SSM01 - School Lunch is Murder

by Zelenka, Cheryl

  “Hello? Officer Flores, this is Mr. Crispman’s personal assistant. Will you please drive your vehicle to the front of the estate? I’ll have Collins let you in and direct you to the library. We will meet you there.”

  Dora moved ahead through the gate and down a long circular drive leading up to a lovely historic three-story mansion. After parking near the front door, she admired the well-manicured grounds as she walked to the front entrance and rang the doorbell. A man dressed in a formal black suit opened the heavy double doors.

  “Good morning, Officer Flores. We have been expecting you. Let me direct you to the library.”

  Dora smiled at Collins and followed the butler. With his salt and pepper hair, she predicted he was in his late 50’s. He moved with an air of grace and pride. The foyer boasted a beautiful parquet floor and the heavy wainscoting appeared to be original. Collins led her down a wide hallway showcasing several antique landscapes in oil. Pushing open a door on the right, Dora moved into a masculine room filled with books, a large desk, and a magnificent view of the grounds.

  “May I offer you anything? Coffee, Tea, Water?”

  Dora shook her head and thanked Collins, admitting she’d already enjoyed a large cup of coffee. He directed her to a seating area with leather armchairs and a tufted sofa. Assuring her that Mr. Crispman would be down shortly, he left through the same doors they had entered. Sure enough, in less than a minute, the ding of an elevator announced Mr. Crispman’s arrival. She noticed the lift was tucked in a corner, near an expensive looking bronze of a cowboy riding a bucking bronco.

  A short Asian man wheeled the frail Mr. Crispman out of the elevator and into the library. The master of the house was dressed in a fleece lined rugby robe and slippers. His eye caught Dora’s and she stepped forward with a smile. Unable to move his arms, Mr. Crispman didn’t shake her hand, but Dave did. Speaking for his employer the assistant said, “Officer Flores, Mr. Crispman is pleased to make your acquaintance. He’s happy to be of any assistance and hopes his input will help you solve the terrible crime committed at his nephew’s work place.”

  Looking at the businessman, Dora replied, “Thank you for agreeing to meet at this early hour, Mr. Crispman. I’ll try to make my interview brief and to the point. As you know, a teacher your nephew was dating was discovered earlier this week on the floor of her classroom, dead. An autopsy revealed hemlock poisoning as the cause of her death and this is now a murder investigation.”

  Dora was sitting on the library sofa. Dave had positioned Mr. Crispman across from her so they were face to face. Dave was sitting in one of the armchairs near his employer. Even with his slur, she was able to understand him.

  “Yes.” Mr. Crispman acknowledged he knew these facts.

  “Sir, Did you know your nephew was engaged to Miss Quiche?”

  Mr. Crispman gave a positive reply. But a frown darkened his face.

  “Dustin was gambling with her. Debt. No good. Liked Penny much better.”

  There was no question Mr. Crispman was displeased with Dustin and Penny’s gambling, and it also appeared they had acquired some debt. Dave added his employer was unhappy with Dustin’s decision to break up with Miss Wisp. He believed Penny Quiche was leading his nephew down a slippery slope and was a negative influence. He didn’t approve of their engagement. Dustin had already approached his uncle for some money, claiming he couldn’t pay his utility bills.

  “I have A.L.S. Going to die. Dustin will inherit my business.”

  Dora nodded.

  “Told him to dump Quiche…or would change my will!”

  Again Dave added to Mr. Crispman’s comment. “You see, Officer Flores, Mr. Crispman thought Dustin would gamble away his inheritance with Miss Quiche by his side. He has worked very hard to build his fortune and wants to leave this world knowing his business will prosper with the next generation. He believes Miss Edith would be an asset to Dustin and his company. Furthermore, Edith is carrying Dustin’s child.”

  Mr. Crispman added, “Grandchild!”

  Dora processed this information then decided to ask a few questions about his sister before the gentleman grew too tired to speak.

  “Sir, I understand you had a falling out with your sister a few years back, Kathy Crispman. Can you shed any light on why you two no longer interact?”

  “Mean! Smart, but mean! Husband beat her. She said she was gonna kill him! She knows plants, poison plants. I no trust her, or her holistic teas! Told her to stay away from me.”

  Dora concluded Mr. Crispman was afraid of his sister. He didn’t trust her holistic medicines and was afraid she’d try to kill him off before his time. Dora made a note to locate Ms. Crispman’s ex-husband.

  “One last question, Mr. Crispman. Does your sister know her son will inherit your business some day?”

  Lifting his head and looking straight into her eye he barked, “Yes!”

  Dave rose from his chair signaling the interview was over. Mr. Crispman was slurring his speech beyond comprehension and was agitated. He pressed a button on the library wall and Collins appeared within seconds.

  Dora concluded, He must have been waiting just outside the door.

  Thanking both men, she followed the butler to the front door. It was only 8:35. She had plenty of time to make it back to Grants Pass for Miss Quiche’s funeral.

  “I was right! When there’s money in the pot…something is always brewing! I can’t wait to interview Miss Wisp, and now it definitely looks like I need to interview Dustin Ferril too. Sadie will certainly want to hear about these new facts.

  “I think I know why Dustin dumped Penny Quiche, but I don’t see any reason why he would kill her. Besides, murder…in a public place, takes a good deal of intelligence and Dustin just doesn’t come across as the sharpest tool in the shed. But then again, looks can be deceiving. He might have a very high IQ, but a low drive to achieve great things. I hope he can run his uncle’s company effectively and hold on to it. That is, so long as he isn’t guilty of murder. It would be difficult to run a business from prison.” Dora turned out of the gate and made her way back to the Interstate.

  ***

  Sadie was relieved Daniel had called a sub for Miss Quiche’s class. That meant she only had 28 students to manage, and for just a half day at that. Mrs. Quibble gave her a dirty look when she walked past her classroom. She was holding her son’s hand. The poor kid was hiccupping in between sniffles. Daniel was standing next to the substitute and together they greeted all the third-grade students and their parents. Sadie was glad none were standing outside her classroom door. She’d have a wonderful time teaching without any interruptions.

  Her students were friendly and curious. After taking attendance she opened the day with some fun history facts about the Pilgrims. By morning recess, her students were eager to begin their social studies reports.

  When lunch rolled around, Sadie walked her students into the cafeteria and then headed back to the office where she met Lilly. They were going to grab a burger at McDonalds before heading over to St. Anne for the funeral. Since they both had plans later on that afternoon, they decided to drive in separate cars.

  At McDonalds, Lilly was first to give her order, “I think I want a grilled chicken sandwich and a diet Coke” Sadie ordered a salad and an ice tea.

  “Is Dora going to be at the funeral?” Lilly asked while taking a sip from her soda.

  “Yes.” Sadie didn’t mention she was up in Portland interviewing Dustin’s uncle. She thought Dora would be annoyed if she shared too many facts with a former suspect.

  “I’d like to get to the church a little early.” Lilly commented. “Fanny asked me to make sure the flower arrangement our staff sent was transported to the church. I’ll meet you in the lobby when you finish your salad.”

  “That will be fine. Be sure to save me a seat if you’re asked to move from the church lobby into the sanctuary. I’ll be just a few minutes behind you.” With that, Lilly left McDonalds and headed off to the church. />
  Sadie heard her iPhone bark out an alarm. It was a text message from Dora.

  “Learned a lot from the 30 minute interview in Portland. Can’t wait to tell you the new information! I need to interview both Edith and Dustin at the station, after the funeral. Let’s have dinner at the Bistro tonight. I’ll fill you in over some lasagna. 6pm. Don’t be late. I’m gonna be hungry. No time for lunch!”

  When is Dora NOT hungry? She certainly has her act as a drama queen down to a tee!

  Sadie texted a thumbs-up icon to her friend then headed out the door and to her car.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN: A Funeral and Some Italian Food.

  When Sadie drove into the church parking lot, she noted Dora’s police car parked close the front entrance. Several staff members greeted her as she walked into the lobby. Lilly caught her eye and gave a wave, then pointed to the large spray of pink and white roses beneath the church alter. Edith and Dustin were standing side-by-side near the sanctuary doors, but Ms. Crispman was off to herself on the other side of the lobby. Dora was observing everyone from her roost abreast the front door.

  Daniel Pardon was the last to join the group. He arrived earlier that day to have a few private words with the Hamptons. They asked him to share some thoughts about Penny during the service. Now, reunited with his staff, he signaled it was time to enter the sanctuary and take their seats. Fanny led the educators to the front of the church; together they filled the two rows directly behind the Hamptons.

  The service was well attended with officials from the District office and teachers from other schools. Sadie recognized several parents from Fort Follyfield, including Mrs. Quibble and her husband. A few students were also in attendance, but it was mostly an adult gathering.

  The Hamptons shared some words about Penny and her parents. They spoke of fond memories, including family vacations along the Oregon coast and a visit they made to the cabin in Selma. Referring to Penny as, “the daughter they never had,” they recognized her zest for life, but also acknowledged it was hidden under a quiet exterior. While speaking, the Hamptons choked up a few times, obviously devastated by Penny’s death. No one doubted their grief was sincere.

  Sadie looked behind her shoulder to see if Dora was in one of the pews. Sure enough, her friend was in the very back positioned to watch everyone in present, including Kathy Crispman. For some reason, Kathy wasn’t with the rest of the staff. All alone, she was in a pew to the left of Dora. Edith and Dustin were sitting together in the row behind her, next to Mr. Blahart.

  I guess Dustin and Edith are no longer hiding their relationship, Sadie thought to herself.

  Daniel stepped forward, after a talented soprano performed His Eye Is on the Sparrow. Shuffling his notecards, he paused and looked at those in attendance. Clearing his voice, he began with words filled with praise, compassion, and tenderness for Miss Quiche. “Penny was a teacher yet to meet her full potential due to her early demise. She had a passion for curriculum and always added interesting facts to her lessons. She loved every student at our school. I know Penny was young, fresh out of college, but with a bit of seasoning, she would have become one of the most talented teachers in our School District.”

  A priest then followed Daniel. He remarked how life didn’t always make sense or seem fair. Stressing the importance of remaining faithful during painful storms, the man of cloth encouraged those in attendance to trust in God’s love and faithfulness. Ending with several comments regarding heaven and eternity, the service concluded.

  Staff members spoke words of comfort to the Hamptons before heading home for the day. Lilly and Sadie shook the couple’s hands and offered their condolences. Edith and Dustin avoided the grieving couple all together and slipped out the front door, with Dora chasing close behind. Ms. Crispman eventually made her way past the Hamptons, only nodding in their direction. Sadie thought she seemed apathetic.

  “Well, I guess I’ll head home. Dora will be busy interviewing Edith and Dustin for hours, so I’ll surprise Bosco and Willow Cake with a late afternoon walk. I’ll also give Pop a call and invite him to dinner tonight. He likes the Bistro and Dora won’t mind if he joins us.”

  Walking in the door, Sadie found both dogs on the living room sofa. They were snuggled together and completely surprised to see her home early. Looking embarrassed for having been caught off guard, Willow jumped from the sofa and scratched her ear. Bosco eyed Sadie, like she had no right to return at an unexpected hour. He then crowed out his protest, “Wahoooo!”

  “Ha! I caught both of you unawares! Some guard dogs!”

  After a quick walk around the block, Sadie removed the leashes and placed them inside the coat closet. Walking into the kitchen, Willow and Bosco watched as she collected their dishes. “You get to enjoy an early supper tonight. Hows about I add some green beans to your kibbles?” Bosco Bill rolled his eyes. “Why not some carrots this time, mama?” Willow snorted at her finicky brother. The lab ate everything, but Bosco was a fussy eater. Sadie often thought she was feeding a spoiled three-year-old, especially when her Maltipoo walked away from left over scrambled eggs mixed into his kibble.

  Placing both dishes on the floor, Willow jumped right in but Bosco just sniffed his food. After a few seconds, he placed a kibble and one green bean in his mouth. He then trit-trotted into the living room and dropped them both on the rug for a closer inspection. “Well, the bean looks acceptable. Not a fresh one from our summer garden but I guess it will suffice.” He ate the tidbits and went back to the kitchen for another mouthful, then, trotted back into the living room for another inspect.”

  Willow barked at him from the kitchen, “Honestly Mr. Bill, you act like you’re still the runt of the litter. You don’t have to travel back and forth like that. I’m not gonna steal your dinner and you really don’t need to inspect every bite.”

  Frustrated with his sister’s criticism, the older dog grumbled, “Willow Cake, these are not fresh organic green beans from our mama’s garden. I don’t know if they are palatable. I’ll eat my meal as I wish. It’s no skin off your nose how I eat my dinner and besides; it’s healthier to eat slowly. You act like a wolf when you eat.”

  Willow opted not to remind Bosco they were both wolf descendants. She’d let him finish his dinner in peace. Sauntering into the living room, she overheard Sadie speaking with Pop on the phone.

  “So, Dad, Dora had an interview in Portland this morning. She said it revealed several interesting facts. She’s also interviewing two teachers from Fort Follyfield as we speak. I think this murder case is close to being solved. Why not join us at The Bistro and hear all about the new developments? I’m sure Dora would love to see you, and besides, you know you’re in love with the ravioli in cheese sauce.”

  Mr. Sunshine agreed it would be nice to see Dora again and partake in some authentic Italian cuisine. “I’ll meet you there tonight around six, dear.”

  “If you’re late, we’ll be in the quieter back room.” Sadie hung up the phone and decided to do a load of laundry before changing out of her work clothes.

  A little before six o’clock, Sadie walked into The Bistro wearing a pretty purple sweater and black leggings. She was the first in her group to arrive. The aroma of fresh bread and homemade pasta dishes filled the Italian restaurant. She was a frequent customer and Zoe, a waitress and former student, stepped up to say hello. “Hi, Ms. Sunshine! It’s great to see you! Are ya here for take out or do you want to eat in tonight?”

  “Zoe, you have the best smile! It’s so nice to see you again. I’m having dinner with a friend and my Pop tonight. Can we have a booth in the back room?”

  Zoe nodded and walked her to the cozy back area where the walls were plastered with pictures of old Hollywood stars. She especially enjoyed the John Wayne and Bette Davis photos. After ordering a glass of Merlot, Sadie took a few minutes to peruse the menu. She loved their lasagna and always ordered it, but she often snagged bites of other tantalizing dishes from friends and family. Having arrived at the same t
ime, Dora and Sadie’s dad walked into the restaurant together. They were about 10 minutes late. Zoe directed them to the back room where Sadie was waiting.

  “Whatcha’ drinking, Butterfly?”

  Dora grinned at Mr. Sunshine’s pet name for his daughter and plopped herself across the table from her friend. Jerry slid in next to Sadie.

  “Merlot, of course.”

  Zoe reappeared and handed the late arrivals a menu. Dora and Mr. Sunshine both asked for a glass of Merlot then considered the dinner selections.

  Sadie had already decided on the lasagna with minestrone soup. She was sure her dad would get the ravioli in cheese sauce. “What are you ordering, Dora?”

  “Hmmm, I’m in the mood for some spinach manicotti.”

  They all gave their orders when Zoe returned with the two glasses of wine.

  “So, how did your Portland interview go?” Sadie was anxious to hear Dora’s most recent news and Mr. Sunshine was curious about the whole investigation.

  Putting down her wine glass Dora answered, “Interesting. Very short, but informative. It turns out Mr. Crispman is quickly losing muscle mobility. He’s confined to a wheelchair and his speech is extremely slurred. He could survive another seven years, but I think it’ll be closer to a year or less if his ALS continues to progress swiftly.” She informed Mr. Sunshine that Mr. Crispman was the uncle of the school’s custodian and worth millions.

  “Oh boy, that’s not a pleasant way to go. He must feel so helpless,” frowned Mr. Sunshine.

  “Yes, I’m sure he does, Jerry. Depression is also a symptom of this disorder and I think we can all understand why. I had difficulty understanding his answers during my interview. He knew about Dustin and Penny’s gambling excursions and mentioned his nephew had acquired debt. As he intends to make Dustin his soul heir, Mr. Crispman is worried his nephew will throw away everything he’s worked so hard to build. He blamed Penny Quiche for introducing Dustin to the gambling world. He demanded that Dustin “dump” her, or else, he’d write him out of his will.”