by Ann Mullen
The doorbell chimed and everyone in the room jumped.
“Everybody follow my lead and let me do the talking. I don’t want anyone to offer anything,” Randy said. “I’ll answer the door.”
Seconds later, Detective Trainum and three of his men walked into the parlor.
“This must be serious if you need three officers to back you up. What’s wrong, detective?” I said as I stood and walked up to him. “Do you think it’s going to take that many of you to handle us four bad women?”
Randy walked up to me, gave me one of his arched eyebrow looks (the same look that Billy gives me) and said, “Sit down, Jesse.”
Like a scolded child, I took my rightful place back on the settee and heeded his demand.
An hour later, satisfied with our explanation and with evidence in hand, the detective and his men left. Detective Trainum promised to see us again.
“That wasn’t so bad,” I said. “I thought we handled that well.”
“Something just dawned on me,” Randy said as he turned and headed to the study.
We all followed him.
“What is it?” Abby asked him.
“Tracks to Carl’s back door!” he said as he looked up at each of the monitors. “I’m sure the detective and his men are examining the area where Jesse said she stumbled over the poker. I’m just hoping we’ve had enough snow to cover your tracks.”
“I don’t see the detective and his… oh, crap,” Claire said. “What’ll we do?”
“We’re not going to do anything, except wait,” I said.
Randy went to one of the computers and punched a few keys. All the screens zoomed in on Detective Trainum’s face. He stared back at us with a sinister look as if he knew we were watching.
All of us lurched backward at the sight of his face covering every monitor.
“Yuck!” I said. “I’d hate to wake up to that every morning!”
“Be nice, Jesse,” Claire said. “He can’t help the way he looks.”
We all erupted with laughter as Randy readjusted the zoom so that the detective’s face wasn’t the only thing we could see. Even Claire had to chuckle at herself. Eventually, the laughter died down as we stood still and watched the detective and his men. Randy hit a key on the computer and the voices of the men outside became almost audible. Randy turned the volume up as far as it would go, but, unfortunately, we couldn’t make out what they were saying. They talked with their heads together the whole time, and not once did it sound like they were talking above a whisper.
“They’re on to us,” Abby said. “I’m sure Frank knows about my system.”
“I’m sure he does, Mother,” Randy said. “Frank knows everything that goes on with this family. A lot of people do. When you have money and your face shows up in the news and in magazines, people pay attention.” He turned and looked at me and asked, “Do you see the tracks that you and Claire made in the snow earlier?”
I walked up a little closer to one of the screens and took a better look. “No, I don’t, why?”
“Aren’t you glad we had that one-hour wait?”
I smiled at his wisdom.
“When I’m confronted with a situation that requires a calm, level head, I make myself take a time-out,” he said. “If it’s a life and death situation, of course, that rule doesn’t apply.”
“That one hour gave us enough time for the snow to cover our tracks. Look, it’s still snowing like crazy.” I pointed to the screen and then looked back at Randy. “You’re very astute. You should be a private eye.”
“Actually, I didn’t think about the snow at the time I demanded a time-out. I was only doing what I would normally do, and it paid off.”
“That’s a pretty smart rule,” Claire said. “I’ll have to…”
I stopped listening to Claire when I looked at one of the screens to my left and saw the shadow of a person hiding behind a tree. I could barely make out the form, but with the help from one of Abby’s floodlights, I could see enough to know that someone was there. He or she was lying in wait at the north end of Abby’s yard. I touched Randy’s arm and pointed to the screen.
“Are all the doors locked?” I asked as I looked at Randy. “How safe are we right now? I mean, when Claire and I came in through the back door, it wasn’t locked.”
“It wasn’t locked because I unlocked it just before you got to it,” Randy said. “The system in this house is state-of-the-art. It’s one of the best. We can do things just by the touch of a finger.” He pressed a computer key and a warning came up on the screen indicating the activation of a full-system alarm. “I suggest that no one open a window or door.”
“What happens if we do?” Claire asked. “Will we be blasted with a loud alarm?”
“No, it’s a silent alarm system, but we will be swamped with fire, police and emergency personnel within about three minutes. I know, because when it was first installed, Mother set it off a number of times.”
“I set the alarm off by accident,” Abby said. “It wasn’t my fault that I didn’t know how to use it. I tried to remember…”
“That’s enough, Mother,” Randy interrupted her. “We have to do something about that man out there. We have to warn the detective. I know what I’ll do.” Randy picked up the phone and dialed. “Hello,” he said. “This is Randy Morgan. It’s a matter of life and death that you patch me through to Detective Trainum right this minute.” A few seconds passed and then Randy said, “What? But you have…” He pulled the phone from his ear, stared at it and then slammed it down in the cradle.”
“What happened, son?” Abby asked.
“The woman said his cell phone wasn’t turned on.”
“I have an idea,” I said. “Where’s the button for the outside public address system?”
“That’s a great idea!” Randy pressed a key and spoke directly into the computer. “Hey, Trainum, when you and your lazy men finish goofing off, Abigail would like to speak to you.” Randy hit a few keys and then turned to us and said, “If that doesn’t get him in here quickly, nothing will. I turned off the in-house alarm. The doors are still locked, but we can open them from the inside without setting off the alarm or having to put in the code.”
I looked up at the monitors and said, “Here they come.”
The doorbell chimed and then we heard a pounding at the front door.
Randy was the first to reach the door. He turned the handle and as soon as he opened the door, Detective Trainum and his three angry officers barged in. Randy shut the door behind them and punched in a few numbers on the alarm keypad.
Detective Trainum was stunned by Randy’s actions. “What are you doing?”
“Calm down, Frank,” Abby said as she walked up to him. “Randy tried to call you but your cell phone is off.”
The detective reached into his coat pocket, pulled out his phone, and then said, “It sure is. How…”
“We had to warn you, Frank,” Randy said. “We were watching you on the monitor, and Jesse saw someone hiding behind a tree in the back yard. We didn’t want to take a chance that it could be the killer out there, so I did the only thing I could to get your attention.”
“You got it. Let me see what you’re talking about. If there was someone out there, you probably scared him off with that blast. I know you just took ten years off my life.”
“I’m sorry,” Randy said. “But I couldn’t just ask you to come inside.”
After Detective Trainum pulled himself together, he calmed down somewhat, but I could sense he was still a little ticked off.
“We didn’t have a whole lot of options,” I added as we all walked into the study and looked up at the monitors.
“I don’t see anything,” one of the officers said. “I think they pulled this stunt because they were afraid we were getting close to something. They’re using this story as a ruse. There’s no one out there.”
“And your name is,” I said as I walked up to the officer (a young stud who obviously was fr
esh out of the Police Academy) and then stared down at his badge.
“Officer Julius Ray,” he said, proudly. “My friends call me Jewels.”
“Jewels,” Abby said as she nudged me aside and then got up close and personal within his intimate distance. “I’m sure you’re a bright young man, and one day maybe your instincts will be much better than they are right now. Ask yourself this: Why would I allow you back into my house unless it was extremely urgent?”
“Look,” Claire interrupted. “There he is again and he’s headed for the back door of my house!” She turned to Detective Trainum and yelled, “Do something!”
CHAPTER 18
Detective Trainum and his men went into action. With their guns drawn, they hustled out the front door as fast as they could. They were quick on their feet!
We stood and watched them on the monitors as they snuck up on the person in the shadows. We couldn’t see everything that was happening, but there was no doubt of the criminal’s identity as they passed by our line of vision in the monitor. They had the suspect handcuffed and was taking him into custody.
“It’s Carl!” Claire shouted. “He’s alive! He’s really alive!”
I turned to Claire and said, “I’m glad. I’m not crazy about the guy, but I never wished him dead. I’d give anything to be a fly on the wall in that police cruiser.”
“The detective’s coming back,” Abby said as she pointed to the screen.
The five of us couldn’t make it to the front door fast enough. We bumped into each other as we came to a halt. Randy opened the door.
“We’re taking your husband into custody,” Detective Trainum said as he looked over at Claire. I thought I’d give you the opportunity to talk to him first. He asked to speak with you and I figured it wouldn’t hurt. Should I bring him in or would you rather go out to the car?”
She looked around as if to get the okay from Abby before responding.
Abby shook her head in agreement.
“Bring him inside where it’s warm,” Claire responded. “Maybe we can talk in the study… alone.”
“Speak your peace with him and get it all out,” the detective said. “If he’s the one who killed that woman; he’ll be going away for a long time. It was a brutal murder.”
His words sent chills down my spine. It made me wonder about Ophelia’s death, something I’d tried not to think about until now. Was she smashed in the skull with the poker I found, or was she stabbed to death with it? Either way, it was a gruesome thought that turned my stomach. I’ve never been able to understand how a person could murder another. What goes through the mind of a killer when they commit their awful act?
Officer Ray brought Carl inside and led him to the study with Claire fast on his heels. The officer closed the door, crossed his arms and stood guard.
It was almost midnight and I was so tired I was beginning to get giddy, but I wasn’t about to conk out now. I had to hold on and hear all the details. I was sure the rest of the group did, too.
“I’ll be back shortly,” Detective Trainum said. “I have to report in to headquarters. I’ll leave Officer Ray to stand guard until I return.”
“Thank you,” I walked over and said to Detective Trainum. “You didn’t have to do this, but I’m glad you did. I’m sure Claire appreciates it, too. My money says that she probably has a few things to say to Carl.”
“I bet she does,” he said as he turned to leave.
“I thought you were heartless, but I see now that you were only doing your job, in your own way. I guess you’re not such a bad guy after all.”
“Don’t be so sure,” he snipped and then walked out the door.
“What is it with that man?” I asked as we all headed to the parlor. “You try to pay him a compliment and…”
“That’s just his way,” Abby said. “He doesn’t know how to handle flattery. He had a hard childhood. Why don’t we go have a seat and wait for Claire to finish her conversation with Carl?”
“I can’t imagine what he has to say to her,” I said as I followed the others to the parlor.
“I’m sure he’s trying to convince her of his innocence,” Isabel said. “I’d imagine he’s trying to enlist her support.”
“I think he can write that off,” I said, chuckling. “He’s been a terrible husband and father. He cheated on Claire and treated her badly. She won’t give him the time of day.”
“Don’t be surprised,” Abby said. “If he can spin a good tale, she’ll probably stand by him. They’re together in my study, so she’s obviously giving him her time.”
“Did any of you consider the possibility that Carl might be innocent?” Randy interjected.
The three of us looked at each other and then turned back to Randy and shook our heads.
“I doubt that very seriously,” I said as I sat down on the settee next to Abby. “Why did he run off if he wasn’t guilty?”
“Maybe he was…”
The conversation continued without me as I leaned my head back and closed my eyes. I tried to stay awake, but I was too tired. I dozed off for only a minute when Abby nudged me in the side.
“Wake up, sleepyhead. You’re going to miss everything.”
I roused myself awake and sat up. “How long was I asleep?”
“Twenty minutes.”
I looked up and saw Carl and Claire coming out of the study. Claire looked like she had been crying and Carl had his head hung down.
“This doesn’t look good,” I said as I got from the settee and walked toward the hallway. I looked at Abby as she stood next to me. “I think you’re right. He’s convinced her of his innocence.” I looked over at Officer Ray and noticed that Detective Trainum had returned.
Isabel and Randy joined the crowd in the hallway.
A long silence hung in the air until Claire finally spoke. “We have a real problem, Detective Trainum. Carl didn’t kill Ophelia; Sherry Lane did.”
Everyone in the hallway made grunting noises. Detective Trainum started to walk over to Claire, but stopped when she said, “Please give me a chance to explain.”
“I’ll give you ten minutes and then we’re out of here,” the detective replied as he looked at Carl and then back to Claire. “This better be good.”
“Sherry and Carl had an affair. When her husband shot Carl in the leg, Carl figured it was time to end the affair. As far as he was concerned it was over, but Sherry wouldn’t let go. He’s explained everything to me.”
“I bet he has,” Abby said snidely.
“It’s true,” Claire said. “Sherry wouldn’t let Carl end the relationship. She threatened to harm us. She told him that if he dumped her, she would kill me and the kids. Every time he tried to get away from her, she’d do something crazy. Once he found a box filled with animal guts sitting on his desk at work. She told him that the next time it would be his wife’s finger. Since we were separated, he figured he’d go along with her until he could find a way out.”
“Claire, someone once made a movie out of this scenario. It’s crap. Carl’s just trying to get you to take up for him,” I said. “Back off and let him drown in his own lies.”
“No!” Claire shouted. “I believe him! Sherry even tried to get him to kill her husband so they could be together. He was shocked at her suggestion. He didn’t know what to do. Ophelia Pitman overheard Sherry on the phone trying to hire someone else to do the job. After Trevor was killed in that car crash, Ophelia confronted Sherry about it and tried to blackmail her. Sherry had a key to get in, so she lured Ophelia to Carl’s house on the pretense that Carl was going to pay her the money. Carl wasn’t even home at the time. When they got there, Sherry over-powered Ophelia and pushed her down the steps to the cellar. Then Sherry went down there and beat her over the head with the poker. Carl didn’t even know Ophelia was in the cellar until he snatched the kids. He brought them here and when Sherry found out, she was hysterical. She didn’t want anything to do with his kids. She wanted him all to herself.” Claire
looked over at me. “When Billy showed up, Carl tried to get Sherry to hide in the cellar, but she wouldn’t go and then she told him why. Carl was frantic. Ophelia had been in the cellar for two days already. He made Sherry hide in the closet until Billy left. He said he knew all along that Billy was snatching the kids from him, but he had other problems to deal with.”
“So where is Sherry now?” I asked.
“We fled to my house in Florida,” Carl spoke for the first time since the two of them had walked out of the study. “I was in a panic. I had a dead woman in my cellar and a crazy woman by my side. I didn’t know what else to do but run.”
Detective Trainum stepped forward and asked, “Where is Sherry Lane?”
“That’s the problem,” Claire said. “The only way that Carl could get away from Sherry was to lock her in the food pantry. He sent her in there to get something and the minute she walked inside, he slammed the door and nailed it shut. The pantry has no windows and no other way out. Carl planned this ahead of time. It was the only thing he could think of to do to get away from her so he could come back here and set the record straight. The only problem is that Carl said she suffers from severe claustrophobia. That concerns me. People with that kind of disorder have been known to go insane when locked in a confined space for a long period of time. She’s been in there for two days.”
“At least she’ll have plenty to eat,” I said.
Abby snickered.
Claire gave me a dirty look and then went back to her explanation. “Once Carl had her locked up, he jumped in her car and headed back to here. He was going to the police, but when he got home they were all over his place. He panicked and hid out until they left. He saw my car in Abby’s driveway and was going to come over, but the police returned. He was waiting for them to leave so he could talk to me, but you caught him first.”
“That sounds like a bunch of bull, if you ask me,” I said. “Where’s this house of yours you’re talking about, Carl? I’m sure the police would like to find Sherry and arrest her if your little tale is true.”
