Old Friends and New, Another Murder

by Christa Nardi

  “I never listen to those things. It would take too much time. Melina should be here any minute. Cookies in the oven.”

  She turned away and I waited for her to come back, still not sure she understood. Luke walked past me with laundry.

  “Luke, do you know if anyone else can volunteer tomorrow? I’m not going to be able to come by.”

  He stopped and stared. “I… I don’t know. Probably not.”

  “Is everything okay, Luke? How’s Cocoa doing?”

  His hands stopped fidgeting and he smiled. “She’s doing great, much more responsive. Very affectionate. Dr. Barksdale gave her a clean bill of health though she is malnourished.”

  “I’m so glad to hear it. Tomorrow? I have to go to Cold Creek. I could come by before I leave and take care of the ones that seem the most in need. I feel bad, though.”

  Mrs. Chantilly joined us. “Here’s the next batch of cookies for the dogs. Don’t you feel bad, Sheridan. Cocoa is doing good.”

  She handed me the tray and returned to the kitchen.

  Luke shuffled his feet. “I get out early tomorrow, so I’ll come in right after school. Susie will be here for the pups and can check on the others.”

  He reached over and took the tray from me. His expression was pained and the tray shook slightly in his hands. I was about to ask if everything was okay when the door behind me opened.

  “Hey, Sheridan. What are you doing here on a Wednesday?”

  “Good to see you, Melina. I’m going to Cold Creek tomorrow so I won’t be able to help out here. I wanted to let Mrs. Chantilly and Luke know.”

  “I saw the news. Did you know the man who was killed?”

  “No, not at all. But some of my friends there did. Seemed like a good time to visit.”

  She laughed. “Yeah, a murder and possible drug connection is always a good time to visit if you like mysteries.”

  Luke almost dropped the tray of cookies and I grabbed for it. Some went flying and the three of us collected them off the ground. He mumbled something and disappeared into the back of the house.

  “I sure hope he’s not sick. He seems a little off today.”

  “He does. Maybe he’s just tired. I am glad I ran into you though. The visit to Cold Creek? I’m not sure what time I’ll be back and Brett is down there, too. Any chance Maddie could go to your house tomorrow?”

  “Nedra will be thrilled. And Maddie is no trouble at all. It is a little worrisome that their main topic of conversation is boys. Normal, yet bothersome.”

  I laughed. “You have that right. I’ll let you and Maddie know when we’ll get home. I work on Friday, so staying over isn’t really an option. Hopefully, this will all blow over so we can check out the foliage over the weekend.”

  I was running late, nonetheless I made a quick stop in the back to check on Luke. He was nowhere to be found. Odd. I took a few minutes to check on Cocoa and headed home.

  CHAPTER 9

  M addie and I arrived home about the same time. She waved, earbuds in, engrossed in conversation, and headed for her room. I let Charlie and Bella out, then in again, and they both trotted toward her room. Dinner would be easy and Brett’s last text indicated I had plenty of time to change into more comfy clothes, reheat the pot roast, and make a salad.

  A knock on the door interrupted my chopping of vegetables. I was surprised to see Luke when I looked through the peephole and opened the door. He was pale, sweating, and breathing rapidly.

  “Luke, are you okay?” I opened the door and he shuffled his feet as he came in.

  He took a few deep breaths. “I … I need to breathe. A minute.”

  Two things came to mind – drugs or panic attack – and the latter seemed most likely given his comment.

  “Have a seat. I’ll get you some water.”

  Always interested in visitors, Charlie and Bella joined us. Charlie settled down on his feet. Bella placed her head in his lap. His hands and eyes instinctively went to her and his posture began to relax, his breathing more even.

  “Hi. I remember you. You were the runt of the litter. Maddie got lucky with you. You’re beautiful.”

  Maddie had wandered in and as we watched the change in his demeanor, we both smiled.

  “Hi, Luke. You’re right. Bella is the best dog, next to Charlie that is.”

  Luke nodded and leaned so he could give Charlie some affection as well. Then, with a glance at Maddie, he looked at me.

  “Sorry for showing up like this. Sorry … I need to talk to Detective McMann. It’s important.”

  “He’s not home yet. Best guess is he and Detective Fabry will be here in about 30 minutes. You’re welcome to wait. Or I can have him call you. Will your parents be worried if you’re not home?”

  He shook his head and took a deep breath. “No. Most of the time I’m at Pets & Paws. They’ll assume that’s where I am.” He ran his hand down Bella’s back and smiled.

  “Then hang out right here. I’ll just finish my salad and you can entertain Bella and Charlie.”

  He nodded. Maddie looked at me and I shrugged. She shrugged back and disappeared. It wasn’t up to her to entertain him and he looked quite content with the two dogs giving him comfort and distraction. As much as I wanted to warn Brett, I couldn’t figure out how to do that without being too obvious. A glance out the window at Luke’s motorcycle assured me Brett would figure it out before he walked in the door.

  I finished the salad and set the table, occasionally glancing at Luke and the dogs. He was all tangled up in them and they were eating up the attention and affection. I thought back to the cocky, rude, and arrogant young man he had been when we first met him. And the person who had worked endlessly when the shelter took in more dogs than possible. He’d shown leadership and responsibility then. Now, he seemed fearful and nervous. Something was definitely wrong.

  “Luke, can I get you anything?”

  “No, ma’am. Thank you. The dogs are the best. How old is Charlie now?”

  “She’s almost twelve. Getting on in years, but Vanna – Dr. Barksdale – says she’s doing good. She seems to have more energy with Bella around.”

  He nodded. “I’ve thought about maybe being a vet or a vet tech like Susie. Dogs are much better than humans most of the time. I’m not so sure about cats or other animals though.”

  I chuckled. “Dogs are definitely more loyal and loving than many humans. I’m not a cat person myself so I don’t know about them.”

  We both heard the garage door and the dogs abandoned him as they bounded to the door to greet the new arrivals. When it took more than a minute, Bella returned to Luke. He had stiffened up with their arrival, and Bella seemed to sense it. Maybe she would make a good therapy dog.

  Brett and Fabry walked in. A quick kiss and he commented, “Fabry, you know where the bathroom is by now.”

  Fabry nodded to Brett and then to Luke, and headed down the hall. Brett turned back to me. “Have the dogs been out? Time for a little Frisbee?”

  “No, not in the past hour, anyway. And yes, there’s time for Frisbee.”

  “Luke, how about you give me a hand?”

  “I can do that. I…”

  “Then let’s go. Come on Charlie, Bella. Play time.”

  Luke followed Brett out the door with the dogs. I was marveling at my husband’s perception, when Maddie whispered, “I hope it was okay. I texted Dad that Luke was here, upset, and wanted to talk to him.”

  I smiled and gave her a hug. My husband was still a marvel, if not clairvoyant, and so was his daughter.

  Fabry joined us and looked around.

  “They’re outside with the dogs.”

  He nodded and sat down. “Tell me about Max. Brett turns various shades of red when his name comes up. Did you date him or something?”

  Maddie giggled. I laughed so hard, my eyes teared. “No, I never dated Max. Have you met Max, yet?”

  “No. I only saw him in the distance. Tomorrow is the day. I just want to be prepared. Hirsch k
eeps needling Brett about him and Brett gets all red in the face and shakes his head.”

  “Ever seen a meme of the absent-minded professor? Hair sticking out every which way? Trying for the put together look in a suit, only his shirt is buttoned wrong? Shouting about how important his research is, but his mice have escaped? The first time they met, Brett asked to have a few words with him, and Max told Brett he was too busy for him.”

  I couldn’t help it. I laughed so hard I couldn’t stop. Maddie, too. Even Fabry had to chuckle at my description.

  As I was about to expound further on Max, the back door opened. Brett and Luke walked in, Brett’s arm around Luke’s shoulders, the dogs almost tripping the two of them.

  “Looks like we missed something pretty funny.”

  “Sheridan was describing Dr. Max to Uncle James.”

  Brett shook his head, his face flushing. “Please. Let me enjoy dinner. It smells delicious and I’m starving.” He turned to Luke. “I believe there’s a place set for you. Will you join us?”

  Luke nodded and took the chair Brett had indicated. Maddie and Brett helped me get everything on the table. Conversation at the table was stilted until I realized I’d hadn’t told Maddie about the trip to Cold Creek.

  “Maddie, Kim called yesterday and things are a little crazy in Cold Creek. That’s why Fabry asked about Max. I’m going to go down there tomorrow and visit with Kim for sure. Probably Max, too. He called as well. I’ll definitely be back though I’m not sure when. Melina said it would be okay for you to go home with Nedra.”

  She smiled. “I know. Nedra told me. We’re all set.”

  “Good, glad to hear it.” I felt bad she’d found out from Nedra, though, not from me. With Luke showing up, there hadn’t been a chance.

  Another lull.

  “Any idea what the weather is supposed to be this weekend? Have you heard when the foliage is supposed to peak here?”

  Brett smiled. “Maddie, did you look up the foliage information yet?”

  She nodded. “Yup. It’s already peaking in New England. The pictures of Vermont were beautiful. Already started here and south. Maybe this weekend or next will peak. To go hiking, one of the next two weekends would be good. Most likely, the second one.”

  “Great. We’ll have to make some plans then.” Brett leaned back in his chair. “That was delicious, Sher.”

  “Definitely. Best part of partnering with Brett is the food. And the company of you and Maddie, of course.” We all laughed.

  “It was delicious, Ms. Hendley. Better than Mrs. Chantilly’s for sure.”

  Maddie’s hand flew to her mouth.

  “Oh my gosh, you don’t eat those cookies she bakes, do you?”

  Luke laughed. The first time I’d seen him laugh in a long time I realized.

  “She cooks regular meals sometimes. I think only if I’m working late..” His voice dropped and he mumbled, “Or she’s expecting company.”

  He stood. No one ever discussed that her company was in the form of Blake Buchanan, past mayor of Clover Hill and Luke’s grandfather.

  “Anyway, thank you for everything. I didn’t mean to barge in. And the food was great.”

  “No dessert?”

  He shook his head. “Thanks, but no.”

  Brett stood. “I’ll walk you out, Luke.”

  “My hint was ignored. Luke may not want dessert, but I sure do.”

  “Fabry, I know you want dessert. You always do. Apple pie, heated, with a scoop of ice cream?”

  He nodded as did Maddie. “Four plates, all the same, coming up. Maddie give me a hand with the ice cream, please.”

  CHAPTER 10

  B y the time dessert was served, Brett came back in. He took charge of coffee and we all waited. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long.

  “This is great.” Brett cleared his throat. “Maddie, are you aware of or heard of any talk about designer drugs at the high school?”

  She grimaced. “I’m not sure. What exactly are ‘designer drugs’ anyway?”

  “Sometimes, they’re called ‘club drugs’ instead. Some examples are ecstasy or Molly. Another one is rohypnol or Roofies. They’re drugs that are manufactured illegally. They include things other than what was intended to boost effects and they can be dangerous.”

  “Different from cocaine or heroin or opioids?”

  “Yes. And no. Those are also illegal and bad news, and addictive. Cocaine is sometimes added to the ecstasy as a boost. Designer drugs are very dangerous, often lethal. And marketed often to teens. The capsules may have comics or flowers on them.”

  Fabry added, “Another ‘fun’ activity is taking drugs from their parents – prescribed, legal drugs – and mixing them to create something that is dangerous and no one really knows what the effect may be. Whatever they call it, the result is dangerous and often ends in death.”

  Maddie nodded. “I haven’t heard anyone talk about those specific drugs. Well, actually in one of our health classes last year, someone came and talked to us about Roofies. Warned everyone to be careful of leaving any drinks, even juice or soda, unattended at a party.”

  “Maddie, did they tell you why they came to school then?”

  She shook her head.

  Brett explained. “At one of the schools, out of state, there was an incident. A middle school party at the school had big bowls of punch. They’d mixed some fruit punch with some ginger ale and ice cream. Pretty standard fare. Even with all the chaperones, someone had spiked the punch with Rohypnol. Used to be someone would try adding alcohol. Pouring something into a punch bowl is a lot more obvious than some powder in your hand as you stir the punch. Several students felt the effects and at least one passed out, while still at the dance.”

  Maddie’s mouth dropped. “That’s awful. Wait, what does that have to do with Luke?”

  “Nothing.”

  When all three of us stared at him, he shook his head.

  “Nothing so far as his dealing or taking or anything. He heard talk and is worried about it. For the risks and because Roofies in particular were mentioned in relation to a party. Someone came up to him and asked where to find them. He’s worked so hard and yet, he feels he still has the ‘bad boy’ image among at least some of his peers. He’s very afraid that he’ll be accused or give in or end up like Caleb.”

  “What about Caleb?” Caleb Buchanan was Luke’s cousin and was on partial release from the rehabilitation center after dealing with his opioid addiction.

  “As far as Luke knows, Caleb is holding his own. His parents have him on a pretty tight leash and he sees a counselor weekly with required drug testing.”

  “Sher, did you tell Dad what Luke was like when he showed up?”

  “No chance. When I saw Luke at Pets & Paws, he was visibly nervous, shaken by something. When he got here? He was having a panic attack. I’m surprised he hadn’t crashed the bike on his way.”

  Brett nodded. “He told me. He said he had them for a while right after the situation with his uncle’s murder and getting arrested and all. They only started again after someone asked him about drugs. Now, anytime someone tries for a private conversation, he panics. He’s afraid to go to the bathroom as that’s where a lot of the talk goes on.”

  “What will happen next? How can we help him?”

  “I’ll have a chat with local police, call Peabody tonight. Hopefully, they can get someone into the high school undercover and ferret the source or sources out. That and see that the high school has an assembly or somehow gets the word about Roofies.”

  “And Luke?” Maddie asked.

  Brett shrugged. “What’s worked so far is getting positive feedback when he does good. And the dogs. And hope it all works out.”

  Maddie nodded. “Okay. I have to get homework done.” She picked up her dishes and ours and stuck them in the sink. “Later.”

  We busied ourselves cleaning up and getting food put away, though Fabry decided the last piece of pie looked lonely.

 
“Luke aside, what’s the status on the murder and Max?”

  James nodded to Brett. “I’m eating. You talk.”

  “Landry is best described as an entrepreneur. Real estate, commercial expansion, some urban planning. He’s the one who figured out the properties to buy and the franchises that would work in North Shore, help to put it on the map so to speak. Leavitt’s Brew Pub and the Egg Spot, for example. He has some other businesses ready to launch.”

  “Could his murder be business-related?”

  “I don’t think so. This murder feels more drug-related than business or personal, partly because of where it was. Business or domestic issues aren’t usually settled in the woods. Then again, if a hot head is after someone, they might follow a person to a campsite.”

  “Why drug-related?”

  “Landry was known to be involved in the past, both as a user and a dealer of designer drugs. And, the initial tox screen was positive. For Roofies.”

  “Huh? The person who shot him wanted to be sure he didn’t fight back?”

  “That’s the best theory we have so far. Subdue him, shoot him, leave him in the woods to bleed out. And that implies that the killer had access to the drugs.”

  “How does this involve Max then? He has no history of drug involvement.”

  “No, he doesn’t. In his ranting about the dog poop and Landry coming by his house a lot, Max accused Landry of flirting with Stella. Neighbors heard him ask Landry why he was flirting with Stella and heard him threaten Landry.”

  James pushed his plate away. “If in fact he was honing in on Stella, was he going to try to liven up her dreary existence with drugs or was he going to drug her and rape her. Either way, Landry is a risk to Stella. Max threatened Landry and that gives him a motive.”

  “We got the warrants to search Max’s office and lab tonight. We start there at 8 o’clock. The warrant for his home should be signed by the time we finish with his office and lab.”

  “And you’re looking for what?”

  “The gun or drugs or both. It’s not likely we’ll find anything yet we have to do due diligence. Max definitely has a temper.”