Murdered by Superstition

by Dianne Harman

  Matt took control. “Okay, Cody, I don’t think we have much time. I told you what we were going to do, so let’s get started. Liz, while I get the three of us ready, would you take care of Winston?”

  “Sure.” She knelt down next to Winston and told him exactly what she wanted him to do, mainly to protect Cody. She stood up and walked over to Cody. “Cody, I’m sure this won’t be necessary, but Winston is also trained to protect through hand signals. Let me show them to you, just in case you need them.”

  Roger looked over at her and smiled. “This reminds me of when Winston protected Michelle when she had to use the hand signals at a doctor’s office in San Francisco. Let’s hope it isn’t called for tonight.”

  “Agreed,” Liz said.

  Matt opened a briefcase he’d brought with him and spent the next few minutes explaining how the voice activated transmitter and the receivers worked. Each of them was wired with the appropriate electronic device, a transmitter for Cody and receivers for the other four.

  “Liz, I know I told you that Sid had some in his car, but these just came out, and they’re supposed to be better than what he has,” Matt said.

  “Sid, glad to see you have a sweatshirt on. I have no idea how long Candace will be here, but at least you’ll be comfortable standing outside. Liz, Roger, it’s time to get in the car.” They hurried out the front door and down the street to Matt’s car. A few minutes later a car drove toward them, passed them, and turned into Matt’s driveway. A blond woman was driving.

  *****

  The woman got out of her car and walked up the steps to the front door. A moment later it was opened and they heard Cody greet Candace. She stepped inside and it was quiet for a moment.

  “Cody, thanks for seeing me. I’ve missed you. I’ve done a lot of thinking since you came to my office. Mind if I sit down?” Candace asked.

  “It’s good to see you, too. Please, have a seat. A lot has happened since I last saw you.”

  “I took some time off, Cody. I had it coming, and I was pretty devastated by your visit and you telling me that you no longer wanted to see me. Even though I’ve thought about it a million times, I can’t figure out what happened.”

  “Candace, it was nothing you did. I just met someone that I fell in love with. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. I didn’t ask for it. It just happened.”

  “Cody, is there anything I can do that would make you break up with this woman, this woman whose name I found out is Nicole Rogers. Anything at all? I don’t think I want to go on living if you’re going to marry her.”

  “Candace, I guess you haven’t heard. Nicole was murdered.”

  It was quiet for several moments and then Candace said, “I’m sorry for you, Cody, I didn’t know. I’ve been so devastated by our breakup I haven’t watched any television or read the newspapers. How did it happen? Do you know who did it?”

  “No, very little is known. It seems to have something to do with voodoo, since she’d received several voodoo dolls and one was found at the scene of the crime. No one knows if those figure into the murder.”

  “Cody, you don’t think I had anything to do with it, do you?” Candace asked in a quavering voice.

  “Why would I think that?” he asked.

  “Because I was reading that magazine article about New Orleans when you came to see me. Before you came in I’d even ordered some voodoo dolls to enhance our relationship. I promise you I didn’t have anything to do with it, and I never gave or sent your lady friend one. I never even met her. The dolls that I ordered were good magic dolls, not bad magic. I understand there’s a difference.

  “The ones I got said that they had been blessed by a voodoo doctor to make sure that relationships went smoothly. After you left my office that day, I remember thinking I should have sent away for them earlier. By the time I got them, there was no relationship, and I never used them.”

  “I’m sorry if I hurt you, Candace. I never meant to. Right now, I’m really confused by everything, and quite frankly, I’m hurting.”

  “I’m sorry, Cody. I probably better leave. I didn’t know anything about Nicole, and I can see this isn’t a good time for me to be here, but I would like to say one thing. If you ever need someone to talk to, or if you change your mind about our relationship, you have my number. Goodbye, Cody. I wish you well.”

  “Thank you, Candace, and right now I’m so confused I might regret anything I said. I’ll keep your words in mind.”

  From the sounds they could hear on their receivers, the listeners could tell that Cody and Candace were walking to the door. In a moment it opened, and Candace walked down the steps, got in her car, and left.

  “I don’t know about you two, but I thought that was pretty sad. She came across as very honest and innocent to me. I’d like to know your thoughts,” Liz said after Candace had driven off, and they were sure she wasn’t coming back.

  “I agree,” Roger said. “I didn’t hear anything in her words or in the tone of her voice that would lead me to think otherwise. If she did murder Nicole, she’s in the wrong profession. She should be an actress.”

  “My sentiments exactly,” Matt said. “I don’t see any tail lights, so I think it’s safe for us to go in the house. I’d like to know what Cody thinks, since he could see her facial and body expressions.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Matt knocked on the door and said, “Cody, please open the door. Candace is gone, and we need to talk to you.”

  A grim-faced Cody let them in the front door while Sid came in the back door. “Were you able to hear our conversation?” he asked.

  “Yes, Matt said. “We won’t stay long, but we would like to get your opinion. I’m particularly interested in knowing if you thought her body language matched what she was saying.”

  Cody sat down heavily in a chair and gestured for them to do the same. “Let me start by saying that I never found anything wrong with Candace. It was just that I fell in love with Nicole. It really was nothing against Candace. I always thought she was a wonderful person until I met Nicole.”

  He rubbed his hands over his face and said in a voice heavy with emotion. “I honestly don’t think she was the one who murdered Nicole. Her movements, her expressions, her body language, everything indicated she didn’t know anything about the murder. I could be wrong. Let’s face it, this is my first time having anything to do with a murder, but I would bet everything I own that she’s innocent.”

  “All right, Cody, let’s assume you’re right. I know this isn’t relevant to the murder, but do you have any thoughts about what your relationship with Candace will be in the future?” Liz asked.

  Cody took a deep breath and said, “No. I have absolutely no idea what will happen. We cared for each other deeply at one time. From what she said, I think she still does. Can I ever care for her in the same way again? I honestly don’t know. Plus, if I was her, the thought would always be in the back of my mind that it might happen again, and quite frankly, I don’t know if I could guarantee her it wouldn’t, and that would not be fair to her.”

  “Cody, I’ve gained quite a little wisdom from being on this earth for more than a few years. And the one wisdom I’ve learned from experience is that time is a great healer along with listening to your heart.” Liz gave him an encouraging smile. “Sometimes our brains try to make sense of things or sort them out in what is commonly thought of as a rational matter, but the heart never lies. When your heart has healed enough to speak to you, listen to it.”

  Liz stood up and said, “Matt, Roger, I think it’s time we left Cody alone. He needs some time. Sid and Winston are here, so I think he’s in good hands. Cody, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Try and get some sleep.” She walked over to him and gave him a big hug. “You remind me a lot of my son, Jonah, and what I just said would be the same advice I’d give him if he was in your shoes.”

  Matt and Roger shook hands with Cody while Liz talked quietly to Winston. As they were leaving, Liz asked
, “One more thing, Cody, are you planning on going in to work tomorrow?”

  Cody nodded. “Yes. I’ve been away from my clients for too long. I’ve monitored my email, and I can tell that some of them are getting restless. I can’t afford to lose any business.”

  “Well, in that case, I think I’ll come by and get Winston in the morning. What time do you plan on leaving for work?”

  “Well, I’m usually in the office by 6:15 in the morning because the stock market opens at 6:30 our time. Let me save you the trip. I’ll drop Winston off at the lodge on my way to work. Sid told me he wants to be with me, so I’m going to tell people a relative of mine is in town and wants to see what a typical workday is like for me. I know that’s kind of lame, but it’s about the best I can come up with for now. I don’t know what I’ll say if this continues much longer.”

  “I have a feeling it won’t. Let’s just get through tomorrow,” Liz said as she walked out the door, followed by Roger and Matt. The two men discussed the events of the evening, but no conclusion was reached, other than they tended to agree with Cody’s assessment of Candace’s innocence.

  While Matt and Roger were discussing all of the angles of what was known so far, Liz had come up with a plan that she didn’t dare discuss with either one of them, or even Cody. It involved Sean, Winston, and what she preferred to think of as discovery, rather than breaking and entering. She was quiet the rest of the way home, working out the details in her mind.

  When they got back to the lodge, the guests had left, and Liz and Roger walked upstairs to have a late dinner. Gina had definitely looked out for them, leaving them both full meals in the refrigerator along with a note which read, “Hope your evening was as successful as the dinner the guests enjoyed. See you tomorrow afternoon.”

  When they’d finished, Roger said, “I’m beat. Today was my first day back in the office after being in the city for a few days, and I had non-stop appointments. I’m not complaining, I’m just using it as an excuse to go downstairs, take a shower, and head for bed. Looks like Cody will be here bright and early, and I’d hate for Winston to be wandering around, feeling neglected.”

  “Go ahead. I need to do a few things up here before I join you. I’ll be down shortly.” She waited until she heard the shower running, then she picked up her phone and pressed in a telephone number.

  “Hi, Sean, it’s Liz Lucas. I know you stay up late and get up early, so I’m hoping I didn’t wake you.”

  “Nope, just looking at the computer before I head for bed. What’s up?”

  “I’ve got a favor to ask. I know you’ve done some work for Matt on the Rogers case, but I think I know who did it and how to prove it. Any chance you could come to the lodge tomorrow morning after Roger goes to work, say about 9:30?”

  “Liz, this worries me. You have a tendency to get into, how shall I put this…let’s just say situations that Roger would not like you to get into, and I have a strong feeling this may be one of them. Would I be right?”

  “Could be, but if it doesn’t work out he’ll never need to know about it.”

  “Since you’re probably planning on doing something that is either illegal or dangerous, and you’d do it anyway, yes, I’ll be there about 9:30, although I don’t like keeping secrets from my employers. Matt and Roger have been very good to me.”

  “I promise this won’t jeopardize your relationships with them,” Liz cajoled, “and if I’m right, it will only make them better.”

  “All right. You’re always willing to listen to my problems with the fairer sex, so I guess this is payback time. I do have two favors to ask of you.”

  “Shoot,” Liz said.

  “May not have been the best choice of words, Liz. I want you to have your gun ready and Winston by your side. I’ll bring my gun as well. Anything else I might need?”

  “Yes, bring whatever tools are used to jimmy a lock. One more thing. I need you to get the home address of Maddie Sanders.”

  She ended the call before Sean could change his mind.

  CHAPTER 25

  Roger was showered, shaved, and dressed by the time Cody dropped Winston off. He could tell that Cody had definitely made room in his heart for the big dog by the way he reluctantly handed his leash over to Roger.

  “How are you doing this morning, Cody?” Roger asked.

  “Better, now that I’ve had a good night’s sleep. It was uneventful, and that was just fine with me. Sid and I are going into the office, and I’m hoping this nightmare will be over soon.”

  “I have a feeling it will. With Liz, Matt, and Sean on it, I’d say your chances of getting back to a quieter way of living are pretty good. I’ll be in my office here in Red Cedar today if you need anything. Take care,” he said as he and Winston walked into the downstairs area of the lodge.

  “There you are, Winston. Welcome home. I missed you,” Liz said as she petted the big dog and took off his leash. “I don’t know if Cody fed you this morning or not, but I don’t think having an extra meal will hurt you. Come with me.” She walked upstairs to the kitchen and put his dry dog food in a bowl and about a half a can of dog food on top of it. He looked at her as if saying thanks and began to chomp it down.

  When she went back downstairs, Roger was standing in front of the mirror, fixing his tie. “Liz, I’m going to the office early this morning. As I told you last night, yesterday was a zoo, and I need to deal with some things before the normal day starts. I should be home about the regular time. What’s on your agenda today?” he asked, putting on his suit coat and checking his briefcase to make sure he had everything he’d need for the day.

  Liz bent over and busied herself making the bed, so she wouldn’t have to look directly at Roger while she was being less than truthful with him. “I want to talk to Bertha and see if I need to do anything for the spa or the lodge. She’d mentioned that she wanted to start carrying a new line of spa products, and she asked for my input. I know we have a full dinner group tonight, so I’ll be working on that, too. Why don’t you plan on joining us? People always like it when you’re here, you know, kind of the king of the realm type thing.”

  “That was your first error, Liz. I was fine with you not telling me what you have planned for today, but then you went and said something so out of character like me being king of the realm. That’s when I knew that you were being less than fully truthful. Now tell me what you really have planned for today.” He waited for her to respond, knowing from experience that when Liz was acting like this, he’d be hard-pressed to get a straight answer.

  She fluffed a pillow and looked at him sheepishly. “Roger, if I told you I was well protected by a gun, a friend, and Winston, would you feel better?”

  “Marginally, Liz, only marginally. When do you plan on telling me about whatever it is you’re going to be doing today?” He gave her what he hoped was a stern look.

  “Oh, when you get home tonight. It’s really nothing. Just a little something I want to check out,” she said breezily.

  “I can tell by your tone of voice this is a losing battle. All right, just be careful. You know how much I love you,” he said leaning down and kissing her. What worried him even more was that Winston had walked over to Liz and was standing next to her. He’d always thought Winston had some ESP abilities, and if Winston felt she needed protecting, that did not bode well, but he also knew there was nothing he could do.

  “All right, my love. I’ll see you tonight.” He looked down at the big dog. “Winston, this is not a request. This is an order. Guard Liz.” He walked out the door with a final wave.

  *****

  When Roger pulled out of the lodge’s driveway and was on the highway leading to town, his cell phone rang. He pulled over to the side of the highway and saw that it was Sean.

  “Good morning, Sean. What’s up?”

  “Roger, I talked to Liz last night, and I thought I better tell you about our conversation. I know she has a tendency to get into situations that can be dangerous, and I thin
k this might be one.”

  He listened to Sean and when he’d finished, Roger said, “I really appreciate the call. I’ll be there. Go on in, and I’ll join you. I think Liz might be really angry if I show up before you’re in the house. And Sean, thanks for the call.”

  CHAPTER 26

  Promptly at 9:30, Sean pulled up to the lodge. Liz had been watching for him and she and Winston quickly walked down the steps and got in his car. “Good morning, Sean. Thanks for doing this for me. It shouldn’t take long.”

  “Mind telling me what shouldn’t take long, Liz, since I kind of have my head on the chopping block here if something goes wrong?”

  “We’re going over to Maddie’s home. When I had lunch with her a tape recorder fell out of her purse. She said that she’d started dictating the events of her days. I’m hoping to find something that might point to her being the murderer. Did you bring the things you might need to pick the lock?”

  “I brought some things, but I assumed they were for you.”

  “Are you kidding?” Liz asked in surprise. “You’re the private investigator. What would I know about picking a lock?”

  “Liz, this is not making me feel good. What if she’s at home?” Sean asked.

  “I’m sure she’ll be at work, particularly since there’s no longer a branch manager. She told me she’d be filling in until a new one was appointed.”

  A few minutes later, Sean pulled into a strip mall parking lot and stopped the car. “Sean, there aren’t any houses here. Why did you stop here?”

  “Because I want to draw as little attention to this caper as possible. If we put my car on her street or in her driveway it would probably be a red flag if any neighbors were watching.”

  “Okay, that makes sense. What now?”

  “You get Winston, and we’ll walk around the corner to her house. We’ll just look like two people out to take their dog for a morning stroll. The area looks pretty much like a working-class neighborhood, so I would imagine everyone is gone for the day. We’ll just walk up the sidewalk, knock on the door, and if no one answers, which I assume will happen, you and I will stand in front of the door, and I’ll open it.”