How Now Purple Cow Read online

  “That’s my son. Ace got some details that most kids wouldn’t notice.” He gave our son a slip-me-some-skin handshake, which meant they slid their hands off one another.

  “Could you see what he looked like before he pulled down his hat?” I asked.

  Mikey rubbed his chin like he’d seen Chris do when he was thinking. “Well, he had a face kind of like a horse.”

  “A horse?”

  “What I mean is his face was long, like a horse, and it was skinny. He had lots of wrinkles. Oh, and he had a big scar down the side of his face. I couldn’t see anything else ‘cause he was in the car.”

  I took a quick glance at Chris before turning my attention back to Mikey.

  “How close to his car were you?” I asked.

  “I crossed the street to get a good look at him, but I didn’t get too close to his car.”

  “Next time you see a stranger, I want you to immediately come inside. Don’t go near the car.” Chris understood what Mikey didn’t. Strangers, even old ones, can be dangerous.

  “Did I do good?” he asked.

  I smiled at him. “Yes, you did, Son. Now go upstairs and change clothes. As soon as we’re ready, we’ll drive you over to Constance’s house.”

  He ran upstairs with extra energy in his steps. He knew he’d done something good, but he probably wasn’t quite sure what it was.

  “Ace is going to make a good cop one day,” Chris said. “He pays attention to detail. Most kids don’t get it. He does. By the way, did the old man at Mother’s house have a scar on his face?”

  “I don’t know. Mikey would have been looking at his left profile, and I only saw him from the right. What about the description of his car?”

  “Same car. It fits the description of the one I saw in front of Mother’s house.”

  Uh oh. Why would he be watching our house? Do we look like suspicious characters more than the others?

  Why would he be at Judith’s house and then show up at ours?

  He was the suspicious one.

  Chapter Twelve

  “You know there has to be a connection between my mother’s house and this guy, or the Hathaways and him, right?” Chris hooked his thumbs through his belt loops and rocked back on his heels. He was in Bogey Man mode.

  “Yes, and I’m sure it’s the Hathaways. But why would he follow us home?” It didn’t make any sense to me. None at all.

  “You walked the Hathaways to the door. Do you remember seeing a big gray or blue car parked across the street?”

  I tried to picture the scene in my mind. “No, now that I think about it, nothing was parked across the street.”

  “At the very least we know he wasn’t there when the Hathaways left, but he was when we left. Well, we’ll talk about it later. We’ve got to change clothes and leave for the supper club.” Rolling off of his heels, Chris headed for the stairs.

  “Do you think this guy is some kind of elderly goon?” I asked.

  “No clue. We’ll figure it out.”

  Since it was Wednesday and somewhat of a casual day at the restaurant, I wore gray slacks with wide legs and medium-sized buttons that ran down each hip, where you’d normally find pockets. I added a plain black blouse and dressed it up with off-white Lucite dangle earrings, matching bracelet and a Lucite necklace. Black vintage sandals set off the outfit and I was ready to go.

  I found Chris and Mikey waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Chris, of course, wore his 1940s slacks with a dress shirt and suspenders. On the weekends he added a jacket and a fedora.

  Mikey climbed into the back of the vintage Chevy along with the dogs. We dropped him off at Constance’s house and headed for Bogey Nights.

  The lunch hour was long over and we began preparing the tables for the dinner hour. The special for Wednesday was Chef Luis’ decision. I had no idea what he’d come up with this week.

  At exactly five o’clock, the front door opened and in walked Piper and James, followed by the twins and Chris’s parents. At five after five, Mikey and Constance arrived.

  It looked like it was going to be an interesting evening.

  I was going to set up a table in the back where they’d be able to talk uninterrupted, but they requested something near the band and dance floor. Phyllis, our Marilyn Monroe lookalike helped me move two tables together. She set the table while I talked to the group.

  “Constance? What are you and Mikey doing here?”

  “Judith called and spoke to Mikey. She told him all about the visit with James and Piper. I have to admit, we both wanted to meet them after her colorful story. You don’t mind us coming along, do you?”

  “Of course not. I’m glad you’re here. I can spend a little time with Mikey for a change. Besides, I want to tell you about some old man who was staking out our house today. Make sure he doesn’t show up at your place.”

  I went on to tell her about the man with the scar, describing his car, too, and she said she’d keep her eyes open.

  Someone tapped my shoulder and I turned to find Phyllis standing behind me. “Pamela, do you mind if I take their table tonight? The older man made a few complimentary comments about my resemblance to Marilyn Monroe and asked if I could take care of them. His wife said she thought it would be fun to be waited on by me, too.” She smiled. “They seem like fun people.”

  “Works for me,” I said. “I’ll have George take care of one of your tables.”

  George Chandler is our George Raft lookalike. He’d had enough fans as customers that I knew he wouldn’t mind switching tables. The customers had fun, but so did our waiters and waitresses – that is, usually, aside from the hard work. Unfortunately, there were a few patrons they avoided if they could. Some people got carried away. Those employees who didn’t look like famous people at least dressed in forties styles. A theme is a theme, and Bogey Nights has a forties flavor.

  We had CDs with forties music playing until the band arrived, which would be around six o’clock.

  I approached the table after everyone was settled. “James? I’m pleasantly surprised that you and Piper are here already. It’s good to see you again so soon.”

  Piper smiled at me. “We couldn’t resist. You mentioned dancing, and honestly, it won’t be that long until we can’t cut a rug anymore. Age, you know.”

  I smiled back at her and mentioned when she could expect the band.

  Chris waved me over to the reservation desk and I excused myself.

  “You’ll love some of the vintage slang the Hathaways use,” I said.

  We took care of business and each tried to visit the table from time to time. I covered the reservation desk while Chris visited their table to ask how they were enjoying dinner. Things were quiet for a few minutes and I watched the group.

  Mikey was talking, apparently telling a story, and I saw Piper put her hand on her cheek and quickly glance at James. He lowered his head and barely shook it and she let her hand drop to her lap, turning a frown into a smile in the process. I could see James speak to my son. His expression told me he might be asking questions. Piper watched the boy and the man intently.

  Everyone at the table seemed to be entranced by what was going on.

  Chris said something before turning and heading my way. He looked too serious.

  “What’s going on?” I asked.

  “Ace told his story about the old man who was watching our house. The Hathaways seemed a little too interested.”

  “Obviously, I didn’t know what anyone was saying, but I saw Piper react to Mikey. James shook his head and she tried to look nonchalant. What did they say?”

  “When Ace described the man, James wanted to know how big the scar was and whether it was straight down the man’s face or if it curved toward his chin. They seemed particularly interested in the scar and the fact that he had a horse face, as Ace called it.”

  “Really! I wonder if they think they know him.”

  “That’s the feeling I got, babe.”

  “I can’t help
wondering if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

  “I have no idea, but keep your peepers open in case the old guy shows his mug around here. I don’t think I could take a senior Donnybrook in this place.”

  “So you don’t think maybe he’s a friend of theirs? Those old men wouldn’t really get in a fight, would they? At their age?”

  “You saw their reaction. Did they look like they wanted to make nice with the old man? I don’t think so.”

  I stepped out from behind the reservation desk. “Maybe I’ll just go outside and take a walk around the supper club to see what I can see.”

  Chris put a staying hand on my arm. “No, cupcake, you stay here and I’ll go take a walk.”

  I laughed. “Don’t snort at the dogs while you’re out there.”

  “Funny lady.”

  Chris casually wandered outside looking like a man without a care in the world. Since things were quiet at the desk, I strolled over to the table to visit with our guests.

  Mikey gave me a finger wave and I placed my hands on his shoulders.

  “How’s everyone doing?” I asked. “Does anyone need a refill on their drink? Dessert maybe?”

  Coral lifted her glass. “I could use a little more iced tea.” She paused. “On second thought, make that a glass of wine.”

  I motioned Phyllis over and Coral asked her for a glass of Chardonnay.

  “Have I missed anything interesting?” I asked. “You all looked so deep in conversation.”

  “Mom, you haven’t missed anything. James was just telling us that the old man who was watching our house sounds like a guy he used to work with, in the old days.”

  “Oh?” I turned to James. “What kind of work did you do?”

  He fumbled with a cigar that stuck out of his pocket. “I worked in a factory. One of the boys had an accident and cut his face. Your son’s description reminded me of him. Um, I…”

  He glanced at Piper and she nodded her confirmation. She seemed to think he was doing a good job of covering his behind.

  “I see.” I continued to watch him.

  He was searching for more to the story and it wasn’t happening.

  Okay, if James had been a spy, I had to think he hadn’t been a good one. There was no doubt in my mind that he was lying.

  “Excuse me,” he said. “I’m going to step outside and light my cigar.”

  “I’ll go with you, King.” Piper set her napkin on the table.

  “No, babe, you stay here and visit with the ladies.”

  She exhaled audibly and looked beseechingly into his eyes.

  He winked at her and pushed his chair back from the table. “You stay here.”

  Everyone started talking. The band was setting up and they were excited to hear the forties music.

  Piper reached out for her husband’s hand. “Be careful,” she said softly. “You owe me a dance.”

  Looking around the table I realized that no one else had heard her.

  There was something sad in her tone.

  Had we opened a can of worms when we began asking questions about William?

  James, Piper and an old man with a scar led me to believe that was the case.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Piper tried to cover for James. “He’s become a little forgetful in his old age. He forgets details and moves on to something else so he won’t embarrass himself.”

  I didn’t believe her. They both seemed as sharp as tacks to me. No, instead I believed he changed the subject or left the room when he didn’t want to talk about something.

  I decided I’d let her think I believed her for the moment. “I’m sure it happens to a lot of people, Piper. He’ll probably talk about things when he’s ready, or he remembers those elusive details.”

  The look she gave me told me she was on to me. “Yes, you’re probably right. Excuse me, please. Where’s the Ladies Room?” She stood and waited for an answer.

  I pointed in the direction she wanted and she left the table.

  Coral and Carol began talking together so I sat down next to Judith.

  “I’d like to examine the purple cows more closely, without the twins watching. Will you be home in the morning?”

  “Great minds,” she replied. “I was just thinking the same thing. Do you get the feeling they might be lying to us?”

  “I do. And I have an idea there’s more to those cows than meets the eye.”

  “Cows?” came a voice from behind me.

  I turned around. “Oh, Chris. Did you see anyone outside?”

  “Only James. He stopped to jaw with me, but the entire time he was eyeballing the area. I tried to sound him out, but I got bupkis. He doesn’t want to talk about anything pertinent.”

  I nodded. “He and Piper are both like that, and I get the feeling that what they do say is probably full of holes. I’ll bet he was watching for the old man with the scar.”

  “I’d sure like to know what their story is, and – “

  “Cool your heels, Bogey Man,” I interrupted. “Here they come.”

  James entered through the front door just as Piper was returning to the table. They linked arms and spoke quietly to each other. The band started playing their version of I’ll Be Seeing You and the couple turned and headed for the dance floor. The wife of one of the band members sang and she had such a lovely voice.

  I watched the couple dance with mixed feelings. Piper was such a tiny thing next to her tall husband. She looked up at him with adoration in her eyes. He looked as contented as any man I’d ever seen, a sweet smile on his face when he glanced down at her.

  I liked these people. I couldn’t help myself. And yet… Something was wrong. I couldn’t get rid of the feeling.

  Glancing toward the door, I wondered what they’d do if the old man walked in right now.

  A couple came in and Chris hurried back to the Reservation Desk. Mikey followed him. Our son loved to help out when he wasn’t due at school the next day. However, this was a weekday. I knew he and Constance would be leaving soon.

  “Constance,” I said, turning to her, “why don’t you come with me tomorrow when I drive over to Judith’s house?”

  She put her hand to her chest. “Really? I’d love to. Are you going to let me get involved in this case?”

  I laughed. “You’re dying to work with us, aren’t you?”

  “Of course. I hear about the things that happen, but I’m always on the outside looking in.”

  “I’m sorry. Really I am. Okay, this time you’re in. If they really are spies, or if William was, that was years ago. Nothing is going to happen now. Just don’t share everything with Mikey. He’ll want to jump in the middle of things.”

  “Gotcha. Mum’s the word where Ace is concerned.”

  “You, too? Am I the only one who doesn’t call him Ace?”

  Judith and Constance both laughed. The twins turned to see what was so humorous.

  “Did Ace do something funny?” Coral asked. “I’m sure I heard his name.”

  Shaking my head, I stood and walked to the Reservation Desk.

  Mikey and my friend left after about fifteen minutes. My son needed his rest before going to school the next day.

  Piper and James returned to the table and picked up their belongings.

  She hung her purse from her shoulder and a sweater over her arm. “We’ve got to be heading home. I’d like to come back sometime. I’ve really enjoyed the food and the music.”

  Not the company? I thought.

  “And all of you,” James added.

  “You should come in on the weekend when you have a chance,” I suggested. “We have a canary who’s a friend of ours. She’s got an amazing voice. And once in a while Judith sings, too. She’ll surprise you.”

  Piper grinned. “We’ll be back soon then, and on the weekend.”

  She gave each of us a hug, taking the twins by surprise.

  As soon as they left, Coral and Carol picked up their purses, thanked us, and follo
wed suit.

  “Why didn’t Chris Sr. come with you tonight?” I asked, turning to Judith.

  “He was watching his sports channel. He’ll come along next time though, I promise. I just didn’t want to nag him.” She stood and picked up her purse.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow morning. We’ll check out those cows and figure out what the interest in them is, okay?”

  Judith nodded and stopped to speak to Chris before leaving.

  Things were quiet and I left Chris’s side to check on the dogs. They were lying under a tree, napping. Obviously, no strangers had been in their territory. After making sure they had plenty of water, I sought out Chef Luis in the kitchen.

  “As soon as I do a little advertising for Afternoon Tea, Judith will start baking in the morning.”

  He nodded. “I know times are difficult right now, but even though the economy stinks, you and Chris keep finding ways to encourage business. I’ve thought about people who worry that they might lose their jobs, but it’s not uppermost in my mind. I just want to thank you and Chris for being so… Well, on top of things.”

  “Why, thank you, Luis! You’ve really made my day complete with your comments.”

  Grinning, I walked out to the dining room and repeated what he’d said to Chris.

  Chris looked surprised. “We’ve cut as many corners as we can without taking away from the supper club experience, and I’ve even seen you wait tables a few times. We added a lunch menu and now you’re adding the tea and crumpet thing. I don’t know what else we could do, and I really appreciate Chef Luis telling us how he feels.”

  “Scones, not crumpets. Chris, maybe one night we should have a special dinner for our employees. You know, on a night when we’re closed to the public. We can pamper them for a change.”

  “Once in a while I have to give you credit for being the brains of this outfit, sugar. We’ll surprise them and tell them we need ‘em here for a meeting.”

  “Be careful or they’ll think we’re inviting them to tell them the restaurant is closing.”