Murder on Ice

by B. T. Lord

  After mulling it over, she realized there was no way around this. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t ignore the newspapers. Especially Mac.

  “Tell the press I’ll be out in five minutes with a statement. Get Mac’s cell number for me.”

  When Rick was gone, Cammie hastily scribbled something on a piece of paper. When she was done, she stood up, smoothed down her hair and uniform and grabbed her parka. Walking down the corridor, past Emmy and Rick’s desks, she paused at the counter and blinked in surprise at the large crowd of people who had gathered on the sidewalk outside headquarters.

  “Holy shit, half the town is out there,” she exclaimed.

  “Probably more by now,” Rick replied. He went up to her and handed her a piece of paper. “Mac’s number. He said to give him a few minutes to get to a private place before you call.”

  Cammie nodded. Then took a deep breath. “If they start tearing me apart, call out the National Guard,” she said before she took a step forward and opened the door.

  As soon as she stepped outside, she was blinded by flashes from what seemed to be a thousand cameras. Questions were shouted at her, microphones were shoved in her face and epithets and praises mingled together to make one huge wall of sound.

  She waited a few moments to gather herself before raising her hands for silence. It took an additional few moments for people to quiet down. She withdrew the piece of paper from her pocket where she’d scribbled the statement and began to read.

  “Yesterday morning at approximately eight am, the body of Eli Kelley was found in his home. He had been shot through the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene. A suspect has been arrested, but the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department is still looking at persons of interest in what is yet an ongoing investigation. We have no further comment at this time. If anyone has information pertaining to this investigation, we ask that they immediately call the Sheriff’s Office.”

  She rattled off the phone number. Just as she finished speaking, she was instantly bombarded with questions shouted at her from all directions. It felt like a circus spiraling out of control. She turned and quickly re-entered headquarters, making sure to lock the door behind her.

  “They’re like animals out there!” she replied.

  “It’s a good story,” Rick shrugged.

  “Nothing like this has ever happened in Twin Ponds,” Emmy concurred.

  “And I hope to God it doesn’t ever happen again,” Cammie grumbled as she took off her parka and barricaded herself back in her office. She waited five minutes, then called Mac.

  “MacMunn here,” came the gruff greeting.

  “Mac, it’s Cammie.”

  “Nice statement, Sheriff. Quick and to the point.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You know that half the people outside your office want your blood and the other half want to marry you. The half that want your blood think you finally got your revenge against whatever it was that happened between you and Eli years ago and you’re using Jace to cover it up. The other half thinks you’re doing a great job under the circumstances.”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  “Any comment on what I just said?”

  “Besides the fact that the first part of your statement is total bullshit and the second part is nice to hear?”

  She heard Mac chuckle on the other end. “Then what can you tell me?”

  Cammie paused. “Unfortunately, I don’t have anything to add to my statement. This is an ongoing investigation, as you know--”

  “Just throw me a bone,” he interrupted. “Anything. The truth is, readership has been slipping. I was just at the point where I was going to have to close my baby down after twenty years. This story will resurrect the old girl.”

  Cammie inwardly groaned. She couldn’t compromise the investigation, but she couldn’t let Mac down either. She thought quickly, then said, “Okay, here’s your scoop. Tell your readers it came from an anonymous source. Tell them it came from Mars. I don’t care. Just make sure it doesn’t get traced back to my office. Okay?”

  “You got it.”

  “Before the murder, Eli received a threatening note. Don’t ask me what it said, because I can’t tell you. But that should help you a bit.”

  “I’ll say it does. Any comment on the arrest of Jace?”

  “No.”

  Mac laughed. “Oh well, you can’t blame me for trying. Just one more question and I’ll let you go. Can you at least once and for all clear up the mystery of what happened between you and Eli all those years ago? I’m sure that can’t prejudice the case.”

  “Right now, I don’t know what can help or hinder the case.”

  “When this is all over, promise me an exclusive, will ya?”

  “Sure, Mac.”

  “Great. I know you’re going to get to the bottom of all this.”

  “Thanks.” She paused, then added. “I’m sure I don’t need to ask that, in the midst of your digging, if you find out anything on Eli that I should know about…”

  “No problem, Cam.”

  With the crowd outside headquarters still clamoring for more news, Cammie knew it was time to leave. She needed to track down Carolyn, find Jace’s friends who were at Zee’s the night of the murder, then talk to both Eli and Carolyn’s neighbors. That should keep her away from the office and the bloodthirsty crowd for most of the day.

  She was just about to sneak out of her office and slip out the back door when Rick appeared once more at her door. She immediately noticed him limp across her office before sitting down in the nearest chair.

  “Don’t tell me someone attacked you out there?” she asked incredulously, frightened that it had gotten so bad outside.

  “No. It’s your lousy couch. I woke up with a screaming back which has only gotten worse thanks to those idiots out there. Promise me when this is over, you’ll get over to Houlton and buy a new couch. If you can’t afford it, I’ll lend you the money myself.” He winced as he leaned forward and tried to stretch.

  “I’m going to talk to Carolyn, then interview the guys who saw Jace at Zee’s the other night.”

  “You can save the trip to Carolyn’s. She’s outside and she’s fit to be tied. She filed a missing vehicle report yesterday and is demanding we do something about it.”

  Despite the fact that Twin Ponds was crying out for her blood, for the first time that day, Cammie smiled. Rick gulped. Her smile reminded him of the Grinch when he realizes he’s about to screw up Christmas for the Whos down in Whoville. He could swear he saw the ends of her smile curl up menacingly.

  “Listen, maybe I better deal with Carolyn,” he quickly added.

  “Oh no. I think you should send her right in here. In fact, I’d love to talk to Carolyn.”

  Rick’s face grew more alarmed. “Cammie, don’t do anything rash. I insist you give me your weapon.”

  “Fat chance.”

  “Then I’m staying here while you interview her. Even with this lousy back, I can still tackle you if I have to.”

  “Suit yourself.”

  A few minutes later, Carolyn came barreling into Cammie’s office, followed by a limping Rick, who closed the door after himself. She was dressed in a sleek black coat with a fur collar that reached down to below her knees. She wore stockings and boots with a small heel. The office was soon filled with the aroma of her musky perfume.

  “Where the hell is my SUV?”

  Cammie sat calmly in her chair, her arms crossed against her chest. “What do you think happened to it?”

  She didn’t think Carolyn’s face could get any redder, but it managed to turn a darker shade of crimson. “How the fuck should I know? I reported it missing yesterday. Your receptionist called this morning and told me I should come in to see you so we could discuss it. I’m late for an appointment and I need my SUV. Right now! I’m not about to conduct my business from the back of Elmer’s crappy cab that always smells like cooked cabbage. So where is it?”

  Cammie l
eaned over and scribbled something on a piece of paper. She then handed it to Carolyn.

  “What’s this?” the woman asked suspiciously as she took it.

  “That’s the phone number to the Forensics Lab. Your SUV has been impounded as part of a murder investigation. They should be able to tell you what month you’ll be able to get it back.”

  “What month?” Carolyn screeched.

  Cammie shrugged and absently tapped her fingernail against her chin. “Mmmm, let’s see. It’s November now. With any luck, you might be able to get it back by early next year. Hopefully by that time, it will still have seats. Maybe even tires.”

  Carolyn swayed and abruptly sat down on the chair on the other side of Cammie’s desk. She glared at the sheriff.

  “You’re doing this to get back at me for Jace.”

  Cammie grinned and Rick felt a shiver run down his back. Damn, but that woman had the chilliest smile he’d ever seen.

  “Believe me, Carolyn, if I was going to do something to get back at you, it wouldn’t involve your SUV. However, now that we’re on the subject, suppose you tell me what happened after you and Jace left Zee’s the other night?”

  Carolyn opened her red lipsticked mouth, then quickly shut it. She hugged her Coach bag close to her chest.

  “I don’t have to answer any of your questions.”

  “That’s right. You don’t. But your refusal is making you look awfully suspicious. Especially since it was your SUV found at the murder scene.”

  “I didn’t drive it there. Your idiot boyfriend stole it. Good thing you already have him in prison or I’d bring charges against him for auto theft.”

  Rick quickly looked to Cammie to see her reaction to Carolyn’s words. To his relief, her face was neutral and her hand was resting on the desk, well away from her holster.

  “What happened to make you think Jace stole it?”

  She rolled her eyes impatiently. “Mmmm. Let’s see. Coming out of the bathroom and finding both Jace and my vehicle gone was a big clue. I called him several times on his cell, but he didn’t answer. I figured he’d bring it back the next day, when he’d sobered up. Instead, the asshole goes out and kills somebody using my brand new SUV. I hope to God he didn’t get any blood stains on my leather upholstery.”

  Appalled at Carolyn’s cruel insensitivity, Rick looked again at Cammie. Although the Sheriff’s face remained passive, he detected a slight tightening of her mouth. He straightened, ready to throw himself at Cammie if she went for Carolyn.

  Although she would have liked nothing better than to wrap her hands around Carolyn’s throat, Cammie kept her temper. She continued to impassively look at the petite woman sitting in front of her.

  “So, if you knew Jace took your SUV, why did you file a missing vehicle report?”

  “I wanted it made clear that I wasn’t driving, in case he hit something. Or somebody.”

  “Tell me, Carolyn. Do you own a 38 revolver?”

  Carolyn blinked in astonishment at the abrupt change in subject. In an instant, she was out of her chair. “I didn’t kill Eli!” she shrieked.

  “I didn’t say you did. However, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t ask that question. And I’m sure you want Eli’s murder solved.”

  Carolyn tossed back her blonde hair. “Seems to me you already solved it. I guess you just never know what goes on in a person’s head, no matter how long you’ve lived with them.”

  She raised her eyebrow and stared provocatively at Cammie. The sheriff calmly met her gaze.

  “Or for that matter, a person you’ve known since high school.”

  Carolyn flushed a deep red. Before she could go off a second time, Cammie gestured to Rick. “Would you mind getting Carolyn a cup of water? I’m sure this questioning is making her thirsty.” He gave her a puzzled look, wondering if she’d make a move against Carolyn once he was out of the office. Yet there was something in her tone that made him do as she asked. A moment later, he was back with the cup. “Now take a sip and calm yourself down. I’m not accusing you of anything.” Carolyn remained suspicious, but perched herself on the edge of the chair and took a sip of water. “I’m just trying to get a timeline for Monday night. If you know what time you and Jace left Zee’s, or what time Jace took your SUV, tell us. It would be helpful.” Once again the smile crossed Cammie’s face. “And appreciated.”

  Carolyn looked from Cammie to Rick and back again. She then pursed her lips. “I know you, Farnsworth. I’m not taken in by your Oh-So-Nice attitude. You’re going to try and get me to say something incriminating so you can save your boyfriend’s ass and pin this whole thing on me. I’m not saying another word until I speak to my lawyer.” She crumbled the paper cup and threw it into a nearby wastepaper basket before stomping towards the door. Rick was leaning against it and was subjected to a withering look. He looked over to Cammie who nodded. Carolyn unceremoniously pushed him out of the way and grabbed the door knob. She swung open the door, paused, then looked back over her shoulder at Cammie.

  “All this time I thought Northcott was a stud. Just goes to show looks can be deceiving.”

  She then stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

  “That is one undeniable skank,” Rick replied. “If she ever said anything like that about me –“

  “After eight beers and a martini, I doubt you’d be a stud.”

  The deputy opened his mouth, then quickly closed it. He limped over and sat down opposite Cammie.

  “Well, that went well, didn’t it?” she said as she swerved her chair towards him.

  “You are joking, right?”

  “Nope, I’m not.”

  “She insults Jace’s manhood, and cares more about her lousy SUV than the fact he’s in prison, and you think it went well? Man, I must have landed in an alternative universe.”

  “If she had nothing to hide, she would have answered my questions. They were pretty straightforward, especially the one regarding whether she owns a 38 or not.”

  “Yeah, she did manage to avoid that one. But there’s nothing straightforward about the way she feels about you. Or the way she thinks you feel about her.”

  “True, but it’s obvious she knows more than she’s willing to say. But we’ll get our answers one way or another.”

  She reached into her desk and withdrew an evidence bag. She then reached into the wastepaper basket and carefully flipped the crumpled paper cup into the bag.

  Rick watched her, a grin breaking across his face. “You are cunning, Sheriff Farnsworth. Very cunning.”

  “Send this down to Forensics ASAP.” She sat back in her chair. “We’ll see if DNA will tell us what Carolyn Haskell wouldn’t. Would you also try and find out if Carolyn ever applied for a permit to carry a handgun?”

  Maine didn’t require permits to purchase or register handguns, so this was their best shot at finding out, short of getting Carolyn to admit it herself, whether she owned a 38 or not.

  Cammie stood up and started towards the door.

  “Where are you going?” Rick asked.

  “Since Carolyn isn’t talking, maybe her neighbors saw something last night. I also need to talk to Eli’s neighbors and still track down Scottie, Hank and the rest of the guys who were at Zee’s the other night.”

  “Hold on, I’ll come with you.”

  Cammie shook her head. “I need you to get the arrest warrant from Judge Drury.”

  “But the townspeople –“

  “Are going to say and do whatever they please whether you’re with me or not. I can take care of myself. Believe me, I’ve faced worse. Now get that sample delivered to the lab and go find Judge Drury. And would you ask Emmy to come in here?”

  A few moments later the plump, young woman was standing in Cammie’s office. Today she was wearing deep purple corduroys, a purple and white sweater and, as usual, her matching purple ribbon in her long light brown hair. Cammie often wondered whether she had a closet full of ribbons to match every outfit.

&n
bsp; At twenty-two, Emmy had a mature way about her that left people surprised when they discovered her true age. Responsible, diligent and smart, she also had an unexpected gift that was going to come in very handy in the present circumstances. Ever since Rick had forgotten his PIN number for his bank account and Emmy had been able, within five minutes, to retrieve it for him, Cammie knew she had a talented hacker on her team. This project was going to make Emmy’s day. It may not have been the most ethical way of going about what she needed to know, but time was of the essence here. If she was going to crack this case, she’d use any means possible.

  “First, I want to commend you for thinking ahead and asking Carolyn to come down to see me. It saved me a trip.” Emmy beamed as Cammie continued. “I need you to do a background check on Eli. I want to know if any large sums of money were withdrawn from his bank account, every investment he ever made, the status of his life before he came back to Twin Ponds, his cell phone records going back at least six months, his last will and testament. I also want to know everything you can dig up on the people who rented his mother’s place. Basically, I want to know who would benefit by killing him. I’ll also need Carolyn Haskell’s phone and credit card records. I don’t want to know how you get whatever info can’t be gotten through the regular channels, nor do I want you to leave any traces of your presence behind.”

  “Don’t worry, Sheriff,” Emmy answered confidently.

  Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she hurried back to her desk. This was her first murder investigation and she wasn’t about to let the sheriff down.

  She’d never had a boss like Cammie before. From the first, she’d been treated like a member of the team, not just a receptionist. She’d work twenty-four hours if she had to. But she’d get what Cammie needed.

  Cammie grabbed her parka and headed out the back door. Passing by Rick in the corridor, he reached out and touched Cammie’s arm. “Be careful out there.”

  “I’m invincible. I’ve got my bulletproof underwear on.”