Hop 'Til You Drop

by J. M. Griffin

  “I didn’t know. Sorry. You were left for dead?”

  “Yeah, but let’s talk about you.”

  “I’m told that you and Jessica Plain found me.”

  “We did and just in time, too. You’re one lucky woman. Tough, too,” I said with a grin.

  “Thanks for that. I could have died.”

  “Did you see who struck you?”

  “No, I was hit from behind. I never heard or saw a thing.”

  “Too bad, I’d like to find who did this. Why were you at Della’s house?”

  “We are . . . uh—were—related. Didn’t you know?”

  I shook my head, let the news sink in, and asked, “Related in what way?”

  “She was my aunt. We hadn’t seen each other in years, but when I was assigned to work for her and at the hop, I gave her a visit. Good thing, too. She was killed not long afterward.”

  I sat back in the chair and stared at Felicia. I found no likeness when I compared her and Della. This woman was tall, broad-shouldered, and big-boned. She had a shock of rich auburn hair and would have been called a hearty lass in Scotland. Della was short, stumpy like a tree trunk, not ugly, but certainly not pretty, with short arms and legs. Her hair had no richness in color like Felicia’s, either.

  “I can’t see a likeness, but if you say you were related, so be it.”

  “She was from my mother’s side of the family. My father and I look alike.”

  Somewhere along the line, this woman had decided I wasn’t such a bad person after all. I took advantage of the moment and said, “I met Dr. Sommers at the elevator. He said I shouldn’t stay long, but I have a few more questions if you’re up to it.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “Why were you assigned to work at the hop?”

  “Some friends and I indulged in a drug buy—simple marijuana, mind you—but we got caught, and the hop was our punishment.”

  “Why weren’t you turned over to the police?” I knew the answer but wanted to hear it from her.

  “Professor Clarke felt it would be foolish to notify the police and bad for the school.”

  “Where did the drugs come from?”

  “I can’t tell you that.”

  I stared at her.

  She heaved a sigh and said, “Frank Poland bought them. He didn’t want to, but I convinced him to. He got them from Denton Clarke.”

  “Does anyone else know that?”

  She shrugged and then winced. “I don’t think so. Frank and I kept it between us. Oh, and Della’s house was a mess when I arrived the night I was injured.”

  “I see. Oh, I wanted to tell you something I think you’ll be delighted to hear.”

  “What?”

  “I found your medallion. The sheriff has it for safekeeping at the moment.”

  Tears filled her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. She sniffled. I handed her the box of tissues from the bedside table.

  “I gave it to Frank. He was my choice.”

  “I know. I’m sorry he’s dead. He was a very nice person.”

  “We planned to marry next year after graduation. We had great jobs lined up, too.”

  “You will still be able to carry on, Felicia, you’re a strong woman. I know you can.”

  I rose from the chair and said goodbye.

  “Come back and visit me again, if you can.”

  I promised I would and set off to meet Dr. Sommers. I scanned the busy cafeteria and found Dr. Sommers at the far end. I bought a cup of tea and snaked my way to him, weaving in and out of crowded tables. He glanced up and did a double-take before he motioned to a chair.

  “I thought you might not show up.”

  “The visit with Felicia went better than I hoped. She seems to be recovering.”

  “Indeed, she is. We, the doctors, are surprised by it. She’s a tough and determined woman, that’s for sure.”

  “Bossy, too,” I added.

  “Like someone else I know.” He chuckled.

  “You’re right. I won’t deny it. You might want to keep an eye on who goes in and out of her room. She knows things that make her vulnerable. Someone tried to kill her once, and they may have better luck next time.”

  “Are you sure the perpetrator was out to kill her?” Dr. Sommers murmured.

  “After what she told me, yes, I think so. Has Sheriff Carver been by to see Felicia, at all?”

  “Not that I’m aware of.” He gazed across the noisy room, his eyes fixed on someone, and I looked up to see Jack Carver walking this way. “Speak of the devil,” he said.

  Jack stood beside a chair until he was invited to join us. I remained silent as the two men greeted each other. Then, I asked, “What brings you in search of Dr. Sommers?”

  “I wasn’t looking for him. I was looking for you.”

  “Oh?”

  “We have much to discuss—if you don’t mind, that is.”

  I glanced at Dr. Sommers and said, “If you’d like, I can meet you at your office sometime.”

  He nodded.

  “Right now,” Jack insisted with a meaningful glare.

  “Sure.” I hadn’t planned to leave just this minute, but it seemed Jack had to tell me what was on his mind, which left me with no choice but to do as he asked.

  We left Dr. Sommers at the table. I followed Jack to the police station. My curiosity ratcheted up with every moment that passed. What was so important that he had to speak to me immediately? It didn’t matter. I had much to impart, as well. I rolled to a stop next to his SUV and we entered headquarters together.

  When he’d taken a seat behind his desk and I sat in one of the two in front of it, I waited.

  “You visited Felicia?”

  “I did.”

  “I wanted to go in to see her, but the nurse gave me a runaround, so I didn’t. What did you two talk about?”

  “She never saw who struck her, the house was trashed when she got there, and she was supposed to marry Frank Poland next year after they graduated.”

  “Is that all?”

  I mentioned her connection to Della and said Felicia last saw the woman not too long a time before Della was murdered.

  “Anything else?”

  “Well, it would help if you’d ask outright what you want to know,” I snapped and then heaved a sigh.

  “Did she say why she worked at the hop?”

  I studied Jack for a minute or two and then said, “Why ask me that? It’s apparent you already know the answer.”

  “I want you to confirm what I’ve heard.”

  “She and her friends were caught with marijuana. Frank made the buy.”

  “Okay, who from?”

  “Denton Clarke.”

  “That’s what I wanted to hear. Why didn’t she speak up, did she say?”

  “They kept it between them for fear of retribution from Denton. It didn’t matter, though, did it? Frank was killed and she was next on the list.”

  “Right.”

  “Are you going to arrest him?”

  “I don’t have any physical proof. Just hearsay.” He pounded his fist on the desk. My bones rattled in the chair at his sudden explosive anger.

  “Calm down, Jack. Together we can come up with a plan. We’ve done it before.”

  A knock on the door came just before Adam’s entrance. I glanced at him, gave him an eye roll, and then settled in my chair again to face Jack.

  He beckoned Adam to take the seat next to mine. I listened while they discussed the information I’d shared. Adam slanted a look my way and said, “You’ve been busy.”

  I nodded as Jack ordered an officer placed outside Felicia’s room. “It’s for her safety. If these cases are ever solved, I’ll need her testimony. Put Jenkins and Anderson on the job. They’re reliable and won’t spend their time flirting with the staff.”

  “Yes, sir. Anything else?”

  “Not now.”

  Adam left to carry out the assignment.

  “Have any ideas popped into your overwork
ed brain, yet?” Jack asked.

  “Not yet. Give me time to think over the options. You wouldn’t consider a drug buy using an undercover officer, would you?”

  “Since none of them attend that college, it would be pretty risky to assign anyone at this point in the semester. We’ll have to do better than that.”

  I rose and said I’d be in touch.

  Chapter 26

  Work at the farm rolled on well-greased wheels, with Jason assuming as much responsibility as he could fit into his school schedule. Molly’s college classes were at the final-exam stage of the semester. Studying in between classes at the shop, she began to show the strain of holding onto the crazy schedule she had maintained these last few months.

  “Why don’t you take the evening off and get some rest? You’re worn out.”

  “I have students coming tonight; they aren’t spinning or weaving, or any of that. Instead, we’ll discuss where they want to take their skills next. People become complacent as they advance and often take their knowledge for granted. For example, Meredith has thrived in this environment, but I’ve noticed she’s a bit bored at times. She’s ready for more challenging projects, though she’s hesitant to take that step. By doing so, she tends to create the same thing over and over.”

  “You’ll have your hands full if you try to convince her to do otherwise, you know.”

  “I’ll handle her with kid gloves, and she’ll think it’s her idea.” Molly snickered and then said, “Thanks for your concern. I only have two more exams before the semester ends. I can deal with it, don’t you worry. My biggest decision concerns changing from my original study plan to an increased fiber arts program. My parents have agreed to support me in that, especially after they saw how successful the classes are. Now is the time for me to make it happen. I’ve finished my core classes and dallied with marketing. I don’t know why I’m not jumping at the challenge.”

  “As I said before, you’re tired. Make tonight an early one, dismiss the students after an hour or so, and get some rest. You’re a straight-A student who shouldn’t worry about exams. Now go—catch a nap before it’s time for class, you’ll feel better.”

  “You’re beginning to sound like my mother. She goes on about burning a candle at both ends, whatever that is supposed to mean. I will take your advice, though. I’ll be back in time for the students.”

  I watched her drive away and then addressed the rabbits’ needs.

  “How did it go with the sheriff?”

  “He’s very stressed. His boss must be on his back about the murders and Felicia’s near-death experience. Jack lost his temper while we were talking and pounded his desk with his fist. Everything rattled, including my bones.”

  “Glad I wasn’t there. You know how shaky I get around violence. Oh, did Felicia ever mention why she was at Della’s house?”

  “They were related, so she probably wanted the family photographs or some such thing. She didn’t say. It’s conjecture on my part.”

  I freshened his water supply and added a lettuce leaf wrap of raisins, grain pellets, and thin carrot shreds to his bowl. “I’m going to give the other rabbits their snack. I’ll be in the barn when you’re done.”

  He never said a word but munched his snack. Knowing Bun wouldn’t want to miss a thing, I figured he’d come join me as quickly as he could.

  Quick to hand out the portions of goodies, I checked the water levels of each container inside the cages attached to individual hutches. The job done, I returned to the front of the barn when Bun raced through the breezeway, went past me, and on into the shop, where he skidded to a halt.

  “Where’s Molly?”

  “I sent her home. She’s exhausted and it shows. She’ll return for class tonight, don’t worry. Why do you want to see Molly?”

  “Well, she gives me awesome treats.”

  “Oh, does she now?”

  “Can we take a bike ride? I could use some fresh air and time with you.”

  Bun intended to appease me over his wanting to see Molly, but it wasn’t a big deal to me. He just thought it was. With a tiny grin, I agreed to the ride, and we set off to retrieve the bike from the shed.

  Comfy in his basket, I pedaled out of the driveway onto the road and turned toward Lake Plantain. Bun’s nose wiggled as he caught scents while we rode along. We coasted for a while, slowing when we’d reached the unlocked gate that stood wide open.

  “I’ve noticed you aren’t as physically involved in this investigation since you were attacked.”

  “I’ve decided to handle my own business instead of handling the sheriff’s. Does that bother you?”

  “I admit, I enjoy the edginess of sleuthing, but I do fear for your safety. I don’t know what would happen to me or the other rabbits if you died. I’d be very sad.”

  “Let’s not think in terms of death and dying. We’re more aware than ever before of how we should handle ourselves, right?”

  “Right. Let’s go see the lodge.”

  “I’m not sure we should take a chance of being put-upon.”

  “That was a one-off. You know it’s unlikely to happen a second time while we’re here. Besides, rather than on the beach, we’ll be in a different portion of the property.”

  I sighed a bit, rolled the bicycle past the gateposts, and slowly pedaled toward the lodge.

  Imagine my surprise when I found an empty car in front of the building. The hairs on the back of my neck jittered, and my nerves whined like an off-key violin. Yep, we shouldn’t have come.

  “Hurry up, let’s leave.”

  Quick to turn the bike toward the gate, I didn’t move fast enough to avoid being caught out.

  “You needn’t leave,” he said from the end of the porch.

  I glanced over my shoulder at Alvin Peterson. I stopped short and faced him.

  “Oh, Alvin, I didn’t realize that was your car. How are you?”

  “Well, thank you. Join me, won’t you? It’s such a nice day.”

  “Don’t do it, just don’t.”

  I glanced down at Bun and murmured softly. “Why?”

  “I’m not sure, but danger lurks here. He’s not a nice man, can’t you see that by now?”

  I leaned the bicycle against a tree and set Bun on the ground. “Come on, Bun.” I urged him to slowly follow me up the front stairs of the lodge. As I drew closer, I noticed the coolness in Alvin’s eyes. Why was he here? What was his purpose? Hmm.

  His slight smile filled with what appeared to be melancholy, he said, “I’ve come to this place since I was a kid. It has a calming effect. Not that I need to calm down, but other old folks enjoy the soothing atmosphere that surrounds this lodge. Too bad a dead man was found here.”

  “You must mean Frank.”

  “Indeed, I do. He made a mistake.”

  “What kind of mistake?”

  “He told someone a secret he had no right to share. It made him a target, and his girlfriend, too.”

  My nerves grew tighter and tighter by the second. If I wasn’t careful, I might spring like an overwound pocket watch. My heart pounded. I was certain Bun realized it.

  “Where did you hear that?”

  “Around. People talk.”

  “What brings you out here if it isn’t to unwind?”

  “Take it slow, remain calm. We can outrun Alvin, you know. He’s dangerous.”

  Alvin smirked and turned his now-cold gaze on me. “My time has just about run out. You see, you’re too nosy for your own good. So is the sheriff, and Rob. Speaking of Rob, I’m thoroughly disappointed in him.”

  “Why is that?”

  “He came to me with a story, but it wasn’t true. I recently found out what he’s really doing in Windermere, and that he’s been talking to you. He has, hasn’t he, Juliette?”

  I shrugged. “We’ve spoken a few times, but he hasn’t shared anything important with me, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  “I don’t believe you. But then, you’re quite adept at sayin
g what you think people want to hear. Sheriff Carver’s one of your biggest fans. He thinks you’re amazing. Why, he even suggested you work at the hop. If I’d known that you’d be the one to find Della’s body, I’d never have allowed you to participate. You’ve interfered in things that have nothing to do with you, and now I find I must take measures to correct that.”

  “You think I know something of value? Like what, Alvin?”

  “You figured out the human rabbit you saw was one of my helpers, didn’t you?”

  I refused to utter a word, hoping he’d keep going.

  “Take care, Jules.”

  I shuffled my feet on the step where Bun and I stood. A few more steps and I’d have reached the porch. I had stopped when Alvin started talking. Flight or fight, I’d have to choose flight. I had the advantage of youth and speed that Alvin didn’t.

  My plan fell apart when Alvin produced a gun. Oh, my.

  “Be calm, we can handle this. Don’t let him scare you. I’ll jump off the steps and act like I’m running away.”

  I said nothing and didn’t take my eyes off Alvin. The man’s face and eyes were now like cold steel. My advantage meant nothing, nada, not a thing. What to do? I had no idea until Bun vaulted from the stairs and raced away.

  “You scared my rabbit. Now, I’ll never find him.”

  “You won’t need to worry about that, not where you’re going.”

  My hands on my hips, I stated, “I know nothing concerning anything you’ve said. If I did, by gosh, I’d admit it.”

  “That’s a lie if I ever heard one. Your reputation for interference and figuring out who committed crimes is well known in Windermere. Because of your abilities, people end up in prison. I’ll tell you right now, that won’t happen to me.”

  “Why would it?”

  “Because I killed Della Meeny, Frank Poland, and nearly finished off Felicia Brandt. They were in my way, you see. They knew too much.”

  My voice low, I asked, “What did they know?”

  “That I’m a killer, and that I have a money-laundering scheme going.”

  My curiosity hiked to an all-time high level. I snorted and remarked, “In your dreams, maybe. I happen to know that Denton Clarke deals drugs and is in cahoots with the Eriksons, who launder money for him through their business.” Fairly good at bluffing, I lifted my chin and glared at Alvin with what I hoped was a look of disbelief. It’s tough to be wrong.