The Turtle Mound Murder by Mary Clay

the two-story buildings behind our condo.
“I wish I knew which one it was. I’d give them a piece of my
mind.”
    “That won’t solve anything and will make
matters worse.”
    “Don’t worry, I’ll stay cool.”
    I was worried. None of this would have
happened if Penny Sue hadn’t waved her gun around. What in the
world possessed her to do it? I used to describe her as
high-strung, even flighty; but her behavior lately had been down
right erratic. Maybe it was a hormone problem. Perimenopause: that
phase where a woman’s hormones started the downhill slide. PMS run
wild, and it could last for as long as ten years. The thought made
me shudder.
    “I know it’s ridiculous. You know it’s
ridiculous. But the neighbors, whoever they are, don’t know. As far
as they’re concerned, you could be a mass murderer.”
    Penny Sue stared at the building behind us
where the balconies overlook the parking lot. “I’ll bet it was one
of them. Someone up there called the police about the Rick row, we
know that. Nosy old bags, they’re probably spying on us at this
minute.” She snuffed out the cigarette angrily.
    I put myself in the line of view between
Penny Sue and the building. I wasn’t taking any chances. Under
normal circumstances, Penny Sue was far too refined for angry
outbursts, or God-forbid, rude gestures; but, these weren’t typical
times. “The best thing we can do is be ourselves; let them see what
nice, normal people we are.”
    Penny Sue tilted her head back and looked
down her nose. “Normal? As in average? Pu-leeze, I am not
normal.”
    Brother, that was the truth. “Bad choice of
words,” I added quickly. “How about not dangerous? Not nutty? Not a
homicidal maniac?”
    “Better.” She pulled her robe up around her
neck and tightened the belt. “You’re right, though. I didn’t kill
Rick, and I’m not going to let Woody intimidate me. He’ll find out
soon enough when they test the gun. He’s jerking me around because
I dumped him back in college. He’s on a power trip now and lording
it over me.”
    She lit another cigarette. That made what,
four or five? To say she’d fallen off the no-smoking-wagon was an
understatement. She hadn’t fallen, she’d barreled over the
cliff.
    “Little twerp,” she went on. “I won’t give
Woody the satisfaction of seeing me sweat. I absolutely won’t allow
that nerd to ruin our vacation. This is your time, Leigh. Your
respite from worldly cares.”
    It certainly had taken my mind off my
troubles, though I wasn’t sure I’d call it a respite. Debacle
seemed more fitting.
    Penny Sue folded her arms, eyes narrowed,
thinking. “So, the neighbors don’t know me? Don’t know what a nice
person I am?” She took a long drag of the cigarette. “Maybe we
should throw a little party. A mixer for the neighborhood, wouldn’t
that be nice? Apologize for causing a stir. Let them see how nice I
really am.” The last comment was uttered through gritted teeth, as
if she wanted to bite their heads off. She took another pull on her
cigarette, then grinned mischievously. “I think I’ll invite
Lyndon.”
    “Who?” Penny Sue’d always had a grasshopper
mind, but that switch was too fast for me.
    “Lyndon Fulbright. The good looking
yachtsman at The Riverview.”
    I stared at her, stunned. Under suspicion
for murder, yet concerned about getting a date. I’d tossed and
turned half the night worrying about her, and she was planning a
party. “You beat all, you know that.”
    “What?”
    “This isn’t a game, Penny Sue; we’re talking
about a murder. Woody could make your life miserable. I think we
should call your father.”
    She stomped her foot. “We are not calling
Daddy. I’m not guilty, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
    “Come on, innocent people get convicted
every day, especially if they don’t have good legal advice.” It was
hard to believe that I was suggesting that anyone see a lawyer.
After my experience with Zack and PH&S, I put