by Amanda Lee
“What is it?” Mrs. Calloway asked. “Where’s Todd? Why did he send you? Is he all right?”
“There was an incident at the pub last night, and Todd and Blake MacKenzie were arrested,” I said.
Both parents appeared noticeably relieved that Todd wasn’t in the hospital, but I knew their relief would be short-lived. After all, he was facing a major charge.
“He didn’t want to call and upset you last night,” I continued. “He asked me to come talk with you today. He said he’d need your help to get out of this mess.”
Mr. Calloway frowned and looked down at the floor. Somehow I’d conveyed to him that Todd was in a dire situation. Mrs. Calloway, on the other hand, didn’t get it.
“Was it a fight?” she asked. “Does he need bail money?”
I took a deep breath. “Bail hasn’t been set. That’s to be determined Monday morning after the arraignment.”
“What’s the charge?” Mr. Calloway asked hoarsely, still staring at the floor.
“Murder,” I said quietly.
“What?” Mrs. Calloway cried. “That’s impossible! It’s a mistake!”
Mr. Calloway raised his head. “June, calm down. Losing our heads won’t help our son.” He looked at me. “What happened?”
I explained that Graham Stott had been found shot to death and that Todd’s gun was on the floor nearby. “Both Todd and Blake were in the room, their fingerprints were on the gun, and neither of them is talking with the police.”
Mr. Calloway stood. “Marcy, would you mind driving me to the jail while my wife takes care of a few things here?”
“Not at all.”
“Thank you,” he said. “June, I need you to call Campbell Whitting and have him get to the jail as soon as possible.”
Mrs. Calloway nodded, but she had a vacancy in her tear-filled eyes that made me wonder if she had fully understood what her husband had said to her. Apparently, Mr. Calloway shared my concern.
He stooped down and took her by the shoulders. “June, look at me.”
She dutifully lifted her eyes as tears spilled onto her cheeks.
“Everything’s gonna be okay,” he said gently. “Now, what did I tell you I need for you to do?”
“Call Cam,” she whispered.
“That’s right. He’s the best criminal lawyer in the state.” He hugged her. “Todd didn’t kill anybody. We know he didn’t. And Cam will prove it.” He kissed her cheek before he straightened. “Marcy is taking me to see Todd now. As soon as you get everything squared away with Cam, I’d like for you to join me. And have Cam meet me there too, okay?”
She nodded.
I stood and followed Mr. Calloway out to the Jeep. He started firing off questions as soon as we got in and shut the doors.
“How does he look? What’s he saying? Had he and Graham been arguing?”
I’d thought he’d only wanted to avoid having two cars at the jail, but I could now see that he’d wanted to speak with me privately.
“He looked fine when I saw him last night,” I said. “It didn’t appear to me that he’d been in any sort of physical altercation. Plus, they—he and Blake—have been put in a cell together so they won’t be bothered by the other inmates. He didn’t have the opportunity to say much to me, other than to ask me to come and talk with you and Mrs. Calloway and to make sure Robbie made the deposit.”
“Were you at the Brew Crew when Graham was killed?” Mr. Calloway asked.
“No. I was with Blake’s wife, Sadie. Blake called her from the jail.”
“Well, I wish Todd had called me,” he said. “I could’ve got a quicker jump on this situation. You never answered my question—had he and Graham been arguing?”
“Not that I know of, but Todd didn’t say.”
He sighed. “Do you have any idea how Graham Stott wound up dead in a room with my son and Blake MacKenzie?”
“No, sir,” I said. “But I get the feeling Todd and Blake are protecting someone.”
Chapter Four
By the time Angus and I arrived at the store at ten o’clock Saturday morning, I felt as if I’d already put in half a day’s work. I’d gone into the jail with Mr. Calloway to say hello to Blake and Todd and to tell Todd I hadn’t spoken with Robbie yet but that I’d try to get in touch with him today. Luckily, Robbie had already been to see Todd. He’d assured Todd that everything was fine with the pub, the deposit, and the inventory. And he told Todd he’d open the Brew Crew this evening as usual. Still, Todd was concerned about Robbie’s ability to handle a Saturday night crowd on his own, so I promised to check in sometime this evening to see how things were going. Then I’d left Todd to visit with his dad. Had his dad not been there, I’d have begged Todd to tell the police everything he knew. I hoped Mr. Calloway would do that.
Blake had been lying on his cot with his face to the wall, presumably asleep, the entire time I was at the jail. I’d always felt Blake to be so strong, but he looked vulnerable and alone lying there on the cot. I’d be glad when bail was set so he and Todd could go home. But what about the murder investigation itself? What if one or both of them were found guilty? If they were, they could spend the rest of their lives in prison.
That can’t happen. They’re innocent. I know they are.
After sniffing around the Seven-Year Stitch for a few minutes, Angus found his favorite squeak toy. He picked it up and pranced over to the window to lie in a shaft of sunlight that was penetrating the clouds.
I restocked the yarns and embroidery flosses before retreating to the sit-and-stitch square with the Mountmellick embroidery book. I really needed to decide what I was going to make so I could create a new window display. The ribbon embroidery display from last month was still in the window, and although it had filled my two ribbon embroidery classes with students, I felt it was time for something fresh.
Even though I had the best of intentions, I couldn’t concentrate on the intricate stitches as I thumbed through the book, because my thoughts kept turning to Todd, Blake, and Sadie.
I wondered if Todd had confided in either his dad or his attorney what transpired last night. Then I thought about Sadie. Had she found someone to represent Blake? Had she told Blake about the break-in? Had she contacted the locksmith to have him come out and repair the back door? I was debating on whether or not I should call Sadie when Reggie came through the door.
We’d spoken over the phone and communicated through e-mail, but this was the first time I’d seen her in person since she returned from India. “Reggie!” I sprang from my chair to give her a hug. “I’m so happy to see you!”
“It’s good to see you, too,” Reggie said. “I dropped in to buy some white perle floss, but mainly, I’d like to find out exactly what happened at the Brew Crew last night.”
“I’m trying to figure that out myself…and so is Ted, a major crime team, and everyone else in Tallulah Falls…or, at least, it seems that way.”
“I hope Blake and Todd realize what a serious situation they’re in.” She stepped over to the sit-and-stitch square and took a seat on the navy sofa that faced the window. “The new district attorney just took office after D.A. Burkette retired a few weeks ago. She’ll be pursuing this case aggressively in order to try and prove herself.”
“Did you hear that Todd and Blake wouldn’t talk with police last night?” I asked, resuming my position in the chair next to Reggie. “I can’t understand why they wouldn’t. They had to realize that not explaining what happened would only hurt their cases.”
Reggie shook her head. “I don’t know what they were thinking unless they wanted to confer with their attorneys before discussing the situation and whatever part one or both of them might’ve had in Graham Stott’s death.”
“You don’t think they were actually involved, do you?”
She avoided my eyes. “Do I believe one of them actually killed Mr. Stott? No. But things happen unexpectedly and accidentally, Marcy.”
Wanting to change the subject, since th
is particular one was taking a direction I didn’t want to explore at the moment, I asked Reggie about Manu and when he was expected home.
“Hopefully, he’ll be back within a week to ten days,” she said. “Since Manu’s father—also deceased—and his uncle were in business together, his uncle’s death has necessitated a dissolution and distribution of corporate assets.”
“How’s Manu’s mom taking everything?” I asked.
“Not well, which is another reason it’s taking Manu so long to work everything out. The uncle was her baby brother,” Reggie said. “Manu would like to bring his mother back to Tallulah Falls with him, but she’ll never agree to it. India is the only home she’s ever known. Besides, Manu’s younger sisters are there.”
“I know he’ll be happy to get everything finished up and get back home to you.”
She smiled. “Probably not as happy as I’ll be to get him here.” She stood. “I’ve taken up enough of your time. If you’ll get me five skeins of white perle floss, I’ll head back to the library.”
“I’ll get you the floss, but I wish you didn’t have to leave so soon.” I went to the embroidery thread bins and got the floss.
“I do, too, but I’ve taken too long of a break already this morning. Please call me if there’s any way I can help Blake or Todd.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I will.”
After assuring me she’d see me in class Tuesday evening if not before, and after giving Angus a loving pat on the head, Reggie left.
The rest of the morning passed without incident. I made a few sales—including one of the Mountmellick embroidery books. I’d asked the woman who bought it if she was familiar with the technique. She’s said no but that she enjoyed white-on-white embroidery. I made a mental note to mention the Mountmellick embroidery books to Reggie, who was proficient in the Indian white-on-white technique of chikankari.
When there was a lull, I called Sadie. My call went directly to voice mail, so I asked her to give me a ring or to come by whenever she got a chance.
Just past noon, Ted arrived with lunch. He brought cheeseburgers and fries from a nearby diner. I guessed he was avoiding MacKenzies’ Mochas for obvious reasons.
“Hi,” he said, setting the food on the coffee table between the two sofas. He was dressed casually today in jeans and a navy blue sweatshirt. He’d shaved, but he still looked tired.
I got us a couple of sodas from the minifridge in my office and then returned to the sit-and-stitch square and sat across from Ted. “Did you get any rest at all last night?”
He shrugged. “Some. How about you and Sadie?”
“A little. I got more sleep than Sadie. I’m sure you heard about the break-in at Blake and Sadie’s house.”
“I read Officer Moore’s report.” He unwrapped his burger. “He said there was nothing missing, so that’s good.”
“Yeah. It still added insult to injury.” I ate a fry. “And I think it really scared Sadie. Do you think the break-in had anything to do with what happened at the pub?”
“It’s hard to say. Maybe it was someone who knew Blake and Sadie planned to be out late last night. Then you guys arrived and scared the person off.” He looked pensive as he took a bite of his cheeseburger. “I can’t imagine anyone involved in last night’s shooting would’ve gone to the MacKenzies’ home, though. I mean, what purpose would that have served?”
“I have no idea. It’s just strange that the two events would happen on the same night.”
“Well, it was Saint Patrick’s Day, and the beer was flowing like water…and not just at the Brew Crew.” Ted tossed Angus a fry.
“I can’t help feeling that Blake and Todd initially refused to say anything to police because they were protecting someone.”
“I agree with you,” Ted said. “But I’m afraid that they’re protecting each other.”
“Reggie was here earlier. She believes the new district attorney will be out to make a name for herself with this case.”
“She’s spot-on there. Alicia Landers has taken over a traditionally male Tallulah County office, and she’s determined to show everyone that she’s got what it takes to get the job done.” He gave Angus another fry. “She was a tough defense lawyer, and she’ll be a ruthless prosecutor.”
“You sound as if you’re a fan,” I commented.
“I am. Law enforcement needs bulldogs who’ll go after criminals with a vengeance.”
“True…but Blake and Todd aren’t criminals.”
Ted inclined his head slightly. “We don’t know that for sure yet, do we?”
“I do. I don’t know what happened in that back room of the Brew Crew last night, but I’ve known Blake for almost ten years. He and Todd aren’t murderers.”
He took another bite of his cheeseburger. “These burgers are good, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they are, but does that abrupt change in subject mean you disagree?” I asked.
“Maybe. I have to be objective and look at all the facts before jumping to any conclusion. You know that.”
“I do know that. Thank you for bringing the burgers.”
“You’re welcome.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too. Reggie said Manu should be home in a week or so.”
“When he does get back, I’ll take you out for a night on the town,” he said with a grin.
“I’ll look forward to it.” Like Ted, I kept my tone light, not sure how serious he was about this “night on the town” plan. I popped a fry into my mouth, and we ate in silence for a few moments.
After we finished eating, I asked Ted if he was familiar with Campbell Whitting.
“I sure am,” he said. “He’s reputed to be one of the best criminal lawyers in the state.”
“I think that’s who’s going to be representing Todd.”
“Good. Of course, he can only help Todd if Todd will help himself. Has Sadie said who she got to represent Blake?”
“No. I haven’t talked with her today,” I said. “I’m concerned about her.”
“She’s lucky to have a friend like you.” He smiled as he stood. “I’d better get back to the police station. Call me if you need anything.”
He tossed our trash in the garbage can on the way out, and I remained sitting on the sofa facing the window. He waved to me as he walked down the street. I raised my hand and felt a twinge of…sadness? Regret? Disappointment?
I wondered whether Ted’s job was the only thing distancing him from me. Maybe he preferred the hero role and simply didn’t like me as well when I wasn’t the damsel in distress. I thought back to the night of the masquerade ball and how Ted and I had clowned around at Captain Moe’s after our evening at the ball was cut short by an attempt on my life. Ted and I had danced and flirted.…We’d had so much fun that I hadn’t wanted that night to end…well, at least, that part of the night.
Then, suddenly, I’m out of danger, and I don’t hear from Ted for two weeks. Was it truly the extra responsibilities at work that were keeping him so busy? Or was Ted losing interest in me?
That afternoon, I received a shipment of needlepoint kits I’d been waiting for. They had Mother’s Day–, summer-, and patriotic-themed designs. They were adorable, and I expected them to be a hit. As I unpacked the box, I kept falling in love with first one kit and then another. I arranged three kits of each design on hooks on the maple Peg-Board above the embroidery floss bins, and I was taking the rest of the stock to the storeroom when my phone rang. I quickly deposited the box in the storeroom before hurrying back to the sit-and-stitch square where I’d left my phone.
“Hi. Thanks for calling the Seven-Year Stitch.”
“Hey, Marce. You sound out of breath. Is everything okay?”
“Riley! Everything’s fine with me. How are you?”
“I’m great.” She chuckled softly. “Laura took her sweet time about getting here. She didn’t show up until four ten this morning.”
“I h
eard. That’s why I hadn’t called you,” I said. “I wanted to give you some time to rest. I’ll be by after I close up shop today. I can hardly wait to see Laura.”
“She’s perfect.”
“I know she is. Is Keith over the moon?”
Riley laughed again. “Totally. I think some of the nurses and other parents are starting to get tired of his hanging around outside the nursery when Laura isn’t in the room with us.”
I laughed too. “He’s just a proud papa, and he has every right to be. Is there anything you guys need me to bring you when I come to the hospital?”
“No, but there is something you can give me now—information on what happened last night at the Brew Crew. The news reporters aren’t saying much of anything.”
I explained to Riley that the reporters—if they were like the rest of us—didn’t know much of anything. I then went on to tell her the circumstances under which Graham Stott was found.
“Neither Blake nor Todd volunteered any information as to what happened,” I said. “Or, at least, they hadn’t the last I heard.”
“Who’s their counsel?” she asked.
“I believe Campbell Whitting will be representing Todd.”
“That’s good,” Riley said. “Cam’s an excellent attorney. What about Blake?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t talked with Sadie today. If this Whitting guy is as good as everybody says he is, why can’t he represent them both?”
“That would be a lousy idea, Marce. You can’t have one guy adequately defend both men.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“Because one of them might be guilty.” She sighed. “What was Graham doing at that party in the first place? He never got along with the rest of the Alpha Sigs.”
“I have no clue,” I said. It was disturbing to think that Riley—who’d known all the fraternity brothers and had dated Todd—would think that either Todd or Blake was capable of shooting Graham Stott to death. She knew them both better than I did. Was I simply naïve, or was everyone else cynical?
After talking with Riley, I called Mom. My mom is Beverly Singer, a highly respected Hollywood costume designer. She’d been shooting on location in New York for the past three weeks, but we talked often, and I knew she’d want to know what was going on with Todd, Blake, and Sadie. Mom had known Sadie since she and I had roomed together in college. Besides, I wanted to get Mom’s opinion on everything that was happening.
