by Ann Mullen
Mom winced. “I think I’m going to puke.”
“No, you’re not, Minnie. You just think you are. You’re going to feel better after you get some food in your belly.”
Helene made oatmeal for everyone, explaining that it would be bland and it wouldn’t upset our stomachs. She was right.
The snow had stopped falling sometime in the middle of the night, and the sun was now out doing its job of melting the white stuff. The weatherman warned of possible flooding due to the rising temperature expected today, and told everyone to be prepared. He said it could get ugly, but here in the mountains, that was part of everyday life.
We needed to put a halt to work and be on our best behavior for a little while, at least until we’d heard something from the sheriff, so we started our day out parked in front of the TV, watching the news while the kids played with the dogs in Maisy’s bedroom.
Around ten-thirty, Jonathan called, and as usual, Billy put him on speaker so all of us could hear.
“You’re on speaker, Jonathan. The whole crew’s present. Tell us what you have.”
“Shark, Gator, and Mason left. Their job’s done, and now they’re off on a new adventure. Can’t tell you what or where. What can you do? You get good help, and then they up and move on.” Jonathan laughed.
“But I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.”
“Don’t worry, Minnie. You’ll see them again. Have y’all heard from Sheriff Hudson or Captain Trainum?”
“Nothing yet, brother. Have you been watching the news?”
“Yeah. Looks like the sheriff left you guys out of it. You got lucky on this one. The press won’t be knocking down your door to hear your side of the story.”
I added my thoughts to the conversation. “There was no mention that Denise Sutton was shot and killed at our house. Maybe Sheriff Hudson and Captain Trainum wanted all the glory for catching a dangerous serial killer, or maybe, they didn’t want to have to explain our part in it. It doesn’t matter. I’m just glad not to be bothered. The press is like vultures circling a dead carcass. They never give up, and then they say or print whatever they want. Who needs that?”
“I just got a call from my friend about the wine bottle found in Preston’s car. Negative for antifreeze. Positive for minute traces of arsenic.”
“Arsenic? Who uses arsenic anymore? That was stupid.”
“Here’s something else for you. The guys searching Preston’s car found a soda can shoved up under the driver’s seat. Guess what they found in it?”
Billy raised his eyebrows. “Traces of antifreeze.”
“Yep. Guess she tried everything in her bag of goodies. Oh… never did come up with anything on the wedding band, but I guess that’s moot now.”
“We’ve been watching the news, and they reported the capture and subsequent death of the suspect, but that’s it. Very few specifics, and then they went on to reporting something else.”
“By tonight, this will be old news, brother. When the cops want to keep something out of the news, they have people who make it happen. You know that.”
“What you got going on there?”
“Nothing. Just hanging out around the house… waiting for the sheriff to come and arrest me.”
“Same here.”
“You know we’re going down for this one, brother… don’t you?”
“My feeling isn’t good, but jail isn’t part of that feeling. We made a few blunders, but so did the sheriff. I’ll be sure to point that out when he pays us a visit. He didn’t have his mind on his job, or he would’ve locked us up the minute he saw the video of us sneaking in The Body Shop. Perhaps the sheriff has something more serious on his plate than us right now.”
“I think you might have something there. I’ve been picking up chatter about recent abductions in the area over the past few months, and the cops are up in arms over it. At first, they treated it as a missing person’s case, you know runaways or the like, but now they’re rethinking their stance because of the similarities. Lu Ann’s been called in, so you know they must think they have a serial killer running around.”
“You kill one, and another takes its place.” Billy paused. “That was meant to be a joke. Listen. After all that’s happened, the worst we’ll get is community service. No doubt in my mind.”
“Let’s hope you’re right, but whatever happens, we’ll deal with it. Man, this has been a weird case. I kinda feel sorry for the woman.”
“Save your pity. She made her choice. She didn’t have to go on a killing rampage.”
“Yeah, you’re right. She chose to kill. She doesn’t deserve my sympathy. She got away from her abusive husband. That should’ve been enough, but instead of being happy, she started getting revenge. When is that ever right?”
“Never.”
“Wouldn’t it be a trip if we all ended up in jail because of her? We’d be the ones who’d suffer the fallout of her insanity… just another one of her casualties. When does a person go from sane to insane?”
“That’s a question for Lu Ann.”
“Keep me informed.” Jonathan disconnected.
The mood in the room had taken on an ominous feel. It was as if our life had been put on hold and would stay that way until we got the call… or a knock at the door. For the first time, our lives could easily change from something very good to something really, really bad. Jail could be part of our future. I knew it, and Billy knew it, but he said nothing of the sort, and tried to put our fears at rest.
“You all heard what I told Jonathan. This is all going to blow over soon, and we’re going to be fine. Jesse and I might have to pick up trash off the side of the road for a few weeks,” Billy looked at me and winked, “but that’s okay. We’ve dealt with trash before. So… until we hear from the sheriff, we need to go about our business as usual.”
Helene acted surprised. “You mean, take on another case? Are you serious? You can’t do it… I mean, you shouldn’t do it. Not now.”
“No, we’re not taking on another case until we finish our business with the sheriff.” Billy started to slowly pace around the dining room table with his hand on his chin.
I knew he was formulating something in his head. I’d seen that look many times.
“I’ve been thinking. If I was the sheriff and I really wanted to make someone suffer, I’d make them sweat it out. If he was going to throw any of us in jail, we’d be there right now. No… he’s got plans for us. He’s going to make us sweat it out for a couple of days, and then he’s going to tell us what he wants. Like I said, we’ll probably get community service.”
Hmm… was Billy right or was he sugar coating the outcome? I just didn’t know what to think. I prayed for the best, but…
“Community service, my a…” Helene refrained from finishing her sentence, knowing how much Mom hated profanity. “Wake up. If you think you’re going to get a slap on the wrist, you’re dreaming. Sheriff Hudson’s going to throw the book at you. We need to face up to the fact that…”
“What about me? I shot Gavin Preston in the foot.”
“If Billy’s right, Minnie, you’re going to be picking up trash right along with him and Jesse.” Helene looked over at Eddie. “I guess we’ll have to take care of the kids and do the housekeeping while they’re out beautifying America. That is… if we’re lucky.”
Mom waved her off. “Stop being a downer, Helene. Jesse doesn’t look worried, so I’m not either. If she didn’t believe what Billy said, I’d know. We’re going to be just fine. Besides, I don’t mind picking up trash.” Mom smiled at Billy. “It’ll be worth it.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Billy raised his hand and broke in. “Enough. We’re not going to argue. Since we’re going to be homebound for a while, we’re going to take advantage of our time. I’ll talk to Lila at the office and tell her to continue screening cases and refer perspective clients to Larry Mayhew over in Greene County, unless something big comes along.” He looked at me. “We can
do a lot from home. The computer is a magical thing.” He looked over at Eddie. “Think you’re up to making a sketch of your new home? You draw it, and Jonathan can make up the blueprints. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just something to give him an idea of what you want. He’ll do the rest.”
“Sure, I’m game.” Eddie looked at Mom. “Tell me what you want, Minnie, and I’ll draw it.”
Mom smiled. “I think it’s a wonderful idea. It’ll keep us busy until we have to start picking up trash.” She looked at Helene and chuckled.
As the day wore on and there was no sign of Sheriff Hudson, the more I believed Billy had been right. He said the sheriff was going to make us sweat, and we were sweating. Even though we’d kept busy, we still had that underlying feeling of a disaster waiting to happen.
Dinner came and went, and when it was time for bed, we were more than glad to call it a day. We were exhausted. Stress does that to a person, and we’d all had our fair share of stress for one day.
By the time the lights went out, I was snuggled up close to Billy, waiting for a restful, uneventful sleep. My mind went from one scene to another, playing out the recent events, until finally, I closed my eyes and drifted off, sleeping peacefully throughout the night. No bad dreams. No one chasing me. I woke refreshed and ready to take on a new day. I heard the kids playing and the occasional bark of one of the dogs. I smelled food cooking. I crawled out of bed, got dressed, and then headed to the kitchen.
“You’re up early,” I said to Billy as I walked up and gave him a kiss. “Where is everybody?”
He handed me a cup of coffee. “The kids are playing, waiting on their breakfast, and your Mom and Eddie are in the den still going over the plans for their new house.”
“And I’m here.” Helene waved as if I hadn’t seen her. “Cooking breakfast. You hungry?”
“I’m starved.”
Billy’s cell phone rang.
“Hmm…it’s Jonathan. Mighty early for him to be calling. I smell trouble.”
“It’s probably the bacon,” Helene joked. “I burned a couple of slices.”
Billy touched the screen. “Hope you have good news for me.”
“Not so much. They’re here. Sheriff Hudson’s SUV followed by a plain, white van… and wait… they’re pulling into your driveway. Oh… I know what’s happening here.” Jonathan laughed. “You were right all along, brother. No jail. Call me.”
The call ended.
Billy and I glared at each other.
“Why was he laughing?”
“I have no idea, but it must not be too serious, or he wouldn’t be laughing. See… I told you everything was going to be all right.”
I went over and looked out the window, my heart skipping a beat with every step. I looked back at Billy. “It’s the sheriff and Cole, and there’s some guy getting out of the van. The guy’s carrying a big, black suitcase thingy. You think our striped vests are in it? I mean, they have to wear those vests when they do highway cleanup, right?”
“Calm down, `ge ya. I think I know why Jonathan was laughing.”
“Well, then please fill me in before I have a heart attack.”
There was a loud knock at the door, and then the sheriff said, “Greene County Sheriff.”
Billy gave me a wink, and then opened the door. “Come on in, Sheriff Hudson. You look well, considering what you’ve been through. How about a cup of coffee?” He held out his hand to the sheriff.
The sheriff offered his hand and said, “We need to talk in private. I don’t want to disturb your breakfast, but I have a busy day ahead of me.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard.”
“What have you heard?”
“About the abductions. I know every police department around must be frantic.”
The sheriff started to say something, but Billy cut him off. “Helene, why don’t you call everyone to breakfast? We’ll be in the den.”
Billy motioned to the sheriff. “Follow me.”
When Mom passed the sheriff in the hallway, she didn’t say a word. She just kept walking.
Once in the den, Billy closed the door, and then turned to the sheriff. “Who’s your friend?”
I walked over to the recliner and sat down. My hands were shaking as I held my cup of coffee and waited to see what was going to happen. It was now down to the wire, and I was afraid we were about to be hung. Then, I realized that if we were going to be arrested, it would’ve happened the minute the sheriff walked in the door, so what was really going on here? I couldn’t stand it any longer. I had to say something or explode. “So… are you going to throw us in jail or not?”
“I wasn’t planning on it, but if you want me to, I’m sure I can accommodate you.”
“Why not? You’ve wanted to lock us up for as long as I can remember. What…”
Billy gave me a stern look. “Jesse… let the sheriff talk.” He looked back at the sheriff. “Shall we sit down and talk about why you’re here.”
“Sure we can, but I think you know why I’m here.”
The sheriff and Cole sat down on the sofa while Billy waited for the other guy to sit.
“Have a seat, Billy.” The sheriff pointed to the guy dressed in street clothes. “He has official business to attend to.”
Billy sat down in the recliner next to mine.
By now, my heart was in my throat. “God! Stop with the polite chitchat and get to the point!” I sneered at the sheriff. “You know I have anxiety! Are you trying to kill me?”
“I want to introduce you to Tommy. He’s with our home monitoring system, and he’s here to fit you with your new police jewelry.”
“What jewelry? Is this a joke?”
Billy reached over and patted my hand. “Ankle bracelets, Jesse. Tracking devices.” He looked at the sheriff. “Are we under house arrest or just tracking?”
“Both. You’ll be under house arrest for thirty days and then you’ll be tracked for an additional sixty days. I’m sure you know how the system works.”
This was the last thing I had expected. I was shocked, but at the same time I was almost euphoric knowing we weren’t going to jail. This is what Billy was about to tell me before he answered the door.
“House arrest ain’t so bad, Billy. We can still go to work, right Sheriff?”
The sheriff laughed. “You know the drill, Jesse. You’re not going anywhere for thirty days, and then, when the thirty days are up, you’ll be able to leave the house. Just remember, I’ll know where you are every minute of the day for ninety days. I’ll be like the pink elephant in the room. If you have a problem with this arrangement, there is another alternative.”
Tommy pulled out a two-inch wide, black leather strap with a tiny box-like thing attached and proceeded to hook it around my ankle. The monitor beeped, and I was all set. It took all of five minutes. Five minutes and now I would be confined to this house for thirty days. Would I go insane?
“What’s the other alternative? I’m willing to pick up trash off the road. This thing already itches.” I reached down and scratched around the bracelet for emphasis.
“The other alternative is, I arrest you and you go to prison—you, Billy, and Jonathan. How many times have I told you that obstruction of justice is a serious charge? Judges don’t like it when you get in our way. You’ll go down, and you’ll go down hard. I don’t want to see that happen, but I have to do something. And… there is that matter with your mother shooting Gavin Preston in the foot.”
“Prove it. I made it up.”
“Now… I knew you’d say that.” The sheriff rubbed his forehead as if he could feel the headache that was coming. He looked back up at me. “Jesse, you’re an instigator and a troublemaker. You’re impulsive and irresponsible. Shame on you for dragging your mother into your little three-ring circus.”
“Technically, she offered, so stop trying to make me feel bad.” I looked at Tommy and then back to the sheriff. “You’re not going to make my mother wear one of those things. No way. Put one
on Helene instead. She won’t mind.”
The sheriff laughed again. “I’m not going to put one on your mother, so don’t freak out. I know that anything she does wrong can be traced directly back to you.”
“While under house arrest, all communications will be monitored.” Tommy began his explanation of our boundaries and the few freedoms afforded us as he finished securing Billy’s bracelet. “Doctor and dentist visits have to be verified.” He went on and on until I was about ready to nod off. I closed my eyes for just a second.
The sheriff coughed. “Are we boring you, Jesse?”
“I want to talk about what happened. I don’t care about all these rules and regulations. I get it. I’m shackled to you for the next three months. I can live with that.”
“Your inability to follow the rules and regulations is what got you where you are now.” He looked over at Billy. “I blame her for allowing Minnie to get involved, but I blame you for breaking your promise. I might have to reassess my opinion of you and your word. Do the time and restore my faith.”
I waved at the sheriff. “I’m still here.”
“What do you want?”
“We all know the story, and the killer’s dead. Case closed. What about the women who paid Dakota/Denise to kill their husbands? Are they going to be charged?”
“That’s up to the D.A., but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Conspiracy, solicitation of murder… can’t build much of a case based on a name and dollar amount found in a book, especially when the accused solicitor is dead. Circumstantial at best. Next.”
“Tell me about the video. You lied about seeing us, didn’t you?”
“I must admit the video was rather poor. I saw two large men with ponytails and a big black guy with a slight limp, and then I saw this puny little girl acting all dressed up. I put two and two together and came up with you. Much to my surprise, you confirmed it that night at Jonathan’s house.”
“So what do you really have?”
“Little girl, you don’t want to play this game with me.”
Tommy closed his suitcase. “Ah, I’m done here, Sheriff Hudson. I can wait in my van until you’re ready to leave, if you’d like.”