“He wasn’t expecting anyone to catch on. He’s young, cocky, and thinks he’s the smartest guy in any room.”
“Well, most of the time I would agree,” I said.
“I see this all the time. Most of the plot is very well thought out and executed. Then there’s this one little thing that happens they didn’t expect, and the whole thing unravels.”
“He didn’t expect Pete Rizzo to do anything,” I said. “Employers just don’t usually hire investigators. They defer to the insurance companies.”
“Another consequence of Sloan’s vanity. He couldn’t resist the urge to poke a stick at Rizzo. By the way, what did Rizzo say when you talked to him?”
“He feels vindicated, of course,” I said. “He told me sometimes his intuition goes into overdrive, and he’s learned to listen when that occurs.”
“His intuition was right on target this time. Hold on a sec, Kit, I’ve got a call I should probably take. I’ll get back to you in a minute or two.”
Lionel was dressed, standing by his bed, and tapping on his wrist watch when I looked at him. I checked the clock by the bed and realized it was almost noon. I jumped out of bed, retrieved my clothes, and fled to the bathroom with my cell phone still held to my ear. Finally, I heard Dave’s excited voice on the line.
“Man, oh man, this is quite a ride. Thomas Sloan was handcuffed to a table in an interrogation room. The detective went to get coffee and Sloan was gone when he got back. They’ve locked down the county government building and they’re searching the building. I’m going to head over there.”
“Holy crap! Let me know what happens,” I said as the line went dead.
Chapter Fifty
Roni and Harley were putting the finishing touches on Harley’s barbecue feast of chicken and ribs, grilling the meat and then letting it simmer in a large slow cooker filled with sauce. It was sunny and cool and the wind was picking up, portending the arrival of another, stronger cold front later that afternoon. Another good reason to have the grilling out of the way.
A hot summer had lingered into fall, causing a late onset color change and extremely mild temperatures. It didn’t seem like October at all, although there were subtle changes in the light, and just a hint the trees were reluctantly beginning to accept the reality that winter was coming.
“Shouldn’t they be here soon?” Harley asked.
“Yeah, any time now. You know, it’s weird to hear Kitty talk about Lionel and the girls. She’s head-over-heels in love with them. I’m not sure she gets it. I never heard her talk about James like that.”
“I just hope she doesn’t get hurt,” Harley said. “Maybe I should have a heart to heart moment with Lionel. Somebody’s got to protect Kitty.”
“Bad idea. Remember my heart-to-heart with my dad, and Kitty’s little inquisition at dinner?”
“I know. I know,” he said. “What do you think of Lionel?”
“He seems like a really nice guy. We need to stay out of this.”
“Like you’re doing with your Dad?” he asked.
“Wow, I didn’t see that one coming. You think I should stop investigating?”
“Not really,” he said. “I guess that was a little harsh. After all, Lionel hasn’t been married six times. When are you going to lunch with Billy?”
“I probably won’t be able to until later next week. I need to finish up in Sikeston and then analyze everything I’ve put together.”
“What do you think about a meeting with Kitty and Lionel?” he asked.
“I was thinking that would be a good idea, too. Maybe it will help me figure out what to say to Billy.”
“You don’t have any doubts about talking to him anymore?” he asked.
“Not really. Basically, I guess I want to know if he realizes Marian’s been married so many times and most of the other spouses are dead. If he already knew that, then I guess he’s not going to be very receptive.”
Chapter Fifty-One
Lionel and I started out with sunny skies and the top down on my red convertible, but halfway to Roni’s, Lionel pulled over to put the top up after the sun disappeared behind a bank of angry clouds, and the wind picked up. The car had barely come to a stop in front of the Edelins’ house when Bella and Sophie jumped out of the back seat and ran up the porch stairs to greet Roni and Harley.
“Kitty says you have a pony we can ride,” both girls said.
“Wait, wait, Bella,” Lionel said, stepping forward. “You have to meet them first.”
“I’ll do the introductions,” I said, taking their hands.
“Roni and Harley Edelin,” I said. “I’d like to introduce Bella and Sophie Phelps.”
“We’ve heard so much about you,” Harley said. “I think we should get the pony riding out of the way first, don’t you?”
“Oh, yeah,” the girls exclaimed simultaneously, as Harley took their hands and led them in the direction of the barn.”
“Mr. Edelin,” Bella began.
“You need to call me Uncle Harley,” he said. “Mr. Edelin is just too formal for me. Is it OK if I’m your honorary uncle?”
“Sure,” they said. “Uncle Harley, why do you have that box there with a stick holding it up?”
“Well, there’s a cat in my garage,” he said. “I want to catch it.”
“What are you going to do with it after you catch it?” Bella asked.
“I’m going to take good care of it,” Harley said, throwing a look over his shoulder at me.
“You know Kitty has a cat named Harley,” Sophie said as they disappeared into the barn.
“Harley’s a real pushover, isn’t he?” Lionel asked.
“Oh yeah,” Roni said. “How about a beer or something to drink?”
Roni grabbed Coronas with limes, and we ended up sitting on lawn chairs in the yard, sipping our beers while we watched the girls take turns riding the pony.
“Have you heard any more about Thomas Sloan?” Roni asked.
“Dave called while we were driving over,” I said. “They searched the whole building and didn’t find him. They started looking through all the video and finally figured out that he managed to pick the lock on the cuffs. Then he climbed up into the ceiling tiles and went in the next room, which is a conference room. He got down and went to the first floor where the police have lockers. He put on a uniform and went out the police exit. On that video, he looks up and tips his cap to the camera.”
“He’s in the wind now,” Lionel said. “He’s already proven he can steal identities. I’ll bet that was why he was so forthcoming about things. He knew he could escape. They’ll find some storage locker someplace that he’s at least partially cleaned out.”
“We all sound like we really admire this guy,” I said. “We should try to remember he’s a thief.”
“And a very good one,” Lionel said, laughing. “So Roni, how’s your investigation into Marian going?”
“I should finish up Monday or Tuesday,” Roni said. “I was hoping we could get together after that and talk about it.”
“Sure, let me know,” Lionel said.
“Sorry about Beverly Knull, Kitty,” Roni said.
“Thanks,” I said. “I’ll be going to her funeral while you’re in Sikeston.”
Harley and the pony were exhausted by the time he unsaddled the 2 year old and let her out in the pasture. She promptly ran as far away from them as she could. The wind had picked up again and the temperature started dropping in earnest. We ended up in the dining room, feasting on Harley’s barbecue, baked potatoes, and a salad. Homemade ice cream rounded out the day; the girls were asleep before my car reached the end of the drive.
Chapter Fifty-Two
Harley and Roni stood side-by-side, arms entwined, as they watched the dust kicked up by Kitty’s car mark their exit down the long driveway. It had been an interesting day, watching the interaction between Kitty, Lionel, and the girls. Roni couldn’t recall a single time when James and Kitty had visited that wasn�
��t filled with tension and an undercurrent of antagonism.
“Wow, I’m not sure what I expected,” Roni said. “Remember all those times James and Kitty were here and we thought they were going to have a fight before the night was done?”
“I always felt like things just weren’t right somehow,” Harley said. “Even when Ethan was here with them, they couldn’t quite cover it up.”
“Now there’s no tension. They all have this glow about them.”
“Careful, you’re sliding into Cindy territory,” Harley said, shaking his head. ”But you’re right, you know. I’ve never seen anything like it. They’re already a family. Those little girls love Kitty.”
“I know. Do you think Lionel and Kitty realize it?”
“I think so,” Harley said. “Kitty’s terrified, but they just belong together, you know?”
“I agree,” Roni said. “Hey, I think you caught the cat.”
Harley looked at the box, realizing Roni was right as he began walking toward the container. He retreated into the garage and put on a pair of work gloves to ward off a bite or scratch from the cat. Roni flipped on the porch light as Harley approached the box. Down on all fours, he gently lifted one side of the box and reached inside. After several grabs, he had nabbed his prize. All in one motion, he flipped the box over, stood up, and held up his prize. Harley screamed and dropped his catch, but it was too late to avoid the noxious spray that settled all over his body. Shrieking in horror, Harley fell to his knees.
“Kitty, you bitch,” he screamed as he began removing his clothing.
Chapter Fifty-Three
An early morning cloudburst followed by dazzling sunshine made the grass at Sacred Heart Cemetery sparkle like a cluster of a million stars. Lionel pulled into a space near the burial plot for Beverly Knull. I was on the verge of tears on the way to the church, when Lionel patiently explained to me that being present by my side was the response when a person loved and cared for you. I didn’t know how to explain how missing those actions had been from my life with James. I tried not to dwell on it too much, because getting through the funeral and burial was emotional enough.
The leaves were beginning to turn and the setting was beautiful with brightly colored mums planted everywhere. Sunlight streamed through the massive orange and red trees. I held Lionel’s hand as we joined the crowd. Meadow, her fiancé, and her siblings stood together, flanked by other family members and friends as the priest began speaking.
I had a hard time not zeroing in on Meadow’s fiancé, Brent O’Malley. I couldn’t help but wonder if someone so young would really be mature enough to marry Meadow and help her raise her siblings. Their relationship had been formed before the injuries to Beverly, so I worried the new reality might be too much for him to handle. So far, he seemed up to the task.
I had been so distracted, I was surprised when the priest ended his sermon. We all stood there in uncomfortable silence, unsure whether to go or stay as if letting go of this moment meant we were leaving Beverly alone or behind somehow. Finally, people began to peel off in pairs or small groups. Lionel and I headed for the Pilot.
“You think she’ll be OK?” Lionel asked.
“I think so. She’s a strong woman.”
“You’re worried about her fiancé, aren’t you?” he asked as we climbed in the vehicle.
“Yeah, they met and got engaged when Meadow was essentially by herself. Now it’s a package deal. He might start to feel like he hadn’t signed up for that.”
“I’m a package deal, too,” he said.
“I’ve known that from the very start.”
“And yet you’re still here,” he said.
“That’s right. I think you’re part of a very attractive package.”
“Maybe Brent O’Malley feels the same way,” he said.
“I’m praying you’re right.”
“Still thinking of writing a book about Roni’s situation?” he asked.
“I am. I haven’t talked to Roni about it yet. I’m making notes and trying to come up with a title. I’m not sure I can write a book without a title. One of those little writer quirks, I guess.”
“Any ideas?” he asked as we pulled on the highway.
“It’s a variation of something Roni said to her dad. I’m thinking I might call it Worse Than Being Alone.”
“Ouch, I wonder what Roni’s dad would think of that title?” he asked.
“I’m not sure it’s even appropriate at this point. I guess time will tell.”
“I’d hate to think I’m your worse than being alone,” he said.
“No way. I already had my worse. Most of us are afraid of being alone. That’s why we stay in bad relationships and sometimes, I’m afraid, like Billy, we get into them in the first place.”
My cell phone’s ring tone seemed overly loud in the confines of the SUV. I recognized Roni’s number and slid my finger across the screen.
“Harley is really upset with you,” Roni said.
“What about?” I asked, trying out the innocent act.
“Come on, Kit,” Roni said. “I just can’t figure out how you pulled it off.”
“I’m sure the list of people trying to get even with Harley is long.”
“Yeah, but you’re at the top,” Roni said. “Are you going to keep pretending you’re not involved?”
“No. I want Harley to understand that Lionel was not involved in any way. I’m not going to tell you anymore. Just tell Harley I’m the skunk whisperer.”
“He’s mad at me, too,” Roni said. “He took a shower, but of course he still smelled, so I made him sleep on the porch last night. I’m on my way to Sikeston. He was on the Internet, trying to figure out how to get rid of the stench when I left. You do realize this just ups the ante, right?”
“I know but it’s like an irresistible impulse, you know?”
“I get it,” Roni said. “How was the funeral?”
“Very sad. I had a bad feeling from the very beginning. Hey, I got a call from Ho’s adjuster this morning. She wants us to tail Ho again so Cindy and I will be back on her this afternoon.”
“That’s good. Need to keep the revenue stream going especially since I’ve been checking Marian out instead of helping.”
“I think you need to do this. We’re doing fine. Hey, Lionel and I are on the way over to talk to Herb Kohl. He’s one of Thomas Sloan’s teachers.”
“That should be interesting,” Roni said. “Thomas Sloan should be a character in a book.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I said as I ended the phone call and we pulled into a parking lot across the street from Kirkwood High School.
The strip mall featured a Jimmie Johns and that’s where Herb Kohl had indicated he would be willing to meet with us. He wasn’t hard to spot because he was the only patron actually sitting in a booth. I guessed his age at mid fifties, bald, with dark black lenses that didn’t quite work with his pale skin color. He looked perpetually anxious with deep frown lines near his mouth and eyes. We approached him, completed introductions, and slipped into the opposite side of the booth.
“You said you’re not cops?” he asked.
“No, I’m a private investigator who was looking at Thomas for comp fraud,” I said. “This is my friend, Lionel, who works in security. There’s nothing official about this. Frankly, Mr. Kohl, we’re just fascinated by what Thomas pulled off here. We were just looking to get more insight.”
“I tried to be a mentor for Thomas,” he said. “He never knew his dad and his mother wasn’t very attentive. She told me he’s always been good with his hands. He was always taking things apart to figure how they worked. He was in my shop class and the first day he took an old air conditioner apart in about 20 minutes. He was obsessed with security. Cameras, locks, surveillance equipment. Anything related to that. I told him he should design security equipment or show security companies the flaws in their systems.”
“He didn’t like that idea?” I asked when Kohl stopped talking.
“I think he considered it,” he said sadly. ”Mostly I think he just felt compelled to see if he could beat the security measures.”
“What about the comp fraud and identity theft?” Lionel asked.
“That’s a whole other problem isn’t it?” he asked. “I guess I’m not really surprised, just sad, because I think he could have gone the other way. I’m afraid this is just the beginning.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“There’s nothing holding him back anymore,” he said. “No mother or school authorities to deal with. There’s no telling where he’ll strike next or what he’ll do.”
Chapter Fifty-Four
Sikeston is about half the size of Cape Girardeau and located in an area struck by a series of New Madrid Earthquakes in late 1811 and early 1812. It is estimated that in those few months, there were 2,000 documented quakes and aftershocks. They began at 2 a.m. December 12, 1811. Residents as far away as Pittsburgh and Norfolk were awakened, church bells were rung as far away as Boston, and the Mississippi River ran backwards for a time.
Roni thought about what earthquakes of that magnitude might have felt like as she drove down Sikeston’s Main Street, Marian’s last stop before settling in Alton and landing Billy. She also recalled the 1990 prediction by a climatologist, Iben Browning, that a massive earthquake would strike the region on December Tenth.
The press went wild with the news and ran multiple stories about stockpiling food and in depth instructions about how to add support to the gas meter attached to your house. Roni remembered her daughter sobbing that morning because Roni was going into town. The day passed uneventfully as everyone in the area breathed a sigh of relief.
Rows of maple trees lined the Main Street and Roni marveled at the display of glorious fall foliage highlighted by the bright sunshine peeking through the leaves. Marian had survived two husbands in Sikeston. A clerk at the records office advised Roni to contact Arnie Feldman, the attorney for husband number four.
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