Winter Chill

by Joanne Fluke

  Dr. Hinkley was beckoning to her from the doorway. Marian knew she had to leave. She leaned down to kiss Sally’s cheek and smooth back her friend’s hair.

  “You’ll find your way, Sally,” she whispered. “I know that somehow you’ll find your way.”

  “How was she?” Dan was sitting up in bed when she got back home.

  “Dr. Hinkley said they’ve been keeping her sedated, but she’ll be all right.” Marian crossed to the window and opened the drapes. “Did you talk to Ronnie?”

  “I think he’ll be fine once the funeral’s over and Sally’s back on her feet. What a horrible shock!”

  “Yes, it seems that way at first.” Marian turned, her face thoughtful. “There’s some consolation, though, some reason for it all, if you stop to think about it. Laura missed Jenny so much. And now they’re together.”

  “Marian! That’s kind of gruesome, isn’t it?”

  “Not really.” She moved toward him, her face earnest. “Remember that note from Laura right after Becky died? Laura said Becky was with her and she wasn’t so lonesome anymore. Now it’s even better. Laura has Becky and Jenny to play with. They’re all happy, Dan. I know they are. Everyone is much better off now.”

  Dan stared at his wife, her eyes luminous and shining in the twilight. Marian looked insane. She had to be crazy to believe a thing like that. And she really did believe it, even though he’d tried his best to make her face reality. He felt a chill start in his mind and spread over his entire body. Marian was completely insane. She was carrying on just as normal and ordinary as you please, and she was completely mad!

  She said something about supper, and he nodded, not really hearing her. His mind was racing, dread thoughts surfacing with chilling clarity. Marian believed Laura was lonely. She would do anything for Laura.

  The first was Muffy. Dan shivered under the covers. He didn’t think Marian had the little puppy killed deliberately. He knew Muffy really was ill. But it had happened, and the next morning there was the note from Laura, the note that Marian had written.

  After Becky’s death there was another note, another fabrication of Marian’s sick mind. Sheriff Bates said it was an accident, but suddenly Dan remembered. Marian had gone for a long walk on the afternoon of Becky’s death. And she came home dazed, unable to tell him where she’d been. What if she’d gone to the icehouse and waited for Becky there? Was Marian capable of cold-blooded murder?

  He wanted to stop, but his mind kept on adding it up. Marian was there, on the hill, last night. She claimed she’d chased a man through the woods, and she’d found Dan’s old army jacket up there. Everyone thought she was brave for chasing a stranger in the dark. But what if there was no fleeing stranger? What if Marian had killed Jenny herself and made it look like a tragic accident?

  He shouldn’t think this way. It was wrong. Marian couldn’t be that crazy. She was the same rational, kind Marian who held slumber parties for the kids on rainy summer nights, the same normal Marian who taught second grade and baked cookies for Laura’s best friends.

  But she wasn’t the same, and he knew it deep down inside. Marian was insane, and she had killed Laura’s best friends. She was sending victims to Laura one by one to keep her baby from being lonely.

  He had to tell someone! Dan reached for the telephone and dialed the sheriff’s office. They had to stop her!

  “Sheriff Bates speaking.”

  Dan’s fingers gripped the phone until his knuckles were white. Would the sheriff believe him? Marian certainly didn’t look insane. She taught her class and acted normal most of the time. How could he tell Sheriff Bates that whenever Marian thought her baby was lonely, she killed off someone to keep Laura happy?

  “This is the sheriff. Is someone on the line?”

  Dan swallowed hard and replaced the phone in the cradle. He had no proof that Marian was the killer. The sheriff would think that he was the crazy one!

  What could he do? Dan tried to think. He was a little afraid of Marian. She had killed Becky and Jenny. If she thought he suspected the truth, she might kill him, too!

  He’d have to watch her and gather proof for the sheriff. He’d build an airtight case before he turned Marian in. It would help if he could follow her when she left the house, but that was impossible. He needed someone to help him, someone to be his legs. But who could he trust?

  CHAPTER 19

  Marian sat in the lily-scented church and dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. She had no tears, but it was the right thing to do. Everyone would think she was hard-hearted if she didn’t make them think she was crying. She felt terrible about Jenny’s death, and the funeral was an awful ordeal, but there were no tears. She was every bit as sorrowful as Midge and Edith, but the tears would not fall. Perhaps it was because she was the only one who knew the truth. She knew Jenny was happy playing with Laura. It was impossible to cry about a tragic thing like this when she knew it had all turned out right in the end.

  It was a pretty funeral. Marian gazed at the banks of flowers surrounding the small bronze casket. Her flowers were there, lovely pink roses, Laura’s favorites. Father McMahon was shaking something over the casket now, intoning a blessing, Marian surmised. She knew next to nothing about the Catholic ceremony. She stood and knelt when everyone else did, the prayer rail hard against her knees.

  Ronnie and Sally were holding up very well. His arm was around her shoulders, protecting her from the world. They were lucky to have each other. Marian was a little surprised at Sally’s strength. She had almost decided to share Laura’s notes, but Sally didn’t seem to need the secret.

  “She’s going back to work next week.” They stood in a group on the church steps and watched the hearse drive off to the cemetery. “Sally’s so brave, don’t you think?”

  Marian nodded. Edith was right. Sally was just as brave and strong as she had been. Did she have a secret of her own? Could Sally possibly know that Jenny was with Laura?

  “Religion helps at a time like this,” Midge said earnestly. “Father McMahon’s been out there almost every night. I think Sally’s strength comes from the Lord.”

  Yes, that was probably it. Marian smiled back. Somehow she felt relieved to learn that Sally’s strength was not the same as her own.

  “I think we should offer to take her playground duty for a while. I know how I appreciated those coffee breaks the first few days I was back.”

  “That’s a good idea, Marian,” Edith said. “I’ll organize all the elementary teachers. We can take turns. At least we’ll be doing something to help.”

  “And one of us should be with her that first week at lunch. I didn’t feel like eating, but all of you urged me. We don’t want Sally to get run down.”

  “You’re so kind, Marian,” Midge sighed. “I want to help, but half the time I don’t know what to do. Sally’s so lucky to have a friend like you.”

  It was the first day of school after the long vacation. Dan shifted the books in his lap and watched Marian carefully in the rearview mirror. She looked perfectly normal today.

  Dan knew he was being paranoid. He couldn’t help it. He had watched Marian’s every move for the past four days, but nothing unusual had happened. It made him feel disloyal to spy on her, but there was no other choice. He’d be the happiest man alive if he could prove he was wrong about Marian.

  “Oh, there’s Cliff.” Marian pulled into their parking spot and waved. “He looks rather dashing with his arm in that cast. Connie’s there, too. I guess they’re waiting for you, Dan.”

  “Hi, Mrs. Larsen.” Connie came up to take Dan’s briefcase. “I get to push today. I flipped Cliff for it, and I won.”

  “Thank you, Connie.” Marian opened the back door of the van and positioned Dan’s chair on the ramp. Cliff waited below, ready to help. A moment later Dan was borne away, already surrounded by a throng of students.

  As Marian walked toward the entrance of the school, the buses began to pull up. Doors opened, and crowds of students streamed
toward the front entrance. She would have to hurry. There would be a line of children waiting to get in her room.

  The note came in the middle of her science class.

  There will be a brief meeting of all teachers in the faculty lounge directly after fourth period.

  “Is it something for us, Mrs. Larsen?” Joey Cracowski was curious.

  “Just a notice for a teachers’ meeting, Joey.” Marian smiled at him. “Now, Joey, how would you classify a teacher? Mammal, reptile, fish, or bird?”

  By the time Marian had dismissed her class for lunch, she was tired. The children were always restless the first day back after a vacation. She had been forced to spend an hour listening to a recital of Christmas presents they had received. At least she had managed to turn it into a spelling lesson. Ricky Owens had learned to spell Parcheesi. Marian wasn’t sure if that knowledge would help him in later life, but at least he’d learned it.

  “Oh, what a morning!” Sally rushed out to join her. She looked a little pale, but she seemed to be coping with her kindergarten class. “What’s the teachers’ meeting about, Marian? Have you heard?”

  Marian shook her head and found places for both of them against the far wall. Harvey came in and called them to order.

  “Mary’s received a total of seventy-three calls this morning. Parents are demanding we take some security precautions.”

  Seventy-three calls was over one third of the total enrollment. Both Marian and Sally were shocked.

  “The Nisswa school board held an emergency meeting, and we set three new criteria for student supervision.”

  Harvey cleared his throat and read from his list.

  “Number one. When the final bell rings, all teachers will accompany their classes to the buses. Bus drivers will then assume the responsibility for student safety. Roll will be called before the bus departs, and parents will meet their children at all bus stops.

  “Number two. Extracurricular activities will be held as usual, but no student is to be dismissed until a parent or responsible adult has arrived to act as escort.

  “Number three. No student is allowed on the playground alone, and a teacher or responsible adult must accompany any student leaving the premises for any reason.”

  He glanced up over the rim of his glasses to grin at Dorothy Pepin. “I know this is an imposition, Dorothy, but that means no more student runs to the grocery store for cooking class.” Harvey paused for effect. “Unless, of course, you can talk the Red Owl into sending a limousine. Actually, they should. Your food budget keeps them in business!”

  There was a burst of laughter, and Dorothy’s face turned red. Everyone knew she sent the senior girls to shop on school time.

  “I think that’s all. And, Sally? I know the whole staff joins me in offering our sincere sympathy. Just let us know if there’s anything we can do. We all love you.”

  The meeting broke up with a clatter of chairs. Marian and Sally walked into the lunchroom together.

  “How are you doing, Sal?” Dan waved them over to a table. “Did Santa make them any smarter?”

  “He brought them presents, not brains.” Sally sank down into a chair gratefully. “Would you believe Gail Swensen forgot how to count over Christmas? And none of them remember what quiet time means. My kids have a real talent for forgetting everything I’ve ever taught them.”

  Marian caught sight of Sally’s face as she brought their trays. Her friend looked tense and white. She supposed that was only natural. Sally’s voice was a little too loud; her smile forced. But she was here, and she was able to teach her class. Marian was proud of her.

  “Here we are. Three turkey surprises!” Marian set their trays on the table. “Now you know where everybody’s leftover turkey went. They donated it to the school cafeteria.”

  “Hey, Pete! Over here!”

  Sheriff Bates turned and headed toward the back booth where Gus Olson and Jim Sorensen were waiting. They always saved him a place. The Truckstop Café got pretty crowded at lunchtime.

  “Anything new on Jenny’s accident?” Jim lowered his voice and glanced around him. “Everybody knows about the guy Marian chased.”

  “Forget about the guy in the woods.” Sheriff Bates sighed. “Marian didn’t even see him. It was probably a rabbit, Jim. There’s absolutely no reason for people to get upset. Jenny’s death was an accident, nothing more.”

  Sheriff Bates stopped talking as Emma came rushing over to their booth. He gave her his best cheerful smile.

  “A hamburger and coffee, Emma . . . and an order of onion rings. You’re a sight for sore eyes, girl. I swear you get prettier every day!”

  “Sheriff Bates!” Emma blushed fiercely. She set down his coffee and hurried off to fill his order. She was Charlie Bower’s oldest girl, a large-boned dishwater blonde, and no one had ever called her pretty except the sheriff.

  “Burger and rings!” she shouted out to Joe Paquette in the kitchen. “It’s for the sheriff!”

  Emma watched while Joe made a double patty, extra thick. She added an order of fries to the onion rings and took three slices of American cheese from the refrigerator. Joe flipped two crispy pieces of bacon and stacked them on top of the hamburger patty. The sheriff was a special customer. He brought a lot of business their way.

  Emma loved to see Sheriff Bates come in. He teased her, and he always left a nice big tip. She made a special point to make sure his coffee cup was always full. The Truckstop Café was practically his second office. Sheriff Bates spent a lot of time in here talking to the truckers.

  It was time for more coffee. Emma hurried over with a freshly brewed pot. She refilled all three cups and giggled as the sheriff made a pretense of pinching her rear. Then she dashed back to the kitchen to check on his burger.

  Jim waited until Emma was out of earshot. “People are pretty upset, Pete. Louise is afraid to let Jamie walk to school by herself.”

  “Dora’s the same way.” Gus added cream to his coffee and lit a cigarette. “She’s taking the car to pick up the twins. I don’t know, Pete. Something’s fishy about Jenny’s accident. There’s a rumor going around that it was murder!”

  “There’s absolutely no proof of murder!” Sheriff Bates scowled heavily. He’d heard it all before. A half dozen people had stopped him on the street this morning.

  “Now, look, boys.” The sheriff stared across the table at them. “Rumors don’t do anybody any good. I’m investigating the accident, and that’s all I can do. We’ve just had a bad winter here in Nisswa. You can’t blame me if people have accidents!”

  “Hey . . . we didn’t mean to be critical, Pete.” Gus pushed the sugar across the table for him. “We all know you’re doing the best you can. People are just jumpy, that’s all. And a jumpy town’s not good, you know? It hurts business.”

  “Yeah, I suppose it does.” Sheriff Bates sighed. “It’ll all blow over in a couple of weeks. Gus, I bet business at the bar has dropped a lot, huh?”

  “It sure has!” Gus looked unhappy. “Nobody goes out at night anymore. I hope things get back to normal soon. It’s going to be a bad month for us.”

  It was a bad month for him, too. Sheriff Bates made a fake lunge at Emma as she set down his hamburger, but his heart wasn’t in it. He tried to be tough like those law-enforcement people on TV, but he bet they never had troubles like this. He’d been faced with some real ugly things the last couple of weeks. The people in town never thought about it. They just took his job for granted. If there was trouble, they called him, and he had to face it. Sometimes it wasn’t a pretty sight.

  He picked up a french fry and chewed thoughtfully. First, there was little Laura Larsen, skewered on the harrowing machine. He had had to get her down. And Becky Fischer in the icehouse. He had had to pick her up and take her to Doc Hinkley. And now poor Jenny Powell. It was enough to make a grown man have nightmares. All those awful sights and they expected him to take care of everything. It was a wonder he had the stomach for his job.

  That
was another big worry. He might not have his job for long. This was an election year, and his back was to the wall. He liked being the sheriff of Nisswa. Usually, it was a pretty easy job, until something like this came along. Then he earned every cent of his pay. If Nisswa didn’t get back to normal soon, he was in big trouble at the polls.

  “Are we having hockey practice tomorrow, Coach?” Cliff cleared a path, and Connie pushed the wheelchair through a crowd of students. “I heard something about cutting down on after-school stuff.”

  Dan smiled. Cliff was eager, even though he was on the bench for the championship game. He took his new duties as assistant coach seriously. Cliff was a good kid.

  “Practice as usual, Cliff. We’ll all leave together because of the new rules. You spread the word tomorrow at school. We’ll meet in the gym and go out in a group from there.”

  “It’s because of the accident, isn’t it, Mr. Larsen?” Connie sounded serious. “I heard someone say Jenny’s accident might be a murder.”

  “I don’t know, Connie.” Dan turned back to look at her. “But the new rules are a good idea. It never hurts to be careful.”

  “Poor little Jenny!” Cliff shuddered. “If it was murder, I hope they catch him soon. I’d do anything to make sure nothing like this ever happens again!”

  Dan looked at him sharply. Cliff’s fists were clenched, and his expression was grim. Was Cliff the one to help him?

  “Why don’t you drop by if you’ve got some time tonight, Cliff?” Dan kept his voice carefully neutral. “There’re a couple of plays we haven’t gone over yet.”

  “Sure, Coach. Is seven too early? I have to pick up Connie at nine. She’s filling in for Inga at the drugstore tonight.”

  “Seven’s just fine.” Dan smiled as they helped him into the van. For the first time he felt hopeful. Cliff might just believe him. Between them they had to fix it so Marian would never kill anyone again!