Chicken Culprit

by Vikki Walton

  “I’d rather not speculate. Or talk about it without any facts.” He buttered some bread and took a bite.

  “Look, I’m just saying, I think there are others with more of a motive to kill Ralph.”

  He held up his hand as he swallowed. “Like who? You don’t know all that many people here in town yet. Plus, as I’ve already said, all the evidence points to Kandi. Also, this isn’t the first time these two have clashed.” He motioned to the basket. “More bread?”

  Anne shook her head. “While that may be true, there are others who stand to gain. What about Stewart?”

  “Ralph’s nephew?” Sam shook his head. “I’ve known Stewart forever. He’s a good guy.”

  “Okay. But I saw Stewart storm off from Ralph’s not too long before he was killed. Maybe his uncle wouldn’t help with more money for his business. He stands to inherit part of Ralph’s property which is double the size of my lot or Kandi’s.”

  “Hmmm. Interesting. But that’s still another motive for Kandi.” The golden joined the pair, looking up at Sam. “Down, Hank.” The dog circled before flopping down next to the chair.

  “What do you mean?” Anne set her fork down.

  “For a long time, Kandi has wanted to create an agritourism industry here. If she had Ralph’s place, it’d be another step toward making it come true. In a town this size, it’s not often property comes up for sale. Yours was one of the exceptions.”

  “Going with your premise, then why didn’t she just buy my house?”

  “You know yourself it needs a lot of work.”

  “Tell me about it. The entire upper story probably has to be gutted. As of right now, I’m living in the kitchen and maid’s quarters. But I also got the place for a song. So Kandi could have bought it and fixed it up just like I’m doing. It should triple in value once repairs and updates are complete.”

  “True. However, why not buy a place that’s ready to go? Plus, no dealing with your husband harping about the bad deal you made.”

  “Sounds like you’re not a Jeff fan either,” Anne replied. “Jeff grew up alongside all of us, but he couldn’t wait to leave and hit the big city. He works with some kind of financial organization but ended up getting fired. Not long after he got back he started seeing Kandi. Her grandfather made no bones about his dislike for Jeff. Then once Kandi’s mom showed up, and the whole inheritance thing, he never left. Everyone knows he married Kandi for a chance to get his hands on her mother’s money, but you can’t tell her that. She defends Jeff no matter what. He’s all about the money. The more, the better.” He sighed.

  “You don’t suppose Jeff killed Ralph, and Kandi’s covering for him?”

  He sat back in his chair. “That’s an intriguing thought.

  But I can’t see Kandi doing anything like that.” He leaned in. “There’s been some rumors he has a girlfriend up in Denver. I really feel sorry for Kandi. She is the true epitome of the saying that love is blind.

  “Hold on.” Sam returned with two ramekins. “Egg custard.”

  “Yum.” Anne slid the spoon into the rich dessert. “Oh, wow. You really are a wonderful cook. You’ll make some lady a great husband one day.”

  “We’ll see.”

  A thought occurred to Anne. “What about Hope?” “What about her?”

  “Well, you’re both interested in medicine, and you’re about the same age, I would think. How old are you anyway?”

  “Does that matter?” His voice came across rough.

  The question took her aback. “No. I was just saying you’re close to the same age, that’s all.” She took a bite of the custard.

  “Don’t get me wrong. Hope’s a great lady. But she’s not the one for me.”

  “Okay. Sorry I brought it up.”

  He stared off toward the lake. Something hit Anne on the nose. Soft and light. Another hit. Then another. She looked up. “It’s snowing!” she yelled gleefully. Snowflakes tickled her face. Hank ran to her side, dancing.

  “Looks like we’re getting our first snowfall early this year.”

  “Does that happen often?” She tipped her head to the sky.

  “It’s Colorado. When it comes to the weather,

  anything can happen. That’s what I love about it.” He moved his chair back. “Let’s get this stuff inside, and then I’ll take you home.”

  They cleared away the detritus of their meal. “That was delicious. I can’t remember the last time I had such a wonderful meal. And such a delightful dinner companion too.”

  “Thanks for the compliments. I don’t think we were expecting any major accumulation so this will probably quit soon but just in case probably best to get you home.” Anne reluctantly put the high heels back on her feet.

  In the meantime, Sam shut off the fireplace, moved the table inside, and closed the window wall.

  “Here.” He held out the jacket she’d worn earlier. He grabbed another from a closet.

  “Bye, Hank. Keep the home fires burning.” The retriever raised his head and grinned.

  “Did he just smile?” Anne patted the dog’s head. “Goldens always look like that.” Sam patted the dog’s head. “Isn’t that right, bud?”

  They crossed over the deck toward the front porch. Already the ground out to the truck looked wet. “Hold on.” Sam moved toward a shed. He returned lugging a large cut sheet of plywood. He laid it out next to the bottom step. Motioning at her to wait, he maneuvered the truck so the plywood covered the wet ground. He came around the truck and opened the passenger door. “At your service.” He bowed.

  Anne stepped onto the wood and entered the truck. “Thanks.”

  “Don’t want you mad at me for ruining your—

  Kandi’s—shoes.” He moved to the driver’s side, and they began the bumpy ride to the main road.

  Anne took one last backward glance at the cabin. “You really have a nice place here.”

  “You should see it when the sun sets over the water.” He turned and smiled at her.

  She smiled back. What’s a little harmless flirting? The man is handsome, a great cook, a good conversationalist, and very charming. He’s the one who can help me find Ralph’s killer.

  They had reached the main intersection. He looked both ways and pulled out.

  “I’ll have to come back to see that sunset some day.” Up ahead, something caught her attention. She pointed at something on her side of the road. “Look! What’s that?”

  Sam down-shifted. He turned on the high beams and leaned forward, straining to see through the darkness and falling snow. In an instant, he pulled off to the shoulder and shoved the gear into park. “Wait here!” He shot out of the door and sprinted in front of the truck.

  Anne tentatively opened her door. Then looking at the wet, snowy ground, she decided to stay put. She craned her body out as far as she could.

  A car had run off the road and now rested half in and half out of a shallow bar ditch. The car’s red taillights were what she’d seen. Steam rose from the engine, twirling in a strange dance with the snowflakes that now fell heavily from the sky. She squinted. It looked like a person slumped over the steering wheel.

  “No!” It had finally registered what she was seeing.

  Anne knew whose car it was.

  Eliza’s.

  Chapter Eleven

  After the ambulance had left with Eliza, Sam took Anne home.

  Had Eliza missed the turn? Had someone run her off the road? If they had, did it have to do with Ralph’s murder? Did Eliza know something that someone didn’t want her to remember?

  The adrenaline rush subsided, and exhaustion found her. Her eyelids drooped. Better to go to sleep and think about everything tomorrow. Nothing could be done tonight. Yet, Anne slept fitfully.

  Her dreams were a mash-up of so many things. Kandi grabbing the axe from Ralph.

  A shady figure running across Ralph’s property. Eliza’s car covered in designer gloves.

  Falling into the compost pile. Being walked on by
a chicken.

  Something scratchy licking her face.

  This isn’t part of the dream. Something is really licking my face.

  Her raised hand met with something furry. Anne shot up in bed as a black ball of fur tumbled to her lap. A tiny kitten gazed up at her and mewed softly. The kitten circled around a couple of times before curling into a tight ball. Purring commenced.

  A giggle. Kandi stood at the door.

  Don’t these people ever knock around here?

  “Surprise!” Kandi chirped in an annoying morning- person voice.

  Groaning, Anne fell back on the bed and pulled the quilt over her head.

  Maybe, just maybe, she’ll go away. She felt body weight settle next to her.

  “Yum. This coffee is so, so good. Guess I’ll just have to, like, drink it myself.”

  Anne mumbled through the covers, “Over my dead body.”

  “That can be arranged. You know, like, I’m a scary axe murderer who kills people for fun.”

  Anne sat up, pushed the covers down, and accepted the steaming mug. Kandi had made it just the way she liked it with a hint of cream and a touch of sweetness. Gone were the days of having to endure black coffee so as not to put on an ounce of weight. She fluffed her pillows and sat back against the headboard. “So to what do I owe this early morning honor?” She took another satisfying swallow. “And what’s with the kitten?”

  “Sam told me what happened last night with Eliza. He didn’t have your cell phone number. He wanted me to check up on you.”

  “That’s nice, but I’m fine. Just a bit of a shock. First Ralph and now Eliza’s accident. I came here to get away from the big city and bad things.” She looked down at the purring kitten. “Still, what about this little thing?”

  “My tabby had a run-in with a friendly tom a while back. He got in, or she got out.” Kandi stuck her hair behind an ear. “Anyway, now I’ve got these kittens needing a good home, and you need a mouser.”

  “A mouser?” Anne frowned, distracted by the almost empty cup.

  Without a word, Kandi took the cup and set off for the kitchen. Anne picked up the sleeping kitten and held it next to her ear. The purring increased as she stroked the black fur.

  Kandi returned. Anne set the kitten down and took the cup. “You really are sweet. Strange but sweet.” She smiled at the girl.

  “Ha. Ha. Where was I? Oh yeah, like …” She caught herself. “Winter is coming soon.”

  “Winter. That explains it.” Anne savored the warmth of the cup she held.

  “Good. Glad you know, then.” Kandi sat down at the end of the bed.

  “Um, no. I have no idea what you are talking about. I was being facetious.”

  “You were, like, being…wait…that sounds familiar.” “Never mind. Why do I need a mouser? Ohhh…”

  She glanced around the room.

  “Finally! The light bulb comes on at last.” Kandi plopped down on the bed.

  “Look, I just woke up but I don’t want a cat. If I see a mouse, I’ll simply put out a trap.”

  “Listen, you’re not living upstairs. There are lots of holes, and even though it’s not being heated much, it’s warmer than outside. They come in, make their nests and, like, soon you’ve got a huge mouse village. Before you know it, they’re singing YMCA.”

  Anne struggled to not spit her coffee all over her bed as images of Village Mice in various costume danced through her head.

  “A cat will make sure that doesn’t happen. Those mice know there is no room at this inn.” Kandi smiled. “Plus, you, like, need a companion. You’re all alone in this big old house.”

  “Thanks for reminding me.” Anne certainly liked the solitude and running her own life, but with a murderer on the loose, it had made the old house a tad less inviting.

  “You’re welcome.” Kandi smoothed down the bedcover with her hand.

  This girl is really naïve. Anne watched the young woman. No, she just thinks the best of everyone and everything. Kandi is fresh air to my stale, cynical spirit.

  “Oh, wait. You’re being, like, what was it again? Facetious!” Kandi laughed. “I’m already learning so much from you.” She hopped off the bed. “Well, got to go.”

  “Wait!” Anne yelled in vain as the back door slammed. “I don’t want any kitten!”

  The tiny creature looked up at her and meowed pitifully. She raised the kitten so they were eye to eye. “Okay, fine. But this is just a trial. You hear me? You don’t catch any mice and you’re out of here.” Anne placed the black ball of fluff in her lap. She’d almost fallen back to sleep when the back door banged open again and Kandi reappeared. “Oh, I forgot. Meeting at my house at ten to discuss the homesteading fair and who’s going to do what. See you there.”

  “Can’t make it.” Anne yawned.

  “What do you mean you can’t make it? I need everyone to help.” Kandi planted her fists on her hips. “You can’t help? Oh, okay. Sorry. Didn’t realize, like, your schedule was so full.” She stood there, waiting.

  “Fine. Fine. I’ll be there. I’m just not sure how much I can help. I’m trying to get things ready for the winter. Next week, I’m interviewing carpenters and repairmen.” “Great. See you then. I left a bit of kibble and a package of chicken livers in the fridge for the kitten.”

  The young woman moved to the door.

  “Kandi, hold on!” Anne placed the kitten on the bed and swung her legs over the side. “How did you get in my house?”

  “Oh, simple. I just, like, used the key on top of the door frame. Everyone does that here in case someone forgets and locks their door. Did you forget?” Kandi cocked her head.

  “No. I didn’t forget. I lock my doors. You know there is a murderer on the loose!”

  Kandi frowned. “Oh gosh. I forgot about that.” Her forehead crinkled. Then a smile played across her lips. “But since I’m supposed to be the murderer, I guess I’m, like, okay. They wouldn’t want to murder me because then people would know they’re, like, the murderer. So I’m safe!” She brushed her hair from her face and pulled an elastic band off her wrist. With a quick, familiar action, she pulled her hair into a high ponytail. “See you at ten!”

  As Kandi bounded out of the room, Anne shook her head. “Yep, one brick short.”

  By the time Anne arrived at Kandi’s, a line of cars had formed in front of the house. Inside, a cluster of men and women were either piling food on plates or pouring coffee into various mugs set on the counter. Jeff made his way halfway down the back kitchen staircase, shook his head, turned, and hurried back upstairs.

  Chairs were set up in a semicircle. People sat with plates perched precariously on their laps. A whiteboard stood next to the fireplace. The group of people hushed as Kandi entered and strode across the room. Grabbing Anne’s hand, she led her in front of the group.

  “Everyone, this is Anne. She bought the old place across the cul-de-sac.” She motioned in the direction of Anne’s house. She was, like, with me when I found Ralph.” Kandi shivered and Anne instinctively placed a hand on her arm. Kandi beamed up at Anne.

  A couple whispered to each other.

  “Are we going to get started?” an elderly man with salt-and-pepper hair growled at the group. “I got work to do.”

  Next to him, a petite woman patted his hand. “Now,

  Stanley, you know we set aside time for this. Those boys out working will do just fine.”

  He harrumphed and grabbed his Carhartt jacket as it slid toward the floor.

  Kandi smiled at the group. “Thank you all for coming. As many of you know I’m, like, so excited to be this year’s chair of our annual homesteading fair. I—”

  An older woman with hair dyed bright orange interrupted Kandi. “I think we need to cancel this event.” What’s up with older women and the stock Halloween hair colors? Oh patron saint of old ladies, please don’t let me pick orange, black, or even blue hair color when I get older. The orange-haired lady continued. “I’m just going to say it aga
in. I don’t know why we need any homesteading fair. We got the county fair every year over in Larimer County.”

  “Ms. Alice, you know that is an hour and a half away from Carolan Springs.” Kandi turned to the woman. “This is to create an avenue to showcase our growing agritourism efforts. It brings tourists.”

  “I don’t want no dad-burn tourists coming here,” Stanley interjected. “We got enough of them city folk moving here already.” He stared pointedly at Anne.

  Kandi sighed. “Now, Mr. Culpepper, you need to sell all those great apples from your orchard.”

  Anne could almost see the wheels turning in Mr.

  Culpepper’s mind about possible profits to be gained. “And Ms. Alice, like, everyone knows you make the most beautiful winning quilts in the county.” Alice beamed and sat up straighter.

  One of the younger individuals in the group spoke up. She was half of a couple that looked to be about Kandi’s age. “I really think this is a great opportunity for us. We could use some help—”

  “In my day, we didn’t gripe about help, we just did it,” the older man interrupted.

  His wife patted his hand again, “Stanley.”

  The young woman continued, “Our goats take a lot of work and, besides milking, there’s making cheese and soap. Being able to sell product and also do some teaching will really be helpful when…”

  Hope appeared in the doorway. She held on to her mother’s hand. As Faith scoped the room with her gaze, it landed on the young woman who’d been talking. She let go of Hope’s hand and walked directly to the young woman.

  “Twins.” She put her hands on the woman’s stomach. “One of each.” She smiled up at the woman, kissed her on the forehead, and turned back to Hope.

  Everyone turned to the young couple, and then a middle-aged woman jumped up. “Is this true, Karen?”

  The young woman smiled shyly and then broke out in a big grin, as she took her husband’s hand. “We’re pregnant.”

  The group broke out in applause. Congratulations were given and received.