The Perfect Spouse

by Sioux Dallas

  “Let me go. You’ve made a mistake. I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  “Then why did you run so fast?” Steve asked.

  “Well, if you were in a dark alley and several big men came running at you, wouldn’t you try to get away?”

  “Maybe, in some cases, but not here in the Village.”

  By then they had forced the man to the sidewalk and under the light.

  “Oh, I can’t believe it.” Gary exclaimed.

  “Holy Catfish,” Nigel spluttered.

  “Tell me it isn’t so. Joseph Harper. What were you doing down there and why did you run?” Jason spoke with authority.

  “I told you why I ran. Now take your hands off me or I’ll sue every one of you for false arrest and kidnapping.”

  Steve laughed aloud and held up what he had gone down in the alley to get. He had seen Joe throw something at the dumpster and went back to get it. “Do any of you know what these are?”

  Gary, Nigel and Jason looked carefully at the clothes. “These look like Margaret’s clothes,” Gary almost shouted. “Joe Harper, did you kill her?”

  “You can’t pin that on me. I will sue young man.”

  Jason asked everyone to listen. “I think, to be on the safe side, we’d better take him to Chief Mason and notify Detective Snouder. Let them decide what happens next.”

  Joe Harper began to plead with them to let him go and that they were mistaken. He even shed a few tears begging them not to do anything that would break Elaine’s heart.

  Chief Mason said, “You should have thought of Elaine before you started your life of crime.” He stated when Joe repeated his plea.

  “I’m NOT a criminal. Please let me go.”

  Detective Snouder came struggling in. It was obvious that he had hoped to get to bed early. It was now nine.

  “Well, well. What have we here? Give me your story from the beginning, Mr. Harper and make it good. I’m in no mood for frivolity. This is one arrest that has taken me by extreme surprise.” Det. Snouder was angry.

  Joseph Harper looked around at the men in the interrogation room. A defeated expression crossed his face and he hung his head mumbling.

  “Speak up, man. We’re not here to hang you or shoot you at sunrise. We’re just trying to make sense out of this whole horrid mess.”

  Joe slowly lifted his head and started talking. “Jason, remember the night that Margaret gave you such a miserable time and the other men told her to get lost?”

  Jason nodded but said nothing. He grabbed a straight chair, turned it around and straddled it backward, listening intently.

  “Well, Elaine and I talked to her about her behavior. Some of the women had tried to help her and she had just cursed them. We tried to help her, but it was obvious we were wasting our time. I told her if she didn’t straighten up we would not renew her membership. She left cursing us and threatening all kinds of reprisals.”

  “The following day, Elaine and I had finished dinner and I went out to get a breath of fresh air and look at the stars. Margaret didn’t even live in our area but she came walking by. I ran out to the sidewalk to try to reason with her again. She lunged at me saying she was going to claim I tried to sexually assault her. She tried to hit me in the face and scratch me. I pushed her away and she fell backward striking her head against the stone wall. It was one of those weird accidents. I panicked when I discovered she had died. I knew it would just kill Elaine.”

  He looked around but no one said anything. He took a deep breath and continued. “Elaine was in the shower so I called that I was going out for a few minutes. I backed the car out, pulled the body into the back seat and drove around. I was not thinking clearly. Finally I went by the alley and saw the dumpster. I had read about people taking the clothes from someone to keep them from being identified. I know now that was foolish. I took her clothes and threw them back in my car and left her in the dumpster.”

  “I was so frightened when I went home. I put the clothes in a lawn bag and hid them in the garage. When I went inside, Elaine was in bed reading but very sleepy. I kissed her and she complained about me being so cold from being out in the cold air. I took a hot shower and went to bed. You know what happened after that.”

  Chief Mason just looked sad. Snouder shook his head and said, “You know if you had called the police that night, you would only have been charged with involuntary manslaughter. You might have gotten off with a year or two and community service. With the people in the agency testifying about Miss Archer’s behavior, you might have just gotten community service. When you hid the body, you committed another offense. Now you’ll be tried for murder, obstructing justice and goodness knows what all.”

  Nigel broke in angrily. “Why did you try to kill Alice Daniels? She was an innocent person in this whole mess.”

  “I wasn’t trying to kill her. I got scared when Elaine went into the garage hunting for something. I was afraid she’d find those clothes so I was trying to dispose of them. Alice was walking through the alley and saw me. She started to scream and I was trying to put a hand over her mouth. When Gary came running toward me, I dropped her and, taking the clothes, ran. I was again trying to get rid of the clothes when you saw me this time. It’s plain fate. Gary Beaumont both times.”

  “It was too dark for Alice to recognize me. I didn’t know who she was until I heard about it. I’m sincerely sorry but no one will believe me now.”

  “It’s going to be difficult for anyone to believe you. Officer,” Chief Mason spoke to a policeman that was in the room. “Detective Snouder, do you want to leave Mr. Harper with me tonight or do you want to take him on to the county?”

  “Let’s leave him with you for tonight and I’ll talk to a judge before you hear from me again. Thank you, gentlemen, for notifying me. My wife doesn’t thank you. She says I never get to spend a quiet evening at home any more and that she might as well not have a husband.” Snouder gave a sad, twisted smile. “She does understand about my work, but it is hard on any woman to be married to an officer in any branch of the law.”

  Det. Snouder left and Chief Mason told the officer to place Mr. Harper in a cell by himself.

  “What about Elaine?” he spoke loudly. “She’ll be so worried. I don’t know what time it is. You took my watch and everything.”

  Jason answered, “It’s eleven fifteen. She’s probably asleep by now. Do you want us to disturb her now or wait until morning?”

  “I don’t want her disturbed at all, but if she wakes and can’t find me, she’ll be frightened.”

  “I’ll send officers, a woman and a man, to tell her where you are. She will probably want to see you, but she’ll have to wait until morning now.

  I’m sorry for her and sorry for you that you made an unwise decision.”

  “Be sure your sins will find you out,” Jason quoted.

  The four young men left and walked back to Jason’s. It was not a pleasant evening for them.

  “Well, I’m glad now that I didn’t leave earlier,” Steve commented. “I wasn’t here when Miss Archer was found but you told me about it, and, being in law enforcement, I was interested in the case. I’ll stick around a little longer. I’d like to be here for the arraignment at least. Good night my friends. How God has blessed me with your friendship.”

  The men parted and went their way.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Two days later, Joseph Harper was brought to court for his arraignment. Elaine sat on a bench behind him and sobbed the entire time. Workers and members of The Perfect Spouse were there hoping to be able to say something in his defense.

  District Attorney Morgan Crum had been told the entire situation and he was sympathetic, but he had a duty to the public and a job to do. Jason had gotten Attorney Maurice Winston to agree to represent Joe. He knew the story and was sympathetic, but Joseph had tied his own hanging rope when he hid the body and kept quiet.

  Bailiff Brodie Markee had entered the court a half an hour earlier. He spoke briefly to t
he District Attorney and then stood up front and in a commanding voice declared, “Hear ye, hear ye, the court of Fulton County is now open and in session. The Honorable Bascomb Hesburn presiding. All persons having business before the court come to order. This is the case of the state of Ohio and Fulton County verses Joseph Harper. All rise.”

  Judge Bascomb Hesburn had entered with hurried step and a flurry of his robe. He had pepper and salt hair cut military short. Tall and slender, his hawk-like grey eyes held everyone in obedience. He rapped his gavel once and stated, “Be seated.”

  “Are all persons connected with this case present and prepared? Are the attorneys for the prosecution present?”

  “Assistant District Attorney Jordon Whidden present, your honor.”

  “Is the attorney for the defense and your witnesses present?”

  “Attorney Maurice Winston present your honor.”

  Judge Hesburn glared at Attorney Whidden. “Present your case counselor.”

  ADA Whidden stood and stated” “Your honor, Mr. Joseph Harper is charged with the willful murder of Miss Margaret Archer on December 26, 2008. Law enforcement officials have investigated for several months and have now brought this man to justice. He not only took the life of this young woman, but he hid the body and obstructed justice. Our recommendation is that he be incarcerated without possibility of parole.”

  Judge Hesburn stared at the attorney and then at Joseph Harper. He said, “Counselor, what say ye?” He addressed Maurice Winston.

  “Thank you, your honor. It is regrettable that Miss Archer lost her life, however, it was by her own carelessness and not willfully by Mr. Harper.”

  He proceeded to tell of Margaret’s obnoxious behavior at the agency and her stalking of the men. He then told of the confrontation between Joe and Margaret which resulted in her death.

  “So you see, your honor, the only crime of Joe Harper’s is that he became frightened and his deep love of his wife and his desire to not upset her that he hid the body. He bitterly regrets his actions and is prepared to accept his punishment. He has a home and business in the Village of Fayette and is a long-time member of the community. There is no danger of his leaving the area without permission. I recommend bail and clemency.”

  Judge Hesburn half closed his eyes and stared at Joe. “There is indeed enough evidence for a trail. I’m going to set the trial date for January 2010 and ------.” He hesitated. “I feel that Mr. Harper acted in poor judgment and is not a hardened criminal. I’m setting the bail at One hundred thousand dollars.”

  The people in the court erupted in loud cheers and applause. Judge Hesburn rapped his gavel. “Order. Bailiff, clear the courtroom.”

  Needless to say, Elaine was overjoyed to have her husband back with her. Members of the dating agency were divided. Some, who knew Margaret, felt that Joe should be given community service and forget about it. Others thought he should go to prison.

  Jason was upset with some of the comments and really upset at people who tried to drag him into the debate. One day he just said, “Ye who are without sin, cast the first stone.” And he walked off leaving a quiet group behind him. He hardly knew what to think.

  One night Jason and his friends were at the agency when a siren wailed alerting of a possible fire. Cole Berring immediately ran out leaving his jacket behind. Jason looked bewildered.

  Linda Sterling had been beside Cole and she saw Jason’s expression. “Cole is a fireman and is a trained, qualified paramedic.”

  “Good for him. I’m glad to know that.” Jason smiled.

  He turned to speak to his friends and had to smile to himself. Nigel was busily talking and listening to Alicia Harmon. Then Jason’s eyes opened wide with surprise. There were Gary and Angelicia Ramirez acting as if they were a couple.

  Humph. Steve is leaving and all my buddies are interested in someone. That leaves me alone--- again. I don’t really mind.

  While Jason was deep in thought, he realized that someone was trying to get his attention. Looking down he saw Lisa Madison smiling at him.

  “Hello, Jason. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get to your open house. Everyone is raving about your beautiful home. I’d love to see it some time.”

  “I’d love for you to visit, Lisa. Why don’t you come tomorrow and have lunch with me. I’ll be happy to show you around.”

  Lisa was prompt at eleven forty-five and had brought a bottle of wine. Jason thanked her and sat the bottle down on a kitchen counter. “I hope you like shrimp salad and egg rolls. I also have hot spiced tea.”

  “I love shrimp and egg rolls, but I don’t think I’ve ever had hot spiced tea.

  What in the world is it? Is it like cider?”

  “Oh, no. this is a recipe that came down through my family from Scotland. It’s actually a lot of fruit and spices mixed with a very strong tea base.”

  They enjoyed eating and finding out more about each other. After lunch and after he had cleaned the kitchen, Jason took her on a tour of his house and outside.

  “There is little left of my blooming shrubbery. I had a beautiful bleeding heart bush that was so full of blossoms, I took a picture of it. The roses were outstanding this year. I’ve not finished the outside. Next spring I intend to add more. Too, there’s a lot yet to do inside.”

  “I didn’t see much to do inside. Everything looks so --- well, special. It all looks like you. Strong but colorful and appealing.” She ducked her head and looked embarrassed.

  Lisa soon excused herself, thanked Jason and left. He wondered why he was not attracted to her. She was beautiful, intelligent, well-educated and had a wonderful job. I’m glad she’s my friend, but that’s as far as I want to go with our contacts. What’s wrong with me? Have I just not met the right woman yet or can’t I really get over the death of Linda. It’s been three years. Is it because she was expecting our first baby? I don’t know. Lord, whatever your will for me is, I want to do.

  Curtis Warren and Kristi Wheedon announced their engagement. Elaine and Joe were ecstatic. “This is the reason I wanted a dating agency. So that people could find each other and be as happy as Joe and I have been,” Elaine said while leaning her head on Joe’s shoulder and placing her arms around his waist.

  Detective Monroe Boggs and Rebecca Glover announced that they were planning a Thanksgiving wedding because they had so much to be thankful for. Rebecca asked everyone to call him David. “Monroe David Boggs. His mother named him Monroe after her father and he’s always hated it.

  Now that his mother is dead, he doesn’t feel he’ll hurt anyone’s feelings. His father is in England and we’re unsure whether he can come to the wedding or not. My parents are planning on flying in from Hawaii. Both of my brothers are in military service, so I’m unsure about their attendance.”

  The next week Detective Snouder came to the office to see Jason again.

  “Grace bring us a mug of hot spice tea, please.”

  Det. Snouder was as perplexed as others had been. He drank the tea and sat back with a satisfied sigh. “This is absolutely delicious. What’s in it? May I ask for the recipe? My wife would love this.”

  “Of course I’ll give you the recipe. It came through my family from Scotland, but I’ll be glad to share. Now what can I do for you?”

  “I’m concerned about Mr. Harper. From what all of you have told me about Miss Archer, it’s not a surprise that such a tragedy occurred. There’s no need to say I wish he had done differently. It’s too late for wishing. I do feel uncomfortable pressing charges against him and wish I could do something to influence the judge to be lenient with him.”

  “I know what you mean. I, and all of us at the agency, well, almost all, feel that he should not be given a severe sentence. His actions after the fact is what has made it impossible to allow him to get off easily. He acted in poor judgment, and how many of us have made just such poor decisions. He did hide the fact though. I’ve prayed and agonized over this, but can come to no workable solution,” Jason stated.


  “We can only hope that a judge will be on the bench during his trial that is kind and understanding. Whomever is on the bench will have to give punishment, but hopefully it won’t be too severe. I really came by to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed knowing you. After this trial, I’m going to retire and take my wife on a long trip. She’ll appreciate having a husband after all these years that she’s raised the children and stood by me.”

  Jason jumped up and came around the desk to shake his hand. “I’ve certainly enjoyed knowing you and learned a lot from your investigation. Thank you for being so diligent and understanding.”

  Det. Snouder left and Grace came huffing back to Jason’s office. “I hope that’s the last you’ll see of him. He has no business bothering you at your place of business.”

  “He isn’t so bad, Grace, when you get to know him. No, I doubt he’ll be returning. In fact, he’s making plans to retire.”

  “Hallelujah!” she grinned and moved hurriedly back to her desk.

  Of course the others wanted to know what she was so happy about, so Jason told them of the visit. They were all relieved that Jason was not being involved in anything.

  Monroe David and Rebecca came to ask Jason if he would sing at their wedding. “I’ll be glad to pay you. I don’t want to take advantage of your good nature, or your time,” David explained.

  “Don’t be silly. My singing is a gift from God. I’m happy to share with anyone who wants to put up with me. I’m not a professional singer; I just enjoy it. Let me know what you want to hear.”

  Rebecca went to Beth. “Okay, girlfriend. Payback. I need help in my wedding now. Jason is going to sing. I’m not going to have the big hoop-de-la that you had, but it will be nice.”

  Rebecca heard Siobhan singing at the agency and told David she would like to have her sing a solo, and, if Jason was willing, to sing a duet with him. David agreed.

  Siobhan was pleased to be included. “My family were all raised Irish Catholic, but I recently joined the Community Church here. If Jason is willing to sing with me, I’d love to.”