Word Has It (Wordplay Mysteries Book 1)

by Julie B. Cosgrove

  Todd arrived at three minutes after one. It was unusual for him to be late at all. “I was starting to worry.”

  “Sorry, Aunt Wanda. I had my head in paperwork.”

  She motioned for him to have a seat. “A lot of stuff to report from last night?”

  “Yeah. Murders require so many forms, statements, reports. Chief has me compiling it for the county sheriff’s department.”

  “Why?” She hoped the chief hadn’t been picking on him because of her.

  He shrugged. “Jim Bob is on duty so that leaves me.”

  “Oh, I see. Have you identified the victim?”

  Todd focused on her face with a scowl. “Why all the questions? And exactly what were you doing seeing Carl this morning?”

  “Todd, I know you think I’m snooping. But I felt so guilty. If I had not organized that meeting on neighborhood watches, Carl wouldn’t have gotten it in his head to go vigilante on us.”

  His mouth drooped as his gaze softened. “Aunt Wanda, how were you to know?”

  “You could have told me he had been prowling around town for the past several nights trying to protect the cars on his lot. Surely you saw him on your patrol.”

  “I did, and warned him to go home. Twice. I never expected him to walk as far as the Ferguson place, though. Or shoot a guy he thinks he saw in the woods.”

  Wanda pulled out the mug shot. “This guy?”

  “Where did you get that?” Todd snatched it, his gaze sharp as steel blades again.

  “Internet.” She pointed to the face. “Butch McClain. Out on parole after being arrested for a burglary in Weatherford in 2002. Suspected to be one of the ones who robbed the jewelry store in Burleson. Is he who Carl shot?”

  Todd rose from the table. He bent down, his forefinger pointed straight at her nose. “Butt out. I mean it.”

  She folded her arms over her chest, not caring that six other patrons had stopped eating to stare at them. “The citizens of this town have the right to know.”

  “And they will. When the chief deems it necessary.” His eyes swept the room as he realized six pairs of ears, and Sally’s, were glued to their conversation. He returned to his chair and lowered his voice. “Wait, you plan to bring this up tomorrow night at the meeting, don’t you?”

  “Among other things, like the crime stats from the NIBRS for Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas.” She dug those out as well and slid them across the bistro table for his viewing.

  He scanned the report. “You have been busy.”

  “It’s my responsibility as chairperson for the neighborhood watch for Scrub Oak.”

  “Oh, is that your title, now?” He let off a nervous laugh. “Maybe I should request a transfer.”

  “Please don’t.” Wanda felt her eyes become damp and hot. The last thing she wanted to do was drive her nephew away. His absence during his college and academy years had been hard enough on her. The best thing that ever happened to the shy, introverted teen, but it had been such a lonely time for her.

  Still, she felt her heart swell with pride as she took him in with her eyes. He had returned a confident, good-looking man, shoulders back, spine straight. Handsome in his uniform. Quite a catch if she did say so herself. Maybe some nice girl would notice . . .

  “Aunt Wanda?” His voice echoed in her ear as if in a tunnel. She blinked back to the present.

  “Todd, I want to oversee the watch teams for one reason. You. I want to make sure you are privy to whatever we might see or hear. That way you can follow up and report to the chief. Prove to him and this town you are valuable.”

  He chewed the side of his mouth. “And what about Jim Bob?”

  “He’s day shift. You know most crime happens at night.”

  He smiled. “Not so much anymore since more and more wives and husbands commute to the cities for work. Cleburne is just up the road. When the toll parkway extension opens, most can be in Fort Worth within a half hour tops. That’ll leave houses vacant for eight to ten hours during the day.”

  “True. So, we should organize both day and night watches then?”

  “Might be wise. Since you sweet-talked the mayor into the idea, why not? Get the whole town involved.”

  What did that comment mean? Did he disapprove of her efforts?

  He rose from the table. “See you later.”

  “Wait, Todd. We haven’t ordered.”

  “Sorry. Gonna grab a sandwich from the firehouse. They always have leftovers.” He brushed her cheek with an air kiss, slapped a five dollar bill on the table, and left.

  Wanda sighed and rested her chin on her hand. That had not gone as planned at all. A wall still existed between them. One she did not know how to crack, much less knock down.

  She had to find a way to prove to him she had his, and the town’s, best interests at heart. Thing is, she could sure use his keen perspective to help prove Carl was not a cold-blooded murderer.

  If only Todd would take her word for it.

  Word. Wanda shut her eyes in frustration. Of all things.

  She hadn’t even asked him about the Scrabble letters.

  Wanda spent the rest of the afternoon preparing for the meeting. Evelyn came over and helped her sort and staple together the information she’d glean into packets for everyone.

  Betty Sue arrived at six with a summer salad of spinach leaves, strawberries, candied walnuts, and avocado chunks, spritzed with an apple cider and avocado oil dressing. She also brought fresh blueberry muffins with organic unsalted butter.

  “It’s too hot for a cooked meal.” She set the bowl and muffins onto Wanda’s kitchen table.

  “Perfect. My stomach couldn’t handle anything heavy right now anyway.” She clasped her hand over her waist.

  “Nervous over the meeting, Wanda? That is not like you.” Betty Sue’s peaches and cream face crinkled in concern.

  “She and Todd had a row this afternoon in the middle of Sally’s. It’s all over town.” Evelyn began to peel the paper away from one of the muffins.

  “Not a row.” Wanda set salad bowls and butter plates on the table. “Per se.”

  “What about?” Betty Sue eased into one of the chairs.

  “I don’t think Todd likes the idea of a neighborhood watch. He sees it as an excuse for me―and you two―to snoop around town, stir things up, and muddle this investigation.”

  “Well, it is the first murder in over twenty-something years.” Evelyn rose to grab the butter from the counter.

  Betty Sue raised a finger. “Unless Carl killed Aurora’s husband as well. Didn’t he have a crush on her in high school?”

  “Who didn’t have a crush on her?” Wanda faked a gag. “Anyway, I think that was his brother, Clyde or Cole or something.”

  Evelyn lathered on two pats of butter with gusto. “It doesn’t matter who did or didn’t. That would have been decades ago. Besides, we don’t know that her husband’s shooting was on purpose. Nor could we prove it.”

  “Maybe we can.” Wanda sat down and gazed into the eyes of her two friends. “Forensics. We need to find out what caliber of bullet that killed Robert. Was it a shot gun or rifle?”

  Evelyn sighed. “Wanda, shot guns are for dove and quail hunting. Rifles are for deer.”

  “Oh.” She scrunched her mouth to the side. After a minute, a thought appeared. “Even so. Rifles have different calibers, too. Don’t they?”

  She rose and grabbed her phone. She did a search and smiled. “Look. The different brands of bullets have different calibers. Remington, Winchester, Creedmore.” She scrolled across the pictures. “Tons of them. If the one that killed Robert matched the one that killed the burglar in the woods, odds would be pretty strong they came from the same gun.”

  “Forensics could determine that. Barrels leave marks as the cartridges leave the chamber.” Evelyn shrugged. “I know because I watch CSI shows.”

  “We know,” Betty Sue and Wanda responded together.

  “Wait.” Betty Sue waved her hands in front of
her. “I thought you wanted to prove Carl innocent of both crimes.”

  Wanda nodded. “I do. I have this niggling in my brain telling me Carl didn’t shoot anyone. What if someone else shot the burglar?”

  “What?” Her friends responded in unison.

  “Carl has rubbed a few feathers the wrong way in this community. Including the police chief’s. What if someone set him up?”

  Betty Sue’s curls bounced as she shook her head. “No. No police corruption in our town. Never. Shame on you, Wanda Lee Warner. Think of Todd.”

  Wanda recognized the well-used schoolteacher scolding tone in her friend’s voice. “Yeah, that is a stretch, isn’t it?”

  Evelyn gave off a small snort. “Set ups only occur in mystery novels, not real life. I read that somewhere.”

  “You’re probably right.” Wanda shrunk in her chair as if she sat back in first grade after being caught shooting spit wads. The only time she ever went to the principal’s office. She learned that day to be sneakier to avoid getting in trouble. Had the murderer as well?

  Then she felt a piercing in her chest. Sneakiness was not the way of the Cross. The truth set people free according to the Good Book.

  That was what she had to discover. The truth.

  Chapter Twelve

  The fellowship hall hummed with conversation as people grabbed snacks, a cup of coffee, or a glass of lemonade. Wanda tapped the microphone as she stood on tiptoes to reach it. Pastor Bob trotted over to lower the pole to her height.

  “I should have let you borrow the wireless.”

  She covered the mic with her hand. “It’s fine.” Then she raised her voice. “Ladies. Gentlemen. Please find your seats.”

  A rustling accompanied by mumbles ensued as various-sized bodies claimed chairs. Wanda did a headcount—115 people. Wow. Word had gotten around since Saturday’s powwow at the Coffee Bean. Well that, and the fact there had been a shooting in town probably stirred interest.

  Then she noticed the mayor, dressed in a suit, tie, and freshly ironed, starch-white shirt, take a front row seat. She probably should acknowledge him.

  She motioned to Betty Sue and Evelyn to hand out the pamphlets. “One per household, please. We only printed fifty. Sorry.”

  Smiles and nods let her know all was fine.

  She took a deep breath. “Pastor Bob, will you start us off with a prayer?”

  Heads bowed and hands clasped. After he finished, and all responded with an “Amen,” Wanda began.

  “I know the incident over the weekend has caused great concern. As it should. Strangers were lurking in our relatively crime-free community.”

  She paused when she noticed Todd and Jim Bob slip through the door and stand at the rear of the room. Chief Brooks had obviously decided not to join them. Maybe he’d sent them and stayed behind to mind the store, so to speak.

  “I want to thank our mayor for attending tonight . . .” She waited as he half rose from his chair and waved to the room. “As well as two of our fine law enforcement officers.” Wanda extended her hand to the back of the room and smiled her sweetest little-old-lady smile. “We are all proud of the work they do to keep us safe.” Her eyes fixated onto Todd’s.

  Applause rippled through the crowd, growing in crescendo. A few people rose from their seats, and soon almost everyone stood, including the mayor.

  Todd’s cheeks grew red, and Jim Bob shuffled his feet as they both motioned a thank you for the acknowledgment.

  Wanda let the din die down and then cleared her throat. “We are not here to try Carl Smithers. But it is noteworthy that he had been suspicious about the possibility of one of his cars being stolen. He told me and the police, that he had seen a shadowy figure lurking around the lot late one night. He happened to return to the office because he left his cell phone on the desk.”

  Whispered comments floated through the hall.

  “So even before Saturday night, the possibility of crime oozing into our community existed. Which is why I included the report on the second page of your pamphlet. It is from the National Incident Based Reporting System, or NIBRS. Todd, perhaps you can explain this better than I can.” She beckoned him forward.

  Instead, he stayed at the back and raised his voice so the room could hear him. “The NIBRS is a division of the FBI. It has been around for twenty years, and reporting has been voluntary, but there is a new law that states all law enforcement offices in the US must begin reporting to them this year. It monitors the types of activities, both misdemeanor and criminal, that goes on in each city and state. Mrs. Warner has given you a chart of the percentage rates in North Texas over the past three years. You can see that while crime is overall down in the state, it is on the rise here, especially in the Dallas area.”

  The mayor stood and cleared his throat. “My office has been monitoring the NIBRS stats for several years, which is why I wholly endorse the formation a neighborhood watch force in Scrub Oak.”

  The mayor was definitely in campaigning mode, even though he had gone undefeated in the last three elections. Wanda swallowed down the desire to comment as people mumbled amongst each other.

  Evelyn whistled through her teeth for everyone to return their attention to the stage then nodded for Wanda to continue.

  “Um, thank you, Officer Martin, and also Mayor Porter.” She shifted her weight to her left foot. “Officer Martin and I met earlier today . . .” she noticed a few eyebrows cock. “He told me there is a growing trend in crime occurring during the day since more and more households have dual incomes. That means, the parents are at work, and the kids are in school, so houses are empty during normal business hours. He agrees that a watch during the day and the evening would be a good idea.”

  Todd opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off. “He and Jim Bob cannot be everywhere at once. It is up to us to help them out. It is our community, too.”

  Several people verbalized their agreement. Applause ensued.

  Wanda pumped her hands to settle the room down. “However, it is not up to us to take the law into our own hands. Only to inform and then let the police force, who is well-trained, handle things. The unfortunate incident this past weekend is exactly what should not ever happen again.”

  She glanced up at Todd who gave her a small head bob. Did the wall between them fissure a bit? She hoped so.

  “Officer McIntyre suggested that in a town our size, we form four teams of four people each. If we are to have two shifts, then we need to double that, agreed?”

  Ray O’Malley raised his hand. “I propose the women take the days and the men take the nights. Not being sexist, but, well. It seems the wise thing to do.”

  Jim Bob raised his hand, and Wanda acknowledged him. “During the day, one on patrol per segment would be fine. But in the evening, if a lady wants to patrol, she should have a male partner. I believe that is a well-established pattern with these types of organizations.”

  Wanda verbally approved. “I want to assist but I must also realize I am a senior citizen. Yes, I have more time on my hands, but I also must be prudent. We all should.”

  Tom Jacobs, owner of Tom’s Thrift Shop and local editor of the Oakmont County Weekly Gazette spoke up. “What exactly are our duties?”

  “Good question, Tom. The first page explains that in more detail. Everyone in town should know who is on the neighborhood watch in their area. On the back is a somewhat crude map of Scrub Oak―sorry. Art is not my forte. But it shows by color the four areas of town Officer McIntyre propose we arrange into watch groups. Therefore, we’ll need at least eight people from each area to sign up to be on the teams. You will find sign-up sheets in the back on the tables, color coordinated to the map.”

  Several heads swiveled to locate the table.

  “Once the groups are organized, each will meet to elect a captain. Those captains and I will meet on a biweekly basis. That is, if you all agree I should be the chairperson this year.”

  Nods, claps, and a few whistles answered her. She
noticed a proud smile creep into Todd’s face, and his reaction enveloped her heart and gave her encouragement.

  “Each of the thirty-two volunteers will be trained. Officer McIntyre will come down himself or send someone else to do that. I will arrange it soon. If you have any further questions, contact me, and I will find the answers.”

  People began to shuffle as they gathered their belongings to leave. She spoke louder to recapture their attention. “Remember, every adult over 16 in town is involved. We all need to be aware of our surroundings. We need to look out for each other and check on each other, especially those of us who are older and live alone. Scrub Oak is a fine community of caring people. Let’s prove it to the rest of the North Texas area.”

  She stepped back from the mic and the room exploded in applause. She never expected such approval. Her stance wobbled a bit as she regained her bearings. Her heart fluttered as she fought back tears.

  It felt good to be honored by her fellow citizens after the rumors over the past year. Even Mr. Baker gave her a wink. Aurora Stewart, of course, was no were to be seen. Probably in Dallas shopping at Neiman’s or getting her claws gelled.

  Todd weaved his way to the front and held out a hand to escort her down the stage steps. His grip felt warm and strong. She took it gladly.

  “Well done, Aunt Wanda. Look at the line forming at the sign-up table.”

  The mayor hovered nearby to shake hands. She chuckled. Once a politician . . .

  She smiled back at Todd. “I hope you know we are doing this to help y’all and not to overstep your authority.”

  “Jim Bob and I both do. Now.” He hooked her arm through his elbow and led her over to where Betty Sue and Evelyn stood. He addressed them all. “Ladies. Put your concentrated effort into getting this off the ground. Leave the investigative police work to us. Got it?”

  Betty Sue pressed her hand to her blouse. “Of course, Todd.”

  Evelyn answered with a brief head bob.