* * * *
Early the next evening, I pulled on a dark gray hooded jersey. The shirt and the dark trousers made me feel like a spy. When I pulled the hood forward, my hair was covered and my face shadowed. The outfit was comfortable, a plus since I would have to remain hidden for hours. After tucking my key, some dried fruit and hard candy in a waist pouch along with a penlight, I fed Robespierre. I went down to Jenna's apartment. She'd agreed to drive me to Hudson House.
Jenna giggled. “You look like a fashion-conscious cat burglar."
"That's my intention. I'll spend several hours lurking in the shower. There's a seat for wheelchair patients.'
"Sure hope the seat's not wet."
"Don't see why it should be. Mr. Greene gets bed baths."
Jenna shook her head. “Let's go before I start laughing so hard I can't drive. Can I go inside with you."
"I'm counting on you to scout the way. You'll go first to make sure I can reach Pauline's office without being seen."
"Got you.” She shut the door and we walked to her car. “Louise is gone but she didn't leave her key."
"I'll call the locksmith in the morning and have the locks changed."
"Good idea.” She started the car. “Sophie called six times and left messages. She demands I meet her at the bank in the morning. The last time, I caught the call and hinted I'd be there."
"You did the right thing."
"Why did you want me to agree?"
"So she or Marcus will call the killer to let her know the diamonds will soon be here."
"She sounded relieved.” She backed the car into the street. “Do you know who killed Gran?"
"I'm ninety-nine percent sure."
At Hudson House, Jenna pulled into a parking space. Clouds cast shadows across the sky and made it easy for me to scurry along the paths to the front entrance. Jenna entered the foyer, paused and waved me forward. I slipped down the hall and entered Pauline's office.
When I stepped inside, my friend looked up. “Kate, quite a costume. Are you sure this is the right step to take?"
"More than sure. Don't be surprised if the police arrive to make an arrest."
"You called them and they believed you?"
"No and no.” I briefed her on the coins and how Mrs. Lewis had called them. “If the coins have been sold, they'll probably have a sketch and maybe even the name of the seller."
She heaved a sigh. “So what now."
"I need to find an opportunity to sneak into Mr. Greene's room without being seen."
Jenna popped to her feet. “Shouldn't I be the one? It's...I'm younger and well..."
"Me,” Pauline said. “My job's at risk."
I shook my head. “This isn't the first time I've dealt with a killer. I know I won't panic.” I rose. “Time to sneak into Mr. Greene's room."
Pauline waved me back. “Let me call Mrs. Lewis and see if she has any news about the coins. If her brother has been arrested, wouldn't he try to warn his accomplice?"
"How?” I looked at the clock. Eight PM. There was time. I doubted anything would happen before nine. “I doubt he'd have a chance to call here."
Pauline dialed. Jenna and I listened to a one-sided conversation. When Pauline hung up, she smiled. “They found the coins and have a sketch of the woman they're bringing to her. They're picking up her brother for questioning. You may not have to implement your plan."
"I'd rather not chance her acting before the police arrive.” I turned to Jenna. “Go home. I'll see you there."
"But I'll worry,” she said.
"Isn't Richard coming over?"
Jenna nodded. “He's probably there now. How will you get home?"
"I'm staying until this is finished,” Pauline said. “I'll bring her."
Jenna kissed my cheek. “I'll wait up.” She groaned. “Seems strange for the younger to wait up for the older."
She, Pauline and I walked to the door. Jenna peered into the hall. “All clear. Good luck."
I turned to Pauline. “Go work some magic."
"I'll make sure no one's in his room. Then I'll have an impromptu staff meeting in the lounge.” Se picked up a large box of doughnuts. “One of the families sent them as a thank you and the evening staff seldom gets the goodies."
"That should work."
She reached into her pocket. “This beeper is programmed to ring me. If you need help, push the button."
"Will do.” I tucked the beeper in my pocket and followed her to the back stairs.
She paused inside. “Maybe I should call the police. I don't like you putting yourself in danger."
"If they aren't here before ten, call. Once Mrs. Lewis identifies the woman, they'll look for her. When they learn she's here, they'll come."
"Still —"
"I'll be fine."
"You're intrepid."
"Or foolish, but it's how I have to be."
We reached the top of the stairs. Pauline opened the door and stepped into the hall. I heard her speak to someone. For what seemed like hours, I waited in the shadows on the landing. Finally, she opened the door wide enough for me to slip through. “Coast is clear. They're all in the lounge. I can give you ten minutes to get settled."
"No problem.’ I hurried to Mr. Greene's room. He lay on the side facing the window allowing me to reach the bathroom without alarming him. I switched on the night-light and turned off the overhead. After stepping into the shower, I sat on the hard plastic seat. I wished I'd brought a pillow. The wait would be long, but I'm a patient person.
My throat felt dry and I had the urge to cough. I sucked on a piece of hard candy. At a few minutes after nine, two aides entered the room to clean and position Mr. Greene.
"I'll empty the catheter bag,” Betty said.
I'd forgotten that detail of evening care. I pressed back as far as I could. The bathroom door closed. Betty gasped and I waited for a scream. Instead, she slid the shower door open a crack. “What are you doing here?” she whispered.
"A secret project."
She nodded. “Knew you wasn't working for the money."
"Don't give me away."
"I won't.” She emptied the urinal and flushed. “Who you looking into?"
"The nurses."
"John told me about them coins. Seemed odd the son brought them here. Odd, too how Mr. Greene's Molly's new favorite.” She flushed the toilet again. “I'm gonna close the blinds. You might want to move out of here. The alcove will be dark."
"Thanks."
"Be careful.” She left.
I slumped on the seat and waited for my heart to quit thudding. That had been too close. Any other aide but Betty and I would have lost the chance to prove murder had been done.
"Boy, Molly's acting weird tonight,” Betty said.
"It's the full moon,” the other aide said. “Always makes people jumpy."
"Yeah. She's slinking around waiting for someone to die."
"You should have seen her the night that poor woman died,” the other aide said. “You'd think the woman did it on purpose."
Their voices drifted away. I slid the shower door open and peered around the partly open door. I saw the flash of a white uniform.
"Molly, come give me a hand,” Betty called. “Miss Tolly's on the floor and you know how heavy she is."
"Coming.” Molly put something on the bedside stand. I took advantage of her departure and left the bathroom. The something was a ten-cc syringe containing a clear fluid. That amount of any of the drugs I suspected was being used was enough to cause a quick death. I slid into the shadows in the alcove to wait for the next event.
A short time later, Molly entered. She lifted the syringe and reached for the injection port on the intravenous tubing. When she removed the needle cover, I stepped from the shadows. “I wouldn't do that."
She whirled. “What are you doing here?"
"Preventing a murder. The police know about the coins Mr. Greene's son gave you and that you sold them. They'll be here any m
inute to arrest you. Put the syringe down."
She lunged at me and I jerked aside to keep from being stabbed by the needle. I chopped her wrist with my hand. She hip slammed into me. I toppled onto the love seat,
This time, she aimed the syringe at my face. I turned my head. The needle gouged my cheek. With my feet planted on the floor, I bucked. Molly staggered back and thudded on the floor. The syringe flew from her hand. I sat on her and she struggled to push me off.
"Why were you trying to kill Mr. Greene?"
"Was I?"
"Once whatever's in the syringe is analyzed everyone will know. Who paid you?” Her body thrashed beneath me and I was nearly dislodged. I grasped her wrists and pulled her hands above her head. This was the time to call Pauline, but I couldn't release her hands to extract the beeper. “Who paid you to kill Mrs. Garner?"
"Why should I tell you?"
"To see justice done."
She laughed. “Get off me."
"Who promised you diamonds in exchange for the death? You won't get them."
"How did you know?” She jerked her body and knocked me from her.
"Someone help.” I yelled.
The overhead light flashed on. “Sherlock, fancy meeting you here.” Pete held out his hand. “What are you up to?"
"Tell you in a minute. I need a pair of gloves.” I limped to the door.
Dave pulled Molly to her feet. “You're under arrest for receiving and selling stolen property.” He recited her rights.
"Stolen. What do you mean?” Her voice rose to a shrill pitch. “Those were a gift."
"But you showed a sales receipt at the coin shop where you sold them."
I waved to Pauline. “Gloves.” She took a pair from one of the aides. I slipped them on and retrieved the syringe from beneath the love seat. “Add attempted murder to the charge."
"Don't touch anything else,” Pete said. “We'll collect the evidence. Just tell me how."
I pointed to the needle cover. “Cap this syringe and have the fluid analyzed. “I don't know what it contains, but she was about to inject the solution into Mr. Greene's IV. Just be careful not to lose the solution."
"Got you."
"Mr. Greene,” Dave said. “Isn't that the man whose coins were stolen?"
"Sure is.” Pete shook his head. “Sherlock, looks like you found what you were looking for."
"Not quite.” I turned to Molly. “Sophie or Marcus Garner."
She laughed. “I'm not saying another word until my attorney is present."
I smiled. “They'll exhume all those bodies."
Pete found gloves and carefully capped the syringe. He dropped it into an envelope. “Do you have that list of potential victims?"
"There's a copy in Pauline's office. I can get the original to you tomorrow. Without her help, I couldn't have uncovered this mess."
"I'll make a note of that. Let's get those papers.” He offered his arm.
I was glad for his support. Now the adrenaline had ebbed, my body ached from the unaccustomed exercise. In the hall, the aides gathered in a cluster.
Teresa stood beside the med cart. “Katherine, what's going on?"
"Pauline will explain when she can."
When Pete and I reached Pauline's office, she hung up the phone. “Is it over?"
"Or just beginning,” I said. “I need the copies of the circumstantial evidence we've collected."
Pete growled. “Going to rub it in?"
"Maybe."
Pauline handed him a folder. He paused in the doorway. “I need to see you both at the station tomorrow to give your statements."
"Together?” I asked.
He shook his head. “You know better."
"Any special time?” Pauline asked.
"At your convenience.” He waved and left.
I sank on a chair and heaved a sigh. My role had ended and I still hadn't learned who had paid Molly for Martha's death. Depending on the results of the autopsy, I might never learn. Not all the drugs would be found easily. That bothered me. Pauline handed me a mug of tea. “I need to tell the staff something, but what?"
"That Molly's been arrested for receiving stolen property."
"Won't they wonder why you were here?"
"Probably. Betty has guessed. Ask them not to speak about their suspicions pending police investigation, but let them know if they have anything to report, they should call the station tomorrow.” I sipped the tea. “Just say there could be other developments that you can't speak about yet."
She nodded. “Sounds like a plan. Be back in fifteen minutes. If the phone rings, ignore it. I spoke to the Board president and told him the entire story including my reasons for hiring you. He'll speak to the others. I'll be hiring nurses from a temp agency for a bit. We'll stay open until we see what happens."
I wished things had worked out differently. I leaned back and closed my eyes.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter 12
~
Sequela
-
When Pauline returned, she looked as tired as I felt. I straightened and looked at my watch. She'd taken much longer than I had expected. I pressed my hands against the arms of the chair to force my aching body to move.
Pauline waved me back. “What happened to your face? I didn't notice the blood before."
"Just a scratch. Molly caught me with the needle."
Pauline pulled an alcohol wipe from her pocket, opened the packet and wiped my cheek. The sting made my eyes water. She daubed some antibiotic ointment on the area and applied two small adhesive dressings. “You're lucky. She could have penetrated your eye.” She clasped my hand. If you'd been seriously hurt, I would never have forgiven myself for getting you into this mess."
"I wasn't and I intended to find some way to investigate. I'm glad we stopped her and the truth will be known. Hopefully some greedy people will pay."
"Along with some not so greedy. What if she lies about who paid her?’ She slid her hand under my arm to help me stand.
"If she names names, the police will have to weed out the guilty parties. When the bodies are exhumed, they may not be able to prove all the victims were murdered."
"Then what?"
"We'll have to pray the guilty betray themselves."
We walked down the hall and paused in the foyer. “After I take you home, I'm coming back to talk to Joe. He needs to know what's going down."
"Tell him to call Dr. Brookes. He's my family physician and might be looking for a partner. In the past five years, he's had two who haven't worked out. Dr. Bragg might be the right one.” At the car, I slipped into the passenger's seat.
Pauline started the car. “I'll do that. He'd like being in a practice where he wouldn't be dealing solely with the elderly."
When we reached the house, Jenna and Richard left the porch. Jenna ran down the walk and hugged me. “I'm so glad you're all right.” She touched the dressing on my cheek. “What happened?"
"Tell you in a bit.” I turned and waved at Pauline. “Don't forget to go to the police station tomorrow."
"First thing in the morning. Talk to you soon."
Richard waited by the steps. He took my arm. “At least you're in one piece."
"A bit battered.” I shook my head. “Heavy combat isn't my choice."
"When Jenna told me what you planned, I wanted to charge to the rescue.” he grinned. “We had our first fight."
"I told him what you told Pauline and me about not panicking."
"Actually, she took my car keys. So what happened?” He touched the dressing. “You could have lost your eye."
"So I've been told.” I didn't mention that I could have died. No sense worrying people over what hadn't happened. “Follow me upstairs. I need a cup of mint tea and something sweet."
"I could go for sweets,” he said.
I laughed. “Always."
Jenna ran ahead of us. Richard's help was welcome. By the time we arrived, she had the kettle on
and was studying the labels on the jars of tea.
"The third from the right,” I said. Robespierre wove a path around my legs. “Spill a bit of food in his dish. There's a tin of chocolate chip with macadamia nuts I baked this morning."
"What was in the syringe?” Richard asked. “Some nasty poison?"
I sat on a chair. “Depends on what you consider poison. The syringe probably contained one of three medicines, each beneficial in the proper dosage.” I gestured to the cupboards. “You'll find honey there."
Jenna filled three mugs. “Does this mean Gran's death was really a murder?"
I shrugged and drizzled honey in the tea. “Probably."
Richard opened the tin of cookies. “What do you mean?"
I sipped the tea and savored the sweet warmth. “Molly refused to tell me who paid her or even to admit she'd been paid. Once the bodies are exhumed, she'll talk. She's a contracted serial killer. Could earn her a death sentence. I figure she'll strike a bargain."
"So we don't know if Uncle Marcus or Sophie was the one,” Jenna said. “How will the police learn?"
I swallowed the bite of cookie I'd taken. “Actually, they may never know. Molly was clever."
"How so?” Richard asked.
"She didn't accept cash. Just things that could be sold. Jewelry, paintings, rare books and the coins. I'm sure she demanded a bill of sale for the items so she'd have no trouble selling them."
"Gran's diamonds,” Jenna said.
"Now, tell us from the beginning what happened,” Richard said.
"I refilled my mug and began the tale. When I finished, the pairs’ eyes were wide. “So now the police will let the families know the bodies are being exhumed. I figure there'll be some people leave the area for parts unknown."
Richard nodded. “I think you're right. Who do you think arranged for Mrs. Garner's death?"
Jenna raised her mug. “I vote for Sophie."
"You're probably right. While your uncle is a greedy man. I believe he loved his mother. But I wonder if Sophie is smart enough to pull this off."
"She is,” Richard said. “Remember that letter Mrs. Garner left for him. Maybe there was some information on Sophie."
"We'll never know,” Jenna said.
I finished my tea. “Time for you to head out. I'm taking a hot bath and going to bed."
Hudson House Murders [Book 4 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Page 15