Bones, Booze & Bouquets

by Marianne Spitzer

  “Just as you’ll be if I don’t get answers.”

  “You killed Willy,” Georgie blurted.

  “The man smiled and shook his head. “I’m not confessing to any murders. I bet you ladies killed him when he wouldn’t tell you where to find the coins. Now I want some answers before I shoot one of you. I don’t care which one I shoot so start talking.”

  Georgie and I looked at each other. Neither one of us had any real information. Maybe I could make something up, but the problem is he’s blocking our only exit.

  “We don’t know much,” I offered.

  “Spill it,” he growled at me just before he let out a weird yell and fell down the stairs.

  I stared at him until I saw the wires attached to the back of his short and heard my uncle ask, “You girls okay?”

  “Uncle Lyle, what are you doing here?”

  He stared down at the unconscious man’s body and said, “I was a bit worried about you and Georgie. I had a feeling you might end up here, so I took a drive and saw Georgie’s car in the parking area. I thought you could use some help investigating. When I heard this man threaten you, I used my new zapper. Irene and I bought two of them last week. I wasn’t sure if it would work, but I’m satisfied. He’s out cold. We need to tie him up and call the police.”

  “Sure,” I said grateful Uncle Lyle showed up when he did. “I think there was some rope in the kitchen.”

  Georgie headed for the stairs. “I’ll get it.”

  Uncle Lyle leaned over to get a better look at the man. “You know, Annie, I know we need to call 911 because he threatened you, but this man resembles the mayor. If he’s Skip, he may have the legal right to be in this house. You don’t. You might get arrested.”

  “What do we do?” I walked closer to see the man’s face, and sure enough, he looked like an older version of the mayor. Both men are the same age, but I think Skip’s unsavory background aged him.

  Georgie returned with the rope, and we did our best to tie the man up while Uncle Lyle paced.

  “Okay,” Uncle Lyle said. “This is what we’re going to do. We’re leaving, and you two girls head for Lou’s Diner to have some pie or coffee. You need an alibi. I’ll call 911 and make an anonymous call and tell them I saw a man with a gun enter the house. Skip has a record, so the police will question him about why he was creeping around the house with a gun. I don’t think they’ll believe him about you two.”

  “We can do that, but what about the satchel and hole in the wall?” I asked.

  “Leave them. It’ll appear as if Skip was looking for something. It might keep him occupied in jail for a while and give you time to solve this mystery.”

  Georgie asked, “If you call 911 they’ll trace your cell phone.”

  “Nope, Irene and I bought throw away phones just in case we ended up in a situation like this. You know how she likes to be prepared. Now, let’s go so you can get to the diner and I can call 911 then drive back home. Irene will be home soon.” He gestured toward the stairs. Georgie and I hurried up, and the three of us walked back to our cars. Uncle Lyle followed us down the hill away from Old Lady Hagenbak’s house.

  ~ * ~

  Georgie and I sat at a table in Lou’s Diner. It was Laci’s night off which is a good thing since I don’t need to explain why we stopped in. Laci still tries to treat me like I’m her child when I stay out later than usual and nine o’clock on a Sunday night is late for me.

  Lou was thrilled to see us as usual. He rushed over to our table wiping his hands on his white apron. “Annie, Georgie, happy to see you here tonight. I have blueberry cobbler and a new selection of herbal fruit tea. It’s a bit late for coffee.”

  Georgie licked her lips. “Cobbler sounds great. Do you have the orange spice tea?”

  “Of course, I ordered it especially for you. Now, Annie, I also have your favorite apple cinnamon tea. How about a cup and a piece of cobbler?”

  “That sounds perfect, Lou, thanks.” I smiled at the sweet man who loved to spoil us.

  As we ate cobbler and sipped tea, Georgie and I began to calm down. “It was scary when that guy showed up,” Georgie said between bites of cobbler.

  “Thank heavens Uncle Lyle showed up. He certainly took Skip down quickly. I hope I never get zapped.”

  “Me either,” she answered and sipped her tea. “Your uncle saw me pick you up. If anyone questions you, I think he’ll say we left shortly before we arrived here. I hope he doesn’t get in trouble.”

  “I won’t let him lie for me, but I think he’s right that the police are going to suspect Skip of some sort of wrongdoing. I know we left him tied up, but he had a gun and planned on shooting one of us. We need to solve this mystery before that creepy detective interrogates me again.” I shuddered. “Are you finished? I’m tired. It’s been a long day, and I have to open the store tomorrow morning.”

  Georgie grimaced, “I have to help Paul open the Grille in the morning so we should leave.

  I opened my purse to pay for our treat when Lou called from across the empty diner, “The cobbler and tea are on the house. Have a good night and drive safe.” He waved at me from behind the counter.

  “Thanks, Lou,” Georgie and I both called back as we left the diner.

  When Georgie pulled into my driveway, I noticed a strange dark sedan sitting in front of my house. “I wonder whose car that is?”

  Georgie shrugged, and I climbed out of the car in time to see Detective Grim Reaper step out of his car.

  “Goodness gracious, did they find Skip already?” I said to Georgie as I leaned back into the car. “Can you stay to see what he wants?”

  “Of course,” she answered and climbed out of her car just as the detective stepped closer to me.

  “Annlynn Ryan, you’re under arrest for the murder of Bartholomew Quigley?” he said. “Put your hands behind your back.”

  I did as instructed and the creepy detective handcuffed me and led me back to his car.

  “Call Lucas,” I called to Georgie before he pushed on the top of my head while I tried to get into his car. I heard Georgie call back, “Right away” just before the door slammed shut leaving me staring out the metal mesh in front of me.

  Goodness, gracious, Annie, here you go again. Murder? I didn’t kill anyone. If Bart Quigley is dead, I’m sure Skip Scrumbly killed him. Here I go again in the back of a police car. At least it’s dark this time, so no one in town will see me. Oh, my, what will Clark say? I’m doomed.

  Chapter Fourteen

  When we pulled into the rear parking lot of the Heavenly Corners Police Station, Detective Wilton aka the Grim Reaper parked and quicker than humanly possible he managed to get out of the car and yank open the rear door.

  “We’re here, Mrs. Ryan. Get out and watch your head.”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “You killed Bart Quigley.”

  “No, I didn’t. I think Skip Scrumbly killed him.”

  “Who?”

  I inwardly groaned. If Detective Wilton doesn’t know who Skip is, then something went wrong with Uncle Lyle’s plan. I think I’m in trouble.

  I finally complied, and he held my arm as he walked me through the back door of the station. Instead of heading toward the interrogation rooms, he directed my walk straight to the jail cells. Opening one, he unlocked my handcuffs, and before I could turn around, I heard the cell door slam shut.

  “Have a good night,” he grumbled.

  “Hey,” I yelled. “You can’t do this. If I’m under arrest, I get a phone call.”

  “I can hold you and I will. As soon as you’re processed, you’ll get your phone call.” He started to walk away.

  “Stop,” I called out. “When will I be processed?”

  He shrugged. “Whenever the officer in charge of processing arrives at work in the morning.”

  “Morning?” I stammered, but he didn’t answer. The light went off, and I heard the door close. He left me in the dark. At least the window in the door let
in just enough light for me to find my way to the hard cot. How was I going to sleep? Maybe I won’t be here all night. Maybe Lucas will get me out.

  I dropped onto the cot and sat with my elbows on my knees. I felt tears in my eyes, but I refuse to give the Grim Reaper the satisfaction of seeing me cry. For all I know he’s watching me on a security camera. I rubbed my hands over my face.

  Please God, help me. You know I didn’t kill Bart Quigley. Please help Lucas get me out of here. Help Clark understand he’s not engaged to a murderess. I can’t stay here all night. Laci will be frantic, and she’ll call Aunt Irene. Watch over them Lord and please keep my aunt from doing anything crazy. I’m tired and need sleep. Please help me fall asleep. Thank you, Lord.

  “Annie?”

  “Clark?” I answered as light flooded the cell. I jumped off the cot and ran to the bars as I saw Clark hurrying toward the cell. “You came.”

  “Of course, I came sweetheart. I’d have been here sooner if I knew you were here. I was helping my dad, and Georgie left me a message. Lucas is upstairs now. You’ll be home soon,” he explained as he unlocked the cell.

  “How can I go home? I have to wait for my arraignment in the morning plus they haven’t finished processing me yet. I can afford bail but how much will it be and will I even get bail?”

  “Arraignment? Bail? What on earth for,” he asked as I flew through the open cell door and into his arms.

  “Murder.”

  He stepped back and took a long look in my eyes. “Murder? Who did you kill? You’re here for questioning. You should be upstairs in an interrogation room.”

  I shook my head back and forth. “Detective Wilton arrested me for the murder of Bart Quigley, handcuffed me, and brought me here. He said I had to stay in the cell until someone could process me in the morning.”

  Clark’s arm tightened around me, and he spoke quietly in my ear. “Take a deep breath, Annie. There isn’t any arrest warrant out for you or anyone else. A hiker found Bart’s body near his cabin a few hours ago. Wilton was supposed to pick up people for questioning. He shouldn’t have handcuffed you or told you that you were under arrest.”

  “Well, he did and right there in front of Georgie in my front yard. My neighbors are going to begin to wonder about me. Why is that man doing this to me?”

  Clark shrugged. “He’s getting close to retirement, and he’s never closed a big case. I think he wants to close the Wylie murder quickly. With Bart’s murder, he could get two cases at once. Why he’s blaming you, I have no idea.”

  “Do you know how Bart died?”

  “Shot.”

  “I know who did it. It was Skip Scrumbly.”

  Clark stared at me as if I were speaking gibberish, “Who’s Skip Scrumbly?”

  “The mayor’s cousin. It’s a long story, but I need to talk to Lucas. I didn’t kill anyone, and I want to go home.”

  “That’s a good idea. Lucas is pacing back and forth like a raging bull. He’s tossing so many questions at Wilton, the man is just sitting there staring at Lucas.”

  I bit back a laugh. It served the Grim Reaper right. He deserved a bit of his own medicine. Clark took my hand. “Let’s go.”

  On the way to the interrogation room, I told Clark I needed my cell phone. I had an important message to text. He opened the door of the room and ushered me in while Lucas continued to badger Wilton with questions.

  I looked directly at Wilton. “Give me back my phone.”

  He shrugged, “It’s in the evidence locker.”

  I spun to look at Clark. “I need your phone.” He handed it to me. I quickly sent a text to Georgie and Uncle Lyle.

  It’s Annie.

  Be careful, the police didn’t find anyone at the house.

  Two replies came almost immediately. The first from Georgie:

  Got it. Let me know how you are.

  Uncle Lyle’s response was as cryptic as mine:

  OK. Irene and I are armed.

  I handed the phone back to Clark, and he frowned at the messages. I know I have a lot of explaining to do. I took a seat on the chair Clark pulled out for me. He stood behind me with his hand on my shoulder for moral support.

  Detective Wilton asked me to explain where I was for the past six hours. I gave him a detailed account of my time with Georgie, being at Old Lady Hagenbak’s house, Skip Scrumbly, Uncle Lyle, and cobbler at Lou’s.

  Lucas smiled, and the detective leaned back in his chair. “You expect me to believe that?”

  “Yes, I wasn’t alone.”

  “That’s it,” barked Lucas. “Annie has an alibi, you have no evidence against her, and you told her she was under arrest.”

  “So, nothing says I can’t tell her whatever I want.” He crossed his arms and stared at Lucas.

  Lucas leaned forward and splayed his fingers on the old, metal table. “Perhaps not, but you knew she wasn’t under arrest. You were supposed to pick up possible persons of interest. We both know you don’t handcuff them. She has a witness to your behavior. Mrs. Ryan is one of the wealthiest and most influential people in this town. I believe she may sue you for wrongful arrest. I have my doubts that when you return to your own department, that they’ll keep you around long enough for you to retire.”

  Yea, Lucas. Let him have it. My mind screamed, but I kept my lips tightly sealed. The door flew open, and Chief Elroy joined us.

  “Clifford,” Lucas said. “Good of you to join us. I believe we have a problem here.”

  The Chief nodded. “I heard you coming down the hall. Wilton, did you arrest Mrs. Ryan without a warrant?”

  “I needed answers,” Wilton explained.

  Clark turned toward Clifford and said, “When I got here, Annie was in a cell. He never questioned her at all and told Annie that her arraignment is in the morning.”

  Shaking his head, Clifford asked, “Did you get the information you wanted?”

  Wilton shook his head.

  “You’re free to go home, Annie. Thanks for understanding,” Clifford tried to smile.

  I stood and glared at him. “Who said I’m understanding. You’ll hear from Lucas about this.” I spun on my heel and left the room. I had no intention of suing the police or even the Grim Reaper detective, but he deserves to worry for a while. After all, if I’d been alone and Georgie didn’t call Clark and Lucas, I’d be alone in the cell all night. Laci would worry, and no one upsets my child if I can help it.

  I shook Lucas’ hand and thanked him. “I appreciate you coming out. I know your Sunday night Poker game was interrupted.”

  “It was, and I was winning,” he smiled at me. “Don’t worry, Annie, you know I am only a phone call away regardless of the day or time. Take care.”

  I leaned on Clark as I watched Lucas stride to his car. Clark said he’d drive me home, but he needed to stop at his place first.

  ~ * ~

  Thirty minutes later Clark pulled into my driveway. Laci raced out of the house holding her little white kitten that she finally named Puffy and yanked open the passenger door glaring at me.

  “Mother, how in the world can you do things like this? What will my friends think? This is unacceptable.” She shot Clark a look that would frighten a wild animal and stormed back into the house.

  “I turned to Clark, “I’m sorry. She’s either very angry or worried. She never calls me Mother unless she’s terribly upset.”

  Clark walked around the car and offered me his hand to help me out of the car. “She shouldn’t talk to you like that regardless of how she feels. She can be as angry with me as she wants, but it isn’t fair of her to take it out on you. I can’t imagine how she’ll take my staying here.”

  I kissed him and whispered, “She’ll get over it, and you’ll be on the couch. If you were sharing my bed, she might have a reason to get angry.” I had to laugh at the look on his face.

  “Then we shouldn’t tell her about the last time you were in danger when you slept under the blanket, and I slept on top.”

&nb
sp; “No, let’s not.”

  He picked up his duffel bag and followed me into the house.

  Laci stood halfway up the stairs glaring at Clark and me when we walked into the living room. When Clark placed his duffel bag next to the sofa, Laci asked, “What is that for?”

  “It has my change of clothes,” Clark answered honestly.

  “Oh, no you don’t,” she yelled. “You can’t stay here. If you’re staying, I’m leaving.” She turned, and all I saw were her fluffy pink slippers fly up the rest of the stairs.

  “Laci Ryan, come back down here, or I’ll come after you,” Clark called out.

  Oh, my goodness gracious, here it comes, and they got along so well during our dinner.

  I reached for Clark’s arm and looked into his eyes. He shook his head. “I’m sorry, Annie, but she’s old enough to understand I’m here to keep you both safe. It’s either here or in a jail cell. The department won’t keep anyone in the old motel any longer. It isn’t a good safe house, and until they find another, we plan on keeping people in jail. I’ll offer her the choice.”

  I swallowed and nodded as I heard Laci’s footfalls on the steps. “What?”

  Clark walked to the bottom of the stairs. “Your mother is in danger, and I’m here to protect her. If she’s in danger, you are, too. We have two choices. I can stay here, or I can call for a squad car to escort you to jail which is where we are currently allowing people in danger to stay for safe keeping. You have a choice.”

  Laci didn’t move, but her eyes grew bigger, and she scowled at Clark. When we heard a knock on the patio door, Laci let out a small squeal and ran up to her room slamming the door.

  “I think she’s okay with you staying here,” I said as I walked to the patio door. I could see it was Aunt Irene and Uncle Lyle and I wasn’t worried. When I opened the door, Aunt Irene hurried in carrying her rifle and her black bathrobe flowing behind her.

  “Thank goodness you’re all right,” she said taking a seat at the kitchen table.

  Uncle Lyle marched in right behind her carrying a white paper bag. He shook it announcing, “I have chocolate chip muffins. We need to discuss how Skip escaped.” When he saw Clark, he stammered, “Does Clark know or did I get us into trouble?”