The Dragon Lady Gets Her Due: Mah Jongg Mysteries, #8

By Barbara Barrett

When the dragon lady down the street invites Sydney Bonner's husband to join the block's holiday lighting extravaganza, Syd figures the venture will distract him while she manages Sheriff Rick Formero's election campaign. But Trip's merry mission ends abruptly when the diva suffers a dramatic demise.

 

Syd and her mah jongg friends Marianne, Micki and Kat see a chance to make their amateur sleuthing official with their contributions to Sheriff Rick's campaign platform. But they're just as interested in why the skipper of the spectacular light show met her shocking end. Putting their political proposal into action, Syd rides shotgun with Rick as they interview a stocking full of suspects.

 

Serendipity Springs' secrets come to light as they unravel the mystery against the backdrop of a contentious campaign. From the standoffish widower to the resentful volunteers, it seems everyone on the committee had a problem with the queen of Christmas. As the naughty list grows and the neighbors string the investigators along, can Syd and her friends nail the evil elf before a deadly decorator turns out their lights for good?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Barrett
• Release date: Aug 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781948532273

Barbara Barrett

Barbara Barrett is a Midwestern woman who prefers her winters without snow or ice. Since her retirement, she spends her winters in Florida and returns to Iowa for her summers (which can get just as hot and humid as Florida at times). After graduating from college with a B.A. and M.A. degree in History, she spent several years as a human resources management analyst for the State of Iowa studying jobs and working with employees. She is married to the man she met in floor counselor training at the University of Iowa. They have two grown children and eight grandchildren. When not planted in front of her laptop, she is playing mah jongg, having lunch with friends or watching cooking or interior decoration shows on TV. Sign up for her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/BBContempRom Website: www.barbarabarrettbooks.com Email: [e-mail] Twitter: http://twitter.com/bbarrettbooks Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/barbarabarrett7/

Book preview

1

Silver-haired Sydney Bonner stared at the mah jongg tiles lined up on her rack and focused on not giving away her good fortune. She’d drawn five Jokers. Five! There were only eight in the game. But she’d decided on a hand too soon and as a result couldn’t use a Joker for the rest of the hand she didn’t have yet. They were far enough into play that her chances for drawing those tiles were slim.

Her chances completely disappeared a few rounds later when the tiles she needed were discarded and she couldn’t pick them up.

Five Jokers gone to waste. She felt sick.

In the end, they went to the wall, meaning no one won that hand. No harm, no foul. Except to Syd’s ego. Who gets five Jokers and still doesn’t win?

Typically, once a hand was over, each player shared the hand she’d been going for and they compared how close they’d come. For this hand, though, Syd hated to admit she’d blown such a fantastic gift. Maybe she could deflect the conversation. How’s Lombardi’s doing these days, Kat?

Silver-haired, green-eyed Kat Faulkner looked up from her card. So far, so good. It was like the staff had never been on hiatus the past several months while we repaired the supper club after the fire. Even though I kept busy at the ranch and paid their salaries so they wouldn’t find other jobs, they were delighted to be back.

It didn’t hurt that the opening for your cabaret act was such a success. Your staff should realize what a sweet deal they got when you bought the ruined restaurant and be proud to share your aura, Marianne Putnam told her. Despite the fact that she tended to be the analytical one of the four, Marianne, the shortest in the group at just a little over five feet, with a cap of red hair fading to rose gray, had the best people skills. Those served her well in her previous career as a small-town pharmacist.

Kat’s lottery-rich career as an emerging entrepreneur fought with her retiring personality. I’m just glad all is going well on that front, since Rick’s situation has become more tense at the sheriff’s department. Recently, Rick Formero, the local sheriff and Kat’s boyfriend, the only one who addressed her by her full name of Katrina, had sensed growing but nameless opposition both inside and outside the department; he’d been so concerned, he’d even shared a little of his unease with Syd, Marianne and Micki. Very out of character for the usually tight-lipped lawman.

I hope my nearly getting myself killed in that last case didn’t make things more uncomfortable for him, Micki Demetrius said. Micki, formerly an English teacher in a private school back East and now a freelance journalist, wore her dark black hair with a pronounced silver streak down one side.

Kat continued to stare at the tiles on her rack. Not a good sign for easing Micki’s guilt. It wasn’t your fault, Mick, although …

Although if I hadn’t been so driven to write the story about the murder, I wouldn’t have shaken the trees and eventually dislodged the killer.

You had to do what you had to do, Kat replied, although she sounded more resigned than reassuring. I can’t go into details, but small incidents at the department have been occurring. Nothing major or obvious yet. More like the kind of thing meant to demoralize someone with less self-confidence than Rick.

I’m so sorry, Kat. Rick may have been a stickler for the law where we’ve been concerned with past cases, but we’ve never doubted his integrity or competence, Marianne said.

Thanks. This week is critical. He has to decide whether to run in the next election. I think that may be why these problems have been escalating. Some would prefer he drop out now.

And not even run? Syd asked. Surely he wouldn’t seriously consider that option.

Kat studied her fingernails. He’s worried about me and the possible fallout on our relationship if he runs. Retirement or even a career change are becoming more tempting.

Play had stopped while this discussion of the upcoming election ensued. Syd had meant to distract the other three from noticing her five Jokers, not make things worse for Kat. Back up a minute. What is worrying him about your relationship? The question was out before she realized she’d added to Kat’s distress.

Let me list the ways: He’s living with me, part-time anyhow, without benefit of marriage; he’s a public servant residing in a fancy mansion in a gated community; I have more money than him—forget that it came from the lottery; and not one to stay at home, I’m now running a supper club, a ranch and I’m a cabaret singer.

Micki cocked her head. What’s wrong with any of that?

Marianne joined the discussion. I think what Kat’s saying is that, as impressive as your credentials are, Kat, they’re not exactly a picture of ‘the little lady behind the man.’

Come on, Micki replied, those were the old days. Society has come a long way from those close-minded views in this day and age.

Maybe in your world, Mick, Kat said, but aren’t you the one that female deputy sheriff told about subliminal sexual harassment at the sheriff’s department? And not just the men. Some of the other women deputies, plus the wives and girlfriends of the male deputies, supposedly questioned her ability to do her job when pregnant in their well-meaning ways.

Well, yeah, but …

In that universe, the little woman concept is alive and well, Kat told her. I wish there was something Rick or I could do to turn that around, but until Rick has won the election, neither of us feels up to dealing head-on with that issue. I can’t believe I made that statement, but I have to think first of Rick right now.

While Kat, Marianne and Micki had tossed around the subject of sexual harassment, Syd had been thinking about Rick’s campaign and toying with a different approach to his campaign strategy. I, uh, have an idea for you to consider, Kat. It involves you, too, Micki. Conceivably, it could turn things around. At the same time, it could help Micki get past the needless guilt she felt about showing up the sheriff’s department, but Syd left that part out. But it comes with risks.

Kat raised a brow. Lay it on me.

Micki nodded. I want to hear, too, if it involves me.

I don’t know if Rick has a campaign manager yet or even plans to get one, but if one exists, they should be involved as well, Syd said.

Not that I’m aware, Kat said, so continue.

Transparency is a big thing in today’s political campaigns. I suggest we take a bead from them. In other words, play up all the wonderful things about you, Kat, and how those help Rick be a better sheriff, a better man and thus contribute to the well-being of the department.

Kat didn’t react immediately. She seemed to be seriously considering Syd’s suggestion.

There’s more, Syd said. The best person to write this piece is Micki. She switched her attention to the other nearly six-foot woman besides herself at the table. You’ve been seeking something else to write about since crime reporting nearly got you killed. Political soft pieces might not be your preference in the long run, but what better way to transition away from homicides and killers?

Unlike her usual shoot-from-the-hip self, Micki seemed to be digesting the idea rather than reacting immediately.

Marianne stepped into the void. What an interesting approach. How do you see it working?

Trust her analytical friend to want to know the details. You and Rick will have to decide how much you want others to know about your private life, Kat, but try this on for starters. You relate how your former fiancé died in a horrific auto accident, which sent you into a tailspin of grief for years, and then it was compounded with your mother’s ongoing illness and subsequent death. That would be a jumping-off point for explaining why it took you so many years to find love again and even then, how hesitant you were to enjoy it.

Kat’s brow furrowed. I wouldn’t want this to be a sympathy piece. Others experience worse losses and challenges.

She hadn’t said no. A victory of sorts. True. That’s the common ground you build on. Along the way, your lottery winnings would be mentioned briefly, not from the perspective of how much you received or all the luxuries you’ve been able to indulge in that you never could afford before, but from the standpoint of the good you hope to do with them.

What about singing at my own supper club? I keep getting comments about how I bought and restored the place just to forward my own career.

Then you set those commenters straight once and for all by downplaying your appearances and promoting the up-and-coming performers you’ll be spotlighting the bulk of the time.

Kat sat back and folded her hands, her mouth curving up in a smile. How about it, Micki? If Rick agrees, and that’s a big IF, are you in? Would you consider doing a story like that?

Micki’s eyes had taken on a glow. Though she still occupied her seat, for all intents and purposes, she’d left her friends behind momentarily. Hopefully already drafting her copy in her head. You are a genius, Sydney Bonner. I love the idea!

Then it’s up to Rick, Syd replied. Her plan to avoid mentioning the five Jokers had been more than successful. The wild part was that, until she actually explained how it would work, she’d had no idea she’d be making such a suggestion.

Rick came home earlier than usual that night. Home meaning Kat’s house. He picked up a couple of sugar cookies that Greta, Kat’s housekeeper, had left in the kitchen for him, planted a kiss on the top of Kat’s head and headed upstairs.

Rick, she called after him. Is everything okay? He’d been unusually quiet, and his shoulders sagged.

I want to take a shower first. Then I’ll be back. We need to talk.

That was typically the opening line of one partner having decided to break up with the other. Surely that wasn’t the case here?

She felt sick to her stomach. She couldn’t have consumed one of Greta’s cookies for anything right now. Nor could she sit still. She puttered around the kitchen a bit, then went to her den to check her email, not that anything registered.

Finally, after what seemed like hours but was only fifteen minutes, he was back. Pick a spot where you’re comfortable to sit, he told her.

His words were anything but reassuring. She decided on the living-room sofa, where he joined her.

That uneasy feeling that all is not well with the human relations environment at the department came home to roost today. Twice. Quinn was giving a presentation at an elementary school, and Martinez had a doctor’s appointment. I asked Jonas Barker to ride along with me. He hemmed and hawed until finally he came up with some excuse why he couldn’t. I could’ve made him, but that’s not how I operate. I let it slide, and he went off on a call with Deputy Jackson instead.

What happened?

They went to check out the report of a stolen car. The perp saw them coming and took off on the highway going out of town. My deputies chased him. Long story short, their car overturned. Jackson was able to walk away, but Barker wasn’t so lucky. He got banged up pretty bad.

She put a hand on his shoulder. I’m sorry. I know how much it affects you whenever one of your people is hurt. Will he be okay?

Yeah, that’s the good part, but getting that report didn’t come easily. His wife was at the hospital by the time I got there. She wouldn’t let me go anywhere near the waiting room. In fact, she demanded I leave. ‘Haven’t you harmed my husband enough? Jackson told me how you stayed back while he and my husband checked out the car thief.’ I don’t know where Jackson got that impression. Either he made it up or Barker did. My money’s on Barker, since he refused to be in the same car with me.

Do you know why?

No, other than he was so intent on not partnering with me, he was ready to make up an excuse at the risk of being charged with insubordination. My guess is that either he didn’t want to be seen by the others as associating with me or worse, he feared being with me.

That’s horrible, Rick. Is that why you think his wife refused to let you see him?

I tried to get her to talk to me so I could discover why she felt like that, but she started screaming, so I thought it best to learn of Barker’s condition from a distance.

She took his hand and looked into his eyes. This sounds like the beginning of open resistance. Barker and possibly Jackson could be the opening wave. From my experience in my old job, I know these things can spread quickly if not dealt with immediately.

He twisted around to look at her directly. Who are you? Where is Katrina, the sympathetic, caring woman I know?

She offered a wan smile. She’s still here, but what you’ve described sounds a lot like a mutiny in the making. I saw it happen in the company in which I worked for several years. Certain employees got the idea that our boss wasn’t coming around to the future they wanted and chose to go their own way. He helped them do it by letting them go. No second chances, because they would’ve seen it as weakness.

You’re sharing these memories for a reason. Tell me what’s on your mind.

She hesitated. Their relationship hadn’t been on the most solid ground since she’d learned he didn’t want to move into her house on a permanent basis. She suspected part of his opposition was due to the stress he was experiencing at work, but what she was about to relate to him concerned the two of them and their future. Are you sure you want to hear? This involves change, and I know you don’t always do well with change.

Try me.

You need to fight this battle on two fronts: internally, both to improve the support of your staff and maintain leadership, and externally, to convince the voting public you’re the man for the job and to combat detractors. I have some suggestions, if you want to hear.

You’ve been thinking about my situation longer than just now. I’m sorry my job security has invaded your world. He kissed her hand. I may not be one to champion change, but I don’t seem to have much choice. I’ve reached the point where I can no longer deal with these problems on my own.

She squeezed his hand. You shouldn’t have to. We’re in this together. She paused before laying out her plan. First, do you have a campaign manager? If you do, we need to bring him or her into this now.

I didn’t have one last time I ran, so I figured I wouldn’t need one this time.

In one way that’s good. We won’t have to sell your plans to someone else. On the other hand, you need someone to handle the details for you so you can concentrate on the larger goal, selling yourself as the best bet for the community’s safety.

You lost me. Are you suggesting I hire a campaign manager or not?

Let’s come back to that and move on to the problem of me.

You? he said. Why do you say that? I don’t see you as any kind of problem. You’re helping me keep my sanity.

She explained why she was a liability the same way she had to her friends earlier. You have to admit, the wrong people could do quite a number on you with that information, she said as she finished.

I’ve never thought of you as a liability, Katrina. You have to know that. Nor have I ever considered using your wealth to my advantage, campaign or whatever.

I know, Rick. But let’s consider that litany of detriments from a different angle, how they could be used not just to make you look good but for the benefit of the community. She went on to lay out how that could be done, ending with the part about one or a series of articles describing the real Sheriff Rick Formero.

He remained silent after she finished. But he hadn’t said no. You surprise me. That’s a pretty bold approach, especially for you. You’re such a private person.

True, but this is the fight of your life. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help you get elected.

He stroked his jaw, apparently still considering her suggestion. Where did you get this idea? It just doesn’t sound like you, he said at length.

This was it. Time to come clean. If they were to do this, Rick had to know the full story. Actually, the idea of playing up my liabilities came from Syd. She, Marianne and Micki have all been worried about you since you told them someone was trying to undermine you.

He nodded. Not that I don’t think you could come up with something like that on your own, but it didn’t sound like you.

You’re not upset?

That we have such good friends, they’re willing to float something by me they have to know I’d reject outright? Except the situation seems desperate enough to consider the idea.

Then you will consider it? She would have bet money he wouldn’t.

Yeah, although I need a little time to get my head around it. Thank Syd when you see her next.

Wait. There’s more. Should I go on?

He inclined his head. Glad I’m still sitting down. Lay it on me.

If you like what I’ve already proposed, how about asking Syd to be your campaign manager? Even if you decide to go against the idea of the article, give serious consideration to asking her to manage your campaign. The idea of asking Syd was her idea, not Syd’s. She hadn’t mentioned being campaign manager to Syd yet, but anyone who could conceive of the strategy Syd had proposed should be the one to execute it.

We did work together pretty well when she accompanied me on that one case. Big admission for him. "Unfortunately, I don’t have much of a campaign budget. Nothing, to be precise. And before you say anything, I don’t want to