names listed. An entire file of fishing licenses.” She put the paper back in her purse. “Those were the most interesting things I found.”
Tracy slapped the steering wheel with her palm. “I might as well just pack up his stuff and put it out by the side of the road.”
“Did you say that the funeral home will cremate him soon?”
“It’s set for tomorrow.”
“Shouldn’t we be there?”
Tracy couldn’t think of any place she would rather not be. Luckily Herb had anticipated that. “I asked. They said his instructions, such as they were, state that no service of any kind is to be held, and no one is to attend.”
“This is so very sad.”
“Yes, well, maybe if his family protested, the home would ignore his wishes. But we aren’t family.”
“Then we should gather together tomorrow and remember him.”
Tracy wondered what exactly they would remember.
“Did you call the florist in Georgia?” Janya asked.
“Out of business for five years.”
“We are becoming, what do you call it, investigators?”
“Private investigators. P.I.’s. Gumshoes. Detectives.”
“I hope real detectives have better luck.”
“Maybe that’s what I ought to do. I’m thinking about finding a job. I could be a detective, only apparently, I stink.”
“Could Wanda help find you a job?”
“That’s funnier than you know.” Tracy smiled at Janya. “But no, probably not.”
They parked in the side lot, and Tracy reminded herself not to act embarrassed. She had apologized and more or less vindicated herself by catching Bay. She would simply smile pleasantly, make small talk when she paid her fee, and not ask why she hadn’t gotten the job.
Inside, the center was buzzing. One group had just gotten out, and since all the participants were wearing gis, Tracy assumed it was a martial arts class. A flock of toddlers, herded by two young women, wiggled by, and Janya and Tracy waited until they were safely out of the way before they went to the front desk.
Gladys looked as unruffled as usual, but she also looked like somebody who could use help. They waited until several other people finished at the desk before they approached with their money in hand.
“Oh, thank goodness you’re here,” Gladys said, the moment she saw Tracy. “I called this morning, and when you didn’t answer, I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to reach you all day.”
Tracy felt hope rise, then told herself that getting a silly little job teaching swimming was nothing.
“Well, I’m here now. What’s up?”
“Woody wants to interview you right away. Do you have time?”
“Sure. I’ll just skip the class or go in late.”
“I don’t think you’ll be going in at all. He’ll want to give you the tour.”
Tracy thought that was a bit overdone, considering that she would only be working in the pool area. Still, she knew better than to say anything ever again that could be construed as ungrateful or rude.
She smiled brightly. “Should I go down to his office?”
“Third door on the right along the green hall. His name’s on it.”
“Should I bring an application to fill out?” She glanced at Janya, who was frowning in confusion. “I sort of applied to teach swimming lessons,” she explained. “I think Mr. Woodley wants to interview me.”
“He has your résumé,” Gladys said. Then she smiled. “But he’s not going to interview you for the instructor’s job, dear. He wants to interview you for the supervisor’s position.”
Woody had a round face, a round body, and guileless round eyes that looked as if they belonged on a much younger man. Tracy knew better than to accept any of this at face value. Unless one of the town’s politicians owed him a favor, Woody had won the director’s position through his own merits.
He seated Tracy in the chair beside his desk; then he joined her in the one beside it and started right in.
“We hired somebody for this position last week. This morning she announced she had a permanent offer at a health club in Tampa. I’ve been tearing out my hair, then Gladys gave me your application.”
Woody had very little hair to tear out. Tracy had very little experience being anybody’s savior.
She tried to explain tactfully. “I was actually applying to teach swimming. I taught in college. Nobody drowned.”
He had a guileless smile, as well. “I’m glad you have a sense of humor. You’ll need it on this job.”
“Woody…” She paused. “I’m sorry. May I call you Woody?”
“Of course. Call me anything you want. Just say you’ll take the job.”
“But you don’t know anything about me.”
“Of course I do. We called