by Laura Quinn
Ed stepped forward, looking all the more menacing. Claire had to rethink her plan, to stall long enough for the police to arrive. At least, she hoped Marti was still connected and relayed the information to the station. If her innocent act was blown, she would have to play to his ego.
“You’re the toast of the town; no one will believe that you were involved in the recruitment scandal. The recruiters are outsiders and…”
Ed stepped back and studied her for a moment. Then, he laughed. “You think that’s all this is about? I gave you too much credit. I guess that’s why you were so easily fooled by my transformation into your high school crush.”
The words cut like a dagger. Anger and humiliation coursed through Claire, strengthening her will. “Well, okay, there’s the steroids thing too, but who’s going to believe some teens over you? Just tell them you were investigating them. I’m sure the biology teacher will back you up—what’s his name? Mark, Mike?”
“Yes, I saw you made that connection. God knows how Ruth discovered that.”
“She was a terrible person; she had been for years,” Claire said. “Someone was bound to snap. Was it an accident?”
“Is that your dying wish, to get a full confession? She got what she deserved. Like the kids say, sorry not sorry. Anything else?”
“I’m trying to understand what happened. You’ve been such an inspiration to the team, to the whole town. You could have coached them to victory without the enhancements.”
“Those losers? Fat chance. Most of the spoiled brats got on the team due to popularity instead of any actual talent.” Ed pulled out his phone. Claire held her breath, waiting for him to lower the gun so she could attack. But, the gun never wavered as he thumbed through the screen with one hand. He flashed the bright screen in front of her, illuminating the steel barrel beside it. “Look at them last year; they were pathetic. But, winning the championship was just gravy.”
“It got you the new position, with a substantial raise. Enough to kill for.” Claire stopped suddenly, realizing she was veering back to danger.
“You are so naïve. Do you honestly think I would kill for that pittance? Even the cuts I make for influencing players to sign is nothing compared to what I make selling to my network.”
“How many kids are involved in North Haven?”
“This is just the base of my operation; I distribute worldwide. Imagine the influence I’ll have when a pro team hires me.”
Random thoughts flashed wildly in Claire’s mind like a poorly spliced film. Suddenly, she realized the significance of their conversation at Luigi’s. “So, your youth sports coaching was all a cover. Did you smuggle the drugs back in sports equipment or something? The FBI is already investigating here, it’s only a matter of time before they learn the truth about you.”
Even in the dim light, Claire could see the rage in his dark eyes as he raised the gun to her face and pulled back the hammer. Baron lunged forward, but Claire clung to him. Her heart was beating so fast and her arms trembling so fiercely, she didn’t know how much longer she could hold him. She had to do something quickly.
“Enough,” he growled. “Now, give me the… AAARRGGHHH!” Ed shrieked as two wild beasts attacked him. Hercule leapt from the bookcase and clawed at Ed’s scalp with his back claws and his face with his front claws. Penny gouged her claws into his shins, and bit at his inner thigh. Screaming blood-curdling cries, Ed flailed his limbs to stop the pain. Claire grabbed the bottle of mead and swung it at his arm, knocking the gun to the ground. She kicked him as hard as she could in the groin as Baron lunged at his chest, knocking him down. Claire scrambled around the writhing body to grab the gun from the floor. She pointed the weapon at Ed, trying to control her violently shaking arms.
“Hercule, Penny, Baron, come,” she shouted, in the most authoritative voice she could muster. Baron came to her side, but remained in protection mode with hackles and teeth at full alert.
The cats flew on the couch behind her when the police sirens blared in the driveway. Lights flooded the room and she could see the police trying to break down the front door. Claire hoped her phone was still connected as she announced she was okay, but she couldn’t move to open the door. She warned that Baron would probably lunge at anyone who burst through.
Marti pushed past Officer Vert and ran up with the keys and a spare leash. She talked to Baron as she opened the door, trying to act as if everything was normal. She shut the door and casually asked Claire about her day, reaching out slowly to pet Baron. He licked her hand and allowed her to clip on a leash, but wouldn’t leave Claire’s side.
“Go outside Baron, I’ll be right there,” Claire said. Her voice was strained, but she tried to relax her posture to reassure him. Marti coaxed the reluctant dog into walking out the back door with her, before signaling to the police to go inside. As the officers secured the scene, Claire’s legs turned to jelly and she collapsed on the couch.
Officer Conners released the gun from Claire’s tight grip. “It’s okay,” she assured. “We’ve got him now.”
Marti ran in with Baron to comfort her friend just as Bob screeched into the driveway. After checking that Claire was safe, he carried the traumatized cats upstairs into the master bedroom. Following Marti’s orders, he warmed two saucers of cream, opened a tin of flaked crab, and sprayed the bottle of lilac essential oil that she kept in her purse.
Chief Pete took down the initial details, but Marti bullied him into waiting until the next day for a full statement. Bob took photos of the disgraced Coach Bishop, chained to the ambulance’s gurney with handcuffs. He zoomed in to capture the many wounds being treated by the paramedics before he was taken to jail. Bob sent the images to his paper’s night desk with the few preliminary details he had.
Claire refused treatment, insisting she stay home with her brave pets. While the uniforms finished gathering evidence from the room, Marti and Bob helped their friend upstairs.
In the sanctity of her room, Claire curled on her bed with Baron, Hercule and Penny. Bob and Marti stood beside her, whispering to each other.
“What’s going on?” Claire asked in a weak voice.
“It’s nothing important,” Bob said.
“The police said they found several plastic keys in Ed’s pockets,” Marti explained, caving to Claire’s inquisitive looks. “He probably used the school’s 3D printer to make copies.”
“Not to worry, though,” Bob said. “I called a locksmith I know and he should be here within the hour. He’s also going to install a doorbell video system, for extra security.”
Claire’s lip quivered as she spoke. “Thank you, I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t know what…” Her voice cracked, then broke into a crescendo of emotion. Tears of relief intensified with tremors of the trauma she had just escaped. Marti sat on the bed and stroked her friend’s head, sending Bob to check on the scene downstairs and make a pot of special tea.
Bob poured a large mug of the soothing liquid for Claire and gave large amounts of treats to the furry trio. “You three should be awarded a medal for bravery along with your mom,” he told them, scrolling through the magnified images of the damage their claws and teeth had caused. Marti grabbed the phone and zoomed in further to see the bright red rash that surrounded the wounds.
“He must be allergic to cats,” she said. “He’ll be so miserable; those steel bracelets will keep him from scratching that burning itch.” Her laughter at the furry justice was contagious, allowing all to release some tension.
By the time Claire drank the whiskey-laden chamomile, her eyelids were drooping. To calm her worries that Ed would be released, Bob told her that Keckers sent a link to the full cache of unlocked files.
“Ruth kept very thorough records, with names, dates, documents and photos to fully ensnare her victims,” he said in a soothing, monotone voice.
“Officer Conners will be getting a copy of the files from an anonymous source tomorrow morning,” Marti said. “If the chief obfuscates at al
l, she can take it to the FBI. I’m sure they’ll be very interested in the international drug ring.”
Before she succumbed to sleep, Claire mumbled, “But what about the murders?”
Chapter 22
Friday, December 22nd
Claire jerked awake, immediately comforted by Baron. Marti arose from the chair she slept in next to the bed.
“Everything’s okay,” Marti said. “You should go back to sleep. I fed the kids already.”
Claire sat up and reached for the clock that had been turned to face the wall. “It’s light outside; what time is it? I’ve got to get to the shop.”
“You aren’t going anywhere yet. I told Chief Pete we would come in after lunch.”
“No, no,” Claire said. “There are so many pickups today, I’ve got to be there.”
“I already talked to Barbara. Claude volunteered to deliver the orders, then she’s going to put up a sign and close the shop.”
Baron lay on his mistress’s chest, convincing her to stay in bed. When she awoke a few hours later, she took a long bath. Inhaling the lavender from the scented Epsom salt, her body and mind began to relax. She dressed in her softest sweats and padded downstairs to the aroma of chicken soup.
“Don’t worry, I didn’t cook this,” Marti said. “Your neighbor brought a large pot of it while you were sleeping. Baron and the cats approve of the large chunks of chicken.”
Claire dragged her spoon through the steaming bowl. “I can’t get that scene out of my head. I was absolutely terrified.”
“I called a counselor friend of mine. When you’re ready to talk about it, she’ll see you.”
“I should be used to it by now; it’s not like this is the first time someone tried to kill me, figuratively and literally,” Claire said, straining to make light of the situation. Her lip quivered, but she took a deep breath and dabbed her eyes with the napkin.
Baron rested his head on her lap and Claire stroked his soft fur. Marti hugged her and said, “This was different, this was your home. That’s why we’re all going to Bob’s house after you make your statement.”
Claire’s body tensed at the thought of going to the police station. “I wish I didn’t have to. Chief Pete is going to read me the riot act.”
“You’ll be meeting with Officer Conners and I daresay she should be very grateful. Bob heard the village manager is calling for her promotion.”
Claire managed to eat most of the soup and nibbled at a muffin from the basket that Carrie sent.
“Everyone’s been calling,” Marti said. “I told them you’ll get back to them when you’re ready. You should probably call your parents and brother, though. They’re worried sick about you. Brad wants you to fly out to San Francisco to be with them.”
“I already tried finding seats for Baron and me, but the flights are booked. Anyway, maybe it’s better that we stay. My poor babies have been through so much.”
“Hercule and Penny are bouncing back quite well. They woke me up at six o’clock this morning for their breakfast, then demanded a second breakfast at eight,” Marti said. “I guess that level of bravery made them extra hungry.”
“I need to have a talk with them about their actions. That was so dangerous,” Claire said, oblivious to the irony.
“Well, Ed won’t soon forget. With any luck, those rashes will get infected.”
“Wait, were you talking about that last night? I thought I dreamt it.”
“No, Bob showed me pictures of Ed’s neck before the paramedics treated it. He had a rash all around the wounds; I’m sure it was an allergic reaction.”
A memory sparked in Claire’s mind. “How long does that last, the rash?”
“Someone that allergic? At least a week, I would guess.”
“Ed had a rash on his neck Saturday, at the gala,” Claire said. “I remember thinking the spilled cider burned him.”
Marti looked at her inquisitively, waiting for the connection.
“Ruth was killed the Sunday before, and she had two cats. That could prove he was in her house, couldn’t it?”
“Circumstantial, at best,” the attorney replied. “Don’t you worry about it, I’m sure the police have plenty of evidence.”
That statement was proved wrong an hour later, when Claire gave her statement to Officer Conners. The meeting started on shaky ground, when Claire handed over the stickered shoe and Sheila responded with a reprimand about interfering in police business.
“I told the chief about this shoe and what it meant, but he laughed it off,” Claire objected.
“That’s hardly the only interference…”
Marti interrupted the officer. “Due to Claire’s alleged interference, you and the NHPD got credit for an international smuggling bust and now have a lead on a multi-national drug distribution scheme.”
“And I suppose I have you two to thank for the anonymous parcel this morning?”
“I was watching Claire all morning,” Marti testified. She didn’t reveal the fact that Bob dropped off the copy to his source before daylight.
“However it arrived, I am grateful,” Sheila said. “We obtained a search warrant for the late Ms. Fischer’s lockbox, which contained hard copies of everything in the files. There’s enough evidence to put a few naughty people away for a long time.”
“So, Ed will be charged with both murders?” Claire asked.
“Off the record, we don’t have much proof for either murder.”
“What?” Claire squeaked. “Ed confessed that he killed Ruth and Donald. Marti must have heard everything.”
“We only have your word against his, and the defense will paint you as a jilted lover and Marti as your best friend and conspirator,” Officer Conners said. She opened the file and pulled out a printed statement. “We even have your statement that Ed was with you all night when Donald was killed, proving Ed couldn’t be the murderer.”
“But, he must have left while I was asleep. I told you that I think he drugged me,” Claire protested.
“Again, no proof.”
Marti nodded in agreement. “But it sounds like they have a solid case for the drug trafficking charges, as a start. He’ll be facing serious jail time for that alone.”
“But he murdered two people,” Claire said. She slammed her fist on the table. “He is not going to get away with that, not if I have anything to do with it.”
“You don’t, as I’ve reminded you repeatedly. This is police business.” Sheila said. She put her hand on Claire’s and softened her tone, “You’ve almost gotten yourself killed twice, when are you going to learn to stay out of it?”
Claire exchanged a conspiratorial glance with Marti, crossed her toes, and agreed to abstain. Sheila assured her she would do whatever she could to build a strong case for the D.A., then switched on the recorder to take the official statement.
As they drove out of the police lot, a jogger negotiated a path through the frozen slush.
“He’s going to kill himself out there, if not freeze to death,” Marti said. “What is it with those fitness nuts?”
“I wish I had that kind of dedication. I could barely zip these pants this morning,” Claire said. “Maybe he’s on the cross-country team or something and…”
“…and?” Marti prompted her suddenly-silent friend.
“Team, that’s it. Emma said that Ed made the football team re-shoot a farewell video for Ruth the same night she was killed. That was his backup alibi….”
“That he didn’t need, since Chief Baloney pushed the accident angle,” Marti said. “But, doesn’t that help prove Ed’s innocence?”
“Not if one of the players caught him on film. They were scattered all over town; one of them might have been nearby.” Claire texted Emma for help, who replied that she would get Harry on it right away.
On the way back from the city, with Baron, Clarence and Darrow playing in the back seat, Claire requested a stop. “I don’t have anything for the boys. If you don’t mind stopping, I’l
l run in and get a few meals and treats for them and the cats.”
“How about if I drop you all off, then I’ll go get what you need?”
“It will just take five minutes. Then you won’t have to go out again.”
“Oh, but the boys are so tired,” Marti said at the very moment the dogs began a spirited game of who can bark the loudest at passing cars.
“Okay, what’s going on?” Claire demanded.
Marti explained that Claire’s staff insisted on opening the store, with the help of some rescue volunteers to handle the huge crowds spurred by the widely broadcast news coverage.
“It’s almost closing time; if you and Baron go in now, they’ll never be able to leave. Everyone will want to talk with you.”
“Not if you pull in the back,” Claire said. “I just want to see my team and thank them. Someone can pull the things I need, so I can stay out of sight. Ten minutes tops, I promise.”
Marti relented and pulled behind the mall. Claire called Barbara to tell her the plan, then snuck in the back door. She and Baron were mobbed by her team.
“You are tots the bravest person I’ve ever met,” Emma said.
“Tots,” Jesi confirmed.
“For once, I hella agree with my sister,” Zac said.
“You’re like a retrograde for crime,” Peggy said and hugged her boss tightly.
While the young employees visited with Baron in the stock room, Barbara embraced Claire for several minutes. When she finally let go, she dabbed her eyes with a holly-embroidered handkerchief. She traced the sign of the cross on her chest as she exclaimed, “Jesus, Mary and Joseph! You scared me half to death, young lady.”
While the two women talked, Peggy collected two shopping bags full of goodies for Claire. Before she returned to the registers, Emma told her that she and Harry would review all the videos during dinner.
“I heard from Keckers,” Zac said and slipped a folded piece of paper into Claire’s coat pocket before he left.