Murder, Trouble & Family

by Marianne Spitzer

  He smiled and asked, “Did you buy one?”

  “Yeah.”

  His smile faded, “Do you have it now?”

  “Sure, it’s on my keychain.” I began to dig in the pocket of my jeans for my keys. I pulled the keys out and placed them on the counter.

  “Where’s your key fob?” His smile not only faded, it turned into a scowl.

  I shrugged.

  “It must have fallen off. They weren’t expensive.”

  He continued to scowl at me.

  Oh no, Annie. Why does he care about that key fob? He doesn’t look happy.

  “I’d like you to come down to the station with me for questioning.” He scooped the fobs up and dropped them in his pocket.

  Station? Questioning? Not again. I can’t believe this. I’m doomed.

  “Questioning,” I stammered. “Why?”

  “Routine.” He stared at me and looked more like Detective Berg than Berg did. How two cousins can have the same looks surprises me, but having the same exact expressions scared me.

  I squinted at him trying to read his mind. It didn’t work. “I can’t go now. I can’t leave Yummy alone.”

  “He’ll be fine,” he insisted.

  “No, he won’t. I have to call my aunt.” I reached for the phone.

  “Afraid not, you need to come with me.”

  “Am I under arrest,” I spat. I was getting angry.

  “No, we’d just like to ask you a few questions.” He slipped his hands into his pants pockets, and I heard the key fobs jingle.

  “Then I don’t have to go immediately. You can wait while I call my aunt.” I grabbed the phone and dialed Aunt Irene’s number. “Besides, if you want I can always call my attorney. I doubt he’ll let me talk to you.”

  He huffed and said, “Hurry up.”

  I explained to Aunt Irene what was happening. She said she’d come down and take Yummy to her house. Before she hung up, she whispered that she’d call Lucas for me.”

  God bless Aunt Irene, I thought as I placed Yummy in his carrier and followed Detective Nate to his car. Just before he opened the back door for me, Claudine came out of the yarn shop and saw us. She dropped her bags and applauded. Of all the nerve…She’s a witch.

  Here you are again, Annie. In the back of a police car heading down the main street in town. People are going to talk especially after Claudine spreads the word. Why did she have to see me? Claudine of all people. Goodness gracious, Annie, you get yourself into more messes without trying than anyone. All I want to do is find Barbara’s killer. Is this the price of trying to do a good deed? I’m doomed.

  ~ * ~

  Detective Nate led me into the interrogation room and asked me to wait. It was the same room I was in a few weeks ago, but not the same room Georgie and I waited in a couple nights ago. I smell fresh paint. The ugly gray walls are still an ugly gray, but it’s a brighter and cleaner shade of ugly gray. The mesh on the window isn’t new. It looks as if someone tried to batter their way out. At least I’m not handcuffed. I wonder how long he’ll keep me waiting. He thinks I’ll get nervous and begin telling him whatever it is he thinks I know. Ha, even if I knew it, I wouldn’t tell him. Making me wait is making me angry. I’m not a negative person and am not comfortable with feeling angry. Where is he?

  “It’s about time,” I snapped when he returned.

  “Calm down, we need to talk. I had to take care of something first.” He pulled out the chair across the table from me. He drummed the fingers of his right hand on the table as he stared at me.

  What is this? Some new technique to try and drive me crazy. Ugh, I hope Lucas gets here soon. This is ridiculous. I can play his game. I always won the staring game as a kid.

  I stared back at him.

  He leaned back in his chair and reached into his pocket. He pulled out the key fobs again and dropped them on the table between us.

  “Tell me again how you lost your key fob.” He leaned forward interlacing his fingers before leaning his arms on the table.

  “I didn’t tell you anything before. How can I tell you again?” I crossed my arms feeling my face heat.

  “When did you notice it missing?”

  “I never paid attention. I have a lot of things on my key ring and as I said it was an inexpensive trinket I bought at the festival. I bought it to help the charity not because I wanted it as a prized possession. I lost it and didn’t notice.”

  I began drumming my fingers on my thighs. It was a nervous habit of mine, and I don’t want to show any nervousness, but I don’t like his questions.

  He pulled a small plastic bag out of his pocket and held it up. “Do you recognize this?”

  I shrugged. “Looks like another key fob.”

  “It has the initial ‘A’ on it.”

  “They all have initials. That is why people bought them. Each is unique.” I blew out a breath. He was annoying.

  “Sure, but as I said this one has the letter ‘A’ like your name.”

  “And…” I waited.

  “It was found in Barbara Boyle’s car.” He leaned back and stared at me again.

  “What? You think it’s mine? Are you crazy? Do you have any idea how many people in town have first names or surnames that begin with ‘A’?” I asked and scowled at him. He was trying my last nerve.

  “No,” he said leaning closer. “Do you?”

  “Well,” I stammered. “No, I don’t, but I know there must be quite a few not to mention all the tourists.”

  “How could a tourist’s key fob end up in Mrs. Boyle’s car?”

  I shrugged.

  “Humph, maybe Mrs. Roberts will tell us. She’s quite the talker isn’t she? I bet she’ll let it slip. You both know how Mrs. Boyle died, who did it, or helped cover it up. Personally, I think you murdered that woman.”

  “Georgie’s here? You brought her in, too. What is wrong with you? She doesn’t know a thing. She wasn’t even there when I found the body. And for the record I’ll say again I did not kill Barbara.”

  Calm down, Annie. He’s trying to bait you into saying something you don’t mean or something he can twist to what he wants or needs.

  “We’ll see,” he grinned and interlaced his fingers.

  I was about to say something when the door opened, and Lucas Stone walked in the room. I was never so happy to see him. I think Detective Nate really thinks I killed Barbara.

  After Lucas told the detective he needed a minute with me, and the detective left, I told Lucas what was happening. I asked him to help Georgie, too. Nate shouldn’t harass her. He patted my hand and told me not to worry.

  “Georgie isn’t here. It’s a ploy Detective Nate used to get you to say something to try and protect her. Anything he could use against you.” Lucas informed me.

  When Detective Nate returned, Lucas said, “I remember buying one of those with the letter ‘A’ for my nine-year-old granddaughter Amanda last summer. I doubt she still has it. Would you like to question her, too Detective Heidelberg?”

  When he used Nate’s full last name I bit my lip to keep from laughing. Both Detectives Nate and Berg hated the full last name.

  “No.”

  “Very well,” Lucas said. “Annie and I are leaving. I suggest you leave my client alone unless you have real evidence against her. Also, stop listening to the town gossip. I am close to asking for a restraining order against Claudine. I would hate to add your name to the petition. I doubt any judge would be happy to see that.”

  Detective Nate’s face turned a putrid shade of red and Lucas took my arm as we walked out of the interrogation room.

  “You’re brilliant,” I whispered.

  He smiled. “Thank you, let me drive you home.”

  “I need to go back to the bookstore. You can drop me off there. The store is open late tonight. It’s Friday.”

  He nodded as we pulled away from the curb leaving the police station behind us.

  “Don’t hesitate to call me any hour of the day or ni
ght and don’t talk to the police without me for any reason. The mayor is pushing the police to close this case quickly,” Lucas explained.

  “Do you think they’ll arrest me? I’m innocent. All I did was find her body.” I fought tears as I spoke to Lucas.

  “I know, dear.” He patted my hand. “They may decide to arrest you or bring you back in for questioning if they find another piece of evidence. They won’t be able to make anything stick so don’t worry and be sure to call me immediately if they try.”

  I promised as I climbed out of the car and headed for the bookstore’s front door. I saw Claudine come out of the diner. I tried to open the door before she spotted me. Too late. She stood there with her arms crossed glaring at me. She probably expected the police to arrest me or take me out behind the police station and shoot me. Too bad Claudine. I glared back for a moment and then hurried into the sanctuary of my store. If she dared open the door, I would call the police. Lucas warned her to stay away.

  ~ * ~

  I texted Georgie before I finished unpacking the books.

  “Det. Nate hauled me to the P.D.

  He thinks I did it.”

  She texted back that she’d bring a late dinner after the early evening rush.

  I called Aunt Irene, and she said she’d keep Yummy for the day. He was having fun playing with Peanut.

  It was close to lunch, and I felt hungry. Not wanting to run into Claudine again I phoned the diner. Lou answered.

  “Hi Lou,” I said. “I’m happy you’re back to work. Are you feeling well enough?”

  “Sure thing, they can’t keep me down. What can I do for you?”

  “I don’t want to come into the diner. Claudine is inside. Can I get a sandwich to go and pick it up at the back door?” I walked back and forth looking out the front window as I spoke to Lou.

  “No problem. I’ll make your favorite club sandwich on a bakery roll the way you like it. We have fresh potato salad, too. Would you like some?”

  “Sounds great, I’ll walk over.”

  “Okay, I have those bones for Yummy, too,” he said before he hung up.

  I made sure the front door was locked and slipped out the back door. I walked the short distance to the rear door of the diner and knocked on the door. A smiling Lou opened it.

  “Come on in,” he insisted.

  He handed me a white bag and a package wrapped in white butcher paper. “Your lunch and Yummy’s bones.” He smiled at me.

  “Thanks, Lou.” I pulled some bills out of my pocket, and he waved his hands at me.

  “Pay me the next time you’re at the register and that woman isn’t here.” He winked.

  “Thanks again,” I said as I waved and retreated out the door. In less than two minutes, I unlocked the back door of my store. I set the bag on the table, put the bones in the small fridge I keep in the back room, grabbed a bottle of water, and sat to enjoy a peaceful lunch.

  My phone beeped as I took my first bite. A text from Clark.

  “Don’t let Nate rattle you.

  Stay strong. Love you.”

  How in the world did he know I was at the station? I bet Clifford let him know. If Clifford knew and gave that info to Clark, why would he let Detective Nate question me? Maybe Nate and Berg are the same. Berg tried to have me arrested for Inga’s murder. Lucas said the mayor wanted results. Nate might try to prove I killed her, but he doesn’t have evidence. How could he? Maybe he wants to be head detective. If he can solve the murder before Clark returns, he could push for a promotion and outrank Clark. Then I’d be in worse trouble. Would he lie or fabricate evidence to close the case? I didn’t do it. Then why do I feel doomed? Doomed or not, this potato salad is too good not to eat.

  ~ * ~

  I spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking books and arranging shelves. I had a few customers and thankfully none of them mentioned my ride through town in the back of a squad car. When Georgie arrived with our dinner, I turned the ‘Open’ sign to ‘Closed.’ We retreated to the rear of the store and the sofa where my customers like to sit and peruse books before purchase.

  “You know Georgie, I’m not going to fit into my wedding dress if I keep eating these burgers and fries,” I said when she handed me a bag from the Grille.

  Georgie smiled. “That’s why I brought you a grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes and a side salad.

  “Balsamic vinaigrette,” we both said at the same time and laughed.

  After eating, we got down to business.

  Georgie asked, “Do you think Detective Nate suspects you killed Barbara, or we conspired to kill her?” She bit her lip waiting for my response.

  I gulped down some water from my bottle and shrugged. “I’m not sure. I can’t imagine how he could believe it, but Lucas said the mayor wants the case solved. I also think Nate wants Clark’s job.”

  “That could be,” Georgie agreed. “If he does, he’ll push and get Berg to help him. The two of them together might be capable of anything.”

  “Berg acted like the bad cop when they accused me of killing Inga, but he was acting to flush out Bill Todorov. I hope he plays good cop this time.”

  “Me, too.” She twisted her lip and looked at the ceiling. A usual Georgie face when she was thinking or plotting.

  I twisted on the sofa to look at her and asked, “What’s on your mind?”

  “Two things. First, Detective Nate could have been lying about finding that key fob to hopefully trip you up somehow. Second, if they did find it in Barbara’s car it could have been dropped by anyone at any time even the killer.”

  “Agreed.”

  “We need a list of people with an ‘A’ as their first initial. We can do surnames later,” she said as she reached for a pad of paper lying on the table.

  “Okay, you take notes since you grabbed the notepad.”

  She nodded.

  “Let me think,” I ran the town residents through my head. “Let’s start with the city government. Councilman Phillips wife’s name is Audrey. Then there’s Gail, the mayor’s wife, but her name is Abigail. Would she use an ‘A’ or ‘G’ or would she even buy a key fob?”

  “She might,” Georgie said. “It was for charity. Hey, there’s Abby, who works at Jimmy’s market, Angie at the school, and Miss Agatha at the library.”

  “Miss Agatha is pushing eighty,” I laughed. “Do you think she killed Barbara?”

  “We need to count everyone,” Georgie defended her choice.

  “Let’s not forget the men,” I said. “They might not have purchased as many, but their wives might have. Andy at the gas station, Arthur the substitute mail guy, Aaron and Abel both work at the convenience store, and August at the dry cleaners.”

  “August,” Georgie practically shouted. “What if it’s a month and not a name initial? We need to figure out everyone who was born in August or April.”

  “I haven’t finished with names yet, if we figure in the months it could be possibly one-sixth of the town. How are we going to find out birth months? I’m doomed.”

  I twisted my lip and stared at Georgie. She rolled her eyes and stared at the ceiling.

  “We could check out birth records, but we’d need a reason. We’d get arrested for even trying. We could Google people and possibly find the birthdates.” Georgie suggested.

  “You want to Google everyone in town?”

  Georgie shook her head.

  I sighed, “We need a better plan.”

  Chapter Ten

  After my exhausting day, I snuggled under my blanket looking forward to a good night’s sleep. I missed my quilt, but the weather was now too warm. Next winter I could cuddle with Clark. Would we need a quilt? My mind began to wander to other names beginning with the letter “A.” Who else do I know with the same initial as mine? Annabelle at the beauty shop, Alice home schools her five kids, she couldn’t possibly be out running around at night-- would she have any energy left to kill anyone? No. Time for sleep.

  What? What is t
hat? Why is Yummy barking? It’s my cell. It’s three a.m.

  “Hello, who is this?”

  “Mrs. Ryan?”

  “Yes.”

  “This is Herb over at the security firm. We received an alarm that someone was trying to break into your property on the Kelleher estate. We have notified the police. They’re on the way. Mrs. Ryan?”

  “Umm, yeah, I’m here trying to wake up. Someone is attempting to break into the mansion? Should I go over there?”

  “No, ma’am please stay home. This is a courtesy call to alert you to a break-in on your property. The police will call you if they need you at the property.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  “Sure thing, be safe and remember we monitor your property 24/7 so anytime you need us just hit that panic alarm.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  He hung up, and I stared at my phone. Well, at least I know the security system works. I hope the one on this house works as well. It’s nice to feel safe. Now, what? Am I just supposed to fall asleep? It’s too early for coffee. Maybe if I just lay here and think of “A” names.

  What? Huh? Oh, my phone again and Yummy barking. It’s nearly half-past four. Will I ever get any sleep?

  “Hello,” I mumbled.

  “Annie?” I heard Chief Clifford Elroy voice on the other end.

  “Yeah, Chief, it’s me.”

  “I wanted you to know someone try to break into the lock on the back door of the mansion. The security lights didn’t seem to stop him, but the alarm did. I received the security camera footage, and it doesn’t show much. A figure dressed in all black including a face mask, medium height, and average build is on the footage seen running into the woods. One of my deputies said the person runs like a girl. It might have been a female or a male pretending to throw us off. I want you to be careful of everyone. We’re still trying to find out who dropped that threat in the bookstore mail slot.”

  Clifford's words dumbfounded me, but I managed to speak. “Do you think whoever it is will come here? Or maybe they were just out to steal something from the mansion. All the antiques and some valuables are still in there. All I have removed is the jewelry, some china, and crystal. Clark and I are getting married there so I’m not doing anything more with it until after our honeymoon.” I dropped onto my back and listened.