Birds of a Feather (An Agnes Barton Senior Sleuth Mystery Book 9)

by Madison Johns

“They probably keep you on call,” Eleanor said. “Right?”

  “You got it. Lucky, too, since my mother in-law was headed over to my house. I have better ways to be in pain, if you catch my drift.”

  “Don’t you have a truck to take off in and mud bog?”

  “If that’s any way of asking me if I run folks off the road, you’ll have to speak to my wife. She made me sell my truck when we started having children. I’m now the proud owner of a mini van, but don’t spread that around.”

  “So, basically everyone who owns a truck in Iosco County is on your suspect list?” Peterson asked with a laugh.

  “Jimmy was the one who told us a truck was involved.”

  “The tires were quite wide, it was a truck all right, but these ladies are just trying to figure out who is instilling terror on travelers on Plank Road. I’ve seen the traffic way less than what it was and two people I know have put their houses up for sale.”

  “That’s drastic,” I declared.

  “I agree, but if this case isn’t solved soon, Tawas will certainly have fewer people living on that road.”

  Peterson cleared his throat. “I’m sure that won’t be the case. People are just overreacting.”

  “You wouldn’t feel like you were overreacting if you were practically run off the road,” June said with a curt nod.

  “In the future it might be better if nobody pokes around on that road.”

  “I’m shocked nobody else has called the police when a truck showed up behind them,” Eleanor said.

  “Who would be able to do that with some truck smashing into your vehicle?” Mrs. Patterson said. “It was quite nerve wracking.”

  We waited until the car was hoisted into the air and Jimmy drove off with it before we promised June and Mrs. Patterson we’d find out who tried to run them off the road, even if Peterson rolled his eyes as I said it.

  I started the engine and followed Peterson out of the drive and back onto US 23. We followed him to the edge of Oscoda, where he flipped on the sirens and flashers, losing us quite easily.

  “I swear he did that on purpose,” Eleanor insisted.

  “I hope he did and it’s not something else. I’m not sure I can take much more.”

  “Are we going to hunt down those birdwatchers and ask them what really happened to them?”

  “I believe we were told they'd be taking seminars today.”

  “So, when are we going to check out where Stephan lives?”

  “Now. I want to ask Clara a few more questions, like how she really felt about her son dating Mary.”

  “But Peterson told us to stay away from her.”

  “Since when do we listen to him?”

  “Since I don't want to be under arrest.”

  I just shook my head. “What time is it?”

  “How in blazes do I know? You know my radio clock doesn't work.”

  “I think this Cadillac is too old to have that feature.”

  “You know, I think you're right.”

  “I sure wish I had that on tape. Lord knows you rarely say that.”

  “I might not say it, but I think it quite a bit.”

  “I’m just happy to have you alongside me on cases. This one is stumping me. Jimmy isn't guilty of anything other than admitting he has an annoying mother in-law.”

  “So that leaves us back to Stephan and checking out Betsie Sue's place. I sure hope we don't get shot, Agnes.”

  “That's why we're going there after dark. It will be safer that way.”

  “I don't think anyone who’s quick on the draw is safe for us to be investigating.”

  “All I care to know is what the lady drives.”

  “And if she likes to target practice in the woods. She had to have seen something if she did.”

  “But since she ordered us off her property more than once, we had better be careful.”

  It was smooth sailing all the way into Tawas and I made it up Plank Road to Stephan’s address that Elsie had given me. When I pulled in, his truck was parked near the brick house and I braked hard and skidded to the side of the road.

  We then snuck up toward the truck and ducked down, walking on the far side of the truck, hoping not to be discovered. When I was at the front of the truck I just knew we might have been mistaken about Stephan. The fragrance of wax wafted in the air and his truck wasn’t marred by even a drop of dirt. The front of his truck wasn’t damaged and didn’t have any paint missing. It was just as flawless on the other side of the truck. The only damage looked to be on the driver’s side, quarter panel where he ran into Andrew’s LX.

  I heard the sound of wood creaking and suddenly found myself stared down by Stephan, who asked, “What are you doing by my truck?”

  “Checking out your wax job?”

  His eyes narrowed. “Have you convinced yourself that I haven’t been running cars off the road, now?”

  “Actually, it seems like you care too much for this truck of yours to do something like that.”

  “You might say that. I’m sorry I was so rude at Clara’s house. I’m not used to being accused of killing my girlfriend’s son.”

  “You damaged my husband’s LX.”

  “I was a little drunk when I did that. I’ll be happy to pay for any deductible you have.”

  “Why are you being so nice now? Clara complained about us to the sheriff.”

  “She calmed down since then. Would you like to come in and speak with her? If you don’t plan on accusing her of having something to do with her son’s death.”

  “I’d love to speak with her, but out here, if you please.”

  “Still don’t trust me?”

  “I don’t trust anyone.”

  “She doesn’t even trust me,” Eleanor admitted with a wink.

  I gulped when he went back inside. There was no way I’d be going inside his house even if I no longer suspected him. Why did he make such an abrupt turn around? Did he really only act like that before because he was drinking?

  Clara stumbled out the door with a beer in her hand. “What do you two want?”

  “We only have one question for you and we’re real sorry for making it sound like we thought you had something to do with your son’s accident,” I said.

  “It’s just that we get a little anxious when we’re investigating cases, especially when nobody seems to believe your son and his friend were murdered,” Eleanor explained.

  Tears dropped from Clara’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I overreacted when I phoned the sheriff. I just hope you don’t think I’d have anything to do with my son’s death. I’ll really miss him and his bird watching club.” She paused. “What was it you wanted to know?”

  “We were told that you didn’t want your son to date Mary.”

  “Is it true or were we told wrong?” Eleanor asked.

  “Like I told you, Donald was too shy to ask Mary out.”

  I fished out the photo I found and showed it to Clara. “Does this photo look like they weren’t dating?”

  Clara trembled. “Can I keep this picture? I have so few of Donald and his friends.”

  “I’d be happy to give it to you since we found it in the wreckage of one of the cars, but right now we still need it for our investigation.”

  “I understand. I really liked Mary, but that Janice would never allow them to really be together, even if they had really wanted to.”

  “Would Janice be the type of woman to warn Mary off?”

  “She would, but if Donald found out about that, he wouldn’t have stood by idly. He’d have confronted Janice, even kicked her out of the group.”

  “I see. Well, I do appreciate all your help.”

  Clara hugged me then and I knew she really was grieving for her son. She certainly wasn’t the cold woman I had thought she might be.

  Eleanor and I walked down to where the Cadillac was and before we got to it, a red pickup truck smashed into it. The wheels spun, but the truck wasn’t able to pull away. I raced down to the road and p
ulled out my cell phone, snapping pictures while Eleanor called 9-1-1.

  The door to the truck was thrown open and someone ran into the woods, with us hot on the trail. Branches struck us, some of them white pine needles, but we didn’t stop for a moment until the person jumped across the creek. I got a glimpse of the person and saw it was a woman. It was that Betsie Sue, who lived near where the wrecks had happened.

  Since I couldn’t catch my breath, we went back to Eleanor’s smashed up car. Both the sheriff and two state police cruisers skidding to a stop moments later. I smiled when I saw Deputy Ellis. “Apparently, we can’t blame the deputy for any wrong doing. He certainly wasn’t behind the wheel of that truck.”

  “He’s only guilty of not doing his job,” Eleanor insisted.

  “What happened?” Peterson asked.

  “We were here asking Clara Downey a few questions and when we went back to our car, a truck crashed into it.”

  “The driver was a woman and she ran into the woods with us on the chase,” Eleanor said.

  “And I bet you’ll find the paint missing off this truck that matches the wrecked cars, even Mrs. Patterson’s.”

  “Do you expect us to guess, or are you planning on telling us who you saw running from the truck?”

  “It was Betsie Sue Henry. I could show you where she lives, which isn’t all that far from the scene of the accidents. It was on her property that we found those shell casings.”

  “Donald’s car wasn’t shot at.”

  “You mean it wasn’t struck by a bullet, but I don’t believe she shot at Donald’s car. She was too busy running Donald off the road.”

  “Why would she do that?”

  “I guess you’ll never find out unless you pick her up for questioning.”

  “Fine. Hop into my cruiser and we’ll go there now.”

  We sat in the back and Peterson drove to the location we gave him directions for. When he pulled up into the driveway, a car was coming down, thrown quickly into park. Sirens were blasted and Peterson raced to the top of the driveway. The police pursued the woman, who exited the car. Thankfully Trooper Sales opened our door and we followed the police from a safe distance.

  It only took a few minutes before the woman was caught and handcuffed. She was then led to a waiting police car. It was indeed Betsie Sue.

  “It doesn’t surprise me that you were the one who was running people off the road on Plank. I imagine those birdwatchers trespassed on your property and you were lurking around with that truck of yours, waiting for them to come back. I hope you know you’re responsible for the death of two people. Since you intentionally ran them off the road, you do know that’s murder, right?” I shouted.

  “Then you lured a couple of old ladies from Oscoda out here and tried to run them off the road, but it didn’t work out so good for you, did it?” Eleanor added.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I haven’t run anyone off the road and the only people who were trespassing on my property were the two of you.”

  “And you just happened to have a truck that smashed into our car?”

  “That was an unfortunate accident. You were parked half in the road.”

  “We really need to get Betsie Sue to the station,” Peterson said. “It looks like you two figured out who ran those cars off the road.”

  “I didn’t do it, I tell you!” she shouted.

  We watched until she was put in the back of a cruiser and it made way for the station, presumably. I called Andrew to pick us up, telling him not to worry and that Eleanor’s car was smashed, but we weren’t in the car when it happened.

  I stood on the side of the road with Eleanor. I only hoped they’d be able to compile enough evidence against Betsie Sue to charge her. Tawas needed to feel safe again.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Andrew pulled up and parked in a hurry, then bolted toward me. He grabbed my shoulders, before crushing me into him with a tight hug. “I can’t breathe,” I told him.

  “Sorry. I’m just so glad to see that you’re okay.”

  “I can’t believe my car is smashed like that,” Eleanor said. “It was the sickest thing to see, a truck smashing into my car so hard that it was stuck in the wreckage.”

  I then brought Andrew up to speed about who was really responsible.

  “It sounds like you’ve done it once again.”

  I hoped I had, anyway. This sure seemed to wrap up at warped speed. “Let’s go home. It’s been a long few days.”

  “Now, that’s the best thing you’ve said in two days.”

  We took Eleanor home and Mr. Wilson was impatiently waiting by the door. “It’s about time, Peaches,” he called out to her.

  She ran up the walk and hugged Wilson, until he muttered, “Are you trying to kill me?”

  “No, there’s already too much killing around this place for me.”

  We waved as we took off and Andrew squeezed my hand. “It’s good to have you back.”

  “It’s good to be back. I never expected to get into a case so quickly after we came home.”

  “That’s how you work. So, are you relieved that this is over?”

  “Yes, two old ladies were practically ran off the road just last night.”

  “When you say old ladies, what do you mean? That they’re seventy-five?”

  “No. One of them is ninety-two and I’m not sure how old the other one is.”

  He smiled. “I’d sure like to meet a woman that age who could stay on the road when some crazy person was trying to run her off the road.”

  “Her friend was behind the wheel and apparently has driven in demolition derbies, quite a few of them if you ask her.”

  “I can’t wait to meet them. I think it’s about time we hosted a party for a change.”

  “The only thing that bothers me is that those ladies called the police and the deputy who answered the call, he never even made a report. Does he think people our age are too confused to know if we were almost ran off the road or not?”

  “I can’t speak for him, but people make mistakes, including law enforcement.”

  “I know that, but it bothers me that the deputy didn’t do his job like he’s supposed to. Is it really just up to him to decide who is to be believed and not?”

  “He might have had a bad day.”

  “Most of us have bad days, but that hardly excuses a deputy from not taking that kind of thing seriously. I hope he’s punished in some way.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about that. I’m sure the sheriff will take care of it.”

  After Andrew drove in the driveway, Martha and Captain Hamilton stood at the door. Martha was holding a bottle of champagne in her hands.

  I smiled as I met them. “What’s the occasion?”

  “I heard through the grapevine that you and Eleanor solved another case.”

  “How did you hear it that quick?”

  “You should know the grapevine around Tawas travels fast. It’s hard to keep a story like this quiet. I’m so happy the one who has been running people off the road was finally caught. People in town will feel so much safer.”

  I opened the door and Duchess clawed at my leg. I sighed as I made way for the cat food and asked, “How are things going between you two?”

  “Adam started a business,” Martha said. “He’s now the proud owner of a boat he plans to use for a charter business.”

  I raised a brow. “What does he know about where to find fish?”

  “Fish? I was thinking about taking people out for a scenic view of Lake Huron.”

  We laughed until Captain Hamilton frowned. “I suppose I might need to research fishing sights on Lake Huron.”

  “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” I patted his hand. “Of course Martha should have explained how things work here.”

  “I didn’t really have time. Adam surprised me. I can even help him out.”

  “How, by sunning yourself on deck? It’s not like you’ve ever really worked for a living.�
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  “I make jewelry and sell it online.”

  “How do you have time to do that when you’re gallivanting around with Captain Hamilton?”

  “Please call me Adam.”

  “Since you’ve once again talking are captaining a boat, I think I’ll continue to call you Captain Hamilton.”

  Andrew frowned. “Now, Agnes, that’s not right and you know it.”

  “Why don’t you open the champagne, dear?”

  I pulled out the glasses while Andrew popped the cork, sending Duchess scurrying out of the way. He poured the bubbly and I said, “We’re having a party tomorrow and I hope the both of you can make it.”

  “Just us or all your friends?”

  “All my friends, why?”

  “I just wondered. I’ll use the phone tree and call everyone, asking them to bring a dish to pass.”

  “Phone tree? I thought that was only for us senior-aged people, even though neither Eleanor or me are on it.”

  “Elsie told me that was because you’re both so busy that she doesn’t want to bother you.”

  “I suppose that makes sense.”

  We toasted to Adam’s new business venture. “I’ll try to find a few people to help you find the best fishing places on Lake Huron, Adam,” I said. I might as well call him by his first name.

  “I’d appreciate it,” he said, downing his drink. “We should get going, Martha. I’ll have to whip up something really special.”

  I can’t say I was sad to see them leave since I really was exhausted. I walked them to their car and waved as they pulled out of the drive. I glanced overhead and the nearly full moon was overhead, and I sighed at how peaceful it was outside. Crickets chirped and fireflies lit up the woods nearby. Even an owl hooted overhead on a tree branch. I loved my house and was glad that Andrew chose to move in with me here after we married. I can’t imagine ever living anywhere else.

  “Are you coming in or—”

  “I’m coming,” I said. “You don’t have to rush me. It’s a wonderful night.”

  Andrew joined me outside and we swayed on the bench swing until the mosquitos drove us back inside. Only then did I head for bed, falling asleep not long after.

  * * *

  The sound of pounding made my head throb and I sprang from bed to see what was going on. I grabbed my robe and put it on, padding barefoot outside. There in the backyard were Andrew, Curt, and Curtis, with a pile of bricks.