Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26 (NIV)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to all of the readers of the Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery series who continue to encourage me to keep writing about Trixie, Dee Dee and Nana. To all the book clubs who have had me as a guest, especially Moulton, Alabama.

A special thank you to Beverly Nault, editor extraordinaire, who keeps the girls out of too much trouble.

Dedication

Terror on Tybee Island is dedicated to my family and friends who continue to encourage me.

A special dedication to Travis Williams – your encouragement and

support are the wind beneath my wings.

CHAPTER ONE

Oh – My – Goodness! There she is!” Dee Dee tugged on my arm.

Dee Dee, who some considered Rubenesque, did not tug gently. I sent up a silent prayer the affronted limb would stay attached. “Who? Where?”

“It’s her. Paula Deen.” Dee Dee stopped in her tracks and pointed to a stylish woman exiting a limo. “Paula. Yoo Hoo. Over here, Paula.” Dee Dee’s arm gyrated like a helicopter blade.

Nana hopped up and down. “Paula. I’m your biggest fan!”

Sure, I liked Paula, too. But I didn’t plan on making a fool of myself. Okay, I admit I’ve made a fool of myself several times without planning, but this wouldn’t be one of them. Mama must have noticed the panicked look on my face.

“Don’t worry sweetie. I’m sure she’s used to fans vying for her attention.” Mama, the quietest of the bunch, threw up her arm and waved wildly to Paula.

I couldn’t believe my eyes – Paula waved back. Then she walked toward us. As she approached, I labored to breathe.

“Hey, y’all,” Paula said. “How ya’ doin’ today? I just love and appreciate all my fans.” Dressed in a matching watermelon-colored ensemble, and not one of her stunning white hairs out of place, she was beautiful. “Why don’t y’all come and eat with me? I’m having a special taping tomorrow and would love for you to be in the audience. ‘Bye now.” She wiggled her fingers in a princess wave as she maneuvered through the throng of fans and into her famous restaurant, The Lady and Sons, located in downtown Savannah. A young lady accompanying Paula handed us tickets while instructing us to arrive by two the next afternoon.

“Did you see that, Missy?” Nana’s pet name for me, reserved for occasions when she wants to make a point.

“Yes I did, Nana. I’m impressed.” I gave her a little squeeze.

“What do you think, Trix?” Dee Dee laid her hand on my shoulder. “How about we come back tomorrow for the taping? This would be great research for your article.” Dee Dee was right. Harv, my editor and mentor at Georgia by the Way, wanted me to write about Savannah’s landmarks as well as her rich history. I made a mental note to research the building that housed Paula’s restaurant. Attending a live show could give my story a unique slant.

“Sure. I say let’s go for it. Mama, are you in?”

Mama’s eyes widened. “Oh, I’d love to attend a live show.”

Nana squealed. “I’m going to see Paula. I’m going to see Paula,” she trilled.

I went inside and made reservations while the girls window shopped. They hadn’t gone far when I returned. We walked up and down the busy sidewalks keeping pace with the other tourists. A bus, the color of a bluebird, with advertisements of tours brightly painted on the sides, drove past. I jotted down the name splashed across the back. We were still oohing and aahing at the sights when Mama noted the time. Reservations awaited us at Seaside Cottage, a bed and breakfast located on the beach.

A wood-carved sign hung by the doorway inviting guests to “Come On In.” I stepped into an open, airy room furnished with bright, colorful pieces. I especially admired the hand-tatted doilies and antique seabird collection.

“Hello! Anybody home?”

Red wing-backed chairs scattered around gave the large area a homey feel. An off-white couch faced a huge rock fireplace with a hand-hewn wooden mantel. Built-in bookshelves filled with sailor pipes flanked each side.

A Tiffany lamp provided light for an antique roll-top desk placed in the corner. It was a cozy little area. Pictures of seascapes and other nature themed paintings adorned the walls. Colorful throw rugs covered the shiny hardwood floors.

Dee Dee, Mama, and Nana were gushing over the motif, when a lady Mama’s age decked out in white capris, a bright orange shirt, and the cutest matching flip-flops entered the room. “Hi. Sorry I wasn’t here to meet you. I was out back talking to my neighbor.”

Mama hesitantly approached her. “Laura?”

“Betty Jo?” They giggled like schoolgirls and ran toward each other with open arms.

“Oh, I’m so excited to see you.” After a prolonged hug, Laura stepped back and gave Mama a long look. “You haven’t changed a bit since high school.”

“Your nose is growing, Laura.” They hugged again. “Please let me introduce my sidekicks.” Mama turned toward us.

She pulled me close. “This is my daughter, Trixie, and this is her friend, Dee Dee.”

While I offered a hand to shake, Dee Dee stepped up and gave Laura a hug like she was her long lost cousin. Bless her heart, that’s the kind of person she is. Without a doubt, I’m blessed to have her in my life.

“And I’m Belle, Betty Jo’s aunt.” Nana didn’t wait for introductions. “Please call me Nana, everyone does.”

“I’m so pleased all of you could spend your vacation with me.” Three Heinz 57 dogs entered the room. Their barking drowned out any further conversation.

“Hush, boys,” Laura scolded, but they only barked louder. She raised her voice. “Please excuse me for a minute. I have a friend involved in dog rescue and I volunteered to help while she’s sick. Let me put ‘em in the outside pen.” Laura held out a treat and the dogs tagged along like she was their mama.

The dogs’ barking subsided, replaced by angry voices. Several minutes passed and we were beginning to worry when Laura stomped back in, red-faced, nostrils flaring.

“I could just strangle her.” She shook her head.

Eyes wide, Mama asked, “Who?”

“That woman next door, Grace Watkins. I could just strangle her. I’m sorry. Since I took in the dogs the old snoot has complained to anybody who’d listen. She’s so afraid they’re going to dig up her precious turtle eggs.” She stopped her tirade. “Oh my goodness, y’all don’t want to hear all this. Let me get you settled, then come on down for some refreshments.”

As Laura led the way upstairs to our bedrooms, we regarded each other with a deer in the head-light look, wondering what had just happened. My leg was still a little sore from recent knee replacement surgery, so I brought up the rear. Laura showed Mama and Nana their room first. I stuck my head in and eyed a comfy room painted deep coral, accented with a seashell border, and two antique iron sleigh beds. I knew they’d love staying in this gorgeous room.

While they unpacked, Laura showed me and Dee Dee where we’d sleep. Walls the color of the sea greeted us. Dropped shelves around the top of the walls displayed every size and shape of shell imaginable.

The double canopies reminded me of my childhood home. White beds accented with white spreads made the room a little girl’s dream come true.

“Oh, Laura, how beautiful!” I turned around to take in the whole room. “Thank you for opening your home to us. Mama’s been ecstatic since you invited us to stay.”