by Linda Hanna
“Great, A. J. Foyt, now what?” Vi asked sarcastically. “This trek across the golf course is taking too long. I need to get this article out ASAP.”
A huge smile stretched across Wendell’s face. “Cora’s place is just over there a piece. We’ll be there in two shakes.” He stomped on the gas pedal, smacked the steering wheel, and let out a war whoop. “Boy, I wish I had me a sirene ‘bout now.”
Three gaggles of golfers stood along the perimeter of the course, and watched the commotion in the neighboring complex. The astonished group turned and stared as the cart charged through the well-manicured grass.
Wendell steered into the backyard and pulled up to the patio.
A sigh of relief arose from the feminine trio.
They stood under the awning as Wendell hollered and banged on the kitchen door.
Someone shouted from the side of the house, “There they are!” The feeding frenzy began. The entire herd of zealous journalists stampeded in their direction.
Quick-thinking Vi held up her suit jacket just in time to protect the sisters from the invasion of cameras. Flash bulbs glared like strobe lights. Rapacious journalists simultaneously barked questions in their direction.
****
Drawn by the commotion, Ed ran ahead of the police captain to join Dahlia in the kitchen. Jeff and June followed. Much to everyone’s surprise, two Paco’s Taco sombreros were at the door.
Wendell’s head popped up behind the hats. “Open up.” His mouth split into a cheesy grin as he turned and waved to the photographers. “I told ya I knew where they was, Ed. I brung ‘em home safe an’ sound.”
Dahlia wrestled with the newly installed lock and opened the door. “Well, if you gals ain’t a sight for sore eyes.” She grabbed her husband’s arm. “Stop muggin’ for the cameras an’ get your bones in here, Wendell Floyd.”
The Texan strutted into the kitchen, proudly leading his human trophies. Vi closed the door to block the clamoring members of the media.
“Cora!” Ed’s large hand gently cradled her face. “I thought I’d lost you.”
She stood on tiptoe, touched her lips to his and melted into his embrace. “Oh Eddie, I thought they’d find us dead in that squalor.”
He held her tight. “Why didn’t you call the police instead of Wendell?”
“Oh…I don’t know. Guess we panicked.” She scratched her head. “All we could think of at the time was contacting you and Jeff. Em remembered she left her cell phone on our kitchen counter, so we called that, thinking you would answer. How could we know Wendell had her phone in his pocket?”
The crowd migrated into the living room, as Vi’s camera snapped in quick succession.
Jeff kissed Emily on the forehead. “You really had us worried, Mom.”
“Are you feeling alright?” June asked.
Emily hugged her son and daughter-in-law again. “Oh, I’m exhausted. I’ve got to rest. First, Cora and I need to give the police our statement.”
The sisters told their stories to the police. They named Jack Thurston and Rita Santalis as their kidnappers, and also mentioned it was possible that Jack murdered the Shipleys.
Wendell turned and grabbed a cop’s arm. “We just saw Jack standin’ next door in front of Letitia Bockman’s. There was always somethin’ shady about that feller. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.”
Instantly, Captain O’Hara sent his men out the front of the condo.
Vi and Wendell were in hot pursuit.
Then, Emily handed her cell phone and Rita’s purse to O’Hara. “The pictures on my phone will give you all the evidence you need. The bag belongs to Rita.”
“I appreciate your help.” Captain O’Hara quickly folded his notebook and headed for the door. “We’ll be in touch.”
25
For the first time that day, Ed allowed himself to relax. Cora was home, and he couldn’t stop gazing at her. Who would’ve guessed that Wendell actually knew what he was talking about? If only he had believed the man.
“Just look at ya in them dirty robes. I can’t hardly believe y’all been gallivantin’ around like that.” Dahlia cackled as her strong arms surrounded the sisters. “Ya look famished. There’s food over on the table an’ I’ll crank up the BrewMeister.”
Emily turned to her sister. “I don’t know about you, but my old carcass smells pretty gamy. I need a shower before I can think about food.”
“By the way, Em, I saw some jumpy things on that motel pillow. Remind me to check your hair for bugs.”
“Eewww! Now, I’m twice as itchy. Thanks a heap, Sis.”
Cora grabbed her arm and they hobbled down the hall. “Hey! We even smell identical.”
Ed called after them. “Wait. Take this trash bag for your robes, slippers and anything else you may have on.”
“That’s a good idea.” Dahlia gave a hearty laugh. “We don’t need a herd o’ bedbugs gallopin’ around here.”
Ed felt a warm hand on his shoulder.
“How are you holding up, Uncle Steady?”
“Do you realize how fortunate we are, Jeff?” Ed wiped his eyes and smiled. “God spared their lives, and chose to bring them back home to us.”
Their conversation was interrupted when mayhem broke loose outside the living room window. The police had cautiously surrounded the area as friends and neighbors backed away from Letitia’s front yard. This offered Ed and Jeff a clearer view, even though members of the media continued to hold their ground.
“Looks like the cops have zeroed in on him.” Jeff’s voice shook in anger. “I want to get a better look at this guy. Wanna go with me?”
June bit her lower lip and linked her arm with Jeff’s. “We nearly lost your mom and Aunt Cora. Please stay in the house where it’s safe.”
“We’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Jeff’s gaze softened as he kissed her forehead. He turned to Dahlia. “We’ll only be a few minutes. You ladies keep the coffee hot and the pie warm.”
June’s arms hung limp as she watched them leave.
“Do you see Wendell anywhere?” Ed scanned his front yard as they inched their way through the large gathering. As they approached the edge of the property, Jack casually stood next to Letitia and Tinkle-Belle.
Fury, like Ed had never known before, nearly choked him. His hands formed tight fists. This man terrorized his wife for weeks.
A hush fell on the crowd. The police closed in on their suspect, revolvers drawn.
Jack instantly seized Letitia Bockman. His arm went across her frail shoulders as he pulled the older woman in front of him as a human shield. She screamed. He lifted her off the ground as he backed up.
Tinkle-Belle ferociously snapped at Jack’s heels. The dog grabbed his pant leg, shook it violently, and threw the man off balance.
Letitia’s arms and legs thrashed in self-defense. Her artificial pearls catapulted into the air.
Wendell unexpectedly appeared from the back of the house. Ed’s mouth gaped in disbelief as the Texan crept up behind the kidnapper. Of all the times for him to become a hero.
“Let her go, Jack.” Wendell’s voice boomed and his arm snaked around the man’s throat. “Nobody bluffs Wendell Floyd McGibbons an’ gits away with it.”
Jack gasped for air and relaxed his grip on Letitia.
She dropped to the ground with a yelp.
Three policemen quickly moved in to apprehend the offender.
The dog’s aggressive snarl indicated she had no intention of releasing her human tug toy.
Cheers and whistles erupted from the onlookers as Officer Reed cuffed the prisoner. “I’m placing you under arrest for the kidnapping of Cora Timms and Emily Morgan. You have the right to remain silent…”
Cameras continued to roll while the policeman finished the Miranda Rights and led the cursing handyman to the squad car.
Letitia’s large poodle yipped and pranced in circles as the EMS Team quickly wheeled a gurney to the elderly woman’s side.
Friends and nei
ghbors clamored around their beefy security guard. Ed hugged the man and patted him on the back. “Good job, Wendell. I’m proud of you, buddy.”
Jeff squeezed in beside his Uncle Ed. “Yes, I want to thank you for saving Mom and Aunt Cora. You’re a brave man.”
Wendell puffed out his chest and wiped his eyes with the heel of his hand. “Pshaw, ‘tweren’t nuthin. Ya know, my daddy and his daddy afore him woulda done the same thing.”
“You were amazing.” Ed threw his arm around Wendell’s shoulder. “I think your daddy and his daddy would be real proud.”
The security guard frowned. “Thank ya, but that ol’ Reed feller still gets credit for cuffin’ that varmint.”
“You’re forgetting something,” Vi added with a wink, “I’ve got the whole story and close-ups of you as the real hero.” She lit a cigarette. “Now, while the other reporters are still scratching to get their stories, I’m going to sneak away with my complete exclusive. And, as a favor to you, Lone Ranger, I’ll leave Reed’s name out of it.”
“Thank ya, ma’am.” Wendell grinned. “You made a great sidekick, Tonto. Smoke signals an’ all.”
Ed’s thoughts tumbled as Vi disappeared into the crowd. How odd. Who would’ve thought Washington DC’s elite could coexist peacefully with one of Sweet Pickle’s finest?
Captain O’Hara approached, notepad in hand. “I have a few more questions for Mr. McGibbons.”
“Let’s go back to my place,” Ed suggested. “I think we all need a cup of coffee.”
Wendell answered questions as Dahlia served coffee and pie all around.
After the police captain left, Ed walked the now-famous security guard and his wife to the door. As the couple took one step outside, the media converged on them.
Wendell raised his Stetson to the crowd, and smiled at the scrawny man with the camera perched on his shoulder. His face radiated with pleasure as several microphones were shoved under his nose.
Ed moved out of view and continued to listen as the persistent reporters fired questions at his friend.
“Word has it you were friends with the kidnapper. How does it feel to find out he’s a criminal?”
Wendell threw his hands into the air to halt the questions. “Let’s take it one at a time.” He turned to one reporter, cleared his throat and looked directly into the TV camera. “Well, Noble, as y’all know, I was the first officer at the crime scene…”
The crowd followed Wendell and Dahlia home.
Ed grinned. He closed the door and went to check on his wife.
Eleven o’clock that evening, Ed turned on the TV, eager to catch the story on the local news. He plopped on the couch beside Cora and put his arm around her. “I hope your sister’s watching this.”
Cora nestled closer. “I wish Em had stayed a few days longer.”
“Remember, she needed to see her doctor first thing tomorrow.”
They watched the news report on a robbery in Phoenix, then, the anchorman referred to the field reporter, Noble Dunnichey.
“Thank you, Lance. I’m here at the Saguaro Valley Retirement Complex, where a rash of murders has taken place. According to what we’ve learned, and this is based upon unconfirmed reports, local handyman, Jack Thurston, has been arrested for the double homicide of George Shipley and his mother, Gertrude. He’s also being held for the kidnapping of Cora Timms, wife of legendary golf pro, Steady Eddie Timms, and her identical twin sister Emily Morgan. Detective Wendell Floyd McGibbons, who rescued the twin sisters, had this to say:
“Well, Noble, as y’all know, I was the first officer at the crime scene. That’s when I found Mrs. Morgan’s cell phone. She called me on it an’ told me where they was. The perp was hot on their trail. It was plainer than ears on a mule, them poor ol’ gals needed some rescuin’. Me an’ Vi Ashton told that Officer Reed feller that we knew where they was, but I reckon he weren’t interested. He told us to go ahead an’ pick ‘em up.” Wendell offered a toothy grin and nonchalant shrug. “So we did.”
The camera spanned back to the reporter. “As that crime was being solved, another appeared. The decomposing body of local resident, Patrick Hyde, was found in the garage of Letitia Bockman. Mrs. Bockman and Mr. Hyde are both neighbors of the Timms. The police are now looking for a connection with Hyde’s murder, the kidnapping of the sisters, and the Shipley double murder. If any of our viewers have any information concerning these events, please contact Saguaro Valley Police.” The reporter took a deep breath. “That’s about it from here. I’ll be standing by in case of further developments. For KARP-TV Newscenter, this is Noble Dunnichey in Saguaro Valley. Back to you in the studio, Lance.”
Ed turned off the recorder and shook his head. “How did Emily ever get tangled up in Jack’s mess?”
The next day Cora was contacted by the producer of a popular television show. She called Emily, and they agreed to allow their story to be highlighted on Mysteries of the Rich and Famous.
News of the filming crew’s arrival in Saguaro Valley flooded the neighborhood.
Ed and Cora were soon swamped with non-stop phone calls.
The gated community buzzed as the paparazzi, camera-toting friends, thrill seekers, and everyday looky-loos descended on their front lawn.
Wendell was designated to record the program when it finally aired. The entire Timms-Morgan family reluctantly promised not to watch the show because part of their reunion celebration would be to view it together.
****
Six weeks later, it was an evening like every other in Meadow Falls, Indiana. Neville Neubauer poured a glass of apple juice and went to the living room to watch his favorite TV show. The announcer provided a short teaser before the program began. The picture on the screen immediately caught his eye. He bolted into an upright position in his recliner.
“Tonight on Mysteries of the Rich and Famous, the wife and sister-in-law of celebrated golf pro, Steady Eddie Timms, kidnapped at gun point by murderer. The harrowing story, next.”
When the commercials ended, the announcer continued, “It was a mystery that spanned nearly six decades.”
Neubauer watched the program for a short time and then reached for his cordless phone.
26
Cora was elated when Dahlia and June, being first-rate organizers, promptly agreed to arrange the first Timms-Morgan family reunion. However, she had been disappointed that it took six weeks to coordinate everyone’s schedule.
When October finally trickled into November, their excitement intensified as they readied for their extended families to merge.
A few days before the reunion, Cora called Dahlia with the final headcount. “There will be ten Morgans attending.” She counted on her fingers. “Emily, Jeff, June and their son, Jordan. Em’s younger son, Reece, is coming from Boston. Her daughter, Rebecca, her husband LaMont, and their three girls are flying in from Canada. I can’t wait to meet them all.”
Cora added that Vannie’s former husband, James Hollabaugh, promised to bring his family a day early. “Ed and I are thrilled to spend an extra day with our three grandkids. It’s been months since they moved to Vegas.”
“I lost track, now how old are them kids?”
“Jason’s sixteen. Can you believe he’s actually driving now? Heather’s fourteen and Todd just turned thirteen.”
“Oh Sugar, it’ll be so good to see your grand-sprouts again, seems like years.”
“Yeah, well, that’s the good news. The bad news is James’ new bride will be tagging along.” Cora’s stomach knotted and her enthusiasm waned at the anticipation of Jocelyn’s presence. As always, she’d have to put on a front to keep peace in the family. There had to be creative ways to avoid the girl and not appear aloof. At least she had a whole three weeks to prepare for an award-winning performance.
****
Cora checked another day off the calendar, and then turned to Emily. “Can you believe the family reunion is actually tomorrow?”
“Your house looks like a party waiting to
happen. The balloons add that extra dash of panache.”
Cora nodded. “If it wasn’t for Dahlia and June’s expertise in food and decorations, balloons and hot dogs would be all we’d have.”
“You’ve known Dahlia for a long time. She’s such a busy woman, you don’t think she minds all this extra work?”
“Are you kidding?” Cora giggled. “She thrives on stuff like this. Haven’t you heard her singing and whistling?” She grabbed the mayo and mustard from the refrigerator door. “We’d better get the deviled eggs done before Dahlia gets back.”
Cora had finished peeling the hard-boiled eggs when the phone rang. By the time she hung up, her joyful mood had plummeted, and she retreated to the bedroom for time alone.
Several minutes later, there was a knock on her door. “How are you doing, Sis?”
“I’m a bit overwhelmed, Em. I’ll be out shortly.” Cora dabbed her eyes and blew her nose, as she struggled to gain control of her emotions.
Emily peeked inside. “May I come in?”
“Yes, of course.” Cora quickly turned away and brushed the wrinkles from her pink blouse. The last thing she wanted was for Emily to see her tears.
“Dahlia just got here.” She sat on the bed. “That phone call must’ve upset you. Was it one of those awful calls you had before?”
“No, it was James. He said they’re in town and checking into their hotel rooms.”
“Oh, good.”
Cora avoided her sister’s eyes. “I’m not sure I can handle this thing with Jocelyn.”
“Our reunion is a once-in-a-lifetime event.” Emily took Cora into her arms. “We can’t let a problem with James’ wife ruin it for you.”
“James said he’s going to drop Jocelyn here then pick up the kids at the mall, later.” Cora released a shaky breath. “She should be here any time.”
“Why don’t you rinse your face with cool water, then, we’ll have some coffee and talk about it.”