“Mrs. Bradley, do you think maybe she didn’t respond to us because she couldn’t?”
“It’s entirely possible.”
“Um…do you think Caitlin and I should come out to see her?”
“It’s hard to say. She has Alzheimer's, but she does talk about her son. You might want to contact the nurses there.” Helen gave her the name and phone number of the care facility. “I appreciate your taking the time to talk with me.”
“I wasn’t much help, but I hope you find the answers you’re looking for.”
Helen did as well. Tomorrow she’d pay a visit to Betty’s former home. Whoever lived there now might have some idea of what was going on. She settled back in her recliner rocker and took a sip of her tea. Tonight, however, she would do a little more cleaning. She’d need to work on her bedroom so she’d at least have a place to sleep. Helen began righting the furnishings and miscellaneous items when she realized that not only had the sheets been stripped from the bed, they weren’t in the room. A search produced a load of clean sheets and towels in the dryer.
Had Janelle stripped the bed for some reason? Helen could understand wanting to put on fresh sheets for her return, but towels? And why hadn’t Janelle put fresh linens on the bed when she took the others off? There were several sets.
While Helen made the bed and finished cleaning up her bedroom, questions cluttered her mind. Had someone stayed here at the house during her absence? Helen shook the thoughts from her head. Before, when she’d come home, everything had been perfect. Perhaps Janelle had come in to freshen the linens and was surprised by a burglar. Another thought came to mind but Helen dismissed it. She had trusted Janelle and had no reason to suspect she might be staying there herself or worse, renting it out. On the other hand, who was Janelle Cooper?
There were too many unmatched pieces in this puzzle. Pieces Helen intended to find.
Chapter Five
She’d just finished working through her bedroom when she heard a car outside. Helen went to the window and peered out. The yard light illuminated the familiar blue minivan. Kate pulled up alongside Helen’s Thunderbird. “Oh, please. Not now.” She was both annoyed and elated to see her daughter. Kate had probably moved heaven and earth in order to clear out room on her schedule for the visit.
Helen hurried to the door and pulled it open before Kate could knock. As she opened her arms in welcome, she said, “I thought we agreed that you’d wait until the weekend to come.”
“You agreed.” Kate hugged her back. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
The animosity Kate had shown in their earlier phone call had evaporated. “I’m sorry I yelled at you.”
“You were upset. I should have called you the minute we got married.”
Kate grinned. “You should have told me you were considering marriage before you eloped.”
“I didn’t know.” Helen stepped aside to let Kate in.
“I’m not quite sure I believe that, but hold that thought. I want to hear all about it. Just let me get my stuff in first.” Kate set her purse in the entry.
“Can I help?”
“Sure.” Kate opened the side door of the van and pulled out a suitcase. “You can take this, while I get the food.”
“You brought food?”
“Of course.” She chuckled. You just got home. I didn’t think you’d have time to stock the fridge.” She sniffed and added, “Looks like you found something though. Smells good whatever it is.”
“Chili.” What with all the craziness regarding Janelle, she’d forgotten to eat. “There’s plenty if you want some.”
“Sure.” She followed Helen inside and set the box on the counter.
“Is that everything?”
“Almost. I brought a cooler. I’ll get that while you start putting the groceries away.”
Helen’s annoyance had turned to gratitude. She loved her family and enjoyed having them close. Maybe it was the discussion she’d had with Sherrie, but suddenly she felt extremely grateful to have a daughter and son who cared so much about her welfare.
A few minutes later, Kate and Helen were sitting in front of the fireplace with their bowls of chili and some fresh sourdough bread on trays.
For the second time since she arrived home, Helen shared her story about JB’s proposal and her acceptance.
“What a letdown it must be to be so elated from your honeymoon and come home to a murder. You said the place was in shambles.”
“It was and a lot of it still is. I stayed with Rosie last night and then came home to clean up this morning.” Helen told her about feeling that the mess had been staged.
“Why would anyone do that?”
“To make us think Janelle’s death was the result of a straightforward burglary, but I don’t believe that. Especially now.” Helen reiterated the information she’d gathered and included finding the linens in the dryer.”
“You know, mother, it wouldn’t surprise me if Janelle took advantage of your absence to rent your house out to people. I mean she does a fair amount of house-sitting, right?”
“So she said. I’m not sure what to believe. I need to call some of the different property managers. Maybe they can give me more information. In the meantime, I’m going to check out the home Betty had been living in before going to the nursing home. Since Janelle was the one who checked her into the place, there may be a lead of some kind.”
“So, Mother, why are you investigating? Aren’t the police doing their job?”
“Of course, they are. But she died here, Kate. While taking care of my home. I feel like I owe it to her to find out what happened.”
“Even though she may be a criminal?”
“Or a victim.” Helen tipped her head back. She’d always been a good judge of character. “I can’t see that woman as a criminal. You met her, Kate, she seemed entirely trustworthy.”
Kate nodded. “You know as well as I do that some of the most innocent looking people can have the darkest hearts. They are often the serial killers, or rapists.”
“I know. Only too well.” She sighed. “I guess I just don’t like the idea that someone I trusted with my home could betray me.”
Kate scooted out of her chair. “Do you want me come with you?”
“What?”
“Tomorrow, when you check out Betty’s house.” Kate took both trays and headed for the kitchen.
“If you want to.” Helen followed her and began running water in the sink to wash the few dishes they’d used.
“I thought we’d finish cleaning up the house in the morning and then…”
Helen laughed. Kate was one of the most organized people she knew. Helen liked things in order, but Kate went to the extreme. “Let’s not plan the entire day. I’ll need to talk with Joe again before visiting the house. He may have more information.”
“If you’re planning to stay here,” Helen said as she washed the dishes, “you’ll have to either clean up the guest room or sleep on the couch.”
“I’ll take the guest room.” Kate headed for the stairs.
Helen left Kate to her task as she finished the dishes. That done she went to lock the doors. Only then did she remember that she’d forgotten to have the locks changed. She placed a rod in the slider of the patio doors as she usually did to prevent anyone from opening it. The night before it had been closed, but unlocked and minus the rod. With the front door, Helen placed the umbrella stand in front of it so that anyone opening it would make a lot of noise. It was then that she thought about Janelle having keys to her home. She’d have to remember to ask Joe whether they found keys on Janelle’s body. Helen wondered about other keys too. Most of the rentals had keys that locked into a box that required a code. Maybe she should consider doing that as well.
Kate came down the stairs. “The bed’s made and most of the stuff is picked up. I’ll finish it tomorrow.” When she saw Helen place the umbrella stand in front of the door, she stopped. “You forg
ot to have the locks changed?”
“Yes, but I’m sure we’ll be fine. If it makes you feel any safer, I could sleep down here on the couch with my gun under my pillow.”
“Would you?” Kate smirked. “That would make me feel oh so much better.”
Helen rolled her eyes at the dramatics then showed her the rod that would keep the patio door from opening.
“Okay, but how about we move a chair in front of the main door?”
Once Kate was satisfied of their safety, they went to their respective rooms. Helen didn’t mention that if someone wanted to get in they could easily break a window.
Before crawling between the sheets, Helen paused to enjoy her view of the ocean. The house sat on a cliff high above the surf. Helen loved watching the waves swell and crash into the jagged rocks below. Her gaze drifted in closer, just beyond the patio where Janelle’s body had lain. She shuddered as the image of the dead woman came back. “What happened to you,” Helen whispered. “Who are you?”
She rubbed her forehead forcing the image away. She opened the window an inch so she could hear the ocean and collect some fresh air before climbing into bed. With random thoughts about Janelle, the break-in and JB, sleep took a long time to claim her.
Helen woke to sunshine and the delicious smell of bacon. “Bless you Kate,” she murmured as she tossed her covers aside and slid out of bed. She pulled on a bathrobe, made her bed and followed the wonderful smells to the kitchen.
“How long have you been up?” Helen asked.
“About an hour.” Kate handed her mother a cup of coffee. “Is this okay? I know you like tea in the morning.”
“I do, but this is fine.” Helen pulled a container of creamer from the refrigerator. “Thank you.”
“No problem. Thought I should earn my keep.” She set a plate of eggs and bacon in front of Helen and then added a piece of sourdough toast.
“Mm. My favorite.” She nibbled on a crispy piece of bacon.
After pouring them both a glass of orange juice, Kate joined her at the counter. “I thought we’d change things up a little. We should take advantage of the sun and get a walk in this morning. Who knows how long it will last?”
“I’m all for that. We’ll drive on into Lincoln City and walk on the beach there. Then if you’re game, we can grab a latte at Rosie’s before heading up to check on Betty’s house. It’s bit south of here.”
Kate’s brow knit in a frown.
“You don’t have to come with me to check out the house if you don’t want to.”
“I know.” She raised an eyebrow. “But someone has to keep you out of trouble.”
Helen chuckled. “You’re probably right.”
“Mother, you know I didn’t mean it.”
“Yes you did, but I forgive you.”
The topic floated away from the turbulence surrounding Janelle’s death and into the calmer waters of family. “So tell me all about the kids,” Helen said.
“Jennie and Lisa are doing their usual teenage things. Boys, school, boys…” She shook her head. “To be honest, it’s primarily Lisa who’s into boys. Jennie is her usual level-headed self. All she thinks about is getting through law school and becoming a detective.”
Helen couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in the girls. Lisa was so like her mother and Jennie, well, that girl had her grandparents’ sense of adventure running through her veins.
“They said to tell you hi.”
“I can’t wait to see them.” Kate and her husband Kevin Calhoun had two children, Lisa, sixteen and Kurt, ten. Jason and Susan had two children, Jennie, sixteen and Nick, almost five. Helen loved being a grandmother.
“You need to update your pictures of the kids,” Kate said nodding toward the hallway where Helen displayed family photos. She laughed. “Looks like you’re only about four years behind.”
“True. Maybe you can do that while you’re here. I have a bunch of photos that need to be switched out.” She had a tendency to tuck away things like photos to deal with later and later somehow never came.
After finishing breakfast, Helen and Kate headed for Roads End. They would walk from the park there. With the tide out, the sand was packed and perfect for walking. They both removed their shoes, rolled up their pant legs and enjoyed wading in the icy ocean and racing away from waves to keep from getting their slacks wet. Helen never tired of playing tag with the surf, even though the surf usually won. The fresh air tended to clear her mind, but that wasn’t the case today. Thought of Janelle sullied her usual serenity as she kept mulling over the case.
After about three miles, Kate admitted she’d had enough. “I’m a little out of practice. To be honest, I’ve spent way too much time on designing projects and too little on exercise.”
Helen grinned. “I wouldn’t worry about it. You couldn’t slow down if you tried.” Kate had inherited Helen’s genetic make-up; they were both slim and active.
They piled into the convertible and headed to Rosie’s for their lattes.
Joe was just getting out if his squad car as they pulled into the parking lot. He waited for them at the door and held it open. After greeting Kate, he said, “You’re just the person I want to see, Helen”
“You have some news?”
“Not much, but we did find a couple of rental properties who used Janelle. Both of them said she’d done a good job for them. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any information on her either.”
“No address? How did they pay her?”
“By check. My guess is she cashed them at one of the stores who knew her because there’s no record of a bank account.”
“How does a person exist without some kind of a money trail?” Helen then told him about Betty’s house. “It’s a long shot. The house was probably sold when Betty went into the nursing home. But I thought I’d go by there and see if whoever lives there now has any information on Janelle.”
“It’s not much of a lead, but worth following through on.” Joe pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll call the court house and find out who owns it now.”
Kate and Helen ordered their lattes and caught Rosie up on Kate’s life. Several minutes later Joe joined them. “The house,” he said, “is still in Betty Sullivan’s name.”
“You don’t suppose Janelle lived there.” Helen thought back to her discussion with Sandy at the nursing home.
“It’s a good guess, Joe said. “I’ll get the keys that we found on the body out of the evidence locker.”
“Sounds good.” Helen’s mood buoyed. Perhaps they were finally going to find the truth about Janelle. “Kate and I will meet you there in a few minutes.”
Twenty minutes later, Helen, Kate and Joe parked in the driveway and walked up to the front entrance of the single story ranch home. It looked well cared for and lived in. Joe knocked on the door. “Police. Anyone home?”
After a few moments he spoke again. “This is Sheriff Adams. Anyone here?” Helen thought she heard a noise at the back of the house and the sound of a motor starting.
“Someone was inside.” Joe took off running in one direction while Helen ran in the other. They reached the back yard at the same time, but saw no sign of whoever had been there. “Stay here, Joe said. “I’ll check the alley.”
He came back a few minutes later shaking his head. “Whoever it was is long gone. I heard a motorcycle but hard to tell if it was our guy.”
“I heard it too. Whoever was here certainly seemed in a hurry to get away.” She gestured toward the house. “The back door is open.”
Chapter Six
Joe stepped inside with his gun drawn and came out seconds later. Holstering his weapon, he said, “No one else is here and nothing seems out of place. Helen, maybe you and I can take a closer look. Kate, I shouldn’t let you come inside. We might be looking at a crime scene.”
“No problem. I’ll wait in the car. I wouldn’t want to mess up any evidence.” Though the remark came off as a bit sarcastic, Kate seemed relieved.
Kate agreed. “I’ll head back to the house and finish straightening things up.”
“Did you ever figure out if anything was missing from your place?” Joe asked as Kate pulled out of the driveway.
“Nothing so far. Like I said before, I think the house was staged to make it look like a burglary attempt gone bad. And with the information or lack of it surrounding Janelle, I’m thinking she may have been the target all along.”
“Could be. Let’s see if the house can tell us anything about our mysterious Janelle Cooper.
“Or whatever her name is,” Helen added.
Joe stepped aside and motioned for Helen to go in front of him.
“Maybe there’s something here that will give us an idea as to her identity.” Helen paused to take in the decor. The house looked like something her mother might have lived in. The furnishings, early American, came complete with crocheted doilies on nearly every flat surface. The rug was a burnt orange shag and the stove and refrigerator a pale, sickly yellow. Likely, Betty had decorated the interior fifty years ago and no one had done anything to change it.
“That’s what I’m hoping.” Joe said. “Why don’t you get started? “He dangled Janelle’s keys. “I want to check the locks to see if one of her keys fits. At least then we can be fairly certain she was living here.”
“I think I can attest to that already.” Helen nodded toward the photos on the refrigerator. “This is Janelle and Betty at some kind of party at the care facility.”
Joe leaned forward for a closer look. “I still don’t get it. Why would Janelle pretend to be Betty’s daughter?”
“And why create this persona?” Helen rubbed at a sore spot on her shoulder. Maybe once this was over she’d treat herself to a massage. The trip home with all those hours in the air created arthritic aches in a number of her joints.
“Living in Betty’s house, pretending to be a daughter.” He shrugged, “Sounds like something a con-artist might do. People prey on the elderly all the time.”
Death on Arrival: A Helen Bradley Mystery (Helen Bradley Mysteries Book 1) Page 4