We arrived in time for dinner. Once I’d fed the rabbits and given Bun his meal, I made a carafe of coffee, wolfed down a sandwich, and slurped the small bowl of leftover soup from lunch. Jessica had met us in the driveway when we’d arrived from our walk to say she’d been called out to Mr. Bentley’s ranch to check on his horse.
Jack showed up as I loaded the dishes into the dishwasher. I set out coffee cups, then asked him if he wanted a snack before I poured steaming coffee into his cup.
“What do you have for a snack?”
“Brownies and ice cream.”
“I’ll take a brownie. Don’t tell Meredith, she thinks I shouldn’t have sweets or bread. She goes on about cholesterol and all that crap.” He shook his head, nibbled the brownie, and added more coffee to his already half-empty cup. “So, what do you know that I should?”
Giving him the information I’d gotten from Molly, without mentioning her name, I waited while he thought it over.
“Dean Jasper never filed a report? Why is that, I wonder? Would you happen to know?”
“Like all schools and businesses, bad publicity is detrimental. Remember when, it was a year or so ago, I was unfortunate enough to find a dead body. I worried about the effect it would have on the farm. That might be why he took Denton’s advice.”
“Why would Denton get involved? He had nothing to gain by interfering on those kids’ behalf. It does explain why Rob Brayton is so sure of himself, though. After all, he’s some kind of associate of Alvin Peterson’s, which is nothing short of being favored by the governor. Alvin wields a lot of power, though not many people know that.”
I leaned back and fiddled with my napkin. “Really?”
From the rug in front of the sink, I heard Bun’s response. “Well, well, well. That sheds a different light on Rob and Alvin, don’t you think?”
Pensive, I asked, “How many people do know it?”
“A handful at most. Alvin doesn’t like the limelight. He’s a very private person, yet powerful. That’s why it confuses me that Della thought she could oust him from his council seat. I’ve decided to treat that information as a possible red herring somebody would like us to follow.”
“You’re likely right. As a member of the committee, Della would surely be aware of Alvin’s position.” I leaned forward, cupped my chin in my hand, and let my mind run out of control. Sometimes, it was useful. This wasn’t one of those times.
“I guess I’ll have a chat with Dean Jasper tomorrow morning. Then I might ask Denton Clarke a few questions. You keep digging. The autopsy report showed blunt-force trauma to Frank’s skull. He didn’t die instantly, but not long after he was struck. Della was slowly poisoned, instead. Whoever did it must have added it to her beverage. Her stomach contents showed nothing.”
My stomach rolled at the results of her autopsy. It was just a tad more than I wanted to know. To say she had died from poison was enough. “Any idea what type of poison it was?”
“The coroner isn’t sure. More testing is in progress, but it’s slow going. I guess his lab is fairly busy and like me, he has a man out sick and one on vacation. Who knows when I’ll get that report.”
I realized Molly’s class had ended. I quickly removed Jack’s plate and put it into the dishwasher in case Meredith stopped in. Watching cars leave the property, I breathed easy when hers was one of them.
“Where did you get all this information?”
“Oh, Jack, you know I can’t tell you that.” I heard Bun thump his foot and knew he was tickled to think I used Jack’s own words on him.
“Don’t be funny.”
“I’m not, but if you can’t share with me, then turnabout is fair play. Take it or leave it.” I folded my arms across my chest and smiled.
“Fine, but if you get in over your head and your source can’t help you, then don’t look to me for assistance.”
“Ditto. Goodnight, Jack.”
He was the last to leave. Even Molly was gone. I went into the shop with Bun hot on my heels and found a note from her. She’d made a list of goods to order and I noted there was no deposit waiting to be made.
Grateful for her business acumen, I shut off the shop lights, looked in on the rabbits, and went back to the house with Bun. He sat on the floor at my feet as I opened the laptop and placed the order Molly had requested.
“Where shall we look for our killer? I have no clue as to who might have killed Frank, but Della certainly had enough people that disliked her for us to choose from. It might take us forever to sift through them all before coming up with a viable suspect.”
“Indeed, she was unpopular with many. Maybe we should look into Alvin and Rob to get a better picture of them. Since they are associated, whatever that means, Alvin might feel that he should protect Rob at all costs.”
“He can’t possibly think Rob is above the law. Right?”
“I can’t shake the feeling there’s more to Rob than meets the eye. He’s hiding something. You must have noticed that.”
“Why don’t you look him up on your computer? You might be lucky enough to get a peek into his background.”
I Googled Rob’s name. Several names popped up, so I dug a little deeper by adding his address. This time, the Rob Brayton we were in search of showed up on the screen. When I exclaimed I’d found it, I started to read about the history of the Brayton family. “Oh, wow!”
“Read it aloud so I’ll know what you find so fascinating.”
“It says the Braytons were industry pioneers and made their fortune in New Hampshire and the Midwest as shoemakers. They closed their businesses in the US and took their manufacturing overseas in order to stay competitive.”
“So they died wealthy and Rob inherited, is that what you’re saying?”
As I scanned the remainder of the article, I found a link to the family tree and clicked on it.
“Well?”
“Wait a minute. I found the family tree. The way it’s set out might tell us the connection between Alvin and Rob.” I followed the map and realized Alvin had no relation to the family. Then what was the connection?
I made it clear to Bun that I’d found no mention of Alvin. I watched him sit back on his haunches and wiggle his whiskers.
“Look up Alvin’s family.”
“Good idea. His parents earned their money in the paper mill industry as owners of three companies. They invested well and Alvin is wealthy because of it. His parents moved to Windermere and retired from the business when he was a boy. Alvin holds a master’s degree in business and there’s a link to another article. Shall I take a look?”
“Sure, why not?”
“You sound as though you’ve lost interest.”
“There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of info on him and Rob, is all.”
“Okay.” I clicked back to Rob’s page and read aloud his sports accomplishments and then mentioned his family problems. His parents had died while on vacation in the Alps. They’d left him well off, but had tied the money up in a trust fund. I wondered aloud if it existed and was administered by someone. It would make sense.
“So his hands are tied when it comes to money. Isn’t there a coming-of-age thing where humans reach a certain age and the money is theirs to do with as they please?”
“It doesn’t say.” I closed the computer down and flopped back against the sofa. “Maybe Jack knows. I’ll ask him tomorrow; it’s too late to call now.”
“I think I’ve had enough for one day. I’m going to bed.”
“The sheriff has had his officers search the crime scene at the lodge. Would you be interested in taking a second look tomorrow after chores?”
“Sounds like a good idea to me. The cops might have missed a smidgen of evidence that only my nose could find. While we’re at it, we should inspect the dock, ramp, and the inlet, too.”
“We will. Goodnight, Bun.”
My cellphone jingled its merry tune. The screen read Jessica’s name and number.
“Yo
u’re up late.”
She chuckled. “I could say the same about you. I didn’t have a chance to discuss our presentation with you. If you can, could you email the basics of Denton’s outline to me?”
“Sure. I’ll forward it to you as soon as we get off the phone. I have a question, though. How well do you know Rob Brayton and Alvin Peterson?”
“They’re some sort of friends. Alvin never said how that came about, but he and Rob have done a few good deeds together, like the hop. Why?”
“Wow, I should have asked you first before digging through their backgrounds. How do you know all this?”
Her laughter brought a smile to my face. “It’s like this: Just as hairdressers and barbers know more about their customers than anyone else does, I get as much gossip in the examining room. Pet owners always talk about the most unusual things while I am dealing with their pets. Anytime you have a question about somebody, check with me. I may have gossip that always holds a nugget of truth, okay?”
“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind. Who told you about their friendship?”
“Judge Moore’s secretary. She’s on the council with Alvin. Send me that information so I can look it over. I’m nervous about standing in front of a group of students who have more business knowledge than I do. How about you?”
“I agree, but on the upside, it’s great publicity for our businesses. I think we can get through an hour or so. We need to make the talk interactive with our audience and make them laugh, too.”
“So, that’s how you handle the kids at birthday parties and school events.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Goodnight, Jess.” I hung up.
On the laptop, I pulled up my outline and added the basics of what Denton wanted. I sent the entire thing to Jess by email with a two-line explanation of what I’d done.
Chapter 13
The day began on a good note. Bun was in a great mood, he made a few jokes as usual. I didn’t get the point of them since I figured they were geared to a rabbit audience, not a human one. I snickered anyway and remarked on his terrific sense of humor.
Pleased that I appreciated his jokes, Bun ate his breakfast and accompanied me into the barn. I did the daily chores while he watched, sometimes prompting me on what came next, as if I didn’t know. I’d been a rabbit farmer for some years now with the same routine every day. Ignoring his instructions, I suggested he see if Jessica had arrived.
He took off and raced into the shop and back. “The clinic door is closed and I can’t smell Jessica’s scent. She’ll probably be here any minute.”
I glanced at the clock, kept moving the cart loaded with rabbit food, and began to worry. It wasn’t like Jess to be this late. She never arrived after six in the morning. My curiosity grew until I couldn’t stand it for another minute.
Finished doling out meals, I picked up the phone and dialed Jessica’s cell phone number. Breathless, she answered on the third ring.
“Is everything all right?” I asked.
“I’m fine, just going to be a little late. I’m at McPherson’s, trying to get his goat to comply with my checkup. So far, it isn’t working very well. Talk to you later.”
The line went dead. I grinned at what I knew would be a real wrestling match. The McPherson goat was a handful at the best of times. Once I’d asked Sean why he kept such a stubborn goat. He’d grinned and said the goat was the best lawnmower a man could have. Each to his own, I guess.
Knowing Jess would be fine and could handle Charlie, I finished my workload, then took a shower and donned fresh clothes. My hair still damp, I toweled it again and then tried to get it under control. It was a waste of my time, but the snarls came out as the mop of hair sprung into its normal disorder. Dressed in a warm jersey and corduroy pants, I added socks and ankle boots to my attire.
I turned to find Bun at the edge of my bedroom door. “What is it?”
“You’d better come downstairs. Sheriff Carver is here. I heard his car.”
“How do you know that?”
“If I say I know the sound of his car, would you believe me?”
“Not for a second. Were you on the buffet looking out the window?”
“Kinda.”
“I’ll be right down.”
“Are you angry?”
“Would it change the fact that you were where you’re not supposed to be?”
“Well, no.”
“Okay, then I’ll see you downstairs. Don’t get on the buffet again.” I’d said it softly, but Bun got the message.
He was crouched on the kitchen rug when I reached the bottom stair and beckoned Jack in. His hat in hand when he entered the room, he tossed it on a coatrack hook and took a seat at the table. I made toast and poured two cups of coffee for us while gauging his mood, which wasn’t easy to do on a good day. Today he seemed in decent spirits.
“What can I do for you, Jack?”
“Why do you ask? He’s never got anything worthwhile for us to do.”
I gave him a swift glance that said he shouldn’t push his luck today. Bun pointedly ignored me as he looked everywhere but at me. Ignoring him, I took a piece of toast to munch while Jack stared at me, an odd look on his face.
“Well, what’s up?” I insisted. After all, I didn’t have all day.
“I wondered if you had come across any information on the students who worked at your station during the weekend.”
“I researched Alvin and Rob, did you?”
“One of my deputies has that job. She’ll give me a full report on what she finds before her shift ends. Tell me what you found.”
I gave him a quick rundown and then asked, “Are you meeting with Dean Jasper today?”
“He’s on my list. I’ll get to his office before the college gets too busy.”
“What sort of questions do you plan to ask? Because if you’re going to poke into private stuff, you’ll be wasting your time. We’re both aware of the way schools of any kind protect personal information on their staff and students.”
“It’s important the dean is made aware that breaking the law is frowned upon, and that just because he has a security staff, wannabes that they are, it doesn’t mean he’s scot-free to allow underage partying or that he can mete out punishment for drug use that’s against the law. I won’t stand for it. I’ll arrest Dean Jasper right along with the people he’s protecting.”
“Uh-huh . . . well, I wish you luck with that endeavor. I also wondered if your officers found evidence at Frank’s crime scene.”
“Nothing. The weather was against us this time. The downpour erased any possible footprints and to top that off, it washed the beach clean as well.”
“Another dead end, then?”
“It was. I did learn the reason Alvin is associated with Rob. Alvin was in a situation that I can’t talk about, but Rob came to his rescue.”
“After witnessing his attitude, I’m surprised to think he’d help anyone. Though, he did step up and help us look for Gerald Coldren.”
He smirked. “People can surprise you.” He glanced at the wall clock and said it was time to head for Dean Jasper’s office.
“I’ll see you around, Jack.”
Without a word, he left.
“Okay, Bun, we’ll wait until his car is out of sight and then make tracks for the lodge. Let’s hope there are no dead bodies this time.”
“I’m ready when you are.”
I took the bicycle my mother had left behind from the storage shed out back and set Bun in the basket on the front, rimmed with faded artificial flowers. I’d tucked a soft towel in the bottom for Bun’s comfort. He hadn’t said a word when I loaded him into it. I couldn’t tell if he liked the idea or not.
We’d ridden a half-mile when he looked at me and remarked, “Why haven‘t we made use of this before? It’s great exercise for you. Besides, I’m very comfortable here. The flowers can go into the trash and you can buy new ones to put on. They break the chilly wind. What do you say? It won’t be a
major investment.”
“I intended to do just that. I hadn’t realized Mom left it behind when she and Dad moved. When I opened the shed door, there it was, tucked into a corner behind some bins. I’m glad you like it. This way, you aren’t as jostled around when I run with you in the sling.”
We left the bicycle at the locked gate. I added a bike lock and put Bun in the sling I’d worn beneath my windbreaker. Once he’d made himself comfortable and was able to poke his head out of the sling to view our trek to the lodge, I started to walk at a quick pace in case we were interrupted by someone, anyone, especially those in law enforcement.
At the scene of the crime, I didn’t bother with the porch, but set Bun free and told him to forage for what might be useful to us. I took the opposite direction and let him get to work. His nose and whiskers worked overtime while I dug through long, dead stems of tall grass left from the winter.
About to end that search and begin another, I touched a piece of metal and peered at it. A single silver button lay wedged inside a thick cluster of dead grass. It wasn’t tarnished, but seemed fresh and new. I plucked the metal button from its hiding place and held it up to the light, turning it for a closer look. I tucked the button into the inside pocket of the windbreaker and zipped it closed. Somehow the button was familiar to me. I didn’t want to lose this tiny gift from the grass gods.
“Hey, Jules, over here.” Bun jumped back and forth on the incline, not far from where we’d found Frank. I hurried to see what had him excited.
“What did you find?”
Bun’s superior expression meant he’d found something of value to our investigation. “This.” He stuck his nose into the weeds and lifted his head high enough for me to see a chain with a medallion hanging from his mouth. He dropped it in the palm of my outstretched hand and said, “Pretty cool, huh?”
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