“Sadie,” Burt’s tone was suspiciously calm, “That’s impossible. I really can’t fathom such a thing. Sarah loved Francis very much, and, I love Mary. Are you sure the witness is solid?”
“Yes. I saw the video myself.” Shaking his head, Burt closed the front door and stepped onto the porch, very close to Sadie.
“I guess I’ll have to babysit Bubba a little longer than expected. But you mentioned Detective Flores was coming here tonight, to arrest me? Why? For what reason?”
“Burt, Mary told us about your financial problems. Weknow you’re involved with Larry Phibbs’ murder.”
Burt took three backward strides then pivoted, stepping off the front porch and onto the driveway. Maxi and Bubba were still off chasing their prey. Sadie figured he was checking on their where bouts. Turning in her direction Burt asked, “So, Detective Flores is coming here tonight to…”
“Charge you with Larry’s murder.”
“And you both think I did it?”
“Yes.” A long silence seemed to sit on the chirping crickets.
“I was hoping you’d turn yourself in, Burt. I think a judge would go easier on you, if you went that route.”
Burt turned to look down a path that led to the river, where the dock and boathouse resided. He called out to Maxie and Bubba but distant barking was their only reply. He moved a few yards down the path.
“You know, Sadie, Otterhounds have a phenomenal sense of smell. They have Bloodhounds in their genes. They’ve got this tendency to roam, and see cats and small critters as prey. I’ll have a hard time getting them to come in the house any time soon. I think they’re chasing a rabbit, hopefully it’s not a skunk.”
Again, Burt turned and walked even further down the path. Sadie could just make out the hydroplane and jet boat from the front porch. The sky was getting darker by the minute.
Not sure what Burt was up to, Sadie decided to move off the porch and follow him. Although he was several yards away, he was still within earshot. “Burt, slow down. Wait for me.”
Burt ignored her plea, turned tail and sprinted down the path. Sadie dashed after him. When she was just a few yards from the boat dock, he untied the cleat hitch and jumped into the hydroplane. Headlights caught Sadie’s attention. That must be Dora and Timothy!
“Burt. Don’t! Please don’t run! You need to speak with a lawyer. I know you’ve found yourself in a big mess but running won’t help.”
Two small lights moved from the driveway and down the river path. Sadie concluded her friends were using flashlights.
“Sadie, I can’t. I won’t survive prison.” Burt moved to the bow of his hydroplane. Sadie jumped into the docked jet boat and freed it from the hitch.
“I can’t believe I actually let Mary talk me into this mess. She told me I had to prove my love for her. Where was my head? She’s never loved me. She just used me. I’m an absolute fool! She’s incapable of loving anyone, except her sister and her dogs.”
Burt started the ignition and backed out of the boathouse. The noise from the hydroplane was intense as it launched down the river. Sadie was pretty sure his last words were, “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry I killed Larry!”
Sadie knew the jet boat was no match for his hydroplane, but she wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. Thankful for her old summer job at Hellgate Jetboat Excursions, she put her navigational and river guide experience to the test. Shifting into neutral, she started the engine, making sure the throttle levers were in an idle position before shifting. Dora and Timothy reached the dock just in time to see Sadie raced down the Rogue River in the moonlight.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: Athena’s Clash of Cymbals
Sadie knew the Rogue River like the back of her hand. It had several dangerous spots, which varied every year due to the ever-changing water level. A boat could easily lose its hull moving too quickly through shallow rocky areas and the lack of daylight was disconcerting. Even so, she simply swallowed hard and hugged the right side of the bank, upping the throttle to 40 mpg’s.
Heading downstream, she was thankful she had the right-of-way. It was much easier to drive up river, so she was really being put to the test. Sadie heard Burt’s hydroplane as it roared its way to the center of town, and to the edge of Riverside Park.
Hoping Burt would change his mind and turn back, she pressed on in her pursuit. Coming to a curve in the river, she moved the jet boat to the left of the waterway and navigated through a particularly difficult spot.
Two years back, a young couple lost their lives while passing through the exact location. It had been a particularly dry summer and the driver underestimated the shallowness of the slow moving channel, just past the deep curve in the river. Sadly, the young man and his fiancée were flung from their boat and onto the riverbank. Both suffered devastating contusions and broken bones, including the ones in their neck.
Having passed the shallow waters in the channel successfully, she guided the jet boat into deeper waters and pushed the throttle, increasing her speed to nearly 50 mpg’s. Although there was still no sign of Burt’s hydroplane, the engine noise was easy to follow.
Rounding another bend, Sadie was greeted by a large tributary that added even more depth to the river, but also increased its current. Keeping both eyes fixed on the trunk of the river, she pressed the boat even harder and throttled up to 60 mpg’s.
Sadie was quickly approaching a river spot that had always caused her a great deal of trepidation. Even with the help of a cloudless and star filled sky, the darkness all around hampered her visibility, making maneuverability of the river a near impossibility.
The sudden explosion down river took Sadie’s breath away. It lit up the evening sky and was accompanied by a cymbal like clash that made her think of the Greek goddess, Athena. That war-maiden’s sword was said to have clashed like cymbals, ringing out her skirmishes to the very top of Mount Olympus. Sadie feared the worst and prepared her heart for what lay ahead.
Indeed, the river site she feared, suitably named by local river guides as Dead Man’s Rift, was where Burt met his fate. Later on in the week, she learned he had foolishly cut too close to the rocky overhang and collided with the black shale, flipping his boat twice in mid-air. Both man and boat landed over 20 yards from the river’s edge. The gas from the combustible turbine engine spewed throngs of fire into the air, lighting up the Rogue Valley skyline like a preview for the Fourth of July.
Burt’s body was nothing but ash when the paramedics and fire department reached the scene. Sadie didn’t have the heart to investigate any further, so she turned the boat upriver and headed back to Burt’s residence.
Dora and Timothy met Sadie at the dock and listened while she told them about the tragic end to Burt’s life. Sadie was absolutely spent. Both Dora and Timothy hugged her with all their might, hoping some of their vigor would renew her spirit.
While finding their way up the river path, using the flashlights Dora and Timothy had used to find the boathouse and dock, Dora received a call from Mayor Phibbs. Apparently, everyone inside Riverside Park had witnessed the fireball caused by Burt’s crash. He told her to get over to the wreck ASAP. She was further told to keep a lid on things until he had been briefed on the events of the entire day.
“This is going to be a long night for me. Timothy, can you drive Sadie home? You know the key code to my garage door, so go inside and get some sleep too. I’ll wake you up when I get home.” Looking at her exhausted friend she added, “I don’t think we’ll have to twist Sadie’s arm to skip church tomorrow. She can watch the teaching online some time later on in week. We’re all too tired to make the nine o’clock service.” Sadie yawned and nodded in agreement.
Two golden dogs were sprawled by Burt’s front door when the threesome finally made it to the driveway. Wagging her tail, Maxie got up and greeted Sadie. Bubba kept his distance but took several steps in her direction.
“Poor things, they must be thirsty after chasing that critter for over an hour. It’s to
o late to call animal control so I’ll take both dogs home with me for the night. Pop’s got Bosco and Willow and I’d appreciate their company tonight.”
Dora said goodbye and got in her police vehicle. Placing a siren on the rooftop, she flew down the driveway like a bat out of hell.
With Timothy’s help, Sadie was able to get both Otterhounds in the back of her car. Tossing O’Cleary her keys, she didn’t wait for him to open her car door. Falling into the passenger seat, she was asleep before he had a chance to put the keys in the ignition.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: First Kiss
Sadie awoke while still within Timothy’s arms. He had gently extracted her from the passenger seat and carried her to the front porch. Only after he wrestled with the house key did she stir. Letting her slip from his embrace, he slowly brushed his lips over hers. With feet again on solid ground, she watched as he opened her front door. As she moved inside, he placed his hand on the small of her back. A stimulating tingle surged down her spine. Flipping on the porch light she turned and found him watching her. Their eyes locked.
“Timothy, I’m feeling so torn. I have serious feelings for you. But, you live in Portland.”
“And Mark lives next door. I know.” Timothy stepped closer and Sadie got a subtle whiff of his cologne.
“I wish you lived here, in Rogue Valley.”
Timothy put his arms around Sadie’s waist and lifted her, placing her feet back on the front porch. Sadie reached under his muscular arms and rested her hands on his broad shoulders. Leaning down, Timothy found her mouth and gave her a long passionate kiss. Sadie welcomed it, reciprocating with her own fire. As her knees began to buckle, she tightened her grip on O’Cleary. Again he lifted her, but this time he kept her in mid-air and lovingly placed his fingers on the back of her neck. Neither one wanted their kiss to end.
Maxie was the first to bark but Bubba soon joined in. Reluctantly, Sadie pulled away and Timothy freed her from their embrace.
“You might be a good reason to move,” Timothy whispered.
Sadie knew there was more to this conversation but it would have to wait for another time. Timothy went back to her car and let the dogs out. Calling from the porch, Sadie was relieved when they both sprinted for her front door and dashed inside.
Knowing the hour was late, Timothy excused himself and walked across the street to Dora’s house, noting Mark sitting on his own front porch. Waving, O’Cleary called out, “Late night. Sadie’s gonna pass on the nine o’clock service tomorrow. Big developments in the case.” Mark waved back and rose from his chair. Opening the front door, he switched off his porch light.
Timothy punched in the key code and found his bed, falling asleep still dressed.
Sadie got the dogs a drink of water and settled them in her bedroom. Removing only her capris, she climbed into bed and drifted off, recalling Timothy’s embrace and delicious kiss.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: Courthouse On a Sunday?
Sadie woke to find both dogs on top of her bed. Bosco would have an absolute fit if he knew another dog, or two, slept with me last night. Affectionately, Maxie licked Sadie’s right hand and Bubba rolled over for a belly rub. Pleased she had earned the big boy’s trust; she gave Bubba an extra-long massage before slipping out of bed to get dressed. The golden duo stretched and yawned, then left her bedroom to explore their new surroundings. Sadie checked the clock. It was past 9:30.
The Otterhounds were waiting by the back door when she walked into the kitchen. She let them out and went to work brewing a latte and toasting a bagel. As she got the cream cheese from the fridge, she pondered Maxie’s fate.
Now that Burt’s passed, I wonder where Maxie will live. I’d love to keep her, but I don’t think three dogs is a good option for me. Suddenly, her dad came to mind. Oi, Maxie would make the perfect companion for Pop! Maybe Dora can pull a few strings with animal control.
While sipping her latte, Dora called. She had been at the crash site until 3 a.m. But, with less than six hours of sleep, she sounded perky and downright cheerful. Sadie growled into her coffee mug. I hate morning people! Well, at least until I’ve had coffee. Then, well, I guess they’re okay. Well, Dora’s more than okay but still…morning people. Ugh!
“Did you hear what I just said?”
“Yes,” Sadie lied as Dora’s voice jerked her back into the real world.
“Good. So you and Timothy will meet me at the court house?”
“Um, yes. Sure. And that’s because…”
“Grrr, you weren’t listening! El cielo me ayude! Heaven help me!”
“Sorry, I still haven’t finished my latte…and I was thinking about Maxine. Do you think you could pull some strings down at animal control? I don’t think Burt had any relatives and I want to give her to Pop.”
On the other end of the phone, Dora drummed her fingers. “Yes, I can help with that, but for now will you leave those two beauties in your back yard and drive Timothy over here? He’s gonna be at your house in just a few minutes.”
“Well, I might make him drive, but OK. Um Dora, I have to ask. You want us at the courthouse because Judge Lindy likes to do her sentencing on a holiday weekend?”
Dora could imagine Sadie smirking. “Well, I’m pretty confident she doesn’t like setting bail and charging suspects on a Sunday, but I’ve called in a favor. I want those sisters charged with murder and their bail set so I can enjoy the rest of this Memorial Day weekend. We have the jet boat races this afternoon and fireworks tonight.”
“What about the hydroplane races on the Rogue?”
Dora’s tone became less cheerful. “Due to Burt’s crash last night, Mayor Phibbs thought it best to cancel those races…just for this year. I’m afraid Monday’s highlight will have to be the ice cream social. In fact, Timothy’s already challenged us. He wants to save your idea of a pizza-eating contest for his next visit. Oh, and get this, he wants you to invite Mark to join us for the contest. Go figure!”
Sadie thought back to last night’s passionate kiss and wondered why Timothy was suddenly including Mark in their weekend fun.
“Well, the more the merrier, right?”
“If you say so.” There was a short lull. “Are you feeling awkward with them both around?”
“No, well, at least not until now.”
Dora’s eyebrows shot up. “What’s changed since I saw you last?”
“I let Timothy kiss me last night.” Sadie didn’t say anything else and Dora respected her desire to keep things just between them.
There was a knock on the front door so Sadie ended her call with Dora.
Timothy was on the porch dressed in a pair of jeans and a Denver Bronco’s jersey. He waited as she ran to grab her purse and say good-bye to Maxine and Bubba. They were both sunning themselves in the early morning light.
Locking her front door, she tossed the keys to Timothy. Returning from church, Mark pulled into his driveway just as Sadie was about to slip into the passenger seat. “Hang on Timothy. I want a word with Mark. I’ll just be a few minutes.”
O’Cleary looked at his watch and said, “OK, I’m counting.” Sadie gave him a look. He smirked and she crossed over the lawn to greet the writer.
“How was church, neighbor? Sorry I didn’t go. I had a real late night.”
“Yea, I noticed. Timothy waved in my direction when he walked back to Dora’s house. My insomnia was acting up, so I went out on my front porch to look for falling stars.”
“Neat. Did you find any?”
“I did. I made a wish too.”
Sadie smiled. “Can you tell me what it was?”
“Nope, if I did that, it wouldn’t come true.”
Sadie blushed and her heart skipped a beat. Oh my, what am I going to do?
Timothy gave her car a quick honk, reminding Sadie they needed to leave soon if they were going to make the sentencing.
“Look Mark. Timothy leaves tomorrow night. He wants you to join us for the ice cream social, and I do too. I’m also l
ooking forward to our date in Ashland this Friday. I can’t wait to see Hamlet.” The furrow in Mark’s brow disappeared and a smile lit up his face.
“Sadie, thanks for the invitation. I’d like that! And, I’m also looking forward to our date on Friday.” Sadie told Mark to knock on her door around noon tomorrow. She placed her hand on his forearm and gave it a squeeze.
Waving goodbye, she quickly crossed back over the lawn and jumped into the running Kia. Timothy backed out of her driveway, a bit faster than necessary, and drove to the courthouse in record time. Although they drove in silence, Sadie could feel the spark between them and again thought, what on earth am I going to do? I think I’m falling in love with two men!
With the car parked in the nearly empty parking lot, they ran to the front entrance where Dora was waiting. All three filed into the courtroom and quietly sat until Judge Lindy made her appearance. Mary Hunt was actively conversing with her lawyer. Her muscular arms were handcuffed and the orange jumpsuit she was wearing looked rather tight in the shoulders.
The judge entered the courtroom shortly after Sadie and her friends were seated. Judge Lindy started out by allowing the video Manny Lopez shot of Mary and Sarah pushing the red Jaguar off Grave Creek Pass into evidence. She also recognized forensic test results as well as the 9-inch Masamoto Knife. She set bail at $100,000 and charged Mary with first-degree murder in the case of Francis La Compost, and conspiracy to commit murder in the case of Larry Phibbs.
Sadie happened to look behind her shoulder and noticed Mayor Phibbs sitting in the back. She quietly let Dora and Timothy know about his presence. It turned out that he was a fan of the Chef’s food and wanted to spare Sarah the pain of identifying his body. He was a good man. A kind family man and Rogue Valley was fortunate to have him as their Mayor.
After Mary was charged and bail was set, Judge Lindy excused herself for a short break in her chambers. Mary was escorted out of the courtroom while Sarah was escorted in. Since Mary and Sarah were both using their family attorney, he remained in his seat. While Sarah had some last minute words with her attorney, Dora rose to speak with Mayor Phibbs.
Who Killed the Neanderthal Page 13