I held out a piece of chicken. “Last one,” I said. He barked.
After dinner and a luxurious bath filled with lilac scented bubbles, I felt relaxed after my day. Finding Councilman Phillips, being arrested, and dealing with Claudine was more than enough for anyone. I cuddled with Yummy and turned on the TV. Yummy settled in my lap but after a few minutes he jumped off and ran toward my laundry room. He ran in circles and barked.
“Now what?” I mumbled.
Fear gripped me as I wondered if Claudine had been arrested and released and was now here to finish what she started. I reached for my phone in case I needed to dial 911. Before I could pick it up, it chimed. I jumped. I had a text from Clark.
“Don’t panic or scream.
I’m in the garage.
I’m going to open the door to the laundry room now.”
I heard the lock click and the door open. Yummy’s growl turned into wild barking and yips. I gripped my phone afraid to move. Was the text really from Clark or from someone who might have stolen his phone? I have no idea what type of criminals he’s dealing with.
“Annie? It’s me.” My heart skipped a beat when I heard the voice of my love calling over Yummy’s barking. I ran to the laundry room.
I skidded to a stop when I saw the man standing in front of me. Where was my clean-shaven, neatly groomed and attired fiancé? The man in front of me had a beard, shaggy hair and was at least twenty pounds heavier than Clark.
He must have seen the suspicion in my eyes. He picked up Yummy and my sweet dog licked his face.
“Honey, it’s me. Please close all the blinds.”
The voice was Clark’s as were the deep hazel eyes that could look right into my soul. I nodded. I hurried to close any open blinds and rushed back to my laundry room. He set Yummy on the floor, and I practically launched into his arms. He kissed me senseless before setting me back down.
“Why are you here? Why do you look like that? You look heavier. You haven’t been gone long enough to gain that much weight. What’s’ going on?” I blurted trying to breathe and speak at once.
He took my hand, and we walked into the living room. When he removed his coat, I could see the extra padding was in the coat and not on Clark. My tall, muscular love stood before me. Well, the top half anyway. His pants still looked two sizes too big. He unzipped them, and I smiled and raised my eyebrows. He grinned and stepped out of the overstuffed jeans wearing a pair of tight jeans underneath.
“Sit and we can talk,” he said taking my hand and sitting on the sofa. I curled up next to him while Yummy did his best to push between us.
“To answer all your questions as easily as possible, I look the way I do so no one will know who I am.” He tightened his arm around my shoulder.
“I realize that, but who would know you wherever you’re investigating?” I snuggled closer.
“Don’t be upset. I couldn’t tell you, but I never left the area. I’ve been staying in Clifford’s hunting cabin about five miles north of town.”
I pushed away from him and stared into his eyes. “What? You’ve been that close and never checked to see if I was okay. I really needed you.” I fought back tears.
He tried to pull me closer, but I resisted. “Listen, Annie, I couldn’t come. I shouldn’t be here now. I wanted to be here as soon as I heard about you finding Barbara’s body. Clifford and I text several times a day, and he lets me know what’s going on.”
“But you were so close. I thought you were half a state away or on another planet. I didn’t have a clue where you were, and you were so close. I knew you were undercover, and you couldn’t be here, but to know you were just hiding in a hunting cabin. Was it some sort of vacation or do you have cold feet? Were you hiding from me?” I bit my lip hoping I wouldn’t begin to cry harder. I wiped the few tears on my cheeks with my hand.
He smiled, and I felt like screaming. How can he smile?
He lifted my chin with his hand and looked in my eyes. “I don’t have cold feet. We set a date remember. I’m not hiding from you. I’m working undercover. I can’t tell you much except you need to be very careful. One person is dead, another shot. Someone wanted to kill you at the mansion. No one is sure what’s going on.”
I stiffened and stood. I began to pace. I turned to look at Clark. “Georgie and I thought Barbara was killed because she was having an affair with the mayor or Phillips. She was killed for another reason wasn’t she? Was she part of your investigation?”
He nodded. “Barbara was a casualty of this investigation. She wasn’t having an affair with anyone.”
“Oh no,” I said as I dropped back down on the sofa next to Clark. “I feel awful thinking those things about her. Poor Barbara. Hey, she worked for the mayor. People thought she was having an affair. If she wasn’t, then you’re investigating the mayor. Right? Or maybe Phillips. I never trusted him.”
Clark shook his head, “You have to stop investigating. Barbara’s body may have drifted here on its own, but someone made sure that rowboat was stuck under your pier. I think they thought Phillips was dead, and you’d be blamed. When he wakes up, we’ll find out who shot him. Until then everyone in city government is under suspicion.”
“Detective Nate arrested me. He put me in handcuffs. I have a bruise on my arm from where he grabbed me. He hates me. He’s going to prove I killed Barbara one way or another. I think he’d make things up. You need to come home and protect me. He could be working with whoever you’re looking for. I’m doomed.” This time I couldn’t stop the tears.
He pulled me close.
“Clifford is watching over you. Stop investigating and let the police do their job.” He kissed the top of my head.
“How long can you stay?” I whispered.
“I have to leave well before dawn, so no one sees me.”
I set the alarm on my phone for four in the morning. We lay down on the sofa and wrapped in each other’s arms settled into sleep.
Just before I drifted off to sleep, Clark whispered in my ear. “I’m glad it’s warm enough we don’t need a quilt.
I think I remember smiling.
The alarm woke us and for a moment I thought I was dreaming. Clark kissed me as if the kiss needed to last me for a long time. That worried me. He pulled himself off the sofa, and I sat up. I watched as he transformed himself into the scruffy, overweight man that walked into the house last night.
“Well,” I said. “At least I know what you’ll look like in our old age.” I fought back laughter.
“Yup, better get used to it. I may decide not to shave before the wedding.” He grinned.
I tossed a sofa pillow at him. He caught it with one hand and tossed it back. I ducked, and it flew over the top of the sofa. Yummy barked and attacked the pillow. My watchdog never fails.
Clark pulled me to my feet. He kissed me again and held me tightly for several minutes. I finally pulled away begging to be able to breathe. I think he’s as worried as I am.
He looked directly into my eyes. “I was serious last night, Annie. You have to stop any investigating. I can’t lose you. This case started as a simple embezzlement but has morphed into something much bigger. Barbara should never have been murdered. There’s someone involved that we can’t find. Someone ruthless. Barbara knew facts that caused her death.”
“Barbara was involved in embezzlement? I would never have imagined.”
“No, honey,” he whispered while holding me. “She was part of our investigative team.”
“Oh no, her poor family. People are thinking the worst of her and none of its true.” I clung to Clark knowing he would leave soon.
“People will know the truth when our investigation is done. Her family will know how much she helped.”
I asked, “What about the intruder at the mansion and Councilman Phillips? There’s more danger.”
“Exactly, there are more people involved and we have no idea who they are. Please stay out of it and be safe. Listen to Clifford. He can help, and h
e keeps me up to date on all the mischief you get into with Georgie.”
I nodded. He kissed me again and left.
I dropped onto the sofa considering his request. Whatever is going on is dangerous. He could be killed. The sooner it’s over, the better. I know I said I would stay out of it, but if I help he’ll be home before he can be hurt or worse.
~ * ~
I woke two hours later thinking it was all a dream until I smelled Clark’s cologne on the sleeve of my t-shirt. He was here, and we’re all in danger. What to do was my biggest question. I decided last night that I needed to help but how? I can’t tell Georgie he was here. I promised. I tell her everything. I always have since forever. If I don’t mention Clark’s visit or Barbara’s involvement, we could continue to investigate. We need to figure out who was in the mansion and what they were searching for. I can do that and keep my promise. I have to keep my promise. What kind of wife will I be if I don’t? Decisions, decisions, I’m doomed.
Fortunately, the fog and rain that settled over Heavenly Corners yesterday was gone this morning. The bright sun shone through the large front window of the bookstore. It glinted off one metal bookstand and blinded me for a moment. When I turned my head, I noticed the window needed to be cleaned. I would need to drag my ladder outside. Why people need to touch the window is beyond me, but I see handprints in several places. I understand the child’s hand prints, but the larger adult ones further up the window confuse me. Maybe they don’t wash their windows at home.
I walked back to the storage room and retrieved the ladder. My store phone began ringing. Yummy ran around in circles and barked. I often wonder if he thinks I can’t hear the phone and he’s trying to help. Whoever is calling will leave a message. I need to carry the ladder up front.
Curiosity got the better of me as I passed the phone and saw the blinking message light. Maybe Clark called. After last night, he might be worried about me doing something foolish. I looked at the Caller I.D. “Heavenly Corners P.D.”
No, Annie. Don’t push the message button. It can’t be good. They’ll want you to come in and talk. Then they’ll arrest you.
I reached for the button and pulled my hand back. I don’t want to know why they’re calling. If I don’t listen, they’ll come after me here. My cell phone rang in my pocket. “Heavenly Corners P.D.” it read. They’re after me. It might be better if I listen to the store phone’s message than answer my cell. I don’t want to talk to them. After I listen, I’ll know if I need to hide or not.
Clifford’s voice came through the speaker, “Annie, call me as soon as you can concerning Claudine. Thanks.”
Wow, that was it, Claudine. Is it a ruse? Clark said I can trust Clifford. Okay, I guess I could return his call. I’ll use my cell phone so he won’t know exactly where I am.
When Dot answered, I said good morning and asked to be connected to Chief Elroy. She answered my greeting and put me straight through. No small talk. Is that good or bad?
“Elroy,” Clifford said.
“Good morning, it’s Annie Ryan. You called and left me a message.”
“Good morning, Annie. Yes, I need you to come down to the station to help with my investigation. I have some questions.”
“Umm, I have to call Lucas first. I told you everything I know about Phillips getting shot. I’ll call you back when Lucas is available.” I gripped the phone not believing that they were going to question me again.
“Annie wait,” Clifford said. “I’m not going to question you about the councilman. I need you to come in and verify your statement about Claudine. I need to be sure all the facts are straight.”
“Claudine,” I stammered. “Yeah, I can come in now.”
“Good, see you soon.” The phone was silent. He’d hung up.
I wonder what is going to come of all of this. I hope I can trust him and this visit is about Claudine.
~ * ~
I walked into the Heavenly Corners Police station with a heavy heart. Not knowing what was going on worried me. If I was here to clarify my statement regarding Claudine being the intruder at the bookstore, then I didn’t have to worry about being arrested. However, Claudine did have to worry. Would they arrest her? After all, she did claim to have a gun and locked me in the cellar. What kind of crime is that? Is she facing jail time? She brought this on herself by locking me up and confessing on my surveillance camera, but she’s grieving. I’ll listen to Clifford and see what’s going on.
Dot smiled at me and spoke to Clifford on the intercom. She looked up at me and said, “He’ll be right out. How are you doing? You’ve been through a lot lately.”
“I’m okay,” I said as I set Yummy’s carrier on her desk.
She smiled, “Can he have a treat?”
I nodded, and Yummy yipped at the word ‘treat.’
Dot opened the carrier door, and Yummy obediently waited inside for her to hand him the treat. He turned and took it to the back of the carrier before eating. Dot closed the door and commented that he’s well trained.
“Inga did a good job at training him. I haven’t had to do anything except love him since he’s become mine.” I laid a protective arm over the carrier when I heard Clifford’s voice. Regardless of what Clark said, I am a bit leery of anyone at Heavenly Corners P.D. except for Dot.
Clifford walked around the corner. “Hi Annie, thanks for coming in. Follow me to my office. Can I get you some coffee or tea? Maybe you’d prefer water or soda?”
“No thanks, I’m fine.”
I guess they treat victims much different than presumed criminals, but then they do on the police shows I love to watch. Victim. I suppose I am a victim. Wow, scary word.
Clifford opened his office door, “Come in and take a seat.”
I sat in a chair across from Clifford’s desk and placed Yummy’s carrier on the chair next to me.
Clifford sat, intertwined his fingers, and placed his hands on his desk. “The security footage is self-explanatory. It wasn’t a coerced confession. Claudine just opened up and told you she enjoyed what she did. What I need from you is what you went through the day it happened. I know you gave your statement, but I’d like to get a victim impact statement and make sure you’re willing to testify before I turn this over to the District Attorney.”
“Testify? District Attorney? Are you talking about Claudine going to court and being on trial?” My mouth felt dry, and I shifted in my chair.
“Yes, she committed a crime. After the D.A. goes over all the statements, he’ll decide on charges. Nate went out to bring Claudine in a short while ago.”
My mouth fell open, and I stared at Clifford. When his words finally sunk in, I asked, “You sent Detective Nate out to her farm to bring her in for questioning? You know he’s crazy, right? I bet he put her in handcuffs. How could you do that?”
“She broke the law, Annie. It’s my job to uphold the law, and I promised Clark to watch out for you.” He picked up his pen and began to ask me questions about being forced down into the bookstore’s cellar.
I told him everything in as much detail as I could remember. He nodded then wrote and said, “Uh-huh” then wrote more. I quickly realized being a victim wasn’t much easier than being the criminal except that I knew I was going home. He stood and handed me a sheet of paper.
“Please fill out this impact form and I’ll be back in a bit.” He smiled and left me alone in his office.
I stared at the form. Claudine had been my nemesis since high school when I began dating Steve. I knew she wanted someone better for her brother, but we loved each other. She never accepted me. I never thought she’d do something as crazy as locking me in the cellar and threatening me with a gun. It’s one thing for me to feel that way; it’s another to put it on paper. How do I put those feelings in words on this form for someone else to read?
I scooped Yummy out of his carrier and buried my face in his fur. I wish Georgie or Aunt Irene were here, but the form states this must be in my own words. I placed Yu
mmy in his carrier and picked up the pen.
Clifford returned and opened the door. He stopped and stepped back out into the hall. I watched as Detective Nate guided a handcuffed Claudine into the room across the hall. Her husband, Jerry, was right behind them followed by a man in a suit I had never seen. Maybe he’s a lawyer.
I stood and walked to the doorway. I watched as Claudine sat in the chair I occupied not many days ago. Jerry stood behind her with his hand on her shoulder while the lawyer spoke with Nate and Clifford.
Annie, this isn’t right. Oh, my goodness gracious. What will Guy and Mom Ryan think? They had two children. Steve is gone, and now Claudine could go to prison. What about her boys? They’re my nephews, too even if Claudine doesn’t like the idea. They can’t see their mom in prison. What about Laci? For some odd reason, she loves Claudine. It’s wrong for all these people to suffer because Claudine is having a breakdown of some sort.
I spun on my heel and walked back to Clifford's desk. I picked up the victim’s form with only my name on it and tore it into four pieces. I picked up Yummy’s carrier and walked to the room across the hall.
Clifford looked up and said, “Annie, please wait in my office.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so, Clifford. I tore up the victim’s statement. I’m not testifying. I’m not going to Claudine’s trial for any reason. You can’t do this to her. Yes, we don’t get along, but she’s sick with grief. Why is she handcuffed?”
Nate spat at me, “It’s up to my discretion whether or not to handcuff a suspect.”
“You handcuffed me and it was wrong. You handcuffed Claudine and it’s also wrong,” I yelled.
I spun and looked at Clifford. Lowering my voice to a more ladylike volume I said, “I think you should take the handcuffs away from him. He’s gone handcuff crazy.”
Murder, Trouble & Family Page 15