Molly went on to report a list of four residents who had several violations. “Hank Davis topped the list with big and small problems. He would leave his garbage can at the curb days after the pickup. Then he built a tree house for Kevin in their backyard without getting a permit. When he had to replace his hot water heater, Mr. Davis drained the water into the street. These are all violations according to the rules of the development which were never enforced until Edith Compton arrived.”
Next on the list were the Wilsons. Ben had started building a storage shed in the corner of their backyard. Unfortunately Ben had failed to put it the required 5 feet from the property line. It all had to be torn out. Edith also reported them for minor issues. Ben never did try to rebuild.
“The Winters and Smiths were next but both moved away about a year ago. Maybe they couldn’t put up with the harassment.”
Kate was about to speak when Annie silently stopped her. “That was good information Molly. Now let’s hear from Polly.”
Polly, usually the rather shy twin, spoke right up. “I was able to Google the Comptons in Chicago. They both had worked for the same investment firm but in different departments. I made some calls to the firm but even with all my charm I couldn’t get anyone to talk about Edith. In fact, there was quite a chill on the line when I asked to speak with any of her coworkers. I don’t think she was well-liked by very many.”
“Thank you both for your reports. I will be attending the funeral this Thursday. I’ll ask Owen to come back here afterwards. Why don’t we all meet and give him some emotional support.” Then Annie asked Kate for her input.
Kate went on to talk about her neighbors. Most people tried very hard to avoid Edith and fortunately many escaped being reported for anything.
The Wilsons were the exception. Maybe the fact that they were older and didn’t always have their place looking up to Edith’s standards.
“About three weeks ago Ben suffered a stroke and was in the hospital for a week. Now he is at Nelson’s Retirement Home for some rehab. It just breaks my heart to see how both Ben and Alice have aged. I’m sure the stress caused all of this.
“Now, I have a confession to make to everyone here.” Kate braced herself, sat up on the edge of the sofa and went on to tell her story.
“I know that you all wondered about Hank Davis being the killer. Well, I’m his alibi for that night.”
Annie started to say something but Kate raised her arm to stop her.
“Do you remember the day I brought the kids to decorate cookies?”
Annie nodded her head.
“At the time Denise was out with the flu. By Sunday night, Hank’s son Kevin was sick too. Hank called me to go over to see Kevin. Since Mac had left that day for a business trip I felt free to go over. They live just the next street over and our backyards meet.”
Kate took a deep breath and continued. “Kevin was running a fever and throwing up but nothing unusual. I stayed and visited with Hank. He needed a friend to ease his concerns. Before I realized the time was late. Hank was starting to doze off. I quietly left and went home. I don’t really think that Hank Davis woke up and suddenly decided to go out to kill Edith Compton. Now I’d rather hope I don’t have to make a public statement. My husband would never understand.”
Everyone in the group breathed a sigh of relief. They were so happy to know that Hank couldn’t be a suspect.
Taylor was sitting in the rocking chair hugging her favorite denim covered pillow and gently rocking back and forth. While listening to all the reports, she wished she could be more helpful.
“Tomorrow I’ll be spending time with Taylor. Got to check out the shops in town. If you have anything to report just call my cell.”
Annie was pleased with the posse’s progress. “Thanks again for all your work.” As the group left, Annie and Taylor straightened up the kitchen and got ready for bed.
“Aunt Annie thanks for treating me as an adult. I like being part of this group.”
Chapter 9
Edith Compton’s funeral was to be at the mortuary on Thursday at 3 PM. There was little doubt that many friends would attend; enemies maybe, the killer hopefully. Annie was primed to seek out the villain.
It was a rather gray day with a forecast of snowstorms for the weekend. Perfect weather for a funeral. Dressed in her best black outfit, kept for just these occasions, Annie arrived at Walker’s Funeral Home on Wade Street.
A few people were in attendance. Near the front was Owen Compton, looking very sad and lonely. Then there was a young man dressed casually in jeans and a leather jacket. He gave off such vibes that said don’t mess with me. There seem to be a lot of anger in his very muscular body. Where have I seen that man before, he looks very familiar Annie thought to herself. Why is he here? Maybe he was a relative of the deceased.
Before Annie could give any more thought the minister started the service. Thankfully it was quite brief and since Owen had Edith’s body cremated there was no graveside service.
Owen Compton was at the front door shaking hands with everyone. He explained that he was Edith husband of 15 years.
Annie’s heart went out to this very sad and weary man. “Mr. Compton would you like to come by my house now for some refreshments? You look tired.”
After accepting Annie’s offer, Owen made arrangements to pick up the urn that contained Edith’s ashes later that day.
Taylor had set out coffee and snacks, fully expecting her aunt would invite the posse to stop by.
When Annie and Owen arrived the group was already gathered. Annie introduced Owen to them.
After Owen was settled on the sofa, he began to relax and talk about his years with Edith. “We were in our 40s when we met and got married. She was a senior accountant for a large investment company. Edith had rules for everything and was very disciplined. We did have some good times in the beginning but eventually the stress of her position became too much. Edith took early retirement since she felt that the new management did not operate by the rules. Then she asked me for a divorce. I don’t think she was any happier living here.”
“Your ex-wife really made some enemies here in town. Our group is trying to find out who killed her.” Molly went on to explain about the posse. Owen seemed pleased that they were trying to solve the crime.
After visiting awhile, Owen was ready to leave for the night, suddenly very tired. “I’ll be here for a couple of days sorting through Edith’s things. Thankfully she was renting so I’ll only have to deal with her personal things.” Polly offered to help pack up the clothes. “Our church sends clothing to our sister parish in Mexico and there is always a need for nice things.”
Owen graciously accepted the offer. He was standing a bit taller as he left Annie’s. A brighter look to otherwise gray complexion. Hopefully he didn’t feel so alone in his grief. Suddenly Annie remembered where she had seen that young man before today. It had been at the Second Hand Shop last week; he was with Alice Wilson.
Kate stated that he was the Wilson’s grandson. “He’s home for the holidays and helping out while Ben is in rehab. It was really upsetting to Nick to find his grandparents in such poor shape. I’ll admit they have really aged this past year.”
“Well, I have a very un-easy feeling about this young man,” confessed Annie.
Taylor was helping with the cleanup when the group started to disband. She liked being part of the drama. Fortunately, her mom hadn’t heard about the murder. “Hope this gets solved before I have to go back home.”
“I’ll be driving you back on Sunday, so we have some serious work to do.”
Chapter 10
Annie left for the Police Department Friday morning after getting the café under control. She had promised Taylor to do something special later that day. Time is growing short and still Annie and Taylor really hadn't done much together.
Julie was at the front desk at the police station. Annie asked to speak with Chief Sparks. While waiting for him to answer, Julie aske
d how the posse was doing on the case. How did that get out? Small towns seem to have eyes and ears everywhere. Annie chose not to answer, trying to cover up her frustration by searching in her purse for a mint.
Sam was walking down the hall and seeing Annie standing in the front office, asked, “Can I help you, Ms. Parker?”
“I need to see you for a few minutes. I promise not to be long.”
Guiding her back to his office Sam placed his hand on the small of her back. Just a slight touch but oh what that did to her libido. Closing the door to his office, he guided her to a chair where Annie just melted into the plastic.
“Okay, what’s up?” He sure wasn’t one for small talk this morning.
“First of all Sam, keep an open mind and a closed mouth while I tell you a story. It is short and to the point so you won’t be wasting too much time on me.”
“Annie, just get on with it. I know I won’t have any peace till you have your say.”
Annie went on to tell him about the posse and their activities. Trying not to leave any detail out, she ended up with the conclusion that Nick needed to be questioned.
“My, you have been busy Annie. I tell you what, why don’t you take my chair and I’ll go down and run the café.”
“I just knew you would take that attitude. Maybe I’ll find Nick and question him myself.”
“Simmer down a minute; let me do some checking. I want you to know that I did have a chat with the ex-husband when he came to town on Wednesday afternoon. He had an alibi for Saturday night. The captain of his bowling team vouched for his whereabouts. Mr. Compton joined a bowling team when his wife left him.
“I have also looked into the records and found that Hank Davis was high on the list of suspects. I did question him but for right now, he seems to have an alibi. Something about a sick kid and a neighbor who was with him that night.” Sam gave a deep sigh. “Don’t suppose you know anything about this?”
“We were trying to keep this quiet. Yes, Kate was at Hank’s house that night. I’m not really sure what is happening with the two of them, Thanks for that bit of information. Now, if you would check into this Nick. You won’t regret it.”
Then Sam went on to say that the Wilsons were high on the list too. “After I had a visit with Mrs. Wilson I quickly found that she has been dealing with her husband’s illness. So Annie, I have been busy too.”
As Annie left the police station she noticed how the sky was clear and the sun was shining. Here’s hoping that the storm holds off few days; Annie wasn’t looking forward to that drive back to Kansas.
Rushing back to the café, Annie was thinking about maybe taking Taylor out for dinner. Somewhere special, since she didn't know when she’d see her niece next. Hopefully for part of the summer.
Roy and Caitlyn had the café under control. Fortunately those two were working out well together. There were no big problems. Caitlyn was good with the customers, having lived here all of her 19 years. She was able to ask about their families and be sincere with replies.
Annie spent most of the afternoon getting Saturday’s baking done. Since it would be New Year’s Eve, she didn’t really expect too many stopping by.
It was already four o’clock when Annie finally finished up for the day. Just a quick call to Taylor about dinner plans.
“Where would you like to dine tonight?”
“Why don’t we order pizza? Have that and popcorn and watch a movie. I still have some packing to do.”
“Okay, see you soon. Got to go. Someone just came in; surely they know we’re closed.”
Annie started to turn around to see the intruder; a gloved hand went over her mouth. A cold voice said, “Hang up the phone very gently. You and I are going to have a chat.”
Chapter 11
Where could Annie be; it’s going on 5 o’clock. Taylor was getting hungry for some pizza. Along with being hungry, she was worried. Not like her aunt to be late for anything; especially with this being their last night together.
By 5:30 Taylor was really anxious. She had called the women in the posse but no one had seen or heard from her aunt. Next she felt she had to call Chief Sparks. Thankfully Annie had his cell number on the kitchen bulletin board.
“Sparks here.”
“Chief Sparks this is Taylor, Annie Parker’s niece.”
“Taylor, how can I help you?”
“Chief Sparks, I’m getting worried about my aunt.” With a tearful voice Taylor went on to tell him about the phone call and their plans for the evening, “She still hasn’t gotten home and I’m worried.”
“Maybe she stopped off to pick up something at Carl’s Groceries or to see one of her friends.”
“I have called the café but there’s no answer then I have called everyone I can think of and no one has seen her.” Taylor felt that the Chief wasn’t any help.
“Taylor, I’m coming by in a few minutes and see if we can sort this out.” With that Sam hung up. He was feeling a bit uneasy about the call from Taylor. Having been to see Mrs. Wilson that afternoon, Sam wanted to take a closer look at Nick Wilson. Alice Wilson admitted that her grandson was very bitter about coming home to see his grandparents in such poor health. Nick seemed to blame a lot on stress caused by “that neighbor.”
About 15 minutes had passed when the doorbell rang. Taylor was relieved that the chief was finally here.
Throwing the door open, Taylor was shocked to see her parents on the doorstep.
“Surprise Taylor!” Her parents were all smiley and happy. “We’re here to drive you home this weekend. We came early so we could visit and see some of the town.”
“Oh, my God!” Taylor was overwhelmed with emotions. Both with seeing her parents and dealing with her missing aunt.
“Well, can we come in? Where’s Annie? We came by the café but it was all dark so we figured you were both here.”
“Mom, Dad come in and sit down. I’m afraid you won’t be too happy when I tell you what’s been happening.”
Just then, the doorbell rang. Oh boy, thought Taylor that must be the chief.
Sam followed Taylor into the living room. She introduced him to her parents, and then let him give them a quick rundown on the murder and the missing Annie.
After questioning Taylor, Sam left to begin the search. Sue and Dave were still in a state of shock. Wanting to be helpful but didn’t have a clue of where to begin, they just sat on the sofa staring off into space.
Taylor did the only thing she could think of, by making tea for the three of them.
Chapter 12
Annie struggled to free herself from the tight hold this madman had on her. She did strike out at him, hitting him in the face and arms but he didn’t seem to notice. He was wearing that same leather jacket which reminded Annie of some gang member; I’ll bet he has a few tattoos under it.
Nick finally got Annie under control and strapped in a chair. With a gag in her mouth, she had no way of calling for help. Knowing the shop owners had closed up and gone for home for the night there was really no one to hear her. Most families were either home or out to dinner on a Friday night. Only an occasional window shopper was on the street.
“Don’t get all excited, I just want to slow down your Chief of Police. I’d rather he spend the time looking for you, not me. Rumor has it that he is sweet on you, so I know that he won’t stop until you are found. I want you to know that I didn’t like the way you were looking at me during the funeral. It made me think that you started the police checking into me.
“Who are you anyway? One of the do-gooders of the world! Your friend was by to see my grandmother today and asked a lot of questions. Thankfully I was able to sneak out the kitchen way. I hated to leave without saying ‘goodbye’ to my grandparents.”
Nick went on to tell Annie about coming home each Christmas and spending time with his grandparents. “Gran always baked my favorite goodies and cooked the best meals. We would spend a quiet Christmas together talking over old times, back before my
parents had been killed in an auto accident one icy night. I always helped with the decorating. We would do the outside with lights along the hedge and along the porch railing. Inside we put out all the old time favorite decorations. Of course there was always a fresh tree to trim in the living room. This year there is nothing to celebrate. Some Grinch stole Christmas. I found two broken souls, the spirit wiped out of them.”
This big strong man was slowly starting to crumble before Annie’s eyes she was beginning to feel sorry for him. But then when he looked at her with those cold hard eyes and set facial features, she just felt terrified. “Oh, please somebody come find me,” Annie silently whispered to herself.
Nick was pacing back and forth not quite sure of his next move. He had found a storage room in the back where he could stash his victim. Now he needed to get her back there. He knew that he had spent too much time reminiscing.
Not wanting to release her from the chair, he decided to drag the chair and the contents to the back room. She was a lot stronger than she looked. Nick found that out when he first tried to subdue her; he had the scratches and soon to be black and blue areas on his arms and legs to prove it.
With some effort Nick was able to drag her down the hall and shove her into the room. Still seething with anger, he gave the chair a final push knocking it over. Annie hit her head on the edge of the mop bucket causing her to pass out. Nick looked at her dispassionately then closed and locked the door. “That should hold you awhile.”
Nick left by the back door after checking to be sure the front door was locked, the closed sign in place and all the lights off. Then he was off to his truck that was parked on the side street. It was time to get out of this burg.
He didn’t know where he was headed but it wasn’t back to San Diego. Nick needed to head for the hills and keep a low profile.
Chapter 13
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