by DK Herman
“Can I be with him?” Poppy asked.
The doctor nodded. “You can follow me back. He’s being moved upstairs to his room, shortly.”
“I’m going to the police station to see what they got out of Marv,” I told Poppy.
Poppy threw her arms around me. “Thank you for finding Woody.”
“You’re the hero. If you wouldn’t have gone after Deeter like that, we wouldn’t have been able to do the search,” I said returning her hug. “Call me if you need anything.” I watched Poppy, Jack, and Laura follow the doctor down a hall and left the E.R.
When I arrived at the police station, Detective Krause and Chief Woods were questioning Marv Deeter. Andy and I watched on the monitor as Chief Woods asked if there were any other accomplices.
“I don’t know nothing,” Deeter said smiling slyly.
“Why did you kill Marlowe and Dalton?” Mike Krause asked the still grinning Deeter. “Dalton was a cop, you’re going down hard for his murder.”
“He was just another druggie,” Deeter laughed. “And what makes you so sure, I killed his dumb ass?”
“So, there is more partners?” Chief Woods asked. “Who are they Deeter? If you cooperate, maybe the D.A. will cut you a deal. You’re in a lot of trouble. Protecting your partners will only make it worse.”
“I ain’t protecting nobody,” Deeter insisted. “Now, where’s my lawyer.” He sat back, his lips clamped together stubbornly.
“What do you think?” I asked Andy.
“It’s possible Dalton, Marlowe, and Deeter were running the lab.” Andy shrugged. “Dalton could have easily stolen the drugs from the evidence locker. Then he or Deeter, killed Marlowe before he could talk.”
“And Deeter killed Dalton, leaving him in my car to scare me off. Either of them could have gone after Ben too. The day before he was attacked, Ben pissed Dalton off, big time.”
“That sounds about right.” I gotta get back to the body shop.” Andy picked up his coat. “I told the Chief I’d watch the Hazmat team remove the chemicals and check for other evidence.”
“I’m exhausted and starved, I’m going home,” I said. “See ya later.”
I stopped at the office and helped Jessie and Rayna lock up. I told them the good news that Woody was recovering at the hospital for a few days.
“Mrs. Kasey called a little while ago,” Jessie said putting on her jacket. “She wanted to know if you found her husband.”
“Jeez, I forgot about her.” I started taking off my coat. “These days, I wish there were two of me.”
“I ran a check on properties owned by Larry or Ann Kasey,” Rayna said. “He has a cabin by Rory’s Creek. I left the file on your desk.”
“What would I do without you.” I patted Rayna’s shoulder.
“I’m glad to help.” Rayna shrugged. “You have a lot on your plate these days.”
“I’m still grateful… to you too, Jessie.” I sighed. “Maybe now that Deeter’s behind bars, things will get back to normal. You two go ahead, I’m going to give Harry Ikeler a call. He’ll check it out, and get some pictures if Kasey’s using the cabin as his love nest.”
“My how hard the mighty fall,” Jessie said with a giggle. She still held a grudge over Kasey’s treatment of Andy.
“Lock the door behind you, please,” I said over my shoulder as I headed back the hall to my office.
“See you, tomorrow,” the women called.
I picked up Rayna’s property search on Kasey. His cabin was on Rory’s Creek, a popular fishing destination, fifteen miles south of Herville. Larry Kasey came into possession of the property thirty-five years ago. There was a sticky note with the word, ‘inherited,’ stuck to the page. I picked up the phone and called Harry.
Harry agreed to go to the cabin, and see if anyone was in residence. If so, he would notify me and get proof for Ann Kasey. I offered the new camera that took amazingly clear digital video, even in the dark. I waited a few minutes until he got to the office to pick it up, and we walked out together.
“Call me if you need help,” I said.
“Will do,” Harry answered. “Otherwise, I’ll send you a text with my findings, and see you tomorrow.”
I climbed wearily into the Denali. After fiddling with the radio, I blasted Aerosmith all the way home.
“That’s a very nice car, Hallie,” George said. He and Gram sat, bundled up on the front porch, getting some fresh air.
“It’s terrific,” I agreed as my aunt and her boyfriend pulled in next to the Denali.
They looked the car over too before giving me a thumbs-up. “You should keep this one, Hallie,” Aunt Jeannie said. “It suits you.”
I smiled. “I think so.” And it never had a dead guy in it.
“Then it’s settled,” Gram said. “I’ll tell the dealership. When the police give back your old car, they can take it as a trade-in.”
We all went inside the house and went straight to the kitchen. Liv and Ben were at the stove, Ben stirring a pot with his good arm.
“You’re not a bad cook, Ben,” Liv praised.
“Whatcha making?” I asked. It was wonderful to be home.
“Hamburger barbecue, twice baked potatoes, and a salad,” Ben said with a smile that made his dimples pop.
“Sounds great. Can I help?”
“Everything’s under control,” Liv said. “The table’s set, and the food will be ready in a few minutes.”
“Let’s go into the dining room,” Gram suggested.
“And, Hallie,” George patted me on the back, “thank you for finding Woody.”
“I didn’t do it alone.” I told everyone about Poppy’s bravery in going after Deeter. And how she opened a can of whoop-ass on him after Woody was found beaten.
“She knocked him down and punched him,” Ben said admiringly.
“That’s my girl!” George exclaimed proudly.
“We’re picking up our dresses tomorrow,” Aunt Jeannie said as Karl held her chair for her. “Did you want to come along and try yours on one a last time?”
“If I have time.” I groaned to myself. I forgot about that damned orange eyesore. “I have a lot of work tomorrow, and I don’t want to be late for the rehearsal or dinner.”
“I’ll get it for you and hang it in my closet,” Aunt Jeannie said with a smile.
“Thanks,” I said as dinner was rolled into the room.
After eating we sat in the living room, enjoying each other’s company. Laura and Jack returned with a glowing Poppy.
“The nurse gave Woody some medicine, and he fell asleep,” Poppy said. Her happiness, at having her husband safe, was obvious to all.
“But he probably, won’t be out of the hospital in time for the wedding, Dad,” Laura said. “We’ll have to find someone else to pair with Poppy.
“Hmm. What handsome young man do we know, who’ll look good in a suit,” Gram said looking at Ben.
"Me?" Ben looked surprised.
Gram laughed. "Yes, you."
"Sure," Ben said. "I have a nice blue suit."
"Then that's settled." George smiled.
My phone buzzed with a text from Harry. A car registered to Larry Kasey was parked outside the cabin. The lights were on, the curtains were open, and he’d spotted movement inside. Going in closer, he got a short video of a middle-aged couple engaged in intercourse. After he returned home, he would put a copy on disc, and send the video, via email, to the office. He’d be in tomorrow, to return the camera and drop off the disk.
I sat with my mouth open for a minute before bursting into laughter.
“What?” Ben said.
With everyone watching me, it was a struggle to get my mirth under control. I explained how Ann Kasey hired me to find her husband and look for his other woman. I started giggling again, so I handed Ben my phone.
Reading the text, a huge grin spread over his face. “Kasey’s busted!” Ben exclaimed, then he read the text aloud.
“Bravo. It couldn’t happ
en to a nicer guy,” Karl said.
After more discussion of the wedding, everyone started yawning.
“Time for bed,” Aunt Jeannie said and got up. “I have a lot to do tomorrow, and I’m not finished packing for Paris.”
Aunt Jeannie and Karl were leaving Saturday evening for the Paris trip. Gram and George were traveling as far as New York City with them. The honeymooners had a week-long trip planned, including a four-star hotel and several Broadway shows. Aunt Jeannie and Karl would return in the spring.
We all said our good nights and went up to our rooms.
In my suite, I drew a hot bath in my garden tub. I stripped and climbed into the water. The lilac scented bubble bath I’d poured into the water, gave it a silky feel on my skin. I sank down to my chin and relaxed.
It was a relief to have Woody safe, and Andy out of jail. And thank God, the drama was over before the wedding. I was worried it would ruin Gram and George’s big day. I would give the video to Ann Kasey tomorrow and then enjoy the festivities.
If it wasn’t for the orange dress, everything would be wonderful. But that was small potatoes compared with the events of this past week.
Buddy and Princess burst into the bathroom. “Sorry guys, I’m all done.” I climbed out of the tub and wrapped myself in a big, fluffy towel. I brushed my teeth and put on an over-sized tee shirt. Climbing under the covers, I patted the comforter, and the dogs joined me on the queen-sized bed. With a pit-bull snoring on either side of me, I drifted off to sleep.
Friday morning was gorgeous, warmer with a bright blue sky. It was the kind of morning that made you not mind getting out of bed. I danced on my way to the bathroom, happy and energized, ready to take on the day!
My family and I gathered in the sunroom for pancakes and bacon, discussing the wedding and travel plans.
“I’m going in with you today, Hallie,” Ben said between bites.
“Nope,” I said. “You’re off until next week.”
“You’re staying right here,” Liv said before Ben could protest. “I’m making you cherry pie this morning.”
Do you need me at the office today?” Poppy asked hesitantly.
“Nah, I’ll drop you off at the hospital. You can visit with Woody until I pick you up around five.” I smiled at the relieved look on her face. “That’ll give us plenty of time to get to the rehearsal.”
Poppy gladly agreed. I started the Denali, with the remote on the key fob, and went upstairs to brush my teeth. Meeting Poppy at the front door, I crossed my fingers and walked toward my car. The lack of frost on the car windows, assured me that no bodies awaited me. Poppy and I breathed a sigh of relief and climbed inside.
I made it to the office, on time, for the first time in days. I breezed through the warmer air and into Brew’s, getting coffee and scones for four.
“Good morning,” I sang out to Jessie, Linda, and Rayna, who were gathered around Linda’s desk.
“Ooh, I smell coffee and scones,” Linda said.
“I put everything on the reception area coffee table and sat on the couch.
I took off my jacket. The fire was lit, and the room was toasty warm and inviting. Sipping my latté and nibbling a scone, I enjoyed the sweets and some girl talk.
Soon I looked at my watch. “Time to get ready for the Pendleton appointment.” I stood up and stretched. I had another sweater on today. This one, a brown, ribbed, hip length turtleneck, it hid my bruised neck nicely.
My bruise was already beginning to fade. I’d have to resort to makeup tomorrow. But, I can’t imagine anybody noticing my neck while I’m wearing a giant orange carnation with emerald green shoes.
In my office, I retrieved the Pendleton file from my desk and waited for Elijah Pendleton to arrive. The president of the local bank, he was interested in using James Investigations to look into some mysterious losses that took place over a two-year period.
The Kasey file, still on my desk, reminded me to give Ann a call. She didn’t answer, so I left a message, saying that I’d located her husband and needed to speak to her. I would rather confirm her fears of her husband’s infidelity in person.
Linda informed me that Elijah Pendleton had arrived, and I went out to the reception area to greet my client.
By lunchtime, I still hadn’t heard from Ann Kasey. But I remembered to put in a call to Mike Krause, telling him the whereabouts of his ex-partner. He promised to speak to him soon, but he was convinced that everyone involved was dead or in jail.
I was finishing an eggplant parmesan sub from Gina’s when I heard Ann Kasey in the reception area.
“I received a message that you found my husband, “she said to Linda. “Where is he? Is he safe?”
I shoved the last inch of sub into my mouth and walked out to save Linda. “Hello, Mrs. Kasey. Please, come back to my office, so we can talk.”
She followed me back and I waved her onto the couch. I grabbed a box of tissues and put them at her elbow. Sitting down on a chair, I opened my mouth to speak. But I forgot what I was going to say when I saw the humongous diamond and ruby earrings, Ann Kasey was wearing. I like jewelry too, but they had to be worth enough to feed a family of six, for over a year.
I gave myself a mental shake and came to the point. “You must have forgotten about Larry’s property, on Rory’s Creek.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Oh, yes. I…. did forget.” She put a hand over her mouth and closed her eyes for a moment. “Was he there?”
“Yes.” Just rip the band aide off, Hallie. There was no easy way to tell a woman her husband was screwing around. It hurt, and it was humiliating, even if the husband was a piece of crap like Larry Kasey. “And I’m afraid you were right to suspect him of infidelity.”
She looked up quickly, her face white. “Why do you say that?”
“I sent an associate to check out the cabin last night. I’m sorry, but he filmed your husband with another woman.”
“Did he peek through a window or something?” Her face was a mask of shock.
“Yes, I haven’t seen the footage, but he said it shows a middle-aged couple, involved in intercourse.”
Ann Kasey swayed toward the edge of the couch. I reached out to steady her. “Oh, my God,” she whispered.
“I'm so sorry. Are you going to be alright?” I asked gently.
“Yes, I’m fine,” she answered after a few seconds.
“May I have the… footage?” She asked.
I nodded. But Harry hadn’t been in yet. “My associate hasn’t brought his copy yet, but I can have someone download one for you.” I walked to Jessie’s office and told her what I needed.
Returning to my office, I found Ann pacing anxiously. I didn’t blame her. It would be hard to watch your husband with someone else.
“How many copies of this… footage is there?” Her eyes looked angry.
“It’s on digital. There will be two physical copies: the one Jessie is putting on disc for you, and the one my associate burned last evening.” I sat down again, hoping she would too.
“I want them all, and I want anything on this… digital thing, destroyed,” she demanded. “It’s humiliating, to think of it floating around.”
“I assure you, this firm will be discrete. It will not be passed around for anyone’s amusement.”
“I’m the client, and I’m telling you what I want.” Her tone had grown nasty, and I no longer felt sorry for her.
“I’ll call you when I have the other copy in my hands.”
“And the digital?” she snapped.
“I’ll have my tech person purge it from our system this afternoon.” My tone was beginning to match hers. “She had a dentist appointment, but will be back later.”
Actually, I wanted to see it. Not because I wanted to see Larry Kasey naked and getting it on with Harriet the homewrecker, but because of Ann’s strange behavior. My instincts were telling me, there was more to this than Ann was saying.
“Call me as soon as you have it in your hands. And
be sure to destroy the digital,” she hissed. "If this gets out to the public, I’ll ruin you.” Ann Kasey turned and stalked out.
Talk about shooting the messenger! I rolled my eyes. I needed booze or another mocha. I stood up and grabbed my purse.
" I'm going on a mocha run, anybody want something?" I called on my way up the hall.
Jessie handed me a twenty, and I dashed out the door without my jacket. The sun felt good on my face. I pushed up my sleeves as I walked. It had to be sixty degrees!
A few minutes later, I reluctantly entered the office with another full, cup carrier, and a bag of donut holes. Hey, the diet starts in earnest after the wedding. Maybe I'll even join a gym. I took my mocha and a handful of donut holes into my office.
I’d missed Harry while I was out. The CD with the Kasey footage was on my desk. I tucked it into my purse. Bringing up my schedule on my phone, I realized I had two more appointments that afternoon. Jessie had rescheduled a few that I'd missed, earlier in the week.
So I put off watching the Kasey video. I'd rather eat donut holes than look at Kasey's naked butt. Maybe I'd have Ben watch it tonight, he's eager to get back to work.
The rest of the afternoon flew by, and I was redding up my office when I saw a glint of red on my office couch. I picked it up, sucking in air. It was one of Ann Kasey's diamond and ruby earrings.
Why wasn't she looking for this? By now, I would have back tracked my entire day and called out the national guard. I sighed and picked up the phone.
Again, Ann didn't answer her phone. Leaving a message that I’d found an earring in my office, I described it and asked her to call back. I locked the earring in the office safe and left to pick up Poppy.
FIFTEEN
I kept the turtleneck on, but changed into a brown, suede skirt with brown flats. After applying more mascara and lip gloss, I went looking for Poppy.
She met me at the top of the stairs, looking adorable in a royal blue sweater-dress. We went down the stairs together, to see if the others were ready.
Ben and Liv rode with me to the church. Their light-hearted banter had me in a cheerful mood before we arrived at our destination. Ben had changed into a dress shirt with his jeans. Liv had on a pretty, ankle-length dress with tiny roses, sprinkled onto a gray background.