Sledding Away with Murder (Sweetfern Harbor Mystery Book 21)

by Wendy Meadows

  “Miranda did it. Harry had no idea she had planned it. He turned out to be an innocent bystander.”

  “I hope he isn’t still under arrest,” Jillian said.

  “He remains down there but will meet with the judge this morning. I’m sure he will be released but will have to come back for the trial.”

  They finished the meal. Phyllis stated she had to find her housekeepers and get busy on rooms. Brenda said she was returning to the precinct to tie up loose ends with Mac. She and Phyllis walked into the passageway.

  “Take a break around ten-thirty, Phyllis. Let’s meet at Molly’s coffee shop. The crowds should have thinned downtown by then.”

  “Sure. I’ll see you there.”

  Brenda was anxious to find out how the judge looked at Harry and his withholding information of a crime. Mac told her the judge ordered Harry’s release. “He took into consideration that Harry told the story of how things really did happen. I don’t think his reputation will be hurt in any way out in California. Jason Mitchell is happy with the outcome, as is Harry, of course.”

  “I can’t imagine what he thinks of Miranda now,” Brenda said. “At least he found out her true nature before it was too late for him.”

  “Right. He told me he never wants to see the baseball bat again, even when all of this is over.”

  “I don’t blame him.” There was no way she’d want a murder weapon back if it was ever released. “It must have been worth something for him to buy it down at that vintage shop. They only carry valuable items.” Brenda picked up her purse from Mac’s desk. “I’m meeting Phyllis in a little while down at the coffee shop. We have a breather before the next guests arrive beginning tomorrow.”

  “You deserve a break, Brenda. Enjoy the time.”

  After Brenda left, Officer Natalie Sims approached Mac. “I hate to tell you this, Detective, but your star murderer wants to amend her story.”

  Mac flipped a folder on his desk with impatience. “Again? How many times does she expect to do this? What is it now?”

  “I don’t know. She just said she needs to talk with you. She said some of the things she said aren’t true.”

  “I’ll let her stew a while. I don’t have time for more of her stories now.” He slapped the folder down. “Tell her I’ll see her sometime this afternoon.”

  Natalie almost decided not to give him the next message. She took a deep breath. “She has another request.” Mac glared. “She said she didn’t get a phone call and wants to make one now.”

  “I suppose she’s decided to get a lawyer after all?”

  “Ironically, no. She wants to call a place called The Gypsy Rose Nightclub in Oakland, California.” Mac had no words. Finally, he told Officer Sims to allow her the call.

  “It will be monitored. I’ll be interested to know what she has to say to them.”

  “What’s The Gypsy Rose?”

  “It’s the nightclub where she sings.”

  Mac decided to give Brenda time with Phyllis before he told her the latest on their prime suspect. In the meantime, Brenda and Phyllis talked cheerfully about the Winter Carnival. William entered the coffee shop and Phyllis called her husband to their table. Molly brought him his usual espresso. She thanked William for his expertise in drawing crowds to town.

  “My business gets a real spurt when we have new people in town,” Molly said. “The owners of the other shops feel the same way. You’ve increased the events and brought in stars to draw crowds, too.”

  A slight flush flooded William’s face. “I love doing it. I want every business here to thrive. It’s the shops that bring people in, too.”

  Soon many of those very shop owners came into the coffee shop. “It looks like everyone needs a break today,” Brenda said. She greeted her stepdaughter warmly. Jenny Jones sat in the empty chair.

  “I left my helper in the flower shop. Business is slower today. I wanted to find out what everyone else is doing around town,” Jenny said. “I heard the murder is solved, Brenda. That’s a good thing.”

  “The killer is in custody. Trial date hasn’t been set yet.” Brenda didn’t elaborate on details. All understood she had to keep some things secret until the trial.

  Hope Williams came in next, carrying a large box of what could only be more treats from Sweet Treats. “I’ll pay you today, Hope,” Molly said. “In the meantime, pass them around. I’ll give them out as favors after my success this weekend.”

  “I don’t want your money, Molly. It’s my gift to you for trusting me to bake for your shop.”

  Hope pulled an empty chair up from the next table.

  “Let’s get to a larger table,” Phyllis said. “This one is filling up fast.” They all agreed, and chairs began moving around until everyone was settled again.

  Mac gave Brenda a full hour before he disturbed her. Brenda excused herself to stand outside the door of the coffee shop to take his call. Phyllis watched her friend’s expression through the window. Something was going on that didn’t appear to be a happy thing for Brenda. She came back in and told the others she had to meet with Mac down at the precinct.

  “I’m sorry to leave like this, but I should get back down there.”

  After she left, the others discussed what could possibly be going on.

  “I hope my dad hasn’t decided they have the wrong person for that murder,” Jenny said. “Bryce told me Miranda Asher confessed to it.”

  “I doubt a mistake like that has been made,” Phyllis said. “Maybe there is more evidence found or something like that.” But if that was the case, she thought, why did Brenda look unhappy?

  Brenda walked through the front entrance of the precinct. Mac met her and escorted her to his office.

  “Miranda told Natalie she wanted to change her story. She said she admitted a few things that were not true.” Brenda stared at her husband. “She then asked to make a phone call, not to a lawyer, but to the nightclub in Oakland where she works.”

  “And?”

  “And she spoke to her manager at the club. She told him she admitted to the killing of her husband, but not to worry. She expects to be found innocent and free ‘in no time at all’ were her words. I haven’t talked with her to find out what part she wants to change.”

  “I don’t see any reason to listen to her make up more stories. We have three witnesses that say she swung the bat twice and killed her husband. We don’t need anything else.” Brenda felt her blood pressure rise. “She will continue to come up with these ridiculous stories until we shut her down on them.”

  “I know you are right, Brenda. I don’t think we should listen to her next version until we get all the test results back regarding the bat, the scene itself, plus the onyx piece of jewelry. We collected her broken chain, too. If her DNA is on the bat, and not Harry’s or anyone else’s, we’ll have further proof we have the right person.”

  “What did her boss say in response?”

  “He told her they understood how much Travis put her down but that she was no murderer.”

  Brenda thought about Mac’s previous words. “With the evidence pointing at her, I don’t think we should listen to any further versions she has of the story.”

  “That’s just it, Brenda. We will wait to find out the results and go from there. I believe her confession is sincere. Nothing she can add will change that in my mind unless forensics proves something different.”

  Brenda inadvertently crossed her fingers in her lap.

  She was told Harry Brooks was at Sheffield’s packing his belongings. “I’m going to the bed and breakfast to have one last word with him,” Brenda said.

  Mac knew his wife well enough to not interfere. When matters weren’t officially settled, she was known to keep going until every “t” was crossed and every “i” was dotted.

  Brenda knocked on Harry’s door. He opened it with a surprised look.

  “I didn’t expect you, Brenda. Come in.”

  Brenda entered. The large suitcase was closed
and sat next to the door. His overnight bag was still opened, and small items were scattered next to it.

  “I don’t wish to detain you longer, but I want to talk with you on a casual basis for a few minutes.” Harry gestured for her to sit down in the red leather chair. He pulled the chair from the desk and faced her. “When Miranda started to swing at Travis, why didn’t you grab the bat and stop her?”

  Harry thought for a second or two before he spoke. “It all happened so fast, Brenda. I had no idea she was going to hit him. I thought it was one of her threats against him.”

  “His back was to both of you. Did she call his name or signal him in any way that would cause him to turn around?”

  “I was closer to the sled than I was to her. She acted swiftly. I don’t recall that she said anything to him at all. By the time I got close to her, she had already swung the second time.”

  “Since she didn’t call to him, what made you think she was going to use the bat as merely a threat?”

  Harry’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t know, Brenda. I don’t know every thought that went through my mind. There was no way to stop her from my distance. I don’t think her actions lasted longer than two minutes from the time she yanked the bat off the sled and reached him. I don’t know what else to tell you. I’m telling what I know is true. I know what I saw.”

  “How did she have the strength to sling that bat as far as she did?”

  “She is somewhat small in stature, but she is an avid skier and works out daily. I had no idea she could throw it that far, either. Anger also dominated her emotions. That fact alone may have made her adrenaline pump up more.”

  “That’s true. I know Detective Rivers has advised you and your lawyer to be available when the trial date is set.” She wished him a safe trip home.

  12

  Back at the precinct, she asked Mac if forensics had completed the job. He told her he was promised that before the day was over.

  “It will probably be late tonight,” he said. “I think I’ll go home at my usual time tonight. We both need a good night’s sleep. Did you get anything new from Harry, or had he already left?”

  Brenda told Mac about her last discussion with Harry Brooks. “I think he is telling the truth. He hasn’t wavered since he spoke with his lawyer by his side.”

  Brenda met Chief Ingram in the reception area as she left. “I understand Miranda Asher has something to add to her story, Brenda. Have you and Mac spoken with her again?”

  “Mac wants to wait until the full forensics report comes in late tonight before talking with her. I agree with him. She has had time in the cell to think up even more stories. I find it hard to believe any new ones at this point.”

  Chief Ingram noted Brenda’s frustration in the case. He hesitated at her outburst regarding the suspect, but he understood it. He decided to let them follow their plans. He had to agree that the victim’s wife knew how to spin yarn after yarn. “I have no doubt she told the truth for once during that last interrogation. Go ahead and handle it the way you both see fit.” Brenda had already decided that was the way she would work before the chief gave the go-ahead. Miranda Asher wasn’t going to muddy the waters any more at this point in the case. She was the one who killed her husband. No question about that, Brenda thought.

  Jillian and Wanda decided to go into the Morning Sun Coffee Shop. “I like the way the people in Sweetfern Harbor so freely pass gossip around,” Jillian said.

  Wanda found herself caught up in the enthusiasm Jillian emitted. “Okay, let’s go and see what’s new around here.” She paused, then touched Jillian’s arm. “Do you wonder what it would be like living here? It’s such a quaint village and yet it’s captivating.”

  Jillian thought for a few minutes. “I see what you mean, Wanda, but I’m not sure I could take such a laidback lifestyle. I want to shoot for CEO.”

  “I think it would be something to teach here. I might apply for a job before I leave.”

  Jillian chuckled. “You would be a great fit. I’d definitely come visit if you did decide to stay here.”

  Both walked in silence until Wanda brought up the subject of Joanna and Ethan Yoder again. “Do you think they had anything to do with the murder of Travis? I wish we had more information,” Wanda said.

  “You should erase that from your mind, Teacher. Get it? I like that pun, don’t you?”

  Wanda failed to see the humor in her remark but chose to ignore it. “Still, it’s something to think about. An Amish couple involved in a local murder.”

  In the meantime, Brenda and Mac had more serious things to discuss.

  “Brenda, I don’t think we should ignore Miranda’s offer of new information. It could come back to haunt us at trial time if we don’t listen to her latest version.”

  Facing the murderer to simply hear a new version proved exasperating for Brenda, but she could see where Mac was coming from. They shouldn’t leave any stone unturned, as the adage went.

  “All right. I’ll listen, but don’t expect me to take it seriously.”

  Miranda appeared more chipper than usual. She almost bounced into the interrogation room.

  “I hoped we could meet in your office again, Detective,” she said. “I’d be a little more comfortable.”

  “You’re not here to experience comfort,” Brenda said. “What do you have to say?”

  “I admit I was at the scene of the crime, but Harry was the one who delivered the blow to Travis’s head. He turned out to be a very jealous man. It’s my curse. Beauty draws men into battle.”

  Brenda and Mac looked at one another. “Is that all you have?” Mac asked her.

  “Isn’t that enough?”

  “No, it isn’t,” Brenda said. “You seem to relish wasting everyone’s time. This matter is a very serious one. All evidence points to you. There’s no way of getting out of it, Miranda. You see, there are also witnesses who saw you do it.”

  Brenda stood up, much to Miranda’s chagrin. She had hoped for more attention than what she received. Mac gave the signal to the officer by the door, and she immediately took the murderer back to her cell. Miranda protested the entire way.

  “I want to think about everything alone, Mac. You can find me at the oceanside if you need me.”

  “The wind has picked up. Dress warmly. And we’re expecting more snow, too.”

  Brenda waved her hand over her shoulder at Mac.

  By the time she reached the steps at the seawall, Mac had received the results both waited for. He smiled to himself as he read the report. He went back to his computer to check the input against the hard copy. His clerk had done her job as he knew she would. He decided not to disturb Brenda for now. He knew how much she enjoyed the sea air he grew up with.

  Brenda took several deep breaths of the salty air. She allowed her mind to go wherever it wanted. It proved impossible to think of evil in the world when surrounded by such beauty in nature.

  Mac waited fifteen minutes. He called Brenda and gave her the news.

  “I think I’ll stay down here awhile longer and bask in our victory.”

  “I’m happy not to have to listen to any more stories Miranda has to tell. She tried again.”

  “What did you tell her?”

  “I told her to save it for the jury.” Mac smiled when he heard the soft laugh. “I’d like to surprise you with a celebratory night out, unless you have your own preference.”

  “I don’t prefer anything for the moment except you, of course. Surprise me. I’ll be back in our cottage in a little while.”

  “Dress up. We’re not going cheap tonight.”

  The detective knew the perfect spot. He called for reservations and was told to arrive at seven that evening.

  When he arrived home, Brenda was in the shower. He glanced at his watch and noted they had forty minutes to get there. When she came out, she smiled at him.

  “Where are we going?”

  “We have reservations at Fisherman’s Chateau at seven. I’
ll be ready by the time you are.”

  Even Mac enjoyed dressing up for special occasions. Brenda caught the excitement of the night. When they entered the restaurant, they were shown to a candlelit table that overlooked the harbor on the north side of Sweetfern Harbor.

  Before he sat down, Mac bent to his wife’s face and kissed her. “Job well done, Officer Rivers,” he said.

  “We make a good team, Mac. I couldn’t have done my part without you.” She looked at the menu. “Now that that ordeal is over and done with, we must never speak of it again during a celebration of our love for one another.”

  “Agreed.” Mac’s eyes sparkled as brightly as the shimmering lights on the waters. Brenda’s matched his.

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  About Wendy

  Wendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling author whose stories showcase witty women sleuths. To date, she has published dozens of books, which include her popular Sweetfern Harbor series, Sweet Peach Bakery series, and Alaska Cozy series, to name a few. She lives in the “Granite State” with her husband, two sons, two mini pig and a lovable Labradoodle.

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