Deadly Accusations

by Debra Purdy Kong

  If he needed them that badly, he’d offer to meet her at the M6 bus, or call Stan to arrange a later shift start. “I have a class up at SFU that finishes at noon. I could bring them after that.”

  “Our detachment’s about fifteen minutes from there. I’ll expect you by twelve-thirty and, as I said, stay away from that building.”

  “No problem.” There wasn’t a reason to go back. “Did you know that Jasmine was sexually abused by her grandfather when she was six years old? She mentions it in the letters. Any hint of inappropriate behavior with her child, like taking a photo of him naked, might have enraged her enough to threaten one or both Gallenskis with the police.”

  “I had a call from the Vancouver police about an assault in your house.”

  Why was he changing topics? “I asked them to phone you. Thought you should know.”

  “When was the last time you spoke with the victim?”

  “We talked before I left for Parksville, and it didn’t go well. Winifred and I weren’t getting along, and since Summer’s staying with my boyfriend’s mother, I asked Winifred to move out, but she doesn’t like being told what to do.”

  “I see.”

  “You should also know that Gabrielle O’Reilly’s on the mainland. We rode the same ferry over, which is when I learned that she drives a silver Jetta. I have the plate number.” Casey recited the number she’d memorized. “Oh, and another thing.”

  “Just one?”

  Cute. “Ursula admitted that she knew about Gabrielle and Birch’s affair before today, but she didn’t tell anyone, including her husband.”

  “Which sounds like another reason to stay away from the Gallenskis and their tenants, Miss Holland. Don’t go looking for trouble.”

  “That was never the plan, Corporal.”

  Casey tossed her phone on the seat. She should have said no to Marie’s plea for help from the beginning; the same for Hannah O’Reilly. Instead, she’d tried to do the right thing. So, why did she feel so bad about everything? And why did she feel the worst was yet to come?

  TWENTY-NINE

  CASEY WALKED INTO MAINLAND’S LUNCHROOM and spotted Roberto talking to an eighteen-year-old clerk by the coffee urn. When Roberto noticed Casey he waved, but kept yakking while the girl smiled at him with adoring eyes.

  “Good, you haven’t gone to class yet,” Stan said as he caught up to her. “Amy said you’d be grabbing a coffee before you left.”

  “The rockhound didn’t show up last night,” Casey answered.

  “I know, I read your report. Did the undercover guy ride with you?”

  “Yep.”

  Stan had told her that the New Westminster police would only let Casey on the M6 if an officer was present and she wore a Kevlar vest. It had taken time to convince authorities that the rockhound and shooter were two different people, but they’d finally agreed to let her do her job, despite concerns that the shooter would try again, a worry Casey shared.

  “Amy just took a message for you.” Stan handed her a slip of paper. “She said the caller sounded upset.”

  Casey scanned the message. “Oh lord, it’s from Gabrielle O’Reilly. She wants to meet me at Birch’s trailer to talk about Jasmine.” The last thing she needed was another confrontation. Gabrielle hadn’t left a phone number.

  “Shouldn’t she be calling the cops?” he asked.

  “Not if she’s the killer.” Casey poured milk in her coffee, aware that Roberto was moving closer to her.

  “Is that possible?”

  “She’s one of my top three suspects. Even if Gabrielle’s innocent, she’s afraid her affair with Birch will get back to her mother.”

  “Sorry to butt in,” Roberto said, looking at Casey. “Did I hear you say that Jasmine’s half sister wants to meet you?”

  “This is a private conversation.” Stan stared at him. “Shouldn’t you be changing oil or something?”

  “I’m on a break.” Roberto rubbed his hand on his coveralls and turned to Casey. “You said the sister’s having an affair with Birch?”

  Since she owed no loyalty to Gabrielle or Birch, Casey brought him up to speed.

  Roberto gave a low whistle. “If Jasmine knew her ex was mixed up with Gabrielle, she would’ve gone nuts.”

  “As far as I know, she never mentioned Birch’s love life to anyone, so maybe she hadn’t a clue.” Casey placed a lid on her coffee. “On the other hand, something had been bugging Jasmine those last couple of days. Maybe that was it, or at least part of the problem.”

  “You want some company to Birch’s place?” Roberto asked. “I could take a late lunch.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll even go.” If little Jeremy was there, though, she’d sure like to see if he was okay.

  “If you do, call me. I want to help.”

  Was this Roberto’s way of telling her that he’d forgiven her for questioning his alibi, and for all the suspicion and misunderstanding she and Marie had caused? Or was he bored and looking for a little excitement? Roberto would love boasting about confronting a female desperado. Regardless of his motive, though, she could use the backup.

  “If the half sister’s trouble, don’t go,” Stan said.

  “Don’t you want to hear what the woman has to say?” Roberto asked her.

  “I’m curious,” Casey replied, “but Gabrielle has serious anger issues. Besides, I have Birch’s address and could cross-check it for a phone number.” Phoning Gabrielle instead of talking in person, though, would mean not seeing Jeremy.

  “If you give me the address, I could meet you at Birch’s place,” Roberto said. “I’ve calmed many a she-beast in my time.”

  He didn’t know about Winifred, didn’t realize how violent things had become. “Thanks, I’ll think about it.”

  First, she’d need to check out Gabrielle’s alibi. If Gabrielle’s employers confirmed she was at work that day, then maybe she’d see her.

  Lou joined them as Stan said, “Casey, I know you can handle yourself, but this is different, okay?”

  “What’s going on?” Lou asked.

  “Gabrielle.” She handed him the slip of paper.

  Lou frowned as he read the message. “It sounds like a trap. Isn’t Birch finished work by then?”

  “No, while I was interviewing people on his mail route, I learned that he never finishes before one-thirty.” Casey checked her watch. “I’m late.”

  She rushed out of the room, aware that Lou and Roberto were keeping up with her.

  “Shouldn’t you tell Corporal Lundy about this?” Lou asked.

  “Yes, and I’m popping by the detachment after class.”

  “What if I can get someone to take my shift so I can be there too?” Lou asked. “Safety in numbers, right?”

  “I’d love it if Gabrielle turned Birch in,” Roberto said, “which is why I want to be there.”

  “We don’t know if this is about Birch at all,” Casey replied.

  She stepped outside as Marie pulled into the lot. Casey hurried to her Tercel. As she slid into the driver’s seat, Marie called her name. Casey tossed her purse on the passenger seat and placed her coffee in the cup holder. Roberto and Lou stood near the driver’s door, watching her until Marie nudged between them.

  “Noel and I want to talk to you about what was in Jasmine’s letters,” Marie said. “To see if there’s anything that could help his case.”

  “I have a copy of the last seven, which I have to take to Corporal Lundy in a couple of hours. Nothing in them incriminated Noel.”

  “What letters?” Roberto asked.

  As Marie filled him in, Casey shut the car door and rolled down her window.

  “Maybe Gabrielle wants to talk about them,” Roberto said to Casey.

  Marie frowned. “What’s this about Gabrielle?”

  “Nothing.” Casey started the engine.

  “Don’t give me that.” Marie looked at the men. “Something’s going on. I can tell from the glances between you three.”

 
Lou leaned in and kissed Casey. “Let us know what you decide.”

  “Decide what?” Marie demanded.

  Casey shifted into reverse and released the hand brake.

  Marie lunged forward and gripped the window frame. “I’m talking to you, damn it!”

  “Come on, Marie.” Roberto peeled her hand off the frame. “Let the lady leave.”

  “I have a right to know what’s going on when my brother’s life is at stake! What are you people keeping from me?”

  Casey glanced up at the admin building and saw Stan standing at the open window in his office. Given how loud Marie was getting, she figured he could hear most of what was being said.

  “Give it a rest, Marie.” Lou frowned.

  “No!”

  “If anything comes of it, we’ll tell ya,” Roberto added.

  Marie glared at Lou and Roberto. “She sure has you two wrapped around her finger.” She turned to Casey. “It’s not enough to play Mainland’s hero. Now you’ve got to turn the men against me too? What the hell is wrong with you?”

  “Marie!” Stan shouted. “In my office, now!”

  As she stomped toward the building, the guys wandered off. Casey rummaged through her purse for gum and found the slip of paper with Gabrielle’s work number. Before she could talk herself out of it, she put the car in neutral and made the call. A receptionist answered on the second ring.

  “Good morning,” Casey said, her tone businesslike. “Is Gabrielle O’Reilly in?”

  “I’m sorry, Miss O’Reilly’s out of the office today. May I help you?”

  “Well, that’s just bloody marvellous. We were supposed to schedule a meeting, but I haven’t heard from her. Do you know where she is?”

  “No, I’m sorry, I don’t.”

  Casey sighed loudly. “I’ve scheduled three appointments with her over the last six weeks and Miss O’Reilly canceled all of them.”

  “I-I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say.”

  “Can you answer me one simple question before I decide whether to pursue this matter legally?”

  “Uh, I, don’t—”

  “Miss O’Reilly was supposed to meet me at my office at 11:00 AM on September thirtieth, but she never showed. Is it possible for you to determine if she was at work or absent that day?”

  “I could, but I should talk to my boss first.”

  “I’d rather they not be involved just yet, as this is a personal matter that could have a negative impact on my children and future dealings with your firm. All I’m asking for is a tiny piece of information.”

  “Okay,” the perky voice answered. “Let me check.”

  “Thank you.” Casey held her breath. If the girl talked to higher-ups, it’d be game over.

  She looked around the parking lot until the receptionist came back on line a couple of minutes later.

  “Gabrielle was away on September thirtieth. She took vacation days on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of that week.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Jasmine died on Tuesday, September twenty-eighth. Gabrielle could have killed her. It looked like a trip to Birch’s trailer was a really bad idea.

  THIRTY

  CASEY JOGGED UP TO HER car in the university’s parkade and checked her watch. Twelve-fifteen. Corporal Lundy would be expecting Hannah’s letters, but she needed to contact Gabrielle first. During class, she’d decided to trap her into seeing Lundy. One way or another, that nasty woman would talk.

  Casey slid behind the wheel and retrieved her cell phone. Before class, she’d looked up and memorized Birch’s number. All she had to do was punch in the digits. By the twelfth ring, it was obvious Gabrielle either wasn’t there or wouldn’t answer. Casey called Lundy.

  “Shouldn’t you be handing me some letters right now?” he asked.

  “Yes, but I got an urgent message from Gabrielle O’Reilly this morning. She wants to see me at twelve-thirty to discuss Jasmine. She left the message with my supervisor and didn’t go into detail. I’m supposed to meet her at Elliott Birch’s trailer.”

  “I thought I told you not to play detective.”

  “The meeting wasn’t my idea; she called me because she won’t talk to the police. I really don’t want to play detective, as you put it, so could you meet me at the trailer and take over from there?”

  “Did you try canceling the meeting?”

  “I just called, but she’s not answering, and we’re supposed to meet in fifteen minutes. If you go in my place, she might not open the door at all, so I thought I’d go in a few seconds ahead of you.”

  “We can manage to gain entry ourselves, Miss Holland.”

  She ignored the sarcasm. “She’ll be watching for me. If she sees you, she’ll probably take off. The chase would be a waste of time and manpower because I doubt you’ll ever get anything out of her. Anyway, a friend’s already on his way there. See you in fifteen minutes.”

  Casey disconnected the line. She’d called Roberto as soon as she finished this morning’s class and he’d promised to meet her outside the trailer park. She’d left a message on Lou’s cell, too, but hadn’t heard back from him.

  Fifteen minutes later, Casey pulled onto the shoulder of Dewdney Trunk Road and parked across from Cedarbrook Estates’ entrance. She looked up and down the winding, narrow street. There was no sign of Roberto or Lundy, unless they’d parked inside the property and were already at the trailer. The absence of Roberto’s Corvette in the visitor’s stalls didn’t surprise her. Punctuality had never been his strong suit. But there weren’t any police cruisers or unmarked vehicles either. What to do? Wait for Roberto and Lundy, or face Gabrielle alone? It was twelve-thirty. Gabrielle would be expecting her, and Birch would be home from work soon. On the other hand, he might already be here.

  Casey popped a stick of gum in her mouth and entered the trailer park. As she drew closer, she noticed streaks of grime on Birch’s trailer and the weeds that filled the tiny plot of dirt in front. Gabrielle’s silver Jetta was parked in the covered stall beside the trailer.

  When Casey reached the trailer, she stopped and turned around. Where the hell were Roberto and Lundy? She studied the trailer a few moments, then tiptoed up four rickety wooden steps and listened for sounds inside. All was quiet. Across the lane and two trailers down, a man washed his car. A middle-aged lady walking her poodle looked at Casey. Someone had the TV on next door.

  Feeling a little safer by all this activity, Casey knocked. Seconds later, she tried again and blew a huge pink bubble which splattered over her mouth and grazed the tip of her nose. She peeled the sticky gum from her face, and knocked a third time.

  She zeroed in on the small window to the right of the door. The blinds were open, but no lights were on. She craned her neck toward the window, but it was too far away to get a good look inside. Damn it, what was Gabrielle playing at? Casey scanned the lane as someone headed out of the trailer park on a motorcycle.

  Casey rattled the door handle to get Gabrielle’s attention, but the door started to open. Casey stepped back. Had Gabrielle purposely left it unlocked? It was probably a good idea to hightail it back to the car, but what about Jeremy? Was he inside? Was he okay? Casey recalled what Paval had said about Gabrielle scarcely giving the boy a second glance when he introduced her to the toddler.

  She poked her head inside. “Hello? Gabrielle?”

  The silence creeped her out. “Jeremy?”

  More silence. Something was wrong, she could feel it. Taking a step inside, the smell of sweat and overripe bananas bombarded her. Dirty plates and mugs littered a table next to a love seat in the cramped living area. A tattered sock monkey and toy cars were scattered on the braided rug.

  “Hello, anyone home?”

  The mess in the adjacent kitchenette was worse. Casey stepped farther inside and stared down a short, narrow hallway with two doors on the left, one on the right, and a fourth at the end.

  “Hello?”

  Mo
re silence. Chomping her gum to curb the growing unease, she headed for the door on her left. There was a stronger smell at this end of the trailer, something she couldn’t identify. Casey turned the handle and found herself peering into a closet. The second door on her left was a cluttered little bathroom in need of a good scrubbing. She stepped across the hall.

  “Hello? Anyone here?” She tapped on the third door. No response.

  Casey peeked inside at an unmade toddler’s bed and three stuffed animals on the grungy carpet. The box of clothes Casey had seen Birch carry out of Jasmine’s place was wedged between the wall and Jeremy’s bed. Maybe Jeremy was at daycare, and Birch didn’t know Gabrielle would be here. Was Gabrielle planning to end a relationship whose main purpose might have been to destroy Jasmine? Did she want to cut Birch loose to keep her inheritance for herself?

  The closer Casey came to the door at the end of the hall, the faster her heart beat. She wasn’t sure why she dreaded looking in that room. Wasn’t even sure she should, yet if Jeremy was in there . . . She gripped the doorknob and tried to ignore the warning signals crashing through her brain.

  “Casey?”

  She jumped back, bumping her elbow against the wall. “Roberto?”

  “Yeah, sorry I’m late. Sweet jesus, this place reeks.”

  She went back to the front door and found him standing there, his expression pensive. “Come in.”

  “Where’s Gabrielle?”

  “I don’t know, the door was unlocked. I’ve looked around, but no one’s here.” She glanced at the hallway. “There’s one more room to check.”

  Roberto followed her down the hall.

  “I have a bad feeling about this,” she murmured.

  “Let me do it.” He stepped in front of her and reached for the handle. “If this is Birch’s room, it could be in worse shape than the rest of this dump.”

  Fear pricked Casey’s arms with the force of dozens of tiny needles. “Maybe we should wait.”

  Roberto pushed the door open. “Holy shit!”

  Casey nudged him to the side, looked in, and gasped. Gabrielle was sprawled on the double bed. Her blood-soaked T-shirt clung to her ribs. Dull eyes stared up at the ceiling, her mouth set in a grimace. Sweat broke out on Casey’s back and torso. She tried to speak, but her gum slid to the back of her throat, causing her to choke.