Death Changes Everything

by Linda Crowder

  “What about the blonde at the funeral?” asked Jake.

  “What about her?”

  “She’s the only one so far who we know was openly hostile toward the Hills.”

  “She may be one of many if they’ve been laying off at Hill Energy,” said Grace.

  “I think it’s time to take a look at Hill Energy. Jake, that’s a great place for you to start. With Roger Hill’s authority, you should be able to get whatever information we need. We need to know how many people they’ve laid off and whether any of the guys took it especially badly.”

  “I’m on it, Matt. I’ll find out who takes over the business now that Steven is gone. I’m assuming Pam will, but I’ll talk to Roger. He’s not the most liberated guy when it comes to women in business.”

  “We need to see Steven’s will,” added Matt. “I’m assuming his wife stands to gain the most by his death, but you never know. Maybe he remembered his secretary or something.”

  “Nobody’s gonna kill for that,” said Kristy.

  “You’d be surprised what people will kill for.”

  “Maddie didn’t kill Steven,” said Emma. “She was just devastated.”

  “Maybe she’s a good actress,” said Matt. “You’ve got to stop thinking like everybody’s friend, Emma. The assumption that the burglary is connected is only one possible theory. A good detective doesn’t focus in on any single theory until he rules out everything else. Until we can prove the two are connected, we have to consider that it may be completely coincidental. We need to take a good hard look at everyone who will be better off with Steven out of the picture.”

  “Which brings me back to the blonde,” said Jake. “What do we know about her?”

  “Morty put a BOLO on the car. I never knew how many white Camaros with black stripes there were in Casper. We haven’t turned up any with a hot blonde in the driver’s seat.”

  “So, where do we go from here?” Kristy had noticed the gray creeping into the corners of Matt’s mouth and decided it was time to wrap up the meeting.

  “I’ll talk to Roger Hill and look into things at Hill Energy. I’ll see if he or Della know who the blonde is.”

  “I’ll talk to Maddie,” volunteered Emma.

  “I’ll come with you, Emma,” offered Grace.

  “I’ll get Morty to turn up the heat on those alarm people. Somebody had to have given them that code.”

  “What about me?” asked Kristy.

  “You have the toughest job of all,” smiled Jake. “Keeping this lug from going back to work too soon.”

  10

  Ronald Kenworthy was admiring the rich leather seats in Roger Hill’s den. The walls were covered with bookcases. Kenworthy wondered if Hill had read much of his extensive collection of books. He took another sip of cider from the antique china cup Della had poured for him before retreating, closing the door behind her. Might not be too bad with a slug of whiskey, he thought, but he knew alcohol was not part of the LDS lifestyle.

  “Dreadful thing, losing Steven like that.” Kenworthy hated having to call on the Hills so soon after their son’s death, but politics waited for no man. The slate of candidates would be made public soon and he wanted to secure Hill’s support for Jake. “Bea and I feel just terrible about it.”

  “I’ll see the person who did this fry if it’s the last thing I do.”

  Kenworthy was stunned by the venom in Hill’s voice. He’d never seen the man so much as raise his voice before. He couldn’t say he would react any differently if someone had murdered one of his own sons. “I hate to intrude on you, Roger, but there’s something I need to talk to you about and, unfortunately, it can’t wait.”

  “What’s that?”

  “The party’s announcing our candidates for the County Attorney nomination next week.”

  “I heard about what happened to Blakely. Man was a snake.”

  “You may remember that Bea and I never supported him. We just couldn’t find anyone willing to run against him. Now that he’s gone, we think it’s time for new blood. A real champion for justice.”

  “Cut the campaign speech, Ron. Who’ve you got?”

  “Jake Rand.”

  After a long, and for Kenworthy, uncomfortable pause, Hill responded. “Jake’s running for County Attorney?”

  “Had to twist his arm to get him to do it, but I’m convinced he’s the best man for the job.”

  Hill was silent again, and this time Kenworthy let the silence do its work. He’d found that you could talk a man out of something by making him speak before he was ready.

  “I assume you want my support?”

  “I do. You know Jake, Roger. He’s exactly what we need.”

  Another silence. “I’ll let you know.”

  Kenworthy got up and shook Hill’s hand. Della materialized and escorted him out. Climbing into his truck, he started the engine, then called his wife.

  “How’d it go?” she answered.

  Kenworthy pulled away from the curb and headed for his next appointment. “Can’t read him. Didn’t say yes but he didn’t say no. Said he’d let me know.”

  “He’ll talk to Jake about first. He’s a cautious man.”

  “I felt like a vulture talking politics with his son barely in his grave.”

  “Had to be done. Roger knows that. He’ll support Jake. He won’t take an active role, what with Steven’s death, but he’ll make his support known just the same.”

  “Hope you’re right, Bea.”

  ***

  If Jake had seen Kenworthy’s truck pull away, he would have scheduled his call on Roger Hill for another day. He appreciated Ron and Bea’s faith in him, but the whole process of meeting with donors and asking key party leaders for their support made his skin crawl. He just wasn’t a politician and he hoped he’d never become one, even if he found himself elected to serve.

  Della Hill answered Jake’s knock. Smiling broadly at him, she told him Roger was in the den.

  “How are you, Della?”

  “I won’t lie to you, Jake. It’s a horrible thing and every morning when I wake up and it hits me all over again that he’s gone, I just want to lay there and cry. But I have my faith. I know I’ll see Steven again and I’m holding onto that with both hands.”

  “Emma sends her love.”

  “Tell her thank you.”

  “How’s Pam doing? When I saw her at the funeral, I realized it’s been a long time.”

  “She’s grieving, you know. It’s different for everybody. She’s got a grandbaby coming so she’s busy with her own son.”

  “Congratulations! This is your first great-grandchild, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, and it’s a girl. In my day, we had to wait until the baby came, but I like finding out ahead of time.”

  Della rapped twice on the door, then popped her head in. “Jake’s here, dear. Can I get you some cider, Jake?”

  “No, thank you.”

  “I’ll leave you two men to your business then.”

  “Kenworthy was just here,” said Roger, as Della closed the door.

  “I’m sorry, Roger. I should have talked to you myself. I haven’t given much thought to the election.”

  “I trust you’ve had your mind on more important matters?”

  “Which is why I’m here. I’ve set up a partnership with the Casper PD. That gives me access to information I would have a hard time getting otherwise.”

  “Like the autopsy.”

  “Yes, and the ballistics’ report. I think it’s a good deal for both us and the police.”

  “I trust your judgment, Jake.”

  “Thank you. I have a few questions for you, if you feel up to it.”

  “Of course.”

  “With Steven gone, who will take over at Hill Energy?”

  Roger rubbed the stubble on his chin thoughtfully. “Pam’s boy couldn’t even run a lemonade stand. Guy just started medical school. I’ll speak to him at Christmas break about changing his major, but it will b
e a number of years before he’ll be ready. I suppose Bruce can keep the place going until Guy is ready.”

  “Your Chief Operating Officer? What about Pam? She seemed capable enough when she worked there before.”

  “Pam’s got seven children. They need to be her first priority. Practically had to fire her to get her to see reason the first time and she only had three then. No, Bruce Lewiston’s the man for the job. I’ll give him a call.”

  “I remember you settled half of your interest in Hill Energy on Steven when you retired. I assume Guy will inherit that.”

  “You assume correctly. As you remember, the company is privately held. We have a caveat that ownership passes to the oldest son. Your dad wrote that into our articles of incorporation for me when Steven was born.”

  “I remember. You know, that clause is seriously outdated. Why don’t you let me take it out?”

  “Later. Once all of this is over.”

  “I took a look at your will before I came over today. You may remember that your will divides your estate equally between Pam and Steven.”

  “Except for the share of ownership I retained, which will go to, well to Guy now. What’s the problem there? Steven’s share will be divided between his children, I assume. I believe he told me that was how he set it up in his will.”

  “Actually, because Steven predeceased you, his children have no share in your estate. When I updated your will after my father died, I advised you to address that possibility.”

  “I told you I was an old man and that would never happen,” Hill said quietly. “Of course, since Pam doesn’t inherit my interest in Hill Energy, perhaps it would be only fair to leave things as they are.”

  “Or we could change both the will and the ownership rules. That way, your estate would be divided equally between them.”

  “I can’t think about this, Jake. All I care about right now is getting the man who killed my son. I promise, I’ll make whatever changes you think best when this is over, but focus on finding Steven’s killer first.”

  “It’s possible that the breakin here the day before the murder may be connected to Steven’s death.”

  “I can’t imagine why.”

  “I can’t either, but the timing is suspicious. The police have the list of valuables taken. Was there anything else missing?”

  “Just our wills, which were in the safe.”

  “The theory is, the burglar was looking for something and when he or she didn’t find it here, they went looking for it at Steven’s.”

  “And Steven interrupted him? Why would they think that?”

  “It’s one theory that’s being considered. Can you think of anything that they may have been looking for? Anything that ties you and Steven together that I may not be aware of?”

  “Nothing I can think of. You might check with Lewiston. Gas prices have been declining for months. Most of our men have been though the booms and the busts enough times, they know that’s the business we’re in, but laying people off is never pretty. There’s always somebody who thinks it should have happened to someone else.”

  “I have that on my list to look into. There was a young woman at Steven’s funeral. I don’t know if you noticed her?”

  “Blonde, crazy driver.”

  “That’s the one. Do you know her?”

  “Should I?”

  “I noticed her at the graveside, just before the priest started the service. She looked pretty angry.”

  “Too young to be someone Steven knew. Maybe a friend of Guy or Melody.”

  Jake stood up to leave, then turned and looked back. “Roger, about the election. I’ve always kept your confidence and you know I always will. People keep telling me local elections are dirty. I don’t know how anyone would find out, but I give you my word, it won’t be from me.”

  Hill nodded. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

  “Would you rather I withdraw? They haven’t released the candidate list yet.”

  Hill stood up and offered Jake his hand. “You give ‘em Hell. Just find my son’s killer first.”

  “I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”

  ***

  Emma and Grace stood together on the porch in front of Maddie Hill’s home. Emma held a plate stacked high with homemade brownies. Grace had thought it strange, but Emma had insisted on going home and spending a few hours baking. “I can’t visit a widow empty-handed three days after her husband’s funeral. Most people would bring a casserole, but it’s too hard to know what people like. Nobody says no to brownies.”

  “It sounds like something out of a fifties sitcom,” said Grace. “Do people still do that kind of thing?”

  “In Casper we do. I think it’s sweet.”

  Brownies in hand, Emma rang the doorbell and steeled herself to see the ill-tempered Terrilyn again. To her surprise, Maddie herself appeared, and ushered them into the sitting room. Emma put the brownies down and took a seat on the sofa. “Maddie, I’d like you to meet my friend, Grace Russell. Grace has been staying with us and when I told her I was coming to see you, she asked if she could come and offer you her condolences.”

  Maddie smiled politely. “How thoughtful of you. I hope you’re enjoying your stay in Casper.”

  “Yes, it’s lovely here, Mrs. Hill.”

  Maddie waved her hand dismissively. “Call me Maddie. Mrs. Hill is my mother-in-law.”

  “You’re not here alone, are you? I thought Melody would be staying with you. Has Terrilyn gone home already?” Maddie’s sour-faced sister might not offer much comfort, but Emma had expected to see someone staying with her.

  “Guy went back to finish the semester. He’ll be home in December. Dick had to get back to work, but Melody is staying with me. We’ll all go down to Denver together when Guy gets back.”

  “Guy is your son?” asked Grace.

  “Yes. I’m sorry. Here I am talking away about people you haven’t met. Melody is my daughter and Dick is her husband. She’s out running some errands for me.” Maddie’s voice lacked her characteristic vibrancy and dark circles beneath her eyes betrayed a lack of sleep.

  “I’m glad we came when we did then,” said Emma, putting a hand on Maddie’s arm. “It was a moving ceremony. I’m sure you drew great comfort from it.”

  “I tried. The whole time the priest was speaking, all I could think about was how much Steven would have hated it. He never was much for all that mumbo-jumbo, as he used to call it. He would have been pleased with the turnout.”

  “Yes, it was nice to see how many people cared about Steven. Pity that young woman had to make a scene.”

  “I don’t remember anyone making a scene. When did that happen?”

  “She came out for the graveside service. She seemed upset, so Jake was going to go speak to her, but she just turned and left.”

  “I don’t remember. That day is such a blur.”

  “She was maybe early twenties. Blonde, very good looking. I thought she might have been a friend of Melody or Guy.”

  “We’ve had so many friends in and out of the house.” Maddie’s voice was wistful. “I can’t believe how good everyone has been to us.”

  “I’m sure it’s been a comfort having your children with you,” said Grace.

  “Mel wants me to sell the house and move to Denver. I told her I’d think about it. It’s so hard to be here now.”

  “I’m sure it is, but it’s never a good idea to make such a big decision while you’re grieving,” cautioned Grace. “It might be better to give yourself some time before doing anything so drastic.”

  “I’ve heard that.” Maddie’s eyes glistened. “But I can hardly bear to walk past that room.”

  “We understand,” said Emma. “I’m glad you’re going to have Christmas at Melody’s. It will do you good to be away for a while. As Grace said, if you decide to sell, there’s plenty of time.”

  “You may be right. I don’t know. I don’t seem to be thinking very clearly about anything right n
ow.”

  “Are the police keeping you informed about the investigation,” asked Emma, hoping Detective Brugnick hadn’t mentioned to Maddie that she and Jake were assisting the police.

  “I haven’t spoken to them since the day Steven died.”

  “That must have been a terrible day for you.”

  “I don’t even want to think about it,” said Maddie with a shudder.

  “Did your husband have any enemies?” asked Grace. “Anyone who might have wanted to hurt him? I’m sure a successful businessman must have stepped on a few toes here and there.”

  “I suppose so. Steven was always working. He started at the bottom, did you know that? People always respected that about him.”

  “Do you know whether Steven was concerned about anyone? Perhaps, afraid of someone?”

  “Steven was never afraid of anyone, even when he should have been.” Maddie’s voice was oddly harsh. Emma and Grace exchanged glances.

  “Was there someone you think he should have been afraid of?” asked Emma.

  “I didn’t say that.” Maddie reached for a brownie and took a bite of one before she spoke again. “I just meant he never took anyone seriously. People would threaten him and he’d just laugh in their face.”

  “Did someone threaten Steven?”

  “I didn’t say that either. It’s just that Steven could be a bit oversure of himself.”

  “He could rub people the wrong way?” suggested Grace gently.

  “Oh he could be downright infuriating. He’d look at you with that smirk…Where are my manners? Can I get you ladies some coffee?” Maddie jumped up and fled the room, leaving Grace and Emma staring after her.

  They heard a door open and shut in the back of the house. “Hi Mom, sorry I took so long. The pharmacy was a zoo. Is something wrong?”

  After some hushed conversation, Maddie came back into the sitting room. Melody followed, carrying a tray, which she placed on the coffee table. She was in her mid-twenties and looked like a younger version of her mother. She was dressed casually, in jeans and a sweater to combat the chill. “Ooh, brownies!” she exclaimed, popping one into her mouth. “Hello, Mrs. Rand. Did you make these? They’re amazing.”