Page 65 of A Spot of Tea
“It’s Eliza,” Mackenzie sighed. “She’s convinced he’s not involved and she doesn’t want to tell anyone yet.”
Sheila covered her eyes with hand. “She’s protecting him.”
“She’s sick,” Patty said. “Heartsick. It’s a terrible disease. Infects every system.”
“Not funny, Patty.” Sheila glared at her. “This is serious!”
“Why did they want to talk to Eliza?” Patty peered out the window. “That Stacy was so forceful.”
“We thought maybe Joey had left her the money as an apology,” Mackenzie said. “But maybe they were trying to frame her?”
“Why don’t we ask him?” Patty said, peering through the window. “He’s headed right for the door.”
“Get down!” Mackenzie barked. “Now!”
Sheila and Mackenzie squatted quickly. Patty had a harder time moving quickly.
“I can’t get down with such short notice,” she complained, grabbing a chair with one hand and lowering herself. “I need more time.”
“Lower, Granny!” Mackenzie whispered, reaching for her arm.
Patty felt herself starting to fall backwards, so she stood back up. “I can’t do it!”
“Just sit down, then!” Sheila whispered.
Patty eased into a seat, then slumped over. “There. Is that good?”
The door rattled, once, twice, as Joey pulled at the knob.
“Hello?” he called out. His face appeared in the window.
Patty sunk lower. “I think he can see me.”
“Sh!”
His face disappeared. Patty’s back hurt too much to sit like this. She stood and looked through the window. Joey was walking down the hill.
“That’s it.” Patty dusted off her apron. “I’m not going to hide on the floor in my own teashop. We’re going to get help.”
“Who?” Sheila asked, standing up.
Patty smiled. “Let’s just say I have connections.”
“Chief Hank?” Sheila asked.
“Better. His wife, Margie.”
Mackenzie frowned. “How is Margie going to help with this?”
Patty dropped her apron on the chair. “Just – come with me.”
Sheila and Mackenzie shot each other a look.
“Trust me! I’m older than both of you combined, and more than twice as wise,” she said. “Get your coats; it looks like rain.”
Finally, they did as she said and followed her out the door.
Twenty-four
