Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep: A Helen Bradley Mystery (Helen Bradley Mysteries Book 2)

by Patricia H. Rushford

  Adriane frowned and shook her head. "No, I can't and I won't. Your questions are very disturbing. I…" Adriane started to stand, then sank back into her chair. "Do you really think Irene had the evidence she claimed? Did you see the disk?"

  "I didn't actually see it, but she told me she had it. I think it's too soon to dismiss her allegations."

  "That's why you want to come to Edgewood, isn't it? To investigate."

  "In part. I feel terrible about Irene's death. She asked for my help, and I owe it to her to look into her side of the story. There may be nothing, then again…"

  "Yes, I see your point. Perhaps a more thorough investigation would be in order."

  Jennie arrived just then with two plates laden with fruits, vegetables, crackers, and slices of a variety of meats and cheeses.

  While they ate, Adriane gathered her papers and excused herself, saying she needed to get back to work. Before leaving she scribbled her home phone on a business card and set it on the table near Helen's plate. "I'm not sure I approve of what you're doing, but if I can help in any way, please call."

  Helen thanked her and turned back to an especially delicious serving of mini-meatballs covered with a sweet-and-sour sauce and speared a second one with her decorative blue toothpick.

  "What doesn't she approve of?" Jennie asked.

  "My investigation."

  "You told her?"

  "There's been too much publicity about my involvement in the case to try to disguise my interest."

  "Are you still planning to stay here?"

  "Mm. I'll check in tomorrow."

  "Great. I start my job then, too. This will be so cool. We haven't worked on a murder case together since you took me to Dolphin Island in Florida."

  "Whoa. Back up a minute." Helen lowered the piece of Cheddar she'd been about to eat. "What's this about a job?"

  "While I was getting food I talked to the personnel manager. She said she'd checked out my application and I got the job. I'll be working as an aid at the manor. It's perfect."

  "Jennie, perfect isn't the word I'd use. I can't let you…"

  "Gram, please." Jennie's deep blue gaze bore into hers with stubborn intensity. "It won't be dangerous. I'll only be there during the evening shift, that's all they have open right now. I won't even ask any questions if you don't want. I'll just keep my eyes and ears open, and let you know what I find out. By working at the manor, I'll be able to get into places you can't, like file rooms and stuff. Come on, Gram, please say yes."

  "Oh, my darling girl. What am I going to do with you?" Helen stuffed a square of cheddar in her mouth. Jennie made a good argument. Having her there could be invaluable, it could also be risky. Still… "I'll tell you what. We'll talk to your mom and dad, and if they agree, you can do it. We'll need to draw up some guidelines, though."

  "Thanks." Jennie grinned.

  "You seem pretty sure of yourself."

  "They'll say yes. I already told them about my filling out the application, and they think the experience would be good for me."

  "And did you mention the reason you were doing this?"

  "Not all of it. I just said I wanted a chance to work with older people." Jennie must have read the skepticism in Helen's face because she hesitated and added, "I do, you know. That day I came out to Edgewood for a tour, I felt really sad for some of the people in the nursing home. Chris said it was hard to find good help because the wages are low. They pay more than most of the other nursing homes around, but I guess they still end up with aids who really don't care about the residents."

  Helen couldn't help but smile. Jennie was going to make a wonderful attorney.

  Jennie looked over Helen's shoulder and cringed. "Uh-oh. Chris's uncle is heading this way, and he looks as if he's been eating lemons. Wonder what he wants."

  Helen twisted around in her chair and watched Dr. Kincaid approach. "Mrs. Bradley, sister told me you were here."

  Although his tone was pleasant, anger emanated from him. "How is she?" Helen asked.

  "Resting. I understand you'll be coming to Edgewood as a client soon." His comment sounded like a threat.

  "Yes." Helen stood. "As a matter of fact, I'll be out tomorrow."

  "I'm not the type of person who minces words, so let me set the record straight. I don't want you here. If I had any say on the matter, I would withdraw my sister's guilt-induced invitation. Regardless, I will not allow you to upset my family nor the staff here with your foolish allegations about my parents being murdered."

  "Not even if they were?" Helen flinched as Paul clenched his fists and leaned toward her.

  "I told you once and I'll tell you again, they were not. As you already know, the medical examiner found no evidence of foul play. The police are satisfied and so am I."

  But I'm not. Helen didn't say the words aloud, thinking it might be better not to antagonize him further. "I hope you're right, Doctor. I really do."

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sammi came up behind Helen and Paul. "Right about what?"

  "It doesn't matter." Paul ran a hand through his hair. "Look, Mrs. Bradley, there is nothing sinister going on here, and the last thing we need at Edgewood is someone making accusations. We're a high profile organization with a good reputation. If you plan on doing anything to tarnish that, I'll…"

  "Paul, take it easy. You look as if you're about to explode." Sammi set her coffee cup on the table and looped her arm through his. "Helen isn't coming out here to make trouble. She just wants to clear up questions she has about Irene's and your father's deaths. Besides, it will help bring closure to her own trauma. To be honest, I might do the same thing in her shoes. After all, Irene did ask her to investigate."

  "The police have done a fine job of that and you did the autopsies yourself."

  "And we didn't discover anything to incriminate anyone at Edgewood. I doubt Helen will either, but she does raise some valid points."

  "Dr. Kincaid," Helen said, "it's entirely possible that I'm wrong, but what if your stepmother was right? What if someone did murder your father and then, seeing Irene as a threat, came after her? Wouldn't you want to know? Wouldn't you want the murderer brought to justice?" Helen watched his expression change as he considered her question.

  "What I want is to get beyond this tragedy as quickly as possible." Paul folded his arms across his chest. "You can check yourself into the manor for therapy as my sister's guest. But leave it at that. My family has been through a lot over the last few weeks. We're all eager to bury our dead and concentrate on the living." He paused. "Now, Mrs. Bradley, I think you've caused enough trouble today, and I'd like you to leave." With that he spun around and walked off.

  Jennie bounced to her feet, tipping over her plastic chair in the process. "I can't believe that guy." She bent to pick up the chair.

  "Doesn't have much of a bedside manner, does he?" Sammi shook her head. "But don't worry. I hear his bark is a lot worse than his bite."

  "He's grieving, I suspect." Helen stared at the big man's retreating figure. "The anger and blaming me for Irene's death. He's been through a lot." Helen massaged her aching arm. "Much as I'd like to stick around, I think I'll take his suggestion and go home, that is if you don't mind, Sammi. I have a lot to do before I check in here tomorrow." She glanced up when a raindrop hit her head. The blue sky was quickly turning gun-metal gray.

  "So you've definitely decided to come, despite the good doctor's protests?"

  "Oh yes. I'm more convinced now than ever that something's going on here." Helen turned to Jennie. "Would you like to ride back with us?"

  "No, that's okay. Chris should be here any minute." Jennie stacked the plates and gathered up the napkins. "Don't worry, Gram," she added. "I'll be fine. I'll see you when I get home."

  A few minutes later Helen and Sammi settled into her car and wove their way back through Edgewood Estates and out onto the highway toward Portland. The rain dripped steadily now, and Sammi switched her wipers from intermittent to low.

>   Though she would have preferred closing her eyes for a quick nap, Helen thought she'd better pursue the rumors about Sammi's quest for the Kincaid men and their money.

  "I had an interesting talk with Adriane Donahue."

  Sammi's lips curled in a churlish smile. "Let me guess, she's accusing me of trying to steal Paul."

  "Actually, I heard you were after Andrew first, but when he died, you set your sights on his son."

  Sammi sighed. "That woman is so insecure. What I had for Andrew was sheer admiration. I'm interested in their work and their minds, Helen, not their bodies."

  "I'm glad to hear it. What do you think gave her the impression you and Paul had something going?"

  "The time we've spent together, I imagine. Paul and I met several times to discuss the autopsies and in the process have become good friends. He's been extremely preoccupied lately, what with his work at Edgewood and his parents' dying. He just hasn't had time to deal with her. Adriane tends to be a high maintenance kind of woman. And she's steamed about him postponing their wedding."

  "Is he still planning to marry her?"

  "He hasn't said anything to make me think otherwise. To be honest, I wish he would break it off. She's not his type."

  "Do you think she's marrying him for his money?"

  "I did at first, but now I'm not so sure. Paul, as you've seen for yourself, can be pretty intense. I don't know many women who'd put up with that, even for his millions."

  When they pulled into Susan's driveway twenty minutes later, Helen thanked Sammi for her help.

  "No problem. Did you want me to take you out to Edgewood tomorrow? I have to testify in court in the afternoon, but my morning is free."

  "I'd like that. How about picking me up at nine?"

  "Sounds good. Wait a sec.” Sammi glanced at the water pouring across the windshield, twisted in her seat, and reached for her umbrella. "I'll walk you to the door. Two seconds in this downpour and you'll be soaked to the skin."

  Minutes later Helen waved good-bye, then lingered at the porch railing, enjoying the sound of rain on the roof and the pungent scent of wet dirt and grass as water soaked the thirsty ground.

  The front door opened behind her. Susan joined her at the rail and leaned against it. "Want some tea?"

  "Sounds lovely." Helen shivered. "It's gotten downright cold out here. If you don't mind, I think I'll change into my sweats first."

  "Sure. Need any help?"

  Helen declined the offer and ducked into her room to exchange her linen suit for her favorite pale pink sweats, a birthday present from JB. The soft reverse fleece brought back warm memories of a cozy fire and candlelight. She brushed her hand against the material's downy texture and closed her eyes.

  "I miss you," she spoke to the man whose picture filled her mind. JB had come down to her home at the beach the evening of her birthday last December, bringing instructions for a new assignment and the gift. Her heart constricted as she remembered the tenderness in his eyes, the warmth of his lips brushing against hers for the first time.

  Grabbing a tissue from the nightstand, Helen soaked up the moisture on her cheeks. "Please be safe, darling," she whispered to JB's fading image, then hurried into the kitchen.

  "It's about time you got here." Nick grabbed her hand and pulled her to the table. "Mommy said I had to wait for you 'fore I could eat."

  Helen chuckled and slid onto the chair Nick pulled out for her. "Thank you, sweetheart. It's nice to feel wanted."

  "He and his father are two of a kind when it comes to goodies." Susan set out fresh-baked hazelnut and chocolate chip scones with coddled cream, berry preserves, and lemon curd.

  "Yep. Me and my dad like brownies best." Nick stuffed a good-sized chunk of scone in his mouth.

  After sampling the delicious scones and sipping the warm fragrant tea, Helen told Susan about Mai Lin Chang's offer to stay at Edgewood and her decision to accept.

  "You don't have to do this. We love having you here."

  "I know you do. And I love visiting, but not now. You and Jason have enough worries without adding me to the list."

  "Does Jason know?"

  Helen nodded. "And Jennie. I have an appointment with Dr. Chang at ten."

  "Did you need me to take you?"

  "I don't believe so. Sammi said she would."

  "I don't suppose it will do any good for me to protest."

  "No good at all."

  Helen finished her tea, then excused herself, saying she needed to pack.

  Sometime later she heard the phone ring. Her heart snapped into a faster rhythm at the thought of JB. Wishful thinking, she told herself, then tucked a pair of tennis shoes into a side pocket of her carry-on.

  "Helen." Susan tapped on the door and opened it. "Telephone for you."

  "Thank you." Helen closed the door before saying hello.

  "Helen?"

  "Yes." It wasn't JB, but Helen recognized the deep baritone voice immediately. "Tom Chambers. How are you?"

  "Been better. Knee's acting up on me. Otherwise I'm okay." Helen imagined the mid-sized man with the bay window stomach leaning back in his chair, feet on the desk, and an unlit cigar in his thick fingers. He'd given up smoking six years ago but hadn't gotten around to giving up the cigars. "Hey, Jason called a few days ago and told me about the shooting. I meant to get by, but things have been kind of crazy around here with JB gone. Just wondered how you were doing."

  "Fairly well. Have you heard from JB?"

  "That's part of my reason for calling. See, when you got shot, I thought I'd better get word to him."

  "You talked to him?" Helen sank into the cushioned chair.

  "No. Apparently he's heading up some big project over in the Middle East. I’m not sure just where. Seems some rebel group over there has been holding half a dozen U.S. and British citizens in an underground military facility for years."

  "They sent him in to rescue the prisoners?" Helen's heart dropped to her feet.

  "Looks that way. They claim it's too risky to try to contact him, so I guess we wait. They'll let him know about you as soon as they can. Wish I could tell you more, but you know how it is.

  "Yes, I know how it is." She sighed. "What I don't understand is why they would ask JB. He's almost ready to retire."

  "Wondered that myself. Probably has something to do with his background in British Intelligence. Besides, he's one of the best in the business. Ah, look, Helen, I probably told you more than I should, but I thought you had a right to know. This is top secret stuff. Any kind of leak could jeopardize the mission."

  "I understand. I appreciate your calling."

  "Sure, no problem."

  "Tom," Helen stopped him before he could hang up. "I'll be leaving here tomorrow morning. I plan to spend a couple weeks out at Edgewood Manor to rehabilitate my arm and shoulder. Jason can get messages to me, but let me give you the number out there in case you talk to JB. or need to get a hold of me quickly." She dug the wallet out of her handbag and read off the phone number.

  "Got it. I'll keep in touch."

  After their good-byes, Helen stared at the phone for a long time before pressing the button to disconnect. In a way she wished Tom hadn't called. Sometimes it was better not knowing too many details. She breathed a prayer for her husband and the mission that had taken him away. Now more than ever she wished he could have taken her along.

  Morning, with its still gray skies, came far too soon. Helen had gone to bed exhausted and awakened the same way. Snatches of violent dreams, reminiscent of war, still lingered. All night she'd hung on the periphery of the ongoing dream. Gunfire, screams, blood. In the dreams, she'd lain among the wounded, bleeding, crying for JB and reaching out to him. He stood only a few feet from her, just across the room talking to three men in uniform, but he didn't seem to hear her.

  Then the world exploded. She felt herself floating alone in utter darkness. Even now, knowing it had only been a dream, Helen could still feel the aching isolation.

>   After a quick breakfast, she showered, dressed, and finished packing. Sammi showed up at nine-fifteen. Having already said her good-byes to Susan and the children, Helen was more than ready to leave.

  She opened the door just as Sammi reached for the doorbell.

  "Sorry I'm late. Had some paper work to catch up on before I could leave the office. I'm testifying in a murder case this afternoon."

  "No problem." Helen set her suitcase on the porch, retrieved her handbag, then closed the door.

  "Is this everything?" Sammi picked up the suitcase and looked around.

  "That's it. I'll have Jason pick up some clothes from the apartment later. This is all I need for now."

  Minutes later they were on their way. Helen gazed out the car window at the bank of purple-gray clouds hovering on the horizon. "Looks like another storm is rolling in."

  "Rain. That's the one thing I hate about this area. Makes me want to move back to California." Sammi turned on the wipers and the defogger.

  "It's not so bad except in the winter when we don't see the sun for weeks at a time." Helen frowned at the sky. "According to the weather report last night, we were supposed to have morning clouds, then sunshine. This must be the storm front that was supposed to miss us."

  Sammi chuckled. "Don't tell me you believe in weather forecasts."

  "Only when they promise good weather."

  The winds hit when Sammi turned onto Highway 84 and headed east. Heavy rains and high gusts up to sixty miles per hour, according to the radio broadcast, soon slowed traffic to a crawl. The wind buffeted the car, practically lifting it off the pavement. Sammi clung white-knuckled to the steering wheel for several miles. "I can't do this. I'm getting off at the next exit.

  I think there's a factory outlet just off the road. Maybe we can get a cup of coffee providing we don't get blown away trying to make it from the car to the restaurant. I need to relax for a few minutes."

  "Good idea. Hopefully the storm will let up while we're waiting."

  Sammi parked near a deli and they raced for the covered walk that ran the full length of the stores. The wind and rain rammed them, nearly throwing them against the building. Sammi pulled at the glass door with both hands, holding it open for Helen, then squeezing inside. The door banged shut behind them.