Cause for Murder

by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

  Richard laughed. “Beats me. But I have a feeling more food than we'll be able to eat."

  Raising the lid, Richard rubbed his hands together. “Would you look at all this.” He dug out four huge sandwiches, a big container of potato salad, a jar of canned plums, two big bottles of juice and a whole peach pie. On the top were several paper dinner plates and plastic eating utensils. Also a couple of frozen cartons to keep everything cool. “No wonder this thing was so heavy."

  Sam stared at the food with wide eyes. “Oh man, what a feast. Let's dig in."

  They scarfed down a sandwich, a helping of potato salad and a piece of pie before they slowed down. Then Richard placed his fork on the plate and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

  "Hawkman and the detective didn't hang around long? Were you able to eavesdrop?"

  Sam grimaced. “Yeah. There's a window in the kitchen that's stuck and won't close all the way. Their voices were loud enough to hear. Maryann sounded pretty mad and demanded a lawyer."

  Richard leaned forward and stared at his friend's mouth. “Tell me what you heard."

  Sam related the conversation between the four people. When he finished, he shook his head. “I'm guessing Maryann's protecting someone."

  "Maybe herself.” Richard said.

  "I don't know, it's possible. But the two most important people in her life are suspects. If Maduk did poison Burke Parker, and Lilly knew he did it, Maryann wouldn't want her mom to say something that might incriminate either one of them. She stated she wanted a lawyer present before they'd answer any more questions. And truly that's the only way to go."

  "I agree,” Richard said, as he packed the uneaten food into the ice chest. “Guess we better get back to our job, so we can get as much done as possible before dark."

  "Yeah. I'm so full right now, I'd like to take a nap. Thank Uncle Joe for me, the food was great."

  "If we get hungry mid-afternoon, we have enough for a nice snack."

  Sam laughed, as he threw the dirty paper plates and utensils into the trash can. “You got that right, we've got lunch for tomorrow."

  When the boys returned to the Parker house, the two women were in the car. Maryann rolled down the driver's window. “I don't know when we'll be back. Just make yourself at home if you need anything."

  "Thanks,” Sam said, watching as they pulled out of the driveway. He wondered where they were going.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  Maryann slowed the car and glanced at Lilly sitting rigidly in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed straight ahead.

  "Mother, we need to talk."

  "Couldn't we have discussed whatever it is at the house?"

  "No, I didn't want to risk being overheard by Sam."

  "I have to go to work this evening."

  "I'll have you back in plenty of time."

  "Well, then, get started."

  "There are a couple of things I want to ask. One is, where's that weed killer that used to be out in the carport cabinet."

  Her mother twisted her head around and stared at Maryann with a puzzled expression. “What are you talking about? I don't even know what's out there. Burke used it for his stuff. I never even bothered looking inside it."

  Maryann slapped the steering wheel, making her mother jump. “Don't play games with me."

  Lilly let out a sigh. “I've had enough questions. I want to go home."

  Gritting her teeth, Maryann pulled to the side of the road and stopped. She glared at her mother. “I know there was a bottle of paraquat in that cabinet. Now, it's gone. I want to know where it went."

  Lilly stared into her daughter's eyes with concern. “How did you know that?"

  "It doesn't matter how I knew. But it's not there any more."

  "Why were you snooping?"

  "Mother, I've lived in that house all my life. That bottle had been there for years."

  Lilly threw up her hands then let them fall to her thighs with a slap. “Maybe Burke destroyed it."

  Maryann reached across and grasped her arm. “I saw it in that cabinet after Burke died."

  Rubbing her head with her hands, Lilly looked out the window. “You're giving me a headache, Maryann."

  "Are you protecting Maduk?"

  Lilly narrowed her eyes. “Maybe I'm protecting you and Maduk. You seem to know an awful lot about a bottle of paraquat."

  Dropping her hand from her mother's arm, she bit her lower lip and turned the key in the ignition. “I'm taking you home."

  When she pulled around the corner, Sam and Richard were standing in the driveway talking and gesturing toward the house. Maryann noticed their ladders resting against the wall and wondered if they'd looked inside that cabinet. She stopped in the driveway as the boys scooted out of the way.

  Jumping out of the car, she slammed the door and stormed into the house. Lilly climbed out slowly and moved toward the front of the vehicle.

  Sam watched Maryann march toward the entry, then turned his attention back to Lilly, and pointed toward the carport. “Mrs. Parker, we thought we'd just paint the outside of that cupboard. Unless you want us to paint the inside, too."

  She shook her head. “No, don't worry about the inside. It's an old, make-shift piece and just holds junk.” She leaned against the fender of the car and folded her arms at her waist. “Looks like you're almost through. You've really helped the looks of my place. I want to thank you two very much."

  Sam and Richard smiled.

  "You're more than welcome,” Sam said. “We hope to wrap it up tomorrow."

  She brushed some loose strands of hair from her face, then proceeded into the house. The boys went back to their job.

  Lilly hesitated at her daughter's closed door, sighed, then went immediately to her room, undressed, showered and put on her working uniform. She took a few minutes to fix her hair and put on a bit of make-up. Going into the kitchen, she quickly made herself a baloney sandwich and poured a glass of iced tea. She sat down at the table and glanced toward the hall. The low sound of music floated through the air. As she ate, she thought about the conversation with Maryann and it worried her.

  Later that night, Lilly stayed after closing time to help out her fellow workers. Everyone pitched in to help each other and she enjoyed the camaraderie. Leaving the restaurant through the back door, she headed for her car thinking how Maryann had never understood why her mother did such dirty work. But it felt nice to have a few friends who appeared to care. Deep in thought, she reached for the door handle when suddenly a large hand clutched her arm. A scream almost escaped her lips before she heard his voice.

  "It's me, Maduk."

  "Why do you do that to me,” she scolded, jerking away. “You scared me half to death."

  "I'm sorry. But it's important I see you tomorrow. Can you get away without drawing attention to yourself?"

  "Yes. I think I could arrange it. Where do you want to meet?"

  "Remember that old broken down barn on the east side of town?"

  She grinned. “I'll never forget it."

  "About ten o'clock in the morning. I'll have you back in time for work."

  He disappeared into the shadows and Lilly climbed into her car. As she drove home, her heart sang with joy.

  * * * *

  The next morning, Lilly arose early and hummed as she showered and dressed. She put on a fresh pair of jeans, and the blue silk shirt that Maduk always liked because he said it made her eyes light up like stars. Slipping into her sandals, she went to the kitchen, tied on a full apron and fried enough bacon for herself and Maryann.

  She stopped singing and glanced toward the closed door of her daughter's bedroom. Gnawing on her lower lip, she decided not to tell Maryann she'd be meeting Maduk this morning. The girl had grown rather skeptical about her father. True, he hadn't been around much, but she understood why. Young girls don't know the first thing about true love.

  Lilly fixed herself an egg and a piece of toast. When she finished eating, she cleaned up her mess,
and left the bacon draining on a paper towel for Maryann. About that time, she heard the boys drive up. She knew she'd better get rolling before Maryann got up and asked a bunch of questions. It would take her about thirty minutes to get to the deserted barn in her old car.

  She hurried back to her bedroom, gave her hair one more check and applied some gloss to her lips. Examining herself in the mirror, she decided she still had that pretty look of a young woman and it lifted her spirits. Grabbing her purse off the dresser, she headed outside, waved at Sam and Richard, then left in her car.

  When she reached the designated spot, she pulled into the small field and drove around to the back of the deserted barn. The dark Buick sat in the shadow. She felt her heart skip a beat as she parked beside it and the big Indian stepped out to greet her. She ran to him. He picked her up and whirled her around as if she only weighed a few pounds. Then he enfolded her in his arms and kissed her passionately.

  "I've missed you so much, my Lilly."

  "Oh, Maduk. You have no idea how much I love you."

  "Get in, I've got a surprise."

  "Where are we going?"

  He smiled and his black eyes twinkled. “You'll see very soon."

  They drove in silence for several miles as Lilly stared out the window. “It's beautiful up here in these hills."

  "I thought you'd like it.” He soon stopped at a chained gate and got out.

  As he unlocked the padlock, Lilly glanced up the hill and spotted a small home tucked in among the trees and her heart beat wildly. Had her dream finally come true.

  Maduk parked outside the garage, went around and helped Lilly from the car. He took her hand and led her to the front door. Picking her up, he carried her across the threshold. “I'll do this again when we're married."

  When he put her down, Lilly's hands went to her cheeks and tears welled at the lovely sight before her. “Oh, Maduk, this room is beautiful. Is this house yours?"

  "It's ours. I had a few things to do before I could bring you out here."

  She rubbed her hands over the rock on the fireplace. “This is so lovely.” Then he led her to the kitchen and pointed out the view from the window, she sucked in her breath. Running her hands across the smooth counter tops and opening the cabinets, made her feel like a child with a new toy.

  He put his arm around her shoulders and led her down the hallway where he pointed out the main bathroom, then the room he thought would work for Maryann. Pushing the door open to the master bedroom, he took her in his arms and placed a tender kiss on her lips. “This is our room.” He gently lifted her and placed her on the bed. His hands caressed her shoulders and breasts, then made their way down unbuttoning her blouse.

  Lilly closed her eyes. “Dear God, don't let me wake up if this is a dream."

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  When Lilly returned home, her uplifted mood fell when she encountered her daughter in the living room.

  Maryann had her hands on her hips and stared at her mother with blazing eyes. “Mother, where have you been?"

  "Out and about. Why?” she asked, brushing past her and heading for the bedroom.

  Maryann followed at her heels. “Your boss called. He wanted you to come in early. I had no idea where you were or when you'd be home."

  Lilly sat on the bed as she removed her jeans and blouse. “They'll survive. They don't have much business on Sunday afternoon.” She went to her closet, hung up her clothes, and removed a clean uniform from the hanger. “Looks like the boys finished the house. Sure looks nice. They did a good job. Wish I'd been here to thank them in person before they left.” She glanced at her daughter. “Write down their addresses and I'll send them each a personal thank you."

  "You're changing the subject and you look different."

  "I slept well last night. I feel wonderful."

  Maryann narrowed her eyes. “You're lying. You've just come from seeing Maduk, haven't you? You're cheeks are even rosy, like you've been making love."

  Lilly chuckled as she checked in the mirror. “My goodness, they are sort of pink aren't they? I told you I felt good. Even shows in my face.” She smoothed down her uniform and picked up her purse. “Guess I better get to work."

  Maryann blocked the doorway. “You still haven't told me where you've been."

  Lilly glared into her daughter's face. “Young lady, I don't have to tell you anything. Just remember, I'm the mother and you're the child. So step aside and let me through."

  Letting out a disgusted sigh, Maryann moved out of the way.

  Going out the front door, Lilly called over her shoulder. “Get those boys’ addresses for me, okay?"

  * * * *

  Sam and Richard packed the painting supplies into the bed of Richard's truck and left the Parker place. When they were out of town, Sam gave Richard a playful slug on the shoulder and threw up his hands in glee.

  "Hallelujah, we got it finished. Thanks for helping me or I'd have been there another week."

  Richard laughed. “No problem. I'm glad it's done. Now maybe we can spend some time fishing and riding in the hills."

  Sam ran a hand over his hair. “Man, that sounds wonderful."

  Then Richard's expression turned grim. “What do you think will happen to Maryann and her mother?"

  Sam sighed. “I don't know. Hawkman said they're still waiting for the rest of the lab tests to come in."

  At Sam's house, the boys were unloading and putting away the painting gear when Jennifer stepped out the front door.

  "Looks like you guys finished the job."

  "Yep. And it really looks good. Even the lawn's growing. Also, Maryann's flowers and garden are flourishing."

  "I'll have to drive by the next time I'm in town. Come on in for some refreshments. I think you deserve it."

  "Thanks, Mrs. Casey,” Richard said, as they went into the house. “I can only stay a little while. Uncle Joe is going to go get Betsy from Mr. Zanker's place tonight and he'll need me to help him."

  "Betsy?” Jennifer asked.

  "That's our cow. He decided to breed her this year and Mr. Zanker offered his prize bull. So we should have a nice calf in March or April."

  "Hey, that's great,” Sam said.

  The boys sat down at the kitchen bar and Jennifer placed a platter of lunch meat and cheeses in front of them with a loaf of bread.

  "Sam told me your Uncle Joe sent a feast with you yesterday. So you might not be very hungry if you finished that off today,” she said.

  Richard grinned. “You're right. There was plenty left, but we ate it at lunchtime."

  "Where's Hawkman?” Sam asked, smearing mayonnaise on a piece of bread.

  "He's in Yreka working on the Parker case."

  Sam held the knife in the air and glanced at her. “Did they find some new clues?"

  "I'm not sure."

  After Richard left, Jennifer sat down at her computer. Sam exited to the bathroom and jumped in the shower. He let the warm water flow over his sore muscles for several minutes. When he finished, he came back into the living room and flopped down in Jennifer's chair. He punched on the television, but before long his eyelids felt heavy. Forcing them open, he hoped Hawkman arrived before he fell into a deep sleep.

  A streak of light flashed across the kitchen window. His eyes shot open and his attention focused on the front door.

  Hawkman walked in and hooked his hat on a peg of the coat rack. Rubbing his chin, he smiled at Sam. “Hey, painter guy, did you get the job finished today?"

  "Yes. And it looks great."

  Jennifer half rose from her chair. “Want something to eat?"

  Hawkman waved for her to sit back down. “No thanks, hon. I grabbed a sandwich in town."

  "I think Sam is waiting to hear the latest news about the Parker case."

  Hawkman went into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator. “Still need those last lab results, but I did make a discovery or two on my own."

  Sam's punched off the television with
the remote. “Get on with it. Don't leave us hanging in suspense."

  Hawkman laughed and sat down in his chair, then took a swig of beer. He told about what he'd seen in the autopsy pictures. “I think Parker's food may have been contaminated. We know the booze bottles showed signs of paraquat. Now we need to find out about the food wrappings found in the trash can."

  Sam turned pale. “You said the coroner found chicken in his stomach?"

  "Yes."

  "Maryann told me that her mother's specialty is fried chicken. That's what she fed Richard and me that day. And I have to tell you it was delicious. I could have eaten my weight in it."

  "I questioned some of the neighbors and restaurants today. I didn't find one person or place that had ever given Parker free food. He'd eaten at some of the cafes, but never asked for a handout. So, it'll be interesting to see what we find from those tests."

  "Didn't you say that Maryann vehemently refused to let the police search the house without a warrant?” Jennifer asked.

  Hawkman nodded. “Right, it doesn't look good for the Parker women."

  Sam leaned forward in the chair. “What about that homeless guy that lives in the alley behind their house. Did you ever question him? He might have seen something."

  Hawkman frowned. “What homeless guy?"

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  Monday morning Hawkman met Williams at the police station and they headed for Maduk's place.

  "You know anything about a homeless man living in the alley behind the Parker's?” Hawkman asked.

  The detective shook his head. “No, but it's not surprising. They're all over the area. Is he causing a problem?"

  "No, I don't think so. Sam told me about him and said maybe he saw something. Just wondered if you'd questioned the guy."

  "Didn't realize one of those vagabonds had set up housekeeping so close to the Parker's. But it's a thought.” He grinned. “That boy of yours going to be a private investigator?"

  Hawkman chuckled. “Who knows what these kids will end up doing. Just want him to get that sheepskin."

  "I hear ya."

  As they neared the house, Hawkman happened to glance out at the passenger side mirror and stiffened. “When you reach the driveway to Maduk's house, don't brake. He's behind us."