Free Rest in Peace by Frances Devine Page B

when an unknown man had been murdered at Pennington House, and she thought she was a target, too. Could this have something to do with Clyde’s death?
    She slammed the bag closed and locked it, then whirled around, her diamond earrings sparkling, and looked me in the eye.
    “Can’t I go visit my nephew without you meddling? I’m not a child, Victoria.”
    “Of course. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
    Her expression softened. “It’s all right. I know you mean well.”
    “Could you wait until morning? It’s a little late to start out. It’ll be dark before you get there.”
    She glared without answering and started to lift the suitcase off the bed.
    I reached over and took it from her. “At least let me carry this for you. It’s heavy.”
    After I put the suitcase in the trunk of her Lexus, she turned to me. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’ll call when I get there.”
    As she drove away, a feeling of dread washed over me, but I shrugged and shook it off. Miss Aggie had driven herself to Jefferson City several times. She’d be fine.

    The grandfather clock in the great hall chimed eight, the last echo resounding throughout the room. I tapped on the table by my chair. Why hadn’t she called? Surely she was at Simon’s by now. Should I call? She’d be furious. Maybe I’d give her another half hour or so.
    I curled my legs up and leaned back, my eyes going to the portrait over the empty fireplace. His eyes seemed to stare into mine as though expecting something. I shivered. When was I going to learn to control my overactive imagination?
    The unease I’d felt when Miss Aggie drove away hit me again. Harder this time. My heart raced. I jumped up. Enough was enough.
    I went to my office and called Simon Pennington’s residence. After the fourth ring, a breathless female answered.
    “Pennington’s. Lauren speaking.” Simon’s youngest daughter. She had a friendly lilt to her voice. Someday I’d like to meet this young lady.
    “Miss Pennington, this is Victoria Storm at Cedar Lodge Boarding House in Cedar Chapel.”
    “Oh, hello Miss Storm. How is everything with Aunt Aggie?”
    Oh no
.
    “She isn’t there?” I couldn’t control the shaking of my voice.
    “No, Mom and Dad are on a cruise with friends from our church. Why would you think she was here?”
    A chill washed over me, and my throat tightened so that I couldn’t speak.
    “Miss Storm? Are you there?”
    I swallowed. “Yes, yes, I’m here. But I don’t know what to think. Miss Aggie left here this afternoon. She said shewas going there. Perhaps she didn’t know your parents were gone.”
    “Oh, but she did. Father called her before they left. Whatever was she thinking?” Worry tinged her voice. “Do you think she might have had a memory lapse?”
    “I don’t know. She’s not usually forgetful. But, of course, it’s possible.” I had no idea what Miss Aggie was up to, but I didn’t think for a moment that she had forgotten Simon was on a cruise.
    “I’m going to hang up and call Corky. If she shows up there or calls, will you please let me know?”
    “Yes, of course. And please call me if you hear anything.”
    We said good-bye, and I hung up, immediately dialing Corky’s number.
    “Hello, Victoria.” I heard music in the background.
    “Corky, can you get over here?”
    “What’s up? Phoebe and I are at a show in Branson.”
    “Miss Aggie left today and said she was going to your parents’ house in Jefferson City.”
    He laughed. “You must have misunderstood her. My folks are on a cruise.”
    “I didn’t misunderstand her. She packed her suitcase, told me she was going to Simon’s, and took off driving. I just talked to Lauren. She isn’t there.”
    For a moment all I heard was Corky’s breathing. Then, “And she doesn’t answer her phone?”
    Realization slammed against me. “I forgot all about her cell phone. I’ll try now.”
    “Call me back.”
    “I will.” I slammed the phone down