by Ritter Ames
"He texted me a little while ago, but—"
A slim couple in hiking boots and T-shirts walked up to the counter. Kate tossed her notepad onto the chair, and the friends broke off their discussion to make another last-hour sale. The customers left with a couple of cinnamon rolls and cookies. Several rambunctious boys took their place moments later. The kids were cute, each carrying books and a skateboard under one arm, but they were short the amount they truly needed. Meg grinned and 'discounted' a cookie for each of them, and Kate slipped the difference from her purse and into the cash box.
"They're adorable," Kate said, as the youths took turns scrambling and hopping toward the exit.
"We probably created monsters. If we weren't down to the last bits, I bet we would see them again later."
"We should have just given them the cookies."
"That's pretty much what we did," Meg reminded. "But now everyone's gone. Read this." She ran a finger across the face of her phone then turned it so Kate could see. SC held for ??? 24 hrs.
Kate had her back to the tables and leaned closer to Meg. "From Gil? If they're holding Sydney for 24 hours, that means they haven't charged her. Right? And I'm assuming the multiple question marks is his way of saying they're still asking her questions."
Meg nodded. "Looks like they're either settling on Sydney or trying to smoke out someone by making them feel guilty."
"I hope it's the latter and the plan works."
Someone cleared a throat behind her. Kate saw a look of alarm flash across Meg's face, and she whirled to find Lieutenant Johnson eyeing the last of their baked goods. "Ladies. I heard you were volunteering to help the library today."
Calm, calm. Kate balled her fists to keep from grabbing for the rubber band on her wrist. She knew her anxiety levels were off the charts, and she knew the lieutenant noticed every nuance, but she didn't need to give him absolute confirmation.
Luckily, Meg recovered quicker. "Oh, sorry. We weren't paying attention. Talking about some end of the year school activities we needed to take care of." She took a few steps to the left and drew the lieutenant in that direction as she talked, providing Kate with a little breathing room. "As you can see, we're about ready to close up shop. But we'd be happy to offer a police discount if you'd like to take a good portion back to your men."
"Sounds like a great deal for a worthy cause," Johnson said. He withdrew a twenty-dollar bill from his wallet. "Think this would cover most of what you have here?"
"No, it will cover everything you see." Meg smiled and grabbed a large collapsed box. "Katie, why don't you start boxing things up."
Thank goodness for Meg. Kate knew if she could just keep from talking for a minute or so, she would be fine. She doubted the lieutenant heard what they'd been saying, but she couldn't keep the worried thoughts from hitting her. And she needed to stop the thinking right away, because this was the perfect opportunity to see what they could find out from a best—though likely most close-mouthed—source. She flashed him a smile then concentrated on pulling the box tabs so the container stood open for easy filling.
"We appreciate your contribution to the cause, Lieutenant," Kate said, keeping her eyes cast down to the food as she spoke. "Be sure to look over the book tables on your way out, too."
"Oh, I didn't come for books," he said. "I came by to see if the two of you remembered anything beyond what you told us the other night."
Several nearby shoppers slowed their steps, and Kate wondered what the rumor mill would do with Johnson's comment. Meg obviously noticed the interest and asked, "Would you like to rest a minute back here while Kate and I finish up your order, Lieutenant?"
"I believe I would."
Kate felt relief wash over her as Meg led Johnson to the two chairs in the back, then panicked when Johnson glanced at the open notepad she'd left on the chair in her haste to help customers.
Meg grabbed the notebook and shoved it in to her pocket. "Sorry, another of those lists we organizing women make," she apologized, and laughed. Then the redhead gave a wicked grin and stated, "I see you're wearing cowboy boots today, Lieutenant. They wear boots like those in Texas, don't they?"
Johnson chuckled. "They wear boots like these most everywhere, Mrs. Berman. It doesn't mean I'm from Texas. But then again, I might be."
As she walked back to the table of baked goods, Meg rolled her eyes. Kate knew the question was her partner's attempt at trying to get Johnson's interest off the list, and she hoped it worked. Meg grabbed the other pair of serving tongs and added the final cookies to the box. Kate pulled the lid closed, all while reminding herself to breathe, and stepped back as Meg carried the goodies back to the lieutenant.
"Thank you," Johnson said, rising to his feet as he took the box. "This will make for some happy officers this evening."
"So you're making progress?" Kate asked.
"You tell me." Johnson's gaze moved over the women's heads and tracked across the room. "I'm betting this is a good place to ask some questions."
"We've been very busy," Meg said, "but if we do hear anything, we'll be sure to pass it along."
"Read your husband's story this morning in the paper," Johnson said, looking at Meg. "Good work."
"Are there any updates I can tell him?"
Johnson chuckled. "I'm sure he has the latest press release. I don't doubt the two of you do, too."
Kate felt herself flush warm, but Meg brazened it out. "I haven't talked to my husband all day."
"And I take it you haven't remembered anything else. You don't have any new information you'd like to share."
"No," they chorused.
"But you'll call me if the situation changes. Right?"
She knew she risked the lieutenant's wrath, but Kate spoke up anyway, "You really don't think Sydney killed her mother. She couldn't have."
"Can I assume then you remembered something that identifies the killer?" he asked, raising one thick eyebrow.
"Not really. But there are other possibilities."
"Yeah, I kind of figured as much from seeing your list." He used a finger to draw a circle in the air connecting the two women.
Meg must not have grabbed it quickly enough.
"You both remember my warning from last time," he added.
"Absolutely," Kate said. At least she could offer one reason for their interest. "April Stephens told me the house was available now for us to continue packing everything as per my contract. I need to talk to Sydney about her future plans, of course, but it would be helpful for the rest of the family if I could keep as close to my original schedule as possible."
He chuckled. "I remember how you like keeping to schedules, Mrs. McKenzie." He pulled a key ring from his pants pocket with one hand, then drew a couple of business cards from a jacket pocket. "Yes, the house will be available by tomorrow morning. We've already notified the crime scene cleaners, and they can come out as you've contracted. They said they'll have all the print powder and crime residue removed by tomorrow morning. They're at the house now." He handed each woman a card. "I know you probably have my number from the last time, but if anything occurs to either of you I would appreciate a call. Remember, the best kind of information flows in two directions." He raised one heavy eyebrow again, then added, "And the safest is when all information flows in my direction."
The women stepped back as he started to walk away, but he stopped just before the end of the table and returned. "I almost forgot the rest of what you asked. For the moment, I would simply pack up Sydney Collier's things and have them shipped with the rest to California. She may not be needing them for a while."
Kate's mouth dropped open, and Meg stammered, "But…but…you're only holding her twenty-four hours."
Johnson's grin was slow and sad. "Thought you hadn't talked to your husband. Yes, that was the press release this morning, but the news changed a short while ago. Because of new evidence discovered, Sydney is now being charged with the murder of Lila Collier."
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Organizing 101
Organized people write things down. Lists and notes keep information from getting forgotten or confused. And, often, the process of writing items down in a list helps strengthen and sharpen ideas. Lists help prioritize. Don't keep loose notes. Write everything into a planner or notebook, or mark on a calendar. Don't try to keep important information only in your head.
* * *
As soon as Johnson disappeared out the door, Meg and Kate shot each other a confirming look and hurried into final closing mode. All plastic containers were double-checked for the names of the owners before being sorted by size and stacked atop the tables. Meg finished counting out the cashbox and added a slip of paper with the total to the top of the currency stack. Though they were both in a hurry to get out of there, to see what they could learn about the new evidence against Sydney, Meg whispered, "You have to see this," and turned the cashbox so the final total was in Kate's view.
"Wow. Between what we did and the books—" Kate started.
"This book sale was a definite success," Meg finished. She closed the lid and hefted the cashbox in one hand. "I'll just get this to Valerie so we can leave."
"I'll follow you, and then we can head out," Kate said as she grabbed their purses.
Minutes later, they were heading for the van, and Meg was already texting Gil as she walked, trying to get the scoop on this new development.
"It's time for the three o'clock editorial meeting, so I know I won't be able to reach him any time soon. I think Johnson probably planned it that way," Meg grumbled. Kate grabbed her arm when she stumbled on the steps.
"And scoot around the raised area in the walk too, remember?" Kate warned. "We don't both need to trip on it today."
"Thanks. I should never text and walk anyway," Meg said. "I'm not coordinated enough without someone like you shouting out warnings. I meant to mention this to someone—"
"April has it covered. Never fear."
They were settled into their seats in the van when someone started knocking loudly on Kate's window.
"Timothy! What's wrong?" Outside stood Blaine Collier's personal assistant. About thirty, trim, hair-salon bleached on the tips, and dressed in a pressed white shirt and Dockers, Timothy Oakes couldn't even look comfortable on a Saturday afternoon in the library parking lot. Kate had seen him stressed before when she'd met with Collier in his office, but today the young man actually looked distressed, his eyes wide as his fist kept a steady knock on the glass until Kate lowered the window.
"Have you heard? They arrested Sydney," he cried, running fingers wildly through his hair, then resting both hands on the bottom rim of the window. "The police have to be idiots to think she could have killed her mother. It was that damn Erin Parker. You know it was. No one else is as crazy!"
Kate patted one of his hands. "I completely agree with you. Lieutenant Johnson of the state police just told us the latest news, but we don't know what new evidence they have. We're trying to get in touch with someone who many have more information to share about why the police reached the point of deciding to arrest her."
"We have to be able to do something. That beautiful child simply couldn't—" He broke off and looked away for a moment then said, "There has to be something we can do."
"We'll do our best," Meg called from the other seat. "Once we know something more, Kate and I will figure out some plan to pursue."
"And we've been talking to people, and we'll keep asking questions," Kate said. "We'll start specifically looking for someone who saw her at the time of the murder. She arrived on the scene soon after, but if we could find someone who saw her five or ten minutes before, that would help. It all depends on whatever evidence they've found that precipitated the arrest, but she was jogging home, so if we can find someone on the route who can corroborate a time when she was a certain place, maybe her lawyer can get her released."
"I saw her." His eyes went wide, and he put a hand over his heart. "I did. Just before the murder. I was driving down Main Street and noticed Sydney when I looked in my rear view mirror. I would have stopped and asked if she wanted a ride, but there were no parking places open, and I had a couple of cars riding my bumper. But I should have stopped. If I had picked her up, then she would have an alibi."
"Why didn't you tell the police before?" Meg leaned toward Kate to call out the window. "That's important information."
"I'm sorry." Timothy scrubbed his smooth face with both hands. "I didn't think about it. Who would have thought they'd arrest someone like Sydney. I certainly didn't."
"Regardless, this news is terrific, Timothy," Kate said, smiling to try to diffuse his anxiety. "If you saw her on Main, there was no way she could have had time to kill Lila then circle back before all the emergency crews were at the house and the scene was locked down. You seeing her makes the timing perfect, since she arrived so soon after the crime happened. You have to tell this to Lieutenant Johnson." Kate fished the business card from her pocket and held it out. "Here, call him at this number. Tell him what you just told us."
Timothy frowned. "You think he'll believe me? I mean, it kind of messes up his case."
"He'll want to know. The faster Sydney is exonerated, the faster he'll start looking in a new direction and find the real murderer."
"I'm so glad I saw you when I was driving by, Kate," he said. "You can't imagine how relieved I feel right now, just knowing I can do something to help. Okay, I'm going to go and call now. Thanks again."
Kate remembered something she needed to ask him. "I have some things from Collier's home office that I think needs to go back to Green Mountain Boards. You probably know the stuff you've worked on with him there."
"I've never been invited to his home."
"Oh, well, could I give the paperwork to you next week? I'll bring it by the office," Kate offered. "Collier already packed up everything he felt was personal himself, so I don't want to bother him with this."
"No problem at all. Just bring it by, or give me a call, and we can meet for coffee or something and save you the long walk into the building."
"Thanks, Timothy."
He flashed a brilliant smile at both women, then waved and walked toward a silver Jeep. The vehicle made Kate grin. It was something she would have never thought the man would drive. Then she remembered his interviews and called, "Hey, Timothy!" He turned back and she asked, "How have your interviews gone? Anything yet?"
His smile waffled. At first he looked like he was going to speak but instead gave shrug and a lackluster wave and walked away.
"I shouldn't have said anything." Kate tapped the heel of her hand on the steering wheel.
"Yeah, being nice can really bite," Meg said, frowning. "I'm thinking about having that put on refrigerator magnets for all my friends. I'll be sure to save you the prototype."
* * *
It was another hour before Gil could call and fill them in on Sydney's arrest. They were in the Berman's kitchen, keeping an eye on the kids' two-on-two basketball game going on outside. Meg put Gil on speaker, and he listened as they gave him the news of an alibi via Timothy.
"Well, I hope it helps," Gil said. "Because when the police searched the house again this morning, they found Collier's phone in Sydney's workroom. The case still had his fingerprints on it but included a couple of partials attributed as likely being hers. It's really a mess of prints the way I understand it, though, so who knows. But the fact the cell phone wasn't wiped clean, and was left on the floor under her work desk, and has the incriminating text sent from it that asked Erin to come to the house the night of the murder—well, it was good enough for the DA. And Sydney's description matches what you both gave as the height, build, and dress of the killer. I'm not sure what's going to happen now with this alibi floating around. It will obviously muddy the facts, but I don't know it's enough to set her free. Timothy didn't actually talk to her or pick her up."
"Of course it does," Meg argued into the speaker. "If she was on Main Street,
she couldn't be at the house killing Lila, but the timing works for her still arriving just afterward. She's in the clear."
"Besides, everyone except Lee Ann Miller and me match the height and build description of the killer," Kate grumbled. "I've never in my life been around so many people connected to one event who are just under six feet."
"The evidence has to be pretty convincing for our DA. I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you."
"Gil Berman, you take that back," Meg demanded.
Kate put a hand on her arm, knowing how her friend felt. "Don't worry. If Timothy's word isn't enough, we'll find another way to clear her."
"Meg, honey, I wasn't trying to upset you," Gil said. "But you have to realize the police aren't just going to accept his word without checking further. He's offering an alibi to his boss's daughter for heaven's sake. The police are going to be skeptical."
"Well, I believe him." Meg looked at Kate. "Didn't you think he was telling the truth?"
"I hope so," Kate answered.
"We all do," Gil seconded. "Look, honey, I have to go. Her father will get her legal representation, if he hasn't already. Don't worry. I'll try to be home in time for dinner, but no promises. This story is changing by the second."
"Call if you learn anything else."
"Anything I can share."
"Gil…"
"I love you, honey. Bye."
"Darn, the man! He did that on purpose." Meg glared at the now dormant cell phone.
"One huge disadvantage of not being the chief suspect this time is having to hear things second hand," Kate said, smiling. "Last time I had a pretty good idea all the time what kind of evidence the police had because of the questions they asked me."
"Not that any of us want you to live through the experience again."
"I wish Sydney wasn't experiencing the moment in the spotlight, either."