by Sandy Vale
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He pul ed the plastic bag from his pocket and slowly pul ed out a t-shirt. “I think Kitty’s detective friend might be interested in this if you don’t help me.”
Corey gasped, recognizing her t-shirt with blood on it. “What? Where did you get this? What do you want from me?” Craig grabbed Corey’s arm tightly. “You need to help me get the drugs. Cal Tonya and get this bal rol ing or I show this t-shirt to that detective.
I’m sure he’d be interested to know that this is Brad’s blood on here.”
“I hate you! How did you get Brad’s blood on my shirt?”
“I guess it was when you murdered Brad. Don’t you remember?”
Corey’s eyes blazed with loathing. “I’l help you once, then I’m done. I don’t want this life. After this, I never want to see you again.”
“Sure, sis. Here’s the number to cal . Say you’re my sister and get a delivery date. I’l take the bloody t-shirt with me for now. It’s my insurance policy.” He chuckled as he walked out of her apartment.
Chapter 9
Kitty had been busy for most of the day and final y had time to stop at the library. She found Alex busily writing at one of the big library tables.
“Have you seen Corey?”
“This morning. Why?”
“I’m not sure. She’s not at her apartment. I know you get together with her sometimes and I was hoping you might know if she had any plans.” Kitty waited for an answer.
Alex fidgeted, looked around the room. “Kitty, sorry but I don’t know anything. Her brother was there this morning. He told me to leave. I watched from the road until he left. She was gone too when I went back. I don’t like her brother.”
“Thanks. Here are the books I need to return. Have her cal me if you see her. Okay?”
“Sure.”
Kitty went down the stairs to the senior center hoping to find June. Just like clockwork, the ladies were playing cards.
“Kitty. Come on in. June has something to show you.” Mia was facing the door and was the first to see Kitty.
“I found this in Craig’s pants this morning when I was doing his laundry.” June unfolded the paper with the names.
Kitty smiled. “His laundry? That’s creative. I wouldn’t have thought of that.” She looked at the paper. “Brad’s name is crossed out. Aaron’s name is next and Corey’s name has a question mark. I wonder what this means?” June excitedly held her phone out to Kitty. “And look at this photo I took in his room. His suitcase is fil ed with money and a gun.”
“June, does he know you went into his room?” Kitty was concerned after seeing the gun.
“He knows I did his laundry but I was very careful and didn’t disturb anything when I was snooping.”
“Craig might wonder if you saw anything so be extra careful. Maybe we can use this to our advantage and leave a false message in your house where he’l find it.”
“That’s a good idea. Do you think he’s the murderer?” Al the ladies’ eyes were wide as they looked at Kitty.
“Maybe. But at the least, since he has a gun, I think he’s prepared to be a murderer if necessary. Can I keep this paper to show my friend, Frank?”
“Of course. I’l send you this picture, too.” June was happy that she had something to help with the investigation.
“Is anyone going to see Sam today?” Kitty looked around the table.
“Yes, it’s my turn to bring him some food,” Mia replied.
“Great. Ask him to cal June’s house and leave a message on the answering machine. That he’s worried about Aaron. That Aaron’s been acting jumpy and is on the phone al the time. June, make sure to play the message when Craig is around to hear it. I have to find Corey now.” The three ladies got back to the card game as Kitty left the room.
***
Kitty went home and got Max. Max was happy to get out of the house and run across the fields. She thought she knew where she might find Corey.
They headed toward the sugar stand.
Corey was emptying the sap into the tank on the wagon.
Kitty walked to the wagon. “Everything okay? I’ve been wondering where you were. I even asked Alex if he had seen you. He said Craig was at your apartment earlier. Problems?”
“I hate him. He’s blackmailing me. I don’t know how I ever thought I could outsmart him. I have to help him and it wil never end.”
“What happened?”
“Somehow he has a t-shirt of mine with Brad’s blood on it. At least he says it’s Brad’s blood. He said he would take it to the police if I don’t help him. I don’t know what to do except help him set up the contact for the drugs he wants to sel .”
“You should help him. Let him buy the drugs. Then we have something to tel the police to arrest him for. You set it al up and tel me the details.
Don’t tel anyone else. I’m having my pancake breakfast this weekend. Make it for that day at the sugar shack parking lot.” Corey smiled. “I don’t know how I’l ever be able to thank you if this al works and I get Craig out of my life.”
“You don’t have to thank me. I want him out of Wil ow Fal s too. If we al work together it’s going to happen.”
“But who murdered Brad?” Corey looked at Kitty.
“I’m not sure yet.” Kitty waved as she walked back to the house with Max.
Frank was just driving in when Kitty got back to her house.
“You are a sight for sore eyes for sure,” Kitty told Frank with a big smile on her face.
“Nice to see you too. What have you been up to al day?”
Frank fol owed Kitty into her kitchen, watching quietly as she put the kettle on for tea. He enjoyed being with her, waiting for her to share her day.
Carrying their mugs of steaming tea into the living room, Kitty sat on the couch and waited for Frank to make himself comfortable.
He handed her some photos. “Take a look at this.”
Kitty flipped through pictures of Craig meeting Aaron at a rest area and Craig meeting Tonya at a parking lot in town. Another photo was Craig sitting in his car across from Kitty’s driveway.
“What is al this?” Kitty asked Frank.
“Sam told Herb about Aaron’s past in Colorado and his concern about a possible drug connection. Herb had a policeman keep an eye on Aaron’s activities since he got home. Craig was a common denominator around Aaron, so they have been watching him too.”
“Craig is dragging Corey into his mess too but that wil help us. She’s setting up the drug buy so we’l be able to tel Herb the plans. Craig is trying to blackmail Corey with a t-shirt of hers with blood on it. He told her he would take it to the police if she doesn’t help.”
“I know you trust Corey, but how can you be sure she’s not just using you?”
“I’ve thought of that too. As long as Herb is tailing Craig, we should be able to check what she tel s me he’s doing.” Kitty’s phone buzzed with a text message. It was from Aaron. Kitty read it out loud. Kitty, need your help. Meet me at Sam’s house. She texted him back. Be there in ten minutes.
“I’l bring Max. You better stay here. I’l let you know what’s happening as soon as I can.” Frank looked worried. “I don’t like this. You don’t know what you’re dealing with. Craig sounds like a dangerous guy.”
“I’l be careful. Don’t worry. I’l try not to be gone for long. Come on Max. Let’s go see Sam.” Kitty and Max walked out. Frank watched with a very uncomfortable feeling.
Kitty opened the back door of Sam’s house. Like usual, Max darted past her and charged through the kitchen to the living room. “Sam? Max and I are coming for a visit.”
There was no answer. The house was empty. A note was left on Sam’s chair. You don’t know who you are messing with Kitty. Back off. Craig.
***
Craig drove Aaron and Sam to a deserted rest area out of town.
“Aaron, have you told your granddad our plans?” Craig smiled at Sam sitting silently i
n the back seat. “Sam told his friend June that you’ve been getting a lot of phone cal s and he’s worried about you, Aaron. I bet he doesn’t know any of the things you were doing in Colorado, does he?” Aaron sat mutely in the passenger seat. “Why don’t you tel him what you were doing before you fled back home with my sister? I’l bet he’l be real impressed with your activities. Go on. Tel him. I’d love to hear your version. And don’t forget to tel him about Corey. My sweet, innocent little sister.” Craig laughed like a madman.
Sam interrupted Craig’s dialogue. “Aaron, I don’t care what you did. You can make the right choice now. Tel this creep you’re done with him.”
“You think Aaron can just walk away, old man? He owes me a lot of money. He needs to help me with this big job I’ve got planned. He’l help me or else he’l watch you get hurt. How does that sound Aaron?”
“What do you want?” Aaron final y spoke up.
“Corey is setting up a drug buy and I’l need you to help me sel it al . You must have contacts stil from your high school days. It’s al going to happen soon. I’l give you the details when I have them. Anything I don’t like, and Sam here gets hurt. Understand?” Craig glared at Aaron.
“Corey is helping?” Sam blurted out.
“Yeah. Surprised? She’s not what you thought she was. We’re a team.”
Craig started the car and headed back toward Wil ow Fal s. He was humming to himself, quite pleased with his plan. He pul ed over next to Sam’s house. “Get out you two. I’l be in touch.”
Aaron helped Sam out of the back seat and they walked into Sam’s house as Craig sped off, tires squealing.
Sam opened his front door and was greeted by Max jumping on him and licking his face. “Hel o Max. I’d love to sic you on that vermin, Craig. Hi Miss Kitty. Everything went exactly as planned.”
Chapter 10
Kitty and Corey had a lot to do to get everything ready for the pancake breakfast. Kitty’s friend, Lisa, from the bakery loaned Kitty large bowls for the pancake batter and a portable electric gril for cooking. She also donated her own pancake mix for the breakfast. Al the profits were going to be donated to Gloria’s animal shelter in town. Gloria made fliers to promote the breakfast and distributed tickets for sale at al the local businesses.
It was turning into a huge community event. The senior ladies, June, Dottie and Mia, couldn’t stay out of the planning. They volunteered to help cook and serve the pancakes.
Alex helped Corey col ect the sap and bring it to the sugar shack. “Corey, everything alright? We haven’t had a chance to hang out for a while.
Kitty told me she’s worried about you.”
“Craig is making my life miserable. How am I going to get rid of him? I thought I could outsmart him but he has sucked me into his plans.” Corey sounded hopeless.
“What plans are you talking about Corey?”
“I shouldn’t tel you. It’s best if you don’t know anything.”
“I’l help you if I can. I don’t like your brother. I can feel his nastiness oozing from every pore. He would be a good bad guy for one of my novels.”
“Let’s get this sap down to the shack. I think Kitty wants to get started soon so the syrup is ready tomorrow. She’s very excited to make her first batch of syrup. Are you going to come tomorrow for the pancakes?”
“Of course I am. I wouldn’t miss this event for anything.” Alex hugged Corey. “I love spending time with you. Please let me help you.” Corey melted into Alex’s arms. He made her feel safe and confident for a change. “Okay. I’l let you know when I need help.” She kissed him on the cheek. Alex drove the tractor and Corey walked back to the sugar shack fol owing him.
Kitty and Frank were busy getting the sugar shack organized for the breakfast. One corner was setup with a big electric gril . There were enough tables and folding chairs to seat thirty to forty people at once.
“It looks like Corey and Alex have another batch of sap. We have enough to start boiling now. Let’s get the fire going. This wil take al day.
Frank, can you go over and get Sam? He said he wants to hang out when we start the process.”
“Sure. I’m on my way.”
Corey stood next to Kitty. “I need to talk to you.”
“What’s going on? You sound upset.”
“I just heard back from Tonya about the drug deal and she wants to do it tonight instead of tomorrow.”
“That wil be okay. Does Craig know yet?”
“Not yet. I wanted to tel you first. She’l come here while we’re boiling the sap.”
“Perfect. I’l let Herb know. We have to make sure Craig has the money with him. Cal Aaron and tel him to get over here as soon as he can. Go ahead and tel Craig the plan. Tel him to come here around seven. Tel Tonya to come a little after seven. It’l be dark in the parking lot and we’l be inside.”
“He won’t like it that there wil be people around.”
“I know he won’t, but Tonya is cal ing the shots and if he doesn’t like it he won’t get his precious drugs. I think he’l come.” Frank and Sam walked into the sugar shack.
“Sam. Glad you’re here. I’m putting you in charge of the fire. Are you up to it?”
“You bet. Glad to have a job.”
“Frank, I need to go to the bakery and pick up the pancake batter from Lisa. Want to come?”
“Sounds like a plan. Let’s go.” Frank got into the passenger seat of Kitty’s truck. Max jumped in and sat in the middle.
“Everything is going to happen tonight. Corey is setting up the drug deal for seven. Craig wil come to the sugar shack parking lot and Tonya wil arrive a little later. We have to let Herb know to be ready to arrest Craig. Do you see any problems?” Frank turned to look at Kitty. “I always see problems. What if someone doesn’t show up? What if Craig doesn’t bring the money? What if he smel s something fishy and just doesn’t show up? We’l be ready and hopeful y it al plays out the way you hope.”
“My fingers are crossed.”
Kitty pul ed into the bakery. “I don’t want to go to the police station. Can you cal Herb and let him know the plan while I get the batter from Lisa?” Kitty opened the back door of the bakery. “Hi Lisa. I have my truck out back with coolers and ice. How many gal ons do you have?”
“I made enough batter for about one hundred large pancakes. I hope that’s enough. I think Gloria said about fifty tickets have been sold. That wil pay for a lot of vet bil s for the animals at the shelter. I’l help you carry everything out.”
“Thanks. Are you coming tomorrow?” Kitty asked as she loaded the last gal on jar of batter into her truck.
“I wouldn’t miss it. I can’t wait to taste your sweet golden maple syrup. I’m hoping to buy some for my bakery. I have a recipe for maple pumpkin cupcakes and it would be wonderful to use local syrup. See you tomorrow.” Kitty climbed into the driver seat. “Frank, did you get a hold of Herb about tonight?”
“Yeah. He’s on board with the details and wil be there out of sight.”
“Great. I have one more stop. I have to pick up something at Gloria’s shelter. Have you ever been there?”
“No. What are you getting?”
“You’l see. Here we are. Come on in with me.” When they opened the door, a cacophony of dogs barking reached their ears.
“Gloria. Are you ready for tomorrow? I hear you’ve sold fifty tickets already.” Kitty pul ed Frank inside. “Do you remember Frank? He’s visiting for a few days.”
“Hi Frank. Sure. I remember you. Wait here. I’l be right back.”
Gloria returned with a lanky fidgety brown and black partner. “Kitty I have your new pup al ready for you to take home.” Frank looked at Kitty with a puzzled look.
“Here’s Cleo, a shepherd lab cross. She’s about four months old. I’m sure Corey wil be thril ed. She’s come in a few times to visit the dogs and walk them for me. She definitely needs her own dog. She’l love the surprise. And I bet Max wil like the company too.”
/> “You’re surprising Corey with this puppy? I’ve got to see that.” Frank smiled at Kitty.
“Wel , let’s head back to the sugar shack. See you tomorrow Gloria. Come on Cleo. Max is in the truck. Let’s see what he thinks of a little sister.” Kitty gathered up the puppy in her arms, getting licked al over her face.
“Hey Max, come on out and meet Cleo.” Max jumped out of the truck, wagging his tail and sniffing Cleo. She got down on her front paws waiting for Max to play with her. “Okay, you two. Let’s get in the truck. You can play back at the farm.” Max jumped in. Frank picked up Cleo, holding the wriggling pup in his lap. “Get going Kitty. I don’t think she wants to sit here for too long.” Kitty pul ed into the sugar shack parking lot. “Wait here til I find Corey.” She headed off to find her and didn’t have to search long. “Corey. Come on out and help me carry the pancake batter into the sugar shack.”
Corey and Alex walked to the back of the truck. Frank opened his door to let Max out, then put Cleo down.
Max walked to the back of the truck to see Corey, and Cleo fol owed. “What? Whose dog is this?” Corey looked up at Kitty.
“That’s Cleo. She’s for you.”
Corey crouched down and let Cleo jump into her arms, licking her al over. “I don’t believe this. Thank you Kitty. I’ve never had a dog before that was al mine. Cleo? What do you think Cleo?” Corey looked up. “I think she likes me.”
“Of course she does. She’l be good company for you in your apartment. Gloria knew just which puppy would be best for you. Let’s bring Cleo in to show Sam.”
Corey ran into the sugar shack with Cleo hot on her heels. “Sam. Guess what? Look what Kitty brought for me.”
“Wel , wel , wel . She looks like a real special pup. What’s her name?”
“Cleo. Wil you help me train her?”
“I’d love to Corey. Actual y, Max wil probably do most of the training. Kitty, the sap is boiling down real nice. Take a look. I think we can bottle it soon.”
“You’re doing a great job here Sam. Anyone want a taste?” Kitty got some smal paper cups and handed out samples to everyone.