No, I supposed a person never knew. Maybe I would have done the same thing in his shoes. I didn’t know, and I hoped I would never find out.
“What about Emilio?” I asked. “Why’d you kill him?”
Talmadge blanched. “I didn’t even know Emilio. I didn’t kill him.”
Something about the way he said the words made me believe him.
Then how had Emilio died? How had he gotten Margie’s purse? I’d worry about that when there wasn’t a gun pointed at me.
“That’s a big burden to carry all these years.” I took another step back.
He suddenly broke and lowered his gun. “I know. I know.”
Tears wracked his body. He covered his face as grief consumed him.
I released my breath. Talmadge wasn’t a criminal, I realized. I didn’t think he’d wanted to harm us when he came here—maybe only to scare us away.
Just then, the police flooded inside.
The police? How had they known where we were?
Hanson handcuffed Talmadge and began reading him his rights. My shoulders loosened as relief filled me.
I turned around to check on my friends and make sure they were okay. As I did, Sherman raised his Apple watch. “I just had to hit a couple of things to send out a distress call.”
As much trouble as I got in, I needed to get one of those.
Maybe this was all over.
But it wasn’t the ending I’d hoped for.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Thirty minutes later, numerous law enforcement professionals had shown up at the scene. Evie, Sherman, and I were questioned. So was Talmadge. He owned up to his part in everything, which meant this case probably wouldn’t go to trial, and I wouldn’t need to testify or stay in town longer.
The mood around me was somber, just as I’d expected it to be. I supposed that sometimes when you solved a case, you didn’t feel the victory you might expect.
Less than an hour later, Jessie showed up. I wasn’t sure who had called her, but she hopped out of her car in tears. She bypassed talking to Hanson and went straight to her uncle.
I waited to see what her reaction would be.
To my surprise, she threw her arms around him. A few minutes later, he was escorted into the sheriff’s cruiser. She waved goodbye to him and broke down in a sob. Hanson spoke with her. She nodded, wiped her eyes, and tried to compose herself.
My heart panged with compassion for her. I couldn’t begin to imagine what she was going through.
I waited until she finished talking to Hanson before I approached her.
“I’m so sorry,” I told Jessie.
She sniffled, pulled a sleeve up to her nose, and said nothing.
What did anyone say in a moment like this? She was still processing everything. Once again, her life had been turned upside down.
I lowered my voice. “You suspected it was your uncle, didn’t you? That was the real reason you were trying to scare us off.”
She swallowed hard and pulled her gaze up to meet mine. “I already lost one set of parents. I didn’t want to lose another.”
“He didn’t mean to hurt anyone.” I tried to make her feel better, even if it was useless.
“I know. I knew he’d never do something like cold-blooded murder. I knew it had to be an accident.” Her voice sounded scratchy and tight.
“How did you figure it out?” I asked.
“I saw an old picture of my uncle when he was in his twenties.” Jessie got a far-off look in her eyes. “We looked just alike. Same color hair and everything. When I saw it . . .” She shook her head, as if unable to contend with her thoughts. “I knew something was wrong. I knew the real reason my mom and aunt hadn’t spoken in years, and I wondered if there was a connection with my parents’ deaths.”
Did she know about her mom? That she’d shot her dad?
I wasn’t sure, nor was I sure she could handle that news right now. I’d wait until that came out later—because I knew it would come out. I didn’t envy her during that moment when the truth was revealed.
“I’m so sorry, Jessie. What will you do now?”
She rubbed her hands beneath her eyes again. “I’m still going to stand by my uncle’s side. I know that sounds crazy. But I love him. He’s been good to me.”
I squeezed her arm, feeling a touch of guilt in knowing the pain this had caused. I hoped—prayed—this would only make her stronger in the end. Some good had to come out of this.
“I wish you all the best,” I told her.
As Hanson approached her again, I slipped away and joined Evie and Sherman. They’d been chatting back and forth with each other, and Sherman had handed over the computer evidence to another officer.
“It looks like we did it, guys,” I said, my voice melancholy.
“Yes, we did,” Evie said. “Under your leadership.”
Had she just given me a compliment?
“It was Sherman’s computer forensic ability and your skills in profiling, as well as your connections with the crime lab, that let us get done in a timely manner,” I reminded them.
“We are pretty great,” Evie said.
We all shared a laugh. But that laugh quickly faded as reality hit me.
“It’s good that people know the truth, right?” I asked.
Evie blanched, as if she didn’t understand the question. “Of course, it is.”
“Right now the truth doesn’t feel that great,” I said. “Maybe Jessie was right—she’s better off not knowing.”
“The truth always catches up with people, Gabby,” Sherman said. “And living with that kind of guilt was bound to affect Talmadge eventually. We did the right thing.”
His words brought a certain measure of comfort to me. He was correct. Doing the right thing didn’t always feel good, but that didn’t mean we shouldn’t do it.
“Listen to you, sounding all psychological,” Evie said. Her eyebrows were raised as if she were impressed.
He shrugged. “I try.”
Evie’s gaze darted back to mine. “So, are we all in next time?”
Evie wanted to work with me again? Or was she about to slam me in some way? I needed to proceed cautiously.
“Do you two want to be in?” I asked.
“Of course, I’m in,” Evie said. “This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”
I released my breath. As difficult as she’d been to work with, she’d been an asset to the team. I wanted to learn to be a team and get along with people who rubbed me the wrong way.
Evie fit the bill.
Sherman offered a tight smile at my question, his gaze on Evie.
I knew his answer.
Wherever Evie was, Sherman would also be there.
“I’d be happy to help,” he said.
“Great.” It looked like the three of us were now a team. For better or worse. I hoped for better. “Well, as soon as I hear from Garrett on what he wants me to do next, I’ll be in touch.”
The two started to walk away, needing to get to the airport. Before Evie slipped away, I called to her. She paused.
“Send me that information you have on your mom,” I said. “I want to help.”
She stared at me a moment, and I could see her thoughts churning. Finally, she nodded. “Okay. I will. Just don’t make a big deal out of it, okay?”
I nodded. “Okay. I won’t.”
She offered another quick hug. It was my second hug from her. “Thanks again, Gabby.”
After they walked away, I chatted with Detective Hanson for a minute.
“I doubt he’ll do any time,” Hanson said. “But that’s for a court to decide.”
His words hung in the air. He was right. Our choices did have consequences, no matter if it seemed fair or not. Still, a part of me hoped Talmadge would be out of jail before too long so he could have a chance to make things right.
I knew he’d already spent so much of his life trying to do just that.
“It appears Dewey kill
ed Emilio,” Hanson announced. “A bullet found at the crime scene matched one of his guns. We have it on record, thanks to an incident several years ago.”
“Did you question him?”
He nodded stiffly. “We did. He overheard two other migrant workers saying that Emilio had found a purse loaded with cash. It washed ashore, apparently.”
“That would answer that question.”
“Dewey found Emilio at the property where all the migrant workers liked to hang out,” Hanson continued. “It was just his luck—and just Emilio’s bad luck—that no one else was there except the two of them.”
“If he hadn’t been alone, he might not be dead right now.”
“Exactly. Dewey claimed the purse belonged to his mom and that he should give it back. Emilio didn’t believe him. They had an altercation. Dewey shot him and buried him beneath that tree.”
“Why did he bury him there?” I asked.
“Apparently, the soil was still freshly tilled because someone had buried their dog there earlier in the week.
“At least it all makes sense now.”
Hanson nodded again. “I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. Good work, Gabby.”
“Thanks, Detective.” I could never hear that enough.
And I was secretly glad that he hadn’t been guilty. I never wanted law enforcement to forsake their pledge to defend and protect people.
I turned back to my car, realizing my work here was done. I still had mixed emotions about the ending. I was satisfied I’d solved the murders, but sad for Jessie and the Banks.
Justice had been served, and that usually made me feel great. But not this time.
This time, it was like drinking a great coffee only to discover it was kopi luwak.
I could thank Garrett for that analogy.
As I walked across the driveway, my cell rang. It was Riley.
“Hey—” I started. Before I could tell him about the case, Riley jumped in.
“The other seller fell through,” he rushed. “We are officially under contract for that house, Gabby.”
I froze, unsure if I’d heard him correctly. “Are you for real?”
“I’m absolutely for real. I had the realtor repeat it to me several times, just in case.”
The air left my lungs—in a good way. “I can’t believe this. We might be homeowners. Not only homeowners, but owners of the perfect home.”
He chuckled. “I know. I’m totally stoked.”
“Never use that word again. But so am I!”
“Alright, get home. I want you to go see it for yourself. I can’t wait to see your reaction.”
I hopped in my car. I couldn’t get home—and by home, I meant to Riley—soon enough.
ALSO BY CHRISTY BARRITT:
SQUEAKY CLEAN MYSTERIES:
Hazardous Duty (Book 1)
On her way to completing a degree in forensic science, Gabby St. Claire drops out of school and starts her own crime-scene cleaning business. When a routine cleaning job uncovers a murder weapon the police overlooked, she realizes that the wrong person is in jail. But the owner of the weapon is a powerful foe . . . and willing to do anything to keep Gabby quiet. With the help of her new neighbor, Riley Thomas, a man whose life and faith fascinate her, Gabby seeks to find the killer before another murder occurs.
Suspicious Minds (Book 2)
In this smart and suspenseful sequel to Hazardous Duty, crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire finds herself stuck doing mold remediation to pay the bills. Her first day on the job, she uncovers a surprise in the crawlspace of a dilapidated home: Elvis, dead as a doornail and still wearing his blue-suede shoes. How could she possibly keep her nose out of a case like this?
It Came Upon a Midnight Crime (Book 2.5, a Novella)
Someone is intent on destroying the true meaning of Christmas—at least, destroying anything that hints of it. All around crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire’s hometown, anything pointing to Jesus as “the reason for the season” is being sabotaged. The crimes become more twisted as dismembered body parts are found at the vandalisms. Someone is determined to destroy Christmas . . . but Gabby is just as determined to find the Grinch and let peace on earth and goodwill prevail.
Organized Grime (Book 3)
Gabby St. Claire knows her best friend, Sierra, isn’t guilty of killing three people in what appears to be an eco-terrorist attack. But Sierra has disappeared, her only contact a frantic phone call to Gabby proclaiming she’s being hunted. Gabby is determined to prove her friend is innocent and to keep Sierra alive. While trying to track down the real perpetrator, Gabby notices a disturbing trend at the crime scenes she’s cleaning, one that ties random crimes together—and points to Sierra as the guilty party. Just what has her friend gotten herself involved in?
Dirty Deeds (Book 4)
“Promise me one thing. No snooping. Just for one week.” Gabby St. Claire knows that her fiancé’s request is a simple one she should be able to honor. After all, Riley’s law school reunion and attorneys’ conference at a posh resort is a chance for them to get away from the mysteries Gabby often finds herself involved in as a crime-scene cleaner. Then an old friend of Riley’s goes missing. Gabby suspects one of Riley’s buddies might be behind the disappearance. When the missing woman’s mom asks Gabby for help, how can she say no?
The Scum of All Fears (Book 5)
Gabby St. Claire is back to crime-scene cleaning and needs help after a weekend killing spree fills her work docket. A serial killer her fiancé put behind bars has escaped. His last words to Riley were: I’ll get out, and I’ll get even. Pictures of Gabby are found in the man’s prison cell, messages are left for Gabby at crime scenes, someone keeps slipping in and out of her apartment, and her temporary assistant disappears. The search for answers becomes darker when Gabby realizes she’s dealing with a criminal who is truly the scum of the earth. He will do anything to make Gabby’s and Riley’s lives a living nightmare.
To Love, Honor, and Perish (Book 6)
Just when Gabby St. Claire’s life is on the right track, the unthinkable happens. Her fiancé, Riley Thomas, is shot and in life-threatening condition only a week before their wedding. Gabby is determined to figure out who pulled the trigger, even if investigating puts her own life at risk. As she digs deeper into the case, she discovers secrets better left alone. Doubts arise in her mind, and the one man with answers lies on death’s doorstep. Then an old foe returns and tests everything Gabby is made of—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Will all she’s worked for be destroyed?
Mucky Streak (Book 7)
Gabby St. Claire feels her life is smeared with the stain of tragedy. She takes a short-term gig as a private investigator—a cold case that’s eluded detectives for ten years. The mass murder of a wealthy family seems impossible to solve, but Gabby brings more clues to light. Add to the mix a flirtatious client, travels to an exciting new city, and some quirky—albeit temporary—new sidekicks, and things get complicated. With every new development, Gabby prays that her “mucky streak” will end and the future will become clear. Yet every answer she uncovers leads her closer to danger—both for her life and for her heart.
Foul Play (Book 8)
Gabby St. Claire is crying “foul play” in every sense of the phrase. When the crime-scene cleaner agrees to go undercover at a local community theater, she discovers more than backstage bickering, atrocious acting, and rotten writing. The female lead is dead, and an old classmate who has staked everything on the musical production’s success is about to go under. In her dual role of investigator and star of the show, Gabby finds the stakes rising faster than the opening-night curtain. She must face her past and make monumental decisions, not just about the play but also concerning her future relationships and career. Will Gabby find the killer before the curtain goes down—not only on the play, but also on life as she knows it?
Broom and Gloom (Book 9)
Gabby St. Claire is determined to get back in the saddle agai
n. While in Oklahoma for a forensic conference, she meets her soon-to-be stepbrother, Trace Ryan, an up-and-coming country singer. A woman he was dating has disappeared, and he suspects a crazy fan may be behind it. Gabby agrees to investigate, as she tries to juggle her conference, navigate being alone in a new place, and locate a woman who may not want to be found. She discovers that sometimes taking life by the horns means staring danger in the face, no matter the consequences.
Dust and Obey (Book 10)
When Gabby St. Claire’s ex-fiancé, Riley Thomas, asks for her help in investigating a possible murder at a couples retreat, she knows she should say no. She knows she should run far, far away from the danger of both being around Riley and the crime. But her nosy instincts and determination take precedence over her logic. Gabby and Riley must work together to find the killer. In the process, they have to confront demons from their past and deal with their present relationship.
Thrill Squeaker (Book 11)
An abandoned theme park. An unsolved murder. A decision that will change Gabby’s life forever. Restoring an old amusement park and turning it into a destination resort seems like a fun idea for former crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire. The side job gives her the chance to spend time with her friends, something she’s missed since beginning a new career. The job turns out to be more than Gabby bargained for when she finds a dead body on her first day. Add to the mix legends of Bigfoot, creepy clowns, and ghostlike remnants of happier times at the park, and her stay begins to feel like a rollercoaster ride. Someone doesn’t want the decrepit Mythical Falls to open again, but just how far is this person willing to go to ensure this venture fails? As the stakes rise and danger creeps closer, will Gabby be able to restore things in her own life that time has destroyed—including broken relationships? Or is her future closer to the fate of the doomed Mythical Falls?
Swept Away, a Honeymoon Novella (Book 11.5)
Finding the perfect place for a honeymoon, away from any potential danger or mystery, is challenging. But Gabby’s longtime love and newly minted husband, Riley Thomas, has done it. He has found a location with a nonexistent crime rate, a mostly retired population, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation in the warm sun. Within minutes of the newlyweds’ arrival, a convoy of vehicles pulls up to a nearby house, and their honeymoon oasis is destroyed like a sandcastle in a storm. Despite Gabby’s and Riley’s determination to keep to themselves, trouble comes knocking at their door—literally—when a neighbor is abducted from the beach directly outside their rental. Will Gabby and Riley be swept away with each other during their honeymoon . . . or will a tide of danger and mayhem pull them under?
Clean Getaway (Squeaky Clean Mysteries Book 13) Page 21
