“Good morning, dear,” she answered. “Lovely day for ducks.”
“It certainly is,” I replied. “While Yummy is occupied, I’m going to grab a quick shower.”
“Take your time,” Aunt Irene said. “Lyle is making breakfast for us, so I’ll keep an eye on the dogs.”
As I headed for the shower, I wondered if their marriage really was one of necessity. My gut told me they care about each other. I should call Ruthie and let her know they’re doing fine.
After my shower, I looked at myself in the mirror. It was going to be a damp, rainy day, and I knew no matter what I did, my hair would decide to have a life of its own. I pulled it back in a ponytail. Maybe later when it dried, I can let it loose. Maybe. It might behave. I believe in miracles.
I finished my last gulp of coffee and walked outside to get Yummy. I picked him up, and he wiggled trying to get out of my arms.
“You want to say bye to Peanut?” I asked as I let him loose. I had a couple minutes to spare. I walked toward Aunt Irene, and Yummy made a beeline to the pier barking his little head off.
“Now what,” I mumbled. As I got to the edge of the lake, I could see a rowboat bobbing in the water partially under my pier. Yummy stood on the edge barking frantically at the boat. I called him, but he didn’t respond. I didn’t want to see what he was barking at this time. I took a deep breath and decided to find out what it was.
When I glanced at the row boat, I tried to dig my phone out of my pocket. My hands shook, and once my phone was free I nearly dropped it into the lake.
I dialed 911 and before Dot could finish her greeting I stammered, “Dot, it's Annie. Send the police and paramedics. Someone shot Councilman Phillips, and he’s in a row boat at the end of my pier.”
“Hang on one sec,” she answered. A moment later she said, “Okay, they’re on their way. Are you sure it’s Phillips and he was shot?”
“Yes, it’s him, and there’s a hole in the shoulder of his white shirt and it’s bleeding. If he wasn’t shot maybe someone stabbed him. He’s alive, Dot. I can hear him moaning, but I can’t get to him. I’m afraid I’ll tip the boat, and he’ll drown for sure.” I paced up and down waiting for someone to arrive.
“I hear the sirens, Dot. I should get out of the way.” I scooped up Yummy and ran back down the pier. I sat him back in the puppy run and waved at the paramedics who were running through my side yard.
I pointed to the pier. “He’s in a row boat at the end of the pier.”
I turned to see Detective Nate walking into my yard. My heart sunk. Why did it have to be him? He was the last person I wanted to speak with or see this morning.
He strode up to me and stared me in the eyes. “Well. Well. Well. What do we have here this morning, Mrs. Ryan? Another body? Another murder? How are you involved this time?”
I glanced down toward the pier and saw the paramedics had lifted Councilman Phillips out of the boat and were working on him.
“No murder,” I stammered. “He’s alive.”
He tapped his pen on his notebook and asked again. “How are you involved?”
I explained again how I discovered him.
“Uh huh,” he mumbled and jotted something down.
My knees felt shaky, and I walked to a nearby lawn chair and sat. Detective Nate followed me, and I saw Officer Carolyn Dawlins rush past us down to the pier. I said a prayer that Councilman Phillips would be okay. He was not my favorite person, but I didn’t want to see him dead. He has a wife and three kids.
Detective Nate shot questions at me faster than I could think. Each question was something I already answered. I was getting a headache. I needed an aspirin. I stood to walk into the house, and he snapped at me.
“Sit back down.”
“I need an aspirin,” I snapped back. It probably wasn’t the smartest response I ever gave, but he annoyed me more than I can describe.
“Later,” he snapped again. “Sit down.”
I knew my rights, and this was my yard, so I walked past him into my house and headed for the bathroom. I swallowed two aspirin before he could come in and drag me out by my hair. He seems to be the type to do that sort of thing. I wandered back out into the yard. I saw Aunt Irene and Lyle watching from the edge of her cottage.
The paramedics carried Councilman Phillips through my yard right past me. He was wearing an oxygen mask and his eyes fluttered a bit. His shirt was torn open, and a large amount of gauze bandage was taped to his shoulder.
Carolyn followed and spoke to Detective Nate. When she passed me, I asked, “Is he going to be okay?”
She shrugged. “Paramedics say he has a good chance. He’s lucky you found him when you did. Have a better day, Annie.” She waved to me as she hurried back to her patrol car.
I breathed a sigh of relief. I began to walk toward Aunt Irene to speak with her when Detective Nate’s voice stopped me in my tracks.
“Not so fast, Mrs. Ryan. We’re not done.”
I spun and looked at him, “Now what?”
“Tell me again from the beginning.”
I did. He nodded and slipped his notebook in his breast pocket. I turned to walk away when he grabbed my arm. Before I knew it, I felt a handcuff snap onto my wrist.
“Annie Ryan,” he stated. “You’re under the arrest for the murder of Barbara Boyle and the attempted murder of Councilman Phillips.”
“Are you serious?” I said through gritted teeth. “Don’t you need a warrant? How did you get a warrant? I just called 911 maybe thirty minutes ago. Let me go.”
He spun me around, and I felt the second handcuff click over my free wrist.
His voice sounded as if I heard it through water. I knew what he was saying, but it didn’t want to register.
“You have the right to remain silent…”
I didn’t hear the rest. I twisted my neck to look at Aunt Irene. Her pale face worried me. “Take care of Yummy. Call Lucas.” I yelled while Nate continued to rattle off my Miranda rights.
He pulled me along to his car and pushed my head down as I climbed into the rear seat. I wanted to drop down on my side so no one would be able to see me, but he reached across me and clicked the seat belt and shoulder restraint in place. He gave it a hard tug to be sure I couldn’t escape and jump out the window wearing handcuffs. Geez, this guy is a pain.
Well, Annie here you go again right through the center of town in the back of a squad car. It’s still relatively early. I hope no one sees me. Can anyone tell I’m in handcuffs? I bet they can. Who rides in a car with their shoulders and arms pulled back? Oh, my goodness gracious. I wish Clark was here. There’s Lou sweeping his sidewalk in front of the diner. He’s seen me. I wish I could disappear. If any of his customers saw me, it’ll be all over town. I hope Aunt Irene called Lucas.
~ * ~
Nate pulled me from the squad car. I’m sure I’m going to bruise where his thumb dug into my upper arm. Maybe I can sue him, and he’ll leave Heavenly Corners. He led me into the station through the front doors. Dot saw me and her stricken face let me know at least she knew I was innocent and that Georgie would hear about my arrest in minutes.
He placed a hand on my back as he guided me down the hall and into the same gray room I was in not long ago. This time, I was in handcuffs. He unlocked one and I smiled hoping he would unlock the second. No such luck. He snapped the open handcuff to a metal ring on the table and told me to sit in a chair until he returned. At least my hands were in front of me, and the stress of riding in a car with my hands behind my back was over. For now.
Will they take me to prison? Don’t I need a trial first? A murder trial. I’m doomed. Where’s Lucas? Where’s Clark? Don’t cry, Annie. Don’t let him see what he’s done to you. You’re stronger than this. Get angry. I’m innocent. Remember what Lucas said. “Don’t talk to anyone if they bring you in again.” I’m going to listen. I refuse to talk.
My knee bounced up and down. I tried to get it to stop. I’m nervous, and I know they’re wat
ching me from the mirror across the room. I’d wave, but I’m sure they’d see that as an act of defiance. I’ll wait for Lucas.
I expected to wait for quite a while. I watched a show on TV that explained it was a way to make me nervous and possibly more talkative. It wasn’t going to work, but I didn’t have to worry. Clifford walked in the room within five minutes.
He pulled out a chair and sat across from me.
“Good morning, Annie. How are you this morning?” He smiled at me.
I can’t believe he’s smiling. I glared at him.
“Here, let me unlock that handcuff. There’s no reason to keep you cuffed to the table. You aren’t going to run are you?” He reached over and unlocked the handcuff.
I rubbed the feeling back into my hand and continued to glare at him.
“Now, tell me what happened this morning.” He pulled a pen from his pocket and clicked it.
I stared at him without moving any facial muscle.
“Annie, you can talk to me. We’re friends.” He began to click the pen over and over. I think it’s a tactic to drive me crazy.
I shook my head. “I have the right to remain silent. I’m waiting for Lucas.” I sat back and crossed my arms. I know he’ll see it as a defensive move, but I’m still angry. Maybe I’m angrier than earlier. We’re friends, and he says he’s Clark’s friend. Why would he do this to me?
Clifford cleared his throat. “You can tell me what happened. You’re not under arrest; you’re a material witness. You found Phillips on your property.”
Just before I was going to yell and ask him why Nate arrested me and handcuffed me, Lucas walked in. He heard the end of Clifford’s comment.
Lucas said, “Tell me, Elroy, do you handcuff all your material witnesses and read them their rights? I need a moment with my client.”
Clifford nodded and left the room.
As I told Lucas about the morning’s events, his scowl deepened. He asked me to check my arm. Sure enough, there was a large thumbprint size bruise right where Detective Nate had grabbed me.
Lucas stepped out of the room and left the door partially open. I could hear him argue with Detective Nate.
“According to your Chief, my client is not under arrest. I have witnesses that state at no time did she argue with you or try to flee. Your mistreatment of Mrs. Ryan is deplorable, and I am going to make a formal complaint.”
I could hear the detective stammer a few words, but not much made sense. I wanted to stand up and cheer for Lucas.
Moments later, Lucas and Clifford returned to the small shabby gray room. My dungeon. Lucas smiled.
“You’re free to go, Annie. There never was a proper arrest warrant. It will not appear on your record. Any time the police need to question you further about this morning’s incident, they’ll notify me first. I’ll drive you home.” He picked up the briefcase sitting next to his leg.
I whispered in his ear.
He nodded, and I turned toward Clifford. “Do you know how the councilman is doing?”
“Last report said he was going to make it. You found him in time before he bled out. Thanks, Annie.”
‘Thanks, Annie.’ That’s all you can say after that idiot detective arrested me and handcuffed me for no reason. Ugh! Goodness gracious me, the police must think I’m a door mat. Be nice, Annie. Don’t make him angry in case you need him at some point.
I did my best to smile. “Anytime,” I said and turned to leave with Lucas.
Lucas dropped me off at home and told me I did the right thing having my aunt call him. He told me again to call immediately if this type of harassment or anything else happened. I thanked him and ran into the backyard where an anxious Aunt Irene waited.
She hugged me tighter than I thought she was capable of and looked at me with tears in her eyes. “I was so worried. I’m glad Lucas brought you home. Come inside and have lunch with us and a nice cup of tea.”
I was happy to let my aunt spoil me. I had enough unfriendly people to last me a month.
My aunt made my favorite comfort food lunch. She placed a grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of creamy tomato soup on the table in front of me. A plate of her famous chocolate chip cookies waited for dessert. I forgot about fitting into my wedding dress as I bit into the gooey cheese sandwich.
My aunt sat across from me watching me eat. She said, “Georgie called. Dot called her. You should call Georgie soon and let her know you’re home. The poor girl was beside herself with worry.”
“I will,” I answered lifting the cup of soup to my lips. After a sip, I added, “I’ll call her as soon as I get to the store.”
“Store? You can’t go to work. You should stay home and rest. You went through a terrible ordeal this morning. Tell her Lyle,” she looked at Lyle with pleading eyes.
“I agree. You should rest for today at least.” He smiled at me.
“Thank you both for your concern, but people at the diner saw me in the back of the patrol car. I have to make an appearance in the store to show everyone I’m okay and free. If not, the rumor mill will run overtime.”
“True,” Aunt Irene muttered.
I finished my lunch, hugged Aunt Irene and Lyle, grabbed Yummy, and headed for the bookstore.
~ * ~
After speaking with Georgie and assuring her I wasn’t going to end up in jail, at least not yet, I busied myself around the bookstore. Several people popped in to make sure I had been released from police custody and to ask about my morning ordeal. It’s wonderful to live in a small town where most people care about you and one another.
Most people, but not all people care. I was pushing the horror of the morning behind me with the well wishes from everyone who stopped in when Hurricane Claudine blew into the store.
I groaned when I saw her. “I meant what I said last time, Claudine. Get out. You’re not welcome here. I’ll call 911 if you don’t leave.”
She grinned what could only be described as an evil grin. I think I’ve seen it on a character in a scary movie once.
Yummy ran between us and growled.
“Shut up you fuzzy mutt,” she spat and kicked at him.
He lunged and snapped at her pant leg. He’s never done that before. He’s my little hero.
“Watch it, this is a designer outfit,” she squealed.
Yummy ran to my side, pressed up against my leg, and continued to growl.
She took a step closer to me and began to speak quietly.
I took two steps back from her. I didn’t trust her, and she rose her voice.
“I heard you enjoyed a trip to the police station in a squad car this morning.” She held up her phone. “A friend was kind enough to text me a picture of you in handcuffs in front of the station. I knew they’d get you for killing Barbara. They didn’t even need the trinket I planted to give them a shove in the right direction.”
“What?” I put more distance between us. “You hid the key fob here?”
She slung her purse over her shoulder. “Of course and I would have called in a tip, but you found it first. Too bad, but at least they arrested you regardless.”
“You locked me in the basement. You had a gun. You threatened to kill me,” I blurted out while looking for something to protect myself. She was acting crazy. Maybe she has a gun again.
“That was funny and I had the best time. You should have seen the look on your face. The gun wasn’t loaded. I didn’t want to be tempted to actually shoot you. I kept the bullets in my pocket in case it came to that. The look on your face when I made you go into the cellar was almost as good as shooting you.” She began to laugh. “I have to run now. Enjoy your time in prison.” She hurried out of the store.
My knees were shaking, but I managed to get to my chair and sit after I locked the front door. I called 911.
Dot answered.
“Hi, Dot, it’s me Annie again. I need some help, but please don’t send Detective Nate. He won’t believe me. I can prove Claudine was the person who locked me in the
cellar. You know he’ll ignore everything I say.”
“Sure thing, Annie. You okay. You need medical, too?”
“No, just an officer,” I replied while watching out the window in case Claudine returned.
“Detective Nate is off-duty. I’ll send Carolyn. She’s patrolling in town today.”
“Thanks, Dot.” I hung up and waited until I saw the patrol car stop out front.
I unlocked the door allowing Carolyn in and locked the door again. I explained my encounter with Claudine.
She took notes while I spoke and then looked at me. “I’m glad you found out who locked you in the cellar, but you know it’ll be her word against yours. They’ll bring her in for questioning, but I doubt she’ll admit a thing. We both know Claudine, and she’s a fierce woman.”
“Maybe,” I smiled. “Follow me.”
I walked to my back office and opened the door. My security system was working beautifully, and I backtracked the disc to where Claudine walked in. Carolyn watched and listened.
Carolyn nodded and smiled. “This should do it. I’ll need to take the disc with me.”
“No problem,” I said as I ejected the disc. “This system records everything on two discs. Clark thought of everything when he installed it.”
“Smart man. He’ll make a good husband and an excellent addition to our police force. I look forward to working with him.” She slipped the disc into an evidence bag and added, “Someone will call you if they need more from you.”
I thanked her and decided to close the store an hour early. I had enough for one day. I picked up Yummy, and we headed home.
Chapter Fifteen
Tonight I didn’t burn the chicken breast. I sliced it and slid the slices on top of my salad. It is healthy and fewer calories than the burgers and fries I’ve been eating. Before drizzling the salad with homemade vinaigrette dressing, I offered a piece of chicken to Yummy. He deserved a treat after protecting me from Horrid Claudine. I decided to change her name to Horrid. Maybe she’ll go to jail and find out she’s not the big shot she believes she is. I smiled and yet felt a bit guilty thinking of her in jail. Yummy chewed the chicken, walked to his bowl, smelled his kibble, and walked back to me. I couldn’t resist.
Murder, Trouble & Family Page 14
