“We were in my bedroom upstairs.”
“Which room is it?”
“The first one on the right side of the hallway,” David replied.
There were a few moments of silence and then I heard Lance say, “If I’m correct, it was the balcony adjacent to your room where Sabrina toppled over.”
Several guests made a collective gasp.
David was speechless. I could only imagine how troubled he was by all of this. First, losing his girlfriend permanently, with no chance at reconciliation and now being indirectly accused of murdering her.
“When you last saw Sabrina, was she alive?” Lance asked.
“’Course she was!” David exclaimed.
“Are you sure she didn’t say something that caused you to lose control and you pushed her over the balcony?” It was the voice of Tyrone Stewart—the other detective who seemed to need a leash on his tongue.
“How dare you accuse my son of such an atrocity?” Merlene snarled. “I can put my head on a chopping block declaring his innocence. You all are barking up the wrong tree!”
I was proud of my girl. Only a heartless mother wouldn’t stand up for her child, especially if she knew he was innocent.
At that moment, the darkness before me dissipated and faint images began to appear in front of and around me, which lingered for a few seconds more before I could solidly see everyone in the room again. I hoped my elation in this regard was not obvious. Merlene always said if I were foolish enough to tell anyone what often happened pertaining to this inner vision of mine either no one would believe me or if they did, they’d be sure I was a nutcase who practiced some sort of Black Magic. My reputation in Chadsworth would be ruined in my old age. Did I believe her? I guess I did, to some extent. If not, I’d probably have snitched on myself a long time ago.
“My! What an interesting conversation this is we’re having!” Edna Haygood, the classy wife of Pichton Pet Society’s Director stated. “Seeing the way things are obviously going, should I assume that that woman over there might’ve had something to do with Sabrina’s death?” She briskly pointed at a middle-aged lady sitting near the back of the room. “A few minutes after the incident involving Sabrina and the young man, Brady, in this very room, that woman blatantly scolded Sabrina for the way she handled the man’s advances; then she promptly walked away before Sabrina had a chance to respond.” Edna spoke in a direct and dignified manner.
“Are you referring to me?” the woman asked in clear defense.
“Yes you!” Edna replied. “I am simply trying to make a point here though. Goodness knows how many other people in this room might’ve had an encounter with Sabrina before she fell to her death. Are we to assume that everyone who did is suspect in her murder—if it is, in fact, a murder we’re dealing with here?”
Edna had a valid point and the lady she’d highlighted seemed to realize she wasn’t actually accusing her of anything. I didn’t recall seeing that woman Edna referred to arrive at the party, neither the lady who was sitting next to her. Maybe they were crashers or came with someone I was acquainted with. Freddie, Claire Fairweather’s husband who sat a few chairs to the right of Edna, appeared somewhat agitated. I’d thought he certainly had good reason to be since the police had literally held all of us hostage.
“Wait a second, people,” an older man spoke up. “Why are we jumping to conclusions here? It’s quite logical that in spite of whatever arguments or disagreements took place, the girl simply lost her balance, for whatever reason after walking out onto the balcony, and fell over. It’s a rush of judgment, in my opinion, to assume that she was killed.”
“I agree with you,” Cooke addressed him. “We will wait for the completion of the forensic investigation and autopsy report, and from there we’ll know more of the facts. In the meantime, however, the purpose of us being here is to gather as much information as we possibly can that might help the case in the long run. We’re not jumping to any conclusions here; believe me. Just working to get the facts. And part of successfully conducting any investigation involves asking the tough questions.”
Sheriff Cooke made good sense, but the gentleman who spoke prior to him made even better sense, as far as I was concerned. From the way things were going, it sounded like they’d already pegged David in their minds as a suspect. Poor, sweet, harmless David.
11
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Sheriff Cooke and his two stooges finally put an end to the friendly gathering where stinging accusations had been hurled about the room for the better part of an hour. Everyone cleared out and went their merry way.
Nilla, the boys and I had to go to a hotel until the forensic crew were finished with the house. David stayed with us the entire time, though he hardly left his hotel room even for a drink of water. He refused to go back home with his mother. Theodore and Anthony checked on him when they were not at work and even got him out at one time to play a game of Checkers. David mainly watched. He obviously couldn’t muster the interest.
We returned home two nights later and met things pretty much intact. Theodore, Anthony, Merlene and I talked for a while in the sitting room, as David mostly stood near the sliding door staring outside at where his beloved’s body had been found. He was in a deeply somber mood.
“I’m really worried about him,” Merlene said. “He hasn’t been the same since…”
“I know,” I replied. “What happened here was a shock to everyone.”
“I can’t believe that woman tried to accuse him of murder!” She whispered loudly. “Such gall she has!”
“Carla has a big mouth and a small brain,” I said. “The woman doesn’t know how to tame her tongue!”
Then again, I’m sure I’m guilty of the same thing. Anyway…Carla’s on the hot seat right now. Not me.
Theodore leaned forward. “I think the whole thing was blown out of proportion. If those so-called detectives were anywhere near smart, they could’ve seen from the height of the balcony rail, Sabrina, being a fairly tall girl, could’ve fallen over by mistake if she somehow got distracted and wasn’t paying attention to how close she was to it.”
“I agree.” Anthony nodded, glancing at David. “People are so quick to suspect the worse possible scenario. To think I went above and beyond to cater to some of those snakes that were at the party!”
“I’d say! We should’ve served rotten meat and venom to ‘em!” I sighed. “This is the absolute worse thing that could’ve happened on our wedding anniversary. Donnie must be turning over in his grave.”
Merlene patted my knee. “I’m sorry, Lucille. I think we’ve all forgotten amidst the chaos that it was your special day that was ruined too.”
“I know it can’t compare to someone losing their life, but thanks.”
Merlene got up to check on David. “Why don’t you come home with me tonight, sweetheart? I think it would be best if you didn’t stay here,” she said.
David slowly shook his head. “I wanna stay.”
“But why? This can’t be a healthy decision for you, considering what’s happened.”
“There you go again trying to control my life!” He yelled. “You think I’m gonna run home to you because of what happened? I guess you’re glad she’s dead, aren’t you? Thinking you can have me all to yourself again.”
“That’s absurd, David and you know it!”
“I’m not a Momma’s boy, Mom! I’m a grown man.” He turned away again, looking out toward the yard. “I said I’m staying and that’s final!”
Nilla shot past them and into the back yard, stopping where poor Sabrina’s body had landed. She looked up toward the neighbor’s house and started barking.
I went to get her. I had an awful feeling while approaching the spot where Nilla had chosen to stop at. I wondered if finding Sabrina there had traumatized her in any way. Holding her in my arms, I caressed her soft fur. “Come, sweet baby. It’s way past your bedtime. Let’s go inside now.”
David walked off and sat outside on the
back porch, less than ten feet away from where Sabrina’s body landed.
Merlene joined us in the sitting room again.
“Give him time,” I told her as she plonked down on the sofa. “He’s really heartbroken right now.”
“I know that, but how could he say I’m glad this tragedy happened? I don’t understand how he could say that.”
“I’m sure he didn’t mean it,” Anthony said. “Sometimes when we’re upset, we say the cruelest things to each other and don’t mean a word of it.”
“I wish I could help him somehow. He’s just in so much pain,” she said.
Merlene was having a tough time herself, watching David, whose welfare was her ultimate concern. She’d move mountains for that boy and that’s no understatement.
After she left for the night, David went up to his room, while Theodore and Anthony started cleaning up the place. I thought it was remarkable that David had offered to help, despite what he was going through, but the boys quickly declined his offer and encouraged him to get some rest. I was impressed by my boys. Yes, they were my boys now—my family. I always said that family has nothing to do with blood flowing through the veins, but everything to do with love and compassion inside the heart—a willingness to look out for each other, come Hell or high water.
After putting Nilla on her favorite side of the bed, I walked out into the hallway, deciding to check on David. His door was shut and I could tell the room was in complete darkness. Knocking softly, I said, “David… can I come in?”
Moments later, the door creaked open.
“Yeah,” he said, dryly, flipping on the light switch at the door.
“Are you all right?”
He walked off and sat down on the bed. “You wanna sit down?” he asked.
He told me where he was, just in case I couldn’t see him, and I went and sat next to him.
“I know I’ve said this before, but I really am truly sorry about what happened to Sabrina,” I said.
“Thanks.” He lowered his head and looked like he’d lived a thousand lives.
“I want you to know that no one here believes you’re in any way responsible for her death, no matter what anyone in that meeting alluded to. The whole thing was just an accident and the law enforcement goons and everyone else will soon realize that.”
“I don’t care what they think! I know I didn’t do anything.” He slid his hands across his cheeks.
“That’s the spirit!”
I squeezed his shoulder, then got up to leave.
“Are you sure you want to stay here tonight, David?” I could see the balcony a few feet off where Sabrina toppled over. “Your mother did have a point, you know, and I’m sure it came from a purely unselfish heart.”
“The last words I said to Sabrina were right in this room, Miss Lucille,” he replied, softly. “They were harsh because I was angry. I can’t just leave and not somehow make amends.”
“I understand.”
At least I thought I understood. I knew we’d have to keep an eye on this young man, especially considering those words could mean just about anything.
After I’d freshened up for bed, I encouraged Theodore and Anthony to leave the cleaning up for the next day. They must’ve been exhausted already anyway, but I don’t think they took my advice.
I stretched out next to Nilla, whose favorite night-time spot was on the fluffy, pink mat next to my bed. Tonight, however, I felt she needed to be closer to me and I to her. A beautiful, young girl had died on these premises the night of my and Donnie’s anniversary, and for everyone, I tried to put up a brave facade, but inside, Lucille Velma Abigail Pfiffer was completely horrified.
12
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In the middle of the night, I awoke to a strange sound, as if someone had loudly whispered into my ear. I felt for Nilla, but soon realized she’d left my soft mattress, presumably for her preferred spot.
I sat up in bed as an explosion of bright light surrounded me. Standing in my room at the foot of my bed was none other than Sir Clement. I was beginning to wonder how Donnie felt about this fine man appearing constantly to his wife and if there was any jealousy up there at all.
He gazed at me as if I was his Rapunzel—without the hair.
“What do you want?” I asked. “What do any of you want? Why do you come to me?”
It was the first time I’d ever asked and couldn’t fathom why I’d never done so before. Maybe because their visits had often been few and far between, but I’d just seen the guy forty-eight hours ago and here he was again!
He didn’t speak; only stared. Suddenly, on the left side of the glaring white light, I saw Sabrina crashing towards the hard earth from David’s balcony. It was just her deadly flight I’d seen, then heard the thump which caused my heart to sink. Sir Clement’s eyes reeked of something. I wondered if it was pain due to the fact that his own murder had never been solved. But why paint a picture of Sabrina falling from the balcony? Could it be that he was trying to tell me something? Could it be that she really might’ve been murdered, after all?
13
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Sir Clement Tucker’s most recent visit was stuck in my mind the moment I woke up the next morning. I knew within my heart of hearts that something wasn’t right and for some reason, he wanted me to get to the bottom of it. It was also the first time I’d internally questioned, if even for a split second, if David might’ve had anything to do with his girlfriend’s death. After all, they did have a heated argument shortly before the tragedy; I’d heard it with my own ears. But I also heard those footsteps leaving and descending the staircase after the argument. Would he have actually returned to commit the crime in the heat of passion?
No! I forced myself back to reality. There was no way my best friend’s son could’ve done that. I’d known David since he was a little boy. He was the nicest, gentlest child a parent could have. Merlene had always spoken of the gentle nature of her son and she feared it’s what the wrong type of woman in his life would’ve preyed upon. Perhaps, her fears were realized in Sabrina, though I never heard a good enough reason why she doubted the girl’s sincerity and professed love for David. I’d always chalked it up to her being overly-protective and Miss Bossy as she often was with me.
That morning, Nilla and I went for our usual stroll around the neighborhood. As people were out and about or on their way to work, we, as expected, were the center of attention. Well, I always liked attention, so they were really doing a wonderful deed. I was lucky to have had clear inner vision and was allowed to see some of the beauty of nature.
On our way back, we stopped by a narrow stream on the eastern end of the subdivision. Nilla went toward the water’s edge and stuck her little tongue out to the water. She didn’t drink it though. Never once did, but it did seem that one taste wasn’t enough for her. Every time we passed that way, she’d stick her tongue into the water, then turn away.
The glistening stream traveled from one end of our neighborhood and into the ocean. Schools of tiny, silver fish could be seen and Nilla found them most fascinating. She’d stand and bark at them as if they were tiny intruders. I loved it there and often used it as a time to reflect, whether I could see anything or if nothing but darkness stood within my view. That day was as good as any to reflect. This time, it was on Sabrina’s death and how her reluctance to show up at the party had affected everyone present. She’d surely made an indelible imprint in my life by choosing to die on my property.
We remained near the stream for a few minutes, then headed home. As we approached the Andersons who lived next door, a woman I’d never seen before was dumping a trash bag into their outside bin.
“Hi There!” I said.
She looked startled. I think it was obvious to her that I was blind. There I went slipping up again; I guess some people never learn. Nilla instantly started barking at her and dashing around erratically, which was rather odd since she usually just sniffed at and quietly, but serio
usly analyzed strangers.
“Hi,” she replied.
It appeared she was in rush to get away.
“Don’t worry. She won’t bite you as long as I hold this leash tight enough.”
“Okay, I am going back inside now.”
She hurried up the walkway and entered the house. I assumed she was the Andersons’ new housekeeper. She’d spoken with an accent which I thought sounded Hispanic, especially since she looked Hispanic, but I could be mistaken.
Debbie’s white sedan was in the yard. I thought of giving her a hail as we’d only spoken once since the tragedy. But felt I’d better get home as soon as possible before I had an accident outside on the sidewalk—the type of accidents Nilla occasionally had in my house. Admittedly, she’s not as bad with it as she was when she was a pup. Those days, any and everywhere was her bathroom. But nowadays, she holds it quite well until she gets outside and bugs me when it seemed I’ve lost track of time after she’s had her meal. Just once in a blue moon she might decide, Who cares! And lets it out anywhere. And usually, the scent is strong enough to guide me to where it is without a need for vision.
As soon as we got into the house, I went upstairs as quickly as I could and locked Nilla out of the bathroom. That was my private time. I was sure she could find one of my shoes to continue chewing on for the time being.
A minute later, the phone rang, which I ignored. Then there was a knock at the door.
“Miss Lucille, phone’s for you,” David said.
“Can’t it wait? I’m busy now.”
“It’s Debbie from next door. She says it’s important.”
David had taken a few days off work for what was called “emergency vacation”. I thought it was the best thing for him to do, considering the circumstances. I quickly got myself together, washed my hands and opened the door. He handed me the phone and returned to his room.
Lucille Pfiffer Mystery Series Box Set Page 7