SSM01 - School Lunch is Murder

by Zelenka, Cheryl

  Sadie didn’t bother asking Suzie why she was in a private office strumming through personal belongings or looking at a list of poisonous plants. However, she did wonder if the mentioned book was actually the “lost” book she’d been accused of not returning last year. Did Edith have it all along?

  “Suzie, does Edith have a home garden?”

  Mrs. Quibble looked out the classroom window, paused for a few seconds then admitted she didn’t. “No, Ms. Sunshine, Miss Wisp lives in an apartment off 7th Street. She doesn’t even have a window box. I brought her some of my heirloom tomatoes the first week school. My salsa garden had a bumper crop of tomatoes this year.”

  Ignoring Mrs. Quibble’s salsa garden, Sadie asked, “If Edith…and that’s a big if, had somehow managed to poison Miss Quiche, where did the poison come from?” She wondered if Mrs. Quibble had found out Penny’s death was due to hemlock poisoning. She wouldn’t put it past her.

  “Who knows? Everyone in Rogue Valley has a garden if they own land. I guess that’s where your friend Officer Flores will have to earn her paycheck. I just want my son safe! I can’t even comprehend what would have happened if Edith had gone ballistic and shot up our school. Why yesterday could have been another Columbine!”

  Sadie now had only 10 minutes before her appointment with Lilly. She needed to get Mrs. Quibble out the door. “Mrs. Quibble, you shared some interesting information with me today, and the Police need to know about it so they can verify the facts. The department has a suspect list and it includes the entire staff at Fort Follyfield, and then some! In order to clear names, they need to investigate leads. I highly recommend you go down to the station right now and share everything you just told me with Officer Flores. And since I have to leave in just five minutes, I will be blunt. Please, do not start any rumors that Edith is a murderer. Also, do not suggest to anyone that I’m returning to take over Penny’s class. I’m not. I thank you for your service to our school, but we need to trust the professionals with this murder investigation. They will find her killer and she will have justice.”

  With that said, Mrs. Quibble nodded her head and walked out the classroom door.

  I’ll see what good those words do in a day or two. In the meantime, I better lock my door and get to the Laughing Clam. I’m so glad Dora is coming over tonight. I’ll have to tell her about the book Mrs. Quibble found in Edith’s office and mention the possibility that Edith is pregnant. If she is, I wonder if Dustin knows. And, if Dustin is aware of his upcoming fatherhood, did Edith tell him before Penny was poisoned? They looked like a couple yesterday when I saw them at the Pharmacy. When did they actually get back together? Geesh, I’m living inside a real life soap opera!

  CHAPTER TEN: The Laughing Clam

  Lilly was waiting for Sadie at a table tucked near the fireplace. She was nursing a pint of Samuel Adams. The Laughing Clam wasn’t busy, as things wouldn’t pick up for yet another hour or so. Sadie placed her red purse on the empty chair next to Lilly and smiled.

  “I’m so glad we’re doing this! I want to know all about your summer and about the kids you’re teaching this year. You’ve got quite a few of my former students.”

  Lilly nodded and started in by sharing all about her trip to Hawaii that summer.

  When their waitress appeared, Sadie ordered the Ale Battered Prawns and a pint of Corona. Lilly went with the Seared Ahi.

  “Gee, Lilly. It sounds like you, and your family, had a fantastic cruise. I have yet to take one, only because I can’t imagine being trapped on a sailing vessel overcome with motion sickness.”

  Lilly agreed, feeling nauseated was one of the worst feelings in the world. “I had my fill of nausea when I carried my three babies. Thankfully, the cruise was as smooth as silk and I was able to enjoy all the delicious food, without a thought of losing it a few hours later. I gained five pounds in a week, but it was worth it. Honestly, the food was amazing!”

  Their dinners arrived and both ladies agreed their food was delicious. The restaurant remained pretty empty, so Sadie decided to jump in with the personal comments she wanted to share in order to clear the air between them.

  “Lilly, last year was so weird and hectic. Retiring early was a big decision for me. And you know the end of the school year is an incredibly busy time for teachers, report cards, packing up the classroom and all. Well, this is not an excuse, but I think I was really hormonal that entire last week of school. You know, I’m experiencing that time in life when heat rises to the surface and gives a lady that very special glow, the kind that outshines even the brightest star above. I’ll tell you, it’s not fun sticking my entire head in a shower just to subdue a hot flash.”

  Lilly giggled and said she had yet to experience this unique blessing in life, but figured it would soon be around the corner.

  “Yes, well, may God have pity on your soul when your time comes! Honestly, hot flashes rise up at the most inconvenient times! But anyway, that book was just something that set me off, and it shouldn’t have led to my angry words with you. I’m sorry. I still can’t believe I ended our friendship over a silly book! Talk about overreacting! Can you please forgive me?”

  Lilly looked up with tears in her eyes. Sadie had really wounded her that summer. To say she was surprised when Sadie called it quits on their friendship would be an understatement. Side-swiped was more like it. In fact, the reason her family went on their Hawaiian cruise was because she was terribly depressed. Her husband wanted to distract her and he thought a cruise would get her mind on other things.

  Four years ago, Sadie started hosting garden parties and afternoon teas, with both Dora and Lilly in attendance. Mandy Golden was frequently there too. But this past summer, Lilly had not received a single invitation. She was devastated. She hadn’t been blessed with really close friends after starting her family, so losing Sadie’s friendship felt like losing a sister. She missed their nature walks and times together shopping at a local nursery. Sadie was a member of the Oregon Association of Nurseries and got a discount on plants. That summer, Lilly bought several unique plants from Wayside Nursery and so wanted to tell Sadie about them.

  Sadie, I do forgive you. We all do and say things we regret when we’re stressed. I’m just happy we’re back in touch. I’ve missed talking with you and Dora. Our garden discussions were always so interesting and fun.” She took a Kleenex from her purse and blew her nose.

  “I agree. I hope we have many more in the future. ”Thankful she was able to speak so freely to such a forgiving friend, she segued.

  “Speaking of gardens, guess who might have that missing garden book with the white book cover! It’s not from a reliable source, but Dora’s coming by my house tonight after we finish our dinner and I’ll ask her to check it out.” Clueless to a possible suspect, Sadie told Lilly about Mrs. Quibble and the way she had tried to manipulate her into coming out of retirement, then shared how Mrs. Quibble had gone into Edith’s office and snooped around.

  “Man alive, that woman does not know what a boundary is, does she?” Lilly’s expression was that of disgusted amazement.

  “Nope. ‘Boundary’ is not a vocabulary word she’s familiar with. But, she described that lost book, Lilly. She said it had a white book cover. She looked through it to find a holistic tonic for her son’s anxiety problem. I guess there were several pages earmarked and she noticed handwritten notations. Why would Edith steal a book like that and have me pay for it, insisting it was lost?”

  “It sounds like she didn’t want anyone to know she was interested in gardening, but why the interest? I know she lives in an apartment. She doesn’t have any place to grow things.” Sadie shrugged. “We’ll just have to trust Dora will get to the bottom of it.

  Both ladies took a few more bites of their seafood and Sadie then continued, “Oh, I did want to ask about your uncle, the banker. I know Dora busted him for robbery just before Christmas last year. I hope you understand she was just doing her job.”

  “Sadie, don’t give it ano
ther thought! My Uncle Craig was such a prideful man. Even as a child people referred to him as uppity and arrogant. Somehow, as an adult, he found favor and acquired a fantastic job, made a lot of money, married the perfect trophy wife, and lived in what some folks here consider a mansion. But nothing was ever enough for him. He always wanted something more and was incredibly unhappy. There was a void in his life and he could never find a way to permanently fill it. He was always searching for his next high. When he fell into drugs, Methamphetamine for that matter, it destroyed him. The temporary high he experienced cost him everything.”

  Lilly paused then smiled. “Sadie…I’m thankful. I’m honestly thankful he lost everything. He now has an opportunity to start fresh. I know that sounds harsh but let me finish. When he went to prison he was a broken and bitter man. I’ve visited him every week for the past seven months. I can honestly say he’s changed. He got clean and started to read the Bible. He now understands happiness comes from giving, not from possessions. God is his provider. He wants to work in the mission field when he gets out next month, maybe Africa. Of course he’ll need to get sponsors and build support, so he’ll live with us for a little while. He’s a humble and kind man now. I see change, real change in his life.” Lilly spoke with such conviction, Sadie had no reason to doubt her sincerity.

  “Dora was just doing her job. I’m glad we have a smart policewoman on the Rogue Valley force. And yes, Penny’s dad did fire Uncle Craig, but I hold no hard feelings. He did the right thing. You can’t trust an addict, especially one on meth. I was real sorry to hear about the awful accident on Hayes Hill just before Christmas. The newspaper stated Penny’s mom and dad went over an embankment and died. So sad! Now, in less than a year, Penny has joined them. It’s just crushing. Why on earth would anyone want to kill such a sweet young lady?”

  “I honestly don’t know, Lilly, but I’m sure Dora will find out. I’m thankful you don’t harbor any ill feelings towards her, or Penny. You have a gracious and loving heart.”

  Lilly smiled at the kind words and thanked her friend. Both ladies hugged after paying their bill. They agreed to sit together at Penny’s funeral the following day. Business was just starting to pick up when they left the restaurant and headed for their homes.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN: That Ring!

  Last February, Edith and Dustin decided to date, but on the sly. She wanted to avoid the scrutiny of every parent, student, and staff member at Fort Follyfield. A budding relationship was hard enough to establish and she didn’t want to feel like an insect under a magnifying glass. Dustin had agreed with her plan whole-heartedly. Living in such a small city and keeping personal matters under wraps was challenging, but they managed to pull it off. Dates were always in nearby cities, like Medford or Ashland. When the weather warmed up, hikes with a picnic lunch became a favorite activity. Car rides to the coast with seafood dinners at romantic dives along the highway were the highlights of Edith’s summer. Dustin was a man of few words, but she felt comfortable with him, even in silence.

  In her opinion, they were a perfect fit. She loved the way he kept his apartment so clean and tidy. She didn’t mind overnights at his place, that much. He was patient with her need to avoid hand holding and content with her suggestion to walk arm-in-arm instead. When he confided Kathy was actually his mother, she was honored he trusted her with his secret. He said he didn’t want the staff at Fort Follyfield to know they were related because he feared they’d joke he was tied to her apron strings. Dustin didn’t like to be teased.

  Although Ms. Crispman had a rough exterior, she eventually warmed up to Edith. Kathy really came around after she spoke with Dustin and suggested he was neglecting his mother. She was incredibly thankful Edith was encouraging more family interaction.

  Over the summer break, Edith frequently visited Kathy while Dustin worked on his car or hung out with his buddies at Hellgate Excursions. She hoped Kathy would one day become her mother-in-law, so she made a concerted effort to learn about her hobbies…holistic medicine and gardening. They spent entire afternoons in her back garden. Kathy proudly showed Edith the “special” plants she cultivated, the ones that required extra attention. Many of these special plants were poisonous, as in lethal.

  One particular day, Kathy was especially direct. “Edith, this garden bonded my son and I. He likes when I grow specimens that are both medicinal and deadly. It appeals to his sense of irony. He’s always looking for a paradox and everyone just loves his sarcastic humor.” She walked over to a plant with a lacy white flower. “Edith, some of my beauties have the power to paralyze, bring about heart attacks, and yes, even kill. Do you recognize this pretty plant?”

  Edith thought it looked a lot like the flowers growing beside the rose bush near the school entrance. She was pretty sure it was called Queen Anne’s Lace, so that was the answer she gave Kathy.

  “Good guess, they really do look a lot alike, but you’re wrong. This is actually my hemlock grove. Although it’s capable of killing a person, especially if the root is consumed, the plant is also a powerful healer. It’s perfect for asthma sufferers.

  Other plants in my garden ease pain, anxiety, and cure, as you well know, eczema. Dustin is very knowledgeable about many things, including botany. Others have underestimated my son. You, however, seem to recognize his many talents and see his full potential. I think you make a lovely couple. You’re good for him and I hope one day I’ll be calling you my daughter.”

  Edith had blushed at Kathy’s directness and her words birthed hope. They changed Edith, she no longer felt like a wallflower. She dreamt of becoming the future Mrs. Dustin Ferrill, and thanks to Kathy, she felt confident her prince had arrived and would soon claim her as his prize.

  On an afternoon visit about two and a half weeks before school was to begin, Kathy again confided in Edith. “You know, Dustin stands to inherit a lot of money one day. His uncle is rich, sick, and childless. I’ve noticed how frugal you are. You would be one to nurture and grow his fortune, not spend or waste it. The money our PTA donated this year for library books was well spent under your intelligent and thrifty eye. I know the School District praises Principal Pardon for the outstanding library at Fort Follyfield, but you should be the one they praise, not him!”

  During their conversation, Edith walked up to a lovely blue plant about four feet high. She was about to reach out and touch it but Kathy pushed her aside.

  “Honestly Edith, you need a lot more lessons in botany! Don’t you know what you almost touched? It has several names. Wolfsbane! Monkshood! Devil’s Helmet! Have you read any of the books I lent you?” Embarrassed, Edith admitted she had yet to read any of them.

  Shaking her head, Kathy continued. “I noticed earlier that you have an open cut on your finger. If you had simply touched this plant, you’d be sorry. The poison from this beauty causes heart arrhythmia and respiratory trouble. Milder symptoms include vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea, none very pleasant in my opinion. I don’t want to lose a daughter before she actually becomes my daughter, officially. It’s my hope you’ll soon be wearing my mother’s engagement ring and that grandbabies will soon be sitting around my kitchen table!”

  Edith’s embarrassment was quickly overcome. Kathy had again mentioned a desire to welcome her into the family. She was waiting for the right moment to tell Dustin her big news, but Kathy’s affection freed her lips and her big news just spilled out. “Kathy,” she gushed…“I just have to tell someone my good news! I should really tell Dustin first, but I already think of you as my mother. I found out three days ago I’m pregnant! I am telling Dustin tonight. I love him so much! He’s just got to be happy about this baby! I certainly am.”

  The school cook, in a rare moment of tenderness, took Edith in her arms and gave her a warm embrace. “I’m sure he will be thrilled! And, as soon as you’ve shared your good news with him, tell Dustin to come by my house, even if it’s past mid-night. I’ll give that son of mine his grandmother’s engagement ring. You’ll love it, so
long as you like one-carat diamonds and deep red rubies.” Kathy was not one to smile quickly, so the grin on her face warmed Edith to the very bone.

  With her heart singing, she kissed Kathy on the cheek and ran to her car. Was she really going to be a wife and mother in just a matter of months? Was this baby going to join her to Dustin for a lifetime of love and bliss? Edith went directly to her apartment and texted Dustin. She said she had a surprise for him and was preparing a special dinner.

  Any time I mention food, Dustin jumps! He’ll be here before I’ve had a chance to boil the egg noodles for my yummy beef stroganoff.

  That night, before telling Dustin about their baby, Edith waited for him to finish off a second helping of her special beef dish and down a third glass of red wine. Although surprised, he seemed happy enough. Not thrilled, but happy. Trying to be sensible, Edith thought, “Any man saying goodbye to bachelorhood is going to be a bit reluctant, even sour, especially if he thinks his wings are getting clipped. So, why not Dustin? I know he loves me.” In an attempt to assure herself she further reasoned, “Why else would he drive to his mom’s house for that engagement ring at, well, ten o’clock?”

  Edith didn’t know Dustin had a heated conversation with his mother when he arrived at her place. He accused Kathy of trying to control and run his life. He admitted he liked Edith but confessed he didn’t love her, adding he was definitely not ready for marriage or prepared for fatherhood.