High Heels Are Murder by Elaine Viets Page B

hundred dollars a day, plus expenses.”
    It is true, Josie thought. You do turn into what you hate. I’m going to be a spy, just like Mrs. Mueller.
    “Why don’t you have your nephew George do this? He’s a policeman,” Josie said.
    “Cheryl knows George too well. You have all those disguises for your work. She’ll never spot you. Half the time I don’t recognize you when you come out of your house dressed the way you do. Besides, there are somethings I don’t want my family to know. George’s mother never liked Cheryl.”
    “But—” Josie said.
    “Your mother will pick up Amelia at school for you. You won’t have to worry about that.”
    “But—”
    “You can call in sick for three days, can’t you? It may take less time. You may only have to follow Cheryl for two days. Or one. Just one. I’ll cover your salary for the days you aren’t at work, so you don’t miss any income.”
    “But—”
    “I’ll make your mother Altar Society chair as well as Maplewood chair of the St. Louis Flower Guild.”
    That’s why I’m doing this, Josie thought. Not for Cheryl or Mrs. Mueller, but for Mom. The Altar Society chair would make Jane one of the three most powerful church ladies in the parish.
    “Deal,” Josie said. “But here’s my condition: You have to answer my questions. I won’t spread your information around the neighborhood, but I need straight answers if I’m going to get anywhere.”
    “All right,” Mrs. Mueller said. Josie could see the woman grit her teeth. Mrs. M was not used to taking orders.
    “Did the police arrest Cheryl for Mel’s murder?”
    “Not yet,” Mrs. Mueller said. “They arrested her for pushing the detective and accidentally stepping on his foot. Her lawyer says once a jury gets a look at my little Cheryl and that great big detective, they’ll laugh the case out of court. The charge is totally bogus.”
    Josie gulped. It was almost worth taking the case to hear Mrs. M say “totally bogus.” She wasn’t sure Cheryl would be found innocent, either. A jury of women would know sweet Cheryl was tougher than titanium.
    “Cheryl is being charged with misdemeanor battery,” Mrs. Mueller said. “They booked her, photographed her and took her fingerprints. The police read Cheryl the Miranda warning and told her not to leave town.”
    “Next question: Do you know your daughter uses a babysitter at least four days a week?” Josie asked.
    “That’s not possible,” Mrs. Mueller said. “Cheryl is astay-at-home mom. That’s the agreement she and Tom had. He would earn enough for two and she would be a full-time mother.”
    “That may have been the deal, but she isn’t keeping it,” Josie said.
    “I don’t believe it,” Mrs. Mueller said.
    “I picked up your grandson at the sitter’s house, remember?” Mrs. Mueller shook her head, but her eyes were trapped. She didn’t want to believe it.
    “Cheryl has a code arrangement with the sitter,” Josie said. “It changes daily. If she’s going to be late, she calls a friend, gives her the code and has her pick up the baby. Do you know this friend?”
    “No, I don’t. My Cheryl is a popular girl,” Mrs. Mueller said. “She has so many friends. I can’t believe any of this.”
    But Josie could hear the doubt in Mrs. Mueller’s denial. This time, she did believe it. Her faith in Cheryl—and her own pride—were crumbling. Her face had developed seams and sags. She had lipstick on her teeth.
    “What is Cheryl’s relationship with her husband?” Josie asked.
    “Tom is a good provider.”
    “But how is he as a husband?” Josie said.
    “He never plays around, unlike some young men.”
    This didn’t sound like the romance of the century. “Does he love her?” Josie said.
    “Of course. Tom is a hard worker. That’s how he shows his love. He has a position at one of the biggest CPA firms in St. Louis. He has only the best clients in Ladue, Warson Woods, Olympia Park, Clayton and Frontenac. He leaves for