Cast On, Kill Off (A Knitting Mystery)

by Sefton, Maggie

  Mimi leaned forward and patted Vera’s hand. “There, there, Vera, don’t bring back all those awful memories. They’re too disturbing. I’m sure police will find the evidence they need. Don’t worry,” she said in a comforting voice.

  Vera took a deep breath. “I pray they do, Mimi. Oscar has absolutely no explanation for his whereabouts that night, except for being at a barroom.” She gave a disdainful sniff.

  “I’m sure police will find something,” Mimi said, not looking the least bit confident.

  An idea came to Kelly. Another piece of information police had learned but Vera hadn’t mentioned yet. Leann’s affair with Oscar. Perhaps Vera didn’t know. Kelly did not think that likely. Vera appeared to be a sharp observer of details. Kelly pondered how best to approach the subject, and decided she would slide into it from another topic. A more subtle approach.

  “You mentioned Leann kept her back door unlocked so anyone could have stolen the gun,” Kelly ventured.

  “That’s right,” Vera repeated, nodding. “That’s how I know Oscar could have gotten the gun.”

  Kelly deliberately frowned. “But how would Oscar know Leann had a gun collection on her wall? I mean . . . he didn’t sew for Leann, so how would he know? Had he been in Leann’s house before?”

  Vera puckered her mouth again, in what Kelly was recognizing as her expression of distaste. She was about to say something she didn’t like. She stared at the library table for a few seconds. “I’m fairly certain that Oscar had been in Leann’s house before.”

  Kelly recognized the door Vera’s comment left open. So Kelly walked straight through. Although she didn’t charge through in her usual fashion. She meandered slowly, creeping up on the unpleasant topic.

  “You know, Vera. That kind of makes me wonder. I had heard some gossip about Leann and Oscar, and . . . and I thought I’d ask you if it was true.”

  Mimi was watching Kelly closely, she noticed, probably surprised she was venturing into that territory.

  “What kind of gossip?” Vera asked, looking at Kelly suspiciously.

  Kelly took a deep breath as if hesitating. “Someone told me Leann and Oscar had an affair once. Well . . . it was so outrageous, I didn’t want to believe it. But the person told me they’d seen them together once. A few years ago.”

  Again, Mimi’s jaw dropped, hand to her face. “No! I cannot believe that!”

  Vera narrowed her gaze on Kelly. “Who told you that?”

  “I’m afraid I cannot reveal the person’s identity. Someone who comes to the shop regularly. Let’s just say I trust the person.”

  Vera scowled at Kelly, then frowned at the table again. More wrinkles appearing on top of the others. Vera’s face had turned into one big wrinkle. “I’m afraid it’s true, as awful as it sounds. Yes. Leann did respond to that snake Oscar’s advances. He was always cheating on Zoe, usually with some barroom floozy.”

  “Oh, my . . .” Mimi said, still looking shocked.

  “So that would explain how Oscar would have learned about Leann’s gun collection,” Kelly continued. “Now it makes sense.”

  “Exactly. That’s how I know in my bones Oscar crept into Leann’s house and stole a gun,” Vera said vehemently.

  “Well, it doesn’t make sense to me,” Mimi spoke, clearly not acting this time. “How could a sensible woman like Leann even think about . . . about getting together with that drunken Oscar?”

  Vera nodded. “I know how you feel, Mimi. I feel the same way. Leann is a good woman. But . . . she was going through a difficult time then. So I think Oscar simply got to Leann in a weak moment.”

  Kelly had to follow up on that. “What was happening in Leann’s life that made her susceptible, do you think? You probably know her better than most, Vera. You worked with her regularly. What was the difficulty she was experiencing? Money issues?”

  Vera glanced to the side. “Partly. Her sewing business had fallen off. Zoe had started her own shop and several of Leann’s customers began going to Zoe. So, I’m sure Leann wasn’t earning as much money. I mean, she had a life insurance annuity that her first husband left her, but she depended on her sewing business to pay most of her bills.”

  Kelly glanced over to Mimi. Mimi had a worried expression, so Kelly continued gently. “That must have been really hard for her. After all, she gave Zoe her break, didn’t she? Zoe learned a lot in Leann’s shop, I’ll bet.”

  Vera nodded, still looking down. “Yes, she did. And I did, too. I have always said that Leann made it possible for Zoe to become successful.”

  Kelly pondered how to broach this next topic. But she had to ask. She’d wondered about it ever since she’d heard Leann accuse Zoe that afternoon in Lambspun.

  “You know, Vera, I hate to sound disrespectful, but I have always wondered if there was any truth to Leann’s accusations. She came storming into Lambspun late one afternoon, mad as hell. Mimi and I were the only ones here. She swore that Zoe stole her design and submitted it to the magazine contest. She showed us a picture of her gown taken years before and compared it to the photo Zoe sent to the magazine. And, you know, those designs looked identical.”

  Vera slowly raised her head and stared off into the adjoining yarn room. Her mouth puckered, but she didn’t say anything.

  “I figured you would know, Vera. You were there with both of them,” Kelly prodded.

  “Yes,” Vera said in a quiet voice. “Yes, it’s true. I saw Zoe take the pattern and a photo of Leann’s design. I didn’t say anything. How could I? Zoe was my sister, and she also paid me to sew for her. I could barely make my monthly bills on my copy shop job. So . . . so I kept quiet.”

  Mimi didn’t say anything, but Kelly could tell she didn’t like what she heard.

  “Leann also accused Zoe of stealing some of her customers. Was that true, too?” She matched Vera’s quiet tone.

  Vera closed her eyes and nodded. “Yes, yes, I’m afraid that’s true, too. I saw Zoe on Leann’s computer, copying files one afternoon. Again . . . I felt bad for Leann, but . . . but how could I say anything?” She gave a helpless shrug.

  Kelly paused. “Well, that might explain Leann’s weak moment with Oscar. She was clearly under stress. Losing customers and losing income. If she suspected Zoe then, well, maybe the affair was a way to get revenge against Zoe. As twisted as that sounds.”

  “Poor Leann,” Mimi said, shaking her head. “I’m sorry to hear that about Zoe. I hate to speak ill of the dead, but that was wrong.”

  “Yes, it was,” Vera said, glancing to both women. “Believe me, I hated to tell that to the police, but I did. I told them all about what happened with Zoe and Leann. Then I repeated my belief that Oscar Yeager killed Zoe. He stole the gun, and he shot my sister.”

  Mimi spoke softly. “Let’s hope the police can find someone who saw Oscar near the parking lot. Some evidence linking him to the murder.”

  Kelly didn’t say a word. She was afraid police had much more evidence linking Leann to the murder. Meanwhile, she needed to check with Burt to see if he knew how much information Vera had shared with police.

  Vera suddenly pushed back her chair and rose. “I’m sorry, but I do need to get back to the shop. I’m working on one of my customer’s suits, and I need to stay on schedule.” She grabbed her sewing bag.

  Mimi rose as well, joining her. “Thank you so much for sharing with us, Vera. Kelly and I were wondering what had been happening. Even though, I confess I’m startled, I appreciate knowing,”

  “Yes, Vera, thank you for your honesty,” Kelly added.

  “You’re welcome. By the way, Kelly, you’re an accountant. You must know several lawyers. I want to talk to someone about a will. Could you recommend someone?”

  “Surely, Vera. You know, Lawrence Chambers has been in practice here in Fort Connor for over forty years. He’s very nice. I’m sure he would take good care of you.”

  “Thank you, Kelly, I appreciate it. Bye, now,” she said as she turned to leave, Mimi walking besi
de her.

  Kelly watched them leave. She really needed to work on her accounts. Maybe then she could chase away all the unpleasant images that were dancing inside her head right now.

  Fourteen

  Kelly turned her car into the driveway beside Leann O’Hara’s house and parked behind Leann’s car. Kelly had taken a chance and driven to Leann’s house this morning, hoping to find her at home. The conversation with Vera yesterday afternoon had continued to bother Kelly.

  The idea of Leann conspiring with brutish Oscar to plan Zoe’s death would not come into focus in her mind. Something was wrong with that picture, and Kelly intended to find out what it was. Even if it meant having a difficult conversation with Leann.

  Kelly slammed the car door behind her and approached Leann’s back door. Since Vera had mentioned this was the entrance Leann’s customers used, Kelly figured Leann’s workroom was close by. It must have been because Leann opened the door before Kelly climbed the steps.

  “Kelly, it’s good to see you,” Leann said, welcoming Kelly inside. “What brings you here? Did something happen to your bridesmaid gown?”

  “No, no, it’s still hanging in the garment bag,” Kelly said as she entered Leann’s family room. She glanced around briefly and spotted a glass case on the wall near the dining room. Sure enough, she glimpsed the dark metal of mounted pistols and revolvers. She turned to Leann and chose her words carefully. How best to approach this subject? “I simply wondered how you were doing, Leann. Have you heard anything more about the investigation?”

  All traces of Leann’s smile disappeared, concern replacing it. “I’m . . . I’m doing all right, I suppose, Kelly,” she said, gesturing toward one of the family room chairs as she sat on the edge of a sofa. “I haven’t heard much. The police detective called me and asked me again what times I was here at my house the night Zoe was killed.” She shrugged. “I told him I couldn’t recall exactly what time I returned from the church where Zoe was teaching, but I think it was about eight thirty.”

  Leann looked down at the gray suit jacket she held in her lap. “Then he asked again if I could recall making any phone calls or seeing anyone in the neighborhood who could confirm I was at my home that night.” Her voice dropped. “I told him I didn’t make any calls, and I didn’t notice any neighbors that night. It was dark by then, so none of my elderly neighbors would be outside.” She gave another little shrug, which had an air of hopelessness to Kelly.

  Kelly felt so sorry for Leann. She wished the facts that had been unearthed in the investigation were different. But they weren’t, and they raised suspicions which pointed directly at Leann. Kelly wanted answers, and she hoped being face-to- face with Leann would help. She wanted to see Leann’s reaction. Hopefully, Kelly would pick up on something, a gesture, a look in Leann’s eyes, something.

  “I’m sorry all this is happening, Leann,” Kelly began as she perched on the edge of an upholstered chair. “Believe me, I don’t usually intrude in people’s private matters, but I heard something recently which disturbed me. I simply wanted to see if it was true or not.”

  Leann quickly glanced up at Kelly, an apprehensive look in her eyes. “What . . . what was it?”

  “I heard you and Oscar Yeager had an affair a few years ago. Is that true, Leann? I confess, I find it hard to believe.”

  Leann’s face flushed crimson, and she broke off her gaze, staring into her lap again. After several seconds she spoke in a soft voice. “Yes, it’s true, I’m afraid. It was a mistake that I’ve regretted over the years. We were only together a few times. It didn’t take me long to come to my senses.”

  Kelly wished Leann would raise her head again so Kelly could look into her eyes. But Leann kept her head down, looking for all the world as if she was ashamed of what Kelly discovered.

  “Again, I’m sorry, Leann. But I couldn’t believe the gossip was true, and I wanted to ask you,” Kelly said gently. “I’m sorry if I poked into a painful memory.”

  “Who told you?” Leann asked, staring out toward the dining room.

  “Someone who comes to the shop regularly, so I can’t reveal the name. But it concerned me the moment I heard it. Tell me, have the police asked you about it, Leann?”

  She nodded. “Oh, yes, and I got a very bad feeling afterwards. The tone in that detective’s voice disturbed me. I could tell he suspected me of being involved in Zoe’s death.” Finally Leann looked back at Kelly. “I swear I had nothing to do with Zoe’s murder. My father’s gun is missing, and that makes me looks guilty. I know that. But . . . but I swear I did not kill Zoe!”

  Kelly stared into Leann’s frightened gaze. She appeared absolutely sincere. Kelly wanted to believe Leann, but she’d met too many expert liars over the past few years. Poking around in murders had brought Kelly up close and personal with several killers. Most had cleverly planned their crimes, leaving trails that pointed to others and away from themselves. Kelly wished she didn’t have the suspicious nature she did, but she couldn’t help it. She was naturally skeptical.

  “Unfortunately, the unlocked back door made it easy for someone to steal the gun. But there’s no proof anyone stole it.”

  Leann’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I know. That’s what scares me, Kelly. I have no proof I was here that night.”

  Kelly now regretted coming to see Leann. She had received no clues whatsoever as to whether Leann was telling the truth or lying. None. Instead of finding answers, she’d poked and probed into someone’s obviously painful memories.

  “Listen, Leann, I’m sorry I even came over,” she said as she rose. “My questions have upset you. I shouldn’t have come.”

  “No . . . no . . . I’m glad you did. At least you cared enough. I’ve been holed up here sewing and barely talking to anyone since the detective came a few days ago,” she said as she followed Kelly toward the back door.

  Kelly searched for something she could say to Leann and found the only thing that might help her. “Have you spoken to a lawyer, Leann? If not, I think you should. You’re going to need someone in your corner if the police come to question you again.” Kelly tried not to let all of her concern show.

  Leann’s eyes grew as wide as teacups. “No . . . no, I don’t know any lawyers.”

  At last. Kelly found something she could do to help Leann. “Well, I know several lawyers, so let me see who is doing pro bono work and might be interested in representing you. You definitely need legal advice, Leann. I’ll make some calls and get back to you this afternoon, all right?” Kelly paused, the back door partially open.

  Gratitude shimmered in Leann’s eyes. “Oh, thank you, Kelly! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help. Thank you so much!”

  Leann stood at the door, clutching the gray jacket to her chest. It must be a mass of wrinkles by now, Kelly figured. She’d watched Leann twist the fabric in her lap during their entire conversation.

  “It’s the least I can do, Leann,” Kelly said and meant every word. “I’ll call you later.” With that, Kelly raced down the porch steps and hurried to her car.

  She revved the engine as she checked the directory on her smartphone, then pressed Lisa’s number and angled her car down the driveway and onto a residential street.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Lisa answered.

  “I’m about to call Marty and ask a favor, but first tell me how Megan’s doing. Calm and collected, I hope. No wedding crises or problems? I haven’t seen her since our last game the other night.”

  Lisa chuckled. “No crises. All’s well, so far, Megan says. She’s on the phone most of the time, checking every last detail. Making sure all is well before her relatives arrive this weekend. She’s so anal.”

  “Hey, don’t make fun. We analytical types can’t help ourselves. Detail is where we live.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. What did you want to ask Marty?”

  “I wanted his recommendations for good lawyers who take pro bono cases. Marty has wedding celebrations on his mind, so he can’t do i
t. But Leann O’Hara needs a good lawyer.”

  Lisa took in her breath on the other end of the phone. “You’re kidding! That nasty Oscar is the guilty one. How could the police suspect Leann?”

  “Well, a lot of information has come out recently. The murder weapon belonged to Leann, and—”

  “Wait, there’s a therapy patient walking toward my exam room. You can fill me in at the shop. I was going to drop by later. Bye.”

  Kelly heard Lisa’s phone click off and did the same. Maybe she could work at the shop when she returned. That way she’d be there when Lisa dropped in. And she could always check on her shawl. She hadn’t steamed it today. Mimi had said she wanted to remove the pins soon. The shawl had gone through four days of steaming and stretching, steaming and stretching. Surely the rebellious wool would have relented by now and assumed its correct shape. But then again, Kelly was leery of assumptions. Every time she assumed something, the opposite happened.

  Meanwhile, Kelly slowed to a stop at an intersection, then searched her phone’s directory for Marty Harrington’s number.

  * * *

  Kelly tabbed through the spreadsheet as she sipped her coffee. Customers browsed through nearby yarn bins, but she was oblivious. Only the numbers existed at the moment. That was one of the rewards of working with columns and rows of numbers. You could lose yourself in them. Worries vanished. Concerns disappeared. Only the numbers remained. Calming.

  The sound of her cell phone penetrated her concentration. Steve’s name and number flashed on the screen. Worksheet numbers disappeared, and she eagerly reached for the phone. “Hey, there, are you still up in the high country with that new client or are you back in Denver?”

  “Hey, there, yourself,” Steve’s deep voice sounded, bringing a warm sensation inside her. “I’m back in Denver now so I can print up some new house plans. But I’m going to try to drive into Fort Connor tonight. I wanted to have dinner with you before I head back up to the mountains.”