I snickered and said, “If only life were that simple. Now, if you had a script to go by, you could wrap things up in an hour, too.”
When he smiled at the idea, I realized he was under pressure of his own, like Carina, yet in a different way. On the verge of sharing what she’d told me, I held my tongue. I’d made a promise and wasn’t about to break it.
“What did Carina say last night?”
“She wanted to thank me for our assistance last night.”
“You were in there for some time.”
“She wasn’t feeling very well, so I stayed to assure her Adrian would be taken care of. Oh, gosh, I should give Adelle a call.”
“No need, I met with her and gave her the news. She was relieved and said Adrian is fine. You can pass that along to Carina when you visit.”
“Have you been in to see her?”
“I was warned off by Dr. Sommers. It’s rare that I allow anyone to keep me from doing my job, but he insisted. It would be a shame if Adrian became motherless. I can wait until her mother has recovered and is back home.”
“Nice of you, Jack.”
“Meredith had a hand in that decision. She pointed out how overbearing I can be at times.”
Holding back my opinion of the way Meredith ruled the roost with a velvet-gloved hand, I murmured, “You think?”
“Mm, well, make sure you tell Carina her daughter is fine. I’m not sure if Adelle plans to take her for a visit. I guess you’ll be doing the birthday event at her house today?”
“Bailey and I will set up around noon. The party starts at two o’clock.” I glanced at the wall clock. If I dawdled much longer, I would be late.
“You never spoke of the relationship between Adelle and Carina?”
“I was on the verge of asking about her when Dr. Sommers asked me to leave. He didn’t want me to tire Carina any more than she already was. I will see her later today and ask about it. I’ll call you.”
“That’s decent of you. I’ll get going and run checks on the people you mentioned yesterday.”
Relief rolled over me when Jack went about his business, and I heaved a sigh. I’d felt my pulse rate increase and my nerves tighten until he apologized. Even then, I was careful of what I said. It never sat well with me when I had to be secretive, especially with law enforcement.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“You handled that well. I’m surprised Jack offered an apology. Meredith is a stronger woman than I’d thought.”
“I agree. I hadn’t really thought that about her, but I guess she’s more than able to handle Jack.”
“You’re visiting Carina today?”
Noting the time, I nodded. “After the party is over. I really need to get a move on if we’re to arrive at Adelle’s on time.”
“I know I’m not allowed in the hospital, though I should be. I’m good for the patients. I’ll wait in the van while you visit Carina.”
“We’ll leave the party and return here so I can unload the supplies and get all you rabbits settled. I’m glad you understand that I can’t take you to the hospital without permission.”
When Jason entered the barn, I asked for his help to load the van, and said that while I was gone Jess would handle anything he might be unfamiliar with.
“You don’t need to worry, the farm is in good hands. Oh, uh, should I leave the other rabbits outside the usual amount of time? The temperature is dropping.”
“Bring them in after an hour or so. I’ll return when the party has ended. Thanks, Jason.”
The van loaded, I started the trek to Adelle’s. Her home, modest in comparison to Carina’s, was still a decent-sized house set on a half-acre of land. She greeted me as I opened the van door.
“Hi, I was just about to call you.”
My heart pounded. “Is something wrong?”
With a shake of her head, Adelle assured me all was well. “Adrian has asked when her mother will be coming home. I hoped you could tell me. Adrian’s enjoying her time with the kids, but she is concerned for her mother.”
“As far as I know, Carina will be released when the doctor feels she’s ready.”
“Thanks, I wasn’t sure what to tell the child, she’s been through enough with the tragic death of her father.”
“Mm, they both have. I’ll start unpacking the rabbits. Bailey was right behind me and might want a hand with her equipment.”
“I have the refreshments and games under control, so if you need me, just give a yell. Keep me posted on Carina, okay?”
I said I would and began setting up the rabbit pen. I waved to Bailey as she bustled back and forth from her van carrying the staging for the puppet show.
Blue skies, puffy white clouds, and sunshine were the order of the afternoon. We chatted and laughed over what the day might hold for us in the way of activities for the children and I mentioned the gossip of their moms.
“I never hear any gossip.” Bailey sounded legitimately disappointed.
“I don’t hear it very often, I’m too busy with the kids and rabbits. Do me a favor, will you, and listen to what’s being said if you have a chance? I’ll do the same.”
“Sure, why not? We might hear something of interest.”
“You never know,” I said, as she went off to ready her puppets.
Prepared for the onslaught of the scads of children that I was certain would arrive shortly, Bun and I casually walked the grounds. We noted the gate that led to the house next door. Not too far from Adelle’s driveway, I saw the dwelling through the trees. Unlike Carina’s neighborhood, the homes here were closer to one another and less private.
At the corner of Adelle’s house, I heard hushed, yet angry words spoken between a man and woman. I slowed my pace to eavesdrop. It was poor manners, but I had to listen, so there you have it. I edged closer, leaned against the wall, and removed my sneaker. I shook it lightly, taking time to empty out a nonexistent pebble while the conversation continued.
His voice held disbelief. “You can’t possibly think I’ll put up with this, do you?”
“Lower your voice, the neighbors will hear you. I only want to know what your plans are for the future. I don’t think I’m asking for much. You owe me and you know it.” The woman’s low voice sounded familiar, but she murmured and I wasn’t certain if I was right in my assumption of her identity.
I slipped my sneaker back on and took my time with the laces.
“He’s pretty mad. But, she’s going to blackmail him for what he’s done. Uh, what has he done?”
With a shrug, I pressed my fingertip to my lips so Bun would stop yammering the way he does at the worst possible moments.
The man’s voice had grown angry and a tad louder. “This has to come to a stop, I won’t stand for it.”
“If Evelyn did it, then so will I. She had a notebook with names of people and the sums they owed. I saw it once when I was at her house. When she noticed my interest in it, she took it off the desk and locked it in a drawer.”
“And look what happened to her? Besides, what do you want from me?”
“Don’t play dumb, you know exactly what I want. And, you’ll give it to me or I will destroy you.”
“Old Jimbo is getting his comeuppance.”
“Shh.” I’d finally figured out who was talking to whom and hand-palmed my forehead. How could I not have known? But then, so many people adored Jim Brody, it never dawned on me Evelyn might have held a secret over Jim’s head, making him pay. Surprised that this particular woman would pick up where Evelyn’s blackmail scheme had left off, I wondered if she really had seen the notebook. There weren’t names, just codes that Jack’s people had figured out.
Their conversation drifted away as did they. Disappointed that I couldn’t hear more of what was going on between them, I started across the yard toward the rabbits’ pen, Bun at my side.
“Can I talk now?”
I nodded.
“Good, then I’ll just go after them and get the skinny on
what is going to happen between them. He’ll be paying up, don’t you think?”
“Yes, but stay with me.”
Moments later, Adelle approached me. “Are you all set, Jules? The guests will arrive any moment now.”
“The rabbits and I are ready. I even brought Petra to entertain them with her backflips and tricks. She was supposed to compete in the rabbit games at the show, but she became ill the week it took place. Jessica and I had taught her some pretty cool moves that the children will enjoy.” I looked past Adelle and asked, “Where’s the birthday girl?”
“She’s anxiously waiting at the front door to welcome her friends. There are more coming than had initially responded to her invitations so be prepared to handle a crowd.”
“I will, thanks. You have a sweet home. And a great backyard, too.”
“It’s a lot to keep up with, but I manage. After my husband died, it was tough, but Carina has been supportive and together we manage to hold our lives together.”
“I’m sorry to hear your husband passed away. You and your daughter were in the same situation as Carina, then?”
“He died long after Paul did. Carina was good to me, as I was to her. Our girls became very close and have remained so. They’re almost like sisters.”
“That’s great, then. Carina speaks highly of you and relies on your friendship. How did your husband die, if you don’t mind my asking.”
“We owned a boat. He went fishing one night and never returned. When he didn’t show up, I called the police and he was found floating in the water. His death was considered accidental. Carina and I pretty much need each other. She didn’t have the financial issues I’d been left with, though.” She grew pensive for a few moments and then smiled. “Things are better now, much better. My kids and I live well, comfortably, even.”
“Is your daughter close in age to Adrian?”
“No, she’s a bit younger. They met in dance class, which is how they became friends, but they aren’t in the same grade at school.”
My brain was in overdrive as I did the math. Hmm. Maybe I was off target here, but somehow pieces of the puzzle had started falling into place. That’s when a horde of children arrived.
With no time to think about what I’d discovered, I greeted the little darlings who came to the rabbit pen while others took to the puppets that Bailey had bouncing around on the stage. Not only did she have marionettes, she also had her hand puppets. She was ready to entertain.
Petra tolerated the children well, did some jumping and running flips for them, and flew over the small fences I had set up for her. The kids clapped their hands in glee and asked for more.
Well into party mode, time passed, kids ran around the yard, watched the puppet show and then gathered for cake and gift giving. I watched them and studied Adelle as she took care of Adrian and Tricia. Too bad Adelle had taken the chances she had, if I was right, there was only one place they would lead her, and that was straight to prison.
Adelle Philby was a killer, I was sure of it. She had murdered Evelyn Montgomery and I thought I knew why. How could I prove it? I crouched inside the rabbit pen and petted Bun while I dialed Jack on my cell phone. When he answered, I said, “Meet me at the farm in an hour.” I cut off the call before he could utter a word. I ordered Bun to remain vigilant while I loaded the rabbits in their travel cages and gave them a snack and some water.
Bailey wandered over and asked if she could help. I nodded and thanked her for asking. “Wow, these kids had a great time today. You were as busy as I was.”
“They were a noisy bunch, all that energy, I would love to have that much.” She stepped back, laughed, and then remarked, “On second thought, maybe I wouldn’t. Some of them sure were wild, and where the heck were the mommies?”
“Why, gossiping, of course.”
Her chuckle turned to laughter as did mine. The joy of it lightened the burden of knowledge I carried.
“Do you need a hand with your equipment?” I asked.
“Not really, I can handle it, besides you have live critters to take care of. We’ll go get paid and then you can head home. I’m sure you don’t like to leave your furry friends in those small cages, do you?”
“Not for any longer than they have to be. I kind of have free-range rabbits.”
She snickered, and we walked toward the house. Adrian met us at the door, leaned toward me, and whispered, “Thank you for taking care of my mom.”
“You’re quite welcome.” That happiness might not last long and there were surely going to be problems that would arise if there was enough proof to convict Adelle. Sad as it made me to think her children would be motherless while Adelle was imprisoned, I had to tell Sheriff Carver what I knew.
Adelle had our payments handy and gave us both envelopes with cash in them. We thanked her while congratulating her on a great birthday party and then left. As we parted, Bailey asked if Mora had been apprised of our decision to entertain at the lodge. I said she had and mentioned we should work out a skit that put her puppets and my rabbits together in an act. Where the idea had come from was anybody’s guess, but it sounded doable. I walked across the yard and caught sight of Adelle as she watched me.
I drove to the farm, Jason and I set the rabbits up in their hutches and I left Bun in his room. With that job over with, I freshened up, changed my clothes and answered my cell phone.
Jack said, “I’m sorry, Juliette, I can’t get to the farm right now. I’ll catch up with you later, okay?”
“Fine, I’m going to the hospital, then.”
He hung up without another word and I set off to see Carina.
Traffic was backed up due to an accident. It took me longer than I expected to arrive. About to enter through the automatic doors, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Startled, I turned and looked up at Jim Brody.
“Are you here to visit someone?” I asked, and stepped aside for an orderly who guided a wheelchair in ahead of us. The person in the chair appeared frail.
His smile wide, Jim said, “Yes, I am, are you?”
“I wouldn’t be here otherwise.” I shivered at the thought of how much time I had spent in this place after I’d been run off the road and left for dead a few years back. Curious, I asked, “Who are you visiting?”
“Carina Richland.”
“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”
We made our way to the elevators after asking for Carina’s room number. Uneasy in this building, I knew my problem was the length of time and pain I had endured as a patient. I wondered if I would ever shake my response to this place, or any hospital.
We got off on the same floor and walked to Carina’s room together. Jim hadn’t asked where I was going, and seemed a bit surprised when we entered the room.
“I wasn’t aware you knew Mrs. Richland,” he murmured with raised brows.
“I’ve known her for some time now.”
I greeted Carina with a smile. Dr. Sommers stood by the bed speaking to her. Jim and I backed away and stood near the door, offering them privacy. The doctor was in the midst of discussing Carina’s future care and needs.
“You’ll recover if you follow the treatment I’ve set up for you.”
A glimmer of hope in her eyes, Carina promised she would do so and thanked him. He turned to leave, caught sight of us, and motioned for me to join him in the corridor. He passed Jim Brody without a glance. Hmm, interesting.
Two doors down from Carina’s room, Dr. Sommers stopped.
“You’ll be happy to know Mrs. Richland will be released tomorrow morning. Can you pick her up at nine o’clock?”
“I guess so. She’s better, then?”
“Though her stay has been brief, she’s willing to get well and that’s a positive sign. The real test will be when she’s at home. Patients don’t always follow the recovery path they’ve been given. With time and follow-through, she can regain her health. If not, she’ll end up back here, and nobody wants that, especially Mrs. Richland.”
He explained what was in place for Carina to take advantage of if she seriously wanted to be healthy, then Dr. Sommers bid me good-bye.
Slow to enter Carina’s room, I heard the conversation between her and Jim Brody. I stood just short of the door and eavesdropped.
“You shouldn’t have come, I don’t want to see you.”
“I had to know if you were going to be all right.”
“My health should be of no concern to you. Now, get out and stay away from me.”
I could hear the anxiety in her voice growing by the second. Still, I hesitated.
“Carina, you know why I’m really here. I have every right and you’re aware of it. Don’t push me away, it won’t end up well for you.”
Was that a threat? Fearing things might get out of hand, I coughed and then walked in.
With a smile, I said, “The doctor thinks you’re going to be fine. He’s assured me if you follow his advice, you’ll be healthy in no time flat. That’s great news, Carina, and Adrian will be ecstatic when I tell her.”
Stress pinched her facial skin as Carina valiantly tried to look as pleased as I sounded. “Yes, yes, she will. I can hardly wait to get home.”
“Good, then I’ll pick you up at nine in the morning. Dr. Sommers said you would be ready to go by then.”
Jim looked my way and said, “I’ll have a car sent to pick her up, if you’re too busy at the farm, that is.”
Panic filled Carina’s eyes.
“Not at all, Carina and I will be fine, won’t we?”
She nodded.
I looked Jim over for a second and then said, “Thanks for the offer, though. It was generous of you.”
Who's Dead, Doc? Page 19