Barrett - Bamboozled

Bamboozled

a mah jongg mystery

Barbara Barrett

Bamboozled

Copyright Barbara Barrett 2018

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted to any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher, except where permitted by law.

PUBLISHED BY: Barbara Barrett

ISBN: 978-1-948532-04-4

Dedication

This book is dedicated to both my Florida and Iowa mah jongg groups. They have provided me with hours of entertainment and enjoyment and have been my support groups as my writing career has progressed. Though no event is based on actual circumstances, no place is based on a specific location or enterprise and no character is based on any one person, all have served as inspirations for this story.

Chapter One

Julie Poindexter dumped the mah jongg tiles from her rack onto the middle of the table. The clatter echoed throughout the game room of the Serendipity Springs community center. I havent won a game all afternoon. My leg aches so much, its affecting my concentration.

Good excuse. Across the table, Micki Demetrius tipped her mane of shoulder-length dark hair to one side, the one streak of silver she allowed herself prominent.

Excuse or not, its killing me.

Marianne Putnam, a redhead going gray, leaned toward her. Have you taken something for it? Not that I mind winning the last two games, but no one should have to suffer.

Julie nodded. About two hours ago I took a pain pill. Doesnt seem to have worked.

Ive got something you might want to try, Cathy Broderick said from the next table. Its an essential oil that addresses a number of maladies, including body aches.

Careful, Julie. Cathys trolling for business, Micki warned, her tone only half kidding. Every time one of us sneezes or coughs, she pulls out one of her little bottles.

Sydney Bonner, on Julies left, flipped the discarded tiles face down to start the next game. Dont trash it till youve tried it. I bought a bottle for Trip last winter in hopes of reducing the number of colds he contracted. Imagine, we live in the heart of Florida, and he still winds up sneezing and coughing several times every year.

I remember you telling me he only had one cold last winter, Cathy reminded her while she dug in her bag. She withdrew a small brown bottle. Here, Julie. Try this. Just a drop right where it aches.

Julie raised the hem of her capris above her knee and applied the oil to the affected area. Ive seen this stuff advertised but never used it before. But at this point, Ill try anything.

Play resumed, and Julie continued to rub her thigh, although after a bit, her ministrations slowed. Fifteen minutes later, she turned around to Cathy. Your oil worked miracles. Id like to buy a bottle. Whether it was psychosomatic or the substance performed as predicted, Julie seemed convinced.

Sure. I have some with me. Its lavender. Ill get you a bottle as soon as were finished.

As play ended, Micki observed the two women chatting across the room. Sometimes I think we should outlaw doing business during our weekly game.

Julie was in pain. Cathy simply responded, Sydney replied, rising to her full five feet ten. Why does this transaction bother you? How many times has someone else brought their kids cookies or candies here to peddle or sold raffle tickets for some charity during a game?

Micki gathered her things to leave. Those werent someones business, like that oil.

And the sale wasnt conducted until we were done, Marianne added, joining them.

What if someone wanted to ask you about doing a freelance article for them? Would you tell them to call you later or would you discuss it then and there? Sydney asked.

Micki took a moment to consider. That would be different. No money would be exchanged.

What would be the difference? Marianne wanted to know. Youd still be conducting business.

Micki released a huff but didnt reply and didnt speak while the three walked out of the community center to their cars. Before they parted, Marianne halted and turned to her. Ive never heard you complain like this before, Mick. Whats going on?

Nothing, Micki replied a little too fast.

Sydney touched her friends forearm. Want to get coffee? Im supposed to meet Trip at the carpet store in a half hour, but I can be late.

Micki shook her head. Not necessary. Im fine. Its just that

Lets go, Marianne said, taking Mickis arm and leading her toward her own car.

Five minutes later, they were ensconced at a table at the back of their favorite coffee shop in the heart of Serendipity Springs, Marianne keeping Micki company while Sydney placed their order.

Is this about Kat? Marianne asked before Sydney returned. Its only a routine test. She told us not to worry.

Katarina Kat Faulkner usually completed their foursome at mah jongg and most of their other activities, but today she was at a clinic getting a mammogram after having discovered a lump in her right breast.

Micki grimaced. Shes been on my mind, yes, but no, this is something else.

Sydney returned. What something else?

Micki glanced across the shop, straightened her jacket, then picked up a packet of artificial sweetener and twiddled it. Its my ex, Iggy. Seems hes coming to town soon and wants to see me.

Sydney and Marianne both leaned in closer. Did he say why? Sydney asked.

Not exactly. Just that theres something hes been meaning to talk to me about.

How long since youve seen him? Marianne asked.

Micki rubbed her chin. I dont remember. Probably not since the divorce ten years ago. Now, out of the blue, he wants to meet.

Sydney left the table momentarily to pick up the coffees. Did he give any indication what he wanted to talk about? she asked when she returned.

Micki studied her cup before replying. Not really. He sent an email rather than call. He didnt even give a date. Just said it looked like hed be in the area briefly sometime in the next few weeks and hoped I might be available to see him because he had something he needed to discuss with me.

Marianne stirred her brew, then set it back on the table to cool. Do you plan to see him?

Micki shrugged. I havent decided. We didnt part on good terms. Hes made no attempt to contact me since, except through his attorney for a few items related to our taxes. Ive certainly kept my distance from him, although Ive heard things from friends over the years.

Is that whats bothering you? Sydney wanted to know. You cant decide whether or not to see him?

Micki blew out a sigh. My better sense tells me to refuse to go anywhere near that man. He had a way of sucking me into needless arguments that I want to avoid at all costs now that Im free of him. But theres one detail that never got resolved. If thats what hes got in mind, we need to address it. The problem is, Im not sure thats what it is, and until and unless I discover thats it, Im loath to say yes to this meeting.

Cant you ask him what he wants to talk about? Marianne asked, her blue eyes intense.

I already have. He said hed rather not get into it until we were face to face. Real cagey, just like him.

Sydney, the most decisive in the group, set down her cup. There you have it. If he cant be more informative than that, you refuse to see him.

Mickis shoulders collapsed. I wish it were that simple, Syd. Ive been meaning to do something about my issue for some time but kept putting it off because I couldnt stand the thought of coming in contact with the man again. She turned to Marianne. Id never even heard the term emotional abuse until I finally saw a counselor about my marriage. What that man did to my self-confidence and emotional health was a crime.