by Cindy Bell
“Oh yes, I do know that. And, if my truck isn’t released to me by tomorrow morning, I will make sure that you see both sides of my lawyer.” With that she hung up the phone.
Brenda cringed as she climbed into the car. She admired Joyce’s ability to be confrontational, but sometimes she worried that she took it a little too far.
“Joyce, maybe take it easy on the lawyer talk.” She frowned as she started the car.
“Why should I?” She looked at her with some annoyance and leftover aggression. “What they’re doing is wrong. Can’t you see that? Do you have any idea how much money we’re going to lose over this?”
“Is it wrong, though?” She looked over at her friend. “They do have to investigate Jerry’s death, and as unnerving as it is for us to have to wait until they are done to find out what happened inside the truck, it’s still for the best, for the investigation.”
“But that’s what I don’t understand. I’m not so sure that there really needs to be an investigation. I can’t imagine that anyone killed Jerry, despite his bad attitude.” Joyce shook her head as she stared hard out the window. “The problem is Detective Crackle. If he didn’t know Jerry personally, he might just think that this was a death from natural causes. Instead, he is going to turn over every rock until he is certain that if his friend was killed the murder is solved.”
“Which is understandable and maybe a good thing.” Brenda tipped her head from side to side. “I would do that, too, if something happened to a friend of mine.”
“Honestly, I don’t even want to think about it anymore. I just want it to be over with.” Joyce curled her hands tightly together in her lap.
For the first time Brenda realized that all of this anger Joyce was experiencing had more to do with anxiety than fury. She’d been just as frightened by Jerry’s death, as Brenda, maybe even more so. She reached out and patted Joyce’s knee.
“I know it was scary to see him like that, and I know it’s frightening to lose control over who is in the truck. But there is one thing I’d like you to consider.” She turned down the street that led to Joyce’s house.
“What is it?” Joyce felt a bit calmer after Brenda’s reassurance. She always seemed to be able to reach her, even when she was a bit frantic.
“Suppose this does turn out to be a homicide, suppose that someone really did kill him, in our truck. What do you think that will make us?” She glanced over at Joyce.
“Wait, are you saying that they will suspect that we had something to do with this?” Joyce’s eyes widened as the idea dawned on her for the first time.
“I would, wouldn’t you? We had run-ins with him, he died in our truck, and we’ve made no secret of our dislike for the man.” She frowned. “Honestly, I think we’d be prime suspects. And if we are, I can’t imagine that it will help us any if we have already alienated the detective on the case, as well as the police chief. At that point, the ball will be in their court as to how to treat us, and I imagine that people are less likely to want to throw you in jail if you are kind to them.”
“And I’ve already upset them both.” Joyce sighed as she closed her eyes. “I get the point, Brenda, and I’m sorry. But I’m sure it won’t come to that. After all, we both saw Jerry, it sure didn’t look like someone had killed him.” She tried to believe her own words, but as the car turned into her driveway she felt more than the bump of the uneven pavement. She was jostled from the inside by the possibility that this really could turn into a murder investigation. One that could put both herself and Brenda at risk of being arrested.
Brenda was silent as she turned off the car. Her mind churned with all of the possibilities. Though Joyce seemed to think that there wasn’t any danger of this turning into a homicide investigation, she wasn’t so sure. She knew that Jerry had angered a lot of people, and sometimes people did the unthinkable. However, why would it happen in their truck? How did it happen, if he didn’t have any visible injuries? She guessed that it would have had to be planned ahead of time. She glanced at the time on her phone as she stepped out of her car. Sophie would be out with her parents for a day of Christmas activities. Charlie would be hard at work on yet another article. All she could think about was just how many hours there were left between the time when Jerry’s death was just suspicious, and when the truth came out. If it was natural causes, their lives would soon go back to normal, but if it was something more, things would become far different.
“Are you okay, Brenda?” Joyce looked over at her as she unlocked the front door.
“I think so. I’m just going to make a call to Charlie. I’ll be right in.” She smiled at Joyce, but her heart wasn’t in it. Once she was alone outside, she dialed her husband’s number. It rang several times, then went to voicemail. As she left a rambling message about everything that happened, she wondered if he would even listen to it. He had a bad habit of deleting voicemails without playing the message. When she hung up, her stomach was in knots. She wanted to hear his voice, and most of all she wanted to know that everything would be okay.
Chapter 6
When Brenda stepped inside, she found Joyce in the kitchen putting together a snack for them.
“I don’t know if you can eat or not, but I’m a nervous eater. I eat when I’m nervous.” She poured crackers onto a plate and followed it with slices of cheese. “Were you able to reach him?”
“I’m a nervous eater, too.” She grabbed a slice of cheese. “And no. He didn’t answer. He’s under deadlines, and I’m sure he will get back to me as soon as he gets a break. Honestly, there’s not much that he can do even when he calls back. I just wanted to hear his voice.”
“I understand. That’s how I always felt about Davey. He would be on a case for days sometimes. He was so focused on his work that sometimes I felt forgotten. But the moment I heard his voice, I could hear his love for me in it, and I knew that no matter what, he would never forget me.” She smiled to herself. “I still feel that way, even though that may seem silly.”
“It isn’t silly to me.” She patted the back of her hand. “I think it’s a rare gift to find love like that. I’m so grateful for Charlie.”
“And I’m sure he’s grateful for you, too.” Joyce pushed the plate towards the bar stools on the other side of the island. “Let’s try to relax a little bit. We had a very rough morning.”
“Yes, we did.” The image of Jerry’s body flashed through her mind. “I just can’t stop thinking about it, though. How did he end up there?”
“He had to have broken in. There’s no other explanation. Which means he had bad intentions.” She plucked a cracker and slice of cheese off the plate.
“Maybe. But the door wasn’t damaged. It was open. I know I locked it, I know it.” Brenda frowned. “But maybe somehow I forgot?”
“No darling, you didn’t. I saw you lock it with my own eyes. I know you locked it, too. Maybe he picked it or, maybe…” Joyce gasped, then her eyes widened. “Remember on Monday last week, when we first arrived at the market? We went in to the bakery to introduce ourselves and give them some donuts. I left my purse on the counter as Orville showed us around the bakery. When we returned I remember the flap on my purse being open. I was nervous, because I thought that someone had stolen my wallet, but everything was there.”
“Okay?” Brenda studied her. “Why does that matter?”
“Because I never checked for the spare key. It’s always tucked into the zippered part of my purse. I never use it, so I didn’t even think to check for it.” She hurried over to her purse which was on the table near the front door. As she rummaged through it, her heart pounded. If the key wasn’t there, she would know that Jerry had taken it. After a second thorough search, she nodded. “That’s it. It’s gone. How could I be so stupid?”
“Joyce, there is nothing stupid about you.” She joined her at the table. “Are you sure it isn’t in there? Maybe it slipped into the lining?”
“No, it’s just not there. I’ve looked twice. There are
no holes in the lining. Which means he took it, or someone else in that bakery did.” Joyce narrowed her eyes.
“Jerry wasn’t there when we arrived, as far as we know, but he was there when we left. But Matt, Clarence, and Orville were there, too.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe he did this. He took the key to the truck? That means he could have been in it any time he wanted to. What a creep!” She frowned. “I’m starting to think that you’re right, Joyce, maybe there wasn’t a shred of decency in that man.”
“Maybe not, but I can tell you this much for certain. He took that key to break into the truck, and find a way to destroy us. But was he alone? Maybe someone else took the key? Maybe he has a partner? We have to be very careful about who we trust from here on out. I can’t believe how reckless I was by leaving my purse like that.”
“It was a mistake that anyone could have made. Don’t be so hard on yourself, Joyce.”
“I’m trying not to be. But all I can think about is losing that truck. I know that would be horrible for both of us.” Joyce slammed her purse down on the table. “If only that man had an ounce of decency we wouldn’t be in this position right now.”
“It’s a lot to take in, but there really is no one but himself to blame. Maybe he realized he was doing something wrong and panicked. Or maybe he thought he was going to be caught. Or maybe it was just his time and he happened to be in our truck. But honestly, trying to come up with a reason is going to drive us both crazy. I say we find a way to enjoy our afternoon together, put all of this as far out of our minds as we can.”
“I know just the thing.” Joyce snapped her fingers. “Music, and cocktails!”
“Cocktails?” Brenda started to decline, then she recalled that her daughter was safe and well taken care of with her parents. She didn’t have to deny herself a little fun. “That sounds perfect.”
Joyce cranked the music up, and soon the house was filled with lively Motown style music that Brenda couldn’t resist dancing to. It was a much needed release for both of them. By the time they collapsed on the couch it was early evening, and Brenda recognized for the first time just how exhausted she was.
“Thanks, Joyce, that was exactly what I needed.”
“It works for me every time.” She laughed. “Davey is the one who taught me to do it, though. My husband, the serious cop. The first time I saw him do it I thought he’d lost his mind.”
“Really?” Brenda smiled at the thought of Joyce walking in on her serious husband in the middle of a dance fest.
“He had the music blasting, and he was dancing like a fool. No rhythm, just hopping around like an out of control kangaroo. I thought, this was it, he’d finally cracked. When he saw me, he was so embarrassed. I just asked him, what are you doing, honey? He explained to me that when he had a very tough case, he would dance it out. He said it was the only way to clear his head. Of course, I understood what he meant, it was about surrounding himself with levity. And when he came home and turned on the music, I would dance with him, to try to help him forget. Ever since, I’ve danced whenever there is something on my mind that I can’t break free from. It gives you some freedom. It doesn’t always make all of it disappear, but it at least gives you a chance to be without it for a short time.”
“It definitely worked for me.” Brenda laughed as Molly hopped up into her lap. “It looks like Molly had a good time, too.” The bunny gazed up at her with a steady stare that made her wonder just what she was thinking.
“She knows you need some company. I’ll let her stay with you tonight.” She stretched her arms above her head. “I think after a quick dinner, I’m going to be ready to pass out. What about you?”
“Yes, I think so, too.”
Brenda made a delicious meal for them, while Joyce kept her company, then they shared the meal at the table. Joyce dropped a few slices of carrot on Molly’s mat on the floor for her to gobble up. The bunny was a bit of a beggar, and Brenda had never seen anything cuter. She had a brief conversation with Sophie after dinner, that consisted of her recounting the amazing day she had and how much fun her grandparents were. It was good to hear her voice, and reminded her that she had a lot of positive things in her life to focus on. She couldn’t wait to see her at Christmas. As rough as the day had been, she had managed to find some peace thanks to a wonderful friend, and the infectious giggle of her six-year-old.
“How is Sophie?” Joyce smiled at her as she hung up the phone.
“Good, she’s really good.”
“I’m glad. I’m ready for bed.” She yawned, then shivered. “I guess we don’t have to get up early tomorrow.”
“You’re right.” She gave Joyce a warm hug. “Thanks for being such an amazing friend, Joyce.”
“Thank you, too.” She smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning. Molly will be good company.” She reached down and gave the bunny a light stroke on her back. Then she scooped her up and handed her over to Brenda. “Trust me, she’s better than a teddy bear.”
“I’m sure she is. She’s certainly softer.” Brenda ran her fingers through the bunny’s fur. “Good night, Joyce. Tomorrow will be better.”
“Good night, Brenda, I sure hope so.” She headed off to her room.
After Joyce closed her door, Brenda snuggled with Molly a little bit longer. She was a cuddly bunny, and the animal seemed to sense that Brenda needed a little extra comfort. Her mind swirled with everything she and Joyce discussed. She hoped that she was wrong, and Detective Crackle didn’t really have something against them that could impact them in the long run. She was not yet willing to believe that their lives were going to be changed by becoming the main suspects of a murder investigation.
To calm her thoughts Brenda focused on the idea that Jerry had died of natural causes and that the investigation would prove just that. It might take a little time for them to be sure, but once they were, they would be able to move on from all of this and return to the excitement they once felt about the market, and the holidays in general. She was looking forward to seeing Sophie again when she came back home to join her parents for Christmas, and was glad that she invited Joyce to join them as her kids were grown up and were away. Brenda hated the thought of Joyce being alone on Christmas, but she also knew that it would be up to Joyce if she preferred it.
Another thing Brenda admired about Joyce was how comfortable she seemed to be on her own. Sometimes the thought crossed her mind that Charlie might walk away, or something terrible could happen to him, and the idea of being without him was horrible enough, but even just the mundane thoughts of what she would do if she was single, overwhelmed her. She’d become so used to having a partner that she couldn’t imagine what it would be like without one. However, she did know that she would find a way to handle it for the sake of her daughter.
“Oh, now my mind is really running away. I’ve got to get some sleep.” She gave the bunny another stroke, then set her free on the floor to run around. As she stood up to head to bed in the guest room, her cell phone began to ring. She picked it up quickly, hoping that the sound wouldn’t wake Joyce.
“Hello?” She answered in a whisper.
“Brenda, are you okay?”
She smiled at the sound of her husband’s voice. As she sank down on the couch she closed her eyes.
“I’m so glad to hear from you, Charlie, you will not believe the day I had.”
“I got your message, and immediately started looking into things. I’m sorry I’m not there with you, sweetheart.”
“It’s okay, I know you’re busy. It was horrible, but I’m just glad it will all be over soon.”
“Maybe not as soon as you think, I’m afraid.”
Her eyes popped open. “What do you mean?”
“Are you sitting down?”
“Uh, yes?” She glanced at the couch that surrounded her. “Why?”
“Because I’ve just had some news that I think will be a bit shocking for you.”
“What is it, Charlie?” She sat forward
on the couch and held her breath. She knew that if he was framing it so carefully it had to be something very serious.
“According to a friend of mine that does reporting on local crimes, Jerry did not die of natural causes. When his body was examined they detected a substance on his lips and teeth that they suspect is poison. They are running tests to confirm that it is poison and exactly what type of poison it is. They also need to determine if he actually ingested it. But at the moment they are treating this as a suspicious death.”
“Oh no!” She gasped and stood up from the couch. “This can’t be happening! I didn’t want to think it was possible. But how would someone get him to eat poison? I mean, that is just awful. Wouldn’t he have tasted it? Wouldn’t he have fought back?”
“Not if it was in a food or drink, more than likely a food, since there were bits of it remaining on his teeth and lips. I would say someone made him something that contained the poison, and he ate it. If it had a foul taste it might have been able to be disguised with strong flavor or sugar. Sweetheart, do you understand what this means?” His voice grew even more tense.
“Yes, I think I do.” Her heart dropped. “It means that we’re going to be looked at as suspects in his death. It means that someone murdered him, in our truck. Maybe even someone we know. Oh Charlie.”
“It’s okay, sweetheart, take a breath. Even if you are suspects it will only be for a brief time. You will be cleared quickly, I’m sure. But I’m sure the police will want to speak with you. You need to pay attention to what you say and use caution. Tomorrow morning we’ll call a lawyer, and we can go into the station together for you to have an interview.”
“Oh Charlie, you can’t do that, I know how busy you are.” Her heart fluttered with fear.
“It’s all right, I’m not going to let you go through this on your own. I’m here for you.”