“Are you hurt Mam, there’s blood—” he started to comment, but noticed the metal rod lying on the road and then the trail of blood leading away to tire tracks heading off down the road. He correctly surmised that Mrs. Anderson had been involved in a serious incident.
“Who killed your dog?” The deputy asked, starting the investigation.
“That fuckin Manny, it’s his fault! I warned him!” Cassey shouted, as the deputy quickly headed back to his patrol car and called for more officers.
“He went to see a guy in Arizona!” Cassey shouted to the deputy as he sat half in, half out of his patrol car. “That’s the guy that killed George!”
“Your husband knows the man that did this?” the deputy shouted back.
“He doesn’t know him, he just went to see him!” Cassey explained.
Chapter 24
A little later Cassey was sitting in the police station, still a little shaky, grasping a hot cup of coffee with both hands. A detective in a heavy woolen shirt, jeans, and snow mobile boots was sitting backwards in a chair. His arms were crossed, elbows resting on the back of the chair, his chin resting on his wrists. The detective wasn’t saying anything, waiting for Cassey to compose herself.
“Did you find the guy?” Cassey asked, looking to the detective.
“We’re not exactly sure who to look for, yet? Got any ideas?” the deputy answered.
“I told the first sheriff, look for a guy from Arizona.”
“He had Arizona plates on the big black truck?”
“I don’t know, but the guy my husband went to see lives in Arizona.”
“I see. We’ve been trying to contact your husband, but it seems that his whereabouts are unknown. He left no itinerary?” the detective asked.
“No, I don’t know where he is, just in New York. He usually phones home every evening.”
“Is this normal, going on a trip, and you don’t know where to contact him? You know, just in case?” the detective added with a note of skepticism in his voice.
“No, this trip was a spur of the moment, and I guess, I forgot to ask, and he didn’t tell. Manny and I base our relationship on trust. It is not uncommon for us to be out of contact a day or two, now and then. I let him have his space, and he lets me have mine.”
“I see, but I talked to his secretary and she’s in the dark too. Says Mr. Anderson had no business come up in New York as far as she knows. What’s going on Mrs. Anderson? This attack doesn’t seem random. It looks like someone knew your habits and had a plan.”
“I told you, the guy from Arizona. Manny was trying to put the screws to him.”
“This guy has no name, as far as you know?” the deputy commented with a note of sarcasm in his voice. “We can’t start picking up people just because they happen to be from Arizona, now can we?”
“Don’t patronize me,” Cassey shot back. “My husband only mentioned his name once and I’m sorry, but I can’t remember it.”
“I’m sorry too Mam, but obviously there was a crime committed. You’ve got a dead dog, and there is blood at the scene.”
The mention of George started Cassey crying again.
“So I’m not doubting your story, but I need information. I want to solve this as fast as I can. The longer we trifle, the farther away the perp gets, understand?”
“Poor George, he was such a nice doggy,” Cassey sobbed. “I don’t know what to tell you. Until I hear from my husband, I don’t know how to help you,” Cassey’s volume went up. “I can’t remember the name!” she shouted frustrated.
“That’s okay Mrs. Anderson, calm down. We’ve put out a description of the truck, and if the man used a hotel or rented it, and if he was dumb enough to add an Arizona address, we might get lucky. You’re sure about the gloves, he never took them off.”
“No,” Cassey sniffled. “I’m positive he had them on the whole time.”
“Well, I’ve got the crime team going over your truck anyway. You never know. About this physical description you gave us, this is a little vague.”
“He was wearing a lot of clothes, it’s very cold out, you know.”
“Yes, I know. Mrs. Anderson, are you sure there isn’t anything you could tell us about the man, any little thing that we could use?”
“I already told you, he had a ski mask on so I couldn’t possibly tell you anything about his face, but his ears stuck out, I think?”
“That’s good, that’s a start.”
“I’m sorry, but after I saw the ski mask, I sort of got excited. I don’t think I was paying too much attention to him. I was just thinking about getting away.”
“I want you to try to recall anything about this man, about his features, his shape, his movements, anything.” The detective pushed back from the chair and stood up.
“Oh, officer,” Cassey cried, reaching for her purse, then rummaging around inside. “I just remembered, there’s a publisher in New York my husband might call, at least he was supposed to.” Cassey handed the officer the number of Mark Tainer.
The detective returned after about fifteen minutes. “Mrs. Anderson, does the name Edward Crane mean anything to you?”
“That’s the guy,” Cassey shouted, standing up quickly, “that’s the guy from Arizona. You got him?”
“No, just the name.”
“If you didn’t catch him, how do you know his name?” Cassey asked suspiciously.
“The publisher, Mark Tainer, I just spoke to him and he did talk with your husband. Mr. Anderson informed this Mark Tainer about an Edward Crane, and some beef with the VA. I’m not sure what the total story is, but at least we have a name now. Mr. Tainer sends his best. I’m sending you home with a deputy and she will remain with you until we get a better picture of what’s going down. Is that okay?”
“I, I ya, I guess so. You couldn’t find my husband?”
“No, but I sure do want to talk to him. Mr. Tainer said Mr. Anderson told him he had to meet with a business associate from Arizona.”
Cassey looked at the detective with a startled look on her face.
“As soon as you get home check your messages, and have Mr. Anderson call me if you speak to him. I mean right away Mrs. Anderson.” The detective was very stern sounding.
*
Cassey was at home sitting on the couch, the fireplace roaring. She’d taken a shower, had a little to eat and was working on her second drink. A female deputy, Carrie Conner, was there with her. Cassey was feeling a little better, except when she thought about George, but she was confident the second drink will help there too.
When Cassey had gotten home there was a phone message from Manny. He would arrive Minneapolis 5:16 P.M. standard time and Cassey relayed it to the detective. Detective Swenson said he would be at the gate when Manny arrived.
*
At 5:46 P. M. Cassey’s phone rang, and Conners answered it as agreed. “It’s your husband.” Carrie said, as she handed the phone to Cassey.
“Cassey!” Manny was breathing hard. “My god, are you all right?”
“Where are you?” she asked, a very unfriendly tone in her voice
“I’m still in the airport. I just got the word. There was a detective Swenson waiting for me. Cassey, are you all right?”
“Yeah, I’m okay, but George is dead.”
“I know, the detective told me,” Manny said sadly. “You’re okay though, that’s all that matters.”
“Yeah, I’m okay, but that’s not all that matters, Manny! You screwed up Manny! Anderson, you pulled a boner and you got George killed, and I’m pissed.”
“Hey, we don’t know what happened yet—” Manny was contrite, trying to defend himself because he knew Cassey and could hear the anger in her voice.
Cassey cut him off. “Screw you bub! I warned you! This irresponsible shit, running all over, your head stuck up your tail pipe, and now George is dead! I loved that dog, Manny, and he’s dead, because you screwed up!” Cassey slammed the phone down.
*<
br />
Manny held the disconnected phone in his hand, looking at it.
Detective Swenson was watching him.
“Boy, she’s pissed,” Manny said, putting the receiver back. “I can tell when she starts using the word screwed. That means somebody’s going to.”
“Somebody tried to kill her. If it was me, I’d be a little upset to,” Swenson said. “My advice is get on home, she’ll calm down.”
“I hope so, otherwise I’m in big trouble. Have you got a line on this Crane character yet?”
“Not yet, Sir, but I don’t really know the story. I had someone drive me in so we can discuss this on the trip back to Red Pine.” Swenson picked up Manny’s overnight bag.
Chapter 25
Manny finally got home at 10:00 P.M. It was a grueling drive because the detective was relentless, going over and over what Manny had to tell him, taking notes constantly, asking the same questions.
The house was dark when the garage door slid up and Manny drove in. When he came through the door to the kitchen he saw a lamp on in the den area. He didn’t see the light when he came up the driveway and was startled by a strange voice when he walked into the room.
“Welcome home Mr. Anderson, don’t be alarmed. My name is Carrie Conner and I’m with the County Sheriff’s Office. I’m here to look after your wife.”
“Shit lady, no one told me you’d be here.”
“I’m sorry, I’d have thought you would have been informed.”
“Some policy you’ve got, I could have died from a heart attack or something.”
“I’m sorry Sir, some sort of oversight.”
“I guess! Where’s my wife?”
“She’s asleep, down in one of the boy’s rooms. We thought it would be best.”
“I’d like to see her, if that’s all right?”
“Oh, of course, go right ahead. I’ll be here if you need me.”
“I’m sure you will,” Manny snapped because he was on edge. First the news about Cassey and George, now the police taking over his life. He had never been involved in any kind of situation concerning the law, and it was unsettling how overwhelming the experience had become.
They definitely do take charge, crossed his mind as he went down the hall.
He found Cassey in Donny’s room, the last bedroom down the hall. As he entered he could smell the slight odor of alcohol. Cassey seldom drank, and this was a bad omen. He sat on the bed wondering how to approach the situation
“Finally made it, huh?” Cassey was turned away from him so her voice was faint.
“Rough day, huh?” Manny said sheepishly because he didn’t know what else to say.
“Not as rough as George’s.”
Manny could detect the anger in her voice.
“Geez, I’m going to miss that big lummox,” Manny added.
“Should have thought about that before, Mr.” Cassey rolled a little toward her back. “A little late now.”
“Why are you acting like I made some terrific booboo, and now you’re paying for it?” Manny started losing his cool.
“Because that is exactly how it went!” Cassey shouted, turning all the way to face him. “Jesus Christ Manny, what a dumb fuck thing to do. You go and threaten a guy that’s a known killer, and when he responds, you go ‘whoops’! Fucking duh, Manny!”
“For your information, the police aren’t certain that Crane had anything to do with it. They found him, and guess what? No dog bites.”
“What’re they trying to pull?” Cassey moved up onto her elbows. “George got him good, I saw the blood.”
“They got Crane in Phoenix and checked him out, and no dog bites. You tell me?”
“I, I’m too tired to work this out, so go up to bed, and we’ll do it in the morning.” Cassey plopped back down and rolled away from Manny.
“You coming up?” Manny asked.
“Not with you,” Cassey snorted.
“Ah huh,” Manny said, heading out of the room. I’m in deep dudu on the home front.
“Manny, you find someone else I can blame for this, and you’re off the hook, but not until.” Cassey said loudly, as he left the room.
Chapter 26
Manny came into the kitchen the next morning, the smell of fresh coffee drawing him there. It was just starting to get light outside, Still too dark to judge what kind of day it will be weather wise, but a dreary day is the least of my worries.
Cassey was sitting at the breakfast bar, talking on the phone. Manny walked up, putting both hands on her shoulders, and she stopped talking, He tried to message her the way she liked it. Normally, Cassey would relax, letting her shoulders drop to enjoy the sensation. This morning however, she stiffened, hinting that the attempt at reconciliation is not wanted.
Manny removed his hands and sighed. “Who you talking to?”
“Mom and Dad?”
“Oh, tell them hi.” Manny moved off, headed toward the coffee.
“Cassey didn’t resume the conversation until he was around the bar, out of hearing range. As he poured his cup full he can hear Cassey talking again in a hushed, guarded volume.
He walked over to the window and looked out. It had gotten a little bit lighter, so he could see. It was not a real dismal day, partly cloudy, but it looked cold out there. He looked around the yard, subconsciously waiting for George to appear, and then it hit him. For the first time since this hammer has come down on his life he feels the real loss. George is gone, and Cassey blames him. Manny turned and looked to Cassey as she put the phone down and looked at him.
“I talked to Detective Swenson just before my parents,” she said calmly.
“Has he figured out what the hell is going on?” Manny asked hopefully.
“No, he called to say he was on his way to Phoenix.”
“Good, he’ll get to the bottom of this,” Manny tried to sound confident.
“Manny, I’m going to my parents.”
“When?” Manny asked surprised.
“I’ve got to get packed, Marilyn’s coming to get me. She’ll drive me to the bus station,” Cassey said getting up.
“But?” Manny said, walking toward Cassey.
“Detective Swenson thinks it’s a good idea,” Cassey said, dogging him, backing out of the room.
“Swenson?” Manny was confused and angry.
“Yes, he would like me to go somewhere until he can get some answers. He says that it was supposed to look random, but he feels it was planned. I was the target. He’s not sure, but he feels that you might have something to do with this,” Cassey said sadly.
“He can’t do that!” Manny yelled. “He can’t accuse me with no justification. What the hell does that guy think he’s doing?”
“Manny, I don’t care, I’m leaving for a while. I’m so frightened, or angry, or both, I don’t know what to do?” Cassey was talking fast, and Manny could sense that she didn’t want to give him an opening to defend himself. “The boys and I will be spending Christmas with my Parents. I don’t want you talking to Donny or Danny, understand. They’ll just be confused, just like I am.”
“You’re shutting me off from my family?” Manny pleaded. “What about my side of the issue?”
“Your side screwed up!” Cassey declared.
“Stop saying that!” Manny shouted.
“I doesn’t make any difference, you are at fault. Either you or Crane did this.”
“What if it was just a random thing?”
“Swenson says, ‘Not the case.’ They found the black truck in the Minneapolis airport. It was a rental, stolen credit card. There’s blood in the cab, it’s not a match with the blood they have, yet, but Detective Swenson is sure it will be.”
“Detective Swenson is very sure of himself. Does anyone realize this is my life that’s being turned upside down?”
“Were you attacked Manny?” Cassey shouted.
“No.”
“Well, I was, and to tell you the truth, I’m glad I have someone looking out for
my well-being because you, my husband, are doing little to comfort me right now.”
“You’re pushing me away, you don’t trust me. What can I do with that?”
Cassey looked at him, and he could see no sympathy in her stare. Her glare was broken when she looked past him to the window. Manny turned, as Marilyn Gwynn’s car was coming up the drive.
“Nasty bitch must be loving this,” Manny said under his breath. Manny and Marilyn don’t like each other, never did.
“I suppose the town crier has spread the word?” Manny said angrily, nodding toward the driveway.
“Only worried about your image, huh Manny?”
“Hey, I’m an innocent man. I don’t have anything else to worry about.”
“We’ll see,” Cassey said, hurrying past Manny.
*
Cassey wasted no time, she and Marilyn had packed her things in the car and were ready to go in fifteen minutes.
Manny noted this was some sort of record. First time she’s not going to not be late for something, and I don’t get to enjoy it, figures.
Cassey was serious about leaving and leaving quick, so Manny didn’t even try to talk. Marilyn gave him knowing little smiles whenever she walked by him. Manny didn’t know why Cassey had remained friends with her for all these years. Marilyn has had four husbands and all four agree that it was the worst experience of their lives. Marilyn is also the town gossip and resident trouble maker. Marilyn spends her days deflecting all the turbulence she causes, by making everyone else’s lives miserable.
The ultimate drama queen, Manny silently surmised, watching Marilyn rejoice in his ruined life.
“I trust you can handle everything here, without screwing anything else up? I’ll call when I get there,” Cassey said as she walked out the door, rushing to the car. She didn’t even look his way, as Marilyn backs down the drive, the smirk still on her face. A sheriff’s car pulled in behind as an escort.
Manny stood in the door for a couple of minutes, thinking, uncertain on how to proceed. Finally getting cold, he turned around to go inside. Deputy Conner was still there, standing in the living room looking at him.
“Ah, can I help you?” Manny didn’t know what else to say because he’s growing tired of the police.
“I’d like to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind?” Conner answered. “And maybe look around.”
“You the second squad?”
“You might say that. That doesn’t offend you, I hope, I mean, talking to a woman.”
Billy Palmer Page 16
