Toni Donovan Mysteries- Books 1-3

by Helen Gray

  The January landscape was barren. Raised arms of leafless trees covered the hillsides, and clumps of snow still dotted the fields and ditch lines. But Toni found beauty even in the starkness. The Missouri climate was so varied that her dad often repeated the old adage, “If you don’t like the weather today, just wait a bit and it will change.”

  She took the Farmington exit and wound her way into the city. Located about seventy miles south of St. Louis, the town had begun in the late 1790’s as a family settlement originally called Murphy Settlement. Today it was a thriving municipality with over fourteen thousand people and a solid economy.

  Toni cruised through residential areas of stately homes on tree-lined streets until she found the address John had given her. When she rang the doorbell at Rick’s apartment she got no response, but waited until convinced that no one was home. Disappointed, she turned and headed back to her vehicle.

  “Toni?”

  She whipped her head around and looked back over her shoulder. Rick stood in the doorway in his sock feet, looking sleepy eyed and rumpled. She retraced her steps. “I didn’t think you were home.”

  “That’s what I meant for you to think,” he returned honestly. “Come on in. We’ll have a Coke together.” He gave her a weak grin.

  Toni entered a simply furnished apartment that showed signs of bachelor living, but wasn’t a total mess. Stacks of books rested on the end of the sofa, and there was a blanket tossed on it, indicating Rick might have been stretched out there. She perched at the uncluttered end.

  “Here we go.” He came from the tiny kitchen beyond the living area with a can of Coke and a glass of ice that he handed to her. “There’s a coaster on the lamp table next to you.” He slumped in the recliner facing her.

  “You’re looking good,” Toni said, wondering how to broach the subject of Marsha.

  “After John’s little call last night, I pretty much expected a visit today,” he said, his expression listless. “I just wasn’t sure if it would be him or you who showed up. I figure you want to talk about our dear departed friend.” He put a cynical inflection on the word friend.

  “Guilty,” Toni admitted with a shrug. “Wouldn’t you like to know who killed her?”

  “No.” His response was immediate. “Unless it’s to give the person a medal for making the world a better place.” Bitterness colored his voice.

  Toni was hard put for an answer. “I understand your feelings, but having a murderer running free bothers me. I was told that you might know things about Marsha that could help us find who killed her.”

  “Well, you were told wrong. Look,” he said with a heavy sigh. “I screwed up and lost my job, but I can’t be sorry she’s dead.”

  “Can you tell me what happened? I never heard any details—and I didn’t ask.”

  “I can tell you, but I can’t see where it’ll do you any good.”

  “You never know what might mean something.”

  At that he produced a laconic grin, his first sign of animation. Six foot one, dark haired and green eyed, he was one of the most handsome men Toni knew.

  “I found out about the thing she had going with another staff member,” he began slowly.

  “Jimmie?”

  He nodded. “Marsha and I had a confrontation one day over what she called my dereliction of duty in not turning in a bunch of paperwork. It was stuff that was redundant in the first place, and in the second place I had already submitted it. I wasn’t about to do it again just because she, or someone else, lost it. Probably on purpose,” he added with a touch of sarcasm. “Yeah, I know. I had it in my computer and could have just printed another copy, but I was already fed up over a lot of things. When she threatened to write me up, I told her to go ahead and do it, and I would have a little talk with the board about her personal life.”

  “Is that when she fired you?”

  He shook his head, his fingers tapping aimlessly on the chair arm. “No, she backed off, said she’d let it go this time, but that it better not happen again.”

  “Did you expose her to anyone?”

  “No, I thought about it, and I wanted to cause her some trouble if I could, but I didn’t. I figured it would just turn into a big stink that would hurt both of us.”

  “So what else happened?”

  “I blew it,” he snorted, clearly angry with himself. “There was an attraction growing between me and …” He paused and gave her a beseeching stare. “Do I have to say a name?”

  “I don’t care who it is,” Toni said. “But you never know what might prove important.”

  He sighed in resignation. “All right. Rhonda Dollins and I were drifting into an affair, and Marsha must have seen us having lunch together and interpreted something from it. As soon as she knew there was something between us, she fired me. It’s all right for her to have relationships with co-workers or authority figures, but not for anyone else.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Toni had not realized that he and an elementary teacher were an item. “That’s why you didn’t fight the dismissal,” she said with sudden insight. “You didn’t want Rhonda hurt by it.”

  “That’s right,” he said grimly. “I took my lumps and went job hunting.”

  “How are things going?” she asked, truly concerned.

  “Okay. I’m teaching a GED program at the prison. Education is needed by more than just teenagers.”

  “I bet you miss your advanced math classes, though.” She forced a smile.

  He shrugged. “I do. But I’m trying to do the right thing.”

  “You mean about Rhonda?”

  “Yes. She’s working at keeping her marriage together, and I’m working at learning to live with it. I’ve even had a couple of dates with Becky. If we hadn’t been separated and looking at divorce, Rhonda would never have happened.”

  “I’m sorry things have been rough for you, but I’m proud of the way you’re handling it. I hope you and Becky can resolve things.”

  “We’ll see,” he said noncommittally. “As for being proud of the way I’m handling it, don’t be. I may be surviving, but I sure don’t feel any sorrow about that woman’s death. I nearly danced in the streets when I heard about it.”

  “I’ve had some of the same feelings,” Toni admitted. “I’m the one who found her. Actually, John Zachary and I found her. You know that I’m too curious for my own good, so you can understand why I’m asking questions.”

  “Classic Toni Donovan,” he said with a shake of his head, his mouth curving slightly at the corners. “Well, I think it’s an interesting puzzle for you, but I still can’t say I want you to catch whoever did it. You’re still my pal, and you’re real good at what you do. But just this once I kind of hope you fail.” He wrinkled his nose at her.

  She took a deep breath before spitting out her next question. “I hate to ask this, but in case the police should question you, can you prove where you were the night she was killed?”

  He leaned forward. “You mean December twenty-first, right?”

  “Yes.”

  He thought about it a moment. “I was at the prison. We did a special evening class that week.”

  “Good. Thanks for your time.” She raised her glass. “And the Coke.”

  Toni took care of her shopping, and then headed home. As she drove, she wondered if Rick was right. Maybe she should just leave it alone. All she seemed to be doing was spinning her wheels, and she understood Rick’s feelings. She should forget the whole thing.

  That resolve lasted until she picked up the boys.

  As soon as they arrived home she called the police department and asked the deputy who answered if she could speak to Chief Freeman.

  “He’s not in right now. May I help you?”

  “Is Dale Brown available?”

  “Hold on just a minute. I think he’s in the back.”

  “Hi, Toni,” the deputy’s voice came on the line at last. “What can I do for you?”

  “I’ve been thinking
about the phone call Marsha Carter made to Jack Rayford the night she was killed.”

  “You know about that?” Surprise tinged the question.

  “Buck talked to me,” she explained, hoping it would make him more forthcoming. “Did her phone log show that she called him at home or on his cell phone?”

  “I’d have to check.”

  “Would you please?”

  He was gone only minutes. “The number on the log is for their apartment land line.”

  “Thanks. I guess that means he was at home then, like he said.”

  *

  Sunday morning Toni woke with her to-do list running through her mind. Lesson plans had to be made, letters written, and a dozen other tasks awaited her attention. She didn’t have time to go to church. But Kyle wasn’t here, and the boys would be disappointed if they missed their Sunday School class. She crawled out of bed and got dressed.

  After church Toni took the boys to the Sunday buffet at the Zinger Restaurant. Cooking didn’t appeal when Kyle was gone, and this would save her time and energy.

  “Hey, there’s Grandma and Grandpa and Chief Freeman,” Gabe said as they entered the restaurant.

  Sure enough, the chief’s regal frame was seated next to Toni’s dad. Buck and Russell’s friendship had cemented even further since Buck’s wife had lost her battle with cancer months earlier. Toni felt a twinge of unease over her last meeting with the police chief, but she pushed it aside, knowing it had been a professional necessity. She hoped for another opportunity to speak with him, but not as a suspect.

  “Hello, boys.” Faye Nash stood and gave each of them an exuberant hug. Then she looked back at the men. “We’ve ordered, but let’s move to the round table.”

  The front section of the restaurant had a counter along one wall, with a window behind it through which orders were dispensed from the kitchen. Small square tables occupied the rest of the room, with a large round one in the corner that would accommodate larger groups. A buffet and salad bar were located in the rear of the restaurant.

  Buck and Russell shoved their chairs back, picked up their tea glasses, and moved to the bigger table. Gabe and Garrett quickly claimed seats next to their grandpa. Toni slipped her coat over the back of the chair between her mother and Buck.

  “Hello, Chief. Are you and Dad getting the problems of the world solved?”

  “Not exactly.” He leaned over and whispered into her ear as she slid into the chair. “I know you have questions, but let’s wait and talk out front after we’ve eaten.”

  Toni nodded and smiled. “Thanks.”

  The waitress brought menus and glasses of water. “What’ll it be, Mrs. Donovan?” Her teenage smile flashed with braces. Toni knew her from school, but didn’t have her in class.

  “Buffet or burgers?” Toni asked the boys.

  “Buffet,” Gabe responded. “And iced tea.”

  “Burger and fries,” Garrett said, as expected. “And I want a Coke.”

  Like mother, like son.

  The meal was solid country fare—fried chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole, rolls, and banana pudding for dessert.

  “Why don’t you let the boys come over for the afternoon?” Faye suggested when they had finished eating and settled their bills.

  “Please?” Gabe shifted from one foot to the other in impatience.

  Toni peered at him, then at Garrett. “Do either of you have homework to do?”

  Both assured her they didn’t.

  “All right.” She buttoned her coat, shoved her purse strap up onto her shoulder, and followed the group out the door.

  Chief Freeman leaned against the door of her minivan. “Do you mind if we get inside? It’s freezing out here.”

  “You bet.” Relieved that their relationship seemed to be back on solid footing, Toni unlocked the doors and climbed behind the wheel.

  Buck slid into the passenger seat. “Are we good?” were the first words out of his mouth.

  Toni nodded. “You had to question everyone who had close contact with Marsha. That included me.”

  He just nodded. “Russell seems to think you have a good head on your shoulders.”

  She started the engine and turned on the heat. “We both know he’s prejudiced, but it’s a nice thing to hear.”

  “Tell me who you’ve talked to and what you’ve learned.”

  “Then do I get to ask questions?”

  He turned to face her. “That’s the deal.”

  Toni glossed over her talk with Ken, not wanting to stir any open opposition at that point. Then she told him about her visits with Jimmie Huff and Rick Montgomery.

  Buck’s expression became pensive. “I suppose that gives us a little more insight into Mrs. Carter’s life, but I’m not sure if any of it’s going to help.”

  “I know. That’s why I didn’t call you. I wasn’t sure you’d even be interested.”

  “I’m interested.” His mouth curved ever so slightly. “I’m also aware that you checked Jack’s alibi.”

  She shrugged. “I needed to know.”

  He heaved a sigh. “I guess you did.”

  “I also need to know if Rick and Jimmie’s alibis hold up. Rick says he was working at the

  prison the night Marsha was killed. Jimmie said she took an eight o’clock flight to Chicago. Will you verify those?”

  He studied her for several moments, and then seemed to come to a decision. “Okay, I can do that. And here’s what I can tell you at this point. The technicians verified that the piece of glass was probably from some type of large flashlight.”

  “Do you think that’s what was used to kill her?”

  “I think it’s possible. The autopsy report came in. Mrs. Carter was beaten to death, multiple blows to the head and some to the liver. The markings around the liver area look like they could have been made by such a weapon. The deterioration of the body leaves some room for doubt, but my gut says that’s what it was.”

  “Were the head injuries on the left or right side?”

  A flicker of surprise crossed his face. “The left.”

  “Then the killer was probably right handed.”

  “Probably,” he agreed after a moment’s consideration.

  “Are you aware that Ken Douglas is a lefty?”

  He stared at her a long time before speaking. “Look, I know Ken is a friend of yours, but we had to question him.”

  “You did some very intense questioning,” she accused. “I think you’ve decided he’s your best suspect, and I’m convinced he didn’t do it.”

  “Now, don’t get all hot and bristly with me, Toni Donovan,” he snapped. “We have to question everyone, and …“ He paused. “No, I didn’t realize he’s a lefty. But it may mean something, and it may not.”

  Toni felt certain the chief was wrong, but she didn’t want to lose this line of communication. “I understand,” she said, her resolve to defend Ken strengthening even more. “Has the body been released?”

  “If it hasn’t, it should be by tomorrow. I need to be going.” He opened the door.

  “Thanks for talking to me,” she said to his back.

  *

  Toni didn’t have time Monday to do any investigating. Before first hour she went to the office and submitted an announcement for the morning bulletin reminding Student Council members that they were to meet in her room for a working lunch. They had to make work schedules and assignments for the next night’s ballgame. The concessions were one of the best fund raising projects in the school, but they were a lot of work.

  She and two students who could get out of their study hall spent her third hour plan period transporting boxes of candy bars, chips, hamburger and hot dog buns to the concession booth, unpacking and shelving them. The meats would be brought in tomorrow night. Soft drink canisters and the popcorn machine would be prepared right before game time.

  The concession room, located down the hall from the gym, had a high front counter, with only enough room for three or fo
ur workers to move around inside comfortably. Candy bars were displayed on shelves above the back counter that held hot dog and hamburger containers. Along the wall next to the gym were a soda dispenser and a popcorn machine. Supplies were stored beneath both counters and under the soda dispenser.

  Tomorrow should be one of their best nights of the year financially because it was a three game night. Typically there were two games, with the Junior Varsity and Senior Varsity teams playing. But two or three schools had to come from so far away that they only made the trip once a year. So they started earlier and played their boy and girl games on the same night, the girls first, followed by the boys Junior Varsity, then the boys Senior Varsity. Maybe it wasn’t balanced, but that’s how the districts did it.

  During seventh hour a student office aide entered Toni’s classroom, handed her a sealed memo, and left.

  “Just follow the instructions and finish this exercise on your own. I’ll help if you get stuck,” she instructed the class as she opened the memo.

  Staff:

  We will dismiss classes right after lunch Friday so anyone who wishes to attend Marsha Carter’s funeral may do so. It will be at 3 p.m. at Mountain Methodist Church. Staff members are encouraged to attend, but it is not mandatory.

  Ken Douglas

  Toni swallowed a chuckle and tucked the memo into her purse. Chin up, my friend. She returned her attention to her class.

  Schools were institutions of learning, true; but there were inner dynamics just like in any profession. Dynamics extended even beyond that. Teachers were expected to carry out administrative mandates, however unpopular. Yet they had to keep the welfare of the students first. Students, creatures of habit that they were, loved to push the rules to the limits, and beyond if they could. Discipline was a constant problem that drove some teachers from the profession.

  Some rookie teachers had difficulty distinguishing where to draw the line between adult behaviors and trying to be friends with their students, and falling into their patterns of behavior. Then there were older teachers who had settled into humdrum routines that they didn’t want to change or work to improve. But there were others who constantly looked for ways to improve and increase learning.