Death on Arrival: A Helen Bradley Mystery (Helen Bradley Mysteries Book 1)

by Patricia H. Rushford

  “I am too.” She sobered. “I’d like to talk with you.” She told Betty she’d be back in a few moments and took Helen aside. “Have you heard anything more about your friend? Um, Janelle?”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  “I just arrived today,” Sherrie went on. “We’ve been talking about Brett’s passing and she didn’t know that he’d died. I’m wondering if she ever saw the letters I sent.”

  “It’s hard to say.” Helen mused. “Betty does have dementia.”

  “Yes, but Janelle should have responded to me.” Sherrie sighed. “All this time I thought Betty didn’t want to see us.”

  “You’re right. I have no idea why Janelle didn’t contact you.” Helen still had a hard time seeing Janelle in a bad light.

  Sherrie glanced back at Betty. “I met Janelle once at a family reunion years ago. Of course back then we thought she was Brett’s cousin, Janice. At the time we had no idea she was actually Betty’s child.”

  Helen frowned. Had she told Sherrie about Betty being Janice’s birth mother? She didn’t think so. “How did you know about Janice?”

  “Oh,” Betty seemed surprised at the question. “I’m not sure.”

  “When we spoke on the phone, you told me that Betty didn’t have a daughter,” Helen pressed.

  “I did, didn’t I? I brought out some old photos and correspondence. I think Brett must have known. I’d forgotten.”

  Helen nodded. Something wasn’t adding up. Had she just seen a flash of guilt in Sherrie’s eyes? “The sheriff will probably want to talk with you. Where are you staying?”

  “I don’t know yet. As I said, I only just arrived. I’ll probably check into a hotel.”

  “We have a lot of them around here.” Helen told her. She thought about mentioning Betty’s house, but didn’t. She doubted the police would have released it yet and she still wanted to have another look around. Plus, she didn’t trust Sherrie.

  “Do you think maybe we could meet later for dinner?” Sherrie asked.

  Helen was surprised by the invitation, but felt compelled to talk with her again. Once she’d gone back through Betty’s house she might have more information. “Possibly. I have family coming for the weekend, but why don’t you give me a call when you get settled into a hotel. There’s a great restaurant just south of here.” Helen handed her a business card that had both her land line and her cell phone number on it.

  After leaving the nursing home, Helen stopped at the police station to pick up the key Joe promised to leave for her. Joe was out on a call so Helen left a message telling him that Sherrie, Betty’s daughter-in-law was in town.

  Once at the house, Helen began having second thoughts about going through it. Not that she was doing anything wrong; she just felt oddly anxious, but pushed the thoughts aside. She was here to look for evidence, something that could possibly shed some light on Janelle’s murder. The unsettled feeling stayed with her as she walked up to the front door. Using the key to gain entry, Helen made a quick run through the house to make certain she was alone.

  She set her bag on the counter and began looking through drawers. She wasn’t certain what she was looking for, but thought maybe something they’d missed the first time around. Helen went through bookcases and cupboards and closets, rummaging through boxes, and came up with nothing but a box of photos and mementos she hadn’t seen the first time around. In it she found a graduation announcement from a couple of years ago along with a more recent wedding invitation from Caitlin and her fiancé, Andrew McCain. According to the announcement, they’d been married about a month. Had Janelle shared these with Betty? The fact that they’d been saved in a nice photo box and not thrown out told Helen she may have. There’d be no way of knowing unless someone at the care facility saw them. Not that it mattered. Sherrie had told her there’d been no contact on Janelle’s part.

  Helen had just gotten back into her car when her cell rang.

  “It’s Joe, I got your message.”

  “Glad you called.” Helen relayed the conversation she’d had with Sherrie. “It might be nothing, but when I first spoke with her on the phone, she didn’t know who Janelle was and told me that Betty didn’t have a daughter. Yet when we spoke at the care facility, she told me she remembered meeting Brett’s cousin Janice. Did you tell her?”

  “Nope. I sure didn’t. I’d like to know how she found out.”

  “Well, it may be that she didn’t connect the dots when I called,” Helen mused. “Anyway I’m having dinner with her later. Maybe I can find out more then.”

  “Good. I have some new information for you. We’ve been going through and processing Janice’s accounts. There are several with both Betty’s and her name on them. Adding things up, it looks like Betty had a substantial amount of money.” Joe cleared his throat. “We’re talking millions.”

  “And Janelle had access to all of Betty’s finances?”

  “With power of attorney she would. Here’s the strange thing. She didn’t do anything personal with the money. There are no big payouts or withdrawals. In fact the only money spent was related to Betty’s care. Monthly payments to the nursing home and insurance premiums, doctor bills, that sort of thing.”

  “Interesting. Neither of them lived as though they had money,” Helen said. “Still that kind of money is a powerful motive. Maybe Janelle was killed because she had access to it. And whoever takes over Betty’s finances will have access to it as well.”

  “Exactly. I’m guessing Sherrie has already started the ball rolling on that.”

  “Okay, then.” Helen sighed. “Are you going to talk with her?”

  “At this point my interrogation might scare her off. Since you’ve established a rapport with her, I’ll let you follow through.”

  “Good idea. I’ll let you know what I find out.”

  Helen headed back home. As promised, Kate had put a roast in the slow cooker and the intoxicating scent of onions, meat and spices filled the house, making her wish she could stay home. On the other hand, she needed to talk with Sherrie again. She suspected her family would start arriving any time after five. They wouldn’t be happy with her decision to go out for dinner.

  And they weren’t, but she promised she’d be back early and they seemed okay with it. Helen still felt odd about the arrangement. Her intuition told her it might not be a good idea. Yet, Helen really needed to get to know Sherrie and find out if the woman had killed Janelle.

  Chapter Ten

  Sherrie called at five saying she’d made reservations at the Tidal Raves in Depot Bay for 5:30 and would Helen mind picking her up at the Bayside Hotel on the way. Helen agreed and within minutes the two of them were on the highway heading south.

  “I’m so glad you called me about Janelle, or Janice.” Sherrie settled back in her seat. “I’m sorry she was killed, but glad I could come and be here for Betty. I only wished I’d known about her situation sooner.”

  Helen nodded. “I’m surprised Janelle didn’t notify you when she placed Betty in the care facility.”

  “I am too.”

  Helen glanced over at her passenger. She felt a bit wary of being alone with Sherrie, considering that she could have murdered Janelle. As Joe had said, money, especially that much could be a big motivator. “I suppose you’re working on switching power of attorney from Janice to yourself.”

  Sherrie sighed. “I am. It’s a big responsibility. I have no idea what to expect.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Sherrie shrugged. “I had power of attorney for Brett, but I knew about our financial situation. Brett had good insurance. With Betty, I have no idea what I’m getting into.”

  Helen frowned. “So you don’t know anything about her financial status.”

  “I know what you’re thinking, that I shouldn’t be jumping into this blind. But I’m the only relative she has besides my daughter and her husband. If we don’t take responsibility for her, who will?”

  Helen didn’t respond. Did Sherri
e really not know that Betty was wealthy?

  “Once I get the information on her finances I’ll be able to see where we stand.”

  Helen debated whether or not to tell her about the money, but decided not to. If Sherrie really didn’t know, then there was no motive. “Will you be moving out here then?” Helen asked.

  “Yes. I think I need to be here. Fortunately, Caitlin and Andrew will be coming out west as well.”

  “Did your daughter come with you?” Money was still a strong motive and if Sherrie was innocent, maybe she needed to look closer at Caitlin and Andrew McCain.

  “She’s flying in tomorrow. Andrew was able to find a job in Lincoln City.” She smiled. “Everything in falling into place.”

  “So he’s been out here for a while?”

  “No. At least I don’t think so. He’s been doing his job search via the computer.”

  Helen made a mental note to have Joe check on any incoming flights for Andrew. She slowed and stopped at the light at Salishan Resort.

  “Is this it?” Sherrie asked.

  “No.” Helen took a moment to explain that the resort was one of the more popular places on the Oregon Coast, pointing out the golf course and the shopping mall and art gallery.

  “I think I’m going to like living here.” Sherrie grinned.

  “I certainly do,” Helen admitted. “There’s always something to do.”

  They chatted about a number of things that evening. Sherrie was good company and Helen found herself enjoying their time together. Once they’d finished their meals, which Sherrie insisted on paying for, they headed back toward Lincoln City. The outing had told Helen one thing: Sherrie had not killed Janelle.

  “Thank you so much for spending time with me.” Sherrie said as Helen pulled into the hotel parking lot. “I’m glad that you thought to call me. I just wish I could have known Janice.” She frowned. “Though I still don’t understand why she never contacted us.”

  “It’s hard to say. Could be as simple as not getting around to the task.” Or it could be that she didn’t want to share the funds. Helen kept the last thought to herself. “I’d like to meet your daughter. Maybe after the weekend. There’s a coffee shop I like to frequent, Past Times. My friend, Rosie, runs it.” Helen gave her the name and directions. “Would you like to meet me there on Monday, say around ten?”

  “Perfect.” Sherrie opened the car door and stepped out. “And wish me luck. Tomorrow I’m going to try to find a place to live.”

  Helen waved a final goodbye and headed for home. It appeared that Sherrie didn’t know about Betty’s house or about her wealth. Still, something didn’t feel right. Helen decided to take a detour back to Betty’s house. She’d have another look around and maybe take a couple of the photos home with her, primarily the one of Andrew and Caitlin that had been tucked inside the wedding invitation. Joe could investigate Andrew’s whereabouts and see if he had a record.

  She still had the key and let herself in. It was getting dark and Helen felt around the wall just inside the door for a light switch. Before she could switch it on, someone crashed into her. Helen slammed into the door jamb and fell to the floor. Whoever it was ran out. By the time she’d reoriented herself and gotten to her feet, the person, a man, had disappeared down the street.

  Her first thought was of Cody. Had he come back to get something? No, not Cody, she decided. This man had been larger, more solid.

  Helen berated herself for being caught off guard as she placed a call to Joe. She explained briefly what had happened and waited on the step for the sheriff to arrive. Whoever had been in the house may have left evidence and Helen didn’t want to take a chance of corrupting it.

  She was not in the best of moods when Joe arrived and fortunately, he didn’t chide her for snooping around after dark. He seemed satisfied that she’d wanted to have another look around and pick up a couple of photos.

  Joe wrinkled his nose. “You notice that smell?”

  Helen sniffed at the air. “Not until you mentioned it. To be honest, I was pretty shaken up, not to mention sore.” In the fall she’d hurt her shoulder and twisted her ankle when she’d fallen to the floor. “It’s rancid.”

  “Does it look like anything’s been disturbed?” He asked as they walked through the house.

  Helen shook her head. “It looks pretty much like it did when I left this afternoon.”

  “Maybe you interrupted him before he had a chance to find anything.” Joe went around to the windows looking for a point of entry. “It looks like he came in through an open bedroom window. I’ll have the techs come in and dust for prints.”

  Helen nodded and told him about her dinner with Sherrie. “I don’t think she knows anything, but I’m not so sure about her daughter and son-in-law. In fact, that’s why I came back. I thought I’d pick up a photo of them, see of you can find anything on either of them.”

  Helen showed Joe the photo and the wedding announcement. He took them and promised to let her know.

  It was well after nine when Helen left Joe and his crew at the house. She imagined the family would be up waiting for her and she wasn’t disappointed. They were all gathered around the fireplace, Nick, the youngest, had fallen asleep on Jennie’s lap. What a picture they made. She greeted them all with hugs and told them how much she appreciated their flexibility. She didn’t tell them about getting mowed down at Betty’s house. Tomorrow would be soon enough for that, if she told them at all.

  Helen joined her family for tea and cocoa and then excused herself to go to take a shower before bed. The day and especially her encounter with the intruder at the house left her exhausted, but as she climbed into bed, the exhaustion turned to endless ruminations about Janelle’s murder and the events that had followed. Their best lead was turning out to be Betty’s family. She’d call Joe in the morning and hoped he’d have some information about Andrew. The man at the house could have been Sherrie’s son-in-law.

  Chapter Eleven

  Helen grumbled as another thought about the intruder drifted into her mind. The smell that lingered in the house after the man had escaped brought up another scenario entirely. There was a very good chance that the vacant house had been an enticement for one of the town’s homeless.

  In a way, she hoped that was the case. She liked Sherrie and really didn’t want her new friend or Sherrie’s family to be connected with the murder. For now, Helen told herself, she needed to put her thoughts on hold and get some sleep. Her own family would be up early and wanting to enjoy their beach outing and their time with her.

  With trips to Depoe Bay, the aquarium in Newport, shopping, and picnics and playing on the beach, Helen barely had time to think about Janelle’s murder, which turned out to be a good thing. She needed a break from it and the children provided the perfect out.

  Late Sunday afternoon, she bid a reluctant goodbye to all of them. She’d managed to tell them all about her elopement with JB and they all seemed quite pleased to have a new grandfather. She had promised to bring him over to meet them as soon as he returned home from his assignment. The words, if he comes home, entered her head, but she dismissed them before they could take root. Helen couldn’t allow herself to even consider what ifs with regard to JB.

  The quiet house was a wonderful reprieve and at the same time, incredibly lonely. Which was a good thing, she told herself again. Fresh hot chamomile and mint tea in hand, she settled into her favorite chair in front of the fireplace. Perhaps this was a good time to reexamine the murder.

  What had Janelle been doing at the house Wednesday afternoon? Helen was still having a hard time thinking of her as Janice. And why had she been killed here? It seemed to her that if Sherrie or Caitlin or even Andrew had killed her they would have done so at Betty’s home. Did any of them even know where she lived?

  Her rabbit trail of thoughts dead-ended. So where did that leave them with the murder investigation? There were any number of suspects and scenarios. The writer, for example.

 
Maude had her book signing on Saturday and Helen and Kate had taken the crew to meet her. While she was excited to see them, she seemed rather anxious. Maybe she’d talk with Maude again tomorrow. Maude had mentioned that she’d be staying in town for a few days. It wouldn’t hurt to have her input. She was, after all, a mystery writer.

  And a person of interest.

  Helen yawned, her brain simply too weary to think any more about the murder or about anything else. Maybe it was time to read a mystery rather than try to solve one. She picked up the book Maude had autographed for her when she’d stayed there just prior to Janelle’s murder. She still couldn’t believe that Janice’s grandson had rented out her house. On the other hand, it had worked out in a way. She’d not only made a new friend, she’d acquired a couple of new books.

  Helen enjoyed Maude’s writing and could hardly put the book down. She certainly had the knack of holding the reader captive. At eleven, Helen finally closed the book and headed for bed.

  On Monday morning Helen awoke to the phone ringing. It was Joe telling her that his investigation into Betty’s family had turned up nothing. Sherrie and her daughter and son-in-law all had alibis. Apparently money, at least where the Sullivan family was concerned, had not been the motive. Still, Helen mused, they may have hired a hit.

  While she drove into town for coffee at Rosie’s, Helen rethought the case. Janelle had gone to Helen’s home to pick up the mail and apparently to freshen it up and get it ready for Helen’s return. Someone had attacked her there. Someone who knew she’d be there? Or was it, as they suspected in the first place, that she’d surprised an intruder?

  Helen puzzled over the course of events. According to the coroner Janelle had been dead for about six hours before Helen arrived home. That would have put the attack at around three in the afternoon. She thought again about Janelle’s grandson. What if Janelle had discovered what he’d done? He claimed that he’d never hurt his grandmother, but what if he had acted irrationally? After all, he’d held her and Ryan at gunpoint.