by Mary Angela
She shifted her weight. “I know that’s true. I just can’t believe Mia would do anything to one of us.”
“Maybe she wouldn’t,” I rushed to say. “But she’s in a very dark place right now and has done some very disturbing things.”
“You think she’s disturbed?”
“I’m not a medical doctor,” I said. “But if that’s her wig, I think it’s possible that she’s struggling with mental illness and needs help. Did she ever see a counselor?”
She thought for a moment before answering. “I don’t know.”
I could hear Lenny and the agent discussing rental terms downstairs. They must have returned from the basement. I took a step toward the stairwell. “Please don’t tell anyone I was here.”
After wrestling with the request for a minute, she nodded, and I started down the steps.
“Professor Prather?”
I turned back.
“If he was abusing her, though, don’t you think he had it coming?”
“Sorry, Alice. That’s one question I can’t answer.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
When we got back to my house, I decided to call Sophie Barnes. She needed to know what I’d found. She’d told me before that she didn’t have enough evidence for a search warrant. Tanner was found in Shakespeare’s Garden, and nothing linked him back to the house. Now something did—the black wig.
“I can’t believe Alice saw you with the wig on,” said Lenny as he poured us each a cup of decaf. “You know that’s going to get back to Giles, right?”
I dug my cellphone out of my purse. “I felt terrible. She didn’t want to believe those things about her friend. I wouldn’t either.” I dialed Sophie’s cell number; it was after eight, so she wouldn’t be at the station. She answered right away.
“Hi, Sophie. It’s Emmeline.”
“Oh my gosh,” said Sophie. “Are you okay? Beamer said you were in the hospital?”
“I’m fine,” I assured her. “They kept me overnight for observation. That’s all.”
“I would’ve called if I’d known you’d been released,” said Sophie. “What an ordeal.”
“For sure,” I said. “Listen, Sophie, I’ve been in Mia’s house, and I found something.”
“Please tell me you didn’t break in.”
“I didn’t break in,” I said.
“Thank goodness. I would have had to arrest you.”
That gave me pause. Sophie used to be my student, but that didn’t mean she would bend the rules—or the law—for me. “The house is for rent, and Lenny wanted to check it out.”
“Mrs. Gunderson said you guys were getting close,” said Sophie. “When I talked to her about the antifreeze, she said Lenny’s at your house nearly every day. She thinks it’s a good sign.”
I glanced at Lenny, who was on the couch sipping his coffee and petting the cat. It was nice to know Mrs. Gunderson thought we were in a good place. “While we were at Mia’s house, I found a black wig. Alice said it’s Mia’s. I think Mia killed Tanner.”
“That would explain why we haven’t been able to find this woman with black hair we keep hearing about, but why would Mia kill him? She seemed to really love him.”
“I know, but I found a journal of hers that said he’d been abusive lately,” I said. “She might have struck back.”
“Striking back I could see,” said Sophie. “That happens a lot in abusive relationships, a confrontation turning physical. But poisoning takes forethought, planning. Did you recognize the handwriting in the journal?”
I let out a breath, feeling a bit defeated. I’d told her Thomas’s theory about the sonnet. We both thought the killer had sent a warning. “The entries were written in cursive, not all-caps.”
“So anyone might have worn Mia’s wig.”
“I suppose. It came from the theater. Technically, it’s not even Mia’s.” I was back at square one. Not exactly square one, because the wig belonged to someone in the house.
“Well, I’ll run it by Beamer,” said Sophie. “I don’t know if it’s enough, and I don’t know if he’ll like that you were poking around Mia’s house. If she’s the killer, you’re in more danger than ever.”
“Alice said she wouldn’t mention I was there.”
“And you trust her?” said Sophie.
“I guess,” I said. “She’s getting her TESOL degree.”
“Boy, things have changed since I was a student.”
Spoken like a true graduate. “Let me know,” I said.
She promised she would before she ended the call.
I joined Lenny on the couch, and he handed me my cup of coffee. I was glad he was here. If Alice did tell Mia or anyone else, we could be in for a long night. Though I didn’t mind being alone, it was nice having help close by if I needed it.
“So, I’ve decided not to rent the house on the corner,” said Lenny.
I took a sip. “What was it? The shag carpet or the killer living upstairs?”
“Neither,” said Lenny. “There are termites in the basement. The agent tried dismissing it as old wood.”
“Gross,” I said. “You know I love old houses, but that’s one house that should be condemned. It’s just spooky.”
“Normally I wouldn’t agree with you, but I do.” He tapped his cup. “There’s just something about that place that bugs me, and it’s not the bugs.”
“Do you think Mia poisoned him there, then dragged him to the garden?”
“No,” said Lenny. “If his symptoms were the same as Andy’s, he was probably poisoned earlier, at the bar.” Lenny was quiet for a moment “Get this: both Andy and Tanner might have been poisoned at a bar.”
“What are you saying?” I said, feeling excited. “Our killer is a bartender?”
“I don’t know,” said Lenny. “It could be the connection we’re looking for.”
“I wish I knew more about Mia and her roommates. I have no idea where or if they work. You would think if they bartended at Harry’s, though, we would have seen them. We eat there all the time.”
“You know how it is. The place is a revolving door for grad students. And we eat Italian—a lot.”
“True,” I said. “Harry’s doesn’t open until eleven, but Bluff View serves breakfast.” I grabbed my phone and opened my Clock app. “I’m setting my alarm. Let’s grab breakfast before class. We can ask questions then.”
Lenny blinked. “But I don’t teach in the morning.”
I gave him a grin. “The sacrifices we make for love.”
* * *
The next day, we were out the door early. Bluff View was a short drive from town, and I wanted plenty of time to ask questions before my classes. Lenny wanted plenty of coffee. Dickinson had harassed him during the night, and he was dragging. I could tell by the shadows under his eyes. But I felt freshly motivated by having a new avenue to explore, and it was a gorgeous morning for a drive.
The sun shone over the prairie grass like a lamp over a book, revealing its secrets to the reader. After the long winter, the sun was a spectacle, a yellow star in the cornflower-blue day. It warmed the fields that would soon be filled with soybeans and corn. With Lenny at my side and the semester almost over, I couldn’t think of a better way to start the spring day. Minus the murder investigation, of course. But even that was almost resolved. I’d narrowed down the suspects. Now I needed proof that my suspicions were correct.
Without the twinkling white lights, Bluff View Restaurant wasn’t as pretty as it was in the evening. It looked older but sturdy, clinging to the rocky edge of the bluff—a testament to the staying power I associated with the Great Plains. Even when times were hard, as they often were, pioneers dug in their heels, making the once-barren fields provide sustenance. As I got out of the car, I looked around at the empty fields, sprinkled with stubble. If the pioneers could do all that, surely I could catch one little killer.
“Let me order first,” said Lenny, holding open the restaurant door. “Once they bring the
coffee, you’re free to start your interrogation. Promise?”
“Promise,” I said. The hostess greeted us with a smile, and I told her two for breakfast. She led us to a beautiful spot overlooking the bluff, handing out menus before she left.
I opened to the daily specials. “I was thinking about the wig last night and—”
Lenny glanced up from his menu. “Remember our deal.”
Our deal was not questioning the staff. He didn’t say anything about not discussing the wig or how tight it was on my head. After the Marie Antoinette fiasco, I was starting to worry about the size of my melon. It had to be my hair.
I focused on the menu, deciding on the Pioneer Pancakes. Topped with pecans and real maple syrup, they sounded delicious. I shut the menu, and Lenny did the same. I smiled at him, and he returned the smile.
“How did you sleep?” I asked. Though I knew the answer, I wanted to show him I could talk about something else besides murder.
“Like I was in the center ring of a three-ring circus,” he muttered. “How about you?”
“Same,” I said, “but I’m used to it.”
When Hailey walked up to our table, I could have fainted. I was that surprised. Dressed in black pants and a white button-up dress shirt, she was obviously our waitress, which meant Lenny’s theory could be right. Andy might have been poisoned by someone who worked here. Much to Lenny’s delight, Hailey was carrying a coffee thermos. We both turned over our cups as she approached.
“Good morning,” Hailey said. “Coffee?”
“Good morning, Hailey. Yes, thank you.” I waited for her to pour Lenny’s coffee before I asked my first question. Despite my excitement, I was determined to act normal—and allow Lenny another cup of coffee. “This is a beautiful view. Have you been working here a long time?”
“A couple of years,” Hailey said. A customer signaled for assistance. “I’ll be right back to take your order.”
Staring out the window, Lenny took a long sip of his coffee. “It is a beautiful view. We should come here more often.”
“Don’t you know who that is?” I whispered.
“Of course I do.” He glanced at me then back at the bluff. “If you pulled a gun out of your backpack right now, and said, ‘This is a stickup,’ I wouldn’t be surprised. You look that suspicious.”
I threw him a look, which he didn’t catch, and turned to the window. Taking a deep breath, I relaxed my shoulders. I tried focusing on the rolling hills, greened by the rain and warmer temperatures of spring, and it started working. From this vantage point, I could see better, think better. It gave me the clarity I needed to solve Tanner’s murder and maybe a little pioneer perseverance, too.
Hailey returned to our table, and I calmly ordered the pancakes. Lenny ordered the Big Bluff Breakfast, which included eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, and hash browns. Either he was really hungry or not as anxious as I was to solve this case.
“How was the volleyball game last night?” I asked as she tucked her pen in her order pad.
“Good,” she said. “Were you there?”
I was relieved Alice hadn’t told her I was in their house. I knew I could trust her. “No, I wanted to go but couldn’t.”
“How’s Mia?” Lenny asked, refilling his coffee mug.
“As good as can be expected,” said Hailey. Her tone was no-nonsense like her hair, pulled into a simple ponytail. “It’ll be better once we graduate and move out.”
“Did she ever talk to the counselor?” I asked. “I know you mentioned a brochure.”
“That brochure wasn’t for her.” Her voice was harsher.
“Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” Maybe the brochure was for Hailey, herself. She was a strong athlete and student. She might have a hard time admitting she needed help coping.
She shook her head. “No, I’m sorry. I just think people expect too much of Mia. She needs time, you know?”
“Exactly,” said Lenny. “She’s going to be fine. Anyway, can I ask you a question about something else? Some gossip I heard?”
Hailey grinned. “As long as it’s not about me.”
“Nah,” said Lenny. “It’s about one of the visiting professors on campus. Andy Wells?”
Lenny was getting good at this—too good. I felt envious of how easily he played it cool.
“That guy who got sick?” Hailey asked.
Lenny nodded. “I heard he was pretty drunk the night of the banquet. Was he?”
Two could play at this game. If he was bad cop, I could be good cop. “I heard it was tainted food. He had to go to the hospital.”
“The guy can’t hold his liquor,” said Lenny. “That’s all.”
“Can you settle it for us?” I asked Hailey. “Were you working?”
“No, I only work early mornings, because of theater, but I heard about it.” She lowered her voice. “Between you and me, management was freaking out. They called everyone into a meeting to make sure no one had violated any food-safety standards. They said the guy was drunk. I guess that was the case because we never heard anymore.”
“I knew I was right,” said Lenny. “I think she should buy breakfast. Don’t you?”
She put up her hands. “I’ll leave that for you two to decide.”
Hailey disappeared to place our order.
“Well, this was a huge waste of time,” I said. “She wasn’t even working the night Andy was poisoned.”
“Gee, thanks,” said Lenny.
I grabbed his hand across the table. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. It’s been a great morning. I could get used to having breakfast with you.”
“Could you?” He studied my face.
“Of course. It’s the most important meal of the day.” Leave it to me to say something stupid like that, but Lenny just laughed and squeezed my hand tighter.
Chapter Thirty-Three
An hour later, Lenny dropped me off at campus. He needed to grab a change of clothes before Shakespeare’s birthday party, and I needed to teach class. I weaved my way through students rushing out of one building and piling into another. Like the air, their chatter was crisp. The end of the semester was near, and the energy was almost palpable. Soon the campus would be a ghost town, a dream at the center of Copper Bluff. The students would disappear, and the days would grow humid and sleepy. I loved those days; they were perfect for reading.
I was thinking about my growing to-read pile when I noticed Mia bent down at the gate of Shakespeare’s Garden. She was placing a red rose on the heap of gifts and mementos outside the garden. I slowed my pace, watching her read some of the notes. A single tear fell from her face onto a slip of paper.
“Hi, Mia,” I said.
She started at the sound of my voice.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”
She brushed away the tear. “You didn’t.”
“How are you doing?”
“I’m okay.” She stood slowly. “They say it gets easier, but I don’t see how. I can’t believe I’ll never see him again.”
“Tanner was full of life,” I said. “Nothing will fill that void, but time will ease the pain.”
“Have you ever lost someone close to you?” she said.
“I lost a student two years ago,” I said. “It was hard to go into the classroom for a while. I kept seeing his face.”
A student whizzed by on a bike, and we stepped off the path.
“I wished I could have done something to prevent it.” I shook my head. “I still blame myself.”
“It’s good to hear you say that,” said Mia, brushing back a piece of her long blonde hair. “I mean, it’s not good, but I thought I was the only one. I blame myself, too.”
“Alice said Tanner was abusive.” I wondered how much I could or should say. I knew victims often blamed themselves instead of the abusers. I wanted Mia to know she wasn’t at fault, but I didn’t want to tell her I’d read her journal.
“I love Al
ice, I really do, but that’s her own history talking. She was abused by her father. That’s how she got the scar on her face.”
No wonder Alice recognized the red flags. She’d suffered abuse herself.
Mia cleared her throat and continued, “Tanner had become physical lately, that’s true, but he never hit me. He’d hit the wall or throw a book. He was under a lot of stress.”
“He never hurt you?” I clarified.
“He squeezed my arm once, left a bruise.”
That sounded like abuse to me.
“I know what you’re thinking,” she said, glancing at me. “But he was passionate—like lots of people in the theater. They have a hard time dealing with their emotions.”
I had friends in the arts, and none of them were abusive. That was simply an excuse for Tanner’s growing anger issues. But I didn’t want to argue with her. For the first time, it felt as if she was opening up. If she wouldn’t talk to a counselor, at least she would talk to me. I didn’t want to scare her away now by pushing. “At one o’clock, there’s a party for Shakespeare’s birthday at Harmony Music Museum. Are you coming?”
She shook her head.
“Why not?” I prodded. “There will be snacks.”
She smiled. “It’s not that I don’t want to go. I have to work. Professor Schwartz has me on the schedule until finals.”
“You’ve been working at the theater all semester?”
“Every afternoon, no exceptions,” she said, in a startling accurate imitation of Schwartz’s voice.
My heartbeat quickened at the revelation. She had access to the skull from Hamlet, Jacob’s Hamlet costume, and the black wig. She was in the theater every afternoon, which provided her access. But it also provided her with something else: an alibi. Mia couldn’t have been home the afternoon Tanner called her “psycho.” That meant the psycho he was talking about wasn’t Mia. It was someone else in the house, and I’d bet it was the woman in the wig. That’s why he grabbed her hair at the symposium; he was trying to tear off the wig and expose her. “Luckily for you, Schwartz will be at the celebration, so he won’t be working,” I said. “It’s the last chance to see Shakespeare’s First Folio. You won’t want to miss it.”
