by L C Lang
Hannah nodded, but glared at me one more time before she turned and walked away. The other three women followed her. They all sat down in their booth and began whispering.
I shook my head. That was fun. But, Roxie was wrong about one thing. Okay, two things. I am not twenty and have not been that age for a several years. And, the second thing, I was already living here when someone put the man in my shed. I just did not hear it when they did it. Still, I am curious and now have more questions. I looked up at Roxie. “Who is that?”
Roxie turned to face me. She shook her head and lowered her voice. “That is Hannah Williams. She is Benton’s wife.”
“Benton?”
Roxie nodded. “Yes. We heard the news. The dead man in your shed was Benton Williams.”
I blew out my breath. Well, at least I got the name of the victim. But, I have more questions. “Did you hear anything else?”
Roxie sat down on the seat opposite me. Then she looked intently at me and lowered her voice. “Yes, a bit. Apparently, he disappeared a week ago. No one, including Hannah, knows where he went. Hannah figured he was out with some woman. He has been doing that for years and calling it a fishing trip.”
I shook my head, trying to stifle a giggle. Fishing trip? I understood what she was saying. I had the same experience with someone who did the same thing to me. Not that long, but the effect was the same. I leaned forward, laying my arms on the table, lowering my voice. “There was blood on the front of his shirt, but none on the floor of the shed. He probably died somewhere else and then someone dumped him in my shed. Although, I have no idea why. And, by the looks of him, I’d say he died one or two days ago and I was living here when someone put him in the shed. Just don’t tell Hannah that. Have you heard of any names of the women he has been with?”
Roxie laughed and shook her head. “He hit on half the women here in town below the age of thirty. Finally, a few years ago he began going out of town because he got a reputation here and no single female of any age would come near him. Mostly, I think he went to Indianapolis. He was an attractive man. He just didn’t know how to stick with his wife.”
I nodded. With his head hanging down, I hadn’t really noticed how he looked. “What kind of work did he do?”
“He owns the hardware store here in town. Joe is his manager. He has been with him for years. He runs it most of the time, while Benton runs around. Makes a profit for the store too.”
Just then, Cindy came with my meal. Roxie stood up. Said she would talk to me later because it was getting busier and she had to help her husband in the kitchen. I nodded and thanked her for stepping in taking care of Hannah. Then she walked back to the kitchen.
Before I began eating, I took out my notepad and made notes on what Roxie had told me. And, I wrote down Hannah’s name too. I have no idea what Benton must have put her through. Still, I now have information and can begin my search when I get home.
I began eating, but my appetite was not what it was before. Confronted by an insane woman will do that. But, I knew I had to eat. I am going to have a long afternoon, so I need sustenance to get me through it. I cannot get over the fact that Hannah was distraught over a man who cheated on her for many years. If it had been me, I would have been glad he is dead.
I was about halfway through eating when I heard the door open. I didn’t pay any attention, but I guess I should have. When the man sat down across from me, I looked at him and wish I’d known he was here ahead of time. It is the detective from yesterday. The one who never told me his name. Thankfully, he isn’t as grouchy as he was yesterday.
“I see you are out and about today,” he said.
I sat down my half-eaten cheeseburger and looked at him. “Is that a problem?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“Can I ask you a question?” I asked.
He shrugged. “Sure.”
Just then, Cindy came over. “What can I get you today, Detective Donovan?”
“Deluxe burger, fries and a Coke.”
Cindy nodded, made a note and then told him she would be back with his drink. He looked at me again.
At least I had most of his name now. I looked at him. “What is your name? I thought detectives were supposed to tell who they are before they talk to witnesses. But, you didn’t yesterday. Not even a card and telling me to contact you if I thought of anything.”
He reached into the inside pocket of his suit coat and pulled out a card. Then he slid it over to me. “Sorry about that. It had been a long day. My name is Detective Adain Donovan. Guess you didn’t have a good start on living here in town.”
I shook my head, as I slid his card into my purse. “That is one way to put it. Do they have a time of death of the victim yet?”
He intently looked at me. “I can’t give any information on the case.”
I wasn’t surprised. “Guess I will just have to listen to the gossip around town then.”
He laughed. He has a nice smile, but I am sure his wife thinks so too. I turned back to my lunch and began eating again.
“Yes,” he said, “they sure know how to gossip. Have no idea where they come up with some things. Don’t believe a word they tell you.”
I shrugged. I had already heard some information and was witness to another type of problem. Still, I knew what he was saying. However, sometimes gossiping does help find information.
“So, why did you move here?” Detective Donovan asked.
“Various reasons. None of them important.”
“Do you have a job yet?”
I nodded. “I work from home.”
Detective Donovan narrowed his eyes. “Doing what?”
I wish I hadn’t said that because I didn’t want to tell him what I do. Private investigators do not always have a good relationship with cops. I was relieved of answering when Cindy came with his meal. We ate quietly for a few minutes. That is until Hannah made a reappearance.
Hannah and her friends were about to leave when she came over to the table and stood next to Detective Donovan. He looked up at her.
“I demand you arrest that paramour for killing my husband.” She was not yelling this time, but her voice was stern and she pointed at me. And everyone close by heard what she said.
Paramour? Had she really just called me that? Guess I could be called that, but not with her husband. And that one time was a mistake I will never make again.
Detective Donovan almost choked on the bite he had taken of his hamburger. He finished chewing, and then he took a drink and looked up at her. “Do you have evidence?”
“Ask her. She moved here to be closer to him. I have heard he was at her house before he died.”
My mouth dropped open. Then I glared at her. “Mrs. Williams. I have only been in town for three full days. Before that, I lived in an apartment above the garage at my parent’s house. There is no way my parents would have allowed your husband into their house. The house I live in now was empty for six months. So, you better check with your source again.”
Detective Donovan stifled a laugh. Then he looked at Hannah. “Hannah, I told you I will find out who killed your husband.”
“I doubt that,” Hannah huffed. With that, she turned and stomped out of the diner, with the other three women walking out behind her.
Detective Donovan looked at me. “Did she confront you?”
I nodded. “Yes, she did. A few minutes ago. She was yelling so loud that the whole diner stopped eating to listen. If it wasn’t for Roxie interrupting her, I think she would have thrown the first punch. She would not have won though.”
He shook his head, laughing. “She has had to put up with Benton for years. Why they ever stayed married is beyond me.”
“I know. I have seen that before.”
Just then, he got a call on his cell phone. He pulled it out of his suit coat pocket and answered. He listened for a few moments and then closed his cell phone. He finished off his drink, picked up his charge ticket and then looked at me.
“Got an emergency. With Hannah on the rampage, make sure you lock your doors. That woman has serious problems, although I am surprised she is not glad that Benton is dead.”
I nodded. We said goodbye and then he walked away. I watched as he paid the bill and then quickly headed out the door. I blew out my breath. I knew he was right about one thing. I will have to avoid Hannah Williams. And, yes, I will make sure to lock all my doors. Maybe I should think about getting a dog or at least surveillance cameras. I might also have to start carrying my gun with me, in case I run into her when I am out shopping. I have a concealed carry license, so I am legal. But Hannah doesn’t know that.
I finished off my lunch, paid for my meal and then walked out the door. I now have more information. It is now imperative to find information on Benton Williams so I can get Hannah off my case. I doubt this will be the last time I see her, so once I get home I have to find information on what Benton Williams has been up to.
CHAPTER 6
When I got home, I parked in the driveway. I really need to check the garage. It is only a one-car garage, but at least I have one. With winter coming and since I work from home, I really want to park my Cherokee inside the garage. So, I got out and went inside the house. I sat my purse down on the couch and then headed for the door in the kitchen that led to the garage.
I opened the door, flipped the light switch and when the lights came on, I stepped inside the garage. Then I looked around. It is not as bad as I thought it might be. I knew my Dad sold Grandma’s car when she was unable to drive anymore. So, most of the space is empty.
There is a six-foot long wooden bench at the front of the garage. Sitting on top of the bench are a few tools that I knew I might need at some point. A large garbage can is sitting in the corner, near the door going inside the house. A few boxes are sitting in the corner. I need to see what is in them. And I have to sweep the concrete garage floor. There is not that much to do, so I got to work.
An hour later, I backed my Cherokee inside the garage and closed the garage door. I found the remote, so now I can open and close the garage door with it. The boxes contained junk that I had no use for, so I dumped them in the garbage can. It is now ready to put out on the curb.
I walked back into the house and closed the door behind me. Then I made the rounds checking all three outside doors, making sure they are locked. Now, I feel safe from Hannah. When I backed my truck into the garage, I noticed my neighbor across the street had company. Two cars are sitting in her driveway. My neighbor and three women are sitting on her porch, looking at my house. I remembered all three women from the diner and Hannah was with them. My guess is they are plotting. I am beginning to wonder if moving here was a good idea. It sure isn’t starting out well.
I went into the kitchen, got a cold soft drink, picked up my purse and then walked into my office. I set my purse on my desk and sat down in my chair. I opened the can and took a long drink. I glanced through the curtains just enough to see that Hannah and her friends were gone from the porch, but their cars are still in the driveway.
I shook my head. I cannot worry about Hannah right now. I have work to do. The first thing I need to do is to check on surveillance cameras. I have plenty of other surveillance equipment for me to use, but no cameras. At least none to use on a house. So, I got on my laptop and then checked which kind is the best kind for residences. Then I found a store that had them. The store is in Indianapolis. Hour and a half round trip, at the most. A trip I need to make. Better than waiting for the order to be shipped to me. I have research work I need to do, but it will have to wait until I get home.
I had just picked up my purse when I heard a knock on my front door. I had no idea who it is, but after how my lunch went, I am not going to take any chances. Except for Sandy, my next-door neighbor, I don’t know anyone else here in town. So, no one should be coming to my house. I doubted the detective would be coming back, so I decided to take my gun with me. I pulled my gun out of my messenger bag that is sitting on the floor next to my desk, and tucked it into the back of my jeans. Then I headed for the living room.
Before opening the front door, I peeked out the side of the curtains on the front windows. I blew out my breath. I am glad I brought my gun. Hannah and her three friends are standing on my porch. Great. Just what I do not need right now.
Someone pounded on the door again before I got the door open. I only opened it a foot, using my body to block any view of the rest of the house. And, to hide my right hand in case I have to get my gun. Hannah is standing in front of her three friends.
“What can I do for you, Hannah?” I asked.
Hannah glared at me. “I am going to get even with you for what you did.”
“Really? After what I have heard, I would think you would be glad Benton is dead.”
“He was my husband,” she yelled.
“Yes, I am aware of that. Who’s to say you didn’t kill him to get back at him for running around on you. From what I heard, he was with a lot of women.”
Hannah’s mouth dropped open. She tried to say something, but nothing came out.
I shook my head. “I have never seen your husband before I found him in my shed. Now, why don’t you and your friends leave and let the police find who killed your husband.”
I closed the door, figuring that would be the end of it. But, it wasn’t. Hannah pounded on the door again. I blew out my breath and opened the door again, only opening it the same as I had before. This time, Hannah had her fist clenched.
“I am not finished with you,” Hannah yelled.
Hannah looked like she was ready to punch me in my face. Not going to happen. I reached back and pulled out my gun. Then I shifted and pointed my gun up, leaning my hand on the doorframe. All four women sucked in their breath and took a step back.
“Yes, you are finished. Now, get off my porch or I will call the police and charge you with harassment. Do you understand?”
Hannah glared at me, pulling up her clenched fist. “I am going to call the police. You have no right to point that gun at me.”
I shook my head. “I have every right. But, as you can see, I am not pointing my gun at you. You are harassing me and I am protecting myself. Besides, I have a permit to have a gun. I also have surveillance cameras. The tape will show that I have not pointed my gun at you. You need to leave right now or I will call the police on you and your friends.”
Three of the women nodded and walked away. Hannah paused a few moments, glaring at me.
“You are wrong. This is not over.” Then she turned and walked away.
I shook my head as I closed the door. I have no doubt this is not over, which means I have to work hard to solve this case and prove it to her. But, before I do that, I have to go get three surveillance cameras and get them installed. Today.
So, I grabbed my purse, went into the garage and got in my Cherokee. I opened the garage door and pulled out. I stopped long enough to make sure the garage door went down and then I took off.
Half an hour later, I parked a block away from the store. The store carries all kinds of equipment, including surveillance cameras. They also have a large stock of every piece of office equipment and supplies you will ever need. Even though it is a large store and I mainly came for the surveillance cameras, I took my time and walked around with a cart, in case I found something else I needed to buy.
I finally found the surveillance cameras. I had already seen the reviews of various kinds of surveillance cameras, so I knew which one I wanted to get. What I liked about these surveillance cameras is that I can view the tape from my laptop and my cell phone. So, I grabbed three of them and put them in my cart. Then I headed for the checkout.
Once I got to checkout, I pulled everything out of the cart I had gotten, which was more than I planned to get. Three surveillance cameras, two packages of legal pads, two packages of notepads, two packages of the pens I like to use and large bags of mini Tootsie Rolls and snack size Snickers. Okay, I get a s
weet tooth when I am working.
Once my purchases were loaded into my Cherokee, I got in and headed home. Time to get to work.
Half an hour later, I backed into the garage. Fortunately, I noticed that my neighbor across the street no longer had company, which meant I will not be hassled by Hannah again. I unloaded my purchases and took them into the house. The office supplies I took my office and put them where they belong. The candy I took to the kitchen. No point in having them in my office or they will not last long.
With that work done, it is time to install the surveillance cameras. I got a step ladder from the kitchen, got out a power drill with a screwdriver head on it, opened the back door, climbed on the step ladder and proceeded, following the directions, to put up the surveillance camera over the back door.
Before I put up the camera at the front door, I made sure my neighbor across the street was not watching out her window. I even got out a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at my neighbor’s front windows. When I was sure she was not looking out the windows, I got the camera installed.
Next, I headed for my office door, opened it and then with the step ladder inside the house, managed to reach around the doorframe and get the camera up.
Then, once I finished installing the cameras, I activated all three cameras and got them linked to my cell phone and my laptop. I also made sure the angles were correct. With a couple of minor adjustments, I got the angles I wanted. On the camera at the front door, I can see not only the front of the door, but also to the street. Now, I can see anyone approaching. I am glad I got a wide angled camera for that door.
With the camera now installed, I blew out my breath. Now I don’t have to worry about Hannah and her friends sneaking up on me. Next time, I will not even answer the door if she is there. I put the step ladder away and then made another check on all of the door locks. Then, I headed for my office. It is time to get to work.
