by Anne Canadeo
“Duly noted. Though I’d like to know how the fireman figured that out. Aside from the theory that it makes a very nice human interest story for the news. Has Rose been able to answer any questions yet?”
She didn’t mean to upset Dana further, but she could see that the question had made Dana uneasy. “Unfortunately, Rose had a stress episode and blacked out. The EMT techs revived her, but she has no idea how she got outside or even when she saw the fire.”
“Maybe her memory will come back once she’s had some rest.” Maggie had taken her knitting out, but the conversation was too upsetting for her to focus. A rare moment, indeed.
“Maybe.” Dana took another sip of tea. “She was in shock last night, and we didn’t want to pressure her with questions. Neither did the police. But it’s possible she’ll never fully recall what happened. It’s a common symptom of post-traumatic stress. She has no recall of several events in her past—the night of the car accident, when she was injured, for instance.”
Dana had mentioned that before, Maggie recalled. It had to be a way that the mind protected a person from reliving terrifying experiences, and a blessing in most cases, Maggie thought. Clearly, a mixed blessing in this situation.
“What about Holly? Can she communicate yet?” Suzanne asked.
Dana shook her head. “I spoke to her doctor after he did rounds early this morning. Holly won’t be able to breathe on her own for a few days, he predicts, and he feels it’s best if she remains sedated.”
Suzanne began to reach for another donut hole but stopped herself. “Let’s hope the police can figure this out, even if Holly can’t supply any leads. They have their ways of digging up dirt. Excuse the pun, please,” Suzanne said.
“You are excused, all things considered,” Phoebe said.
Maggie had to agree. Suzanne had paid her dues in that department. Last fall, when Suzanne’s office rival had been poisoned, Suzanne had been at the top of the suspect list. The police had unearthed clue after incriminating clue, most of them circumstantial and purposely planted by the real culprit in order to frame her.
Maggie and her friends had solved most of the puzzle, though in the final moments, Suzanne had cleverly outwitted and captured the killer all on her own.
“It could have been a business rival . . . or maybe Holly owes someone money?” Lucy glanced around at the group as she offered the theories.
“I don’t think the nursery was successful enough for any such jealous competitors. But she did feel stressed about finances,” Dana replied.
“What about that scary guy she hired? He looked capable of setting stuff on fire,” Phoebe said. “Did the police talk to him yet?”
“Holly stopped here yesterday and told me Carl Thornton, the helper, had quit just that morning. He was going to work out the day, collect his pay, and wasn’t coming back.” Maggie glanced at Dana. “Did you know that?”
Dana shook her head; she looked surprised. “I didn’t speak to Holly yesterday. I was going to tell the police about him anyway. He should definitely be questioned. Even if he wasn’t involved, maybe he heard or saw something important while he was working there.”
“Saw a can of gasoline and some matches,” Phoebe murmured.
Maggie turned to her. “We can’t jump to conclusions, just because of his appearance. Holly had no complaint about him. She was pleased with his work.”
Maggie recalled the way he’d saved Holly from the falling branch. That act alone must have made Holly trust him.
“Did you speak to the police yet?” Lucy asked Dana.
“There were a few at the fire, uniformed officers called to the scene. But the fire department just determined this morning that it was arson. I haven’t heard from any detectives yet.”
Dana had barely finished speaking when her cell phone buzzed. She picked it up and read the message. “Spoke too soon. It’s Detective Reyes. She wants to know if I’ll be at the hospital this morning. She wants to speak to me.” She looked up at her friends. “I wonder if she’ll remember us?”
“How could she forget?” Maggie said without a doubt.
They’d helped Detective Reyes solve several cases over the past few years—when a film crew came to town and actors were being fatally cut from the script right and left, and when a groom mysteriously disappeared days after a lavish society wedding. She was also the lead investigator when a psychic – with questionable intergrity—was found dead right next to her crystal ball.
“I think Detective Reyes looks on us kindly, though she always rolls her eyes at our helpful hints,” Phoebe noted.
“Our helpful hints bumped her up in the ranks, I’d say. She definitely owes us one,” Suzanne replied.
“Detective Reyes never needed our help. She’s smart, capable, and fair minded,” Dana countered. “I’m glad she’s on the case.” Dana’s voice trembled, and she reached for a tissue. Maggie thought she might cry, and who could blame her if she did?
The group sat in silent sympathy.
Lucy, who sat closest to Dana, reached over and rubbed Dana’s shoulder. “I know this seems awful right now, but try not to worry. Detective Reyes is very sharp, and she won’t give up until she solves this.”
“And she won’t let anything more happen to the Pipers until this heinous arsonist is found,” Suzanne added.
Maggie felt the same, though the situation did seem puzzling. So little to go on and no clues from Holly or Rose.
Dana wiped her eyes. “Thanks for the pep talk. I’d better get to the hospital. It’s going to be a long day. I need to hold up better than this.”
“Will Jack be there?” Maggie asked.
Dana shook her head as she gathered her belongings. “He had to appear in court today. He tried to pass off the case, but no one was available to step in for him.”
“I’ll go with you. I’d like to,” Maggie said. She knew Dana would resist her offer, so she decided she’d be persistent. “And please don’t act all mature and brave and argue with me.”
“Maggie is great riding shotgun,” Phoebe quickly added, “and I can use more experience managing the shop. For when I open my own.”
“Good point. You’d be squelching Phoebe’s career plans,” Maggie said.
Dana managed a shaky smile. “I’d never do that.”
“What about Rose’s dogs? Is anyone taking care of them?” Lucy sounded concerned.
Dana looked relieved to hear Lucy ask the question. “Jack looked in on them early this morning. But we can certainly use some help until Rose gets home.”
“I’ll go right now.” Lucy jumped up from the couch, eager to do her part, and Dana told her where to find a hidden key to the Pipers’ house.
“I hope Rose’s special dogs don’t give you any trouble. They’ll probably be loose in the house, on guard duty,” Dana said.
“Hey, they call me the Dog Charmer, haven’t you heard? And I’ll bring good treats. That always works.”
“Good idea. Bring plenty,” Maggie suggested.
“I can go in the afternoon,” Suzanne offered. “I’m showing some property out there. Someone text if you need backup and let me know what to do.”
A few moments later, they headed in separate directions. It warmed Maggie’s heart to see her friends jump into action this way, but she wasn’t surprised. When the going got rough, each of them could count on the rest. That was the simple but strong stitch that held them together. That was what their friendship was all about, along with knitting, of course.
She gave Phoebe some unnecessary last-minute instructions and made sure her own knitting was tucked in her handbag, then followed Dana to her car. She felt an unexpected pang about leaving the shop, but Holly and Rose needed all the friends they had right now.
Who could have done such a thing—set the fire and left Holly and Rose to die? She hoped Detective Reyes had some insight about this awful act. She hated to admit it, even silently, but she was truly baffled.
Chapter 5
&n
bsp; When they reached the hospital, Dana thought it would be best to visit Rose first. “She should be awake by now. She might be frightened and confused about what happened.”
Anyone would be, under the circumstances, Maggie thought, and poor Rose even more so.
As they approached Rose’s room, a nurse walked up to Dana. “Dr. Haeger, Rose is still asleep. It’s probably best if you don’t wake her yet. She became agitated in the early morning, and Dr. Fletcher prescribed a heavy sedative.”
Dana’s expression was quizzical. “Agitated? Did she have a panic attack?”
Maggie recalled that Rose was prone to such episodes and sometimes even blacked out from stress. She must have been frightened to wake up and find herself alone in the hospital.
“No, not exactly. But she was very upset. Practically incoherent. We tried to calm her, but she became physical. She knocked over furniture and struck one of the aides. We almost had to restrain her.”
“Restrain her?” Dana sounded horrified by the word. “Why didn’t anyone call me? I told Dr. Fletcher about Rose’s condition.”
“We didn’t need to do that, finally. But I’m not surprised she hasn’t woken up yet. I think it will take at least an hour for her to come around.”
“We’re going to the ICU to look in on Rose’s sister. I want you to call me immediately if Rose starts to wake before I return.” Dana slipped a business card out of her purse and handed it to the nurse. “Here’s my number again. In case it somehow got misplaced last night.”
Maggie could tell that Dana was very upset that no one had told her about Rose’s episode.
The nurse put the card in her pocket. “I’ll keep an eye on her. Don’t worry.”
The nurse left to visit the room across the hall. Dana and Maggie peeked into Rose’s room. Rose was sleeping soundly, a white sheet and blanket pulled up to her chin, her long hair fanned out on the pillow. Except for a few scratches on her face, she looked very peaceful, Maggie thought. Practically angelic. It was difficult to believe she’d caused such an uproar.
As they walked back to the elevator, Dana said, “Poor Rose. It’s my fault. I should have stayed over here last night, slept in her room, on a chair. But she seemed to understand what was going on, and the nurses were taking good care of her. Jack and I were here until two. But she must have woken up in the dark and forgotten where she was and what had happened. She hasn’t had a hysterical episode like that in a long time.”
“It was upsetting to hear about it,” Maggie replied. “But maybe she’s well enough to come home today.”
“I’m really going to push for that,” Dana said.
They got off the elevator on the sixth floor and followed signs to the ICU for respiratory patients. Dana had already told Maggie that they would find Holly connected to tubes and machines and unaware that they were there.
Maggie stood at the foot of the bed, while Dana walked closer to Holly. She reached over and softly stroked Holly’s hand.
Maggie was prepared, but the sight was still disturbing, and she was glad to be there, to lend her friend support. Dana was always so calm and levelheaded, their go-to voice of reason. But this time, she was the one who had been blindsided and who was helplessly looking on as those dearest to her were suffering.
“I know I should just be thankful that she survived. But it’s so hard to see her like this.”
“Of course it is,” Maggie replied quietly. “But she’s young and strong. The body has miraculous healing powers.”
“Yes. It does.” Dana sat in the chair at the bedside and watched Holly breathe through the plastic mask that covered most of her face.
“I wish she could open her eyes and see that we’re here,” Dana whispered. “But the doctor said they can’t wake her up yet. She’ll struggle against the mask, and they can’t risk any strain on her heart right now.”
“I understand,” Maggie said. “I know it’s hard for you to see her this way, but it’s helping her heal.”
Dana answered with a sigh.
A few moments later, a nurse came in the room. She checked the readings on the machines. “She’s doing well,” she told Dana. “Her heartbeat is steady.”
“Thank you. That’s good to hear.” Dana forced a small smile.
“We’re going to make her more comfortable. If you wait outside a few moments, you can come back in soon.”
Dana stood up and smoothed Holly’s forehead with her hand, then kissed her cheek. “We’ll be back soon, sweetheart. The nurse said you’re doing great. You’re going to get better very quickly. We love you so much,” she whispered.
They walked into the hallway, and Dana wiped her eyes with a tissue. “I know it seems silly to talk to her, but many studies suggest patients can hear what’s being said around them when they’re sedated or even under anesthesia. It’s important to let her know we’re here and she’s being well cared for.”
“I’m sure she can feel your love, even if she can’t hear you,” Maggie replied.
“I think that’s true, too,” Dana said.
Dana seemed lost in her thoughts. Maggie wished there was something more she could say or do for her. A short distance down the hallway, the elevator doors slid open, and Maggie recognized Detective Reyes among the passengers getting out. Maggie touched Dana’s arm to get her attention. “Detective Reyes is here. I guess she tracked you down.”
Dana followed Maggie’s gaze but before she could reply the detective was close enough to greet them. “Dr. Haeger, I’m glad I caught up with you. Do you have a few minutes to talk?”
“As much time as you need,” Dana replied. “I have some questions for you, too.”
“I can wait somewhere while you two talk.” Maggie was glad she’d remembered to bring her knitting. “I’ll go downstairs and get a cup of tea.”
“I’m sure you can come with us.” Dana turned away from the detective and gave Maggie a meaningful look. “Maggie knows Holly and Rose, too. She can help.”
A bit of an exaggeration, considering she’d met the young women only last week, Maggie countered silently.
The detective looked doubtful, too, but also amused. Her smooth dark brows were drawn into a quizzical frown over bright eyes.
“If you like, Dr. Haeger. I should know by now how your group sticks together. There’s a family room at the end of the hall. We’ll be more comfortable there.”
Detective Reyes led the way. She was not very tall but moved with grace and a dancer’s posture. Maggie wondered if she still coached her daughter’s soccer team. She looked a bit older and more mature than when Maggie had last seen her. Her hair was pulled back in a smooth twist at the nape of her neck. Her dark blazer and pants provided an effective camouflage for her femininity.
A small black handbag swung from her shoulder. Maggie wondered if she carried a gun inside it. Or was a firearm on a holster somewhere? Her shoulder or leg? Maggie couldn’t see any sign of one, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t there.
The small room at the end of the hall was filled with functional furniture arranged around a square black coffee table. A framed poster of a ubiquitous sunrise over mountains hung on a pale green wall. It was intended to be uplifting, Maggie assumed. At least there was no corny motto inscribed on it, like Live, laugh, love or Dance like no one’s watching. That was Maggie’s least favorite.
She thought most people should always dance as if they knew others were watching. She had never seen dancing any other way turn out well. It was just common sense, wasn’t it?
The detective chose an armchair, while Maggie and Dana sat side by side on the hard couch.
“I know you’re upset, Dr. Haeger. We’re doing our best to figure out what happened to the Pipers, but it will take time to put the pieces together. Especially since Holly is unable to speak to us yet.”
“I understand. I heard this morning that you know it was arson, so that’s a step,” Dana acknowledged. “Is there anything else you’ve found out?”
“We combed the property and the house for evidence last night and again this morning,” Detective Reyes explained. “Police arrived to assist the fire department, but we weren’t treating the event as suspicious. Or treating the property as a crime scene the first few hours.”
That didn’t sound good to Maggie. Dana was concerned, too.
“What does that mean exactly, Detective? What are you trying to say?” Dana asked.
“I’m afraid that a lot of physical evidence may have been lost or destroyed,” the detective admitted.
“You don’t have any clues?” Maggie knew she was lucky to be sitting in on the interview and should have kept her mouth closed. But she couldn’t help her reaction.
“We have several leads, Mrs. Messina. It might take longer than we’d like, but we will get to the bottom of it. There are some puzzling aspects. For one thing, there are bruises on Holly’s chest and other signs on her body that are consistent with CPR. But the EMTs didn’t perform CPR. They did notice that her mouth had been wiped clean before they applied an oxygen mask. It appears someone gave her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation prior to their arrival, which probably saved her life.”
“Maybe Rose did,” Maggie offered. “Rose must have found Holly and tried to get her breathing again.”
“I don’t think Rose knows CPR,” Dana said. “But I guess it’s possible she’s seen it done on TV or wherever and gave it her best shot.”
The detective looked doubtful. “From Rose’s physical condition and the stains on her clothing, it’s unlikely she was in the fire long enough to pull Holly out.”
Dana didn’t answer for a moment. “I guess that point is debatable.”
Maggie thought Rose must have had heard Holly call for help and saved her sister from the fire, then fainted from the smoke or shock or both. That seemed the most likely scenario. But Detective Reyes didn’t seem to think so.
“Do you know if Holly was taking any medication? A blood test from last night showed a high level of Zenotrop in Holly’s blood. It’s a common drug.”
“Yes, I’m familiar with it. It’s prescribed as a sleep aid mostly. And for panic disorders. Holly hated drugs. She’d barely take an aspirin.”
