Once the words were spoken aloud, he instantly felt better. He knew it to be true and as a believer in karma, Leona Weinberg was responsible for whatever happened to come back and bite her. He was amazed it had taken as long as it had.
He glanced at his watch and knew he’d better start dinner. He went downstairs and walked into the kitchen and began pulling items out of the fridge, pausing long enough to turn on the radio to KABW before he started dicing an onion.
“Randy Burrows here coming to you on this fine October afternoon on Radio KABW, the voice of Arrow Bay. We’ve got forty-eight degrees on the temperature gauge outside my window and sunny conditions with a light wind out of the south-southwest. You were just listening to Dave Brubeck’s classic ‘Take Five’ and we’ll have another bit of the magical Mr. Brubeck after this brief message.”
Jake tuned out the message for Arrow Bay Mufflers and Exhaust, adding the onions to the frying beef that would eventually end up as Shepherd’s Pie. He was just about to dig out the carrots when the grating voice of Roxy Eggans came hurtling over the radio.
“This is a news bulletin from Roxy Eggans, your KABW radio and cable news reporter. The coroner of Kulshan County has determined that the death of Arrow Bay City Councilwoman Leona Weinberg is officially a homicide. Repeat, Councilwoman Leona Weinberg was murdered by person or persons unknown.”
Jake felt a chill suddenly overtake him as if the blood in his veins turned into arctic water. The word kept repeating over and over in his head, murdered, murdered, murdered, murdered.
“The Arrow Bay Police Department has not released any details,” Roxy continued, “nor do they have any suspects at this time. Chief Sanderson says the murder of Leona Weinberg will be discussed at the town meeting tomorrow night.”
Jake sat down at the table, feeling as if someone had sucker-punched him. Roxy continued to drone on for several more minutes before being replaced by the mellow jazz of Dave Brubeck. Jake felt his stomach clenching like a fist, the same thought in his head: another murder in Arrow Bay.
He held his head in his hands, unsure of what to do. After ignoring the affairs of Arrow Bay for nearly a decade, Jake found himself rapidly and inexorably drawn in, like light into a black hole.
* * *
“The atmosphere in here is very jovial and light,” said Sam, glancing around at the murmuring crowd currently packed into the city hall auditorium.
“Yeah, like Macbeth,” said Jake cynically.
“Shouldn’t you say the Scottish play?”
“Why? We’re not performing it,” said Jake looking around the crammed City Hall, “Besides, in the context of what is happening around us, tell me I’m wrong.”
“I can’t. Although I’m not sure if it’s Macbeth or something not quite as dark—like, say, Thanksgiving with your mother.”
“C’mon, Sam. You know it’s not that bad. I mean, we don’t have to eat my mother’s cooking for starts.”
“Touché, touché.”
The city council, as usual, was seated with of those of the left on the left, and Reed Longhoffer and Verna Monger on the right. Verna was looking pale and drawn, and her make-up appeared to have been applied hastily, as one eye was missing its usual blue shadow, giving the impression that she was constantly winking. Reed sat at her left, his red hat still firmly on his head and his gloves on. The furnace had conked out, and it was nearly as cold inside as it was out. Emma Kennedy, Randy Burrows, and Walter Lugar were all clad in heavy coats, as was Police Chief Sanderson.
“You really think they’ll talk about the murder?” Sam asked.
“You think they have any choice?” Rebecca Windsor walked in and Jake let out an audible groan.
“Budge up for a couple of old ladies,” said Evelyn O’Conner, sitting down next to the two men. She was accompanied by the Reverend Milly Crawford. They took the last two seats at the end of the aisle next to Sam and Jake.
“Speak for yourself, Evelyn. I’m not that old.”
“There are less years ahead than behind.”
“Mom!” said Sam, horrified. “Have a little respect.”
“Listen to your son, Evelyn,” said Milly. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Milly Crawford.”
Sam reached over Jake to shake her hand. “Sam O’Conner. And this is my better half, Jake,” said Sam, nudging Jake, who was watching Baldo Ludich and Alex Blackburn come in the door right behind Gladys Nyberg and Professor Mills.
“Huh? Oh, yeah, nice to meet you,” he said distractedly as Adam Haggerty walked through the door, his leather trench coat firmly tied around him. Sharon Trumbo, bundled up in a long wool coat the color of plum Fiestaware, accompanied Haggerty. Jake caught his brother taking several photos of her as she came in.
Taking the steps up to the stage, Sharon sat down next to Chief Sanderson, while Haggerty leaned down next to Randy Burrows and said something in his ear. Burrows nodded, getting up to check the equipment. A professional video camera was set up at one end of the stage. It seemed the meeting was going to be broadcast at some point on the KABW public access channel.
“He’s a bit distracted, you’ll have to forgive him,” said Sam, poking Jake in the ribs.
“That’s okay, we all are,” agreed the Reverend Crawford. “News of that old biddy getting bumped off ‘ran all through town like spilled mercury’.”
Jake raised one eyebrow. “Lady in the Icebox,” said Jake.
“One of my favorites. I loved the part where Claypoole discovers the diary inside the frozen side of beef.”
“Oh, that’s a classic scene. How about later when the housekeeper’s head ends up in the bowl of punch at Lady Cashmeyer’s party?”
“Now that was good, I’ll admit. But nothing beats the Long-Haired Stranger being done in by the drawer of rusty knives being emptied from the second floor of Cashmeyer Manor,” she said with a chuckle.
“Is this conversation entirely in good taste?” Sam whispered to Jake.
“No, I suppose not.”
“We’ll have to talk later,” said Reverend Crawford. “Maybe at church on Sunday?”
“Ooo, nice try Reverend,” said Jake. “Maybe my husband here, but I’m afraid if you wait for me to show up to Sunday services, you’ll be waiting until—”
“Jacob.”
“A long time, I get the drift,” said Reverend Crawford, smiling. “Nonetheless, our doors are always open, Jake. Stop by any time.”
Randy Burrows started testing the mic, the low rumble of the crowd dying down. Reed Longhoffer still looked like he sucked lemons for sport, his frown deepening when Miranda Zimmerman snapped on the camera. He continued scowling, staring right down into the front row where Derek Brauer and Marion Burd were both scribbling on steno pads. He didn’t even look up when Jason snapped several photos of him.
Walter Lugar leaned into his microphone. “We’d like to thank everyone for coming tonight. After we make a few announcements, we’d like to turn things over to Chief Sanderson, who I am sure will try to answer all your questions.” There was some general muttering from the crowd. “We’d ask you to please hold your questions until Chief Sanderson takes the mike,” he said, glancing back at the two detectives and Chief Sanderson.
“Our topic of discussion tonight is, once again, Wilde Park,” continued Randy Burrows, arching one eyebrow as he looked down the table at Reed Longhoffer. “We bring this issue up again as diligent efforts of the press and some concerned citizens have turned up documents that prove our esteemed councilman Mr. Reed Longhoffer lied to everyone in this town hall two weeks ago and continues to spread lies through Arrow Bay’s only newspaper, the Examiner!” boomed Burrows, pointing an accusatory finger at Longhoffer.
As expected, the audience erupted into chaos. Reed Longhoffer jumped to his feet, jabbing his finger back at Burrows, shouting obscenities, which Jake assumed would be drowned out on the camera by the roar of the audience. Emma Kennedy began to bang the gavel loudly, which had little effect. Sanderson and the two
detectives looked at one another uneasily as the din in the audience grew before Baldo Ludich stood up and shouted, “SIIIILLLLLEEEENNNNCCEEEE!”
It had the desired effect. The audience fell silent and with a few more bangs of the gavel, things were quiet as Reed, still standing and breathing heavily, slowly sank to his seat.
“May I approach the council?”
“Council recognizes Baldo Ludich.”
Ludich approached the table with a manila folder. He stood directly in front of Reed Longhoffer, opening a folder. He produced a hefty document and slammed it down on the table. Longhoffer looked at Ludich with utmost loathing.
“I have here a copy of the letter of understanding signed by Mr. Longhoffer to SuperLo Corporation promising exclusive rights to develop the plot of land known as Wilde Park. Care to comment on that?”
“Why don’t you go screw yourself, Ludich?” spat Longhoffer, to the collective gasp of the auditorium.
“I am recommending that based on this information, the council vote on removing Mr. Longhoffer,” Ludich shouted.
“You can’t do that without the full council,” said Longhoffer with a smirk. “And since one of the council can’t attend tonight’s meeting, you can’t vote me off.”
“Ms. Zimmerman?” Baldo asked, looking up at Miranda.
“This ought to be good,” said Reverend Crawford. “Makes me wish I’d brought some popcorn.”
Miranda Zimmerman stood up and walked to the nearest microphone, clearing her throat. “The town charter specifically outlines that if a member dies or becomes incapacitated, the remaining council can vote in a replacement member until the next full election can be held. As you know, that will be in November of next year.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Longhoffer shouted. “Any yahoo can’t just be sworn in.”
“Actually, as long as they are a registered voter and over the age of twenty-five, they can, according to the town charter,” Miranda Zimmerman said stiffly.
“Excellent. In that case I nominate Alexander Blackburn,” and when there were some dismayed mutterers in the background, he quickly added, “the third, that is.”
“Motion seconded,” said Walter Lugar.
“Any other nominations?” Miranda Zimmerman asked.
The townspeople of Arrow Bay were no fools; they knew the job of city councilman was thankless and cumbersome, with a limited amount of recognition and heaps of scorn. A few brave souls put their hands up, but before anyone could be recognized, they quickly lowered them again.
“Mr. Blackburn?” Miranda asked.
“I accept,” Alex said, bowing.
“Fine then. With no one else wanting to jump into the fray, all those for appointing Alexander Blackburn the third as interim councilman raise their hands.”
Walter Lugar, Emma Kennedy and Randy Burrows raised their hands. Verna Monger and Reed Longhoffer did not.
“Motion carried,” said Miranda. “Now if you’d please step up, Mr. Blackburn.”
Alex strode nonchalantly up to the table and stood next to Walter Lugar. After a few words were exchanged, Alex raised his right hand and was sworn in by Chief Sanderson. He sat down in the empty seat next to Walter Lugar, then after checking his mic, he said, “I want to assure the residents of Arrow Bay that I will work for the benefit of the town and its people.”
Longhoffer sat with his arms crossed, livid. “Like you did with your father,” he spat.
“The internal business dealings of Blackburn Enterprises are none of your concern, Mr. Longhoffer. And don’t think I don’t know dear old Dad is in cahoots with you regarding your attempt to plow Wilde Park under, even if he does want to remain in the shadows.”
It was meant to be heard only by Reed, but everyone in the audience caught it. Everyone attending the meeting now knew the fact that Alexander Blackburn Junior was involved in the plot to destroy Wilde Park. The blood drained out of Longhoffer’s face.
“With respect to Wilde Park, Ms. Zimmerman and I have spent a great deal of time combing through the city records. After finding Logan Wilde’s will was not in the city archives, we checked with the county and found Logan Wilde had no will.”
“See, what did I tell you?” Longhoffer erupted.
“However,” continued Alex, “That meant that upon his death, the property would pass to his closest relative, whom in this case happened to be one Jasper Wilde of Denver, Colorado. We spoke at length to Mr. Wilde, who remembers his cousin fondly and his trips out to Arrow Bay in the 1970’s. He said it was his cousin’s wish that the parcel of land be turned into a park, and that he simply hadn’t had time to make out a will before being backed over by a Wonder Bread truck in the fall of 1974.”
Jake couldn’t help but laugh. He covered it as best he could in a coughing fit, and he was sure Alex was trying not to laugh himself.
“Mr. Wilde has since started a search for the title to the property, which is in his possession, and has assured me once it is found, he will sign the property over to the Arrow Bay Parks Department, thus settling any future controversy about the park or its future use,” said Alex emphatically.
“I move we close the matter,” said Randy Burrows.
“Second,” chimed Emma Kennedy.
There were general cheers and applause around the audience. Even Gladys Nyberg looked pleased. Professor Mills clapped and hopped back and forth gleefully, looking like a garden gnome.
“Now, as to the business of Mr. Longhoffer’s obvious attempt to circumvent the law—”
“Can it, Burrows, I resign!” he spat, whirling on Chief Sanderson. “And if you’ve got the balls to arrest me, it’ll be a cold day in hell. You’re so damn dumb you can’t even figure out who killed poor Leona. Why haven’t you arrested those two perverts living next door to her? They killed her.”
Jake and Sam looked at one another, then up at Longhoffer, who had whirled around to face the audience, trying to pick them out. Milly Crawford was on her feet at once. “How dare you, Mr. Longhoffer. How dare you throw out such irresponsible accusations and defame the character of two citizens of this town! Not only do you have no right, it is reckless to the extreme.”
More than one loud “yeah” and “right on” rose through the crowd. Somebody said, “Shut up, Longhoffer!” which was greeted with more shouts of agreement.
“We’ll leave the matter of charging you with anything up to the city attorney, Mr. Longhoffer,” said Alex. “Meanwhile, all those in favor of accepting Mr. Longhoffer’s resignation?”
All the hands along the table went up, including Verna Monger’s. Reed Longhoffer rounded on her like a startled snake, but Verna only looked at him and shook her head.
Just then, the door banged open. Rushing down the aisle in a long camel hair coat was a tall man with salt and pepper hair and a thick goatee. Reed Longhoffer looked up and went noticeably pale. “David!”
“Boy, this isn’t Reed’s night, is it?” said Sam.
“Return of the prodigal son,” noted Reverend Crawford.
David Longhoffer made his way up to the council table then hesitated a moment, looking for a familiar face. He knelt down to Emma Kennedy and whispered to her. David Longhoffer made a few animated gestures and nodded, casting glances at Reed, who was, preparing to leave. Finally, after a few more muttered words, David Longhoffer went to the center of the table and picked up Alex’s microphone.
“Uh, hello. I’m David Longhoffer. I—uh—that is to say, uh—well, um…”
“Not much of a public speaker, is he?” noted Reverend Crawford.
“Just tell them what you told me, David,” Emma said.
“I just wanted to tell you that as of midnight tonight your town’s newspaper is under new leadership. I’ve finished up my business in Luxembourg and, well, I’ve come home to stay.”
The audience roared with approval, Jake and Sam standing up and clapping, while the members of the city council applauded.
“As you know, it was my father’s vision th
at the Examiner remain as evenly balanced as possible, examining all sides of every issue in as non-partisan a way as possible. I’m sorry to have read some of the things recently printed in your town’s paper,” he said, looking at his older brother with a deep amount of hurt. “Dad would be so disappointed in you, Reed.”
It was the last straw for Reed Longhoffer. He stood up abruptly, knocking his chair over backward. He stormed past the members of the Arrow Bay police department, heading for the back door, his coat whirling around him. With a flash of his red hat, he was gone, the door slowly closing behind him.
For the next several minutes, the council spoke among themselves while the crowd in the auditorium murmured. The show generally being considered over for the day, several people left. There was a muted sigh of relief when the furnace abruptly kicked on, sending warm air into the hall, and within a few moments, Jake was able to take his coat off and sit comfortably. He was about to mention to Sam that maybe they should consider heading out when Walter Lugar asked for quiet again.
“It’s been decided unanimously by the council that we will wait until the next scheduled meeting before deciding on a replacement for Reed Longhoffer. Interested parties should submit their names to one of the council members no later than two days before the next meeting. We will make a decision at that point. Remember, the appointment will only last a year until the citywide elections next November.
“Now at this point I’d like to turn things over to Chief Sanderson,” said Walter, taking his seat.
Chapter Nineteen
“Thank you, Councilman Lugar,” said Sanderson, seating himself in Reed Longhoffer’s vacant chair. “As everyone is well aware, the autopsy report regarding Mrs. Leona Weinberg was made public today,” said Sanderson, casting an unhappy glance at Randy Burrows. “While I cannot discuss the details of the investigation, the evidence collected at the scene does indicate Mrs. Weinberg was the victim of homicide.”
The room filled with conversation again, this time at a more frenzied pitch. People shook their heads in general disbelief, some of them pointing to Sanderson.
Sinister Justice Page 15