How Now Purple Cow Page 6

  “One cup, babe. Then we’ve got to be on our way.” James didn’t sound like he wanted to settle in and talk much more.

  “Would you like something?” Judith watched James with anticipation.

  I thought maybe she wanted them to stay so we could learn more.

  “In fact, follow me into the dining room. I’ve got some scones I’d like you to try. Pamela is setting up an afternoon tea at Bogey Nights.”

  Piper stood and followed Judith. “Bogey Nights? What’s that? Wasn’t there a movie called ‘Bogey Nights’?”

  “No, I think that was ‘Boogie Nights’, or something like that.”

  She and Judith talked about the restaurant while the twins started asking questions about William.

  Coral’s thoughts were on the mark. “Daddy talked about William being an only child and them growing up in the same neighborhood. I wonder why you were never mentioned.”

  James put his hand on Coral’s shoulder while they walked to the dining room. “William didn’t even know I existed until he was a teenager. I didn’t know about him, either.”

  “So there’s a lot you don’t know about him?” Carol sat down at the dining table and patted the chair next to her.

  “Oh, we caught up. I probably know more about him than anyone else ever did.”

  Now, why on earth did that have an ominous sound to it?

  Was I reading something in to a simple answer?

  Chapter Ten

  I was turning into a suspicious woman, and needed to work on an attitude adjustment. Although I liked James and Piper already, it seemed wrong that they’d show up at Judith’s door so quickly.

  Oh, I believed that James was William’s brother, and yet something didn’t feel right.

  Coral didn’t mince words when she turned to James. “Was William a spy?”

  I almost choked. “Coral! Why would you ask something like that?”

  James started to laugh. “William? A spy?”

  Sherlock and Watson had planted themselves near James and watched him with interest. Sherlock quietly stepped forward and licked James’ shoe.

  “Yes, that’s what I’m asking. Maybe during World War II, or maybe after the war.”

  James unconsciously reached down and rubbed the dog’s head. “My brother took photographs during WWII. They were photos of secret locations and covert things that were going on. But after the war he was a ladies’ man. That bugger moved from woman to woman and then moved on. He didn’t settle down until he moved back to California. Why would you think he was a spy?”

  I glanced up and saw Piper standing at the kitchen doorway, listening intently.

  James laughed again. “My brother. A spy. That’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard.”

  Piper narrowed her eyes at him and carried a plate of scones to the table. “You shouldn’t speak ill of the dead, ya big lug.” She used her toe to gently shove Sherlock out of the way.

  “You never met him, and I never wanted to tell you about his, uh, other side.”

  She sat down next to her husband on the opposite side from Coral and placed her hand on his arm.

  “I told you not to touch me,” he said.

  It was her turn to laugh. “Sure you did. Besides, it was okay for the dog to lick your shoe, so it’s certainly okay for me… Never mind.”

  It was obvious they were joking with each other. Piper glanced up into her husband’s eyes and the look they gave each other was unmistakable. Even after all the years they’d been together, they were still nuts about each other. I appreciated the fact that they were using some of the slang Chris and I used, too. Somehow it made me feel comfortable around them.

  I found I liked them even more, and I hoped Chris and I would look at each other like that when we were their age.

  “I have to assume you two live nearby?” I asked. “I mean, you got here awfully fast.”

  James glanced over his shoulder at the purple cows, almost as though he was making sure they were still there.

  Piper fielded my question. “We do. We lived in the Midwest for a long time and eventually decided we were tired of the cold weather. So here we are.”

  That wasn’t exactly an answer, but I didn’t want to push it. Did they live in Los Angeles? Pasadena? Rancho Cucamonga? Where? They were making me more curious rather than feeling fulfilled.

  We made small talk while eating our scones.

  “These are delicious,” Piper said. “I may have to stop in at the restaurant so I can have them again. Oh, dear, I didn’t save a bite for the dogs.”

  The dogs had inched their way up to the table and watched Piper adoringly. She wiped some jam off the plate with her finger and let the dogs lick it off.

  “We’ll do that,” James said. “I’d like to try dinner there sometime, too.”

  “We have a band and dancing.” I wanted to encourage them to stop in. “Our band plays 1940s music. I think you’d like it.”

  “I’d like to be there when you visit Bogey Nights, too,” Carol said. “Coral and I would like to get to know you. You’re the only connection we have to William.”

  Piper turned to Carol. “Give me your phone number and I’ll call when we decide to visit the restaurant.”

  Carol grinned and pulled a note pad out of her purse, writing down the information. “The sooner, the better. I’ve got lots of questions about James’ brother.”

  Piper nodded and palmed the small piece of paper. “Now I need to wash the dog slobber off of my hand.”

  She left the table and went into the kitchen to wash up, returning shortly and resuming her seat at the table.

  James stood and backed away from the table. “We’d better get moving, babe, so don’t get comfortable. It must be close to my nap time.”

  “Nap time? Is that what you’re calling it now?” Piper stood and faced her husband.

  Considering their age, her comment brought laughter and surprise to everyone.

  Judith and I, along with the dogs, walked the couple to the door after they said their good-byes to everyone at the table.

  James pulled the door open and stepped out on the porch, glancing both ways before Piper followed him. “Nice neighborhood. I like these old houses. They’re not cookie cutter style. Each one is unique.”

  The dogs stepped outside and followed suit, looking over the terrain.

  “Now, King, we’re too old to find a new house and move.”

  “King?” Judith looked quizzical.

  “Oh, it’s just a nickname I gave him. He wants to be king of the seniors. He likes to be right and they let him take over – sometimes.”

  I nodded. “Kind of like I call Chris the Bogey Man because of him looking like Humphrey Bogart.”

  “Bogey Man. I like that better than King,” James said. “Too bad I don’t look like someone famous.”

  He turned and took one last look at the purple cows which still rested on the coffee table.

  Piper took hold of his arm and pulled gently. “Let’s move on. You need that nap, you know.”

  He looked at her fondly before following her down the walkway.

  We waved as they climbed into their car and drove away. I noticed it seemed like an effort for James to fold his tall body into the small economy car. I had no clue what kind of car it was.

  Judith and I rejoined everyone at the dining table.

  Chris appeared thoughtful before looking into my eyes. “What did you think of them? They showed up so quickly after Simon’s call to his nephew, but when James was ready to go they blew this place in a hurry.”

  Before I could answer, Chris’s cell phone rang. He answered the call and left the room, returning in a few minutes.

  While he was gone everyone was quiet, seeming to be caught up in their own thoughts about our encounter with the Hathaways.

  “That was Simon,” Chris said. “He’s not coming over because he threw his back out. He was shocked to hear that William’s brother had already been here. He co
uldn’t imagine his nephew contacting the Hathaways.”

  I snapped my fingers. “I’ve got it! William and James were both spies.”

  Chris Sr. looked across the table at me. “That’s unlikely. Two brothers and they were both spies?”

  Judith smiled at her husband. “Stranger things have happened.”

  “Besides,” I said, “did you notice that James looked both ways before leaving the house? He was checking things out. Maybe old habits really do die hard.”

  “I’m sure we’ll never know the answers,” Carol said.

  “Bet me,” I said. “They’ve just made me more curious.”

  Chris looked at me again. “You never told me what you thought of them. This might come as a shock, but I think James was carrying a rod.”

  “A gun?” I couldn’t believe it. “Why would he carry a gun?”

  “There was an extra bulge under his jacket. I’m sure he was carrying, and that makes me think you might be right. He could be, or maybe he was, a spy, too. Either that or he’s connected.”

  I nodded, and yet I was surprised. “To the mob? I thought he looked a little like a gangster.”

  “More likely he’s a spy,” Coral said. “Why would an old man like that have a connection to the mob? No, he’s a spy.”

  I rolled my eyes as far back as they’d go, crossing my fingers and hoping they wouldn’t get stuck. “Oh, good grief! We’re getting carried away. He probably wasn’t carrying a gat, and he’s probably not connected to anything, including the C.I.A. or the mob. He’s an old man so maybe that extra bulge was just body fat.”

  Judith stood and started clearing the table. “You’re probably right, Pamela, but I’m still curious about William. Now that I’ve met James, I want to know more about him, too.” She turned to Carol. “You should have gotten her phone number.”

  “Rats! I should have. I have a feeling Piper will call me though.”

  Coral began helping my mother-in-law clear the table, stopping for a moment to put a staying hand on Judith’s arm. “Why didn’t you tell him about the diamond ring?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe because we don’t know them or anything about them. He seemed almost too interested in the purple cows, didn’t you think? He kept looking at them.”

  We all turned toward the coffee table.

  The cows were still there.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Interesting how we all had to look to make sure they didn’t take the cows,” I said. “You’re right, Judith. They did seem too interested in them, even if James said they were a gift from his father.”

  She glanced toward the stairs. “I liked the Hathaways, but just the same I think I’ll put the cows somewhere other than in the hidden drawer. There are plenty of other hiding places around here. I’ve already hidden the ring, so that’s not an issue. Besides, I didn’t tell them about it.”

  Coral tapped me on the shoulder. “Keep a table reserved at Bogey Nights. When Piper calls me, we’ll all want to join them.”

  “Oh, I’m sure she’ll appreciate that.”

  She smiled. “I’m sure they will.”

  My sarcasm seemed to be lost on her. “Maybe they’d enjoy a quiet, romantic evening out without us. We can always get together with them later.”

  She didn’t reply, but her face showed disappointment.

  “Chris, we’d better head out. Mikey will be coming home from school and we’ll have to get ready for work soon.”

  He nodded, gently stroking his chin. I watched him for a moment. He looked like his mind was a hundred miles away, and he’d been awfully quiet since James and Piper’s arrival and departure.

  “What’s up?” I asked.

  “We’ll talk later.” He spoke softly and took in everyone in the room with his gaze. They were busy talking and hadn’t heard him.

  “Judith, do you want help cleaning up?” I asked.

  “No, the twins will help me. You and Chris need to be there for Ace when he gets home.”

  We walked outside with the dogs trailing behind us, and I saw an elderly man walking down the street with the aid of a cane. He had a decided limp and stopped in front of the house, apparently to catch his breath. He was slightly bent over, but looked like he’d be tall if he could stand up. Of course, he wore a hat to shade his face so maybe that made him appear taller. And he was slender. He really didn’t look like he was in good health.

  “Hi,” I said. “Nice day for a walk.” I figured I should be friendly to Judith’s neighbors.

  He nodded but didn’t reply, continuing his walk with effort. He reminded me of how healthy James and Piper appeared. They seemed to be at opposite ends of the spectrum from him.

  We drove home with Chris still looking distracted. I didn’t bother him because I knew he’d tell me what was on his mind when he was ready.

  I put the dogs in the backyard and gave them fresh water while Chris disappeared into the office.

  The mailman stopped at our box and I walked out to check for anything interesting. Only a couple of bills, nothing to get excited about. So I headed to the office and watched Chris typing his little heart out.

  “Whatcha doin’,”I asked.

  “More research.”

  “Find anything interesting?”

  He stopped typing and turned his chair toward me, opening his mouth to say something and closing it again. He tugged on his earlobe, Bogey style.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “I honestly hate to admit it, but I think Constance and Mikey might have been right. I think there’s been some spying going on. And James may have been a part of it. Considering that William was involved in the O.W.I., and he and Marsha were so secretive, that makes me suspicious. Now add James and Piper to the equation. Did you notice that she was evasive about where they live? And how did they find out about us looking into William’s past so quickly?”

  I nodded. “I thought they were overly interested in the cows, too. While we were talking I saw James turn the cow over and study the bottom, although that wouldn’t mean anything to me if the bull hadn’t contained the diamond ring. Maybe…” I didn’t finish my sentence, thinking and wondering if I was overreacting again.

  “Maybe what?” Chris asked.

  “Well, we’ve learned that William had people visit his office who had nothing to do with the book business. Maybe they were from his other life – his life as a spy.”

  Chris stood and headed for the door. “You know what? We’re overthinking this. Based on a letter and notes, we’ve already decided these people were spies. I’m sure they were just ordinary people, like us.”

  “Oh? We’re ordinary people? You could have surprised me. How many ordinary people solve crimes like we do? How many ordinary people have a son who wants to be a private eye when he grows up because of his exposure to… Because his parents are… I’m not sure how to put this.”

  “Because we keep getting involved in crimes.”

  “Yeah, that.”

  “Even if they were spies, they’re not now. William died, Marsha disappeared, and James and Piper aren’t kids anymore. What difference could it make now?”

  “You’re right. We need to encourage everyone to drop the investigation.”

  Chris rolled his upper lip under. “Are you going to drop it, Duchess?”

  I thought for only a moment. “Not on your life. These people have piqued my interest.”

  “There’s one more thing, doll. Remember the old man you spoke to when we were leaving my parents’ house?”

  “Yeah, what about him?”

  “As we were driving away I looked in the rearview mirror. He crossed the street and climbed into a car. He wasn’t a neighbor out for a walk.”

  “Really! I wonder if he had something to do with James and Piper. Huh.”

  “And how did they all end up at my parents’ house? That really doesn’t make sense. I’m going to call Simon back and ask him to talk to his nephew. None of this adds up.”

&nb
sp; I heard the front door slam and knew Mikey was home from school.

  “Back here, Ace,” Chris called out.

  “What a day,” Mikey said. “We had lots of work to do and a test. I wasn’t thinking we’d have a test.”

  “How’d you do?” I asked.

  He grinned. “I aced it. What’s new around here?”

  “We met William’s brother, and according to the twins he looks just like him. His wife was there, too.”

  “Ah, I miss all the fun.”

  “What fun?” Chris asked. “They were old people. Does that sound like you missed something?”

  “You never know, Dad. You and Mom had a couple of cases that had old people in them.” He turned to me. “Right, Mom?”

  I pulled my son close. “Sure. The body in the basement of Bogey Nights and the Church Ladies come to mind right off the bat.”

  “See?” Mikey turned back to Chris. “I coulda missed a lot today, but I had to go to school.”

  “Oh, well… That’s life.”

  “By the way, there’s an old man across the street watching our house. I thought maybe I should tell you.”

  Chris and I glanced at each other and ran to the living room where we looked out the window. There was no car parked across the street.

  Mikey stood behind us, watching us intently. “Am I missing something?”

  “There’s no car there,” I said.

  “Well, there was. I saw the guy because he was staring at our house and I wondered why.”

  I didn’t like the idea of my son seeing a stranger watching the house. “Did he say anything to you? Did he speak to you at all? He didn’t motion you over to the car or anything like that, did he?”

  “No, Mom. He didn’t even see me until I tried to see who he was.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief.

  Chris put his hands on Mikey’s shoulders. “What kind of car was he driving?”

  “I don’t know. It was kind of old, but not as old as your Chevy, and it was kind of gray, or maybe a dirty blue. It was dirty, I can tell you that. It was big – bigger than most cars I’ve seen. I tried to get his license number but he saw me lookin’ and pulled a hat down over his face after he gave me a funny look. I figured it was time to come inside. I did see a 5 and a 9 though.”