All Roads Lead Home (Bellingwood)

by Diane Greenwood Muir

  He giggled and then began petting the dog. Polly released the leash a little and Obiwan rushed the boy, who opened his arms and took the puppy into them. Soon they were sitting together, Andrew with his legs crossed and Obiwan in the crook of them. Jason sat down beside his brother and asked Polly if it would be okay for him to pet the dog, too.

  "Absolutely," she said.

  By this point, Lydia had arrived and the girls had all filled their coffee cups.

  Beryl asked, "Well, do you suppose Aaron knows yet who done it?"

  Lydia said, "He hadn't heard anything when he left this morning. I still feel badly for whoever this is. They obviously haven't gotten into any more trouble since then and it seems a shame."

  "Stop it, you old softie. You'd empty out all of the prisons and let those criminals return home to their mommies. I don't know how your husband puts up with you," Beryl scolded.

  "I've got a big heart. He says so all the time," Lydia smirked. "So there."

  "Told me, didn't you!" Beryl laughed.

  "Can we take Obiwan outside?" Andrew asked Polly, holding his hand out for the leash.

  She looked at Sylvie, who shrugged.

  "Sure, if you'd like to. A couple of things, though. Don't go into the trees by the creek, okay? You have to promise."

  "We promise!" Andrew exclaimed.

  "And you can't go past the street on either side. Stay near the school and come get me if anything happens."

  "Nothing's gonna happen! Come on, Jason, let's go!"

  The two boys ran out the door, slamming it behind them. Everyone heard them slam through the front doors.

  "I'm sorry about that," Sylvie said.

  "Oh nonsense," Lydia replied. "This old school has seen its share of children running through the doors and the halls."

  "No kidding," Polly laughed. "And all the energy of Obiwan's they use up will only help him sleep better tonight."

  Sylvie chuckled. "It will help them sleep better, too. Sometimes I feel badly that I live in a small apartment. They're boys and should have lots of room like this to run around!"

  "Sylvie," Polly said. "Your boys can come over here any time. The dog seems to have fallen in love with them and there's plenty of room for them to run, even in the winter. You and I are going to have to talk! I'll bet I could use some help with snow and the yard and all sorts of things."

  "That would be awesome. It's only five or six blocks and they could walk that on their own." Sylvie replied.

  "We'll work something out and maybe later, I can ask them to come dog sit once in a while, too."

  Sylvie smiled and her eyes filled a little. "Wow. They'd love that. It would be good for them to have some more people in their lives. Thank you, Polly."

  The morning was going well and they could see the end of the task approaching. Polly had gone out into the hallway for another cup of coffee when Aaron and Stu came in.

  "Good morning!" she said. "Are you here for coffee?"

  Stu looked at his boss, who grinned. "Yes, we're obviously here for coffee. How are you girls doing?"

  "We're nearly finished in there. We'll be done by the end of the day. Then, everything will be photographed, tagged and logged,” she said. “That seems kind of incredible, doesn't it?"

  "We saw Sylvie's boys out playing with your puppy. They look like they're having fun." Aaron said. "Would you mind keeping them busy for a while? We need to go upstairs and take care of something."

  Polly's face fell. "Oh no. Not one of them. Just tell me it isn't Henry."

  Aaron looked shocked. "Oh, no, not Henry. We'll be back down in a minute."

  The two men headed up the stairs and Polly couldn't help herself. She followed them, paying no attention to anyone else. She couldn't imagine which of Henry's guys it could be. Probably Leroy, he was such a jerk. Ben was a nice guy and Marv was helpful and a hard worker. Damn.

  They went upstairs and Aaron walked through the open door to the room where the men were laying floor. Polly watched as each of them glanced up. Henry came over to stand by Aaron and said, "What's up, Sheriff?"

  "Just a moment, Henry. I'm sorry to bother you here today." He walked over to Marv and said, "Marvin Davis? Or Buddy Landers? You are under arrest for the murder of Kellie and Jill Stevens."

  Polly slumped. It felt like the breath had been kicked out of her. She sat down on the floor and watched as Marv put his face in his hands.

  Huge, gulping sobs erupted from his body. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Oh Sheriff, I'm so sorry!" he cried.

  Stu went over to help the Sheriff bring the man to his feet. Both Ben and Leroy had stopped working and were shaking their heads. They looked as awful as Polly felt and both sat down on the floor where they were working.

  Stu guided Marv out the door and down the steps. When he could, he read the Miranda rights to the man and before they left the building, he placed cuffs on Marv and led him to the car, putting him in the back seat. Henry and Aaron followed them downstairs and out the door.

  "I'll take him on down to Boone and get everything started, Sheriff,” Stu said. “We'll see you later."

  By this point, Lydia, Beryl, Andy and Sylvie had come into the hallway.

  Lydia was the first to say anything, "That poor man. That poor man. Aaron, he has no one to help him out. What is he going to do?"

  "Lydia. We've got processes in place for this. Stop worrying about it."

  "But, Aaron," she started.

  "I said, don't worry about it."

  "Are you sure it's him?" she asked.

  "We're sure," he said. "Now, I'm going to Boone and help get him settled. Lydia, that man has known this day was coming for forty years. You need to be glad that it's me taking care of this and not someone who doesn't have a wife like you. I'll be home tonight."

  "I can't work anymore," Beryl said. "That about did me in."

  Everyone agreed with her, so they went back onto the stage, their feet dragging. No one said anything more, they closed the work down and turned out the lights. Polly pulled the door shut behind them and locked it, then walked to the front door. Ben and Leroy came down the steps.

  "Boss?" Ben said to Henry.

  Henry's face was as grim and morose as the rest of the group.

  "You guys take the rest of the day. We'll see you on Monday. Thanks for coming in."

  "We closed everything up. We didn't figure you'd want to work anymore today." Leroy said. He clapped Henry on the back and then put his other hand on Ben's back as they walked to their trucks in the lot.

  "I feel like I need to go down to Boone and make sure Marv has legal counsel or something," Henry said. "I never put this one together. How did none of us see it?"

  "There are going to be a lot of questions from everyone," Andy said. "It's best to get the answers we can and move forward, I guess. Do you want someone to go with you?"

  "No. I'll be fine," he replied. "I'll wait about an hour and then call Aaron to see what I can do." He walked down the steps and through the lot to his truck. They watched as he drove away.

  Jason and Andrew had brought the dog back to the school. Jason asked, "Mom, why did they take that man away?"

  Sylvie hugged her sons. "Because they think he might have killed those two girls a long time ago."

  "And they found him today? Here at the school? That's pretty cool!" Jason turned to his brother. "We got to see them catch a murderer today! That's not something every kid gets to experience."

  Sylvie looked up at her friends, with huge eyes, "No boys, that's not something you see very often and I hope you never have to see it again. Now, give the leash back to Polly and go get in the car. I'll be right there."

  Andrew handed the leash to Polly and said, "We walked him good, Miss Polly. He pooped and peed all over the place! He should be good to go for a long time!"

  Polly giggled. "Thank you so much boys. I might have to hire you to come over and walk him more often. I'll bet he loves playing with you."

  Jason perked up
a little, "We'd do it for cheap! You call Mom and set it up. We'll come whenever you need us!"

  They ran off to the car. Jason yelled, "Shotgun!" and jumped in the front seat. His brother's shoulders drooped a little and said, "I never remember," but he got in the back seat.

  Lydia said, "Can you get a sitter tonight, Sylvie?"

  "Why do you ask?" Sylvie said.

  "Because I feel the need to sit around with my friends, some wine and a fire. Would you all come over for supper and some friend time?"

  Polly nodded. "Me too, but I have a better idea. Just a second."

  She pulled her phone out and stepped away while she dialed. "Doug? I have a huge favor. I'll pay you and Billy if you'd come over to the school tonight. Bring Big Jack and some of your video games. Sylvie's boys and my dog need someone to hang out with them while we go to Lydia's house. Would you mind?"

  She paused while he asked a question. "I do not know how you heard the news that quickly. But, yes. Sheriff Merritt arrested Marvin Davis this morning for the murder of those two girls. They believe he is Buddy Landers. No, I don't know anything other than that. Yes, they're already gone and headed for Boone." She took a breath. "So, are you free tonight? I'll make something terrific for dinner."

  "What time?" She looked over at Lydia, who mouthed ‘six thirty?’ "How about you guys show up here around six o'clock. Sylvie will bring her boys by and you guys can play games. Thank you so much! See you later."

  She turned back, "How's that? Is that alright with you, Sylvie?"

  "Well, that was easy! Yes, that's alright. Those are good boys and Jason and Andrew will have a great time with them, games and the dogs. Thank you! And I'll help you pay them."

  "Oh, they're cheap. But, sure. You can help. Is there anything your boys love to eat?"

  "I'll tell you what. Let me cook and I'll bring it with me."

  "Fabulous. Well, Lydia, what shall we bring to your house tonight?"

  "Nothing,” Lydia said quietly. “I'm so upset that the best thing I could do today is prepare a big meal tonight. Just come over and help me wallow in sorrow."

  "Great. We'll see you then."

  They split up and Polly walked back inside with her dog. She shut the door, listened to the absolute quiet of the building, locked it behind her and let Obiwan off the leash. He bounded up the steps and she followed him. They went in the front door of her apartment and he jumped up on her couch waiting for her to join him. She turned the television on, pulled a blanket over the two of them, leaned her head back and fell asleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Until six o’clock, Polly and Obiwan played in her apartment. Then they went downstairs and opened the front door to see Doug drive into the parking lot. Big Jack barreled out and headed for Obiwan, followed closely by Billy. Polly held on to the leash as the two dogs met on her stoop, sniffing and wagging. Sylvie pulled in behind Doug and her two boys leaped out of the car and ran to the dogs. Andrew pulled up short and looked at Billy and Polly.

  "May I pet the dogs," he asked the two of them.

  Billy looked a little stunned. Polly laughed and remarked, "Kids are easier to train than dogs."

  She handed the leash to Jason and took two groceries bags filled with chips and snacks from Sylvie who carried in two casserole dishes in slings.

  "I made enchiladas, is that alright?" she asked.

  Doug said, "Awesome! That's wonderful!"

  "I have everything else you'll need in the bags." She turned to Polly, "Including paper plates and stuff. No one needs to do dishes tonight."

  They carried everything to the kitchen and Polly put the casserole dishes in the oven. "I'm not turning the oven on, guys, but these are already hot and they should stay that way in there for a while."

  Billy came into the kitchen, carrying twelve-packs of Pepsi. "Is it all right if they drink soda tonight, or would you rather they have something else?" he asked Sylvie.

  She smiled at him, "Thanks, Billy, but soda will be great. It's not a school night and they're here to have fun."

  "Polly," she asked, "would you like to ride over with me?"

  "Sure!" Polly responded, "I'm ready to go. It feels weird not to take something, though."

  "I told you before," Sylvie said, "these ladies don't care whether we bring anything or not, so let's go."

  When they arrived at Lydia's house, they discovered they were the last ones there. The fire downstairs was already going and the bar was filled with platters of food, from snacks with dips to fried chicken. A buffet warmer held mashed potatoes, gravy and beans. Beryl stood up from behind the bar as Polly walked toward it.

  "Comfort food anyone?" She asked, holding two bottles of wine in her hands.

  "Wow. That's some serious comfort going on here," laughed Sylvie.

  Lydia walked down the steps with a basket of sliced bread and Andy followed, carrying two plates of cookies and bars.

  "Is this for us?" Polly asked.

  "Aaron will be home in a bit and he knows he doesn't get to go hide until he has told us everything, so I thought it would be nice if I plied him with food. These are his favorites." Lydia put the basket of bread down and waved her hand over the food, "Not that it won't be obvious or anything!

  "Thanks so much for coming over," she continued. "I didn't want to be alone in this house with nothing to do tonight."

  Beryl scooped a finger full of mashed potatoes from the side of the dish, "This is what happens when she has nothing to do. I vote we strip her of all her…" she paused and leered a little, "ummm, other activities. Yeah. That's what I was going to say. Then she'll have nothing to do but cook good food for us."

  "I'm fine with that, too!" Andy said.

  "Who wants wine?" Beryl asked.

  Affirmatives all around and Beryl opened the bottles and began pouring.

  "Shall we wait for Aaron?" Andy asked.

  "I'm right here," he responded, coming in the sliding glass door. He glanced at the bar and then at his wife, "Alright. What do you want?"

  He looked around the room, "You girls should know I never get this food unless she's about to ask for something I probably don't want to give her."

  "Lucky for you, you give me everything I want or you'd never fit in your uniform!" Lydia laughed and hugged her husband.

  "I bet you want information. I'm not going to leave this basement alive without telling you what happened today, am I?"

  They filled their plates and sat in chairs and on the sofa in front of the crackling fire. No one spoke for a few minutes as they ate chicken and drank wine.

  Beryl broke the silence, "Say, did you all hear they arrested some guy for the murder of those girls forty years ago? I wonder how that all worked out."

  Polly picked up on the not-so-subtle hint, "Well, after that kid pulled dried up bones down on his head in this poor girl's construction zone of a home, you'd think they might release a few details."

  Beryl said, "I heard that the Sheriff who arrested him is stingy with those things and has to be bribed with fried chicken and it can't be anybody's fried chicken …" she looked at Aaron, "or can it? Because I'm willing to go to Hy-Vee and pick up their chicken if that would get your lips a flappin'."

  He scowled. "No. Only Lydia's. Her chicken is the only chicken that counts and we don't need to be letting the world in on that secret, either, got it?"

  Beryl smirked, "Secret? I have nothing to say, but how long are you going to make us wait for the details?"

  Andy got up and walked over to the bar, picked up the platter of chicken and walked back to the group. She waved it a couple of times in front of Aaron's face, fanning the scent toward him, then sat down in her seat. "I'm holding it hostage. Every part of the story you tell me will earn you another piece of chicken. If we aren't satisfied, we're eating it all ourselves." She picked up a wing and ripped it apart, then began tearing the meat off. "Like that," she said.

  "Okay, fine," Aaron relented. "I'm not stupid enough to hold out on you gir
ls, but I am enjoying my dinner. Give the poor old guy a break!"

  Andy picked up a leg and dangled it in front of Sylvie. "Don't you need another piece, girlfriend?" Sylvie took it from her, grinned at Aaron and began eating.

  Beryl walked over to the platter, looked down and took a piece, glanced at Polly, took another and then dropped it on her plate. "We're emptying the platter, big guy. Spill."

  Aaron shook his head and looked piteously at his wife. "Don't look at me," she said. "I'm not sure how you thought you could come home this evening and not tell us what happened today."

  "But, you made chicken!" he pleaded.

  "I certainly did," she said. "And I invited everyone over to watch you fall apart because of my magic. Now talk."

  Aaron set his plate down and sipped from his glass. He sat back, closed his eyes, rolled his head, stretched his neck and slung his arm over the back of the couch. He leaned his head back, then stretched his legs out in front of him. Each of the girls watched as he attempted to elongate the time. He opened one eye to peek at them, then chuckled and said, "Fine."

  Sitting up straight in the couch, he began telling them the story.

  "Forty years ago, Buddy and Kellie snuck out one night after everyone had gone to bed. They were going to Boone to walk the rails. Jill caught them leaving, so decided to go with them. Buddy had rolled his truck away from his house and the girls had walked out to the highway to meet up with him so no one would hear the vehicle. They were walking along the tracks when a train came through. It scared them and they jumped off, but Kellie tripped and began rolling down a hill. She hit her head and had died by the time they got to her.

  "Jill started screaming at Buddy, accusing him of doing it on purpose. He was in a panic because no one knew where they were and he could see Kellie was beyond help. Jill continued to yell and scream at him, hitting him on his back as he bent over his girlfriend. He says he lost it, picked up a rock and slammed her in the head. She crumpled and before he knew what had happened, he had two dead girls on his hands.