by Nick Bishop
“A lot of money for a poor kid.”
“Indeed. But it was money he was saving to buy a used computer to do homework. A good citizen, so-called, raced out and saw Gary and his friend. He called for help, and others in the supermarket rushed out to hold the two boys while someone else called the police. Well, naturally, the police thought they were the ones who’d stolen the money. That’s how he ended up under arrest.”
“Terrible break. No wonder he’s defiant. But what happened. You said he spent two weeks in juvie.”
“Well, you know kids and the Internet.” She shrugged. “The boy who had grabbed the money started bragging about it on social media. Someone saw his post and called the cops. Gary and Scott were immediately released, but the damage had been done. You just have to be accused—even falsely—to get a bad reputation. Even some of the teachers treated the two boys differently after that.”
“Wow, poor kids. And, of course, some people who know them will never be able to trust them. But that doesn’t explain what led to Gary’s threat.”
“One third of the grade in Joe’s junior English class depended on a final paper.”
“And something happened that Gary didn’t turn it in, right?”
“Exactly.” She used a napkin to wipe up a spot of coffee beside her plate. “Supposedly, on the day the assignment was due, Gary’s little brother grabbed the paper and ran into the bathroom, where Gary was taking a shower. He threw the paper at Gary and ran away, squealing with laughter. He was three years old, and obviously thought throwing the paper into the water would be fun.”
“Surely, Joe would have understood.”
“Despite all the good Joe did, he apparently was one of those who didn’t trust Gary and Scott anymore. When Gary tried to explain what happened, Joe didn’t believe him. That’s when Gary threatened Joe and ran out of the room.”
“That’s terrible.”
“So instead of the ‘A’ he was expecting in junior English, he received a C+, which he felt would ruin any chance of his receiving an academic scholarship.”
“Gary should have offered to bring in the wet paper.”
I’m sure he could have gotten permission to go home and get it. But according to other kids in the room, he was livid. In fact, he almost didn’t come back to school.”
“What!”
“Apparently, he tried to talk his parents into letting him stop going to classes.” She sighed. “His parents may not be well off, but they do see the value of education and finally were able to talk him into finishing the two or three days left of the school year and then to return this year.”
“Could Gary be the one who killed Joe, you think?”
“I suppose anything is possible. But I think that basically Gary is a good kid.”
“You believe it was an idle threat.”
“I believe it was a spur-of-the-moment reaction, and all he needed to do was cool down. Of course, I wasn’t there.”
“And if he is the murderer, would he have access to a bow and arrow?”
“It’s possible. There are a lot of hunters…like Jacob.”
“I could never do that. Be a hunter. I hate the idea of killing animals.”
“Except when it comes to food.”
“You’re right. Though I’ve seriously though about becoming a vegetarian.”
“You know, we might look at the attendance records. If Gary was in school, it doesn’t seem likely he’d have been able to kill Joe, get rid of the weapon, and make it back to Sweet River before school started that morning.”
“That makes sense.”
“I’ll check the attendance record first thing Monday morning.”
***
On Monday Ellie met Jed just before the opening bell rang.
“Did you find anything out?” Jed asked, as he held the door for her.
“I did, and it isn’t good. Gary was not in school the morning Joe was killed. But he was here that afternoon.”
“That’s definitely a red flag.”
“I’ll say!”
“What do you think we should do?” Jed asked.
“Either notify the police, or talk to Gary.”
“And if he’s not guilty, it’s like lightning striking twice in exactly the same spot.”
“There is that. It’s an extremely touchy situation.”
“What do you suggest?”
Ellie shook her head. “Wait a minute; I have an idea. Gary works at the hardware store each evening after school. Maybe we can make an appointment to talk with his parents before he comes home. Let me check if that’s okay.” She pulled her cell phone from her purse. “This will just take a minute.” She punched in the number to call information, then turned to Jed, her fingers crossed. She stepped back so no one could hear what she said. In less than a minute she turned back to Jed.
“It’s all set,” she said. “Gary’s mother can’t be there; she’ll be at work. She’s a waitress at a restaurant in Millersburg. But she said her husband will talk with us right after school. He’ll just be getting home from work.”
“You weren’t able to ask why Gary was absent that morning?”
“His mom was in a hurry; she was just clearing off the breakfast dishes before heading off to work. But she’ll let her husband know.”
***
The noise from the classroom next door was deafening. Jed could hardly even think, let alone teach the kids math and science. In the middle of all the ruckus, the principal entered Jed’s classroom unnoticed and took a seat in back. At the time, the students were working on math problems, and Jed was looking over his lesson plans for the rest of the day.
Suddenly, Jed heard a gasp. One of the girls in the back had noticed the principal, Stuart Miller, and it startled her. She looked toward Jed and mouthed the words, “I’m sorry.” The principal stood and left without saying a word.
Lunch was meatloaf, broccoli, and mashed potatoes—one of the better meals, Jed thought. Of course, his opinion was that meatloaf went with almost anything—stuffed with boiled eggs, filled with cranberry sauce, you name it.
Just as he was sitting down, Ellie came through the line and headed toward him.
“I want to ask you something, Ellie.”
“Shoot.”
“Our principal seems like a sneaky man.”
Ellie laughed as she placed her tray on the table. “You think so, huh?”
“This morning I had the kids working on math problems and was looking through my lesson plans when one of the kids was startled. I looked up to see the principal sitting at an empty desk in the back of the room. Obviously, no one had heard him come in.”
“Maybe he just didn’t want to interrupt,” Ellie said.
“Maybe, but I’m not convinced. In my book it’s more like spying.”
“I’ve heard that said before.”
“Makes me a little suspicious.”
“Really?”
“Is he spying on me, or is he ‘observing’?” And if so, why to either one?”
“Could be because you’re a new teacher.”
“Didn’t think of that.”
She grinned. “Could be he’s just sneaky like you said. Since he does that all the time!”
“You’re kidding.”
“Not!” She laughed.
“Maybe I’m just getting paranoid.”
“Don’t let it worry you. Most people become paranoid around Mr. Miller.”
“You know, I wonder if he has any clues about the murder.”
“Are you suggesting we talk with him?”
“What could it hurt?”
Chapter Eight
The Bochart family lived two blocks from the school on a shady side street—limbs of a maple tree spreading out over the sidewalk. Ellie parked, and she and Jed walked to the front porch and rang the bell. A man who appeared to be in his mid-forties opened the door. He was muscular with red hair and a bushy moustache. “Mrs. Steiner,” he said. “Jody said you wanted to sto
p by. Sorry, she’s at work. So, I guess you’re stuck with me and Bobby. Just then a little boy with his thumb in his mouth peered around the door.
“Hi, Bobby,” Jed said. “How are you?”
The boy pulled the thumb out of his mouth, his eyes wide. “Fine.”
“That’s good.” He turned to Mr. Bochart. “I’m Jed Fredericks. Like Mrs. Steiner, I’m a teacher at Caraway.”
“Ah, yes, but I remember your byline from the paper.”
Jed felt himself flush. “I decided I’d rather teach.”
“A noble profession,” the man said.
“And you, sir, what sort of work do you do?”
“Sir? Nope. I’m just plain Jim. I work for one of the cheesemakers here in town.”
Ellie laughed. “Didn’t there used to be an old radio show called Just Plain Bill.”
“Must have been before my time.”
“Well, mine too. My parents had old recordings of the show, a drama of sorts about a barber.”
“Where are my manners? Come on in?” He stepped back, picked up his son, and ushered Jed and Ellie to seats in the living room.
“Can I get you anything? Coffee? Soft drink?”
“No thank you, Ellie said.”
“How about you, Mr. Fredericks?”
“Not fair!” Jed answered. “If you’re just plain Jim, I certainly can’t be mister anybody. My name is Jed.”
“Fair enough, Jed.”
“And no thanks on the offer. I’m fine.”
“So, to what do I owe the visit?” Jim asked. Jed noticed tension in his face and body. “I assume it has something to do with the murder of Mr. Johnstone.”
“It does,” Ellie answered. “And I’m sorry that we have to intrude on your afternoon.”
“Do you suspect Gary?” He sounded concerned and maybe a little defiant.
“We’re just trying to find out anything we can about what happened.”
“Is it because Gary was in trouble last year? You know that was all resolved.”
“No, Jim,” Jed answered. “It has nothing to do with that. Of course, I wasn’t around at the time, so I know little about what happened…except for what Mrs. Steiner—Ellie—has told me.”
“Gary is a good kid; never been in trouble of any sort. That’s what’s so strange about this situation.” He leaned forward and stood Bobby up on the floor in front of him. “He was accused, along with a friend, of robbing Buehler’s grocery store. Spent a couple of weeks in juvenile hall.” He sighed and shook his head. “It changed him. He used to be open kid, trusting everyone. Now he’s closed-up—like a dandelion at night. Oh, he’s still the best son I could ask for, but I wish it hadn’t happened. His being accused and stuck in…prison, really.”
“I’m very sorry that happened,” Jed said. “It must have been terrible for him, as well as for you and your wife.”
“I’ll tell you something. When anything like this happens, you quickly find out who your friends are. Talk about Amish shunning. Believe me, what our family went through is much, much worse.”
“I’m sure that’s true,” Jed said.
“You’d better believe it.” He looked from Jed to Ellie. “What would you like to know?”
“Let’s get the worst thing out of the way first.”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“I hate even to mention this. But on the morning that Joe Johnstone was murdered, your son wasn’t in school.”
“I know he wasn’t. He told us.”
“What did he tell you?” Jed asked.
“That he started to walk to school, and suddenly became ill. He rushed back home. By then I’d left and so had Jody. She works different shifts at the restaurant.” He shrugged, his expression one of defeat. “So, you see, I can’t prove that what he said is true. We weren’t here! But I certainly believe him. He said he was sick to his stomach, even threw up a couple of times. But later he went to school. You see, he hates to miss. He wants so much to be awarded a scholarship, that he’s willing to do almost anything to see that happens.”
“He’s certainly one of the brightest,” Ellie said. “I can attest to that.”
“That, he is. Myself—I think I’m a pretty average guy. And I never got top marks consistently like he does.”
“Wow,” Jed says. “This creates a real dilemma, doesn’t it?”
“I’m at my wit’s end about what to do,” Jim admitted. “I know he’d never do such a thing…despite the unfortunate confrontation he had last year with Mr. Johnstone. He was angry, furious, in fact. He works so hard at school and at his part-time job. And then to have Bobby ruin his paper.”
“Too bad,” Ellie said. “I wish things could have been worked out with Mr. Johnstone.”
“I tried to talk Gary into taking the wet paper to show Mr. Johnstone. But he was too stubborn. Upset because Johnstone didn’t believe him.”
“Maybe this will help,” Jed said. “Is Gary an archer?”
“Heavens, no! I don’t like weapons of any sort. Neither does Jody. It’s one thing I never would allow in the house—even toy guns or sling shots. They have no place in our world.”
“What you’re saying is that Gary had never used a bow and arrow?” Jed asked.
“Not to my knowledge, that’s for sure.”
“Well, then,” Jed said, “that certainly helps his case. Besides, how would he have gotten to that field where Joe was waiting? It was like Joe was expecting to meet someone. And after what happened in the classroom last year, I can’t see Joe’s agreeing to meet Gary. And just at the edge of Dover. How would Gary even have gotten there?”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Jim said. “In fact, all I’ve thought about is that everyone’s sure to suspect Gary. And I can’t seem to come up with anything that would help defend him.”
“Dad, are you home?” a voice called from outside just before the door opened. “I wanted to—” It was as if a dark fog enveloped his face. “Mrs. Steiner, Mr. Fredericks. What are you doing here? Oh, I know all right. You’re sure I’m the one who killed Mr. Johnstone.”
“Gary, please, give them a chance.”
“A chance to what? Confront the juvenile delinquent? The kid who stole all the money from Buehler’s?”
“It isn’t like that at all,” Ellie said.
“Then what the hell is it like, damn it!” he said.
“They’re actually here to help,” Jim said.
“Help! How could they possibly help and why would they want to anyhow?”
“Gary, please.”
“Please what, Dad!” He slammed his books down on a little stand in the hallway.
“Please, just listen.” For some reason, Jed noticed, Jim’s tension seemed to increase. He thought that—similar to a mousetrap—if there were just a little more pressure, he’d explode. He wondered why.
Gary turned to face the three of them.
“Okay, I’m listening!”
Jim shook his head. “Gary.”
“Yes?”
“They really want to help.”
“I said I’m listening, Dad.”
“I told them you’ve never had anything to do with any sort of weapon.”
Jim’s hands had begun to tremble…just enough for Jed to notice.
“And they believed you, of course.”
“We did believe your dad,” Jed said. “And not knowing about weapons…not having access to any weapons…is a plus.”
“Is it? And how can you prove I didn’t have, as you put it, access to any weapons.”
“Have you ever used a rifle?” Jed asked.
“Of course not.”
“A shotgun?”
“No way.”
“An archery set?”
“What’s the point of this?”
“And did you arrange to meet Mr. Johnstone on the outskirts of Dover the day he was killed.”
“Why would he even agree to meet with me?”
“That’s our point precisely,” E
llie said. “Why would he?”
“Suddenly, tears appeared in Gary’s eyes. “You really are trying to help, aren’t you?”
“And even if we suspected you shot Mr. Johnstone, why would you meet him there?” Ellie asked.
“And more importantly,” Jed said. “how would you get there? Hitchhike with a bow and arrow? Take a taxi? Hire a limousine?”
Gary made a sound halfway between a sob and a laugh. “Now, you’re just being silly.”
“Precisely,” Ellie said. “Because I…and I’m sure, Mr. Fredericks…don’t think you’re guilty.”
“But I did make that stupid threat. I told Mr. Johnstone he was dead meat.”
“We all get angry,” Ellie said. “We all say things we wish we hadn’t.”
“Gary,” Jim said. “Tell them what Mr. Zimmerman proposed.”
Gary’s face lit up. “He’s going to give me a second chance on the bad grade in English.”
“What’s he going to do?”
“He said he knows how important it is to me to keep up a perfect academic record.”
“What else?” Jed asked.
“He’s going to give me the chance to take an online class in junior English. If I receive top marks, he’ll throw out the old grade and use the one from online.”
“That’s wonderful,” Ellie said. “See everything is working out for you.”
“It seems like it is,” Gary said. “He glanced from Jed to Ellie. “And I’m sorry for the attitude. For assuming something that wasn’t true. I mean when I first saw the two of you, I was sure you were here to accuse me of killing Mr. Johnstone. Sometimes, I don’t think. I just react. I lose my temper.”
“Again,” Jed said, “so does everyone else.”
“But I’d admit I’ve been a lot worse ever since I spent the two weeks in juvie. I have to get over it.”
“It just takes time, son. Things are going to be okay,” Jim said.
“And we’re all rooting for you, you know,” Jed said.
***
As they walked back to the parking lot, Jed asked Ellie if she really did—beyond any doubt—believe in Gary’s innocence.
“Beyond any doubt?” she said. “No, I can’t say that. I wanted to put Gary at ease because I’m pretty sure he didn’t do it…but there is that little niggling feeling.”