Murder in the Middle: A Susan Wiles Schoolhouse Mystery

by Diane Weiner

  “Yes, Lynette. Condescending as usual. Jackson, I’ll see you at the wedding. Can’t wait to see Theresa in her wedding gown.”

  Chapter 21

  Susan would go look for the earrings. After she stopped by her neighbor’s real estate office.

  “Hi, Susan. What brings you down here? Have you and Mike decided to sell that house of yours and buy a cottage up in the Catskills? It’s about time that husband of yours retired, isn’t it? The two of you could be traveling and enjoying your golden years. I could sell your house in a heartbeat with quite a nice nest egg for you guys, I’m sure.”

  “Oh, yes,” said Susan, in the most aristocratic tone she could muster up. “Of course, that’s why I’m here. Cabin in the Catskills? How plebian. I was thinking more along the lines of sailing around the world. Got any yachts?”

  The realtor laughed. “If I can’t sell your house for you, how can I help you?”

  “I’m working on a case.”

  “I’ll bet it involves that missing bookkeeper, right? When I saw that story on the news, I said to myself, they need to get Susan Wiles working on this. You’ve become a local hero with your crime solving, you know.”

  So much for keeping Sophie’s disappearance under wraps. The story was all over the news by the next morning. Local hero? That had a nice ring to it.

  “I was wondering if any single gentlemen have been around looking for a place recently.”

  “Hmm, can’t say that’s happened. Business has been a little slow. The only customers I’ve had recently have been couples and families. Are you looking for someone in particular?”

  “Sophie Bartolo’s brother-in-law, Caleb Bartolo. Word is he recently got back from military duty in Germany.”

  “Caleb Bartolo. Haven’t seen him in years. Not since he and that crazy girlfriend of his came in looking for a place. That was years ago.”

  “Crazy girlfriend?”

  “Yeah. Caleb, he was a really nice guy. Polite, clean cut. That girlfriend of his was really off. Once she showed up for an appointment in her pajama pants. Can you believe it? Like I’d bring her to see a house dressed like that. I don’t care if the owners had vacated for a while to let us have a look-see in private; I didn’t want the neighbors seeing that.”

  “Was that the only reason you say she was weird?”

  “Oh no. She clung all over Caleb, even in public. Started talking about all the kids they were going to have and how all the women in town would be jealous of her having such a handsome husband. They weren’t even engaged as far as I know. Caleb seemed really uncomfortable when she talked like that.”

  “Did you find them a place?” asked Susan.

  “No. Caleb broke up with her and that was the end of that. I think he joined the military soon afterwards.”

  “Do you know if she’s still living in town? What’s her name?”

  “I remember hearing she was locked up in the psych ward for a while. Word was she tried to slit her wrists when Caleb broke things off. Lost track of whatever happened to her. Her name was something with an L. Lisa, Linda, Lindsay. Lindsay, that’s it. Lindsay Bateman.”

  “You’ve been a big help. When I talk Mike into retiring, I’ll be calling you about that cabin.”

  “Glad to help. I see you and Mike are still taking your walks together.”

  “When it’s not too terribly cold. Otherwise it’s the treadmill.” She looked at her watch. “Oops, I better get moving.” She took a deep breath and mulled over the new information as soon as she left the office. This might just be the break they were looking for.

  Chapter 22

  Now she would stop at the jewelry store. She’d seen a pretty pair of topaz earrings the last time she was there. They would match beautifully with the dress she bought for Theresa and Jackson’s wedding. She walked across the cobblestones and into the store where T.J. and his wife were working with Lite FM playing on the radio.

  “What can I do for you, Susan?” asked T.J.

  “I saw some topaz earrings here last time when I came in about the ID bracelet. I’m going to a wedding and I think they would be perfect with my dress.”

  “I think you’re talking about these.” He reached into the display case and took out a velvet box.

  “Those are the ones.” She ran her finger over then.

  “By the way, did you ever find that Caleb fellow you were asking about?”

  “Not yet,” said Susan.

  T.J.’s wife chimed in, “Caleb? I engraved that name on a bracelet not too long ago.”

  “But I checked the sales receipts. There were only two bracelets sold and they were both women’s names,” said T.J.

  “The woman who wanted it engraved didn’t buy it here. She came in with it and asked if we could do the engraving. It was a slow day so I did it for her right then,” said T.J.’s wife.

  Susan’s heart beat a little faster. “Do you remember her name or what she looked like?”

  “I don’t think I ever got her name. She paid in cash. She had dark hair, maybe in her mid-thirties. A little stocky, I think––unless it was the coat she was wearing.”

  “Do you remember anything else about her?”

  “She seemed a bit impatient considering I was willing to do the job right on the spot.”

  “Susan, can I ring these up for you?” asked T.J.

  “Absolutely. They’re gorgeous.”

  Susan left the shop convinced this was the crazy girlfriend her neighbor had told her about. Was Lindsay Bateman still living in Westbrook, and if so, where? Then she had a thought. Scott Bartolo, Mike’s coworker. Surely he’d have some information about the woman who might have married his son. He should still be at the office. She jumped into her Prius and raced over to City Hall.

  “Hi, Mike. I was passing by and thought I’d check in on you––make sure you weren’t up to no good with that sexy receptionist out there.”

  “Phew, good thing we were quick,” said Mike. He straightened his tie and feigned zipping up his fly.

  “Someone’s not getting a home-cooked dinner tonight,” said Susan.

  “Big loss,” said Mike. Susan gave him a playful swat.

  “So why are you really here?”

  “I need to talk to Scott Bartolo. I found out––I mean we found out––as in me and the Westbrook Police Department––that Caleb Bartolo had a fiancée before he joined the air force. She may have some information that could help in our search for Sophie.”

  “Scott should still be in his office. You remember which one it is?”

  “I’ll be right back.” Susan went down the hall and knocked on Scott’s door.

  Scott looked up from his computer. “Hi, Susan. What can I do for you?”

  “Scott, I found out that Caleb had a fiancée before he joined the service. I can’t go into detail, but she may have some information that could help us find Sophie.”

  “I can’t see the relationship, but I’ll be glad to tell you what I know. Caleb went out with her for about a year. They got engaged, thanks to pressure from Lindsay. Broke up, and she went nuts. My two boys sure knew how to pick ‘em. Adam with Sophie and Caleb with Lindsay. Two psychos.”

  “Do you know if she still lives in town?”

  “I think she moved back in with her parents after she was released from the hospital. They live over on Orchard Road.” The phone on Scott’s desk rang. “If you’ll excuse me. I need to take this.”

  Susan ached to run with this new information and she was soon on her way. Adrenaline flowed like the Rio Grande through her body. Lacking a concrete plan, she prayed for divine inspiration to strike her en route. She had neither a house number, nor a photo of Lindsay Bateman, and would have to rely solely on the realtor’s description. Susan crept past pine trees and field stone houses, checking the names on the mailboxes that punctuated the driveways. It didn’t take long to find the one labeled Bateman.

  Now what? I can’t, or probably shouldn’t, do my own stakeout. It�
��s starting to get dark and Mike will be wondering where I am, especially after the incident with Principal Talbot. If I confront Lindsay, what might she do? She’d been described, after all, as crazy. She had even been in a psych ward. Common sense took over and she headed toward home.

  Chapter 23

  A solid night’s sleep infused Susan with courage. The next morning, she cruised by Lindsay Bateman’s house once again. Did she really expect to catch Lindsay leaving the house? If she did, how would she approach her? She drove through Krispy Kreme for a doughnut and some coffee. Didn’t detectives always take food with them on stakeouts? She was hoping her recent indulgences wouldn’t prevent her from fitting into her new dress. She planned on going right back to her healthy diet. On Monday.

  Parked across the street from Lindsay’s house, Susan played a few turns of Words with Friends on her phone, fiddled with the newspaper crossword puzzle, and started a grocery list. Luck was with her. A woman fitting Lindsay’s description came out of the house with a little white Maltese. While Lindsay walked the dog down the street, Susan had only a few minutes to devise a plan. Creative Muse, please help me out here. Okay, the direct approach it is. Susan followed Lindsay down the street, knowing she’d run into her on the return trip. Bingo.

  “Excuse me, are you Lindsay Bateman?”

  “Who wants to know?” said Lindsay, hands on hips. Susan noticed a different boot on each foot. Who does that?

  “My name is Susan Wiles. I’m trying to find a man, if you can call him that, named Caleb Bartolo. I heard through the grapevine that you two were once close.”

  “And? What do you want from me?”

  “That son-of-a-you–know-what was dating my daughter. He led her on, said they’d get married, buy a house. And you know what? Without a word, abandons her and joins the military. Out of the blue.”

  “I’m not surprised.”

  “You know what he does? Guess. Guess what he does?”

  “He trashes her on Facebook, right?

  “What? Not that I know of. No, he sends her a “Dear John” letter. A “Dear John” letter. My baby won’t eat anything but Pop-Tarts, can’t sleep. She smells like used running shorts. Hasn’t showered in days. I’m worried she’s going to try to kill herself. Do you know how to get in touch with him?”

  “I believe it. He did the same thing to me. And people thought I was crazy. I can’t help you. The bastard’s still in the Air Force. I haven’t seen him in years.”

  “I heard he was back in town. Thought you might know where he’s living or working. I’m going to find Caleb Bartolo and make him sorry he ever looked at my daughter.”

  “Back in town? What? He’s back?” Lindsay’s voice rose and she tilted her head.

  “That’s what I heard.”

  “That’s news to me. Big news. I’m not finished with him yet either.” Lindsay’s face turned red and her eyes narrowed. “I’ll hunt him down and wring his neck with my bare hands after what he did to me. And I’ll break his ring finger––for your daughter.”

  “Not if I find him first,” said Susan.

  Chapter 24

  The stone church on Huguenot Street was nestled between two hills. Snow dusted evergreens surrounded the chapel, reflecting droplets of sunlight onto the stained glass windows. Susan bent down and drank in the perfume of the pastel carnations that were attached to the end of the pew. Then she took her seat between Mike and Jason. Already excited about the wedding, she rubbed her palms together as the priest and Jackson entered.

  Pachelbel’s Canon floated down from the string quartet perched in the balcony. Lynette, in a deep purple gown, glided down the aisle with the other bridesmaids and ushers. The attendants formed a semi-circle in front of the altar. An organist sat down and the traditional wedding march reverberated through the church. The opening chords brought tears to Susan’s eyes. The congregation rose to their feet and gazed at the doors. Susan adjusted her bifocals.

  “There she is,” said Mike.

  “How gorgeous she looks,” said Susan. Theresa wore a vintage ivory dress with lace sleeves and a cathedral length train. Susan had seen something similar but not nearly as beautiful on Say Yes to the Dress. Theresa’s hair was in a loose updo. The veil, waist length, was attached to a sparkly tiara. Susan took a tissue out of her beaded purse. She couldn’t help thinking of her own wedding and what a wonderful journey had started that day. Mike was her rock, her best friend, her soul mate. She hoped Theresa and Jackson would be as happy.

  Theresa had expressed to Susan how touched she was that the same priest who baptized her and gave her first communion would be marrying her. After some readings, hymns, and an exchange of vows, the priest told Jackson he could kiss his new wife.

  The guests formed a receiving line outside the church. The sun was strong, making the cold a bit more bearable.

  “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Simpson,” said Susan. She hugged them both.

  “Take good care of her,” said Mike. “You know what they say. A happy wife, a happy life.”

  At the reception, waiters served trays of cheese pastries and other assorted appetizers. Susan knew most of the guests and took the opportunity to show off pictures of Annalise. Mike brought over a glass of white wine and handed it to Susan. He put his hand on her back.

  “Lynette’s over by the bar. She wants to talk to you,” said Mike. Susan excused herself and maneuvered through the mingling guests.

  “Mom, I thought I’d let you know that we got back the tests we ran on Principal Talbot’s sweatshirt,” said Lynette.

  “That’s great. It belongs to Sophie, right?” Susan nodded her head.

  “Nope. It belongs to Principal Talbot. We have nothing linking her to Sophie’s disappearance.”

  “But that’s impossible. Why did she trap me in her basement if she didn’t have something to hide?”

  “If you found a stranger lurking around, sneaking into your house, what would you have done? Her reaction is nothing out of the ordinary. After all, she even called the police and reported a break-in. On top of that, her alibi checked out, when she finally told the truth about where she was that night.”

  “Where was that?”

  “Atlantic City. She took a bus trip, spent the day and evening gambling, and didn’t return until the next day, the morning Sophie went missing.”

  “Why didn’t she say that in the first place?”

  “She was already facing embezzlement charges. She thought sharing the fact she enjoyed gambling wouldn’t help her reputation. The prosecution could have made a case for her embezzling money to pay off gambling debts.”

  Balancing a martini and mini-stuffed potatoes, a former neighbor approached them. “Susan and Lynette. I haven’t seen you in so long. How’s everything? Mike doing okay? Evan?”

  “Josie Thompson. It’s so good to see you.”

  “You too, Susan. Lynette, I still look at you and see a little blond tomboy with pigtails. You look beautiful in that dress. Susan, are you still teaching?”

  “Nope. I retired last year. Just enjoying my knitting and scrapbooking. And, of course, spending time with my grand-daughter. What about you? Have you retired yet or are you still over at Rite Aid?”

  “Still working. With my husband gone I’m not in a big hurry to retire. I’m feeling my age though. Thank goodness they hired another pharmacist. I can’t stand on my feet all day like I used to.”

  “Another pharmacist?” said Susan.

  “Yeah. A nice young man. A real looker too. Just got out of the service.”

  “What’s his name?” asked Lynette “Anyone I know?”

  “It’s Caleb. Caleb Bartolo.”

  Chapter 25

  Lynette dropped Annalise at daycare, then raced over to the Rite Aid where Josie Thompson worked. She was anxious get a look at Caleb’s employment application. There were few customers in the store.

  “Hi, Mrs. Thompson.”

  “Lynette. I’m surprised to see you again so s
oon. Beautiful wedding yesterday.”

  “Yes, it sure was. I came to follow up on something you said at the wedding. You said you had a new employee––Caleb Bartolo.”

  “That’s right. He doesn’t come in until later in the afternoon.”

  “I need his home address. It’s related to a case we’re working on.”

  “Sure. I’ll be right back.” Josie Thompson went to get the employment information. While she was gone, Susan sauntered into the pharmacy.

  “Mom. What are you doing here? This is police business.”

  “I just needed some more Tylenol. My aching back, you know.” She rubbed her lower back and slouched forward a bit.

  “Right. So you drove across town instead of going to the Rite Aid that’s down the block from you.”

  “Lynette, I just came by to help. With Jackson gone on his honeymoon, I figured you could use an extra hand.”

  Josie Thompson reappeared with Caleb’s address in hand.

  “Here you go. Hope this helps you.”

  “I’ll call you later,” said Lynette as she walked her mother to the parking lot.

  This was too juicy to leave alone. Susan followed Lynette from the main street to a twisty, unpaved road, trying to stay unnoticed by her daughter. Dense evergreens obscured the view, but Susan knew she was entering farm country. During the summer this road hosted tomato stands and open trucks loaded with corn. In the fall, apples and cider. She meandered up the mountain road, never losing sight of her daughter. She passed a Dead End sign, then came to a clearing.

  Lynette pulled up in front of an old farmhouse framed with bare apple trees. Behind the wooden homestead stood a converted barn. It wasn’t uncommon for farmers in Westbrook to earn extra income by renting out rooms. A car was parked outside of the red barn, signaling to Susan that Caleb must still be home.

  As Lynette walked up to the barn, Susan noticed a bulge in her daughter’s coat pocket. She knew it was Lynette’s gun. Did Lynette think Caleb was dangerous, or was it just a precaution? Lynette knocked on the door, but no one answered. She circled the barn, feeling along window ledges and looking under rocks. No key under the doormat either. She tugged at the front door causing loose snow to tumble from the roof. Unable to open it, she peeked inside a window. Then she froze. She stood motionless in front of the window then kicked open the front door with her boot and went inside.