Murder in the Pachysandra

by Linda A. Lavid

  “Did anyone else leave?”

  “Like who?”

  “Jason.”

  “No. Why would you think Jason was with those two?”

  “Seems like a lot of people were out that morning.” Hattie stared off. If Wolfgang was with Roxanne, that meant they both had alibis.

  Hattie regrouped. “Ralph, why did you come over here?”

  “Right. Muriel’s heading over with pie. Wanted me to have some. She was going to call, but I told her Julia was here. Anyway, I figured I tell you in person.”

  Hattie remembered Ralph’s strange behavior the other day when he looked over at the Spencers’ house from her dining room window. Hattie tested the waters. “Ralph, do you like Julia?”

  He shook his head. “Me? Oh no. Respect, I’d say. Besides I’m an old guy. What would she see in me?”

  Hattie wasn’t going to get in the middle of that drama.

  Moments later, the side door slammed. “Hey, y’all. Got pie.”

  Hattie looked at Ralph. Color drained from his face.

  Chapter Twenty

  “What was wrong with Ralph?” asked Muriel.

  Hattie was hoping Muriel hadn’t noticed. “Not sure what you mean.”

  “He hardly ate any of his pie. And then he ran off without saying why.”

  “Muriel, he likes to keep busy. Besides it’s been a long day for all of us.”

  “That’s for sure.” Muriel finished off a second piece. “What did Julia have to say?”

  Hattie felt she was in a precarious position. Muriel was her best friend, but Julia’s tragic marriage and situation with her job was nobody’s business. Still, there was one thing she had to talk to Muriel about. “Muriel, have you found anything missing from your home?”

  “A lot of things.” Muriel laughed. “But they’re usually buried under other things. I don’t keep track.”

  “Nothing big or unusual?”

  Muriel shrugged. “Hattie, you know me. I buy a lot of stuff and I’m not terribly organized. Feng Shui, my arse. Anyway, it usually turns up.”

  Hattie nodded thinking of that darn twenty-dollar bill. “Yes. I understand. It’s just that Julia had something missing from her house too.”

  “What was it?”

  Hattie didn’t want to talk about the medication. “She mentioned some diamond earrings.”

  “Oh. That’s terrible…OMG. Could Wolf had pawned them? He’s so not a mensch.”

  “It’s just odd. My necklace, her diamond earrings.”

  Muriel sighed. “Could be significant. Darn, I should take better inventory. The only thing that was stolen from me was my identity. Now who’d want to be me?”

  Hattie smiled. “Did they ever get back to you?”

  “Oh yes. I guess they tracked it down. Didn’t give me any particulars. They’ll be sending me a new card and the charges will be taken off.”

  “That’s good news.”

  “Yes. Glad I found out.” Muriel laughed. “Of course, it’s hard not to notice a five-thousand-dollar overdraft.” Muriel pushed her empty dish aside. “Let’s get back to business.”

  Hattie took a deep breath. “Okay. Jason was delivering papers that morning. This was confirmed by the papers themselves and Julia seeing him enter the street.”

  “So,” Muriel added, “he delivers the papers and comes across someone.”

  “Yes. We know that because, Jason was minding his own business but ended up in my backyard dead. Someone intervened to make that happen. Jason was also found with my necklace. That’s a solid link that connects one of our neighbors to Jason’s death.”

  “Right. Okay, so as Jason delivered the papers someone must have asked him inside. But if Jason went inside someone’s house and was murdered, how could he have delivered the papers?”

  Muriel had a good point. How could something have happened to Jason in someone’s house if he delivered the papers afterwards. Hattie closed her eyes and imagined a scenario that could fit the circumstances. In her mind’s eyes she followed Jason steps. She imagined his route…Scott’s side door. Ralph’s old milk box. Roxanne’s front door. Muriel’s enclosed porch. The Spencers’ mailbox. Her front door. She visualized the boy as Julia had described him. Bundled up with his hat pulled low, carrying his pouch of newspapers. Then an epiphany. Her eyes shot open. “I got it!!!”

  “You do?”

  The words rushed out. “What if Jason goes into somebody’s house where he’s drugged. Then that person puts on Jason’s coat, shoes and delivers the papers.”

  “Eew. That’s creepy.”

  “But don’t you see Muriel that explains so much.”

  “Like what?”

  “For one thing, the way I found him. It was like his clothes were thrown on or put back on him.”

  Muriel shivered. “You mean after he was dead?”

  Hattie’s heart raced. “Yes. And that’s why there were so many mistakes. He delivered your paper when you had asked him to hold it. And he delivered my paper without putting inside the storm door. Jason wouldn’t have done either of those things.”

  “Wow, Hattie you’re good at this.”

  “Now after the papers were delivered whoever it was went back into their house, dressed the body, then disposed of Jason in my yard and tossed the pouch of papers into the dumpster.”

  “Hattie, if someone moved a dead body, he’d have to be awfully strong. He probably also used a car. I mean how would someone drag around a body? Could they’re have been two killers?”

  Hattie hadn’t thought of that. “I suppose.”

  Muriel’s face screwed up. “But something doesn’t add up. Wouldn’t whoever killed Jason take the body far away to avoid being seen or suspected?”

  Hattie stared off. Jason’s body in her backyard was a mystery to her. After all, a murdered boy in a small, unassuming, out-of-the-way yard would certainly indicate a neighbor who lived close by…unless. “Muriel, you are absolutely right!”

  “I am?”

  “Yes! Whoever dumped Jason’s body wasn’t the murderer, because there wasn’t a murder.”

  “Huh?” Muriel’s face screwed up. “I don’t understand.”

  “For all intents and purposes, Jason’s death was accidental. Whoever did this didn’t want anyone to suspect a murder had occurred!”

  “Holy Moley.”

  While Hattie’s theory fit the scene, there was one critical, missing link. Hattie spoke up. “Why would someone do this?”

  “You mean kill Jason?”

  Hattie nodded.

  “Maybe he knew something.”

  “Interesting.”

  “Or maybe he saw something.”

  Hattie remembered the evening she and Muriel went into the yard. On the second floor of the Spencers’ house, Julia was folding laundry, unaware they were watching her.

  Muriel asked, “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” Hattie took a deep breath. “Muriel, this day has been so long. I need to get some sleep.”

  “No argument there.” She stood. “Tomorrow morning, I’ve got to go to the bank to fill out some paperwork. Ralph’s taking me.” She put on her coat. “No need to get up. I’ll let myself out.”

  “Okay.”

  Muriel headed down the hallway and turned. “Everything is going to be fine. Don’t worry.”

  Hattie waved. After the door shut, she collapsed into the couch. In minutes, Lucy was purring on her lap. Feeling her eyelids grow heavy, Hattie heard herself say. “What had Jason seen?”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The next morning Hattie woke up later than usual. Daylight streamed into the living room. Still on the couch, she wore her blue dress, now all twisted around her. Her sleep must have taken her through a tornado.

  After wrestling free and pushing herself up from the couch, she headed to the bathroom. In the mirror, she blinked hard. Her pretty, short hair was matted down well beyond a spritz-and-scrunch fix. The new improved version of Mrs. Orin Moon had o
fficially taken a nosedive. As she threw water on her face, the phone rang. It had to be Muriel.

  “Mrs. Moon?”

  “Yes.”

  “This is Gail Weber…from next door. I hope I didn’t wake you.”

  “No, Gail. How nice to hear from you. How is Arizona?”

  “Beautiful. Listen I heard the news about Jason. Ralph called us and said you found him. How awful. I’m sorry you had to go through this.”

  “I’m alright.”

  “I’m sure you are. Anyway, I have a big favor to ask. Since you’re always home and it would help out a lot.”

  Hattie perked up. Whatever it was would get her mind off things. “No problem.”

  “I got the strangest call this morning. It was from the police. Not from here but from where you are. They want to go into my house and remove a computer. Said that it’s been tracked remotely with illegal activity. Dark Web stuff. Whatever the heck that is.”

  “But—”

  “Makes no sense. Anyway, they said they could issue a search warrant or I could give them verbal approval. It was up to us. The whole thing is crazy. They’re sending over a Detective Blansky. Do you know him?”

  “Oh, yes.”

  “Would you mind letting him in so he could look around. I told him we didn’t have a computer. We took our tablets and laptop—”

  “You don’t have a computer?” Hattie sat down. “But I saw one there.”

  “What?!”

  “Gail, after the terrible storm the other day, Muriel and I went into the house to see if everything was okay. We saw a computer on your desk in the office. I think it was still turned on. Rather than let it waste electricity, we decided to unplug it. Was that okay?”

  “Mrs. Moon was this at MY house?”

  “Yes, dear.”

  “Um. I’m a little confused. Maybe you saw Rob’s old console phone. It’s got a lot of bells and whistles.”

  Hattie sat back. Phone?

  “Anyway, could you let the detective in? I don’t want them knocking doors down. And I told him specifically, there is to be absolutely no damage.”

  “Did they say when they’d be coming.”

  “I’m calling him right after I hang up. I’ll give him the go-ahead, only if they get there right away. I want to know what’s going on as soon as possible.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  “Sure you don’t mind? I could ask Ralph, but he may have some jobs scheduled.”

  “Yes. He’s taking Muriel to the bank.”

  “One more thing if you don’t mind. Could you please look around after they’re gone? If their search tore apart the place, Rob and I will head back and get a lawyer.”

  “Yes. I can do that. I’ll make sure the place is locked up too and give you a call with what happened.”

  “Mrs. Moon, you’re a lifesaver. I’m sure there’s been some awful misunderstanding. So crazy.”

  After saying good-bye, Hattie made a quick call to Muriel. No answer. She then called Howie at work.

  “Ma, are you okay?”

  “Yes. I just have a quick question. What is the dark web?”

  “Dark web? Where did you hear that term?”

  “A neighbor. She didn’t know what it was either. Do you?”

  “Yeah. It’s where illegal activities happen online.”

  Hattie didn’t understand. She screwed up her face. “Like what kinds of things?”

  “Lots of stuff you don’t need to know about.”

  Hattie rolled her eyes. “Oh please.”

  “Okay Ma. A big one is child pornography.”

  Disgusted, Hattie said, “Oh.”

  “Identity theft, for another.”

  Identity theft? Hattie thought of Muriel. “How does that happen?”

  “Gee, Ma, I don’t know specifics but there’s a huge black market for illegal and stolen information that is bought and sold online.”

  “I see.”

  “And why did you want to know this?”

  “Howie, I refuse to live in the dark ages.”

  Hattie heard her son laugh on the other end of the line. “Okay Ma. I’ll bring over my computer like I promised. If you like it, I’ll get you one for Christmas.”

  “Great idea!”

  “Done. Anything else?”

  “No, that’s it for now.”

  After hanging up, Hattie called Muriel again. The phone rang. Eventually the machine picked up. “Muriel you’re not going to believe what just happened. Call me when you have a chance.”

  Ending the call, Hattie looked over to Orin. What an odd turn of events. And to think it would again involve Detective Blansky.

  Unsure when he’d arrive, Hattie busied herself with making the place neat and tidy. For twenty minutes, Hattie moved around fluffing up pillows, picking fur off the rug, and dusting the surfaces with Howie’s old T-shirt. In response, Lucy kept moving from one spot to another with an occasional meow that seemed to indicate enough was quite enough. While wiping a lampshade, there was a knock at the front door.

  At the vestibule, Hattie checked herself in the mirror. While her last conversation with Ted had not gone well, there was no need to be uncivil. She put on a broad smile and opened the door.

  “Hello Mrs. Moon.”

  “Hello Ted. Nice seeing you again.”

  He got to the point. “You have the key?”

  “Oh, yes I’ll get it. Would you like to come in?”

  He shook his head. “Don’t have time for that.”

  Ted was his usual surly self.

  “I have two officers here. We have to go through the house.”

  “Yes, I understand. Now I’ll be needing the key back.

  “Right.”

  Hattie went to the buffet, opened the drawer and reached for the key tagged Weber. Handing it over to the detective, Hattie decided to interject herself in the search. “Would you like me to show you where the computer is?”

  The detective looked confused. “They have one?”

  “Yes. I saw it the other day when I was checking the house for any storm damage. It’s on the desk in the office. I’ll get my coat and—”

  “You need to stay put. This is a police matter.”

  “Yes. If you have any questions, I’ll be here.”

  After Ted left, Hattie went to the front window. As he turned onto the sidewalk, two officers got out of Ted’s unmarked car and the three headed up the Webers’ driveway.

  Hattie turned her attention to the street. Ralph’s car was still parked in the driveway. He and Muriel must not have gone to the bank yet. Hattie peeked at Muriel’s house. The lights were on. Muriel was probably getting ready and would surely call her once she had a chance.

  Twenty minutes later, Ted knocked on the door. “Who else has a key to that place?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “We need to speak with everyone who can gain entry.”

  “But why—”

  “Mrs. Moon, I don’t have all day.”

  His brusqueness was unwarranted. After all, if he wanted information from her, he should be more agreeable.

  “Ted. I don’t care for your tone. Please come in. Have a seat. I promise I won’t keep you long.”

  “Seriously?”

  Hattie smiled. It was nice being in charge. “Yes.”

  He lumbered into the living room and heaved his corpulent body onto the couch.

  “I take it you didn’t find a computer in the house.”

  He nodded.

  “But we both know it was there. I saw it and you were able to track it.”

  “I can’t discuss police business.”

  “You’ve already said that. But now you want me to tell you who else has a key. Wouldn’t it be nice to work together?”

  He huffed. “Together? When did you join the force?”

  Hattie wasn’t going to bite. “Please, I’d like the key back.”

  “Mrs. Moon, two people can play this game. You want the key and I want t
o know if any other neighbor has access to the Webers’ home. I’m not trying to be difficult. I could easily call the Webers and ask them directly. I am willing to do that if you don’t want to cooperate. Meanwhile, I’ll hang onto the key.”

  Darn. He had her over a barrel. Hattie promised the Webers she’d check the house for damage and lock up. “Okay,” she said reluctantly and reached out her hand. He dropped the key into her open palm. “The only other person I know who has a key is Ralph Troutman. He’s our handyman. He lives right across the street in the green house.”

  The detective hoisted himself off the couch. With an unconvincing thank you, he slammed the door on his way out.

  Hattie rushed to the front window. Sure enough the three men headed up Ralph’s driveway. At his side door it looked like Ted was doing the talking. But not for long. A couple of minutes later, they sped off. Hattie now had three calls to make…Muriel, the Webers, and Ralph, but first she headed over to the Webers.

  Inside her neighbor’s house, nothing appeared changed or moved. All the kitchen cabinets and drawers were closed, the beds remained made, the closets untouched. Her last stop was the office. Sure enough, the computer, or whatever it was, was gone. To assure herself, she wasn’t imagining things, she walked over to where she had unplugged the darn thing. Not surprising, the outlet didn’t have anything plugged into it. Suddenly, she heard stomping upstairs. Her heart sped up. “Who’s there?” she yelled out.

  “It’s me. Ralph.”

  Hattie relaxed. “I’m in the basement.”

  As he descended, heavy steps reverberated off the walls. “I saw you coming over here. Do you know what’s going on?”

  “Yes and no.”

  “Okay. What’s the yes part?”

  “I know why they went to your house. They had asked me who else had a key. I’m sorry Ralph, but I had no other choice.”

  “I don’t care about the key. That pushy detective wanted to search my house. Does he think I’m a stoolie? What the hell is this about?”

  “A missing computer.”

  “Computer? Whose computer?”

  Hattie told him what she and Muriel had found the other day and how she had unplugged it. She then relayed Mrs. Weber’s phone call about the computer, the dark web, and how Mrs. Weber said they didn’t have a computer, but gave the police the okay to search her house.