As curious as I was, I was ready to leave. “I’m leaving.” I strode through the exit into the crisp outdoors. Ben’s footsteps pounded behind me.
“Wait up, Abby. Don’t be angry. What about our meeting with Harry?”
“I don’t know if he’ll come or not.” We never did set a definite time.
Ben stopped. “I can’t keep up with you, so I’ll see you at dinner.”
I shrugged and waved my hand to dismiss him. If Harry stopped by, fine, but I had too much on my mind to digest for now. A raid on my stash of chocolate would clear my head and help me think. Right now I planned to return to question some of the other residents who lived on the courtyard side of the building. The police probably questioned them already, but they might say more to me. I also wanted to know why Maria appeared to be afraid, so I’d find her and ask her as well.
Chapter 4
After going over my notes and the events so far, I fortified myself with chocolate and a can of diet soda. After that, I hurried back to the main building so I could catch Maria before she went off duty at five. After seeing the look in her eyes earlier, I couldn’t help but think something was wrong, and pure instinct told me it had something to do with Pete.
She stood at her locker in the staff lounge area preparing to leave. “Maria,” I called, “I’m glad I found you. We need to talk.”
When she turned to me, a look of pure terror filled her eyes. My instincts were right. “Child, I can see something is bothering you terribly. Maybe I can help.”
Tears welled up in her eyes. “Oh, Mrs. Billings, I’m so scared.”
Well, that was obvious without her saying it, but I put my arm around her shoulders and led her to a chair.
She pulled a tissue from her pocket and blotted her eyes. “It’s about Pete.”
Bingo! Maybe now I had a witness.
“Pete and I were dating. He’d been so kind to me since my husband Jim was killed in Iraq last year.”
Whoa. That bit of news came out of the blue and set me back a bit. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea about your husband.”
Maria sniffled. “Not many do. That’s why I came to work here. I needed extra money for our little girl, Grace. Then a few months ago Pete asked me out. He’d been so good to me and to little Grace. She loved him.” The tears flowed again. “How am I going to tell her? Two deaths in such a short time.”
Yes, that would be hard, but I didn’t know what to say. “Oh, Maria, I’ll pray for you both.” I wrapped my arms around her shoulders, and she collapsed against me sobbing.
Then she sat back and dabbed her eyes. “Who could have done such a thing to him? Pete was the kindest man. He was always so willing to help people.”
We sat quietly for a moment, but from the looks of her, something else bothered the young woman. She tore the tissue to shreds and kept her eyes cast downward. I reached over and lifted her chin with my fingers. “What else is there, Maria?”
She gulped. “Pete and I had an argument earlier this morning just before work. He wanted to give me money to help pay for some doctor bills for Grace. She’s due to have surgery on her ears soon, but I told him I couldn’t let him do that, and he got angry. Then I got angry, and we had a few words. Some of the others overheard us. I don’t think most of them even knew we were dating until today, unless he told somebody. I’m not sure they heard what we argued about, but that’s when I misplaced my keys. I was so upset I couldn’t think straight.”
“So, you didn’t simply forget them.” She was giving me a motive, and she had the opportunity, but I couldn’t see Maria sticking a gardening tool into anyone’s belly or smashing in their head, especially someone she liked. I could ask her if she knew of any enemies Pete might have, but several other staff members chose that moment to come in and get their things before going off duty.
Patting her hand, I stood. “We’ll talk about this later.” When I headed out of the room, she jumped up to follow me.
“Mrs. Billings, please, I didn’t kill Pete.”
“Don’t worry, Maria. We’ll find out who did this. You go on home and take care of your little girl.”
“Thank you. I feel much better now that I’ve talked with you. I know God will see us through this. Pray He will give me the words I need to say to help Grace understand.”
“Oh, I will. Of that you can be sure. God hasn’t let me down in all my years, and He sure won’t now.”
She left through the employee’s exit, and I headed for the dining room. Harry and Ben needed to hear this new information. We had to find out more about Pete and his background. Maybe that’s what Harry could do on my computer after dinner.
When I reached the dining room, everyone was there except Bessie Compton.
“Sorry I’m late, but where’s Bessie? She’s usually the first one here.” I unfolded my napkin. Platters of grilled chicken breasts and bowls of fresh vegetables already sat on the table. Since the others had full plates, I bowed my head and said my own prayer before helping myself to fresh asparagus and a chicken breast.
Ben speared a piece of chicken. “Maybe she decided not to come in this evening.”
Clara shook her head. “No, she would have called me.”
At that moment Bessie appeared, out of breath and her face flushed. Harry jumped up and helped her to a chair. “Bessie, what in the world is the matter?”
She fanned her face. “I had the scare of my life.” She paused for breath. “I took a little nap and slept longer than I meant to, so I was late in getting ready for dinner. When I turned from my mirror, I found someone staring through my window. I screamed, and he disappeared.”
Clara’s hand covered her mouth. “Oh my, I just knew something else would happen. No one around here is safe.”
Poor Bessie, no wonder she looked so pale. Her house is one down from mine, but I couldn’t imagine who’d be roaming around this time of day unless the police had returned. “Did you get a good look at him?”
“No. I called security, and I’ve been talking with them. It happened so fast. Soon as I saw him, I closed my eyes and screamed.”
Clara shook her head. “I don’t blame you, dear. I’d have screamed to high heaven myself.”
Ben leaned forward. “Are you sure it wasn’t one of the groundskeepers or maybe a policeman still patrolling the area?”
Bessie bit her lip. “I don’t know. Security asked me the same thing. They’re checking it out.” She patted her chest. “My heart is still racing.”
I didn’t think it could have been a policeman or he would’ve stepped forward and identified himself and apologized. I decided it didn’t have anything to do with Pete’s murder because it most likely had been one of the other men working around the grounds. Then again, it could be important, so I tucked the information back in my memory for consideration later.
Bessie needed reassurance. “It’ll be okay, but let’s have a little prayer right now.” We bowed our heads, and I prayed, “Dear Lord, thank You for watching over Bessie. Please calm her fears and give her peace of mind. Amen.”
“Thank you, dear. I believe I do feel better now.” Bessie reached for the plate of chicken. “And I’m a bit hungry too.”
I raised an eyebrow in Ben’s direction, and he shrugged. We’d add this to our list of things to investigate later.
“I don’t think you need to worry. With all the people around, I don’t believe the murderer would return to the scene.” However, that had happened a few times in shows on TV.
Bessie pressed her lips together then said, “If you say so, but I’ll just worry about being murdered in my bed.”
I shook my head. Bessie’s imagination could certainly run wild. A few minutes later she leaned toward Ben and turned on that smile, her dimples flashing. “Don’t forget we have another bridge tournament coming up, and we do need to practice.”
Ben grinned. “We don’t need much, seeing as how we’re the two best players in the complex.”
“Say what?�
�� I sat up straighter and drew back my shoulders. “That’s your opinion. Harry and I intend to give you a run for your money.”
Ben raised his eyebrows. “Oh? I don’t think so. Now as for the golf, I’ll say you’ll win the lady’s division hands down.”
“Thank you for that vote of confidence.” I tilted my head to one side. “Seems to me I don’t see you signed up for any of the events requiring physical endeavor.”
His face actually reddened. “Well, uh, um, Abby you know I’d rather exercise my brain.”
The others joined in the laughter, and Harry pointed a finger at Ben. “You, my friend, need to get out in the fresh air and get the kinks out of that overgrown body of yours. At least I enjoy a set of tennis now and then.”
I had to stifle a giggle as I peered over at Ben. He sat up taller. “Humph. I can hold my own with anyone.”
Oh, boy, that was a laugh. “That reminds me. I’m signed up for a tee time tomorrow afternoon. I dare you to join me, unless you don’t think you have a chance. Do you have clubs?”
Ben spewed his iced tea across his plate. He grabbed a napkin and dabbed his face. “I’m not sure I can do that. I may be busy.”
I started to protest but decided it wasn’t worth the effort.
From then on conversation all but stopped while we concentrated on our meal. I’d have thought they’d be buzzing about Pete’s murder, but not another word had been said about it since Bessie’s statement.
Ben folded his napkin and pushed back his chair. He smiled and touched his forehead with his first two fingers in a mock salute. “If you’ll excuse me, I have things to take care if.”
Clara laid her napkin on the table. “I have to visit with the old folks and help out with the crafts.”
Now that was a hoot, and I laughed out loud. “Old folks? And what are we?”
The petite little lady waved her hands. “You know what I mean. The ones with walkers, and wheelchairs who can’t see or hear too good.”
“Oh, those old folks.” I patted her arm and stood. “I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
Harry followed me, and we caught up with Ben at the door. I stepped through to the outside ahead of them. “Boys, I have some interesting news for you.”
“And so do I. We need to do a little computer research.”
Ben nodded but kept on walking. “That sounds like a good idea.” Then he stopped and looked at Harry. “What’s your feeling about what happened to Bessie a while ago?”
Harry laughed. “I’m afraid I don’t take her too seriously. She’s always coming up with something strange. It was probably one of the groundskeepers. After all, the rose garden isn’t far from her cottage.”
“That’s what I think, and for all our safety, I hope that’s all it was.” Ben resumed his stride. “How about a game of rummy or dominoes after we finish our research?”
Harry shook his head. “Not tonight. Besides, bridge is my game, remember?”
Ben shook his head and chuckled. “How could I forget? You and Abby almost beat us in the last tournament, but this time we’ll be so far ahead, you’ll never catch up.”
“Don’t count on it friend. Abigail is much sharper than Bessie.”
Now that was an interesting comment coming from Harry. I liked to think I was smarter than Bessie at bridge, but didn’t realize Harry might think so, too.
We reached my house and when I unlocked my door, Mitzi greeted us with her happy dance. “Hey, pretty baby, I’m glad to see you.” I knew we couldn’t get anything done with her around. She loved Ben and would be jumping all over him even though he didn’t return the love. I put her in the bedroom and closed the door. She protested, but soon settled down with some of the toys I had left in the room. At least I hoped it was the toys that quieted her.
In just a few minutes a pot of coffee brewed on the counter. I retrieved a chocolate pie from the fridge. Harry and Ben would both enjoy a piece after our dessert of fruit and gelatin at dinner. They didn’t need to know it had come from the grocery store.
When I set it on the counter, Harry rubbed his hands together. “Man, this looks good enough to eat.” He grinned. “I had no idea you kept that kind of stuff around.”
I smiled and wondered what he’d think of the taco chips, bean dip, chocolate candy, and cookies in my pantry. Next to those, this little pie was nothing. I served them a large slice and poured the coffee.
Harry picked up his fork. “This is just what I need to get my brain cells to working.” He took a bite and breathed deeply. “Ah, perfect.”
He was just like Ben and most men I’d known. Give them something good to eat, and they were happy.
Ben swallowed his bite and grinned with pleasure. Then he asked about my news.
I told them about Maria and Pete and their argument.
Ben pursed his lips. “Now that doesn’t look good, but I can’t see her doing anything to hurt Pete.”
“My feelings exactly.” I leaned on my forearms with my hands clasped. “Just what do we know about Pete Simpson?”
Harry tapped his fingers on the table. “That’s what I meant about computer research.”
I walked over to my computer and turned it on. In a few seconds my icons appeared, and I clicked on my server. Harry finished his pie then joined me.
“Okay, Mr. Police Officer, how do we find out about Pete other than Google his name? I have his address and not much else.” I typed his name into the search box.
Harry tapped my shoulder. “Let me try. I have access to some things you wouldn’t know about.”
He sat down, and his fingers flew over the keys. For a man with such big fingers, his typing speed amazed me. Then I saw Pete Simpson’s name come up on the screen.
“Well, now, looky here. Our Mr. Pete had his own blog.”
I slipped on my glasses and read about Pete’s gardening tips. I didn’t see that had much to do with his murder.
Harry kept searching and came up with an arrest for DUI and disorderly conduct. I wasn’t sure how Harry came up with this, and at the moment I didn’t want to know. The idea you could find out so much about a person was a little too scary if you asked me.
Ben stood beside me, reading the words on the monitor. He whistled under his breath. “I’d say that puts a whole new light on things. Could he have some other stuff we don’t know about yet?”
Harry made a few notes then clicked off the site. “I’ll look into this further.” He turned to me and skewed his mouth. “One of us needs to talk to some of the others on the grounds crew and see if they know anything about Pete. I’m going to see what the detectives found out because I’m sure they’ve questioned a bunch of people around here. We can do the same since employees as well as residents may be willing to tell us more than they told the law.”
I had already decided to do that, so I volunteered for the job. After a few more searches turned up nothing new, we decided to take care of those things tomorrow.
After they left, I freed Mitzi from her prison and took her outside but kept her on the leash. While she did her business, I gazed across at the main building. All of the windows on Ellie’s wing looked directly over at my house. In my haste this afternoon, I had forgotten to check that. Any one of these residents could have seen everything that happened. First thing in the morning I’d have to find out exactly who had rooms facing my cottage and start my questioning there.
Chapter 5
On Thursday, after spending a restless night with visions of Pete lying in the mulch, ideas of who could be guilty rolled through my mind like tumbleweeds across the prairie in those old Western movies I liked to watch. I turned over and opened my eyes. The clock beamed its red numbers of 6:30 in my face. I pushed back the covers, waking Mitzi in the process. She yelped and jumped from the bed, not very happy that I had disturbed her sleep. No matter that she did that to me most mornings.
I shoved my feet into slippers and shrugged on a terry robe and tied the belt around my waist. Mitzi and I made o
ur way out the back door. I’d be glad when I could let my baby have her morning run. As it was, she had to be on the leash until the crime scene people released my yard. Of course, Mitzi didn’t like that a bit. She jumped and twisted in an effort to get loose.
After a few minutes we were back inside. I filled her bowl and let her eat while I poured my coffee and opened my Bible for some quiet time. Spending time with the Lord each morning helped clear me to my mind and prepare for the day.
After the prayer time, I made a list of what needed to be done and finished my coffee. First item was to get the names of the tenants on Ellie’s wing and then interview them. Next, I would have to seek out the grounds crew and question them about Pete. Then I crossed that off. Harry could take care of that. On second thought, maybe I did need to talk to the man in charge. I wrote his name on my list.
I pulled on a fleece jacket for the brief walk to the main building. Not long and the mornings would be colder which meant many of those in the cottages would opt for breakfast in their own kitchens, but not me. I found the cold air invigorating.
Conversation buzzed in the dining hall, and I heard snatches with Pete’s name. I reached our table and sat next to Doris. Although she participates in activities, she is almost always quiet and never says much to any of us outside of the dining room. I could tell something bothered her because she only picked at her food this morning. However, getting information from her was harder than getting past security at the airport.
Bessie, Harry, and Ben talked about nothing but the bridge tournament coming up, so I moved my chair closer to Doris. “Is there something troubling you this morning? You seem to be a little distraught.”
She bit her lip. “I’m just upset about Pete.”
“We all are. It’s a tragic thing.” But there had to be more to her distress than that since it had affected all of us.
Doris clasped her hands together and leaned toward me. “Can you come by and talk to me later? I don’t want to say anything around the others.”
Mulch Ado About Murder Page 3