Greene County Killer

by Ann Mullen

  “Will you be okay alone with two kids, a couple of lazy dogs, and a mysterious cat?”

  I looked over by the fireplace in the living room and saw Athena and Thor cuddled up. Thor rolled over and then Spice Cat stood up and stretched. He had been napping in between the two dogs.

  “Oops, my mistake. The cat isn’t so mysterious after all. He was just hiding. Speaking of animals—how are the horses? I haven’t had time to even walk out to the stable to check on them.”

  “They’re fine. The chief has been taking care of them. He loves Dusty and Rusty. He mentioned this morning that he had hired someone to take care of the animals for a while. He has his hands full with Mom. Jenny and Beth are over there trying to help out. They’re going to the funeral home with Mom and Dad to make final preparations for Daniel’s service. But Mom’s such a wreck. Dad says her health isn’t too good. He’s very concerned.”

  “He mentioned that to me earlier. What is her problem? Do you know?”

  “Dad had a talk with Dr. Bryant and from what he told him, the doctor thinks Mom might have developed adult onset diabetes. He urged Dad to get her to come in, but Mom refuses. She says she’s too busy right now.”

  “Say no more. I’ll get her to go to the doctor, if I have to carry her myself. My Uncle Bill has the same thing—along with a few other health issues—and now he’s in a bad way. And… he’s been going to a doctor for a long time. You can’t let an illness like this go untreated. If he had, he’d be dead by now.”

  “I appreciate that, Jesse. Maybe you can get her to go to the doctor after the funeral.”

  “You can bet on it.”

  “Go change and put on something warm,” Billy demanded. “It’s getting nasty out there. I want you to carry your…”

  “I know what to carry,” I said as I kissed Maisy and then put her in the playpen close to the table. She immediately started playing with her toys.

  “A gun, a cell phone, and my wits. If that’s not sufficient, I’ll stick my Buck Knife in my boot.” I turned, bent down, and kissed Ethan on the forehead as Billy fed him his bottle. “He’s such a little angel.” I kissed Billy on the lips. “You’re so sexy. When I get back, we need to do something about this appetite I’ve been suppressing.”

  “I’ll fix a roast.”

  I reached over and touched his face. “I see you’re not hot like you were last night. I guess you weren’t running a fever. I was worried.”

  “Don’t worry about me, `ge ya. I am fine.”

  I went to the bedroom and changed into something more practical for the cold weather I would encounter. I slipped into a pair of Levi’s, a T-shirt, and a turtleneck sweater. I chose a pair of socks that were thick and came up to my knees. Inside one of the socks I slipped the knife. I went through my top dresser drawer and found the .38 and .357 that I had placed there earlier.

  Since the kids came along, I quit hiding my .38 under the bed and the .357 in my purse. It was too easy for them to get to. So now, two guns were kept in the dresser and a third, my new 9MM was the one I kept in my purse—on top of my dresser and out of reach. I made sure of it each time I sat my purse down. I try to learn from my mistakes.

  A while back, I accidentally left my purse with a gun in it on the floor by the sofa while Claire’s two children were here. That time the error saved our lives. But luck can sometimes turn to tragedy, so now when I put my purse down, I make sure it’s out of the reach of inquiring little minds and busy fingers. The purse goes on top of my dresser—no exceptions.

  I checked my oversized handbag to make sure the 9MM was still there and then pulled the .357 from the dresser drawer. I grabbed my knee high snow boots from the closet, slipped them on, and then stuffed the .357 in the left one. I was ready for anything. I felt fully dressed—weapons and all.

  I kept thinking about how wonderful my husband was to let me go running off in the approaching snowstorm while he sat at home tending to the kids. He probably just needed a little solitude to reminisce about his brother. Don’t we all when a loved one dies?

  I walked into the living room and sized up the situation.

  “I see the animals are cozy by the fire, and it looks as if you have everything under control. Do I need to bring in more firewood before I leave?”

  “I got it covered. You better hurry up before your mother gets back. You know how she is when she thinks you’re going to get into something.”

  “Like I said earlier, I’m always getting into something. That’s my job. I just feel like I need to go over there and have a look around for myself. I’m pretty good at what I do. You taught me well. Hopefully, I might come up with something others might have missed.”

  Billy looked up at me and grinned. “You do have a way about you. I trust those feelings you get.”

  “There’s usually something to them, isn’t there?” I slipped on my heavy winter coat and then grabbed the doorknob. “Later, we need to go see you mother. At least, I do. I haven’t seen her today and I want to. She needs her family.”

  “I will be here when you get back.”

  Billy seemed quiet, almost subdued, but I knew I would probably feel the same way if something happened to my brother or sister. I know I’d lose my mind if anything happened to my mother. I blew a kiss in his direction and then walked out the front door.

  An eerie feeling came over me as I walked down the porch steps. I pulled my gloves out of my coat pocket and slipped my hands in them. A cold blast of air hit me in the face as I walked over to the side yard and opened the door of the 4Runner. I climbed inside, laid my purse in the other seat, and then saw the keys lying on the console.

  “That wasn’t smart,” I said to myself. “I must be losing my mind.”

  I stuck the keys in the ignition and started the car. As I backed out into the driveway, a strange feeling that I wasn’t alone came over me. I looked around, but didn’t see anyone. I shook my head.

  “Now I know I’m freaking out. I’m imagining things. I’ve been watching too much late night television. I’m going to have to stay away from those scary movies.”

  I drove down the driveway until I came to the end. I looked both ways, and then turned right onto Bear Mountain Road. When I got close to Jonathan’s driveway on the left, two Greene County Police cruisers, the Greene County Sheriff’s car, and a Charlottesville Police car pulled out and turned left heading out onto the main highway.

  “Hmm,” I mumbled. “I wonder what they’re doing here. I guess I’ll just have to go see for myself.”

  I turned into Jonathan’s driveway and drove the curvy path until I reached the end. There was no one in sight. I didn’t even see Jonathan’s Humvee or Lu Ann’s Suburban. That’s strange. The Fire Marshall’s not even here. Where is everyone… and why isn’t there any crime scene tape up? I guess they must be finished.

  Before I could get out of the car, my cell phone rang. I looked at Caller ID and saw that it was a call from my house. I flipped open the phone and said, “Hello. You miss me already?”

  “You know I do,” Billy said. “Your mother called. She’s on her way home. Robert also called to let us know that he’ll be sending over some food from the restaurant.”

  “That’s good. Is there anything else?”

  “I’m going to get sad on you for a minute.”

  “That’s okay, Billy. Go ahead.”

  “I just want to say that I never knew how much I could love someone until I met you. Don’t get me wrong—I loved Ruth, and I still do, but you’re going to be the love of my life. I love you, Jesse.”

  I sniffled as tears rolled down my cheeks.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “They’re tears of joy, Billy. I feel the same way. We will be together forever.”

  “I must go.” Billy laughed. “I have big job waiting. I am warrior!”

  His Cherokee accent is always a delight to me. “Yes, you are,” I agreed.

  I closed up the cell phone and slip
ped it in my coat pocket. I sat in the car and looked around. The house and sheds were nothing but a memory now—their shells were pieces of burnt timber blackened by an intense fire, and now covered with snow. The beautiful cedar trees that once surrounded the house were mere stalks devoid of bark and greenery. The whole circle looked like the aftermath of a nuclear explosion—only on a much, much smaller scale. Snow hid any traces of the sorrow that lay among the ashes. The scene was heartbreaking. I had to leave. There was nothing I could uncover. The snow was too deep, and not knowing where solid ground was, I figured that it was a waste of time, not to mention dangerous. I guess I just wanted to return to where it all happened. I needed my own form of closure. This would be the end of a time, but a new beginning would soon emerge from the ashes. Jonathan would rebuild his home, and hopefully, share it and his life with Lu Ann. Even though he would be laid to rest, Daniel’s memory would live on. His killer would be brought to justice.

  My cell phone rang again. I didn’t bother to look at Caller ID, instead I flipped open the phone, and said, “Yes, dear.”

  “Mrs. Blackhawk? This is Sue Ellen.”

  “Oops, sorry. I thought you were Billy.”

  “That’s all right,” she said. “I’ve done the same thing myself. I called because I just checked the messages at the office, and there was a weird one on the machine. I called your house, but no one answered, so I called Mr. Blackhawk’s cell phone. It was turned off. I didn’t know what else to do except call you. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Of course, not,” I replied. “That’s okay. So, Billy didn’t answer at the house, huh? That’s odd. He should be there. He’s taking care of the children.”

  “I’m sorry, but he didn’t answer.”

  “He was probably busy and couldn’t get to the phone in time. I’ll call him in a minute, but for now, what about this message on the machine?”

  “There was a call from someone who sounded like a teenager. He didn’t leave a name, but he said he wanted to speak to you. He said it was urgent. I’ve been checking the machine every hour, so it couldn’t have been too long since he called.”

  “What else did he say?”

  “His message said that he would call back at 2:00.”

  I looked at the clock on the dashboard of the Toyota. The digital readout said 1:45. I could make it if I hurried up.

  “Sue Ellen, I’m going to head on over to the office and see if I can catch the caller. Thanks so much for calling me.”

  “What about Mr. Blackhawk? Should I try to call him again?”

  “No, I’ll call him. You just keep checking the messages every hour or so. Thanks again for calling me, Sue Ellen.”

  I hit the end button and then pressed the programmed number for our house. The phone rang several times before someone answered.

  “Hello,” the voice on the other end said. It sounded like a teenager. The first thing I thought of was that the teenager from the garage had broken into my house and was holding Billy and the children hostage.

  “Who is this?” I demanded to know.

  “Ah, this is Greg. Who is this?”

  “Oh, Greg, this is Jesse. I’m sorry that I snapped at you, but… oh, never mind. Is Billy there?”

  “He’s in the den with your mother and her friend, Eddie. Do you want me to go get him?”

  “No, that’s not necessary. Just tell him I have an errand to run. If he needs me, he can reach me on my cell phone.”

  “I’ll tell him.”

  “How are you doing, Greg?”

  “I’m hanging in there. Poor Grandma isn’t doing too well. She’s been crying ever since Dad died. I’m worried that she’s going to have a stroke or something.”

  “She’s grieving, Greg. She’ll probably cry for a long time. It’ll get easier as time passes.”

  “That’s exactly what Uncle Billy said. He said to be strong.”

  “He knows what he’s talking about.”

  “Are you coming home? I’d like to see you before I go home.”

  “I’ll be there shortly.” I paused for a second. “Are you staying at your dad’s house by yourself?”

  “I’ve been living with Dad ever since he and Mom split up, so I’m used to being by myself. Except now he won’t be coming home.”

  “I’m so sorry, Greg. You know you can stay with us until you’re ready to go back home.”

  “I know, but if I don’t go back now, I’ll never be able to.”

  “I understand.”

  “Besides, my girlfriend is coming over to stay with me for a while. Grandma didn’t even bat an eyelash when I told her. I guess she’s in a world all her own. She’s so hurt by this. I feel bad for her.”

  “I’m sure she is. She’ll get better, Greg. Trust me.”

  “So, what are you doing? Billy said that you had a wild hair and wanted to go back over to Jonathan’s house… well, I guess it’s not a house anymore.”

  “We’ll call it his place for the time being. How’s that?”

  “That sounds good to me. Where are you now?”

  “Ah… I’d rather not say.”

  “Oh, Lord, you’re out getting into trouble. Billy said you probably were. You should tell me where you are, so he can come and help… just in case you need him.”

  “Tell him that I’m going to run to the office to intercept a call and I’ll be home soon.”

  “I’ll tell him, but he’s probably not going to like it. He’s going to suspect something is up. Is it?”

  “I’m not sure, but I’m fully armed, so don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

  “Okay, Jesse. I’ll tell Uncle Billy you called. If I’m not here when you get back, I’ll see you later.”

  “Hang in there, buddy.”

  “I will.”

  I closed up the phone and tossed it on the seat. I turned around in the circle and headed down the driveway. I had fifteen minutes to make it to the office if I wanted to talk to the kid who left the message. I had to hurry. Time was flying by. I reached the end of Jonathan’s driveway and looked around. The coast was clear, so I pulled out and drove until I came to the main road. I turned left and headed toward town. Five minutes down the road, I passed Crumpler’s Market.

  The store was shuttered up and had a sign on the door with the word CLOSED in big red letters on a piece of paper hanging from a string. A long, black cloth was draped over the top of the door—a symbol used to indicate a death in the family.

  That confirmed what Sue Ellen had told me. The market owner was the father of the Greene County deputy, Ronnie Crumpler, and the woman who was killed in the Ruckersville fire. I would stop by once he reopened and offer my condolences. It was the neighborly... and right thing to do.

  The snow was blinding. I could hardly see the road as I slowly crept into town. It was too dangerous to go any faster, but I needed to make it to the office in time to be there when the call came in.

  Then it dawned on me that the boy might not call at the exact time he said he would. Why should I put my life in jeopardy for a call that might not come in until later? No, I would play it safe, and take my time.

  “If it’s important, they’ll call back.” That’s what Mom always says.

  I knew it had to be the same boy as the one in the hospital parking garage. Who else could it be? My question would be answered soon.

  I pulled up in front of the office building and parked. I turned off the car, locked it up, and walked up to the front door. I could hear the phone ringing through the glass as I stood outside and tried to pick out the right key.

  Finally, I found the key and slid it in the keyhole. I turned the key, shoved open the door, and ran to the front desk. The answering machine came on. I snatched up the phone and hit the stop button to turn off the message.

  “Hello,” I said, out of breath. “This is Jesse Watson Blackhawk. Who is this?”

  “I’d rather not say, if you don’t mind,” the young fellow said.

  “Look, I’m not
in the mood for games. Tell me your name, or I’m hanging up.”

  I wasn’t really going to hang up, but I decided to force his hand. If I didn’t have a name, I had nothing.

  “My name is Wayne Avery. I’m the guy you met in the hospital parking garage.”

  “Oh, yes, I remember you now. You’re the one who shoved a gun in my face.”

  “It wasn’t loaded,” he said, softly. “I’m sorry. I’ve made such a mess. I didn’t mean for all this to happen, and I didn’t kill anyone.”

  “According to the police you did.”

  I looked up and saw two Charlottesville Police cars with sirens blaring and lights flashing pull up in the front of the building. The officers jumped out of their vehicles with their weapons drawn.

  “Ah, Wayne, I’m going to have to put you on hold for a minute. Please don’t hang up. I’ll be right back. I have a problem on this end.”

  Chapter 11

  Unsure of what to do, I raised my hands in the air and walked toward the front door. I had no idea what the police were doing here, but I was sure it didn’t have anything to do with my caller. No one knew about the call from him except me and Sue Ellen, and I was sure she didn’t suspect a thing.

  “What’s the problem, officers?” I asked as I approached them. I looked over at the security box by the foyer and realized that the silent alarm had gone off.

  Last year, Billy replaced the alarm system that dinged twice when the door opened to one that didn’t make a sound. He didn’t want to draw attention to the alarm and possibly alert an intruder to its existence. I guess he didn’t realize at the time that if one of us entered in a hurry and forgot about the alarm, the cops would show up. The ding, ding always helped to remind me to punch in the code. This time, I had forgotten to do so.

  “I can explain,” I said. “I’m Jesse Blackhawk and this is my husband’s office. I was in a hurry and forgot to punch in the code.”

  They glanced at each other and then one of them said, “If that’s the case, then reset the alarm.” They were testing me.

  I walked up to the keypad and punched in the code. The red light continued to blink. “I don’t know what the problem is, officer.” I tried the numbers again, but the red light didn’t change to green. Then it came to me. Billy must’ve changed the pass code when he had the system changed and forgot to tell me. I tried to convey this to the policemen, but they weren’t buying my story.