Murder in the Theater (Cold Creek Book 4)

by Christa Nardi

  “I … I only did what was needed. I heard arguing and then the mention of a gun.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I called the police because it was the logical thing to do.”

  He looked up at the ceiling before he spoke again. “Well, thank you. And I understand you recorded at least part of the conversation. I’m not sure what will happen next. I’ve never been involved in an investigation of any kind. They took my statement and now they want to ask more questions.”

  “More questions and more questions, I’m sure. I gave my statement this morning and was told there would likely be more questions.” It took all my therapy skills to be responsive and yet not appear to take sides.

  He stood and I shook his hand. “I hope your arm heals well.” He nodded and turned to leave as Kim plowed into him.

  “Oh, Dr. Gorganz, I’m so sorry. I didn’t hurt you did I?”

  “No, no. Thank you again.” With that he walked away, his hand holding the injured arm Kim had run into.

  Kim quickly closed my door and sat down, her bouncing legs radiating nervous energy.

  “What did he want? Where were you this morning after class? What do you know?”

  I chuckled, my eyes getting wider with each question.

  “Dr. Gorganz wanted to thank me for yesterday, for possibly saving his life. I was at the police station giving my statement after class. All I know is Adelaide is being transferred to Altavista for questioning in regard to Thompson’s murder. Your turn – what do you know?”

  She bounced in her seat and her speech was rapid. “Marty is excited and sure they will have to drop the charges. They already cancelled Isaac’s transfer to Lynchburg today. Mendelson is meeting with the prosecuting attorney as we speak. Marty is hopeful Isaac will be home tonight.”

  I didn’t want to douse her hopes, but I wasn’t sure it would move quickly. “Great. Certainly, if not today then before Thanksgiving.”

  Her comment initiated a discussion of Thanksgiving and the holidays. Kim didn’t have any plans and I felt bad I wouldn’t be around to have a small dinner with her. I told her about our plans for the weekend. After she left, I finished up some of my work, met with my seminar group, and went home.

  CHAPTER 24

  It was the Friday before Thanksgiving and still nothing was resolved. The prosecutor refused to drop the charges against Isaac, but cancelled the transfer and jury selection with a continuance. Marty was disappointed, but Mendelson and Kim managed to calm him down.

  I updated Grant, as well as the Chancellor and President, intentionally putting a positive spin on the situation late in the afternoon. Unless the prosecution could prove the confession was false, they could not argue against reasonable doubt. Better yet, the police would somehow prove Adelaide guilty so there wouldn’t always be a cloud of doubt over Isaac. Preferably the evidence would confirm she acted alone.

  Brett and Maddie, at her request, arrived Friday evening and we celebrated at the Grill. Even in the few months since I’d seen her last Maddie had blossomed into a young woman. She was unusually subdued over dinner.

  “Maddie, how’s school going? Does your school have a concert or play for the holidays?”

  “It’s okay. There’s a concert I think. I’m not in choir or anything so I don’t really know.”

  “Are you still involved in track?”

  She shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. No meets right now so only practice.”

  I looked to Brett and he shrugged. He pulled his hand through his hair and exhaled. “While you’re here do you want to get in some running or bicycling?”

  “Okay. You’ll come too, right, Sheridan?”

  I nodded. “Sure, but I have some baking to do, too. Do you want to help? Anything else you want to do, Maddie?”

  “Baking sounds good.”

  The stilted conversation continued through dinner and she escaped to the guest room soon after we got home with Charlie in tow. Brett and I sat outside and talked for a while. Something was troubling Maddie for sure and sooner or later she’d let us know what.

  The temperature dropped and sweats were needed for the early morning run in the park. For some reason, after running, instead of being tired, we all seemed energized. Brett and Maddie took Charlie home and I stopped at the grocery store to get what I needed for the breads and dessert.

  Brett was on the phone and Maddie was playing with Charlie in the backyard when I got home. I heard only snippets of the conversation, enough to know it was about Thompson’s murder.

  “What’s the news?” I asked as I put groceries away.

  “They’ve transcribed the recording from your phone. Adelaide’s statement she hit him with a big pan may be her undoing. So far the ‘blunt object’ hadn’t been identified. The Chief and his men went to the theater and have scoured through all the props, on stage and off stage. They collected five different pots and pans to go to the lab. He also notified the medical examiner who did the autopsy to see if he could confirm or exclude any of the pots and pans based on the bruising pattern.”

  “Great! That would prove her statement wasn’t just an act, right?”

  “It would be hard for her to explain how she could identify the murder weapon when nobody else could. The problem is nothing can be done over the weekend other than to get the pots and pans to Lynchburg and pictures to the ME. It all takes time.”

  My face fell at the news, but not much to be done about it.

  “Did Maddie have anything else to say?”

  He shook his head. “I have some paperwork to do. Let me know if you or Maddie need anything.”

  In short order, I had the mixer out, the mini-bread pans ready to go, and the ingredients all lined up for the first batch. Maddie came in and helped fill the pans and get them in the oven. I started the cleanup from the first batch and got everything out for the second batch.

  “Why do you make all these breads? Isn’t it easier to get them at the store or order them from a bakery? This is a lot of work.”

  “It is a lot of work, still there is something about Thanksgiving that means ‘homemade’ to me. In my family growing up, everything was made from scratch and we kids all helped. We made breads to give to neighbors and the friends who came to our house for dinner. When we didn’t all live at home, one of us made the breads and brought them so we could each take some home. That’s why I use the mini-loaf pans.”

  Her expression was very serious and her mouth turned down. “I guess that makes sense. My mother doesn’t cook.”

  “Different families have different traditions for holidays. What does your Thanksgiving look like?”

  She sounded wistful as she answered, “This year my grandparents are coming to our house, but before we went there. I don’t know what we’re eating. Turkey, I guess. Pumpkin cheesecake I hope, or at least pumpkin pie.”

  “So you like pumpkin, huh? My fave is apple crumb. Do you know what kind your dad likes?”

  “He likes pumpkin okay, but pecan is his favorite. Can we make a pie for him?” Her eyes lit up for the first time since she’d arrived.

  “We sure can.”

  We finished the breads and got them into the freezer. At Maddie’s request, I left out one of the zucchini chocolate chip for us. After a quick lunch, Brett went out to check on something with Hirsch. When I asked him what was going on, he shook his head and was gone.

  Once everything was cleaned up, I directed while Maddie made a pecan pie. I’d have to get more pecans for the pie to take with us, but that was okay. I also still needed to make the cheesecake for the departmental luncheon.

  Brett brought home pizza for dinner and Maddie picked out a movie to watch. She paused the movie about half way with “It’s time for dessert and I have a surprise for you.” She pulled him into the kitchen and served him the pie. Brett was touched and Madison was very proud of herself. Later, with the movie over and Madison in bed, we had a chance to talk.

  “So what was the deal with Hirsch?”

  “He asked me t
o come down and go over the transcript. I also had shared with him about the threat you received in the quad and Dr. Patrissi’s craziness. He re-interviewed Gorganz and called in Patrissi as well.”

  “And?”

  “Patrissi is something else. She acted surprised when Hirsch mentioned Gorganz getting shot. And she denied the incident at the park in one breath and then ranted about how everyone was out to get her in the next. Not very helpful. She was teaching when the person knocked you down in the quad. Oh, and she’s the only person so far to say anything negative about Adelaide. Or positive about Thompson.” He rolled his eyes.

  “What about Jule? He’s too tall to have been the one in the quad.” Without giving him a chance to respond, I continued, “Did I tell you I noticed Adelaide was wearing black shoes when they arrested her? Nondescript black shoes like the person who knocked me down.”

  “No, you didn’t. I’ll mention it to the Chief in Altavista and he can find out if she has an alibi.”

  Later that night, Brett talked to the chief in Altavista. Nothing new other than wait and see about the tests on the pans and the medical examiner’s report. Both Adelaide and Isaac were still in custody and Adelaide was not happy.

  Brett and Madison left for Richmond after brunch at the Grill. While her mood had improved some with making the pie, she was pouty again by the time they left. Too bad Brett couldn’t – or wouldn’t – call Victoria and see if she knew what was going on.

  Throughout the next few days, updates and answers bubbled up in slow succession and Thanksgiving preparation was in full swing. Hirsch called and asked me to come in to speak with an officer from Altavista. When I got there, Hirsch sat in on the interview.

  The officer showed me a cloak and mask and asked if I recognized them. I confirmed the person in the quad was wearing something at least similar, including the musty smell. Hirsch took the objects and noted the costume parts were found in Adelaide’s dressing room.

  The officer also told Hirsch they’d found an exacto knife that could have been used to slash my tire. Hirsch chatted him up some more and the officer described a picture of Adelaide and Thompson they believed was the one missing from the wall in Thompson’s office.

  I left the station in a hopeful mood. The last piece would be the pan. Kim called me around 3 o’clock to tell me she and Marty were on their way to the police station. One pan tested positive for blood and the medical examiner confirmed the pan was consistent with the blow to the head. She was hopeful Isaac would be released soon. Brett called a few minutes later with the same information.

  I was antsy as I waited to hear of Isaac’s release. The news feed signaled an update and sure enough in light of new evidence all charges against Isaac were being dropped. I sent the link to Tonya and to Grant. Hopefully, life could get back to normal.

  The next day Kim came by beaming and with a bounce to her step again. She and Marty had seen Isaac when he was released, but they weren’t the only ones.

  “It was tense to say the least. None of us had ever met Melanie and she was there, so we didn’t know who she was or that she was there for Isaac. Marty introduced me to his sister, Robyn. She barely acknowledged me but then she didn’t say much to Marty either. Her husband, Sam, seemed okay, but obviously uncomfortable. His eyes darted around the lobby and he clenched and unclenched his fists.”

  “Maybe he figured it wasn’t safe?”

  “I don’t know. It has been stressful for everyone.”

  “So when did you meet Melodie?”

  “Mendelson came down and talked to Marty and Robyn. He told them the paperwork was being processed. A few minutes later, Isaac came out. He was in his own clothes – the ones he had on when he was arrested. He looked relieved. Everyone started to walk toward him, to meet him, including this young woman. His face lit up when he saw her, but his mother got to him first.”

  “Awkward way to meet the family for sure.”

  “Definitely. Lots more introductions. Then more tension when Robyn assumed Isaac was leaving with her and Sam. Isaac had other ideas and left with Melodie.”

  “Marty tried to appease her and pointed out at least he was exonerated and home for Thanksgiving.” Kim’s eyes sparkled and she bounced her leg as she continued. “Robyn looked at him and said, ‘And you’ll be there of course.’ Marty looked at her and didn’t blink an eye. He answered, ‘I’ll take it under advisement but I hope to be having Thanksgiving dinner with Kim.’ She paled, smiled, and extended the invitation to me.”

  “So are you going?”

  “Nope. Marty and I are having Thanksgiving at his place. Just the two of us.”

  Not much learning happens the Tuesday before the Thanksgiving. We had our departmental luncheon of ham, turkey, and whatever the faculty and staff contributed. It was truly a hodgepodge of food from Mitch’s almond baked brie to Max’s bucket of fried chicken from the local fast food joint. Everyone seemed more relaxed and the atmosphere was pleasant. The only downside was Grant’s not so subtle reminder of the poster we needed to create. Mitch rolled his eyes and I nodded. It would get done sooner or later.

  CHAPTER 25

  The weather was on our side and the five-hour drive to Newport, Delaware was uneventful. We caught a quick dinner and checked into the hotel. I called my mother to let her know we’d arrived, breads and dessert none the worse for the ride. She told us she expected us to be at the house by noon. Exhaustion from the long day overcame us and we didn’t even watch the news.

  Thanksgiving morning was bright and crisp. I remembered Thanksgivings with snow on the ground, or even worse, snow falling fast and hard. One year I almost hadn’t made it home due to the snow. When I arrived later than expected, my mother had been furious, as if the snow had been my fault. I shook off the bad memory and focused on the present.

  Breakfast consisted of coffee and a piece of zucchini bread. After we showered and dressed, Brett pulled out my laptop and we skyped Madison.

  “Daddy, Sheridan. Happy Thanksgiving! Is it cold up there?”

  “Happy Thanksgiving!”

  “Happy Thanksgiving, Maddie. It’s not much colder here and the sun is shining. Did your grandparents get there yet?”

  “Not yet. Mom said Grams is bringing a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. You know that’s my fave. Wish I could sneak you a piece through the PC.” Madison giggled.

  “She sure does make a good one. I’m sure you’ll have lots of good food to eat. Your mom’s a good cook herself. Sher and I are going to her parents’ house in a little while.”

  “Sheridan, will you have pumpkin cheesecake there?”

  “Afraid not, Maddie. Tradition at our house was always pumpkin and zucchini breads for snacking and apple pie, pecan pie, and traditional pumpkin pie for dessert. This year pumpkin and apple. We can make a pumpkin cheesecake the next time you come visit.” Her face lit up.

  “Maddie, do you know what your plans are for the rest of the weekend? Have they already lit the tree downtown?”

  Maddie grimaced for a second, then smiled again. “Mom said I needed to stay home with Grams and Poppy, while she and Roger go shopping. She’s going to have him get down all the Christmas decorations. I hope Grams will want to make cookies.” Her eyes lit up at the possibility.

  Brett and I exchanged glances. I mouthed “Roger?” In response to my raised eyebrows he simply shrugged.

  “Grams always likes to make cookies, so you can convince her I’m sure. I bet there are a lot of holiday shows on television or you could pull up some of the oldies from Netflix or whatever other service your mom has available.”

  “I hope so, but Mom told me I had to stay with them because they were old and frail, so I don’t know. What will you do?”

  Brett chuckled and I tried to smile.

  “I get to meet Sheridan’s parents and her brother and sister. We’ll eat turkey and I don’t know what else. Then tomorrow we’re driving back to Cold Creek.” He looked at me, eyebrows raised.

  “Usual
ly after dinner, we hang out and watch football. Most years everyone took a nap – either on purpose or fell asleep in front of the television. I don’t know if it will be any different this year. Hopefully, with the weather so nice, we can get in a good walk.”

  “Does your town have a tree with lights?”

  “We passed the tree in the center of town as we drove in last night. All decorated and lit up, with bells and wreaths hanging from the streetlights on the main road. Looks like Christmas here for sure.”

  “Madison, Grams and Poppy are here.” We heard Victoria in the background.

  “Gotta go. I’ll call you over the weekend, Dad. Love you.”

  With the call ended and Brett shook his head. We skyped with Brett’s parents and his brother Terry. His brother Patrick showed as “away” so Brett left a message.

  As I thought back to July when I’d met Brett’s parents, I couldn’t decide if I was more nervous then or now. My parents lived in elderly housing called Spring Vale. Currently they lived in what would best be described as a duplex. Two units shared a single wall and parking area, but otherwise functioned independently.

  As residents needed more support, the equity in their current unit would be used to support them as they moved into assisted living, and then a more traditional nursing home. Spring Vale hosted a main dining room attached to the nursing facility. Many of the residents would be eating Thanksgiving there today.

  Brett pulled into a parking space near my parents’ unit at 11 o’clock on the dot. From the number of cars, it looked like there were a lot of visitors for the two units. I looked at Brett.