Jolly Dead St. Nicholas

by Carol A. Guy

  Adelaide had to admit the idea of Brenda Collier crawling around under a pickup truck to slit its brake line was a little far-fetched. “I wasn’t able to reach her last night, Daniel.”

  “I doubt if she wants to talk to any of us, Mother.” His tone was laced with sarcasm.

  The nurse came into the room. “Time for me to change the dressing on your incision.”

  Adelaide kissed her son on the cheek. “I’ll be back later. I have some things to take care of.”

  Outside in the hallway she drew Judy aside. “How is the investigation into Daniel’s…accident going?”

  “It’s still early. We’re trying to get the security footage from the Creekside Village parking lot for the entire day.”

  “Good.”

  Leaving the hospital, Adelaide hurried to her car. Her next stop would be the church, where she intended to confront Brenda Collier.

  She drove east on Beech Street, turning left onto Acorn Avenue. Realizing that it would be impossible to park in front of the church due to the mounds of snow deposited there by the plows, she made a right turn into the alley, pulling into the newly cleared off parking lot behind the building. Immediately she saw that Brenda’s Jetta was not there.

  Letting herself in with her own key, she entered through the basement door. The hallway separating the Sunday school classrooms from the kitchen and social hall was dark. A musty smell filled the air. She made her way to the stairs, walking carefully since her boots were wet. She’d worn a pair of gray wool slacks with a blue sweater today in anticipation of being outside more than usual. Her down jacket kept the chill out quite nicely, but was beginning to feel too warm inside the building even though the temperature probably wasn’t above sixty-eight degrees. She shrugged off the coat as she ascended the staircase to the main floor.

  The office door was locked. She again used her key to gain access. The lights were off. She checked her watch. It was after eight-thirty. Where was Brenda? Going out into the hallway, she glanced toward the small corridor leading to the pastor’s study where a cone of light reflected off the floor and opposite wall.

  James sat behind the well-worn desk, his head bent, deep in concentration. She’d wanted to see him anyway, to thank him for all he’d done for them yesterday. His forceful prayer had obviously been heard on high because her son was well on the road to recovery this morning.

  Adelaide knocked lightly on the open door. James started, looking up with something she could only describe as apprehension. At the sight of her, his face relaxed in a warm smile. “Come in, Adelaide. I just called the medical center. They say Daniel is doing much better. I’ll get over there to visit him later today.”

  Entering the study, she put her coat over the arm of the loveseat. “He’ll be fine. Just another testament to the power of prayer and medical expertise.”

  James got up then came around the desk, stopping within inches of her. “I’m glad to see you’ve put the Big Man’s grace ahead of mortal man’s medical knowledge.”

  He was dressed in a pair of navy blue slacks with a white V-neck sweater over a light blue shirt. She caught a whiff of his aftershave, something tangy yet subtle. “You left yesterday before I could thank you properly.”

  James’s smile widened. “Well, Vernon seemed to have things under control. Or so he said.”

  Adelaide knew she wasn’t hearing the whole story from either man about James’s abrupt departure, but she didn’t have time to go into that now. “Where is Brenda? I have some things I need to discuss with her.”

  James cocked an eyebrow, the expression on his ruddy face sobering. “She left me a voice mail message saying she was ill today. She already put in for tomorrow off, so I’m pretty much on my own for the next two days, unless—” He stopped, eyeing her suggestively.

  Adelaide shook her head emphatically. “Oh, James, I don’t see how I can. Daniel is still in the hospital and I have so many things to—” She stopped suddenly. “You know what, I’ll sit in for Brenda for a couple of hours this morning, but that’s the best I can do.”

  James’s face lit up with relief. “Oh, you are a lifesaver, Adelaide. The newsletter is ready to go. It just needs one final read through before we send it online. Don’t worry. I’ll do that from my laptop in here. You can just run off hard copies for the people who don’t get them via email. I’ll take them to the post office later. For all your help, I insist you let me buy you that lunch. We can go early if you like, as soon as you’re finished with the newsletter.”

  Adelaide was suddenly very anxious to get to work. She knew there would be phone calls to answer. Also the Henshaws would be in to count the money soon. “I’ll stay until eleven. We’ll have an early lunch then, if that’s convenient for you. In fact, we can drop off the newsletters at the post office then.”

  “I’m not making hospital calls until this afternoon. My morning is devoted to some long overdue paperwork the district has been clamoring for. So, it’s a date.” He reached out, giving her arm a gentle squeeze.

  “How is Douglas doing?” She recalled that today was the day the DA planned to seek a murder indictment against him with the Grand Jury.

  James shook his head sadly. “He’s a shadow of his former self. I’m really afraid for him.”

  “Maybe I should go see him.”

  “That would lift his spirits, I’m sure,” James told her. “By the way, how is your investigation coming along?”

  Adelaide hated hearing it referred to as her investigation but didn’t argue. There was no time for that now. “I think I might have some new leads. I’m just not sure they will pan out.”

  “Why don’t you bounce them off of me? Maybe I can help.”

  Adelaide didn’t really want to divulge all of her suspicions just yet, but she did want his opinion about one thing. In detail she told him about seeing Brenda in the Dovetail Inn parking lot Friday night.”

  James took a deep breath. “Are you sure it was her?”

  Adelaide nodded. “I’m just not sure what it means.”

  “Does Daniel know?”

  “I told him.”

  “How did he take it?”

  “He broke up with her.”

  “And then his brake line was cut,” James said very softly.

  Once Adelaide returned to the church office she hung her coat on the rack, then closed the door. Hastily she went through all the desk drawers, looking for what, she didn’t know. Maybe Brenda carelessly left behind a clue that might explain her relationship with the shady man she’d argued with Friday night. The same man she’s seen at the Dovetail Inn yesterday. Again, her disturbing conversation with Elaine Rausch came to mind. In fact, it was one of the reasons she was so willing to sit in for Brenda today.

  Next, Adelaide unlocked the file cabinet opposite the desk. With only a little trepidation, she removed Brenda’s personnel file. Sitting down at the desk, she went through it thoroughly, making a note of the young woman’s address and phone number as well as her parents’ information, since they were listed as next of kin.

  After removing a certain item she replaced the file, then turned on the computer. Going from screen to screen, she tried unsuccessfully to gather the information she needed.

  Giving up for the time being, she found the newsletter in a Word file and began the task of printing off the appropriate number of hard copies, including enough extras to put on the tables inside the church entrances for visitors to take on Sunday morning.

  A knock on the office door was followed by Harold Purcell’s entrance. “Oh, you’re not Brenda.”

  Adelaide smiled at the funeral director. “She’s out sick. I’m helping James get the newsletter sent.”

  “How is Daniel?”

  “Better. In pain, but out of danger.” Again that sinking feeling settled in the pit of her stomach as she thought about how close she’d come to losing her son.

  “I’m waiting for Carl,” Harold told her.

  Adelaide happened to think of s
omething. “Harold, do you recall having a conversation with me the other day about a comment Jerry made to you?

  Harold looked a little lost. “I’m not sure—”

  “It was something you and he discussed after a Rotary Club meeting.”

  Harold’s expression cleared. “Oh, yes, Jerry and I were discussing a recent trial. He said there were other ways to resolve such a situation, perhaps by allowing the person to make things right.”

  “What sort of case was it, Harold?” Adelaide held her breath. She thought she knew the answer, but needed confirmation.

  “A young man had embezzled money from his employer, I believe.”

  Carl stepped into the office behind Harold. “We’re here to count the money. I’ve given Harold the combination to the safe, since he’ll be helping me from now on. How is Daniel, and why isn’t Brenda here?”

  “You’re looking well, Carl,” Adelaide told him. It was true. His dark blue eyes had some of their old twinkle again. “To answer your questions, Daniel is improving. Brenda is out sick.”

  “Sorry to hear about Brenda. As for Daniel, it just proves you can’t keep a good man down,” Carl said.

  “Or a foolish one,” Ethel added as she came into the office, looking significantly at her husband. “You should be home resting, like the doctor said, Carl.”

  Ignoring his wife, Carl led Harold to the safe, where he proceeded to twirl in the combination. Ethel went to the table along one wall where mail slots for all church and UMW officers held various pieces of correspondence.

  Adelaide got up and went to the copy machine, which was next to the file cabinet. At the sound of the old safe’s door swinging open she looked around then froze in place. “Oh my,” she whispered. “It really would have been just that easy.”

  Ethel glanced over one shoulder, throwing Adelaide a questioning glance. “Something wrong?”

  Adelaide’s insides seemed to be made of ice as her mind began putting a few more of the puzzle pieces together.

  Ethel stepped closer, speaking in a confidential tone. “You know, Adelaide, there’s a rumor going around town that Daniel and Brenda broke up. Where is she today, by the way?”

  Adelaide snapped her gaze to meet Ethel’s. “She’s sick today. I think what happens between Daniel and Brenda is their business.”

  Ethel huffed. “I was just giving you a heads up. No need to get snippy.” She flounced out of the office.

  Carl and Harold, seemingly oblivious to the drama going on behind them, gathered the offering plates from the safe. Carl then swung the door shut, twirling the knob. Once they were gone, Adelaide shut the office door again, this time locking it.

  She called Brenda’s home, plus her cell but got no answer. Next she called the Colliers, Brenda’s parents, but had to leave a message. Of course, they were most likely at work.

  To her surprise, Diana Collier returned her call within ten minutes. “I haven’t talked to Brenda in a couple of days. Frankly, I’m a little worried. You say she called in sick today?”

  Ignoring that question, Adelaide asked, “Have you gone by her place?”

  “No, I…oh, dear. Maybe I’d better do that right now.” Diana Collier’s voice was tinged with worry.

  I doubt she’s there. She’s in the wind. If she tried to kill Daniel, she’s not likely to surface anytime soon, unless it’s to try and finish the job.

  “Please let me know if you find her, or if you don’t. We’re a little worried also,” Adelaide said.

  It’s only a partial lie. I am worried—about my son’s safety.

  A half hour later, just as Adelaide returned to the church office after putting copies of the freshly run newsletter on the two foyer tables adjoining the sanctuary, the phone rang. It was Diana Collier.

  “She’s not at her apartment and her car is gone. I don’t know what to think.”

  Adelaide’s stomach was doing flip-flops. She knew what she had to do.

  After telling the worried mother she’d let her know if she heard from Brenda, Adelaide made two calls, one to Luke Fagan and the other to Dora Carmody.

  Chapter Forty

  Adelaide stared out the bus window as they pulled into the parking lot of the Royal Aces Casino in Columbus. The casino-hotel was a large sandstone building, all glitz and glamor, brightly lit even in the daytime. There was lots of activity—people streaming in the main entrance, valets parking cars, and of course the buses much like the one she was in, loaded with women taking advantage of the much-touted Tuesday Ladies’ Day.

  “I’m so glad you decided to come along at the last minute,” Dora said. She was seated across the aisle from Adelaide.

  Although this was the last place she wanted to be today, Adelaide had made the decision to accompany the group from Crescent Falls so she could confirm a suspicion that was harboring in the back of her mind. Daniel was being well taken care of by the medical center staff and closely guarded by members of the police department, which made her feel somewhat better about leaving him.

  As the bus headed for its designated parking area, she thought about her lunch yesterday with James Preston. He’d been preoccupied by Douglas’s plight, that was plain to see. However, he did manage to let her know he had no plans for Christmas. Of course, she’d invited him to spend the day with her, Daniel and Vernon. He’d accepted eagerly.

  Later that same afternoon, she’d heard that the Grand Jury had indicted Douglas for murder. After visiting him briefly in jail, she’d come away feeling that he somehow blamed his former parishioners for much of his problems. Words like narrow-minded and unsympathetic laced his conversation. He’d told her she was the first church member to visit him. His tone was bitter, his eyes narrow with anger. He’d asked her about Susan, if she had any news. The look of disappointment on his face when she’d said no almost made her cry. As she was leaving she’d passed Mark Cardosa coming into the station. He’d hurried by her without speaking.

  The bus made a sudden turn, the jolt snapping Adelaide out of her reverie. Looking across the aisle, she saw that Dora was staring at her. It was obvious the woman was wondering why she was in a trance-like state. To avoid having to explain, Adelaide said, “So tell me how this goes, Dora. I’ve never been on one of these sojourns before.” She felt the beginnings of a headache nesting behind her eyes. The constant chatter amongst the enthusiastic riders was beginning to get on her nerves.

  “When we get inside, we’ll have a bite to eat, then hit the gaming tables. What is your preference, Adelaide? Blackjack, the slots, or are you into Keno?”

  None of the above. I’m here for information. Sounds like we’re not expected to stick together, which is a good thing. I’ll have the freedom to explore.

  “Oh, I’m not much of a gambler. I’ll probably just watch others play for a while before I decide who should take my money.” She forced a good natured chuckle. Dora smiled.

  “I always have a budget in mind. I never lose more than I can afford to. I just come along for the fun,” Dora told her.

  Gayle Nelson was a few rows in front of her. She also spied Sergeant Ray Butler’s wife, Angela. She wasn’t well acquainted with Angela, but knew she was one of the movers and shakers at St. Rita’s Catholic Church. In fact if memory served her right, Angela was active in several church committees, including the one that organized the weekly bingo games.

  Brie Hunter was also on board, occupying the seat beside Adelaide. “You can pal around with me if you like, Adelaide,” Brie offered as the bus pulled to a stop.

  Dora said, “We usually leave our coats on the bus so we don’t have to fool with them inside. It’s such a short walk to the front door, we hardly feel the cold.”

  Obediently, Adelaide slipped off her coat. Sliding out into the aisle she stood up, allowing Dora and her seatmate to precede her toward the door. “I’ll be fine, Brie, but thanks for the offer. Do we just meet back here at four o’clock?”

  “Don’t you want to have a bite to eat with us?” Brie aske
d. “The food here is quite good.”

  Adelaide was beginning to feel a little fenced in. “I’m not hungry. I think I’ll just look around. I understand there’s a mini mall area on the lower level.”

  Glancing back, Dora said, “Lord, Adelaide, you can shop in Marietta or at home.”

  Adelaide checked her watch. It was eleven-thirty. The English muffin she’d had before leaving home was a distant memory. Feeling pangs of hunger grab at her, Adelaide gave in. “Well, I guess I shouldn’t shop on an empty stomach.”

  “Or gamble on one,” Dora added. “I want you to try your hand at the slots, at the very least.”

  The last time Adelaide had been in a gambling casino was when she and Albert went with another couple to Atlantic City ten years ago. That long-ago establishment almost paled by comparison to the spectacle she saw when they entered the Royal Aces. The main entrance opened into a wide marble-floored lobby with a high, transparent ceiling. Looking up through it she could see the six story attached hotel. Escalators leading down to the shopping mall were on the left. On the right was the hotel check-in desk, a long arched expanse of highly polished wood that gleamed like glass. Elevators leading up to the rooms were adjacent to the desk. A lounging area also occupied a large space across from the desk, complete with a full service bar as well as couches and chairs of dark, deeply-tufted leather.

  Straight ahead was a wide promenade that seemed to stretch on interminably. She saw several restaurants on either side. The aroma of cinnamon combined with bacon made her mouth water as they walked toward a huge open area at the back end of the building. A stunning buffet was set up inside a restaurant called The Islander. The motif lived up to the name, with huge aquariums positioned between live palm trees around the perimeter of the dining room. The food looked and smelled delicious.

  “You’ll love this. And, the price is right. Only ten dollars for all you can eat,” Dora told Adelaide. “The food is cheap because they want us to spend all of our money in the casino.”

  At this point, seeing the scrumptious looking spread before her, Adelaide would have shelled out three times that much. As they formed a line, she kept an eye out for her quarry. If what she suspected was correct, she’d hit pay dirt today and not just at the gaming tables.