“The doc was right, Dan. Every bottle shows a speck of rat poison. Whoever did this wasn’t looking for a quick death. We’re waiting to hear from the FBI with the fingerprints found on the juice bottles and the scotch. Any luck finding out who was in the hotel suite enjoying a cocktail while the victim was dying?”
“We waited for verification of a crime being committed. I think we have enough to start asking questions.”
At the hotel
“Mr. Thorpe, it’s Peggy Simms, I’m sorry to disturb you on your day off. I’m calling about an incident that took place in the hotel last night.”
“What kind of incident, it better be a good one, I’d planned to sleep in this morning.”
“The guest in Suite D was found dead by the maid, late last night. The police are conducting an investigation. Detectives Dan North and his partner, Rob Granger are asking questions. I thought you should know.”
“Suite D? That’s Carolina Bloom’s suite, I knew that woman was trouble. Don’t answer any questions until I get there.”
***
“Detective, Mr. Thorpe has instructed the staff not to answer your questions until he gets here.”
“Who the devil is Mr. Thorpe?”
“Delbert Thorpe, he’s the hotel’s financial officer. He’s in charge when the general manager is away.”
“Why would you not answer my questions, Ms. Simms, do you have something to hide?”
“No, sir, I have nothing to hide, I didn’t know Ms. Bloom. When she first arrived, she was in and out of the hotel often. She began her radio show, Carolina Bloom in the Morning. It wasn’t very long before Rebecca Snow took over for her. After that, she stayed in her suite. She didn’t have many visitors. In fact, the only ones I remember are Rebecca Snow and a handsome gentleman who visited occasionally. Now that I think of it, he was here yesterday, he was leaving the hotel when I came back from my dinner break.”
“As far as you know, he was the last person to see Carolina Bloom alive.”
“I’ve said too much. Mr. Thorpe will have my head for not following his orders.”
“I won’t tell him, Peggy. You have been very helpful. We will be doing a thorough search of the suite.”
“Mr. Thorpe will be mad if I let you in the room.”
“The room is a crime scene, Peggy. You don’t have a choice and neither does Mr. Thorpe.”
***
“Peggy, what is going on? Why are there policemen in Suite D? I told you not to do anything until I arrived. You disobeyed my instructions. I’ll deal with you later.”
“Officer, what is the meaning of this? What are your men doing in a private room of my hotel?”
“It’s Detective North. I presume you are Mr. Thorpe. This suite is a crime scene. My men are looking for evidence in the death of Ms. Carolina Bloom.
“I see you signed a receipt for ten-thousand dollars in cash payment of rent on this suite until the end of the month. Who gave you the money, Mr. Thorpe?”
“I’m not answering any questions until my attorney is present.”
“It’s a simple question, Mr. Thorpe. I’ve checked with your bookkeeper and she only recorded an eight-thousand-dollar payment. Where is the rest of the money?
“Mr. Thorpe, how much do you know about the effects of rat poison on an individual?”
Delbert Thorpe’s face turned beet red, his hands began to shake and he reached out to the tabletop to steady himself.
“Okay, I did help myself to a lousy couple thousand dollars, but I didn’t poison anyone. You can’t pin this on me.”
Suddenly, from the doorway of Suite D, a booming voice was heard saying, “Thorpe, you’re fired, get your belongings and get out of my hotel. Security will walk you to your office where you will hand over the money you stole.”
Peggy Simms stood by the door trying to control the grin on her face.
“Detective, I’m Reginald Barkley, I’m general manager of this hotel. I was visiting my daughter in Pittsburgh and came back early this morning after being informed of our guest’s death. What can I do to help you in your investigation?”
“Sir, it’s unfortunate Ms. Bloom’s death took place in your hotel. We believe she was systematically poisoned. The evidence indicates the source of the poisoning did not originate from the hotel or any of its facilities including the kitchen.”
“That’s a relief, after what I heard from Delbert Thorpe, I was beginning to suspect other members of the staff.”
“I can assure you, everyone has been extremely cooperative beginning with Maria who found Ms. Bloom unresponsive to Peggy Simms who I’m certain Mr. Thorpe terrorized.”
Dan received a call from the lab.
“We have the FBI results on the fingerprints found on both the juice bottles and the scotch bottle and glass.
“The juice bottles were apparently wiped clean, only fresh prints were found. They belong to Rebecca Snow. The scotch bottle prints were smudged but we were able to lift fresh ones from the glass. The only prints were of Bradley Pickett. I know Rebecca Snow, she took over for Ms. Bloom on her morning show. Bradley Pickett is a stockbroker from New York City. I hope it helps with your investigation.”
“Thanks, Sammy, it gives me a place to start. I hope Mrs. Snow is in church this fine Sunday morning, she’s going to need all the prayers she can get.”
Chapter Fifteen
“Rebecca Snow?” asked Detective North when Rebecca opened her front door. He introduced himself and his partner, Detective Rob Granger, while they both showed their badges.
“Yes, Detectives, are you here because of Carolina Bloom’s death? According to the newspaper article, you suspect she didn’t die from natural causes.”
Without responding to Rebecca, Dan asked if she was willing to answer some questions.
“Of course, please come in. This is my husband, Andrew Snow. Andy these are Detectives North and Granger.”
The detectives were all business as Rebecca led them to the living room.
“I can’t think of any information I have that will be helpful.”
“We’ll be the judge of that, Mrs. Snow. How long did you know the victim, Carolina Bloom?”
“I knew her most of my life. We were both born in Oakwood Park and attended the same elementary and high schools. Carolina left town shortly after graduation. I hadn’t heard from her until a few years later when she came back home for several months. She moved to California and only recently returned to Oakwood Park again.”
“How well did you know her when you were in school together?”
“Not well, Carolina didn’t seem interested in friendship. She was a beautiful girl, but I have come to find out she didn’t have a happy childhood.”
“Is it true you have taken over her job as hostess of her television show?”
“Yes, Carolina asked me to fill in for her while she was recuperating from an illness. I agreed because the station manager said he would cancel her show if she didn’t come to work. Angus Carlson agreed to the change.”
“What happens now, will the show carry your name?”
“Goodness, I don’t think anyone has thought that far ahead. I was a temporary hostess, not a permanent fixture. I have nothing to do with the future of the show.”
“Mrs. Snow, what can you tell us about the bottles of pineapple juice in Ms. Bloom’s hotel suite refrigerator?”
“Carolina preferred a special brand of pineapple juice the studio ordered for her. She asked me to bring her the extra bottles. It seemed to be the only thing she could keep down. Mr. Carlson’s assistant gave me permission to remove them from the staff lounge. Carolina was the only person who drank pineapple juice.”
“Are you aware rat poison was added to the juice and your fingerprints are the only ones found on the bottles?”
“What are you saying, Detective? You can’t possibly think I tried to poison Carolina.”
“Rebecca, don’t say another word,” said Andy. “Detective, this inte
rview is over until our attorney is present.”
“Detective, I have nothing to hide but I agree with my husband.”
“That is your right, Mrs. Snow. I’ll expect you in my office tomorrow morning at nine o’clock.”
***
“Ted Blake is on his way. He said not to panic, it’s probably not as bad as it seems,” said Andy.
“It’s not Ted who is accused of murder. Andy, what am I going to do? My fingerprints are on those juice bottles. I couldn’t be the only one to handle them, it’s obvious they were wiped clean before I touched them.”
***
Dan was glad he had time to investigate Rebecca Snow. She seemed like a nice enough lady but how many times had he heard victims exclaim how nice a proven criminal seemed.
Midge found an old high school yearbook in the research department archives.
Drama Club was the only activity listed under Caroline Bloom’s name. Dan recognized Rebecca Wilson as the woman known as Rebecca Snow. It was obvious from the list of her activities she was an overachiever who’d also made the honor roll each year.
Looking through the yearbook, Dan noticed several photos of Rebecca with the same boy at a dance, at a football rally and other school-related activities. He wasn’t surprised when he checked the photos of the senior class and recognized Bradley Pickett as the person with Rebecca Snow throughout the book.
“Rob,” said Dan, “did you get an impression about the Snows marriage? Did Andy Snow seem angry?”
“He didn’t only seem angry, he was angry, but not at his wife. He was angry at us for suggesting Mrs. Snow is guilty of murder. I’m sorry, Dan, I just don’t buy it, I can’t see that woman killing anyone.”
***
Midge called from her desk. “Dan, Greg Hoffman from the Oakwood Park Chronicle is here, he wants to ask you some questions about the Bloom case.”
***
“Dan, you went to see Rebecca Snow today. Is she a suspect in the murder case?”
“How do you know that? Are you following me, Greg?”
“Sure, how else am I going to get to the bottom of this whodunit? The people have a right to know and you are usually the most accommodating cop on the force.”
“I have always told you everything I know when I have proof. I agree, the people have the right to know but reporters don’t have the right to print a story without the facts. We have the supermarket tabloids for that purpose.”
“I’m trying to avoid this story getting into the tabloids, Dan. Carolina Bloom was a celebrity, of sorts. How much do you know about the relationship between Carolina and Rebecca Snow?”
“I never heard of either of them before the incident. What do you know?”
“Their rivalry goes back some twenty plus years. Carolina stole Rebecca’s boyfriend the night of the senior prom. The boyfriend left Rebecca high and dry when he ran off with the willing Carolina. My mom was in their senior class and said Rebecca suffered from humiliation for the rest of the school year. It sounds like she finally got her revenge.”
“Was the boyfriend’s name Bradley Pickett?”
“Yes, how did you know that? I guess you have done your research after all. What can I tell my readers?”
“Look, Greg, I can’t tell you anything, we will be talking to Mrs. Snow tomorrow along with the staff of the television show and the folks from the playhouse. You’ll be the first to know if we solve this case.”
Greg left the police station. His next stop would be his mother’s house. His mother was always good for the latest gossip in town. He was sure he could coax her to remember her high school days and the Rebecca, Brad and Carolina triangle.
***
“Rob, is it possible to hold a grudge for over twenty years?”
“Sure, I’d still like to punch Joe Barnes in the nose for stealing my girl in eighth grade. Do you think Mrs. Snow still resented the Bloom woman? Killing an old rival seems a bit extreme, but I suppose murders have taken place for less reason.”
***
Dan poked his head out the door. “Midge, see if you can find an address and phone number for Bradley Pickett.”
“I’m on it, sir,” Midge replied.
Chapter Sixteen
“Rebecca,” said Ted Blake, “I know you are upset about being questioned by the police. You and I know you are innocent of any wrongdoing and the evidence is flimsy at best. I want you to tell me everything you can remember about your encounters with Carolina Bloom since her recent arrival in Oakwood Park.”
Rebecca told the attorney everything she could remember. She talked about how strange it seemed that Carolina often appeared where Rebecca was, “I thought I was imagining that she was following me. If she was, it stopped when she began feeling ill.”
“I don’t like to mention this, but I’ve heard Brad Pickett has been seen around town with Carolina. Did that bother you?”
“Oh, Ted, why does everyone in this town think I’m still smarting over that stupid prom and the fact that Brad left me there while he went off with Carolina. I admit, I was humiliated that night but I did get over it. You are looking at my consolation prize.” Rebecca said smiling at Andy.
“Yes, you did end up with a good guy. My little sister had a crush on Brad, I thought he was a jerk.”
“You were right, he was a jerk then and a jerk now.”
“Have you seen much of him since he’s been back in town?”
“Only when he was with Carolina. She flaunted him like a trophy. He always seemed uncomfortable being with her. Oh, he did come to our house one time. I was on my way to a meeting when he showed up. I hadn’t seen him in years but I’d heard he was in town. Luckily, Andy showed up and he left willingly.”
“Were you frightened of him?”
“No, he wasn’t frightening, I didn’t have the time or the interest in a mundane chat with an old flame.”
“Did anyone see him arrive?”
“I don’t know, why do you ask, Ted? You don’t think there was something going on between Brad and me.”
“I don’t, I’m anticipating questions you might be asked. The police don’t always play nice when they have a murder to solve”
Rebecca fought back the tears. Andy told the attorney he knew his wife and trusted her. “Ted, the police can’t be seriously thinking Rebecca did this horrible thing. Anyone who knows her knows she isn’t capable of murder.”
“The detectives don’t know Rebecca, Andy. Dan North and Rob Granger transferred from a department up north.”
“Half the folks in town will gladly be character witnesses.”
“Andy, the police have questions for Rebecca. No one is talking about a murder trial.”
Ted left saying he’d be back in the morning to drive them both to the police station. He didn’t trust Andy to keep his mind on the road.
***
Greg’s mother, Carol Hoffman, greeted her son at the door.
“Greg, what a nice surprise; what brings you by?”
“Mom, I want you to tell me everything you know about Rebecca Wilson Snow.”
“Do they think she killed Carolina? Oh, my goodness, what a story that would be. You know their rivalry goes back to their senior year in high school when Carolina stole Rebecca’s boyfriend right out from under her nose.”
“Yes, Mom, how much do you know about their relationship now?”
“I can only guess. You know Carolina hosted this horrible television show in the morning. It was truly shameful with talk of sex and infidelity. That was before they pulled her off the air because of some strange illness and put Rebecca in her place. It was a whole different show then; Rebecca didn’t have any smut on it.
“Did you know, the Community Playhouse was going to put on a play starring Carolina? I heard Rebecca was so mad she refused to play second fiddle to the likes of Carolina Bloom. Eventually, they changed their minds and told Carolina they weren’t doing the play after all. Guess who’s the star of the substitution?”
<
br /> “Mom, I understand Carolina was too sick to do her show or act in a play. Are you sure it wasn’t because of her illness that they decided not to do the play?”
“That’s what Mary Lou Franklin told me. Mary Lou is the agent who sold Elsie Pickett’s house. She said Bradley told her to handle the sale and get what she could for the place. He had no intention of coming back to Oakwood Park. However, when Carolina showed up in town, Bradley was waiting for her at the airport. There was something going on with those two. Carolina pranced around town on Brad’s arm like she was flaunting their romance. If you ask me, Rebecca did better with her marriage to Andy Snow. Now, thanks to Brad Pickett, it will be curtains for that marriage. Of course, Rebecca could be spending the rest of her days in jail.”
Murder In Oakwood Park Page 7
