“He’s my boss,” Austin confirmed. “Tina, I just saw him and Maybelle together like two hours ago.”
Tina blinked. “You did?”
“Yeah. She came over to the office to talk to Tyler. They went home together,” Austin explained. “She can’t be dead, Tina.”
“I’m sorry, Austin.” Tina said softly. She placed a hand on his arm. “I’m afraid she really is gone. I just drove past her house and saw police cars all over. They’re cordoning off the area. Tyler was talking to the sheriff and…well…I saw the stretcher being carried out.”
“You’ve made a mistake,” Austin repeated adamantly, still in shock. “A person can’t just die. She’s so healthy. They run marathons together and everything. She just can’t drop dead like that.”
“She didn’t just drop dead,” Tina said, looking miserable. “They’re saying she was killed.”
“Killed?”
“I talked to one of the paramedics at the scene,” Tina said. “They found Maybelle in the living room of the house with a knitting needle through her heart. The police are saying she was murdered. I think…I think maybe Tyler did it.”
*****
Chapter 5
A “Friend” In Need
Darkness had set in by the time they reached Maybelle and Tyler’s house. A small crowd was standing on the curb in front of it. The Queen Anne style house was made of red-brick, with an imposing veranda and a surprisingly-cheerful yellow picket fence in front of it. Built in 1880, it was one of Milburn’s oldest houses. It stood on a corner of Delphi Street, sandwiched in a valley between two heavily wooded hills.
On the veranda, Nora could see Sheriff Dave Ellerton speaking into a phone, while a deputy wearing blue, plastic gloves stood in the doorway staring out at the crowd.
Yellow police tape now surrounded the house, and the ambulance that Tina had seen was long gone. So, too, was Tyler, and Nora wondered where he might be. Being interrogated at the station, she guessed.
Catching sight of Nora, Sheriff Ellerton immediately pocketed his phone and came striding down the lawn.
“I’m not surprised to see you here,” he said, his voice a little chilly. “Sharks can sense blood a mile away, I’ve heard.”
“Well, good day to you too, Sheriff,” Nora said.
“Come to the side.” Taking her away from the crowd, Sheriff Ellerton headed towards his squad car. He paused at the door and took a breath. “Look, Nora. We’ve played this game before. I’m going to warn you to stay away from the investigation, and you’re going to ignore me. Right?”
“Right,” Nora said with a shrug.
“Wrong,” Sheriff Ellerton said. “This time, I think I might actually need your help.”
“You…what?” Nora was stunned. Sheriff Ellerton had never appreciated her “interference” in his cases before, going as far as to threaten to arrest her a few times.
“Just hear me out.” The sheriff took a breath. “I’ve arrested Tyler Abelard on the charge of murdering his wife, Maybelle.”
Nora put a hand over her mouth.
“I had to.” Sheriff Ellerton explained. “We got a call that a scream was heard from Maybelle’s house. We reached the house fifteen minutes later and Tyler was sitting by her body in shock. They were the only two people in the house. Maybelle was dead when we arrived. There was a knitting needle right through her heart.”
“That’s terrible,” Nora said.
“It is. But what’s also terrible is that, in America, the spouse is responsible for the homicide 90% of the time,” Sheriff Ellerton explained. “You see what I’m saying? It’s human nature. If the fight is bitter enough, if the circumstances are bad enough, terrible things can happen. We can even kill someone we love. Apparently any of us can.” He rubbed his balding head. “Anyway, I had to arrest Tyler. The two of them were seen heading into the house together and an hour later she’s dead. Got to be him. He had blood on him, and he was in shock and refusing to speak. Open and shut case, right?”
“You don’t think so, though,” Nora said. “Do you?”
“I honestly don’t know what to think,” Sheriff Ellerton admitted. “I know it has to be him. Logic says it’s him. I’ve spoken to their housekeeper and she stated that the knitting needles were always kept in a small basket on a side-table next to an armchair in the living room. Easy for Tyler to lift one up in a fit of rage and stab Maybelle. Three other witnesses also declared that they’d overheard Maybelle and Tyler fighting angrily two days ago at Coach James’s party.”
“I was at that party.” Nora gasped.
“Yes…so was I,” Sheriff Ellerton said. “As a matter of fact, I overheard them fighting, too. This was after you and Harvey left, I think. They were both pretty drunk and didn’t seem to care who heard them. It’s not looking good so far for Tyler, is it?”
“Not at all,” Nora agreed. “I still don’t understand, though.”
“I’m getting to it.” Sheriff Ellerton took a deep breath. It was clear he was struggling with himself. “Look, Nora. I don’t like you. Ok? I think you’re an interfering busybody with no scientific method. You just go bumbling into people’s lives and talking to them and thinking you can figure out the truth that way. Me, I prefer hard science. DNA and blood pattern analysis and fiber traces - that’s crime solving to me.” Sheriff Ellerton paused, looked sideways at the ground and then back up again at Nora. “The thing is, I have to arrest Tyler because all the evidence is against him right now. I have to build that case. Logically.”
“Ah,” Nora said. “Logically.”
“Yes. If I don’t, I’ll get accused of favoring Tyler just because he’s rich. That’s not a good look on me. Not right now,” Sheriff Ellerton said. “And, obviously, there’s a high chance he did it, and that he’ll just confess. But…”
“But,” Nora repeated. “Your emotions are getting to you, aren’t they?”
“It’s just wrong,” Sheriff Ellerton said. “I know Tyler. Let’s just put it that way. He isn’t a great man. He isn’t even a good man. But I just don’t feel like he’s the murderer. I know murderers. I’ve arrested them. I’ve seen all types - the cold calculating ones, the crazy ones, the hot-blooded ones who dissolve into puddles of regret. Tyler’s not a murderer, Nora. It’s illogical and stupid but I feel it. He’s just a grieving husband.”
“So why do you need my help?” Nora asked. “Release Tyler and chase the real bad guy. That’s what you should do, right?”
Sheriff Ellerton shook his head. “Like I said, with all the evidence against him, I have to arrest Tyler if I want my public image to stay intact. Meanwhile, I need you to talk to people, and then come to me,” Sheriff Ellerton said. “Will you do that? If you get any leads, I’ll chase them, too. The thing is, I’ve got a feeling that we’re dealing with someone very dangerous and tricky here. I want to lull the murderer into complacency.”
“I get it.” Nora nodded. “So, to the public, you’re doing your duty. But, to the killer, you’ve been fooled into arresting Tyler. That way, maybe he or she slips up and makes a mistake.”
“Exactly,” Sheriff Ellerton said. “With your help, I can figure out what’s really going on.”
“You’ve changed, Sheriff.” Nora smiled. “I don’t believe you’ve ever asked anyone for help before.”
“Oh, believe me, it gives me no pleasure to,” Sheriff Ellerton admitted. “And let’s be clear, nobody’s ever going to know I asked you. I’ll deny it all.”
“I’m not going to boast about it,” Nora said gently.
“Good. There’s nothing in this for you, Nora. No newspaper articles about you being the next Sherlock Holmes,” Sheriff Ellerton said gruffly. “All you’ll get - maybe - is a chance to see justice done.”
“That’s all both of us want, isn’t it?” Nora asked. “Except maybe you’ll get re-elected, too.”
Sheriff Ellerton winced. It hadn’t escaped Nora’s attention that the elections for sheriff were coming up soon. Dave Elle
rton was getting nervous about them, and couldn’t afford to mishandle a case like this. So, even though he didn’t like Nora much, and even though his ego could barely stand it, he was asking for her help.
It didn’t faze Nora. She knew that, despite his ambitions and his tendency to be hard-headed, Dave Ellerton was, at his core, a good man.
“I’ll help,” she said. “But you have to promise to tell me everything you know too, Sheriff.”
“Only if you promise to keep it quiet. You can’t tell anybody,” Sheriff Ellerton said. “Not even Tina. Not even your husband.”
“No deal,” Nora said. “Harvey’s got to know. We don’t do secrets in our marriage. Don’t worry, though. He won’t tell a soul.”
“Fine, Harvey. But only Harvey. I’ll come over to your house at midnight tonight. We can discuss things some more. But, for now, go talk to anyone who knew Maybelle. Or just go home. No offense, but I don’t really want to be seen talking to you when I’m in the middle of a case.”
“No, I’m sure there are journalists you’d rather be talking to,” Nora said, unable to resist a last jab at him. “Good day, Sheriff.”
*****
Chapter 6
Overheard and Witnessed
Nora sipped at a glass of wine, her eyes hooded. She was back home, seated at the head of her dining table, with the last bits of her dinner in front of her. On her left, Austin sat with his elbows on the table and his hands cradling his chin. Hazel sat next to him, shooting him occasional worried glances. Tina was opposite them, tapping her fingers on the table, while Harvey sat leaning back on his chair, tugging at his tie.
They’d been avoiding talking about Maybelle’s death for hours but it was all anybody could think about. And, yet, they seemed unable to start the conversation. Instead, there had just been small talk and forced smiles. There was a lull in the conversation now as Harvey pushed his plate away and cleared his throat.
“You might need a new job, Austin,” Harvey said. “From what I’ve heard around town, Tyler isn’t getting out of jail anytime soon.”
Austin shut his eyes for a second, then opened them. “I hadn’t even thought of that,” he said. “This whole day has been so strange. Real life feels like some weird fun-house mirror version of itself right now. I always admired Tyler, you know? He seemed like he had it all - perfect career, perfect health, perfect wife…and now this.”
“I talked to my neighbor, Pam,” Tina said. “She was at Coach James’s party the other day. She says she heard Tyler and Maybelle fighting.”
“She did?” Nora raised an eyebrow. Pam was clearly one of the witnesses Sheriff Ellerton had mentioned, then.
“Yeah,” Tina said. “Pam said it was really late, way past midnight. She and a bunch of friends were walking back home when it happened. Tyler and May were standing next to their car and yelling at each other.”
“Did she hear what about?” Nora leaned forward.
“She said Tyler had his hands balled into fists and his face was very red. Mitzy heard him say, 'Am I a joke to you? You think you can hide something like that and I’ll just forgive you? I’ve put up with a lot, May, but this…you’ve crossed a line.'”
“Wow.” Hazel whistled. “Sounds pretty intense.”
“Husband and wife fights can get intense,” Harvey said with a shrug. “I don’t think it necessarily means Tyler’s a murderer.”
“Well, you will when you hear what happened next,” Tina replied. “Pam said she and her friends all just froze. It was awkward, you know, walking into a private conversation like that. But Tyler and May were just yelling over each other. They didn’t seem to care who was listening. It ended when Tyler banged the roof of the car so hard it left a dent. He said, 'Sometimes you just make me want to throttle you, May.'”
“Ouch.” Harvey shook his head. “Oh, man. Three witnesses heard him say that?”
“Four. Pam says Sheriff Ellerton was in their little group, too,” Tina said. “He stepped up to intervene when Tyler said that. Pam said both May and Tyler tried to pretend nothing had happened. They drove home together.”
“So Tyler said he wanted to hit her, and then two days later she’s dead.” Nora sighed. “It does look like-”
“No,” Austin said strongly. “Couples fight. I don’t know any that don’t. Especially when they’re drunk and emotional. I’ll tell you what I witnessed, personally, working as Tyler’s assistant all these months.”
Nora looked at him seriously. “What?”
“Tyler was very much in love with May,” Austin said. “He was already planning out a birthday present for her - three months before her actual birthday. He was making me track down a rare doll online. Apparently May had one when she was a child, and it got lost while she was moving houses. Tyler had heard her mention it once or twice and thought he’d track down a doll just like it and give it to her for her birthday. Does that sound like a man who’d murder his woman? I’m telling you, Tyler was crazy about her.”
“You said he was moody,” Hazel pointed out. “You said Tyler can make you feel like royalty one moment and scum the next. Maybe he switched his moods around for her, too. One moment he loved her, the other he hated her. It happens, you know.”
“Maybe.” Austin looked suddenly uncertain. “I just…wouldn’t have thought it.”
“You said you saw her, right?” Nora asked. “Just two hours before she died?”
“Yeah,” Austin said. “I think that’s why I’m so shaken up, you know? She came to the office and said she wanted to see Tyler.”
“Any particular reason?” Nora asked.
“I don’t remember exactly but I got the impression that they were supposed to go to a party together,” Austin said. “They were talking for a while.”
“Arguing some more?” Tina asked. “Did you overhear anything?”
“Aunt Tina’s always overhearing things,” Hazel teased. “I don’t think the CIA overhears things as much as Aunt Tina does.”
“Oh, hush you,” Tina said. “Well, Austin?”
Austin squinted his eyes as he thought, then shook his head. “Nope. I was busy working and besides, Tyler’s office is pretty soundproof. But I don’t think they were arguing. They probably made up for whatever disagreement they had.”
“Unlikely, isn’t it? She died just two hours later, after all,” Tina said. “Sounds to me like Tyler lured her back home and killed her. Horrible.”
“And I’m telling you, they were both in a good mood. They were holding hands as they walked out of his office and Tyler was all smiles. Like I said, whatever disagreement they had at Coach James’s party, they’d definitely made up. It’s just so hard to picture him taking her home and then…” Austin shuddered. “I don’t believe it. I won’t until a judge and jury pronounce him guilty.”
Tina pushed back her chair. “I don’t know about judge and jury, but people in town have definitely pronounced him guilty. I mean, if two people were in the house and one is murdered, logically the other one has to have done it.”
“People used to think that, logically, the sun must revolve around the earth,” Austin said firmly. “Logic’s only good till you find evidence that disproves it, you know.”
“Well, I admire your loyalty anyway,” Tina said. “But Harvey’s right. You better look out for another job.”
“I guess I’ll have to think about it,” Austin said. He rolled his shoulders, stretched and yawned. “Getting pretty late.”
“Come on, I’ll take you home,” Hazel said. “Aunt Tina, do you need a ride, too?”
“Nope. But thanks for offering.” Tina gave Hazel a peck on the cheek and a fond look.
“We’ll clear up. You folks better move along,” Nora said, ushering them all to the door. “Austin, it’s best if you and Hazel go on that hike tomorrow. Don’t stay in town and listen to all the rumors, it’ll just upset you more.”
“Agreed.” Hazel nodded.
“Don’t forget these, then.” Harvey handed
Hazel a Tupperware box full of gingersnap cookies. “Oh, wait. I forgot to tax you.” Reaching inside the box, he pulled out a handful of the cookies, then handed it back.
Hazel squealed in annoyance, “D-a-a-ad! Those are for the hike!”
“There’s no escaping death and dad-taxes.” Harvey grinned, popping one into his mouth whole. “Yum!” he said between his bites.
“Can I tax the tax-man?” Tina plucked a cookie out of Harvey’s hand and took a delicate bite. “Mmm. You can always taste the difference when it’s fresh ginger instead of powdered.”
“Goodnight, you jokers.” Nora nearly pushed them out of the house and Harvey gave her a questioning look. “Sleep well.” She waved goodbye as the cars pulled out of the driveway.
“See you tomorrow!” Tina called.
Harvey and Nora stood on the porch for a minute, taking in deep breaths of the pine-scented air as the moon glinted off the roofs of the neighboring houses. It was still too cold to linger much and, as they walked back into the wonderfully-warm house, Harvey turned to Nora.
“How come you were so eager to push them out?”
“Oh…you noticed.” Nora shrugged.
“Of course, I noticed. What’s up?”
“Sheriff Ellerton said he’d be by later tonight,” Nora said. “I didn’t want the rest of them seeing him here.”
“Huh? How come?”
Nora filled Harvey in on her discussion with the sheriff as they cleared the table.
*****
“Hmm.” Harvey had his shirt sleeves rolled up as he rinsed the dishes. “Slightly fishy, isn’t it? Ellerton was never a big fan of yours, though everyone in town knows you’ve helped him solve multiple cases.”
“I guess this one is just an exception,” Nora said.
“Either that or he’s realized that working with you is more profitable than working against you,” Harvey said. “I mean, Ellerton’s sharp. He doesn’t do anything that won’t profit him in some way.”
The Milburn Big Box Set Page 169