Claudine looked at me and for the first time in her life I saw something besides anger or disdain in her eyes. I saw hurt, fear, and maybe a bit of regret. Tears ran down her cheeks. I’ve never seen her cry except at Steve’s funeral.
Clifford asked me again to wait in his office.
“No, I refuse to press charges. Claudine needs help. Barbara was her best friend in this crazed world we live in. She’s gone, and Claudine feels alone. She broke down, and it’s understandable. She needs counseling, not jail. I won’t be responsible for putting her in jail. You can’t make me and if you think you can then I guess I’ll share a cell with Claudine.” My arms were wrapped around Yummy’s carrier, and he barked as if in agreement.
Detective Nate stormed over to me and began to speak.
“Leave me alone, Nate. You aren’t allowed to talk to me unless Lucas is here.”
He stomped back to where he had been standing.
Clifford shook his head.
I asked, “Do you need me any longer? I’d like to leave.”
“Go, Annie,” Clifford said. “I’ll talk to you later.”
Chapter Sixteen
I stormed out of the police station with just a quick wave to Dot. I strapped Yummy’s carrier into his seat and slid behind the steering wheel. I was angry enough that I needed three deep cleansing breaths to calm down. I said a silent prayer that everything would work out for Claudine. I grabbed my cellphone and sent a text to Georgie.
“Can you get away for lunch?
It’s been a cheeseburger, fries, onion rings,
and chocolate shake kind of morning.”
I heard my phone chime as I drove back to the bookstore. When I parked, I pulled out my phone and read her answer.
“That sounds like every day.
See ya later with food.”
I busied myself around the store. I decided I needed to keep busy so my mind wouldn’t keep going back over the recent events and missing Clark. Wedding preparations didn’t seem enough to keep my mind from wandering.
I received an e-mail about a shipment of books by independent authors. I know how hard it is to try and find a publisher and many authors self-publish, but then find it difficult to sell their soft-cover books. The group I contacted was all too willing to ship books from their members for me to sell in the store. I was thrilled to find new authors, and I knew my customers would be, too. I needed to make room before the shipment arrived. I’d have a sale. It always brought customers in and I sold a lot of books. I sat and drew out what type of sales banner I wanted and the colors. I uploaded it into my computer and e-mailed it to the print shop. The next few days would be hectic.
Georgie arrived with lunch shortly after I finished my plans for the sale.
I opened the back door, and she rushed in carrying all the food I asked for. She set the bags on the table and looked at me for an explanation as to why my morning had been so difficult.
“Food first,” I said reminding her of our pact always to eat before we discussed a problem.
Yummy attacked his hamburger while Georgie and I enjoyed a leisurely lunch.
I leaned back and groaned, “Next time I decide I need to eat enough for two or three people, please remind me of today.”
Georgie agreed and listened to my account of the morning’s lunacy.
“You’re a good soul, Annie,” she said. “I’m not sure I could be that magnanimous.”
“No, I’m not,” I confessed. “When I realized the police had the footage of Claudine’s rant and she bragged about what she did, I was delighted. I have wanted to get her back for all the years she made me miserable. I thought maybe if she sat in a jail cell, she’d think about what she had done. She tried to take Laci from me. It was the biggest reason why I wanted her to suffer, and I needed to eke out some sort of revenge. I’m far from a good soul. I’m human, and heaven help me, I truly wanted her to pay for what she did.” I dropped my head contemplating what could have happened to Claudine.
“Okay,” Georgie smiled. “We’ll agree your human and have evil thoughts. Now that Claudine has been found out, she’ll most likely leave you alone. It should be almost as good as revenge.”
“Better,” I smiled back. “Now, let’s discuss the real mystery.”
“Yeah,” Georgie said rubbing her index finger under her lip. “We know what happened here at the store, but we still have to figure out who was the intruder in the mansion and who killed Barbara.”
“I think,” I offered, “that they’re the same person. If I’m right, we’re looking for a man. No woman strangled Barbara. Usually, women use poison or some other less violent form of killing. Maybe a gun in the heat of passion, but strangling someone is a personal crime, and it would have to be a very strong woman. I think we should look for a man.”
Okay, Annie, think. Georgie is my best friend, and we share everything. I promised not to tell anyone what Clark told me. How am I going to work this mystery holding info back from Georgie or ignoring my promise to Clark? Hmm, maybe a small white lie. Who am I kidding, a lie is a lie. Well, here goes.
“Maybe you’re right,” Georgie agreed. “Where do we start?”
Here goes my lie.
“This morning I was at the station talking to Clifford when I saw them bring in Claudine. Clifford went to talk to her and left me alone. I needed to use the bathroom, so I left his office. When I passed another office, I heard voices. When I heard one mention Barbara’s name, I stopped being the inquisitive person I am.”
Georgie giggled.
I continued. “I’m not sure who was talking, but it sounded as if it were two officers or maybe one and a witness or informant of some type. They think she was killed because she knew something about criminal activity at work.”
There, I did it. I didn’t mention everything I know, but I let Georgie know enough that we can begin to figure this out.
“Uh huh,” Georgie mumbled. “That would explain Barbara’s death and Philipps’ shooting. I heard he’s still in a medically induced coma, and the docs want to keep him that way until he gets stronger. When he finally wakes, we might find out more. At least we’ll know who shot him. It might be Barbara’s killer.”
“Or, he’s her killer” I mused. “And whoever else is involved with criminal activity at city hall decided he didn’t want him around. They might be partners.”
Georgie grabbed a notepad and chewed on the end of her pen. “Let’s make a list.”
“Okay,” I agreed. “The first is the mayor and Phillips.”
Georgie jotted notes and looked at me. “What kind of criminal activity do you think is involved?”
Oh no, I can’t mention embezzlement. Oh my goodness gracious, think fast, Annie.”
“Financial,” I mumbled knowing I didn’t actually say the word embezzle. “These are big shot government workers, what else could it be?”
“Hey,” Georgie said sitting up straight. “The powers that be have been arguing over the proposed strip mall at the edge of town. Some say it would be good for the town, and some swear it’ll destroy our small town quality.”
“I agree,” I said. “If a bookstore opens there, I’m not sure what will happen to the Heavenly Corners Bookstore. Strip malls usually bring in fast food places. Is Paul worried about the Grille?”
“He sure is and he intends to attend the next city council meeting and give them his two cents worth and more.” Georgie scribbled more notes.
“Good for him, now what comes to mind when we think of city hall and the strip mall?”
“Kickbacks,” Georgie answered loud enough to cause Yummy to bark.
Okay, Annie. Kickbacks might not be embezzlement, but the same people would be involved.
Georgie was pondering the idea. She always stares off into space when she thinks. “Umm, anyone in a position to vote or handle money.”
“Let’s see,” I began to think out loud. “The mayor, of course, the city council, the city treasurer, members of any p
lanning committee with voting power. I don’t think there are too many to consider.”
Georgie twisted her lip while she added names. “I don’t even know if there is a planning committee. Let’s go with the mayor and city council. Do you suspect the treasurer for real? I mean we went to high school with Godfrey Galsanger. He was president of the chess club remember.”
I laughed, “It’s always the quiet ones. He does have an assistant and think about this. He’s always been gangly and the right height for the intruder at the mansion. In black clothes with a mask, he could pass for a skinny guy or a woman. We never figured out which it was, and I know it wasn’t Claudine.”
“True, but I think he’d pass out holding a gun. If someone wielding a chessboard attacked you, I might agree.” She dissolved into giggles.
“I think the mayor is too tall to be the guy at the mansion. Phillips is, too. Maybe someone who could influence one or the other is responsible. Barbara overheard something, and she was killed. It might not be a lover’s spat.”
“Wow,” Georgie said. “You’re right, it could be one of those people who own the land or want the strip mall built. That means we have suspects we don’t even know.”
“Maybe, maybe not, it has to be someone Barbara knew well enough to be with them after Berg’s party. I don’t remember a lot of unfamiliar faces.” I leaned forward with my elbows on my knees. I interlaced my fingers and held up my chin wondering how I could solve this without spilling everything I knew to Georgie. If I don’t, Clark could die. Maybe I could let a little idea slip here and there and let her think it was her idea. Wow, it’s hard being stuck between a best friend and a fiancé.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Georgie asked.
“I don’t think the mansion intruder was looking for a key fob. Granted they found one with my initial in Barbara’s car, but we got those last summer. Barbara volunteered at church and drove a lot of people to prayer or Bible study groups and Sunday services. Anyone could have dropped it.”
“Could be,” Georgie paused. “Maybe the intruder was looking for something else. Doesn’t the mansion seem like a good place for a clandestine meeting of any sort? At first I thought Barbara might be meeting someone there for an affair, but what if someone from city hall met with a business associate to discuss the illicit scheme?”
I sat back and thought about her idea, “Good thinking, Georgie. No one would notice cars there late at night. Whoever it was might have been looking for something they lost. Since they were on the floor searching the carpet, it would be something small. A cuff link or tie tack could be easily lost.”
“Or an earring? We keep thinking the intruder was someone we know from city hall, but it might have been whoever they are working with. Could be female,” Georgie suggested.
“Ugg,” I added. “That’s too many people. Let’s concentrate on the few we know and we might discover the rest.”
Georgie nodded, and I saw a gleam in her eyes.
“What are you thinking?” I asked.
“What if it’s a multilayer crime?”
“Explain please,” I said.
“Okay,” Georgie said drawing a big circle on a fresh sheet of paper. “Let’s call our bad guy ‘X’ for unknown factor like back in Algebra class.”
I nodded and shuddered at the memory of math classes.
She drew a large uppercase X in the middle of the circle. “Let’s say ‘X’ has money problems,” Georgie stated.
She drew three arrows to the edge of the circle and wrote ‘gambling debts,’ ‘alimony or child support,’ and ‘drug use’ to start.
“I get it; he’s trying to get money from the developers to pay those debts,” I said.
“Or,” Georgie continued. “He’s already paid his debts, so he appears squeaky clean but has stolen money from the city to cover them. Now he needs to cover what he embezzled.”
Oh my goodness gracious, she figured it out without my having to tell her. Georgie’s not only the best friend in the world she’s brilliant, and Clark won’t hate me for betraying a confidence.
“You’re brilliant,” I stammered.
Georgie grinned and nodded. “Of course, I am. That’s why we’re best friends and partners in crime solving. We’re both brilliant.”
I had to smile at the compliment.
“Uh, oh,” Georgie said and stood. “I better run. I should have been back at the Grille before now. I think we’re on the right track. Keep thinking about it.”
We hugged, and she hurried to her car. I locked the back door, headed for the front door, and turned the ‘Out to Lunch’ sign to ‘Open.’
Three customers walked in back to back which kept me busy for nearly an hour. I didn’t have time to think about Georgie and my conversation. After they left my mind wandered to all the possibilities. What if Georgie was right? I needed to think about our suspects.
Neither the mayor nor Phillips was divorced with alimony or child support problems unless one had a hidden love child. Not in this town. Someone would know, and the entire town would know, I hoped. Neither ever appeared to be taking drugs, but with gambling one never knew. They could be addicted to internet gambling. Since it’s a possibility, they’re both still on my list.
Who else? Godfrey Galsanger? No way, he’s as boring as a snail walking backward. He’s as gangly as he was in high school with unruly strawberry blonde hair. I don’t think he’s aged a day. Maybe being a CPA is a stress-free job.
Godfrey does have an assistant with shifty eyes. He gives me the willies whenever I go pay my taxes. Built like a linebacker, the guy could threaten anyone at city hall. I nearly forgot the tax assessor. She shares an office with Godfrey. What is her name? Amber Arillo. Two “A”s but I thought we gave up on the key fob idea. Oh saved by the jangle of the front door. I need to take a break from thinking about this.
~ * ~
I set the book I was holding on the shelf and called out, “Coming.” Yummy beat me to the front of the store, and I could hear his happy barking. No one dangerous this time for a change. I turned the corner of the bookshelf and saw Mom Ryan. The epitome of a lady, she was dressed in a dove gray suit and black heels and shoulder bag.
“Hi,” I smiled as I hurried over to hug her. Steve’s mom and I always got along, and I still call her mom. I never considered her a mother-in-law, but more of a second mom. When I hugged her, I could feel her trembling.
I gripped her hand and said, “Come sit with me for a while. I’ll make us some herbal tea.”
I placed two steaming mugs of tea on the table at the back of my store. I found some fresh sugar cookies in my office and placed a few on a napkin and brought them to the table. Mom Ryan hadn’t said a word which was unusual for her.
She was pale, and her eyes appeared as if she had been crying. I took her hand again and asked, “Is something wrong?” My heart raced waiting for an answer. I was still close to Steve’s family except for Claudine, and I was concerned something happened.
She shook her head. “Things are going to be fine, I think. I was anxious about Claudine.”
Oh no, I hope they’re not going to put her in jail. I won’t testify, I won’t. I need Mom Ryan to know that.
“What about Claudine,” I asked. “I told Clifford I refuse to press charges.”
“I know, dear,” she said giving me a smile. After taking a sip of tea, she continued, “Jerry told me what you did this morning. Claudine didn’t say much, she just cried. She’s at home now with Jerry. From what Jerry said, Clifford had a talk with the D.A. He’ll ask for probation, mandatory counseling, community service, and of course she will not be allowed back here in the bookstore.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad. She needs help, not jail. I don’t think she’s gotten a handle on losing Barbara.”
“I agree, but she’ll get help now.” She looked at me over the rim of her mug.
“What I don’t understand is why she hid that key fob in my store. Did she think it would
prove I was a murderer?” I wondered.
“Yes, and it’s a sad story. When you figured out where Barbara’s diamond necklace was hidden most of the town believed you and Georgie were intelligent amateur sleuths. A few thought you were guilty. It didn’t help matters when they found that key fob with an ‘A’ on it in Barbara’s car. Who knows who dropped it in there, but a few again assumed it had to be yours. The woman selling them last summer has a small shop a few towns away. Claudine found her and bought a letter ‘B.’ She scuffed it up a bit to make it look used and hid it in your shop. She was positive you killed Barbara, and it was all she could do to help prove it.”
She dropped her head and tears spilled from her eyes. It broke my heart to see her cry. I handed her a box of tissues and gave her a hug.
She dabbed at her wet eyes and said, “Thank you, Annie, for refusing to press charges. You recognized like we did that she needed help. Even Claudine admitted she no longer thinks you killed Barbara to spite her.”
I blew out a breath. “I’m happy to hear that. Claudine and I have had our problems, but bottom line she’s Steve’s sister, Laci’s aunt, and my nephew’s mom. We’re family whether we like it or not.”
Mom Ryan smiled at my words and this time her smile sparkled in her eyes. “I’m not sure Claudine will ever agree to be family, but maybe tolerant acquaintances.”
I laughed at the suggestion. “I could handle that.”
Mom Ryan stood and hugged me. “Let’s plan on a family Sunday dinner after Laci and Claudine’s boys get back from college. I’d love to see my three grandchildren together. It also might be a way for you and Claudine to exist under one roof for a couple of hours. Could be a start of a new beginning.”
I shrugged. “We can hope.”
I closed the store after she left but stayed an extra hour rearranging books. I needed to shop for groceries, so it was dark by the time I got home. A squad car was parked half-way between my property and the house next door.
“Now what?” I wondered aloud.
Chapter Seventeen
Murder, Trouble & Family Page 16
