A Simmering Dilemma

by Tyora Moody

  I didn’t have a good feeling about this. “She’s apparently had a hard time since her sister’s death. Do you know what time you saw Charlene?”

  “I don’t remember the time. I know she showed up after Theo left. Damion came over looking for his brother, but Theo had already left to check on his mom. ”

  “You’re sure you didn’t notice Sondra?”

  “I’m positive! You don’t believe me?” Briana’s voice rose in accusation.

  “No. I believe you did nothing wrong, Briana. I’m on your side here. What I’m trying to say is when I talked to Charlene last week, she claimed Sondra was with her. That they had met at the Black Diamond. I have a feeling they were riding together in the same car.”

  Briana shook her head, “This doesn’t make sense. I had quite a few people over that night, but I saw everyone’s face. I may not have known all of them. Some people brought guests. I can’t imagine that I would have missed Sondra.”

  “Especially after she confronted you at Sugar Creek Cafe.”

  Briana grew quiet and hung her head. When she looked up, unshed tears clung to her lashes. “I’m going to get blamed for all of this no matter what. People are going to assume the same thing they did years ago. That I somehow got back at a person who’d been harassing me.”

  I didn’t have time to agree or disagree. The doorbell rang.

  I reached for my phone and switched on the security app. “Oh no.”

  “What? What are you looking at on your phone?” Briana asked.

  “The camera for this house. While you were gone, your dad had Simply Security cameras installed. You have a visitor.” I turned the phone around so Briana could see the display.

  Briana jumped up from the couch, “What am I going to do?”

  I held up a finger, “First, let me call your father. Second, when we answer the door, you are not to say anything until your dad gets you a lawyer.”

  I pressed the speed dial for Amos’s phone.

  He answered on the second ring. “Eugeena, I’m almost there.”

  “You better hurry and I hope you secured that lawyer for Briana. Detective Wilkes is at the door right now.” The doorbell rang again, this time long and hard. I added, “Wilkes sounds like she’s ready to break the door down.”

  “Hold tight, I’m right around the corner.”

  After he hung up, I faced Briana, “Your father is on the way. You ready?”

  “I don’t think I have a choice.”

  When I opened the door, Detective Wilkes’ flushed face glared through the screen door at us. “Thank you for finally answering the door.”

  “We didn’t mean to make you wait.”

  “Can we come in?”

  I observed behind Wilkes. She didn’t come alone today. Not one, but two deputies stood behind her.

  What’s all of this? Where is Amos?

  Once inside, Wilkes zoned in on Briana. “Nice to finally see you again, Ms. Jones. I thought you might have skipped town after I specifically told you not to.”

  It occurred to me that I still had no idea where Briana had gone. It made sense that the detective would have asked her not to leave town. Briana sure did know how to make things harder on herself. I hoped Amos would show up soon because I was losing ground with knowing what to do with Wilkes here.

  I stepped up beside Briana. “Detective Wilkes, are you here to ask Briana questions?”

  “I have questions, but I need Briana to come with me down to the station.” One of the deputies stepped forward while reaching for handcuffs.

  Briana shrank back, “You’re arresting me?”

  The deputy glanced over his shoulder at Detective Wilkes as though he needed confirmation, “Yes, ma’am.”

  Briana stared at me as if I could stop this from happening. I was just as shocked that Wilkes was doing this.

  As the detective began reading Briana her rights, Amos burst through the door. “What’s going on? Do you have an arrest warrant?

  Wilkes stopped mid-sentence and held up her hand, “Mr. Jones, please, I’m doing my job.”

  He stated, “Are you, because you don’t have anything substantial to be arresting my daughter?”

  “Yes, we do. A witness has come forward. I’m going to ask you again, out of respect, to let me do my job or I will have to take you to the station too.”

  I thought to myself, Who would come forward now? What did they see? I was not buying that Detective Wilkes supposedly had a witness now. I smelled something fishy going on and I didn’t like it. Somebody was deliberately playing with Briana’s life, setting Amos’s child as the killer.

  My husband glared at the petite detective like he didn’t believe her either. He spouted out instructions to Briana. “Don’t you say a word. I will be there with your lawyer.”

  I felt so helpless watching them walk Briana outside towards the police car. Amos took off towards his truck to be there at the station with Briana.

  I glanced around and found several neighbors, including Louise, watching as Briana was placed in the back of the car. She waved at me. I waved back, but I would get with Louise later.

  Though the situation seemed to be spiraling out-of-control, I wasn’t discouraged. I was going to find this witness. I had a sneaky suspicion, I knew who was behind all of this madness.

  Chapter 24

  I knew there was one person who kept coming up over and over again. Charlene Hunt. I needed to find her. I’m not sure what I was going to do when I found her. It’s not like you can make a person talk. And there was the maddening thought racing through my mind.

  What if she was the killer?

  I’d made mistakes in the past not realizing I was walking into crazy.

  My mind kept stumbling back to a teenage girl I once knew and even the young woman who approached me last week. Timidity struck me as the main quality that described Charlene. But anyone could strike out when pushed to the edge. Sondra was one of those kinds of people who had no problem pushing people’s buttons.

  What kept bothering me was why all of a sudden did Charlene and Sondra want to rekindle their friendship? Who was the initiator? One thing was for sure, Sondra ended up dead and I absolutely believed it was set off by events that happened last Saturday night at the Black Diamond.

  Events that also resulted in someone else’s death.

  J.C.

  I knew all these individuals were in the same class, but did they all run into each other at the Black Diamond?

  Charlene admitted to me without me asking her that she had been with Sondra. It made sense to me that she more than likely had to be this so-called witness. But a witness to what? Surely if you saw someone harm your friend, you would have called the police on them right there, not over a week later.

  Why wait all this time to come forward?

  I didn’t know for sure if I was barking up the wrong tree, but I wanted face time with Charlene for myself. The woman came up to me last week as if she had something to say. I believed she would talk to me. Maybe it had something to do with me being her former teacher.

  I set off down the street to my destination since it was in walking distance. I had built up enough stress that I needed the movement. The sun was bearing down on me as I walked, but I didn’t mind.

  I was on a mission.

  They must have seen me coming because before I could ring the doorbell Annie Mae was sticking her head out the door. “Eugeena, what’s going on?”

  I thought I would be the one asking the questions.

  I stopped in front of the door, placing my hands on my hips. By this time I was huffing and puffing, more than just from the short, brisk walk in the hot sun. “I’m pretty sure you saw. The police came and took Briana away.”

  Willie Mae peered from behind her sister, “So she did do it?”

  “No, she didn’t!” I raised my hands in the air.

  Annie Mae grimaced, “No need to make a scene. It seemed like the police must have found something. Come on in
here! You’re letting our air out.”

  I stepped inside the Brown sisters’ living room, welcoming the cool air. Though the twins and I see each other every week, between summer camp and church on Sunday, we didn’t often visit each other’s home. The sisters kept their place super tidy. They ran a tight ship on the usher board and didn’t play with the children we served at church. No surprises about their no frills, basic living setup.

  “Do you want something to drink, Eugeena? We don’t serve that kind of drink.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Are you trying to be funny, Willie Mae? You know I don’t drink alcohol. If you have some water that would be fine.”

  Annie Mae held out her arm, “Why don’t you have a seat? You know we were wondering why you took off from the church so fast earlier today. You look tired.”

  “Tired and confused.” I took the bottled water Willie Mae handed me, “Thank you. I appreciate this.” I took a swig of water, which was exactly what I needed. I didn’t realize I was this parched. It was then that I glanced out to their side yard and noticed the twins were not alone. Sondra’s kids were outside playing. I frowned, “I thought the kids were going home with Gladys.”

  Willie Mae turned around to look out the window, returning her attention back to me, her shoulders slumped. “She was supposed to pick them up at the church.”

  I frowned, “I see. Well, have you heard from her? It’s probably not a good idea that she handles the kids on her own with her condition.”

  Annie Mae answered, “We’ve called her house two times and left a message. Once before leaving the church. We decided to just bring the kids back with us. They’ve been staying with us this long now.”

  Willie Mae piped up, “If Gladys doesn’t show up soon, we thought about calling the children’s father. Theo has been calling us and asking if we needed anything. He is really a good man, so I don’t know why he doesn’t have more custody of the kids anyway. Gladys fussed about him so much, but he seemed to be perfectly fine with stepping up.”

  I really didn’t want to get off topic, but I realized after sitting in the twins’ living room that I needed to ask questions about one of their own relatives. No matter how crazy a family member could be, blood was blood. If I pressed the twins more about Charlene, they could decide to shut down all together.

  I was desperate knowing that poor Briana could be thrown in jail for something she didn’t do. Then I recalled something Willie Mae said. “You know last week when we were talking about the party Briana had, you mentioned you looked out to see who was in the neighborhood.”

  Willie Mae eyed me. “Yes, why?”

  “Did you happen to see who was coming in and out of the house? Did the police question you at all?”

  Willie Mae shook her head. “No, if the cops came by our house, neither one of us talked to them.”

  “But did you see anything?”

  Annie Mae leaned forward, “I’m sure Willie Mae didn’t see anything, though she tried looking. Her eyes are not the best.”

  Willie Mae snapped at her sister, “There is nothing wrong with my eyes.”

  Annie Mae rolled her eyes, “You know you’ve been putting off going to the ophthalmologist for years. She peeks out the window, but I doubt she can see farther than her face.”

  Willie Mae argued, “You don’t know that.”

  Okay, these two were giving me a headache.

  “Ladies, I’m trying to see if you saw Charlene. It seemed like you mentioned you knew the people over there.

  Annie Mae frowned, “Why are you asking about Charlene again? We talked about her earlier? The child wouldn’t harm a fly.”

  I sighed, “I’m not saying she would, but she was out with Sondra that night. She had to have seen what happened. The detective is claiming to have a witness now.”

  Both twins exclaimed, “Witness?”

  “Yes, someone has felt compelled to come forward. The only person who I could think to be this witness has to be Charlene. She and Sondra were together most of the night. I want to know what she knows.”

  “So, what are you asking us, Eugeena?”

  “How do I find her?”

  The twins exchanged looks again, both of them looking weary at my request.

  “Y’all, I just want to know what happened. I could feel Charlene holding back on something when I saw her last week.”

  “Charlene has been through enough. I don’t know if we should be letting you bother her.” Annie Mae said, shaking her head.

  Willie Mae observed me for a moment before getting up to go to another room.

  Annie Mae frowned, “Willie Mae, what are you doing?”

  Her sister showed up with a notebook and pencil in her hand. She scribbled on it and handed it over to me. “Here is her address.”

  I reached for the piece of paper stating my thanks.

  Annie Mae’s eyes opened in shock, “Why did you give Eugeena the girl’s address?”

  Willie Mae turned to her sister. “You remember when Pat was trying to help Charlene?”

  “Help with what?” I asked. Willie Mae didn’t talk about Pat much. Her daughter’s death had been too painful. After a long battle with drugs, Pat found God and went back to school for her nursing degree. She was doing so well when tragedy struck. I found it touching and alarming all at the same time that she was sharing something about Pat.

  Willie Mae turned to me, “After Pat got out of rehab years ago, she worked to mentor young people. It was Pat who found Charlene and helped her get on the right track. I remember Pat saying that when Charlene was high that she turned aggressive. It was so disturbing to see because she’s such a sweet and quiet person.”

  Annie Mae shook her head, “What are you saying?” Annie Mae turned to me, “Are you looking for Charlene because you think she did something?”

  I shrugged, “I’m not accusing anyone, but Charlene was with Sondra. Somehow the police are focused on Briana because of some beef between her and Sondra. I just think they’re not even bothering to see all angles from that night. They just want to wrap up a case. My gut says Charlene knows something. And…” I caught my breath. “Years ago, Charlene’s sister got into it with Briana. Yvette was killed and suspicion was thrown Briana’s way back then too. You said Charlene was never the same. I imagine the girl has a lot of anger.”

  I stopped talking because Sondra’s kids burst inside the house. I’d almost forgotten they were outside playing.

  The young boy, looking like a young version of Theo asked, “Has grandma called yet? We really want to see her.”

  Willie Mae soothed, “No, not yet.”

  I decided it was time for me to leave, there was obvious tension between the two sisters now and I felt guilty for causing it. “Ladies, I’ve overstayed. Look, I can go by to check on Gladys. Sounds like she may need a house call. I’ll let you know what’s going on.”

  As I returned to my house I decided I better call Amos. He must have been really tied up at the station. I almost hung up the phone instead of waiting for his voicemail.

  Amos came on, his voice raspy. “Hey, Eugeena.”

  “Amos, you don’t sound too good. How are things going?”

  “Not well, but they could be worse. Barnaby is here and he’s doing his best to get some answers from Detective Wilkes.”

  “Did you find out about the witness?”

  “Not yet.”

  “I have an idea who it may be.”

  “You do, who?”

  “Remember Charlene Hunt was with Sondra. Somebody picked up Sondra from her mother’s house. They all went to the Black Diamond. As you know something happened there that may have resulted in J.C.’s death. Before Wilkes arrived, Briana remembered seeing Charlene. Charlene and Sondra had to arrive together.”

  Amos was quiet for a moment. “You think Charlene is this witness?”

  “I’m guessing. She’s related to the Brown sisters who gave me her address.”

  Amos responded, “You’re not
going over there.”

  “Not now, but I do want to check on Gladys.”

  “Why, I thought she didn’t react very well to you last week? Is it a good idea for you to be going to see her either?”

  I sighed, “Probably not, but I believe Gladys is too trusting of Charlene. The girl has had some problems.”

  “Everybody has problems, Eugeena.”

  “I know, I know. Look, I will be fine. I just need Gladys to think about this more. I know she’s grieving, but there were other people over at Brianna’s that had access to Sondra.”

  Amos sighed, “I really need to be here for Briana. I don’t need to be worrying about you, Eugeena.”

  “I’m going to be just fine. All Gladys can do is yell at me again. I have to try to reach out to her. I’m telling you something is up with this girl. I want to know when Sondra actually started hanging out with Charlene. Last Saturday wasn’t the first time. We know that because the previous Monday, they were together at Sugar Creek Cafe.”

  “Be careful, Eugeena. If you feel like you need to reach out to Gladys fine, but don’t approach Charlene if you have all these suspicions. I’ve seen how your gut pans out and usually you are on the right track.”

  “I will keep you updated. Okay? Tell Briana I’m praying for her. I love you, Amos.”

  “I love you too, Eugeena.”

  I hung up the phone. Amos and I weren’t expressive people that often. Something about his concern set me on the edge and I wanted him to know that I loved him for it.

  I took in a deep breath, already feeling the tension building from what I was about to do. My last conversation with Gladys wasn’t a good one but I needed to do my part to get Briana out of this situation. Though Sondra was the victim, I couldn’t help but wonder if we’d be in this predicament if she’d stayed away from the house.

  Chapter 25

  It had only been a week since I visited Gladys’s home. So much had happened. That day Gladys was worried about her daughter not returning home and by the end of the day she found out she’d never see Sondra again. At least not on this side of the earth. I prayed mother and daughter would be united again in another time.