Death By Darjeeling

Chapter 34

“Hello, Mrs. Finster.” Inwardly, Theodosia was shaking with anger from her conversation with Tanner Joseph.

“Miss Browning,” said Mrs. Finster in her flat voice, “you asked me to call if I remembered anything that might pertain to the woman who lived with Mr. Barron.”

“Yes,” replied Theodosia, her voice almost a whisper, so upset was she.

“Well, I haven’t,” said Mrs. Finster.

“Then why—” began Theodosia.

“Because another detective came by after you.”

“Tidwell,” said Theodosia.

“That’s right,” said Mrs. Finster rather crossly, “and he showed me a badge. He had credentials.”

Theodosia didn’t say a word, but apparently Mrs. Finster wasn’t that upset by her ruse because she continued after a moment.

“This Tidwell character acted like a bull in a china shop,” she said. “At least you were polite. You showed concern for Mr. Barron.”

“Did he ask many questions?” asked Theodosia.

“A few. Wanted to know if the woman living with Hughes Barron was a much younger woman.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Finster,” said Theodosia. “I really appreciate your calling.”

Theodosia replaced the receiver in the cradle and glanced at the door. Drayton was shepherding his tea-tasting ladies outside, bidding them farewell. Theodosia tried to stifle the rising tide of anxiety inside her. She knew Drayton’s good-byes were always prolonged.

When he finally approached the counter a good five minutes later, she beckoned him to follow her into her office.

“Drayton.” She closed the door softly. “I fear I’ve made a terrible mistake.”

“What is it?” he said, instantly concerned.

“With Tanner Joseph.”

His face had started to mirror her anxiety, but now it relaxed. “Oh, no, the labels are going to be perfect,” he reassured her. “True, they are a trifle beyond the realm of traditional, but that’s what makes them so charming. They’re—” Drayton stopped midsentence and peered at Theodosia. Amazingly, he had detected a quiver to her lower lip, and her eyes seemed to sparkle a little too brightly. Could those be tears threatening to spill down her cheeks? He couldn’t remember ever having seen Theodosia quite this upset. She was always so strong, so spunky.

“You weren’t referring to the labels, were you?” Drayton asked.

Theodosia pursed her lips and shook her head. “No,” she said hoarsely, finally getting her emotions under control.

He pulled out her desk chair. “Sit, please.”

She did, and Drayton sat on the edge of her desk, facing her. “Now tell me,” he said quietly. She looked up at him, worry clouding her blue eyes.

“Drayton, Tanner Joseph is hiding something. Every time Hughes Barron’s name is mentioned, he gets this hard, calculating look.”

Drayton stared at her for a moment and stroked a hand across his chin. “I thought you were casting your suspicions toward Timothy Neville. Or Hughes Barron’s awful partner. What was his name again?”

“Lleveret Dante. Yes, I have been,” Theodosia said. “But that was before Tanner Joseph reacted so oddly.”

“Oddly like a murderer?”

“I’m not sure,” answered Theodosia. “But my main concern right now is with Bethany.”

“She went out with him,” Drayton said, suddenly catching on to why Theodosia seemed so upset.

“Yes, she did,” said Theodosia.

“Then let’s talk to her,” Drayton urged. “See if we really do have something to fret over.” He rose from the desk, moved swiftly to the door, and opened it. “Bethany,” he called.

Haley appeared in the doorway. “We just sold two of those Hobbs teakettles, isn’t that a scream? Two of them!” she announced delightedly. “One stainless steel, one millennium style.” She paused, staring at the grim faces on Drayton and Theodosia. “What’s wrong?”

“Everything,” snapped Drayton.

“For gosh sakes, Drayton, lighten up a little,” said Haley. She smiled brightly at Theodosia. “Hey, don’t quote me on this, but I think business is turning around.”

“We’re not pulling our hair out over business,” said Theodosia. “It’s about Bethany. And Tanner Joseph.”

“Oh,” said Haley. She frowned quizzically and stared at the two of them.

“Theodosia thinks there’s something a trifle off about Tanner Joseph,” said Drayton.

“More than a trifle, Drayton,” interjected Theodosia.

“In particular,” said Drayton, “his attitude toward the late Mr. Hughes Barron.”

Haley sobered immediately. “I think Bethany really likes that guy Tanner.”

“What time is it?” asked Theodosia.

Drayton consulted his wristwatch. “Four-twen... four-thirty.”

“Let’s close early,” suggested Theodosia. “Haley, would you latch the front door? And send Bethany back.”

Haley glanced from one to the other, knowing something was up. “Sure.”

Bethany had gathered her notes from her earlier brainstorming session on the teddy bear tea, fully prepared to present what she thought were some fun, innovative ideas. But the moment she set foot inside Theodosia’s office, she knew the conversation was going to be a serious one.

“We want to ask you a few questions, Bethany,” Theodosia began.

“Okay,” said Bethany. She awkwardly shifted from one foot to the other.

“Do you want to sit down?” offered Theodosia.

“I’m fine.” Bethany tilted her chin up, preparing for whatever was about to come her way.

Theodosia fumbled about, trying to figure out just where to start. Finally she plunged right in. “When you were with Tanner Joseph the other night, did he ask questions about Hughes Barron’s death?”

“Not exactly,” said Bethany slowly. “I mean, Tanner was already aware Hughes Barron had died. And we did sort of chat about it, but I think he could see it made me uncomfortable.”

Bethany’s eyes sought out Theodosia’s and silently appealed to her. See, her eyes pleaded, this makes me uncomfortable, too. This makes me relive that terrible night.

“Did Tanner Joseph ask probing questions?” asked Drayton.

Bethany frowned. “No. At least they didn’t feel probing. We talked, that’s pretty much it.” She stared unhappily at the two of them. “What is this really about?”

“We think Tanner Joseph had a slightly unhealthy interest in Hughes Barron’s death,” said Theodosia.

“Theodosia,” returned Bethany, “I think you have more than a passing interest in Hughes Barron’s death.”

“Tell Drayton about the frogs, Bethany.”

Now Bethany just looked confused. “The frogs?”

“You know, the rain forest frogs,” prompted Theodosia.

“Oh, God,” said Drayton.

“Tanner Joseph just told me about his work in the Amazon rain forest. Studying the ecosystem up in the canopy.”

“And he told you about poison frogs, Bethany. Frogs that exude toxins. Tanner Joseph knows all about toxins,” said Theodosia determinedly.

Haley had suddenly appeared back in the doorway, anxious to know what was being said. Each time Theodosia’s voice hit hard on the word toxins, she grimaced.

“There have to be dozens of plants and animals in the Amazon that are toxic,” countered Bethany. “So what! To even think that Tanner Joseph had something to do with Hughes Barron’s death is so unfair!”

“No, Bethany,” said Theodosia. “Unfair is Bert Tidwell thinking you killed Hughes Barron.” Tears streamed down Bethany’s face, and Haley quickly went to her side and put an arm around her.

“There, there,” Haley tried to reassure Bethany. “Don’t cry,” she cooed softly. She gazed up at Theodosia. “You don’t need to do this!” Her voice was strident, defensive.

Drayton’s face blanched white. “Please!” he cried out. “I cannot stand to have us all squabble and argue. This terrible thing is wrenching us apart!” His hands were outstretched, as if imploring them all to calm down.

“Drayton’s right,” said Theodosia finally. “I’m so sorry, Bethany. I truly didn’t mean to upset you.” She slipped out of her chair and squeezed around her desk. Putting her hands on Bethany’s glistening cheeks, she stared raptly into the girl’s troubled eyes. “Know this, Bethany. I did not mean to push this so far.”

Tears continued to stream down Bethany’s face, and she hiccuped softly. Haley continued to pat her back and murmur, “There, there.” Drayton twisted his hands in anguish at this display of feminine angst.

Finally, Bethany was able to stem her flow of tears and blow her nose. She took a deep breath, held her head up high. “I’m not upset that you think Tanner Joseph might be a murderer,” she declared.

The three stared at her in stunned surprise.

“You’re not?” said Theodosia.

Bethany stared at Theodosia. “I’m upset because he asked so many questions about you!”