Murder at the Con: a novella

by Riley Adair Garret

  “What happened? Was it her heart?”

  “How can she be dead? She was just having breakfast.”

  “Not Eileen, not Eileen, she was such a good person.”

  “I’m going to need to make some sort of announcement,” Rusty told Quinn. “What should I say?”

  “Tell them Eileen has been pronounced dead and we will pass along any information we get. Also, tell them I want everyone’s name and phone number before they leave this room.”

  Rusty’s eyes went wide. “What? Why?”

  “Just make the announcement. I’m going to stand here by the table and I need you to make sure everyone comes to see me before they leave the room. No exceptions. That includes you. And, tell them I need everyone who was sitting at Eileen’s table first in line. Understand?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” She headed for the microphone. “Attention.” Rusty waited, but no one seemed to have heard her. She tapped on the microphone again. “Can I have your attention, please!” This time a hush fell over the room. “Thank you.” She cleared her throat. “As you know, Eileen collapsed a few minutes ago.” Her voice began to shake. “I’m sorry to have to tell you she was pronounced dead by the paramedics.” There was an audible gasp from the crowd. “If I hear anything else, I will let you know.” She looked around the room, and took a deep breath. “One more thing, Officer Quinn has requested that each of us give her our name and phone number before we leave. Those people sitting at Eileen’s table please go to the head of the line. Thank you.”

  Landry looked around. People stood as if they were numb. She cleared her throat and turned to Officer Quinn. “If you need any help…I know most of these people.” A scraggly line formed as she spoke.

  “Fine. I could use the help. If you could please stand here and make sure I get legible names and numbers from every person here I would appreciate it.” Officer Quinn stood next to her surveying the scene, while simultaneously keeping an eye on the breakfast table. As the four people at Eileen’s table wrote their names and numbers down, Officer Quinn led each to Eileen’s breakfast table and asked them where they had been sitting. She wrote their names on the table cloth with a black Sharpie, then directed them to separate seats throughout the room and told them not to speak to each other.

  Twenty minutes later when the remaining people were gone, Officer Quinn called to the two men guarding the doors. “I need this table and all of its contents preserved in cold storage. It cannot be compromised.”

  The men left and returned with a plastic covering and within ten minutes the table was gone.

  Officer Quinn led Landry away from where the four women dotted the tables. “Now, tell me how you know what the signs of poisoning are.”

  “I wrote a book about murder by poisoning last year, and I interviewed a medical examiner. There is a distinctive smell.”

  “What’s the name of the book?”

  “Murder At The Con. Would you like an autographed copy?”

  “Do you have one handy?”

  Landry walked over to her publisher’s table. “Here’s one right here.” She opened it and autographed it. As she handed it to the officer she gave her the once over. “I hope you like the inscription.”

  Officer Quinn opened the book and read it aloud. “To my partner in crime.” She looked up. “Partner?”

  Landry winked. “You know where to find me.”

  ****

  Officer Quinn found herself admiring Landry’s backside as she disappeared out the door. She shook her head. Damn, stay focused.

  She pulled out her cell phone and called her captain.

  His voice was gruff. “What could you possibly need from me?” he asked. “You’re on a mindless security detail.”

  “I’ve got a dead body here. I think it was murder.”

  His voice rose an octave. “What the hell happened? It’s a stupid conference, for Christ’s sake! Do you attract drama everywhere you go?”

  She rolled her eyes and explained.

  “What makes you think she was murdered?”

  “The distinctive odor. I’ll bet a month’s pay this is a murder.”

  “Don’t go playing detective, Quinn. You just want out of this detail.”

  “I am a detective. This is a murder, and I want it.”

  “You’re serving retribution. Remember that.”

  “How could I forget? But, don’t you forget that I’m a damn good detective, and you know it.”

  “I’ll tell you what, if the M.E. determines it’s a murder, then you can have it.”

  “You’re on.”

  After disconnecting, Quinn turned to the remaining four women. She chose one randomly and sat next to her. “I need to ask you some questions. Let’s start with your name.”

  “Kay Kapinski.”

  “Where were you sitting, Ms. Kapinski?

  “Directly across from Eileen.”

  “Okay, tell me what happened.”

  Kay shifted in her chair. “Well…I’m not sure…Eileen collapsed is all I can remember right now.” She wrung her hands.

  “Do you remember anything before that?” Officer Quinn waited a few moments. “Please, think hard. Close your eyes if you have to.”

  Kay closed her eyes. “I remember somebody bumped the table and spilled my orange juice. It was a big mess. Eileen was upset because it was all sticky. She thought I’d spilled it myself, but I didn’t.”

  “Do you remember who bumped the table?”

  “Oh gosh, no. There were so many people walking around. Our table was right on the path to the buffet.”

  “What happened next?”

  “While everybody was cleaning up the mess, Eileen offered to get me another glass. She felt bad, you see, because she blamed me for spilling it.”

  “Did Eileen eat or drink anything before she collapsed?”

  “Well, it was breakfast, but I really couldn’t say…” She looked up as if she were trying to recall.

  “Okay, ma’am, let’s move on. Was Eileen well-liked?”

  “Everybody liked Eileen. She was such a sweet person. The poor dear.” She cocked her head to the side and frowned. “Wait a minute…there was such a fuss during the panel over Eileen’s review of Jansen Jeffries’ latest book.”

  “What do you mean by fuss?”

  “A disagreement, I would say.”

  “Between?”

  “I only remember the one woman…Judy. I don’t know her last name, but she thought Eileen’s review was too harsh, and an argument broke out. You can ask her about it. She’s right over there.” Kay pointed to a nearby table.

  “How many others were involved?”

  “Oh, dear. I couldn’t say, but several at least. One of them had long dark hair and the other had a mole. I remember that because my sister had one in the same place, right at the corner of her lip. When she had it removed it made her look like she had a lop-sided mouth, and—”

  “Hold on, hold on.” Suppressing a sigh, Officer Quinn held up her hand. “Do you remember anything else about these women?”

  “They were quite young. Much younger than me. I remember that.”

  “Older or younger than me?”

  “How old are you, dear?”

  Officer Quinn cleared her throat. “Now, you know better than to ask a woman her age.” She winked. “But, I’m coming up on forty.”

  Kay smiled and tapped Quinn on the thigh. “Probably too young for you, then.”

  Officer Quinn nearly choked. “You’ve been very helpful, Ms. Kapinski. Thank you for your time. I may have more questions later.”

  “My pleasure, dear.”

  Officer Quinn checked her watch. Her stomach was grumbling but she had three more interviews before she could eat. She moved on to another table where a petite woman with short dark hair was waiting. “Hi, I’m Officer Quinn.” She sat and opened her notebook to a new page. “And your name is?”

  “Lilliputian Pond.”

  Officer Quinn stared at length.r />
  “I know what you’re thinking so let me explain,” the woman said. “Both my parents were English Professors, Officer, and their favorite book was Gulliver’s Travels. When I was born a preemie, I didn’t have a chance. Just call me Lily.”

  “Ah.” Quinn nodded. “So, Lily, can you tell me what you remember before Eileen collapsed?”

  She hesitated a few moments. “Well…Kay spilled her orange juice and it was all over the table. So, it was chaos while we were mopping it up.”

  “Was anybody near Eileen’s seat before that?”

  “There were just so many people coming and going near our table. I can’t really say.”

  “Was everyone seated by the time Eileen passed out?”

  “Yes, we were all at the table then. We had just sat down again after cleaning up, and then Bam! Eileen was on the floor!”

  “Did anything strike you as odd at all?”

  “Hmm, I guess it was odd that Judy told Eileen that she could sit anywhere that she pleased. I mean Eileen hadn’t even said anything to her.”

  “That does seem odd,” Quinn agreed as she made a note in her book, In light of what Kay just told her, she wondered why Judy would choose to sit at Eileen’s table at all. “Is there anything else?”

  “No, can I go now? This is all very exhausting.”

  Officer Quinn held up a hand. “Not so fast, I’ve got your name and number, but don’t go anywhere unless you check with me first.”

  “Really?” Lily sighed. “Fine.”

  Quinn moved to the next table.

  “I know, I know you’re Officer Quinn. My name is Judy Marcus.”

  “Okay then, Ms. Marcus, is this the first literary conference you’ve ever attended?”

  Judy hesitated and frowned in confusion. “No. I’ve been to several.”

  “What is it about these types of conferences that brings you back year after year?”

  “I get to see friends I can only see once a year.” Judy shifted uncomfortably in her chair. A light sweat broke out on her brow, but she continued. “The panels and workshops are an excellent education, and I see my favorite authors.”

  “Like Jansen Jeffries?”

  Quinn noticed the color drain from Judy’s face. “Tell me what happened at breakfast this morning.” She noticed a sheen of sweat appear on Judy’s forehead. “Are you all right?”

  Judy put a hand over her mouth and mumbled, “I think I’m going to be sick.” She jumped up and ran from the room.

  Quinn watched her race out the door wondering at her strong reaction. Guilt? Rusty peeked her head in the door with a questioning look. Quinn held up her hand. “Not yet. I have one more interview.” She got up and moved to the last table. “You must be Billie Babcock.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Suppose you tell me what happened at breakfast?”

  “I can’t tell you too much. When I arrived everyone was just sitting back down from mopping up Kay’s juice. I guess she spilled it. We talked maybe five minutes at most then Eileen was on the floor. What a shock!”

  “Yes, I’m sure it was. Did anything unusual happen?”

  “I really wish I could help, but I had only just arrived. I can’t really tell you anything more. I’m sorry.”

  “No worries.” Quinn stood and raised her voice to address all of them. “I want to thank all of you for your help and ask that you don’t leave the premises without checking with me. Other than that you’re free to continue enjoying the conference.” She opened the doors.

  Rusty was in the hallway waiting. “Can you tell us anything about what happened to Eileen?”

  Quinn shook her head. “I’m afraid not, but you are free to use the room now.”

  Once Rusty entered, others followed. Vendors and publishers took up their places behind their tables, while others milled around. People’s expressions and demeanors indicated shock and grief.

  Officer Quinn milled around listening to conversations. She watched as Rusty put a gentle hand on one attendee’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry about Eileen. I know how close you two were.”

  “Yes, we were close friends for years. Now I feel so guilty for being angry with her yesterday.”

  “What happened yesterday?”

  “I refuse to speak ill of the dead.”

  Officer Quinn took note of her name badge before moving on. Sally Sandow. Next, she approached a small group of women. They were staring at the spot where Eileen collapsed, and were in animated conversation. One of them was Judy who darted from Quinn not long before, claiming she was sick. Quinn was starting to get a funny feeling about her.

  “Are you happy now? She’s dead!” one of the women said to Judy.

  Quinn couldn’t see the woman’s name badge.

  “What? What the fuck do you mean? I didn’t want her dead!”

  “Well, you never would have known it from the way you attacked her during the panel,” the woman said.

  “The way I attacked her? I seem to remember you being quite nasty yourself!”

  “Oh my God, you’re both talking crazy,” another woman with long dark hair said. “It’s not as if someone killed her.”

  “I’m out of here.” Judy stormed off, bumping into Landry who was hurrying into the room.

  “Officer Quinn.” Landry strode over to her. “I just had a thought.”

  At the same moment Quinn’s cell phone rang. She held up her index finger. “Hold on.” She flipped open her phone as she turned away. “Yes, Captain.”

  “Okay, so you were right. The M.E.’s preliminary report indicates it was poison.”

  I knew it. “It’s my case then?”

  He sighed. “Yes…it’s yours. Is there anything left of the crime scene to process?”

  “I preserved the entire breakfast table. I had them put it in cold storage because I knew she was poisoned.”

  He snorted. “I’ll send a unit to process the table ASAP. Let me know if you need anything else.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “And Quinn…make sure you keep me informed this time.”

  “Yes, sir, I will.” She flipped her phone shut and turned to Landry. “What did you need to tell me?”

  “I just wanted to remind you about the skinheads from the kitchen.”

  “What about them?”

  “They had motive and opportunity.”

  “Opportunity maybe, but what motive did they have?”

  “He called me a dyke. He’s a homophobe.”

  “And that makes him a killer?”

  “So she was murdered?”

  “Yes, and I may as well take this opportunity to interview you. Do you have a few minutes?”

  “Of course, anything I can do to help.”

  “Great. Let’s move to a quiet area.” Officer Quinn pointed to a table in the back corner. “Meet me over there. I need to speak with Ms. Rustin.” She approached a small group and touched Rusty on the shoulder. “May I speak with you for a moment?”

  “Of course.” She followed Officer Quinn away from the group.

  “I’m sorry to have to inform you that Eileen Adams was murdered.”

  Rusty gasped. “What? No way…that’s not possible!”

  “I’m afraid it is.”

  “But murder…how?”

  “I’m not at liberty to say. But I could use your cooperation.”

  “Of course!”

  “I plan to interview people at that table in the corner.” She pointed to where Landry sat. “If you could please keep people away, that would be a great help.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Officer Quinn nodded her thanks and approached the table keeping her eyes on Landry. She seemed calm. Good, Quinn thought, I hope she’s innocent because she is so hot. She opened her notebook and sat down across from her. She fished around in her pockets for a pen.

  “I have one.”

  Quinn couldn’t help but admire Landry’s tight body when she stood and reached into her back pocket.


  “Here you go, Officer Quinn.”

  “Thanks, but I found mine…and for the record, it’s Detective Quinn. So, tell me where you were when Eileen collapsed.”

  “Detective?”

  “Yes, Detective. Now, where were you?”

  Landry seemed to be waiting for an explanation, but when Detective Quinn simply stared at her, she answered. “I was at the next table.”

  “What can you tell me about what happened? What did you see?”

  Landry thought for a moment. “Well, Kay spilled her orange juice and everyone at her table jumped up.”

  “Did you notice anything suspicious about it?”

  ”Not really, all of a sudden everybody jumped up and began throwing their napkins on the table to mop it up.”

  “Where was Eileen when this was happening?”

  “I guess she was there, too. I do remember she went to get Kay another glass of orange juice after that.”

  “How long was she away from the table?”

  Landry cocked her head. “Maybe thirty seconds at the most.”

  “How long after that before Eileen collapsed?”

  “No more than five minutes.”

  “Did you see her eat or drink anything in that time?”

  “No, I didn’t pay any attention to them until they all jumped up again when Eileen fell on the floor.”

  “Who else was at your table?”

  “Let me see…there was Bambi Bartlett, Lucy Lincoln, Jane Wilson, Rachel Beilowicz, Denise Adams, and…um…uh…” She snapped her fingers. “Donna Cartwright.”

  “Is there anything else you can think of that might be relevant?”

  “I can’t think of anything, right now.”

  Detective Quinn played with her notebook. “Okay.” She looked up and met Landry’s eyes. “Thank you. Keep yourself available.” A flirtatious smile played along her lips, and she wondered if Landry would catch the double entendrè.

  Landry returned the smile. “If you need any other information, let me know. I would be happy to help in any way I can.”

  Detective Quinn thought she saw a mischievous sparkle in her eye. Nah, just wishful thinking, she thought.

  Chapter Four

  Thursday continued…

  Dawson approached Landry after the interview. “So, what was that tête-à-tête with Officer Hottie?”