Happy 4th of July everyone! Thanks as always for the reviews!

Chapter 17

When Nancy arrived at the River Heights Mortuary she saw Detectives Rivera and Rodgers standing in the parking lot with Frank and Joe. The sky was now blanketed by thick gray clouds and the wind had a definite chill. Nancy exited the car, grabbed her suit jacket and hurried over to the men. As she slipped on the dark jacket she caught a glimpse of Joe’s blue eyes and his smile of recognition.

Joe stretched out his arms and scooped Nancy into a giant bear hug. “Nancy Drew!” He almost lifted her off her feet. Letting her go, he stepped back and said, “I’ve really missed you Drew! How’ve you been? Gosh, you look great!”

“So do you!” Nancy gushed, “I’m doing fine. How ‘bout you?”

“I’m great,” he said. Rubbing her shoulder he added, “I’m real sorry about your mother.”

“Thanks,” she replied softly and gave Joe’s cheek a quick kiss. “I’m glad you’re finally here. It’s nice to be working with the Hardys again.” Turning to the others she got right to business anxious to share her information. “My interview with Mrs. Stein was very productive. I think I have a name for our killer.” Looking at Rivera she added, “Sir, if this guy is our killer, then your theory was right. He worked at the school as a custodian.”

“Really? What’d you find out?” Rivera asked.

Nancy related what she’d learned about Ray Gordon and the men agreed he seemed a good fit for the killer especially given his background.

“We need to have all available databases searched for Ray Gordon, see if this guy has a record,” Rivera said.

“I’ll call the station and get that started,” offered Rodgers. Rivera nodded his approval and Rodgers stepped away from the group to make the call.

While Rodgers was on his cell phone, Rivera flipped open a five-by-seven notebook and shared what they’d learned in their search of flower shops. “Rodgers and I did find the flower shop where our suspect bought the rose. It was Rosie’s Flowers. The clerk remembered selling a guy in a long dark overcoat and large dark hat a white rose. She said he kinda stood out in that get-up and that’s why she remembered him. Unfortunately, she didn’t get a good look at his face because he kept his head down. He paid in cash, but she found the receipt.” Rivera held up a slip of paper. “He purchased the rose the same day you were at the cemetery.” He looked at Nancy.

Frank spoke next, “Joe and I located a hotel he stayed at for a few days. The clerk couldn’t offer any useful information. We’ve started checking month-to-month rentals. Now, that we have a name that might help our search. Of course, he could be using a fake name. We also think we know where the guy’s been eating breakfast.”

“That was all thanks to me by the way,” Joe added tapping his chest and grinning, his eyes twinkling. “I left our card and the waitress promised to call if he shows up again.”

Rodgers rejoined the group sliding his cell phone onto his belt. “Chief Logan says he’ll get somebody on those databases immediately.”

The parking lot began to fill rapidly. Grim, sad-faced people exited their cars and solemnly made their way to the Mortuary.

Nancy, Frank, Joe, and the detectives continued to discreetly discuss the case until Mr. Drew arrived and cordially greeted the group. He hugged his daughter and Nancy introduced her father to Detectives Rivera and Rodgers. After some polite conversation Mr. Drew invited Joe to stay at the Drew home and Joe readily accepted the offer and thanked Mr. Drew for his generosity.

The wind suddenly grew blustery and a few large drops of rain fell. The few people lingering outside scanned the angry sky and decided it was time to head to the safety of the building.

“It’s time for us to head in too,” Rivera said.

The raindrops and wind increased causing people to quicken their pace, hurrying to the Mortuary. The funeral service for Dawn Bedingfield was simple and poignant, a fitting tribute to a young woman whose life had been cut tragically short. Her father sat tearless and resolute, a pillar of strength for his sobbing wife sitting next to him, his arm around her heaving shoulders. Dawn’s younger brother and sister sat next to their parents staring and pale numbed by the tragic that had befallen their family. As the service ended a bolt of lightning flashed outside the windows followed by an ominous rumble of thunder.

People stood and quietly exchanged comforting words before departing. Most were going to the catered reception at the Bedingfield’s home and would pay their respects and offer their deepest sympathies there. Those not attending the reception stayed behind to offer their condolences.

The Hardys, Nancy, and the detectives waited patiently to speak with the Bedingfields privately regarding the necklace. Finally the opportunity arose and Rivera and Frank approached Mr. Bedingfield.

Rodgers, Nancy, Joe, and Mr. Drew waited to the side feeling it was best not to have the entire group descend upon the couple. While they waited Mr. Drew invited everyone out to dinner saying Hannah had gone to visit her sister for the evening. Rodgers politely declined, but Nancy and Joe accepted.

“Good news,” Rivera said as he and Frank approached the group. “The necklace was given to Dawn by Eric Park her fiancé.”

“The father didn’t recognize the necklace, but Eric was standing nearby and did,” Frank added for clarification.

“Well, this confirms the killer was at your house,” Rivera said looking at Nancy. “But what I don’t know is, was he there by coincidence or design?” He furrowed his brow.

Frank offered his opinion, “The rose on the grave leads me to believe design.” He looked at Nancy. “I actually think he may be targeting you Nancy.”

Rivera nodded. “I do too and I advise you to use extreme caution Miss Drew.”

“Of course.” Nancy nodded noticing the look of fear that passed over her father’s face.

“Nancy can take care of herself,” Joe interjected firmly earning an appreciative smile from Nancy.

“Thanks Joe,” she said.

“Plus, Frank and I won’t let you let of our sight. We’ve got your back just like we always have,” Joe added.

“That makes me feel a lot better,” Mr. Drew said patting Nancy’s back protectively.

“Well, we’ve accomplished a lot today,” Rivera told the group, “I feel we’re closing in on this guy and that’s a feeling I like. Let’s all try to enjoy our weekend. My son has a soccer game tomorrow morning and I plan on being there relaxing in the stands, cheering him on. Rodgers or I will let you know if we hear anything from the database search.”

The two detectives departed in their patrol car while Nancy, the Hardys, and her father decided on a restaurant. An evening out relaxing over a delicious meal with old friends sounded very inviting.

••• ••• ••• •••

Trish Seaton couldn’t wait to go out with her friends tonight. She was dying to share her news about the two cute guys who’d come in the diner that morning, and that they were detectives working on the Bedingfield case, and that the killer might actually have been eating at the diner! It was all so very exciting Trish thought as she brushed her long, straight, blonde hair, made blonder with a little help from the store, and wondered if those guys would come to the diner again.

She licked her pink lips seductively thinking of the blond guy. He was definitely her type she’d already decided. He seemed like a lot of fun, not too serious, but still nice and polite, and had a great job!

She fluffed her hair and checked her make-up and decided to add a little more black eyeliner. She stood back from the mirror and surveyed herself. Dressy, but not too dressy she considered her attire of tight faded jeans paired with a tight colorful cotton top and the extra layer of eyeliner made her hazel eyes more vivid. Perfect, she thought and slipped on some low heels.

Yeah, that blond is the kind of guy I need, she thought. Some one with a steady income and hot to boot! Trish hadn’t had the best luck with men in her short twenty-four years and she’d recently kicked yet another, in a long stream of unsatisfactory men, to the curb. Somehow trouble always cropped up, drugs, alcohol, ex-girlfriends, or money problems. Trish was tired of the lackluster men in her life and hoped her luck was about to change. A girl could dream couldn’t she?

The musical tones of her cell phone interrupted her thoughts. She checked the caller id.

“Hey, Brandi!” she said into the phone all bubbly with excitement.

“Hey Trish,” Brandi echoed back, “Celia and I are waiting at the mall. Where are you girl?”

“Sorry, I’m on my way! I’m leaving right now.” Trish grabbed a jacket and headed out of her second floor apartment. Raindrops splattered the concrete landing as she checked to make sure her door was locked then dashed for the stairs.

“You want Celia and I to go ahead and buy the movie tickets?”

“Yeah, that’ll be great,” Trish said running to her car clutching the phone to her ear. “Oh, and boy do I have a lot to tell you guys! You won’t believe what all happened at the diner today!”

“Okay, okay, but get a move on girl or you’re gonna make us late for this movie,” Brandi urged.

“Okay! Okay,” Trish laughed not minding the ribbing by her friend. “I’m getting in my car right now. See you in five minutes!”

It was nine-thirty when the movie ended and three giddy young women spilled out of the theater and into the mall.

“So, what do we want to do now? I’m not ready to go home yet,” said Celia. She flipped back her long jet black hair accented with pink highlights.

“I want to check out Jay’s Fashions. I heard they’re having a sale this weekend,” Brandi suggested. She was a short curly haired brunette with an upturned nose and incredibly long eyelashes.

“Fine by me,” Trish agreed.

The three friends wandered the mall checking the upcoming sales. Throughout their wanderings Trish talked incessantly about the two guys she’d met at the diner and the possibility of the killer eating there. Celia and Brandi weren’t nearly as impressed as she’d hoped they would be.

“Hey,” Trish said after thirty minutes of window shopping, “I’m hungry let’s go to the diner. I know Ruby is waitressing tonight, you know she’ll let us eat for almost nothing.”

“Oh, you think those guys might be there,” Brandi teased.

“Or the killer,” Celia said dramatically.

“So what?” Trish said a little defensively, but then smiled, “It is possible you know. And anyway, I’m hungry. How ‘bout you guys?”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind a piece of pie,” the sweets-loving Brandi admitted.

“Me too,” Celia conceded.

After parking their cars the three women dashed through the rain and entered the diner. Trish waved to Ruby and the older woman smiled at the women as they chose a table in her section. Ruby picked up a coffee pot and ambled over. It wasn’t unusual for Trish and her friends to stop in on a Friday night especially when they were between boyfriends which appeared to be the case.

“So, is he here?” Celia asked breathlessly her eyes shifting around the diner.

“I can tell ya, the two hot guys aren’t here,” Brandi informed her friends and they all giggled.

“Coffee ladies?” Ruby asked. All three women turned over their cups as they said ‘yes.’ “So, what’ve you ladies been up to?”

“Not much Ruby,” Trish answered. “Just hanging out. We went to the movies and checked out the sales at the mall.”

“There’s not much to do in this town,” complained Celia.

“That’s good. Keeps you out of trouble,” admonished Ruby glaring pointedly at the dark-haired young woman.

“Yeah, but a girl likes to have some fun every once in a while,” Celia countered with a tilt of her head.

“Hmph,” Ruby responded and wisely decided to keep further comments to herself and instead asked, “So, do you ladies know what you want or you need a minute?”

Twenty minutes later Brandi took another bite of her cherry pie and sighed, “Well, it looks like we struck out. No cute guys and no killer.”

“Yeah, I’m about ready to call it a night,” Celia agreed and pushed her half-eaten pie away.

Trish glanced at her friends feeling defeated. “Well, we knew it was a long shot.” She took a long sip of her cooled coffee.

“I’m going to the bathroom,” Celia announced, grabbed her purse and stood.

The door to the diner chimed and a tall dark figure walked in. Celia’s face fell and she promptly sat down. Trish and Brandi’s backs were to the door so they couldn’t see who had entered.

“What’s wrong?” Trish asked Celia. “You look funny.” She started to turn around, but Celia grabbed her hand.

“Don’t turn around,” she warned her friends in a breathless whisper. “I think it’s him.”

“Who?” Brandi said loudly starting to turn around then remembered Celia’s warning and whispered, “I mean, who?”

“Him!” Celia whispered raising her black eyebrows and stared at Trish her dark eyes seemed to bore into her friend.

“The killer?” Trish mouthed as she heard Ruby greet the customer.

“Sit wherever you want I’ll be right with you sir.”

Celia nodded her head up and down at Trish then her eyes followed the customer as he slid into his favorite booth.

“He’s sitting down now right?” Trish asked quietly. Brandi leaned closer.

“Yep,” Celia answered taking a sip of her soda and trying to look nonchalant.

“Where?” Brandi asked batting her long lashes.

Celia answered with her eyes and a slight tilt of her head.

“A booth?” Trish asked the excitement rising in her voice.

“Yeah.”

“That’s where he always sits according to Millie,” Trish explained in hushed tones. “This must be him! What’s he wearing?!”

As Ruby waited on the customer Celia described his clothing to her friends, “Long black coat and big black hat that he just took off. He laid it on the bench so I can’t see it anymore. He’s combing his hair with his hands.” Celia made a face.

“What color’s his hair?” Trish asked thinking she could give this information to the guys tomorrow. This was the perfect opportunity to speak to them again! Her luck was changing after all!

“Hard to say,” Celia answered sipping her soda letting her eyes survey the man, but not staring. “I’d say it used to be black. I think there’s some gray in it. It’s really greasy.” She made a face again and looked disgusted.

Ruby appeared with a coffee pot. “You ladies want anything else? More coffee? Or are you packin’ it in?”

“More coffee please,” Trish quickly answered and pushed her cup closer. “Thanks Ruby!”

“Me too,” Brandi said, “And a grilled cheese sandwich please.”

“You just had pie!” Ruby said frowning at Brandi.

“I know! I’m still hungry.” Brandi shrugged and held her hands out.

Ruby poured the coffee and hurried off to place the order hoping the girls would at least leave a decent tip considering how long they’d stayed.

“What’s he doing?” Trish asked Celia.

“Drinking his coffee. I’m going to the bathroom. I’ll try and get a look at his face.”

“Be careful!” Brandi warned.

“No kidding! But what’s he gonna do here? Really! Besides, we don’t know that this is the guy.”

“I should go with you,” Trish said. “I’ve seen him before. I’ll know if it’s him.”

The two women rose and strolled to the bathroom.

“Well?” Brandi asked a few minutes later when Trish and Celia returned. She took a bite of the grilled cheese sandwich Ruby had placed in front of her.

“It’s him!” Trish whispered her eyes wide with excitement.

“No way! You sure?”

“Positive,” Trish whispered.

“What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know. Millie has the phone number for those guys.” Trish looked at her watch. “It’s after eleven. It’s too late to call Millie,” she sighed, “Should I call the police?”

“He’s leaving!” Celia whispered frantically. “He’s putting his hat on, he’s standing, he’s putting money on the table!”

“We have to follow him.” Trish gathered up her purse and jacket. She tore a ten dollar bill out of her wallet and tossed it on the table.

“He’s heading for the bathroom,” Celia announced relaxing a little. “And we’re not following him, that’s crazy!”

Brandi swallowed another bite of her grilled cheese and said, “Are you sure this guy’s the guy Millie saw? I mean, really! What are the chances that we’d actually run into the killer? I think we’re getting all excited about nothing.”

“You might be right,” Trish said undaunted. “And you two don’t have to go with me, but I’m going to follow him and see where he goes. This is the most excitement I’ve had in a long time.” She slipped on her jacket and grabbed her purse.

“This could just be a wild goose chase,” Brandi said hoping to dissuade her friend.

“Could be,” Trish agreed, “But I’m going. I want to be in my car when he leaves so I can follow him.”

“I have to finish my sandwich,” Brandi said motioning toward her half-eaten food.

“Brandi’s my ride home,” Celia explained shrugging. “But, use your cell phone to keep in touch with us. Let us know where you are! That way we can help you if you get in trouble.”

“Good plan,” Trish agreed with a bright smile happy her friends wanted to be part of the adventure.

She waved to Ruby and hurried out of the diner and into the cold damp night. The rain had stopped and the skies were clearing. A bright crescent moon peeked from behind a white cloud. Trish made it to her car and was safely locked inside with her key in the ignition when he came out of the diner.

Trish watched him get into an old brown dented car and heard it rumble to life. She turned the key of her dark blue Toyota Corolla and discreetly followed him out of the parking lot.