Cat Of The Century

Two forty-nine,

Tucker replied, not figuring in the sales tax on the broken vase.

It really wasnt Tuckers fault.

None of the three animals understood why humans submitted to taxation. They thought it utterly insane.

Harry cut the motor, pocketed the keys, and slipped out. Shed slapped her oilskin cowboy hat on her head, for which she was grateful as the rain continued.

At the door, she took off her hat, shook it, shook herself to get some of the water off the Barbour coat, then stamped her Wellies, which werent muddy. She opened the door. Terri.

Terri looked up from the counter, where she was reading the newspaper.

Hello. It was not a warm greeting.

How are you feeling?

How do you think Im feeling? Terri folded the newspaper.

Harry ignored her attitude. Im sorry its all so upsetting.

Whats it to you? You didnt really know them. Terri glared, then added spitefully, Youre just nosy.

Harrys restraint was thinning. Im out of here.

You were at William Woods, and you didnt seem the least bit upset by Mariahs disappearance. Thats what Liz said. Terri raised her voice.

I met the woman once for all of two minutes.

Terri, sweating and restless, couldnt seem to focus. If anything, she seemed to be looking for a target for whatever was troubling her. Wherever you are, theres a problem.

I know how to remove the problem. Harry, realizing that Terri was irrational, strode for the door.

You can get out of my store!

Harry stopped at the door and turned, her hand on the long push handle. Whatever youre on, get off it. Drink or drugs are a one-way ticket to hell.

Terri screamed, picked up a small porcelain guinea hen, and heaved it at the door Harry had closed behind her. It hit and shattered.

See what you made me do!

That woman is certifiable. Harry shook her head, then got back in her car. She drove west on Barracks Road, which turned into Garth Road, all the way to White Hall, where she turned left toward Crozet. The rain came down steady, but not as heavy. She could see, although she stayed about ten miles under the speed limit. She passed the old apple packing shed that Chuck Pinnell had revamped into his house and workshop for making beautiful handbags, belts, and chaps. She was still riding in a pair of chaps hed made twenty-five years ago. They had been repaired, but it proved her philosophy: Buy the best you can afford, because in the long run, its cheaper.

She kept thinking about Terri Kincaid going off the rails. She drove past the old Crozet high school, the new elementary school on her left, and turned right just before the railroad overpass.

Three miles later, she passed the spot where Ralston Peavey had been found. She pulled over and hit her flashers. The Volvo could easily be seen now, but Harry was a conservative driver for the most part.

She was more upset than she cared to admit. While she did wonder about this old murder, too, Harry wasperhaps without realizing ittrying to divert her mind from the smashed porcelain hen, the screaming.

Bet Ralston was flat as a pancake,

the ever-sarcastic Pewter giggled.

He wasnt dead for very long when they found him.

Tucker had heard about the murder, too.

How do you know?

Pewters tail tip waved slightly.

Had his eyes. Wasnt dead long enough for the crows to eat his eyes. Birds consider eyes a great delicacy.

Gross.

Mrs. Murphy, fastidious, moved over to Harrys lap to look out the drivers window at the macadam road, which was unremarkable.

The road had been paved over five times since Ralstons body was discovered.

Pewter saucily remarked,

What do you expect from a creature who eats decayed flesh, a garbage dog?

Someones got to do it.

Tucker defended dogs.

Do you know what the earth would be like without dogs and buzzards? You wouldnt be able to move for all the carcasses.

People have gotten so fat, and there are so many of them that you can hardly move already,

Pewter giggled.

You should talk.

That fast, Pewter shot over the center console to fling herself on the corgi. Hissing and growling filled the vehicle; raindrops pattered on the roof for counterpoint.

What in Gods name has gotten into everybody? Harry put Mrs. Murphy on the passenger seat, got out, and opened the back door to grab Pewter by the scruff of the neck. If theres blood in my new car, there will be hell to pay.

Harry pushed Pewter over the console. The defiant cat, on her hind legs, peered over the passenger seat back to Tucker.

You sit down, Missy, and I mean now! Harry felt some rain slip down behind her collar, as she hadnt flipped up the Barbour collar.

Better do what youre told,

Mrs. Murphy calmly suggested.

Or you wont get supper.

Pewter immediately sat down, face forward.

Harry quickly checked over Tucker, who wasnt bleeding. She then got back behind the wheel and closed the door.

Taking a deep breath, Harry exhorted them, Lets all calm down.

She started the motor. I would like to know who killed Ralston Peavey. Who wouldnt? She started driving, then mumbled, I probably shouldnt have told Terri to get off whatever shes on. If someone is loaded or high, I think it just makes the exchange worse. Bone stupid.

Mom, youre burning more gas,

Tucker called out, ignoring Harrys musing.

She is not,

Pewter happily contradicted the dog.

Is, too. Shell never get the mileage this station wagon is supposed to get, because shes carrying so much weight. You!

The dog laughed triumphantly.

Pewters pupils enlarged, and the fur rose up on her neck and spine. She was ready to fly back over the console.

Mrs. Murphy whispered,

Supper. Dont forget supper.

Pewter, seething, sat down.

Ill get her. Ill get her if its the last thing I do!

Harry knew the cat and dog were continuing to fuss at each other, but to what degree she didnt know.

She said to the three passengers, I dont know if I will ever really understand people. Right now Im having a hard enough time understanding you all.

H

arry had no sooner walked into the house than the rain turned to sleet. She opened the door to the outside for a moment.

Damn.

Getting bigger.

Mrs. Murphy noted that the sleet, which began as a small size, had now graduated to the size of rock salt.

Pewter slipped in to the kitchen through the animal door.

Tucker called after her,

Dont you want to see? If it gets any bigger, it will tear up everything.

Ive seen sleet before,

Pewter called back, as she headed for the crunchy bowl.

So jaded,

Mrs. Murphy said sarcastically.

Stay here, Harry commanded the cat and dog. She ran outside, fired up the Volvo, and drove a hundred yards away to park the car in the equipment shed.

There would be no dents in her brand-new station wagon. Might be dents in her, though. She covered her head and ran, slipping and sliding.

Once on the covered porch, she whipped off her coat, hung it up, and stepped inside the kitchen.

Nasty.

Tucker listened to what sounded like drumming on the roof.

Harry went into the living room, threw some logs on what was left of the fire, then flopped on the sofa.

She picked up

The Progressive Farmer,

leafed through. Put it down. Next she lifted

National Geographic.

It met the same fate. As a last resort, she grabbed the monthly magazine

Virginia Horse.

Slapping it down on the coffee table, she rose and strode into the kitchen. She turned on the stove, setting the stainless-steel teapot on the flame. By the time she poured the water into the Brown Betty and filled it with a lovely orange pekoe, shed flipped through the newspaper on the counter and sorted her mail.

Finally, she couldnt stand it. She picked up the phone and dialed.

Thompson and Watson, answered the light baritone voice.

Garvey, I cant believe you pick up your own phone. Harry was surprised.

Something to do on a rainy day. What can I do for you?

Two things. I noticed those lightweight V-neck sweatersyou know the ones, to the right of the front door when you walk in.

Silk and cashmere. The hand is lovely.

Will you wrap up an extra-large in the baby blue? I want to surprise Fair.

Will do. He didnt mention payment, as Harry had an account, and hed known her all his life.

And one other thing. Youre right next door to Terri. Have you noticed anything weird?

In what way?

Terri.

He cleared his throat. Shes highly strung.

Highly strung? Shes all over the map. I walked in there today, and she cussed me out and threw one of those porcelain guinea hens at me.

Ah. A pause followed. Shes been touchy. On top of everything else, business is slow for all of us.

She cussed you?

No, but she isnt sweetness, beauty, and light.

Harry chuckled. Who is?

You, of course.

Garvey, youre exercising that silver tongue.

Now it was his turn to chuckle. You dont mind.

I dont. She waited a beat. Look, shes never been close to me, nor I to her. We dont really like each other, but we can be civil. Shes never done anything for me to be ugly to heruntil today, anyway.

Let it pass, he advised.

Have you ever noticed unlikely customers going into her shop?

What do you mean by unlikely? He was intrigued.

Not middle- to upper-middle-class ladies. Perhaps young men. Perhaps not well dressed.

Come to think of it, yes. But not hordes. Why?

Im not but so sure she isnt dealing drugs. To me, anyway, her behavior suggests shes on something, legal or illegal. Im not trying to make her look bad. She

looks

bad. And I wont tell Cooper.

I hope youre wrong. Theres so much of that these days.

And its never going to end. Drugs are as American as apple pie, but theres a tax on the apples.

Garvey sighed. I think about that, too. The tremendous loss of taxes, which could do so much good. Be the only positive thing to come out of drugs.

Next Harry called Liz Filmore, since she knew that Liz was close to Terri. She recounted the guinea-hen episode and her thoughts on the topic. She asked Liz if she knew what was up.

Shes got a lot of inventory sitting in the shop, she broke up with her boyfriend, and shes worried about her position as head of alumnae in Charlottesville. Why, I dont know. Liz took a breath. But thats Terri. She lives to worry.

Thought you liked her.

I do came the swift reply. She has her immature moments

Harry interrupted, something she rarely did, as it was rude. Immature, hell.

Now, Harry. Shes more emotional than you are, and you dont get it. But her fund-raising skills are good. Shell get even better over time. Shes a businesswoman. She knows how to approach other businesswomen. Shes raised five thousand-some dollars out of a small community of alumnae by her own hard work the year before Tallys celebration. Thats impressive. Shes always eager to learn. Liz took a deep breath. Its possible shes drinking too much or, her voice rose,

taking drugs. But I havent seen anything to make me worry. I dont know.

Ill take your word for it. Harry hoped she didnt sound as sarcastic as she felt.

A note of anxiety crept into Lizs voice. You arent going to talk to a lot of people about this, are you?

Liz, what do you take me for? Harry felt indignant.

Sorry, but well

Im not a gossip. Harry paused. I reckon Id best steer clear of her store.

For a little while. Ill talk to her. We get along, and as I said, I like her but I see a side of her you dont.

You okay?

Me? Im worried, but Im okay. Liz knew Harry was referring to the board murders.

That was good of you to visit Aunt Tally and Inez this morning. I know you all had business to do, but given the alum murders, you needed to be with one another.

Harry felt much better after hanging up the phone. The sleet had passed, and the temperature was dropping rapidly now.

Grumbling, Harry figured shed better get the evening barn chores done right away, in case it worsened.

Later, when Fair and Inez returned, the aroma of roasting chicken filled the air. While she finished making supper, Harry filled them in on the days events and her conversations.

Over the meal of roast chicken, crisp baby potatoes, and a light salad, they talked of her day and of their day, which was better than Harrys.

That night, the sleet stopped and the temperature was in the low thirties. The cats and dog awakened at 3:30 A.M. The sound of a car motor came right up to the house; a door opened.

Intruder!

Tucker set up a ruckus.

The back porch door opened and shut, then the car door slammed and the vehicle drove off.

Mrs. Murphy jumped to the window over the kitchen sink.

Same car I saw the other night, Im pretty sure.

Fearing for Inez, Fair, who had been awakened by Tucker, bounded down the stairs, his robe around him. Harry was right behind.

Harry, stay back, he ordered.

He opened the door to the porch and turned on the lights. Hed forgotten the .38 in his haste, but Harry hadnt. She stood behind him. Inez, also wide awake, came into the kitchen.

Fair stopped to pick up a large porcelain guinea hen. He came back into the kitchen and placed it on the kitchen table.

A note was attached.

Harry opened it and read aloud: Sorry.

W

hat should I do? Harry asked her husband and Inez.

Write a thank-you, and leave it at that. Inez raised her gray eyebrows.

None of them could go back to sleep, except Pewter. It was now 4:30 A.M. on Tuesday, April 14. The sleet had started up again, almost like a fine, sharp drizzle.

And dont go into the shop, Inez advised. Shes not very stable and might lose it again.

Right. Harry took a deep drink from her teacup. I guess she was ashamed to see me. It sure is weird to drive out to someones house in the middle of the night and leave a present.

People on drugs are weird. Bet it didnt seem weird to her. Fair figured at this point Terri was off her nut.

Maybe I should tell Liz. Shes a friend.

That will just keep the ball rolling, Fair said.

Well, I talked to her yesterday. Maybe she told Terri to apologize.

Harry, why did you do that? Fair leaned toward his wife.

Well, Harry held her cup in both hands. Liz knows Terri well. I thought she might know why Terris acting so strange.

What did she say? Inez figured it was too late to chide Harry for calling.

Just that Terris the emotional sort and she recently broke up with

her boyfriend. Anyway, shes worried about money. Theres a lot of stuff sitting in the shop. Guess I set her off by not buying one of those hens.

Honey, youre not obligated to buy anything.

I know.

Fair leaned back in his chair. For all we know, Liz is on drugs, too. Its like a forbidden club. Druggies protect one another.

Harry thought about that. Liz was drunk at the William Woods party for Aunt Tally.

Inez pursed her lips. No, shes stable. The only time I saw her tipsy was at Tallys do. I think shes okay.

Fair, knowing his wife well, asked, Harry, who else did you speak to about Terris behavior?

Harry took a deep breath. Garvey. Hes right next door. I asked if unlikely customers came in to the store. Like young men.

And? Inez leaned forward.

He said there had been a steady trickle of customers who he was surprised would be interested in imported French dinnerware. I didnt see the harm in it, she added defensively.

Garvey can talk, Fair groaned.

All right, I gossiped, but in the name of gathering information.

The corner of Inezs lip curled upward in a half smile. Harry, you can put your nose in other peoples business.

I know, I know. Look, it was a big scene, but by telling Garvey and Liz, I really was trying to find out if Terri is using or dealing. Best to steer clear of those people, especially if they wont go for help.

Lets talk about something else besides Terri Kincaid. None of us is going back to sleep. Fair was getting irritated.

Little did Fair know that, within two hours, Terri Kincaid would be all anyone was talking about.

G

arvey Watson kept it slow as he drove through the reluctant dawn to his store at six-thirty. At times, a swirl of fog surrounded him. The fine sleet had turned into a light, steady rain. Usually he took the back road from his house, which had been in the Watson family since before the War Between the States. The Watsons had been free blacks since the early 1700s. The dirt road that went past the farm looped around, and he could connect where Routes 240 and 250 converged. However, there were a lot of spots on that road that could fool you. Waters ran swiftly over it if the creek rose. Even when the creek subsided and the waters were calm, if one was foolish enough to drive through, the waters would be halfway up the car door before you knew it.

He peered over his steering wheel, keeping his lights low. All high beams did was bounce off the fog. As the rain commenced again, the windshield wipers stepped up tempo. Garvey loved cars, but he wasnt so much in love with driving by computer. Hed just bought a new Jaguar XFR, the first one to make the dealers lot in Richmond. The 510-horsepower engine thrilled him, while the complicated touch-screen display drove him nuts. The wood and leather in the interior screamed Great Britain, and clearly that was where Garveys taste rested, as evidenced by the high-quality merchandise carried at his store. He even included the classic Fred Perry shirts, not the Ralph Lauren Polo shirts derived from them. He also carried authentic

cricket sweaters. Sold like hotcakes. Allied to his good taste was that he knew his market, plus he had received an excellent education at Howard University.

While trying to see ahead, he thought he saw a large animal lying in the middle of the road, not twenty yards away. He slowed. The speedometer held steady at 30 mph. To go faster in this kind of weather was a death wish. He blinked. Again. The large animal was a human being. He slammed on the brakes, and shot out of that gorgeous machine. As he bent over the supine figure of a young woman, he realized it was Terri Kincaid.

Oh, no, please, God, no. He checked for the pulse on her wrist.

None. He held his fingers to her carotid artery.

Nothing.

Then he noticed a trickle of blood on the road by her head. There wasnt a lot, as the increasing rain continued to wash it away.

All he could think to say was Dear God, into Thy hands I commend this spirit.

He put his face in his hands and cried, then snapped out of it. Now dripping wet but hardly aware of it, he returned to his car to dial 911.

It wasnt until after he spoke to the dispatcher that he realized this was the same spot where Ralston Peavey had been found.

Cooper, on the early-morning shift, hit the scene first. After ascertaining that Terri was dead, she put up flares and kept the lights flashing on her squad car.

She listened to everything Garvey told her. She put on thin latex gloves, turning Terris head just enough to see the entrance wound of a bullet. Slight powder burns circled the wound. Since Terri had lain with the wound side on the asphalt, the rain hadnt washed away the powder burn. Looked like a .38 caliber to Cooper. The exit woundsurprisingly not messywas above the right ear. Terris hair had fallen over the wound, and a small piece of skull had exited with the bullet. Using her flashlight, Cooper searched for the bullet but realized that

this would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Locating it would take a team in better weather than this.

She returned to Garvey, who rolled down his windowall electric, of course.

Garvey, go home. Get dry. Youre shaking like a leaf. She patted his back. Want me to call Walter and tell him youre taking the day off?

Walter was Walter Thompson, his business partner.

I dont know if I should. Ill think about this more at home than at the store.

Well, up to you, but do go change your clothes. Traffic will be one lane here for a good hour and a half. Youre sure you dont want me to call Walter?

Ill do it. Thanks, Coop. She was a good woman. A little out there but good. Why? He looked imploringly into Coopers strong face.

I dont know. All I know is, people have been killing one another since year one. But well do our best to find out who did it.

Right. He nodded, closed the window, turned the car around, and headed for home.

At 7:45 A.M., Inez heard the news on the small radio in the heated tack room. She was cleaning the everyday tack, for she liked to be useful and her fingers remained nimble.

Forgetting to put on her coat, she hurried into the center aisle, Erno at her heels. She heard Harry in the last stall by the back doors.

Harry, Harry, Terri Kincaids dead!

Harry stopped, pitchfork still in her hand. What?

Shot. Her body was found near the same place where Ralston Peaveys was. Those are the only details, except that the murderer is at large.

Damn. Harry slammed the tines of her fork into the deep wood shavings.

Im going to call Tally.

Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, who were up in the loft with Simon, heard Inez.

Tucker,

Mrs. Murphy called down to the dog, who rested outside the stall Harry was cleaning.

Hear that?

Of course I did.

The corgi walked to beneath where the two cats looked down at her.

It means the killer is here. Here!

Mrs. Murphy, cat intuition at the max, declared with certainty.

Pewter, unwilling to let Mrs. Murphy be the authority, said,

I always said that. I said the killer would show up here.

She had said no such thing.

In their excitement and worry, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker let it pass.

Its no coincidence that Terri is dead.

Mrs. Murphys whiskers swept forward and back.

She wasnt on the board.

Pewter didnt disagree but wanted to point this out, as if the other two would have forgotten.

And Harry graduated from Smith. She is safe.

Fat chance,

Tucker replied with a vengeance.

Inez is here. Harry is Harry. She needs to be watched.

Ernos pupils enlarged.

Ill kill anyone who tries to harm Mom.

Mrs. Murphy mused sadly,

If only humans would listen.

Pewter laughed derisively.

None of them does. They cant accept information from any species other than their own, and they dont even listen to one another.

Harrys good.

Tucker always defended her mother.

Shes the best of a bad bunch.

Pewter arched one silky eyebrow.

Youre being a hardboot,

Tucker grumbled but then shut up.

She knew, as did Mrs. Murphy, that Pewter covered up her fear for Harry in this fashion. There was no doubt that the three would need to shadow her, as well as get Erno to stick with Inez nonstop.

Tucker, if someone comes around with a hidden gun, do you think you can smell the oil in the barrel?

Mrs. Murphy asked.

Gun owners cleaned their rifles and handguns with special brushes dipped in light oil. They also wiped down the weapons with rags that often contained a hint of oil. Even a human could smell the distinctive odor if their nose was near the metal.

Sure.

Good.

Erno had gone to the office and now sat alertly by the chair as Inez spoke to Tally.

Where Ralston Peavey lay. Aunt Tally was incredulous.

Shot instead of run over. This is sick.

You think a copycat murderer? Aunt Tally thought it was sick, too.

I dont know, but its a distinct possibility. Look, Blossom, you have resources. Hire a twenty-four-hour guard until this is resolved.

Oh, come on. I have Doodles, and Little Mim and Blair are close by.

Thats not good enough. Just do it. If you dont, Im coming over there and Im going to bust your provoking head. This was said with humor.

Since you put it that way Aunt Tally needed an excuse. She didnt want to look chicken.

Im going to call Liz Filmore. Doubt this is in the news in Richmond. Henrico County endures far more murders than Albemarle.

Okay, call me back when youre done.

Actually, Erno and I will be visiting you. I want to make sure youve hired some kind of security.

Oh, all right. Aunt Tally made it sound as though she was being forced into this, but she did want to see Inez.

After signing off, Inez dialed Lizs cell and got her driving to the office.

Liz, I have terrible news. You might want to pull over.

Hold on. Im almost at the office. Liz pulled onto the road shoulder. All right.

Terri Kincaid has been found shot dead, lying in the middle of the road, near where Ralston Peavey was found, although I dont know if that name means much to you.

Oh, no, no.

No murderer has been found, and my worry is that any evidence like tire tracks will all be washed away in this rain.

This is awful. I bet it was that worthless boyfriend. She said he tried to get a little rough with her. Ill kill him myself!

Liz, give me his name, anything you know about him. Ill pass it on.

Better yet, have the officer in charge call me. I can tell him or her a lot, a whole lot.

Good idea. Youll tell Tim, of course.

Hell be devastated. He liked Terri. This is awful, just so awful. Are you all right?

I am, but theres been so much death in a short compass of time.

Yes, there has, Inez, yes, there has.

S

pring finally decided to arrive in central Virginia on Friday, April 17. The redbuds opened, as did the native dogwoods. The imported dogwoods would take longer to open. The daffodils shone yellow, the tulips had yet to reveal their colors, but in another week, if the weather held, they, too, would be in full bloom.

The service for Terri Kincaid was held at the Lutheran church, with the Reverend Herbert Jones performing the Service for the Dead. Organizing the service had fallen to Inez and Liz Filmore, since Terris parents, who were divorced, behaved with the immaturity so often associated with people who cant put anything above their own emotional response. Her mother, Alantraa name she herself had chosen at age fortydid claim the body. Her father, Jason, cried, pouted, but attended the service. Alantra wouldnt come, because Jason was going to be there.

This unseemly arguing had swirled for three days after Terris body was found. Finally, Inez lowered the boom, making arrangements without consent of either parent. Terri, a graduate of William Woods, then the Darden School of Business, had been part of the community for ten years.

The church, half full, lent a peacefulness to the proceedings.

Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, Elocution, Cazenovia, and Lucy Furthe latter three being Herbs catssat in the balcony with the organist.

Terris ex-boyfriend, Bob Ostler, seemed genuinely sad. At this point in her life, Coop trusted her instincts when it came to possible murderers. She didnt think Bob had killed Terri. That didnt mean Cooper wouldnt keep her eye on the young man.

Apart from Liz and Tim Filmore, the person who seemed most genuinely distressed by Terris passing was Garvey Watson. Sitting with his wife, he continued to wipe his eyes with a linen handkerchief. She held his hand throughout.

A small reception followed the service.

Pewter made a special point to sit under the table, where ham biscuits were piled on a plate above her.

Inez, Aunt Tally, Big Mim, Little Mim, and Blair paid their respects to Jason Kincaid.

Harry, having done so, sat with Garvey and Lila, his wife.

Fair was talking with Jim Sanburne, Big Mims husband, the mayor of Crozet.

Harry, thank you for being so kind, Garvey said.

Garvey, I didnt do anything.

Lila, a bit plump but still quite attractive in her late sixties, said, You called, then came by. He was so terribly upset. Just seeing friends helped him.

It was an awful shock. Harry did what any friend or even an acquaintance would do. I heard that Liz is the executrix. Terri didnt trust either of her parents.

Small wonder, Lila replied curtly.

Most people dont draw up a will in their thirties.

Garvey pushed her on that. Lila never missed an opportunity to reveal her husbands foresight and involvement, because he never would himself.

Now, now, Lila. His soft voice interrupted what would have become a torrent of praise. She owned the store, and she had to consider things in a different light. She knew her parents would fight over anything, which is why she finally agreed. Running a business can make one grow up fast.

Well, she would have dragged her heels without you. Lila looked at Harry. He even helped her select some lines of earthenware, the

wonderful stuff from Provence. TheyreI mean, they wereher biggest sellers. No one has an eye like Garveys.

Thats true. My husband loved the sweater, by the way.

Ah. A small smile played over Garveys lips.

This is out of the blue, but maybe we should talk to Liz before she dismantles Terris store. Harry thought out loud. She did carry beautiful things. Surely theres someone who could step in. Seems terrible for her efforts to evaporate.

Thats a thought. Garveys eyebrows twitched inward for a moment.

When Liz and Tim came over, Garvey brought up Harrys idea, and Liz liked it.

Harry had finally reached the little buffet by that time.

Pewter, refusing to be dislodged from under the table, knew, just knew, that some morsel would fall to her claws.

Tucker, not particularly hungry at this moment, wandered through the small gathering. She stopped by Garvey, Lila, and Liz, then moved back to Mrs. Murphy, who was seated on a bench along with the three Lutheran cats.

Smelled that odor again,

Tucker informed the four felines.

What?

Mrs. Murphy didnt know which odor, since Tucker commented on so many.

Remember when Liz and Terri came to our kitchen? I thought I detected fear. Maybe it was underneath, but now I think this is something different. Its bitter. I smell it on Liz.

Wonder what it means?

Lucy Fur rubbed her ear with her front paw.

I dont know. Im pretty good at identifying human scents. Ive never smelled this. Fear has a kind of bitter, sharp tang, but this is really bitter.

The dog, puzzled, sat down.

Aunt Tally, lingering over the water chestnuts wrapped in bacon, plucked one by the plastic-sword toothpick. Its not a coincidence.

Big Mim and Inez also reached for the delicious little morsels.

Are you listening to me? The centenarian placed the toothpick on a tray used for that purpose.

We are, Big Mim replied soothingly.

Liz came up, selecting some thin wedges of toast with asparagus

spears and brie on top. Its always good to see you all, even if the circumstances are sad.

Thank you, Inez said with a nod.

Aunt Tally revved her engines again. Liz, its no coincidence that Terri was found where Ralston Peavey was found. There has to be a connection. Maybe Terri was distantly related. Maybe she provoked the original killer.

Shes not related. Everybody knows everybody when it comes to that. There are no secrets. Big Mim sounded forceful.

Theres one now, Aunt Tally shot back.

It could be possible. Liz sighed. Anything is possible.

Well, I am going to find out if its the last thing I do.

Oh, Miss Urquhart, dont say that. Lizs face showed concern.

Ill outlive all of you. Aunt Tally thumped her cane on the floor, then moved off.

Big Mim, uncharacteristic for her, blurted out, Sometimes Im afraid she will, sometimes Im afraid she wont.

O

n April 21, Tuesday, the weather remained mild. Harry was driving Inez down to Barracks Road at one in the afternoon after a morning of chores. Now that the weather cooperated, so much needed to be donefields limed, seeds planted, grapevines checked, sunflowers planted after the soil was turned. The list made Harry dizzy. However, she couldnt allow Inez to drive by herself. The two cats and two dogs reposed in the back of the Volvo. Harry already wondered how she ever lived without the wagon.

Are you sure you want to do this?

Inez, resolute, said, Yes. Tally said shed drop by. A few of Terris friends might come by, too. And Garveys next door. Im sure hell help.

All right. Harry changed the subject. Did you sell your stocks? When was thatoh, April fifteenth. Black day when you mentioned selling them.

I told Liz to sell them. Luckily, my taxes arent too terrible. I need a new water heater at the house, so I might as well do it now.

I dont know whats worse, renting or buying. Renting, you build no equity. Owning means its one damned thing after another. She switched subjects again. Inez, tell me how Cabinet officers get a slap on the wrist and can repay what they overlooked? Had it been you or I, the IRS would have been down our throats.

How it is, Harry, is how it has always been: politics as usual. Inez laughed. I remember my father filling out his tax form. It was one sheet of paper. She touched the heavy links of the gold chain bracelet on her right wrist. I used to care. Now I dont give a damn. One of the privileges of age. If the American public wants to be raped by Congressand, remember, Congress is the branch with the power to tax and therefore destroyso be it.

Leaves me in the lurch, Harry replied ruefully.

Fight back. Inezs voice raised up.

We need a leader.

You need spine. Millions of you. Inez cleared her throat. This will get me in a bad mood. Its good of Liz to come up; said it takes her only forty-five minutes from home. Theyre near the University of Richmond, so she hops on 64.

Must have a lead foot.

Well, yes. Makes me glad that Tally doesnt drive anymore. I swear her secret ambition was to be a Formula One driver. Scared the bejesus out of me many times. Maybe thats why my heart is so strong. I had consistent aerobic workouts just sitting still.

They both were laughing when Harry pulled into the north side of Barracks Road Shopping Center.

Harry knocked on the door of Terris store.

Garvey, eager to help, opened it. Come on in.

What took you so long, Chickpea? Aunt Tally barked.

My fault. Not hers, Harry said.

Liz, who had been in the office, stepped out. Thank you for coming. Ive asked Tina Hotchkiss, a friend of mine, to run the store until I can figure something out. Rushing will only backfire.

When does she start? Harry inquired.

This Friday. So the store will be open for the weekend.

What do you want us to do? Inez asked.

I came in last night and checked the inventory on Terris computer. So were up to date there. I think the only thing we need to do is dust and mop up a bit, and there were two deliveries today that we should go unpack.

I can do that, Garvey volunteered.

Liz, taking charge again, said, Inez and Tally, there should be an invoice slip inside those cartons. If Garvey gives them to you, you can check off the contents. If any items are damaged, theres bound to be some paper that tells us how to return the goods or make a claim. Okay?

Okay. Tally, with Doodles behind her, followed Garvey into the small storage room, which was quite neat.

Inez, Tucker, and Erno followed Doodles and Tally.

Mrs. Murphy and Pewter sat on the sales counter, enjoying watching Harry dust, while Liz, using a little Mop & Glo, brought up a shine on the floor.

Arent these beautiful? Garvey had pulled out the shredded newsprint along with the plastic peanuts in one carton to reveal large outdoor ceramic pots in various subtle glazes.

Another carton contained smaller pots, mostly of a dark-blue glaze or a lighter green, with large round cork stoppers sealed with wax along the edges. Garvey set them on the floor, then Inez and Aunt Tally counted them. The jars, ranging from pint size to quart size, were heavy.

In the front part of the store, Liz chatted while mopping.

Must have been a slap in the face when Terris parents realized that, one, shed made a will, and two, they werent in it. I was overcome when I learned from her lawyer that shed left the store to me. Twenty percent of the net profits must go to William Woods. Liz teared up. I just cant believe it.

Harry, often a bit awkward when people became emotional, said sympathetically, She knew youd make a profit. Then she changed the subject. Youre doing a good job of mopping.

Thank you.

As they chatted, Tucker, back in the storeroom, stuck her nose on one of the quart jars. Something in the wax drew her.

What?

Erno was curious.

I can just catch a hint of something. Not the wax. Its the smell I detected on Terri.

Maybe we can break the jar.

Ernos ears lifted up.

I broke a big one once. Cost Mom a lot of money.

Maybe my mom or Tally will open it.

Good idea.

Tucker whined, pushing the jar with her nose.

Thats enough, Inez said gently.

Erno started in, too.

Come on, Mommy, open the jar.

Enough. Inez was still gentle.

Hey, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, come in here.

The cats responded.

Better be good,

Pewter said.

Pat the jars with the cork sealed by wax,

Tucker requested.

Mrs. Murphy and Pewter patted the jars. Pewter even unleashed her claws, sticking them in the cork.

Would you look at those animals? Aunt Tally was amused.

Inez, reading the invoice and checking off the jars, said, According to this, theres nothing inside them.

Garvey picked one up. Could be sand. You know, fill them so they wont break as readily.

Liz, Inez called out.

Liz popped her head into the storage room.

Do you know whats in these jars?

Liz shook her head no, then said, Lets finish up. Tina can open them on Friday. I need to get over to Merrill Lynch for a meeting.

Okay.

Another half hour and all was done. The cardboard had been broken down and folded, and Harry had tied it up with twine, of which the store had plenty. She knew where the dump for businesses was, behind the center.

After everyone had left the store and shed locked the door, Liz said with a shaky voice, Thank you all. Thank you so much.

As Harry drove behind the supermarket with the cardboard, Tucker moaned,

Erno was right. We should have broken one of those jars.

Youll get your chance. Mom will be down Friday to check on Tina. Her curiosity will get the better of her,

Mrs. Murphy predicted.

O

n Friday, April 24, Harry and Inez marveled at the east side of the Blue Ridge, which was covered with white from the dogwoods, with flashes of pink in places. All it took was a few consistent days of fifty- to sixty-degree temperatures and the increasing light for the world to truly awaken. The apple groves gave off a wonderful fragrance, as they, too, were in bloom. The world shone white, pink, and magenta from the redbuds. Could there be anything as wondrous in the world as an Appalachian spring?

Harry organized her shopping trips to Charlottesville to one a week, but the last few weeks had upended that schedule. She was burning more gas than she wanted to.

The cats and dogs complained loudly when left in the wagon with the windows cracked open.

Inez walked into Terris store, as Harry dashed into Thompson and Watson for a minute. After a quick visit with Garvey and a look at the wonderful colors of the Fred Perry polo shirts he had, she left. Good as all the other polo shirts were, they were all copies of the original Fred Perry. The French might argue that Rene Lacoste got there first, but no matter.

Wheres Inez? Harry asked as she walked into the store. Sorry. Im Harry Haristeen. You must be Tina Hotchkiss.

The slender woman in her mid-forties smiled. Inez is in the storage room.

Harry called out, Inez, what are you doing in there?

Inez came out. I cant find the little potsthe pint-size and quart-size pots with the beautiful glazes. Tina says she never saw them.

I have the large ones. Arent they beautiful?

They certainly are, Inez agreed. Tina, these had some of the same glazes but were small; you could use them for flower arrangements. And they were heavy. Full of sand, I guess, with big round corks sealed with wax.

Never saw them. Tina shrugged.

Harry changed the subject. Much business?

Yes, Ive been pleasantly surprised.

Harry asked, May I? as she reached for a small notepad on the counter.

Of course.

She scribbled her home number and her cell. If you need anything, Im about a half hour away in Crozetmore when its peak traffic time. But I can get here.

Thank you so much. Garvey offered his services, too.

Did you know Terri? Inez inquired.

Actually, I didnt. I know Liz from our days in Junior League. Course, were too old now. She smiled. But not that old. Anyway, I had an art gallery down on Cary Street in Richmond. Liz and Tim were regulars, and I got to know him a bit, too. I finally gave it up. Id worked around the clock for ten years. That was enough, but now that Im back here, I realize how much I miss retail. The challenge of it.

I dont know how anyone does it. Harry smiled back at her. Were sure glad youre here.

Once Harry was back in the wagon, up went the windows and she cranked the motor.

Can you swing by BB&T? Inez named a regional bank that had bought out many small local banks over the last ten years.

Sure, Inez. Let me think a minute. Our best bet will be over by the

university, by the giant clam. Theres one down there on 250. Wont be too crowded.

Isnt that clam the ugliest thing youve ever seen? Inez mentioned the basketball arena.

It is. If you want to make a list of hateful architecture, we could start with Madison Square Garden.

Fortunately, I dont go to New York anymore, so I dont have to see it. To think that Penn Station, one of the most beautiful public buildings in America, was destroyed for that ugly mess.

Was Penn Station a public building? Harry wondered.

You know, Im not sure. Somewhere along the line it was owned by the railroad. Ah, here we are. That didnt take long.

Want to go to the drive-in window?

No. I just want to check my account balance. Tally teases me. She says Im obsessive about my money. I wont repeat what I tell her, but it rhymes with rich witch.

Want me to come with you?

No, Im fine. This way you can turn on the radio. Inez winked as she opened the door, grateful that the station wagon wasnt any lower to the ground.

Harry did turn on the radio, just in time to hear one of her favorite Kenny Chesney songs.

When the sun goes down.

Tucker and Erno sang along.

Will you two shut up?

the cats instantly complained.

The dogs didnt.

Mrs. Murphy and Pewter hopped over onto the backseats.

Send them to Nashville. I dont want to hear it.

Pewters hackles rose to indicate further displeasure.

Jealous, oh, so jealous,

Tucker sang to the melody.

That dog is mental. Seriously,

Pewter intoned.

Uh-oh. Harry looked at Inezs face as she exited the bank.

Inez got into the vehicle, fished into her purse, and plucked out her cell phone. Somethings not right. I told Liz to sell my Delta Petroleum stocks. She named a company in which she had a small number of stocks. Seems she didnt do it, because the funds were to

be transferred into my account. These things are so easy now. When I was young I had to go to my broker in person.

Obviously, she forgot.

Harry, if youre in financial services you dont forget things like that. Not if you want to stay in business.

She dialed the office.

The recording said, Youve reached Filmore Investment Services. This is Tim. Im in Frankfurt this week, but Liz will get back to you. Thank you for calling.

Rats. Inez next dialed Lizs cell.

Again, she heard a recording.

At the beep, Inez spoke in clear tone, Liz, this is Inez. My funds arent in my account at BB&T. Please call me. Also, the lovely little pots are not at the store. Thought youd like to know. You can reach me on my cell. Good-bye. She pressed the end button. I am furious. Flat-out furious. Then she dialed again. Liz, sometimes my cell doesnt work near the mountains. Its eleven. Ill be at Tallys until two.

On the way to Rose Hill, Harry turned her eyes from the road for an instant. Inez, why wouldnt the pots be there?

Dammed if I know.

Because Liz came back and took them. Harry waited a beat, as Inez sharply turned her head. Right. Who else has a key? Maybe Garvey. Hes so close. Its possible Terri trusted him with a key. Worth a call.

Call him. Ill call him. Youre driving. Inez punched in the numbers. Hello, is Garvey Watson there? Pause. Garvey, this is Inez. Fine. How are you? Pause. Say, Garvey, you dont have a key to Terris store, do you? Another pause. Just checking. Hope you sell a lot of good stuff this weekend. Pause. You, too. She rested her chin in her palm.

The minute Harry and Inez got to Aunt Tallys, Inez used the landline to try Lizs cell again, getting the same result.

Damn. She put down the phone, then explained everything to her old friend.

Harry told the two ladies, Im going over to Little Mims. Said Id

help her put in her vegetable garden. If I dig in the dirt, it helps clean my mind. Im a little jangled.

Honey, we all are. Aunt Tally then suggested, Want to leave your critters here? Just in case Tucker decides to dig.

Im not a terrier.

Tucker was incensed.

No, youre a bubble butt.

Pewter giggled.

As Harry left, Inez counseled Aunt Tally, Why dont you get the balance on your checking and savings accounts?

I didnt sell any stock, Aunt Tally responded. Well, maybe I should.

Does anyone have access to your account?

No. I keep my bank books in the drawer of my desk.

What about Bev? She named Aunt Tallys housekeeper, daughter of Big Mims housekeeper. Where is she, by the way?

Grocery shopping. Fridays are supermarket days. She goes out to the Harris Teeter on 250.

Doodles followed, along with Tucker and Erno, as the two women walked into the den.

Aunt Tally pulled out her bank books and dialed.

After giving her account number, she listened, then looked up at Inez. Im fine.

The two returned to the living room, where light poured in through the triple-sash windows.

You know how I get about money. Im probably being too fussy. Inez then said, Lets take a walk. Ill feel better.

The two went out to enjoy the early blooms in the garden, returning for a cup of tea in forty-five minutes. The air had invigorated them.

They had no sooner sat down, with Aunt Tally leaning her gold-headed cane against the table, than the three dogs barked.

Intruder! Intruder!

A knock on the door got them both up.

Inez reached the door first and opened it. Liz.

Come in, Aunt Tally said, as she rested her right hand on her cane.

I am so sorry. I did sell the stock, but I forgot to transfer the money. I just called the office, but our secretary is out to lunch and

Tim is in Frankfurt. Liz was wearing a lime-colored blazer, which she didnt take off.

Whats he doing there? Inezs voice sounded cool.

Its the finance capital of Germany. We do some business there. Tim calls it Mainhattan. She laughed at her jokeFrankfurt was on the Main River.

That smell.

Tucker sniffed Lizs ankles.

Liz, whats going on? The little jars arent in Terris shop. You were the only person who could have taken them. And youve certainly been in Charlottesville a lot.

Lizs face darkened. I have business there, and Terri needed me.

Id like one of those jars. Aunt Tally acted as though nothing was amiss.

I can get you one. Just let me clean them up.

I dont mind doing that.

Liz, Im entertaining unhappy thoughts. Inez moved toward the living room.

The dogs followed, as did the cats, who promptly jumped up on the back of the sofa.

Whatever about? Lizs voice rose.

Well. Inez didnt sit down, nor did Aunt Tally or Liz. You were at the celebration in Fulton. After Mariah disappeared, we all assumed when the weather cleared you flew home to Richmond. Were you still in Missouri when Flo was killed? I wish I had called you when I got home but why would I? I never once thought to check up on you. You seemed so distressed when Flo was killed. And then these last days youve been with Terri. Now, I cant prove where you were at any given moment, but its becoming peculiar. My bank account is also peculiar. You dont make mistakes like that, Liz. You dont sell stocks and forget to wire the money into an account.

I was terribly upset by Terris death. Youve been overwrought at times in your life, Inez. People can make mistakes or be forgetful.

I think not. Wheres my money?

Tucker edged over right behind Liz, sensing the younger woman tensing up.

Ill get it put in before two-thirty. Lizs voice rose another notch.

You did a lot of business with Flo and sometimes with Mariah. Whats going on?

I know nothing. Lizs voice was angry now.

Its occurring to me even as I stand here that if others could work a Ponzi scheme, so could you.

Liz stuttered, then rage took over. She shoved Inez, who fell backward, fortunately onto a chair.

Erno bit Lizs calf as Tucker bit her ankle. She shook the dogs off.

Bite deeper,

Tucker commanded the vizsla.

Liz pulled a snub-nosed .38 from inside her jacket. She hit Erno over the head, stunning him, then took aim at Tucker, who sank her fangs deep into Lizs ankle.

She struck down at the dog, missed. Tucker let go but circled to get her again.

Doodles, on Lizs left, grabbed her forearm. Liz clubbed the Gordon setter with the butt of her gun. As she was harried by Tucker she couldnt focus on Doodles, but she managed to hit the dog hard enough to stun the beautiful animal.

As Inez stood up, Aunt Tally moved toward Liz. The cats flew off the sofa to help Tucker, but Liz fired, hitting Inez in the leg. The old lady fell down on one knee.

Ill kill you! Aunt Tally screamed.

You old bitch. You arent killing anybody.

Liz aimed at Aunt Tally, who didnt flinch. Mrs. Murphy leapt straight at Liz, deflecting her aim just enough that the bullet lodged in the wall.

Inez, in pain but a fighter, crawled toward Liz.

Aunt Tally pulled her sword out of the cane. Before Liz could take another shot at Tally, Tucker sank her teeth deep into Lizs calf, throwing her off again.

The centenarian struck in that split second. Old but strong enough, she ran the sword right through Lizs throat.

Blood spurted straight out, showering Aunt Tally.

Perfect! Inez said through gritted teeth.

As another gusher shot forth, Lizs knees buckled, but she got off one more shot. The bullet narrowly missed Aunt Tally, who was preparing to ram the bloody sword through Lizs belly.

Liz dropped the gun and grabbed her throat, as blood flowed between her fingers. She died choking on her own blood.

Aunt Tally calmly placed her sword on the coffee table, then bent down to lift up Inez as best she could.

Doodles shook her head and took a few wobbly steps to help Aunt Tally, but had to sit back down to recover.

Let me get you on the sofa.

Im all right, Blossom. Let me see to my dog.

You cant be all right with a bullet in your leg.

Its a long way from my heart. Inez dragged her one leg as she reached Erno, then knelt down. Concussion. Get me some ice. It will take the swelling down.

Aunt Tally put the sword back in the sheath and used her cane to hurry toward the kitchen.

Tucker licked Erno. The cats sat by the dog.

No one gave a thought to Liz or the blood staining the carpet.

The front door burst open. Harry and Little Mim, whod heard the shots, ran in, froze for a second, then flew to Inez.

Little Mim stared in horror at Liz. My God, what happened?

Well explain later. Erno needs help. Inez, in her element as a vet, took charge.

Noticing the thin but steady stream of blood from Inezs calf, Harry said, Inez, youre hit.

Came through the other side. Itll heal up fast enough. Help me with my dog, will you?

Is Liz dead? Little Mims teeth chattered from fear.

If she isnt, Ill finish her off. Aunt Tally came back with a bag of ice in one hand, her cane in the other.

Harry hurried toward Tally, took the ice, and came back to Inez, who placed the ice on the dog. She lifted up Ernos eyelids, noticed some pupil movement. She checked his gums.

Here, I can hold the ice, Harry volunteered.

Well, dont just stand there as useless as tits on a boar hog. Call the sheriff! Aunt Tally directed her shaken grandniece.

Little Mim pulled out her cell phone and did just that.

Pewter walked over to sniff Liz.

Notice the scratch on her right leg? I did that.

Mighty puss.

Mrs. Murphy, half in jest, meant it.

She must have been crazy. Having made the brief call, Little Mim knelt next to Harry by Erno.

Greedy. Inez then turned again to her dog. Erno, Erno, come on, sweet boy.

His eyelids fluttered and he opened his eyes.

Tucker licked the side of his face.

Whats that cold stuff on my head?

He staggered up, shook his head, and seemed none the worse for wear.

Harry, go out and check her car, will you? Aunt Tally, mind always clicking along, commanded.

Harry returned within minutes, carrying a jar. Theyre in the trunk. Obviously the meeting with Merrill Lynch was a ruse, or if it wasnt, she came back for them.

Lets just see what this is all about, Aunt Tally ordered. Into the kitchen.

They walked into the kitchen. Inez limped in, keeping an eye on Erno.

Harry plucked a paring knife out of the drawer, ran it around the wax, then carefully lifted out the large cork.

Oh, boy!

The three other women peered in as Harry plucked out bag after bag of cocaine.

Smells awful. Little Mim crinkled up her nose.

Sooner or later well figure this out. Inez leaned against the kitchen counter, because her calf stung.

Lets get you to the ER, Harry said.

Wait for the sheriff, Inez commanded.

Little Mim, not wanting to face the truth, said wishfully, Could be sugar.

Sharply, Aunt Tally said, Dont be a ninny. Who smuggles sugar in jars?

A siren in the distance told them they wouldnt have to wait long.

W

hen Tim Filmore disembarked from his transatlantic flight, the authorities were waiting for him. He remained silent until he was taken to the downtown Richmond police station, where he was informed that his wife was dead as well as the circumstances leading to her death. He collapsed, then spilled everything they needed to know. He and Liz had created a fairly sophisticated Ponzi scheme, which ran like a top for four years. Liz took special pride in fooling Flo Langston. Then again, when the profits roll in, folks tend not to be suspicious or ask too many questions.

As with so many things in life, a small event had begun the fall of the carefully constructed house of cards. Mariah DAngelo became nervous when a steady customer told her she had been contacted by a representative of Patek Philippe doing a survey. Mariah, in the business for years, had never heard of an elite chronography company doing satisfaction research. It was a grand watch, not a Frigidaire, was Mariahs response. Of course, in a sense, it was a Frigidaire.

Mariah sensed that Flo was behind this, but she didnt panic yet. Given that she had followed Flos investments as best she could through gossip with Liz, she then checked her own investment portfolio against each stocks buy-and-sell amount with

The Wall Street Journal.

Every day, the stocks highs and lows were recorded. She could see the exact time one of her stocks was traded.

She was the first to recognize that her portfolio had been falsified by Liz using accurate information. But when Mariah contacted the company, the trade had never been made. She found out that her bank, SunTrust, had no record of the purchase. Painstakingly, Mariah checked each of her trades without tipping off Liz. This took two weeks. Still, she couldnt quite accept the horror of it.

Her first mistake was withdrawing money from the alumnae account. Her second was in loudly accusing Flo of setting her up for losses. The third and fatal mistake was confronting Liz after the classroom meeting. Flo had left. Mariah dogged Liz, who denied everything but recognized she had to silence Mariah.

Tim, whod sold cocaine in college to pay his way, still had some of his old contacts left. Theyd succeeded in their profession, as had he. When the market crashed, he started selling again, but with much higher volume, to cover some of the payouts to clients. They shipped in cocaine through small boats that landed in the many coves of the Chesapeake Bay. He and Liz figured they could stay afloat for perhaps seven or eight months while they shifted their money to Costa Rica. Business was goodTim repented of not sticking with it when hed graduated from college.

Terri was paid five thousand dollars a month to allow the pots to be delivered to her store. Although she was frightened of having drugs come through her place, she was wildly happy with the money. She didnt pay much attention to Mariahs death, but when Flo died, Terri began to get nervous. Ultimately, she became unreliable, too scared, plus she was taking too much toot herself. What begins as a good thingincreased concentration, feeling greatwinds up as a bad thing. This seems to be the progress of any addiction.

As to Terri being laid out where Ralston Peavey was killed, Liz thought it would shunt people to the wrong track. Shed heard stories about the old murder. Unsolved murders stay in peoples memories, providing curiosity. The Black Dahlia murder certainly proved how potent a strange unsolved crime can be. It was quite cunning of her to

place Terri on that road. She never figured on Inez being so angry about her investments, which she would have put into Inezs account as soon as she and Tim sold a little of the cocaine. Selling cocaine in a wealthy community is easy. Charlottesville was no exception. Tims old contacts had given him a few numbers. They in turn gave him more business through their friends, since the stuff was high quality.

Cooper relayed all this at the supper table at Harrys on Saturday night. Inez, released from the hospital, sat in the living room along with Aunt Tally, who was only too happy to get out of her house. Shed spent last night at Little Mims. Lizs blood all over the living-room rug upset her, and she didnt want to stay there until the rug was carried out. She sent it to Rudys Dry Cleaners with the instruction that, once cleaned, it was to be given to Goodwill. She couldnt bear to look at it, but it was too expensive to toss.

I would have never figured it out, Harry admitted.

Were not finance people. I guess you dont know somethings wrong until you cant pay your bills, Fair replied quietly. He was horrified that Inez had been shot.

You all know I dont know beans about money. Aunt Tally stroked Doodless glossy head.

We knew something was off with Liz. That nasty smell,

Tucker said.

It was sharp,

Erno agreed.

Is there any money left? Inez asked Cooper.

Tim had managed to get a lot of their money out of the country. It will take some time to get it back, the officer answered. Of course, they blew a lot, too.

How much? Aunt Tally inquired.

Tim says they took out twelve million. Whether one can believe him or not is another matter. He saysif you can stomach thisthat Liz stole such a small amount compared to Madoff that he should receive a light sentence.

Fair drummed his fingers on the table. If the Richmond police and whoever Tim hires for his lawyer think theres still a lot of money, some of them might be bought off. One doesnt like to consider such things, but Mafia dons can run their empires from prison. The corruption

is within. Few people can resist a huge sum dangled under their noses. Why do you think drugs come into this country, and why do you think they dont get legalized? The nontaxable milk train will dry up for a lot of people in law enforcement and government if drugs are legalized. The louder a congressman shouts about the evils of drugs, the more you can bet hes on the take.

Makes me sick. Cooper was an honest person, an honest cop.

Harry put her feet up on the old coffee table. So theres probably more money somewhere else.

I expect so. Hell serve his time. After all, he didnt kill anyoneLiz did that. When hes out, hell go to the money and live like a king. Cooper put her drink down on the table.

Thats disgusting. Inez pursed her lips.

Doc, Im afraid thats the world we live in. Money sanctifies just about anything. Cooper sighed.

So why do you remain a cop? Aunt Tally, forthright as always, asked.

I dont rightly know. I keep hoping I can do some good against the avalanche of evil out there.

Poor people.

Erno came and rested his head on Inezs knee.

Their own fault, Erno. Dont waste a minute feeling sorry for them.

Pewter nonchalantly cleaned her tail, holding it in one paw.

Cooper asked Aunt Tally, Were you scared?

No. In fact, I felt wonderful, energized. When Liz shot Inez, I suddenly felt forty again and I wanted to fight. She beamed.

You werent afraid to die? Cooper put her own feet up on the coffee table. As a dear friend she could do that, but then, Harry didnt care much about the old furniture.

Cooper, if youre afraid to die, youre afraid to live. You cant have one without the other. Aunt Tally smiled.

Inez giggled, then, as though Harry and Fair were her parents, asked, Can Tally spend the night?

Fair laughed and said, Certainly, but I dont want you girls staying up all night talking.

They all laughed at this.

No reading under the covers with flashlights, Harry added.

Aunt Tally roared with laughter, thrilled to be alive, thrilled that she won. Can there be a victory more clear than the death of an enemy?

Then she said wistfully, We never will know about Ralston, will we?

She was going to get her wish. It wasnt over yet.

O

n Monday, April 27, Inez received a call from the bank manager of the BB&T near ManakinSabot.

She hung up the phone and walked out to the barn, slowly, for the wounded leg still stung. She was using a cane. Aunt Tally had kidded her that if they held hands, they could prop themselves up with their canes and dance the cancan, kicking up their legs. Harry had just finished mucking all the stalls.

Harry, my bank manager informs me theres little money. As my accounts are with Filmore Investments, God knows if I have any money at all there.

Oh, Inez!

Its going to take time to find out. Inez took a deep breath. I may have to sell the farm. It would be great if Blanca could buy it, but I dont think she and her husband can afford it. Its prime real estate. But as you know, the market is dreadful for expensive country properties.

Inez, dont even think about it. Stay with us. Your farm is paid off, thank God. It will all sort out, and theres no point going back to ManakinSabot and being stressed. Theres been enough of that. She checked the wall clock. In an hour youll be calling the president of William Woods and the other alumnae board members for a conference call on the next step for the board. Luckily, what happened has

nothing to do with William Woods other than that Liz broke bad, Terri tagged along, and Mariah was a cheat. Harvard has produced far more rotters than that. Dont think about the money right now. Just concentrate on William Woods.

I cant impose on you two like that, but thank you for offering. Thats so very kind. Inez smiled.

If you dont, Fair will be apoplectic. And you know, Inez, its a joy to have you around. Harry took her by the hand and walked her into the tack room, seating her at the old school chair.

She then called Fair on his cell, explained everything, and handed the phone to Inez, who, upon listening, began to cry.

Harry put her hand on the old womans shoulder. Although she couldnt hear it word for word, she knew the gist of what her husband was saying.

Inez handed Harry the phone. Yes, honey? Harry said to Fair.

Thanks.

Fair, Ive learned to love her as much as you do.

This made Inez cry harder. Erno tried to lick her face.

Harry clicked off the phone. I have a boon to ask, Inez.

Wiping away her tears, she said, Anything.

Ride with him when you can, and, Inez, please, please convince him he needs to take on a partner, or partners. Hes going to have a heart attack before hes forty-five. Just like his father.

I will. I most definitely will, and I dont know why he didnt do it long ago.

He gets frustrated dealing with people. Hes not a manager. If he takes on a partner, there will be some management in the beginning.

Dont you worry about a thing. I can take care of management. And, Harry, I love you, too.

Harry leaned down and Inez kissed her on the cheek.

Tuesday at eleven, Harry and Fair drove Aunt Tally back to Rose Hill. Along with Inez, they walked her and Doodles into the house, just in case.

When Aunt Tally saw the new rug in her living room, she clapped her hands. Beautiful. I know Mimsy did this.

As they left her, she was happily dialing her niece.

They stopped midway down the long drive because Garvey was driving in, the XFR gleaming.

How are you? Fair rolled down the window.

Good. Hows Tally?

Shes a tough old bird. Fair smiled. Sos this one. Bullet passes through her leg and she wouldnt stay in the hospital for observation.

You girls. Garvey smiled, then rolled on.

He had called ahead from his car, since he figured Aunt Tally might be wary of anyone knocking at her door.

She met him before he even put his hand on the large pineapple brass knocker, because Doodles told her someone was at the door.

Come on in, Garvey. Its so good of you to call. I can offer tea. Its just about noona little sherry?

Sherry.

She poured him a fine old sherry, contenting herself with a stiff martini. They settled on the back patio, wearing light sweaters, for the temperature was only fifty-two degrees. The colors of the sunshine provided a beautiful background, as did the barn swallows, who had finally arrived. The birds darted everywhere, calling out as they did.

Excellent sherry. He placed his glass on the end table by his chair, where Aunt Tally had thoughtfully provided the decanter.

Her martini glass, jumbo-size, would hold her.

After some chitchat, Garvey turned to her. Tally, Ive come to grant your wish. Terris death just reached down into my core.

Aunt Tally stared at him, uncomprehending. What wish?

You always wanted to know who killed Ralston Peavey.

You. You! Garvey, that cant be. You wouldnt hurt anyone.

Let me explain. He drained his glass, raised the decanter. She waved a go-ahead, and he refilled it. I was driving home. You might remember it was a foggy night, thick. I didnt see him until it was too late. He was standing in the middle of the road, taking a leak. He must have been loaded. I heard the sickening thump and then I didnt see him. I braked, backed up what I thought was a little bit so I could get

out, but I ran over him again. I killed him. The only thing I could think to do was put my gloves on and zip him up. At least hed be spared that indignity.

Why didnt you go to the sheriff?

Ah, Tally, think. It was 1964. I was a young black man. There were already rumblings in the Deep South. I was scared. I thought Id get railroaded.

Dear God. She took a long draft herself. I didnt think of that. White people dont, I guess. What did you do?

Daddy repaired all our tractors, so I woke him up and we worked all night, banging the big dent out of the fender. Put on touch-up paint and it looked pretty good. Then we pulled the tires off and Daddy buried them halfway up around Mamas garden. We painted the top of the tires white. He always had a pile of old tires; everybody did. He put them on my car.

I see. Did anyone from the sheriffs department check your car?

They came by. Looked at Daddys, looked at mine, those thin treads. That was that. Tally, I have carried this sin all my life. I liked Ralston. He could get loaded on the weekends, but it was a different time. Everybody drank. I guess he thought the middle of the road was as good as the side of the road, if he even knew the difference.

Im sorry for both of you. She took another sip. What now? I wont tell, if thats what you wish.

Ill turn myself in tomorrow to the sheriff.

Would you like me to be there?

Oh, Tally, thank you. Thank you, but, no, I have to do this myself. Ive had since 1964 to think of this. Im an old man. All passion spent, if you know what I mean, but I still carry guilt. Its time to be rid of it, confess, take my punishment.

I see. Ill call Ralstons granddaughter after youve seen the sheriff. I admire you, Garvey. I truly do.

He nodded in thanks, finished his sherry, helped her carry the decanter and glasses back into the house.

As she opened the door for him to leave, she asked, Does Lila know?

Ill tell her tonight.

Garvey did go to Sheriff Shaw. The sheriff allowed him to leave on his own recognizance. The papers that week blared with a headline as big as the one days earlier about Liz Filmores attack on Aunt Tally and Inez.

The real miracle was that the case was hustled before the court, and Garvey hired an excellent lawyer from McGuire Woods. The Peavey family, all now in the Midwest, did not press charges.

The judge allowed that as so much time had passed, it was an accident, and Garvey had been an upstanding citizen all these decades, no jail time would be forthcoming. He did assign Garvey community service, which was right up his alley: Garvey was to mentor kids in the high school junior business program.

After it was all settled, Harry and Inez chatted in the barn, both thinking the judges ruling was the only correct one.

In the loft, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter filled Simon in on all of it.

No animal was run over with Ralston, was it?

No, Simon, just Ralston.

Oh, Im so glad. Im still upset over Pharaohs horses. I wish youd never told me that story.

Ill be sure not to tell any more Bible stories.

Mrs. Murphy rubbed against the possum.

Murphy, I dont know why you trouble him with that, anyway. You know the Great Spirit is a cat. A gray cat,

Pewter announced with authority.

Pewter,

was all Mrs. Murphy could manage.

How I Came To Love William Woods University

Saddlebred shows, most of them taking place in the summer, bring together crowds of friendly people. I bring this up because it is not true of some of the other horse disciplines. Mercifully, I shall not name them and can only hope they repent their snottiness.

Mother knew her Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and some Saddlebreds (we saw the great Wing Commander together, when I was five, at his second show). Ive sustained her interest in my life, which is how I met Gayle Lampe in 1984. I cant remember if it was at the Mercer County Fair or Shelbyville, two wonderful Kentucky shows. I remember it was hot and thunderstorms came up at night. They always do.

Gayle was and remains unforgettable. She mentioned William Woods University. I asked Larry Hodge and Joan Hamilton about the school. Larry and Joan own Kalarama Farm, which I explain to people is like old Calumet Farm was to Thoroughbreds, when Mrs. Gene Markey was at the helm. Kalaramas great rival, Callaway Hills Stable, was in the very county that is home to this university. I knew the late Mrs. Weldon in passing, for she lived in Charlottesville briefly. She, too, confirmed what Joan and Larry said, which is that WWUs graduates fill the Saddlebred world. They couldnt comment on dressage, hunt seat, or Western seat, which are also taught at WWU, as those are not their disciplines.

The next year I was at Shelbyville, a show I try to attend on the odd years; the even years I head to Saratoga, if I can. Sometimes the money is tight or theres too much to do on the farm. If youve never been to either Shelbyville or Saratoga, go.

Anyway, Joan and I were sitting in the bleachers at the warm-up

ring, the night lights blazing, moths flying in squadrons, when from the west, heading toward us from the Ohio River, we heard thunder. Joan pointed out all those in the ring, the trainers, the assistant trainers, and many of the riders who had graduated from William Woods. Not only was the number impressive, but so was the skill.

Gayle and I would run into each other and exchange letters, and Joan and Larry would report on Gayles progress and vice versa. You might say I was on the outermost ring of William Woodss Saturn.

Then out of the blue in the mid-nineties I received a letter inviting me to be the commencement speaker. I really adore giving commencement speeches, but this one was to stay with me forever, not because of anything I said but because of the magic of this community. First off, no one fussed over me in a sickening sweet way. Those whom I met were just who they are. How delightful.

The campus is pretty and I liked all the ducks who appear to have quite a high opinion of themselves whether walking down the middle of the road or swimming about.

Staying at Fairchild Alumni House felt like visiting your aunt. Gayle, knowing of my addiction, stocked the fridge with Classic Coke in cans, high test.

The faculty that I met were down-to-earth, yet very accomplished. The conversations, if only I could have chatted forever, were truly stimulating. My God, people who thought for themselves! Well, I was in the middle of Missouri; I should have expected that. Its not called the Show Me state for nothing.

Having dinner at the presidents house, I felt as if I had known these people before Id met them. EddieJahnaes husbandplayed football for Ole Miss, and its easy to see why they are together. The other guestsincluding a sophisticated couple from Indiamade this an evening I so often remember, realizing how lucky I was to be there. Then there was the standard poodle, who completed the gathering.

Before dinner the horses had welcomed me, too. I met the Saddlebreds, some Thoroughbreds, quarter horses, and I think some TB/QH crosses. So many of these horses were beautiful that I couldnt believe they had been donated. All of the horses coats gleamed, all were

happy. You can tell when a horse is not if you know horses. The barns were clean and smelled clean, too. And this was late spring.

Gayle indulged me while I checked feedIm always curious about thatand picked up a hoof here and there. A few William Woods horses evidenced a convivial streak so we got to know one another.

The graduation ceremony itself was dignified without being stiff. A moment I carry, a moment that seemed to me to distill this unusual institution, was when Melissa Smith and her Seeing Eye dog, Brinkley, came forward to receive her diploma. President Barnett gave Brinkley one, too, for he had attended all Miss Smiths classes. He carried his diploma off the stage.

And so I came to love this place far more than my own alma mater, Washington Square College at New York University. Its a great school and I studied under the incomparable Bluma Trell, who tried to teach me Greek. When she died on June 10, 1997, at age ninety-four,

The Economist

ran a full-page obituary on June 28, 1997.

But great as NYU is, its no William Woods University. Apart from Professor Trell, I could have sunk like a stone. No one would have noticed or cared. Here in central Missouri exists an institution that puts the student first. Im not saying they coddle the students nor do not demand intellectual rigor, but they actually care and the faculty knows those students. The president knows the students.

Lacking funds, most of my money goes toward abandoned animals, and my wardrobe proves it. I find the only gift I can give William Woods University is to introduce this institution to you. Perhaps you or one of your children will someday attend.

And there you have it, maybe more than you ever wanted to know. The cat will take credit for all of it but really setting this mystery in Fulton, Missouri, was my idea.

The one thing I can say though is I look older yet Dr. Barnett looks just like she did when I first met her. This is desperately unfair.

The Truth

She didnt think Id read that. Thought shed slide it right under my nose. It was my idea to set this mystery at William Woods University. All the horses, ducks, some dogs, and barn cats made me want to highlight a place where the animals mean as much to the community as the people.

Dont listen to her. Shes an old windbag.

Sneaky Pie

About the Authors

RITA MAE BROWN is the bestselling author of several books. An Emmy-nominated screenwriter and poet, she lives in Afton, Virginia. Her website is [http://www.ritamaebrown.com] www.ritamaebrown.com. She does not own a computer. God willing, she never will. Sometimes the website manager sends your queries. The safest way to reach her is in care of Bantam Books.

SNEAKY PIE BROWN, a tiger cat born somewhere in Albemarle County, Virginia, was discovered by Rita Mae Brown at her local SPCA. They have collaborated on eighteen Mrs. Murphy mysteries:

Wish You Were Here; Rest in Pieces; Murder at Monticello; Pay Dirt; Murder, She Meowed; Murder on the Prowl; Cat on the Scent; Pawing Through the Past; Claws and Effect; Catch as Cat Can; The Tail of the Tip-Off; Whisker of Evil; Cats Eyewitness; Sour Puss; Puss n Cahoots; The Purrfect Murder; Santa Clawed;

and

Cat of the Century,

in addition to

Sneaky Pies Cookbook for Mystery Lovers.

Mary Minor Harry Haristeen, along with sleuthing

cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, corgi Tucker, and the other

residents of Crozet, Virginia, return in a new

Mrs. Murphy mystery on sale in Spring 2011.

Until then, dont miss

A NOSE FOR JUSTICE

by Rita Mae Brown

The first in a new series!

When Mags is fired from her banking job in New York City, she flees to the Nevada ranch that belongs to her great-aunt Jeep, bringing along her wire-haired dachsund, Baxter. Mags is still getting used to the rhythms of rural life when she is recruited to help Jeep and her neighbors with a burgeoning problem: A local corporation is attempting to divert their water supply to Reno, and is willing to go to any lengths to do so. When the conflict escalates to murder and Jeep may be a target, its up to Mags, Baxter, and Jeeps German shepherd mix, King, to sniff out the real killer before its too late.

Full of grit, wit, and four-legged derring-do, A Nose for Justice is a rare breed of mysteryguaranteed to make readers roll over and beg for more of Rita Mae Browns magnificent storytelling!

On sale in October 2010

Cat of the Century is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright S 2010 by American Artists, Inc.

Illustrations copyright S 2010 by Michael Gellatly

All rights reserved.

Published in the United States by Bantam Books, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.

BANTAM BOOKS and the rooster colophon are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Brown, Rita Mae.

Cat of the century / Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown ; illustrations by Michael Gellatly.

p. cm.

eISBN: 978-0-553-90729-2

1. Haristeen, Harry (Fictitious character)Fiction. 2. Murphy, Mrs. (Fictitious character)Fiction. 3. Women detectivesVirginiaFiction. 4. Women cat ownersFiction. 5. CatsFiction. 6. Crozet (Va.)Fiction. I. Gellatly, Michael. II. Title.

PS3552.R698C37 2010

813?.54dc22

2009047661

[http://www.bantamdell.com] www.bantamdell.com

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