Murder So Sinful

by Eileen Curley Hammond

  “What can I do to help? Do you know when they’ll release the body?”

  “Detective Ziebold’s hopeful they’ll release her before the end of the week. My girls are coming in tonight, and Father Tom’s already been by to discuss the wake and funeral. It would be great if you would do one of the readings at the funeral. Nancy really loved living next door to you. She always said you were so sweet to her. And she loved your morning muffins.”

  My eyes welled up. “I loved having her as my neighbor; she was always looking out for us. It raised my spirits just to see her waving to me from her front porch.”

  “She loved sitting there, looking at her garden and seeing all the hummingbirds in the summer.”

  “The morning before she died she told me she had something interesting to tell me. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to chat. I will always regret I didn’t stop and talk to her.”

  “Merry, don’t beat yourself up. She knew how much you liked her, and she understood you have a busy life.”

  “Do you know what she wanted to tell me?”

  “No.” She paused. “Unless it was about the woman she saw. She mentioned her to me the other night.”

  “Can you remember what Nancy said?”

  “I wasn’t paying too much attention, but it seemed like she had seen a strange woman in town. When she introduced herself, the woman didn’t give her real name.”

  “Do you know what her name was?”

  “No. I can’t remember. The doc gave me a sedative, and my brain is scrambled. I’ll think on it, and if I remember, I’ll call you.”

  “Melissa, please do call if there is anything you need. I’d be honored to give a reading at the funeral.” I stood and hugged her again. Rob shook her hand, and we left.

  He frowned. “Who do you think the woman was?”

  “I don’t know, but I’m going to try and find out.”

  “Lunch?”

  “I don’t know if I feel up to it. Don’t you have work to do?”

  “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

  “No. I feel safer with you around, but I don’t want to take advantage.”

  “Please do. And I think you should try to eat something. How would you like some soup at the Morning Pastry?”

  “They do have great soup there. I could try.”

  We debated sitting inside or out. Outside won, as it was a lovely day. I chose the butternut squash soup, which was served with a thick slice of nine-grain bread, and Rob went with a turkey and cranberry sandwich on sourdough.

  Rob said, “I think I may be jealous of your soup.”

  “I know I’m jealous of that sandwich. It’s huge!”

  He took a big bite. “And tasty.”

  There were a lot of people out strolling at lunch, enjoying the weather. A few came up to us and mentioned how sad they were about Nancy and inquired about the wake and funeral. It was nice to see that she had touched so many lives and that people cared. I was virtuous and refused dessert but did keep Rob company by ordering a latte.

  I sighed. “Melissa didn’t give us a lot to go on.”

  “No, but what she said was intriguing. Nancy saw someone who was not who she said she was.”

  “Should we tell the detective?”

  “I’m not sure how he would react. We gave him three suspects yesterday who he didn’t believe in, and today we’re going to hand him an even more mysterious one?”

  “You’re right. It may be premature. What’s next?”

  “I have a source in the post office I could check with.”

  “Looking for what?”

  “A change-of-address report. We could see if there was anyone new to town in the last few months. I could say I want to create a ‘Welcome to Town’ section on the newspaper’s Facebook page.”

  “And then we could follow up to see if we recognized the person.” I sat back. “It does seem kind of needle in the haystack. Plus, how do we know the person relocated here? She could be from a nearby town and was just stopping to try one of our great restaurants.”

  “The person who did this would have to have some familiarity with the town. Getting into and out of the rectory, knowing where Nancy lived, and even recognizing Nancy.” He arched an eyebrow. “Do you have any other suggestions?”

  “None, other than I might see if I can get into Nancy’s kitchen. She had a habit of writing things she wanted to remember on sticky notes and leaving them on her fridge. I was too shocked the other day to check there. If you have to work, I could stop by and see if they have the tape down. I have a key to her house.”

  His eyes widened, and his mouth opened. “You are not going into a house where your friend was murdered all by yourself.”

  His words shocked me. I had gotten so wrapped up in the next steps that I had forgotten this was real. Nancy was my friend, and the last time I saw her she was lying dead in her kitchen. The blood drained from my face, and my eyes welled up. “You’re right. I don’t know that I can do this.”

  He took my hand. “You shouldn’t have to. Let’s strike a deal. If the tape is down, I’ll borrow your key and check the kitchen.”

  Two hungry cats greeted us as we entered my house. I gave them a few treats for neglecting them and filled their food dishes. Rob leaned out the back door and peeked at Nancy’s house. “It looks like the police tape is down. Are you okay with me checking it out?”

  “Yes, but please go to the front and ring her doorbell. I think it’s too soon for Melissa to be cleaning it out, but I would hate for you to surprise her. I’m sure she’s jumpy enough as it is.”

  I watched out the side window as Rob cut across to Nancy’s front door. It didn’t appear anyone was there because he used the key to get in. It made me nervous for him to be there by himself, but I couldn’t bring myself to go over there. I watched the clock and promised that if he wasn’t back in ten minutes, I would steel myself and go look for him. He made it back with a minute to spare.

  I exhaled loudly. “What on earth were you doing over there so long? I was worried!”

  “I didn’t see a sticky note on the refrigerator, so I took a few minutes to look around.”

  “Did you find anything?”

  “No. All I found was a shopping list and this.”

  He held up a pink sticky note with Tell Merry what I found out! written on it.

  I frowned. “Well, that’s not very helpful.”

  “No, but it is worrisome.”

  “How so?”

  “It was lying out in the open on her desk in the kitchen. Anyone could have seen it.”

  “And…?”

  “If the killer saw it, how would they know Nancy hadn’t yet talked to you?”

  I dropped into a chair. “I didn’t feel safe before. Now I feel a lot less safe. What about Jenny? What if something happened to her? What if she was home and I wasn’t?”

  “It might be best if she stayed at the Twilliger’s for a few days. Hopefully this mess will be figured out by then. And you better get used to having me around because I’m not leaving this house until the killer is caught.”

  “I’ll call Patty.”

  “And I’ll call my source at the post office.”

  Phoning Patty, I explained the situation and told her I would join her at her house at three fifteen to talk to Jenny. Then I texted Jenny: “Go home with Cindy. I’ll meet you at the Twilliger’s.”

  Next, I called Cheryl, feeling bad about neglecting my business. She assured me she had everything well in hand and urged me to focus on myself. Feeling somewhat more in control, I returned to the dining room just as Rob was hanging up his phone.

  “Five new people have come to town over the past few months: me, John, Candy Johnson, Beth Samuelson, and Arte Simmons. Other than John and me, do you know any of the others?”

  “I’ve met Arte; he came in to buy some insurance. I haven’t met the other two.”

  “I think it’s time for us to see who Candy and Beth are.�
�

  Chapter 20

  We shadowed Candy Johnson’s apartment early the next day, hoping to catch a glimpse of her going to work. Just past eight, a woman left the apartment with a shawl covering her head. She slid into her car.

  I said, “Darn. Can you see her face?”

  “No. The shawl’s in the way.”

  “What should we do?”

  “Follow her.”

  Her car pulled slowly out of the lot. After a few seconds, Rob started after her. She kept to the back roads for a few miles and then got on the interstate. Twenty minutes later, she took the exit for Chesterville. Rob and I exchanged a look.

  He said, “I wonder.”

  A few moments later, she turned into the parking lot of the United Bank and Trust. Shrugging off her shawl, she got out of the car and walked into the bank.

  “Paula Sanders,” I said.

  “Yep. Do you think that was what Nancy was trying to tell us? That she had seen Paula in town?”

  “It could be. I find it interesting Paula didn’t mention she had moved to Hopeful.”

  “I find it even more interesting that she’s using an assumed name.”

  Rob drove slowly back to town.

  “Why do you think she moved to Hopeful and why the different name?” I asked.

  “The only thing I can think of is that she wanted to keep an eye on John and she didn’t want him to know she was close.”

  “I think we should ask Father Tom if she’s been by.”

  “I need to pick up a few things at the office. How about I drop you by the rectory and pick you up in fifteen minutes. Text me if you’re ready before then. You should be safe enough there.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You do know the first murder happened there?” Pulling out my cell, I called Belinda to see if Father Tom had a few minutes free. An appointment had canceled, so Rob dropped me off in front of the rectory. He watched until I went in and tooted the horn as he drove away.

  Father Tom rose to give me a hug as I came into his office. “Merry, I didn’t expect to see you today. I was so sorry to hear about Nancy. Did you come by to talk about the reading? I’m afraid we’re not quite ready yet because they haven’t released her to the funeral home.”

  “Thanks for being so flexible. No, I didn’t come about the funeral, although Nancy’s passing really depressed me. She was such a nice person.” We hugged again. “I just had a quick question for you. Do you know if a woman named Candy Johnson has registered at the parish?”

  “Yes, nice woman. She’s tall with brown hair.”

  “Blond hair.”

  “No. I just saw her at Saturday Mass, and it was definitely brown. She joined a few months ago. We had a nice chat as I gave her a tour.”

  “Did that tour include the rectory kitchen?”

  “I don’t know for sure, but I usually offer the new members some tea after the tour. Why?”

  “Just curious.”

  “Merry, what are you up to?”

  ‘Nothing really. Just saw her name somewhere and hadn’t met her yet. I was thinking of introducing myself. Is that the time? I really need to go; Rob’s picking me up.”

  “It would be nice of you to meet with her. She seemed lonely and a bit high-strung.”

  “Great. I’ll set something up. Thanks again, Father.”

  I rushed out the door and slid into the car. “She did join and likely saw the kitchen on the tour.”

  “Let’s go back to your house. Do we need to stop somewhere for lunch?”

  “No. I have things there. That way we can talk freely.”

  Rob pulled in behind my car, and we made our way to the back door. I opened the door, and the cats scrambled for freedom between our feet.

  I chuckled. “I should have warned you. They get pretty demanding when they haven’t had a chance to explore the backyard in a while.”

  Rob smiled. “I’ll remember that for the future.”

  “Are you hungry? How does tuna on rye with some red onions and avocado sound?”

  “It sounds like it would hit the spot. Want me to get the plates and glasses?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Chopping the onion and celery, I took a can of tuna out of the cupboard. When I used the electric can opener, loud meows came from the back door. I sighed. “Let them in.”

  He opened the door, and I quickly had two cats dancing at my feet. Rob shook his head. “How did they know?”

  “Can opener—does it every time. It’s like ringing the dinner bell. I give them just a little in their special bowls. Weird family tradition, and they get very grumpy when we don’t comply.”

  He sat on a stool by the counter. “I’m learning all your secrets.”

  “Iced tea okay?”

  “Great. Would you like me to get it?”

  “It’s in the fridge.”

  He put some ice in glasses and filled them up just as I finished making the sandwiches. Since we had a tough morning, I gave us both chips and a few cookies for dessert.

  “This looks great.” He dug in.

  I nodded. “I’m not sure Father Tom believed me when I told him why I was asking about Paula, aka Candy. But now we know that in addition to a false name, she disguised her appearance. He said she had brown hair.”

  “Maybe she dyed it.”

  “If she did, she’s dying it back and forth. She had blond hair when we saw her this morning, and Father Tom said it was brown at Saturday evening Mass. I think it’s a wig, and that’s why she had the shawl on this morning. I also think you and I should attend Saturday Mass this week, since that’s the one she seems to favor.”

  “What’s the plan? We sit in the pew behind her and yank the wig off?”

  “That’s not a bad idea, but I was thinking of something a little more subtle.”

  “Such as?”

  “Sitting in the back and sneaking out a bit early so we can be waiting for her on the front steps.”

  “Sounds like a better idea. Do you want me to go over to the Twilliger’s with you?”

  “It’s just a few blocks. I think I can handle it in the daytime.”

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll set up my laptop on your dining room table.”

  “That’s fine. If the cats are too bothersome, put them out back.”

  “Will do.”

  Rob set up his laptop, and I gave him a quick kiss. “Thanks for being here for me.”

  He smiled. “Always.”

  I swallowed hard. “Back soon.”

  Traipsing over to Patty’s house, I tried to figure out what I was going to tell Jenny. I decided on an abridged version of the truth. Trotting up the back steps, I let myself in. Patty was in the kitchen giving some of the younger kids a snack.

  “It’s such a shame about Nancy. She was a nice lady and a good neighbor to you.”

  “She sure was. It’s so depressing to think about.”

  Cindy and Jenny burst in the back door. “We’re hungry. What can we eat?”

  Patty rolled her eyes. “You’re both old enough to get something on your own. I’m not your servant.”

  Cindy hugged Patty. “I don’t consider you my servant, merely the fabulous person from whom all tasty things come.”

  “Flattery will get you everywhere. I’ve hidden some fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies in a jar behind the cereal on the third shelf.”

  “Yum! You are the best mom ever!”

  She and Jenny grabbed a few cookies and milk and made for a quick exit.

  “Hold on, young lady,” I protested.

  “Oops,” Jenny said. “Hi, Mom. We’re kind of in a hurry because one of our game tournaments is starting and we’re playing kids in Florida.”

  “I think they can wait for one minute. Let’s go into the living room.”

  We sat on Patty’s sofa. “What’s up, Mom? You know I love to sleep over at Cindy’s, but you don’t usually allow it on a school night.”

  “I’m nervous about what happened to Nancy, and
I want to make sure you are somewhere safe.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be safe?” She gave me a wide-eyed look. “Oh no, have you been investigating again?”

  “Just a little, but I told you I’d be careful, and having you stay here is one precaution.”

  “But that means you’ll be staying in the house on your own. Mom, don’t do that!”

  “Rob’s going to stay with me…in the guest room, of course.”

  Jenny wiggled her eyebrows. “Of course, the guest room.”

  “Young lady!”

  “Mom, promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”

  “I will, and I’ll call you tonight before bedtime.”

  “Love you.” Jenny gave me a fierce hug before running up the stairs.

  I returned to the kitchen. “Teenagers—one big bundle of energy.”

  “Sure are,” Patty replied. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Rob’s moving in?”

  “Just temporarily while scary things are happening.”

  “It’s not a bad thing. I want to hear from you every day. Text me when you get up and when you go to bed. If you don’t, I’ll release the hounds.”

  “Got it. I promise.” I laughed and gave her a quick hug on my way out the back door. My thoughts swirled. Who on earth could be behind this? Dark clouds gathered. Praying for the rain to hold off till later that evening, I didn’t notice when a car pulled up next to me.

  “Merry.”

  Stopping, I bent over to look in the car window. It was John Gordan. “John,” I stammered, “what a surprise.”

  “A nice one I hope.”

  “Yes, of course.” A cold shiver rolled down my spine.

  “Can I give you a lift somewhere?”

  “No. I need the exercise, and I’m only going as far as home.”

  He turned off the engine and got out of the car. “I’ll join you.” He tucked his hand under my elbow.