Who's Dead, Doc?

by J. M. Griffin

  “I think it was a good thing. You might visit Carina to see for yourself how she’s reacted to all this. In person is always better.”

  “She and Adrian will be at the party this weekend. I maybe able to speak with her then. Before you go, Bun and I went by the lake today and ventured onto the lodge grounds. I’d like to get together sometime and toss around ideas for entertaining the elderly people who go there in the summer.”

  “Love to. I’ve entertained at a residential senior living complex in Windermere. The residents enjoyed my puppet show, and got a chuckle out of the puppets antics.”

  “Then I’ll give Mora Lindsey a call and set something up if she agrees to let us do a stint.”

  “Let me know what she says. I’ll see you then.” Bailey went down the steps.

  While she drove away from the farm, I pondered what she’d revealed. If what she said was true, then Bailey couldn’t have killed Evelyn.

  In the kitchen, I reached for the phone and called Jack Carver.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  A conversation with Sheriff Carver didn’t always turn out as I hoped. This was one of those times. Short when speaking to me, I guess his day hadn’t been filled with fun and games, but had taken a downturn. He thanked me for sharing the information Bailey had given me and said good-bye after warning me to stay out of police business.

  Annoyed by Carver’s attitude, Bun and I went into the barn. I assisted Jason in settling several rabbits into their hutches and then gave them all fruit, greens, and timothy hay. Bun ate his in the playpen with Walkabout Willy. I left Jason to refill water bins and entered the shop.

  Students straggled out the door, thrilled with the work they had accomplished in their lesson with Molly. It didn’t take long to straighten up the room, to tidy odd bits of roving that had gone astray, and organize what was left. Students took their work home with them after every spinning and weaving class. Glad they did, I remarked on it.

  Molly finished storing supplies, and said, “If they didn’t, there wouldn’t be enough room for other students to work. Whew, what a day.”

  “Challenging, was it?”

  “To say the least. One of the women had a granddaughter who has asked to learn to spin. Could I set up a day for children to come and get acquainted with spinning and weaving?”

  “What are the ages you’re looking at?”

  Molly had thought it over before she had asked. She offered her thoughts, and I decided she could give it a try, considering myself lucky to have such an enthusiastic employee.

  After she packed her supply bag, she went in search of Jason to let him know it was time to leave. I waited until they were gone before I entered the clinic. Jessica put items in a bag for the dog’s owner, accepted payment, and handed the man a card for a follow-up appointment.

  She petted Arly’s ears, ruffled his curly coat, and handed him a treat before he and his owner left. I’d seen Arly on various occasions at the park, in town, and here at the clinic. A friendly dog and owner, it was clear they were a perfect match.

  They had reached the door when Mr. Fisher turned and asked, “You still doing those birthday party events?”

  “I am.”

  “Good, ’cause my daughter-in-law wants you to entertain at her daughter’s party next month. I’ll have her call you.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Fisher. I appreciate that.”

  Jess and I waited until they were gone before Jess said, “Things are looking up for you.”

  “I can’t begin to say how good that feels. The party engagements seemed to drop off a bit. I make a good income from them and always try to book as many as I can.”

  “I know how disappointed you were over Mr. Brody’s grant rejection, but sometimes things work out for the better. Would supper be ready? I’m hungry.”

  “Then, let’s eat.” We closed the clinic for the day, locked the shop door, put the CLOSED sign in the window, and collected Bun from the pen.

  “Jason put Willy in his hutch. I’ve been waiting here, alone, for you forever.”

  I set him on the floor and followed him into the house. Jessica set the table, I made sure Bun was settled, and then we ate our own meal of roasted pork, veggies, and salad.

  Our meal finished, we set about clearing the leftovers away. The phone rang. I rolled my eyes and sighed before taking the call.

  “You have to come over straightaway. I have to discuss a few things with you.”

  Her voice stretched as thin as wire, Carina sounded more desperate than I’d ever heard her before. Was she unraveling? Would I be in danger if she lost her marbles? Had she become totally unhinged? I didn’t know, wasn’t sure I wanted to, but there was my curiosity, mounting again, so I agreed to visit her.

  “Who was that?” Jessica wanted to know.

  “Carina. I think she’s having a mental break or something. She’s not the coolheaded woman I first met, that’s for sure. Since Evelyn’s death, she’s been a complete wreck. Now she’s insisting I go to her house for a chat.” I reached for my coat and purse and asked, “Can you finish loading the dishwasher before you leave?”

  “Certainly, are you going alone? You might want to call Jack Carver,” she advised.

  “I spoke to him earlier today. He wasn’t having a stellar day and snapped at me. I have enough to worry about with Carina. I don’t need to add Jack to the mix.”

  “Do you have a policeman watching you any longer?”

  “I don’t think so. With Seamus and Colin in custody, I’m safe.”

  “Be careful, Jules. Don’t take any chances.”

  “I won’t, I promise.”

  My coat buttoned, I was about to leave when Bun came out of his room.

  “You aren’t going without me to back you up, are you?”

  I glanced at Jessica, whose back was to me while she loaded the dishwasher. I nodded my head.

  “I won’t allow it. Get the sling, I insist on going with you.” He tapped his foot.

  I took the sling off the hook, slipped it onto my body, and picked him up. Once he was settled, I walked toward the door.

  “You’re taking Bun?”

  “Just for company. He can stay in the car while I’m with Carina.”

  Her brows drawn together in a unibrow line, a look of confusion settled on Jessica’s face. “Okay. I’ll be leaving shortly. If you need to, feel free to call me.”

  I agreed and went out to the car. “I don’t know why you think you need to come along.”

  “Somebody has to watch out for you and that would be me. We are partners, right?”

  “Right.” I started the car and drove away from Fur Bridge Farm. In no rush to get to Carina’s, I drove at an even pace, staying within the speed limit. I checked the rearview mirror once or twice, couldn’t tell if a policeman was behind me in an unmarked vehicle, and not caring whether I had an escort or not, I shrugged.

  I took a right turn onto Carina’s street and parked at the curb behind a sportscar outside her home. Unlike Evelyn’s neighborhood, homes near Carina’s were well lit, with people busily walking or jogging along the sidewalks.

  “Stay in the car. You have your blanket and should be fine. I’ll leave the window open for fresh air.”

  “I think I should go inside with you.”

  “That’s not a good idea. I don’t think Carina would be happy about that. Just stay put. I shouldn’t be long.”

  “Fine. Just give a yell if things go bad. I’ll rescue you.”

  As if. I left Bun to think he was my savior, and frankly, he had assisted me on other occasions when I had been in a tight spot. I looked at my furry friend and tweaked one of his ears. “Great. Thanks.”

  I heard the doorbell chime when I tapped the button. Adrian opened the door and welcomed me in. She peered past me. “Did you bring Bun?”

  “I left him in the car. I didn’t think your mom would like it if he came in with me.”

  She considered the reason for a second and nodded. “Mom’s
in the living room.” She crooked her finger and I leaned forward. She whispered, “She’s ever so upset. Maybe you can get her to be happy again.”

  “I’ll try.”

  I found Carina pacing the floor in front of a marble-fronted fireplace three times the size of mine. Certain it was for show more than for heat, I marveled at its beauty. This woman had a lovely home, in a high-end neighborhood, with friends as wealthy as she was. When I caught sight of her, I paused, taken aback by her apparent unhappiness.

  I guessed all the riches in the world couldn’t soothe her. I pointed to the sofa. “Sit and tell me why you’re so upset and how I can help you.”

  She flopped onto the sofa while I sat opposite her and well out of reach. Carina was on her way downhill, fast, real fast. Worried over her disheveled appearance, her makeup-free face, and her overall mental state, I sat silently, waiting for her to begin.

  Carina sent Adrian to practice her new dance steps in her dance room. After Adrian scooted away, I leaned forward and asked softly, “What was your relationship with Evelyn Montgomery?”

  Upset by the question, tears rolled down her face. Wishing I could take the question back, I apologized and rose to leave.

  “No, please, don’t go. Come into the kitchen, I’ll make coffee, I have to tell you something.”

  I followed her and stood near the island opposite the counters, waiting until Carina gathered her thoughts. She put a coffee pod and a cup into her Cuisinart coffeemaker and pushed the start button.

  A knock sounded on the glass door that led to the deck at the rear of the house. Startled, I put my shaking hands into the pockets of my jeans. Carina motioned Adelle to come in.

  Adelle and her daughter had attended Adrian’s party. She hadn’t said a word since entering, but studied Carina instead. When she did look my way, her face was filled with dismay.

  “You should leave. Right now.”

  Interested in their relationship, I said I had been invited and was about to inquire why she was present when Adelle stepped forward and took hold of my arm. She tried to lead me to the door.

  “What are you doing? Let go of me this instant.” I withdrew my arm from Adelle’s grasp.

  Carina insisted, “I did invite Juliette to come here.”

  That’s when I heard Bun say, “This is interesting. Are you okay?”

  I dipped my head and peered through the glass into the pool of light that ended just past the deck. I could see Bun just inside the edge of the light, his ears tipped forward.

  I stepped back from the glass doors, but remained in his sight. The last thing I wanted was Bun’s involvement. I knew he’d continue to watch and was comforted by it.

  “If it’s not too much to ask, I would like an explanation.” I directed the words at Carina, then gave Adelle a glance.

  Adelle swept the hair back from her forehead as she watched Carina.

  The doorbell chimed again and again as Carina rushed to answer the summons. Without a word, Adelle took the cup of coffee from the machine and plopped the cup on the counter in front of me. Then she made one for herself and sat in a tall chair to drink the hot brew.

  “What is this about?” I asked.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude, Jules. Carina’s on her last nerve and frankly, I don’t know how to help her. I assumed you were here to ask questions, which would only increase her stress level.”

  “She was frantic when she called me. At least that’s the impression I got when we spoke on the phone. I’m only trying to help her, Adelle.” In silence I gazed at the woman across from me. Bailey and I were scheduled to entertain the children at her daughter’s birthday celebration on the weekend. Other than that, I had seen her around town and at Adrian’s party. As Bun had said, this was an interesting turn of events. Adelle lived across town. She didn’t fit into the financial bracket of this neighborhood, and I wondered how the two women were connected.

  “Have you known Carina very long? I noticed you were at Adrian’s party.”

  “We’ve been friends a long time. Our daughters go to the same school and are in dance class together.”

  Before I could ask anything else, I heard Jack’s voice echo through the enormous house.

  “I would like to speak to Juliette,” Sheriff Carver demanded.

  I went into the foyer. Carina left me alone with Jack and returned to the kitchen where Adelle waited for her.

  His gaze cool, Jack asked in a soft tone, “Why are you here, and what has Carina so upset? I can see she’s been crying. Who else is here?”

  With a glance over my shoulder, I motioned to the front door and we stepped outside.

  Aware I had been followed to Carina’s, it occurred to me that Jack might think I was still in some sort of danger.

  “Carina invited me. I don’t know why, but after seeing the state she’s in, I think she’s lost control of her emotions. Adrian answered the door when I arrived and told me to make her mom happy again. When I saw Bailey today, she also commented on Carina’s frame of mind. We were about to discuss what was going on, when Adelle Philby popped up out of nowhere. She wasn’t friendly, either.”

  “Tell Carina you have to leave, and I’ll meet you at the farm. We can speak frankly there.” Jack turned and left me on the doorstep.

  Frustrated by the events, I did as Jack asked and told Carina I would be in touch. Adelle watched as I explained and didn’t say a word until I crossed the room to leave. Apologizing again, Adelle said she looked forward to the party.

  I nodded. Carina escorted me to the door. I murmured, “Will you be all right?”

  “Yes, thanks.” Carina stepped back and closed the door.

  Hesitant to leave her with Adelle, I went to my car, got in, and remarked, “What possessed you to watch the house?”

  “I had to relieve myself. Rabbits do, you know. I hopped behind the bushes, heard that woman enter Carina’s grounds, and followed her. Good thing I did, too. She might have harmed you.”

  “There was no chance of that, she was worried about Carina. I didn’t learn a thing before she arrived. Carina’s a mess, the sheriff arrived and demanded I leave, and I’m no further now than I was at suppertime.”

  “I can understand how annoying that can be, after all, you’ve left me out of this more often than not. Which, by the way, I don’t appreciate at all.”

  “I have already apologized, so don’t try to guilt me for it.”

  “I think we should see what Sheriff Carver has to say. The evening might not end up a total loss.”

  “One can only hope. He’d better not badger me, I’m in no mood for it. Adelle and Carina have been friends for a long time. At least, that’s what Adelle told me. What do you think?”

  Bun considered the information while he nestled into the soft blanket on the seat. “You should look into their friendship further. Don’t you think they look similar?”

  With a grimace, I started the car. “I never gave it any consideration. I think your imagination is at work again, Bun. Don’t look for things that aren’t there.”

  With a slight sigh Bun remarked, “If you say so. I had the opportunity to watch the two women while you were in the mix of things.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  “What was your purpose in going to Carina’s house?” Jack demanded when he’d taken a seat in the living room.

  “None. Like I explained before, Carina asked me to stop by.”

  “Did she offer anything at all that could be useful to my investigation?”

  “Not a thing. I assumed Seamus and Colin’s activities would do that for you.”

  “Between the two of them, Seamus is more likely to commit crimes, though his rap sheet doesn’t indicate murderous behavior. I hate to say it, but they might not have killed her. They were after easy money, that’s all. They refuse to tell me who hired them. Have you any idea who would pay them?”

  “Colin said they would have earned a lot of money. I’ve gone over the people involved a
nd have come up with a few. Carina has lots of money, as does Jim Brody. Vera might be in good financial standing, but she probably isn’t connected to all this, and then there’s Bailey. Do you think Vera or Bailey are participants in all this?”

  “Fair question, it’s worth investigating their backgrounds. As for Jim, he’s an outstanding citizen who supports the community in a number of ways. What would he have to gain?”

  “You’re in a better position than I am to know that. He’s affable, charming, outgoing, and I learned today he also supports that lodge at Lake Plantain.”

  “Do I hear a but coming?”

  “Uh-huh. I’m not as certain as you and Meredith are that Jim’s a wonderful guy. It’s as though he’s trying to pave his way to Heaven with good deeds.”

  “I’m surprised you’d make such a harsh assessment. The man has worked hard to get where he is.”

  “Haven’t we all?”

  “I guess so, but there isn’t one wrinkle in his life, that I know of.”

  “Then you might want to remove those blinders and take a closer look at the man and his company.”

  Jack opened his mouth to protest, and I raised my hand.

  “I have no grudge against him. I do think there might be more to him than good deeds. As a policeman, you realize people have a secret or two they don’t want anyone to find out.”

  “Boy, he really likes Brody.”

  Bun was right, Jack admired Brody. Why?

  “Have you and your wife had any dealings with Jim, other than his support of projects in Windermere?”

  “He supports the policeman’s ball, and our efforts to gain the trust of our residents. I first met Jim when I was a rookie. Jim had opened his company in a small barn on King Road at that time and was doing well. He assisted us officers in our goal to raise enough money for children’s education. Thanks to his efforts, we raised the funds needed. To my knowledge, the man has always been fair and honest in his dealings. You’re a customer of his, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, since I started my business.” I sipped from my cup, wondering if Brody had been more interested in bringing attention to his new business and branding it than helping cops reach their goals. “All I’m saying is you might look deeper.”