"Detective Logan said he found the dagger in her bag. How did it get there?"
"That's what the lawyer wonders. Apparently, no fingerprints were found on it and Karen left her purse under the reception desk all day. Anyone who came into the museum had access to it and you know how busy we were yesterday."
"Someone must have planted it," I decided. "It's the only explanation."
"Of course!" Artie scoffed like it was ridiculous I even needed to state it. "Karen sure as hell didn't murder Lance!"
"But someone wants us to think she did. First, they hit me over the head then..."
Artie shuffled his feet. "About that..."
"What?"
"There was some suggestion amongst the board that Karen hit you."
"Oh, no. No! Karen would never hit me!"
"That's what I said and Karen was just as shocked as I was when you came downstairs and we saw the blood on your shirt and you clutching your head. She couldn't have faked that. She didn't even know you were hurt until we both saw you and by then, she was already in handcuffs!"
"If she really wanted to steal the ledger, she could have done so anytime. It would have been super easy for her. There was no need for her to hurt me and I'll tell Detective Logan exactly that!"
"I'm sure Karen appreciates your support."
"I keep wondering who could have made a phone call to the police to incriminate Karen? Detective Logan said an anonymous tip was called in."
"That's been on my mind too. Someone is up to malicious mischief."
I nodded but wondered if it was a step further than that. Had the real killer called in the tip, hoping Karen would soon be arrested? As a bonus to that, if I were dead, they might suspect Karen killed me too. With the missing weapon in her purse, she would immediately soar to the top of the suspect list.
"I'm so glad you're okay," added Artie. "I don't think any of us should be alone in the museum until the killer is apprehended. Clearly, it isn't safe. You, Karen... what next?"
"They got what they wanted," I told him, keeping my voice soft. With Detective Logan visibly suspicious of the museum's staff and volunteers, coupled with my own doubts, it made sense to be prudent. "The ledger is gone. If it wasn't planted on Karen too, then they probably destroyed it already."
"That's a good thing. It means they think they're safe and if they already have what they wanted, they won't come after you again."
"But..."
"I don't want you hurt again, Tess. I mean it. You did great work tracking down the stolen items but getting attacked is a step too far. I don't want your death on my conscience. As your boss, I'm ordering you to back off."
My eyes widened at Artie's stern words. "You're ordering me?"
Artie laughed sheepishly. "Okay, very politely requesting then. Oh, they're assembling," he said as the board members started to move towards the meeting room. "Come on. Let's get this over with."
"There's another meeting?"
"It feels like we're doing nothing but having meetings right now," sighed Artie.
"And you want me there?"
"Yes, you should be. At least for the first part. I'm told there's good news and it's about time we heard some."
"Who's working the reception desk today?" I asked. I’d entered via the employee’s door at the rear so I hadn’t seen but I could tell from the noise levels that the museum was open for business.
"We have volunteers working the desk. You can take it easy today. In fact, you should probably go home after this meeting. Detective Logan said he's going to take a look at your office. There's nothing you need to do today, nothing that can't wait." Artie inclined his head and I followed him to the board room. We took the same chairs we had the last time we were in the room and waited for everyone to take their seats.
"Let's go directly to it," said George as he scanned the paper in front of him. "First, I apologize for calling another meeting in such short order but I'm sure you understand how essential it is. Let's get started. I know you all are eager to join me in extending our sympathies to Tess. I don't need to recap what happened but it's horrible and we're all so devastated to learn you were attacked here on these premises. If there's anything we can do to support you in your recovery or you need to take some time off, please don't hesitate to say so." He looked around, checking the nodding faces surrounding us.
"Thanks, I appreciate that," I said.
"Why would someone attack you?" asked Caroline, the question bursting from her.
I gave a small shrug. I didn't want to explain anything about the ledger. If my assailant were amongst us, I didn't want them to know I saw the notepad for what it was. "I really don't know but I hope it doesn't happen again. Thanks for all your condolences."
"You should really take a few days off. At full pay," said George and once again, faces nodded.
"You simply must," said Artie. "We can all manage here."
"I might. I'll get back to you."
"Arrange anything you need with Artie," said George. I started to rise, assuming that was the part I was welcome for, and he waved me down again. "Tess, we've had several long talks and we want to offer you the job of manager. Artie is happy to stay on longer to help facilitate the transition process and we'd be delighted if you accepted our offer. What do you say?"
I opened my mouth and nothing came out. I was shocked and surprised. Judging by Artie's suddenly delighted expression, so was he.
"Absolutely the right choice," said Artie, covering up my silence. He applauded loudly and gradually the cheer spread around the table until all the board joined in. Even Declan managed not to look too sour.
"Should we take that as a yes?" asked George. "We can talk all the particulars later but we all agree that you're the right choice for Artie's successor. Your presentation was very good and there's no denying all the great things you've been doing at the museum."
"Thank you," I blurted out as I gulped. I waited for this day ever since Artie announced his retirement. Now that it was finally being offered to me, I couldn't accept. Part of me felt like it was a consolation prize. I wasn’t their first choice, even though I was the best person for the position, and that still stung. If Lance hadn't been killed, he would have slipped right into the job. I didn't want to be their second choice and I didn't want to be offered the job because they felt bad that I got attacked in my office. Yet, the job was exactly what I wanted.
"Is that a yes?" asked Caroline.
I hesitated, color flushing my cheeks. "I'd like to think about it," I said. "It's a very exciting offer."
"Oh, well, yes, of course. You've had a terrible fright. Why don't you think about it this week and get back to us on Monday?" said George.
"We all hope it will be a yes," interjected one of the other board members.
"Let's move onto the next topic, Karen."
Grim mutterings sounded around the table. I tried to listen but I didn't know who to focus on. I heard several snippets comprising shock, disbelief, fear and the worry that a bloody dagger was discovered in Karen's possession. Apparently, that was damning news, further reinforced by Detective Logan being the one to discover it before he promptly arrested her. I saw glances directed at me and knew what they were thinking: Karen must have attacked me too.
"Given the gravity of what Karen is being accused of doing, I feel it best we terminate her employment immediately," said George.
"I second it," said Declan. "I can't bear to set eyes on that woman again. Not after what she did to my nephew."
"Now, wait just a minute," said Artie, half rising as he planted his palms on the table. "Whatever happened to being innocent until proven guilty?"
"The dagger!" snapped Declan.
"Karen wouldn't hurt anyone or anything," I said, steeling myself. "I've known her for years. She wouldn't kill Lance."
"She obviously snapped!"
"It must be the stress," said someone else.
"Perhaps she was the one stealing all the valuable things
," said Declan.
"Hold on!" Artie shouted and everyone jumped. I could count on one hand all the times Artie ever shouted, so to hear him shouting now was something else. "Karen is a critical member of our team. She's been here for years without a single incident and I can swear that she did not kill Lance. She just wouldn't! All of you should be ashamed of yourselves for speculating that she could! She's not just our colleague, she's our friend."
"And Lance was my nephew," yelled Declan, his fist slamming the table.
I touched fingers to my temples, my head aching again. I wanted to stand up and defend my friend but feared if I did, I might have a total melt down.
"If you fire Karen for this spurious claim against her, then I can guarantee the moment she's cleared, she'll get her lawyer and sue the museum for unfair dismissal and believe me, she'll win." Artie stared at the board members, daring them to defy him. Apparently, the threat of losing even more money to a lawsuit worked because the comments swiftly skittered to silence.
"Let's postpone any decisions regarding Karen for now," said Caroline. She cast a quick glance to me and we shared a small, supportive smile.
Next to her, Declan folded his arms. I could understand his frustration. I wished someone were caught too, but not the wrong person!
My cell phone buzzed in my pocket and I reached for it, glancing discreetly at the screen. It was a text message from Karen. "Been released. Waiting outside the police station. Need to see you urgently!" it read. I showed it to Artie and he nodded, his eyes flicking towards the door. I got the message: go!
"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to take the rest of the day off," I told them as I rose.
"Don't come back until Monday," said George. "Take all the time you need."
"Thanks," I said weakly. I flashed the board a smile before I hurried from the room. I was out the front doors minutes later and opening Karen's message. As I walked, I tapped a message to her: on my way. Leaving the museum, I realized I gave them no indication I was happy about their job offer. Well, that could wait! Karen was more important.
When I got there, Karen was standing at the front of the police department with a man in a business suit.
"This is my lawyer, Mark Sweet," she said, introducing us. "Mark, this is my boss, Tess Hernandez. Tess, I'm so sorry. You have to believe me. I would never hurt you or Lance!"
I reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. "You don't have to convince me. I'm here."
"We had to convince Detective Logan but I think he finally believed me."
"An anonymous tip was too convenient," said Mark. "When we looked at the case, we could all agree it made no sense for a dagger to be found in Karen's purse so many days after the murder. Why would she hide it when she could have gotten rid of it at any time the museum was empty? And as to the idea of carrying it around for days? Ridiculous! No one is that stupid! Initial checks showed no fingerprints either and her purse was easily accessible to anyone who wanted to plant it there. It's clearly a frame job."
"I don't understand why someone would frame me!" cried Karen. Her jaw shook with upset and hurt.
"Probably because you're an easy target," said Mark gently. "We can clear you for Lance's murder, no problem. There are enough witnesses that place you elsewhere and Detective Logan knows that. He knows you were framed, which is why it was easy to get you out so quickly."
"What do I do now?" asked Karen.
"Go home. Take it easy and I'll be in touch."
"My husband is on his way to collect me," she said.
"I'll stay with her until he gets here," I told him.
Mark Sweet nodded and after we said goodbye, he walked away, leaving the two of us alone. I hooked my arm though Karen's and we walked away from the police station.
"You'll have to forgive me," she said. "I didn't even ask how you are. When I saw you yesterday... oh, gosh, Tess. My heart leapt into my mouth!"
"I have a bump like an ostrich egg on my head but fortunately, my hair is big and curly enough to hide it. It'll go down in a few days and then I'll be good as new."
"I would never hurt you."
"You think I don't know that? C'mon, Karen. We've been friends for years."
"I wanted to say it anyway. Tess, I'm scared. I can't imagine who would want to set me up. I love working at the museum. I get along with everyone or I thought I did but now... I don't think I can go back."
"I don't think the person framing you is targeting you per se. It's like your lawyer said. You were an easy pawn. Detective Logan realized that too. We're going to get this all straightened out."
"But it's getting worse! Lance is dead and you were attacked. Why?"
"They stole the ledger I had. Karen, did you tell anyone I had it?"
Karen stopped. "No! Not a single soul."
"Sorry. I had to ask. I just took it out of my locked drawer and put it in my purse. When I came to, it was gone and my office was totally trashed. I think that’s why I was attacked obviously. Someone didn't want me to find out what was inside that little book."
"So, it's gone? This is terrible."
"I managed to give a few pages I copied to Detective Logan. Whoever hit me didn't know that!" We walked a few more steps in silence, then I asked. "Was anyone hanging around the lobby yesterday? Before Detective Logan came in?"
Karen shrugged. "I spoke to a few visitors and sold more guides than usual and I answered a lot of questions. Some of the board members were there. I spoke to George and Caroline a while and I mentioned opening late and they thought it would be a good idea to have a late night once a week. Caroline asked me to draw up a plan on how it would work."
"Did you leave your desk?"
"A few times. I came to see Artie, remember? I left a volunteer on the desk. George wanted me to get a stack of pamphlets from the back that he could give to the distributors to spread around town. And I moved around a lot during the day, making sure everyone had whatever they needed. The usual thing. Picking up guides and pamphlets and directing people around. Tess, I stash my purse under the desk all the time. No one's ever touched it before!"
"No one's blaming you," I said.
"I had to spend a night in the jail! My husband told my kids I was working late and had to leave home early. Detective Logan was really nice about it. He made sure I had extra blankets and he bought me Chinese takeout and sat with me for a while. This morning, he brought me muffins and a coffee for breakfast. I think he felt bad about arresting me."
"As he should! I'm glad he treated you as well as he could, given the circumstances."
"It was humiliating." Karen rummaged in her purse and pulled out a tissue to dab at her eyes. She waved to a car as it pulled over and I spotted her husband inside. He turned off the engine, waiting patiently. "I just want a hot bath and to sleep in my own bed."
"You do that," I told her. "And take the rest of the week off. I insist."
Karen raised her eyebrows. "They don't want me to come in, do they?"
"Just take the time off," I repeated, skirting her question. "I know I am. We'll have answers soon and life will return to normal."
Karen hugged me. "I wish that was a promise."
Chapter Twenty-One
I left Karen with her husband after more profuse apologies from her, as well as several from me, and strict instructions to call each other if there were any new developments. I really hoped the only thing that she would call me about would be an assurance from her lawyer that all charges were absolutely being dropped.
With a soft breeze at my neck, cooling my headache, I started walking, not sure where I was going but needing to clear my head. Artie was right: I had to take the day off. However, I didn't want to sit at home, feeling sorry for myself. I wanted to do something.
I strolled through the residential streets, appreciating the blooms full of spring life without stopping to admire them. Instead, hands thrust in my pockets, I focused on the events of the past few days. Somewhere, in my head, there had to be some
thing I was missing. All the information was right there but what couldn't I see?
Lance got killed on an evening when we were full of employees, volunteers, and guests. That meant a huge amount of suspects and the reason why Detective Logan might struggle as he waded through so much information. I was sure I could discount the volunteers that helped the museum operate. What would any of them have to gain by Lance's death? There weren't any job vacancies for them to apply for so Lance was no barrier to anyone's future that way. There was nothing unless... could one of the volunteers be his accomplice in the thefts? That was a possibility. There were almost twenty on the rotating schedule and any one of them could have access to the dagger that was used to murder him. Any one of them could have stashed it somewhere in the museum to plant in Karen's purse later. But why now? Why not plant the dagger on someone that terrible night and really throw off any suspicion? It didn't make sense to suddenly frame Karen several days later.
My phone chimed with an incoming text message. I stopped, read the screen and dashed off a message to Leah and Brooke, telling them I was still fine, taking a nice walk and not to worry. I knew they would and I was glad they checked in on me between classes. Just as soon as I hit send, another message blipped onto the screen. This one was from Ethan inquiring about my head and what should he bring for lunch? Or did I prefer a walk? Again, I assured him I was fine, my headache was subsiding but other than that, my recovery couldn't be better. As for lunch, I was giving that some serious thought! I hit send and another message appeared quickly: I have something to show you!
I checked my watch. It was only early afternoon and I didn't want to go home just yet. I still had so much thinking to do and the day was too lovely not to enjoy it. I could have changed my mind about taking the day off but I didn't want to get pulled into whatever the board discussed after I left. However, I was intrigued at what Ethan had to show me. It had to be about the plans and I must admit I felt a surge of excitement. Any new development was an event to look forward to!
Mayhem in May Page 18