Blinded by the Trees

by Kira Chase

  Frankie frowned. “Good point, Mom.” She cocked an eye in Johanna’s direction. “So…”

  “I haven’t figured that part out yet,” Johanna admitted. “But I stand firm in my feeling that Brenda Burrows knows more than she’s admitting.” She was thoughtful for a moment. “Unless whatever she’d done happened before she married him. She might have married him under duress.”

  “I still don’t think so. For some strange reason I think she cares about Clyde. Besides we’re supposed to be keeping an eye on Clyde not investigating the murder.”

  “I think everything ties in together. Suppose Clyde was forcing Cody to do the break-ins.” She chewed her bottom lip. “I wish George could get a search warrant to see if any goods are stashed in the apartment.”

  “He doesn’t have grounds to request one. But I thought the same thing when Clyde was so upset about locking the apartment door.”

  “It was a deadbolt,” Selma announced.

  “A deadbolt? Are you sure, Mom?”

  “Yes,” she said as she cracked some eggs over a bowl. “It was definitely a deadbolt.” She placed the eggshells onto a paper towel, and then washed her hands. “I don’t see where that’s so odd. Look where they live. They probably don’t want to lose what little they have.”

  “Or what Clyde stole,” Frankie added. She looked at Johanna. “Okay, what else?”

  “Suppose Brenda wanted a better life for Cody and confronted her husband. Maybe Cody wasn’t whom she meant to kill. What if Clyde was her intended victim?”

  “Two questions. It still doesn’t explain how the body ended up at Sam’s or how she could possibly kill the wrong person. He was carved up. Whoever killed him took their time. How could she mistake him for her husband?”

  Johanna was thoughtful for a minute while Frankie slid off the stool and poured two cups of coffee. “I’ve got it! Maybe after she’d realized what she’d done, Clyde finished the job. He knew the police would never suspect a parent of such a brutal murder. This way he would throw the police off the trail.”

  Frankie set the mugs of coffee on the counter. “I don’t know,” she said slowly. “There are still too many things that don’t add up.”

  “Think about it for a minute, Frankie. Brenda can’t turn Clyde in for carving up their son since she’s the one who actually killed him. By carving him up the heat would be off him because no one, as I’ve previously stated, would ever believe any parent could do that to their own child. She’s trapped. She has to stay with him now. No matter what else he may have on her, this is something she can’t risk.”

  “Okay, I see your point there.” She stirred some cream into her coffee. “How did they get the body to…why didn’t I think of this before!”

  “What?”

  Selma turned and stared at her daughter. “You figured out how they got the body there?’“

  “We don’t know if the Burrows’ have a vehicle. I’m assuming they do since they seem to move around a lot.”

  Johanna slid off the stool. “Let me do a quick check.”

  “Breakfast is almost ready, Johanna,” Selma said as she heaped eggs and sausages onto a platter. “Have your breakfast first.”

  “Yes, eat first,” Frankie said, “then we can all do some checking.”

  Frankie grabbed her coffee and walked to the breakfast nook after she’d taken the platter from Selma.

  Johanna picked up the plate of toast then joined Frankie and Selma. “We’re finally getting somewhere and killing two birds with one stone. Wouldn’t it be great if we solved the murder and the break-ins?”

  “George would be relieved even though we aren’t supposed to be interfering with his investigation.”

  Johanna shrugged. “We’re not interfering. If we happen to stumble upon information while we’re tailing him what else are we supposed to do?”

  Frankie passed the eggs to her. “You look like you’re about to burst. I know you have something else going on in that head of yours. Now out with it.”

  “I do,” Johanna admitted, spooning some eggs onto her plate. “Selma, what I want to do involves you. In fact, you’re the only one who can pull it off.”

  “Me?” Selma’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

  Frankie noticed the pride on her mother’s face. “What do you have in mind, Johanna?”

  Chapter 9

  Frankie peered at the license plate number. “The van is in Cody’s name. Son of a bitch! Burrows was forcing his son to steal and after he was killed I’ll bet he used the kid’s van to transport his body. George will probably find evidence in the back of the van. Even if he scrubbed it, there is no way he can get rid of all the blood. Just one little spec of Cody’s blood will be proof.”

  “Slow down,” Johanna warned. “I don’t think Cody was murdered at home.”

  “You think he was murdered after he was already at the tree farm? That doesn’t make sense. Brenda would have certainly known she was attacking her own son with the knife.”

  “It was dark, and remember how hard it had snowed? We have no idea how long he’d been there either. Any tracks would have been covered by the snow.”

  “There’s no way they brought him in the van. The back way into the farm is nothing but woods.” Frankie chewed her bottom lip.

  “I think they came in through the front.”

  Frankie’s eyes widened. “Sam said he locks up and the only other people with keys are his sons and grandsons. Don’t forget he’s hard of hearing, too, and removes his hearing aid at night.”

  “And he mentioned having dogs,” Selma added.

  Johanna looked at Frankie then Selma. “So anyone who knows the routine knows that there’s no way Sam will hear the dogs barking. He brings them inside the house at night.”

  “Suppose you’re right. So now you’re implicating one of Sam’s sons or grandsons.” She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

  “And I don’t either,” Johanna agreed. “But possibly one of Sam’s grandsons bought something off Cody not knowing it was stolen.” She rubbed her chin. “Sam says that one of his grandsons usually spends the night.” She sighed. “We can’t question them or George will have our heads!”

  “Well, the grandson would have obviously noticed them driving down to the back of the lot. Wouldn’t he have thought that strange?”

  “Maybe they told him they couldn’t drop whatever the item was off until later that night. Sam said his grandsons weren’t there that night because they had things to take care of. The grandson maybe left the gate unlocked so Cody could leave the items on the small enclosed porch. The Burrows’ waited until late when they knew Sam would be asleep before driving to the tree farm.”

  “Hold it a second,” Frankie said, holding up a hand. “How would the Burrows know Sam’s routine?”

  “Okay, I don’t have all the answers, but it’s a start.”

  Selma folded her hands across her chest. “I love how you two work together.”

  Frankie grinned. “Yeah, we’re quite a team.”

  “When do you want me to do my part?” Selma asked Johanna.

  “Tonight.”

  “I think I’ll give George a call to see if he has any leads on the perp,” Frankie said. “I’ll put it on speaker.”

  A few minutes later George’s voice came over the line. “Sheriff Ryker, how can I help you?”

  “It’s Frankie and Johanna, George.”

  Johanna and Selma pulled up chairs close to the desk.

  “You have something for me?” he asked hopefully.

  “Not yet, but I have a couple of leads we’re working on.”

  Frankie noticed how tired he sounded. She doubted he’d gotten much sleep since Cody Burrows’ body had been discovered. “Is it possible that Cody Burrows was murdered on the tree lot?” She heard George’s sharp intake of air.

  “You’re supposed to be keeping an eye on Clyde Burrows and leaving the murder investigation to me.”

  “I know. It’s just
a theory we’re working on that may tie the murder and break-ins together.”

  “I know I’ll be sorry for asking this, but do you have anything concrete?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Just keep an eye on Clyde Burrows.”

  “Do you have a possible suspect?”

  “Frankie, you know I’m not going to tell you if I have.”

  “Can’t blame a girl for trying.” She winked at Johanna. “One more question.”

  “I haven’t answered the first, but I will now. Yes, it is possible that the kid was alive when he arrived at the tree lot.”

  Johanna did a thumbs up.

  “Was the fence in the back of the lot damaged?”

  “No. Whoever did this came through the front entrance. The fences are all intact with no tampering.” He paused. “Now leave the murder investigation to my team unless you find something that is directly related to the murder.”

  * * * *

  Frankie leaned her head back against the headrest. “This could take a while, Mom, so make yourself comfortable.” They’d been parked outside of the Burrows’ apartment building for the past hour.

  “How are we going to get Clyde away from Brenda?”

  “We haven’t figured that part out,” Johanna said. “We might have to follow them if they go out. You know what to do then?”

  “Yes.”

  “You sure you want to do this, Mom?”

  “Anything to help that poor boy…and his grieving mother.”

  “We’re just assuming they’re home,” Johanna said. “For all we know they’re down at the bar the man mentioned the other night. Do you remember where he said it was?”

  “No, but it can’t be too far if it’s in walking distance.”

  Johanna’s forehead creased. “It was bitterly cold the other night. Why would they walk to the bar if Cody’s van is available?”

  Frankie’s eyes lit up. “Because Clyde obviously didn’t want anything traced back to him if anyone mentioned the van during one of the break-ins. He could just play innocent and act shocked that his son would do such a terrible thing. Then he could accuse Cody of having the perfect alibi because if he was caught of course they’d implicate Clyde since he has a long record.”

  “Well, with Clyde’s record do you think anyone would seriously believe him if he tried to come up with a story like that?”

  “Yeah, you’re right. He doesn’t look like he’d be smart enough to figure that one out.” She stretched. “Do you want to drive by the bar? We could stop in for a drink. If they’re not around, we can come back here for awhile.”

  Johanna shuddered. “No, thank you. I can imagine what it looks like inside. Not to mention the type of patrons it invites.”

  Selma cleared her throat. “That might give me the opportunity to get Brenda alone if she is there. At some point, I’m sure she’ll have to use the ladies’ room. Maybe I could talk to her then.”

  Frankie pulled on her chin. “It might work.”

  “What if the ladies’ room is one person only?” Johanna reasoned.

  Frankie thought for a minute. “If the place has a back door maybe Mom can convince her to go outside to talk for a few minutes away from Clyde.”

  “There’s still the possibility that she won’t go to the ladies’ room. And what if Clyde sees us? He sure as hell will wonder why we just happened into the bar.”

  Frankie looked at Johanna. “This is why we’re such a great team, Mom. I have a tendency to jump in, but Johanna adds the practicality to every situation.”

  “I’m fascinated listening to the both of you. I have a suggestion,” Selma said. “It may not be the best, but it’s worth a try.” She slid over to the middle of the backseat. The women turned in expectation.

  “Clyde Burrows doesn’t own the bar. We have every right to go inside.” She shrugged. “I’ll make a point of acting surprised to see Brenda there. If Clyde gets out of hand, you two will be there.”

  Johanna frowned. “Why would we go to that particular bar when we aren’t even from the neighborhood?”

  Frankie snapped her fingers. “I’ve got it! We can say that we are waiting for someone.”

  “It still doesn’t make sense to me,” Johanna said wryly. “Unless we can somehow convince the Burrows’ that we’re a volunteer team who goes to help those in need. We could say we received a call that the person in need wanted to meet us there. And since the person sounded desperate, we agreed.”

  “We’ll just play it by ear,” Selma decided. “After all, in my church I am a part of a group who goes to the homes of those in need.” She shrugged again. “It’s worth a try. If it doesn’t work, then at least we’ll have tried.”

  “What do we have to lose?” Johanna said as she started the car and pulled away from the curb.

  Frankie rubbed her hands together. “I’m glad you turned the heat back on. This is the only bad part of doing surveillance…freezing your ass off in the winter.”

  “Or sweating it off in the summer.” Johanna kept her eyes on the street. Traffic was light, but as they drove, the neighborhood seemed to grow worse. “Micki’s Tavern. That’s it,” she exclaimed, pointing to the sign. “Now I remember what that man said.”

  Frankie craned her neck noticing a group on an attached side porch smoking. “Clyde smokes!”

  Johanna raised her eyebrows skeptically. “Your point is?”

  “The smoking ban. That’s why so many are outside.”

  “I thought most bars were exempt in Pennsylvania.”

  “Not if they do a lot of business serving food,” Selma pointed out. She squinted. “Look at the sign. Serving lunch and dinner.”

  Johanna wrinkled up her nose. “In the mood for some roaches to go with that sandwich?”

  Selma and Frankie laughed then stared at the assortment of people going in and out of the tavern while Johanna located a parking space.

  “They certainly have a lot of business,” Selma observed.

  “Looks like they have a live band tonight,” Frankie added. “Put your dancing shoes on, Mom.”

  Johanna chuckled as Selma leaned forward and gently punched Frankie’s shoulder. “Now stop. In my day, though, I could have given you two a run for your money.”

  “Maybe you’ll be asked to dance, Selma.”

  “And wouldn’t you girls be shocked if I did?”

  “I’d probably collapse,” Frankie said then laughed.

  “Oh, no you don’t. Don’t you even think about fainting and leaving me alone in there to fend for myself while Selma’s dancing up a storm.”

  Frankie was laughing so hard she almost choked. Finally, she composed herself. “Okay, we need to be serious now.” Even as she said the words, her lips curved into a smile.

  Selma chuckled and then dramatically cleared her throat. “Under control.”

  Johanna looked at Frankie and nodded. “Just give me a minute,” she said. She opened the door and stepped out. Selma and Frankie followed suit. Johanna locked the car and the three women made their way to the entrance. Slowly they walked inside the tavern.

  “Want to try to get a table?” Johanna asked, taking in their surroundings.

  “Yes.” She scanned the room. “There’s one back there by the wall.”

  After they were seated, Johanna took a better look around the room. The band was on break and the jukebox was blaring out a popular pop tune. The table was located at an angle giving them an ample view of the dance floor. The interior of the tavern was spotless and appeared to be well scrubbed. The tables all had a plastic pale yellow tablecloth and there were assorted condiments on each one. This was not what she had expected from the looks of the neighborhood and the nondescript outside of the building. In fact, she had to admit, she’d seen worse. Frankie must have been thinking the same thing. Her expression was one of surprise.

  “I guess it’s true that one should never judge a book by its cover,” Selma said.

  Frankie nodded. She picked up a m
enu. “I think I just may have something to eat after all.” She scanned the menu. “I’m going to have some chicken wings and a soda.”

  “Sounds good,” Johanna said.

  Selma studied the menu. “Everything sounds tempting, but I’ll have the same as you two.” She closed the menu and set it back in the rack behind the condiments. “It looks like the band’s getting ready to start up again.”

  Selma and Johanna had already removed their jackets. Frankie shrugged out of her jacket just as a perky young waitress appeared at their table. She placed her jacket on the vacant chair on top of Selma’s and Johanna’s.

  “Do you know what you want or do you need a few more minutes?” the waitress asked, flashing a big smile.

  At that moment, the band struck up a loud number that Frankie didn’t recognize. The waitress leaned close to her ear. Frankie gave her their orders and the waitress hurried to the kitchen. Frankie cupped her mouth with her hands. “Any sign of them?”

  Johanna and Selma glanced around the room. Both mouthed a negative reply.

  Frankie got up and leaned down close to Johanna and Selma. “I’m going to have a look around. You two stay here. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  She made her way to the bar carefully skirting around the edge of the dance floor so as not to bump into any of the dancers. Her eyes scanned them, but she didn’t see Clyde and Brenda among them. She doubted she would. Clyde didn’t look like the dancing type. When she reached the long bar which curved on both ends, she noticed an area to her left which led to a room without a door. She made her way to the entrance and peeked inside. The room was equipped with a large pool table, several chairs, and a few tables. A group of men were playing pool, but she was too far away to get a good look at them.

  She moved closer to the opening and as she did, one of the men got up from where he’d been sitting to take his turn. Clyde Burrows still had the scruffy unclean look about him. She watched as he took his shot, then high-fived one of the other men. No women were in the room. She wondered where Brenda was and hoped they hadn’t missed their opportunity to find her home alone. She contemplated driving back to the apartment building. Maybe Brenda would speak freely without Clyde prompting her.