Page 18 of Too Old for This
“Wait. I just remembered something else,” I say. “Her earrings.”
“Her earrings?”
“Yes, she was wearing pearl earrings. Plain, simple studs. You never see those anymore, especially not on someone as young as Plum. You see, we were in the kitchen drinking tea, and she reached down to get something out of her bag. Her hair swung forward, she pushed it behind her ear, and that’s when I asked about the pearls,” I say. “When she turned to answer me, I saw the bruise.”
CHAPTER 10
“I’m sorry, did you say bruise?” Tula asks.
“It was right here.” I point to my temple, just above the eyebrow. “I didn’t see it at first, because of her hair. But once I did, it was impossible to ignore. This bruise was quite…Well, bruises are always ugly, aren’t they? Purple and black and yellow around the edges.” I make a face.
Kelsie leans forward so far it looks like she’s going to fall out of the chair. “Did Plum say how she got the bruise?”
“She said something about banging her head on a machine at the gym. I couldn’t tell you which one. I haven’t been to a gym in years, and I probably wouldn’t recognize anything other than the treadmill. Did I tell you I have one? My son bought it for me, and it’s really smooth. I never knew—”
“Mrs.Jones,” Tula says. “Did Plum say anything else about the bruise? Like when she was at the gym or how many days it had been?”
“No, but she did tell me about the burn.”
“I’m sorry, did you say burn?”
“It was on the outside of her arm, right below the wrist. Maybe two or three inches long? Plum said it was from her iron.”
“Iron. You mean a clothing iron?” Kelsie says.
“No, it was a”—I twirl my finger around a few times—“curling iron.”
“Did she say how long ago that happened?”
“I don’t think so. Before we continue, I’ve really got to get myself a cup of tea. Are you sure neither one of you want a cup?”
Kelsie stands up like she’s going to follow me into the kitchen. “Did Plum say anything else about bruises or getting injured?”
I pretend to think about that. “Not that I can recall, no.”
She looks back at Tula. They need more information, but they won’t get it from me.
Tula stands up and buttons his blazer. “Actually, I think we’re done with the questions. At least for now.”
“Are you sure? I really don’t mind answering more.”
Kelsie reaches over to hand me her card. She smells like lavender has been slathered all over her body. “If you think of anything else, will you give me a call?”
“Absolutely. Of course.”
“Thank you for your time,” Tula says. “We really appreciate it.”
They wait until I shuffle back down the hall with my walker and lead them to the door.
“If you have any more questions, feel free to call or come by,” I say. “As you can see, I don’t get out very often. Mostly just to church.”
“Hopefully, we’ll find her soon, and won’t have to bother you again,” Tula says.
I smile.
—
It feels good to get out of that nightgown and slip into a hot bath. A rarity for me. Who has time to lie around in a pool of water filled with their own dirt?
