by Stevie Day
“No, thanks,” Alice answered as Barbara poured herself a cup from the communal pot. Alice turned and found a spot on a sofa to sit, just a few feet from the coffee setup.
“I’ll take a hit,” Aunt Penny said as she joined Alice and sat next to her. Barbara smiled and poured her a cup before sitting down across from the pair.
“Okay,” Barbara said. “What can I do for you?”
“Well,” Alice started. “I suppose you’ve heard by now of Janet Lombardi’s passing?”
“What?” Barbara said, narrowly avoiding spitting her coffee everywhere. Once she got a hold of herself, she said, “No, I didn’t hear. That’s awful!”
“It is,” Alice agreed. “Were you two close?”
“No, not really. Friendly. We got along okay. But I wouldn’t say we were close.” She looked down into her cup, seemingly lost for a moment.
“You seem pretty upset, though,” Aunt Penny interjected.
Barbara looked up. “Well, of course. She was still just a kid. How old was she? Was she even thirty?”
“Thirty-one,” Alice said.
“Thirty-one. So young.” Barbara stared off wistfully into space for a moment, and it struck Alice how common a reaction that seemed to be for those who learned someone had passed. It was like people immediately went into a state of reflecting on their own lives and mortality, whether they were particularly close to the person or not.
“I’ve been hired by her husband to look into her death,” Alice said.
“Really?” Barbara said. “Was there some kind of foul play involved?”
“The police and medical examiner all say it was natural causes. I’m not so sure.”
“Wow. Sorry, this is all so shocking. I wasn’t there very long so I’m not sure exactly what I can do to help, but…”
“Well, the person I really want to ask you about is Dr. Dalton,” Alice said. “I’ve gotten to meet him a couple of times now, and he’s not exactly the most pleasant man to be around.”
“Oh, that old teddy bear? He’s all bark and no bite. I wouldn’t worry about him.”
“He came close to biting the other day at Alice’s office,” Aunt Penny interjected. “Frankly, it was kinda scary. I thought he might strangle me.”
“Really?” Barbara said. “That doesn’t sound like him at all. Losing Janet must’ve hit him really hard.”
Alice continued, “I’ve heard he was kinda… obsessed with Janet. Did you see that?”
Barbara frowned. “Who told you that? Able Johnstone? Come on.”
“What do you mean?” Alice asked.
“Well, he’s not the most reliable source, is he? Not considering his own relationship with Janet. No, Dr. Dalton was not ‘obsessed’ with Janet Lombardi. He was just overprotective.”
Alice and Aunt Penny both exchanged glances.
Barbara continued, “He has a daughter of his own, about Janet’s age. Something happened years ago, when she was still a teenager, and they’ve barely talked since. He told me the story, but it’s personal to him so I won’t repeat it. If he wants to tell you, that’s up to him.”
“No, I understand,” Alice said, not sure what Dr. Dalton’s daughter had to do with anything.
“And he’s tried. Lord knows he’s tried, again and again, to reach out and mend fences with her. But she won’t have it. Won’t even answer an email, a text, a Christmas Card. Somewhere along the way, I think, Janet became something like a surrogate daughter to him. He looks out for her… well, he looked out for her. Tried to look out for her.” Barbara looked away and grimaced. “This must be so hard for him.”
Alice and Aunt Penny glanced at each other, sharing the same puzzlement. And here they had thought there wasn’t much more to Dr. Dalton.
A look crossed Barbara’s face, as if she was just putting something together. “Wait. You don’t think Dr. Dalton had something to do with Janet’s death, do you?”
“We’re just covering all the bases. And based on what I saw… Well, I certainly wouldn’t rule him out just yet.”
“I would,” Barbara said. “I mean, like I said… I wasn’t there very long. I didn’t get to know anyone else well enough to call them lifelong friends. But I knew Dr. Dalton pretty well. We connected a bit, and I had a lot of respect for him, had a few late night talks that were very rewarding and deep, you know? And he cared about Janet quite a bit. There’s no way he would’ve killed her. No way.”
“It’s funny,” Aunt Penny said. “We kind of assumed, based on everything we’ve heard, that it was because of how difficult Dr. Dalton is to work with that you left. Now, hearing you talk so highly of him… Well, why did you leave?”
“Dr. Dalton was a professional. That’s all I ask of a boss. It’s why this bank job works so well. I’d been in banking since my first job and wanted to try something different. Dr. Dalton had been banking here for years and had left a long-standing offer to give me a shot at real estate if I wanted it. It was tough, probably not the best work for me in the long run. But I was trying to make it work, really giving it my best effort. And like I said, Dr. Dalton was nothing but professional.”
Alice nodded, waiting for the “But…”
“But… it was Able and Janet. One-on-one, they were both okay, especially Janet. But get them together and you couldn’t have met a more unprofessional pair.”
“How do you mean?” Alice asked. “Able said they were good friends and made each other laugh, things like that. But what about them was unprofessional?”
“Ohhh,” Barbara said, leaning back in her chair. “You don’t know, do you?”
Alice and Aunt Penny looked at each other, then back at Barbara. They shrugged in unison.
“Janet and Able were having an affair.”
The three were quiet as those words settled in the air. Alice felt a little dumb; she’d been charmed by Able and believed his story of “best friends” and “work wife.” Though maybe that wasn’t that far from the truth. She’d never really considered the next step of the two being romantically involved. Or the implications of that affair in Janet’s murder.
“Listen, I don’t judge,” Barbara continued. “The affair didn’t bother me. The unprofessionalism did. The giggling. The tickling and the chasing each other around the office like school kids. You know they’d hide in the closet and… Ugh. Use your imagination. And then they’d act like it was all a big secret.”
“I had no idea,” was all Alice could manage.
“I finally got sick of it,” Barbara continued. “Waltzed into Dr. Dalton’s office and quit. I offered my two weeks’ notice, but he was very understanding. Apologetic, even. So I left that day. Luckily, I didn’t burn any bridges here. I was able to come back at the same salary as when I left.”
“How long were they… involved?” Alice asked.
“Since before I was there, for sure. I really don’t know too many details, though. I never had any conversations with them about it.”
“How did Dr. Dalton feel about it?”
“He didn’t like it, but it didn’t bother him enough to take any kind of action. It was weird with him. Ultimately, he wanted Janet to be happy, and I don’t think he had any idea what was best for her. I think he was torn. He knew Able could be a little sleazy. But he also didn’t think much of Janet’s husband.”
“Barry?” Alice asked. “What did he think about him?”
“He didn’t think Barry was a very strong person. Kind of a wimp, to be blunt. But these weren’t things he talked about much. Just a few of those late night talks I mentioned where he’d rant a little.”
“How long ago did you leave, Barbara?” Aunt Penny asked.
“Let me see…” Barbara did some math in her head. “It’d be almost exactly three months ago.”
“And how did the relationship between Janet and Able seem when you left?” Alice asked.
“Awful! Painful! Annoying!” Barbara rolled her eyes and groaned. “For me, I mean. They seemed like high school
kids madly in love.”
“Any idea if Barry knew?”
“I doubt it, but I have no way to be sure. I don’t think they would have been acting the way they were if he did.” She glanced at her wristwatch. “I only have a couple minutes left on my lunch, and I still have to do some freshening up. Is there anything else?”
Alice looked at Aunt Penny, who shrugged. “No, I don’t think so. You’ve been a big help, though.”
“Yeah,” Aunt Penny said. “You really thickened the plot.”
Barbara laughed as she got up. “I’m glad I could make things more interesting.”
“You certainly did that,” Alice said as she also stood up. “Do you mind if I call should I think of any follow-up questions?”
“No problem,” Barbara said. “Grab one of my cards at the counter. You can just email me at that address.”
“Thanks, Barbara,” Alice said, offering her hand.
Barbara took it. “And if you ever want to go shoe shopping, I’m your woman. You could do so much better than just the ‘adorable’ look. You could be stunning.”
“Th-thanks?” Alice stammered.
Aunt Penny looked at both of the women with an arched eyebrow. “Okay,” she said, taking hold of Alice’s arm. “Let’s let the woman freshen up, Alice. Thanks again for your time, Barbara. It was nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too, Penny.”
Alice sat in the passenger seat and let out a whistle. “Wow. That was one impressive lady.”
“What are you talking about?” Aunt Penny asked as she closed her door.
“Barbara. Don’t you think? The way she carries herself? She’s like an old-timey movie star. Kind of dominating too.”
“Yeah, all she needs is a whip to finish her look.” Aunt Penny smirked.
Alice snapped her fingers. “I was totally thinking that!”
“But isn’t there something more important you should be focusing on?”
Alice nodded. “You mean the affair? Believe me, I’m plenty focused on that.”
“So Able lied to you,” Aunt Penny stated.
“Looks like. A shame too. I really wanted to like him.”
“I’d say it’s kind of human nature to want to hide your affair with a married woman. But considering you’re investigating a murder…”
“Right,” Alice agreed. “It certainly does bring up some questions.”
“What’s our next move?”
“Well, it’s one of two things. One of two people, actually. Barry or Able. Who to talk to first?”
“You trust that Barbara’s info is correct?”
Alice tilted her head. “Do you think she has any reason to lie?”
“Not that I can tell. But shouldn’t you keep an open mind? Who knows, maybe there’s a whole other side of this story we haven’t seen yet, one that involves her.”
“Hmm. Good point. I guess that means I should talk to Able first. I’d hate to start asking Barry about a supposed affair his beloved wife was having if it turns out she was actually faithful.”
“You think Able will tell the truth when you call him out on it?”
“Only one way to find out,” Alice said, pulling out her phone and finding the recently added phone number of Able Johnstone in her contact list.
“You gonna risk running into Dr. Dalton again?”
“No,” Alice answered. “I’m going to have Able come to me.”
21
Back at the office, Alice and Aunt Penny were busy discussing the questions they’d ask Able Johnstone when Aunt Penny’s phone rang.
“It’s the hospital,” she said after she ended the call. “There’s been a big accident on the highway over in Freeport. It’s all hands on deck.”
“Oh, man.” Alice set down the notepad she was writing her questions in. “Did they give you any details?”
“No. Just to be ready to get to work the second I walk in the door.” She gave Alice a concerned look. “You gonna be okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Alice assured her. “I’ll be fine. You go be a hero.”
“Stop that exaggerating. I’m just doing my job.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Alice smiled. “Saving lives is ‘just your job.’”
Aunt Penny chose to let that part of the conversation go. “I’ll go do what I have to do at the hospital, then stop by my apartment for a few things, and be right back. If it’s too late, I might just wait until morning, though.”
“Aunt Penny, you’ve done enough. You don’t have to come back. I’m fine.”
“‘Fine’?”
“Well, maybe not ‘fine.’ Not yet. But I am better. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you showed up when you did. I was in a scary and unfamiliar place and you helped get my feet back on solid ground. But I’m a big girl. A grown-up, even! I can take care of myself.”
Aunt Penny, now hurriedly collecting her things, rushed over to Alice and cupped her niece’s face. “Alice, dear, I had no doubt about that. And it’s not just your loss of magic I’m concerned about. Tell me… have you even thought about what you’re going to do now that your car won’t start? Is there anything a mechanic can do to get that old jalopy moving?”
“Well,” Alice pondered. “No, I guess I haven’t really thought any of that through yet.”
“Right. So practically speaking… you do need me. As,” Aunt Penny genuflected, “Miss Munroe’s chauffeur.”
“Really, Aunt Penny…”
“Unless you want me to go? I’d understand, kiddo. I wouldn’t take offense.”
“Oh my gosh, no!” Alice practically shrieked. “It’s not that at all. I just don’t want to be a burden. You have a life and I’d hate to take you away from it.”
“My life is ninety percent hospital and ten percent trying to rest until I get back to the hospital. The last two days with you have been the most fun I’ve had in months. And, would you believe it, relaxing too?”
“Well,” Alice said. “If you’re sure…”
“Besides.” Aunt Penny opened the front door. “I’m invested in this murder case now. I gotta know whodunnit!”
“Yeah,” Alice agreed. “I get that.”
“Okay, wish me luck. I’ll text you an update when I can. And be careful with this Able guy. He might’ve seemed nice enough, but one of them is definitely a murderer.”
“I will. Drive safe, Aunt Penny.”
Ten minutes later Alice received a text from Able.
“Hi Alice,” it read. “Stopped into the comic book store next door. It’s pretty great. I’ll be over there in a few minutes.”
Alice replied, “Mind if I join you there?”
“Sure!” came the reply.
Alice breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn’t exactly comfortable interviewing a possible murderer in her own office, so the comic book store would be the perfect public place.
Alice locked her office door and walked over to Awesome Stuff. She’d been inside plenty of times, sometimes even bought a toy or comic book here and there. She liked the place and was impressed with how meticulously maintained it was.
She walked in and immediately spotted Danny behind the counter to the left. He was busy showing a customer something from one of the display cases behind the counter.
In the center of the oblong room were stacks and stacks of big white boxes filled with old comic book back issues. The wall to the right featured newer arrivals. Near the back were more toys on display, old and rare DVDs, and even some VHS movies, as well as all manner of Dungeons and Dragons-style games and tools.
The back room was open to the public and was a gathering spot for regulars to come in and play whatever games they might be interested in. Alice could hear laughter coming from the room.
She spotted Able toward the back of the stacks, flipping through the bagged comic books, and made her way toward him. But she was cut off.
“Alice!” Danny called out. Alice glanced over at the customer Danny had so quickly abandoned, who look
ed confused and a little annoyed at the sudden loss of his customer service. Alice approached the front desk so he wouldn’t have to holler, yet his voice was still raised as he asked, “What are you doing here? Do you need something? Can I get you anything?”
“Hey, Danny,” she said. “I’m just meeting a client here. Hope you don’t mind?”
“No, of course not! Is it…” he leaned over the counter and whispered, “about the murder?”
“It’s about that case, yes. And I can see the man I’m looking for right down the other end of the store.” Able had looked up when he heard Alice’s name mentioned. He smiled and waved. Alice returned both gestures.
“Did you like the shrimp I got you?” Danny asked, his customer frowning in confusion.
Alice laughed at how short Danny’s attention span seemed to be. Or maybe it was just that the only attention he really wanted to dole out was to her.
“Aunt Penny made an amazing spread. If I’d known she was going to go all out like she did, I would’ve invited you to join us.”
“Oh,” Danny said. He took a step back as if he’d been physically assaulted. “Um. Yeah. That would have… I would’ve, like… If you wanted, I…” He blushed and looked down at the ground.
“Next time?” Alice asked.
Danny looked up and stammered, “Oh, okay, yeah. Okay, sure,” then he stepped back so far that Alice thought he might merge into the wall and disappear.
“Well, I gotta get to it, Danny.” She smiled.
“Of course, Alice. Of course. Yes.” He deepened his voice and bowed formally. “Your wish is my command.”
Then his eyes grew wide and a look of horror came over his face. Apparently he’d again reached his limits of awkwardness and had become so embarrassed at his attempt at humor that he turned all attention back to the customer he’d previously abandoned.
Aunt Penny was right. He was cute.
Alice made her way over to Able and looked down at the pair of comic books he’d pulled from the boxes. “Legion of Super-Heroes,” she said. “That was a cartoon for a while when I was little.”