis still working for him? Or has she retired?

She's still there. I doubt she'll retire before her sister, Margaret, retires from teaching. So she's got a while before considering that.

Connie smiled. He's already checked out my feelings about working full time again. I'll be sorry for him if Murial leaves, but not that sorry. I've got plenty to do with my freelance typing. I like being able to make a little money without having to drive to Fort Craig, and I can work when I want to.

Did I see a small frown in there somewhere among all those goodies?

Connie made a face at her. You know me too well, Harry. I guess Cas is right that I worry about things that never happen.

So, what's this possible problem?

It's just that when I called Tim to invite him and he told me about having to work, it rang sort of a warning bell somehow.

Warning bell about work?

Connie nodded, sipping her coffee before continuing. It's just tied to work, I guess you'd call it. Tim said Muriel left early Friday. She reached back for the coffee pot and refreshed their cups.

Being a little behind in his correspondence was Tim's main reason for not going to the picnic today. He said she probably wasn't feeling well. Connie shrugged, dismissing it. It's probably nothing important. None of us is getting any younger.

Except Harry, of course, Cas said as he came back in.

Don't start, Harry commanded her favorite and only nephew as Connie got up to clear the table. You know age is a mind over matter thing.

You mean if you don't mind it doesn't matter. I remember.

Well, good. Now that we're all agreed on that, Connie dried her hands and turned away from the sink. Let's get all this food loaded up and go to the lake.

Cas put down his paper and saluted behind Connie's back, winking at Harry.

* * *

About four o'clock at the Pine County Sheriff's Office that day Rhodes was washing down his doughnut with a cup of coffee when the phone rang.

Senior Deputy Rhodes Cromwell was tall, thin, a couple of inches taller than Cas and a dead-ringer for Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Connie always wondered where the doughnut calories went, since Rhodes never seemed to gain an ounce. Not even the venison sausage he and his wife, Mary sometimes shared with Cas and Connie; the plum jelly Connie always sent them when she made it; nor the pastries he consumed with his coffee seemed to stay on that bean-pole frame.

Gaining weight had never been on his worry list. He licked sugar off his lower lip, smiling slightly as he reached for the phone.

Pine County Sheriff's office, Sr. Deputy Rhodes Cromwell speaking.

After identifying himself he listened. Then the friendly smile on his face froze and slowly began to fade. When Rhodes finally spoke again, his response was gruff but efficient. He broke the connection.

There was nothing left of his smile but worry lines when he dialed the coroner's office.

* * *

At the lake, the Anderson's picnic was a huge success, food, gossip and all. Cas was saved from another tempting helping of strawberry shortcake and ice cream by Miss Mayme's sudden announcement.

Minnie, your purse is ringing.

Miss Minnie went to dig her cell phone from the heap of things on the lawn chair.

Can't be any floral emergency, she remarked. My cell isn't on our cards.

Cas's eyes met hers as they both remembered Rhodes had her cell number. She silently handed him the phone, glancing at Connie.

Cas Larkin. He stepped away a few paces as he answered.

Cas, it's me, Rhodes said sounding apologetic. I hope you've had a good time and enough good food to tide you over the bad news I've got.

All sorts of mental warning bells were sounding as Cas braced himself. Connie could tell even from a distance something was wrong by the change in his posture. She caught her breath and Harry paused too, her chicken thigh held in mid-air. The concern went around the group like a game of gossip.

I think I'm safe for about the next thirty days, to tell the truth, Rhodes. What is it?

"We've