Madison Johns - Agnes Barton 04 - Trouble in Tawas

by Madison Johns

  “Wait until tomorrow and it will be more.”

  “Fine,” I growled slapping down the money. We then were directed into a junkyard where the Cadillac was parked alongside a tractor. “Seriously, they impounded a tractor? This just isn’t right. Why didn’t they just leave our car at the beach parking lot? It’s not like we were in jail all that long.”

  “How is the County gonna get extra money then?” El laughed.

  El cranked up the engine and took out a sign on the way out of the lot as she swerved back onto US 23, heading for home. I had all but forgotten about Mr. Tinkles until I got back to my camper. He had wound his chain around the picnic table and only had two inches to spare. Any less than that and the poor dog would have hung himself. I could just see that. How ever would I explain that to Eleanor or to my fellow campers? Now, while I didn’t care much for dogs, I didn’t want to see one harmed either, at least not at my campsite.

  I untangled the dog and led him into the trailer where he toddled to Duchesses’ water dish and lapped it all up. Duchess stretched once and curled back up into a ball, ignoring both Mr. Tinkles and me.

  The door flung open and Martha appeared wearing only a pink string bikini and a smile. “It’s about time you came back home. I had worried my station wagon had left you stranded somewhere.”

  “Nope, but El and I had a little adventure.” It was then that I told Martha about what happened at Soaring Eagle and how we discovered Raul’s body.

  “Wow mom. How awful. Raul seemed like such a nice guy.”

  I smiled. “Did you know him personally?”

  “Geez, Mom. I don’t hook up with everyone in town, you know.”

  “I don’t remember suggesting you had. I only asked if—”

  “I’ve seen him around is all. I saw him at G’s Pizzeria. That old man Peterson was sure giving him a time.”

  “How?”

  “He was mad because Raul wouldn’t give him time to be alone with his sweetie.”

  “Mildred?”

  “I suppose, but she wasn’t with them.”

  “That’s not too much out of the ordinary.”

  “Hal is strong though. He knocked over the table.”

  “It was that heated?”

  “Hal made quite the scene when they left. Raul had to practically man handle him. It was shocking to most of the patrons, but you old folks can get mighty feisty at times.”

  “Do you think Raul was out of line when he tried to control Hal?”

  “Raul didn’t try to hurt the old man, just herd him out the door.”

  “I see. This kind of behavior won’t help Hal’s case.”

  “So you have a case?”

  Before I could answer there was a hard rap at the door. The metal door tinged as it vibrated on its hinges. I opened the door to a stone-faced Sheriff Peterson. He wasn’t dressed in his usual brown sheriff’s uniform—he wore jeans and an American flag tee.

  “Can I help you, Peterson?” I asked nervously.

  He smiled briefly and then said, “I’m sorry to bother you Agnes, but I was hoping we could talk.”

  Talk? Sure didn’t seem like I was in trouble so I relaxed. “Sure, come inside.”

  He climbed the steps that led inside and stared into Martha’s amused face. “Well, this certainly is a surprise. Can I get you anything?”

  “A beer if you have one.”

  “I hope you’re off duty tonight, sheriff,” Martha said as she retrieved the beer and handed it to Peterson who squeezed into a booth-like seat at the table. He snapped the top off the beer and the pungent aroma of hops filled the air.

  I sat opposite him, ignoring the rumble in my tummy from the fragrance of the beer. I never drank the stuff, but Martha kept a steady supply in the fridge. “Is everything alright?”

  He took a sip of beer and eyeballed me, then blurted out, “I want to hire you and El to investigate Raul’s death.”

  “Oh? Was his death ruled a homicide?”

  “Not yet, but speculation is centered around my father, Hal. It’s just not plausible a man Raul’s age would fall to his death down the stairs.”

  “True, but the coroner’s report might not be conclusive. What I mean is, that even if the man was pushed, how would the police prove it?”

  “It’s the timing. I’m the Medical Examiner for Iosco County and I can tell you that Raul has been dead for a few days.”

  “So, about the same time that Hal claimed he left town.”

  He guzzled more beer and raising his voice, choked out, “Claimed? Hardly. My father may be many things, but a murderer isn’t one of them.”

  “Maybe it was all an accident. Maybe your father didn’t mean to throw Raul down the stairs.”

  “I grilled him on that and he would have told me if that happened, Agnes.”

  “If he even remembered, you mean.”

  “I don’t see how he could possibly forget something like that.”

  “Heck, even I have memory issues. It happens.”

  Peterson folded his arms across his chest. “I just don’t believe my father had anything to do with Raul’s death.”

  “Are you still investigating this case?”

  He swallowed hard. “No, I had to remove myself from the case. It’s in the best interest of everyone involved.”

  “Who’s investigating then?”

  “The Michigan State Police. They brought the mobile crime unit to the scene.”

  “That sounds strange. I mean, why would they presume this was a crime at all?”

  “My thinking is because my father is involved.”

  I interlaced my fingers in my lap and gave this careful thought, then said, “El and I would be happy to help you out. I’d like to clear Hal’s name. Did you interview the other tenants?”

  “No, Trooper Sales wouldn’t let me.”

  “Sounds like a good place to start. We’ll start tomorrow.”

  Peterson swiped at the sweat that appeared at his brow. “Thanks. I know we have had our differences, Agnes, but with you and El on the case I know you’ll be able to sort this all out. I have faith in your investigative skills. I don’t know any other person your age that can do what you two can.”

  “Probably a good thing,” Martha interjected.

  “Thanks a lot, Martha!”

  “I aim to please,” she said with a wink in Peterson’s direction. “Another beer, Sheriff?”

  “Please call me Clem—you too Agnes. We’ve been through so much together that I consider you a good friend.”

  “Okay, that’s it. You’re cut off. I think the alcohol has gone straight to your brain.”

  He chuckled. “I know, right? What a shocker—us two sitting here at your table.”

  “I sure hope Raul’s death is kept quiet longer,” I said, full well knowing that wouldn’t be the case since Eleanor went to blabbing.

  “It couldn’t have happened at a worst time. How am I supposed to keep my cool when that Clay starts pointing an accusing finger at me?”

  I squeezed Peterson’s hand, which shocked us both from the look Clem shot me. “I have faith in you, Clem. For the record I plan to vote for you in the election. That Clay guy won’t do anyone in this town any good.”

  “He has a good record.”

  “Where? Redwater? I searched that place up on my computer. It’s nothing but a small town in the thumb. They can’t even have all that much crime there. You have experience. You brought down a human trafficking ring.”

  He raised a brow. “You mean you and El did that.”

  “Fiddlesticks. You brought in the water support.”

  “We worked together well even when we didn’t,” he laughed. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to make it easy for you. I still have to follow police procedure.”

  “That’s what I like about you, Clem. I can always count on you being consistent.”

  “One more question before you leave. Raul was from Mexico, right?”

  “Yes, and he becam
e a citizen of the United States last year. I wouldn’t have hired him otherwise.” He stood and stretched. “I better get going. I don’t want folks to talk. The less people know that I hired you the better.” And with a nod he left, leaving a bemused Martha to shake her head.

  Once he left, Martha said, “I guess you have an official case now.”

  “He never said anything about paying me though,” I hinted.

  “I had no idea you wanted to get paid. I thought you and El had fun investigating cases.”

  “It sure keeps us going,” I agreed. “Did you find out anything about a Polly coming to town?”

  “Polly?”

  “Martha, would you get with it. The woman who might have followed Clay to town, the one he supposedly had an affair with?”

  Martha took a sizable gulp of her beer. “Well, Polly and Clay were shacked up at Bambi’s Motel, but the maid overheard Clay Barry tell her to leave town. He promised he’d send for her when the election was done, but I doubt that very much.”

  “Why is that?”

  “ Word is I couldn’t help but notice that he has an eye for the ladies.”

  “What is it about politics and women anyway? Even with an honorable candidate the women seem to flock to these guys.”

  “It’s the excitement I suppose, and Clay is not only single, but handsome.”

  “Well, I hope that I don’t have to worry about you dallying with the man, Martha.”

  “No worries there. I think he likes them on the young side. That Polly couldn’t be more than twenty-one, the maid said.”

  “No sense in worrying about Clay right now, I have a case to concentrate on. If he cuts too much out of line it will all be over for him. No way will the residents of East Tawas put up with any candidate who brings scandal to town.”

  I made my way for my bed, trying not to think about just how in the heck I was going to clear Hal’s name.

  Chapter Eight Nine

  I drove Martha’s wagon into Eleanor’s driveway. She was more than happy to switch cars for the day. I just hoped I’d return today with my Mustang still intact. Eleanor’s Cadillac was partially in her garage, the remnants of her garage door sitting atop it. I could only imagine what might have happened.

  I used my key and made my way through the house and found Eleanor chilling out on the deck, a glass of ice tea in her hand. “How did you get in?” she giggled. “I really should be careful who I hand my key out to.”

  “Eh, Eleanor? Did your garage door and your car have another disagreement?”

  She shrugged. “Oh, you know how it is. I got the brakes and accelerator pedals mixed up.”

  Figures. Eleanor shouldn’t be driving! “At least that will keep you outta trouble.”

  Her eyes danced. “Oh, do you really think so?”

  “Probably not, but maybe you should leave the driving to me for the time being.”

  “Whatever you say, Mom,” she taunted me.

  No sense in firing back at her so I changed the subject. “Eleanor, you’re still in your pajamas.”

  She glanced down at her silky pajamas like she had no idea that was what she wore. “So, are we going somewhere?”

  “Yes, you knew we were planning to question the tenants at house where Hal was staying. Plus, now we have a case.”

  Her eyes widened at that. “Really? Someone actually hired us?”

  “Yes, but I’d rather not tell you who right now.”

  Hands flew to her hips. “And just why not?”

  “Because you can’t keep your yap closed, for one.”

  “All I did was share some information with our friends.”

  “Who, by the way, most likely spread the word by now. It will make it that much harder to clear Hal’s good name.”

  “Maybe because he doesn’t have a good name.”

  “You really need to be kinder toward Hal now. If you can’t keep an open mind, how will we ever be able to convince anyone of his innocence?”

  “Because he’s not innocent of anything. He stole the dead guy’s credit card,” El reminded me.

  “I know, but I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about finding out who may have wanted Raul dead, possibly enough to push him to his death.”

  “I’ll be back in a jiffy,” she said, excusing herself and returned wearing a white suit complete with jacket.

  “You’re not wearing that, are you?”

  “Yes, I want to look like a professional.” She eyed my ensemble that consisted of khaki crop pants and matching button up blouse. “You need an apparel makeover. There are other colors to wear than khaki, you know.”

  “Of course I know. It just suits me is all.”

  “What you need is a nice dress and maybe some heels, show a little cleavage.”

  “What on earth for? I’m not trying to distract anyone.”

  “No wonder Andrew Hart left town without you.”

  “Andrew likes me just fine the way I am if you need to know.”

  “Sure he does, dear. How silly of me.” She patted my hand like she pitied me.

  “Go ahead and wear that suit, but you’ll be roasting in minutes with that jacket on.” I headed for the door and announced, “Martha’s station wagon doesn’t have any air conditioning, you know.”

  “But… but,” El muttered. She took one look at her Caddy and frowned with a full-on pout lip. “I suppose we don’t have much of a choice since my car is incapacitated at the moment.”

  “I think disassembled is more the word, dear.”

  We left in the wagon minutes later, heading back toward East Tawas. Making the turn onto Newman Street took another ten minutes on account of the tourist traffic. I pulled to the curb and we walked toward the house.

  “Oh phooey,” El said.

  Yellow police tape was strung across the front door. “Well, that’s odd indeed. It’s like they already believe Raul’s death wasn’t an accident.”

  “I’m sure it’s Peterson’s doing. He doesn’t want us investigating.”

  “He’s not on the case anymore and he’s the one who hired us.”

  Eleanor’s mouth slacked open. “You don’t say. No wonder you didn’t want to tell me who hired us. Who on earth would ever believe ole Peterson would hire us to snoop around?”

  “We need to keep this quiet. Nobody needs to know we were hired by anyone. Since we always investigate cases, it won’t seem out of place at all.”

  Eleanor made a motion of zipping her lip and I hoped it was for real. “But how are we gonna get inside?” El asked.

  “If there are tenants here, they must have another entrance. Maybe around back.”

  We ducked behind the Victorian where a staircase led to a door that was open. “I hope you don’t expect me to climb those steps, Aggie. They’re treacherous for old folks like us.”

  “Since when do you consider us old?”

  “We’ll just have to be extra careful.”

  Eleanor led the way and we climbed the twelve steps, squeezing through the door. Inside was a long, painted white hallway with four green doors. I knocked on the first door. A skinny man opened the door, glancing to the right and left as if to assure himself that we were the only ones here. “Can I help you old broads?”

  I had to stop El from lambasting the guy. “We’re here to ask you a few questions.” When he just looked dumbfounded I added, “About Raul Perez.”

  “I don’t have anything to say.” He tried to close the door, but I put my foot in the way.

  I breathed in deeply when I detected a familiar scent. The fragrance was marijuana and chicken. I was sure of it. “If you don’t let us in I’ll make a call to the state police. They might be interested in checking out the marijuana smell coming from your apartment.”

  His eyes widened slightly and he let us in, which led to his kitchen. Dirty dishes filled the sink and the trashcan had spilled onto the floor. I wrinkled my nose at the stench.

  I pulled out a notebook and asked the tall lanky
man with the messed up black hair his name.

  “Why do you need my name?” he asked nervously. “You’re too old to be cops.”

  I tried to act hip and warned him, “I’d tread lightly on the old word, bro. It makes my partner crazy.”

  El gritted her teeth, but kept quiet.

  “Alex Burns.”

  Perfect name for a burnout, I thought. “Alex, did you know Raul personally?”

  His eyes widened. “Why you askin’?”

  “I’m investigating Raul’s little accident.”

  “Was it then? An accident I mean?”

  “That’s what we’re trying to figure out. As you were saying… ”

  “He was a nice fella. He came up here to burn one with me a few times, but that’s about it. He had to keep an eye on Old Man Peterson. He’s the sheriff’s dad, you know. I hope you don’t plan to tell Sheriff Peterson about me and my pot plants.”

  Four pot plants were in the next room with warming lamps situated nearby. “Nope, but you might want to hide them better than that.”

  “Don’t have to usually. I don’t have many visitors.”

  “Wait a minute. Are you telling me the cops didn’t come by asking you any questions about Raul?”

  “If someone knocked on the door, I never heard it. I must have been in lala land.”

  Somehow I believe that is where he was most of the time. “They might still stop by. If I were you—”

  He dodged over and carried the plants into another room. I helped him move the lights, too. I figured that way he’d be more inclined to talk to us.

  We came back into the kitchen and he offered us a brownie, but I declined and wouldn’t let Eleanor take one either. “Hey, I’m hungry,” El pouted.

  “I know all about those kind of brownies, and believe me you don’t need one of those.”

  Alex tore into one, and after he swallowed hard, he said, “Suit yourself, but they sure give you one hell of a buzz.”

  “Back to Raul. Did he come to your apartment by himself or with a friend?”

  “He was alone.”

  “Anyone strange hanging around?” El asked. “Like outside.”

  “I don’t pay much attention to that sort of thing, but you might want to ask the other tenants. Some of them are snoopy as hell, damn busybodies.”