Cast On, Kill Off (A Knitting Mystery)

by Sefton, Maggie

  Kelly felt her little buzzer go off inside. “Did you work that night, Christine?”

  “Actually, I did. I wasn’t scheduled to work since it was the night before my trip. But the new pharmacist on duty called and begged me to help out in the middle of her shift. She’d cut her hand opening a carton so she had to run to the urgent care for a couple of stitches. She was back in a hour, so I didn’t even log in. I didn’t want her to get in trouble. She’s still in the new employee trial period.”

  “You know, the woman who called police that night must have used the pharmacy phone,” Kelly continued. “Think back, Christine. Do you recall seeing a woman in the store using the phone? Or even asking for a phone?”

  Christine stared out the front window for a moment. “No, I don’t recall seeing anyone using the phone that night. The only person I remember seeing was Vera. She came in to drop off a dress I’d wanted altered for the trip. She’s such a sweetie. I don’t recall seeing anyone wandering around asking questions. But then, I was away from the front desk a lot. Most people use the drive-up pharmacy window.” Christine turned her attention to the loopy yarns again, fingering a blue and green selection.

  Kelly quickly caught Mimi’s gaze, which looked as surprised as Kelly felt. Vera had stopped by the Super Duper store that night? The store that was only two blocks from where her sister was murdered. Had she told police that? Kelly didn’t remember Burt mentioning it, and he certainly would have.

  Somewhere in the back of Kelly’s mind a little memory fragment teased. She grasped at it, but it darted away.

  “I think I’ll go with this deep purple, Mimi. Let me buy it, then I’d better run. I’ve got two more errands before I have to go home and get ready to report in for work tonight.”

  “That will make a beautiful scarf, Christine,” Mimi said as she headed toward the counter. “Let me get a copy of those instructions for you.”

  Kelly quickly saved her spreadsheets and shut down her laptop. She needed some quiet time to think. That little memory fragment still nagged her, which indicated it was important. She slid her files and laptop into her briefcase and rose from her cozy corner chair. “Mimi, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ve got to finish my accounts at home. Christine, it was nice to meet you,” she said, giving them both a good-bye wave.

  Kelly sped through the central yarn room and out the front door, her mind racing. What was it she couldn’t remember? Something about Vera. Something Vera told police. What was it Burt said? Kelly hurried across the driveway and into her cottage. There she dumped her briefcase and phone and headed to the kitchen.

  Coffee. She needed caffeine. That would spur her memory. She pulled out the coffeemaker and quickly started another pot. Within a minute, the enticing aroma of coffee brewing tickled Kelly’s nostrils. Ahhhh.

  She leaned against the counter, willing her memory to bring that fragment front and center. What was it Burt said? Something about Vera talking to police . . . something about the night Zoe was killed . . . what was it? What was it? The little memory fragment drifted from the back of her mind, circled once more, then came front and center . . . and into focus. That was it! She remembered now. Dan told Burt that Vera said she had been at her apartment all night, sewing.

  Kelly stole some coffee before it finished brewing, causing a loud hiss of steam when coffee droplets fell on the heating unit. She leaned back against the counter and took a deep drink while she pondered what she’d just heard from Christine.

  Was Christine remembering correctly? Had Vera come into her pharmacy the same night that Zoe was killed? If so, then why did she tell police she was at home sewing? Maybe . . . maybe she did tell the police, but also told them she’d run an errand first. Maybe Dan left out that part when he told Burt. Which was true?

  All Kelly knew was that this was important information. The police clearly hadn’t questioned Christine, because they didn’t even know about her working at Super Duper’s pharmacy that night. The pharmacist trainee was scheduled. And she was still there when police came to ask questions later that night after they’d found Zoe’s body. No doubt the police dispatcher quickly traced the informant’s call to Super Duper’s phone. Burt said police had questioned Super Duper employees but no one recalled seeing a woman come in and ask for a phone. If Christine had remained in town, she might have felt compelled to go to the police herself once she started reading the newspaper stories. But Christine and her husband left the very next day for their two-week cruise. The newspaper stories didn’t come out until the following day.

  Finishing off the smaller cup, Kelly poured herself a mug-ful. Then she started to pace around her small cottage living room. She needed to talk to Burt. Tell him about pharmacist Christine. Dan would surely want to talk with her. Maybe if Dan and imposing Lieutenant Morrison questioned Christine, she might remember some detail she’d temporarily forgotten.

  Kelly grabbed her phone. She had to tell Burt now. That was the only way she could return to her accounts and concentrate. A puzzling murder was too tempting. The desire to unravel it was strong. And this puzzle was way more complicated than her accounts.

  Punching in Burt’s number, Kelly waited for him to answer. Unfortunately, Burt’s number rang and rang, then switched to voice mail. She left a message telling him about pharmacist Christine and asked him to call her when he had a moment. Returning to her corner computer table, Kelly set her mug and her phone alongside her laptop and disappeared once again into the numbers.

  Seventeen

  Kelly heard her cell phone’s familiar ring as she revved her car’s engine. Digging the phone out of her jeans pocket, she saw Burt’s name and number. “Hey, there, Burt,” she said as she angled out of the shopping center parking space. “I was hoping you’d see my message this morning. Did your phone run out of juice last night?”

  “Not really. Mimi and I took some free time and escaped into the mountains overnight. Enjoyed some peace and quiet before all the wedding festivities start. We drove up the Big Thompson Canyon into Estes Park and stayed at our favorite inn. It’s right on the lake in town and has beautiful views of the Rockies. We just got back into the shop a little while ago.”

  What a great idea, Kelly thought. It would be nice to get away . . . after all the wedding celebration ends . . . hmmmm.

  “I don’t blame you, Burt. Resting up before all the craziness and festivities begin. Did you have a chance to hear my phone message last night? I was wondering what your thoughts were about pharmacist Christine.”

  “I have to agree with you, Kelly. Dan will certainly want to question pharmacist Christine. In fact, I’ve already called and left him a message.”

  “Oh, good, good,” Kelly said, relieved that Burt also thought the pharmacist’s information was important. She nosed her car around a corner onto a larger thoroughfare. “I’m curious about something else, Burt. Didn’t you say that Vera told police she was at home sewing the night of Zoe’s murder?”

  “You remember correctly, Kelly. That’s exactly what Dan told me. Why do you ask?”

  “Yesterday, when I asked Christine if she saw anyone in the Super Duper pharmacy using the phone or asking for one, she said she didn’t remember seeing anyone except Vera.” Kelly paused. “She said Vera came by the pharmacy that night to bring her some clothes she’d altered for her. I wondered why Vera never mentioned that. Of course, Christine may have the dates mixed up in her mind. Maybe it was the day before. Anyway, I thought it was something Dan would want to know about. Particularly if he questions Christine.”

  “You bet Dan will want to know that. Good job, Sherlock! In fact, I think it’s important enough that I’m going to leave another message for Dan and tell him what you’ve learned. Great detective work, Kelly. Once again, you’ve found something police have missed.”

  It felt good hearing that. It verified her instincts were still spot-on. “I’m glad you feel the same way, Burt. When my instinct starts buzzing, well . . . you know I have to follow up on it.�
�

  Burt’s chuckle sounded over the phone. “No need to explain those instincts of yours, Sherlock. I’ve learned to trust them, and between you and me . . . so has Dan. Let’s see what he learns.”

  “Great. Call me when you hear something.”

  “Always.”

  Kelly clicked off her phone and was about to toss it on the seat when it rang again in her hand. This time, Lisa’s name and number flashed on the screen.

  Boy, it must be the morning for phone calls, she thought as she pulled into the right-hand lane and slowed down for a traffic light before answering. “Hey, there, what’s up? Has Megan been calling you?”

  “No, all is quiet on the Megan front. The Curt and Jayleen Sightseeing Express is working. I only heard from her once yesterday, and she sounded waaaay more relaxed.”

  “Excellent. Well, the Express should take them into the canyons today. Megan should be all mellowed out by tomorrow. Well, mellowed for Megan, that is.” Kelly had to laugh.

  “We’ll take what we can get. Listen, I have a favor to ask you. Do you have any errands to run today?”

  “Actually, I’m out doing errands right now. Can you believe I’d forgotten to buy printer cartridges? I went to print out Housemann’s financial statements, and the cartridge gave out halfway through. I have to put a list on the fridge.”

  “I’m glad I caught you at a good time. Would you be able to drop by the sports clinic parking lot and get the dress box from the backseat of my car? It’s my bridesmaid dress. The hem is falling down on one side and needs to be fixed. I’m totally swamped all day, so I can’t drive it over to Leann. I thought maybe she could fix it by tomorrow or Friday if she got it today.”

  “Sure thing,” Kelly said as traffic moved once more. She made a mental note to turn onto another thoroughfare up ahead that would take her to the sports clinic. “What happened? Did it come loose or something?”

  “Uhhhh . . . I was trying it on with the new bridesmaid shoes and caught the heel in the hem . . . and it ripped out.”

  Kelly’s little buzzer went off. There was something about that answer that didn’t make sense. Something Lisa wasn’t saying. “How in the world did you do that? Why didn’t you take the dress off over your head?”

  “Ahhhh . . . it’s complicated.”

  Kelly heard the smile in Lisa’s voice. “Why do I get the feeling Greg was involved?”

  Lisa laughed softly. “Let’s just say that I can’t run very fast in high heels.”

  Kelly laughed louder. “Was he chasing you around the house or what?”

  “I was trying on the dress with the shoes, and Greg thought I looked so cute, he decided to play ‘Catch the Bridesmaid.’”

  Kelly snickered. “Where was Marty all this time?”

  “Oh, he was having dinner with his relatives. Man . . . this wedding can’t come a moment too soon.” She laughed softly. “Oooops, here comes my next therapy patient. My car door lock combo is 19658. Thanks, Kelly.” She clicked off.

  Kelly memorized the numbers as she turned onto the avenue that led to the sports clinic.

  * * *

  Kelly drove into Leann’s driveway and parked beside her car. Taking Lisa’s dress box with her, she hurried up the driveway leading to the back porch entrance to Leann’s shop. She needed to return to her cottage and dive into Warner Development accounts. Only two days left to finish, today and tomorrow. After that, it was Friday, and the festivities began.

  She raced up the steps and onto the porch, heading to the back door. Kelly was about to knock when the door suddenly opened and Leann stepped out.

  Leann jumped, clearly startled. “Oh, Kelly! I didn’t see you.”

  Kelly quickly backed up. “Sorry, Leann, I didn’t mean to scare you. I was coming to drop off Lisa’s bridesmaid dress. She accidentally caught her heel in the hem, and it came loose. Lisa was hoping you’d have time to fix it before the wedding.”

  “Oh, surely. I’ll be glad to,” Leann said, setting the box on a table inside her house. Coming out again, she closed the door behind her and said, “Perfect timing, Kelly. Another five minutes, and you would have missed me.”

  Kelly looked at Leann. She looked different. She was no longer wearing somber gray or navy blue clothing like the last few times Kelly had seen her. Leann was back to wearing bright colors and attractive outfits. Now she looked like she did the first time Kelly saw her—lively and pretty.

  Curious, Kelly asked, “Are you going off on errands? That’s what I’ve been doing all morning so far.”

  “No, I’ve got something a lot more important than errands to do, Kelly.” Leann walked across the back porch and out the door, Kelly following her.

  Now her curiosity was really raised. “What’s up, Leann? Did the police question you again?” she asked as she and Leann went down the steps.

  Leann stopped on the driveway beside her car and turned to Kelly. That was when Kelly saw it. The frightened look that she’d recently seen on Leann’s face was gone. Leann looked straight into Kelly’s eyes now like she did when Kelly first met her.

  “Yes, they did, Kelly, and I can’t thank you enough for giving me those lawyers’ names. I chose William Shelby, and he is excellent. Believe me, I couldn’t have gotten through that third police interrogation without him. He clarified all sorts of information for me.”

  “That’s wonderful, Leann. I’m glad I could help. So how did that third visit with police go?”

  “Well, it’s obvious the detectives consider me a suspect. In fact, they even asked if I had kept on seeing Oscar Yeager. My lawyer, William, thinks they’re exploring the possibility that Oscar and I planned Zoe’s murder together! Can you believe that?” Real anger shone in Leann’s eyes now.

  “That’s hard for me to believe, Leann,” Kelly replied with the truth. She still had trouble picturing that scenario.

  “After the meeting, William and I went to his office to talk. And he told me that he had done some checking, and the police had not been able to trace the gun because my father never had it registered. So there were no records. That means there was only one way the police could have known that I had a gun collection. Someone told them. And I know who that someone is.”

  Kelly was totally taken aback by this revelation. “Who was it?”

  “Oscar Yeager. That’s who. He’s the only one who would have a reason to tell police about my father’s guns. He’s trying to throw suspicion onto me and away from him!”

  Kelly stared at her. Clearly, Leann was back to her feisty former self. And the fire of conviction flashed in her eyes. “I think you may be right, Leann.”

  “I know I’m right,” Leann replied, her chin lifting. “That’s why I’m going over to Oscar’s right now and confront him. I want to hear Oscar say it to my face.” With that, Leann turned and unlocked her car door, ready to mount up and ride off to battle the dragon.

  Kelly gulped. Oh, no. “Uhhh, Leann . . . I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she protested, watching Leann get into her car and start the engine. “Oscar is a wife beater. No telling what he’ll do if you make him mad.”

  Leann looked out at Kelly with confidence. “He won’t hit me, Kelly. I know he won’t.”

  Good Lord! “Leann . . . I don’t think you should do this, I really don’t.”

  “I have to, Kelly. It’s important. I’m going to make him admit that he lied to police about me.” She put the car into gear.

  Kelly sprang into action. “Listen . . . at least let me go along with you. That way you won’t be alone with Oscar.”

  Leann looked up at her and gave a little smile. “Why, thank you, Kelly. I would welcome the company.”

  Kelly sped around the car and jumped into the passenger seat. Leann pulled out of the driveway and drove into the adjoining residential street. Meanwhile, Kelly tried to think of things she could say to dissuade Leann from this rash action.

  “I really think you should reconsider this, Leann. Oscar Yeager is a known wi
fe beater and abuser. He may have been on his best behavior when you two were together, but that was then. If you get in his face now, no telling what he will do. Or try to do.”

  “I’m not afraid of him, Kelly.” Leann’s voice was completely calm as she merged onto a busy thoroughfare.

  Kelly had to admire Leann’s courageous spirit. It would surely help get her through what lay ahead of her in the police investigation of Zoe’s murder. But this foolhardy action . . . where had that come from? Kelly decided to try another tack.

  “You know, police are questioning people who worked the night of the murder at the big drugstore a few blocks away. They’re hoping someone saw something.” Maybe that would catch Leann’s attention.

  “That’s good. Maybe someone saw Oscar nearby.” She turned from the large thoroughfare into another street.

  Kelly watched Leann’s profile. Her jaw was set. Clearly, Leann had made up her mind. All Kelly could do was to ride shotgun to Leann’s sheriff when she confronted Big Bad Outlaw Oscar. Kelly didn’t like that picture at all.

  Leann turned her car onto a neighborhood street that looked vaguely familiar. After they turned another corner, Kelly spotted the Yeager house across the street. There in the driveway was the beat-up gray truck that had ridden her bumper three weeks ago.

  “Good, Oscar’s at home,” Leann observed as she pulled her car along the curb in front of the Yeager house.

  “Are you sure you want to do this, Leann?” Kelly asked when Leann had turned off the car.

  Leann looked directly into Kelly’s eyes. “Yes, Kelly. I want to see Oscar’s face when I ask him about the gun. I’ll be able to tell if he’s lying.” Leann pushed open the car door and got out.

  Kelly didn’t say anything else. Leann obviously had her mind made up, and nothing Kelly said had dissuaded her. Kelly followed after Leann as she walked up the narrow concrete walkway to the front stoop. Pausing for a few seconds, Leann rang the doorbell. Kelly stepped forward to stand beside Leann . . . just in case Oscar did not react as mildly as Leann assumed.