by B. T. Lord
Cammie sat back in her chair and pushed the envelope with the recorder towards Rick. “Will you ask Emmy to transcribe that?”
“What is it?”
When she told him what the tape contained, his mouth dropped open. “Are you kidding? This is like the smoking gun in this case!”
“All fingers right now point to Aubrey. But there’s still one thing we need to check out. How do you feel about taking a ride back up to Mategwas?” When she shared with him what Meredith had told her about the argument between Poppie and Kevin, he shook his head to himself.
“My money is still on Aubrey. But if someway, somehow it turns out Aubrey didn’t kill Poppie, can we still arrest him for being a Class A jackass?”
Cammie laughed. “If that were cause for arrest, 85% of the world would be behind bars.”
“You know, that’s a long way to go to talk to someone we’ve already ruled out as a suspect.”
“I can’t read Kevin’s face or body language if we speak on the phone, and I want to see his reaction to this latest piece of information. By the way, did that client he mentioned ever call you back?”
Rick shook his head. “I’ve been calling ever since we left Mategwas, but nothing yet.”
“We’ll pay him a visit after we see Kevin.”
“You think Kevin figured out a way to get down here, kill Poppie and make it back for his meeting with his client? You suspect he’s really Batman in disguise?”
“I always pictured Batman as tall and debonair. Baker couldn’t get close to that on his best days. No, I’m not suggesting he’s the murderer. But I’m curious to see if his body language tells us if he knows who is.” As Rick turned to leave her office, she added, “How did the fender bender go?” Her deputy suddenly looked uncomfortable. “Well?” she asked.
“It really wasn’t a fender bender. Per se.”
“Per se?”
He sighed. “It was Mr. Perkins again. He was trying to park his car at the sporting goods store.”
Cammie groaned. “Dear God. What did he do now?”
“He thought he was pulling into a spot. Instead, he crashed into the trash dumpster.”
“I hope you took his license away.”
“I did. I also took his car key.” Rick hung his head. “He hates me now.”
“Better he hates you than to live with the guilt if he goes out and accidentally kills somebody.”
“I told him that. He still hates me.”
Cammie got up from her desk and patted his arm. “Mamma said there’d be days like this.”
“Please don’t start singing that song, or I’ll give Perkins the key back and deliberately stand in front of his car.”
After letting Jace know she’d be home late, she and Rick made the two hour trek back up to Kevin Baker’s house. She didn’t want to call him to let him know they were coming – no sense tipping him off if he was somehow involved in Poppie’s murder. As a retiree, she could only hope that he’d be home when they arrived.
A light rain was falling by the time they pulled into his driveway. They walked up the porch steps and rang the doorbell, but there was no answer. Hearing the sounds of a chainsaw, they walked around to the large barn where they found Kevin cutting up some logs for firewood. Cammie had to wave her hand several times to catch his attention. He immediately turned off the chainsaw and pulled up the safety glasses to rest atop his head.
“Hey, Sheriff, Deputy. Back so soon?”
“We have a couple of questions we’d like to ask you.”
He put the chainsaw down on the ground and led them deeper inside the barn to a bench where he sat down. There was a cooler next to his feet which he opened and withdrew a bottle of water.
“Would you two care for some water?” he asked. They declined. He popped open the water and drank heartily. When he was done, he wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve.
“It’s come to our attention that you had an argument with Poppie Beresford two weeks before she was murdered. Want to tell us about that?” Cammie asked.
“I don’t recall having any arguments with Poppie,” he responded, looking from one to the other.
“It was down by Trendle Lake. I believe your group had gone out to find a Vermillion Flycatcher?”
“A Vermillion flycatcher?” he murmured under his breath.
“Yeah, some little red bird that took a wrong turn in Mexico and ended up in Maine,” Rick answered.
“You were overheard arguing over a promise Poppie supposedly made to you. What was that promise?” Cammie asked.
Kevin’s expression suddenly darkened. “It had to be Aubrey who eavesdropped on our conversation. He always was a sneaky little shit.”
“In what way?”
“He was constantly trying to ingratiate himself with Poppie. It was disgusting how he’d constantly compliment her, telling her how lovely she looked. Poppie would laugh at him behind his back, calling him a silly man.”
“She tell you that?”
“We’d talk after everyone left. We were both so relieved when he moved away to Twin Ponds.”
“So what was your argument with Poppie about?”
He raised his head and looked at Cammie. “There was no argument.”
Cammie swallowed her frustration. “Then what did you two talk about?”
“I’d asked her to marry me. She promised to think about it. I tried not to push her, but as the weeks and months went by and there was still no response, I grew desperate. That day at Trendle Lake I happened upon her and decided to take the opportunity to push her for a response. Even if she said no, at least I’d know where I stood. Where we stood. She became upset, telling me she needed time. Honestly, how much time did she need? Or was it because she didn’t want to hurt my feelings and it was easier to string me alone? She finally asked me to leave her alone and she left. That’s what we talked about, officers.”
“Did you speak to her after that?”
He rubbed his chin with his knuckles. “I tried to call her a few times to apologize for being so pushy, but she never picked up her phone or called me back. The last time we spoke was when she called to let me know about the white crow. It was a quick phone call, as if she wanted to make sure I wouldn’t have time to bring it up. I’ve been wracked with guilt that I didn’t go. Maybe if I’d gone, she’d still be alive.” He looked around the barn, grief written all over his face. “I should have just left things alone. I would have been happy living the rest of my life with her as my friend. Why did I have to go and screw it up? Now I can never tell her how I sorry I am. I’ll never see that smile that lit up her face, or hear her laughter.” His voice hitched and he grew silent.
“Did you ever see her exchange any harsh words with Aubrey or Meredith?”
He shook his head. “She tolerated Aubrey. She felt sorry for Meredith.”
“Mr. Baker, I know it’s a long way, but I’m going to need you to come down to the Sheriff’s Department in Twin Ponds and make a statement.”
“Yeah, sure. Let’s see, I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. How about if I come down the day after that?”
“That will be fine.”
They left the barn and headed towards the Explorer. “I think he’s telling the truth,” Rick said as they drove away. He glanced at Cammie when she didn’t answer. “Uh oh. You’ve got that look in your eye that always weirds me out. What didn’t I catch back there?”
“I can’t put my finger on it, but something’s off.”
“Well, a blind man could see he’s in love with Poppie. And he’d love nothing more if we arrested Aubrey for her murder.”
“No, it’s more than that.” Cammie shrugged. “If I let it go, the answer will come to me. In the meantime, why don’t you try calling Rodney Novak again?” Rick did as she asked. There was still no answer. “It’s time we pay this guy a visit.”
They found his address on the internet, punched it into the GPS and discovered he lived fifteen minutes away from K
evin. They drove to the old farmhouse that was similar in architecture to Meredith’s home. There was no car in the driveway and no response when they knocked on the door. They were about to speak to the neighbors when an elderly man and his German Shepherd walked across the front lawn towards them.
“Good afternoon, officers,” he greeted. “You looking for Rodney?”
“We are,” Cammie answered.
“He’s up in Canada for his daughter’s wedding. Should be back tomorrow. Is everything okay?” he asked, taking note of their uniforms.
“Yes, everything is fine.” Cammie took out her business card and handed it to him. “Would you have Rodney call this number as soon as he gets back? We just have a few questions we need to ask him.” When she saw the look of concern on the man’s face, she added, “Don’t worry. Rodney isn’t in any trouble.”
They got back into the Explorer. As they drove away, Rick remarked, “Okay, I thought the last trip up here was a bust, which it wasn’t when we found what was in Meredith’s garbage. But this trip was definitely a bust-a-roonie.”
“That remains to be seen,” Cammie answered quietly. He turned a puzzled eye towards her, but she wouldn’t say anything more.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
It was a long ride home. The drizzle increased to a steady rain, causing the fallen autumn leaves to make the roads slick and dangerous. The inclement weather added another forty-five minutes to the two hour drive. It was close to seven thirty in the evening when Cammie finally dropped Rick off at HQ. As she swung the Explorer towards home, she considered stopping off at Aubrey’s farm to interview him. But she was exhausted from the interminable drive. And when she was tired, she was cranky. Feeling the way she did about Aubrey Gardiner, she didn’t trust herself not to go for his throat when he gave her the inevitable runaround. With the weariness eroding her patience level, it would be wiser to wait until morning when she was rested and in control of her emotions before she approached him.
Coming down the long, winding driveway that ended at her cabin, she was once again struck by how unaccustomed she still was to seeing the remodeled structure.
The original two room cabin had been expanded over the summer. It now had a bigger master bedroom, a kitchen with all the latest appliances, an extra bedroom and her own bathroom from heaven, complete with multiple shower heads and an oversized Jacuzzi tub she and Jace had promptly christened as soon as they moved back in. Although they’d been back a month, she still had to pinch herself when she saw how beautiful the cabin was.
It was dark except for the porch lights and motion detection light that switched on as soon she swung the vehicle into her accustomed spot next to Jace’s truck. She entered to the delicious smells of Jace’s cooking.
“I got delayed at the garage so I whipped up a meatloaf and mashed potatoes,” he explained as he came up to her and they kissed. “You look exhausted,” he noticed as he stepped back and watched her hang up her jacket on the coat rack that he’d tacked up on the wall next to the front door.
“I had to deal with a Doc tantrum this morning, then a long ass trip in the rain back to Mategwas to interview someone in the Poppie Beresford case.”
“No wonder you look like you’re ready to fall asleep on your feet. Sit down on the couch and chill. Dinner will be ready in five minutes.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
She slipped off her boots and wiggled her toes as she sat down on the new, incredibly comfortable sofa, having finally ditched the old lumpy one when they decided on the renovations. The only piece of furniture she’d kept from the old cabin was her father’s beat up recliner. It was still in its place of honor next to the newer, more efficient wood burning stove. With everything new or remodeled, it looked completely out of place, but she couldn’t bear to part with the last visible reminder of her father. She knew it was silly. Why keep the crappy threadbare thing that continually reminded her of the man who’d turned his back on her?
Because he wasn’t always that way. His emotions got to be too much for him. He did the only thing he knew how to do.
So the ratty chair stayed in its place, linking its previous owner to the cabin he’d bequeathed to his daughter.
They ate their meal as they talked about their day. Jace noticed Cammie absently rubbing her neck from time to time. When they were done eating, he piled their plates on the coffee table and beckoned to her. “Sit on the couch with your back to me.” Too tired to ask what he was up to, she complied. A few moments later she was moaning in pleasure as his fingers gently kneaded the tight muscles in her neck.
“Oh my God, that feels so good,” she said as she closed her eyes and gave herself over to the relief of soothed muscles.
“You’ve got a knot the size of a baseball.”
“I’m not surprised. All those hours driving back in the rain didn’t help.”
“Tell you what. Why don’t you run a hot bath before you call it a night? I’ll wash up.”
“Are you sure?” She asked as she turned and looked at him.
“Yeah.”
She leaned over and kissed him. “You’re wonderful, you know that?”
He smiled as he kissed her back. “Of course I do. But I love hearing you tell me.”
A half hour later she was stretched out in the large tub, immersed in bubbles, the room flickering with the light of a half dozen candles. She looked around and smiled. Who would have thought she’d be able to afford all of this? Unfortunately, it had taken the terminal illness of her first boyfriend and hockey legend Eli Kelley to make him realize how badly he’d treated her in their youth. To make up for it, he’d left her $500,000 in his will.
The renovations to the cabin were a result of his unexpected generosity. Funny how she’d been both horrified and repelled when she’d first found out about the inheritance. Now she looked around and felt a warmth in her heart towards the first man she’d ever loved.
“Thank you, Eli”, she whispered under her breath.
She closed her eyes and leaned her head back. Her thoughts now drifted towards her father. What would he think of the changes she’d made to his refuge? The original cabin had been as utilitarian as her father could make it. Practical and functional was his motto. Would he be happy with what she’d done? She hoped so.
Of course thoughts of her father segued into thoughts of her mother. And of the scrapbook that she’d managed to push into the back of her mind for the last few days. There was no escaping the fact that she was going to have to talk to Harry. She couldn’t run away from it forever. Whatever distressing things Harry revealed to her, she had to find out what they were. Only then would she be able to put all of this to bed, and resume her life without those unresolved strings yanking her back when she least expected it.
When this case was over, she promised herself. Once the Poppie Beresford investigation was completed and the murderer arrested, then she could sit down with Harry and open the painful book of, not only her mother and father’s life, but of her own life as well.
Her relief that she wouldn’t have to deal with it just yet evaporated when she suddenly remembered what the next day was.
It was the anniversary of Caitlin Farnsworth’s death.
Shit.
Cammie awoke the next morning with a heavy weight on her heart. Caitlin had been only forty nine when she passed. Now that she was older, she wondered what kinds of conversations the two of them could have had if her mother had lived. What would Caitlin think of her only child becoming sheriff of Clarke County? What would she think of Jace? What would she think of the woman Cammie had become?
The weight grew heavier.
Somehow, she managed to get through her morning routine without Jace noticing her mood. She walked him to the door of the cabin and kissed him good-bye.
“I need to drive over to Aubrey’s farm to ask him some questions,” she said by way of explanation for why they weren’t driving into town together. In truth, she wasn’t sure how much more she could p
retend to be alright. She needed the time alone in the Explorer to gather herself together.
“No problem. Let me know if you want to meet up for lunch,” he replied as he kissed her back.
“Will do.”
She watched him drive away before breathing a sigh of relief. She then finished getting dressed before leaving to start a day she instinctively knew was going to be difficult.
By the time she arrived at Aubrey’s farm, she was in better command of her emotions. Although it wasn’t always easy for her, she’d managed to compartmentalize her feelings on the way over. She’d deal with the angst regarding her mother later. Right now, she needed to focus on Aubrey.
She rang the doorbell and waited. A few moments later the door opened. Instead of Veronica, a short, rotund man dressed in a business suit stood there.
“Oh, hello. I’m Sheriff Cammie Farnsworth. I’m here to speak with Aubrey.”
“I know who you are, Sheriff. Aubrey has been telling me all about you. I’m Roland Newman. I’m Aubrey’s attorney.”
Cammie wasn’t entirely surprised that Aubrey had called in a lawyer. He obviously had a lot to hide and there was no better place than behind the skirts of a well skilled attorney. She smiled as she shook his hand.
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Newman. I need to ask Aubrey some questions.”
“He’s still feeling a bit under the weather.”
“I’m not surprised. He was barely coherent when I picked him up the other night. This won’t take long.”
“I’m advising my client not to answer any more of your questions.”
“You do realize he may be responsible for murdering a woman in cold blood.”