Having noticed what I’d done, our neighbor saluted me with her cup of coffee like she was in on the conspiracy. Maybe she was. After all, she did bring a pan of rolls. “I suppose the two of you have tons to do today,” she said, “Like wash clothes and clean.”
“Actually, Mary and I haven’t had a chance to discuss what needs to be done around here yet,” Aunt Zoe replied candidly. “I’ve been busy cooking and she just got up. But I thought if she wasn’t too busy this morning maybe we could hunt for Gracie as well as the sunglass thief.”
“I haven’t any pressing plans,” I stated, still holding on to my partially eaten caramel roll. “but I don’t feel like running around outside if it’s not any warmer than yesterday.”
Margaret readily replied, “I believe the newspaper reported sunny and a balmy 28 for today.”
“Great, a spring like day, perfect weather for finding a lost dog and a thief who is trying to unload stolen merchandise. I glanced at the wall clock by the fridge. “We can hit the streets in an hour if you want. But before we go, Aunt Zoe, remind me to call Hennepin Humane Society one more time. No sense in hunting for Gracie if someone has already turned her in.”
Aunt Zoe rubbed her hands together. “Boy, wouldn’t that be a weight off our shoulders. Then all we’d have to concentrate on is catching that darn thief.” With the rest of the morning mapped out for us, my aunt gladly gave her full attention to our guest once more. “Would you care for more coffee, Margaret?”
When our neighbor shook her head, a few strands of hair broke loose from the bound bun positioned on the top of it. “I’m fine,” she replied, cutting a caramel roll in half and taking a portion for herself. “How’s your case coming along, Mary? Anything new to report since you found Mr. Mason?”
“Plenty.” I licked the remaining caramel residue off my fingers before elaborating. “When I got to the plant yesterday morning, I was told the gal in charge of H.R. wanted to see me. I assumed she’d found out I’d lied on my application and expected the worst. Talk about being surprised. I got a raise instead. Sharon explained it was because of how well I’d handled myself in a couple serious incidents over the past three days, but I didn’t buy her story for a second. The lady has a hidden agenda.”
“That being what?” Margaret softly questioned.
“She fears I’m going to sell the story about finding Paul Mason dead in the walk-in.”
Margaret remained quiet for a second. “Yes, indeed that would be motive enough for keeping anyone quiet, wouldn’t it?”
Wanting to be included in the discussion, Aunt Zoe promptly injected her misgivings regarding the salary increase. “Mary, if what you suspect is true, that H.R. lady is using hush money to keep you quiet like gangsters do. You shouldn’t accept it. Besides, it’s probably tainted.”
The wrinkles on our neighbor’s forehead sloped downward. “Zoe, bad publicity of any sort for a well-known company, such as Hickleman’s, could ruin them. Mary doesn’t have a choice. If she’s to remain undercover at the plant, the H.R. woman needs to think she’s on her side.”
“Hmm. I hadn’t thought of that.”
Margaret adjusted her glasses and then peered at her dainty wristwatch. “Well, I guess I’d better get back to Petey, make sure he hasn’t gotten into any mischief. One of the ladies from the garden club is stopping by to visit in an hour and I don’t want her sitting on cracker crumbs.”
I grabbed Margaret’s frail hand. “Wait, don’t you want to hear what else occurred yesterday morning? It’s a humdinger.”
The elderly woman’s eyes grew wide like a baby’s when given a new toy. “Ooo, that sounds intriguing. I guess I can stay a few more minutes.” Ready to listen, she braced her elbows on the table and steepled her hands.
“On the way to the bathroom later that morning, I spotted Roseanne, one of the truckers, and Chip, the vat manager going off to a secluded area past the men’s room to have a chat, and knew I had to listen in.” I paused just long enough to take the half of roll Margaret had left in the pan.
“Go on, Mary,” Aunt Zoe commanded. “Don’t keep us hanging. What did the two of them talk about?”
I took a bite of roll and continued. “According to the flow of conversation, Roseanne and Chip had made some sort of pact and Chip was furious that she’d broken it. He also brought up her affairs with the men at the plant, including Don Hickleman and Paul Mason.”
Margaret’s face lit up. “I wonder what their pact was about.”
“That’s what I keep asking myself.”
Aunt Zoe pushed out her chair and stood. “Well, I guess our life can finally get back to normal.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“You don’t have to work at the plant anymore. You’ve found the killer.”
“And who would that be, Zoe?” Margaret somberly quizzed.
“Why, Roseanne of course. She had affairs with both men. When they tossed her aside, she decided to get even.”
I glanced at the ceiling. Oh, Boy. More nonsense gleaned from her books. “Aunt Zoe, we’re discussing real life here, not some stupid romance novel. Just because the woman had an affair with both men doesn’t make her a killer. Remember when looking for a murderer three important things need to be looked at: means, motive, and opportunity. Chip could just as easily be blamed for the murders. As a vat manager he comes and goes as he pleases. He definitely didn’t like Don. And Don’s body was found floating in a vat.”
Margaret scooted her chair away from the table and stood. “I really must go. But if you intend to prove Chip did commit the murders, Mary, you’ll have to find some way to discover whether he stole the recipes and planted them on Butch.”
“You’re right.” I pressed an index finger against my sticky lips. “According to Butch, Chip worked indoors at the time of the theft, didn’t he?”
“Si.”
MY CELL PHONE RANG just as Aunt Zoe and I’d finished donning our outdoor clothing and were about to lock up. “You’d better answer it, Mary. It’s probably your mother wondering if we found Gracie yet.”
I stomped my booted foot. “Darn. I don’t feel like dealing with her questions right this minute.” I tossed my mittens aside, dug the phone out of my pant pocket where I’d stashed it, and read the words displayed across the tiny screen. “It’s not my mom.”
“Okay, then let’s go.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
My hand wavered over the ACCEPT button while I explained. “It’s Trevor. He might be calling to tell me one of the cops around here found Gracie.”
She flicked her hand at me. “Go ahead. Find out what he wants.”
I walked over to the couch and sat. “Hi, I didn’t expect to hear back from you so soon. Are you still in town?”
“Yeah,” Trevor’s voice sounded upbeat. “I decided to visit my folks while I had the time.”
“I’m sure they were glad that you did. Any word on Gracie yet? I could use some good news.”
“Sorry, I haven’t heard back from any of the cops I spoke with. Listen, when I was there the other night you mentioned you’re working at the pickle plant in St. Michael, right?”
“Yup. What about it?”
When I told my dad where you work, he informed me that another fellow’s body had been carted out of the plant the other day. Is that true?”
“Afraid so.”
Trevor’s tone changed dramatically. “You should’ve called me, Mary.”
“Way too much going on after the body was discovered. I’m the one who found it.”
“Really? Man, I bet you were shaking in your boots.”
“Actually, I had tennis shoes on,” I lightly joked, something I wouldn’t have been able to do two days ago.
Trevor grew more serious. “Well, whatever you had on your feet, I wish I could’ve been there to comfort you.”
“It’s all right. It’s water under the dam. Besides someone from Duluth, I can’t remember his
name, told me I have nerves of steel.”
“Ah, yes, a young cop not long out of the academy if I recall. So what’s your take on the latest victim at the plant? Was he connected to Don Hickleman’s death somehow?”
“No idea, but it’s getting crazier by the minute.”
“I don’t like the sound of that and there’s not a darn thing I can do about it.” He let out a loud sigh. “I wish your brother was back in town.”
“Why?” I watched Aunt Zoe unzip her jacket. She must be getting overheated. I probably should do the same. I yanked on my zipper.
“It’s getting too dangerous. He’d tell you to back off
“Is that your opinion too?”
“You’re darn right. I don’t want to see your name splashed across the paper next.”
How sweet. I guess the guy really does have a thing for me. “Don’t worry about me, Trevor. I’m a big girl. I’ve been carrying a stun gun ever since I started working at the plant.”
“Except Thursday,” Aunt Zoe whispered.
“Shush,” I said.
“Are you talking to me or Zoe?” he asked.
“Neither.” I fibbed. “I felt a sneeze coming on.”
“You can’t depend on a stun gun like the one your aunt showed me the other day. It doesn’t pack enough power. Even a cop’s Taser only immobilizes a person for five seconds.”
“Five seconds?” Oh, oh. I’d better figure out some other means of defense.
Aunt Zoe signaled for me to windup the call. I took the suggestion to heart. Who knew how long we’d be hitting the pavement in search of a dog and a thief.
~37~
Trevor didn’t let our conversation end that easily. Before I could disconnect, he made me swear to keep him in the loop, the loop being the strange activities at the plant since I hadn’t revealed this morning’s plans. Keeping silent about them meant Auntie and I could follow through without interference from anyone.
The second Aunt Zoe and I traipsed out into the sun’s warmth and onto the sidewalk that runs in front of the Foley we stuck together like two peas in a pod, marching merrily down the street, glancing every which way, giving the illusion to anyone watching we must be up to no good. The last part made me a bit nervous though. But I told myself as long as I don’t end up in the clinker, why should I care what they think.
After hoofing ten blocks both east and west of the Foley and not sighting any dog resembling Gracie, I suggested we take our search north and south where we might find the sunglass’ thief as well if we’re lucky.
By this time though, Aunt Zoe was short of breath and complained of her bunions hurting. With the shape she was in, I knew she’d be no good to me if we ran up against a problem and told her so. Thankfully, she agreed with me. “I guess I’ll go back to the Foley then and soak my feet in the tub. Buzz me if you run into any trouble. Either Reed or Rod should be home if you need assistance.”
I doubted if I’d need any help. Besides, by the time anyone got to me it would probably be too late.
After my aunt abandoned me on the west side of the Foley, I debated which direction to go next. Since the grocery store was to the south and the Saturday crowd had increased rapidly within the last half hour, my instinct nudged me to head for the food. Of course, the message might have been coming from my stomach with all the calories I’d already burned.
The sun was rising higher in the sky with each step I took, but it did nothing for the slippery sidewalks which were getting trickier to maneuver.
Two blocks short of my destination my butt skimmed the ground, forcing me to ask why I was so determined to carry on the hunt when housework back home was beckoning. The only answer I received was to save face with Matt and Raj Singi.
When I reached the grocery store, I wasn’t the least bit surprised to find no one trying to make a sale near its entrance. Either the thief thought it was foolish to stay in one spot too long or he’d sold all his merchandise. I hoped I was wrong on both accounts. Perhaps the thief just got a late start. With that in mind, I strolled inside to check out the freebies, including a sample of the newest flavor of hot chocolate the store advertised.
Bingo! The man I hoped to find was strolling around the store as if he hadn’t a care in the world, sampling food with one hand while the other held a large fully expanded cloth bag, the same as he’d brought to the optical store.
Not wanting to scare off the guy with the Viking cap and dark-brown quilted vest, I decided to follow his route through a couple aisles before approaching him.
I don’t know exactly when he became suspicious of me, but the moment I stepped up to the next sample stand and took the pizza offering, he tore into me. “Why are you following me, lady? Are you the store security? The only things I’ve got in this bag are my sunglasses.” He flung the bag open. “See, no food. So there’s no reason to follow me around. Now scram.”
“You’re right. There’s no food in there. But those sunglasses belong to Singi Optical, and I’m here to claim them.”
“No you’re not.” He kicked me in the shin. It hurt like heck but I ignored it. Instead, I grabbed his leg before he could put it down. He tried to yank out of my hold but didn’t succeed. I fell on top of him.
When I looked up, I discovered Mr. Oscar, the store manager towering over us. “I don’t know what you two are up to,” he said, “but the cops will be collecting you any minute and they can sort it out. In the meantime you’re going to wait in my office. Is that understood?”
I said, “Yup.” The little weasel who started it didn’t reply.
~38~
Talk about dumb luck. When the cops collected the sunglass thief and me from the office of the grocery manager, they hauled us off to the downtown police substation, a place I’m very familiar with since Matt’s buddy Sgt. Murchinak works there. If he’s on today’s duty roster, he’ll square things for me in a jiffy and this gal won’t even have to utter a single word. If not, well, I’ve been told orange doesn’t look too bad on me.
The second I settled my rump on one of the many hard chairs situated between two empty rooms, a significant distance from the traffic flow surrounding the main entrance, I made a hasty inquiry of one of the freshly scrubbed cops passing by. “Excuse me, but is Sgt. Murchinak here today?”
His thick light-brown brows lifted. “Who wants to know?”
I swept my short bangs to one side, trying to flaunt the attitude of a movie star. “Why, Mary Malone of course.”
He shook his head. “Never heard of ya. But to answer your question, Sgt. Murchinak should be in shortly,” and then he strode off.
A few minutes later, a cop around my age came by carrying a clipboard. As soon as he caught sight of me, he signaled that I should step into the empty room with him. “What about this guy?” I said referring to the thief.
He gave a gruff reply. “Just worry about yourself, lady.”
Not wanting to be construed as a problem for the already overworked police department, I followed him into the interrogation room as quietly as a timid cat and took a seat across the table from him with a view to the hallway, hoping I’d catch the eye of Sgt. Murchinak when he arrived.
The cop I was with allowed two seconds of silence to slip by and then questioned me in deadly earnest. “Have you ever been arrested before Miss Malone?”
“No, never. Not even for a traffic violation.”
The cop grilling me checked off a box. “Are you employed? If so, where?”
That question was tricky. At present I worked at the pickle plant, but I don’t want it listed since I’m there on official business. Instead I said, “Yes, Singi Optical,” which should make my case about ownership of the sunglasses even stronger. After I shared the info, I caught a glimpse of movement in the hallway and patiently waited for someone to reveal themselves.
Two seconds later Sgt. Murchinak marched in front of the window where I was occupied. He gave a quick glance into the room. Thankfully the cop questioning me didn’t n
otice. He had his eyes glued to the clipboard. Taking advantage of his ignorance, I gave a short wave.
“Ma’am, I asked you a question.”
I turned my attention back to the cop across the table from me. “Hmm? Oh, sorry, I got distracted by all the activity out in the hall.”
The interrogation door suddenly swung open and Sgt. Murchinak walked in. “Okay, I’ll take it from here, Al,” he stated with authority, “I’ve been brought up to speed.”
“Yes, sir.” Al left the clipboard behind and strode out.
“I’m surprised to see you here, Mary,” the cop in his mid-fifties stated with an awkward grin. “What’s going on?”
I laughed. “I thought you knew.”
He pulled out a chair and sat. “Sometimes it pays to fib. You should know that by now. But don’t try it on me. I can’t help you if you don’t lay it on the line. Do you understand?”
“Yup. There’s no way I’m spending the night here.”
Murchinak briefly examined the info on the clipboard. “According to this report, the manager of Marty’s grocery store claims you and another person were found fighting over a bag of sunglasses in aisle two. Is this accurate?”
I nodded. “The guy was selling sunglasses he’d stolen from Singi Optical.”
“I see.” He pinched his square chin. “And how do you know this?”
“I was working there when he stole them. The minute I realized what he’d done I chased after him, but he was too quick on his feet for me.”
The cops green eyes gave nothing away. “I hope you haven’t been trying to track him down ever since the incident happened.
“No. Today is the first day I’ve had a chance to do so. I wouldn’t have even known where to look for him if it wasn’t for my aunt.”
Sgt. Murchinak scratched his head. “Your aunt?”
“Yes, on my dad’ side. She shares Matt’s apartment with me. A couple days ago that guy out in the hall wearing a Viking’s cap tried selling her a pair of sunglasses outside of Marty’s store.”
Death of the Pickle King Page 18