Merry Market Murder(63)

Wanda sighed as she placed the toy on a branch. “There are some that are more difficult to part with than others.”

“I understand.”

She smiled and looked pointedly at me. It was a look she’d given me a number of times, and I always wondered if it was her way of telling me that she was just one big act, that she knew people thought she was slightly off-kilter and she liked it that way.

Sam had told me that the police would check on her frequently just to make sure she was okay. She always was, and he said that some officers, Vivienne in particular, mentioned that they and Wanda carried on easy and coherent conversations.

“How much do you think my tree will go for this year?” she asked.

“Gosh, I don’t know. If I remember correctly, your trees have always been some of the most popular.”

It was true. The sheer overload of goldfish of every kind was enough for the tree to gain attention. Everyone was also convinced that if they became the proud owner of a goldfish tree, they’d probably be the only ones in the world to be so lucky.

“I know, but look around. Did you see the fairy tree? I might have to buy that one myself.”

I’d also heard that Wanda had purchased a number of trees over the years, though it was a mystery as to where they ended up.

“I missed it,” I said as I craned to look around Wanda and down the row.

“It’s spectacular,” she said as she clapped her hands together. “Spectacular.”

“I’ll have to find it.”

“Hi, Becca, what a wonderful tree!”

I had to look around the other side of the tree to see that Billie had approached and was taking the spirit of the event very seriously. She was dressed as either Santa’s helper or an elf. She wore a short, tight green dress and red leggings. She’d topped off the look with a green floppy hat and had painted on rosy cheeks. The flannel shirts and jeans I’d seen her in had hidden her great figure. I’d already thought she was probably in her early fifties, but she rocked the elf look like a pro. I didn’t see Denny close by, so I hoped for a chance to slip in a few questions for her.

“It’s perfect,” Wanda said. “Oh, are you one of the Ridgeways?”

“I am. Billie Ridgeway.” Billie extended her hand, but Wanda only cocked her head and started tapping a finger on her lips.

“Hey, Billie, this is great. Thanks for donating so many trees,” I said.

Since the Ridgeways weren’t located directly in Monson, they might not know or know of Wanda, but I couldn’t figure out a polite way to explain the unusual behavior.

“Oh, you’re welcome,” she said. She smiled uncomfortably at Wanda and then turned back to me. “Do you need anything else?”

“No, I think we’re good, but thanks. Actually, do you have a few minutes? I’d love to talk to you. I’ll buy you a cookie,” I said.

“Oh. Well, thank you, Becca, but maybe later. Denny wants me to check on this row of trees.”

I tried to think of something to keep her from leaving, but it seemed like she wanted to turn away. Then she became captivated by something on the tree. She zoned in so strongly on an ornament that both Wanda and I were compelled to move around the tree to see what had captured her attention.

“That’s lovely,” Billie said as she pointed at a goldfish that stood out from the others around it. This ornament in particular was made of the same material that my recently acquired tree was made out of—some sort of thin, flat metal. Unlike the stuffed and sewn ornaments that framed it, this one wasn’t orange and black, but just the tarnished brown of the metal.

“It’s quite wonderful, isn’t it?” Wanda said.

“Where did you get that one?” I asked.

“I seldom remember, unless I make and name them myself. I just don’t remember where I get them.”

Billie smiled at Wanda and then at me. “Well, it’s a great tree, very unique. Good luck with the bids.”

“Thank you, Billie Ridgeway,” Wanda said before she skipped back around the tree to continue decorating.

“When you’re available, I’d love to visit a little,” I said.

“Sure. I’ll find you,” she said. I didn’t think she would.

Billie turned and continued down toward the next tree, the bells on her pointy-toed shoes jingling as she walked.

I looked at the metal fish one more time and shook off the unwelcome sense of coincidence that was creeping in on me. Was this something that I needed to pay attention to, or was it just pure chance that this ornament was so similar to the tree, and there was nothing I should sense as strange about it? Hairs rose on the back of my neck. I turned and looked around.