Deadly as the Driven Snow

by Agnes Alexander

  He laughed again. “Goofy. You know I’ve loved you since we were in fifth grade. How can you suspect there was ever another serious woman?”

  I knew this was true, but I couldn’t help teasing him. “What about Melinda? She was the love of your life until I came back to town last year.”

  “Oh, yeah,” he teased back. “I hear she’s still on the prowl, so you’d better watch your step.”

  I swatted at him as he turned back to the kitchen. There was no doubt in my mind Jason loved me with all his heart. As I watched him, he took some things from the refrigerator and began putting pots on the stove. I felt warm and contented inside as my love for him seemed to seep into my soul.

  Jason warmed over the rest of the vegetables Mom had sent. He added boiled corn and made burgers. When it was ready, we left our computers on the table and moved to the living room to eat. It was almost like a picnic.

  We were cleaning up the kitchen when the front doorbell rang. I glanced at Jason. For a minute, he looked surprised, but said, “I’ll see who it is.”

  He took his gun from the cabinet above the refrigerator and slipped it into the back of his belt. He motioned for me to step into the bedroom. I almost obeyed. I went into the hallway and knew I could dash into the bedroom if I had to.

  “Jason glanced outside, then opened the door. “Yes?”

  “Hi, I’m Maggie Webber…” Her voice trailed off. “I was expecting… I mean… I thought you’d be… Roberta told me…”

  “Yeah, I know. I’m white and she’s black. I took after my mother’s side of the family and she took after our dad. It confuses a lot of people when they meet us.”

  “I see. I bet it does confuse people. I’ve never seen that in a family except on the old television show, The Jeffersons.” There was a slight pause, then she added. “I thought I heard somebody moving around in here and decided to come over and introduce myself. My husband is a truck driver. He’s gone a lot and I get lonesome. I thought I’d be neighborly and maybe make a friend.”

  “My name is Lee.”

  “Well, are you going to invite me in, Lee?”

  For a minute I thought Jason would have to let her through the door, but he said, “I’m sorry Mrs. Webber, I’m awfully busy right now. I got laid off from my job last night and I’m on the computer trying to find another one.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad.” She paused again. “Well, if you decide you want to sit around and chat a while, you’ll know where to find me. As I said, I get lonely, and we might enjoy being friends when my husband is gone.”

  “Thank you, but my girlfriend is coming up to stay with me for a while. I don’t expect we’ll be doing any visiting.”

  “So, you have a girlfriend?” Jason must have nodded, because she went on. “I guess that’s good for you, but maybe not for all the lonely women around.”

  Jason didn’t respond to her suggestive tone. “Well, thank you for stopping by, Mrs. Webber.”

  “Maybe when your girlfriend leaves, you’ll feel more like company.”

  “Maybe. Good bye, Mrs. Webber.” Jason closed the door.

  I came out of the hall shaking my finger at him. He grinned at me and dropped his arm around my shoulders. “See there, your old man gets flirted with occasionally. You’re not the only one in the family who gets looked at by the opposite sex.” He pulled me close. “There are a lot of lonely women out there.”

  I gently popped him in the stomach with my fist. “You better stay away from those lonely women.”

  “Don’t worry, my love. I think I’ve told you before I only have eyes for you.”

  “You better keep telling me that.”

  He put his gun back in the cabinet. “Yes, June. You’d be surprised what we run into sometimes.”

  “I don’t know if I would or not. I lived in Greensboro, you know.” I moved back to the table and to our computers. “One thing does surprise me, though.” When he just looked puzzled, I added, “I would’ve thought she’d have recognized you.”

  Jason shook his head. “Probably never watched a news show in her life. She may not know who the president is, much less the sheriff of Edison County. There are a lot of people out there who don’t pay any attention to the news.”

  “I hope she continues to ignore the news. It would take only one slip of the tongue for someone to discover our hiding place.”

  “I think we’re safe with Mrs. Webber.” He clicked on his computer and changed the subject. “Why don’t we Google the names of the people who were upset because they couldn’t find us? There probably won’t be a thing on them, but it’s worth a try.”

  “Even Aunt Nadine?”

  “I don’t think we have to worry about Aunt Nadine, but maybe you should call her and thank her for checking on us.”

  “I’ll do that. I’ll also check on Mom. I know she likes to hear from us every day.”

  Jason handed me the secure phone and I dialed the number.

  Aunt Nadine wanted to chat, but I told her I only had a few minutes to make my calls. It wasn’t really a lie, I reasoned. I wanted to get back to the computer and help Jason look up names.

  I didn’t talk long to Mom, either. She said she’d heard from all my siblings. “They all wanted to check up on you two,” she said.

  “I hope you told them we were fine.”

  “I told them what I knew, June, which is not much.”

  “I know, Mom. Maybe it’ll all be over soon.”

  She changed the subject. “Sadie Middleton called trying to get a number where she could reach you, but I told her she’d have to call the sheriff’s department just like everyone else. I don’t think she liked it much.”

  “I don’t understand why Sadie thinks she has to get in touch with me so often.”

  “I think she’d just lonely. She’s tied down with three kids and doesn’t have much going on in her life. A lot of people have turned their back on her since Steve was sent to prison.

  “Oh, Mom. You always look for the good in people. Maybe I should be kinder to Sadie.”

  “Right now, you have things of your own to worry about. You can worry about Sadie later.”

  When I said good-bye and turned back to Jason, I saw a frown on his face. “What’s wrong?”

  “Maybe nothing, but it looks odd. Roberta has made a note here I overlooked. Mrs. Goodman is back from Florida and she called to check on us. I’m sure J.T. told her about our troubles. I know she’s our neighbor, but we’ve never been that close.”

  “You’re right, but she seems to be a caring soul. Of course, I’m sure J.T is glad we’re having trouble. Maybe he gloated about it to his mother and she called to make up for his lack of concern.”

  Jason chuckled. “Baby, you sure can be cynical.”

  “Maybe so, but I don’t like that man. I haven’t like him since high school.” I had to smile. “Maybe he’s still trying to get even with me for poking him in the eye with my high heel shoe.”

  Jason shook his head. “Be serious, June. It’d take someone very unbalanced to try to kill us for a high school incident.”

  “So, you don’t think I’m worth the bother.”

  He rolled his eyes at me. “Now you’re trying to get me stirred up. Sit down here and let’s get this done before I have to drop everything and chase you to the bedroom.”

  “Okay, if you’re really rather work on the computer than chase me.” I sat as I flirted with him.

  He tried to look stern. I could tell by the way he bit his lip. He pointed to my chair. “Sit down. Work.”

  Within thirty minutes, we turned off the computers. He didn’t chase me to the bedroom. He carried me.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Mid-morning the next day, Jason slipped out with Allen. There had been another attempted murder, and my stubborn husband insisted he must be in on the case. I was worried about him, but he insisted he’d be all right. When Allen informed him Roberta had come down with a bad cold, he asked Deputy Henry Thompson to
come and stay with me.

  I liked this older man. He was balding, and his cheekbones were high, adding to his already long face. He was tall and thin, and I wondered if he was underweight.

  He talked a little, but not nearly as much as Roberta. Maybe it was because she felt more comfortable with me. When the conversation grew thin, I offered him a glass of tea. He accepted, and I went to the refrigerator to get it.

  There was a knock on the door.

  Henry sprang from the sofa and motioned to me to get out of the room. As soon as I slipped down the hall and into the bedroom, he cracked the door.

  “Who are you?” A deep voice demanded.

  “Who are you and what do you want?” Henry answered with his own question.

  “Where is the big guy who flirted with my wife?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Oh, Lord. Henry doesn’t know the game about Roberta and her white brother. I hope he doesn’t blow it.

  “I mean the black man who is white.”

  “I still don’t know what you’re talking about. You must have the wrong apartment.”

  “Look, fool. I don’t know who you are, but a black woman here told me she had a brother. Turns out he’s a white man and he flirted with my wife.”

  “Please, Henry, catch on,” I whispered under my breath.

  “That doesn’t make sense,” Henry said.

  “I agree. Now, where is he?”

  “There’s nobody here except me. I assure you I haven’t met your wife.”

  There was a pause, then the man said, “You look familiar to me. What’s your name?”

  “I’m sorry, sir. I’m closing the door now. There’s no one here you need to bother.”

  When I heard the lock click, I came back into the room.

  “I have no idea what that was about, Mrs. Striker. Do you know what’s going on?”

  I explained to him the game we’d been playing with the neighbors.

  “I’m so sorry. Roberta or someone should have told me. I hope I didn’t mess things up.”

  “I don’t think you did, Henry. You didn’t say anything to make him think anyone other than Roberta’s brother lives here.”

  I went back to the refrigerator and poured a glass of tea for Henry and myself. We had only downed half of it when Jason returned. Henry left, and I began to question my husband.

  “It was much like the other shootings, June. The man didn’t know his assailant. Though the bullet only grazed his head, he was so drunk, I’m not sure he’ll be able to identify the shooter.”

  “Oh, Jason, when is this going to end?”

  He put his arm around me. “I did find out something about the fire.”

  “Oh?” I brightened.

  “There were some footprints around Mrs. Goodman’s house which matched some from our yard. The ground was trampled when they were fighting the fire, but further into the garden area there were some prints which lead to her door.”

  “Do you think they planned to burn her house, too?”

  “We’re not sure, but we think maybe they did.”

  “Oh, Jason, I’m getting scared again.”

  He pulled me closer to him. “It’ll be fine, honey. Just hang on. We’ll get to the bottom of it.”

  “I know you will, darling. I just wonder when.”

  He squeezed me tighter. “Soon, June. Soon.”

  While Jason worked on the computer, I fixed lunch. We were running low on leftovers. I decided to make tacos. We both like them and it would be a change. I was almost through when someone rapped on the door. Without being told, I turned the stove down and headed toward the bedroom.

  I didn’t have to disappear, though. The visitor turned out to be Allen.

  “Jason, I decided to drop this by to you on the way home.” He came inside, and I went back into the kitchen. “Hi, June.”

  I nodded at him.

  “What is it?” Jason took the file Allen held out.

  “I was going back through the report you made on the man who was shot at your house and I noticed you wrote that the fellow mentioned the name Jay before he passed out.”

  “I remember that.”

  “I started putting it together with a file that came across my desk today. We didn’t arrest this guy, the Edison police did, but I want you to look it over. Something doesn’t fit.”

  The two men moved to the living room and I went back to the stove. “We’re getting ready to eat. Would you like to join us, Allen?”

  “Sounds great, June, but I guess I’d better get home. Gwyn only worked half a day today and she said she was making lasagna. I better be there to eat it. I don’t want to upset her.”

  “That sounds good. I like lasagna,” Jason muttered. He had his head bent, studying the file. “Allen, do you think this guy could have anything to do with it?”

  “I’m not sure, but I thought it was worth checking out.”

  “I agree. I’ll study it tonight and get in touch tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good.” He headed toward the door. Thanks for the invite, June. Maybe you’ll give me a raincheck.”

  “Be happy to.”

  “Good. You’re a much better cook than Gwyn. She doesn’t seem to want to ever make good meals for me. This lasagna thing is a rarity.” He opened the door and as he stepped outside, a man pushed him aside and came into the apartment.

  “Who the hell are you?” Jason bellowed. “What do you mean bursting in here like this?” He had already crossed the floor and had the man by the collar before Allen could get back inside.

  “I came to see why you flirted with my wife.” The man tried to twist away.

  “Man, I don’t know your wife.”

  “She said you came on to her.”

  “She’s lying. I’ve been right here with my girlfriend all day.”

  The man seemed to calm down. He turned and looked at me. “That your girlfriend?”

  “Does she look like my mother? Of course, she’s my girlfriend.” Jason let the man go and he staggered backward.

  “Well, I’ve got to admit, with a girlfriend who looks like her, I don’t know why you’d want my wife.”

  “Everything okay?” Allen asked from the doorway.

  “It’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Jason nodded at him and turned back to the intruder. “Now, do you want to explain yourself, or do you want me to call the police?”

  Allen was still in the doorway, but after Jason nodded at him again, he went toward the steps.

  “I’m confused. My wife said a man here flirted with her. I figure it was you, but where was your woman?” He looked at me.

  “Let me assure you, mister,” I said. “My man doesn’t flirt with any woman. He has all he can handle with me.”

  Jason put his arm around me. “A truer fact has never been spoken.”

  “Then why did Maggie say—”

  I interrupted him. “Maybe Maggie tries to make you pay attention to her because she wishes she had a man who would give her the love and affection Lee gives me. If you’d try that instead of acting like a jealous idiot, you might find she gives you so much attention you have no reason to be jealous.”

  His mouth flew open, but he didn’t speak. He only stared at me.

  “Delilah’s right. I’ve learned the way to keep a woman faithful is treat her good and give her all the love you have to give. Now, why don’t you go home and make love to you wife instead of pushing her around and acting like a fool?”

  I don’t know if Carl Webber took Jason’s words seriously or not, but he did back out of the apartment without another word.

  Jason moved to the door. “Allen’s in the parking lot. I’m sure he wants to be sure everything is okay.” He gave Allen the thumbs up sign and closed the door.

  “Where in the world did you come up with the name Delilah for me?” I cocked my head and glared at him as he turned around and tried to keep from laughing. “Is there some babe in your past with that name?
”

  He grinned. “She’s in all our pasts, honey. Remember Delilah who subdued Samson with a haircut?”

  I had to let my laugh out. “Of course, I remember her. Are saying I’m a manipulative woman like her?”

  “You used to be, and you still have the same power. When you give me one of your little smiles, my heart melts, and I’m as subdued as Samson ever was.”

  I hugged him and batted my eyes at him. “Are you hungry, my big, handsome, subdued man?”

  “I’m hungry, but not for food.” He leaned over and I felt his warm breath on my neck.

  “Then, let’s turn off the stove and see if I can satisfy your appetite.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  It was three o’clock in the morning when the window in the bedroom shattered. Jason grabbed me, rolled me off the bed to the floor and covered my body with his. “Stay down, June.”

  Still half asleep, I muttered, “What’s going on?”

  “Slide under the bed and stay quiet.” His voice left no room for argument as he pushed me toward the bottom of the bed.

  The glass shattered again, and I heard a picture fall from the wall opposite the window. Jason moved away from me and crawled to the closet. He pulled open the door and I heard him loading the clip in his gun.

  Someone had found us. They were shooting into our bedroom. I wanted to run to Jason, and almost did, then another shot sounded and the covers on the bed moved.

  “Honey, can you reach the cell phone on the nightstand without getting up?”

  “I’ll try.” I wiggled to the stand and reached for the phone. My hand closed on it and pushed the button to the department. When I got through to them, I told them what was happening.

  “I’ll be there in two minutes, June,” Charles said.

  Jason crawled to the window and raised his head to look out. I cringed. I could imagine someone shooting at my husband’s head. He raised his arm and fired.

  There was a curse word from a man outside.

  Jason ducked as another bullet flew into the room. At the same time, the sound of sirens came into the parking lot. Lights began to come on in the complex.