Fear Thy Neighbor (75)

“The killing bucket. Redfish, they’re bad luck here. You get a load a guts, well, some of the folks say it’s the signal for a killing. Meaning whoever finds them is marked for death.”

Shocked, yet knowing there had to be a ring of truth to this, Ali asked, “How do you know that? Is it just another rumor? Have you heard of anyone actually living to tell this . . .” She wanted to say, “fish story” but didn’t, instead saying, “Rather, anyone who experienced this, and survived to tell their story?” Surely if this were true, Kit would’ve come across it in his research.

“Not me, but I hear stuff at the store. That’s where I heard about the killing bucket. The redfish being bad luck has been known among the locals for years. It’s some sick fool who’d do this,” Tammy told her. She put the groceries in the now-clean refrigerator, then wiped her hands on her shirt.

“Hey, the water is on, and I have soap,” Ali told her.

“No worries. I’m going to get those chairs, and then we can talk, if that’s okay.”

“Sure,” she said to Tammy’s back as she hurried out the door. Not wanting to lock her out, she stood in front of the door, waiting for her to return with the chairs. As soon as she saw her, she opened the door. “That was fast.”

“Now.” Tammy unfolded two plastic lounge chairs. “Have a seat. I’ll fix us a bite. You go ahead and talk all you want. I’m a good listener.” Tammy found the bar of yellow soap she’d bought, washing her hands before preparing the meal.

Ali was curious as to what Tammy planned to make. She hadn’t paid much attention to the food she’d bought. With no pots and pans, no dishes, she’d have to buy all those items when and if she decided to. “First tell me what you’ve heard about the killing buckets.”

“People from the island, mostly the fishermen, I’ve heard them make jokes about the extra cash they get when so and so is ticked off. I don’t have a specific name; as I said, it’s mostly the fishermen. Most of them come and go, some are local, others not. I gather when there’s a call for redfish guts, it’s trouble.”

Tammy took a package of some kind of deli meat, cheese, and a small jar of mayo from the fridge, along with a loaf of wheat bread. “Hope turkey is good with you. It was on sale, and it’s the good stuff.”

Ali nodded. “Yes, that’s fine.” She really didn’t care what she ate. After hearing about the killing bucket, what little appetite she had was gone, though she wouldn’t say this to Tammy after all the trouble she’d gone to. Not to mention, she had paid for the food.

Tammy gave her a sandwich wrapped in a paper towel and a pack of potato chips. Alison took a bite of the sandwich, realizing she was hungry in spite of what Tammy had just told her. As soon as she finished, she took a can of soda and downed it. “Would you be willing to tell this to Kit? My reporter friend.” She wanted a full explanation for the grisly mess she found, and Kit could get to the bottom of it.

“Absolutely. I’m happy to, if it helps you find out who’s trying to harm you. Shit, they already have harmed you! I’ll do whatever it takes,” Tammy said, wadding her paper towel in a ball, then tossing it in one of the grocery bags. “You need to take these.” She whipped out a small white bag from the Publix paper sack. “Antibiotics, and a pain pill.”

“Sure,” Ali said, taking the dark green Keflex with another soda. “I’ll wait until tonight to take the pain meds. I’m okay right now. I need to go to Val’s and see if she’s home with Renée. You want to walk with me?” Ali hoped if Val were home, she didn’t mind her bringing Tammy along.

“Sure, if you want,” Tammy said.

“I want to get my purse and keys to the Jeep so I can change into real clothes,” she told her. “I’m slow,” she warned as they headed toward the beach.

The sun was still out, yet not a soul could be found on the beach. Birds called, their wings fluttering above them. With a slight breeze, it was just the kind of evening one would spend walking along the beach. Ali took her time, not wanting to injure herself any further. She’d had enough. It was time to find out what the hell was happening on this island. As soon as she saw Kit, she’d let him question Tammy about the killing buckets, if they hadn’t already come up in his investigation.

As soon as she saw the blue beach house, Ali spied Renée sitting on the deck with Val and an unfamiliar man. When she reached the steps, she called out, “Is it okay if I come up? I need my purse.” She didn’t want to interrupt them if this was a private family moment.

“Thank God!” Val said, racing down the steps. “I’ve been worried to death about you. Come on, there is something I need to tell you.” She looked at Tammy. “Do I know you?” Val asked her. “You look familiar.”

“I work in town at the dollar store,” Tammy said. “You’ve read for me a couple times, though it’s been a while.”

“Of course! You’d think I would remember. Come on up, both of you,” Val insisted.

They followed her up the three flights of steps. When Ali saw who Renée was sitting next to, she shot Val a questioning look.

“Have a seat,” Val instructed. “Before I get started, do either of you need something to drink?”