“Well….”

“Well what?” I asked. “Does that ‘well’ have something to do with your conversation with Doc?”

“Yes. He invited us to come to a ball they’re hosting tonight. The history museum is sponsoring a Civil War period gala, and he thinks it will be a good place to meet some of the people on our list.”

“What? One, nobody gives balls anymore and two, where are we going to find dresses with hoop skirts?”

“Doc has it all figured out. He said the Gone with the Wind Museum is renting gowns for tonight. It’s late notice, but I think it’d be fun and we can do some sleuthing while we’re there.” Dee Dee pulled down the vanity mirror. Maybe she pictured herself as the next Scarlett O’Hara.

“That’s a great idea. But when will I ever get any work done? Harv’s gonna’ kill me if I don’t touch base with him shortly. Remind me to call him later.”

“Okay. If you remind me to remind you.” She slapped her leg and guffawed. I just grinned.

We pulled into the hospital parking lot and went in to fetch Nana. This time, we maneuvered the corridors like experts. Like all hospitals, the unappealing smell of antiseptics lingered in the air.

We walked through hallways where pictures of employees of the month hung. Portraits of past directors adorned another wall. My mind had traveled a million miles away when I opened the door to Dora’s room. Someone practically fell on top of me. I gazed into the gorgeous eyes of Dr. Rossi.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” he said.

“No, I’m sorry,” I sputtered. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

With a sweeping gesture he motioned for us to enter the room. He was a gentleman as well as a hunk. What a combination. I experienced a guilty twinge, as thoughts of Beau popped into my mind. But, I guess it doesn’t hurt to look.

“Don’t worry. No problem. If I had to fall on top of someone I’m glad it was you.” He stared straight into my eyes and grinned. Was he flirting?

“Uh…” I was speechless. Leave it up to Nana to fill the void.

“Well, I agree with you Dr. Rossi.”

Oh my goodness. What was I going to do with her?

“Nana!” I felt the heat travel from my neck to my cheeks. I realized I was probably tomato red. Being easily embarrassed had always been a problem for me. Never able to hide my feelings, I felt exposed to the world at times.

I glanced at Dee Dee for help. She stood with her hand over her mouth. Was that a laugh she stifled? I’d make her pay for being a traitor.

“Well, you ladies have a nice visit. The patient is coming along nicely and should be able to go home soon.” With that he left. He probably couldn’t get away from matchmaker Nana quick enough.

“Nannna! What am I going to do with you?” I wanted to throttle her, but hugged her instead.

“Ah, you love me anyway.” She hugged back.

I held her at arm’s length and looked her over good. “You got that right!”

Even though I loved Nana with all my heart, I understood how Mama became so frustrated at times. When my mother was young, her parents died and her mother’s sister, Nana, raised her.

After Nana’s husband died she went into a deep depression. Mama stepped in and insisted Nana move in with her.

Nana recovered nicely, but her strong will grated on Mama’s nerves at times. I was glad she remained at home to enjoy the peace and quiet. Now I was responsible for Nana’s care until we returned to Vans Valley. Thinking about Mama brought tears to my eyes. I owed her so much for her support over the past few years.

When Wade forced us into a financial nightmare we lost everything, including our house. When I didn’t know where I was going to live, Mama let me stay in her garage apartment. Suddenly, I felt a tremendous urge to call her.

“Ladies, if you don’t mind, I’m going to the visitor’s lounge to make some calls.” I reached in my purse for my phone.

“Sure. I’ll keep the girls company,” Dee Dee said. “And don’t forget to call Harv.”

Ugh, I’d forgotten, but that was probably because I didn’t really want to talk to him. Work was the last thing on my mind.

“Oh, I meant to tell you, Nana. We came to pick you up for lunch. When I get through with my phone call we’ll go to this place I noticed on the way over. It’s called Kountry Kousins and boasts the best home cooking around.”

I no sooner reached the end of the hall when my phone rang. I almost jumped out of my skin.

“Hello.”

“Hi, sweetie.”

“Mama. You are not going to believe this, but I was about to phone you. I had this gut feeling I needed to call. Is everything all right at home? Is Bouncer giving you any trouble?”

“No, dear. Your dog is fine. Everything is fine. I just wanted to check on you.” I could picture her sitting in her favorite recliner, feet up, as she talked. “Has Nana driven you crazy yet?”

“She’s playing matchmaker with me and Dora’s doctor. I have to admit he’s handsome, but I’m not interested,” I insisted. “Well maybe just a little.”

The melodious sound of Mama’s laughter floated through the phone, touching that homesick spot I hadn’t realized was there.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Beau’s very lonely,” Mama said, making me wish I was there with all of them. “He’s dropped around the past couple of days. I know he’ll be glad when you return. If you’re not home soon he might just come and get you.”

“I miss him, too. Beau could help us with this murder case if he was in Marietta.”

“Trixie, are you involved, again?” I felt like a child who’d been caught sneaking a cookie.

“I can’t very well leave, now we’ve gotten Dora involved. I promise I’ll be careful.”

“I don’t want you to get mixed up in a murder investigation like you did in Dahlonega,” she said. “It’s too dangerous. I’m beginning to wonder if this journalism job leads you down a path of trouble.”

I made a choking sound. “Of course it’s not dangerous. It’s just a coincidence.”

“A coincidence you’ve been in the vicinity of two murders. I’m not so sure.”

“I’ll be careful.” I fully intended to keep that promise.

“I talked with Jill and she’s coming to Marietta tomorrow for a school project and wants to meet up with you.” Jill, my only child, is a student at the University of Georgia.

In mid-sentence with Mama, I spotted Nana flying down the hall. Well, as fast a mature woman could run.

“Come on girl. You gonna jabber all day?” She beckoned with her hands.

“It’s mom,” I mouthed, waving her off.

“Tell your mama good-bye and let’s hit the road.

“Mama, did you hear? Nana’s anxious to get lunch.”

‘Hi, Betty Jo,’ Nana hollered.

“Well, you go on. We don’t want to keep Nana waiting. And above all else please don’t do anything stupid?”

Who me?

When we got back to Dora’s room, a crumpled suit blocked the door. That suit could only belong to one person.

“What are you doing here Detective Bowerman?” It sounded terser than I expected when it came out of my mouth, but I was surprised to see him. And a little nervous.

“Hello, Ms. Montgomery.” At least he wasn’t chewing on a nasty cigar this time. “Dora’s an old family friend and I came by to say ‘Hi’ and ask her some questions about the break in.”

“Detective, I’m glad you stopped by. Is it true Doc’s a suspect in Jacob Wallace’s murder?” The room was small, and the smell of stale smoke filled my nostrils.

“Doc told us you took him in for questioning,” Dee Dee said. “I’ve been falsely accused of a murder myself. I know how law enforcement can jump to conclusions.” She straightened Dora’s covers and fluffed her pillow.

“That’s right, Detective.” Nana offered her opinion. “I’m proud to say if it wasn’t for Trixie and me, Dee Dee would be in the slammer right now.” Way to go Nana. Open mouth and stick in foot. Quiet filled the room until the Detective spoke.