by VC Angell
Jim thought a moment before saying, “I guess I’d be more likely to say that I’m glad Sally has found someone than anything else.”
“I thought you might say something like that. Think of it this way – if you love someone, you will do almost anything to have them return that love. Think of it from Karen Johnson’s position. Your brother was in the way,” Laura said.
“I never thought of killing someone just because another person stood in my way. If Carol had been engaged or had a longtime boyfriend, I would never have even asked her for a date,” Jim said.
“You are not everybody! You care about people. From what I heard about Karen, she’s not like that.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence. I just thought of something that might interest you. You know that Alla Saker Trä is building a plant here. We’ve got a notification that they will be hiring in less than a month. There a notice is going in the Journal soon. I understand the pay is good in all positions they’re offering. You might want to try them,” Jim said.
Laura sat thinking before she said, “They just might hire me for something. What kind of jobs are they offering?”
“I have seen the ad they want to run, and it is everything from office workers to people working in the plant. They will train people. It means you don’t have to have any skills beforehand. Their benefits package looks good with vacation, sick days, medical, and some educational benefits,” Jim said.
“I’ve never been able to read the application or a job description really well. I think I can now. It might be my chance to become legit again.” Laura fell silent.
Jim watched in silence before saying, “They will translate Alla Saker Trä to the English, which I understand means All Things Wood. They make many wood products besides what they want to make in this plant, so the name would be appropriate as it is in Europe.”
“I kinda like the sound of Alla Saker Trä. I guess it makes sense to change to English. With Swedish name, people wouldn’t know what they were doing or making,” Laura said.
Laura seemed less talkative. Jim thought it was because she was thinking about the jobs coming to Alma. After a while, they left the Country Kettle. Jim dropped Laurel off at her apartment and drove back home.
Chapter 17
In the middle of April, Alla Saker Trä, All Things Wood, held a three-day job fair. In conjunction with it, they announced their building plans. The building would use premade modules, and they were shooting for a 60-day completion date from start to finish. It was something they had done in other locations. That meant the job fair would produce jobs very quickly. They would be hiring office staff immediately and renting space for them until the factory was completed. The speed of all this surprised everyone, even Jim. Amid all this excitement, the Sheriff called Jim and asked Jim to see him.
When Jim got to the Sheriff’s office, he was turned over to Gladys Schmidt. She asked Jim if he’d heard anything more since they had last talked.
“I was told that the Karen person who owns the tea shop is a constant companion of Sally. I was also told that Karen is quite a character,” Jim said.
“I can confirm both those things. Karen Johnson is not her name. Her real name is Rebecca Peters. We think that might not be correct, either. We think the last name could be Peterson. I won’t go over all the details with you because they’re not important at the moment. I think that your brother’s ex-wife is either deep in with your brother’s death or is going to be another victim of Rebecca Peters,” Gladys said.
“I’ve never met Karen Johnson or Rebecca Peters or whatever name she has. It was my friend Laura Peterson who said that she wasn’t a good person,” Jim said.
Gladys smiled, “You don’t desert your friends, do you?”
“Why would I? Laura and I have been friends since forever. We even dated in high school. Did you know that she’s learning to read? Julie, one of my reporters, found out kinds of things about dyslexia and has been helping Laura.”
Gladys laughed out loud, “I didn’t know about that, but I knew you are one of the good guys. I remember when we talked the first time, you didn’t disavow Laura but stood by her. That’s why I convinced the Sheriff that you could help us.”
“Help you how?” Jim asked.
“All we have on Sally’s girlfriend is purely circumstantial evidence. It’s unlikely we could get a conviction for the murder of your brother or anything else. I am absolutely sure she did it. I don’t know about Sally. She may have been willing or been conned into something. That’s another thing I’d like to clear up.”
Jim sat, stunned. Maybe they could solve his brother’s murder. Gladys waited patiently. Finally, Jim said, “Damn, I would never have thought it could be her. You seem to have a plan. What is it?”
Gladys leaned forward as if sharing a secret, “We did not want to put you in danger. I think the plan we have is a sound one. When you found the files your brother had begun compiling about the drug ring, you came to us. When you printed the article about the drug raids and arrests, you credited your brother. Those two facts are well-known thanks to you publishing them in the paper. What I’m suggesting we do is have you discover some more information left by your brother. That information will probably mean that Sally will not get the big insurance payout. We were hoping you could talk to her, tell her about that fact, and tell her that you are torn about disclosing it because she will lose all that money. On the other hand, your conscience will not let you not inform the insurance company. Tell Sally that you are struggling with the decision of what to do, but meanwhile, you’re keeping that information safely locked up in your desk at work.”
“I take it you expect her or this other woman to try and steal the information. You will catch them in the act because the paper has a security system,” Jim said.
“That is the idea. It shouldn’t put you in any danger. If we catch Sally and Karen in the act, there would be only one reason they were breaking into the paper.”
“I guess I’ll have to practice my acting skills,” Jim said.
“I would suggest that you tell Sally using the telephone and not in person. That way, I can witness the interaction for legal purposes. You can cut the call short by telling Sally that someone has come into the office, and you need to talk to them about an upcoming article. That way, she won’t be able to question you about what you have found.”
“It sounds like you thought of everything. Wait! What if she calls me at home?” Jim asked.
Gladys didn’t even pause with her answer, “You just have to tell her that the information is so hurtful you do not want to discuss it with anyone, not even her. If she makes more than one attempt to get information from you, you can repeatedly use that same answer. I’m sure she will be wondering about it is hurtful. If she asked you what is hurtful, you simply say again you don’t want to discuss it with anyone.”
“Okay. When would you like to do this?”
“We could do it right now, but I want you to think it over. On the other hand, it should be pretty quick.”
“How about tomorrow?” Jim asked.
“Are you sure?”
“Yep. It’s been over a year since my brother was killed. I’d like to get it solved. It’s frustrating. It makes me mad! Besides, in May, I’m getting married, and she should be in on this decision.”
Gladys smiled, “That’s great news. Congratulations. Who?”
“Carol Amundson. She sold me my house, and I think I fell in love with her while she was showing me properties.”
“I don’t know her, but I have seen her name on the Lake Real Estate signs. You’re lucky to have found someone because the pickings are pretty slim around here for marriage partners,” Gladys said.
Gladys and Jim continued to talk and settled on the next day to make the call.
* * *
That evening Jim sat down with Carol and told her about Gladys’s visit.
Carol said, “I don’t like you having anything to do with your bro
ther’s killers. If they killed once, they are likely to do it again.”
“I think it’s a safe plan because they want to get the information I have before I say anything about it to the authorities or insurance company. If the information goes missing, it would be just my word with nothing to back it up,” Jim said.
“What do you want me to do?”
“Nothing, I won’t do it for Gladys unless you give me the approval to. We’re going to be married before long. I feel I have to include you in the decision,” Jim said.
Carol smiled at Jim, “I’m glad you think so. You have my approval because I know you want to solve your brother’s murder. I can see the frustration and anger in you every time the topic comes up.”
* * *
The next day Gladys showed up carrying a bag. It contained a recorder and a device to attach it to the phone. Gladys explained that it would be legal because he would be permitting the call to be recorded. She produced a sheet of paper that he signed that was the agreement. She also had a separate set of earbuds to listen to the call as it was recorded.
Gladys asked, “Are you ready?”
“Let’s get it over with,” Jim said.
The call went just about as Gladys had predicted. It is clear the call upset Sally. She had more questions, but the supposed person who came into the office made it impossible for her to ask. Gladys thanked him for his cooperation and left along with her recorder.
That evening Sally called Jim. She wanted to know what information her husband left in the office. Jim stuck to his story and simply told her it was too hurtful to discuss. He had to tell Sally that he would hang up because he did not want to discuss it further. It seemed clear to Jim that Sally was frustrated by his refusal to disclose anything. He was glad he had locked his desk before leaving work. “Geez,” Jim thought, “that’s stupid. There’s nothing to hide.”
* * *
The next day, Friday passed without another call from Sally. That evening after dinner Carol and Jim sat down to review what food would be served at the reception. Jim’s said, “Since the reception will be right around lunchtime, we should have a real lunch. I was looking at their menu during the week. I like the look of the ingredients in their club sandwich. That could be the cold part of the meal. Mac & cheese could be the warm part of the meal. Do you think we should provide a salad too?”
“Mac & cheese at a wedding reception?” Carol asked
“Why not? Everybody loves mac & cheese, and theirs’s is pretty fancy with three different types of cheese. They say they that they serve them in ramekins so each person would get their serving.”
“I guess if we’re going to have a chocolate wedding cake, then you can have your mac & cheese.”
Jim said, “We still have to decide on a salad.”
They continue to discuss the menu. Jim and Carol decided they would provide two free drinks. If someone wanted more, they could buy them.
“I never knew planning a wedding could be so complicated. Maybe we should have just eloped,” Jim said.
“I think it all started as a celebration of a new couple in the community. It was also the time when the couple would be introduced to the community. Over time, it has become an excuse to have a party,” Carol said.
“I never thought of it that way. I guess over time is just a tradition everybody follows,” Jim said and then asked, “I still don’t understand how you can’t get out of your wedding dress.”
“I am not going to tell you anything about the dress. You are not supposed to see it or know anything about it until the wedding. I just thought you could think about undressing me,” Carol said coyly.
“That’s something I do already. Plus, I’m always thinking of undressing you,” Jim said with his best imitation of a leer.
“Is that all you ever think of – sex?”
“No, sometimes I think about food, particularly when I’m hungry.” Jim looked at Carol, and they both broke out laughing, which turned into hugging and kissing.
* * *
Early Sunday morning, Carol and Jim were awakened by the sound of the phone. Jim was glad he had a wireless phone as an extension. He picked it up and said a sleepy, “Hello.”
It was the Sheriff’s department, “There was an attempted break-in at the Journal’s office last night. Something must’ve scared them off because we could find no sign that they had entered the building.”
Jim was wide awake now, “I guess that’s good. Any idea what scared them off?”
“The deputy who responded had to use his siren because of people just leaving the Eagles Club. Whoever was breaking in probably heard the siren and ran,” the Sheriff’s department said.
Jim thanked the caller and hung up.
Carol asked sleepily, “What was that all about?”
Jim explained to Carol what happened at the Journal and then said, “I guess that proves that Sally had some part in my brother’s murder.”
“Maybe not. It could just be someone looking for something to steal,” Carol said.
“I guess it could be, but my money’s is on either Sally or Karen or both,” Jim said.
“You think they’ll try again?” Carol asked.
“I think they have to. They need to find out what I supposedly know because of what I found left by my brother. Then we’ll get their asses, pardon my French,” Jim said.
* * *
On Monday morning, Gladys called Jim at his office, “It was just bad luck the dance at the Eagles Club was just letting out when the alarm went off. There was a steady stream of traffic going both ways out of their parking lot. They were moving pretty slowly, so the deputy panicked because he had been told to get to the newspaper office as quickly as possible, and he used his siren.”
“I can’t fault him for that,” Jim said.
“I can’t either. As I said, that was just bad luck. I’m sure they will try again.”
“The fact that we have an outside alarm that goes off must’ve made them nervous too. Add the siren in, and they’d be plenty spooked,” Jim said.
“From what you told me, during the week, there are people that work at night.”
“Not all night. We do the printing of some of the local newspapers. They ship everything to us electronically. We print them, bundled them, and there’s usually a truck waiting for them. They are usually done by one or two AM,” Jim said
“Are there any quiet nights other than the weekends,” Gladys asked.
“The paper comes out on Thursdays. During the workday, the paper is printed and goes to the post office before they close. We never schedule anything else that night in case we’ve problems. Since they replaced the press a couple of years ago, there haven’t been any problems. However, I guess you could say that tradition wins over logic,” Jim said.
“Doesn’t it always?” Gladys said with a laugh and then added, “We’ll be on extra alert that night. They have to be nervous, not knowing how you will act on what you supposedly know. You might want to add to the pressure.”
“How so?”
“You might call Sally today and tell her you've been thinking over the weekend. Tell her you do feel bad about not being more forthcoming. Say it’s because the secret recording your brother made puts her in a bad light. Leave it vague like that. It will put more pressure on them to act,” Gladys said.
“Do you want to tape-record it again?”
“No, I don’t think it’s necessary.”
Jim confirmed with Gladys just what he should say and not say what he called Sally. Gladys wished him luck, and they hung up.
Jim didn’t wait and made the call right away. Sally seems so surprised by his call, and she didn’t ask any questions.
* * *
“You know I spend more nights here than I do at my place,” Carol said.
“I never asked you before, but that’s rental?” Jim asked.
“I called my landlord and told him when I’d be leaving. He said that he would miss me because I ha
ve been a great tenant.”
“Speaking of calling, I called Sally today at the suggestion of Gladys. The idea was it would put more pressure on them to move quickly. I still can’t see how Sally could kill Alex.”
“I can’t see how anyone could kill another person.”
“Let’s talk about something else. Did you contact your cousin about the reception?” Jim asked.
“Yes, she thought the red lentil curry dish was a good choice.”
“Has she always been a vegetarian?”
“No, she chose to do that in high school. Marianne said that it would eliminate cruelty to animals and help with global warming because of the methane reduction,” Carol said.
“I never thought about the methane that cows produce. Marianne sounds like a very conscientious person.”
“She is, but she’s also a ton of fun.”
“Is she married?”
“Yes, and they have two girls. Marlene is nine, and her sister is a couple of years younger,” Carol said and then continued, “I told her it was okay to bring them to the wedding.”
Jim and Carol continue to talk about the wedding and their guests before going to sleep.
* * *
It was Christmas week. Everyone was smiling except those who were still needing to do some shopping. Christmas would be on Friday, making for a long weekend. The Christmas party for the Journal was held the weekend before. Carol came to the party and was introduced to everyone. Carol told everyone that she and Jim would rather not have any wedding gifts but contribute to a favorite charity in their name. The paper would come out as it always did on Thursday, but it would be Christmas Eve day this time. That day was fun at the paper. Jim was the last to leave the paper; he locked up and started to his car but never made it.
* * *
Jim could hear some beeping and tried to open his eyes and focus. He could see a fluorescent ceiling light and a light-colored ceiling. He tried to move but found he didn’t have the strength, and something was impeding his movement. A woman’s face appeared, and she said, “Welcome back, Mr. Waterman. Do you know where you are?”