“Sometimes he’d come to my desk and talk to me during the commercials. He was arrogant and very self-centered. Anytime I mentioned Carolina’s name he had a look of disgust on his face and changed the subject. I remember wondering what she had on the guy, it was obvious he wasn’t seeing her because he had feelings for her.”
“Barb, you have been very helpful, there is one more thing. Is there a reason there weren’t any fingerprints left on the bottles?”
“That’s easy, I wore gloves when I took them out of the cases and wiped off the accumulation of dust before I put them in the refrigerator. I thought if Carolina saw a speck of dust on the bottle, she would know I’d ordered them months before. The bottles in the refrigerator were the last of them. I didn’t reorder because I hoped we’d seen the last of Carolina. Oh, dear, Detective, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.”
The detectives thanked Barb for her cooperation and asked Midge to escort her to the lobby.
“That lets Rebecca Snow off the hook. Whoever did poison those bottles, was fortunate Carolina was particular about when her pineapple juice was purchased. I’m glad I never met the woman, she sounds like a piece of work,” said Rob Granger.
“Let’s get Bradley Pickett in here right away, I don’t want the guy disappearing on us.”
Chapter Nineteen
Mackenzie Snow checked her messages after the airplane landed. Alex texted her to let her know their mother wasn’t being charged and most likely wouldn’t be in the pokey when she got home.
Kenzie never doubted her mother for a minute but was glad the ordeal had ended. She was glad to be home. Traveling across Europe had lost its charm when a handsome Frenchman offered to make her his mistress. She didn’t think anyone could make another person feel tainted, but Adrien Bisset did just that.
Rebecca was supportive when Kenzie called saying how happy she was living in Europe. Kenzie could hear the sadness in her mother’s voice. She didn’t mention the reason for her happiness and now that Adrien was out of her life, she longed to be home again. When Alex called about their mom being in trouble, she couldn’t wait to book her flight to the United States and home.
Her heart skipped a beat as she got closer to the waiting area knowing she would see Jake Morgan again. At thirteen she was hopelessly in love with Alex’s best friend. She shuddered when she remembered how obvious she’d been in her adoration.
Kenzie spotted Jake immediately, she recognized his beautiful smile. If anything, he was better looking than he’d been as an eighteen-year-old.
“Kenzie, you look terrific. I’m sorry you had to come home under these circumstances. Alex said your mother isn’t under suspicion. I know your family will be happy to have you back for a little while.”
“Alex texted me that the police let Mom go. They don’t know my mother or they wouldn’t have questioned her in the first place. I’m not here for a visit, wait until you see the luggage I brought. It’s everything I own in the world, I hope Mom didn’t turn my room into a man cave for Dad.”
“Your dad doesn’t seem to be the man cave type. Your house will be a busy place, sounds like Alex is coming back to Oakwood Park himself.”
“What happened to Delia? I thought those two were going to conquer the world together?”
“Alex came to his senses. Delia left him for some old guy at the firm. He seemed more relieved than heartbroken. Speaking of heartbroken, I hope that’s not the reason for your return.”
“No, not heartbreak just disappointment. I was gullible and fell for a line of baloney. I should have known better but it sounded nicer in French.”
“Were you in love with the guy?” Jake asked
“In love? Heavens no, I said I was gullible not stupid. Let’s not talk about my non-existent love life. What about you Jake? I know you aren’t married or Alex would have told me. He likes to tease me about my embarrassing crush.”
“I have nobody, my mom tells me I’d better find a girl soon to give her grandchildren or she’ll be too old to enjoy them.”
The baggage carousel began to turn interrupting their conversation.
On the ride from the airport, Kenzie was quietly staring out the window.
“Everything looks different, it feels like I’ve been gone for twenty years. Funny, it looks different but it feels like home.”
***
Jake pulled the car in front of the house. Rebecca, Andy and Alex all ran to greet her. Rebecca and Kenzie didn’t try to fight the tears. Andy was obviously choked up and Alex hurried to get the suitcases from Jake’s car trying to keep from blubbering himself.
***
After settling into her old room, Kenzie and Rebecca joined the men at the kitchen table where Andy had prepared a large plate of cold cuts and cheeses along with oversized Kaiser rolls from Alex and Kenzie’s favorite bakery.
“Dad, as much as I love French pastry, I’ve been craving these rolls,” said Kenzie. “With all, you and mom have been through I can’t believe you made a special trip to Iola’s Bakery.”
Andy smiled, he was happy to have his family together and Rebecca’s ordeal behind her.
***
“Rebecca, I’m glad you picked up,” said Angus Carlson when he called. “Does that mean you are no longer a suspect in Carolina’s murder?”
“Angus, I don’t believe I was a suspect, the police simply wanted to ask me a few questions. Thank you for your concern,” Rebecca said knowing he called because he wanted something.
“Good! We will be broadcasting day after tomorrow. We’ll do the show that we’d planned for today.”
“Angus, do you think that’s appropriate? How can you present Carolina Bloom in the Morning when the star of the show is dead?”
“We have already renamed the show. We’ll simply call it The Morning Show with Rebecca Snow.”
“That’s a terrible idea. I was filling in for Carolina, I’m not qualified to host a television show on a permanent basis.”
“Rebecca, you are a natural. Carolina had minimal success for the short time she hosted. Once you took over, the popularity and the ratings soared. Don’t underestimate your talent, our audience loves you.”
“Angus, I’m going to have to think about it, my children are here visiting and I don’t want to miss any time with them.”
“You will be home by eleven o’clock every day. You know how young people like to sleep in, you won’t miss any time with them.”
“I’ll get back to you, Angus.”
***
“What was that about, Mom, you look confused.”
“I am, Alex. I have something to discuss with you. Where did Kenzie run off to?”
“She walked Jake to his car. I’d say he stopped thinking of her as a little girl.”
“I, for one, think it’s terrific. I always liked Jake Morgan.”
“Me too, and despite my protests to the contrary, I always liked my little sister too.”
***
The Snows gathered around Rebecca hoping the phone call wasn’t Detective North requesting another meeting. Rebecca told them Angus’s plan and wanted to know what they thought.
“Mom, that’s terrific; my mother, the television star,” said Kenzie.
“Mom, I’m happy for you but I want to go over the contract before you commit,” said Alex.
“You are wonderful in front of the camera, dear. How do you feel about it? Is it something you think you’d like to do?” Andy asked with pride.
Rebecca admitted she enjoyed the challenge of doing the show. She decided she would give it a try however, she didn’t want her name in the title.
Angus agreed to a three-month trial insisting she begin the next day.
***
The first ten minutes of the show were difficult. Reginald Barkley, the Oakwood Park Hotel owner, authorized Rebecca to look through Carolina’s belongings for photos and mementos for the broadcast. She and Barb Tinsdale hit the jackpot when they found boxes of photos and tapes from Caro
lina’s time in California.
The interviews of those who knew Carolina Bloom didn’t go as smoothly. She’d burned too many bridges with her caustic words and bad behavior. Brad Pickett refused to be a part of the show.
Chapter Twenty
Detective North requested Brad’s presence in his office.
“I have nothing to tell you, Detective. Carolina and I had a casual friendship, nothing more.”
“Pickett, either you come on your own accord or I will have you arrested on suspicion of murder. Either way, you will be questioned.”
***
Barb Tinsdale called Brad’s cellphone while he was driving to Oakwood Park. He could barely control his temper when she asked him to comment on his friendship with Carolina.
“Look, lady, I don’t have anything to say about that woman. I went along with her scheme to make Rebecca Snow jealous only to get closer to Rebecca. If I told you what I really thought of Carolina your entire show would be censored.”
Brad didn’t intend to say as much as he did. His euphoria at finding and destroying the incriminating flash drives was overshadowed by the fear he would be accused of murdering Carolina.
How did she die? He wondered. She was still breathing when I left her hotel suite. Why did I leave that room payment receipt on the desk? The cops must have seen it, they’ll wonder why I paid her bill and left her alone when she was dying. I’ll tell them it was a loan.
At the police station
“Dan, Bradley Pickett has arrived, shall I send him in?” Midge asked. “He’s as nervous as a cat.”
“Hold off for twenty minutes, Midge. Let’s let him sweat a while longer. If he’s not guilty of murder, he’s guilty of something.”
After five minutes, Brad walked to Midge’s desk. “I can’t wait all day, how much longer is it going to be? Tell the detective he’s got three minutes and then I’m out the door.”
“I’d have a seat if I were you, Mr. Pickett,” said Midge as she reached in her drawer and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. She had no intention of using them, but Brad didn’t know that.
Brad scowled but did as he was told and waited silently until he was called into Detective North’s office.
***
“Suppose you tell me what you were doing in Carolina Bloom’s hotel suite the night she died.”
“Carolina asked me to help her out. She was strapped for money until her royalty checks came in from California. The hotel was giving her a hard time for not paying her bill. I helped her out by covering for her.”
“Ten-thousand dollars to be exact. You must be a very good friend.”
“Not really, she and I had a little fling for old- time sake. You know what I mean. It was a loan, she’d planned to pay me back. I’ll have to get it from her estate now.”
“Mr. Pickett, have you had a rat problem in your New York apartment?”
“With the rent I pay, there’d better not be any rats. The rats stay away from the affluent areas. Is that why you left New York City, Detective? Was your apartment infested?” Brad said with a smirk.
“Mr. Pickett, there are rats throughout the city, even the two-legged kind.”
Brad didn’t know what to make of this cop. What a stupid question to ask. I don’t like his insinuation, is he calling me a rat?
“Mr. Pickett, have you ever purchased or used rat poison?”
“What’s all this talk about rats, and now it’s poison. I didn’t come all this way to talk about the rat problem in New York.”
“Just answer the question, did you ever purchase or use rat poison?”
“No, I never have used rat poison or mouse poison or poison of any kind. If I find a fly in my apartment, I call maintenance to get rid of it. Now, if you will excuse me, I’m leaving.”
“Mr. Pickett, are you aware Carolina Bloom ingested rat poison over a period of time and died as a result?”
“Is that what made her sick?” Brad murmured. “I didn’t know, I wondered why she hadn’t called me in a few months.”
“Mr. Pickett, is it true you spent time in the staff lounge at the television station where Ms. Bloom’s show broadcasts?”
“I’ve been there, Carolina asked me to wait for her a few times while she was doing her show. Where else would I wait?”
“You were alone in the room, isn’t that true?”
“Yes, I guess I was. The old bat, Barb, told me not to change the station but I did anyway. That woman doesn’t like me,” Brad laughed.
“What do you know about the storage closet in that room?”
“Where is this leading, Detective. Do I need to call my lawyer?”
“That is your right, Mr. Pickett.”
“I just want this over. I don’t know anything about a closet and I don’t know anything about Carolina’s murder. I hated this town when I lived here and I hate it more now. The sooner I can leave the happier I’ll be.”
“You are free to go, Mr. Pickett. I’ll be in touch if we have more questions for you.”
***
Brad almost flew out the door. He couldn’t wait to get back to the city and call on the lovely Belinda, or Melinda, he couldn’t remember her name.
“You let him go, Dan, I’d have guessed he was guilty of something,” said Midge.
“He is guilty of something but he didn’t murder Carolina Bloom. The frat boy doesn’t have the nerve to swat a fly. It’s not my business, but he’s hiding something that has nothing to do with this case.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Most of the actors and behind-the-scenes volunteers gathered in the meeting room of the Community Playhouse. The buzz of voices could be heard as Detective North entered the room. He could only guess they were discussing the demise of their leading lady.
“Thank you for meeting with me today. Ms. Clark, is everyone involved with the Playhouse present, specifically during Carolina Bloom’s stint?”
“All the regulars except Barry Kemp, who also works at the television station. Your assistant said you would interview him there. Also, Elaine Baker is visiting her daughter and new grandson in Philadelphia. She is willing to return to Oakwood Park if necessary. We have several high school students who act as ushers for our performances. They weren’t involved with Ms. Bloom. I can quickly put in a call to the principal if you feel you need to question them.”
“I doubt that will be necessary. First, I want to assure you, folks, no one here is being accused of a crime. A woman has died and it’s my job to find out why she died and who wanted Carolina Bloom dead.”
“Detective North, if you ask me, everyone in this room had reason to dislike Carolina,” said Harvey Rutledge. “However, there isn’t a murderer among us. Have you considered Ms. Bloom died by her own hand? The woman was a drama queen, I wouldn’t put it past her to stage her own death.”
“Mr. Rutledge, that thought crossed my mind too. However, the doctor assures me the effects of the poison in her system caused her agony. There are less painful ways to commit suicide.”
While the others waited, each person was interviewed in Sandy Clark’s office. Rebecca, having been questioned before, was excused. She, however, stayed with the group to reassure them that Detective North was not the enemy. As each person left Sandy’s office, they were escorted to the door. Harvey Rutledge was the last questioned.
“Golly, Detective, you took a chance I wouldn’t keel over waiting for my turn. I’m an old man and I don’t have much time left.”
Dan laughed, he liked this old gentleman. “I’m not worried Mr. Rutledge, I think you will outlive us all.
“Tell me, do you have any idea who might be responsible for Carolina’s murder?”
“Not a clue, the woman was a real pain in the backside. I hate to say it, but if she hadn’t gotten sick when she did, I think we’d have lost most of our crew. I’d never heard so many complaints from our group as I did when the queen was around.”
Detective North left the Playhouse more baffled than before
. He liked the people of Oakwood Park and was glad he was now part of the community. When he was a kid, he liked to watch old cowboy movies with his dad. He pictured himself in a white hat saving the town singlehandedly. When this case was solved, maybe he’d audition for a part in one of the plays. Perhaps they’d let him wear a white hat.
Rebecca Snow called out to Dan as he was leaving the building.
Murder In Oakwood Park Page 9
