Chestnuts, Camping and Culprits

by Cindy Bell

  As Kerri followed the direction of his wave, she noticed someone sitting in the corner of the bar, alone, with his head down. Her eyes narrowed as she recognized Steve’s face. What was he doing there? She looked back at Duncan.

  “Thanks for the information, Duncan. Let me get those beers for you.” Kerri placed a twenty-dollar bill down on the bar.

  “Hey thanks.” Duncan smiled.

  Kerri walked over to the small table where Steve was seated. Her mind ran back over the revelation that Duncan had just made.

  “Elm and Pam were in a relationship.” Kerri dropped down into the chair beside him.

  “What?” Steve looked up at her with wide eyes. “Are you sure?”

  “According to Duncan over there. He’s as good a source as any. He said that Elm and Pam were sneaking around together.” Kerri studied him for a moment. “That explains the video, doesn’t it? Colin admitted that he was in love with Pam, maybe he found out that Elm was seeing her, and lost it.”

  “Maybe.” Steve pushed a coaster back and forth along the smooth surface of the wooden table. “Or maybe Elm found out that Pam had a thing for Colin, and he lost it.”

  “Maybe.” Kerri crossed her arms as she looked at him. “Are you here to check up on me?”

  “Did I know that you were going to ignore my advice and come into this bar to speak to drunken, possibly dangerous, men?” Steve looked into her eyes. “You must think I’m psychic.”

  “Or, you just know me very well.” Kerri smiled at him and rested her hand on the crook of his arm.

  “Well enough to know that me telling you to be more careful is going to fall on deaf ears.” Steve took a drink of his beer and eyed her. “That doesn’t mean I like it.”

  “You don’t have to.” Kerri shrugged and smiled at him. “But you have to admit I just got some great information.”

  “Yes, you did.” Steve sighed as he returned her smile. “Let me buy you a drink to celebrate?”

  “I don’t know if I should.” Kerri glanced at her watch. “It might be too dangerous for me to be out this late with a dangerous man like you.”

  “Nice.” Steve pulled her in for a quick kiss. When they broke apart, his smile spread even wider.

  “See? Dangerous.” Kerri winked at him. “I would love to have a drink with you.”

  “Great.” Steve signaled to the bartender.

  As Kerri sat back and gazed at him, for just a few moments she forgot about everything but how lucky she was to be right there in that moment with him.

  Chapter 12

  When Kerri arrived at home, she unlocked the door as quietly as she could. The house was dark. Even Cashew remained silent as she stepped inside. She felt a wave of guilt for leaving her dog alone for so long, but she knew that her grandfather would take care of her. As she crept farther inside, she expected to reach her room without causing too much disturbance. The moment she set foot in the living room, the lamp beside the couch flipped on.

  Her heart skipped a beat as she jumped back.

  “Grandpa!” She scowled at the man who stared at her from the couch. “Why would you scare me like that?”

  “Why would you scare me like that?” George raised an eyebrow. “Where have you been?”

  “Seriously?” Kerri laughed. “It’s only eleven, and I’m not a kid anymore.”

  “You may not be a kid, but there was a murder and we found the body, and I tried calling you.” George frowned as he leaned forward to look at her. “Have you been drinking?”

  “You tried calling?” Kerri fished her phone out of her purse. “Oh, I’m sorry, Grandpa, my ringer was off. I didn’t know.” She shook her head. “I went to Broomers to see what I could find out, and I found out something very interesting.”

  “So, you were at a bar?” George stood up from the couch. “You know that drinking too much dulls your senses. This really isn’t like you, Kerri.”

  “Grandpa, I just had a couple of drinks with Steve, it’s no big deal. I would never drink more than my limit.” Kerri met his eyes as she placed her hands on her hips. “I’m not a little kid, remember?”

  “I remember.” George narrowed his eyes. “You were a lot easier to keep track of when you were younger.”

  “I’m sorry for scaring you, but I honestly didn’t mean to.” Kerri sat down on one side of the couch and waited until he sat down on the other. “Why are you so worried about this one?”

  “Because Detective Carver is. She may not like me much, which honestly only proves she has good instincts, but she is a great detective, and if she’s worried about this situation, then we should all be worried about it.” George glanced over at her. “Until we know why Pam was killed, we have no idea what motive the killer might have.”

  “I might have some idea.” Kerri filled him in on what she’d learned from Duncan.

  “Interesting. So Elm and Pam were together, while she protested the loggers? That seems like a risky situation.” George gazed at his own hands. “Then again, opposites do sometimes attract.”

  “Apparently they did. Duncan also said they were sneaking around. Maybe that explains why Pam was out in the woods in the middle of the night. Maybe she went there to meet Elm. Either he showed up, and killed her, or someone else did.” Kerri frowned. “It’s awful to think that she was expecting to meet with someone she cared about, and instead she met with her killer.”

  “Yes, it is.” George sighed. “Especially if the someone she cared about, was her killer. I think right now our focus should be on Elm. We know that he has the know-how to kill her with a tree, he also has the strength that would be needed to do it.”

  “But what would be his motive?” Kerri raised an eyebrow. “Jealousy? Maybe he saw Pam with Colin, and didn’t like the way they interacted?”

  “Maybe. Or it could be that Pam did something to threaten his job, something that would get him into a lot of trouble, and he felt like he had to get rid of her. Or he told her something that he shouldn’t have.” George rubbed the back of his neck.

  “There are a lot of possibilities. But we know she would have trusted him enough to meet him in the woods, that is important.”

  “Yes, it is.” George stretched his arms above his head and yawned. “It’s also important for us to get some sleep.”

  “I agree. So, you’re sure that Detective Carver didn’t mention getting a video?” Kerri raised an eyebrow. “I thought that Sylvia was going to send it to her right away.”

  “Actually, I texted her about it after I spoke to you. I thought maybe she was just too busy to check her messages. She said she didn’t receive anything.” George picked his phone up from the coffee table and checked it again. “Nope, no new messages from her.”

  “Oh, so you two are texting now?” Kerri smiled as she met his eyes. “Are you calling her Colleen, yet?”

  “Stop.” George locked his eyes to hers. “It’s not like that.”

  “Sure. But she has such beautiful hair, right?” Kerri grinned.

  “Go to bed!” George tossed one of the throw pillows on the couch at her. “Your imagination is running away with you.”

  “Sure, sure.” Kerri laughed as she threw the pillow back at him. “Good night, Grandpa.”

  “Good night, Kerri.” George sprawled out on the couch. “I think I’m staying right here.”

  “Sounds good.” Kerri studied him for a moment. She knew that when he felt a little uneasy, he preferred to sleep on the couch. As she headed to her room, she hoped that the case would be solved soon. Not much rattled her grandfather, but for some reason, this situation had gotten under his skin.

  Cashew woke up long enough to greet her as she crawled into bed. Then she curled up right beside her and went right back to sleep.

  Kerri closed her eyes and hoped that she would do the same. Instead her thoughts began to churn with all of the possibilities of what happened to Pam. She imagined Pam receiving a phone call from Elm, inviting her to join him in the woods. Had she been e
xcited? Then she pictured Colin asking her to meet him out there, after he found out about Elm. Did he love her, or was he obsessed with her? A parade of loggers played through her mind. Any one of them could have gotten frustrated with the protests. Or perhaps one just didn’t like that Pam had been seeing Elm. Perhaps, if Sylvia had sent the video to the detective as requested, the case would be much further along. She decided she would be sure to connect with her the next day and find out why she hadn’t sent it. She still had no idea who killed Pam, but one thing was for sure, she didn’t think that it was an accident.

  Chapter 13

  When Kerri woke up the next day, she felt the weight of the unsolved murder on her shoulders. She decided it was time to speak to Detective Carver herself. After a quick breakfast and a walk around the neighborhood with Cashew, she had about thirty minutes before it was time to open the shop. She stopped by the police station and waited at the reception desk for Detective Carver to become available. As the minutes ticked by, she wondered if she would have a chance to speak to her. It reassured her that the detective was busy, as that meant she might be making some kind of progress on the case. A few minutes later, the detective stepped into the lobby and waved Kerri over.

  “I thought I might get a visit from you today.” The detective fixed her with a stern gaze as Kerri walked over.

  “You did?” Kerri raised an eyebrow. “Why is that?”

  “Because I questioned George yesterday.” Detective Carver gestured to Kerri to follow her to her small office. Once they were both crammed inside, she sighed and looked across the desk at Kerri. “It’s my job to look into everyone who was at or around the crime scene.”

  “If that’s the case, then why haven’t you spoken to me?” Kerri sat back in her chair. “I was there, too.”

  “Yes, you were. We took a fairly detailed statement from you on the night that you discovered Pam’s body. However, you are on my list of people to talk to. Which is why I’m glad you stopped by today.” Detective Carver pulled out a large pad of paper and set it in front of her. “Would you like to tell me again what you saw that night?”

  “What I saw that night doesn’t matter. I already gave my statement, like you said, and nothing has changed. I haven’t remembered anything new. What matters is that Elm and Pam were in a secret relationship, and her friend Colin was in love with her. What matters is that the other loggers were furious about her being involved with Elm. Did Sylvia send you any videos, yet?” Kerri leaned closer to the desk, her eyes locked to the detective’s.

  “Okay, okay. Slow down.” Detective Carver flashed her a brief smile as she jotted down a few notes. “No, I haven’t received any video. I tried to contact Sylvia myself based on the information your grandfather gave me, but I wasn’t able to reach her. The service up on the mountain can be pretty unreliable, that’s why I always have my radio on me when I go up there.”

  “I’ll see if I can reach her, too.” Kerri frowned. “The video shows Elm and Colin getting into an intense argument. I think it’s worth speaking to Colin about it.”

  “I plan to. But I would like to see the video for myself first.” The detective made another note on the pad.

  “You don’t really suspect my grandfather, do you?” Kerri watched the woman’s expression closely. When she met Kerri’s eyes, there was nothing but determination in her gaze.

  “Kerri, until a murder is solved, everyone is a suspect to me. It is too risky to assume that I know someone, and George is not exactly the most forthcoming or honest man, now is he?” Detective Carver tapped her pen on the pad.

  “In some ways.” Kerri frowned as she realized her grandfather’s first instinct was to be evasive, with good reason. He’d spent the majority of his life pretending to be someone else as he played the roles he needed to for the sake of national security. She shook her head. “He had nothing to do with it. I hope you don’t waste your time looking into him any further.” She stood up from her chair. “Thank you for your time. As soon as I get in contact with Sylvia, I will make sure that you get that video.”

  “Kerri.” Detective Carver stood up as well and extended her hand to her. “Thank you for the information.”

  “You’re welcome.” Kerri gave the detective’s hand a firm shake. “I hope it leads to a break in the case. I don’t like my grandfather being treated as a suspect, but we are on the same side here, Detective Carver, I hope you know that. All I want is for the truth about Pam’s death to come out.”

  “I appreciate that. If only George could see things the same way, it would make things a little easier. Maybe you could talk to him about it?” Detective Carver’s eyes widened some.

  “I’ll do what I can.” Kerri nodded at the detective, then headed out the door.

  Kerri arrived at the shop, just as Natalie did, and together they worked to get it open on time. Kerri attempted to refill one of the bins of nuts, but the bag slipped from her hands before she managed to. As nuts scattered across the floor, Natalie retrieved a broom.

  “Are you doing okay?” Natalie frowned as she studied Kerri.

  “I’m just a little caught up in all of this. I’m having a hard time sleeping or concentrating.” Kerri took the broom from her friend and began to gather the nuts up from the floor. Her squirrel friend would have quite a treat.

  “Why don’t you let me handle the front of the shop, maybe you can catch a nap in the office?” Natalie gave her a light pat on her back. “You’re no good to anyone if you’re not taking care of yourself first.”

  “Maybe that’s true.” Kerri tossed the nuts out through the back door, and right away her favorite squirrel came running. As she turned back towards the front of the shop, she heard the bell over the door chime.

  “Hi, can I help you?” Natalie smiled at the woman who stepped into the shop.

  The moment that Kerri saw her, she smiled.

  “Sylvia! I’ve been trying to reach you.”

  “You have?” Sylvia smiled. “I don’t often venture down here, but I thought I’d check out your shop. I’ve been hearing such wonderful things about it. I’m glad I came. It’s so beautiful, with such unique items.” She looked over some of the shelves.

  “Thank you.” Kerri walked around the side of the counter to greet her. “This is my friend Natalie, Natalie this is Sylvia, she’s a conservationist that has been tracking the endangered owls on the mountain.”

  “Oh, I love owls.” Natalie grinned. “With those big eyes and those beautiful feathers, they are just gorgeous.”

  “Yes, I agree.” Sylvia winked at Natalie.

  “I’ve been trying to reach you because Detective Carver hasn’t received that video.” Kerri stepped closer to the woman. “I know that you’re very busy, but it’s important that she sees it.”

  “Ah yes, the video.” Sylvia shrugged. “I’m not sure if I’m going to give it to her.”

  “What?” Kerri’s eyes widened. “Why not? Don’t you want the police to figure out who killed Pam?”

  “For one, it will make no difference. Pam is already gone, and nothing is going to bring her back. Secondly, I don’t necessarily want to get involved in police matters. I’ve been living off the grid for a long time.” Sylvia frowned. “Besides, the loggers are known for their retaliation. If word gets around that the video came from me, that could put me in a lot of danger.”

  “But the police will protect you.” Kerri stared at her as her head spun. “That’s a very important piece of evidence.”

  “It’s not evidence yet, is it? Besides it could just be a spat between two men, it may mean nothing at all to the investigation.” Sylvia picked up a small statue and studied its details. “I am glad I came down here to see your shop though, Kerri. It’s a very beautiful place.”

  “I’m glad you did, too.” Kerri took a deep breath as she realized that she wouldn’t be able to convince Sylvia to turn over the video. If she felt that Kerri would tell the police to demand it, she was sure that Sylvia would destroy it
. Instead, she would have to find a way to get a copy of the video herself. “Sylvia, how would you like to join me and my grandfather for dinner this evening?” She smiled as she met the woman’s eyes. “I’m sure that it’s been some time since you’ve had a good home-cooked meal.”

  “Oh, yes it has, thank you so much.” Sylvia gasped with a smile. “My tummy is already rumbling.”

  “Great. I’ll text you the address. Say, about six?”

  “Sure, I’ll be there. Thanks again, Kerri.” Sylvia waved to her, then left the shop.

  “She’s a bit strange, hmm?” Natalie leaned against the counter and raised an eyebrow.

  “She’s very passionate about the owls, that’s for sure.” Kerri watched through the window as the woman walked away from the shop. She hoped that sometime during dinner she would be able to get the phone from her and get the video. If either Elm or Colin was the killer, then they needed to be behind bars as soon as possible.

  Chapter 14

  After Kerri closed up the shop that afternoon, she headed back to the house, determined to make dinner a success. It wasn’t so much about the food as it was about what information she could get from Sylvia. If Detective Carver needed the video in order to move forward in her investigation, then she intended to make sure that she had it. She pulled into the driveway to find her grandfather in the front yard, tossing a ball with Cashew.

  “She needed a little exercise.” George flicked the ball across the yard.

  Cashew yelped, then chased after it.

  “Thanks Grandpa.” Kerri sighed and couldn’t resist smiling as she watched the dog run. Cashew never failed to cheer her up, no matter what might be happening in her life.

  “I heard you had a visit with Detective Carver today.” Cashew trotted back up to him with the ball clamped between her teeth.

  “You did? Did she call you in again?” Kerri took the ball from her grandfather and tossed it across the yard for Cashew.