18: Buzz About Town, by Free

MURDER AND MAYHEM AT CHERRY CREEK

EPISODE 18

BY: FREE

 

 

Buzz About Town

         Robbie had just delivered the last of her papers when she spotted the fancy black car sitting over at Cadlin and Scotty's garage. There, larger than life was a colored man having words with Cadlin. Robbie had noticed as she made her route that people were leaving their homes and heading to town. She had heard the word dead and body several times along the way.

        She peddled into the garage, parking her bike on the side of the building and headed for the black car. "Wow," she thought, "this man looks like someone important." She meandered over to the car while the two men continued debating something about plastic.

        Robbie pressed her face against the glass and looked inside the big car. On the passengers side of the front seat she spotted a large suitcase type bag only smaller, two sets of handcuffs and a box of half eaten sweet rolls. There were all sorts of maps and papers. She went to the window of the back seat. There in the seat laid a big shotgun. Kind of like the one old man Denson used when he went bird hunting along Cherry Creek bottom.

        "Robbie!"  Abby shouted from across the road. She nearly jumped out of her skin as she looked up at Miss Abbey motioning for her to come over. Slowly she backed away from the car and made her way to her bike. Robbie would sneak on into her room and get her letter written before Miss Abbey could find something else for her to do.
       She had decided to write a letter to JJ, her friend back home, earlier that morning when she first started noticing the tension around town. She wanted him to know that she had arrived in Cherry Creek and that something was brewing here that was sure to be exciting.

       In the back of Fat Sally's was a small cubby where Miss Abbey had kindly placed a small cot and a milk crate with a light so Robbie could read and educate herself. At least that's what Miss Abbey said. She took out her writing paper and pen she'd brought from home and began her letter.

 

    Dear J.J.

       I have arrived at Cherry Creek. The journey was long and filled with adventure. My first day out was the hardest because there were a lot of cars along that stretch of road. Heck I spent more time in the ditch then on the road. I'm pretty sure no one spotted me.
       You wouldn't believe how dark it can be out on the roadway. I didn't sleep much the first night but the second night I was real used to all the animal sounds and actually slept very well. Thanks for sending the pez and licorice too, I sure did need it on that third day. Some animal got into my bag of peanut butter sandwiches and ate every one of them. I was starving when I hit town.
       The people here are very strange, but most have been real nice. Miss Abbey who owns Fat Sally's restaurant has given me a room at her place. It is small but I like it. Easy to clean, don't you know. And guess what? I got a job. I'm the newspaper delivery person. It pays my room and board plus I can eat for free. The newspaper has some deal with Miss Abbey, but I'm not sure what it is yet.
       You will never believe what happened today. While I made my route I heard some talk about a murder, right here in Cherry creek. The whole town is buzzing about it. As soon as I get this letter mailed I'm going to do some investigating, see what I can come up with. I saw a colored man in a fancy black car too. I'm betting he has something to do with it.
       Have you been checking the traps everyday? Remember that the animals are counting on you while I'm away.
       Oh this nice man has a garage just across the way. He fixed my tire for free the first day I got here. He also saved my hide after Miss Abbey caught me swiping a burger from her kitchen. His brother Scotty is a little slow but a nice enough man. They actually remind me of that matinee we saw last year. The Three Stooges, but with only two in this show.
       Just in case that nosey Mail man, Mr. Jenkins takes note of the return address on this letter I'm going to use this name:

 

 Miss Robinson
 C/O Fat Sally's
 Cherry Creek, Colo.

       

 I already told Miss Abbey that I would be getting mail from my friend so she will make sure I get it. She thinks I'm an orphan with no family, which isn't so far from the truth. Bet my dad is still looking for that UFO that abducted his daughter huh? Well, let's just let him think what he wants for now.

 

Take care my friend.
As Always
R.T.

 

       Robbie carefully folded the letter placing it in her back pocket. She found Miss Abbey in the dinner sitting at a table drinking coffee. When Robbie saw who was with her, she nearly fainted.

        "Well hi Robbie", Abbey smiled her big smile and motioned her over. "Come over here and meet the nice Mr. Coleman." Robbie smiled nervously. "Hello Mr. Coleman. Pleased to meet you sir."

       "Well hello there young man."  Robbie had no intention of correcting this gender mistake and she was certain Miss Abbey wouldn't either. "Didn't I see you over at the garage across the road?"  The man looked at her with furrowed brows.

       "Yes sir, you did. I was just admiring that nice car of yours." Robbie shifted uneasily on her feet glancing over at Miss Abbey who was smiling at the handsome and well dressed colored man. "Miss Abbey, I was just wondering if you might have an envelope I could have."

       "Well of course dear", she replied, "look in the vanity by my bed, there should be one there. Oh Robbie, would you watch out after the place for a while this afternoon? I have some errands to run."

       "Yes, Miss Abbey, I sure will." Robbie quickly turned without saying goodbye and ran up the stairs.