Murder is Elementary (A Susan Wiles Schoolhouse Mystery Book 1)

by Diane Weiner

  “We understand. We know you care about Savannah just as we do. She will come back here a different person, you’ll see,” said Mrs. Vigliotti.

  “Yes, I’m sure she will,” said Jody.

  Chapter 46

  Jody headed back to her office, still upset about the meeting. She ran into Theresa in the hallway.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” said Theresa. She was carrying a stack of papers that Jody assumed she’d just retrieved from her mailbox.

  “Oh, I just had an upsetting meeting with Savannah’s parents.” Everyone in school knew who Savannah was, even those who’d never taught her. “They want to send her to that boot camp outside of town.”

  “So, maybe that’s what she needs. I bet her teacher will be happy to hear that,” said Theresa.

  “Those places destroy lives. I’d never do that to my child,” said Jody.

  “There are lots of things we see around here that we’d never do. I guess we both are just going to have perfect children. Can we exchange them if they aren’t?” Theresa laughed and Jody couldn’t help cracking a smile.

  “So, how was your date with Prince Charming last night?” said Jody.

  “I don’t know. I think I want to break up with him,” said Theresa.

  “Why? I thought you were really into him,” said Jody.

  “He’s getting more and more possessive. If he texts and I don’t answer immediately he has a fit. If he asks me out and I have plans with you or Becky, he pouts and tries to make me feel guilty. That police detective called me to invite me out to dinner the other day while he and I were at dinner and he was furious.”

  “Why don’t you just tell him you need a little breathing room?” suggested Jody.

  “We already had that conversation––more than once. I’m going to tell him tonight that I don’t want to see him any more. There. I’ve made up my mind,” said Theresa.

  “Good luck. Call me afterwards and let me know how it goes.” said Jody.

  “I will. I might need some ice cream therapy afterwards though,” said Theresa.

  “I’ll bring over the Ben and Jerry’s,” offered Jody. “Cherry Garcia, or Chunky Monkey?”

  “Both,” answered Theresa. She glanced down at her watch. “Oh, I better go. The kids will be coming in a minute. Talk to you later.”

  Jody watched her friend disappear down the hall and then went to her office.

  She poured herself a cup of coffee. It feels like it’s at least 3:00, she thought. She was disappointed when she looked at the clock on her desk and saw that it was barely 12:30. She’d just started listening to her phone messages when she heard a knock. She saw Susan Wiles standing at her doorway.

  “Oh, hello, Susan. Come on in. What can I do for you?” She looks so relaxed, thought Jody. In fact, every retired teacher whom Jody ever met looked ten years younger than they did while they were teaching. ”You look great.”

  “Thank you,” said Susan. “I just wanted to check and make sure you were still keeping the DCF at bay.”

  “Yes, I told them Carolina had an aunt who was coming from out of state to stay with her but they will certainly be following up. Have you located the aunt yet?”

  “No, not yet. The police are still searching,” said Susan.

  “Well I hope they find her soon for Carolina’s sake. I’ll call DCF though. I’ve had plenty of experience with them. Stalling isn’t usually the problem. Most often I have to stay on them to take action. I’ll walk you out.”

  Jody and Susan walked into the main office suite. A very handsome man with a dolly full of snacks was signing in. As soon as he was out of earshot, Sandra whistled. “Bye, Macho Man. Come again soon,” said Sandra under her breath.

  “Macho Man?” said Susan. Jody watched Susan’s jaw visibly drop.

  “Yes,” said Sandra. He used to come around here all the time when Vicky was alive. They spent an awful lot of time in her office with the door closed. He had quite the temper though––Vicky had finally met her match. He and Vicky would get into fights and both of them would be screaming like banshees.”

  Jody wasn’t happy to hear that. She hadn’t mentioned to Theresa that David had been seeing Vicky. She figured it was past history. But, in light of what Theresa was saying about how possessive he was and that she planned on breaking up with him, maybe she should know this. She’d have to talk to her during lunch. Oh no, she thought. Theresa’s class was on a field trip. It would have to wait.

  Chapter 47

  Boy, that was exhausting, thought Theresa. Chaperoning a classroom full of kids at a hands-on science museum was no easy task. She’d think twice next time the idea of a field trip popped into her mind. The bus was the worse part. The stuffy heat along with all the noise made her nauseated. She grabbed her purse and stopped by Jody’s office but Jody was in a meeting. She decided to go home and try to take a nap before dealing with David that evening. As soon as she got home, she changed into sweats, turned off her phone, and dove under the covers. When she woke up she realized that David would be there in just a few minutes.

  I’d better jump in the shower and get ready, she thought. The Japanese Cherry shower gel revitalized her. She would talk to David over dinner. She had to eat after all and maybe he’d make less of a scene out in public. She turned off the water and dried off with the fluffy bath towel she’d treated herself to during last January’s white sale. The doorbell rang. Here goes nothing, she thought.

  “Bonsoir, mi amour. Are you ready for dinner? I’m starving,” said David.

  “Yes, I sure am. Let me grab my purse,” said Theresa. David helped her into her coat. She locked the door and accompanied him to the car. She remembered how impressed she was the first time she rode in his car. Now the BMW seemed pompous and superficial, just like David.

  On the way to the restaurant, Theresa rehearsed the speech she would give David. Her palms were sweating even with her gloves off.

  “I made reservations at Benihanas,” said David. One of the things that had been getting on Theresa’s nerves lately was how David never consulted her or took her preferences into consideration when making dinner plans. It was always about what he wanted. She told him many times that she didn’t like to eat red meat but dinner plans more often than not involved a steak house.

  “Great,” said Theresa. They arrived at the restaurant and were promptly seated. The restaurant was illuminated only by the small oil lamps in the middle of the tables. Theresa was glad they weren’t sitting at one of the communal tables where the chef cooked for you and a bunch of strangers. That was always uncomfortable. You didn’t know whether or not you were obligated to make small talk or if you could ignore them and focus on the people you came with. Theresa heard knives clanking together and the sizzling of food cooking on the table grills. She smelled grilled steak and even though she was mostly a vegetarian these days, the aroma was none the less enticing. Her stomach growled.

  “We’ll have the steak teriyaki,” said David. He ordered a bottle of wine as well.

  Theresa waited until they were just about finished eating when she broached the subject of breaking up. “David, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you these past months…”

  “I’ve enjoyed spending time with you too, Theresa. I think this relationship has real momentum,” said David.

  “David, I’m not so sure. Honestly, I don’t think this is working out any more.”

  “What are you talking about?” said David. “We’re together every weekend and most days during the week. I know you’re in love with me, and I love you too.”

  “David, it should not surprise you that I’m not happy. We’ve talked about you giving me some space but it just hasn’t happened. I’m feeling smothered and I feel like you’re always trying to control me,” said Theresa.

  “What?” Theresa saw David’s dark eyes narrow. “You’re kidding me right? We’re great together. I did give you space. I’m the best thing that ever happened to you. You know how much time and money
I’ve invested in you? I’m the one who decides when it’s over and it’s not.”

  “David, I mean it,” said Theresa. A relationship is a two way street. You’re a great guy, but this is over. I don’t want a relationship with you right now.”

  David sat back in his chair and took a long, slow breath. Theresa felt a little, what was it…scared?

  “Okay then,” said David. “If that’s how you want it, then that’s how it will be.” He snapped up the check. Theresa felt like every eye in the restaurant was on them. Silently, David pushed away from the table and they exited the restaurant. He was still enough of a gentleman to open the car door for her. Theresa just wanted to evaporate into the night air. I’ll be home in half an hour and this will all be over, Theresa told herself. Thoughts of Cherry Garcia danced in her head. She started to cry in spite of herself as David sped out of the parking lot.

  “David, I need a tissue,” said Theresa.

  “There’s probably a pack in the glove compartment,” answered David. Theresa noticed an iciness in his tone.

  Theresa opened the glove compartment. She rummaged around with her hand. She didn’t find a tissue but she did find something interesting––an Epi-pen.

  “David, why do you have an Epi-pen? I didn’t know you had any allergies,” asked Theresa.

  “I’m deathly allergic to bee stings. I carry it just in case.” He continued driving past the exit for Theresa’s house.

  “Where are you going?” asked Theresa. She was beginning to panic.

  “You’ll see,” snapped David.

  “David, take me home right now.” Her breathing got quicker and she could feel her heart beating in her chest. “Where are you going?”

  David was silent and continued driving for what seemed like an eternity. Theresa couldn’t read her watch in the dark and realized that in her haste she’d left her phone on her bed. David abruptly exited the highway, winding and twisting now through the mountains. Theresa thought about opening the door and jumping out of the car but there was nothing but dark woods on either side of the road. They hadn’t passed another car since exiting the Thruway. She was definitely in a panic.

  “David, come on. Where are we going? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. You know what, let’s continue seeing each other. I didn’t realize you were in love with me. Now that I think about it, I’m in love with you too.”

  David gripped the steering wheel even more tightly and kept driving.

  Chapter 47

  Jody was anxious to get in touch with Theresa. She had a feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was wrong. Jody called Becky hoping maybe she’d seen Theresa.

  “Why on earth isn’t she answering her phone? It keeps going to voicemail. She’s answered before even when she was out on a date. I’m really worried,” said Jody.

  “I don’t know what to say,” said Becky. “Maybe she and David are spending the night at a hotel somewhere and don’t want to be disturbed.”

  “She was going to break up with him. She was convinced that she didn’t want to continue seeing him. She should have been home by now.” Jody had visions of Theresa lying unconscious. Maybe David lost his temper and struck her with something.

  “If you’re really worried maybe you should call the police,” suggested Becky.

  “I think I should. I think actually I’ll call Susan Wiles. I have her number. Her daughter is a police detective,” said Jody. “I think things will move faster if I call her. The police will say I have no proof that anything is wrong.”

  “Okay, let me know as soon as you find out something,” said Becky.

  “I will.” Jody hung up the phone and immediately went to her contacts list and called Susan.

  “Susan, this is Jody Decker. I’m worried about Theresa. She’s out with David tonight. She was going to break up with him and she’s not answering her phone. She should have been home already. I have a bad feeling about this.”

  “Well,” said Susan, “I normally would tell you not to worry––that they probably decided not to break up and were out having a good time, but I made a connection earlier today. The secretary, Sandra, said David’s nickname was Macho Man and that he’d been involved with Vicky. Also, Sandra said that David had argued violently with Vicky on occasion. There’s one more thing. There was a threatening text left on Vicky’s cell phone before she died. It came from Macho Man. I think that man is dangerous. I’ll call Lynette right away. Let’s meet at my house. I’ll text you the address.” Susan hung up and entered Lynette’s number. Lynette picked up on the second ring.

  “Hi, Mom, what’s up?” said Lynette.

  “Jody Decker just called. She’s worried about her friend Theresa who’s out on a date with a possible psychopath,” said Susan.

  “Calm down, I’m sure she’s fine. How long has she been missing?

  “A couple of hours,” answered Susan.

  “We don’t consider someone missing until it’s been at least 24 hours. She’s a grown up. I’m sure you’re over reacting.”

  Susan thought Lynette sounded like she’d been dozing on the sofa and she knew how her daughter felt about being woken up from naps.

  ”I’m sure everything is fine. If she doesn’t show up for work tomorrow we will get right on it.”

  Chapter 48

  “Where are we?” demanded Theresa. David had dragged her out of the car and was pushing her toward a small wooden cabin. Once David turned off the car it was pitch black. No moon, no stars, no streetlights. Theresa had an odd thought that this was how it probably looked at the bottom of the ocean. She nearly tripped several times on the way to the door. The wooden door creaked. David pulled a chain in the middle of the ceiling and a single light bulb illuminated the musty room. Thick nails were haphazardly nailed into one wall of the cabin. Theresa’s eyes scanned the wall––a rake, a saw, a shovel, thick rope. A fishing pole and a tackle box lay in the middle of the floor. A shot gun was propped against the opposite wall. Theresa noticed a refrigerator––one of those old fashioned ones where the entire door opened with a single metal handle. There was also a double burner on top of a folding table. David pulled a metal folding chair out from the table.

  “Sit down. Now,” demanded David. He went over to the wall and grabbed the shot gun. Theresa’s hands were shaking and sweat dampened her armpits in spite of the cold. She didn’t know how she was going to get out of this.

  “David, I’m sorry; I was so wrong. I actually love you a lot. We have so much I common––we want the same things in life. You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. Please forgive me. Take me back. Let’s go back home and start our lives together. Together forever.” Now Theresa’s legs were shaking too.

  “Well, my darling, that sounds beautiful. You and me forever…” His voice became sing-songy. He kissed her on the forehead. “WHAT KIND OF A FOOL DO YOU THINK I AM,” he screamed in her ear. “You’ve been watching too many Lifetime movies. It’s over.” David cocked the handle on the shotgun and aimed it at Theresa’s forehead.

  Chapter 49

  Lynette, Susan, and Jody were racing toward the cabin. Jody had managed to convince Lynette that David was unstable and Theresa was not safe.

  “Maybe we should see if they went back to one of their places,” said Susan.

  Lynette drove by both Theresa’s apartment and David’s house. Both residences were dark. “No one is home. They must still be out together.” She called the station and had one of her colleagues run David’s credit card records. She also had them run his name through the police database.

  “Looks like they were at Benihanas around eight pm. Maybe they decided to have a romantic evening. Let’s drive around the area.” They checked a few neighboring hotels but no one had seen them. When they got back into the car, Lynette’s phone rang.

  “Okay,” said Lynette. “Thanks, Ted. That’s very helpful.” Lynette ended the call and turned to Susan.

  “That was one of the officers who were researching Da
vid. David’s family owns a hunting cabin in the Catskills,” said Lynette. “Instinct tells me they’re headed there.”

  “Well, let’s get moving,” said Susan.

  “I’ll get going,” said Lynette. “You stay put.”

  “You know that convincing me and Jody to stay home is fruitless and time is of the essence. I know you are going to say this is against your better judgment but save your breath and let’s go.”

  Lynette finally agreed to let them tag along. It was beginning to snow and the windshield wipers struggled to keep up with the flakes.

  “Mom, take my phone and read me the directions.” Lynette exited the Thruway and followed the serpentine mountain road. When she tried to go faster, she skid and nearly hit a tree. Luckily, she was able to get the SUV back on the road.

  Susan thought snow tires? I guess if you weren’t in what amounted to a police chase they may have helped. It was dark and snowing harder now.

  “Mom, what do the directions say next?” asked Lynette.

  It was so dark now that Susan could hardly read them. “Go right and follow the road. The cabin should be about half a mile on the right.” They drove for a few more minutes. Susan spotted it first.

  “There it is, Lynette.”

  Lynette parked the car. Susan had heard her call for backup but right now it was just the three of them.

  “Stay in the car. I mean it. I really mean it,” demanded Lynette.

  Susan and Jody crouched down in their seats and waited for the police to arrive. Susan opened the car window so that she could hear, and stuck her gloved hand out to brush off the layer of snow so that she could see. She watched as Lynette took her gun from its holster, crept up the path, and gingerly opened the door. Susan heard her yell “Drop it.”

  Chapter 50

  Antonio awoke to the aroma of bacon and blueberry muffins. He took a shower and chose a striped blue dress shirt and a skinny navy tie. On the way downstairs, he popped into Tony’s room.