Murder by Yew (An Edna Davies Mystery #1)(17)

Housekeeper Helpers consisted of only the two women, although many people wondered why Beverly didn’t expand, since she had a page-long waiting list. When questioned, she always replied, “You want somethin’ done right, you gotta do it yerself.”

“Good morning,” Edna said, wiping her hands on a small towel. “I want to thank you again for postponing your plans for me. If it weren’t for my art class coming tomorrow …”

“A good customer like you, we’re always glad to help,” Beverly interrupted, putting down her pail and resting on a mop handle. “How’s your husband likin’ his trip?”

“Just fine, thank you.” Remembering something else Tuck had told her, Edna said, “I hear your brother is starting a handyman business in town.” She felt a pang of disloyalty for Tom but was glad Norm Wilkins would have competition.

“That’s right. If you have anything you need done around here, I can send him over.” Beverly put the mop aside and lifted the pail to fill it at the kitchen sink. “Shoes is a good worker,” she said over her shoulder.

“Shoes? I thought his name was David.”

For some reason, Beverly found this remark extremely funny. She laid one hand on the counter as she bent over with laughter. When she had finally caught her breath and straightened, she said, “Yeah, I forget some don’t know him by his nickname. Well, that’s a long story.” She paused and chuckled, shaking her head before going on. “I don’t mean to stand here jawin’ about my family while there’s work to do.” Her actions made Edna even more curious, and she made a mental note to ask Bev the story another time. Picking her pail up out of the sink, Beverly brayed out another laugh before saying, “We’d better get started, and you better go get your hair laundered.”

Edna couldn’t help smiling at the good-natured woman as she retrieved her tote bag from the front hall closet and left for her second appointment of the day. She drove the short distance to the middle of town and pulled into a little strip mall. Spotting an available space in front of The Locks Shoppe, she was getting out of her car when Tuck drove up and parked beside Edna’s dark blue Buick.

“Good morning, Tuck,” Edna greeted her friend. She had liked Helen Tucker from their very first meeting years ago. A kind woman who always wore a slightly puzzled look as if not certain how she had gotten where she was, Tuck had, nonetheless, been tremendous in helping Edna acclimate to the community.

The two women were about to enter the salon when an old, battered Mercedes spun in next to Tuck’s spotless Lincoln and stopped, slightly askew and over the line into the neighboring space. A plump woman with tight blond curls, showing gray at the roots, pushed herself out of the car and bustled toward them. She wore a paisley pants suit and carried a large, black, patent-leather handbag over her left forearm. As she approached, she dropped her keys into the purse and snapped it shut.

“Mornin’, Tuck.”

“Mornin’, Peppa.” Tuck put a hand on Edna’s arm and pulled her forward. “Meet my friend, Edna Davies. Edna, this is Harriet Peppafitch.”

“Folks call me Peppa.” She had a nice smile and a twinkle in her eyes when she extended a hand. Her face was tanned and weathered, as if she spent most of her time outdoors.

“I’ve been wanting you two to meet,” Tuck said, beaming from one to the other. “I think you’ll find you’ve a lot in common.” Getting between the two and taking each by an arm, she directed them gently toward the salon door. “We’d better not stand out here chatting. We’ll have time to talk later.”

As soon as they entered the shop, a young woman at the front counter greeted Tuck with a frown. “Heidi got a call from the day-care center that her son’s running a fever. She went to pick him up and take him to the doctor. Would you mind rescheduling your appointment? She can fit you in tomorrow, if that’s okay.”

Tuck took the card the young woman held out to her. “That dear girl. I know how busy her Saturdays are.” She turned to her friends. “This will put a crimp in our brunch plans.” After a brief pause, her face lit up. “Tell you what. Why don’t you come out to the house when you’re done here? I have plenty of food, and it’ll be a treat to cook for more than one again.”

Edna and Peppa looked at each other before nodding. “Sounds fine, Tuck,” Peppa said and nudged Edna with her elbow. “I know what a good cook she is. We’re getting the best of this.”

“I won’t look as pretty as you two, but there’ll be plenty to eat.”

They all laughed as Tuck waved and headed for the door.

Having only a wash and set, Edna was finished first and sat down in one of the dryer chairs to wait and watch the hair coloring process. Of course, she’d seen women having their hair dyed before, but she’d never paid close attention. Wondering idly if this were the salon Dee Tolkheim used, Edna glanced at her reflection in the wall of mirrors and studied her gray hair. When Peppa was ready to go, Edna was still unconvinced that she needed to reclaim her youthful color. She had a mental picture of walking into the house with auburn curls and Albert collapsing on the floor in a fit of laughter.

Peppa offered to drive, explaining that she had to pass by the mall again to get home, so it would be no bother. “No sense driving two cars if we don’t have to.” Backing out of the space, she said. “How do you know Tuck?”