“He’s fine. He misses you though and I have to encourage him to eat. I find myself clapping every time he takes a bite.” The familiar sound of Mama’s laughter made me homesick.

We talked a few more minutes before I gave the phone back to Nana. By the time I said goodbye, Dee Dee was already snoring. I didn’t blame her. I’d love to take a nap, too, but I needed to get busy studying my research.

Nana wound up her talk and flipped the phone closed. “When’s supper?” I couldn’t help but laugh.

“We’re going out later, Nana. Let Dee Dee sleep for a while and I’m going to work on an article. You know how Harv can be.”

“I sure do. He’s too hard on you. I don’t know why he yells all the time.”

“That’s just his way. He’s not really as mean as he sounds. I’ll admit he’s hard-nosed. He expects the best from his writers. He gets under my skin sometimes, but I’ll never forget the chance he gave this rookie.” I don’t know what I’d have done without Harv. I owed him for taking me on when no one else would.

“Why don’t you look through the Chattanooga directory and see if you can find us a good place to eat? Maybe somewhere we haven’t been before.”

“Sure, I can do that, but if we were at home and I didn’t have a broken arm I’d be cooking up some fried chicken, mashed potatoes and homemade biscuits.”

“Oh, that sounds good, Nana. I wish we were home right now feasting on one of your meals. In the meantime we’ll just have to make do. I’m going to go through these pictures Tilly gave me. It’s amazing all the information she’d accumulated. She kept newspaper articles from Bobby Lee Ghoston’s murder and collected lots of pictures. Did I tell you she’s the official historian for Lookout Mountain?”

“I believe you did. I think I’ll walk around the lobby while you work.”

“Do you think you feel well enough? You’re not dizzy are you?” I was worried the effects of the pain medicine hadn’t worn off.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

Yeah, famous last words.

“Did you say something dear?”

I swanny, could she read my mind now? “No, Nana, you go ahead. I’ll be through in an hour or so and then we’ll go out for supper.”

Nana donned her coat and scarf, grabbed the Chattanooga directory and headed to the lobby. There was a short walk outside before entering the main section of the hotel. I propped my pillow against the headboard and spread newspaper articles and photographs in front of me. How was I going to make heads or tails of all this?

CHAPTER TWENTY

I reviewed the information Tilly had given me on the Ghoston Murder. Bobby Lee and Tad had been friends since high school, and together they owned a furniture store in Rossville named Furniture Warehouse. Both of them were married, and while Tad and his wife had one child, Bobby Lee didn’t have any.

Tad’s wife left him alone to raise their daughter, Tabitha. It was a surprise to everyone when he suddenly died from a heart attack. Bobby Lee and his wife took in Tabitha and raised her like their own. Bobby Lee was found murdered in his warehouse. And Tilly said there were rumors and accusations that Bobby Lee was a member of the Dixie Mafia.

Next I read the newspaper articles on Bobby Lee’s murder. They never found a suspect and they blamed the murder on a botched robbery since the body was found with his wallet contents strewed around him. I studied the pictures of both men. I thought Bobby Lee looked familiar, but the picture wasn’t of the best quality, so I wasn’t sure of what I was seeing.

I made a quick call to the furniture store, and found out it was still in operation. Rossville wouldn’t be that far. Maybe we could take a trip and check it out. I couldn’t imagine how I was going to work on two murders at once, but I didn’t have a choice. I needed to prove to Harv I could handle whatever he threw my way.

I heard Dee Dee moving around. “Hey, girl, you awake?”

She opened one eye. “Barely.”

I stretched my arms above my head and released a big yawn. I was ready to get off this bed and go out for a while. “Want to go find Nana and head out to eat? She’s supposed to be in the lobby.”

“Sure, give me a few minutes to freshen up.”

“I’ll go get Nana.” I stretched out my knee, rubbed it and waited for the tendons to relax.

We chose the Southern Belle Riverboat cruise, and while they finished getting ready I managed to get us last minute reservations.

We drove through town, enjoying the light display, and parked close to the pier. A fishy smell permeated the air. After walking down to the dock, our coats pulled tight against the chill, we stood in front of the three story riverboat and stared in awe. Inside, we were greeted with the eloquence of a five star restaurant.

The hostess seated us, along with other guests, at a long table. Several of these tables lined the room with the buffet in between them. A wooden dance floor made from walnut covered the rest of the room. A four piece ensemble sat in the corner.

“Wow, can you believe this place? I’ve never seen anything like it, but then I’ve never eaten on a riverboat before. I can’t wait to get at that buffet.” Nana eagle-eyed the feast laid out before us. Fried fish, baked fish and broiled fish dotted the buffet accompanied by sides such as slaw, hush puppies, greens, and cornbread to name a few. Cakes and banana pudding were offered for desserts.

“You’re right, Nana. This was a wonderful idea. I’m so glad you found it. I wish we had dates so we could dance, too.” Dee Dee looked at the dance floor. I expected her to break out in full swing any minute.

I knew as soon as the words left her mouth it was too late. Nana wasn’t going to let a little thing like a date keep her from a night of dancing.

She looked around the room. “I see a lot of men we can borrow for a dance or two.”

Oh, my goodness. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. I had to admit I would have loved to have Beau’s arms embracing me. A moonlight ride on a boat, with the one you loved, would be so romantic. I’d call Beau tonight barring any catastrophe.

“Nana, we can’t do that.”

“Why not Trixi? It might be fun.” I could see I wasn’t going to get any help from my friend. Nana had found an ally in Dee Dee.

We filed up to the buffet with the other guests. As people piled their plates full I couldn’t help but picture pigs at a feed trough. I helped Nana with her plate since she only had one good hand. In between bites we talked with our neighbors as well as the couple from Cincinnati seated across from us. Nana kept everybody entertained while we ate. She held her arm up and invited everyone to sign her cast.

The band struck up a chord of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” as couples made their way to the dance floor. Nana sang the words to the song and I could tell she itched to get on the floor. We enjoyed strawberry shortcake while listening to the band. Then it happened in the blink of an eye. Nana eyed her target. Before I could intercede she’d tapped the unsuspected dancer on the shoulder and cut in. I looked heavenward and asked for help. Lord save me from dying of embarrassment, please.

God must have been busy taking care of something much more important than my embarrassment. During the second song Nana decided to do the Charleston. Her partner slowly backed away as Nana danced the rag while the band played a lively tune. Quicker than a coon treeing a squirrel, the crowd formed a circle around her.

My breathing quickened and sweat popped out on my forehead. My vision blurred as I tried to focus on my great-aunt vying for the center of attention. I gasped for breaths expecting to pass out any moment. Dee Dee noticed my anxiety and grabbed my hand. “It’s all right, Trix. She’s having a good time and the crowd is enjoying her show.” I didn’t know whether to believe her when I heard a loud ring of applause. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The crowd was clapping wildly for Nana.