Chicken Culprit

by Vikki Walton

  She shivered involuntarily.

  He continued without pausing. “It’s the B vitamins. I think you may be a bit deficient, due to all the stress lately. Kvass is somewhat like non-alcoholic beer, soda and a bit like Kombucha. It’s really good on a hot day. Very reviving. Which will help you calm your nerves before the sheriff arrives. So you can explain why you were in Ralph’s yard in the middle of the night.”

  “But I just gave my statement.”

  “Yep. But Sheriff Carson returns from vacation tomorrow. You can bet he’ll want to hear it from you again. He’s not one to leave things undone. He’ll probably be all over the reports on Ralph’s death and I’ll be talking to him about the coroner’s findings.”

  She wanted to change the subject but was curious about his last statement. “Why would you be giving information on the coroner’s report on Ralph’s death?” She touched the tender area on her temple. Wincing, she put the cold bag of peas back on it.

  “Because I’m the deputy coroner.” “What?” Anne sat back against her chair.

  “This is a fairly small town. There’s a bunch just like ours all up in these mountains. If the coroner is busy or I’m not needed as an EMT, I can assume the role. This way I make sure the scene isn’t destroyed by well- meaning individuals trying to help someone that’s hurt. There aren’t that many deaths and it’s easier if I can assume the role without having to wait for the coroner to come out.” He took another swig of the brew.

  “Because of my training, I know when the victim is beyond help and how to secure the scene. However, the coroner’s usually available. We tend to need more help with accidents so I’m a part-time EMT and a part-time deputy coroner. In other words, I work two full-time jobs!” He laughed. The sound was rich and masculine and reminded Anne of all the great things about men.

  “So?” She cut into his laughter.

  “So… what?”

  “Why are you giving the information to the sheriff about what killed Ralph? Is it confidential?”

  “Nothing is confidential if Marla is around.”

  “Who’s Marla?” Anne set the frozen peas on the table. “The reporter you saw at the scene. Oh, you may not have seen her since we were working on you. But the coroner is the one to release any findings. He’s away at a conference.”

  “I don’t remember much.” Except seeing Hope. How did Hope get there so soon? And why did she look so frightened?

  “What do you remember?” he asked casually. “Basically Kandi screaming. Running over.” She took a deep breath. “Seeing Ralph. Blood was all over him. On Kandi. It was awful.” Unexpected tears sprang to her eyes and she rubbed her upper arms. “He, he was dead. I called the police and then got back to Kandi. And then, I guess, that’s when I fainted.”

  “Your blood pressure was pretty low. I’m presuming you hadn’t eaten yet since it was early morning. And as you said, if you’re not used to death, and even if you are, it’s a big shock. Not surprising that a woman your age fainted.”

  A woman my age? Geez.

  Anne looked at Sam closer. How old was he? He was probably younger than her but how much younger?

  “Oh I forgot this.” He picked up the brown bag he had set down in the other kitchen chair.

  “Let me guess.Popcorn.”

  “You psychic?”

  “Just a good guess.”

  “The Boy Scouts have been doing a camp this week. Lots of growing boys to feed and popcorn is a quick, filling snack. Plus we have lots of it right now. We made a lot for the camp and had this left over. Anyway, I’ll leave it with you. Good night.” He got up, grabbed his jacket off the chair, and strode out the door.

  “Night.” She stood at the back door and watched as he moved off down the drive.

  “A woman your age,” she mimicked. As soon as he was out of sight, she pitched the bag toward the trash can. It missed the can.

  Oh, geez. Forget that. I love popcorn. She picked the bag off the floor and dug into the perfect combination of butter, salt, and crunchy goodness.

  At least she had one person she could confidently cross off her suspect list.

  Chapter Six

  A buzzing sound interrupted her sleep. Anne shoved the pillow over her head.

  Too hot. She pushed the pillow back under her head.

  Punched it. Buzzing again.

  Her phone. She’d put it on vibrate during her visit to Kandi. Anne groped toward the nightstand and scooped the phone into her hand.

  “Hel…lo?” the word came out garbled. Between her midnight outing, her visit with Sam, answering questions for the deputy, and waking up at every sound thinking the killer had returned, she hadn’t gotten much sleep.

  “Can you come pick me up?” A girl’s childlike voice came over the line.

  “Who is this?” She rolled over on her other side and immediately regretted it as her bruised head connected with the mattress. Tears of pain sprang into her eyes. The rake hitting her head was going to hurt for some time.

  “Kandi.”

  “Who?”

  “Kandi.”

  Anne sat up and wiped her eyes. “Oh, Kandi. Sorry, sweetie. I couldn’t hear you well. What time is it?”

  “Seven-thirty.”

  She groaned. Could a person get a hangover without doing any drinking? “What’s up? Do you need me to bring you something?”

  “Jeff got in last night, but he has like, a super- important conference call this morning that he can’t reschedule. So I have to wait for him to come get me out. They won’t release me unless I’m under someone’s custody.” The implied request hung in the air.

  Geez, what kind of a husband is this guy? Wait a minute. He was here earlier than that. He let Kandi sit in jail for another night? Anne tried to concentrate, but her head throbbed and her body ached.

  “It would be, like, a big favor—”

  “Of course, I’ll come get you. I’ll be there in half an hour.”

  “Thanks. You’re the best!” The line went dead.

  Anne forced herself to sit on the edge of the bed. The chill in the room invigorated her but also brought to mind the encroaching need for heating. A new furnace would need to be a top priority on her contractor list.

  Pulling the quilt around her shoulders, she stepped to the window and opened the blinds. Just under her window, Stewart bent over something in the plot she’d dug yesterday. Shocked, she took a step back, but he’d straightened and spotted her. He waved.

  Anne strode to the kitchen door, angry at the early intrusion. Stewart already stood on the porch, his cap in his hand.

  Anne reluctantly cracked the door. She’d need to add a door chain soon.

  “Hey, there. Sorry if I scared you. This morning I turned off my uncle’s sprinkler system and realized yours might still be on. So I came over to check. Since it’s early, I didn’t want to disturb you.”

  You disturbed me all right. She pulled the quilt tighter, a cocoon from the chill seeping through the doorway. The temperatures must have really dropped overnight.

  Stewart gestured at the sky. “It’s been looking like snow, so best be prepared. Anyway, I see Harry’s tag—he puts the tags on the main source so people in new homes can see they’ve been flushed out. So you’re good to go for the season.”

  “You didn’t need to do that.”

  “Oh, that’s what neighbors are for. Got to keep an eye on you.” He winked.

  “Thanks.” She moved to close the door.

  “Just don’t want any harm to come to you. Some of these things can cause so many problems.”

  “Thanks again. Have to go now.”

  “Okay, well, just one more thing. Did I imagine it or did I see you come over in the yard last night? I’ve been staying at my uncle’s to make sure no vandals or teenage thrill-seekers cause any problems. I’d hate for something to happen to you. Lots of accidents can happen at night, when it’s dark.” He looked at her.

  Is he threatening me?

  “Than
ks, I’ll keep that in mind. Goodbye.” She shut the door as she heard him respond in kind.

  Anne watched him depart. Then with a firm shove, she locked the door.

  Kandi grabbed Anne in a tight hug. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you came. Poor Jeff. He’s, like, exhausted. He had to fly into town. He was, like, able to get the bail settled over the phone. I don’t think he’s even slept more than an hour or two. Then he has, like, this call this morning. It could mean a big promotion for him. I couldn’t let him pass that up. I don’t want to be selfish. That’s why I said not to worry about me.”

  Kandi continued her babble as Anne drove the young woman home. “I feel, like, so grubby. You were so nice to bring me that care package. I don’t know what I would have done.” Kandi’s voice quivered.

  Anne took a fleeting look at the young woman who was desperately trying to hold back tears. “I’m happy to do it. You were a big help to me when I arrived in town. It’s the least I can do to return the favor. “

  “Glad to hear it. So, like, when will we start?” “Start?”

  “You know! Finding the real killer.”

  Anne sighed deeply. “Kandi, I told you. I’m not a detective. I have no idea where to begin. Plus, I know this may come as a shock to you, but killers kill people. I’m pretty happy being alive.”

  “How can you be so, like, flippant at a time like this?” “Not to worry, I’m flippant all the time.”

  Scowling, the young woman crossed her arms firmly across her chest.

  “Seriously, Kandi, let the sheriff’s office handle it.

  They know what they’re doing.”

  “Oh, yeah. That’s why I, like, ended up in jail. They only go by the evidence!”

  “Did you just hear what you said? What do you want them to go by?”

  “I didn’t do it!” Her voice rose with every syllable. “Okay.” Anne couldn’t continue fighting a losing battle.

  “Then you’ll help?”

  “I don’t know how you think we’ll solve this. I say leave it to the professionals. However, as long as it doesn’t involve breaking and entering, I’m in.”

  “Oh, okay. I guess we won’t have to do that.”

  Anne shook her head. What on earth did I just commit to?

  Anne followed Kandi’s drive along the curve to the back of the house. As the tires crunched on the gravel, the back door flew open. A tall gangly man appeared.

  Oh, yippee. Jeff the Jerk.

  A set of noise-cancelling earphones stuck out from his ears like an alien Mickey Mouse hat. He held his smart-phone in his hand. He motioned to Kandi with an abrupt wave, but put a finger to his lips. This must be the conference call.

  Kandi vaulting from the car toward him reminded Anne of a puppy that doesn’t realize her owner is abusive.

  Jeff kept up his conversation. He motioned to Kandi to stop. The young woman stood waiting, her face flushed with embarrassment.

  Anne lugged the box of Kandi’s things from the backseat. As she approached Kandi, Jeff looked over at Anne. His dismissive look was all too familiar. She knew his type. How could she not? She’d been married to a man just like him.

  While Anne assessed Jeff’s character, he looked at her with judging eyes. She knew the instant when he had deemed her “unworthy.” Jeff turned and faced away from them as he continued speaking to some distant person.

  Anne dropped the box at Kandi’s feet. She mouthed see you later and motioned her intent to leave. Kandi grabbed Anne’s arm and whispered, “Please. It shouldn’t be much longer. I’d really like for you to meet Jeff.”

  Anne’s mind and emotions warred. Should I tell Kandi we’ve already met? She’d give him a few minutes. Then she was out of there. Thankfully, Jeff ended the call, putting an end to her internal debate.

  Jeff pulled the headphones down around his neck. He clutched the phone with a firm grip.

  “Hey, baby.” Kandi threw herself into his arms.

  He pushed her back. “What the heck, Kan? How in the world do you let yourself get into these messes? Do you know how much it cost me to bail you out? I had to get the lawyer to take money out of your trust. Lucky we did that provision.”

  Undeterred, Kandi ignored his rebuke. “Honey, I want you to meet Anne. She’s moved into the old Straiter place.” Kandi motioned in the direction of Anne’s house.

  Jeff looked at Anne, but he too said nothing of their earlier encounter. “I’m glad someone moved into that house. It needs some fixing up. I know a great designer—”

  “I think I can handle it.” Anne’s retort came out sharp. “Suit yourself.”

  “Kandi, I’m leaving. If you need anything, give me a call.” Anne strode back to the car and put it in reverse.

  As she left, thoughts gathered in her mind. Jeff had been home the evening I saw someone running from Ralph’s yard. He had the same build as the figure I saw that night. But what does that have to do with Ralph’s death?

  For Anne to really help Kandi, she had to find out everything she could about Jeff.

  “Come in. I’m back here!” Hope’s voice carried through the opening.

  Anne peeked into the hall. A light shone from a door off to her right. She walked toward it. Inside the room, she found Hope surrounded by bottles full of herbs. In the middle of the table stood a scale that Hope was using to measure out various herbs and off to the side sat a large brown bottle. Another counter held jars filled with various herbs and a clear liquid.

  “Oh. Hi. I thought you were Susan. I’m expecting a delivery. I’m making tinctures and I’ve got a special herb order that should be in today. Hopefully.” She crossed her fingers and smiled.

  She covered the herbs with a cloth. Snapping off the latex gloves she wore, she dumped them into a bin. “Let’s go to my office.”

  Anne removed her tweed jacket as she followed Hope. Partially hidden behind a screen, a door opened onto the examination room Anne remembered from her first visit. Behind a beautiful antique oak desk, medical degrees covered the wall. Instead of taking a seat behind the desk, Hope plopped down on a large yoga ball. Facing the desk, two comfortable-looking chairs in sage green beckoned. Anne took a seat. Hope scooted over until she was across from Anne.

  “What can I help you with today? How’s the tea working for you?” Hope folded her hands on the desk.

  “Actually, I am feeling much better. Thank you.”

  “I heard about your accident.” At Anne’s confusion, Hope replied, “Small town. No secrets here. Everyone knows everyone and everything. Look, I recommend that you come in for an appointment. We’ll do some tests and keep you a healthy woman. I don’t like hearing about you fainting along with all these falls and bruises.”

  Anne touched the sore spot. “I’ll set up an appointment. But that’s not really why I’m here.”

  “Yes?”

  “This is going to seem strange, but I don’t know anyone else to ask. I thought maybe you could help me.” “Ask away and I’ll see if I can help.” She adjusted her balance on the ball chair.

  “So you know Kandi. Can you tell me a bit more about her earlier life—”

  Hope held up her hand like a stop sign. “There’s no way she killed Ralph. I don’t know what they’re thinking by even accusing her.”

  “Then who?”

  “Not a clue. I can’t imagine anyone killing Ralph. Except maybe me, of course.” Hope laughed, but it fell flat.

  “What?” Anne blurted out.

  “You probably don’t know this, but Ralph is—was— my father.”

  “Um, well—”

  “Yes, long story. But you’re here to talk about Kandi. What do you need to know? But first, I could go for a cup of hot tea. You?”

  Anne waited until Hope had placed a steaming cup of tea in her hands. She took a sip. “This is nice.”

  “Chamomile and nettle. Good for nerves and the liver. Plus I added a bit of local honey. I swear that Bill’s honey is the best in the area. Any
way, where were we? Oh, yes. You want to know about Kandi. She was still in elementary when I was in high school, so I’ll have to think back. If I recall it right, things started going bad when she was maybe, oh, twelve or thirteen. By then, I’d moved away to study medicine up at Bastyr University in Washington. But I remember hearing the rumors when I came back on summer break.

  “Her mother just up and took off one day, leaving Kandi and the two boys behind. Abandoned them downtown at the ice cream shop with just enough money for an ice cream sundae. She’d left a note at the house about ‘finding herself.’” Hope made quotes with her fingers. “But what she really meant was running off with some rich guy who didn’t want her kids.”

  Hope shook her head, took a sip of tea, and set the cup down on a coaster. Using both hands, she ruffled her cropped hair. “At any rate, the twins—the boys—were, let me see…yes, about sixth graders. They all went to live with her grandfather, but Kandi pretty much ended up raising the boys. Plus she was a housekeeper and cook for the grandfather too. He simply wasn’t up to raising kids at his age. You’ve got to hand it to her—she put in a lot of work every day after school. On the weekends she babysat to help make ends meet, too.”

  “I thought I heard something about a trust fund?” Anne ventured.

  “Oh, yes. That happened, I guess, a little over a year ago. But need to back up a bit. Years go by. Not a word from the mom. For all everyone knows, she’s off living the high life, or she’s dead. One day a stretch limo pulls up at the grandfather’s house. By the way, that’s the house Kandi’s living in now. She inherited it.”

  “So Kandi received it after her grandfather—” Anne interjected.

  “Well, that’s another story. Kandi’s brothers moved on but Kandi stayed at home, caring for her grandfather. Then one day when Kandi was away, her grandfather fell off of a ladder and broke his hip. He went to step on an upper rung, and it broke beneath him. There were some ugly rumors about what happened, but nothing could be proven. It was determined to be a freak accident. He went to a nursing home and died just a few months after that.”