by K P Stafford
John perked up some, “You found out about those? What are they?”
I grabbed the sheet I’d printed from the image on my phone and sat back down. “Well, one is a poisonous tree from the Caribbean, but it’s also found in Florida. The tropical climate will allow it to grow. And the other is,” I pointed to the name on the paper, “a strong muscle relaxer. It’s used mostly in surgery situations.”
John rubbed the stubble on his chin. “That’s very interesting.”
“Do you know anyone who’s been to Florida recently and also has access to medications?”
“Not off the top of my head, but we definitely have a direction to go now.”
I frowned at the memory of Jake being out of town over the weekend. Maybe he had a good alibi for the mortician’s death, but did he have one for the Swanson’s deaths? Did he have an accomplice who could’ve killed the mortician for what was discovered during their autopsy?
John picked up on my uneasiness. “Do you know someone who’s been out of town?”
I fidgeted around, not wanting to give him a direct answer, but he might as well know of my suspicions about Jake. “Well, Jake was out of town this weekend. What if he’s been to Florida recently?”
“I think you should ask him,” John said as he stood up.
“Me? I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Well, I kinda already accused him of killing the mortician and he has a good alibi for the time of death.”
“I see.”
“If I ask this, he might think I’m just trying to pin anything on him.”
“True,” John said as he headed to the door, “but that’s how police work goes. I know you’re not an official cop, but you have been dragged into being my secretary, of sorts. We can’t play favorites.”
I pooched my lips out. “I guess you’re right. I guess that’s why Grams is being questioned too.”
“Yes, and with her and I being so close, the county guys wanted to deal with that themselves, but there’s no reason we can’t continue an investigation, between us.” He said, pointing from himself to me. His mood had improved some since he came in. He pulled the door open, “I think I’ll go get cleaned up. Let me know when you find out something.”
“Will do.”
After John left I sat and thought about everything. It seemed I was doing most of the legwork for him. I guess it was better for me to do it since he probably needed to stay close to the county police. And he wasn’t much more experienced than I was in these matters.
CHAPTER 20
After Grams returned from being questioned, I decided to head up to Hayden’s Ridge and speak to the assistant. The only new information I got from that visit concerned a set of triplets who own an herb shop close to Crystal Scents and grew herbs on their estate. I left there and headed to John’s office. Mostly to be nosy. The county boys had cleared out. I found that odd and wondered if they’d caught the killer. John came out of his office when he heard me enter. “Where is everyone?” I asked.
“There’s a big ruckus over in Jasper.”
“Oh, what about?”
John sat down in the chair. “It seems there’s some kind of terror alert, so all available law officers have been called out.”
“What? Around here?”
“In the city. There’s some big meeting about it.”
“You weren’t asked to attend?”
“I’m just a constable, but that does put this case back in our hands for now.” He rubbed his chin. “I was thinking of having a town meeting tonight.”
I sat in the chair, propped my elbows on the desk and my chin in my hands. “Do you think that will help?”
“Well, there’s way too much gossip going around and the best way to get to the bottom of it, is to get everyone together and discuss it.” John had a concerned look. “What do you think?”
He knew this town’s people and that could be a blessing getting them together or an all-out war with all the gossip mongers in everyone else’s business. “I think we should do it. I know these people can be a handful, but it may be the best way to get some things out in the open and maybe even draw the killer out.”
“Let’s do it.”
I looked at my watch. “Do you think we have enough time?”
He stood up and laughed. “That’s a silly question. It’ll be all over town in less than five minutes.”
I let out an unintended snort. He was right. It wouldn’t take long at all to rally this town together.
I arrived at the community center at half past six. John was standing outside. He walked over to me. “I have something for you.” He pulled out a flashlight. It was one of those large metal things. “You never wanted to be in a dark place without a light.” He smiled, “And this one can also serve as a weapon. We don’t know who’s out there to harm us, you need something to keep in your car.”
I thanked him, opened my car door and chunked it in the back seat.
The place was packed by seven. Half the town was in a shambles over the recent deaths, the other half were mingling like nothing major had happened. I know people deal with things in their own way, but this was a mixed group for sure. Mavis Clark planted herself on the front row. The smug grin on her face made me leery of her. She could be spiteful and a right handful.
John called the room to order and started explaining what little we knew.
He paused for a breath and Mavis took that as her opportunity to speak up.
“Constable Ballard.” She started before being cut off by John.
“Mavis, call me John, this is not a formal meeting.”
She rolled her eyes, “Very well. Is it true that several citizens in this town are suspects?” She turned and glanced over the crowd, stopping to look at Grams a little too long.
“Of course. It’s that way in any investigation. We aren’t here to discuss the suspects.”
“Then why are we here? We all know several people who are capable of this. For instance, the Drakes grow the very poisonous plants found in the Swanson’s bloodstream. And little miss hottie-tottie nurse has access to the drugs found in their system.” She said as she started walking around the front of the room. “We all think her being a kind, loving soul is probably an act.”
The people grew restless. Disturbed looks crossed their faces. Many of them looked around like they wanted to point fingers too.
Before I could stop myself, I stood up. “It’s also a fact that Mr. Jake Donovan could be after the insurance money. He’s also the nephew to Mr. Copeland who has access to those same drugs.”
She turned and shot daggers through me with her eyes. “Oh, you young people, always want to blame the nice ones don’t you? And how could you even think that after sleeping with him?”
I had no intentions of that little tidbit being blurted out to the whole town, even if they did know about it. “First of all, I didn’t sleep with him, not that it’s any of your business, but he’s also taken several out of town trips over the past few weeks. He had easy access to Florida and the main plant used on them. And furthermore, neither he nor Mr. Copeland is here tonight.”
She walked up to me. I feared she might smack me across the face. “That means nothing. You need to look at people who’ve had a long-standing motive to get rid of them.”
“Like who?”
An evil grin spread across her face. “Well, for one thing, your Grams and the Drakes want to take over their store so they can split it amongst their shops.”
“That’s crazy!” I lashed out.
She turned to John. “Constable Ballard, is it true that Velda Wheeler has been called in for questioning?”
The ghastly look on John’s face told me he didn’t want to discuss this matter with her. He knew she had a way of turning things into an all out riot and since the people here fed on gossip and were already in an uproar, we’d never hear the end of it. He finally spoke, “Yes, several people have been questioned ove
r the past few days.”
She turned and glared at Grams, “Well, isn’t it funny how people who have disagreements with her end up missing?”
Grams didn’t flinch at the remark.
John spoke up, “Mavis, she’s argued with a lot of people over the years. They haven’t all disappeared or ended up dead.”
“Are you sure they don't end up missing? She had a huge argument with the Swansons right before they went missing and then were found dead. Half the town knew about it. Annnd,” she drew the word out for emphasis, “it reminds me of a case twenty-five years ago. She had a huge fight in the town square with her own sister. Has anyone seen her sister since that day?”
Several people gasped in the crowd. Whispered chatter began between a bunch of them. I looked at Grams. That caused her to break. She was horrified and shaking terribly.
“Mavis Clark, you know good and well I didn’t kill my sister. You’re just here to start crap like you always do.” Tears streamed down her face as she ran out of the building. The crowd grew louder and louder. John was trying to get it under control when I headed out the door to find Grams. I glanced back at Mavis who had quietly taken her seat. All I could see was the back of her head, but I was sure she had a Cheshire grin on her face.
I couldn’t believe the woman could be that cold and cruel. Surely she knew how much Grams loved and missed Aunt Agatha. These women had known each other all their lives. I hadn’t found out what was behind this rivalry, but I was going to. This outburst was completely uncalled for. The nerve of that woman just baffled me.
CHAPTER 21
Peyton called the next morning with the promise of coffee and pastries if I’d stop by to see her. I couldn’t resist the offer of warm, buttery croissants. I’d take them over donuts any day. Plus, it would be good to run stuff by her that had been weighing on my mind since the town meeting.
We sat on the balcony and watched traffic go by after breakfast. The air was starting to get nippy with fall coming on, but the morning sun felt great on my face. I hadn’t felt this peaceful in awhile. I figured it was the calm before the storm, as sailors called it. Whatever it was, I wanted to breathe it in and keep it with me always.
“You looked relaxed.” She said.
I opened my eyes to find her staring at me.
“Enjoying the moment. When I get to work, the peace will be over.”
“I know. And I hate to bring it all up, but I am dying to hear how the town meeting went.”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh gosh, it was a complete fiasco.”
Peyton’s look was puzzled. “How so?”
I put my coffee mug down on the table and sat up straight in the chair. “Mavis Clark.”
“Oh no, what did she do?”
“She pretty much accused everyone there, pointed out how each of them had means to kill the couple.”
“Do you think she was right about any of them?”
“Well, several people do have means, but there’s no motive to make them suspect.”
“I see.”
“How much do you know about the Drake triplets?”
She waved her arm, “They are super sweet. Neither of them would hurt a fly.”
“Not even over their business?”
Peyton thought for a minute. “I don’t think so. I mean, I know people can fool you, but I’ve known them all my life. They’ve always been generous and helpful to everyone.” She paused to think again. “Their mom has been county clerk all my life too, and she’s always been super sweet. My mom always hated dealing with the Magistrate’s office, but I think she actually enjoyed going to the county clerks office to see Bessie.”
“It doesn’t hurt to keep them in mind,” I said.
“Who else did Mavis accuse?”
“I was getting to that. It’s pretty upsetting. She flat out accused Grams of killing her sister. Right there in front of everyone.”
“Are you serious?” Peyton’s eyes were wide with horror.
“Grams was so upset she ran out crying.”
“They’ve had some rivalry going on all my life, but it’s never come to that. They actually act like siblings.”
“How do you mean?”
“Oh you know, at each other’s throats one day and best friends the next.”
I thought back to what Grams had told me about Mavis having a thing for my grandfather before he and Grams married. That blew over, but then she had a thing for the mortician before he fell for my aunt. I guess old wounds don’t always heal so easy.
Peyton filled our cups and sat the pot back on the tray. “Well, hopefully, John found out something.”
“I don’t see how. He was having a heck of a time controlling the crowd. Everyone was just insane.” I took a sip of coffee. “But the real kicker is how Mavis kept defending Jake Donovan.”
“Oh?” Peyton sat up in her chair. “How do you mean?”
“Well, when Mavis started attacking Grams, I couldn’t help myself and had to speak up. So I started asking questions about Jake, explaining how sneaky he is, how he’s out of town a lot and not to mention that he’s Mr. Copeland’s nephew.”
“What did she say?”
I flailed my arm in the air. “Oh, he’s a saint and a nice young man. There’s no way he could possibly do it.”
Peyton sat back in her chair. I could almost see the gears turning in her head.
“You have that look. What are you thinking?”
“That seems odd to me. She never takes to new people in town. What if she and Jake are running some kind of scam together?”
“Why would they?”
“Well, money for one thing, but it’s no secret that Mavis tries to buy up all the property in town. The Swanson’s store is probably on her list and now she’ll have a chance to get hold of it if only to keep your grandmother from getting it.”
“That does make sense. I wonder what’s so special about their store front? It’s just a store in that row of store fronts.”
“I don’t know. Maybe we should check into it.”
“I think so. Oh, I also need a favor from you later.”
“Sure, anything.”
“Jake is out of town again and I need to get into his office. Can you call the receptionist and find a way to get her away from her desk so I can sneak into his inner office?”
“Of course, I can. Just let me know when.” The sly grin on her sweet face was priceless.
CHAPTER 22
I walked by Jake’s office and saw the receptionist on the phone. I hoped Peyton was on the other end of the line trying to distract her. She stood up and walked down the hall. That was my opening to sneak inside. Luckily no one else was in the office.
I quickly made it across the main room and into Jake’s office. I quietly shut the door behind me. My heart was racing. I’d never done anything like this before, except a week earlier, but the office was empty then. My legs were shaky as I walked to the desk. A few files were on top, nothing of importance, a few updates, and claims. I decided to look through the drawers. I didn’t expect him to leave evidence in plain sight, but you never know.
The man was meticulously organized. He’d probably notice a paperclip out of place if I wasn’t careful. I was about to give up when I found a file at the bottom of a drawer, hidden underneath magazines and other non-insurance content. I pulled it out. It was the Swanson file. I flipped it open. In the side notes were written Murder? My mind started racing. Did that mean Jake had intended to murder them? I quickly started skimming to find the beneficiary. My heart leaped out of my chest and I dropped the file when I heard, “Miss Danforth. I didn’t know you had an appointment today.”
Crap! There was no getting out of this one. I was caught.
I looked up to see Jake closing the door behind him. He turned to face me with a stern look on his face. Surely he wouldn’t hurt me in broad daylight, in his own office, but he could get to me at home in the middle of the night.
“Did you find anything i
nteresting?” He asked as he approached the desk. He was towering over me again, like the last time I was in his office.
“No,” was all I managed to stammer out. I bent to pick the file up. Before I could Jake was behind the desk and grabbed my arm.
“Leave it.” He said. “I’ll take care of it.”
I jerked my arm away and made my way to the other side of his desk, to put distance, and an obstacle, between us. He had an amused look.
“A girl could get hurt sneaking into places she shouldn’t be.” His voice was coy with slight impudence. He was playing with me. I considered the thought he was one of those sociopaths, blends into society with ease but has a dark, evil side to them.
“I’m helping with an investigation. You know that.”
He sat in the chair behind his desk, placed his elbows on the arm rest and brought his fingertips together in front of him. “Yes, but that doesn’t give you the right to breaking and entering.”
I couldn’t help but notice how powerful he looked sitting there like that. “I didn’t break in. The door was unlocked.” I spat back at him. It seemed childish after I’d said it.
He stood and walked around the desk. I was shaking. He smiled at me as he took my arm and turned me towards the door. “I won’t report this, but I better not catch you in here again going through my papers.” He paused, I looked up at him. He reached out and touched my face. His hand was warm and felt good on my cheek. I felt my knees getting weak, remembering how good he was at kissing. He had warmth in his eyes. His lips parted, “In fact, it’d be best if you stop looking into this matter altogether before you get hurt.”
He was teasing and threatening me at the same time. I didn’t know how to react. He was such a pompous ass. Anger swelled up inside me. “Is that a threat?”
He removed his hand and flashed the coy smile again. “Concern,” he said as he pulled my hand up and kissed the back of it. “Now, if you don’t mind, I don’t have time to play right now. I suggest you go help your grandmother make a candle or something else less dangerous than looking into murder cases.”
