Shadows in the Night [Hawkman--Book 12]

by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

  “So Carmen never had any formal education other than high school?”

  Lisa shook her head. “No. Once her mother had a stroke, Carmen took care of her night and day. When her mother passed away, she had no means of support as it took all the money they had to take care of the medical needs and their upkeep. She grew up quite a bit during that time.”

  “How did she qualify for this job?”

  Lisa squirmed in her chair and exhaled. “I have no idea. Mr. Mackle hired her. You'll have to talk to him about the details. I must say, she's worked out beautifully, and all the residents love her. I really don't understand why you're making such an issue out of how these people got hired.”

  Hawkman stared at her. “Because I'm investigating a murder, and I need to know their backgrounds. Same as with you. I've researched your resume and you definitely qualify for the job.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You said your mother also had a stroke. Is she still alive?”

  “Oh, yes. She's fully recovered, drives and does her own thing.”

  “What does she think about Carmen working here?”

  “She thinks it's great.”

  “You told me the residents love Carmen. What's your opinion?”

  “Mr. Casey, my personal judgment isn't important. The girl works here and is doing a good job. That's what counts.”

  “Why did you have her file at your house?”

  She let out a bored breath. “Mr. Mackle needed some statistics, so I took several folders home. Somehow, Carmen's slipped out of the stack and fell behind my desk. I didn't leave it at my house on purpose.”

  “Did your mother read the file?”

  She raised her brows. “What an odd question. I really doubt it, but I don't think you have any right to bring my mother into your investigation. She has nothing to do with Morning Glory Haven.”

  “I'm trying to hit all bases, because there's something going on that doesn't fit the picture. Believe me, I'm going to find out what it is.” He picked up the briefcase and headed toward the door, then turned. “I'll be talking to you again.”

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  * * *

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Hawkman plopped down on the large couch in the lounge area opposite the recreation room. He pulled Lisa's file from his briefcase, and glanced down through the application. Her tone during the interview appeared impatient through the whole session. She definitely had animosity toward Ms. Sanders. He'd sure like to know the reason; it might answer the question of why she left such a note in Carmen's mailbox.

  A movement caught Hawkman's eye and he turned to see Don Jackson talking to one of the residents. While watching the two converse, he noticed when Jackson reached into his back pocket for something, what looked like a diabetic pump hung from the belt of his trousers. When he removed his hand, the tail of his coat caught on the instrument. He stepped away from the person and Hawkman called out.

  “Mr. Jackson.”

  “Hello, Mr. Casey. Didn't see you.”

  He pointed to the small machine. “You diabetic?”

  He twisted around, and flipped the tail of his coat. “Yeah, and the darn thing gets hung up on my clothes all the time. However, it's a life saver, otherwise I'd be jabbing myself constantly.”

  “You have a minute?” Hawkman asked.

  “Just a quickie, I've got a doctor's appointment, and when Ms. Sanders arrives, I've got to take off. What do you need?”

  “Do you like your job?”

  “Yeah, a lot.”

  “You have a girlfriend?”

  “Can't afford one right now.”

  “I'd like to talk to you about the harassment charges on your record.”

  Don's smile disappeared and he turned pale. “Mr. Casey, please keep those to yourself. My life has turned around and I've learned a big lesson. I need this employment.”

  “Keep your nose clean, and you'll keep it. We'll talk when you have more time.”

  Jackson crossed the room toward the corridor, ran a hand along the side of his head and disappeared around the corner toward his office.

  Soon, Carmen Sanders entered the wing, and headed down the hallway. Hawkman waited until Don came down the corridor and hurried out the door before he rose and went to Ms. Sander's office. He knocked and heard her say ‘come in'. When he opened the door, her face fell. She dropped the mail she held in her hand onto the desk and took a deep breath.

  “Oh, it's you.”

  “Sorry, I'm not who you'd like to see, but I've got to talk to you.”

  “I have nothing else to tell you.”

  “You know you haven't leveled with me, so I'm going to keep asking questions until you do. Otherwise, the police will be back next week with their own version, and I don't think you want them harassing you.”

  “I don't know what you mean.”

  Hawkman sat down in front of her desk. “I'm sure Mr. Jackson took care of most of the duties before he had to leave, so why don't you relax and let's talk.”

  She eased down into her desk chair, but remained rigid. “What more do you want to know?”

  “What's the beef between you and Lisa Montgomery?”

  She stared at him. “What are you talking about?”

  “Something's going on between you two. I followed her to your house and read the note she left in your mailbox.”

  Immediately, she jumped up, her eyes wide. “How dare you? It's a federal offense to read other people's mail.”

  “It didn't have a stamp on it. If you want to get technical about it, she shouldn't have put it in your box, as that is a federal offense also. Especially, a threatening note. Have you talked to her since she left it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why didn't she want you to talk to me?”

  “She doesn't want me to say anything that might get her into trouble.”

  “What's she afraid of?”

  “Losing her job.”

  “How could you influence the security of her employment?”

  “Because Mr. Mackle is my uncle, and she thinks I might say something to him that could jeopardize it.”

  “So you're saying she's blackmailing you?”

  A flash of fear crossed her face, as she dropped back into her seat. “Yes.”

  “What has she got against you?”

  “Lots of stuff, so she thinks. Lisa and her mother are evil. My mother warned me about them years ago.”

  “Tell me more.”

  Carmen took a deep breath. “For one, you can't imagine how happy Lisa was when she heard Mrs. Owens had died of an overdose of insulin. It gave her something else to add to her list against me.”

  “What does that have to do with you?”

  “I'm sure you've discovered in your investigation, I'm diabetic and so was my mom. When she had the stroke, things got very complicated because of her diabetes. She had to take medications, plus insulin. I had to run to the pharmacy to pick up some of her medicine and thought she was asleep. When I returned she was in insulin shock. She'd gone to the refrigerator, taken out two syringes, one of mine and one of hers, and injected them both. I called emergency, but she was already dead. It was horrible to watch one you loved so much, die in such a way. To this day Lisa Montgomery accuses me of murdering my mother.”

  Hawkman saw the pain and tears reflected in her face. “Were you charged.”

  “Of course not. The doctor knew my mother was horribly depressed about her condition, and she'd asked him more than once to end her life. Lisa still thinks I gave my mother an overdose.”

  “Does your uncle know about the threats from Ms. Montgomery?”

  Carmen shook her head. “No. I'd never burden him with her pettiness. Besides, he doesn't need to know about all my problems. He's lost his wife, a sister and a son in the war, all in the last five years. Enough heartache and worry for one man in such a short time. To top it off, he fretted about me not having a job when mom died. He took a big chance on
hiring me since I had no prior experience of anything. He's a wonderful man and I'm not about to let him down.”

  “If you were cleared of any charges, why does she continue to torment you?”

  “I wish I knew. I've tried to figure it out. She's never cared for me or my mother. I think she might have been jealous over the attention her mother gave to mine. However, I can't be sure.”

  “You said her mother was evil too. What made you say that?”

  “When my mother was healthy, she used to get real exasperated with May for trying to tell her how to raise me. She accused mom of letting me run wild, which I have to say she did, but it wasn't any of May's business. My dad didn't like her at all and wondered what mom saw in the woman. He always said May had an ulterior motive for befriending mom, as they had nothing in common.”

  “Did it ever surface?”

  “I don't know. Being too young to really understand much of the women's behavior toward one another, I can only tell you what I overheard my folks say.”

  “Did your mother and Lisa's have their strokes close together?”

  “Mom had hers first, then May had one about six weeks later.”

  “Did May ever come to visit your mother?”

  “Not one time, nor did she ever call to ask about her.”

  “Ms. Sanders, I appreciate how candid you've been with me.”

  “Mr. Casey, it's really strange, but I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I really didn't want to talk to you about this stuff, but there's something about your kindness that draws out the inner thoughts of a person.”

  “Thank you.” He rose and picked up his valise. “I'm going to get out of here so you can get to work.” Snapping his fingers, he said. “Oh, by the way. Do you work the weekends?”

  “Mr. Jackson and I trade off every other one. He'll be working this Saturday and Sunday.

  Before he could leave Carmen's office, the door swung open. He grabbed the edge before it hit him in the face as Lisa Montgomery charged into the room.

  She glared at Hawkman, then jerked around and faced Carmen. “I need to talk to you immediately. Please come to my office.”

  He noticed Carmen had thrown back her shoulders, and an invisible armor coated her countenance as she trailed Lisa into the corridor.

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  * * *

  CHAPTER FORTY

  Hawkman left the building and climbed into his 4X4. He sat for a moment pondering over what Carmen had told him. Did she tell the truth, or had she given her mother an overdose of insulin three years ago? He could find out real quick if any charges had been filed. Since the court house had closed for the weekend, he'd need to check with Detective Williams. Accelerating, he left Morning Glory Haven and drove to the police station. Not sure he'd find the detective in his office with the drug case pending, he decided to try.

  He parked in the visitor's section and jogged up the stairs to the front door. When he entered the building, he came upon a hubbub of activity. Catching a few telltale words, he figured the sting had gone down successfully. This was not the time to talk to Williams about an old case. The man would be busy with this mess over the weekend. He twisted on his heel and exited. He'd bide his time until Monday.

  Hawkman drove back to Morning Glory Haven, and hoped to find Maggie in her room after dinner. Glancing around the recreation room, he didn't spot the Hamptons, so he rode the elevator to the second floor and knocked on her door.

  “Come in,” the familiar voice called.

  He found Maggie in a house robe, sitting on the couch by the window, sipping on a drink with a dinner tray on a small table beside her.

  “How come you're not eating at the dining hall?”

  “Hello, Mr. Casey. I've been under the weather today; my arthritis is really acting up. Didn't feel like even getting dressed, much less walking anywhere. I called the chef and he had my meal sent up.”

  “I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling good. Can I do anything for you?” he asked, sitting down on the opposite sofa.

  “No, George has run to get one of my prescriptions refilled before the pharmacy closes. What do you need?”

  “I don't want to bother you if you're not up to it.”

  “It's okay, as long as you don't want me to dance a jig.”

  Hawkman smiled. “At least you've still got your sense of humor.”

  “Have to, or I'd cry.”

  “I wondered if you've ever met Lisa Montgomery's mother?”

  “Oh, yes. Her name is May. She helps out when they have special events.”

  “Is she hired to do these things?”

  “I don't know. She does show up at many of the regular doings. I've seen her at bingo several times. There's a certain group of people she's real friendly toward.”

  “Makes sense, with her daughter working here. She's probably encouraged people to check out this place. Have you had any personal contact with the woman?”

  “No, I don't think she likes me.”

  “Why?”

  “I tried to visit with her one day when she sat next to me at a piano recital. She brushed me off like I was a bug on her sleeve.”

  “Probably your imagination.”

  “She did it more than once. So I avoid her.”

  “So you're saying she's snooty?”

  Maggie laughed. “Great word, describes her exactly.”

  “Does her daughter accompany her to these events?”

  “Oh, I'm sure she's around, but doesn't have the freedom to socialize like her mother does. She's all business, and works behind the scenes.”

  “Did you know May had a stroke several years ago?”

  “I've heard talk, but it must have been before I arrived. You certainly wouldn't know it looking at her today.”

  George opened the door and hobbled inside. “Ah, ha, caught you. Can't leave my good looking woman alone for any time before some guy's knocking at her door.”

  Maggie giggled. “Cut it out, you dirty old man.”

  Hawkman grinned. “I'd hoped to get out of here before you returned.”

  “How's the investigation going?” George asked,

  “I'm working on it, but right now it seems stalled.”

  George shook his head. “Sorry to hear such news. I'd hoped it would have come to a head by now.”

  “I still have questions that need to be answered. I don't even know if you can help me.”

  “Shoot, we can try,” George said, flopping into the overstuffed chair and leaning his cane against the side.

  “How does the emergency alarm system work, say, if someone falls in the middle of the night and pushes the button? Who calls the paramedics?”

  “Oh, I can answer,” Maggie said. “When they lock up at night, the alarm system automatically goes straight to the 911 service.”

  “So there's no one on duty downstairs after ten at night?”

  “No, not in our section.”

  “How do the paramedics get in?”

  “They must have a special password, because one night an older man down the hall, got up after midnight to go to the bathroom, slipped on some water on the floor and couldn't get up. He managed to punch the button or pull the cord, there are two ways you can activate it. Anyway, the emergency crew came right up.”

  “Makes sense. So who's here until ten?”

  “Usually Jackson or Sanders,” George said. “I've seen them roaming the halls when I leave at night.”

  “Do you by any chance know if they work split shifts, or do they come in later?”

  George shrugged. “I have no idea. You'll have to ask the person. It's hard to remember the times I've spotted them about the place.”

  Hawkman rose. “I'll get out of here so Maggie can rest.” Holding onto the door knob he turned to George. “You take care of the little lady. Can't have her sick.”

  “She'll be fine by tomorrow. Not much can keep my gal down.”

  He left the Hamptons and wen
t down to the first floor lounge where he flopped down on the large couch facing a huge fireplace. He looked out over the recreation room and noted the population had thinned considerably. A few stragglers in a hot checker game and a couple tables of bridge were still going strong. He checked his watch and noted the time to be eight thirty. Picking up a newspaper someone had left on the sofa, he read the first page; then a sound of laughter echoed from the bridge table and the couples stood. He heard them talking about their next time. They soon left and the only ones remaining were two men, seriously contemplating their checker moves.

  By nine-thirty, the room had cleared. A cleaning woman made her way into the area with a vacuum and dust cloth. It didn't take her long before she had the room back in order, then she made her way into the lounge. Hawkman took his paper, went into the far corner of the recreation center where a television and small couch stood. When the lights in the hallway dimmed, he noted the other lights went off, and a clicking noise sounded as the front door threw on the night lock, then a small light above the door came on. He reached over, tried the switch on the lamp and it turned on. The overhead and door locks must be set on timers, he thought. Quite a technical operation.

  The employees filed out of the dining room, and all left through the front door. Soon, George came down the elevator and headed across the room.

  When he spotted Hawkman, he stopped. “You still here?”

  “Just observing. I noted It doesn't matter if you leave the building from inside, but you can't come in. Is that right?”

  “Yep. I always make sure I've got everything when I leave Maggie, as I'd hate to have her come down here and let me back in.”

  “How would you notify her? You don't have a cell.”

  “There's an in-house phone right outside the front door. I'd call her from there.”

  Hawkman shook his head. “Boy, this place thinks of everything.”

  George waved. “I'm getting tired, so I'm heading out.”

  Must be hard for him coming here every day, he thought, as he watched the old fellow limp out the door with the aid of his cane.

  Hawkman had just about given up on seeing who had the shift until ten tonight, when the elevator door opened and Lisa Montgomery stepped out. An older woman accompanied her and they were chatting as they headed for the front door. He moved in front of them and Lisa jumped, putting her hand to her throat.