Fat hen farm 01- Killer tracks

by Sandy Vale

  “Herb, David is going to Roger’s office tomorrow to get some files. We think he’s after a file that Kitty found listing names of people who have the stolen cars. Once he takes the file, we need to bring him in for questioning. My guess is that Jimmie, and maybe even Glenda, are in on it too.

  Jimmie just told Kitty she needs to bring her truck back for some more repairs. It sounds like an excuse to swap the truck she has now which is on the stolen list and give her the right truck back.”

  “Tina!” Kitty yel ed from upstairs. “The files are gone. Al three of them.”

  “Who went upstairs?” Frank asked when Kitty came down.

  “Sam went up to get Max, and Glenda went up to use the bathroom. I didn’t see anyone else go upstairs. I don’t think Sam would take them.

  Glenda had already asked me for one of the files that was left in the truck when I picked it up. That was the one that was a list of VIN numbers. But al three files are gone. We need them al to tie it al together.” Kitty was starting to panic.

  “Calm down. Let’s cal Sam, just in case he took them,” Tina suggested.

  “I’l drive down and ask him,” Frank said. “I’l be right back.”

  “I’l go with you,” Herb added and fol owed him out the door.

  ***

  Kitty, Tina and Michael saw car lights coming toward the house.

  Frank and Herb walked in carrying the three files.

  “Sam had them. When he went upstairs to get Max, he saw the files and didn’t think they were safe in your house, Kitty. Not with the black car and the likely murderer inside. He tucked them inside his shirt. That’s why he left so quickly. He doesn’t think you should be alone here tonight. He thinks whoever wants these files might come back, and I agree with him. Herb is going to take the files to the station, copy them, and bring them back so you can put them back in Roger’s office. I’d like to stay here tonight, if you don’t mind. I’l just sit in this chair in the corner in case anyone does come back.”

  “I’m staying too,” Tina announced. “I’ve been staying here with Kitty ever since Roger was found dead.”

  “That’s al fine with me,” Kitty agreed. She was actual y grateful they’d both be staying with her. Things were getting too out of control. “Tina, you and I can sleep on the floor again with Max, and Frank can have the recliner. I’l get another pil ow and some blankets.” Michael carried in a tray with sandwiches and beers. “It’s too early and who can sleep anyway. Let’s have something to eat and see if we can make some sense out of al the clues.”

  “Thanks Michael. You’re right. It’s nice here by the woodstove. Let’s al get comfortable and see what we can put together,” Kitty told everyone.

  Herb stood up. “I better get these files copied. I’l be back in the morning.” In between bites of a cheese and tomato sandwich, Tina thought out loud, “I think David is at the top of the suspect list. He accused Kitty of being the murderer right after Roger was found in the barn, before information was even released. He changed the life insurance policy and he had an opportunity to steal Kitty’s gun. He’s desperate to get those files from Roger’s office. He’s probably involved with the stolen car ring, too.”

  “Are the stolen cars and the murder connected? Maybe it’s just a coincidence and we’re looking at it al the wrong way. I don’t think Jimmie would fire David if they were working together moving stolen cars,” Kitty said.

  “Why would Roger have copies of David’s files if he wasn’t involved with the stolen cars? I think Jimmie would have the cars delivered, David would sel them and Roger would manipulate the numbers somehow so they could be insured,” Michael offered.

  “Then who kil ed Roger?” Kitty asked.

  “Looks like we’re back to the beginning. David had the most to gain. I don’t see a motive for Jimmie. It seems like he needed Roger to do the insurance stuff. Unless Roger was trying to blackmail Jimmie. That’s always a possibility,” Tina said.

  Frank set his beer bottle on the table. “You are forgetting one important fact; why would Jimmie fire David if he was involved with the stolen cars? When I talked to Jimmie, he was nervous but he also acted like a disengaged owner.” The group gave him blank looks. “What I mean is, he was more interested in getting his River Trail project done and bettering the community than who was buying cars. He depends on Glenda to keep the business running smoothly and let him know when there’s a problem he needs to be involved in. I think he fired David because he didn’t like how he treated the customers. Kitty, when you and David had that argument, Jimmie stepped in and did the right thing by solving your problem to your satisfaction. David didn’t care about the customers or the business. I think David is the mastermind and Roger was helping him because he owed David. They were moving the stolen cars through Jimmie’s lot without his knowledge.”

  “I don’t know, Frank. Jimmie is a smart business man. How could al that happen right under his nose?” Michael asked.

  Frank sat up straighter. “Sometimes people just get too comfortable and think they can relax and let their business chug along on autopilot.

  David was a salesman there for quite a few years. He understood the business and saw the opportunity. I’ve been watching him for a while. My team set up a phony business auctioning off stolen cars and David has been a regular customer for the last couple of months. He was very careful to buy just one or two cars at a time. We needed to figure out how he was moving them along with the legit cars. The cars seemed to just disappear. We were stumped until Kitty got the file of the VIN numbers and Candy gave Tina the list of photos. He always had two identical cars and managed to alter the VIN numbers. With Roger’s help, they manipulated al the insurance information to erase suspicion. He must have found out that Kitty got the wrong car. Someone else must be helping him.”

  “So why would David kil Roger?” Kitty asked.

  “I’m stil not sure but I think that clue might be connected to whatever David is after in Roger’s office. Roger might have been putting pressure on David for more money. People who get involved in crime, get greedy. They get careless. And then they get dangerous.” Chapter 9

  Herb showed up bright and early with the copied files.

  “Come on in, Herb. We al just sat down with coffee. Do you have time for a cup?” Kitty asked.

  “Sure. A quick cup then I need to get back to the station.”

  They walked into the kitchen to hear the end of Frank and Tina’s conversation.

  “—I don’t think she’s involved, Frank.”

  “What are you two arguing about now?” Kitty elbowed Tina and grinned.

  “Frank thinks Candy is involved, too, but I real y don’t think she’s smart enough. And what is there for her to gain? Plus my brothers always thought that women were only good for one thing and that wasn’t to be their equal!”

  “Wel , if she’s involved, we’l find out. David wil want to protect his own skin and wil probably finger anyone else he can.”

  “I better get this file back to Roger’s office. What time should I meet David?” Kitty asked, getting back to her own plans for the day.

  “Let’s make him sweat. Tel him late afternoon,” Tina suggested.

  “I’l cal him when I get back from returning these files. Wil you stil be here?” Tina looked up. “I’l stil be here. How about you Frank?”

  “I’m going to fol ow Kitty. Make sure no one is tailing her.”

  “I’l clean up and take Max for a walk.” Tina carried the coffee mugs to the sink, wiped the counter and cal ed Max. “Hey, you funny dog, want to take a walk?”

  Max looked at Tina and wiggled al over. He was good company, she thought. It would be a little eerie out there at the end of the long driveway al by herself. She bundled up, opened the door and Max was out like a flash.

  Tina walked through the new snow around the barn and headed toward the river. It was already bright with the reflection on the snow. She could see Max running ahead, sniffing whatever it
was that his dog nose was picking up. The cold fresh air was helping Tina clear her head. She couldn’t wait for this murder-theft drama to be over. She had never been close to her brothers but it was hard to know one was murdered and the other was probably the murderer. How did they end up in a world of crime? She was so thankful to have Kitty in her life. Her brother was incredibly stupid to have thrown that love away. Kitty was loyal and caring and she had been in love with Roger. She was probably better off now.

  “Hey, Max. Come on. Let’s head back to the house!” Tina cal ed.

  Walking back around the side of the barn, she caught her breath and stopped short.

  “What are you doing here?”

  David stopped pounding on the front door to the house and glared at Tina. Max stood next to Tina, tense and growling.

  “Where’s that no good friend of yours? She promised to let me into the office today.”

  “She’s not here. She said she’d cal you when she got back to set up a time. Real y David, what is going on with you? You’re acting like a crazy person.”

  “You listen to me, Tina. I need to get into that office or . . . wel , never mind about that. Tel Kitty to meet me at noon. I’l be there waiting.” She watched him drive away. Sadness fil ed her heart. She hadn’t grieved for Roger yet; there hadn’t been time. She couldn’t hide the sadness anymore as she stood there alone, watching her remaining brother leave, sensing he was also doomed. Max leaned into her, looked up and wagged his tail.

  ***

  Kitty drove to Roger’s office building. It made her feel safe to know Frank was behind her. He stayed back a ways but she knew he was there. She admitted to herself that she was scared to go into the office with David. She wouldn’t tel anyone that, though. If he was desperate, he could be unpredictable.

  Parking on the street, she checked her mirror to wait for Frank to pul up before she got out. This would be quick; stick the file back in the drawer and leave. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. Quickly glancing at Frank, Kitty nodded her head, crossed the street and hurried inside.

  She passed a businessman as she walked down the hal way to Roger’s office.

  Unlocking the door as quietly as possible made her feel like she was trespassing. Sliding through the door into the office, she almost screamed.

  The office had been ransacked. Al the files were thrown around, papers scattered everywhere. She froze, not sure what to do. She felt the door push against her back. She sensed someone behind her. She heard the door click shut. Al her nerves were screaming for her to run but she was trapped with this unknown person.

  A quiet but threatening voice said, “Okay Ms. Wilson, keep quiet and you won’t be hurt. Don’t turn around, just hand me those files.” Kitty handed the files behind her back and tried to see who it was from the corner of her eye. Al she could see was someone tal , dressed in dark clothes before she was shoved to the floor. The door clicked shut. She didn’t dare open the door to see who it was.

  She fumbled to get her phone out and cal ed Frank. “A man just fol owed me into the office and took the files. I didn’t see him but he should be coming out of the building. Fol ow him. I’m okay.”

  “I see him. I’m getting photos. He’s getting into a black car. That must be who has been fol owing you al week. I have his plate number and I’l have Herb send an officer to arrest him. I’m coming in. Wait in the office.” Nearly before Kitty had hung up, Frank opened the office door to find Kitty stil on the floor, staring at the mess.

  “Jeez. What happened here? He must have been looking for the files before you came in. Are you okay, Kitty?”

  “Yeah, just a little shaken up from when he pushed me down. He didn’t hurt me. Who is that guy?”

  “I don’t know who he is but I’m guessing he might be the ring leader. That’s why David was so nervous to get those files. He probably had to get them to this guy. David is in a risky situation. It’s al spinning out of control. You’d better get back home. I need to cal Herb and make sure they picked up that guy. Cal me if there’s anything you need help with. I’l send you the photo I took of him. Take a look and see if it’s anyone you recognize. Are you sure you’re okay Kitty? You look white as a ghost.”

  “I’m okay but I feel like I’m in the middle of something I don’t know anything about. Murdered husband, stolen cars, where wil this end? It’s a scary, out of control sensation.”

  “I think we’re getting closer. Go home and I’l cal you when I have any information.” Frank walked Kitty to her car and watched her drive off. He was worried about her.

  Kitty headed back home. Was this guy the killer? She had been so worried about being alone with David, she hadn’t even considered being in danger from someone else.

  ***

  By the time Kitty got to her house, her color was back to normal and she felt angry instead of scared.

  “Tina, you won’t believe what happened. Roger’s office was ransacked and someone fol owed me in and took the files. Frank got a photo of him. He’s sending it to me.” Kitty’s phone dinged with a new message. “Here it is. Let’s take a look. I’ve never seen this guy before. How about you?”

  Tina studied the photo. “I‘ve seen this face but I’m not sure where. Oh yeah, the day I went to David’s house to ask him about the insurance stuff, after Roger was kil ed, he was leaving. I asked David who it was and he said, none of your business. So what did Frank say?”

  “He thinks he’s the ring leader; that David had to get the files to this guy.”

  “Where is Frank now?”

  “He had to check with Herb to make sure they picked up that guy.”

  It was Tina’s turn to update Kitty on her morning. “After I took Max for a walk, David was here pounding on your front door. He said to tel you that he would be at Roger’s office at noon and you’d better be there. What now?” Kitty had forgotten about meeting David. “Let’s have Herb make a copy of the file from the copy he has and I’l throw it in the office. I wonder what David’s reaction wil be when he sees someone else was after the files. We’d better hurry if—”

  “No, let’s just leave it the way it is. We don’t have time to get another copy. David can search what’s there and he can sweat about what to do when he can’t find the files he needs. He’l probably put two and two together as soon as he sees the mess. Maybe he’l be nervous enough to turn himself in.”

  “Or take his money and run.”

  “We’d better get going. Don’t want to keep him waiting,” Tina said and laughed.

  Sure enough, when Kitty and Tina got to Roger’s office building, David’s car was idling on the street. Kitty thought she should let Frank know what they were doing but decided not to. She didn’t want to distract him if he was in the middle of something important.

  David got out of his car. “Let’s go. I’m in a rush.”

  Tina looked at Kitty. “Okay. Kitty where’s the key?”

  “I’ve got it.” They walked in without any more talking.

  Kitty unlocked the door and David pushed her out of the way to get in. “What happened here? Is this some kind of joke? What did the two of you do?” He snarled at them as he pul ed them into the office and closed the door.

  Tina stared at David. “We didn’t do this. Looks like someone beat you to your precious files.” David was furious. “You have no idea what you’re getting into Tina. This isn’t some kind of game. We’l al go back to Kitty’s house and see if she has them hidden there.”

  David pushed them back to his car and made them get in, leaving Kitty’s truck on the street.

  “You need to listen to me. I need those files or I’m a dead man. And you wil be targets too. I’l make sure of that,” David fumed as he drove.

  “What kind of mess are you involved in, David? Is this about some stolen cars?” Tina asked.

  “Stolen cars? Is that what you think? It’s much bigger than that.”

  “What are you talking about? Does it have to do with t
hat guy I saw leaving your house?”

  “Yeah. And he doesn’t like to be seen. I hope you have the files.”

  “So who kil ed Roger?” Tina thought this was her best chance to get David talking and maybe confessing.

  “I thought Kitty did, but now I’m not sure. That would have made things easier for me. I didn’t shoot him. That ungrateful, no-good, lazy bum.

  Okay. In the house. Give me your phones. Let’s go have a look. And don’t try anything cute. We’l start upstairs.”

  “David, you’re wasting your time. We don’t know what you’re talking about. There are no files here.” Kitty was trying to stal for time. This was more serious than they had imagined.

  “What’s this suitcase Kitty? Planning a trip or hiding something in here?” David opened the suitcase, dumping everything on the floor. “This is Roger’s stuff. Tickets? He was going on a trip?” David slid out the two tickets and saw Roger’s and Candy’s names. “That double crossing—”

  David never finished. Sam hit him over the head with his cane, knocking David out.

  Sam threw his cel phone to Kitty. “Here Miss Kitty, cal your detective friend. Tel him to get here quick before this creep comes to.” Kitty cal ed Frank immediately. He didn’t answer, so she did the best she could. “Frank, it’s Kitty. We’ve got a problem at my house. Get here as fast as you can.”

  “Sam? How did you know we needed help?”

  “Max must have pushed the back door open. He came to my house and started barking ‘til I opened the door. He wouldn’t come in, just stood there ‘til I fol owed him. I told you he’s special. Max and I wil keep an eye on him until the police get here.” Kitty and Tina went downstairs to wait for Frank and the police.

  “Tina, we stil don’t know who kil ed Roger if you believe what David said.”

  “I do believe him.” Tina said. “That’s what scares me now. Maybe it’s the guy that was in David’s office.

  Sirens broke the silence. Kitty and Tina sighed with relief.

  Frank charged into the house. “Kitty are you alright? I got your message. What’s going on?”