Who Killed the Neanderthal

by Cheryl Zelenka

  Timothy glanced sideways at Sadie and asked, “Is Mark coming to the ice cream social tomorrow?”

  “Yes. I invited him, but tell me something. Why did you want me to invite him? It’s our last day to visit. I mean, I’m okay with Mark sharing in the fun, but I see him every day and he’s taking me to Ashland this Friday. We’re gonna see Hamlet.”

  Timothy tilted his head and pursed his lips. “I need to know my competition for your affections.”

  “Hmm. And so far, what do you think?”

  “He seems to be on the up and up. I ran a background check on him a few weeks back. Nothing turned up, except for a speeding ticket.”

  Conflicting feelings again swirled within her heart and inside her head. Thankfully, Dora returned to her seat before a headache or hot flash sparked. Sadie focused on finishing up the case and told herself not to worry about O’Cleary or Mark. They both know what they’ve got themselves into. The cheese will stand alone, eventually. Time will reveal the guy for me. I’m not in any hurry to start dating exclusively. Right now, Pop is my man. Well, and Bosco too, I guess.

  Judge Lindy returned and everyone stood.

  Charges against Sarah La Compost were the same as before, first-degree murder in the case of Francis La Compost, and conspiracy to commit murder in the case of Larry Phibbs. A $100,000 bail was set. However, before Judge Lindy used her mallet, Sarah’s lawyer asked if he could approach the bench. After a few minutes he returned to his seat and Judge Lindy ended the session.

  Sarah was escorted from the courtroom and Dora went over to chat with her attorney. After just a few minutes, Dora returned to say a plea for leniency had been issued on behalf of Mrs. La Compost. They’re going to run with Battered Women’s Syndrome. Judge Lindy said she’d take it into consideration but since it was a holiday weekend, any further thought would have to wait until a trial date was set.

  “Well, now that the sisters have been charged, let’s enjoy the rest of Boatnik.” Sadie’s two friends nodded their heads in agreement. “You know, I could go for some Indian Fry Bread. Anybody else thinking the same thing?” Sadie rubbed her tummy and led the way to the parking lot.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: Ice Cream Sundaes

  On Monday morning Sadie found herself fussing in front of the mirror more than usual. She was dressed in her favorite color, a cute lavender Boho top with an above the knee dark purple skirt. She was having a good hair day and went with just a touch of eye makeup.

  Yesterday had been a lot of fun. Sadie especially enjoyed watching Timothy cheer on the local jet boat racers as they flew down the Rogue River.

  When the fireworks started, Dora made herself scarce so Sadie and Timothy could have some extra time alone. There was a good deal of handholding but little conversation. Neither one knew where their relationship was headed, so they both decided to live in the moment and not think too far into the future.

  Dora arranged for Sadie to adopt Maxie. Sarah was out on bail so Bubba returned home to his mistress. Between the jet boat races and fireworks, Sadie gifted her dad with Maxine. The Otterhound took to him immediately and she knew they would be very good friends for many years to come.

  Mary and Sarah’s cousin also lived in Rogue Valley. She had been working with Mary in her breeding efforts, hoping to buffet the popularity of Otterhounds. She moved into Mary’s house and took over the business. Eventually, she became the top Otterhound breeder in the United States.

  When the murder case finally went to trial, a jury of locals found the women guilty on both counts, first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

  Mary managed to avoid Oregon’s death penalty, but was given a life sentence. Sarah’s attorney succeeded in reducing her prison term to just 30 years, thanks to his decision to educate jurors about Battered Woman’s Syndrome. During the trial it was revealed that Sarah gave Burt her husband’s Masamoto knife. After killing Larry, he returned it to Sarah who later planted it inside Scott Moore’s Snow Cone trailer. Scott was plan B, in case nobody believed Francis actually killed Larry.

  Sadly, Sarah’s actions left her fur-kid homeless, until her cousin adopted Bubba and gave him free rein of Mary’s place.

  Scott had left the Boatnik celebration early so he could travel to Brookings, Oregon. He ended up teaming with a local fish hatchery. He moved his family once their house sold and his baby was released from the hospital.

  The bank confiscated Burt’s estate. The little income that remained was donated to his High School football team. Larry’s financial holdings were willed to his brother’s children, with the condition they attend at least one year of college.

  Home once again, a knock on the front door alerted Bosco and Willow and they barked out an alarm. As Sadie went to answer it, she pondered her future. Two men were vying for her affection and both seemed pretty intent on making the relationship exclusive. She was open to the idea, but wasn’t quite ready to commit to either man. She needed a little more time to test the waters, and she wasn’t convinced a long distance relationship would work.

  Mark was holding a giant zucchini and a bowl of tomatoes when Sadie finally opened the front door.

  “Thank you, Mark! I’ll make my Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Zucchini Bread with this gigantic specimen. I’ll even have you over for coffee and a slice when I get around to making it.”

  “Sounds good to me!” Mark was dressed in a Cabela’s shirt and khaki shorts. Timothy and Dora knocked on Sadie’s door just a little after Mark’s arrival. Sadie sensed both men were sizing up each other.

  Locking the front door, Sadie handed her keys to Dora and asked if she would drive. Timothy walked around to the other side of the car. He had the door to the back seat open but Mark beat him inside. Sadie got in next to him and shut the door. Opting not to make Dora their chauffeur, Timothy closed his door and jumped in the front passenger seat.

  There was polite chit-chat on the way to the park. Mark slipped his hand into Sadie’s and held it as Dora drove down Sixth Street. The second the car was parked, Timothy hopped out and opened Sadie’s back door. Offering her his hand, she accepted and exited the back seat. Timothy caught Mark’s eye and grinned. Placing his arm around her waist, he guided Sadie to the designated area for the ice cream social.

  Not to be outdone, Mark selected a table and waved Sadie over. The table only had room for three. Sadie sat next to Mark wondering what would happen next. Timothy confidently walked down the long line of people already comfortably seated. With his Irish charm, he managed to get everyone to slide down just enough so he and Dora could sit across from Mark and Sadie.

  Sadie was starting to think it was a bad idea to have both men participate in an eating contest. Somebody is going to have bragging rights within the hour. She rolled her eyes at Dora who grinned and returned her look by mouthing the words, you asked for it!

  Umpqua Dairy donated the ice cream every year for the event— enough to feed the entire city of Rogue Valley. Juniors and seniors from both local High Schools scooped and served the gigantic sundaes to over 60 participants ranging from age 4-92 years.

  Mayor Phibbs, now recovered from his role as the parade Grand Marshall and the sentencing on Sunday, was the jovial host. Six judges were dispersed among the contestants. With rules read and directions given to raise a hand when finished, Mayor Phibbs spoke into the microphone. “On your mark, get set, GO!”

  Sadie did not want to be a sticky mess, so she opted to use the plastic spoon that had been provided. On the other hand, Mark and Timothy both passed on the niceties and went down face first into the yummy mess. Sadie watched as Dora crammed huge amounts of dairy in her mouth, using her spoon to shovel more than to scoop. Sadie wasn’t feeling overly competitive and opted to watch the fun while slowly eating her treat.

  Timothy lifted his face from his bowl; whip cream in his hair and chocolate sauce all over his face. Taking a gigantic breath, he again plunged into his sundae but not before giving Sadie a wink.

  As far as she c
ould tell, Mark was winning. She watched as he took three more bites then raise his hand, even before his face was free from the bowl. Timothy’s hand shot up a few seconds later, unaware that a judge had already noted Mark’s victory.

  A whistle tooted and the contestants stopped, looking around for the victor. Mayor Phibbs walked over to Sadie and her friends and presented Mark with the large silver trophy. Applause broke out as Mark raised the cup above his head. Melted ice cream dripped from his chin as he shouted, “Ice cream, Ice cream,” until his adoring fans joined in.

  Sadie was pleased to find a lighthearted grin on Timothy’s sticky face. He joined the crowd in their ice cream chant, not at all put off that Mark was in the spot light. Sadie sighed and gave herself a personal rebuke. You need to make a decision soon, Sadie Sunshine, before you break the heart of one of these good men. Sadie agreed with herself but thought, I will, but not until Mark kisses me. I’ve kissed one guy, so I might as well kiss the other.

  RECIPES TO ENJOY

  Sadie’s Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Zucchini Bread

  *Yield: One 8 ½” x 4 ½” Loaf

  INGREDIENTS

  2 large eggs

  1/3 C honey or Agave Syrup

  ½ C Brown Sugar

  ¼ C Vegetable Oil

  1/3 C Sour Cream

  1 teaspoons orange extract

  1 teaspoon salt

  ½ teaspoon baking soda

  ½ teaspoon baking powder

  1 teaspoon cinnamon

  1/3 C Cocoa

  1 2/3 C All-Purpose Flour

  2 Cups shredded zucchini, pressed

  1 C chocolate chips (Milk or semi-sweet)

  ¾ C Pecans or Walnuts

  INSTRUCTIONS

  1-Prehead oven to 350 degrees

  2-Grease 8 ½ x 4 ½ loaf pan

  3-In large mixing bowl beat the eggs, honey, oil, sugar, and almond extract

  4-Combine the flour, cocoa, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Mix well.

  5-Stir in the pressed zucchini and chocolate chips.

  6-Pour batter in a prepared loaf pan (Sadie uses PAM baking and cooking spray)

  7-Bake bread for 65-75 minutes, until a toothpick prick in the center comes out clean, aside from a melted chocolate chip.

  8-Cool completely until slicing (I know, it’ll be hard to wait for a slice)

  9-Be sure to store left overs in the fridge.

  Sadie’s Strawberry-Tarragon Jam

  Throughout history, tarragon has been widely used as an aid for toothaches. The ancient Greeks chewed it because of its ability to numb the mouth. Tarragon can be used as a mild sedative to help relieve anxiety and stress. It is also beneficial in promoting a good night's sleep. Tarragon contains chemicals that can also help support cardiovascular health.

  INGREDIENTS

  3 cups sugar

  2 1/2 teaspoons Pectin

  3 teaspoons water

  4-5 cups coarsely chopped strawberries (from about 2 pints)

  1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

  2 T raw honey

  1/4 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened

  1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon

  INSTRUCTIONS

  1-Mix pectin, water, and sugar in a bowl and set aside

  2-Combine strawberries, lemon, honey, and butter in a large heavy bottom pan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat

  3-Add sugar/pectin mixture to pan and boil hard for 60-90 seconds

  4-Remove pan from heat and skim away any foam from the surface.

  5-Stir in fresh tarragon

  6-Ladel jam into hot sterilized jam jars. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes

  7-Remove glass jars from bath and turn upside down on a flat surface (10 minutes).

  8-Flip right side up and listen for lids to pop, confirming the jar has sealed.

  Lemon-Thyme Sunshine Cake

  Thyme has a long history of use in natural medicine in connection with chest and respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion.

  Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

  Makes: 16 Servings

  INGREDIENTS

  3 Cups all-purpose flour

  1 teaspoon baking powder

  1 teaspoon baking soda

  ½ teaspoon salt

  1 ½ sticks unsalted butter-softened

  3/4 Cup sour cream

  1 ½ Cup granulated sugar (Or Sugar Substitute)

  ½ Cup agave syrup

  5 Eggs

  ¼ Cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

  2 T freshly grated lemon zest

  3 T fresh thyme roughly chopped

  1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  1 Cup buttermilk

  1 2/3 Cup powdered sugar

  ¼ Cup heavy cream

  INSTRUCTIONS

  Spray Bundt pan with Pam for Baking (Has added flour)

  1-In large bowl beat butter and granulated sugar on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.

  2-Beat in eggs one at a time using medium speed on mixer.

  3-On a low speed, add lemon juice, thyme, vanilla, and zest of lemon

  4-Add baking powder and baking soda

  5-Beat in half the flour

  6-Add buttermilk

  7-Add remaining flour

  8-Pour cake batter in prepared Bundt pan-Tap on counter to release air bubbles

  9-Bake 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes

  10-Cool 5-10 minutes then loosen edges and turn out on cake stand/plate

  11-Beat on low the confectioner sugar, cream, and 2 T lemon juice.

  *Top cake w/glaze (Optional: Garnish w/Thyme)

  Fun History Fact: Thyme was associated with bravery throughout medieval times. It was a ritual for women to give their knights a scarf that had a sprig of thyme placed over an embroidered bee.

  Please enjoy this excerpt from ‘Trespassers Will be Composted’, Book 4 of the Sadie Sunshine Cozy Mystery Series

  Sadie Sunshine loved living in the city of Rogue Valley. The southern Oregon climate was conducive to marvelous gardening opportunities. Her dark green house with red trim was positioned in a way that her front yard welcomed sun-loving plants and her back yard, with over 15 cottonwood trees, was the perfect location for a shade garden. This thrilled Sadie, as it didn’t limit her plant selections, which she was constantly modifying with unique and extraordinary specimens.

  On this particular September day, Sadie was out front pruning and harvesting her lavender. She had plans to make lavender sachets using old lace handkerchiefs she had picked up at a local antique store. Sadie also needed to get the red mums she purchased over the weekend into the urns by her front door.

  While digging holes to accommodate the flowers, she overheard a loud conversation between her neighbor Janet Frenrick and her newly hired landscaper. Janet was a local Dispatcher for the Public Safety Department and kept unusual hours. Sadie never knew when she’d run into her neighbor. But, apparently this Monday was Janet’s day off and she was letting everyone know she was home for the day.

  Sadie ducked her head as a stream of expletives ran through the air. Her face blushed as red as the mums gripped in her hands. Janet was raging over the landscaper’s decision to cut down a favorite lilac bush in order to accommodate a new Dogwood tree. Sadie lifted her head but continued to dig in the soil. Janet was pointing to the back yard while the landscaper shook his head and waved at his truck. It was loaded down with trees, bushes, and shade loving Hosta.

  “Oi, I feel sorry for that young man. He took on a lot when he agreed to work for Janet. Her temper is a bit scary, as Bosco and Willow-Cake would agree.”

  Janet had two cats, outdoor cats. On more occasions than she could count, Sadie had observed Paw-Paw and Cufflinks using her back yard as a litter box. One day, out of frustration, she let Bosco and Willow outside to chase them home. Unfortunately, Janet drove up just as her dogs treed the felines. It didn’t help that the canine pair were barking madly at Paw-Paw and Cufflinks, who desperately clung
to the upper most branches.

  Sadie had observed the entire scene from her front yard and called the dogs back home as soon as the cats ran up Janet’s tree. Infuriated, Janet yelled down the street, “Keep those dogs on your property or I’ll call the pound, Ms. Sunshine! It’ll be hours before my kitties make their way down from this here tree.”

  A wave of guilt flooded Sadie that day, and hoping to bridge the gap, she brought over a chocolate pound cake to apologize and make amends. Although Janet didn’t refuse Sadie’s peace offering, there still remained a cold distance and a lack of neighborly friendship on Janet’s side.

  In fact, Janet wasn’t well liked by any of her neighbors. Mark also had a run in with her over the cats. Paw-Paw and Cufflinks were getting into his garbage on trash day. So, after the third week of picking up debris from the street, he went over to Janet’s house to complain. She denied her kitties were the culprits and ordered him off her property. Dora just about threw a gasket when she found the two cats swatting at her Koi. She also went over to Janet’s to complain but she simply dismissed Dora’s complaint. Janet actually lectured Dora for not considering what a temptation her Koi pond would be to Paw-Paw and Cufflinks.

  Looking back at the truck sitting in Janet’s driveway, she observed the landscaper remove each plant from the back of his truck. Every time another specimen was placed on her lawn, Janet went into conniptions. The landscaper did his best to ignore her tirade but halted when she returned from her garage wielding a garden hoe.

  ***