“Ok, so when was the last time you spoke with Ashley?” Sadie held her breath hoping it wasn’t the night of her death.
“Well, that’s the thing. It was on the night I saw you and Mrs. Pierce in the elevator. The night I was helping Professor Drainer fix up the Koi exhibit.”
“The night she died.” Sadie finished.
“Yes.”
After a pause, Sadie asked, “Did you call her and ask that she meet you at the Convention Center? Why there?”
Zachary looked down and remarked, “Yes. I was proud of the exhibit and I wanted to show her my accomplishment. She thought so little of me and I wanted her to acknowledge I had talent and value.”
“Aw, Zachary, you are talented and valuable! Some people will just never see it because they’re so caught up in their own ego or problems.” After a pause she asked, “Um, how did Ashley get into the Convention Center after hours?”
“Bob Smith let her in. He’s a friend,” remarked Zachary.
“The surveillance guard is your friend?” Sadie couldn’t hide her surprise.
“Sure, he used to work at Wal-Mart. Surveillance. Anyway, we ran into each other at the food court and I asked if he would do me a favor. I told him I had a friend who couldn’t visit the Koi exhibit during regular hours, but still really wanted to see it. He was cool with letting her in and didn’t see it as a problem. He didn’t want to get in trouble for leaving his post, so he turned off the cameras.” Zachary closed his eyes, clearly exhausted.
“Zachary, you look so tired. Why not tell me the rest after you sleep?” Sadie wasn’t sure she wanted to hear the remainder of his story and felt Dora needed to be close by if he was about to confess to a crime.
“No, Ms. Sunshine!” Zachary announced in a loud and agitated voice. Dora slipped into the room to see if everything was okay. Sadie smiled at her best friend and motioned that she should step closer. Dora moved within earshot.
Still upset, Zachary continued. “I need to get this off my chest, while I can still remember things. My whole week is fuzzy and I can’t write any more. My hands won’t put words on paper, I tried to write this all down yesterday.” Nodding her head, Sadie soothed, “Ok, I’m listening.”
“So, Ashley visited the Koi exhibit after Professor Drainer left for the night. She said she came because she wanted to see what ‘her Joey’ had created. I told her Professor Drainer designed most of the Koi exhibit and I had a lot to do with the way it turned out. You know, I did do most of the labor. Well, I also made sure to say her Joey, um Mr. Wiley, simply provided the materials. She ignored me. She kept raving about her Joey and how well he treated her, unlike me. I guess she forgot about the time I won this gigantic stuffed bear for her at the Boatnik celebration.”
The Memorial Day Boatnik parade and celebration was huge in Rogue Valley. For five days the little city celebrated with a parade, carnival rides, pancake breakfasts, jet boat races, fireworks, pie eating contests, competitions, and tons of other community fun. People everywhere, including Portland folks, flocked to the little city hoping to share in the fun and excitement.
“Anyway, I was tired and decided to just get to the point. I asked Ashley why she spilled the beans on my secret and told everybody I wet the bed. Do you want to hear her answer, Ms. Sunshine? She said, ’Because everybody loves a secret. You had a secret and I had the means to share it.’ Honestly, she seemed so cold. I guess I never really knew her after all.”
Sadie didn’t want to ask the question. She didn’t want to know the answer. It was Dora who summoned the courage and invited a response to the necessary query. “Son, did you kill Ashley?”
Zachary crossed his arms and hugged himself. Tears spilled from his eyes and with a voice filled with agony he bawled out, “Yes. Oh God forgive me, I did! I didn’t mean for it to happen. Everything happened so fast. You have to believe me when I say it was all an accident.”
Sadie smoothed his hair and gave him a gentle smile. “Go on.”
“Well, I was furious and called her an awful name. She laughed at my conclusion of her and said, “Joey doesn’t think I am!” Then she rushed me, like she was gonna push me into the Koi Pond! I did the only thing I could think of to ward off her advance. I turned on the electric hedge trimmer. Well, it didn’t work. She didn’t even pause. She kept running, very fast, with her arms reaching out for me. Then it happened. She tripped over the chord. In an instant she was in the Koi Pond. The hedge trimmer flew out of my hands and into the water. The chord was caught around her ankle.” Zachary paused and then whispered, “It was an awful moment. Just awful.”
Sitting in silence, the women waited for Zachary to compose himself and finish his story.
With a shrug, Zachary concluded by saying. “I didn’t know what to do, so I just picked up my stuff and left for the hotel. I was beyond tired and my brain was all fogged up. I couldn’t think straight. I fell into bed and slept with my clothes still on. When I woke up the next day, I hoped it was all a bad dream. But then, when I got to the Convention Center, and saw that the Koi fish were all belly up, I knew it wasn’t a bad dream. It was a nightmare, a reality nightmare.”
Zachary turned on his side and curled up into the fetal position. Sadie rubbed his back knowing her former student had a difficult road ahead, and a lot of healing was needed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: BBQ Makes Everything Better
Sadie and Dora left Zachary’s room after Lilly reappeared. A nurse stepped in and checked his blood pressure then administered a mild sedative. Mrs. Fry was MIA, having decided she needed a stiff drink to calm her nerves. She never did return to the hospital. Sadie wondered how many times a kid could forgive his mother. The surgery was set for 7am, so Dora and Sadie did their best to convinced Lilly she should return to the hotel with them.
“The nurse said he’d sleep through the night, so you don’t have to worry about Zachary waking up alone and scared,” assured Dora.
Lilly admitted she was exhausted and needed rest, adding, “Especially since Zachary will need me after his surgery. I’ll call my husband and the District Office as soon as we get back to the hotel. I’ve decided to use my personal days and stay in Portland. I want to see Zachary through this crisis. As you both know, Fred and I have a guest cottage back home. Since his mother is not willing…or able…to care for him, I’ll suggest he stay with us. There’s a long road to recovery for that young man and he needs someone on his side.” Lilly was the sort of friend you wanted in your corner when the chips were down.
Walking outside and into the parking lot, the three friends met up with Mary and Timothy. Sadie and Dora decided to share Zachary’s confession with the group.
Lilly was shocked, but all the more determined to care for her former student. “He’ll need me even more after he’s recovered his health and has to face the consequences for his actions.” Turning to Sadie she suggested, “I know your friend Nancy Topper is an attorney, and has offered to help Zachary, pro bono. Since my Fred is also an attorney, I think they should work together. They could provide Zachary with the very best legal assistance. Fred’s defended several clients whose crimes were committed largely due to underlying medical issues. Since Zachary’s behavior and actions were aggravated by his brain tumor, he has a good chance of getting off easy for Ashley’s death.”
O’Cleary took in all of Lilly’s words. Then, looking at Sadie he added, “From what you just relayed, it doesn’t sound like Zachary invited Ashley to the Koi exhibit with the intent to murder her. I didn’t hear any pre-meditation. That’s good. Real good! It appears he just wanted to confront and reason with the gal, hoping to stop her nasty Facebook posts. It’s unlikely he’ll be charged with murder. This sounds more like manslaughter to me. It’s defined as killing a human being without malice or forethought.”
“And,” Mary stressed, “if you get the lawyers to play up his good character and gradual personality change, due to the brain tumor, you’ll gain sympathy from the judge and jury. This could redu
ce his prison sentence by a great deal.”
“Indeed,” cited O’Cleary, “a 12 month sentence could actually be reduced to just a few months. Of course, we’ll have to interview Zachary after his surgery to make sure his story is consistent.”
The three Detectives and fellow sleuths opted to grab some BBQ from a local brewery before turning in for the night. “BBQ makes everything better,” smiled Sadie. Willow Crier, a good friend from Oklahoma, makes the best barbeque sauce on the planet. Sadie compared all her BBQ meals to Willow’s tasty pork ribs and special sauce, but so far, nothing had ever equaled her friend’s recipe. But, she always had fun looking for a meal that could match Willow’s, and never regretted a single finger-lickin’ rib or BBQ sandwich she ate along the way.
After they ordered, Lilly made her phone calls in the restaurant lobby while O’Cleary called the police station. Timothy told an officer on duty to charge Professor Drainer with arson, but to petition the judge to reset the bail so he could sleep in his own bed that night. As for Justin Coin, he was charged with embezzlement and hit-and-run. O’Cleary figured he’d be out on bail before he had a chance to finished his pork ribs and ale.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: Show Me Those Pearly Whites
Lilly, Dora, and Sadie were anxious to see Zachary. He was already in the ICU when they arrived at the hospital. Before slipping in to check on him, Dr. Redwig took a few minutes to update them on his condition.
“Your young man had a walnut-sized meningioma, a benign tumor that forms in the membranes covering the brain. I suspect it was growing for over eight years, slowly compressing his brain tissue and the other structures inside his skull. He may suffer from some minimum side effects, but I expect he’ll to be back to normal within six months to a year.”
“What kind of side-effects are you talking about, doctor?” Lilly prompted.
“Mrs. Pierce, please don’t be alarmed. I’ve performed many such surgeries and there are usually very few adverse effects. If Zachary has to face repercussions from his nine-hour surgery, his brain will adapt. New synapses will grow and compensate for any damaged brain cells.”
Lilly nodded. All three ladies listened intently as Dr. Redwig added, “There are several ways to encourage the growth of these synapses and I’ll most likely prescribe physical therapy, and enriched environment, and motor learning exercises. First, I’ll have to assess his memory and motor-skills. He’s been through a lot and needs time to find his way back to good health. The good news is, he’s young and blessed to have kind-hearted teachers who care about him.”
Sadie, Dora, and Lilly waved good-bye to the surgeon as they quietly stepped inside his room. Zachary was sleeping peacefully. Holding hands, they lifted him up in prayer asking for a quick and miraculous healing.
Within 30 minutes he was awake. Zachary was aware of his surroundings and spoke clearly, but with some effort. Lilly assured the young man he was not going to be alone in his trial. A nurse appeared asking him to squeeze her fingers and give her a big smile.
“I don’t have a whole bunch to smile about right now,” he jested as he showed her his pearly whites
“She’s checking for any possible sign of a stroke,” whispered Lilly.
When the nurse asked about his pain level, 1-10, he admitted it was a 7. Immediately, she administered morphine and he slipped back into a painless state of slumber.
The friends agreed Lilly would remain behind with Zachary while Dora and Sadie met with O’Cleary and Detective Pointman. They would then return to update Lilly on how the murder investigation would proceed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: Misty Water-Colored Memories
“Let’s grab some coffee from Dutch Brothers before heading over to the police station,” Sadie requested. “I owe Mary a mocha latte and I think I’ll treat O’Cleary to a cup as well.” Dora found a drive through and they gave their orders.
“I’m sorry your lady’s weekend of five star dinners and garden seminars didn’t pan out, Hermana.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t get some helpful hints on how to install a koi pond, Detective.”
“Aw, that’s okay. Timothy said he helped a friend put one in last summer. He’s offered to drive down to Rogue Valley and help me with mine. My front yard will look amazing and you’ll finally have to deal with your Ichthyophobia. Otherwise, you’ll never find your way to my front door.”
“Have you forgotten I know your garage door key code? Who needs the formality of a front door? I can always get inside your house through that entrance and never even face those Koi you’re threating to buy.”
“You’re hopeless! Fish are one of God’s creatures. ‘They’re a good thing,’ as Martha Stewart would say.”
“That may be so, but Martha’s linens are ‘A Good Thing’ and you don’t see me buying or rubbing my toes on them.” Shaking her head, Dora handed Sadie the cup holder with the coffees and moved her Jeep Cherokee onto Fetlock Street.
When Dora and Sadie stepped inside the station, Mary greeted them with a big smile. “I guess this means you’re heading home, Ms. Sunshine.” O’Cleary was at his desk but stepped over to join the conversation.
“Yes, Mary, my sleuthing must come to an end. Thanks for letting me tag along.”
“I doubt your sleuthing days are over, Ms. Sunshine.” Timothy surmised. “From what Dora tells me, murder victims have a way of finding you!”
“Isn’t that the truth!” laughed Sadie. “Hopefully, untimely deaths will no longer interrupt my retirement plans. I prefer reading about murder in crime novels. And, Detective O’Cleary,” Sadie couldn’t help but bat her eyes, “I’d love to hear about your most recent cases when you visit Dora in a few weeks. I hear you’ve conspired with her to install that wretched Koi pond.” Sadie hugged herself and trembled.
Looking over at Dora, Timothy uttered, “So you weren’t kiddin’ me.”
“Nope, fish are her titanium.”
“Good to know, good to know,” chuckled O’Cleary.
Sadie frowned. The little voice inside her head complained, TMI, TMI! Dora shouldn’t be sharing my embarrassing flaws with others, especially with O’Cleary. Making an effort to move the conversation from her phobia to Zachary’s future she inquired, “When do you expect to interview Zachary?”
“Not until he’s out of the hospital. I’m expecting he’ll be overwhelmed with his health situation. He’s bound to be emotionally unstable and we don’t want a confession while he’s on morphine and any other narcotics,” Mary asserted.
“Well, you know he’ll be staying with Lilly in Rogue Valley, right? His mother ditched him before surgery yesterday. She’s an alcoholic and has never been much of a support for Zachary. You’ll have to come down south to interview him. Lilly’s offering him her guest house,” Sadie explained.
“That’s fine by us,” remarked O’Cleary. “Mary and I both like southern Oregon. We actually went to your Boatnik last year. Didn’t get to spend the night in Rogue Valley but maybe we can ask for some time off this year. I could work on Dora’s Koi pond then. We’ll need to eat some time during the day and I love carnie food.”
Chiding in, Dora added, “and we can’t work in the dark, so the fireworks would be fun to check out. Sadie loves the fireworks display.”
Tempted to get a rise out of Timothy, Sadie decided to bring Mark into the mix. “Yes, well, if you’re both knee deep in dirt and pond water, I’m not sure you’ll have time to check out the Boatnik parade, jet boat races, and fireworks. I’ll probably have to go with Mark.”
Dora knew exactly what Sadie was doing and smirked. Timothy raised an eyebrow. “Mark? I didn’t know you had a brother—or is he a cousin?” O’Cleary was obviously ruffled.
Thinking to herself, He does care!
Then, speaking aloud Sadie explained, “Actually, he’s a new neighbor. I asked Mark to watch my kids while I was up here for the Garden show.”
“Kids? How many kids do you have, Sadie? I thought you, um—Dora said you had one adop
ted son.”
“Timothy,” Sadie was having fun. “I have one adopted son and two fur-kids. Mark is winning my fur-kids over as we speak.” She decided to leave out Bosco’s hunger strike.
“Well, I’m a dog lover too. Dog’s love me!”
Mary thought her partner was starting to sound whiney and a bit pathetic, so she stepped in to rescue his butt.
“Sadie, Timothy has all kinds of special gifts and talents. Gardening, off road wheelin’, even music. I bet he didn’t tell you he’s in the praise band at our church. He plays the keyboards.”
It was Sadie’s turn to be sideswiped. So he is a Christian! She was elated. Suddenly, a scheme popped inside her head. He not only likes to garden, but plays the keyboard. I wonder if he’d like to attend a classical concert. I could invite him to the Britt festival. ThePianoGuys are coming in July and tickets go on sale the end of this month.
Dora’s handshake with Mary and playful punch on Timothy’s shoulder drew Sadie back down from the clouds. The Portland detectives promised to share an update on Justin Coin, Professor Drainer, and the Wiley’s.
Timothy looked directly at Sadie and said, “Since Zachary’s staying with Lilly, you’ll know how the murder case is proceeding. We’ll be sure to give Dora a call every time we drive down to Rogue Valley for follow-ups. ” Pausing, he then suggested, “I hear Wild River has great pizza and beer. Maybe we could have dinner?”
“Maybe,” Sadie smiled at the chunky George Clooney look alike. “It’d be nice to have a meal where neither of us is holding onto a metal bucket!”
“Um, let’s put that one behind us, okay?”
“Aw, come on Detective O’Cleary, memories! How does that old Barbara Streisand song go?
Dora groaned as Sadie starting singing the lyrics to The Way We Were. “Seriously, Sadie? It’s a chick flick! I seriously doubt Timothy has ever seen the movie.”
Belly Up in the Koi Pond Page 12
