Clearing the Course

by Diane Weiner

  When she woke up, Henry had already gone downstairs.

  “Did you make us breakfast?”

  “Did what I could in this obstacle course. Eggs and toast.” He was working on the Sudoku from the morning paper. “I checked in with the hospital. Maddy’s fever is gone and she slept through the night. Want to head over when you finish eating?”

  “Of course.” She silently said a prayer of thanks while she sipped her coffee. Her phone vibrated. “It’s a text from Jonathan. He wants us to stop by his room. Says it’s important.”

  With the cast, driving was difficult if not impossible for Emily. Henry took the wheel of her Audi. At least replacing his Jeep at this moment wasn’t an issue. They’d get something before Emily went back to work in the fall. As he drove, he daydreamed about the possibilities. Exactly how much would a new Tesla cost? Or a Jaguar?

  He pulled into the parking lot and opened the door for Emily. They met Jonathan in the dining room.

  “Want some breakfast? This is the best blueberry French toast I’ve ever had.”

  “We ate. Tell us your news!”

  “Robby has an alibi. He’s off the hook. I checked with the company that makes his continuous glucose monitor. His blood sugar went low at 8:30 the night of the murder.”

  “That doesn’t tell us where he was, does it?”

  “No, but when I re-interviewed the guests who were here at the inn that night, one of them remembered something.”

  “What?” said Henry.

  “An elderly man who was in the room next to Robby had gone downstairs to take a walk. When he came back into the lobby, he saw Robby. Robby was trying to find someone to get him juice but couldn’t find anyone around. The man said Robby looked pale and didn’t seem right. He had a can of Coke in his hand and offered it to Robby.”

  “Robby couldn’t have told us this?”

  “Says when his blood sugar goes low like that, it affects his memory.”

  “And how is the witness sure about the time?”

  “He was heading back to his room to call his daughter who lives in California. He calls her at 5:30 every night, California time, just after she gets home from work. He says she worries about him living alone so they came up with this system.”

  Henry said, “The man’s account is corroborated by the sensor data. He’s clear, you’re sure?”

  “Charges have been dropped. And I got my bail money back.”

  “That’s terrific news. We’re on the way to the hospital. I can’t wait to tell Maddy.”

  “I’ve got some packing to do. I figure I can make it back to New York well before dinner.”

  “And do you have dinner plans with anyone special?” asked Emily. She’d heard him talking to his girlfriend on the phone on more than one occasion.

  “Yep. Plans with my special lady. I’ve really missed Janet. Might think about making things a little more serious.”

  “If there’s a wedding, I hope we’ll be invited.”

  “You betcha.”

  Noah, Coralee’s son, came in with a cat carrier. “We had an extra one of these. Thought it might be helpful bringing Oreo home.”

  “Oreo?” said Emily.

  “Jonathan, didn’t you tell them?” said Noah.

  “Now I’ll have two special ladies in my life. I wound up spending some time in the cat café and every time I did, this beautiful tuxedo cat with a little bald spot would rub against my legs. Eventually, she worked her way onto my lap. I couldn’t imagine leaving her here when I have a big, empty home back in New York.”

  “Wait till we tell Maddy. She’ll be so happy for you both. We can’t thank you enough for coming up here and helping Robby. Susan was right when she bragged about your skills.”

  “All in a day’s work. Take care of that arm, Emily. Give my best to Maddy.”

  Emily made a mental note to call and thank her friend Susan for recommending him.

  When they got to Maddy’s room, she was sitting up in bed, sipping juice from a straw.

  “Henry, your eye looks awful. Does it hurt?”

  “Nah.”

  “Emily, is that a cast?”

  “It’s a simple fracture. I’ll be out of the cast in just a few weeks. How are you feeling?”

  “Sore, and I’m a little hungry. All they gave me for breakfast is juice and Jell-O.”

  Henry said, “It’s because of the abdominal surgery. You’ll be able to graduate to real food soon. We just saw Jonathan. He’s adopting Oreo and taking her home with him.”

  “Home? He’s leaving? Does that mean…”

  “Maddy, we have the best news. The charges against Robby have been dropped! Jonathan did more digging and uncovered an alibi.”

  “That’s great!” She winced and put her hand on her stomach. “I can’t believe it’s over.”

  “They still haven’t caught Damari’s killer, but yeah. For Robby, this whole nightmare is history.”

  Henry said, “Maybe we can bring him by later to visit.” He didn’t miss how her face lit up when he said that. His phone beeped. “It’s from Megan. Says to come by the station. Maddy, get some rest and we’ll be back later.” He kissed her forehead.

  When they got to the station, Megan ushered them into her office. “Henry, your report about speed not being responsible for the injuries Mercer’s son died of was used in court. So was Damari’s eyewitness account. Those two items swayed the decision to let Robby off the hook. Mercer was well aware of that.”

  “Then that’s a link. What about Chauncey?”

  “Haven’t found a connection yet.”

  Emily said, “Do you have enough to arrest him?”

  “Not even close at this point. We need physical evidence, or eyewitnesses placing him at the crime scenes. Be careful. There’s something else.”

  “What?” said Henry.

  “He has an arrest record. He beat up a guy in a bar fight back a few years ago, and his own wife filed a domestic abuse report.”

  Emily said, “Then your evidence shows he’s violent.”

  “We don’t have all the details, but I’m saying, be careful. We don’t know what we’re dealing with here.”

  Chapter 26

  “Henry, please don’t go over there. Megan says Mercer can be dangerous.” They’d just gotten back home and Henry was grabbing her keys to go out again.

  “I’m just going to talk to him, that’s all. I’ll be fine.”

  Emily’s spine tingled as soon as he locked the door and she heard her Audi drive away. Henry was level headed and cautious—most of the time. Don’t worry. He’s anything but impulsive and will leave if there’s a risk. She tried to concentrate on her writing, but between the painkillers and worrying about Henry, she couldn’t. She missed running, which she was told to avoid while the cast was on. Maybe a walk would do her some good.

  She started around the lake, and found herself heading to Rebecca and Abby’s cabin. Rebecca was out front with Milo, cutting the grass.

  “Hi, Rebecca. Want to do my lawn next?” She shouted behind her. “Rebecca.” Then she tapped her on the shoulder.

  Rebecca turned off the mower and whipped around braced to attack. When she saw Emily, she pulled earphones out of her ears. “Don’t do that. I almost slugged you one.”

  Emily’s thoughts on Rebecca’s dubious work were reinforced. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were listening to music.” I’m lucky she wasn’t carrying a concealed weapon.

  “How’s the arm?”

  “The painkillers work well.”

  “How about Maddy? When does she get out of the hospital?”

  “Not sure, but she’s doing much better. Robby was cleared of Damari’s murder. She’s happy about that.”

  “Great. So who’s on the suspect list?”

  “A guy named Sean Mercer is looking guilty. His son was involved in a snowmobile accident with Dan Fischer and he blames Dan for his son’s death. Damari and Henry both gave accounts that cleared Dan. We are thinki
ng that’s the link.”

  “Come inside, it’s getting hot out. Want some mango iced-tea?”

  “Sure.” She followed Rebecca and Milo inside. Milo ran to his water bowl, slurping and splashing water onto the floor, barely coming up for air.

  “So what do the police have on this Mercer guy?”

  “They say he was arrested in a bar fight, and there were charges of domestic violence. Do you think…”

  Rebecca grabbed her laptop and started searching before Emily finished her sentence.

  “I see the arrest record. For what it’s worth, looks like he was provoked. Let me checked out the domestic violence. Hmm. He called the police on her as well. Several times.”

  “What’s that mean?” She took a sip of her drink, wondering why it tasted so good when whenever she made tea it came out too weak.

  Rebecca typed in more information. “They divorced eight years ago and there was a custody battle. I’m betting both sides were trying to tip the scales in their own favor. Sean Mercer won full custody, so I’m guessing his wife had some skeletons in her closet.”

  “Can you find anything else on him?”

  “Hmm, look away…”

  “Are you going on the dark web or something?”

  Rebecca laughed. “Not quite, but you’re better off not knowing.”

  Emily listened to the quickening cadence of keys clicking under Rebecca’s fingers. “Find anything?”

  “Looks like our Mr. Mercer has a history of mental illness. He’s on some heavy duty psychiatric drugs, and he was Baker acted twice.”

  “What’s that mean?”

  “Hospitalized against his will because he presented a danger to himself or others.”

  “Interesting. Henry went to talk to him. I’m worried.”

  “As long as he’s on these meds he should be okay. Besides, the hospitalizations were some time ago.”

  Abby came in, placing her camera bag on the coffee table. “Hi, Emily. Sorry to hear about the accident.”

  “We’re all going to be fine, thank God. Were you on a shoot?”

  “Yeah. The historical society has me photographing a few sites they’d like to restore. Doubt it’ll happen though. Money’s scarce. Want to see?” She opened the bag and showed Emily the shots through the camera. “I have to process these, but it gives you an idea.”

  Emily felt like she was looking through the View Master she had as a kid. “This is the church in the square, Right?”

  “Yes. To the left is an old Bingo Hall the city wants to demolish. I hear there was more than Bingo going on there. Gambling was a town pastime according to the woman from the historic society. And the next ones are of some business—a dairy farm, and two lumber mills. They are the original buildings from when the town was founded. The town got its name from the lumber businesses powered by Sugarbury Falls.”

  “I wonder how many people know this town once relied heavily on the lumber industry.”

  “Christmas trees, too. The lady from the historical society says their dream is to turn one of the mills into a living museum, with actors demonstrating how it was in the old days. It’d be a great side job for the college students looking to make extra money.”

  “Interesting. Henry’s family owned or worked for a lumber mill.”

  “Say no more,” said Rebecca. “What was the family name?”

  “Fox. Try Theodore Fox.”

  “Got it. His father built the business. Passed it on to his son.”

  “That would have been Henry’s grandfather. Henry’s father was the first to go to college. He was a physician. He never mentioned being involved with the mill.”

  “It was sold to another family, but went out of business shortly afterward.”

  Emily finished her drink. “Thanks, both of you.” She headed toward home, taking the long way around the lake.

  Meanwhile, Henry pulled up in front of Sean Mercer’s house. It was run down, in need of paint, and the lawn was overrun with weeds. He wasn’t sure what he’d say, but was driven to confront him. How dare he try to kill him and his family. He knocked, waited, knocked again.

  “What do ya’ want?” A man a bit younger than Henry cracked the door open. “Go away.”

  “I just want to talk to you. I’m Dr. Fox.”

  “Wait a minute. I remember that name. You’re that doctor who helped keep my son’s killer on the street. Get outta here before I make you sorry you came.”

  “Stop threatening me and my family. I know you killed Damari and Dan Fischer, but it has to stop. Now.” He pushed his way in through the cracked door.

  “I’m gonna call the police. Not that they’ve been much help.”

  Henry smelled beer on Mercer’s breath. “I’m not responsible for your son’s death. It was an accident.”

  “The hell you’re not. You told the court speed didn’t kill my boy when I know that slime ball doctor was speeding. I was with my son that day. I saw it myself.”

  “His injuries were typical for an accident at normal speed. And was it worth killing Damari over?”

  “Who?”

  “The witness who testified Dan Fischer wasn’t speeding.”

  “I didn’t kill nobody. Not yet, at least.” He picked up an umbrella from the stand near the door. “Looks like you didn’t fare well in your last fight either.” He whacked Henry with it, until Henry managed to grab it out of his hands and throw it across the room.

  “This isn’t the last you’ve heard from me. You’re going to jail.” He slammed the door behind him. On his way to the Audi, he saw something sticking out from behind the house and walked around. A canoe! And Mercer’s car had a boat trailer behind it. He wondered if there were traces of blood in that canoe. Traces of Damari’s blood.

  Chapter 27

  Henry stormed into the cabin. “Emily, he’s guilty. I know it.”

  “You never should have gone over there alone. Are you okay? Did he admit to killing Damari and Dan?”

  “No, but I saw a canoe in his yard and a trailer hooked to his white SUV. I’m going to call Megan.”

  Dallas, carrying his tool box, came in from the kitchen. “All done. There’s some dust to clear but the cabinets look great. Come see.”

  Henry, too angry to care, plopped down on the sofa while Emily followed Dallas.

  “This looks wonderful.” She took out her phone. “Here’s the before picture.”

  “Looks like a whole different house. Now we need an after.”

  Emily snapped a photo. “Let me get my checkbook. Be right back.”

  When she returned to the living room, Henry was talking to Megan on the phone.

  “Yes, I’m sure. It has to be him. I bet you’ll find blood in the canoe. And see if he’s missing an oar while you’re at it. No, I don’t have anything tying him to Dan or my little encounter. Isn’t that your job?” He hung up.

  “Henry, don’t be like that. They’re on our side.”

  “When my family is threatened, It’s urgent.”

  Emily wrote out a check and brought it to the kitchen. “Thanks a million, Dallas. Now go home and take your wife and baby out for a nice steak dinner. A new steak house opened near the Walmart last month. I don’t eat meat, but I’ve heard raves about it.”

  “Maybe I’ll give it a try. Alexandra loves steak and baked potatoes.”

  “Then she’s a sophisticated eater for an infant. Watch out, she’s going to be expensive to feed.”

  After he left, Emily cuddled on the couch next to Henry. “I saw Rebecca and Abby today. Rebecca found out Mercer has a history of mental illness. I hope you’ll stay away from him from now on.”

  “He’s a drunken buffoon if you ask me. I can picture him getting angry and hitting Damari with an oar. He came after me with an umbrella.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “An umbrella, Emily. I’m fine.”

  “Abby was taking pictures for the historical society. She had a photo of the church in the square, a bingo hall
, and a few abandoned farms and lumber mills. Did you know your great grandfather owned a lumber mill?”

  “Yeah. My grandfather took it over after he died. They wanted my father to take the reins when Grandpa was ready to retire, but he had a different vision for himself.”

  “He wanted to become a doctor, right?”

  “Yeah. Manual labor wasn’t his thing and he hated the idea of running a business.”

  Henry’s phone rang. “Megan, yeah, we’re home. No, I didn’t threaten him; in fact, he threatened me. He’s our man, I’m sure of it. What email? Really? See, that proves it. Restraining order? I won’t go near his place again but can’t wait to visit him when he’s behind bars.”

  “Henry, you will stay away, right?”

  “Yeah. He’s not going to admit anything. I’m hoping the police get a warrant and search that canoe of his. I’ll bet there’s physical evidence that will put him away.”

  “What email was Megan talking about?”

  “It was from a woman who said she was on a date with Dan Fischer one night and Mercer came up to them and threatened Dan.”

  “Just now this comes up?”

  “She thought it sounded fishy, too. She says they get all sorts of tips that never pan out in these kinds of cases.” Perhaps Nurse McPhee had an attack of conscious.

  “Should we call Maddy and say goodnight?” She reached in her pocket and on the coffee table. “I must have left it in the kitchen.”

  Henry turned on the TV while she was retrieving the phone and began channel surfing. He landed on a documentary about gambling in America.

  “It was right on the table where I left it,” said Emily. “What are you watching?”

  “It’s about the history of gambling. It was a big problem a hundred years ago, and it still is.”

  “Turn it up. That looks like the place Abby photographed. It’s a bingo hall. Not the one in the square, but looks similar.”

  “It’s a bingo hall that was a front for mob-run poker games. What a great cover. According to this show, it was pretty common.” Henry went into the kitchen. “Want some coffee? I can put a pot on?”