Death on Hanover

by Lee Strauss

  “Can’t I do both?”

  “So, you did go on a date. Not that dainty Bell fellow?”

  “He’s not dainty,” Samantha spat. “Tom’s as rugged as they come.”

  “So, it’s Tom now, is it?”

  “Yes, Johnny, it’s Tom. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m writing a piece on Irene McAuliffe.”

  “The first woman to join the Boston police department.” Johnny snorted. “Blah, blah, blah.”

  Samantha stared at her coworker with indignation. “There were very few female police officers represented last night. If the piece inspires more women to join the force, then I’ve done my job.”

  “How many women police officers do you think it takes to protect the young ladies of Boston from attention from the opposite sex?”

  “They do a lot more than monitor the comings and goings of young women. Margaret Foley—”

  “I know,” Johnny said, cutting her off. “She was the first woman to arrest an armed criminal. An outlier. Hardly the norm.”

  “The norm can be changed.”

  Samantha pushed away from her desk. She needed a cup of tea and regretted that nothing stronger was on offer.

  Samantha worked hard to keep her biggest secret—she and her family were dirt poor and lived in a tenement building. If it weren’t for her job at the paper, she, her daughter, and mother-in-law would be the widows and orphans that charities looked after.

  The stench of communal living never dulled, and the first few seconds after coming in from the fresh outdoor air was always a bit of a shock. Samantha pushed through the disagreeable smell of burned toast and greasy sausages and headed to her second-floor apartment. A baby cried, and a radio show could be heard from down the hall. Samantha got her key ready, opened the scarred door, and stepped inside.

  “Mommy!”

  This was Samantha’s favorite moment of each day, and she relished the feeling of the small girl who ran into her arms. One day, in the far-too-near future, Talia would suddenly stop running to greet her, and Samantha’s heart already hurt at the thought. She wished there was a way she could spend more time with her daughter, but life’s demands just got in the way.

  “Hey, honey,” Samantha said. “How was your day?”

  “It was okay.”

  Samantha dropped her messenger bag and camera into the corner and removed her hat and summer gloves. From the living room, with its sparse furnishings and aged wallpaper, she could see the simple wooden table and chair set in the small kitchen.

  Bina, with her thin arms propped in sharp angles on her narrow waist, stared across the living room disapprovingly. “It’s not too late for me to warm up a pot of stew.”

  “Dr. Higgins is expecting us.”

  Bina wrung her hands. “Then we’ll have to return the invitation. Have you thought of that? Do you really want to have your fancy doctor friend see where you live? Like pigs in a sty!”

  Bina exaggerated, but she had a point, and one Samantha had thought long and hard about. She planned to invite Haley and her house companion, Miss McPhail, out for a picnic. What else could she do? She and Haley had forged a friendship over the summer, and Samantha had refused one invitation. To say no a second time would be offensive, and Samantha didn’t want to risk losing Haley as a friend. Not only were their jobs compatible, each at times providing information the other needed, but Samantha liked Haley. Working long hours at the paper kept her from making relationships with other women her age, most of whom were married and homemakers. And if Bina ended up being the only adult female in her life, Samantha would go nuts.

  Samantha held her tongue and took Talia by the hand. “Let’s get ready. Do you remember that I told you Dr. Higgins has a cat?”

  “Only three legs,” Talia said. “That’s sad.”

  “Don’t let Mr. Midnight hear you say that. I doubt he even knows he’s supposed to have four.”

  The apartment had only two bedrooms, which meant Samantha shared with her daughter. She didn’t mind. Talia’s angelic presence while sleeping was a blessing and joy, and preferable to the steam-engine snoring and cigarette breath she’d endured when Seth was around.

  Samantha didn’t have a large wardrobe and only a couple of dresses that were too fancy for work—remnants from the shorter, square cuts of the twenties. Samantha’s thrifty alterations were common among the frugal, and she’d even written about the tips in the ladies’ pages, and had gotten many thankful letters in reply.

  After brushing and repinning her short curls behind her ears, Samantha slipped into a dress and studied herself in the mirror.

  “You look pretty, Mommy.”

  Samantha smiled at Talia’s reflection. “Thank you, honey. Now, let me brush your hair.”

  When they were finished getting ready, they found Bina at the kitchen table, still wearing her day frock with a spotted apron tied on, with a defiant look on her face.

  “Bina?” Samantha said. “You need to get ready. We have to leave soon, or we’re going to be late.” Samantha wanted to catch the bus as a taxi, especially at this busy time of day, would be too expensive.

  “Feh! I’m not going. I told you already. If you want me to meet your fancy friends, then you have to move us somewhere nicer.”

  Bina had lived in the tenement building since she and her late husband had immigrated from Europe, and hadn’t complained—as much—until most of the Jewish families had moved south, and Italian immigrants had taken their places.

  “This is as nice as it’s going to get,” Samantha snapped, then, after a long exhale, added, “Fine, Talia and I will go without you.”

  Bina’s head snapped up.

  Did she think Samantha would cancel because the older woman put her heels in? Samantha was honestly relieved. At least now, she wouldn’t have to be on pins and needles all evening out of fear that Bina would say something offensive.

  Standing at the mirror by the door, Samantha pinned on a small felt hat adorned with a decorative ribbon and meant to be worn at an angle, and then pulled on a pair of cotton gloves. She reached for her daughter.

  “Come on, Talia.”

  Before heading out of the door, Samantha checked the pockets of her dress again. The scrap of paper she’d nicked from the church body was inside one. Before the night was over, Samantha would have to come clean with Haley. Her friend might be angry or disappointed by what Samantha had done, but Samantha was sure Haley would be grateful to see the contents of the note before the police did.

  4

  Haley had learned over the years that the best way to help Molly in the kitchen was to stay out of her way. Her companion, who’d come from sturdy Irish stock, was proficient in the kitchen, and a good conservationist. Haley could hardly imagine life without her.

  Once Haley had set the table, her aid was done until the meal was over, and it was time for cleanup. The scent of roast and potatoes caused Haley to salivate, and she escaped to her home office to distract herself with work.

  Haley’s office was her refuge. Furnished with a lovely oak desk, a comfortable chair, and a shelf full of books, it was a place where Haley could relax. Or think. Or both. A golf putting mat along the window called to her, and she picked up her putter propped in the corner, set a golf ball on a tee, and set about concentrating on the shot.

  She thought about the John Doe, and for a moment, regretted that Samantha and her family were coming. She really wanted to go back to the church and take another look around. Maybe someone who lived nearby had seen something.

  Her distraction caused her to miss her shot, and the little white ball veered off the green mat and onto the hardwood floor.

  She glanced out the window onto Grove Street as she retrieved her wayward ball. An inheritance, clever investing, and foresight to pull her money out of the market before the crash had enabled Haley to purchase her plush apartment and to set aside a nice nest egg for the future. She’d been fortunate in this regard and didn’t take it for granted. She was grateful no
t to have to depend on a man or even her job for financial security.

  The door of the office pushed open and Haley heard a quiet meow. Mr. Midnight was banished from the kitchen when Molly was busy, a fact he didn’t like. He hobbled on his three legs to Haley’s side, and Haley swooped him into her arms.

  “I know you’re not used to children, Mr. Midnight, but I hope you’ll be on your best behavior when our guests arrive.”

  Out the window four floors below, Haley spotted Samantha step off a bus with a young child in tow. Haley had met the little girl before, but the mother-in-law, Mrs. Rosenbaum, remained a mystery. Samantha had relayed several funny stories about her life with her absentee husband’s mother, and Haley was eager to put a face to the character.

  Haley frowned. From what she could see, Samantha had arrived with only her daughter. The duo disappeared into the building, and Haley, with Mr. Midnight in her arms, went to the front door to wait for Samantha to knock.

  Just off the entrance, a set of double glass doors was propped open to the living room. It was a comfortable space with a high ceiling and tall windows to let in natural light. The walls were papered in a rich burgundy floral pattern, and the furniture facing a fireplace had complementary upholstery with ornate wood trim.

  The anticipated knock occurred. Haley shouted over her shoulder for Molly’s benefit, “They’re here,” then opened the door.

  Samantha and her daughter looked so much alike with their honey-blond hair and blue eyes, Haley couldn’t help but break into a wide smile.

  “Come in,” she said eagerly. She bent to Talia’s level and stroked Mr. Midnight’s black head. “Hi. I’m Dr. Higgins. Do you like cats?”

  Talia pressed into her mother’s leg.

  “She’s shy,” Samantha explained.

  Molly appeared and offered to take their summer coats.

  “Molly, this is Talia,” Haley said. “Talia, this is Miss McPhail.”

  When introductions had been completed, Haley invited Samantha and Talia into the living room. “Would you like a glass of lemonade?” she asked. “Molly makes the best, with fresh lemons and a lot of sugar.”

  Talia snuggled on the settee beside her mother and nodded.

  “Thank you, Haley,” Samantha said. “That would be lovely.”

  Haley returned with a tray of glasses and found Samantha looking at one of her framed Higgins family photos.

  “These are your brothers,” Samantha stated.

  “Yes.” Haley pointed to the one standing next to her. “That’s Joe.”

  Samantha glanced up at Haley with a look of understanding. “He was a handsome man.”

  Mr. Midnight hopped onto the settee beside Talia. The little girl tentatively touched the feline’s head.

  “How did he lose his leg, Dr. Higgins?” the little girl asked.

  “We don’t actually know.” Haley handed out the lemonade and then sat in one of the chairs. “Miss McPhail found him at the fire escape door off the kitchen. It was the middle of the night, so she dubbed him Mr. Midnight for the timing of his arrival and for the fact that his fur is very black.”

  “He’s nice,” Talia said, after a sip.

  Haley grinned at the cat. “I think he likes you.”

  “Thank you again for inviting us,” Samantha said. “I’m sorry my mother-in-law couldn’t make it. She’s unwell.”

  Haley caught the warning-to-stay-quiet look Samantha shot at her daughter and chose not to intrude. “I’m sorry to hear it. Maybe another time.”

  Samantha nodded but didn’t commit.

  Molly called them in for supper. As per usual, everything was exquisite from the decor on the table to the orchestra playing on the radio.

  “Shall we give thanks?” Molly said.

  This was the awkward part, Haley thought. Molly was Irish and a devout Catholic, Haley tended to the unpopular agnostic position—she just wasn’t certain where her beliefs landed regarding religion—and Samantha, born a protestant, had married into the Jewish culture. What a mix!

  “Please,” Samantha said. “How you normally do would be wonderful.”

  Everyone lowered their heads and clasped their hands as Molly prayed. “Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

  Haley had opened an eye to peek at her guests. While Samantha had kept her eyes sealed, little Talia did just the opposite, staring wide-eyed at Molly—especially when she performed the sign of the cross. Haley bit her lip to keep from smiling inappropriately.

  Molly passed the platter of meat. “It’s beef,” she said, unnecessarily, but Haley knew Molly was concerned about keeping the entire meal kosher.

  “How sad Mrs. Rosenbaum couldn’t make it,” Molly said. “I’m sure she could’ve given me tips on how to better prepare brisket.”

  “If this is your first try,” Samantha said after a bite, “then you’re a natural.”

  If Talia hadn’t been in the party, Haley would’ve broken out one of her contraband brandies. Molly was European, and Haley had lived many years in Europe where drinking wine with a meal was as common as water. They both thought prohibition was nonsense.

  However, it was still against the law, and Haley only brought the spirits out occasionally. She and Samantha had shared a glass once over the summer, and it was a secret that somehow bonded them, despite their social differences.

  “How is school, Talia?” Haley asked.

  Talia’s sweet countenance darkened. “It’s okay.”

  Samantha had confided in Haley that Talia was being picked on at school for being part Jewish. Haley raised a brow in question. Samantha nodded sadly, “It’s still going on. She doesn’t like to talk about it.”

  “We will change the subject then,” Haley said. “What’s your favorite book?”

  Talia cheered. “Anne of Green Gables!”

  “Oh, I love those books,” Molly said. “I own every one!”

  Talia glanced at Samantha under long eyelashes, then said, “We get our books from the library.”

  “Marvelous! We’re so fortunate to have a terrific library in Boston. What about games?”

  “I like Tiddlywinks.”

  “How serendipitous,” Molly said. “I have that very game in the cupboard. Maybe the two of us could play a game later?”

  Haley adored Molly! Samantha had mentioned Talia’s affection for Tiddlywinks, so Haley had asked Molly to make a purchase, but she hadn’t expected her companion to offer to entertain the girl. It was a perfect plan because Haley had an idea.

  “Maybe, while you two are playing, Samantha and I could go for a little ride in the DeSoto.”

  Samantha seemed to read Haley’s mind. “Good idea. Hanover Street?”

  5

  “I’m amazed that Talia was willing to stay behind without me,” Samantha said, looking over at Haley.

  “It’s Molly. And Mr. Midnight. They’re an irresistible combination.” Haley drove her DeSoto east toward Hanover Street. “I think we’re in time to catch the tail end of mass.”

  Samantha smirked. “Are you considering converting?”

  “Not tonight. I’m hoping we can find someone who might have seen something suspicious. At the very least, I’d like to have another look around. I find nosing about a little disconcerting when Detective Cluney is watching,” Haley replied.

  “He’s a bit protective of his territory, isn’t he?” Samantha said.

  “I imagine that’s true of us all,” Haley answered. “He’s just doing his job.”

  “And what are you doing?” Samantha said as Haley parked.

  Haley chuckled. “I guess I’m also trying to do his job.”

  Samantha understood what made Haley go beyond the line of duty when it came to the dead bodies lying in the morgue. It had everything to do with Haley’s brother and Haley’s inability to solve the case. Doing for others what she couldn’t do for Joe Higgins was what drove her. Murder is wrong, and justice i
s the only answer.

  After coming to a stop, Samantha said, “Before we go inside, I have a confession to make.”

  Haley raised a dark brow. “Isn’t that a job for Father O’Hara?”

  “Haha. No, I’m serious. I did something you’re not going to approve of, and just, in my defense, I want to say that it was an impulsive gesture on my part. I didn’t have a chance to think it through.”

  “Okay, now I’m worried.”

  Samantha sighed and removed the piece of paper from her pocket. “I took this from the suit pocket of your John Doe.”

  Haley stared back in disbelief. “You’re right. I don’t approve.”

  “It was sticking out, and my instincts as a reporter kicked in. I was only going to read it and put it back before Mr. Mulryan returned from calling the police.”

  “But?”

  “But then I read it.”

  Samantha held out the folded scrap of paper. “I thought you’d want to see it.”

  Haley hesitated. “You should give it to the police.”

  “I know I should. And I will. But trust me. You want to know what’s written there.”

  Haley held out an open palm and then read the notation.

  Watch your foul mouth, or you’ll end up like Higgins.

  Haley gasped and stared back at Samantha. “This was on our John Doe?”

  “Right suit pocket.” Samantha felt bad about inflicting any pain on her friend. “You know, it’s probably just a coincidence. Higgins is a common name.”

  Haley blankly stared ahead for a few moments before speaking. “I haven’t shown you the police photos I have of Joe. He was lying, twisted on his side.”

  “The photographs I snapped at the crime scene were similar to Joe’s?”

  Haley nodded once.

  “I think this John Doe knew my brother, and whatever they were involved in, it got them both killed.”

  “Any ideas?” Samantha asked.

  Haley deftly slipped the note into her purse and shook her head. “Let’s go inside.”

  The front doors of St. Stephen’s church were wide open due to the lingering heat of the day, and, from behind, parishioners could be seen seated while Father O’Hara stood on the podium.