by Nick Bishop
“I think you’ll do okay; I really do. I’ll come in and read the kids the riot act. And I’ll tell them if they don’t behave they’ll have me to reckon with. What do you think?”
“I guess it’s worth a try.”
“Of course it is,” Ellie said. “And I think Jed’s ideas are very good ones. If I didn’t know better,” she told Jed, “I’d think you were an old hand at teaching.”
“The sage of Caraway, eh?”
Ellie laughed. “Something like that.”
“Every teacher has problems, I’m sure,” Jed said. “I’ll tell you about two of mine. One of the girls consumes at least a bottle of white glue a week; the other tries to trip everyone who comes near her…including me. You have to deal with them. You may even have noticed how I dealt with the glue eater this morning.”
“Sorry, I missed it.”
“I try not to call undue attention to her, and I try not to embarrass her. I even asked the one who trips people, as a favor to me, not to try to trip anyone today.”
***
The kids were exceptionally good on the second day Staunton observed the classes.
When the dismissal bell rang, Staunton asked Jed if he had time to talk about a few things.
“No problem,” Jed said. “What’s on your mind?”
“First, thanks for putting up with me for two days. I think you’re a very good teacher, and I learned some things I know will help—if I can ever gain control of the class. That’s what bothers me the most.”
“I think once the kids see you’ve changed your approach, you’ll be okay. It may take a few days, but I think you’ll do fine.”
“I wish I was as sure as you are.”
“Remember what I said. If you ever need me to help out, I’ll be glad to do whatever I can. But when I talk to your students, I think…or at least I hope…that will start things on the right path.
“Something else I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Sure. What is it?”
“I hear you’re investigating Joe Johnstone’s murder.”
“That’s right, we are.”
“Then may I make a suggestion or two without telling you why?”
“Sure. Go ahead.”
“I don’t want to prejudice you against anyone by revealing unnecessary facts. But if I were you, I’d investigate the principal.”
“Any particular reason?”
“Like I said, I don’t want to go into that.”
“Do you think he’s the one who killed Joe?”
“That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just suggesting you talk to Mr. Miller. I know for a fact that he strongly disapproved of Mr. Johnstone’s helping Amish kids.”
“Actually,” Jed said, “we have talked to him, and he admitted that’s how he felt, but I sincerely doubt—after talking with him—that he had anything to do with the murder.”
“I also suggest you talk with Mr. Johnstone’s father-in-law.”
“Mr. Briner. We have talked to him, as well. Ellie and I.” He frowned. “Why do you think we should talk with him?”
“I know he too held a strong grudge against Johnstone for marrying…what did the used to say in Victorian times? Marrying above his station.”
“So you know Harry Briner?”
“Very well, in fact. For years my wife and I—like many others—bought his cheese. And my company also installed a computer system for his business. I’m the one who supervised the installation and helped Harry choose the best sort of software for what he needed for his business.”
“And do you suspect him?”
“That’s not what I said.”
“I don’t know what you’re getting at, Don.”
“I probably shouldn’t have stuck my nose in at all. But I’ve been thinking about the murder and your investigation, and I felt I had to tell you what I know. You see, I also know Mr. Miller from years past.”
“I never knew that.”
“That’s one of the reasons this whole thing about my teaching has affected me. The Millers, he and his wife, and my wife and I often got together for dinner or went to events—shows at Canal Fulton, things like that.”
“Wow, I’m surprised.”
“Didn’t mean to deceive anyone. I just thought it better not to say anything about our being friends. That’s it. I’m just suggesting that you talk to both men again.”
“I’ll do that, and thank you.”
Chapter Nineteen
“So how did it go?” the principal asked the next morning at school.
“Well, I think.”
“Do you think it had any effect on Mr. Staunton’s perceptions of teaching?”
“I hope so. I offered to go in and talk to his class this morning. I’ll leave my students to work on math problems while I do that… What do you think?”
“Good idea. If you like, I’ll check in and see that no funny business is going on.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re going to lay down some rules, I suspect.”
Jed laughed. “I’m going to try. I also told Mr. Staunton that any time he was having trouble to let me know, and I’d try to help out.”
Once the bell rang Jed told his students that there would be no math homework that day—if they were good and worked on solving a page of problems in their workbook while he went next door for a few minutes.
This was met by a chorus of cheers.
“But that means you’re going to have a lot of homework grading the papers, doesn’t it?” Dotty asked.
“It could,” Jed answered, “but it won’t. You’re going to grade your own papers.”
“Ah ha,” Dotty said. “I’ll have to tell my mom she should try that kind of thing.”
“Good idea,” Jed said. “For me, it means more time to snuggle with my cats and watch an old movie on TV.”
He told them to turn to page eighteen and start to work. Then he slipped out of the room.
The noise was just starting to build as he tapped on Staunton’s door.
“Come in,” the teacher said. “Maybe you can convince everyone that a change is coming.” He was smiling.
“I’ll give it my best shot.” He followed Staunton to the front of the room, which now was quiet. Jed assumed this was because the kids were surprised to see him there and wondered what was happening.
“Everyone, listen up. Mr. Fredericks has something he wants to say to you.” He turned to Jed, who nodded. Then he faced the class.
“Good morning.” He glanced from one puzzled face to another. “There are a few things I want to tell you. But first, I’d like you to know that I’m not here to blame anyone for anything nor to try to make things difficult for anyone.”
He paused and drew in a breath. “As I’m sure you’re well aware, you guys have been making just a slight bit of noise, now haven’t you?”
The kids laughed.
“See, you know you have. In fact, enough noise that people in classrooms all over the whole school are aware of it. And that’s quite an accomplishment.” He smiled. “But before you congratulate yourselves on that achievement, do stop to think that it not only means you aren’t learning your subjects, but you’re making so much of a rumpus that—well, I sometimes have trouble hearing my own self thinking.”
One of the girls raised her hand.
“Go ahead,” he said.
“Mr. Fredericks, no one can hear themselves think. They just know they’re doing it.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m pretty sure.”
“Wow, I didn’t know that. Maybe it’s more like I can hardly hear my own voice when I’m trying to diagram a sentence in English or talking about a far-off place geographically. And I sometimes wonder what on earth am I talking about. You know how it is when you can’t hear someone. You have no idea what they’re saying.”
“Mr. Fredericks?” a boy said.
“Yes.”
“Everyone knows what they’re saying…except
maybe sometimes when they make a mistake and don’t realize it.”
“Wow, I’m learning so many things this morning. It’s incredible.”
“You’re kidding, aren’t you, Mr. Fredericks,” the boy said.
“I’d never do that, would I? Particularly when the situation is so serious.”
“Yes, you would,” another boy said.
“You’re right, I would,” Jed answered. “So, considering that you guys have already accomplished the goal of making noise the entire school can hear, as a favor to me, will you please turn it down?”
“Or what?” another boy said.
“Is that a dare?”
“No, Mr. Fredericks. I just want to know what will happen.”
“You know what? If you really want to find out, maybe you can make a lot of noise. Then I’m pretty sure you’ll find out.”
The boy laughed. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Jed nodded. “So,” he said. “Mr. Staunton has decided he’s going to change his whole approach to teaching.” Jed glanced at Staunton.
“I’m no longer going to yell at you. I’m no longer going to make so many silly demands. I’m going to treat you as individuals rather than—as has been suggested—a big glob with lots of arms and legs.”
“That’s funny, Mr. Staunton,” another girl said.
“And I’m going to try to loosen up. What do you think? The thing is that despite how things have been going, I love teaching and want to come back again next year. So let’s start over and make things different. What do you say?” He looked from one to another.
Nobody answered.
“Okay?” Staunton asked again.
Jed noticed a lot of the kids nodding.
“Now remember, guys and girls,” Jed said. “I’m right next door. And you don’t want to risk making me come after you, do you? Because I promise you it will be bad.” He turned to Staunton. “Okay, I’ll leave you for now. But don’t hesitate to come get me if there’s a problem.
Unbelievably, the rest of the morning there was very little noise.
***
After school Jed asked if Ellie would like to meet with Sam and him to compare notes. He suggested the coffeeshop they’d visited last time.
“That would be good,” she said, “I feel like we’re going nowhere, spinning our wheels on an icy road.”
“I’ll call Sam when I get home and see if he’s available. Does it matter to you what time we meet?”
“Not really. I’ll have some papers to grade, but I can do them first thing or wait until later.”
“If you want to wait a minute, I’ll call and see if Sam’s available.”
“Fine.”
Jed pulled out his cell phone and dialed.
“Detective Branson,” a voice said.
“Hi, Sam, it’s Jed. Any new developments on the murder investigation.”
“A few things of interest…but probably worthless.”
“Look, the reason I called is that I asked Ellie to meet this afternoon to compare notes on what we’ve found out so far. I want to invite you too.”
“Ellie, huh? Well, now, I’m not sure about this. I know if the chief finds out, he’ll consider the meeting consorting with the enemy.” Sam laughed. “Sure. When and where?”
“I’m sure you’re still on duty when we get home from school. So how about three-thirty?”
“Sounds good. Maybe I’ll even have a little more evidence or at least another clue or two by then. So where is this going to happen?”
Jed mentioned the coffeeshop.
“Okay, see you then and there,” Sam said.
***
Of course, Jed had to stop off and feed Sugar and Spice and at least spent a few moments of quality time with them before the meeting. He’d make up the short cuddling and petting session once the meeting was over.
When Jed arrived at the coffeeshop, he saw Ellie and Sam already seated at a small table in the rear.
“Sam, good to see you.”
“Hey, Teach, how you doing?”
“Surprised to see only coffee in front of you. I suppose you already ate the doughnuts.”
Ellie laughed. “You going to let him get away with that, Detective Branson?”
“He’s harmless,” Sam answered.
“So,” Jed said. “Who wants to go first?”
“Go ahead,” Sam told Jed. “Did you find out anything new?”’
“Nothing exactly new.”
“But something pertinent. A clue maybe?”
He looked at Ellie. “Don Staunton talked to me after school.” He turned back to Sam. “It’s a long story but Staunton is a new teacher, who’s room is next to mine. He didn’t start out well and lost total control of his class. So the principal suggested he spend a couple of days observing my classes, which, I think, is helping him get back on track.”
“So what did he say?” Ellie asked.
“He knows about Ellie and me helping with the investigation. He said he knows Briner very well in that he worked with him in establishing a computer setsup for his business.”
“I thought you said he’s a teacher,” Sam said.
“He worked for years developing computer software, apparently for businesses. But he took an early retirement to become a teacher.”
“Quite a switch,” Sam said.
“You mean like investigative reporter to teacher?” Ellie said.
Sam laughed. “Yeah, like that.”
“What did he say exactly?” Ellie asked.
“Nothing substantial.”
“Then maybe he’s just blowing smoke,” Sam said.
“No,” Jed answered. “I think he knows or at least suspects something, but he didn’t want to provide any details. He just said he thinks Briner may know some things that he hasn’t told us.”
“I wonder what he means,” Ellie said as she took a sip of her coffee.
“From what he told me, he and Briner are good friends. So maybe Briner somehow indicated that he knew something he didn’t tell us.”
“That’s all Staunton said?” Sam asked.
“He said he thinks we should talk to Briner again and also to the principal.”
“Old sneaky!” Ellie said.
“Yep,”
“Why him?”
“He wouldn’t give a reason.”
“Hmm,” Sam said, “so do you want me to go talk with them?”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to try again.” He turned to Ellie. “What do you think?”
“Why not?”
“What about you, Ellie?” Sam asked. “Have you found out anything new?”
“Nothing we haven’t talked about before.”
“Maybe it would help to go over things again,” Jed answered. “But what about you, Sam? Have you found out anything new?”
“In fact, I did. I talked with one of the guys in Sweet River. He was talking to a friend whose son is a senior at Caraway. The son happened to mention that Gary Bochart wasn’t in school the morning Joe was murdered.”
“But we’ve already checked that out,” Ellie said. “He was ill, right?”
“Or so he told his parents,” Jed said. “What about him, Sam?”
“It seems he wasn’t ill at all…as he told you he was.”
“Are you sure?”
“No, I’m not sure,” Sam said. “I’m getting the information third hand.”
“Where was he then?”
“According to what the man told the cop in Sweet River, Bochart was in Dover that morning.”
“Wow!” Jed said, “he seemed so sincere when we talked with him.”
“I can’t believe he’s the one who killed Joe. Especially since the superintendent said he could take an online English class to change his grade,” Ellie said. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“Why was he in Dover?”
“Supposedly, to make a final payment on a computer.”
“That makes no sense either.” Ellie
said.
“What do you mean?” Sam asked.
“A year ago Gary was falsely arrested, he and his friend mistaken for two young men from Massillon who robbed Buehler’s in Dover. They suspected Gary because he had $200 in his wallet. He had the money with him because he was going to buy a used computer.”
“Maybe he never bought it,” Jed said.
“You’re right,” Ellie said. “After what happened, his arrest, I mean, maybe he just never bothered.”
“It sounds to me as if you two are having doubts that Gary is guilty.”
“Guilty of lying, maybe,” Ellie said. “But of killing Joe…now that’s a stretch.”
“How does this kid know Gary was in Dover?” Jed asked.
“A friend of the kid’s took him. Said the friend was more than willing to have an excuse to ditch school.”
“The plot thickens!” Ellie said. “I’d certainly eliminated Gary as a suspect.”
“Yes, I did too. But why on earth would he miss school to get the computer?” Jed asked. “Surely, he could go in the evening or even the weekend.”
“Guess all we can do is ask,” Ellie said. She turned to Sam. “Or do you think you should follow up on this?”
“No, you go ahead,” Sam said. “Sweet River is out of my jurisdiction, so I don’t have any business sticking my nose in except when the two police departments need to work together.”
“There must be a logical explanation for what Gary did. I still can’t believe he’d murder Joe over something so minor.”
“So you two want to follow up on Briner and the principal, as well as the boy?” Sam asked.
Jed and Ellie agreed.
“And I’ll continue to do what I can from this end.” He looked from Jed to Ellie. “Anything else?”
“Sometime within the next few days,” Jed said, “I’d like to talk with Joe’s wife again. She may remember something she hadn’t thought of earlier.”
“Good. Let me know what you find out,” Sam said, “and I’ll do the same for you.”
Chapter Twenty
Jed’s cell phone rang as he was on his way home from the coffeeshop.
“Hello?”
“Jed. It’s Sara. I know this is short notice, but are you doing anything this evening?”
“Not really. Some English papers to grade; that’s all. Why? Did you have something in mind?”