Cause for Murder

by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

  When Hawkman reached the station, Williams had a couple of officers in his office, but waved Hawkman in. “I've told these guys I want them to accompany us. I don't think we'll need them, but I'd like the back-up just in case."

  Hawkman agreed.

  Williams turned to the policemen. “Wait for us outside.” Once the officers left, he turned to Hawkman. “Now, what do you have to tell me?"

  "There are several things you might find of interest.” Hawkman scooted a chair up to the desk and unfolded the map showing the location of Maduk's new home. He proceeded to tell Williams what he'd found buried in the woods. Then he related how he'd visited the bar where Lilly worked and discovered the owner gave his help the partially filled bottles of liquor before each new supply arrived. “Lilly started work in that bar about five or six months before Parker's death. When Burke discovered she got free booze, the bartender said Parker insisted she get some for him."

  Williams ran a hand through his hair. “Sounds feasible. So you think Lilly could have spiked them with paraquat?"

  "Either that, or she passed them on to Maduk and let him do the dirty work."

  "Then how'd he get it to Parker without arousing suspicion?"

  "I thought about that. Parker lived in that run down motel for months at a time. Maduk could have slipped into the room when Burke wasn't there, switched the bottles, or poured the concoction into the ones already there. I doubt Parker would have even noticed in his state of inebriation."

  "So you think Lilly and Maduk planned this?"

  Hawkman scratched his chin. “Hard to say. I'm more wary of Maryann. When she figured out where those partial bottles of booze were coming from and discovered her mother passing them on to Parker, she could have doctored them up."

  "This is all getting very interesting. I'm going to ask a lot of questions today, and I'd like to search that house. But I'll have to get a warrant first. Which may take a day or two."

  Hawkman changed positions and faced Williams. “I had a chance to scout around the Parker house while the boys were there. Now this is just speculation, but while searching through a cabinet under the carport, I spotted a space on one of the shelves where a small box or something square had been sitting. I felt it had been removed recently because the area was still clean. It looked to be the same size as the box I found in the woods behind Maduk's house. I realize this is all circumstantial, but it might give you ammunition for questions."

  Williams stood and shrugged into his jacket. “Yep. And everything points in the direction of the family as our suspects. So let's go."

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Sam paced in front of the movie theater until he spotted Richard's truck. He waited for him to park, then hopped into the passenger side. After he told his friend about Maduk approaching him at Maryann's house, Richard smacked his forehead with the palm of his hand.

  "Oh, damn! And you still stayed there and finished painting? You're braver than I am."

  Sam laughed. “You make it sound funny; but let me tell you, when I saw that big Indian standing there, I thought my heart would jump right out of my chest."

  "You still want to go over and paint tomorrow?” Richard asked.

  "Hell, yes. The police will probably be swarming the place. At least we won't miss anything."

  Richard guffawed. “Okay, I'll plan on picking you up. Now, let's go take in a movie."

  * * * *

  The next morning, Sam and Richard arrived at the Parker place about nine and prepared to paint the outside of the house. Sam took the taller ladder and Richard rested the shorter one several feet away.

  "I don't want you splattering me with paint,” Richard said, as he placed the bucket on the ladder shelf.

  Sam grinned. “Don't tempt me. I liked your hair all different colors. Makes you resemble a skunk.” He flicked the bristles of the dry paint brush toward him.

  Richard ducked and they both laughed.

  The boys painted for about an hour when Richard spotted a man standing a few yards away near the street staring at the house. “Hey, Sam,” he nodded his head toward the street. “There's an old guy over there watching us."

  When both boys turned to look, the fellow advanced toward them with a big grin on his face. “Howdy there. You boys are doing a nice job for a gentle lady."

  "You know Mrs. Parker?” Sam asked.

  "She leaves me food almost every night on her porch. Takes care of me like family. Even gave me a blanket to keep warm at night."

  "You know her husband died?"

  The man's expression changed to an angry scowl. His odd colored light blue eyes even turned paler until he looked unnatural. “A very evil person. Good thing he's dead. Now Ms. Lilly can have peace."

  At that moment, a look of fear registered on the man's face as he glanced toward the front of the house. He turned quickly and scurried away.

  The boys looked to see what frightened him. A patrol car, plus Detective Williams’ unmarked vehicle pulled in front of the house. They climbed down their ladders and walked around the corner just as Hawkman climbed out of Williams’ car.

  "Hello, boys. Making good progress?"

  "Yeah, we're moving right along.” Sam edged closer to Hawkman. “What's happening?” he whispered.

  Hawkman placed a hand on his shoulder. “Nothing for you to be concerned about. Go on about your work."

  Sam reluctantly headed toward the side of the house. Richard followed. When they were sure they were out of earshot, Sam nudged his friend. “Something's going down,” he mouthed.

  Richard glanced down the street. “Where'd the old man go?"

  "Don't know, but he's a crazy, that's for sure. Did you notice his eyes?"

  "Yeah, gave me the creeps. The color changed when you mentioned Mr. Parker to the point that he looked like an alien. And I caught his body odor clear up on the ladder. What'd he say, anyway? He had so much hair growing around his mouth I couldn't read his lips."

  Sam grinned. “He definitely needed a shower and hair cut.” After relating to Richard what the stranger said, they moved their ladders to the back of the house. “Guess we better get busy."

  * * * *

  A reflection bounced off Lilly's bedroom window, causing her to glance out. Her hand on the sill, she leaned forward, staring through the sheer curtains at the two cars parking in front of her house. Sucking in a deep breath, her hand fell to her side and she went to the closet. She slipped into a house dress, then ran a brush through her hair and secured it with a hair clamp at the nape of her neck. She sat on the edge of the bed, put on her shoes, wrapped her arms around her waist and waited. Maduk had warned her last night the police might be here today.

  Her senses seemed extremely sharp, as she swore she could hear the brush strokes through the walls as the boys painted the outside. Soft footsteps alerted her that Maryann was coming down the hallway. She twisted around when her daughter entered the room.

  "Mom, the police are here. Do you want to talk to them right now?” Maryann sat down beside her mother and took her hand. “You don't have to, you know. If necessary, we can get an attorney."

  "I can't afford a lawyer.” She patted her daughter's knee and rose. “How many cops are out there?"

  "Just the detective and Hawkman. The other two officers are still in their car. I think they're just back ups in case we give them trouble."

  Lilly chuckled. “I guess they figure we're two dangerous women."

  Maryann stood in front of her mother. “Mom, you'd definitely qualify for a court appointed lawyer and it wouldn't cost you a dime. You don't have to talk to these men."

  "I have nothing to hide. If they get overbearing, I'll tell them I won't answer any more questions without a lawyer present.” She studied her daughter's face. “You'll be in there with me, won't you?"

  "Absolutely."

  Maryann led her mother into the living room and had her sit on the overstuffed chair before she invited the detective and Hawkman into the house. S
he then immediately went to her mother's side.

  Lilly gestured toward the couch. “Have a seat, gentlemen. How can I help you?"

  "Mrs. Parker, most of the lab tests on your late husband have come back. It appears Mr. Parker died of paraquat poisoning."

  "What's that?” she asked.

  "It's a very toxic herbicide used for killing or controlling weeds, and can only be used by a licensed contractor, so therefore it's not sold to anyone without proper credentials."

  "How in heavens name could Burke have gotten ahold of such stuff. He never did any yard work."

  "We need to know if Mr. Parker associated with anyone who might be able to obtain this poison."

  Lilly threw up her hands and shook her head. “I haven't the vaguest idea.” Then she scooted to the edge of her seat and clasped her hands together. “Detective Williams, Burke and I had not lived together for some time. He tried to molest my daughter and I threw him out."

  "We had a suspicion something had happened as we have it recorded in our records that you shot your husband in the leg one night. Is that because of his abuse?"

  Maryann stepped forward. “She didn't shoot him, detective. I did."

  Williams raised his brows? “You shot your father?"

  "Yes.” Her eyes narrowed. “He tried to hurt me. I had a gun under my pillow and chased him out of my room. When mother heard my screams, she ran out the door behind me. When I shot him, she pulled me back inside and took the gun. He was a horrible man."

  Lilly dropped her head into her hands. “Don't believe her, detective. She's only trying to protect me."

  "Mrs. Parker, we'd like to search the house. If you don't give us permission, I'll get a search warrant."

  Maryann glared at Hawkman and Williams. “Then that's what you'll have to do. If you think you can pin his murder on me or my mother, you're completely wrong. Just because we hated the man, doesn't mean we'd stoop to killing him."

  "What about Maduk?” Hawkman asked.

  Lilly’ jerked up her head, then dropped her gaze to her hands as she fiddled with the material of her dress.

  Maryann shot a sharp look at Hawkman. “Are you insinuating that he had something to do with Burke's death?"

  "What do you think?"

  "I think it's time for you to leave unless you plan to arrest one of us."

  Hawkman stood. “Maduk paid a visit to Sam in this house and in so many words threatened him."

  "Not really, Mr. Casey. He asked Sam to relay a message to you. I heard the whole thing."

  "Why is he worried, if he's innocent of any wrong doing?"

  "None of us like to be pushed into a corner. And that's what happens to a family when a mysterious death occurs. The closest people to the victim are the first suspects. Isn't that why you're here? I've decided we're not answering any more of your questions without an attorney present. And since we can't afford one, I'm requesting a court appointed lawyer for me and my mother."

  "That can be arranged,” Detective Williams said, as he followed Hawkman to the door. “I'll have a lawyer get in touch with one of you within the next few days."

  After the two men left, Maryann knelt down in front of the chair and took her mother's hands. Tears rolled down Lilly's cheeks. “Mom, we need to have a serious talk."

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  When the two men walked out of the Parker house, Hawkman glanced over his shoulder, but the boys were nowhere in sight. They must be at the back, he thought. He wondered if he should suggest they call it a day, but decided against interfering with their project. After all, they were young men now and should be able to handle any problems. He didn't want to interfere with their job. At the rate they were moving, they might finish painting the outside by tomorrow and wouldn't have to return.

  Hawkman and Williams rode in silence for several minutes, then Williams broke the stillness. “I didn't expect that reaction. I thought the women would be a bit more cooperative."

  Hawkman shifted in his seat. “Look at it this way. Maryann's no dummy. She's educated, knows where this investigation is heading, and is going to protect her parents. I can't blame her."

  "You're right,” the detective said. “That gal is one hell of a spitfire. It sure makes me consider what you said about watching her. She could very well be guilty of murdering Parker."

  Hawkman let out a sigh. “I wish I knew the answer. I want to take another look at at those reports and autopsy pictures."

  Williams shot him a look. “What's on your mind?"

  "Not sure yet. I'll let you know."

  When they reached the police station, Hawkman followed Williams into his office. He scooted a chair to the front of the desk, as the detective slid the Parker folder in front of him.

  "I've got a meeting down the hall. If you spot something we've missed, hang around. I won't be long."

  Hawkman gave him a wave. “Will do."

  After Williams left the room, Hawkman opened the file. He slowly picked through Parker's autopsy pictures, turning them over one by one. When he reached the head shots, he carefully lined them up side by side on the desk, rubbing his chin as he studied them.

  Once he located the coroner's reports, he sorted through the pages until he found the one listing Parker's stomach contents at the time of death. He fumbled in his pocket for the small paper pad he carried and jotted down the items.

  His attention shifted to the lab reports. He thumbed through the sheets of paper until he found the one he wanted, took some notes, then set that one aside.

  He glanced at the inventory sheet of things sent to the lab. The item he wanted to see hadn't been checked off as received. Leaning back in the chair, he thumped the pencil against the desk. He'd ask Williams about it when he returned from the meeting.

  Soon, the detective strolled into the room with several sheets of paper in his hand. He dropped them on his desktop, and took off his jacket, hanging it over the back of his chair. “Okay, got the daily meeting out of the way. Now, let's get down to business.” He flopped into the cushioned seat and swiveled around to face Hawkman. “So what'd you find?"

  Hawkman took his pencil and pointed to a picture depicting the scoring around Parker's mouth. “I'm interested in how these got there."

  "The lab reports state that's the effects of the paraquat."

  "Yes, I understand, but if he'd only ingested the paraquat through booze and even if some had dribbled out the corners of his mouth, how come there'd be this much damage around his outer lips, under the nose and across his chin?” Hawkman picked up another picture. “And I noticed here on Parker's right hand, there's some odd looking markings, almost like burns."

  "What are you getting at?"

  He reached over and thumped the coroner's reports. “It says here, the stomach contents indicated chicken and potatoes for his last meal. Let's say it was fried chicken he'd eaten with his hands."

  Williams eyes lit up. “So you think the poison was in the food, too?

  "I think it's very possible. Do you remember what you took out of the trash can in that room?"

  The detective closed his eyes for a moment and counted on his fingers. “Let's see, there were four items, if my memory serves me right. A big roll of wadded foil, an empty plastic container, which looked like it could have come from a home. An old newspaper and one more item. Oh yeah, a plastic fork."

  "Did they have any identifying labels on them, like a sticker label or anything that might identify where they came from?"

  "No."

  "Did those items go to the lab?"

  "Everything went."

  "Hopefully, you'll get those results Monday. I have a hunch traces of paraquat will be found on all the food containers."

  Williams leaned back in his chair and scratched his head. “So, if someone laced his food with the toxin, we need to find out where he got his dinner."

  "It won't be easy. If he got this food from a restaurant, I'd suspect they'd give it to him as a take out in a corrugated b
ox, or possibly in foil. But what stumps me is the plastic thing. That sounds more like it came from a private home where they might have put mashed potatoes or potato salad in a used butter bin. Now, to find out who that kind soul may have been. This is not going to be an easy case to solve."

  The detective let out a sigh. “You got that right, if we ever do unravel it. I think it's time to visit Maduk's place and dig up that box you found."

  Hawkman put up a hand. “Not today. If Maduk isn't working, he could be out at his new place. He'd spot us for sure. Let's wait until Monday, when we can be sure he's not there."

  "Good idea."

  * * * *

  Sam and Richard climbed down their ladders at the same time. Sam arched his back and stretched. “You want to change places when we go around the corner?"

  Richard grinned. “Sure, reaching up under the eaves is getting to you isn't it?"

  "Yeah, little tough on the neck and back.” He stepped back and gave Richard the thumbs up. “We work well as a team. Look at that beautiful job. And we've already got one side and the back done."

  Richard pointed toward the opposite corner. “The hardest is still ahead. That wall includes the carport, then there's the front of the house with the porch."

  "That's true, but we'll make a big dent in it today.” He rubbed his stomach. “Let's eat. I'm starved."

  After capping the paint cans and wrapping their brushes in plastic bags, they strolled toward the pickup.

  Richard pointed down the street. “Why don't we go over to that little park we passed. It's only a couple of blocks away. Maybe we can find a free table and eat in the shade."

  Sam climbed into the cab. “Sounds good. Let's go."

  Richard hopped into the truck and made a U-turn. When they reached the recreation area, they found a vacant table under a large oak tree. It took both of them to lug the ice chest Uncle Joe had packed that morning.

  "Good grief,” Sam said. “What the heck's in here?"