“Are the trees worth risking that?” I asked.
The Professor nodded. “Oh, yes. They can bring in thousands of dollars.”
Rudy wrote the information on the “other” chart.
Mary frowned. “Maybe we can work on that when we’re finished with this case. It’s a pity for future generations to lose their redwoods.”
The Professor’s phone played a classical tune. “It’s Timothy.” He stepped into the hallway.
Rather than being able to remove suspects and cross questions off, we just kept adding to the charts. It felt like Ned Blaine’s killer was drifting farther away.
The Professor returned. “We have new information.” He looked at me. “It seems Clarence became a little too caught up in the contest.” He paused. “Turns out he followed you and Daniel when you went mushroom hunting Thursday afternoon. He went back to the area that evening.”
“But that’s the night Ned Blaine was killed…and the place where he was shot,” I said.
“I know,” said the Professor.
Had Clarence seen something? Did the killer want him silenced?
Was someone trying to murder Clarence?
Chapter 21
A chorus of questions and comments collided in chaotic confusion.
Mary’s “Oh, my!” got lost in Ivan’s “Ha!”
“Did he see anything?” I asked.
At the same time, Gertie declared, “I’m disappointed in that young man.”
Rudy opened his mouth, but the Professor beat him to it. “Calm down, everyone. He didn’t see anything relating to Ned Blaine’s murder.” He turned to Gertie. “And he’s very embarrassed and apologetic. The more he thought about it, the more he realized how wrong he’d been to follow Kelly and Daniel. He’d, in essence, been spying on them. He decided that night he wouldn’t go there during the contest.”
“He needs to tell Deputy Sheriff Stanton,” Gertie said.
“Timothy said he’s already called him.”
“Good,” I said. “Maybe the police can help him remember something he saw or heard that’s important.”
Rudy went to the chart and added what we’d just learned.
I looked at Clarence’s information. “Maybe someone thinks he saw something, and hence the poisonous mushrooms.”
I shook my head. Still more questions instead of answers.
Gertie’s pen was poised. “Okay, group. Next steps?”
The Professor said, “I have the names of the mushroom hunters who found the logged area. I’ll go talk to them to see if they have anything to add. I’ll swing by the hospital and talk to Clarence as well.”
Mary frowned and picked up a piece of cake. She nibbled on it. “I can think up some questions for Elise and make another attempt to get information from her.”
Andy and Phil said they’d continue to watch and listen at the party. Ivan and Rudy had a lead on some people selling legal sinker wood they would talk to. Gertie promised to continue questioning her garden group but wasn’t optimistic about finding out anything important.
Our next steps sounded like we were close to standing still.
A rapid knock on the door was a welcome interruption to our meager plan.
“Come in,” I said.
Tommy opened the door and held up a clear plastic bag. “I brought cookies for Mary.”
I saw the pink glitter and the Chihuahua form I’d seen earlier. Fred pushed in behind Tommy and trotted to where Princess had curled up on the floor. She jumped up, and they did a little “hello” doggie dance, their nails clicking on the hardwood floor.
Tommy went to Mary and handed her the treats. “I thought you might like these. I made some that look like Fred, and I didn’t want his friend Princess to feel bad.”
Mary’s eyes were wide as she gazed at the creations. “Tommy, these are precious. Thank you so much.”
She pulled him into her ample bosom and gave him a hug. His face turned almost as pink as the sweater Princess was wearing.
“Gotta go.” He and Fred left at their usual fast pace.
I leaned back in my chair. “I’ll be seeing Deputy Stanton this afternoon. Maybe he’ll have something to add.”
We agreed to meet at eight the next morning. Phil and Andy had appointments and wouldn’t be able to attend. They promised they’d text. Gertie adjourned the meeting. Mary packed Princess in her doggie purse and put Tommy’s cookies in with her cake.
“I’ll be driving Mary home. Does anyone else need a ride?” the Professor asked.
“I’d appreciate one,” Gertie said. “A neighbor drove me. Your offer will save him a trip.”
The others declined. Everyone gathered his or her belongings and departed, each with their next role to play in the hunt for Ned Blaine’s killer.
I picked up the food tray and took it to the kitchen. Helen was stirring ingredients in a bowl next to the mixer.
She stopped when I entered, and took the tray from me. “I’ll take care of this, Kelly.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
Elise was sitting at the counter putting her knives in their case, her shoulders slumped and her movements slow. She wore a pilling navy sweater and wrinkled tan slacks.
“Hi, Elise.” Concerned, I added, “How are you doing?”
She gave me a half-hearted smile. “Fine, thanks.”
Her weary tone belied her words.
“I heard lots of positive comments about your class.” I hoped she’d open up to what was going on.
“That’s nice to know,” came her tired response.
Something was seriously bothering her. “What’s next for you?”
“I’ll be stepping in as a substitute cook at a local grill while the regular guy is on vacation. After that…I don’t know. Something will come along.” She tied her knife roll and stood.
The upbeat mushroom teacher had been replaced by a downhearted woman without a full-time job. The class had provided a spark in her pocketbook, but not a long-lasting flame of support. This was a difficult time for her. I felt sorry about what she was going through.
“The man who got sick last night is going to be okay,” I said.
“Thanks for telling me. I checked with the hospital, but they wouldn’t tell me much except he was out of intensive care.”
“Deputy Stanton was here when he got your message about the salad. He took the food to a lab.”
Elise shook her head. “I have no idea how those mushrooms got in there.”
Helen wrapped the remaining cheese in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. She paused a moment, then took out a container. “Kelly, do you know what this is? It’s labeled Max.”
I recognized it as one of the plastic boxes Clarence kept for dog treats. I put it on the counter, opened it, and saw a piece of chicken and some cream sauce with mushrooms in it.
“It looks like Clarence was planning to give this to his dog, Max.”
Elise came over and slid the leftovers toward her. “People food can be bad for dogs. Maybe Clarence didn’t know that. This particular dish is very rich. I’ll throw the chicken in the garbage bag and wash the container. It’s the least I can do for him.”
I reached out and pulled the box back. “This is something Clarence ate, and it has mushrooms in it. I’ll give it to Deputy Stanton.”
Elise grabbed the side of the container, rolled her eyes, and laughed. “Of course it has mushrooms. It was a mushroom-themed dinner. This is something I made. No one put poisonous mushrooms in it. It’s time to toss it.”
I kept a tight hold on the food. “You don’t know that for sure. You didn’t know someone put something in the salad.”
Elise kept her grip on the container. We did what my brothers called a hard stare. Neither of us talked or moved for several seconds…we just stared at each other.<
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She released her hold and shrugged. “Whatever. Go ahead and waste the county’s money on an unnecessary lab test.” Elise put her knives in her box of tools and picked it up, along with a plastic bag. “I still have some food to get out of the refrigerators in your shed, then I’ll be leaving.”
Elise left. I wondered what the push-pull war of wills had been about. Helen was busy with the next steps in her recipe and didn’t appear to have seen the exchange.
The inn’s phone rang, and Helen answered it. She listened for a moment then shot me a worried look. “Of course she can stay with us, Daniel.” She hung up.
“What’s up?”
“Daniel’s been asked to come in to answer more questions, by a policeman other than Bill. He asked if Allie could stay here while he was gone…and overnight if he’s arrested.”
Shocked, I said, “Arrested? Any idea what made him think that might happen?”
Helen shook her head. She began wringing the red-checked dish towel she held in her hands. “He didn’t say. I’ll get some milk and cookies ready for Allie. Tommy’s running some errands, so that will give her some time to settle in.”
Helen pulled out the jar of freshly made chocolate chip cookies she always kept ready for the guests and poured a big glass of milk.
I thought about Daniel’s work responsibilities but wasn’t worried about Ridley House. I knew Daniel’s staff could handle what needed to be done. If there was a problem, they’d contact me. I was worried about this new turn of events and Daniel’s concern he might not make it back tonight.
I pulled out one of the order folders to check our supplies but couldn’t concentrate. It wasn’t long before I heard Daniel’s bus pass by the side window. I went to the back door. He parked in back, and he and Allie got out. She stood in front of him with a backpack in her hand.
Daniel put both hands on her shoulders. I couldn’t hear what he said, but I saw her stand a little straighter and thrust her chin out. Suddenly she dropped her bag and wrapped her arms around her father’s waist. Tears poured down her face, and her shoulders heaved up and down.
Her pain and fear stabbed at my heart.
He stroked her hair. Then he gently pulled her arms away and gave her a big hug. Daniel went to the bus and pulled out a box of tissues. She took a couple, wiped her eyes, and picked up her backpack.
I could read his lips as he said, “I’ve got to go, Allie. It’s important I’m not late.”
They hugged again.
She trudged up the back steps.
I opened the back door and greeted her. “Hi, Allie. Come on in.”
Daniel waited while she entered. As she came in, I heard Daniel say, “I plan on seeing you tonight, Allie.”
The question is will he see her in his thoughts, his dreams, or in person?
He waved, got in his vehicle, and drove off.
Allie’s lips quivered. Helen went to her and gave her a hug.
Allie’s lips trembled more and tears began to well up in her eyes.
Helen had put the cookies and milk on a tray. “I made you a snack. Why don’t you go over by the stove and the beanbag chairs? Tommy will be back in a little bit.”
Allie didn’t budge. “Dad had me pack overnight things.” She stopped talking.
Helen and I waited in silence.
Then Allie said, “In case he doesn’t come back.”
I stepped toward her. “Allie, that’s not going to happen. He didn’t do anything wrong.”
“My mom left without saying a word. Just left a note saying family life didn’t suit her. Now I could lose my dad.”
She stumbled to the counter, dropped her bag, sat down, and buried her head in her arms. Sobs wracked her slim body. Her long, straight black hair covered her face. After a couple of minutes, her crying began to slow.
Michael. Why hadn’t I thought of him earlier?
I went and stood next to her, lightly touching her shoulder. “Allie, your dad has a very wealthy, influential man behind him.”
She brought her head up out of her arms. Her eyes were red and swollen. Her wet cheeks glistened from the flood of tears.
“Who?” she whispered.
“Michael Corrigan, the owner of Resorts International and the man who hired your dad.”
“Why would he help?” She struggled to talk through her constricted throat.
I could barely make out her words. “Because he’s that kind of man. He considers the people who work for him a family…and it’s his nature to help people. That’s why he built the community center.”
For the first time, I saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
“I’ll call him right now and tell him what’s going on. And I’ll text your dad about what I’m doing.”
Allie sat a little straighter. Helen had quietly placed tissues next to her. She took a few and wiped her eyes and face.
“Thank you.” Her voice still trembled, but the words were stronger.
Helen picked up Allie’s bag. “I’ll put this in the corner by the door. That way you’ll remember it when you go home tonight.”
Allie gave her a feeble smile.
“Now, how about some milk and cookies?”
I remembered Helen mentioning Allie buying horse books at the fair. “Do you like horses?”
Allie nodded.
“I have a new copy of Today’s Horseman. I’ll get that for you.”
Helen got her settled next to the stove. It supplied most of the heat for the room, and we kept it going throughout the day most of the time. I retrieved the magazine and gave it to Allie, and she began flipping through the pages.
I went back to my room and called Michael. I got a recording and left a brief message about what had happened. I knew he’d put wheels in motion as soon as he heard it.
Anger seared through me. I clenched my fists. We’d work this out, but the pain and angst it was causing now made me furious.
I knew one person who could give me information.
I was going to find out who Ned Blaine was blackmailing.
Elise was going to tell me.
Chapter 22
I marched through the kitchen. Helen and Allie were on the couch looking at the magazine together. I was glad they couldn’t see my face. I was on the warpath and was sure it showed.
A whirlwind of emotion engulfed me as I stormed across the parking lot. The cool ocean breeze did nothing to soothe my roiling emotions. I flung open the door of the storage shed.
Elise was filling a large cooler with the contents from one of the refrigerators. She turned, looked at me, and stopped what she was doing. Her eyes widened. She closed the lid of the chest.
My arms were ramrod straight at my sides, my hands balled into fists. “You’re going to tell me who Ned Blaine was blackmailing.”
Her eyes narrowed. “And why am I going to do that?”
“Because if you don’t, I’m going to call Deputy Sheriff Stanton now and tell him what you and Joey gave him for Joey’s Thursday night alibi isn’t true. It was a lie.”
Elise looked startled. “What are you talking about? He was watching the basketball game with his friends, just like we said.”
“That might have been what he told you, but that isn’t the case.”
“How do you know that?”
“I went on the tour with him yesterday. During the time the people were hunting for mushrooms, I stayed with him and the other drivers. One of them said he missed a good game. Joey replied a job came up he needed to do.”
Elise sat abruptly in a nearby chair. She had a panicked look on her face.
“So, who was Ned blackmailing?” I took a step toward her. “I know you know. You said to me the person you’re protecting didn’t kill Ned.”
Her panic turned to fear. Elise’s gaze darted around the room
as if she was searching for a way out.
I kept pushing. “When the police find out who Ned targeted, it’s going to look bad for you and whoever his blackmail victim was for not coming forward. It shouts you’re trying to hide what Ned was doing.”
“What the person was being blackmailed about wasn’t worth killing someone to hide it.”
“All the more reason for you to come forward.”
She stood and lifted the lid to the ice chest and began rearranging its contents. “It could still mean jail time.”
“Sounds like you’re not even sure that would happen. It would be unfortunate if withholding information caused the person to become a serious suspect in a murder investigation.”
“Why do you care so much?”
“There’s a young girl crying her eyes out because her father is a suspect in Ned’s murder, and he’s being questioned. I’m not letting this go.”
Elise slammed the lid down. “All right. Ned was blackmailing my son.”
The Silver Sentinels and I were correct about it being someone close to her. “Why?”
“Someone hired him to retrieve sinker logs. He doesn’t have a permit. Tried but couldn’t get one.”
“Who was he working for?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t tell me, and I didn’t ask.”
“How did Ned Blaine find out?”
“Secretly following him, like he did with everyone else.” She pulled a second ice chest up next to the refrigerator and opened the lid. She began taking out food and tossing it helter-skelter into the cooler. “For Pete’s sake. It’s old wood. Who cares what happens to it. It gave us some extra money.”
She glared at me. If the daggers in her eyes had been real, I’d have joined Ned Blaine by now.
“What did Ned want?”
“At first he asked for money, but Joey didn’t have any. He gave me any he didn’t need for living expenses. Like I said before, a good son helping out.” Elise stopped talking and continued cleaning out the refrigerator. An unopened brick of cheese followed a red-lidded container of butter.
“So then what happened?”
Murder at the Mushroom Festival Page 15