Rose Pressey - Chase Charley 02 - Seems Like Old Crimes

by Rose Pressey

  My eyes widened. “What? When was this? What happened?”

  “About a year ago. We all thought she was crazy. She went to the police and everything, but then she dropped it so we did too. We figured she just wanted attention. But now I wonder…” Haley rubbed her temples.

  I frowned. “Do you think that is connected to your husband’s murder?”

  She shook her head. “Not that I know of. It’s just a coincidence, I guess.”

  “That is a strange coincidence.” I tapped my fingers against the table. “Maybe I should talk with Tim’s sister.”

  “I guess you could do that. She never seemed all that easy to talk to if you ask me.” Haley shrugged. “I tried to be friends with her, but she was always quiet around family. She is with her husband all the time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the two of them not together.”

  “Where is she now?” I asked.

  “She lives in Gulf Shores, Alabama with her husband. Kristine and Dean Michaels,” she said.

  I typed the information on my phone’s notepad. “Do you have her address?”

  “Sure, let me get it.” Haley pulled out her big brown leather purse and placed it on the table.

  After getting the address, I asked, “Is there anything else that you’ve forgotten?”

  She could have given me this information sooner. Not that it would turn up anything, but something was better than nothing. I was just glad that she’d provided it now.

  Haley brushed the hair out of her eyes. “No, I think that is it. I’m sorry if I didn’t give you much information at first, but my mind has been in a fog lately.”

  I nodded. “I’ll look into this and let you know if I come up with anything. I’ll check out his voodoo and see if it has anything to do with the murder.”

  I pushed to my feet and Haley stood. She grabbed her purse and walked with me to the door. Haley and I said goodbye on the sidewalk. She walked one way and I went the other. I turned around and looked back at her. I worried about her, but I didn’t know what else to do.

  Now I needed to plot my next move. Haley had given me a couple of things to look into. Since the sister was in Gulf Shores, I decided to check out the ex-employee again. He was here in town and would be much easier to find. Maybe not the best sleuthing strategy, but it was my plan nonetheless.

  I decided to go to the restaurant where I’d found Anthony Knight. If he was there then this time I would ask him about the voodoo. Sure, he probably wouldn’t be truthful with me, but maybe I would be able to read his expressions. Plus, I had to find out if he knew about the man in the silver car.

  An eerie feeling fell over me as I pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot again. Being there again after what had happened sent a chill down my spine. However, I had to push it to the back of my mind and find Anthony.

  I jumped out of the car and hurried over to the entrance. I should have thought to ask Courtney to come with me. Maybe she could have asked questions about his voodoo. Why would his voodoo have anything to do with Tim’s murder though? Maybe he had placed a hex on Tim. But even if he had placed a hex didn’t mean he’d killed him.

  When I stepped into the restaurant, I didn’t see anyone. No customers and no employees. It was still early and the lunch crowd hadn’t arrived yet. Finally, a young woman approached.

  “May I help you?” she asked.

  “Yes, I am looking for Anthony Knight.”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “Yeah, I think he’s here. Hold on.”

  She walked away and I studied the landscape paintings on the walls.

  After a few minutes, she returned. “I’m sorry, he is not here.”

  That wasn’t what I wanted to hear. “Do you know when he will be here?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not really sure.”

  I sighed. “Thanks again.” I walked toward the door.

  Just as I was ready to step outside, she said. “He’s probably at his house if you want to go there.”

  I turned around and looked at her. She couldn’t really be volunteering his address.

  “Sure, okay,” I said.

  “He lives on Green Street. It’s 2345,” she said.

  I eyed her for a moment. “Thanks for the info.”

  She smiled. “No problem.”

  That almost seemed too easy.

  After getting back in the car, I headed to the address she’d given me. I still couldn’t get over how easy it had been to get the address. Of course, when I pulled up to the small brick house, I couldn’t help but think I shouldn’t have come here alone. Maybe I should have invited Dangerfield.

  I looked down at my phone. No, it was too late to call him now. I was already here, so I had to just go up to the door and find out what I could. I’d tell Dangerfield about it later.

  I walked up to the door and knocked. I ran over what I would say in my mind. After a few seconds with no answer, I realized that my idea might not go as planned.

  I was almost sure I had heard someone inside the house. Maybe he’d seen me and decided not to answer the door. That wouldn’t surprise me. Since he wouldn’t answer the door, I decided to take a little peek into the window. Sure, it was rude, but I was desperate. I leaned in close to the window and pressed my face against the glass.

  I wasn’t sure what I had expected to see. But Anthony was actually in the living room. He must not have heard me knock on the door. Candles flickered around the room. He looked as if he was meditating as he sat on the floor surrounded by the candles. Now I felt as if I was intruding. I shouldn’t have come here after all. Was I witnessing him doing voodoo? I would have to consult with Courtney for her expertise. I backed away from the window, hoping that he hadn’t seen me. If I hurried I could get away and he wouldn’t even know I had ever been here.

  I would have to think of a different way to find out information. Right now, I just wanted to get away.

  I backed away from the house and across the yard. I glanced back a couple times to see if he’d discovered me watching him. So far, it looked like I was in the clear.

  I’d almost reached my car when I heard a noise. I ducked behind the car parked in the driveway. After a couple seconds, I peeked out from over the top of the car. I released a deep breath. I didn’t see anyone. I was just being paranoid.

  As I stood to go to my car, a hand reached out and grabbed my arm. I spun around and tried to yank my arm away.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” I asked.

  A tall dark-haired man scowled at me. He was thin and wore a button-down plaid shirt and tan pants. “What are you doing? Are you trying to steal something?” His voice rumbled like thunder.

  “No, now let me go before I call the police and have you arrested.”

  “Who are you?” he asked.

  As if I was really going to share that information with this stranger. “Who are you?” I asked.

  “I’m Anthony’s neighbor. Why are you sneaking around his house?”

  I managed to yank my arm away and then raced toward my car. Just as I climbed behind the wheel and locked the door, I spotted Anthony standing on his front porch. He was looking right at me and the neighbor was walking over to him. No doubt he would tell Anthony I had been prowling around his house. So much for Anthony not finding out that I was even there. At least I was pulling away now. That was the most important thing right now.

  Chapter 15

  I was headed to Courtney’s shop to tell her about what I’d seen at Anthony’s place. I wasn’t sure if she would be able to provide any further details, but it was worth a shot.

  I weaved around the people on the street so I could hurry to her place. Her shop came into view. I spotted the sign that dangled above the door. A couple people walked out as I walked in. It was good to see that she had customers. Courtney liked to stay busy.

  I pushed through the door and looked around for Courtney. She waved when she spotted me. The smell of incense circled the air.

  “I wasn’t expectin
g to see you now.” She looked at the time on her computer screen. “You look like you have something to tell me.” She quirked an eyebrow.

  “You could say that, yes. I went by Anthony Knight’s house.”

  Her eyes widened. “Isn’t that dangerous? What did you see? Did you talk with him?”

  “He didn’t see me and I didn’t talk with him. But a neighbor saw me and I think he told Anthony I was there.”

  “How did the neighbor see you?” she asked.

  “I was hiding at the time and I guess he just spotted me. He grabbed me and I ran off. But he was talking to Anthony when I drove away.”

  “Now Anthony will be trying to cast a spell against you,” she said.

  “Don’t remind me,” I said. “He looked as if he was doing magic in his house.”

  “That sounds like he was doing a ritual. I’d bet my last gris-gris bag that he doesn’t know what he is doing.”

  “Do you think he has a long enemy list?” I asked.

  “Sounds like he doesn’t like a lot of people.”

  “Would he be angry enough with someone to kill them though? Just because he probably had a voodoo doll of his boss doesn’t mean he killed him.”

  Courtney shook her head. “No, it doesn’t mean that at all. But if Anthony was mad at Tim then it certainly means he could have done something. You’re right too. Anthony probably made a doll of Tim.”

  “Who do you think the ritual was for this time?”

  “I hope it wasn’t for Haley Swanson.”

  “I hadn’t really thought about it, but yes, that is possible. She does say someone is still trying to kill her,” I said.

  “Has she told you why she thinks this? What has this person done to make her think this?” Courtney asked.

  “You know, I’m not really sure, but I need to find out.”

  “Yes, you do. If she can’t tell you then I would be suspicious.”

  A loud clang sounded at the back of her store. We exchanged a look.

  “There are weird noises out there in the alley all the time,” Courtney said with a wave of her hand.

  The same noise rang out again.

  “I think someone might be trying to get in your back door,” I said.

  She placed the papers she’d been sorting down on the counter. “Watch the shop for me, okay?” she said as she stood.

  “I don’t know if I am the best-qualified person to watch the store for you.”

  She laughed. “You’ll be fine. I’ll only be a couple seconds. Probably a delivery. I’ll be right back.”

  Courtney headed in the direction of the back door, leaving me at the front. I hoped a customer didn’t come in and ask questions. I would have no idea what to tell them. I tapped my fingers again the counter and wondered what was taking Courtney so long. The front door opened and a man and woman walked into the shop. They looked over in my direction.

  “Welcome to the Voodoo House,” I said with a nervous grin.

  They smiled back, but thank goodness didn’t ask any questions yet. If they did, I would just stall them until Courtney returned. If she didn’t hurry, I would have to go back there and find her.

  I was trying to act as if I was actually behind the counter. Another noise sounded from the back. I couldn’t ignore this one. My anxiety increased and I began to wonder if Courtney was in trouble. Maybe someone had come to burglarize her shop. When I heard the noise again, I knew that I had to get back there. And in a hurry too.

  I jumped up from the stool. The couple looked over at me. They probably thought there was a fire with the way I acted. Why hadn’t Courtney called out if something was wrong? Was someone stopping her from asking for help? The longer she was back there the more I worried.

  I crossed the store floor, leaving the customers at the front. I was probably letting my imagination get the better of me. I had a tendency to do that. But better safe than sorry. I glanced back to make sure the customers were okay. They were still looking at merchandise at the front of the store. I hoped they didn’t want to buy something while I was gone. Or even worse steal something. I would have to deal with that later though, after I made sure everything was okay in the back.

  I weaved around the aisles and made it to the curtain that led into the back room. I pushed through and on to the back door. The door was closed, so that meant that she had to be out in the alley. Had someone dragged her out there?

  “Courtney?” I called out.

  Of course she didn’t answer me. I was in full freak-out mode. I had to stay calm. I wouldn’t be able to help her if I didn’t stay calm. She needed me.

  When I stepped out into the back, I spotted Courtney chasing after a man. It was the guy who had been following me around.

  “Hey, you,” I yelled out.

  The guy turned the corner. Courtney stopped. I guessed she had decided not to chase him after all. What had he done to make her run after him like that? Courtney had little patience though so it wouldn’t take much to make her mad. Courtney turned around and spotted me standing at the back of her shop.

  “What happened?” I asked.

  Courtney shook her head as she walked back over to where I stood. She paused for a moment to catch her breath.

  “That guy was trying to break into the shop. When I caught him, he shoved the trash can at me.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “He did what? He could have really hurt you. Did he hurt you? Are you okay?”

  Now I was really mad. It was one thing to mess with me, but no one messed with family.

  “I am fine. He didn’t actually hit me. He’s a terrible thrower,” she said with a chuckle.

  I was glad she could still laugh after what had happened. After all, it was my fault this guy had almost hurt her. Now I felt even worse than before and I hadn’t thought that was possible.

  “I’m glad you’re okay,” I said.

  “Don’t worry about me.” She shoved the paper toward me. “Here, I found this.”

  I took the paper from her hand and peered at her again and she motioned for me to read it. I was almost afraid to find out what it said. I unfolded the small piece of paper. When I read the note I was even more freaked out.

  Why didn’t you answer my calls? Why won’t you talk to me? You are making me very angry.

  “Can you believe this guy?” I said when I looked up from the note.

  “He actually wanted me to give you the note. Like I said before, he needs serious help,” she said. “I don’t think you are safe. This guy is unhinged. There’s no telling what he is capable of.”

  I brushed the hair out of my eyes. “I think you’re right. I tried to ignore this, but I don’t think that’s such a good idea now. Especially since it seems like he is getting more violent by the minute.”

  “He’s a scary guy, I will admit that,” she said.

  “That didn’t stop you from running after him,” I said.

  She laughed. “No one messes with my shop. I thought the scumbag was trying to break in and rob me.”

  “I’m just glad that he left without doing anything,” I said. “It could have been much worse. Maybe next time it will be.”

  “There probably will be a next time with the way this guy has been relentlessly chasing you.”

  The thought sent a chill down my spine. Courtney was absolutely right. I had to stop him before something bad happened.

  When we returned inside, the customers had gone.

  Chapter 16

  I dialed Marc’s number. I hated to call when he was busy with other things, but I needed the help.

  “It’s me again,” I said when he answered.

  “Hello, me. Glad you called.”

  He said that, but I wasn’t sure if my only calling when I needed something was beginning to get on his nerves.

  “That man who tried to hit me with the car came by Courtney’s place. He left another note for me.”

  “Is he still around?” Marc asked.

  “No, he took off running whe
n Courtney chased him.”

  “That was a dangerous thing to do,” he said.

  “She doesn’t think things through sometimes,” I said.

  “Promise me you all won’t chase after him if you see him again.”

  “I promise,” I said. But I couldn’t speak for Courtney. “I can meet you and give you the note.”

  “How about I come by your place and pick it up? I get off work soon. Are you home now?” he asked.

  “Actually, no. I’m still at her place, but I plan on going home now.”

  He sighed. “I wish I was there so you didn’t have to walk alone.”

  That was so sweet of him and I knew he wanted to help. “It’s not that far,” I said. “The guy is probably long gone for now.”

  “Okay, how about I stop by in an hour?”

  “That sounds perfect.” It would give me just enough time to get home and change before he got there.

  When I hung up, Courtney said, “So you’re not going to let the guy get away with this, right?”

  I placed the paper in my purse. “No, I’m not going to let it go. Marc is picking up this letter. Maybe this time it will lead me to this guy’s identity.”

  Courtney sat on the stool behind the counter. “I sure hope so. Do you want me to walk with you?” she asked.

  “No, I’ll be fine. It’s not that far. I don’t want to make it a habit to be afraid to walk home alone.” I placed my purse on my shoulder.

  “Call me,” she said as I walked out of the shop.

  As soon as I got home, I slipped into jeans and a cute green blouse with little pink flowers. I’d barely reapplied my lip gloss when the doorbell rang. After glancing in the mirror one last time to make sure I didn’t have anything on my face, I rushed across my apartment and to the door. When I opened, Marc was standing in front of me.

  He smiled and said, “I’m glad to see you made it home safely. I was worried.”

  “I’m glad you came by.” I glanced over his shoulder to see if anyone was in the hallway. Thank goodness it was just him. I wondered if he sensed my uneasiness. “Please come in.”