Free Hope Callaghan - Garden Girls 06 - Magnolia Mansion Mysteries by Hope Callaghan

scrambled eggs onto a second paper plate and set it on the floor.  Puddles nibbled the edge of Gloria’s hand to show his appreciation before he started to eat his treat.
    The three of them enjoyed their morning breakfast in silence. Gloria’s head was spinning with scenarios on how the body made it into the dumpster. 
    She loaded the last bit of egg onto her toast and folded it in half.  In two bites, the food was gone and Gloria was ready to start her day. 
    She took a quick shower then pulled on a pair of pink capris and white cotton blouse.  She slid her feet into a pair of her favorite sandals, grabbed her keys and hopped in the car.  She rolled down main street and passed by Dot’s on her way through town.  The breakfast crowd was in full swing and the place packed. 
    Doc Decker and his wife, Martha, lived in a rambling, two-story Victorian only a block from the old elementary school. They had lived in the house for as long as Gloria could remember.  It was here the couple had raised their five children and then stayed on in Belhaven, even after they closed the old drug store and retired.
    Gloria would drive down their street every so often, just to scope out Martha’s landscaping.  The woman had a green thumb and Gloria was always a bit envious of the lush lawn and beautiful flowers and plants.
    She thought about calling ahead but knew that they, like many of the other retired residents of Belhaven, were most likely at home puttering around the house. 
    Gloria pulled Anabelle in past the white picket fence and parked behind a tan minivan.  She pulled her purse off the seat and slid out of the car. 
    She glanced up at the beautiful leaded glass window on the second floor before turning her attention to the blooming Dahlias planted on both sides of the front walk as she made her way to the front porch.
    She pressed the doorbell and waited.  Gloria could hear a faint shuffling from within. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of the lace curtains as they moved, right before the door opened.
    Martha Decker’s tiny frame appeared on the other side of the screen.  “Hello Gloria.  What a pleasant surprise!”  She pushed the wooden frame door wide and shuffled to the side. “C’mon in.” Gloria crossed over the threshold and into the crowded living room. 
    Several large pieces of furniture surrounded the brick fireplace on the far wall.  A row of tall curio cabinets lined the wall opposite the fireplace.  On the other side were two recliners, separated by a small farmhouse table.
    Martha talked as she walked. “Would you like a cup of coffee?” She didn’t wait for a reply.  Instead, she continued down the wide hall towards the back of the house.
    Gloria followed behind.  When she reached the kitchen, she found Doc Decker sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee and reading the morning paper.  He snapped the paper in his hands. His eyes shot up as he peered at her over the top of his reading glasses.  “If it isn’t Gloria Rutherford.” He set the paper down and maneuvered around in his chair.  “Heard they found a body in the dumpster out at the old Johnson mansion.”
    His head, bald except for a wisp or two of hair, tipped to the side as he talked. 
    Gloria nodded.  “That’s why I’m here.  I was hoping you’d be able to tell me what you can remember about the last family of Johnsons that lived in the old place. 
    Doc Decker nodded.  He lifted his coffee cup and shoved the paper underneath before setting the cup back down.  He stuck his elbow on the table and rubbed his hand across his brow.  “Been a long time.  I’m not sure how much I remember about them.”
    Martha pulled out the chair opposite Doc and set a cup of coffee on the table in front of it.  “Here. Have a seat.”
    “Thank you.” Gloria slid into the chair and reached for the coffee.  “Just tell me whatever comes to mind.”
    Doc pulled his glasses off and set them on