As if reading my thoughts, a text from Walter beeped on my phone: Can you meet at the station? We’ve brought in Edward Rodriguez for questioning.
I answered immediately: We’ll be there in 15 minutes. Perhaps now we’d find the answers.
Traffic began to build as people left for work and headed home. Since growing older, I’ve tried to avoid driving at night or in the late afternoon. I reminded myself to be patient and to remember that accidents happen when one gets in a hurry. Focus on your driving, Jillian.
By the time I parked, got Teddy out of the car, and found my way to the interrogation room, I was on time, safe and sound. Patience had paid off. Detective Montoya ushered me in and offered me a seat across from Mr. Rodriguez.
Clay’s dark-haired friend stood as a sign of respect, which impressed me. He wore a nice pair of jeans, topped with a crisp white shirt, and navy blazer. A long chain link necklace hung over the coat while a shorter one dangled from his throat.
“Mr. Rodriguez, this is Jillian Bradley, a fellow colleague.”
“Woof!” Teddy didn’t like to be overlooked. Walter smiled. “And this is Teddy, her companion.”
“How do you do?”
“Ma’am.” He bowed slightly then took his seat.
“That’s an interesting necklace you’re wearing,” I said. “It looks Native American.”
Eddie bent down his chin for a brief moment and then looked up. “I’m not sure. It was a gift.”
Walter cleared his throat. “Let’s begin, shall we?” He cast an appreciative glance my way and turned on his recorder. “Where were you on the night Clay Scott was killed?”
“I was at the car show. I go every year.”
“Did you make a call to Clay that evening?”
Eddie shifted in his chair. “Yes, sir.”
“Would you tell us the nature of that call?” Walter’s eyes bored into Eddie’s.
“Like I said, I was at the car show having a few drinks with some buddies of mine.”
“May I have their names, please?”
“Okay. Jason Thomas was one. Ben Scott and Marty Ericson were the others.” The act of listing the friends seemed to make Eddie relax a little.
“Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez.” Walter leaned in. “Now as to the nature of your call.”
“We were having a good time. Most of us can hold our liquor and know when to quit. I mean, after one drink I was ordering soft drinks.”
“Go on.” Walter crossed his arms.
“My buddy Ben kept drinking and I could see he was getting out of control. Talking loud, flirting with the server. I knew he was drunk. When he started to argue with the guys at the next table, I was afraid he’d get in a fight, so I called his brother.”
“Why not just take him home?” Walter had a point.
“I guess I wanted to stay. There was dancing, and I’d spotted a girl who looked interesting.” He smiled.
“So you called his brother?” Walter sounded cynical.
I was curious. “Did his brother come to help him?”
Eddie turned to me. “Yeah, Clay came. See, we hung out together. I’d invited him to come with us that night, but he said he was going to a family thing with Lexis. He said maybe they’d join us later since they’d be downtown.”
I nodded. “I can see how it would make sense to call him, then. You knew he’d take Ben off your hands. Am I right?”
Walter continued the questioning. “What happened after Clay came?”
“At first Ben wouldn’t go with him. I should tell you in his defense that I think the reason Ben was getting drunk was because he was depressed. He got that way sometimes.”
Teddy hopped off my lap and went to where Eddie sat. “He wants you to pick him up,” I said.
Eddie reached down and lifted Teddy to his lap. “I think he likes me.”
Walter cleared his throat again. “After Clay came and Ben wouldn’t go with him, what happened?”
“Clay got tough with him.”
“Tough? Describe ‘tough with him,’ Mr. Rodriquez.”
“Clay forced Ben to stand, grabbed his arm, stuck it behind him, and just dragged him out.”
Walter squinted. “Did you see where Clay dragged him to?”
Eddie shook his head. “No. There were a bunch of people in the streets that night, so I didn’t see where they went. I was only thinking about how to ask the girl I’d seen to dance with me.”
Walter studied Eddie. “And that was the last time you saw Clay?”
Eddie nodded. “Yes, sir. I didn’t know he was dead until Jason called me the next day to tell me about it.”
Walter turned to me. “I think that’s all the questions I have for now. Do you have anything you’d like to ask, Jillian?”
“Just one. That night, did Ben tell you why he was depressed?”
“I’m sorry. You’ll have to ask him.” He scooted Teddy off his lap. “I think I’d like to call a lawyer.”
~*~
Eddie Rodriguez was free to go. Walter must have realized witnesses would provide him with an airtight alibi. His testimony still didn’t prove Robert Garcia did not kill Clay. Had Robert told the truth or conveniently lied about someone planting the evidence?
That night after feeding Teddy his dinner, taking him for a short walk, and giving him a good brushing, I got ready for bed early. Something nagged at my memory but it wouldn’t come. Maybe a long soak would bring it to mind.
I drew a hot bath, added two capfuls of creamy lilac bubble bath, and stepped into the tub. All my cares disappeared as I sank beneath the steaming water and relaxed. I wondered how well Lexis knew Ben. Tomorrow, I’d call her and find out.
After drying off, I slipped into a short satin nightie and sprayed perfume on my throat, wrists, and inside elbows. I wanted to be enveloped with something pleasant after spending the afternoon at the police station.
I put Teddy at the foot of my bed, switched off the light, and slid beneath the lightweight covers I use in the summertime. As I closed my eyes, an image of Eddie’s leather necklace came to mind. Dangling in the center of the beads was a small silver medallion.
It was the face of a wolf!
~*~
I woke early the next morning with a clear head. Why had I not seen it before? I really needed to talk to Lexis and then call Walter.
We made plans to have lunch since it was a work day for her. That would also give me time to call Will and check on Mom. I tried to talk to my mother or visit her at least once a week. Thankfully, both my brothers lived close to her. They saw to her financial needs and took her to appointments. I settled in my recliner with a fresh cup of coffee.
“I’m glad you called, Jillian,” Will said. “We still need to give Mom her gifts.”
“Oh, I know. When would be a good time?”
“How about this weekend? Would Saturday night work for you?”
I chuckled. “You know me, if I’m in town I’m usually free.”
“Good, I’ll get hold of the others and let them know. We can meet at our house. Stephanie offered to host.”
“That was nice of her. She seems to be fitting in better all the time. I’m glad.”
“You and me both. The girls are making progress, too.”
“How’s Mom?”
I could hear Will sigh. “She’s doing well, for her age. I find she has more forgetfulness when we talk, but that’s to be expected. The party being disrupted upset her, but I believe she’s already forgotten what happened.”
“Probably just as well. Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you taking such good care of her?”
“I enjoy being with her. She’s a wonderful person. It’s never a burden.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I feel the same way. Each day we have with her is special.” A tear formed in my eye. “I need to run. Teddy’s scratching at the door wanting out. We’ll see you Saturday night. Call me if the plans change.”
“I will. ‘Bye, Sis.”
I opened the door for Teddy and let him into the backyard. While he sniffed around, I took my half-finished cup of coffee to the kitchen for a reheat. I wondered how the coffee was in prison. Was Clay’s killer already finding out, or would he soon be?
~*~
I watched my coffee reheat in the microwave, and that the word ‘reheat’ inspired a plan to trap the killer. I called Walter immediately. He was hesitant at first to agree with my suggestion, but said he would give it some thought and call me back.
Teddy was ready to come inside so I let him in. When my phone rang, I hoped it was Walter, but instead it was Lexis.
“Aunt Jillian, are you free right now? Clay’s dad has been taken to the hospital.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Are you going to see him?”
“Yes. Ben called me saying Mr. Scott was asking for me. And you.”
“How odd. I’ll get ready right away.”
“Thank you. I can pick you up.”
“Why don’t we just meet at the hospital? It will save time.”
“Great idea. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”
What a strange turn of events. Did Mr. Scott want to tell us something about Clay’s death? Something that would alter my plan of attack? I touched up my hair and makeup, and off we went to find out.
Traffic was murderous during the lunch hour. It took some time to reach the hospital where Mr. Scott had been taken. Teddy was nestled in his tote slug over my shoulder and didn’t cause any concern as I checked in at the lobby and found the room. “Be quiet and gentle, Teddy. Mr. Scott is not well.”
Teddy perked up his ears but did not bark.
“Good dog,” I whispered.
Lexis and Ben had arrived ahead of me. They sat by the bed where poor Mr. Scott lay hooked up to all sorts of monitors, asleep. From the look of the blips, his condition was weak.
Ben rose and offered me his chair. “Thanks for coming, Mrs. Bradley. I guess Lexis told you he wanted to speak to you.”
I nodded, set Teddy on the floor next to my chair, and took Mr. Scott’s hand. “It’s Jillian Bradley. I’m here.”
With a wave of his other hand, he spoke. “Alone. Talk to you alone.”
Lexis turned to Ben. “I think we should wait outside.”
After they went into the hall, I leaned in close. “I’m listening.”
He opened his eyes halfway. “Have they caught Clay’s killer?”
“I believe the police are close to making an arrest. Is there something you need to tell me?” It may have been my imagination, but I thought the numbers on the monitor were increasing. “Should I call the nurse?”
He shook his head. “No time. Promise me to tell him I loved him.”
Was he incoherent? I believed it best to comply with his wish and set his mind at ease. “I promise to tell him.”
Mr. Scott’s hand went limp in mine. The monitors flat-lined, and I grabbed Teddy’s tote and ran to the nurse’s station. Within seconds, an entire team filled the room.
Joseph Scott did not recover. Ben sat hunched in a chair outside the room with his hands covering his face. Lexis placed an arm around his shoulder trying to comfort him. “He’s out of pain, now. We must look at it that way,” she said.
The doctor approached us after the aides wheeled the body out of the room. “I’m so sorry for your loss,” he said to Ben. “If you’ll step over to the nurse’s station, they’ll take care of helping with the arrangements.”
Ben nodded. He turned to Lexis and me. “I’ll be okay. You ladies can go home. It’s over.”
I touched Lexis’s arm. “I think Ben wants to be alone, now. We should leave.”
She looked at him. “Call me if you need anything.”
And with that, we left the hospital to go our separate ways.
~*~
Finally, Walter agreed to my plan. A simple text with the words “green light” and “10 a.m. tomorrow morning” told me everything was ready.
It was all I could do to remain calm. After making a sandwich, I picked up a book I’d started reading as a distraction. But it was no use. I lay down for a nap but couldn’t sleep. Finally, I scooped my little companion off the bed. “Teddy, I need a cup of chamomile tea to settle me down.”
He simply wagged his tail, probably hoping for a few treats in the kitchen.
I sipped my tea slowly, thinking about the case. Had Paul succeeded in what I’d asked him to do? I prayed things would fall together and justice would be served. One more night to wait.
~*~
The next morning I woke with a start as I looked at the clock. It was already 8:30! All that tension the day before had taken extra sleep to get rid of. I rushed around getting Teddy ready, letting him outside, and making his breakfast. A quick brushing and at least he was ready.
At last I was dressed. The bed wasn’t made and dirty dishes were in the sink, but I told myself it was okay. Today, we needed to catch a killer!
Walter was waiting for us in the interview room. “Come in, Jillian. Good morning, Teddy.”
Teddy trembled, which was unusual for him. Seated at the table were Eddie Rodriguez and Ben Scott.
“Have a seat.” Walter pointed to a chair next to his. “I’ve asked Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Scott to come down and possibly identify the suspect we have in custody who killed Clay. Gentlemen, thank you for your cooperation.”
Eddie crossed his arms and sat motionless.
Ben said, “Anything we can do to help.”
“Sure,” Eddie said.
Walter smiled. “Thank you. I’ll bring in the suspect. Please remember that he may be dangerous.”
Eddie and Ben looked at each other. Then Ben looked at me. “Aren’t you scared?” he asked.
“No. I have Teddy with me.” I smiled and stared at the hallway.
From where I was sitting, I watched Walter escort Robert Garcia into the room. Robert was wearing orange prison garb and handcuffs.
Robert rounded the doorway, took one look inside the interview room, and shouted, “That’s him! The one behind the hotel!”
Walter pointed at Eddie. “Mr. Garcia, is this the man you saw?”
Ben rose from his chair. “Hey, I thought we were here to identify a suspect.”
Robert shook his head rapidly. “No, no.” He raised his handcuffed hands to point at Ben. “He’s the one. I recognize his demon necklace!”
Ben’s hand flew to his throat as he grabbed his pendant. “What’s he talking about? Hey! I saw this guy the night Clay was killed!”
“Thank you, Ben. You’ve just verified Mr. Garcia’s story.” Walter seemed pleased.
“I…what?”
“Why don’t you tell us what happened after Eddie called Clay to come get you?” I said.
Ben sat down again. “Mr. High and Mighty Clay came and dragged me out of the bar. He embarrassed me in front of my friends and everyone else there.”
“Is that when you killed your brother, Ben?” I asked.
“Dad was going to give him everything. EVERYTHING!” His shout startled me. Having said his piece, he settled back into his chair. “I want a lawyer.”
Walter signaled to the officer standing by. “Bring in the lawyer.”
Within a minute, Ben had representation.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, Ben.” I studied his face as he turned away. “You and Clay argued about something. Mr. Garcia was a witness.”
“Prove it.” Ben sounded sarcastic.
“It doesn’t really matter. What does matter is the police found the stool leg you hit your brother with.”
Ben’s eyes grew wide. “You can’t prove anything.” He nodded at Robert. “Who’d listen to a drunk like him, anyway? He was out like a light.”
Walter smiled. “Thank you for again verifying Robert’s testimony. He told us how you planted Clay’s wallet and cell phone on him. You thought he was passed out.”
Walter took handcuffs from the assisting officer and placed them on Ben. “I’m
arresting you for the murder of Clay Scott. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law.”
Ben looked livid. As Walter finished reading him his rights, Ben stared daggers at me. But I only had one thing to say.
“Your dad’s last words?” I paused. “Remember? He asked to speak to me alone. He asked me if we’d caught Clay’s killer. I said we hadn’t. He said, When you do, tell him I loved him. He meant you, Ben. I believe your father knew you’d killed Clay. But in the end he must have blamed himself somehow and wanted you to know he still loved you.”
“Take him away,” Walter said. “Eddie, you’re free to go.”
Not surprisingly, Eddie was happy to leave.
Walter turned to Robert and removed his handcuffs. “I’ll walk you to the front desk, get you your clothes, and check you out. You’re a free man, Mr. Garcia. Thank you for your help. We may need to have you testify, so make sure we have your information.”
“I would be glad to help. Thank you, Detective Montoya.” Robert smiled at me. “I’d like to thank you, too, Mrs. Bradley. You believed me.”
“I also believe in answered prayer. I’m so happy you’ve been cleared. What will you do now?”
He shrugged. “I haven’t had a chance for it to settle in that I’m not going back to prison. I want to find a job.”
We walked down the hall together, Robert, Walter, and I. Paul Youngblood stood at the entrance desk and greeted us with a smile. I introduced him to Robert.
“A pleasure to meet you,” Paul said. “There’s someone who wants to see you.”
A woman with graying hair walked toward us.
“Mama?” Robert embraced his mother.
“Oh, son. We’ve been so worried. But Mr. Youngblood assures us everything is all right now.”
Robert held a look of total surprise and confusion. “How did you get here?” He turned and looked at me. “Did you? You did, didn’t you? I can’t thank you enough, Mrs. Bradley.”
Robert’s mother took charge. “Now you must come and change into some proper clothes if you’re going to travel back home with me. The family is so excited to see you, Roberto. Your father has a job lined up for you. Remember that construction company that Mr. Hooper started right when you left? He said you can start as soon as you get back home.”
Happy Homicides 4: Fall Into Crime: Includes Happy Homicides 3: Summertime Crimes Page 71