Murder in North Carolina

by Agnes Alexander

  “I don’t. I want someone in that position that I trust, and I trust you.” Rebecca smiled at her. “And by the way, I want you to draft a new will for me today. Get it ready as soon as you can, and I’ll sign it.”

  “You’ve got to give me some idea of what you want.” Justine looked around. “Do you want to do that in private?”

  “No. I have no secrets from the people in this room. These are the only people in the world I trust.” She smiled at all of them, and they smiled back.

  “This is only tentative until I can get my life back together,” Rebecca continued.

  “I understand that.”

  “Okay. First, I want the company to go to the employees, with each portion given according to their jobs. You can work that out. Second, I want the house to go to Wilma, along with a trust to pay all the bills concerning its upkeep and maintenance as long as she lives. Her salary is to increase yearly by a minimum of ten percent and will continue to the end of her life.”

  Wilma gasped. “Ms. Rebecca.”

  “It’s okay, Wilma. You deserve it. Now for my friend Erica. You, my dear, can have my jewelry. I know you like pretty things, and with what I got from Mindy, I have a lot of pretties. You can sell it, wear it, or do whatever you want with it. Nick, I leave you all the artwork. I’ve been around you enough now to know how much you appreciate it. And you, Justine, my newest friend, are to take care of everything at a retainer you set for yourself. As long as my estate exists, I want you to administer it. Everything else goes to charity.” She looked around and smiled. “How’s that for disposing a lot of money in a short period of time?”

  “When you make up your mind, you move on it, don’t you?” Nick smiled at her. “That’s the type of woman who can run a business.”

  Rebecca took a deep breath. “Thank you, Nick. Now, let’s get back to Davidson Industries. Erica?”

  “Yes?”

  “You try to hide it sometimes, but you’re an astute business woman. Don’t you think it’s time you went back to work?”

  “Probably, if it won’t interfere with the alimony I receive from Doc.”

  “Unless it’s stipulated that you not work, it shouldn’t affect it,” Justine said.

  “Then I want you to come to work for me, Erica,” Rebecca continued. “I need a good assistant. One I can trust.”

  “What the hell? I think I’d like that. You can pay me as much as the alimony if I lose it, right?” Erica asked.

  “I can do that.” Rebecca smiled and looked at Justine. “Is there anything else we need to talk about?”

  “I think we’ve pretty much covered everything.” Justine folded the papers. “I don’t have anything else right now.”

  “Then I call this meeting adjourned.” Rebecca stood. “Who wants to stay for lunch?”

  “I’d love to,” Nick said. “But if we’re going to pick up Brookmeyer at two, I’ve got to get in touch with the police and get the ball rolling.”

  “I’ll walk you to the door.” Rebecca left the room with him. When he paused at the front door, she said, “You won’t forget to come back tonight, will you? Vernon is going to go off the deep end when Brookmeyer is arrested.”

  “I’ll be here as soon as I can. What time does Vernon get home?”

  “Around six o’clock on good days, but most often seven.”

  “I’ll be here by five-thirty, in case he comes home early.” He smiled at her and went out the door. “By the way,” he turned around. “Thanks for the artwork. I hope I never collect it.”

  She blew him a kiss.

  “I saw that,” Erica said.

  “You’re always seeing things.” Rebecca smiled at her friend and took her arm.

  Justine came out with her papers. “I wanted to tell you one other thing, Rebecca.”

  “Oh?”

  “I think we can work all this out, and I appreciate the confidence you’ve put in me. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I hope our association lasts a long time and prospers.”

  “I’m sure it will. My sister and my aunt couldn’t both be wrong about an attorney.” Justine smiled, and Rebecca changed the subject. “How about lunch? I’m sure Wilma can have it ready in just a few minutes.”

  “I need to get back to the office. I’ll just pick up a sandwich,” Justine said.

  “A sandwich is all we’re going to have. We have an errand to run.”

  “Are we going shopping?” Erica’s eyes brightened. “If I’m going to work, I need a lot business clothes. Most of mine don’t fit into that category.”

  “No, we’re not going shopping, my friend. Your clothes will have to do for now. Today we’re going to Davidson Industries. I want you to see what we’re getting into. You’re going to get the grand tour. Don’t you think you need to see it, too, Justine?”

  “Maybe later. I don’t think it’s a good idea for Vernon to see me there with you two.”

  “You’re probably right. Come on, then. Let’s go into the kitchen and have a quick sandwich, and then we’ll be off to our respective destinations.”

  Erica looked at Justine. “Sometimes Rebecca likes to see how long a sentence she can construct just to confuse people.”

  “Erica, my friend.” Rebecca smiled at her. “You’re a business woman now. You’re going to have to act businesslike. At least part of the time.”

  “Oh, my word.” Erica threw her arms in the air. “What have I let you talk me into?”

  Justine laughed and followed them into the kitchen.

  Chapter 47

  “Hello, Mrs. Armfield.” Diane looked up from her desk, straightened her hair, and smiled. “It’s been a long time. How are you?”

  “I’m fine, Diane. How are you?”

  “Great.”

  “This is my friend Erica Redmond. She wants to see the plant, and I thought I’d bring her by today. I hope Vernon doesn’t mind.”

  “Hello, Ms. Redmond,” Diane said to Erica. To Rebecca she said, “I’m sure Mr. Armfield won’t mind, but he isn’t here just now.”

  Erica returned Diane’s greeting.

  Rebecca asked, “Do you mind telling me where Vernon is?”

  Diane turned back to Rebecca. “Of course not. He left for lunch not five minutes ago. He’ll be sorry he missed you.”

  “What about Robyn? Vernon said she’s been coming in to work almost every day. Is she out to lunch, too?”

  “She’s here. Would you like me to buzz her for you?”

  “No, but you can tell her I want to see her before she goes to lunch. First I’m going to show Ms. Redmond around. I’ll start with Vernon’s office because Ms. Redmond wants to make a private telephone call.”

  “Of course. You know where it is.”

  Once they entered Vernon’s office, Rebecca closed the door.

  “I feel like a spy.” Erica laughed.

  “Right now, that’s exactly what we are.” Rebecca picked up the telephone. “We’ve got to make it look like you’re really making a call.” She punched line two and a red button flashed on the phone. She then put the receiver aside and said, “Now we’ll see if we can find anything we think shouldn’t be here. You take the desk, and I’ll go through the credenza.”

  In the third drawer down, Erica found a DVD. “Wonder what this is doing here. I don’t see a recorder.”

  “Take it. It’s probably that infamous DVD everyone is talking about.” Rebecca picked up what looked like a ledger. Opening it, she said, “Oh, my Lord.”

  “What?”

  “It’s a record of DVD orders.”

  In less than ten minutes, they had confiscated enough material to fill both their purses.

  “Maybe we’ve been in here long enough. Even you can talk just so much.” Rebecca laughed and put the last of their finds into her bag.

  “Good thing we carry big purses,” Erica said as she stuffed the last bit of material into hers. “Mine is about full.”

  Rebecca put the receiver back on the hook, and
they left the office. “Now we’ll go by and see Robyn.”

  Before Rebecca could introduce them, Erica said, “Ms. Garvey, hello. I met you at Ruby Tuesday’s. You were having a business meeting with Vernon and his attorney.”

  Robyn put on her plastic smile. “Of course. How are you, Ms. Redmond?”

  After their exchange, Rebecca said, “Robyn, I’m so sorry about Max. Vernon has kept me posted on his condition. Has there been any more improvement?”

  “Not a lot. It’s a big mess, Rebecca.”

  “I know. I’m sure all the gossip hurts, too.”

  “It does. But there isn’t a lot I can do to stop that. I’m just holding my head up and going on. Regardless of what Max has done, I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  Maybe you’ve done nothing wrong concerning Max, but you sure have done some wrong things to me. Despite her vicious thoughts, Rebecca smiled at Robyn and said, “I know you haven’ Nic. I’m sure everyone understands that.”

  After a few more minutes of chatter, Rebecca excused them by saying, “I’m going to show Erica around the plant. If I can help you in any way, please feel free to call me, Robyn.”

  “Thank you. I will. It was nice to see you again.” After a moment’s hesitation she added, “And you, too, Ms. Redmond.”

  “Likewise,” Erica said with her back already to Robyn.

  When they were going down the hall toward the plant area, Rebecca asked, “How did you like Robyn’s office?”

  “It was fine. Needs some lightening up, though. The colors are drab.”

  “You can redecorate it.”

  “Me? Why should I redecorate it?”

  “It’ll be your office.”

  Erica stopped. “What about that Robyn person?”

  “You don’t really think I’d keep someone on payroll who is in cahoots with Vernon, do you?” She smiled. “Now, let’s make a quick tour of the plant. I want to drop off some of this stuff at Justine’s. I wish we had the opportunity to go through Robyn’s office, too.”

  “Why? We can’t get any more into our pocketbooks,” Erica said with a chuckle.

  Chapter 48

  “You can’t go in there, gentlemen!” the receptionist said. “Mr. Brookmeyer doesn’t see anyone without an appointment.”

  One of the policemen flashed his badge at her.

  She reached to buzz her boss, but another officer said, “I don’t think I’d do that, Ma’am.”

  The first officer opened the door. “Willard Brookmeyer?”

  “Can’t you see I’m busy? What are you doing coming in here without an appointment? Get out.”

  “Willard Brookmeyer, I have a warrant for your arrest.” The policeman cleared his throat, “You have the right to remain silent. If you give up that right—”

  “I know my rights.” He stood. Then he yelled, “Fran!”

  The receptionist appeared at the door. “Call Martin Belldear and tell him to meet me at the police station. They’re arresting me.”

  She gasped.

  “Do it, girl!” He stormed. “Now, officer, would you be so kind as to tell me what the hell I’m being arrested for?”

  “You’re being charged with embezzlement and fraud, for starters, and if you don’t come along with us willingly, I’ll add resisting arrest.”

  “I’m not resisting.” He came toward the policemen. “Fran!” he yelled again. “Are you making that call?”

  “Yes, sir. I’m making it. Yes, Ann,” she said into the phone. “He’s being arrested right now. Will you please have Mr. Belldear go to the police station right away? Thank you.”

  Another uniformed officer came into the office. “I have the search warrant, Sergeant.” He handed it to the policeman in charge.

  “Clay, this says Armfield.”

  “Sorry, sir. I was in a hurry. I must have mixed them up.” He took another paper from his shirt pocket and looked at it. “This is the right one, sir.”

  * * * *

  At the mention of the name Armfield, Willard Brookmeyer’s face turned ashen. His confident demeanor disappeared, and he began to sweat. Though he wouldn’t say anything until Martin Belldear arrived to help him, he’d already made up his mind that he wasn’t going down alone. If he went, so would Vernon. In fact, he knew about plea bargaining. He’d beat Vernon to it. Armfield would take a while to find an attorney, and by then, the deed would be done.

  He tensed as they put him into an unmarked car in front of a crowd gathered on the sidewalk. Damn. Wish I’d told Fran to call Vernon. At least, as his attorney, I could do that one last thing for him. Maybe she’ll do it anyway.

  His thoughts then turned to himself. I hope Martin Belldear hurries. He’s smart. Maybe he’ll know a way to get me out of this mess.

  Chapter 49

  Rebecca came home at four o’clock, and Erica left to pick up some things at her house. She insisted on spending the night with Rebecca. She said the more people in the house, the less likely Vernon would do anything. Rebecca finally agreed and invited her for dinner. She was to come over at five. That was long before Vernon was due home.

  Wilma was pleased Erica was coming. She said she liked Ms. Erica and was going to make a special dinner. Rebecca left her humming away in the kitchen.

  After showering and changing into a pale green sundress, she stepped into her room and sat at the small table she and Nick had shared the day before. She took out a pen and pad and made a list of the people she had to replace immediately at Davidson Industries. She knew she’d have to have her plan ready because when the police arrested Vernon, she’d want to step right in so the company wouldn’t skip a beat. She was excited. Being back in the business world would be fun. When she finished her list, she put it aside and picked up the large purse she’d taken to the office.

  Time to switch back to the one she normally carried. She dumped the contents of the larger purse onto the bed, picked up the items one by one, and decided whether or not to put them into her summer Aginer bag. Along the way, she tossed some of the unnecessary clutter into the trash can.

  Picking up a charge receipt for gas, she started to throw it away, but stopped. She hadn’t charged gas in ages. Months ago, she’d decided it was simpler to write a check or pay cash, especially since she had misplaced her gas card.

  She looked at the receipt. The car that had been filled up held forty-four gallons. Her car didn’t hold that much, and besides, she would never let the tank get that low.

  Then she gasped in disbelief. The gas had been purchased in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She looked at the date, and her heart lurched in her chest. It had been bought the night before Mindy’s body was found in South Port. The ticket had been signed: Vernon Armfield.

  * * * *

  Wilma stood at the sink washing strawberries for dessert when the side door opened. Suddenly filled with fear, she whirled.

  “Mr. Armfield.” She forced a smile. “What are you doing home so early?”

  “It’s simple, Wilma.” He walked toward her. “I’ve come home to kill my wife.”

  She gasped, but he grabbed her around the waist and put his hand over her mouth before she could yell for Rebecca. “No, you don’t. I can’t let you scream and warn her.”

  He dragged Wilma toward her room.

  “I’ll just lock you in here. Don’t worry, my dear. Though you’ve never liked me, you’re a have not. I won’t kill you today.”

  She struggled, but it was no use. She was helpless against his strength.

  “For good measure,” he said, and he hit her on the side of the head with the pitcher section of the blender he’d grabbed off the cabinet.

  Putting her on the floor in her room, he made sure she was still breathing. Then he left, barring the door from the outside. That way even if she came to, she’d be no threat to him. She couldn’t get out, and no phone had been installed in her room. Before anyone found her and she got to the police, he’d be long gone.

  He was quiet going up the stairs. Rebecca
reached for the phone when he came to her bedroom door.

  “I wouldn’t do that, my dear,” he said, his voice even, but sinister.

  She whirled and looked at him, but didn’t get up. “What are you doing home?”

  “I won’t answer that just yet. The more pertinent question is why you rifled through my office today.”

  She stuffed the gas receipt into her pocket. “What do you mean?”

  “Did you think Diane wouldn’t tell me? She said you went in there to make a phone call.” He shook his head. “You only pretended you were, didn’t you, my sweet? Didn’t take me long to realize you took some items you weren’t supposed to ever see.”

  She trembled. This was not like Vernon. She could usually manipulate him when he was angry, but he was in control now. He had lowered his voice, and he spoke slowly and directly. Her eyes darted toward the door.

  “Are you looking for Wilma? Well, you might as well forget it. She can’t come to your rescue. Suffice it to say, she’s indisposed right now.”

  “You didn’t hurt her, did you?” Rebecca stared at him as she edged backward.

  “Tut-tut. You’re going to be the goody-goody to the very end, aren’t you, my dear? Your time here on earth is running out, and you’re still concerned about someone else.” He gave her a cynical grin. “Let’s just put Wilma’s fate down as something you’ll never know. She might be fine, and she might be dead, but I’m not going to tell you which.”

  “Vernon, don’t you think—”

  “Don’t start. You think you can talk me out of things, and maybe you could for a while, but it’s much too late for that now. It’s too late for everyone but me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, hell. I might as well tell you. They arrested Willard Brookmeyer a little while ago, as you probably already know. I’m sure he’ll tell them anything they want to know by the end of the day. But, alas, by that time, I’ll be far away from here. And you’ll be dead.”

  “You’ll never get away with it.”

  “No?”

  “No. They have all kinds of evidence against you. You’ve been stealing from my company, and the police know it.”