by Lisa Orchard
“What happened next?”
“It took a while, but Lon calmed me down, then he had to change his shirt.”
“Lon had to change his shirt?” Dr. Stiles asked.
“Yeah, he got blood on it, and he wanted to change,” David said.
“Do you know why Lon wanted to kill her?” Dr. Stiles stared at David as he waited for his answer.
“He said she owed us money. That by killin’ her, we would get our money.” David slumped in his seat, looking spent. “Now, Doc, tell me who she was.” His voice was low and insistent.
Dr. Stiles took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “She was your mother, David.”
Sarah watched as Dr. Stiles studied David, waiting for his reaction. She sat rigid in her chair, repulsed by what the Klonskys had done to the Fedewa family. All of a sudden a wave of nausea overwhelmed her; she gulped, keeping it at bay.
“Noooo!” David moaned and squeezed his eyes closed.
“Yes, I’m afraid so, David. She never stopped looking for you.”
“Looking for me? She knew I was with the Klonskys.”
“No, she didn’t. The Klonskys lied to her.” The doctor reached across the table and touched David’s arm.
David pulled away from the doctor’s touch. “No, I don’t believe that. They took me in and took care of me.”
“The Klonskys lied to you, too.”
David shook his head. “No way, Lon and his dad took care of me.”
“I know this is a lot of information to digest. Why don’t we take a little break? I’ll be right back.”
Poor David Fedewa, Sarah cried silently. She wanted to comfort him. He looked like a train had struck him. He slumped in his chair like he was in physical pain. His face turned white, accentuating the dark circles under his eyes.
As Sarah watched, David struggled with the information Dr. Stiles had given him. A lump rose in her throat, choking her. She let out a strangled sob and tears fell from her eyes; she couldn’t stop them. It was like a dam bursting.
Sarah felt an arm pull her close; she realized it was Jackie when she smelled her flowery perfume. She knew Jackie meant to comfort her, but it just made her cry harder as she realized David had never had anyone comfort him. Sobbing, Sarah cried for the lonely little boy, who never knew his mother, and for the mother who never got over the loss of her son.
“Klonsky used him as bait,” Sarah wept.
“I know, Sarah,” Jackie said in a soothing tone. “But we got him.”
Sarah nodded and wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her T-shirt. “Yes, we did. We stopped him.”
“You stopped him, Sarah. Lacey and I just went along for the ride.”
“You guys helped, Jackie.”
“Yes, but it was your guts that kept us going. Lacey and I wouldn’t have done anything if it hadn’t been for your stubbornness.”
“That is so true,” Lacey said.
“I’m glad you guys are here.” Sarah sniffled. “I keep thinking about that poor little boy sitting on the porch waiting for his dad.”
New tears filled Sarah’s eyes, and she swung away trying to compose herself. She took several deep breaths. She felt spent, like she’d cried herself empty. Sighing, she spun around and faced the interrogation room.
She found Dr. Stiles and the chief speaking in hushed tones right outside the interview room. Sarah watched as they came to a decision. The doctor quickly walked back into the room. Concern was written on his face, and she leaned forward to hear the rest of the interview.
“I don’t unnerstand,” David said.
“I know, I don’t quite understand it myself, but what you need to focus on is the fact your mother loved you very much.”
Sarah watched the doctor as he walked around the table and sat in a chair next to David. He put his arm around the man-child, attempting to console him.
“Lon was my friend.” David’s face contorted with the pain of betrayal.
“David, he wasn’t your friend. I know it’s hard to believe, but he lied to you and your family.”
“I just can’t believe the Klonskys lied.”
“It was very cruel, but let’s focus on moving forward. I’m going to have an officer escort you back to your ce—uh, your room, and I want you to lie down for a while.”
David suddenly broke out in a sweat. “I’m going to be sick.”
Dr. Stiles jumped up and grabbed a wastebasket. He quickly placed it in front of David.
He vomited and then wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “Can I have a piece of gum?”
“Certainly.” Dr. Stiles handed him a piece of gum.
“Is it bubble gum?” David asked.
Sarah noticed his voice became childlike, and he seemed to act like a five-year-old.
“I’m afraid not.”
David sighed and grudgingly took the gum.
The doctor pursed his lips. “Do you feel better?”
“Better.”
“Okay, David, I think it’s time for you to lie down.”
“Okay.”
Dr. Stiles walked out of the room. “We need to put David on suicide watch.”
“I agree.” Chief Johnson motioned for Officer Wilson. “Wilson, take him back to his cell. Stay with him. We want him watched.”
“Yes sir.”
Sarah’s heart lurched in her chest. Suicide watch! Poor David Fedewa; he never had a real life to begin with, and now everyone’s afraid he’ll try to end it. She glanced at Jackie and saw the compassion in her friend’s eyes. Tears filled Sarah’s eyes once again. Shaking her head, she twisted away, hoping to get her emotions under control.
Her tears dried up as soon as she thought about Klonsky. What a worm! A total loser! Anger coursed through her body and she clenched her hands. Once again, she felt Jackie’s arm around her. She took some deep breaths to calm down and then swung back to face the others.
The chief sighed. “I think it’s time to get something to eat. Stiles, why don’t we head over to Hinkle’s?” He dipped his head toward the retired detective and the reporter. “Do you two want to come along?”
Sarah saw the weariness in the chief’s face and realized the emotional interview had drained him.
“Sounds good to me,” Detective Swift said.
Scoop shook his head.“I’ve got another appointment.”
“Dad, can we come?” Scott asked.
“I suppose,” his father sighed.
Sarah watched as Officer Wilson led David away. He sagged against the cop as if he had no strength left in his body. David looked like he had just been beaten.
“I don’t unnerstand,” he mumbled over and over.
Officer Wilson whispered encouraging words to him to keep him moving forward.
Jackie nudged Sarah. “Is this enough to put Klonsky away?”
“I think so; we’ll ask at Hinkle’s.” Sarah wiped her eyes and took another deep breath.
“Let’s get going,” Jackie said.
“Yeah, let’s get over there and grab some tables.”
“I want to see if Lon’s lawyer has been contacted. I’ll meet you there, Swift,” Chief Johnson said.
“All right.”
Detective Swift stood and put his arm around Sarah. He led her down the hall and motioned for the rest of the Super Spies to follow him. “Come on kids, let’s go.” Together, they left the station.
Sarah blinked rapidly for several seconds when she walked out into the blazing sun. The bright sunlight surprised her. She expected the darkness of night. What time was it? Shading her eyes with her hand, she peered down the street and noticed the people of Harrisburg were simply strolling down the sidewalk. They were oblivious to the tragedy that had been exposed in the police station. It amazed her they could be so unaware. She walked to the restaurant with a heavy heart.
Hinkle’s was alive with the noon rush. Sarah glanced at the patrons as she waited to be seated. They appeared animated, living under the fragile illusion nothing evil wou
ld puncture their little bubble. Sarah knew better; she was changed by this whole experience, somehow less fragile, less innocent. Suddenly, a wave of loneliness swept over her; she felt separated from these people who were untouched by tragedy.
The hostess appeared and motioned for Sarah and her group to follow her. She led them to a large table. Sarah sat down and opened her menu, grateful for the opportunity to think of something besides the Fedewa tragedy. They had just finished placing their orders when Chief Johnson sat down.
“It looks like we closed two cases today,” he said as he got comfortable in his seat.
“I hope you have enough to put Klonsky away,” Sarah said, shaking her head. “He’s a total worm.”
“Yeah,” Jackie agreed and gave Sarah a quick squeeze.
“Yes, I believe we do. We’ve got David’s testimony. I don’t know if he’ll be able to testify at the trial, but the district attorney has other ways to present his testimony.”
“Is David going to go to jail?”
“I highly doubt it. He’ll probably go to a psychiatric hospital for a while.”
Sarah nodded and glanced down at the table. “I see.” Relief flooded through her body and tears threatened to spill down her cheeks again. She clenched her hands, trying to keep her swirling emotions under control.
“I just can’t get the image of David sitting on the Klonsky’s porch out of my mind,” Lacey whimpered.
Sarah grimaced. “I know what you mean. I hate the Klonskys for what they did to the Fedewa family.”
“Well, if it’s any consolation, you kids helped catch Klonsky,” the chief admitted.
“I’m glad to hear that,” Sarah said and gave the chief a tentative smile. “So, that means we’re in the clear about the crime scene issue?”
Chief Johnson chuckled. “I didn’t say that.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re still going to be punished. You kids are lucky I don’t arrest you.”
“I don’t get it.” Sarah frowned. “We helped you catch him.”
“That’s true, but you also broke the law. You trespassed on my crime scene, removed evidence, and put your lives in danger. You kids need to be taught a lesson.”
“You did ignore the evidence we gave you. You’re partially at fault here,” Sarah declared, her rebellious streak rearing its ugly head.
The chief burst out laughing. “You’re kidding me, right?”
Sarah grimaced. She couldn’t think of one retort to hurl back at the chief. She sat fuming.
“Dad, they didn’t know it was against the law,” Scott reasoned.
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse.”
“Oh, come on, Dad.”
“Did you know tampering with evidence is a felony? That could mean prison time.” His voice sounded stern, and the smile in his eyes disappeared. He was an officer of the law now. The girls were no longer Scott’s friends but criminals in his eyes.
Sarah’s throat constricted. Visions of the Super Spies behind bars filled her mind, each one rotting in their own cell. She heard Jackie complaining about the orange jumpsuits.
“I wonder if we’ll get tattoos?” Sarah mused out loud.
She gazed at Jackie and Lacey and saw their wide, frightened eyes.
“Tattoos?” Chief Johnson asked.
“Yeah, it sounds like a prison thing to do.”
“You know prison time stays with you forever,” Detective Swift added.
“It’ll be hard to get into college with that kind of mark on your record,” Chief Johnson winked at Detective Swift.
He caught the wink and twisted his head away from the Super Spies. Sarah saw his shoulders shaking as he tried to hide his laughter.
She relaxed. “It can’t be that bad if you’re laughing, Detective Swift.”
“You’re busted,” Scott laughed.
“Yes, I’m afraid I am.”
Sarah giggled in relief, and Jackie squeezed her hand under the table. Sarah squeezed back and winked at her friend.
“Your punishment will be community service, with the understanding you won’t do this again.” Chief Johnson gave the girls a wide grin.
“I’m so glad. I so hate those orange jumpsuits,” Jackie laughed.
The waitress came and took the chief’s order. She scurried away but returned a few minutes later and placed a huge piece of strawberry pie in front of Sarah.
Sarah cracked a wide smile. “I love strawberry pie.”
“You’re not getting lunch?” Detective Swift asked.
“This is my lunch. I’m celebrating solving our first mystery.”
“I want to change my order,” Jackie declared.
“Me too,” Lacey piped up.
“I’m having what she’s having.” Jackie pointed at Sarah’s pie.
“Me too.”
The waitress hurried away to change the order.
Sarah took a huge bite of her strawberry pie, relishing the sweetness. She wondered if David ever got to eat pie like this.
“Can I buy David Fedewa a piece of pie?” she asked.
Chief Johnson seemed taken aback by the suggestion, but he recovered and nodded. “Sure, why not? I’ll take it back with me after lunch.”
The waitress returned with two plates of pie, and Sarah ordered a piece to go. She knew it didn’t make up for all David had lost, but she felt it was a start. Sarah didn’t want him to spend the rest of his life thinking the world was a horrible place.
After lunch, Sarah, Jackie, and Lacey declined Chief Johnson’s offer of a ride and made their way toward the creek. The sun baked Sarah’s shoulders, and she welcomed the heat. It felt like a warm blanket after the frigid air conditioning inside Hinkle’s.
Reaching the cul-de-sac, Sarah walked along the sandy trail toward their willow tree. She heard the crackle of dry weeds as Lacey and Jackie followed her.
Walking beneath the branches of the willow tree, Sarah sighed and collapsed on the ground. She was bone-tired and her leg ached, a reminder of the horror of the previous night.
Jackie sat down next to her. “I can’t believe it. We solved the Cat Lady murder.”
“The Super Spies are number one!” Sarah raised her arm and chanted in a weary voice.
“No doubt, girlfriend.”
“I feel so bad for David right now,” Sarah said. Tears welled in her eyes.
“Me too,” Lacey responded.
Jackie frowned. “I do too. I think he got blown away today.”
“You can say that again.” Sarah brushed the hair out of her face. “How do you get over something like that?”
“I don’t know.” Jackie shook her head and picked at her shoe.
“It’s been a very interesting summer,” Sarah said.
Jackie snorted. “That is a major understatement.”
“I’m glad I met you, Jackie Jenkins.” Sarah couldn’t look at her because if she did, she knew she’d start crying again.
“I’m glad I met you, too.” Jackie reached over and squeezed her hand.
“Me too,” Lacey piped in.
“I’m so glad we’re not going to jail,” Sarah laughed.
“Me too,” Jackie giggled and pushed her wild curls out of her face. “I mean orange jumpsuits? Come on. They couldn’t have picked a more fashionable color?”
Sarah gazed at the other girls and laughed, then grew quiet. They sat that way for quite some time, and Sarah realized each one was lost in her own thoughts.
“We caught the Cat Lady killer; that makes me happy. I’m so-o glad that creep Klonsky didn’t get away with it,” she said.
“Yeah,” Lacey replied.
“Hopefully, David will have a chance at a normal life. I think Mrs. Fedewa would’ve wanted that, don’t you?”
“Mrs. Fedewa?” Lacey asked.
“Yeah, calling her the Cat Lady sounds—I don’t know, disrespectful or something. Don’t you think?”
“Yeah, I do,” Jackie sighed.
“I
bet Mrs. Fedewa is happy with the way things turned out,” Sarah said. Her voice caught as she spoke. She wondered if she would ever be able to talk about the Fedewas without crying.
“We did good, Sarah.” Jackie reached over and gave Sarah’s arm a squeeze.
The girls grew quiet again and Sarah’s eyelids drooped. She heard Jackie get more comfortable under the tree. Soon all three girls were lying on the ground. Sarah sighed, enjoying the shade and the cool breeze. Growing sleepy, she closed her eyes.
“It’s strange we’re back here under the willow tree,” she said. Her voice sounded far away and snoozy.
“Why’s that?” Jackie asked.
“Well, this is kind of where it all started.” Sarah pulled some grass from the ground and chewed on a blade. “We were playing Truth or Dare, remember?”
“I remember.”
“Maybe we’ll get to come back next summer,” Sarah said with a lazy smile. Her body was heavy with weariness, and she knew if she didn’t keep talking, she would fall asleep.
Jackie beamed. “Wouldn’t that be awesome?”
A smile spread across Sarah’s face. Jackie’s voice had that sleepy sound too. “Maybe there’ll be another mystery to solve.”
“Wouldn’t that be a blast?”
“Umm-hmmm.”
Lacy giggled. “Jackie, truth or dare?”
The Super Spies cracked up laughing. They laughed so hard they curled up and hugged their bellies. These were full belly laughs, and it felt good to Sarah. All the tension of the last few weeks disappeared. Sarah loved the sound of that laughter and realized the three girls shared a strong bond. She felt grateful for that bond and couldn’t wait for the next mystery the Super Spies would solve together.
About the Author
Lisa Orchard grew up loving books. Her debut novel “The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer,” is a suspenseful thriller about three young girls thrust into a situation and the choices they make. The setting is Harrisburg, a small town in Michigan, much like the town where Lisa grew up. Many of her characters’ adventures stem from her exploits as a young teen. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a Marketing Degree she spent many years in the insurance industry, pining to express her creative side. Deciding to stay home with her children gave her the opportunity to follow her dream and become a writer. She currently resides in Rockford Michigan with her husband, Steve, and two wonderful boys, Kyle and Ethan. Currently, she’s working on the second novel that stars the same quirky teens, and she hopes to turn the Super Spies into a series. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and reading.