I took Teddy in my arms and kissed the top of his little brown head. “Let’s go put you to bed.”
After Lexis and I were back in the cottage, she walked toward her room. “Aunt Jillian, if you don’t mind, I’m going to get ready for bed and call my dad. He wants to catch up with how I’m doing.”
“Of course. I understand. I need to take Teddy outside, anyway. I’ll say goodnight.”
She kissed me on the cheek. “I love you, Aunt Jillian. You’ve always been my favorite. Goodnight.”
It was good to have Lexis staying with me. I tried to look on the bright side. On one hand, it was almost like having a daughter. On the other hand, one doesn’t need to take a niece as seriously since she has parents to shoulder responsibility.
After Teddy finished sniffing the backyard, he raced to the front door of the cottage and scratched once near the doorknob.
I scooped him up and carried him inside to the kitchen. He hopped down to get to his water bowl and lapped thirstily. “Ready for bed?” He trotted to my bedroom and waited by the bed until I picked him up and put him on his towel. I stroked his fur. “Now, go to sleep. You’ve had a full evening.”
As if understanding everything I said, Teddy stretched out and put his head on his paws. He closed his eyes and went to sleep while I laid out my clothes for the next day.
A nice, hot bubble bath relaxed my weary body, since I had no time to rest after lunch like I normally do. After drying off, I spritzed with my favorite perfume, climbed into bed, and turned off the light on my nightstand.
I lay back on my pillow, enjoying the fragrance I’d sprayed myself with, closed my eyes, and prayed.
“Lord, I’ll need your help in getting to the truth of who killed Clay. Please lead me as we gather evidence in the case. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.”
I slept soundly until the next morning, confident our little team would find the murderer.
~*~
Lexis left a note on the kitchen table saying she’d left for work and didn’t want to disturb me. The note was signed, “Lots of love, Lexis.” The cottage seemed a little lonelier with her gone. Teddy soon remedied that by pawing at the door indicating he needed to go out.
“I’m coming, little guy.”
The air smelled fresh. Dew sparkled on the grass, reminding me that this was a new day with new possibilities. I looked heavenward and smiled while Teddy marched around the yard sniffing every square inch.
After breakfast, I felt an urgency to talk to Robert Garcia. A quick text to Walter asking for a good time to meet with the suspect was met with an instant response: 10 am.
Perfect. I would have a window to practice Teddy’s commands with him, play a little fetch, and still have time to give him a good brushing. He was so active that his fur easily tangled. With a few treats in my pocket, we went into the living room.
As if he understood what I was thinking—did he catch me eying his toy basket?—he marched over to his stash and took the dodo bird in his mouth. “After we practice our commands, dear one.”
Teddy lay the stuffed bird at my feet and looked up at me with innocent brown eyes.
“Do you know how much I love you?” I halfway murmured what was in my heart.
“Woof! Woof!” he barked, which let me know he did. I bent down, picked him up, held him close, and set him on the floor.
“Okay, just one throw before we practice.”
Teddy pricked up his ears and focused on his toy. I threw it across the room. With lightning speed he flew after it, grabbed it in his mouth, and pranced back.
“Drop it.” First command.
My smart little dog did as I said. “Good dog!” I offered him a tiny treat.
After I finished brushing him, I glanced at the time on my iPhone. “Oh my.” I had fifteen minutes to get to my interview with Robert Garcia. “We have to hurry, Teddy. Stand still while I get your collar and leash.”
With Teddy in his tote, I made my way to the county jail.
~*~
Walter had arranged for us to meet inside Robert’s cell. A guard stood watch close by. I wasn’t afraid. Perhaps I sensed there was a possibility that the man had been set up by the real killer. I introduced myself and Teddy and offered my hand.
Mr. Garcia was reluctant. “What do you want? I’ve told the police all I know.”
There was a metal seat affixed to the wall next to his bed. As I sat down, I tried to disregard the open toilet. Walter had arranged for Teddy to be with me as long as I kept him in his tote, so I set it on the floor. Robert sat looking at his feet, but I caught him casting a brief glance at the tote.
“My dog found Clay Scott’s body. You should know he senses things.” I waited, but there was no response.
After a moment, I told him why I’d come. “I listened to your description of what happened the night Clay Scott was killed.”
He looked up at me. “So why are you here now?”
“Because I want to hear your story again. In many cases before, I’ve been able to discern when people are telling the truth and when they lie. If you don’t want my help, I’ll leave.”
I reached for Teddy and rose from my chair. My ploy worked. Mr. Garcia asked me to stay and retold his story.
“If you want to know the truth, I’m a total failure. I left my family in Arizona to come to California right after I graduated from high school. A friend at my dad’s work promised to hire me to help him manage his farm.”
“And how did that work out?”
Robert shook his head. “It didn’t. By the time I’d saved enough to make the trip out, he’d hired someone else. I couldn’t go home, because I couldn’t afford to, even if I’d wanted. Things got bad. I did a few odd jobs but had nowhere to stay. Rents here are sky high!”
“I know. What did you do?”
He shrugged. “When you’re at the bottom, you’re not alone. I got suckered into stealing from a store. The police caught me, and I was sent to prison for a couple of years. After I was released, I found a part-time job working for a property management company doing repairs.”
“You were blessed. Many felons never get another chance.”
He nodded. “I know. When I was in prison, I did my best to not make trouble. That was where I learned shop skills.”
“You’re referring to hand tools?”
“Yeah. One of my supervisors gave me a job reference when I got out.”
“Robert, I want you to think back to the night Clay was killed and tell me everything that happened. I realize you’ve told this all before, but there may be something you’ve overlooked.”
Hopefully, my request made my probing seem logical. He had no way of knowing I was testing his truthfulness. I listened carefully while Robert recollected the events of that night.
“I’d gone to work and finished a project I’d been given the day before. The boss wanted me to reseat a toilet. After I went to his office to collect my pay, he informed me I’d been laid off. There wasn’t enough work for the other guy and me.”
“How did you feel?”
“Funny you should ask. When he first told me I was angry, but only for a few seconds. Then it hit me. I’d be evicted and back on the streets. I went numb. I can’t even remember walking out of his office.”
“Where did you go?”
Robert looked out the small window in his cell. “To cash my check at one of those payday lenders. After that, all I wanted to do was forget how bad things were. While I was in the store, I saw a poster for the car show in Clover Hills. I took a bus and found my way to where everyone was hanging out, looking at cars, and sitting in outdoor cafes.”
“I can see how that would appeal to someone in your situation.”
Robert continued with his story. “I walked around and checked out the cars. But it only made me more depressed, since I knew I could never buy a car. People were dancing to bands, happy. I ordered a beer, then a few more. When I felt sick, I went behind the hotel and almost passed out from the food smells.”
“You say almost.”
He nodded. “It was getting dark. I thought I’d just go to sleep until I felt okay.”
“Tell me about the argument you heard. It could be important.”
“It came from the hotel’s parking lot,” he said. “Two men. I think that’s what I saw. One was grabbing the other by his shoulders and yelling.”
“Did you hear what they said?”
He shook his head. “They were too far away. I passed out. The next thing I remember was someone, a man I think, bending over me like he was going through my pockets. He was sweating and smelled like booze.”
“Did you see anyone else?”
“No. But there was one thing. The man had on a necklace. I remember it coming out of his shirt when he bent over me.” Robert looked at me hard. “It scared me.”
“What did the necklace look like?”
“It had some kind of a face.”
“And that’s all you remember?”
“That’s all I remember.”
“Robert, is there anyone you can call to come help you? Your boss? Family?”
A dark look crossed his face. “No. You don’t understand what it’s like to be an ex-con. No one wants anything to do with you. I thought my family would feel the same way.”
His statement took me aback. I thought of how often I’d felt isolated, because I was a widow. But unlike Robert, I did have family and friends.
I stood and picked up Teddy’s carrier. “Well, you have a friend now. I happen to believe what you’ve told me. You also need to know that I’m a woman of faith who’s seen God work in the most difficult of circumstances.”
“Then please pray for me.”
“I will. Don’t give up.”
Robert gave a brief smile as a tear ran down his cheek. I signaled to the guard that I was ready to leave.
~*~
Just as I secured Teddy in the back seat, I noticed a voice mail from Walter. I clicked it on immediately:
Hey, Jillian. We may have some new information on the Clay Scott case. Give me a call back.
After three rings he answered. “Are you finished with the interview?”
“Yes. Robert retold his story, and it completely matched the first one. I believe him.”
“I see. Okay, we keep looking then. The reason I called is because we’ve downloaded surveillance files of the crime scene. The parking lot in particular. We’ll need Lexis’s help on this because so far, none of the vehicle owners have records. She may be able to identify one of them.”
“Would you like me to call her?”
“I was hoping you’d offer. Things are crazy around here right now. By the way, Paul asked me to tell you he’s making progress on the supply depot case. You may want to call him, too.”
“Thanks, I will. And I’ll have Lexis check in with you.”
“I’d like you to come with her if you can. Your input is always appreciated.”
“I’d be happy to. I’ll call her now. See you soon.”
Since it was close to lunch, Lexis was able to get off work. I picked her up so we could meet Walter at the station. “Can I buy you lunch?” I asked after she stepped into the car.
“That would be nice. Fast food is fine.”
After we grabbed chicken sandwiches and drinks to go, we made our way to the station. The desk clerk greeted me by name. I suppose it was because I’d been there so many times. “You’re both cleared to go in.” He looked at Teddy, who was still in his tote. “You, too, pup. Miss Lovejoy, I’ll need you to sign in. It’s protocol.”
Lexis signed the register, pressed the visitor sticker on the lapel of her tan blazer, and took a deep breath. “I think I’m ready, Aunt Jillian, although I’m not looking forward to seeing the crime scene again.”
I patted her arm. “It must be difficult for you. Remember, we’re doing this for Clay’s sake.”
An officer led us down a different hall to a communications room filled with computers. Walter was hunched over one in a corner of the large office. “Right here, ladies.” He pulled two extra chairs up to the table where a video was showing on the screen. I took a seat and held Teddy on my lap.
At the top of the file was the date of Clay’s murder. Hours, minutes, and seconds were counted underneath. Walter paused the recording at 8 p.m. and stared at our lunch bags. “You can eat your lunch while we do this. We do it all the time.”
“Thanks, I’m hungry,” Lexis said.
At the word “lunch,” Teddy perked up his ears and sniffed the air. I gave him a teeny bite of my sandwich and quickly ate the rest before he could beg for more.
Lexis opened her lunch and took a bite of her sandwich. “What did you want to show me?”
Walter pointed to a list he’d brought up of license plates with the names of owners next to them. “These are the cars that were in the lot about the time of death. I want you to take a look and see if you recognize any of them. Take your time.”
She studied the screen, scrolling through the names. Lexis squinted then pointed to one in particular. “There. I think I recognize this name. Edward Rodriquez. We call him Eddie. It could be him. May I see the car?”
Walter took over her seat, wrote down the plate number, and clicked to the surveillance file. “Let’s see what comes up.” He pointed to a pickup truck bearing the license plate. “Do you recognize this vehicle?”
Lexis nodded. “That’s Eddie’s truck all right. I’ve ridden in it.” She turned pale. “You think Eddie may have killed Clay?”
Walter looked at me. “It’s possible. The trace on Clay’s last call came from Eddie’s cell phone.”
A look of confusion crossed Lexis’s face.
Walter got up from the computer and walked over to an officer working at another computer. “Mark, get me a location for an Edward Rodriquez.” Walter handed him the plate number written on a piece of paper. “We’re calling him a person of interest.”
We followed Walter out of the communications room to his office. He offered us seats, but Lexis said she preferred to stand. “I need to get back to work pretty soon.” She looked at me for backup.
“No problem. Lexis, can you tell me about Eddie? How close were he and Clay?”
Lexis shrugged. “Eddie’s a good guy. He and Clay had been friends since high school. They seemed to get along when we were at parties. That’s really the only place I had contact with him.”
Walter looked at the floor a moment and then back at her. “You said you’d been in his truck.”
Lexis blushed. “I didn’t mean it that way. When we were at a party once, Clay had a flat. Eddie took me home, that’s all. He went back to help Clay repair the tire. Like I said before, Eddie was a good guy. Excuse me, Detective Montoya, but I need to get back to work.”
“No problem.” Walter escorted us to the door. “You’ve been most helpful. Thanks for bringing her in, Jillian. We’ll talk later.”
“Woof!” Teddy barked as if to say, I’ll see you later, too. It made Walter smile.
After dropping Lexis off at her work, Teddy and I returned home. I think we were both sleepy from the suspenseful morning at the county jail, coupled with the lunch we’d just eaten. After I let Teddy out in the backyard for a few minutes, a nap was in order.
I scooped up Teddy and set him on his towel at the foot of my bed. We rested for a while until I remembered I’d promised to call Paul Youngblood. Walter had said there was news on the supply depot case.
With Teddy still asleep, I slipped from my bed and went to the kitchen for a nice cup of tea. Even though it was summertime, I still enjoyed the afternoon ritual. Especially when there were cookies in the pantry.
I took my tea and cookies to the living room, found the card Paul had given me, and settled in my recliner to make my call. While I waited for him to answer, I took a bite of a vanilla-filled pirouette and a sip of tea.
“Jillian, thanks for giving me a call.” Paul sounded pleased to hear from me.
> “Walter said you had news. I’m all ears!”
“I do, indeed. After our visit to Captain Warner, I kept a close watch. You’ll be interested to know he bought a plane ticket to Buenos Aires. One way.”
“Oh, my. It doesn’t sound like he’s taking a vacation, does it?”
“I think we spooked him. Anyway, we’ve gathered enough incriminating evidence to arrest him.”
My heart grew heavy. “In a way, I’m sorry to hear that. He does have a wife and four children. I hope they’ll be okay.”
“Time will tell. I wanted to thank you for going with me to talk to Captain Warner. If you hadn’t, he may not have bolted when he did and shut down certain sites we were watching. That’s what gave him away.”
“Glad I could help. Does this mean you’re finished with the case? We still haven’t caught Clay Scott’s killer.”
“I could stick around another day or two. Do you need any information? I could return the favor you know.”
I thought a moment and came up with an idea. “Yes. As a matter of fact, there is someone I’d like you to check on for me. His name is Robert Garcia. Formerly of Arizona. He did time in prison for petty theft.”
“That’s a common name. Do you know where he lived in Arizona?”
“No. But Walter has his information and fingerprints. That might help.”
“I’ll get on it. I need to run and do a debriefing on this depot case. I’ll call you when I have something.”
“Thanks, Paul. You may be saving someone’s life.”
“That sounds cryptic. But I’m going to take your word for it. We’ll talk soon.”
“Goodbye, Paul.”
I munched another cookie and finished my tea. It was time for Teddy to wake from his nap and have some one-on-one time. How I loved to watch his antics while we played fetch and practiced commands. True to his schedule, Teddy marched from the bedroom to where I sat.
“Woof!” he barked.
“Do you need to go out before we have our playtime?” He was such an intelligent little thing. I waited for him to tell me.
Without hesitation, he pranced to the front door.
~*~
While I stood watching Teddy, I couldn’t help but feel something was missing in the case. Why would a good friend of Clay’s kill him? Perhaps we’d find the answers after Walter brought him in for questioning.
Happy Homicides 4: Fall Into Crime: Includes Happy Homicides 3: Summertime Crimes Page 70