Howloween Murder

by Laurien Berenson

  “Thank you, but we can’t take all the credit,” Harriet replied. “Cheryl and I had plenty of assistance pulling everything together. The grounds crew assembled the haunted house and the booths. The boys’ soccer team helped put up the decorations. And the kitchen staff worked overtime to supply most of the food.”

  “I came over to see if you needed anything, but now I just feel redundant,” I said with a smile.

  “Yikes.” Cheryl grimaced. “It looks like there’s an issue with the apple bobbing. I’ll just go take care of that . . .” She flung her cape back over her shoulder and hurried away.

  “Wonder Woman indeed,” Harriet said fondly. “I’m glad this party gave me the opportunity to get to know Cheryl better. She’s a great addition to the Howard Academy family.”

  I agreed. But now that she’d left us, I took the chance to bring Harriet up to date on what I’d been doing since we’d last compared notes.

  “I talked to Detective Young earlier today,” I told her.

  “You did?” Harriet looked surprised. And that surprised me.

  “Mr. Hanover didn’t tell you that he’d asked me to do so?”

  “No,” she replied unhappily. “I’m afraid my relationship with the headmaster is a bit strained at the moment.”

  I reached over and gave her arm a squeeze. “That won’t last. As soon as this mess is cleared up, everything will go back to normal.”

  “I wish I were as sure of that as you are.” Harriet stopped and sighed. “I offered to make new batches of marshmallow puffs for the party. I said I would bake them in the kitchen here at HA, under Mrs. Plimpton’s direct supervision. And that they wouldn’t be out of our sight until we put them out on the table. Mr. Hanover still didn’t think that was a wise idea.”

  “What a shame,” I commiserated with her. “Your marshmallow puffs are always the highlight of the occasion. The buffet table looks empty without them. But you’ll be happy to hear that I have some good news.”

  “Well, that’s a relief.” Harriet mustered a smile. “I was afraid this party was going to be all gloom and doom. Lay it on me.”

  “Detective Young doesn’t believe that you were responsible for Ralph’s death.”

  Her smile brightened. “Does that mean I’m no longer a suspect?”

  “Not exactly,” I admitted. “But at least now you have the detective on your side. I think you should take your lawyer and go have a conversation with him. One where you cooperate and answer his questions.”

  “That’s probably not a bad idea. Does he have other suspects now?”

  “Unfortunately, Detective Young wasn’t willing to tell me that. I suggested he look into Madison Penders. She sneaked in the back door of the new building and showed up in my classroom this morning.”

  “She did?” Harriet frowned at the breach of school protocol. “What did she want?”

  “Madison told me to back off and stop asking questions. She didn’t seem very upset about her father’s death. She said it was a mercy that he was gone.”

  “Did you relay all that to Detective Young?”

  “I did, but it didn’t help. Because then he told me that Madison was in Las Vegas with friends when Ralph died.”

  We both pondered that briefly.

  “Maybe she was smart enough to set herself up with a good alibi,” Harriet mused aloud. “I’m not convinced that lets her off the hook. What if she had an accomplice? Someone who was willing to doctor the marshmallow puffs after she was gone.”

  “I like the way your mind works,” I said. “I was thinking the very same thing earlier. But we need to figure out who her helper could have been.”

  Harriet gave me a nudge. “You’re supposed to be the experienced sleuth in this partnership. How come you don’t have the answer already?”

  I knew she was kidding, but I defended myself anyway. “I never met the woman before today. I hardly know anything about her.”

  “Nor do I,” Harriet admitted. “Madison moved out of her father’s house years ago. Her personal life is a complete mystery to me. The only thing I do know is that she’s a very angry young woman. Madison feels as though life hasn’t dealt her a fair hand. So maybe the idea of a mercy killing isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.”

  There was a sudden commotion near the auditorium’s double-door entrance. We both turned to look. A large chariot was trying to maneuver its way into the room.

  “Oh Lord,” Harriet groaned. “Not the Petersons again. Darn that man’s obsession with ancient Rome. I’d better go see what I can do to manage things before they get out of hand. Can we finish this conversation later?”

  “Absolutely,” I said, stifling a laugh. I was glad the chariot and its occupants weren’t my problem. “One last thing to think about before you go.”

  “Yes?” She was anxious to be on her way.

  “It could be that battering your mailbox wasn’t enough of a revenge for Madison,” I said. “And that’s why she framed you for her father’s murder.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  I spent the next half hour browsing around the party. Between checking out the booths, praising children’s costumes, and giving directions to the buffet and the bathrooms, there was plenty to keep me busy. I was on my way back to the dessert table to nab a cupcake when a small blond tiger stepped into my path.

  I squinted down at the striped mask that covered half his face. “Luke, is that you?”

  “Rraaarr!” The boy put so much effort into the roar that the ears on top of his head waggled back and forth.

  I stepped back in mock horror. “Wow, I’m impressed. You look very fierce.”

  “That was the point.” A woman standing behind him was dressed as a Supreme Court justice. More Sandra Day O’Connor than RBG. “I’m Beverly Chism, Luke’s mother. You’re Melanie Travis, right?”

  “That’s right. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Compared to Beverly’s demure outfit, my costume suddenly felt a little low-cut and a lot too tight. Maybe I should have considered the fact that I’d be talking to parents tonight when I’d chosen my attire.

  Then Beverly smiled and held out her hand. “Great costume. Morticia?”

  I nodded as we shook hands.

  “Good for you. I’d wear something like that if I could fit into it. I wanted to talk to you about Luke.”

  “Of course.” That was a relief. “He and I have just started working together. I’m delighted to have him in my classroom.”

  “And he’s thrilled to be there,” Beverly told me. “Especially because of your lovely Standard Poodle, Faith. He hasn’t stopped talking about her since he met her.”

  “Faith’s a great dog. All the kids love her.” I paused, then added, because I was curious, “But most of them don’t know right away that she’s a Standard Poodle.”

  “Yes, I’d imagine they wouldn’t.” Beverly laughed. “But that’s precisely the reason that Luke was so drawn to her. We had a Standard Poodle named Molly for many years. She was black, just like yours. Luke had Molly for his entire life, until she passed away last summer. She was a wonderful dog, and he was heartbroken.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “I know how difficult it is to lose a dog who’s a member of your family.”

  “Molly was so special, I knew we’d never be able to replace her. In fact, I was hesitant to even try. I didn’t want to get another dog and have Luke be disappointed that it wasn’t the same. But then he walked into your classroom this morning and saw Faith . . .”

  Beverly’s eyes were moist. Another minute of this and I’d be sniffling too.

  “Luke took one look at your Standard Poodle and fell head over heels in love.” Beverly raised her hands and placed them together as if in prayer. “So I’m hoping that you can help me. The woman we got Molly from is no longer breeding, but maybe if you could tell me where Faith came from . . . ?”

  “I can do better than that,” I told her. “I can introduce you. Faith’s breeder is my Aunt Peg. She lives right
here in Greenwich. She doesn’t have many litters anymore, but she knows everyone in the Poodle world. I’m sure she can find you a black Standard Poodle puppy, if you want her to.”

  “We do!” Luke cried. He’d been listening to our conversation. Now he was staring at me, wide-eyed. “Will my puppy grow up to look like Faith?”

  “Just like her,” I told him. “And she’ll have the same terrific temperament. Aunt Peg will make sure she’s had all her genetic testing too.”

  Unexpectedly, Beverly threw her arms around me. Then Luke jumped in and wrapped his arms around my waist from the other side. It was an odd feeling being hugged by a tiger and a Supreme Court justice at the same time.

  “Thank you so much,” Beverly cried. “That would be absolutely wonderful, wouldn’t it, Luke?”

  The small boy bobbed his head up and down several times to make sure I got the message.

  “I’ll talk to Aunt Peg tomorrow and be in touch,” I said.

  “Perfect.” Beverly was beaming as she took Luke’s hand. “We’ll be waiting to hear from you.”

  I watched the two of them walk away. Luke was skipping with excitement. Beverly reached down and ruffled her son’s hair. They shared a happy smile. After the frustrations I’d experienced on Harriet’s behalf, it felt great to be able to do something good for someone.

  “Is everything all right, Ms. Travis?”

  I spun around in place. I hadn’t heard Mr. Hanover approach. Obviously, he’d been watching us.

  “Yes, fine,” I said. “Maybe perfect.”

  “Perfect?” He looked startled. Then pleased. “Well done, then. Who was the woman with whom you were speaking?”

  “Beverly Chism. Her son, Luke, is in first grade. Cheryl Feeney’s class.”

  “Ah, yes. The family is new this year. I shall have to go and introduce myself.” He looked at me speculatively. “Something you said made them very happy.”

  “Luke fell in love with Faith. They’d recently lost their own Poodle and I offered to find them another to replace her.”

  “I see. I expect Peg might be able to help with that?”

  Of course he knew Aunt Peg. She wasn’t just a Howard Academy alumna, she was also a generous donor.

  “I’m sure she can.”

  “Very well, then. Carry on.”

  “Pip-pip and tallyho,” I said under my breath as he walked away. Mr. Hanover often had that effect on me.

  An announcement came over the loudspeaker. The costume parade was about to begin. Everyone who intended to take part was invited to assemble near the stage. I knew Kevin wanted to be in the parade. Sam and I were planning to walk with him. Now all I had to do was find them in this crowd.

  I was up on my toes, gazing around the room, when someone jostled me from behind. Nearly everyone was on the move now. All were heading in the direction of either the stage or the parade route in the center of the room. I was the only one who was standing still.

  “Sorry,” said a voice that sounded almost familiar. “I should be more careful.”

  I turned around and looked at him. The man who’d knocked into me was wearing a close-fitting devil costume. There were horns on his head, and a dark cape swirled around his shoulders. Unlike most of the adults at the party, he had on a mask. It covered the upper half of his face.

  “No problem.” I stared at him curiously as people continued to move past us. “I was in your way.”

  He tipped his head to one side and smiled. “Don’t you recognize me?”

  “No, I’m afraid I don’t. Should I?”

  He pulled down the mask briefly, then let it slip back into place. I’d expected to see a school parent. Instead, the man was Bernadette’s friend, Hugh Grainger. What was he doing here?

  “You look surprised to see me.” His voice was low and silky smooth.

  “I am. I didn’t expect you to be here.”

  Hugh shrugged. “I hate to miss a party. I came with Bernie.”

  “You did?” I frowned. “I thought she wasn’t coming tonight.”

  “She changed her mind. Come on.” He folded his fingers over my arm. “I know where she is. I’ll show you.”

  “That’s all right, I can see her later.” I tried to pull my arm away. Hugh didn’t let go. “I’m going over to the costume parade now.”

  “No,” said Hugh. “I don’t think you are.”

  A shiver slipped up the back of my neck. In the brief time that he and I had been talking, the area of the room where we were standing had emptied out. Even the booths had shut down for the parade.

  Loud music was now blasting through speakers near the ceiling. People were crowded together in the center of the auditorium, clapping and cheering. The parade must be starting. Everyone was looking in the opposite direction. Even if someone did glance our way, Hugh and I would be barely visible in the shadows at the perimeter of the room.

  With all that noise, no one would hear me if I called for help.

  “Let go of me,” I said through gritted teeth.

  “No.” He smiled again, a distinctly feral look, as if he knew something I didn’t. “You and I are going to take a little walk.”

  Not if I can help it, I thought. “Where are we going?”

  “The haunted house should be deserted now. I think we’ll step inside.”

  I planted my feet. If Hugh intended to make me move, he was going to have to drag me.

  “Why?” I asked, still stalling.

  “Good question,” he snapped. “Why couldn’t you leave things alone?”

  “What things?”

  Hugh squeezed my arm harder and I winced. “Don’t play dumb, Melanie Travis. Whatever other annoying things you are, you’re not stupid.”

  “This is about Ralph Penders,” I said.

  Hugh’s next yank pulled me off my feet. The Morticia dress, wound tightly around my legs, was hampering my ability to resist. Now I was going with him, whether I wanted to or not.

  “Did you kill him?” I asked.

  Hugh glared down at me. “Of course not.”

  “Do you know who did?”

  “We both know the answer to that. It was his daughter, Madison. She hated that life was passing her by while she was stuck caring for a sick old man—a father who barely remembered who she was. His death was best for both of them.”

  Hugh had told me that he’d never met Madison. So it was interesting that he now claimed to know so much about her feelings. And her actions. Not to mention that he’d come to her defense.

  Abruptly I looked at him in a new light. Hugh was clearly a liar. And probably an opportunist. And then there was Madison, who’d been out of town when her father died. She’d needed someone else to do her dirty work for her.

  Detective Young had mentioned that Hugh was there when Ralph’s marshmallow puffs were delivered. Why hadn’t I picked up on that earlier? Suddenly it was looking as though Bernadette’s annoying beau must have been Madison’s accomplice all along.

  Dammit, I thought. Harriet and I had been so close. We’d had everything figured out except the one thing we needed most—a name. I hoped I lived long enough to share Hugh’s with Detective Young.

  He and I had almost reached the haunted house. The creaky structure looked suitably spooky. Its walls tilted. Its windows were blacked out. Once we were inside, Hugh could do anything he wanted. No one would be able to see or hear us.

  I had to keep stalling—and hope that someone would realize I was missing and come looking for me.

  “You and Madison must be close,” I said.

  Hugh didn’t reply.

  “I thought you were with Bernadette.”

  He hiked my arm upward and pain shot through my shoulder. “Bernie was . . . convenient.”

  I grimaced and kept walking. “I don’t understand.”

  “Bernie was useful. She was a means to get to Harriet. Through her job, that damn woman probably has more influential connections than anyone in Greenwich.” He scowled. “Not that t
hey ever did me any good.”

  I was shocked by his answer. “You mean at Howard Academy?”

  “Of course that’s what I mean,” Hugh snapped. “Harriet could have introduced me to important people. She was supposed to be my conduit to all these rich parents.”

  The gallantry and charm with which Hugh had treated Bernadette was nowhere in evidence now. I was seeing a whole new side of him. One I hadn’t even suspected.

  “All I needed was an entrée,” he said. “I’d have worked things out myself from there. Except that Harriet wouldn’t cooperate.”

  “That Harriet,” I replied. “She’s a bitch.”

  “Tell me about it,” Hugh muttered. “I spent all that time cultivating Bernie, and for what? Nothing. Then one day when I was at her house, I met Ralph. What a pathetic old man he was. But when I took him back where he belonged, I met Madison. That’s when a new picture began to emerge.”

  He meant a new score to pursue, I realized. Bernie didn’t offer him enough. Harriet wasn’t cooperating with his plans. And there was unhappy, impressionable, Madison. Ralph’s only child, she’d be heir to his possessions, including that nice piece of real estate.

  “Madison and I hit it off right away,” Hugh said.

  Of course they had. Hugh would have made sure of that. Just like he’d convinced Bernadette that he was in love with her.

  “And then . . . you know. It was a kindness what happened to the old guy.”

  “A kindness.” I snorted. “You killed him.”

  Hugh shrugged. “It was his time to go.”

  We’d reached the haunted house. Like everything else in the vicinity, the attraction was deserted. It wasn’t cold inside the room, but I’d begun to shiver.

  Hugh was still grasping my arm. He must have felt me shudder. “I didn’t mean for things to turn out this way,” he said, making an effort to sound remorseful.

  I wasn’t buying it. To me, he just looked like the Devil.

  “I didn’t either,” I muttered.

  “Bernie told me you’d been figuring things out. And that you were going to talk to the police. I can’t allow that. I’m not going to let you screw this up for me.” His hand reached around inside his cape. “Here, I brought you something.”