by Curry, Edna
“Oh, you men are all blind idiots!” Janine burst into tears, running from the hospital room while Sam watched her go, astonished.
A nurse bustled in and began checking his vitals. “Mr. Carter, please. You’re not supposed to get upset. What did you say to her?”
“Nothing much,” Sam said.
Something she’d said nagged at him, but his energy was fading. He’d think about it later. He closed his eyes, immediately falling asleep.
* * * *
I did my best to relax and enjoy what time Paul and I had left of our lost weekend in the motel. Luckily, Paul hadn’t noticed anything unusual about my behavior that evening. I suppose he credited my nervousness to wanting to get home and worrying about the storm. Paul spent much of the evening on his laptop and cell phone, talking to his drivers.
Later, we enjoyed another lovemaking session. I could definitely get used to this, I thought as I cuddled up next to him.
The next morning, the weather had indeed cleared. The sun was shining, the wind had dropped and plows had been out. The temperature was in the upper thirties. Between the sun and the chemicals the road crews had spread, most of the snow was already turning to slush. The ground was still warm, so it melted the snow from underneath, too.
After breakfast, Paul and I kissed goodbye, then got in our respective vehicles.
On the way home, I called the hospital to see how Sam was faring. He was better, but wouldn’t be released for another day or so. I decided to stop by the hospital later today to see what he had to say for himself.
In an hour, I was pulling into the graveled road leading to my house. At a sharp curve, a mile from my house I noticed tracks in the ditch where a vehicle had recently slid off the road and been pulled out.
No one was around now, so there was no way to tell who might have had a problem during the storm. I hoped it wasn’t one of my elderly neighbors. Guiltily, I realized I hadn’t checked on them lately. Usually I did that once a week or so.
When I got to my house, I could see nothing out of the ordinary. I used my garage door opener to put the car inside, wincing at the amount of snow waiting to be shoveled. Thank goodness the person with a plow on her truck that I contracted to do my plowing had been there and cleared the snow from my driveway, but I still had to shovel the sidewalk.
I trudged through the snow up to the door and saw a note from Ben taped to the little window in the door. It said,
“Lacey, Call me ASAP, Ben.”
Cautiously, I unlocked the door and checked out my house. Nothing much seemed out of place upstairs, but then I went down to my office and found a different story.
The drawers in my desk and file cabinet were all dumped out, their contents strewn around the floor. Obviously, this was where the intruder had been when I talked to him. He’d probably left soon after, since I’d told him I was calling the police. He would have been afraid he’d be discovered.
I picked up the phone and called Ben. Deputy Tom answered, saying Ben was out, so I tried his cell phone and got him.
“What did you find, Ben?” I asked.
“Nothing much, Lacey. Whoever it was had left before we got there. I just need you to check things out, see if you can figure out if anything is missing.”
“Okay. But it may take me awhile. Things are a bit of a mess.”
“Yeah, aren’t they? And I wanted to let you know I’m done there, so it’s okay for you to straighten up.”
“Thanks. I saw tire tracks where someone had gotten stuck in the snow on the road to my house. Do you know who it was?”
“Yeah. That was Wade Burcell. Said he’d been to visit his grandmother who lives near you and hit some ice on the curve. He said Jerry was on his way to tow him out when I got there, so I went on to your place.”
“Wade had been visiting his grandmother? I didn’t know he was related to anyone out here.” The hair at the back of my neck rose. “Ben, I can’t think of anyone who lives out this way who could be Wade’s grandmother. I went to school with his brother and think I know most of his family. It doesn’t add up.”
“I’ll ask Wade who his grandmother is, if you want.”
“Ben, did you take any fingerprints at my house?”
“Yeah, some in your office. Why?”
“See if they match Wade’s.”
“What? Wade Burcell? You think he was your burglar? Why would he break into your office?”
“He works at Carter Manufacturing, so is definitely connected to this case. When I phoned, the burglar asked me where what I took from Harry was. You add it up.”
Ben swore. “You’re right. Those two and two make four all right. Wade had better be able to explain that. I’ve got another call coming in, but as soon as I get a chance, I’ll be on it, Lacey.”
I hung up and surveyed the mess. It would take me days just to sort out and re-file all the strewn paperwork. I blew a disgusted breath out through my teeth, then decided that, for now, it would have to keep.
I wanted to see what Sam had to say about this latest development. Any excuse to put off shoveling the walk.
I drove into Canton to the hospital. But when I went in to see him, I was told Sam was asleep. A stern-looking nurse frowned at me when I asked what room he was in. “He’s asleep. He’s had more than his share of visitors already today and is not allowed anymore. He needs his rest. Doctor’s orders.”
“I see. Isn’t he supposed to be released tomorrow?”
“Perhaps. The doctor will decide when he makes rounds in the morning.”
“What time does the doctor make his rounds?”
“It varies. Sometimes seven, sometimes not until hours later.”
“All right, thanks.” I could see she had no intention of giving me any useful information, so I left and drove home.
Maybe I could make some headway on the mess in my office tonight after all. If I had any energy left after I did the shoveling.
I shoveled my walk, then tackled the sorting and filing. It took me most of the day, with short breaks for letting Scamp out for runs and making myself coffee and quick meals. But nothing much seemed to be missing.
It was almost ten when I’d finished straightening up my office. I was tired, but still wide awake and knew I wouldn’t sleep if I went to bed.
Then I remembered the files on my laptop I’d gotten from Harry’s computer and decided to look through them for a while. At almost midnight, I finally found pay-dirt.
Harry had labeled the file, ‘Hawaii trip’. Perhaps that referred to what he’d planned to do with the money he planned to get from the Carter Manufacturing employees to prevent the scandal he’d uncovered.
I knew why Clara had ordered the audit now. And wished I could show the proof to Sheriff Ben. But he wasn’t going to be happy about how I’d uncovered it, so maybe I’d better try another tactic for now. What he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him, as my dad used to say.
I made copies of the file, then put the evidence into my safe and spun the dial.
I let Scamp out for a run and went to bed. Tomorrow, I’d figure out how to nail these perps.
The problem was, I couldn’t see how Clara’s death figured in with the factory scandal.
One thing at a time.
* * * *
The next morning, after a quick breakfast, I headed to the hospital. This time, a different and more accommodating nurse directed me to Sam’s room.
Sam was dressed and waiting to be released.
“I just need the doctor’s okay to go,” he told me.
“Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”
“I’m fine. A little dizzy now and then, but nothing I need to stay here for.”
The doctor appeared and I stepped out. After an exam and look at Sam’s chart, he agreed with Sam’s assessment. “Take it easy for a few days. The nurse will give you a list of things to watch for. I’d suggest staying out of bars as the main one,” he said with a smile.
Sam sent him a wry grin. �
��Right, Doc. And maybe avoid my employees, too.”
“Good idea.”
The doctor nodded goodbye and left.
“I need to talk to you, Sam,” I said, coming back into the room. “Can I give you a lift home?”
“Sure. That’ll be great. I was going to call Sandra when I knew for sure I’d get out.”
His phone rang. He answered it, talking a minute.
“I’ll be right there.” I looked at him questioningly.
“That was Sandra. The auditors are done. They want a meeting with me and all the main employees as soon as possible. Can you take me to the factory?”
“Are you sure you feel up to it?”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Okay.” I nodded.
We headed out to the factory, which was only a few blocks away.
“What did you want to talk to me about?” Sam asked as we got in my car.
“I have some new info from Harry’s computer,” I said. “I think I have some answers.”
“I sure hope so.”
“I’ll explain later.” I said, as we arrived at the factory.
“Looks like Sandra has been busy calling people,” Sam said.
The parking lot was full of cars. Sheriff Ben and several deputies’ cars were there as well as most of the employees’.
The auditors’ security people still guarded the doors and directed us to the break room where everyone was sitting around tables, nervous and having coffee. Ben and his deputies sat at the back, eyes watchful. Ben frowned at me, but I ignored him. I didn’t want to listen to any of his chauvinistic advice to stay out of this now.
“Why is Ben here?” I asked.
Sam sighed. “I suppose the auditors asked him to come. It probably means they are ready to arrest someone.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Or maybe they just expect trouble?”
“Could be.”
All eyes moved to me and Sam as we walked toward the front of the room. Sandra was talking to several men in business suits who seemed to be in charge of the meeting. She waved us over.
“They’re the auditing crew,” Sam whispered to me as we headed toward them.
They turned as we approached. Sam introduced me to Ken White of White Auditing and his partner, Barry Kent.
“We think we’ve figured out your problem,” Ken said.
Sam frowned. “Think isn’t good enough. I need to be sure before I can act on anything you’ve got.”
“Well, we’ve gone as far as we can. There seems to be a piece or two of critical info missing. I’m hoping you can explain it. Or at least someone in this room.”
I frowned at them. Did they think Sam was involved?
“Is everyone here?” Barry asked.
Sam turned to Sandra. “Who did you call?”
“Just the ones Ken suggested might have answers to his questions,” Sandra said. She glanced around the room. “Yes, I think they’re all here.”
Sam frowned at a young woman. “Why is Janine here?” he asked Sandra. “She quit yesterday.”
Sandra gasped. “Janine quit? That’s news to me. She came in with Gus. Maybe he talked her into staying. He counts on her doing his computer work, you know. Do you want some coffee before we begin?”
I nodded and headed for the coffee urn at the side of the room, helping myself to a cup. I need my caffeine.
Sam shook his head. “No coffee. Let’s get it over with. I’m not feeling so hot.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Sandra said, taking his arm and helping him to a chair. “I know you just got out of the hospital, but Barry said you needed to be here and this wouldn’t take very long. Are you okay?”
“Fine,” Sam grated, easing into a chair.
I pulled out another chair at his round table, sat down and sipped my coffee.
Ken began the meeting explaining what they’d been doing the past couple of days. “We’ve found some major discrepancies that we hope Sam or some of you department managers will be able to explain. The sooner we get all the facts, the sooner we can finish up here so you can all get back to work.”
That remark brought a smattering of applause from the employees, though most of them wore worried expressions.
As I glanced around the room, I noted that the security guards White Auditing had brought as well as Sheriff Ben had taken positions near the doors. I swallowed. It certainly looked like they were expecting trouble.
Most of the employees sat at the round lunchroom tables with coffee cups and rolls in front of them. A couple of the younger ones leaned against the counter by the soda dispenser.
Ken began listing numbers of various items that Bill had listed as manufactured in the Carter factory.
“Is that right?” he asked Bill.
Bill glared at him. “I don’t have the exact figures without going to my desk. And since that’s off limits with you guys here, how do I know?”
“I realize that. But do the numbers sound about right?”
Bill frowned as he thought about it.
“Yeah, I reckon they’re fairly close. A lot closer anyway than what Sam claimed my report said.” He sent a furious look at Sam.
Ken smiled encouragingly. “Good, because we called all your customers to verify delivery and added up the totals. And that’s the number your customers say they received and paid for.”
“Yeah?” He swung around to Sam. “See, Boss, I told you my numbers were okay.”
Sam glared at him. “Yeah, well, I still have a concussion that says you didn’t like me questioning you. It’s time you remembered I’m the boss and I have a right to ask you questions. And demand polite answers.”
“I said I was sorry, Boss.” Bill hung his head. Then he frowned and turned to Ken. “So, if you verified my numbers, then what’s the problem?”
Ken exchanged glances with Barry. “The problem is that the shipping department claims they shipped a different number. Sam, can you explain that?”
Sam visibly swallowed, looking sick. “No,” he said hoarsely. “I can’t explain that. Gus is in charge of shipping. Gus?”
Gus’ face turned white and then red. “Don’t look at me. I can only ship what I’m given. I collect the tickets from the floor and give them to Janine. She puts them into the computer. Maybe she missed putting some in, or lost some tickets or something. Or maybe the computer screwed up.”
“What?” Janine jumped to her feet. “I didn’t lose anything! I’m very organized. I put everything in there that you gave me and I even double checked the figures each time. Don’t you go blaming your tricks on me. I knew you were up to something.”
“Shut up!” Gus told her menacingly. Janine cowered, then sat down.
“Janine?” Sam said, staring at her. “If you knew something was wrong, why didn’t you tell me?”
She glared back at Sam defiantly, her lips clamped tightly together.
I knew what she was thinking. Gus was family and she couldn’t rat on him. My gaze swung from Janine to Sam. I realized that amid the buzz of talk in the room, there was a private, silent communication going on between those two.
Had they been lovers and had now broken up? Was that why Sam had said she’d quit? And if she’d quit yesterday, she’d have to have come to the hospital to see Sam to do it. But what did that have to do with all of this?
Ken held up a hand for silence and Janine leaned back in her seat.
“And another thing: accounts receivable amounts don’t match either,” Ken said. “Sam, do you take care of those?”
“No,” Sam said with a sigh. “Wade does.”
Wade’s voice was hoarse. “I can only report money as I get it.”
“Maybe this will explain some of it,” I said. I rummaged in my purse for the copy of Harry’s report I’d printed and handed it to Sam. “Sorry. I meant to give you this earlier, but decided to wait until you felt better.”
“Bring that up here, Sam. What is it?” Ken asked.
“It’s a report made b
y the private investigator Clara hired, Harry Alders. It has some interesting details about what he found. And probably explains why he was killed recently.” Sam took the paper and walked up to hand it to the auditors.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ben frown and start for the front of the room. Ben was probably pissed off that I hadn’t given it to him. I probably should have, but darn it, he’d have gotten me for breaking and entering Harry’s apartment.
At the table beside me, Gus growled at Wade. “I thought you said she didn’t have anything!”
“I didn’t find anything in her office,” Wade returned in a low voice.
Yikes! So my burglar had been Wade. I’d been right about.
Before I could react, Gus jumped up. He grabbed me, pulled me out of my chair to my feet and up tight against his chest, his heavy, bull-like arms trapping me.
“Let me go!” I yelled, trying to stomp his feet.
He moved away, pulling me with him, his back to the wall now. “Do what I say or the lady PI gets hurt.”
I felt a sharp blade nick at my neck. I froze for fear of it cutting deeper.
“I’m going with you,” Wade said.
Ben had gotten halfway across the room toward us.
“Give it up, Gus. You can’t escape. We’ll get you one way or another.”
“Ha. I know you’re kind of fond of this gal, Sheriff. Either Wade and I get out of here right now or you won’t get this gal back in one piece. We’ll be out of the country before you catch up with us.”
Janine jumped up. “Uncle Gus, if Wade’s going with you, I’m going, too. Don’t leave me here alone!”
Gus turned his head toward Janine. “Whatever.” He turned to Ben. “I’m going through the kitchen and out the side door. Tell your goons at the door to let us go.”
“Okay, okay. Don’t hurt Lacey,” Ben said, waving his deputies off and nodding at Ken to give the orders to call off his security guards.
I weighed my options, which didn’t seem very good right now. Damn it, I should have involved Ben sooner. Why hadn’t I turned that report over to Ben when I’d found it, or even to Sam on the ride over here? I should have known there would be trouble. My damned independent streak always gets me in trouble.
