Pretty, Hip, & Hoodwinked Read online

  Pretty, Hip, & Hookwinked

  An Agnes Barton/Kimberly Steele Cozy Mystery

  Madison Johns

  Contents

  Copyright

  Disclaimer

  Blurb

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Other Books by this Author

  Copyright © 2016 Madison Johns

  Pretty, Hip, & Hoodwinked, Madison Johns

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Pretty, Hip, & Hoodwinked

  After undergoing hip surgery, Mrs. Barry enlists Kimberly Steele’s help, giving Kimberly permission to handle her bank transactions. But when all of Mrs. Barry’s money is withdrawn, all fingers point squarely to Kimberly.

  The pregnant Kimberly is now on the hot seat and when an arrest is imminent, Kimberly calls the only women she knows who will be able to help clear her name: Agnes Barton and Eleanor Mason from Tawas.

  Chapter 1

  Kimberly gazed at her baby in awe. She had to pinch herself every time she looked at the tiny, beautiful face. The baby was almost five months old now and Kimberly had just entered her second trimester of her new pregnancy. She certainly hadn’t seen another pregnancy happening so soon, but Jeremy was quite happy about it.

  She was jarred out of her thoughts when there was a knock on the door.

  Kimberly answered the door, her eyes widening as Deputy Danworth stood there. His jaw was tight and his hazel eyes stared her down. He never did like her, but she had no idea now why he was at her door.

  “Can I help you, deputy?”

  “I’d like to speak with you if I could.”

  He said it like she had a choice, but she could tell by the look in his eyes that she didn’t.

  When the deputy walked inside, Kimberly said, “I’ll put the baby down so we can talk. I’ll be right back.”

  Kimberly put Abigail back in her crib and joined the deputy in the living room. “Would you like to have a seat?”

  “No, I’d rather stand.” He ran a hand through his dark hair and said, “I know we haven’t always gotten along, but I’m here on business. And it has nothing to do with your dog Weenie loose on the beach.”

  Weenie came bounding into the room, growling at the deputy, and Kimberly picked Weenie up and let him outside. She didn’t need Weenie biting the deputy to add to whatever else he wanted to speak to her about. She just knew it wasn’t good that he showed up like he had.

  “Sorry. What do you want to speak with me about?”

  “Apparently Mrs. Barry’s bank account has been cleared out. From the information she gave me, you were handling her finances while she’s been recovering from hip surgery. Is that right?”

  Kimberly sighed, taking a seat now. “Yes, I’ve been paying her bills and occasionally making runs to the bank for her. But I’ve also bought her groceries, picked up her medication, and taken Mrs. Barry to her doctor appointments.”

  “So, what do you have to say about her missing money?”

  “I can’t imagine why she’d think I’d do something like that. I have no reason to do that. I have a husband who’s a lawyer, as you know.”

  “Where is Jeremy? He might need to be here.”

  “He’s in Detroit on business. He’s currently involved in a big trial down there.”

  “So, he’s taken to defending criminals now?”

  “You’re not here to ask me about Jeremy so why don’t we stick to why you’re really here.”

  Danworth’s brow shot up. “That’s fine.” He took a brief pause and asked, “Do you deny cleaning out her bank account?”

  “Of course I do. I haven’t withdrawn any money of any significance.”

  “The ATM captured you making numerous withdrawals.”

  “Yes, to pick up her medication, and I ran all over town looking for a new comforter set for her. But as you must know, ATM machines limit the amount you’re allowed to withdraw on a single day.”

  “So how much did you take out?”

  “Around twelve hundred, since Mrs. Barry likes to keep cash at home.”

  “Beside for her medication and comforter set?”

  “Yes, I guess I had forgotten about the money she needs to keep on hand.”

  “Did you perhaps forget that you withdrew all her money?”

  “I don’t even know how much she has in the bank. I haven’t gone over her bank statements.”

  “Then how did you know how much you could spend?”

  “I don’t know. Mrs. Barry told me when she wanted me to make a withdrawal. I never considered that she wouldn’t have enough money in her bank account.”

  “I find it hard to swallow that you have never looked at her monthly statements.”

  “I’m sorry but I haven’t. Mrs. Barry goes over them herself.”

  “Not even when you went online to check the purchases? I imagine you know there’s a running total.”

  “Yes, but she also has bills coming in that are paid automatically. Perhaps one of them was overpaid.”

  Danworth wrote that in his notebook. “I doubt that would happen to the tune of fifty thousand dollars.”

  Kimberly’s eyes widened. “I had no idea we were talking about that much money. I assure you that I’m not involved in her missing money.”

  “I hope you know this is now an ongoing investigation. You’re also aware that Sheriff Barry is Mrs. Barry’s son.”

  “Is that why he’s not here and you are?”

  “I’ve been assigned to this case until the sheriff returns from Florida. The undersheriff would rather not tell him about his mother’s missing money over the phone.”

  “It seems like he’d want to know.”

  “I wouldn’t be too interested in that happening since he might just put you in jail for the theft.”

  “But I thought you were investigating the crime. It would be premature to arrest me at this point.”

  “You’re right. I’d recommend that you stay away from Mrs. Barry now, since she’s quite upset at the moment. It won’t help you and it might only make it worse for you.”

  Kimberly showed the deputy to the door, leaning her back against it once he left. How could Mrs. Barry think she’d be involved with this case? Kimberly knew there were withdrawals and bills paid, but none of them would come close to what Mrs. Barry claimed was missing.

  Weenie was scratching on the patio door and Kimberly let him in, picking up a now-crying Abigail. “You scared her with all that pawing on the door,” Kimberly scolded Weenie, who only panted in return.

  She took Abigail into the living room and set her down on a blanket. Then Kimberly readied a bottle. She picked u
p the screaming baby and eased down on a rocking chair, lost in thought. She had bought groceries for Mrs. Barry that came to around one hundred dollars, and the comforter set came to about seventy-five dollars since it was on sale.

  If she wasn’t allowed to speak with Mrs. Barry, how would she be able to sort this out? Perhaps Mrs. Barry might be confused about her accounts or how much money she had in them, Kimberly speculated.

  Kimberly called her parents and asked them to come over, waiting impatiently until they arrived. She then put Abigail back in her crib.

  Her mom walked through the door with dad following ten minutes later. “What’s the matter, Kimberly?” her mom asked. “You look like you lost your best friend.”

  “I wish. This is much worse. Have a seat and I’ll give you the lowdown.”

  “I sure could use a drink first,” her dad said. “For some reason, I expect this to be a long conversation.”

  Kimberly grabbed Diet Cokes and handed them to her parents, sitting across from them. “You remember that Mrs. Barry is recovering from surgery for a broken hip?”

  “Yes, I remember you said you’d be helping her out,” her mom said.

  “I was and believe me, she ran me ragged, but I was also helping her pay her bills and making withdrawals to pay for things you can’t do online.”

  “I see. I’m surprised Mrs. Barry would do that.”

  “I was, too, but I wanted to help her. Well, apparently someone cleaned out her bank account and I’m the one the police are looking at as part of their investigation.”

  Mom frowned. “I can’t believe Mrs. Barry would accuse you of doing something like that. You’re not the thief type.”

  “I should hope not and I certainly don’t have time with a baby to take care of.”

  “You should call Jeremy,” her dad suggested. “He’ll be able to get you off the hook.”

  “I’m not sure if they can hook me just yet, but calling Jeremy is out of the question. He’s involved in a murder trial in Detroit and it’s the biggest case of his career. He doesn’t need any more stress right now.”

  “I think he’d want to know,” her dad suggested. “He might be quite upset if he finds out you didn’t tell him.”

  “I can’t worry about that right now. I’ll have to figure out another way to handle this on my own.”

  “Which means you’ll need help,” her mom said. “Perhaps you should call Corrine and let her know. Since you’re the spokesmodel for the Pretty and Pregnant perfume and lotion line, she has a vested interest.”

  Kimberly picked up the phone and called Corrine. “I really need to speak to you. Can you come over right away?”

  The baby was crying and her mom volunteered to get her. “I don’t think you’re able to handle Abigail today. “Perhaps I should take her with us to the chalet until things get cleared up. I’m sure Jeremy’s sister Betsie and niece Katie would love for her to stay.”

  “Thanks, but I’d feel like I was ditching my daughter just because I’m in the middle of a police investigation.” She paused in thought. “But you have a point. I think it might be better if you take her until I clear my name.”

  A few minutes later, her dad let Corrine in and Kimberly hugged her. When Kimberly finally pulled away, she said, “Thanks for coming.”

  “What’s going on?” Corrine asked.

  “My parents are taking Abigail to the chalet. There’s something I need to handle right now,” Kimberly said, although it made her heart ache that the baby would be leaving.

  Kimberly filled the diaper bag with what the baby would need, including baby formula and a change of clothes, while her dad moved the car seat from her car into theirs. Kimberly kissed Abigail repeatedly and her parents then left.

  She sat down, wiping tears from her eyes that dropped to her lap. “I’m a person of interest in a theft.” Kimberly then went on to tell Corrine what was happening. “I know you’ll want to drop me as a spokesmodel now,” she sniveled.

  “Not a chance. I’m sure this will be sorted out soon. What did Jeremy have to say?”

  “I didn’t tell him.”

  “Oh, he’s still on that big case, isn’t he?”

  “Yes, and I don’t want to be the reason a man goes to prison needlessly.”

  “Providing he’s innocent, you must mean.”

  “I let my parents take Abigail for now, but I hardly think I’ll be able to handle that if it’s for too long.”

  “You can go see her, I assume, but if things are looking this bad for you, you’ll have to think about hiring someone to help you out.”

  Kimberly knew Corrine was right. “I suppose, but I can’t think of anyone who would want to get themselves involved in my case.”

  “Even if you paid them?”

  “Apparently I can’t be trusted to handle a bank account.”

  “Don’t let it get to you, but perhaps you should hire those senior sleuths from Tawas to help you. I can’t quite recall their names, though.”

  “Agnes Barton and Eleanor Mason. I suppose I should contact them. They certainly have experience, since they’ve been solving cases in Tawas.”

  “See, that’s exactly what you need, Kimberly. You can call them in and I bet they’ll be here right away.”

  “That’s quite a long drive for them since we live in the thumb of Michigan.”

  “I could pick them up if they’d like, but somehow I see them as independent women. It’s great to see women their age so active,” Corrine said. “Why don’t you give them a call now?”

  “I will once I settle down a little and gather my thoughts. I hate that I have to call someone else in on the case. We could do the investigating, Corrine.”

  “Oh, sure. We’ll really be able to question Mrs. Barry. I imagine she’d shoot you on sight.”

  “You’re right about that. I was told to stay away from her.”

  “And with good reason, no doubt,” Corrine acknowledged. “If you weren’t pregnant I’d suggest that you have a drink to calm you down. But ice cream might just be what you need. It always calms me down.”

  “With or without a break up?”

  “I haven’t been in a relationship since I can’t remember when and you know it. I must admit I like to indulge in ice cream on occasion.”

  “Lucky for you I happen to have some, with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.”

  “What, no chopped nuts?”

  “Oh, I forgot, I might have some of those, too.” She grinned.

  Kimberly pulled out the toppings while Corrine dished out the ice cream, flicking a piece onto her spiked blonde hair. Kimberly was glad Corrine had been in town lately. In a small way, Corrine always made Kimberly feel better. She was the closest thing Kimberly had to a real friend, too, even if Corrine was really her boss.

  Chapter 2

  Agnes paced the confines of her house, earning her a raised brow from Andrew, who lounged on the couch. For the moment she was spared, listening to him yet again tell her that the world wouldn’t end with Eleanor out of town to see her sister Margarita. If only Agnes felt that way. It had been an uneventful three days already. She had visited the girls, Elsie, Bernice, and Marjory, and even spent time with her daughter Martha, but somehow Tawas wasn’t the same without her bosom buddy Eleanor Mason. Dorothy Alton had stopped by this morning, leaving a copy of the Redwater Press, which Agnes had yet to read. Kimberly Steele lived in Redwater and had given birth five months ago and she had planned to visit her to see the baby, but the investigations here in Tawas had kept her busy.

  “I swear, Agnes, you’re going to wear a hole in that floor with all that pacing you’re doing,” Andrew said.

  “Well, it’s my floor to pace, mister.”

  “Give it a rest, Agnes. Why don’t you head over to Redwater. That Kimberly Steele sure sounded anxious to see you from the sounds of the message she left.”

  “Message? What message?”

  “The one on the answering machine. I’m shock
ed you haven’t checked it yet.”

  Agnes raced over there and sure enough, there was a number six flashing on the black box. “There are six messages, not just one.” She didn’t wait for her husband to respond. She pushed the button to listen to the messages, which were all from Kimberly, who sounded quite frantic. “Err, Agnes. I really need to talk to you, it’s urgent. I need you and Eleanor to come to Redwater. I’m in hot water at the moment and I’d rather rectify it before Jeremy gets back from Detroit, or my marriage might just be over, too.”

  “Oh, my,” Agnes murmured. “I had better get to Redwater and fast. Kimberly needs Eleanor and me to help her. Oh, but Eleanor isn’t here.”

  “I’m sure you can go it alone without Eleanor this time,” Andrew assured her.

  “I’m not sure I can. I mean, I’m so used to her helping me investigate that I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

  Andrew shook his head. “That’s silly. It’s not fair to interrupt Eleanor’s vacation just because a case has presented itself. I thought Kimberly helped you out on the last case when you were in Redwater.”

  “I know, but what if she’s under arrest and can’t help me? What will I do then?”

  “You’ll figure it out, Agnes, but you’ll have to go it alone. I’m heading to the golf course in Black Lake and you know you’d be bored to tears if you went there with me.”

  “You should take Dorothy and Bill Hayes, since they love to play golf so much.”

  “I wonder if I can convince Bill and make it a men’s trip only.”

  Agnes tossed what she’d need to stay three days, including medication, into her suitcase. If she ended up there longer, she’s simply have to wash her clothes.

  Andrew handed Agnes his keys when she came out with her suitcase. “Take my Lexus LX. I feel more comfortable with you driving an SUV. I think it might be safer, too.”

  “Are you saying you think I’ll crash into something?”

  “Not at all, but you know sometimes you mistake a green light for a red.” He smiled. “I’m just kidding.”