Killing Me Softly: The Country Club Murders, #17

Chapter One

June 1975

Kansas City, Missouri

E llison Walford Russell, have you lost your ever-loving mind? Mother’s whisper-yell was less like a whisper, more like a yell.

Heads turned.

Realizing she’d attracted unwanted attention, she lowered her voice. Have you taken leave of your senses?

Jones, I told her.

What? Her brow furrowed and she stared at me as if, as she suggested, I’d lost my mind.

It’s Ellison Walford Jones. Not, Russell.

Details. She dismissed my second marriage with an elegant flick of her wrist. You cannot do this.

My brilliant husband had suggested that Mother and I discuss the latest additions to our household in a public place. Anarchy was a homicide detective and made his living studying people, their emotions, and their reactions. He’d predicted Mother might react strongly. And he’d been right. Mother and I were seated at a small table at La Bonne Bouchée, a table so close to the other small tables that eavesdropping was inevitable. In a more private setting she’d already be detailing my failings as a Walford and a daughter. Oh, and she’d also question my intelligence (not just my sanity) or melt my face with her wholly terrifying death glare.

Fortunately for me, we were at a café where we knew at least a third of the women clustered around the small tables, so Mother forced a Lord-give-me-patience smile and took another tiny sip from her demitasse cup. Obviously, you haven’t thought this through.

The decision to welcome Beau and his dog, Finn, into our home was made in an instant. And felt absolutely right.

Isn’t Karma staying with you this summer? Where will you put everyone? Mother was clutching at straws.

I have plenty of bedrooms.

You have gallery openings coming up. You don’t have time to raise someone else’s child. Mother had never shown an ounce of interest in my career. And she wasn’t interested now. My painting was just an excuse to send Beau away.

I’ll manage. I broke off a tiny piece of palmier and popped it into my mouth. Sweet. Buttery. Were it not for their flaky crumbs that decorated my lap whenever I indulged, palmiers would be the perfect pastry.

Ellison, this is a bad idea.

This wasn’t an abstract idea. This was a little boy. One who needed me. Giving him a home was a fabulous idea.

You’ll fall in love with that child, then someone will claim him—either his aunt or Whit Riley—and you’ll be crushed.

I’d hate it if Beau left us. My heart might shatter. But Beau had been through enough. He deserved some goodness. If that happens, I’ll manage. In the meantime, he’ll have a safe, stable, caring home.

You’re impossible. Her emotions played across her face—annoyance, impatience, and reluctant acceptance. Was it necessary to drag me down here?

I don’t know what you mean. I knew exactly what she meant.

She arched an elegant brow. The next time you’re counting on an audience to quell my tongue, ask me for lunch at the club. Mother wrinkled her nose as if the smell of delicious coffee and French pastries was unpleasant. The Plaza isn’t what it once was. In my day, we dressed to come here. Not anymore. This morning, on the sidewalk, I saw a couple. She leaned forward and lowered her voice, They were hippies. Her shorts were so short I could practically see her cheeks. His hair was longer than hers. And they had their hands in each other’s back pockets. She sat back in her chair with a what’s-the-world-coming-to grimace on her face.

I offered up an apologetic smile. I have a million errands on the Plaza. The Country Club Plaza was my favorite place to shop. There was Swanson’s and Woolf Brothers and Harzfeld’s, and now that Anarchy and I were married, Jack Henry for men’s clothes.

Errands? She didn’t believe me.

Alterations to pick up from Swanson’s and Woolf’s. I had a pair of pumps resoled, and I have a sweater at Plaza Weavers. I need to buy the next book for my book club at Bennett Schneider, then stop by the drugstore. Oh, I also have to drop off Grace’s library books.

Mother sniffed. Mollified?

I didn’t dare ask.

I expect you to take me to the furniture maker you found. The furniture maker was Aaron Minton, and he was married to Beau’s aunt. Aaron had a studio in Raytown, a place Mother would never dream of visiting without a compelling reason. Thursday suits me.

I’m free all day. I hid behind a bite of palmier, hoped most of the crumbs landed on my napkin, and searched for a new topic. How’s Elaine Sandingham? Elaine was one of the many women with whom Mother played bridge.

She’s a wreck. Elaine’s husband, Owen, had recently died. Owen ran every aspect of their lives. I don’t know how Elaine will manage. At least he died in his sleep.

We should all be so lucky. I pictured Owen Sandingham, a man in his late sixties who played both tennis and golf. He also swam, often arriving at the pool while I was swimming my early morning laps. He seemed very fit to just die in his sleep.

Are you suggesting he was murdered? The chill in Mother’s voice could bring on the next ice age.

No. Not at all. I held up fingers-spread-wide, not-remotely-suggesting-murder hands. I’m just saying he seemed active and fit and full of life.

Mollified that I wasn’t suggesting murder, Mother donned a suitably sad expression. It’s a shame he’s gone. My heart goes out to Elaine.

When is the funeral?

Thursday morning. Your father has a business meeting he can’t cancel, so you can accompany me to the funeral. After the reception, we’ll head to— another disdainful sniff —Raytown.

I’d walked right into that one. I was going to a funeral. Whether I wanted to or not. What time should I pick you up?

I’ll drive. The service begins at eleven, so be ready by ten-fifteen. There’s a reception at the club immediately following.

Frances. Joanne Woodfield stood next to our table. Ellison.

I stood, showering the floor with palmier crumbs. Mrs. Woodfield, how nice to see you. Joanne lived on the next block down from mine, the second house from the corner.

Please, sit. She waved with vigor, as if the airflow could make me reclaim my chair. You make me feel old.

I didn’t budge.

I insist.

Mother gave a tiny nod, and I sat.

I’m sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to ask Ellison about the Dixons’ house. Have you heard anything? Such an eyesore.

My across-the-street neighbors, Marian and Leonard Dixon, had gone on vacation. In their absence, their house had burned, and no one had been able to reach them for almost two weeks. Between the fire, the fire hoses, the firemen’s axes, and the damage caused by a few days of relentless rain, the place was a total loss.

The Dixons are home. I’m sure one of them has called their insurance company. I wasn’t remotely sure of that. As far as I could tell, Leonard had left Marian (on my front stoop). He’d driven away, and I wasn’t sure he’d stopped until the car’s gas gauge read empty. Did Marian have the wherewithal to pick up the phone and call their insurance agent? An important question, for which I had no answer.

Will they rebuild? she asked.

I had my doubts, what with Leonard taking off for parts unknown. I don’t know.

The place is a hazard. I’ve seen neighborhood children poking around the wreckage.

I made a note to tell Beau to steer clear.

What are you going to do? Joanne demanded.

Me? Was she serious?

You live across the street.

Which in no way made me responsible. I can’t file a claim for the Dixons.

But you can talk to Marian.

In Marian’s mind, proximity to me had caused the fire that destroyed her house. Crazy? Yes. Especially since the police had arrested the person responsible for the blaze. But Marian never let facts interfere with emotions. The woman was several crates short of a full load. I doubt Marian wants to speak with me. Try Jane Carson. Jane had taken in Marian’s cat, Percival, after the fire.

I’ll do that. Joanne gave a brief nod. Frances, how’s Harrington?

Fine, thank you. Lee?

I hardly see him. Between work and the golf course, the man is never home.

Mother’s eyes dulled with a heard-this-story-a-million-times boredom. When do you leave for…where is it you go?

Kiawah. We’re flying to South Carolina the day after swim championships. Our grandson is having a good season, and we’re hoping he wins his races.

How long will you stay? I asked. With Marian gone, Mother would be looking for a new spy, and Joanne lived close. An extended vacation was in my best interest.

Through the end of September.

My heart soared. How lovely for you.

Have you visited the low country?

Just Charleston, I replied.

It’s a beautiful city, but Lee and I love a beach. We bought our place as an investment years ago. She offered me a satisfied smirk. The rent for June covers the mortgage for the year.

I keep telling Ellison she needs a vacation home.

Since when? That topic had never, ever been up for discussion. I stared across the table at Mother and wondered what had prompted my sudden need for a second home.

Imagine my surprise when she started looking at Tuscan villas.

Anarchy and I had never, ever considered buying a villa. I enjoyed visiting different places too much.

Joanne turned her attention my way. Did you find anything?

Not yet. I’d play Mother’s game. Finding the perfect place will take multiple trips.

Can your husband take that much time off work? A healthy dose of snide lurked in Joanne’s voice.

We’re in no hurry, I replied. Did she mean to be offensive?

Mother brought her demi-tasse cup to her pursed lips. You realize Anarchy doesn’t have to work? He did graduate from Stanford.

Joanne lifted a brow. Did he? Yet, he chooses to mix with the dregs of society.

Wow. Just…wow. I laced my fingers together and hid my hands in my lap. My husband had a strict moral code. There was right. And there was wrong. And murder was wrong. He wants victims and their families to get some modicum of justice.

Joanne scratched the back of her neck. Does he need a degree from Stanford for that? Surely he could put his education to better use.

I offered up a frigid smile and crafted the perfect put-down, one that would leave Joanne reeling. It didn’t come easy. It didn’t come at all.

So nice seeing you, Joanne. Mother shifted in her chair, and shot me a glare, almost as if she could see the rude cogs spinning in my brain. We’ll have to meet for drinks soon.

Joanne was officially dismissed. But she wasn’t going without a fight. It’s hard to drag Lee off the golf course this time of year. He’s a scratch golfer, you know.

Mother gave a regal nod. I heard something about Lee’s golf. Didn’t you, Ellison?

Lee’s golf? I was still trying to craft the perfect come-back. Why was Mother asking me questions? Like a rabbit caught between two wolves, I froze. Maybe they’d forget me if I stayed very still.

Mother nodded as if I’d agreed with her. Then she smiled at Joanne. A predator’s smile. It’s posted in the ladies’ locker room, but I don’t know if you’ve seen it—Ellison holds the low-round title at the club.

Yes, but she plays off the ladies’ tees.

Oh dear Lord. This needed to end. It was so nice seeing you, Mrs. Whitfield. If I see Jane, I’ll be sure and mention your concerns.

Thank you, Ellison. With a brief nod to Mother, she left us.

Mother loosed a dramatic sign. That woman.

I thought you were friends.

We are.

An Italian villa?

I did not want to hear about her beach house for the fiftieth time. One-upmanship was the best option. Mother tapped her chin with the tip of a perfectly manicured finger. An Italian villa isn’t a bad idea. You could find your bodies someplace other than Kansas City.

I haven’t found a body in weeks.

She directed a chilling glare my way. Are you trying to jinx yourself?

Ellison, this funeral will be standing room only. Mother scowled at me. I’ve been waiting for ages.

Two minutes. She’d waited for two minutes. I’d seen her pull up.

I had to get out of the car and ring the bell. She ran her gaze over my navy dress, conservative pumps, and pearls. Unable to find fault, she shifted her gaze to her Mercedes. Come along. We’re already late.

If thirty minutes early was late. I hurried down the front steps, slipped into the passenger seat, and buckled up.

Worried about my driving?

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