Read Terror on Tybee Island (A Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Book 3) for Free Online

bathroom.
    “I’ll just be a few minutes Dee, then you can soak.” I surveyed the room while I relaxed. The cozy room boasted white walls with white and black tile floor covering. A border complimenting the color scheme decorated the walls. A unique hand-painted piece of glass hung on the wall. A closer looked illuminated the artist’s name, Nancy Smith. I’d heard Seaside Sisters, a variety store located downtown Tybee, sold these special paintings. The Seaside Sisters was definitely on my list of places to visit.
    “Hey, have you drowned in there?” Dee Dee hollered from the bedroom.
    “Hold on! I’m coming. I’m soaking these old bones.”
    “Just kidding. Take your time.”
    A few minutes later I exited the bathroom feeling like a renewed woman.
    “Let me see your hands.” Dee Dee grabbed my hands and turned them palms up. “Just wanted to see if they look like prunes.”
    “Ha, ha. Very funny. I’d wager you’ll stay as long as I did when you sink down in that claw-foot tub.” I sat on my bed and a huge yawn escaped.
    “All right, sleepyhead. Go ahead and turn out the lights. I’ll be out in a few minutes.
    I snuggled under the covers. My relaxed body melded into the soft bed sheets. It was a little bit of heaven on earth. I really wanted to stay up and ask Mama how Laura’s interview went. But a few minutes after my head hit the pillow I was sound asleep.
     
    A knock on the bedroom door startled me from deep slumber. “Trixie, you awake?” Mama opened the door just enough to stick her head in.
    I sat up in bed and pulled the covers up for warmth. Dee Dee propped up on her elbow to see what was going on. “Sure, Mama. Come on in.” The morning sun poured through the window, illuminating the room.
    I scrunched my feet up so she could sit on the end of my bed. Mama wore a wrinkled brow and looked like she hadn’t slept much.
    “Mama, what’s the matter?”
    “It’s Laura. I waited for Detective Baker to bring her back.” Mama picked at a loose thread on the cover. “It’s not good news.”
    “What do you mean, Betty Jo?” Dee Dee sat up and swung her feet over the side of the bed.
    “They found the murder weapon not far from the body. Laura’s fingerprints were all over it.”
    “What!” My mind couldn’t conjure up an image of this sweet lady as a murderer. Then again I suppose anyone pushed to the brink could act on impulse. “What was the murder weapon?”
    “A garden gnome.”
    Dee Dee laughed out loud and I couldn’t help but smile. Mama wasn’t amused.
    “I’m sorry,” Dee Dee said through another burst of giggles. “I know it’s not funny, but a garden gnome. How could you kill somebody with a garden gnome?”
    I took Mama’s hand in mine. “Mama, why do they think Laura killed Grace Watkins?”
    “I know it seems far-fetched anyone would use a gnome as a murder weapon, but Detective Baker said her head was smashed in by blunt force. The gnome belonged to Laura. She had it in her yard for decoration. You know how popular they’ve become lately.”
    “They do seem to be the rave right now. But there must be a hundred gnomes on the island.” Dee Dee plunged her feet into her fuzzy cat slippers.
    “That’s just it. The gnome they found near the body came from Laura’s garden, and was custom painted to match the cottage trim. It didn’t help it’s common knowledge she maintained an on-going feud with Grace.” Mama got up and strolled around the room. “She’s inconsolable.”
    “I’m so sorry, Mama.” A shiver ran through my body. I grabbed my robe and slid it on.
    “Trixie, I have something to confess. Please don’t be mad.” I couldn’t for the life of me think of what she could have done to make me angry.
    Mama’s my rock. After my divorce, she not only offered me a place to live, but a shoulder to cry on. I owed Mama, even though I knew she didn’t feel that way.
    “Don’t worry, Mama. I’m sure it’ll be all right.” I put my arm around