by Kieran York
“That seems to be the consensus,” Royce impeached. “Tyler says he isn’t making the calls, and I believe him.”
“He’s an actor,” Nadine cautioned. “But he’s not like his parents. I did manage to ask him if he would like to come for dinner Sunday. Of all things, Gwen wants to have a little family get-together because some of the family’s aunts and uncles arrived in Crystal to see the film in progress. She’s asking the McDermotts and Jorie. She said that she felt badly after the last encounter with the judge. She has a thing about families trying to work out differences. I doubt if Elizabeth and the judge will venture out, but at least we’re making the effort.”
“Plenty amazing! Gwen wants a family reunion after all the words they’ve been having,” Royce remarked. She removed the lid from the blackened kettle that usually hung on the fireplace’s hob. Steam lifted, and the scent of chicken broth clouded up. “Gwen believes in fair fights and then reconciliations.”
“That she does,” Nadine agreed. She smacked her lips. “Dora, this looks terrific. You didn’t need to fuss over us stopping by like this. An elegant meal out on the porch in the middle of the woods. What a treat!”
“Yes,” Royce concurred, “it’s quite a spread.”
“Knew you’d be heading back to Timber, and I needed to put supper on, so I just figured I’d throw together one of Royce’s favorite meals.”
Royce inhaled the celery scent that flavored the succulent chicken and dumplings. “And skillet cornbread!“ Royce added. “I’m sure glad we stopped by.” Her fork twisted a chunk of chicken from the bone. Gran’s delicately spiced chicken melted in her mouth. “Excellent,” she praised between bites. “Yes, I’m glad we didn’t miss this.”
“You probably stopped by to check on me,” Gran accused. “I don’t need looking after.”
“But Royce does,” Nadine kidded.
When the phone rang, Gran left for the kitchen. “You two keep on eating, I’ll get that. Probably Molly calling to see if I need anything. I live for nearly fifteen years on my own, and folks hereabouts seem to think I can’t manage.”
Royce spread butter on her wedge of steaming cornbread. “Nadine, how’s it going with you and Gwen?”
Nadine’s eyes filled. “Royce, Gwen and I have been together for so many years it seems as though we’re part of one another. She knows the campaign is important to me. How much I want to succeed. Although I know she wants you to win, it’s as if she doesn’t want me involved.”
“That isn’t true. You’ve always been supportive of one another.”
“I’ve always been a part of her team. This is my first chance to perform on my own. I’m a campaign manager. And for whatever reason, I get the distinct impression that she doesn’t approve.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want you to put too much emphasis on the election. Maybe she’s realist enough to know the bundle of dollars being funneled into Granger’s campaign.”
“Speaking of contributors,” Nadine said with bewilderment, “we received contributions from some Oklahoma oil companies last week. And from a couple of Wyoming mining companies yesterday. Oh, and a mineral testing corporation in Denver.”
“We did?”
“Yes. It was enough to buy some air time. We’re going to answer the Granger charges of inexperience because of age.”
“I don’t know why those companies would send contributions to a small-town sheriff’s election committee.” Royce was perplexed. “I can’t do them any favors.”
“Gwen said that it’s normal for major companies to contribute to all campaigns. Cover all the bases. It’s fueling some ads, but we’re still not talking the same money as Granger’s Family Morals Coalition. They’re sending money by the truckload.”
“Well, we’ll get more mileage out of our funds.”
“Royce, I’m trying to make every penny count. Trying to get the most out of every ad.” She paused. “I just hope you aren’t sorry you selected me to run your campaign.”
“How could you possibly think that? I’m grateful to you.”
“Gwen might have handled the job better.”
“You’re doing a superb job, Nadine.” Royce put her fork down and reached to pat Nadine’s hand. “The very best.”
“I’m frightened of losing. I know how important it is to you. I don’t want to let you down. At times I feel as though my life is behind the curtains. I’m living life in Gwen’s shadow.”
“You know how much we all love you. But Nadine, it hurts me to think that you and Gwen are having problems because of the election.”
“It goes deeper than that. This problem has been buried inside our relationship since it began. I’ve always had the feeling of being Gwen’s second fiddle.”
“Funny thing,” Royce said as she glanced up at the sky. The clouds that were rolling toward them forecast a storm. “I’ve always perceived it differently. Gwen’s given me the impression that you inspired her to be her best. Second fiddle. No. I think she believes you’re her entire string section.”
“But she’s the conductor.”
The sky looked like hell’s underside. Royce didn’t want a day of storms. There were too many brewing in her life. “Nadine. She loves you. We all do.”
“Maybe I don’t feel her love. Maybe it’s time to come to terms with that feeling. One way or the other.”
“You’d never leave her.”
“Royce, it might very well come to that.”
Chapter 16
Royce gazed out Crystal Lodge’s long windows at the drifting, pearl gray clouds. A flash of needle lightning broke through distant afternoon mist. A crash of thunder was muffled by the surrounding mountains. Royce realized her thoughts were about Nadine and Gwen. Nadine had extracted a promise that Royce not tell Gwen about their conversation. Royce argued that it was only fair that Nadine tell Gwen. Nadine rejected that suggestion with vehemence. She didn’t want anyone knowing. Not even Hertha. And certainly not Gwen.
“Glad we decided on neutral turf for this little family reunion,” Gwen muttered. She glanced over at the other side of the party suite that had been rented for the occasion. There Tyler, Godiva, and her bodyguard stood in front of the large portable bar. Behind the bar, Jorie was busily mixing her specialty, Longhorn Kick. “Godiva insisted for security purposes that we get together up here instead of at our home. Then she apologized to me, saying she figured it was probably important to us to have her as a guest in our home, but because of the threats, it was wiser to stay up here. I told her that our old homestead had hosted an enormously long list of dignitaries and they had all kept their clothing on. She wouldn’t be missed.”
Royce smiled, but it was a somber smile. “I’m here because Nick needed a day off. His womanizing has really suffered since he took over Granger’s duties. I’m just amazed that the McDermotts and Jorie agreed to attend.”
“Nadine said that the judge thought it was a daft idea. He said the family was split and there could be no reconciliation. I guess Elizabeth encouraged him. She convinced him that Tyler shouldn’t be pulled away from family. And since it’s just a walk across the square from where they live, he agreed.”
“I’m amazed that Elizabeth would attend, and encourage the judge.”
“Royce, I was too.” Gwen sipped her drink. “We can’t patch our differences. They’re too basic. But at least we can share a meal together. I’m hoping Jorie will begin to feel better. She was always crazy about Tyler when he was a boy. And she’s always hated any form of ostracism. Her mental well-being needs the support of family. At least Tyler will offer that.”
“He’s had his arm around Godiva since they arrived,” Royce commented. “For a while I thought she was playing with her bodyguard.”
“Love’s young dream. Tyler isn’t the type to go on a floozy drive.” Gwen grinned, then took a final swig of her drink. “Too bad you’re on duty. These Kicks are terrific. I’d better not have too many refills, or Nadine will make me ride back to Timber on the
car’s fender. But, I think I’ll go over and order just one more.”
Royce sat back on a stool situated in the corner. She surveyed the group and then looked down onto the square below. She could view Elizabeth on the arm of the judge as they made their way to the lodge. He was walking jauntily, but it was apparent he had had a few drinks already. He swung his prized stein in the air as he walked.
Royce felt Godiva’s hand on her shoulder and looked into the face reflected from the window. “Join the circus,” Godiva whispered.
“I’m on duty, so I can’t drink or relax too much just now,” Royce replied.
“I’ve got so many hangers-on. It’s unusual to meet someone as unimpressed as you seem to be.” She tugged at her spandex exercise tights. “Like steel filings to a magnet. My fans love me. I just expect everyone to.”
“I picked the short straw again,” Royce mumbled. She turned around and looked into Godiva’s face. “I didn’t come to this event just to see you. I’m relieving my overworked deputy.”
Her eyes flirted. “Too bad.”
Royce watched the tipsy judge and Elizabeth make their entrance. “We’re all present and accounted for,” Royce uttered. “Now we can lock off the elevator and we’re secure.” While she radioed security, she watched the judge lifting his large stein in the air like a trophy. The McDermotts made their rounds, giving hugs to each family member. Royce overheard the McDermotts and Gwen and Jorie welcome one another with minimal pleasantries.
Jorie seemed pleased that there was a congenial atmosphere. She resumed her work behind the bar. She wore basic tan slacks with a safari jacket. The jacket’s oversized pockets flapped out from the wear of her many assignments. It matched her style and her emotions. Neutral and businesslike, but Royce recognized the reporter’s depression.
For that reason, Royce was glad that everyone appeared to be on good behavior. Clusters of guests were jovial, and family members mingled. Royce did notice that the judge had finally roosted by the bar and that his voice was beginning to sound argumentative.
Royce moved closer to the bar, where Jakob McDermott’s immediate family was seated, and overheard the judge begin his admonition.
“Cousin Jorie, I think it’s time you do yourself a favor. Elizabeth and I have been talking and we think it’s time.” With his intoxication came stern insistence in his words. They were beyond fatherly advice. They were intricately blended with the threat of what could happen. “We all know you had an altercation with the Holt woman. You struck out. Now all this is ignominious, but you can weather the storm. You take my advice,” he ranted. “You confess and show remorse. It can only get worse for you unless you make a complete confession. It will go easier if you confess. I’ll work with you.”
“I refuse to confess to something I didn’t do. And I’m damned if I came here to listen to your bullshit,” Jorie spat.
“Just trying to help family,” the judge bellowed.
“Leave it, Dad,” Tyler intervened. His eyes were angry as he pulled his father to the side. “Have a Longhorn Kick and let’s knock off the advice.”
“May I take your order?“ Jorie mocked. Her scowl ended when she took the judge’s stein and went back to the bar. She began mixing his drink.
“Judge,” Elizabeth cautioned, “you know that one of those drinks Cousin Marjorie concocts is your limit.”
“My little woman is concerned about my health,” he muttered. “Pampers me, she does.”
“Marriage to the judge is my life,” she stressed as she followed him. They were seated on the circular mauve couch. She patted his knee. “It’s how the good lord intended.”
“Fix me another while you’re back there,” Gwen said with a dry edge to her voice. “I can’t stand much more of this honeymoon chatter.”
Tyler laughed. “How I’ve missed the family get-togethers.” He slid behind the bar with Jorie. “Don’t pay any attention to him.” Godiva joined Tyler as he poured a glass of wine for her. “Chilled enough?“ he asked.
Godiva took the glass. She reached behind him. “I’ll take a cherry too.” She plucked fruit from the bar and dipped it in her wine. “I love sweets,” she teased.
Jorie shook her head. “I’ll bet.” She moved to the other side of the room to take another bottle from the buffet. “I’ll make Jake a double, and it might just put him to sleep so the rest of us can go on with the party.” She placed the drink on the edge of the bar. “Tyler, you want to do the honors. Give this to your father?”
“My pleasure.” Tyler dramatically flipped a towel over his arm and then lifted a bar tray. He placed the stein onto the tray and stiffly served the judge. “For you, father dearest.”
“That’s more like it,” Gwen said, forcing a smile. “Now if we can crank up the music, and Godiva can keep her clothes on, we’ve got a pretty decent shot at a good time.”
Godiva did a little sashay, to the delight of the group. She sang, “I can even be depraved fully clothed. But don’t turn up the thermostat or I’ll need to cast off my frock.”
“Heaven forbid,” Gwen commented dryly. “If anyone feels the temperature begin to rise, toss the blond on a block of ice.”
The crowd laughed, and then cheered when Godiva gave her mock brooding expression. “Don’t worry,” she announced, “I only disrobe for money.”
Gwen grinned over at Royce, “Sheriff, don’t allow anyone to pass the hat, or we could violate the public nudity ordinance.”
Royce’s upper lip curled into a return smile. She shook her head in agreement. She wouldn’t even consider passing her Stetson.
***
“Oh my god!“ Elizabeth exclaimed as she pressed her crumpled handkerchief to her face. Her expression was frozen with shock. “Do something. He’s having a seizure. His heart. . .”
Royce moved rapidly to where the judge had collapsed. His body had stiffened and a sudden onset of convulsions began. Royce loosened his tie, while she called for medical assistance on her radio. The judge was sprawled on the floor, his stein had fallen a yard from his body. A second violent series of convulsions began before the emergency team entered. Royce had ordered the room sealed and told everyone not to touch anything. She recognized the signs of poisoning. The judge’s face was blue, his mouth contorted into the fixed grin associated with some kinds of poison. His head had bent back with a tetanic spasm, arching as a snapping string.
A team of paramedics were the first to arrive. They began working rapidly as they tried to diagnose the disorder. Oxygen was administered and a saline drip begun.
Elizabeth knelt beside the judge as paramedics worked. Tyler’s hand squeezed her shoulder. He looked at Royce. His eyes were panicky; they were not frightened, nor were they grieving.
Gwen whispered to Royce, “What the hell’s going on?”
“I think this may be a poisoning.”
“More like a stroke.”
“I don’t think so.” Royce moved away from the medics. She inspected the faces of those shocked party members. Godiva’s eyes were riveted to the scene with excitement. Nadine was horrified. Royce could see that she wanted to help in some way but was immobile. Gwen stared, disbelieving. Jorie was as stone-like as a statue. Her face reflected the realization that she was witnessing death.
When a trio of deputies arrived, Royce approached them. “I want you to take statements from everyone. Separate them and begin asking each witness to tell as much as they can remember about what transpired. Then trade off and cross-interview. I don’t want to miss anything.”
“You think it’s attempted murder?“ one asked.
“It’s possible. I’ve called Colorado forensics. We could need the coroner. Medics are with him,” Royce said. “Get on the statements. Don’t allow anyone near that stein or the bar. I want the whole area secured,” she directed the deputies. “And make sure no one contaminates anything.”
“Poison?”
“Just speculation at this point. A toxicology report will give us the answer.�
�
Royce knelt beside the stein and examined it. She leaned and sniffed. Her guess was strychnine. Strychnine is a quick-acting poison that becomes clear when mixed with alcohol. Certainly, she considered, the symptoms matched. Even to the final cessation of the judge’s breath, and constriction of his chest, and death, it appeared to be a death by poisoning.
Elizabeth’s whine of anguish folded into sobs. Then her nearly indistinguishable words were uttered. “I can’t make it on my own.” Tears flooded her eyes. She dabbed her kohl-rimmed eyes with the edge of her lace handkerchief. “I can’t go on without him.”
Gwen, Nadine, and Tyler were at Elizabeth’s side. Jorie stood away, isolated and trance-like. “This can’t be happening,” she mumbled.
The county coroner arrived first and began his preliminary examination. Forensics had been immediately dispatched, but it would take longer. When they finally arrived, Royce was relieved. “No one’s touched anything,” she reported.
“Good. A fresh body,” the medical examiner spoke brusquely.
“Fresh body?“ Godiva repeated with question.
“Not decomposed. Recent,” Royce interpreted. “Godiva, would you mind accompanying the deputy for a statement.”
“You were right here. Why do we need to make statements?”
“You’ve been through this before. But please feel free to contact your fleet of New York lawyers if you have a problem,” Royce replied curtly.
Godiva reached for Royce’s arm. “I wasn’t being a smartass. I just wanted to console Tyler. I’m not quite as hard-hearted as you think.” Godiva blinked wildly. “And surely you can’t believe that I’m a suspect or know any more than you do about this.”
“I don’t know who knows what. But I plan on knowing.”