Who's Dead, Doc?

by J. M. Griffin

It had grown late. Weariness enveloped me as I left my car in front of the barn. A police cruiser arrived, and Adam parked in the driveway.

  Long-legged, he was at my side before I climbed the front steps. The porch lights were on and I could only imagine the sight I must present. Bun hopped next to me. Taking the stairs two at a time, he sat in front of the door and studied me, then Adam, and me again.

  “I think we’re in a tight spot.”

  Without a word, I led the way into the house. Bun jumped onto his pillow and sank down with a tiny sigh. Normally, I would have thought it cute. Right now, I wished it was me, instead of him, nestling into softness to nod off. I filled his water bin, left a smidge of alfalfa hay for him to snack on, and returned to the kitchen. Adam lounged against the living room door casing and waited.

  “Sheriff Carver sent you?”

  He nodded. “What were you doing at Evelyn’s house?”

  It wasn’t worth lying about, so I told him it seemed a good place to hide from Seamus and Colin.

  His face never changed, his eyes didn’t flicker, he simply stared, leaving me uncomfortable. Bun was right. We were in a tight spot. Crikey.

  “Would you like something to drink?”

  “No, thanks, and I’m not hungry, either. Tell me what happened.”

  I motioned to the living room, sat in my favorite armchair, and gave him the story.

  “You have the worst luck of anyone I know. Why didn’t you go to Jessica’s?”

  “I didn’t want to put her in danger. I almost went to Carina’s house, but thought the neighbors might call you people. Jack has enough to handle without me being charged with unlawful entering.”

  “Hm, well, the sheriff has officers at Evelyn’s house. They have taken Dumb and Dumber into custody. Do you realize how fortunate you were that they didn’t find you?”

  “That goes without saying. We used our best stealth techniques to leave that house and the neighborhood.”

  With a snort of disbelief, Adam asked, “Stealth techniques?”

  “Yup.”

  “I’m beginning to think the gray hair Sheriff Carver has is mainly due to you.”

  “So he says. Are you here to babysit? Or, did you come by to check in as Jack requested?” I was so tired, I could have dropped in my tracks. Would he leave, or was I stuck with him until Jack ordered him to?

  “I’m here until told otherwise. Get some rest, you’re exhausted. It’s not my place to tell you how to run your life, Juliette . . .”

  “But?”

  “If you let us do our job, you’d undoubtedly be happier and less stressed. I know the sheriff would like that.”

  “You’re right.”

  He looked hopeful. “I am?”

  “Yes, it isn’t your place.” I got up, marched upstairs, and slammed the bedroom door. Who, if not me, would have gotten the information they needed to make an arrest? And, who had managed to get Carina to talk, had found the paperwork they were in search of, and had rescued Bun from those two idiots? Me, that’s who. Gritting my teeth, and in filthy clothes, I flopped on the bed and sank into softness. My muscles relaxed, and my eyes were nearly closed when a rap on my door sent me off the bed in a single bound. What now? Anger had replaced exhaustion. I was in a mood no one ever wanted to witness.

  I flung the door wide and snapped, “What?”

  Adam stood still, took in my appearance, and backed up. “The sheriff is downstairs and wants to speak to you.”

  “Can’t it wait?”

  “Afraid not.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  With a grimace, I stepped past Adam and stomped down the stairs.

  Adam stood behind me when I stopped a few feet short of the sheriff. “This had better not be a lecture.”

  “If it is?”

  “Then you will have to wait. I’m too tired to listen to your dire warnings, and don’t dos.”

  He pressed his lips together. I wasn’t sure if he was annoyed by my remark, or if he hid a smirk over the don’t dos. Either way, I didn’t care.

  “If you’ll take a seat and relax, I’ll tell you why I’m here.”

  “Fine.” I dropped into the nearest chair and drummed my fingers on the tabletop.

  The two policemen sat adjacent to me. “It was brave of you to escape Evelyn’s house before being found. Adam mentioned why you chose to hide there. It wasn’t a bad idea, especially since you wanted to protect Jessica. Seamus and Colin might not have gone to Evelyn’s place if they hadn’t been so desperate to get paid and leave town.”

  Unappeased, I considered the difficulty Jack had when he admitted I had done something right.

  “Is that all?”

  “No, it isn’t. When those two entered the house, did they mention who was supposed to pay them?”

  I shook my head. “They never said who it was. Why?”

  “They aren’t talking.”

  I shrugged. “What does that have to do with me?”

  “Would you come to the station to see them?”

  By this time, Bun had come from his room to sit at my feet and rested his head in the curve of one ankle.

  “Really? You want me involved after all the ranting you’ve done to make me stay out of your investigation?” Cranky, I was very cranky. I knew I raved and should have acted more mature. Just not tonight. From the look on Jack’s face, I knew I was out of control and endeavored to keep my temper in check.

  I’d had enough of being prodded in the direction Jack wanted me to go so he could gain traction in his investigation. Then, when he didn’t like my initiative, I was warned off.

  “Jules, you’ve been of enormous help. I warn you only when I fear you’ll be in danger.”

  “What makes you think these guys will talk to me? Seamus wants to strangle me, and Colin, well, he’ll do whatever Seamus tells him to. I’m not a fan of theirs and they feel the same in return. I’m sure they won’t confess to me, of all people. If you have a sound plan, then spit it out, or get out.” It appeared my anger had sneaked out again. Hm.

  “Okay, let’s talk about that.”

  “I’m listening.”

  Jack outlined how he wanted my conversation to go with the criminals. I took in every word without interruption, question or rejection. Though his idea might be viable, I considered it a waste of my time and his. I figured both prisoners would refuse to speak to me, other than to curse my soul, that is, and said as much.

  Jack gave me a long, narrowed stare. “Don’t you think it’s worth the effort?”

  “What I think is that I need some sleep. I have a farm to attend, animals that need me and don’t lecture me, and I should let you do your job.” I glanced at both men in turn.

  I wanted him to grovel, but knew it would never happen. It wasn’t my fault he couldn’t get these creeps to name their financier. I heaved a sigh, and said, “I’ll come by after I’ve seen to the rabbits and dropped Carina at home.”

  With a relieved expression, Jack nodded in agreement. “Adam will stay for the night.”

  “It isn’t necessary. I’ll lock up tight.”

  “If you’re sure.”

  “I’ll see you then, Jack.” I looked at Adam and thanked him, then watched them walk out to their respective vehicles.

  As they drove off, I bolted the doors, checked all the windows, and even locked the door leading to the breezeway. Jack hadn’t said as much, but he was worried the person with the money would likely come looking for me in case I’d figured out who it was. Carina wasn’t the one, but I knew in my heart that Adelle was.

  I shook my head, waited until Bun turned in, and climbed the stairs. Sleep was out of the question as I tossed and turned and sought connections that made sense.

  A journal that I kept in the nightstand drawer was perfect for writing what was happening now. I fluffed the pillows and slouched into them while I scribbled all that had taken place these last few days. I read the notes over, edited and clarified them, and added thoughts at the en
d. I wrote a separate page of questions, and then reviewed it all.

  With more questions than answers, it seemed I went around and around without the ability to break the circle. One final answer, that’s all it would take to find the connection that would enable Jack to catch the killer. Just one, I was sure of it.

  * * *

  The sky turned a pale gray. I gave up the sleep idea and readied for work. I ran a brush through my hair after I’d freshened up, dressed in work clothes, and took the journal downstairs to read while coffee perked.

  I tossed the journal on the kitchen table and hit the start button on the coffee maker. Rummaging in the refrigerator, I found a stop at the market was in order after the rest of my responsibilities were met today.

  Bun had risen, chomped the breakfast fare I’d set out for him, and between bites, he said, “Anything else happen while I slept?”

  “Not a thing.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  “It sure is. I could use a break right about now.”

  Eggs and sausages sizzled in pans, slices of toast popped up in the toaster, and Jessica knocked on the breezeway door.

  I’d forgotten to unlock it. When I let her in, she asked a bunch of questions that made me wish she had waited until we had eaten. Over breakfast, we discussed the evening before, ending with my proposed stop at the police station this morning.

  Aware of her thoughts on my recklessness, I said all would be okay because I’d be in the station surrounded by police officers. My reasoning seemed to placate Jessica because she agreed it was the safest place for me to be.

  We cleared breakfast remnants away before going into the barn. Bun supervised the other rabbits’ breakfast fare that I served, Jess went about her own business, and then I did my daily workload.

  A truck load of supplies arrived. I opened the barn doors and helped with the order. Bales of hay were brought in and stacked. While the driver, Ben Moore, didn’t have to help me, he always did.

  I handed him the invoice payment, and knowing Ben worked for Jim Brody, I asked after him. With a concerned expression, Ben said, “He’s got some problems right now.”

  “Nothing serious, I hope,” I remarked.

  The man stepped close, glanced over his shoulder, as though someone other than me and the rabbits might hear him, and murmured, “Seems he’s run into financial trouble.”

  “You won’t lose your job, will you?”

  With a shrug, Ben warmed to the subject. “If he can’t get his situation under control, that could happen. He’s a good man to work for, generous and all, but . . .” He shook his head, and then clamped his mouth shut as if he’d said too much and left.

  Pensive, I closed the barn doors when he drove away and heard Bun say, “What do you think of that, huh? Old Jimbo is having money trouble. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?”

  “Indeed, it does.” Time had flown, and with the amount of chores and responsibilities that filled the day, I had no time to ponder Jim Brody’s problems. Where might I get some information on the subject? Instantly, Mora Lindsey came to mind.

  Mora handled all that went on for the senior citizens’ activities held at the lodge and elsewhere. She would have an inkling of what was going on with Jim since he supported that piece of real estate. I decided to call her later and then focused on work.

  Two hours later and soaked with sweat, I had done what usually took three hours to accomplish. The rabbits were fed, their caged hutches were clean and restocked, and a few of the critters were in the play area. With just enough time to shower and change, I went through the breezeway and hurried up the stairs.

  Refreshed and dressed in clean clothes, I dealt with my hair as best I could and then went to pick up Carina. I’d parked the car outside the revolving doors and dialed Adelle’s phone number. She answered on the first ring. “Carina’s coming home today. Could you bring Adrian home? I know she must be anxious to see her mom.”

  “What great news. Adrian mentioned her mother this morning. I’ll drop her off for you. While I have you on the phone, thanks for doing the birthday party. The children enjoyed themselves.”

  “You’re quite welcome. The kids were thrilled with the entertainment. I’m glad you were pleased.”

  An orderly wheeled Carina out through the doors. I opened the passenger’s side door and assisted her when the wheelchair came to a stop. “How are you today?” I asked, and gave the orderly a nod before he wheeled the chair away and left Carina in my care.

  “I’m happy to be going home. There’s no rest in a hospital, absolutely none.”

  I smiled when she did, and drove her home. Carina was silent during the ride. I wondered what ran through her mind.

  Her face brightened as we reached her neighborhood. “Will Adelle bring Adrian home later?”

  “Yes, she will. She told me Adrian is anxious for you to come home. This will be a nice surprise for her.”

  I parked in front of her garage. The front door opened, and Adelle came out with a smile on her face. How had she gotten in?

  “Looks like you have a welcoming committee of one.”

  “I know Adelle was rude the other night, but she does look out for us.”

  “Everyone needs help now and then.”

  I left her with Adelle and drove to the Windermere police station. With no clue of what would happen, Jack had convinced me to give his idea a try.

  I gave my name at the front desk. I was told Jack was expecting me and could go to his office.

  When I approached his office, I noticed the door was ajar. Jack beckoned me in and pointed to a chair where I could wait while he finished his phone call. He hung up and asked, “Are you ready for this?”

  “I guess so. It better work, Jack. Must I be locked in a cell?”

  “It’s necessary if we want them to talk. They aren’t cooperating in the least. Seamus has asked for an attorney. He’ll get legal counsel that’s offered by the state, and while I’ve put in a call for one, nobody has arrived yet. Don’t worry, you won’t stay there too long. I’ll give it an hour and then a guard will return you to me. You’re up to this, Juliette, I’m confident in your ability to get them to confess.”

  “Right.” I wasn’t as sure as Jack seemed to be. “Let’s get to it, then. I have a business to run. Oh, uh, I received a delivery from Jim Brody’s company today. The driver helps me take the merchandise into the barn. While we did so, he mentioned Jim has financial problems. Did you hear about that?”

  He shook his head and nodded to the guard who stood at the door with a pair of handcuffs dangling from his fingers.

  I gasped when I saw them and vehemently remarked, “You aren’t going to cuff me.”

  The guard grinned, as did Jack, who then added, “It has to look real. This is Deputy Tom Marchand. He’ll be available if things run amuck.”

  Oh my gosh. What had I been foolish enough to agree to?

  Tom marched me to the holding cells. On our way, he whispered, “Make sure to struggle against my grasp when we reach the cell door, then I’ll shove you inside. It’s in our favor to have steel bar cages as cells instead of the ones with solid steel walls that completely isolate prisoners. Those will be installed next winter. As it stands now, we only have six cells and put more than one person in each of them when it’s necessary. McKenna and Bedford will be in two separate cells across from yours.”

  “O-okay.” Authenticity might be the key to a confession, but manhandling was not in my playbook, and neither was close proximity to Seamus and Colin.

  We reached lockup and I went into struggle mode when Tom gripped my arm after he’d removed the handcuffs.

  I demanded loudly, “Let go of me.” I tried to pull my arm from his hand, but the man was playing for real and his hold grew tighter.

  “Don’t give me a hard time. You got into this situation all by yourself, and now you can hang out with the other the criminals.” He opened the cell door. I jabbed my elbow into his ribs and noticed the surpris
e on his face. In an instant he shoved me into the cell. As I caught my balance, he closed and locked the door.

  With his back to Seamus and Colin, who watched us, Tom winked at me. I rushed toward him and reached through the bars, but couldn’t get my hands on him. He then ordered me to settle down.

  “You’re going to pay for this,” I yelled at him as he walked away.

  He’d brushed my threat aside and left me on my own. I knew cameras recorded what went on down here. I stamped my foot, then stomped across the floor and flung myself onto a hard bench.

  “Well, well, if it isn’t Miss Goody Two-shoes,” Seamus sneered, and then continued. “You got caught at Evelyn’s house, didn’t ya?”

  “Shut up, and mind your business.”

  His laughter was as unpleasant as his disposition. I glanced at Colin, who gave me a nod, but kept his mouth shut. I ignored Seamus, pushed up into a sitting position against the wall, and sat cross-legged in a yoga pose.

  “What did you get caught doing, if it wasn’t breaking into somebody’s house?” Seamus seemed to enjoy my discomfort behind bars. Talking, even if he sneered, was exactly what Carver and I had hoped for.

  “What do you care? You’re in the same spot as I am. You were arrested for breaking into Evelyn’s house. It wouldn’t have been the first time, either, if I remember correctly,” I said in a grudging tone.

  “Yeah, but me and Colin almost got what we wanted before that happened. You and that cop got in the way. Now you’re here with us.” Seamus snickered and turned to Colin. “I told you she wasn’t perfect. You were supposed to care of her, but you didn’t. You’ll get another chance if things work out for us.”

  I goaded him. “Big talk from someone behind bars.”

  “Not for long. We’re gonna be transferred soon. A friend, who owes us, has set things in motion for us to live the good life and it ain’t in jail neither.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Sure, sure, like that will ever happen.”

  “It will, everything’s in place. You just watch. Oh, yeah, you’ll still be here and won’t get to see it, but we’ll be free.” He broke into another round of gritty laughter.

  With feigned disinterest in the conversation, I studied my fingernails and said, “I don’t believe you. Nobody would be stupid enough to make it possible for you and Colin to escape.”