Previous Chapter:
A whole lot of nothing, really. Emily made some phone calls then went to see Harry and Joslyn. Neither of which were home.
Chapter Twelve:
Emily is meeting DD at Fuller's EATS. She stops to check out Eugenia's family tree in the vestibule so as not to offend Eugenia and end up with cold soup for a week. Emily remarks a couple of new names and thinks it's weird that none of the names are Fuller. She leafs through a bit to check and, nope, nary a Fuller to be seen. In case you're interested the names she reads are: Harry Longabough, Robert Leroy Parker, Ned Christie, Pearl Bywater and Etta Place.
Emily walks into the diner where the air is a-quiver with smoke. And, again, I call bullshit because this was written after the law went into effect. She spots DD and makes her way over to her, noting that the vet, Doc Crimson is there and she should talk to him about the impending puppy. She stops by for some free advice and he tells her to grab some puppy chow, a bed and some toys. Also get him shots. The vet loses a lot of my respect because he mentions shots but not getting him neutered which is just as important.
Anywho, she finally sits with DD and fills her in on nobody being home. DD affirms that it was 'Miz' Poet's arm. They're keeping their voices down because of eavesdroppers. The table closest to them has the funeral home family: Gilbert (the gambler) and his twin, Sullivan. *eyeroll*
Emily suggests talking to them but DD suggests talking to their mother first, because she's a friend of 'Miz' Poet's. DD doesn't trust the boys because Gilbert's the gambler and Sullivan's the drinker. And, since Emily is talking to Deputy Dolly, we get the obligatory cut down. This time it's about how her hair is flattened down when she takes off her hat.
Gertie notices Emily's gray hair and shrugs. Because gray hair is sad. Remember Gertie? The beautician that Emily doesn't trust with her hair because Gertie herself has a bright hair color that Emily does not like? And her hair is thinning? Because we all know that thinning hair is always the person's fault. Always. Grrr.
Anywhat, DD notices and says that she'll pick up some hair dye for Emily's Friday Night Makeover.
Then they get down to business.
DD breaks out a notebook and suggests they outline what they know already. Emily uses this as an opportunity to bring up her writing skillz. DD gives her the eyebrows of disbelief and they continue.
DD thinks it's someone in Leetsville but Emily disagrees and suggests that maybe Harry had a hand in it. I thought they lived in Leetsville? Outside of it but still inside the town lines.
As they make their way out they are stopped by everyone wondering about their "secret" investigation. I didn't know it was supposed to be discreet since they're eating at the main diner/hangout instead of meeting at their homes.
They head to Amanda's house first. We get a description of the house, a cute little gingerbread thing. Emily takes time to note that the daughter has let the garden go to hell, even though it's fall. Then she gets maudlin about abandoned gardens. She wonders why 'Miz' Poet's friends haven't stepped in to take care of it. Um, maybe they're upset also? Why doesn't Good Neighbor Emily do it?
Amanda opens the door and we're told that Amanda is a tiny, petite woman. Amanda eyes them a bit. Amanda is in her early forties, tiny, blonde (fading out of course, because Emily notices everyone's hair) and has a large-eyed waif air. Which annoys DD.
They explain why they're there and finally get in the door. Emily does not approve of the décor, calling it "faux country" and "cute enough to give you a queasy feeling."
It seems that in her mother's absence Amanda has untidied the very tidy living room. Emily pegs her as a woman who's never quite grown-up and sucks the life out of anyone who's elected by her to be her keeper. Fair. I know people like that.
Amanda moves some newspapers around then acts like she's going to swoon. Emily thinks to herself about a woman she interviewed in Ann Arbor who acted the same way until her missing husband turned up with a bunch of stab wounds, inflicted by the swoonee. So, you never know about people, is the gist of it.
Emily introduces herself as a reporter so Amanda starts giving out grieving daughter quotes then waits until Emily finds a pen to write them down. DD asks about any enemies, like the pastor who spoke out about them. Amanda insists that it was just a misunderstanding and that her mother and friends weren't into any Pagan stuff. Just nature and dancing outdoors for 'health reasons'. Sounds better than the gym. DD wonders if maybe one of the parishioners took it a little too seriously but Amanda No Ways.
Amanda does remember her mother complaining about being over-charged for firewood. Dolly asks about who inherits from her mother. Emily thinks that's a little personal. Um, hello? Police investigation?
Amanda gives a non-answer and claims she never married because she had to look after her mother. Whatever special snowflake. She also tells them that she's having a service and hopes they'll come. At the church. Where the pastor spoke out against them. Sounds like a good way to honor your mother. Emily and DD wonder if she wants to wait until the rest of her mother shows up but Amanda doesn't want to wait.
DD tells her that Ernie sends his regards and Amanda blushes. As they're leaving Joslyn Henry pulls up. Emily and DD say hi and Emily says she was just over to Joslyn's house. Joslyn wants to know what for. Emily wanted background on 'Miz' Poet for her article. Joslyn brushes them off, needing to talk to Amanda.
DD and Joslyn decide to split up again and question different people. DD reminds Emily to ask about what happened a month ago because that's when 'Miz' Poet was killed.
They decide to question Joslyn later, after she's calmed down.
End of Chapter
Well, lots of excitement this chapter! More questioning! Talking!
Well, that's it for today. Tomorrow I'll try to squeeze in an X-File but with Christmas...I dunno. So, Saturday at the latest.
Happy Holidays! Whatever holiday you choose or not choose to participate in.
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