Hudson House Murders [Book 4 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries]

by Janet Lane-Walters

  * * * *

  The next morning, I wasn't surprised to see I'd slept in. I drew a hot bath and sank into the steaming water the way I had last night. Slowly, the soreness leached from my muscles and I felt refreshed and hungry. In the kitchen, I heated tea and ate two cookies left from last night while I started water for oatmeal.

  The phone rang. “Miller residence."

  "Marcus here. Do you have any idea where Jenna is? I tried her place and left messages but she hasn't called back. Does she have a cell phone?"

  "Why do you want to know?"

  "I have to warn her about...about Sophie."

  I looked at the clock. “Jenna has an exam this morning."

  "When she comes home, take her to your place and don't let her out of your sight,"

  "Marcus, what is going on? Jenna had nothing to do with Martha's death."

  "I know that.” He sighed. “The police called earlier to say they're exhuming Mother's body. They believe she may have been murdered. They also asked me to come to the station to identify some jewelry they think belonged to her."

  "Didn't you tell them the diamonds had been found?"

  "They said mother's initials were engraved on the back of the bracelet. I told Sophie. She went ballistic and said this was Jenna's fault. She stormed out of the house. After she left, I discovered my handgun was missing."

  "Did you inform the police?"

  "Not yet. I don't understand why they think Mother was murdered."

  I sucked in a breath. Though I didn't like him, he sounded puzzled and sincere. “This isn't official, but last evening, a nurse at Hudson House was caught trying to kill a patient. They believe this wasn't her first attempt."

  "Why would a nurse do that?"

  "For money or rather for items she can convert into cash. I questioned her about your mother but she admitted nothing."

  He cleared his throat. “Thank you. Be sure to warn Jenna."

  After hanging up, I called Richard's office and told him what Marcus had said. “Might be a good idea for you to pick her up at the college."

  "I'll do that. What do I tell her?"

  "Exactly what Marcus told me. For some reason, Sophie blames Jenna for her problems."

  "See you in an hour. Do you have any idea how long this siege will last?"

  "Not long.” I hoped. “My granddaughter's dance recital is tomorrow evening and Jenna's going."

  He groaned. “I knew I forgot something last night. Do you have an extra ticket?"

  "Not here, but I can get one.” Though the show is sold out, my daughter-in-law had put one aside for Lars in case he finished his affairs in New Mexico early.

  After I hung up, I called Ruth. After assuring her I would have the desserts and appetizers for the after recital party, I asked her to leave Lars’ ticket at the house.

  "He's coming."

  "No, but Richard, Jenna's friend will be joining us. He'll also help deliver the food."

  "That's nice. See you tomorrow."

  Jenna and Richard took longer than I expected so I had tome to bake and fret. Around noon, they arrived with groceries. Once they were settled, I drove to the police station to give my statement. On the second floor of the Victorian House, aka the village hall, I stopped at the desk and gave my name. Dave waved me into the office he shared with Pete.

  Pete looked up. “Sherlock, you've opened a can of worms."

  "More like a barrel of serpents,” Dave said.

  Pete laughed. “Life in the county won't be the same. Bet we hit the national news."

  "Won't be the first time.” I took a seat. “This time I just happened to see things others missed. What do you want to know?"

  "Everything.” He pointed to the tape recorder. “Do you mind?"

  "Not a bit."

  Dave walked to the door. “The Chief wants to hear this."

  Once the police captain arrived, I began the saga from Robby's classmate to the capture of Molly. Several times I stopped to sip water. When I finished I waited for questions. None of the men spoke, so I did. “What was in the syringe?"

  "Enough potassium to stop several hearts,” Dave said.

  "Has she confessed?"

  Pete made a face. “To the attempt on Mr. Greene. Once we have some autopsies, she will."

  The Chief shook his head. “I dread the moment the media gets hold of the story. Someone should have seen this earlier."

  "Until my friend died, I had no reason to check anything. After her death, a number of things fell into place, but there was no proof.” The older man left the room. I turned to Pete. “What happens now?"

  "We wait."

  "And feel grateful,” Dave said.

  "Why?"

  "If we hadn't nabbed her last night, she would have been long gone. At her house, we found her passport and a one-way ticket to the Caymans. Her bags held jewelry and cash, some of it hidden."

  "We learned she'd made a number of trips there in the past four months."

  "Have you spoken to Marcus Garner?” I asked.

  Pete nodded. “Twice. First about the exhumation. The second was when he dropped by and identified a diamond bracelet and earrings, as his wife's not his mother's. He had them engraved with his initials. He even said he was mistaken about his son's accident."

  Dave looked up. “Thought he would swallow his tongue. That man doesn't do humble."

  "Did he tell you Sophie's out there with a gun and she blames Jenna for the trouble?"

  Pete rose. “We've an alert out.” He reached for my arm. “Promise you'll be careful and keep an eye on Jenna."

  "Absolutely. She's staying with me until Sophie's found. Richard's with her.” I paused at the door. “Do you need anything else?"

  Pete tapped the recorder. “If we do, we know where to find you."

  When I reached the apartment, Jenna was in the kitchen browsing through my recipes. “I wanted to try something new, but Richard wants that steak and my copy is downstairs. Uncle Marcus called."

  "What did he say?"

  "He's taking the girls to a safe place where they'll be with a relative Gran found. Thus the fourth trust fund. Made no sense to me."

  "Me either."

  "He also said he'll come by tomorrow morning and I should sleep here unless you'd rather I went elsewhere."

  I shook my head. “Pete wants you to stay here. Second floor. Heavy door. One set of stairs. Actually two, but the entrance to the other is in the attic or the basement and the door to the attic is here. Where's Richard?"

  "He went to the office and then to his apartment for some clothes. He plans to spend the night."

  "A good idea."

  When Richard arrived, Jenna and I had finished the treats for Andrea's party. We began preparations for dinner. Trays of completed pastries lined the dining room table. Richard leaned against the doorframe. “Samples?"

  "If you're good, there are some for dessert,” I said. “You can gorge tomorrow after the recital."

  Jenna patted his hand. “She remembered your obsession for sweets."

  "Where are they?"

  "Dessert,” Jenna and I spoke in unison.

  Between the steps of dinner preparations, Richard asked about my trip to the police station. “Did Mr. Garner really identify the jewelry as his wife's?"

  I nodded. “And he told them about the gun. There's an alert out for her and Jenna sleeps here tonight."

  'Where?"

  "My bedroom has two beds. Andrea often sleeps over."

  "What about me?” Richard asked. “I'm not leaving."

  "Guess you'll have the couch,” I said.

  * * * *

  I woke to the sound of voices and experienced a moment of disorientation. Then I saw the rumpled sheets on the other sleigh bed and remembered I'd had overnight guests. I gathered my clothes, showered and followed the aroma of coffee to the kitchen.

  Richard stood at the stove. He turned his head. “Hope you like omelets. My one kitchen accomplishment. Jenna and I wo
ke early and went downstairs to shower so we wouldn't disturb you."

  "My thanks. How was your night?"

  He rolled his eyes. “Finally took the cushions off the couch and made my bed on the floor."

  Jenna handed me a mug. I inhaled the fragrant minty steam. “Thanks. You'll find croissants in the refrigerator freezer and several kinds of jam on the shelf below.

  "Do you make the jam, too?” Jenna asked.

  "Absolutely not. Several women from the church make it for the Christmas bazaar and I stock up."

  The phone rang. Before I had a chance to speak, Lars’ deep voice spewed questions. “What's going on up there? Are you all right?"

  "Why wouldn't I be fine?"

  "Caught Pete before he left for work. He told me a bit about what went on the other evening. Congratulations on another crime solved. You've certainly stirred a hornet's nest. You might consider leaving town for a bit."

  Had Pete told him about Sophie and the gun? “I'm fine here and I'm glad the truth has emerged."

  "Did you really wrestle with the killer?"

  I chuckled. “There was a bit of a scuffle. Then I sat on her. Why did you call Pete?"

  "To ask him to let the movers into the house on Monday."

  "Does that mean you'll be home soon?"

  His laughter rang in my ears. “Save next Saturday night for me. Dinner and dancing."

  "Sounds wonderful."

  "Tell Andrea I'm sorry I'll miss her recital. She'll receive a package today or tomorrow."

  "You shouldn't have.” Richard put the omelets on plates. “Lars, breakfast has been served. See you next week."

  * * * *

  Once Richard and Jenna left, her for class and him for the office, I puttered around the apartment, then began to arrange the trays we would be taking to my son's this afternoon. Several hours later, Jenna dashed up the stairs. She sat at the kitchen table. “Last test is completed. I've a short break until summer sessions begins. Any word from Pete?"

  "Nothing yet."

  Jenna scowled. “Guess that means she's still out there slinking around and we have to stay cooped up like prisoners. It's such a beautiful day."

  I arched a brow. “They only suggested we stay inside. We could set ourselves up as targets."

  Her eyes sparkled. “Could we?"

  "Contrary to police advice.” I glanced at the clock. “Your uncle should be here in fifteen minutes."

  Jenna looked at the thermos of iced tea and the tin of cookies. “Do you really want to be confined with him in here?"

  "Not really."

  She frowned. “I wonder what he wants and why the sudden concern for my safety. He never cared before."

  "Puzzles me, too.” I lifted the tin of cookies. “He has cooperated with the police, but Sophie is his wife and he did believe her lies. He has also spent a lot of energy seeing she gets what she wants. You know, unless you have a will, as your closest relative, he could claim your estate if you died."

  She paused at the door. “Richard's been pushing me to make one but I haven't.” She opened the door and started downstairs.

  "Hold on,” I said. “Let me go first."

  "Okay."

  I opened the door and peered outside. Robespierre lay on the edge of the porch staring at the bushes. His tail twitched and though he looked relaxed, I knew he was about to attack some creature. I prayed it wasn't a skunk like the one he'd encountered last summer. Ridding a twenty-five pound longhaired cat of the stench was a project I would rather not repeat.

  Marcus’ dark sedan pulled up at the curb. “Get in the house. Her car's parked a block away."

  The bushes rustled. Jenna appeared beside me. Sunlight glinted on metal. Robespierre leaped. “Hit the deck,” I yelled.

  A crack followed a popping sound. I hurled the cookie tin at the bushes. A woman screamed. Another pop sounded. Marcus bellowed. Sophie bolted from the bushes. She cradled her arm. Where was the gun? Jenna vaulted the railing and grabbed Sophie.

  I hurried to Marcus. He fumbled with his cell phone. Blood ran down his upper arm. “Let me.” I pushed 911 and reported the incident. “A shooting. Patrol car and an ambulance.” I gave the address.

  After examining Marcus’ arm, I saw the bullet had scored the flesh. He was bleeding and might need a stitch or two. I tore some cloth from his shirt and used it to stop the bleeding. “Can you stand?"

  He accepted my help. “Why did you come outside? Just what were you and my niece trying to prove?"

  "We couldn't hide forever. If I'd been your wife, I would have left the country. Canada isn't that far."

  He shook his head. “You would have fled, but not Sophie. Once she gets an idea in her head, she can't be diverted. She blames Jenna. Has for years."

  When we reached the porch, I told him to lie on the chaise. Jenna had pushed Sophie into the canvas sling chair. “Don't move,” Jenna ordered. “If you do, I'll slap you."

  I chuckled. Getting out of that chair without assistance is practically impossible.

  "Marcus, she broke my wrist.” Sophie produced a rain of tears. “It hurts and look what that cat did. I'll have scars,"

  Marcus groaned. “Why did you do this? What did Mother do to deserve being killed?"

  "It's all her fault.” Sophie sniffed.

  "Whose fault?” I asked.

  "Jenna's. She came back. Mother Garner was going to cut us out of the will and give Jenna everything. Just like she was going to leave it all to Mark. You wouldn't believe it then or when Jenna moved back."

  "I believed you and you lied.” Marcus said. “I read what Mother learned. You were having an affair with my son. You were using drugs. You threatened to kill the mother of Mark's son."

  "Marcus. Those were lies. Mark gave me pot. He seduced me. I'm glad Jenna killed him."

  "Lies, Sophie,” Marcus said. “I know the truth.” He groaned. “I loved you. I divorced my first wife for you. I would have done anything for you."

  "And so you hired Molly to kill Martha,” I said.

  She thrust out her lower lip. “You can't prove that."

  "I can,” Marcus said. “I identified the ten thousand dollar's worth of jewelry engraved with my initials. The police found them in her luggage."

  "Then she stole them."

  I coughed. “Where and when?"

  "Marcus, I did this for you."

  Marcus shifted and grimaced. “For me? No, Sophie. For yourself. Like a fool, I believed your lies. What about our daughters? How will they feel when they learn what you've done? What about Mark's little boy? Would I have been the next to die?"

  A patrol car pulled behind Marcus’ sedan. The ambulance, then Pete and Dave arrived.

  Pete reached the porch first. “What happened?"

  "The cat scratched me.” Sophie pointed at me. “She broke my arm and I'm going to sue."

  I laughed. “Sophie tried to shoot Jenna but she missed when Robespierre attacked her like he did the skunk last year. Marcus came up the walk. When I hurled the cookie tin, she must have fired again and Marcus was grazed. The gun is in the bushes."

  He rolled his eyes. “We'll collect the evidence."

  I rose. “Sophie's wrist is either broken or badly bruised."

  Dave waved to the ambulance attendants. “Check her arm. Give her a sling. The patrolmen will take her to the ER and stay with her.” He turned to Sophie. “Mrs. Garner, you're under arrest for attempted murder. Other charges may be pending."

  "Marcus,” she said.

  "I'll arrange for a lawyer,” he said.

  The attendants helped him onto the gurney. Pete paused. “Mr. Garner, we'll be by later for a statement.” He left the porch and surveyed the bushes.

  Marcus clasped Jenna's hand. “I believed her because I needed to.” He groaned. “How am I going to tell my daughters what their mother has done?"

  "Call Andrew,” I said. “He doesn't treat children, but he'll know people who do."

  "I will."

  Just
as the ambulance pulled away, Richard arrived. “Jenna, Mrs. Miller, are you all right?"

  "I am,” I said.

  Jenna stepped into his embrace. “I have so much to tell you.” She turned to me. “Will you be upset if we abandon you?"

  "Not at all. Just be ready to leave the house at five. We need to make a delivery, pick up a ticket, grab a bite to eat and get to the recital."

  I crossed the street to Sarah's house. I was sure she was curious about the morning's events. As I rang the bell, I hoped this phase of my life would soon end. While I didn't look for trouble, trouble seemed to find me.

  ~

  The End

  ~

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  About The Author

  ~

  * * * *

  Janet Lane Walters lives in the scenic Hudson Valley with her physician husband. She is the mother of four children, two boys and two girls, and the grandmother of four, two boys and two girls. Janet has a BS in Nursing and a BA in English with a focus on creative writing. She has had dual careers, taking time from writing to put her four children through college. Janet has published a dozen short stories, as many poems, two non-fiction books written while a ghost writer for two doctors. She is an eclectic writer and has published numerous novels. She is a member of EPIC, Sisters in Crime and RWA.

  * * * *

  * * *

  Visit www.diskuspublishing.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.