Her eyes widened. “I hope you're wrong about them all."
"So do I."
She peeked at the marinating meat. “I need some recipes.” She grinned. “There's someone I want to make a meal for."
"They're yours when you're ready."
"Not today. I need to change for work. Just don't spoil Richard for my inept attempts."
"If he's interested in you, he'll eat anything you cook."
"Let's hope. Will you have time Saturday morning to drill me for an Anatomy test?"
"Of course."
When she left, I finished my preparations for dinner. Then I changed my clothes and waited for my guest to arrive.
Richard was prompt. The cat followed him in and I performed the feeding ritual. My guest presented me with a teapot shaped like a fat cat. “Notice the resemblance.” He laughed. “I couldn't resist."
"I thank you. How do you like your steak?"
"Medium."
"Same here. Let me put them on."
He sat at the kitchen table. “Smells good. I could almost eat it raw."
"It's the marinade."
"Would you tell me why you're doing this?"
"Partly because I like cooking for others. The rest is because several things have stirred my curiosity. I have a theory I'd like to prove and I think you can help.” I began with Robby's tale and Martha's concerns. “And you heard Tammy on Sunday."
"Jenna would never do a thing like that."
I nodded in agreement. “Martha has a son and daughter-in-law who wanted her money. They have a daughter who listens to people's conversations and repeats them to suit herself. My granddaughter says Tammy enjoys spreading tales and lies."
Richard looked up. “Mr. Garner comes across as controlling. He really surprised me when he called Jenna to apologize. Also made me wonder why."
I put the salads and dressing on the table. “Jenna told me. I'm sure he had a reason."
"But what? Do you really think Mrs. Garner was murdered?"
"I do and I don't think she's the only one.” I went to the living room and found the list of names and dates of the deaths I'd gleaned from the newspaper files at the library. “Notice the increase over the past three months."
He studied the list. “I see what you see, but I don't know what it means. What do you want me to do?"
"Is there a way to discover the size of the estates and other information on the heirs?"
"I can check at the courthouse and see if the wills have been filed and do a bit of digging on the net. What do you plan?"
"To take a job at Hudson House and see if I can access the records of those patients. There's a temporary part-time opening for a nurse on the evening shift. At least three of those deaths have occurred then. Maybe all."
"Gutsy move. Are you sure you'll be hired?"
"The Director of Nursing is an acquaintance. She's already approached me."
He laughed. “You really are something. Last evening, Jenna told me about your adventures. Planning to become a PI?"
"I've no desire for a third career. This is a weird cycle in my life that's bound to end one day. I don't look for bodies. They find me.” The buzzer sounded. I served the steak and potatoes.
After we finished our dinner, I finished a plate for Jenna. Richard chuckled. “She'll be pleased."
I made instant coffee for him and tea for myself. “We'll have dessert in the living room. Jenna should be home in an hour. You can play delivery boy. That is, if you're planning to stay until she comes in. If so, I'll add an extra piece of gingerbread for you."
"I intend to see her as often as she'll let me.” His eyes twinkled. “What's happening between us is a bit scary. We're flying at warp speed but I believe I'm falling hard for her."
I slid two pieces of gingerbread onto plates. “Go slow. She's lost a lot of people in her life."
He lifted the plates. “I'll work on convincing her I'll always be there.” He paused in the doorway. “Do you play?"
"Only for myself these days. I had a brief career as a concert pianist and a longer one as a church organist."
He sat on the sofa and tasted the cake. “This is awesome and the rest of the meal was terrific."
We chatted until we heard the downstairs apartment door close. Richard rose. I gave him the plate of food and the rest of the cake. “Enjoy."
"Thanks.” He paused at the door. “I hope Louise is still out. Her attitude about Jenna's good fortune is becoming nasty.” He started downstairs. “I'll get back to you with the information as soon as I can."
* * * *
The next afternoon, I arrived at Hudson House for my appointment with Pauline. I handed her an assortment of teas. She opened one and sniffed. “I remember consuming gallons while we crammed for exams. I'm definitely going to enjoy."
"They're labeled with the ingredients and what I use them for."
"Great."
In return for my license, proof of my CPR status and Social Security card, she handed me an application. While she made copies, I filled in the blanks. Finally, I put the form on her desk. “Done. Now what?"
"The job is yours. Two evenings a week. Are there any you can't work?"
I pulled my date book from my purse and gave her the dates of the bazaar and Andrea's recital. I hoped to finish my investigation before then, but I couldn't chance missing my granddaughter's big day. “That's all for now.” What I would do in June and July, I didn't know. Would my discoveries bring trouble to the facility and to my friend?
She studied me. “Somehow, I thought I'd have to pitch harder. Is something going on?"
"You could say that."
"Kate, what?"
"For the present, I'm feeling my way. Don't worry. I won't keep you in the dark for long."
"Have it your way.” She rose. “Would you like to meet some of your soon-to-be co-workers?"
"When I visited Martha one evening, I met two of the nurses. I also saw them at the funeral."
"Any problems with them?"
"A slight misunderstanding with one. You know how pushy I can be when I'm worried about someone. The other was helpful."
She led the way from her office. “There are always two RNs and four assistants on duty evenings. We try to make sure one of the aides is a man.” She went on to mention the usual census and the kind of patients. We used an enclosed set of stairs at the end of the hall to reach the second floor and the staff lounge.
When the door opened, the two nurses who had attended Martha's funeral looked toward us. Molly smiled. “Mrs. Miller, hello."
"Kate will be our temporary relief nurse on evenings,” Pauline said. “Teresa and Molly are full-time."
"When you visited your friend, you were full of questions we couldn't answer,” Teresa said. “You need to remember that gossiping about the residents isn't permitted."
"I know the rules,” I said.
"I'm looking forward to working with you.” Molly glanced at Teresa and turned to the aides. “Tina, Betty, Lori and John. You'll meet the rest of the staff once you start."
Teresa opened the door. “Time to get to work."
I watched them leave. One of them was probably a killer. My preference was Teresa. Her brisk attitude ruffled me, but that didn't mean hers was the hand. Molly could be the one, or they could be working as a team. They had been on duty the evening Martha had died. I wondered which of the assistants had worked that evening. Could they give me clues to my friend's death?
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter 7
~
Fever Dreams
-
The weekend was uneventful. Marcus and family were absent from the Sunday morning services. Though most people believed they'd stayed away to finish the move into Martha's house, I wondered if Marcus wanted to avoid another of his youngest daughter's outbursts.
When we sat down to dinner at my son's, I made my announcement. “I've taken the job at Hudson House. I'll be working two evenings a we
ek."
"What about my recital?” Andrea asked. “You have to be there."
"Then don't worry. I already have the day off. My friend, Pauline, made sure of that."
"Pauline.” Andrew looked up. “Wasn't she one of the girls who hung out at the house when you were in school?"
"Yes."
Andrea grinned. “I'm so glad your friend gave you the evening off. What kind of doll will you give me this year? Everybody else gives me flowers."
"Gifts aren't the reason you invite people to the recital,” Andrew said.
My granddaughter made a face. “Grammy understands what I mean."
I winked. “You certainly don't ask people to come bearing gifts and watch you show off.” She would love the Spanish dancers I'd found in Santa Fe."
Andrew shook his head. “The pair of you are incorrigible.” He carved the turkey breast Ruth and I had prepared. “Mom, I wish I knew what you were up to. And I still wonder what Lars will say about this."
I looked up. “If he says more than be careful, he's in trouble."
Ruth laughed. “I think you should do what you believe is right. Since I've done that, I feel so much better about myself."
I saw the gleam of approval in my son's eyes and felt pleased. Since her return to college for her Master's, she had changed. It hadn't been that long ago when I feared my son was headed for a divorce and marriage to a destructive woman. These days, Andrew has to compete with Ruth's studies for her attention and that was good. The conversation turned to other subjects. I was relieved to avoid further arguments about my decision.
* * * *
On Monday morning, Pauline called to tell me I would be working on Wednesday and Thursday. I climbed the stairs to the attic and sorted through the boxes of uniforms I'd packed away. I washed four and polished a pair of white shoes. Then I searched out my other paraphernalia—Kelly clamp, scissors, stethoscopes and pen. I ran to the store for the missing items and was ready for action.
On Wednesday as I dressed, I felt a frisson of anticipation and dread. Since I'd never planned to work again, I'd nearly given the uniforms away. I was glad I'd kept them. The expense of buying new ones to wear long enough to uncover a murderer's identity would have made me think two or three times about my plan. Would I have backed off? I chuckled at that thought. Who was I trying to fool? I was on a quest and I had no intention of quitting before learning the truth about Martha's death.
At quarter to three, I pulled into the parking lot at Hudson House and made my way through the garden. Pauline waited in the foyer. “I was afraid you'd back out. I'll give you and Molly report in my office. That's the routine except on weekends. The two of you will relay any pertinent information to the aides and give out assignments."
Moments later, Molly arrived. She saw the bag I carried. “Didn't Pauline tell you our meals come from the kitchen?"
"It's not my dinner. Just some mint tea. It's my weakness."
Pauline laughed. “Or your strength."
Molly looked from one of us to the other. “I take it you know each other."
"We went to school together,” Pauline said.
Report was short. Of the twenty-eight patients currently in residence, six were ambulatory and two had private aides.
Molly handed me the medication book. “You can do these tonight. It's the easiest way to learn the residents. If you have any questions, just ask. Your observations of your friend made me insist the doctor make an appearance. I'm sorry we couldn't do more to save her."
She sounded so sincere I wanted to believe her words, but I couldn't. Not until I managed to read some charts and learn who had been present and the circumstances surrounding the eight patients I suspected had been murdered. I needed to know the presenting symptoms and how the codes progressed. Then I would have an idea of what might have been used.
There are a number of medicines found in most health care facilities that can help or harm. The presence of most can be detected if a full autopsy and complete blood screen is done.
When we reached the staff lounge, the three aides and the orderly were the ones I'd met the day I'd taken the job. Molly gave a brief report including a list of patients who went to the dining room and any special treatments to be done. Once she finished, I followed the others into the hall.
Molly showed me through the open nurses’ station and handed me the keys to the med room. I went inside and checked the cart. Each patient had a drawer. Unlike the system at the hospital where only a day's supply of a medication rested in the drawer, the cart held a bottle labeled for a week.
After I studied the book for pre-dinner meds, I browsed in the other drawers. The emergency one held vials of potassium, epinephrine and other drugs that might be needed during a medical crisis. In the refrigerator, I found some bottles of insulin. Only two had the names of current patients. I jotted my discoveries on a piece of paper. At home, I would research the symptoms of massive overdoses.
The evening passed quickly. I learned little about my co-workers. That would take time. How many days did I have before there was another planned death?
Of the twenty-eight patients, I couldn't find one I felt was in danger. More than half the residents either had no relatives, ones who lived at a distance or ones who were distantly related.
When I spoke to my co-workers about staff who had recently left, most had gone to other jobs. The gossip I heard didn't point to any staff member, current or departed, having coming into large infusions of cash. I knew the villain wouldn't be discovered in an instant. I also didn't think the killer would flaunt success.
Molly was a pleasure as a co-worker. Every question I asked was answered completely. The patients and their families adored her. She also had a terrific rapport with the aides.
As I drove home, I was so tired I wished my house was next door not twelve blocks away. I couldn't help wondering if I was chasing phantoms with no substance in reality.
* * * *
The next morning I slept late and decided to forgo my morning walk and the gardening chores. Before noon, Sarah, my son and his wife had called to inquire about the state of my health. My unaccustomed change of routine had been observed and stirred concern.
While I ate lunch, Pete, accompanied by Robespierre, appeared at my door. “Looked for you this morning. You sick?” Pete straddled one of the chairs.
"I'm in perfect health.” I pushed a tin of cookies toward him.
Someone rapped on the door. Pete snatched a cookie and answered.
"Mrs. Miller, are you all right?” Jenna asked.
"I'm fine."
Pete took a second cookie and returned to his chair. “She look okay to you?"
Jenna cocked her head. “She looks fine.” She turned toward the door. “Guess you're busy."
I sensed an ally. “Stay."
Pete frowned. “So how was work?"
"Tiring but interesting."
"Any corpses?"
"Not yet."
"So you're still pursuing your brainstorm.” He rested his arms on the chair back. “Give it up."
Jenna glared. “Don't badger her, Officer Duggan."
"Why not? Twice, no three times, she's nearly been offed. Since she's Robby's adopted grandmother, I have a vested interest in her well-being."
Before I impaled his hand, I let the fork clatter on the plate. “There weren't three times, just once and I handled the situation."
"What three times?” Jenna asked. “I heard about what happened at St. Stephen's but not the others."
"She set herself up to be robbed to prove two teenage boys were innocent. She went out to dinner. When the evening ended early, did she go to one of the neighbors to wait until the criminals were caught? No, she walked into the crime scene. Then, not long ago, a crazed mad man was about to shoot her and Lars."
I grabbed the cookie tin. “So I took him out with a heavy canister. I am an adult and well able to take care of myself."
Pete looked longingly at the cooki
es, then held up his hands. “Look, Sherlock, if you learn something, call me before you leap into action."
"If the situation permits."
He rose. “There's no talking to you.” He crouched and scratched the cat's head. “Robes, old buddy, keep an eye on her."
I thrust the tin toward him. “Take these for the road and share with your partner."
He rolled his eyes. “Women."
"Police officers,” I called after him.
"He cares,” Jenna said. “So do I. Seems odd that I should care more for my friends than I do for my relatives."
"You choose your friends. Marcus, Sophie and their daughters have given you nothing but grief."
She sighed. “You're so right. Did you learn anything last night?"
"Only that the means to cause death are readily available. I worked with one of the nurses who was on duty the night your grandmother died. She's well liked by patients and staff."
"What about you? Do you like her?"
"Yes, but I can't let that influence me. Tonight I work with the other nurse. Maybe I'll learn something from her."
"Good luck. Oh, Richard said he's working on your project in his spare time and is making progress. He'll get the info to you as soon as he's collected what he can.” She propped her elbows on the table. “The food you sent down was great. Can I get some recipes today?"
I looked at the clock and saw I had time before I had to prepare for work. “What would you like?"
"The red sauce. Every time you make it, I drool. The steak and the potatoes. And some desserts."
I took several boxes from the shelf and handed her one. “Desserts in this one.” I took two cards from the other. “Here's the one for the steak marinade and one for the potatoes. I'll cut the sauce recipe down. How many are you planning to serve?"
"Four, but leftovers are fine. I like cold spaghetti."
"Everyone to their own. The recipe is for twelve so I'll halve it.” I copied the recipe and added two salad dressings and the one for the gazpacho she liked.
* * * *
Teresa's style of care was different from Molly's. She insisted on doing meds. That inched up my suspicions of her. With meds under her control, she could easily slip something extra to a patient. I set off to supervise the aides, do treatments and make sure the patients who ate in the dining room received the assistance they needed. I missed the easy camaraderie of the previous evening.
Hudson House Murders [Book 4 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Page 9
