Murder in Madden

by Raegan Teller

  Until I found the newspaper clippings. “So you dropped your investigation.”

  “I let it go for a while, and then I started thinking about it again. It was almost a year later when I returned to Madden. That’s when I stayed at the inn and met with Madelyn about Chief Jensen.”

  “When Myra asked if she had done the right thing, what did you say to her? Did you approve of her lying to Rosie and withholding Wynona’s letter?”

  “Look, I know you’re disappointed in me, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you everything. I didn’t want you to think the worst about Mother, but I admit she was wrong.”

  Enid wanted to tell him she was hurt more than disappointed that he lied to her, but decided against it. “Is there anything else you found out that I should know about?”

  “Just be careful. I know you’ve developed some kind of post-mortem connection with Rosie and that you’re obsessed with finding out what happened. But, don’t you see this can of worms you’re opening is causing nothing but trouble?” Cade sighed loudly. “Look, as much as I wanted to put things right for Rosie, I chose to walk away. I didn’t want to endanger me, you, or anyone else chasing a story about small town police corruption. This one was too close to home—in many ways.” Cade paused. “And you need to walk away too.”

  “I’m not trying to solve her murder or do an exposé on the Madden police. I just want people to remember a young girl whose life and dreams were taken away from her. You know, one of my human interest stories.”

  “Please think about what I’ve said. I’ve got to go,” he said. “Promise me you’ll be careful. Rosie’s life and her death are interwoven. You can’t write about one without the other.”

  “I promise to be careful.” Enid could hear Cade breathing into the phone and was overcome with the memory of his warm breath on her neck when he held her close.

  “Come to Montana, Enid. Let’s not throw away what we have.” He paused briefly. “I love you.”

  Enid could no longer hold back the tears. “Love you too. Bye.”

  CHAPTER 34

  After a sleepless night, Enid felt an urge to call Cade back and try to repair yesterday’s painful conversation. Half hoping and expecting he wouldn’t answer, she was startled when she heard his voice.

  “Enid?”

  She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. “Cade, I’m . . .” The words wouldn’t come out, so she tried again. “I’m sorry I’ve made such a mess of things.”

  She heard Cade’s familiar sigh and waited for him to say something.

  “I don’t know what to say. We’ve had this conversation.” He paused. “What else is there to say?”

  She wished she could throw her arms around him. “You must think I’m awful. I messed up our lives and went after this story even though you asked me not to. I feel selfish and stupid.” Past arguments with Cade flashed across her mind. The big ones, the awful ones, always ended the same way, with her crying and Cade being silent. How did we get to this point?

  She reached into her tote and got a tissue to blow her nose. Finally, Cade spoke. “What do you want me to say?”

  Enid got another tissue and wiped her eyes. “I wanted to write about Rosie’s life, but all anyone remembers in Madden remembers is her murder. They think I should just forget her too.”

  Cade was silent.

  Enid composed herself. “You knew her. Tell me what you remember about her.”

  After a brief silence, Cade spoke in a low voice. “She was a good kid, about eight years younger than me. I remember her staying with us some during the summers when she was out of school.”

  “Was she a good student?”

  “She was smart as a whip, caught on quickly. But she was rebellious too. Didn’t like teachers or anyone in authority telling her what to do. It got her in trouble a lot.”

  “Did you get along well with her?”

  Enid could hear Cade’s heavy breathing for a few seconds before replying. “Yes, I liked her a lot.” He seemed to be weighing his words carefully. His voice cracked when he added, “She reminded me of you in many ways.”

  Enid decided to push ahead with her questions. Other than Rachel, no one else seemed to know Rosie very well. “What about Myra? Did she and Rosie get along?”

  “For the most part, yes.” Cade paused. “Look, you’re a good writer. In many ways, you’re a much better journalist than I. You have more heart. Even when you were writing about the banking industry, you managed to bring your stories to life with a human-interest angle. I have no doubt you’ll find the truth you’re looking for.”

  But you’re not going to help me find it. After they ended the call, Enid fell back on the bed and closed her eyes.

  Later, when she heard a knock on her door, she glanced at the clock on the bedside table. She had been asleep for more than an hour. Cassie knocked again and called out, “Enid, are you alright? Enid?”

  Enid opened the door and invited her in.

  “You look terrible,” said Cassie. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be so blunt. But I’m worried about you. Would you like to talk? I may not have all the answers but I can sure listen.” She smiled at Enid.

  “It’s just that . . .” Enid hesitated. “I put everything on the line to come here and write about Rosie. Now I’m wondering why it seemed so important.” She looked up at the ceiling fan whirling softly overhead. “I’m too rusty. I can’t seem to get this story going. I’ve been away from writing too long. All I’ve accomplished is to alienate myself from everyone, including my husband.”

  Cassie went to the bed and sat beside Enid. She hugged Enid and took her hand. “Sometimes we get a tap on the shoulder when there are things that have to be done.” Cassie tapped her finger on Enid’s arm as she spoke. “A voice from deep inside tells you it’s your turn to step up and do this thing. You can fight it. You can even refuse it. But in the end, it’s what you have to do.”

  Cassie’s comments reminded Enid of her last conversation with her mother.

  Cassie squeezed Enid’s hand. “This is your thing you have to do.”

  “That’s what I felt when I had to change careers to take care of my mother.” She looked into Cassie’s eyes. “Isn’t once in a lifetime enough?”

  Cassie patted Enid’s arm with her hand. “I know it seems unfair in a way.” Cassie took a deep breath. “When Mark got killed, I learned that we don’t have answers for some things.” She smiled slightly. “And life certainly isn’t fair sometimes. Things just happen.” Cassie stared at the wall in front of her, seemingly lost in her own memories.

  Cassie stood up and faced Enid. “Why don’t you go to Montana and spend some time with Cade? After all, it’s been more than ten years since Rosie’s death, so another week or so won’t hurt. Might do you a world of good.”

  “We’re past that, I’m afraid. If I’m honest with myself, my pursuing this story isn’t what came between us. This wall has been building for years, but I didn’t want to see it. Cade is ready for a change. He’s ready to move on without me.”

  “But he begged you to go to Montana with him. He must still love you.”

  “Yes, he did. But I think we both realized if I had gone, we would just be postponing the inevitable.” Enid looked up at Cassie and smiled. “He told me today I reminded him of Rosie. I sensed that part of him wants me to stay after this story. It’s just that he’s struggling with how to be loyal to his mother and to me.” Enid hugged Cassie. “Thanks for listening.”

  “You’ll work through all of this. I’m sure of it.” Cassie walked toward the door. “Come on down when you’re ready. I’ll have us some wine and cheese on the porch.”

  Enid nodded, but her thoughts had already drifted back to Rosie.

  CHAPTER 35

  Enid drove to the edge of town and parked in front of a red brick building. A small sign in front of it confirmed it was the home of the Madden Garden Club. She looked in the bottom of her tote for loose change to put in the parking meter and then remem
bered there were no meters in Madden.

  She walked to the front of the building, looking up at its impressive exterior. It was clearly one of the most well-kept, attractive buildings in town. It boasted four Georgian columns, three stories high. Above the columns was a marble nameplate that looked like a scroll. Enid couldn’t help but laugh to herself when she read it: “Blackwell Center.”

  She wasn’t sure why she was here, as Cade had confirmed his mother had bought the family’s reputation by paying for the building to be renovated. Still, she wanted to see it for herself and convinced herself it was her duty as a journalist to confirm her source’s story.

  A small plaque on the tall oak door instructed visitors to ring for assistance.

  Enid pushed the button and waited. The door opened and a young woman about twenty-five-years-old appeared. “Hello, and welcome to the Blackwell Center,” she said, smiling broadly.

  “I’m just visiting in town and saw the name on the building. I’m Enid Blackwell.”

  “Oh, how nice. You must be related to our benefactor.” The young woman motioned for Enid to enter. “Please come on in out of the humidity, and I’ll tell you the history of the building. Part of this center is the Madden Historical Society, which is where I volunteer.” When they were in the large entrance hall, the woman held out her hand. “I’m Betsy, by the way.”

  Enid thought of her first cat, a big orange male her mother gave her when Enid was ten. Her mother thought it was a female, and Enid named it Betsy, after Betsy Ross, whom Enid was studying in school at the time. Once they learned the truth about the cat’s gender, her mother began calling him Betsy Boy. Enid remembered how much he liked to sleep at the foot of her bed. Enid’s mother tried to shoo the cat away, but Betsy Boy always found a way to sneak back in.

  Betsy led Enid across the waxed, wide floor boards to one of the small meeting rooms on the first floor. Enid sat on the one of terribly uncomfortable antique chairs. Every time Enid made a slight move, her chair wobbled on the uneven plank floors.

  “Are you a Blackwell by birth or marriage?”

  “By marriage. Fern Blackwell is my mother-in-law.”

  “I see. Well, our building has quite a history, if you’d like to hear it.”

  Enid listened while Betsy told the story of the cotton and tobacco exchanges that the old building once housed. Later, when agriculture declined in importance, the building was used as a medical clinic. Not too long ago, it was used for a bingo hall until it was condemned due to the leaking roof and sagging floors.

  Betsy finally got to the part Enid was waiting for. “And then our wonderful benefactor, Mrs. Blackwell, brought this old beauty back to life.” Betsy beamed and spread her arms out in a well-rehearsed gesture. Betsy reminded Enid of a younger version of Vanna White on “Wheel of Fortune,” gesturing to the audience.

  “I’ve never asked Fern about this building. In fact, I just learned of it recently. I’m curious as to why she would make such a generous gift to the town.” Enid tried to look only casually interested. “Do you have any idea?”

  “That was well before my time here. Perhaps you should ask her.” Betsy shifted in her seat. “I understand the Blackwell family was once very prominent in Madden. In any event, we are very grateful indeed for her generosity.”

  “Yes, I’ll have to talk with her about her generous gift.” Enid looked around the interior of the house. “You have a lot of rooms here.”

  “In addition to the Madden Women’s Club, the center also houses the historical society, a botanical society, and a bridge club.” Betsy raised her hand. “Oh, and I forgot. The Jensen family uses the space for political campaigns and several charity events during the year.” There was that rehearsed smile again.

  Enid thanked Betsy for the history lesson. She also promised to check out the bake sale being held at the center tomorrow to raise money for new street lights.

  “You don’t want to miss it.” Betsy was clearly in her comfort zone as hostess of the center.

  “I won’t,” said Enid, although she was reasonably sure she would be among the missing.

  Betsy opened the front door for Enid, and as Enid was leaving, she gasped. Chief Jensen was in front of the building talking to a woman. Enid walked out quickly and tried to avoid him. As she was near the sidewalk, she heard him call out.

  “Ms. Blackwell. Are you looking for something? Perhaps I can help you.”

  “No, thanks. Just looking around.” She walked away quickly, sensing Chief Jensen’s watchful eye.

  CHAPTER 36

  When Enid got back to the inn that afternoon, she saw workers packing up their paint and other gear for the day. Cassie’s car was gone. Enid retrieved her key from her tote and went inside. The hall lights were on and Cassie had left a note at the front desk with Enid’s name in big letters on an envelope. The note said Cassie would be back late that night and that she had left a tray of sandwiches for dinner.

  Just as Enid walked upstairs to her room, her cell phone rang and Cade’s photo flashed on her screen. As soon as she answered the call, she knew it was bad news.

  “Mother had a severe anxiety attack. At first they thought she had suffered a heart attack. She’s resting comfortably now.” Cade was in reporter mode, discussing his mother’s condition matter-of-factly as a reporter, not as a son.

  Fern was in the coronary unit for observation only, and the prognosis was good. Fern was a strong woman, in many ways. While Enid listened to Cade talk, she was mentally planning a return trip to Charlotte to see him and her mother-in-law. “I’m so sorry. I know you’re worried about her.”

  “I think they’ll let her go home in a day or so.”

  “I’ll pack now and be there in a little more than an hour.” Enid was gathering her things as she talked.

  Cade was silent.

  “If this is a bad time to talk, just call me back when you’re free. I’ll be in the car,” she said.

  “No. I mean . . . I don’t think you should come here.”

  Enid was momentarily speechless. “But, of course, I’ll come be with you. Fern and I might have our differences, but she’s still family.” Enid pulled her suitcase from the closet with her free hand.

  “The doctor says she can’t have many visitors.”

  “Well, then I’ll just sit in the waiting area. I want to be there for you.”

  “I just, I mean, I don’t think you should be here,” said Cade.

  Enid felt like someone had punched her in the stomach. She wanted to say something but didn’t know what.

  After a moment of silence, Cade added, “Look, I’m sorry, but it’s just not a good idea.”

  “I understand.” The last thing Cade needed right now was a fight with his wife. She kept her voice calm. “Will you keep me posted on how she’s doing?”

  “Just before her attack, Mother called me to find out why you were in Madden.” His tone had changed.

  “Did you tell her I was here?”

  “No. I figured someone in Madden must have called her. She still has connections there, you know.”

  “Are you suggesting that my coming to Madden caused Fern to have this attack?” Enid hated the defensive edge to your voice, but she couldn’t help it.

  “Look, I’ve got to go. We’ll talk later.”

  After Cade hung up, Enid sat on the bed a few minutes, deciding whether she should go to Charlotte anyway. Cade was just upset, and when he came to his senses, he would appreciate her being there. If not, well, she would deal with that later. Besides, he was an excellent reporter, but not good at handling family crises and medical issues.

  Enid packed a few things, and left a note for Cassie. Black clouds covered the sky, so it was dark when she went to her car to put her suitcase in the back of the SUV.

  She had her finger on the keyless ignition, ready to press it, when she heard the roar of a motorcycle pulling into the inn’s parking lot. She quickly locked her door and checked the rearview mirror to see who it
was.

  Suddenly, Eddie, the bandana-man biker from the cemetery, pulled into the parking space beside her. He was racing his motor and glaring at Enid. She saw movement in the rearview mirror. His two companions were behind her, blocking her from backing out.

  Hands shaking, she started to call 911. Eddie laughed and banged the handlebar of his bike against her car and began tapping it, harder and harder. Enid was giving the 911 operator her location when the biker took off in a roar. She looked in her mirror and all three of them were headed back down the long driveway to the main road.

  She sat in the car, trying to compose herself. A knock on the passenger window made her scream involuntarily. Molly Anderson was standing there, looking in at her. She knocked on the window again.

  “You okay?”

  Enid unlocked the door and motioned for Molly to get in. She opened the passenger door and sat beside Enid. “You look white as a sheet. What happened?”

  Enid locked the doors again and looked around her but saw nothing. “Did you see those bikers? They had me blocked in.” Enid clasped her hands together to keep them from shaking. “I’m glad you showed up.”

  The 911 operator was trying to get Enid’s attention. “Ma’am. Are you there? I’m sending someone to you now. Just keep your doors locked.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m here. Everything is fine now. Sorry to bother you. Please cancel the call.” Enid hung up.

  Molly patted Enid’s arm to comfort her. “The county deputy will get the call, since we’re just outside the Madden city limits,” said Molly. She pulled her cell phone from her pocket and called a number. Molly explained to the sheriff’s dispatcher that she was with the 911 caller and everything was fine now.

  “Thank God you came along when you did,” said Enid.