An Ear for Murder

by Diane Weiner

  Phil cleared his throat. “She means the police are trying to solve the murder. She’s playing amateur detective.”

  Sara took offense to being called amateur. I think I’m rather good at this.

  “Ellie Rossi? Jelly Belly Ellie?”

  “She hated it when you called her that.”

  “I know. But seriously, Ellie’s dead?”

  “Yes. First we thought it might have been her ex fiancé, Preston Montague. He had given her an heirloom ring that she supposedly refused to return when she broke it off. Also, she caused great embarrassment to his family in doing so.”

  Travis added, “But they found the ring. The mother was trying to pull an insurance scam.”

  “And then Preston turned up dead, so we crossed him off the list.”

  “So we began to suspect Preston’s ex. The one he dated and broke up with when he met Ellie. She’s a doctor at the hospital and we found out she has a history of jealousy related incidents.”

  “She popped Preston’s tires back in med school.” Travis poured more wine.

  “And she was charged with battery by a former boyfriend. Oh, and she was overheard threatening Ellie in the hospital cafeteria.”

  Phil said, “Only there’s a small problem.” He raised his voice, not to the level of yelling, but certainly to the level of emphasis. “She has an alibi for the night of the murder.”

  “She claims she was working at a clinic across town. The police have the sign in sheet but it’s possible she slipped out and came back.”

  “Who said that was a possibility?” said Phil. “We have no inkling of proof that she left the clinic that night. As a matter of fact, we interviewed a patient who was being treated by her exactly during the window of time we think the murder occurred.”

  He never told me that, and I’m still not convinced. “Then we suspected Hunter Griffith. Ellie crashed into their boat and killed his son while allegedly speeding and under the influence. She was cleared by the court, and Griffith recently lost a civil suit against her. Her blood alcohol levels were normal, and a witness says both boats were speeding.”

  Travis said, “Don’t forget, a witness saw a third boat which appeared to be chasing Ellie’s.”

  “But we discovered Ellie’s prints on a beer bottle we found in the boat the next morning,” said Phil. “Be that as it may, Hunter Griffith has an airtight alibi for the night of Ellie’s murder, like we were discussing. And there’s no reliable evidence of a third boat.”

  “That shows someone wanted to frame Ellie. Get her out of the picture. Also, Ellie had a safe room and a security system put in her house. Plus, her coworker as well as her mother say she was afraid of someone. She’d been acting differently.”

  Scott said, “If Preston and the doctor are eliminated, who’s left?”

  “The two men the teenage witness saw,” said Sara. “A man in a dress coat going into Ellie’s around 7 or 7:30, and later, a man in a parka leaving the scene. It occurred to me one of them could be Noah Griffith, Hunter’s son.”

  “Reported by a teenage witness who was drinking and smoking weed,” said Phil. “Hardly reliable. And don’t forget we found prints and a tire track. They belong to that guy sitting there.” He pointed at Travis. “And at least one of the descriptions from the teenager fits his, if we’re going there.”

  Sara said, “You can’t be serious.”

  “Just pointing out the facts. That’s what detective work’s about. Objective facts and logical conclusions. It’s hard to keep emotions from interfering when it’s a friend or loved one you’re talking about.”

  That’s for my benefit. I can keep my emotions at bay and look at a situation logically. She glanced at Travis. Most of the time.

  Grandpa said, “Is this proper talk for a homecoming dinner?”

  “No, Pops, it isn’t. Scott, Sara found your great grandfather’s logbook in the shop. Looks like he came up with a unique set of oboe measurements. We’re replicating them.”

  “Could be the next best thing since sliced bread,” said Grandpa. “Could be the holy grail that’ll save the business.”

  “Save the business? When I left for Iraq things were going strong.”

  “We were running behind, but now that Sara’s been helping out, and Grandpa’s got his mojo back thanks to Gail, we’re almost caught up. Too bad Sara can’t stay longer.”

  “I’ve missed a lot while I was gone.”

  Patty said, “If you are all full, let’s go inside and watch a movie.”

  Sara sat between Travis and Phil on the sofa. She must have nodded off, because she woke up with her head on Travis’s shoulder. The warmth of the fire, the glow of the TV, her brother here in the flesh…things felt kind of perfect.

  Chapter 30

  Another nightmare. Sara found herself in the middle of the dark lake that’d been a recurring part of her recent nightmares. She kicked until she couldn’t feel her legs and flailed her arms about until she no longer had the energy to lift them. It was pitch black and she felt herself sinking toward the bottom of the lake. When she tried to breathe, she swallowed icy cold water and sank further down. Then, she felt strong arms around her, pulling her to the surface. When they broke through the water, she felt the glow of warmth on her face and peace rippled through to her toes.

  Sara woke up with a start. I’m not ready to die. I hope that’s not what the nightmare was trying to tell me. Mom reminded me death comes in threes… She shook it off, and realized it was a new day. Scott was home, that part hadn’t been a dream, and she was excited about spending time with him.

  She told Travis she’d pick him up this morning, though she still kind of hated him for the distance he’d created between them. He’d volunteered to help get the Elks’ Hall ready for Grandpa’s party later. She fished through the dresser drawers and chose a long red sweater and black leggings. She’d come back and change before the party.

  She locked up and went over to Travis’s. His lights aren’t on yet. I hope he didn’t oversleep. She knew it was unlikely. He was an early riser. His car was in the driveway.

  She beeped the horn, then texted him. No response. She got out and knocked on the door. Not there. Where would he be? She was clear on the time she was coming by and Travis said he’d be up and ready. This wasn’t like him. Then again, how well did she know him after all?

  “Travis, open up!” She pounded on the door, then tried calling him. Nothing. Desperate times call for desperate measures. She dug in her purse. Got it! She’d never given him back the key he gave her when she first arrived and stayed at his place.

  When she opened the door, it was dark, and cold. His parka was hanging on the coat rack. She checked the kitchen. Clearly he hadn’t eaten breakfast. She headed upstairs with a vague sense of déjà vu.

  Travis wasn’t in the bedroom. The bed hadn’t been slept in. Maybe he ran out to get muffins to bring over for breakfast. But then again, his car was in the driveway. Something doesn’t feel right.

  She called the hospital to see if he’d been called in on an emergency. He hadn’t. Nor had he been admitted as a patient. Her phone rang.

  “Travis?”

  “No, it’s Mom. Where are you? We’re about to leave for the Elks’ Hall. I’ve got all the decorations and favors in the trunk.”

  “It’s Travis. I told him I’d pick him up but he isn’t home and... Never mind. I’ll meet you there.”

  Why did Travis leave her high and dry? He could have at least texted or left her a note saying he had a change of plans. She was getting a little sick of his secrecy and guarded privacy. Served her right. She knew he wasn’t interested in a relationship, yet she’d begun to hope it might happen.

  She pulled into the parking lot and carried in the box of party favors Travis had helped her put together. She’d brought the wallet just in case Travis showed up later.

  “What’s wrong, honey?”

  “Mom, I don’t know what happened to Travis. Why would he simply disap
pear without a word? It wasn’t the first time, either. Maybe Grandpa is right and he’s spending time with his wife!

  “Maybe he had a family emergency. Did you call the hospital?”

  “Yes. He isn’t there.”

  “You can have Detective Lambert check for accidents if it’ll put your mind at ease.”

  “I know. I’m sure he’s fine. I’m not going to let him ruin Grandpa’s party for me. What can I do?”

  “Let’s hang the balloons first.”

  Sara grabbed a folding chair and ribbon. Thankfully the balloons were prefilled with helium. She remembered blowing up balloons for parties when she was a kid. Took more air than oboe playing.

  “I’m going to cover the tables. I got these tablecloths on clearance. They were exactly what I was looking for.”

  “Luck was on your side.”

  “Sara, you seem down. Travis will be back, you’ll see.”

  “Why didn’t he tell me he was leaving? He’d promised to help decorate; he was over last night so it’s not like he forgot.”

  “Maybe he’s afraid he’s falling for you.”

  “Fat chance. He made it clear he doesn’t want a relationship. We’re just… I don’t know what we are. Acquaintances.”

  “If it’s meant to be things will work out.”

  Scott walked in with a large box. “Here’s the cake Sara ordered. Where do you want it?”

  “Over there next to the punch bowl. Did you remember the candles?”

  “Gottem’ right here. I can’t believe he’s turning 80.”

  She spent the afternoon catching up with Scott as they helped set the tables.

  “Did you make the slide show? The projector’s in the car.”

  “Yes, Mom. Told you I’d have it ready.”

  “You work fast. I can’t believe you pulled it together on such short notice.”

  “All in a day’s work.” He fetched the projector and hooked it up to his laptop. “We’re ready to roll. All set for tonight.”

  “He’s going to be so surprised. I can’t wait,” said Patty. “Let’s go home and get a little rest before the big event.”

  Scott walked Sara to the car.

  “I can tell you’re worried about Travis. Has he done this before?”

  “Yeah, he’s disappeared on occasion, usually with an abrupt heads-up, but we just talked about Christmas last night. What changed between then and this morning? Do you think he has a girlfriend?”

  “Possibly, but maybe he’s shying away because he’s falling for you. I saw how he was looking at you last night.”

  “Really? That’s what Mom said. He said he wasn’t interested.”

  “I know I’ve done it before. Remember Donna? I was head over heels in love, or so I thought. Then when I was about to tell her this, I chickened out and pulled away. Broke up and never gave her an explanation.”

  “You were a real shmuck! She hated you after that.”

  “That’s what I’m saying.”

  “Can you help me? You have all that army intelligence background, right? Some things haven’t added up.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like he says he’s from Chicago, but he says ‘soda’ rather than ‘pop.’ He isn’t a Cubs fan. And he used the term ‘sunbreak.’ That sounds specific to a region and I don’t think it’s Chicago. And he’s evasive about his family.”

  “Sunbreak. I heard that term when I was out in Seattle. Anything else?”

  “His house is almost sterile. Just enough plates and silverware for one person. No family pictures, everything in the house looks brand new.”

  “Okay. I’ll come by in the morning and see what I can do. For now, let’s enjoy Grandpa’s celebration. I’ll come by and get you in a couple of hours.”

  As soon as she got home, she googled Noah Griffith and searched his social media. Kids still haven’t caught on about privacy settings. If I ever have a kid…She scrolled through, checking for the date Ellie died.

  Nothing on Facebook. Big surprise. Instagram? Bingo. She found pictures of him at high school football practice. Maybe he still had time to clean up and go kill Ellie. She continued searching and found a picture of him and his friends eating pizza at Antonio’s. She checked the time stamp. He has an alibi. And a ton of witnesses to verify it.

  She lay down with Panther and read for a while. Somewhere in there, she must have closed her eyes. When she awoke, she barely had time to get dressed and do her makeup before Scott honked.

  “So you think Grandpa has no idea about the party?”

  “If he did, he wouldn’t have been able to resist telling us he knew.”

  They pulled behind the Elks’ Hall and walked in through the back door. She immediately spotted Gail and Jacob. Gail wore a satin dress with pearls and high heels. She looks younger every time I see her. As a matter of fact, so does Grandpa. Even Jacob seems to be doing okay.

  Patty Baron set out trays of canapes, pigs in a blanket, and an assortment of cheeses and crackers. “Bob, did you get the ice?”

  “I already put it in the punch bowl. The rest is in the cooler. I’ll go pick up Pops.”

  Friends from church and the Elks’ hall gathered around, chatting. After a while, Patty said, “Hide. Dad just texted. They’re right down the road.”

  Everyone scrambled to take cover behind the tables and behind the door.

  Patty received a text and said, “One, two…” The door opened. Everyone shouted, “Surprise!”

  Grandpa’s mouth literally hung open. “What’s this?”

  Gail ran over and put her arm around him. “Happy 80th birthday! We’re all here to celebrate.”

  “I don’t like…” Gail gave him a discreet swat. Sara saw from behind.

  “I don’t know what to say. Thank you, everyone. Patty, was this your idea?”

  “You don’t turn 80 every day.”

  “Just a heads up. When I turn 90 I’m expecting a family cruise to the Bahamas!”

  “You got it, Pops.”

  Sara mingled and met some of Grandpa’s friends. Friends she didn’t know he had.

  “Hello, I’m Carlos.”

  “Sara. I’m Frank’s granddaughter.”

  “I know who you are. Your grandfather talks about you all the time. He’s so proud of you, playing in the Philharmonic and all. He’s got your picture on the lock screen of his phone.”

  “I had no idea. How do you know Grandpa?”

  “I’m a fellow Elk. Known him for years. We play cards.” He took off his cardigan. “Getting warm in here. Never can get the thermostat to hold a steady temperature in this room. Either too hot or too cold. Dress in layers, that’s the thing to do.”

  Sara noticed an oblong, gold pin on his shirt. It was identical to the two she’d found. “What’s the pin for?”

  He looked down at his shirt, twisting his neck to see. “This? It’s from trivia. Ralph’s runs a weekly trivia. If you collect five pins, you drink free for an evening. It’s tough competition. I’ve just got the one.” He pulled at it to show her, but it fell to the floor. “The clasp is awful. It’s always falling off.”

  Trivia. That’s a great lead. I’ll have to look into it tomorrow.

  Patty lit the candles on the cake. Grandpa blew them out in two breaths. Still got his oboe lungs.

  The party was a big hit. After the guests left, Sara helped her parents clean up. Scott pulled the car around to the front.

  Scott said, “I’m hoping longevity runs in our genes. Grandpa’s looking good for 80.”

  “And he’s got friends! Who knew?”

  “Ready to go?”

  “Yes. I’m exhausted.”

  When Scott dropped her off in her driveway, she couldn’t resist. I’ll try one more time to make sure Travis is okay. After that, I’m calling it a night.” She’d been texting him all day and gotten no response. If he turns up dead and they go through his texts, they’ll think I’m a stalker. She banged on his door. “Travis? Are you in there? O
pen up.”

  She pulled the key from her purse and went inside the dark house. You might not like what you find. Last time you went into a dark house at night you discovered Ellie’s body.

  Nonetheless, her concern, rather her curiosity, won out. She flipped on the lights and called his name while she went in and out of the rooms. No sign of him anywhere.

  She couldn’t resist snooping in an effort to understand what was going on. She went through the drawers in the kitchen, again finding mostly empty space. She went into his bedroom and opened his drawers. She reached behind drawers and searched the few items on his pantry shelves. Nothing hidden in a cereal box. Nothing under the mattresses. Just those pills with the name Cameron Stokes in the medicine closet.

  She checked the garage. If I went out of town for any length of time, surely I’d park my car in the garage—especially if it wasn’t cluttered with a bunch of junk. There’s plenty of room in here. Nothing in the washer or dryer. Nothing behind the rake or shovel.

  She went back inside. His parka caught her eye. She wondered why he hadn’t taken it seeing as it was the only coat she’d ever seen him wear—even to the funeral. Taking it off the hook, she felt in the outer pockets. Just a pair of gloves. She felt the lining and felt a lump. When she unzipped the lining, her mouth hung open. It was a ski cap. An orange ski cap. Of course! He was wearing this cap the very first time I met him, when I skidded on the way to finding Ellie’s body. So it was him Brayden Carlisle spotted going into Ellie’s the night she was murdered! He fits the description. She called Scott.

  “Hey, I think I found something important in Travis’s house.”

  “You went over there alone, in the dark? I told you I’d help you in the morning, Sis.”

  “I know, but I just had to check. I know you’re still battling jet lag, but can you be here first thing in the morning?”

  “I’ll be there. Now get some sleep.”

  Chapter 31

  Sara was awake before sunrise. Scott came by shortly after with leftover brownies from the birthday party. “I brought us breakfast. You got any coffee?”