So many thoughts crowded Lettie's mind Sunday night, that sleep eluded her. Awake when her alarm normally sounded revelry, she lethargically took a shower and descended the stairs after encircling her body in her comfy terry robe. Her resolve to start on a diet today remained in tact. She started her morning coffee, got out a bagel, and spread it with fat free cream cheese. Adding an orange to the menu completed her healthy breakfast.
After downing two mugs of freshly brewed coffee, she scribbled a list of to do items; however, they could not be tackled until later in the day. None of the places she needed to phone would be open until at least eight or nine in the morning. Irritated, her foot shook furiously. When the phone rang, the shaking stopped momentarily. It was Mitch.
"Tell me what you found out." Lettie rushed the words.
"According to Jeff he knows nothing about Gloria's bottled water. Concerning Tuesday evening, he admitted he invited the Spencers. Lawrence and he played golf the previous Sunday, and they decided on the bridge game if their wives weren't busy. When the Spencers arrived at the house Tuesday night, Jeff and Lawrence went to the game room to play pool before starting the bridge game. According to his story, he never saw any bottled water."
"Jeff could be lying."
"I'm well aware of that," Mitch added, a little put out.
Impatient, as usual, Lettie uttered, "What about Gloria's story?"
"Gloria swears that she broke up with Jeff and left Muncie and returned to Indianapolis after her first semester at college. She says she left because she didn't have a job and was pregnant. Back then, you remember, you couldn't work if you were pregnant. She didn't have enough money to stay at Ball State."
"Being able to work when pregnant is one good thing that came from the women's movement." Lettie grudgingly admitted.
"I agree. Now back to Tuesday evening. Gloria confessed that she took a container of her new bottled water to Charlotte. She was well aware of how finicky Charlotte was about her tea, and she wanted to share this new water she had discovered.
Jeff told me something else I find intriguing. Gloria had been calling him at work and asking him silly questions. Also, she had been telling him lies about Charlotte."
"For instance?"
"That Charlotte was having an affair, for one."
"Of all people who would not have an affair!"
"Jeff said that he knew that Gloria's tales were fictitious. He added that Gloria parked in the lot at Williams Lumber Company and, when he left work, she followed him. He indicated he ignored her, but that it was irritating."
"In other words, she stalked him."
"I guess you could call it that."
"What about her pregnancy, if there were one?"
"Gloria told me that she had a baby boy and that her mother, Mrs. Albertson, raised the child as her own. She said the baby was definitely Jeff's child and that he attends college in Indianapolis."
"Does Jeff know about this child?"
"When we quizzed Jeff about this child, he swears he never touched Gloria in that way when they were dating and that it couldn't have been his child."
"Then why would the Downeys have given Gloria money for her pregnancy? Didn't Jeff tell his parents that this was not his child?"
"He told them that it couldn't be his child, but Gloria, he says, made all kinds of threats. His parents had the money to pay her off and didn't want any scandal. They are upstanding members of their church and community and didn't want anything to taint that image of their family. Mrs. Downey thought Gloria made up the pregnancy to lure Jeff into marriage. No one in their family ever verified whether Gloria was pregnant."
Lettie changed the subject somewhat. "What did Lawrence tell you?"
"He seems to be a very nice person and was quite cooperative. Of course, we didn't tell him anything Gloria or Jeff had said. Lawrence is in the dark about a lot of this stuff, and he didn't say anything about Jeff dating Gloria or a pregnancy."
"Don't you think that's strange?"
"I would guess that Gloria has probably kept that side of her life from him. We quizzed him about his social life with the Downeys. He told us how he met Jeff at the country club bar one day, and they hit it off. They have mutual loves of golf, pool, and bridge. They started spending a lot of time together, and when they found out that their wives played bridge in the same group, they arranged for the couples to play bridge. By the way, according to Jeff, he had no idea that Gloria Albertson Spencer was married to Lawrence until the couples met for the first time."
"I bet that was a shock."
"No doubt about it."
"I wonder if Charlotte knew about Jeff and Gloria?"
"According to Jeff, he told Charlotte the complete truth after he found out Gloria was married to Lawrence. After all, he and Gloria had only dated, and it wasn't any big deal."
"I wonder why the two families continued to socialize after Gloria started calling and harassing Jeff? I would have thought it would be uncomfortable."
"Part of the reason was Lawrence. Apparently he is as nice as Charlotte and no one wanted to hurt his feelings. However, Jeff was getting fed up with Gloria's actions and told her if she didn't stop bothering him he was going to tell Lawrence. The Downeys did not initiate any invitations to the Spencers except on rare occasions and that was only because of Lawrence's feelings. Jeff said they hadn't been to his house for over two months before last Tuesday."
"When Gloria and I have talked about Lawrence, she doesn't paint a pleasant picture of his disposition."
"He seems quite congenial and cooperated with us. He is confused as to why he is being questioned. "I need to get back to work. What about you?"
"I'm not going to the office today. I didn't have any appointments, and since I am going to the funeral I decided to stay home."
"Why don't I swing by to get you? I have to go to the funeral anyway." They decided on a time and hung up. Lettie really had a lot to think about now, but she needed to start making some phone calls.
When Mitch picked up Lettie at 1:30, she was ready to burst. She had learned some critical facts. She had phoned the Marion County Records Office and found that a boy child had been born to Gloria Albertson in June of 1967. The father named was "unknown." That pretty much let Jeff off the hook as the father, Lettie concluded.
After trying to locate Beth Albertson through Indianapolis information, she phoned Melanie Downey to find out the name of Gloria's father. She then talked to Mrs. Albertson. Lettie verified with Mrs. Albertson that Gloria had indeed given birth, but the baby died hours afterward. The baby was two months premature and had numerous health problems. Gloria had a nervous breakdown and was in a mental institution for several months.
"Listen to this, Mitch. According to Mrs. Albertson, Gloria was never the same after the baby died. She fantasized that the baby's father was Jeff Downey. Gloria was, in fact, pregnant by another boy at college, but she told her mother and father that it was Jeff's baby.
"She finally got herself straightened out enough to go to college in Indianapolis, and that is where she met Lawrence. He was from a prominent, wealthy family in Ohio and he impressed her. After they began to date, she ceased talking about the baby. Lawrence apparently has no idea that Gloria ever had a child."
"I suppose her meeting Jeff here brought back all those memories," Mitch added.
"I guess and then she became obsessed with him. What do you know about the water?"
"Oh it was poisoned all right."
"Are you going to arrest Gloria?" "We're going to wait to verify the fingerprints, but we definitely have motive, means, and opportunity here."
"Mitch, this is so scary. I can't believe someone I know could be a murderer."
Lettie was a nervous wreck. She was not looking forward to the funeral of her friend and was upset that on Saturday she had been riding around alone with a probable murderer. The drive to Welburn Brothers Funeral Home went more quickly than Lettie would have liked.
Mitch parked the car in a reserved spot near the front door. The lot was nearly overflowing, and Lettie began to get claustrophobic just looking at all the cars. Mitch excused himself and told Lettie she could ride with him to the cemetery. He met his partner, Jim White, at the front door. Lettie remained outside to look for Sophie and Harold, so she wouldn't have to sit alone. She scanned the parking lot for the blue Volvo, but didn't see it. Deciding to stay in the fresh air until they arrived, she spotted a yellow BMW parked in the lot. It had to be Gloria's car. How could she have the nerve to show up here, Lettie thought?
"Lettie, wait for me." It was Gloria's voice.
Lettie whirled around to find Gloria making a beeline toward her. Her heart started pounding, and her legs felt like overcooked spaghetti. What in the world would she say to Gloria? She wanted to run through the front door of the funeral home but decided there was no graceful way to accomplish that feat. Gloria was decked out like she stepped out of Vogue magazine. She had on a red suit and was certainly going to be noticed at this somber occasion. How tacky, Lettie thought. Most people including Lettie would be dressed in darker, less vibrant colors. It was as if she were flaunting her presence. Lettie wondered where Lawrence was and decided that was the best way to open the conversation.
"Gloria, where's Lawrence?"
"Oh, he had to work this morning. He plans to meet me here."
Lettie thought by going on inside, she could get in a group of people and avoid talking to Gloria. "Let's go on in, Gloria. I'm getting a little chilly," which was an acceptable lie in Lettie's mind under the circumstances, and, she didn't cross her fingers.
Lettie's plan was foiled, because ushers were seating people. Lettie was not happy. She wanted to be seated in the back row. The usher, a young, frail man, escorted the women to the middle section of the chapel. Lettie, becoming panicky, asked to be seated on the side aisle. If her panic continued, she needed a way out. Gloria followed her and sat down right beside her immediately next to the aisle. Lettie's way out was partially blocked. Lettie's ears picked up the strains of the hymn, "Amazing Grace," and remembered part of the first line of that famous hymn--"that saved a wretch like me." She hoped she would be saved from the murderer seated beside her.
Lettie made small talk with Gloria, who seemed preoccupied, so Lettie turned her attention to the back of the chapel. Sherman Watkins and Thomas Edwards made their way up the center aisle. She discreetly waved and looked around for more familiar faces. Gloria was silent, and Lettie tried to ignore her. This was not how Lettie had been reared, but her mother would understand under the circumstances if she ignored her manners.
Gloria didn't really seem to mind that Lettie was discreetly waving and exchanging hellos with others. The rest of the Covered Bridgers arrived, without Sophie, and were seated in the row behind Lettie and Gloria. Gloria didn't even acknowledge their presence. Lettie began quietly exchanging pleasantries with Lillian Anderson.
There was still space enough on the other side of Lettie for two people, so she hoped to signal Sophie and Harold as they arrived. Sophie would be bold enough to ask to sit with Lettie and Gloria if she saw them. Lettie would feel a lot better if someone she knew sat in that space. Lettie noted that the Downey family had not yet made an appearance. Amelia and Jordan Watkins made their way through a side door and sat down in the front pew reserved for immediate family. Amelia looked distraught and Jordan had his arm around her shoulders.
"I heard yesterday that Amelia Williams and Jordan Watkins are going to be married. They have been dating for years. Although I don't know Amelia well, I work with Jordan." Lettie spoke to Gloria.
"I think it's nice when two people who are meant for each other wind up together," Gloria replied in a confident manner.
Lettie didn't like this tone of voice. Her foot tapped furiously, and her heart thudded in her chest like a jackhammer. This was just awful. She hated being in this position, but she couldn't very well leave without arousing suspicion. She kept looking over her shoulder and wondering where in the world Sophie and Harold could be. Sophie was always so punctual. Other townspeople she knew arrived and she continued waving and exchanging greetings to take her mind off the current circumstances.
At that moment, Jeff Downey, his parents, and Melanie came through the side door. Jeff looked haggard, but was immaculately turned out. He wore a charcoal gray double-breasted suit, pale blue shirt and navy blue tie. Momentarily he stopped at the side of the coffin and looked down. Tears streamed down his face. Melanie came up to him and hugged her brother. Lettie had gotten the impression that they were extremely close when growing up. Mr. Downey comforted his wife as they seated themselves. Lettie felt tears trickling down her cheeks. She fumbled through her black leather purse and found one tissue. Why hadn't she remembered her tissues today of all days?
"Jeff looks so handsome, don't you think?"
"What?"
"Jeff looks so handsome. He looks just as good as when we dated."
Lettie didn't know what to say, so remained quiet. At that moment Sophie and Harold appeared at her side. Thank heaven for small miracles, she thought. Lettie felt relieved that Sophie was so close. However, Sophie didn't know that Gloria was the villain. Lettie started making strange faces and was surreptitiously pointing to Gloria.
"What's wrong with you?" Sophie whispered.
Of course, Lettie couldn't tell her. "Never mind."
"Are you all right? Do you need to leave again?"
Gloria looked in her direction. "I'll be fine. It's just my usual crowd and funeral panic," she told Sophie.
"Lettie, I just think Jeff looks yummy, don't you?" Gloria interjected.
Now she was talking again about Jeff. Lettie couldn't keep ignoring her, and she didn't want to rile her.
"Gloria, Jeff always looks nice, but I was thinking more of his loss than his appearance."
"His loss. He hasn't lost anything. He didn't love Charlotte."
Lettie heard "Rock of Ages" in the background. How appropriate, she thought, since she needed to be a rock at this point. Her legs trembled, and she attempted to find Mitch in the crowd. How could she leave her present position without alarming Gloria?
"Lettie, listen to me. Jeff still loves me, and we will be together after this is all over." Sophie stated in a confident manner.
Lettie tried to get Sophie's attention, but Sophie had her face buried in a tissue and didn't see Lettie motioning to her again.
Lettie finally announced, "I need to go to the restroom." She said it loud enough for Sophie to hear, and she offered to go with her, but Lettie declined the offer. She must find Mitch, her jumbled thoughts told her, and she jumped up and nearly trampled on Gloria's toes. Excusing herself for disturbing Gloria, she headed to the back of the chapel all the while frantically looking for Mitch. Where was he?
After leaving the chapel, she headed for the restroom she had visited the previous evening. In there, she could compose herself. She realized she couldn't go back to the pew and sit beside Gloria. However, she also couldn't stay in the restroom during the entire service, although it was tempting. The organ music was louder now because it was audible in the restroom. Peering at her watch, it showed two o'clock. The funeral was beginning, and she decided to leave the restroom to look for Mitch again. She pushed the swinging door open and almost knocked down Gloria Spencer.
Lettie had a look of horror on her face. Her heart thumped against her chest, and her legs weakened to the point that she almost fell to the white tile floor.
"You know, don't you," Gloria stated flatly.
Lettie tried playing dumb. "Know what?"
"About me."
"What about you?"
"You know I killed Charlotte."
There she had it. A confession. She needed Mitch right now. Where was he?
"Well, uh."
"I had to do it. Jeff and I have to get married to give our son a home." In one swift move, Gloria pulled a small pistol out of her purse. Lettie was terrified. With Gloria wielding a gun, Lettie could not overpower her.
"I can't let you tell anybody about this, you know. Jeff and I must get married. So I have to kill you, too."
Lettie was like a statue not daring to move an inch.
"Gloria, you can't kill me with all these people around. Besides the police know you killed Charlotte. You poisoned the bottled water, so killing me won't help you."
"I don't believe you. We're going to leave this restroom with you in the lead. Then we're going out the front door of the funeral home. I'll be right behind you, so don't do anything stupid."
Gloria backed up slightly so that Lettie could leave the restroom. "Push the door open and hold it for me and then turn and move slowly toward the front door."
Gloria followed closely behind Lettie as they moved down the hall. The front doors came in sight around the corner. They turned right and moved toward the doors. Bob Welburn stood guard outside the chapel doors. The doors had been closed for the service.
"Here Lettie, I'll get the door for you."
"No thanks, Bob, I don't feel well and am leaving."
"Quick thinking, Lettie. Now keep moving." Gloria told Bob Welburn that she would be driving Lettie home.
"I hope you feel better, Lettie." Bob comforted in his soft funeral director's tone of voice.
"Thanks," she replied meekly.
Where was Mitch? How could she get out of this without his help? She pictured herself in Charlotte's place in that coffin as she heard the organ playing "Nearer My God to Thee." Just what she needed to hear. Lettie said a silent prayer as she walked through the doors of Welburn Brothers. She spotted Mitch to the right of the door.
"What's the matter? Did you have another panic attack?" Mitch's voice showed concern as he gazed at her ashen complexion.
Lettie made a face at him, hoping that he would know that something was wrong, but now he could see Gloria behind her. Mitch's antennae came up immediately. He recognized fear in Lettie's face now.
"Keep moving, Lettie," Gloria whispered.
"Where are you taking me?" She spoke loud enough for Mitch to hear.
"Lettie, are you all right? You look a little pale." She knew Mitch realized the severity of the situation and was trying to help.
"Tell him, you're sick, and I'm taking you home."
"Mitch, I'm sick and Gloria is taking me home."
Lettie now noticed Jim White getting out of his squad car which was parked next to Mitch's car. She hoped he wouldn't do anything to agitate Gloria. To get to Gloria's car, they must turn and would have their backs to both policemen.
"Where's your car?"
"I didn't drive. I rode with that gentleman, and he's going to think it's strange that I'm not going to ride home with him."
"Is that your policeman boyfriend, Lettie?"
"Oh, God, please help me," she whispered. She should have known she couldn't fool Gloria.
"All right, gentlemen, I'm taking Lettie with me and just stay back. I will kill her if you make a move."
"Mitch, she has a gun at my back." Lettie whimpered.
"All right, Gloria. We'll stay right here, but you're not helping yourself by taking Lettie hostage. We already know you killed Charlotte."
"Well, whether I've killed one or twenty, it won't matter now, so back off and let us go peacefully. We're going to get in my car, and you're not going to stop us, or I promise you I'll kill her. Get moving, Lettie. We don't have to pretend anymore. You walk quickly to my car. It's over there by the hedge."
The hedge. Maybe she could jump in the hedge. Who was she kidding? Jumping wasn't in her repertoire. She definitely needed to get in shape if she got out of this mess. Besides, Gloria could shoot into the hedge and the likelihood of hitting her would be great because she wouldn't be able to move quickly enough to hide.
Lettie's mouth was dry, and she thought her heart would explode in her chest. She knew Mitch and his partner would do everything in their power to help. Her curiosity reared its head for a moment. Wondering what was happening behind her, prompted her to think about turning her head. Common sense, however, told her not to look behind her for fear of provoking Gloria.
They arrived at the car and Lettie stopped walking as instructed. Gloria held the gunpoint in the middle of Lettie's back, while she rummaged through her purse with her free hand. After retrieving her keys, she told Lettie to take them. Lettie unlocked the passenger door per Gloria's request, and they moved around the BMW to the driver's side.
"Gloria, where are you going?" It was Lawrence.
Momentarily diverted, Gloria, whipped her head toward the beckoning voice. The next thing Lettie knew she was propelled to the blacktop with a heavy weight on top of her. She thought that she surely was dying, because everything was black and she couldn't breathe.
An hour later, Lettie lay in the emergency room of Stafford Community Hospital. Sophie and Mitch stood at the side of her bed. Her body hurt all over, but she wasn't dead. She had received scrapes and bruises and was in shock when they brought her to the hospital. The painkillers made her feel better, in fact, a little giddy. Her curiosity was back in full force, and she wanted to know everything.
"Mitch, what happened?" Her speech was slurred.
"While Gloria and you walked to her car, Jim radioed for backup then we crouched behind cars following you and Gloria. I remembered that Gloria had a yellow BMW, and we knew in which direction you were going. When you stopped at the car, we had managed to get there ahead of you."
"Who yelled for Gloria?"
"It was Lawrence. He had just arrived at the funeral home and was on his way in when he saw you and Gloria. He couldn't imagine what you two were doing."
"I thought the voice sounded familiar, but it didn't register. I was a little preoccupied," she added dryly.
"Gloria twirled around because she was startled by Lawrence's voice. Jim, who has a black belt in karate, knocked the gun out of her hand, and I, just to be on the safe side, knocked you to the ground. I'm afraid I was the one who caused your injuries."
"I forgive you under the circumstances." Lettie was smiling for the first time in many hours. "By the way, how long have I been here, I'm famished."
"I know she's all right now," said Sophie.
"Me too," agreed Mitch.
Sophie volunteered to see if it was all right for Lettie to eat, and, if so, she would get her a sandwich from the cafeteria.
Mitch was still at Lettie's side holding her hand and patting her arm. She was in pain, but she was enjoying the attention. Mitch couldn't resist asking how Lettie had gotten Gloria so riled up. He was happy to know that Gloria had just flipped out when she saw Jeff, and it wasn't Lettie's darned curiosity that caused Gloria to come unglued.