“Because he didn’t do it, or because there wasn’t enough evidence against him?” Nana gestured with a half eaten lemon cookie. They stared at her. “What?”

“I didn’t kill nobody. They arrested me because I was handy. They didn’t even try to find the real killer. Whoever kilt my sweet Lydia is still out there!”

Elvira poured him a glass of lemonade and patted his broad back. “I’ve encouraged him to write his jailhouse story, poor man. It might help clear his name with the people who still believe he’s guilty.”

Dee Dee furiously scribbled, and Nana jumped up, holding her cast aloft. “That sounds just like Trixie’s story. She didn’t kill Annie but she’s being framed for her murder. Y’all have a lot in common. Maybe you could help her Bodene.”

Bodene didn’t seem convinced. “I wish I could help, but I don’t think I recall anything from that night that’ll help ya’. I went up to my room and worked on my writin’ until I fell asleep.” He ran sausage fingers through his wooly hair. “I’m sorry.”

We were being dismissed, so I turned off the recorder, and thanked Bubba and Elvira for their hospitality. “If you recall anything at all, I’d appreciate hearing from you.” We said our goodbyes and headed back to town. The spitting cherubs of Italian marble in my rearview mirror were a welcome sight, I’d had enough of backwoods Bubba and Bodene for a while. I was never so glad to be on Highway 27 heading back to Chattanooga.

“What do you think, Trixie?” Dee Dee worked in her tablet. “Looks to me like he’s as good a suspect as anyone. How do we know he didn’t kill his ex-wife? And that Elvira seems to be an odd one to be involved. What’s she doing mixed up in all this?”

“I’m more confused than ever. I think I need to check in with Detective Sams. I know she’s going to be upset, but I want to tell her I have a bad feeling about all this.”

“If anyone wants my opinion I think they’re a nice bunch of folk. I love their house and yard. I’ll have to tell Betty Jo so she can decorate her flower garden with statues.” Why wasn’t I surprised Nana was infatuated with the Tate’s?

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Famished, we swung into Checker’s drive-through for some burgers and fries. A hefty dose of grease and salt calmed my nerves considerably. When we returned to the hotel, we unanimously voted to take a nap. Uncooperative thoughts kept me from falling asleep, so I made a mental checklist of suspects we hadn’t questioned yet.

We hadn’t spoken to George, Tippi or Ladonna. I didn’t know where they were staying and contemplated how I’d get the information. Before I could come up with a plan, I faded into dreamland. When I woke up, Dee Dee sat propped up against the headboard reading “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.” Nana snored softly.

“Must be a good book. Maybe I’ll borrow it when you finish.”

“It’s a sweet romance. You’d enjoy it.” She placed a bookmark in between the pages and laid it on the bed. “I called Stephanie while you were sleeping to check on the babies.”

Ever since a cat decided my back was a landing pad, I’d been wary of the furry animals. I just didn’t trust them. I tolerated Dee Dee’s cats because I cared about her. “How are they doing? Are they missing their mama?”

“Trixie, I know you don’t like cats, but you’d love my new baby. Have I told you about Whiskers?”

“No, I don’t believe you have,” I fibbed. If there was one thing I could do to repay Dee Dee for being the best friend I’d ever had, it was to listen to her cat stories. “Tell me about him.”

“He’s the cutest thing. Old Mrs. Bates came in the store the other day and told us about a little kitten that needed adopting. Knowing my love for cats she thought of me right away. As soon as I saw him I couldn’t resist. He’s black and has a little white stripe down his face. But that’s not the cutest thing about him.”

She rearranged her pillows and sat up a little straighter. “The mother left him, or maybe she was trapped or killed, but he still wants to nurse. He sucks on my fingers. Now isn’t that the sweetest thing you’ve ever heard?”

“Uh, yeah, that is sweet, Dee. Are you going to keep Whiskers?” I stifled the urge to roll my eyes.

“I sure am. He’s like one of the family now.”

Nana sat up. “What are y’all talking about? I thought I heard somebody was sucking on Dee Dee’s fingers.” She raised her eyebrows.

“I was talking about my new kitten, Nana. He still wants to nurse.”

“Oh, thank goodness. I thought it was somebody you were dating.” Nana cackled at her little joke. Dee Dee joined her and before I knew it, I was laughing, too.

“I want to talk with Detective Sams, but she’s probably not in the office on Sunday. I’ll try first thing in the morning.” I headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

“Let’s do something fun. How about going to the Tennessee Aquarium? I’ve heard it’s a wonderful place to visit and we could use a break. We could start our questioning again tomorrow,” Dee Dee offered.

“That’s a great idea. Don’t you think so, Trixie?”

Somehow it just didn’t seem right to go sightseeing while I was a suspect in a murder case. But I couldn’t talk to the detective and I didn’t know how to get in touch with George or Tippi, so why not have a little fun. “Okay, let’s do it.”

“All right!” Nana hopped out of bed and beat me to the bathroom. Dee Dee grinned from ear to ear.

The rest of the evening passed without incident. We grabbed a sandwich and chips at the aquarium deli for a late supper. I slept fitfully, my slumber filled with bizarre dreams. I was glad when Nana sounded the morning alarm.

“Rise and shine girls. Time’s a wasting.” Nana was already dressed in a teal green jogging outfit. “Let’s go. We have a murder to solve.”

Dee Dee pulled the covers over her head. If I had to get up she did, too. I took aim and threw my pillow onto her huddled form.

Dee Dee grabbed the pillow and took aim. A knock at the door interrupted her retaliation.

Giggling, I jumped up and opened the door, “Mama!” I flew into her arms. “It’s so good to see you. What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t sit home one minute longer worrying about you girls.” She came in, shrugged off her coat, and gave Nana and Dee Dee a hug. “Nana, how’s your arm? Does it hurt?”

Nana held up her pink cast. “Aw, it hurts a little, but not enough to keep me from helping Trixie solve another crime.”

“Trixie, what are you going to do?” Mama looked like she’d aged ten years since the last time I saw her. I hated being the object of her concern. I’d given her enough to worry about since moving back to Vans Valley. When I’d married Beau a weight lifted from her shoulders, now I’d gone and gotten myself into another mess. I seemed to be a murder magnet.

I threw on a pair of khaki’s and a red pullover sweater. Dee Dee wore jeans with a blue sweatshirt covered in a snow scene. She carried an oversized Laurel Burch purse to match.

We ate pastries at the Café Espresso located in the lobby. I managed to get Mama alone and asked her to keep Nana busy, while I visited with Detective Sams. Nana wasn’t happy, but she acquiesced. We planned to meet back in the lobby later in the day.

“Hey, Trix. Do you want me to give you a break and drive?”

Dee Dee’s driving usually left me ready to kiss the ground when we arrived at our destination, but it was too tempting to pass up. “Sure, why not live dangerously?”

“Aw, come on, Trixie my driving isn’t that bad.” She offered me a knowing smile. “Where to first?”

“Let’s head down to the police station and talk with Detective Sams. I hope she’s receptive.” I was happy we arrived at the station without a mishap.

A young blonde with short spiked hair sat behind the desk. She entered data in the computer like a pro. She looked up from her work and smiled.