“How is he? What happened?”
“Looks like some kind of shoulder or arm wound. He was talking to the EMTs, so maybe it isn’t as bad as it looks. Jay has Paula in the back of his car. I’m going to follow him to the station and see if I can find out what’s going on and get a statement for the paper. I’ll drop you off at home. Or would you feel safer at Patty’s?”
“I’ll be fine at home. Our prime suspect was just taken away in an ambulance, and his stalker is now in police custody.”
Rob dropped me by my house, and I started working on my chore list. It was amazing how quiet and peaceful it felt being home alone. Jenny’s laundry was finished and put away. Pulling out the mop and bucket, I started to clean the kitchen floor. There was a knock at the front door.
A large, rough-looking stranger stood there. “Meredith March?”
“Yes?”
“My sister said you’ve been asking questions about her.”
“Your sister?”
“Belinda Harper—she works for the priest. She’s a good person, she likes her job, and she likes living here. You’re bothering her. I don’t want you to bother her anymore. I don’t want you to ask any more questions. Do you understand?”
As he spoke, his voice became softer and softer. Leaning closer, he stabbed his finger at my chest and moved well into my personal space. I backed up, quivering in fear. “Yes, I understand.”
“I don’t want to have this conversation again.”
“Got it.”
Turning on his heel, he strode to his car. As it pulled away, I vaguely took note of the fact that it was a black BMW. I slid down the door to the floor and sat there halfway inside the house.
A few moments later, Rob pulled into the driveway and rushed up the steps. “I saw the front door open. I was so worried. Why are you sitting there?”
I laughed somewhat hysterically. “I think I just met Belinda’s brother.”
“Father Tom’s Belinda?”
“Yep.”
“The brother who was in jail?”
“Pretty much certain.”
“Let’s get you up and into the house.” Lifting me up, he held on to me as I wobbled my way in. Easing me down onto the sofa, he left to get some brandy. “Here, drink this.”
I took a sip and immediately started coughing. He quickly retrieved a glass of water. When the choking subsided, I was embarrassed to find tears running down my face.
Rob said, “It’s okay now. Try to drink some of the brandy.”
I took another sip, then a healthy gulp, and pushed it away. “I’m okay.”
“You don’t look okay. You look white as a sheet.”
“It was scary. I answered the door, and there he was, right in my face. He was so big!”
“I’ll call Jay.”
“No! He wants me to stop asking questions about his sister. I’m sure he wouldn’t look kindly on me telling the police.”
“We need to let him know. Keeping quiet will make things worse.”
“Just give me a minute.”
“Here, have another sip of brandy.”
I slugged down some more. “I’m feeling better now.”
“Good.”
“I need to put the wash in the dryer. Wait. I think I already did that.” I stood and tried to walk. “It’s the oddest thing. The room seems to be spinning.” Careening into the wall, I found myself sitting on the living room floor. “How strange.”
“Maybe you’ve had enough brandy.” He lifted me up and carried me to my room. He put me down gently on the bed and covered me with a quilt. “Take a nap. You’ll feel better.”
“I’m not tired.” I was out like a light.
Waking two hours later, I sat straight up in bed. Why am I lying down when it’s light out? With a start, I remembered Belinda’s brother. Brushing my teeth and hair, I decided I looked as presentable as I was going to get and made my way downstairs. Jay and Rob talked softly in the kitchen.
As I entered, Rob stood and hugged me. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. Still a bit woozy. I don’t think it was a good idea for me to drink all that brandy.”
He smiled. “Next time I’ll know to pour you a much smaller glass.” He guided me to a chair. “Jay was bringing me up to date on the shooting.”
“What happened?”
Rob said, “Paula lawyered up, and the official statement is that John tried to force his way into her apartment. She said she shot him in self-defense.”
“Did she say why she was using an assumed name?”
“She didn’t want John to know she was here,” Jay said.
I frowned. “If she was so scared of him, why did she move? It’s not like she works in town.”
“She said she liked the town and wasn’t going to let John determine where she lived.”
Still a bit woozy, I didn’t even attempt an eye roll. “That story has holes the size of big-eye Swiss cheese.”
Jay nodded. “I agree. I’m just telling you the story she told us. Now, if you’re ready, let’s talk about your visitor this afternoon.”
I sighed. “Remember when Sunday afternoons in this town were peaceful? They certainly aren’t anymore.” I told him what happened and shared the make and model of the car he drove. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get the plate number. Don’t you have the addresses of convicted felons?”
“Some, especially if they are still on parole, but only if they haven’t moved.”
“They can move and not tell the police?”
“Happens all the time. Hopefully we have the information on this guy.” Jay stood. “I wonder if I’ll actually be able to have a hot meal at home tonight.”
Rob smiled. “We’ll be pulling for you.”
“I’ll increase the patrols in this area. Stay safe.”
Rob gave me a kiss. “I’m trying to track down the school board president for a quote on John. Pizza for dinner?”
“I need to do something with my hands, so I’ll cook. Are you okay with chicken? I’ll see what I’ve got to go with it.”
“That would be great, but only if you think you are up to it.”
“I am. Dinner will be ready in about an hour.”
“Do you mind if I use your office for my calls?”
“Have at it.” I rummaged through the freezer. Finding some boneless chicken breasts, I put them in the microwave to defrost. Luckily I had gotten some packaged salad the last time I was at the store, so a vegetable was covered. Rice would work as the starch. Opening a can of mushroom soup, I whisked it with shallots, cream, thyme, and a few real mushrooms to create a nice sauce.
Rob came back into the kitchen. “John is on paid administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.”
“I don’t know how I feel about that.”
“How so?”
“If Paula is lying through her teeth, it seems a shame he’s getting punished.”
Rob’s mouth dropped open. “With all that you know about John and the things he’s done, you think he’s innocent?”
“I didn’t say he was innocent; I said he may not have threatened her. Her behavior was pretty weird last night. On the other hand, John was slamming doors, so he may have some anger management issues.”
“I’m sure Jay will get to the bottom of it. What’s for dinner? Something smells terrific.”
I told him and asked him to set the table. As we ate, we talked about the impact to the school district. “Do you mind if we go over to Patty’s tonight? I need to let Jenny know about John before she hears it somewhere else.”
“No problem. I’ll drop you off and come back here. I need to write this up and get the story online. You can call me when you’re ready to come back.”
We cleaned up, and then he dropped me at Patty’s. As I came through the door, I was inundated with questions.
“What happened with the superintendent?”
“We’ve been hearing all kinds of rumors and crazy stories.”
/>
I held up my hand. “One at a time. Let’s all sit down.” I told them what I knew. They were amazed that their superintendent might have threatened his ex-wife. I ended by saying, “Remember, innocent until proven guilty.”
Jenny rolled her eyes. “Yeah. That’s why he was your prime suspect.”
“He may have been my prime suspect for the murders, but that doesn’t mean he did this.”
Patty’s eyebrows rose. “I don’t think you are alleviating any concerns the girls have.”
“I may not be making a bunch of sense. At any rate, that’s all I know.”
Patty said, “Girls, upstairs. It’s a school night.”
They ran upstairs. She crossed her arms. “What else?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t nothing me. I know you better than you know yourself. What else happened today?”
I told her about my visitor, and she shivered. “Be very careful, Merry. Best friends are hard to find.”
I was going to text Rob to pick me up, but I wanted some fresh air. Kissing Patty goodbye, I left. I closed my eyes and relished the cold night air caressing my skin. It was one of those nights where the moon is so new you can’t see your hand in front of your face. Thanking the heavens for streetlights, I quickened my pace, eyes darting left and right, seeing danger in every shadow. I probably should have called Rob.
A stick cracked behind me. I ran. I didn’t stop until my feet hit the front porch. Breathing hard, I had my key ready to go and was pushing the door open when it swung inward. I landed on my knees and looked up at Rob. “I should have called you.”
“Yes, you should have. What happened?” He helped me up.
“I think I just spooked myself. I didn’t actually see anything.”
“When are you going to learn? There are dangerous people out there.”
I gazed into his green eyes. I could get used to him picking me up. I feel so safe in his arms. I shook myself out of it. “I’m sorry. Believe me, next time I’ll call. Did you finish your story?”
“Yes. It’s online now. Feel like a movie?”
“No. It’s late. Let’s just watch some TV. I don’t feel like concentrating.”
We channel surfed until we agreed on one of the home shows. We put our feet up on the coffee table, and Rob put his arm around me. I settled in against his chest. My mind started churning. Do I believe Paula shot John? Who knows what goes on in people’s marriages, or divorces, for that matter? He was mad last night. Did he threaten her? And why? They are divorced. And what is the deal with Belinda’s brother?
The last thing I remembered was a couple debating the three houses they considered. I woke up the next morning on my bed, covered with a quilt. Smelling coffee, I took a quick shower and made my way downstairs.
“Good morning.” I gave Rob a quick kiss.
He grinned. “Sleeping beauty is awake.”
“I’m starting to get used to being carried to bed.”
“Too bad you don’t remember it.”
I smiled. “True. Thanks for your support. I must have been more tired than I thought.”
“It was a stressful day. And you didn’t sleep in—it’s only seven. Want some eggs?”
“Love some, but then I need to get a move on. I have a meeting at eight thirty.”
“I need to get moving too. I want to check on John’s status. I’m not sure if he was admitted to the hospital, and I need to see if Paula’s still in jail.”
“Do you think I should visit John?”
Rob stopped in his tracks, his mouth open. “Why on earth would you do that?”
“He can’t harm me if he’s in the hospital, and I might be able to get some information from him, especially if they’ve given him drugs.”
Rob frowned. “You can be devious.”
I smiled. “Sometimes.”
“I’ll text you as soon as I know where he is.”
“Thanks. I’ll let you know when I’m going. Now, I have to leave or I’m going to be late. And thanks for breakfast.” I gave him a kiss, picked up my briefcase, and headed out the door.
Midmorning, Rob texted me, “John still at hospital. Should be there at least one more day.”
“Going to see him at two.”
“Be careful!”
I sent a smiley face emoji in return. At one forty-five, I left for the hospital, picking up some flowers on my way. The visitor’s desk gave me a tag and told me he was in room 315. Knocking, I poked my head around the door. John was in the bed, asleep. Tiptoeing in, I put the flowers on the table and sat. John looked so vulnerable. Could he be a killer?
The phlebotomist entered, and I jumped. “John, need to draw some blood.”
He started awake, and his eyes fixed on mine. “Merry? Surprised to see you here.”
The phlebotomist drew blood and left quickly.
John shook his head. “I have no idea what they do with all that blood. It seems like they take it every five minutes. I’ll probably leave here anemic.”
I chuckled. “It does seem excessive.” I moved closer to the bed. “I heard about the shooting and wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“That’s kind of you. Are the flowers from you as well? I don’t think they were there when I went to sleep.”
“Yes. I thought they might cheer up your room.”
“You cheer up the room.”
I blushed. “What happened?”
“That woman is so frustrating.”
“Who?”
“My ex. I purposefully didn’t tell her where I was moving. She showed up at the town I lived in before and made my life a living hell. I eventually had to leave so I could get some peace. It worked for a while but not long enough. I couldn’t believe it when I recognized her at church on Saturday.”
“So you didn’t know she had moved to town?”
“No.”
“Why would she do that?”
“She’s nuts. She wants to make my life miserable. She has it in her head that I used her. Do I look like the kind of guy who uses people?” His blue eyes stared straight into mine, waiting for an answer.
I shifted in my chair. “No, of course not. Why would she think you used her?”
“I worked for her dad at the mine he owned. I did right by him, put in long hours, and was quite successful there. Then he suggested I take advantage of the company’s educational program. He didn’t think mines were my passion long term.”
“He suggested it?”
“Yes.” He sat straighter in the bed. “Why would you question that? What have you heard?”
“I wasn’t really questioning. I was repeating what you said to make sure I understood.” I took a deep breath. He seemed so suspicious. Stop asking questions and just let him talk.
“Oh, okay. Sorry, the pain medication is making me paranoid.” He collapsed back on the bed. “Anyway, I followed his advice and obtained my advanced degree. Right about then our marriage started to fall apart. Paula was always so defensive and seemed to think I had limited her opportunities. I decided I would be better off on my own, so I filed for divorce. It wasn’t my fault the mine failed and her dad died right after that. I liked the guy.”
I nodded to show I was paying attention.
“Hey. What’s the deal with you and Rob Jenson? He said you were living together.”
“We are…temporarily.”
“What does that mean?”
“After Nancy was murdered, it was scary to be next door with just my daughter.”
“I would have helped. You could have called me.”
“It’s complicated.”
“So you’re not involved?”
“We are. We just haven’t gotten as serious as living together.”
“Were you involved when you came to dinner with me?”
“We had been seeing each other but not exclusively.”
“I liked you, Merry. I thought we might have something together. It makes me sad to think you were just stringing m
e along.”
“What? I was not.”
“What would you call it? You were seeing us both at the same time.”
“I think I better leave. You need your rest.”
“I don’t like playing second fiddle, Merry March. And people who play with me get burnt.” His face turned bright red and the blood pressure alarm squealed.
A nurse ran in the door. I slid out as she came past.
Taking the elevator to the main level of the hospital, I got off, and Rob met me. “How’d it go?”
“Not well. Let’s get out of here.
Chapter 22
I asked Rob to take me back to work, even though my head was pounding. Just thinking about the discussion with John made me queasy. I’m not the type of person who strings people along. Is that what I have been doing?
“You’re being really quiet,” Rob said. “Are you going to tell me what happened?”
“Yes, but I’m going to need a drink and food to make it through the story.”
He glanced at me. “Now you are worrying me.”
“There’s nothing to worry about. John will be in the hospital till tomorrow at the earliest.” Rob pulled up in front of my agency, and I leapt out. “See you at five. And thanks for the ride.”
The rest of the day was spent on personnel matters and getting up to speed on assignments. Satisfied things hadn’t gone too far awry, I focused on my call lists. Candy Johnson was on my list as a prospect for auto and renter’s insurance. Dialing her number, I was pleased when she picked up the phone. “Hello, Ms. Johnson, this is Merry March from the Meredith March Insurance Agency. I understand you are in the market for insurance.”
There was a pause. “I might as well tell you. We’ve met, Merry. I’m actually Paula Sanders.”
I feigned surprise. “I’m sorry. They had your name down as Candy Johnson. I apologize for calling the wrong number.”
She sighed. “It’s not the wrong number. I live here in Hopeful now. I was using a different name. Look, it’s complicated, and I wouldn’t mind talking about it. Can you meet me tonight?”
“Sure. Let’s talk over dinner at six at the Iron Skillet. Do you know where it is?”
“Yes. I’ve been by there.”
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