Murder in Ashville

by Jane T O'Brien

  The sun beamed through the window of O'Leary's Irish Pub while Patsy and Ryan Hartman were enjoying their corned beef on rye, and each other's company.

  “Are you planning to stay in Ashville for a while, or are you looking for greener pastures?” Patsy asked.

  “By greener, do you mean more money?” he laughed. “I tried planning my future at one time, and it didn't work out too well for me. At this point, I'm satisfied being an assistant coach and learning what I can from Coach Beardsley. Coach is still a young man and I can't see him retiring anytime soon. Eventually, I will be moving on.”

  “Are you setting your sights on a coaching job with the NFL?”

  “That is a dream, but those jobs are few. There's pressure to win games at the high school level, but it doesn't compare to the professional level. Not only that, I would like to plant roots in a town like Ashville. Maybe I'm just looking to avoid the competition out in the big world.”

  “I know how you feel, Ryan. If someone told me five years ago I would be writing an advice to the lovelorn column, I'd have laughed. I pictured myself living in New York and seeing my byline in breaking news stories. I probably shouldn't be so complacent, but I love the simple life of a small town. I didn't always love it here, I was the model for a high school wallflower and I can't blame anyone but myself for that label. I enjoyed wallowing in self-pity and had no reason to change.”

  “I can't believe that you were a wallflower, Patsy. I'd have guessed you were Miss Popularity in high school. If it hadn't been for football, I might have been the class nerd. I've had an interest in science for as long as I can remember. Along with my coaching duties, I'm a science teacher. It's the best of both worlds. Now, tell me why you are interested in C J Sinclair?”

  Patsy told him about the missing letters and the brakes that failed on her car.

  “Maybe it's a coincidence, Allison Jennings, the investigating officer, seems to think I staged the whole thing but she can't prove it.”

  “What possible reason could you have for faking an accident that could have taken your life?”

  “She seems to think I'm calling attention to a nine-year-old accident hoping to make trouble. If that was the case, I'd have thought of a better way than destroying my car in the process.”

  “What are your instincts telling you, Patsy?”

  “That there is more to the story and that someone is afraid to talk about what they know.”

  “Just being in Ashville a few months, I know C J is still a local hero. The townspeople speak of him in hushed tones, like a saint.”

  “He was far from a saint. It wasn't totally his fault, girls used to throw themselves at him. He was a popular guy and he made the most of it. He was not only the best quarterback Ashville High has ever known, he excelled in his studies, and was very handsome to boot.”

  “It sounds like you had a crush on him,” Ryan said fighting a pang of jealousy.

  “No, he was so far out of my league, I didn't even fantasize about him,” she laughed.

  “I came by to help with the wedding,” said Samantha. “I've been here almost three days and have let you and Sandy do all the work.”

  “We have everything under control, dear. You should be visiting your friends while you're here. I know how happy everyone is to see you.”

  “I stopped by the police station and Allison has the day off. Maybe I'll drop by her house. Jody said she's still living with her mother.”

  “Yes, but don't expect to see Mrs. Jennings. The poor woman has become a recluse and hides in her bedroom most of the day.”

  “No wonder Allison is an unhappy person and her daughter runs away. It can't be very pleasant living there.”

  Samantha knew the considerate thing to do would be to call her friend to announce her visit but she wondered if Allison would agree to see her.

  She rang the doorbell and could hear a television somewhere in the house. She saw the curtains move slightly and knew someone was watching her from the window.

  “Mrs. Jennings,” she called out, “it's Samantha Degan, an old friend of Allison, I stopped by to say hello.”

  “Sorry, Samantha, it takes time for Mother to shuffle to her bedroom. She has to hide before I'm allowed to open a door,” she said loud enough for her mother to hear. “What are you doing here? Defending your new best friend, Patsy Burke?”

  “Allison, why would you say that? I came by to catch up with you, that's all. Are you going to invite me in or let me stand out here on the porch?”

  “No, don't come in; let's go to the coffee shop on Main. I need to get out of here for a while.”

  Allison grabbed her purse and shouted, not too pleasantly, that she was going out and would be back before Bella got home from school.

  The coffee shop was nearly deserted in the early afternoon. They sat at a quiet table away from the counter and the few men who were finishing their coffee.

  “Samantha, I'm glad you stopped by today. I'm sorry for the way I acted, sometimes Mother is more than I can handle. She was in one of her moods this morning and I had to get out of there.”

  “Why do you stay in that house, if you don't mind me asking? Surely, the force pays enough for an apartment for you and Bella.”

  “It's not a matter of money, Mother is there with Bella when I'm working. For some reason, the two of them share a bond and it's a bond I'm not a part of. Bella can be a bit of a challenge. You've never met my daughter, have you?”

  “I'm afraid not, I never spent more than a day or two in Ashville since high school. Studying and part-time jobs always cut into my time here. I'm glad I took this time to get reacquainted with my old friends. When can I meet Bella?”

  “Anytime you can fit us into your busy schedule,” Allison said sharply.

  “Allison, what's wrong? Why are you so angry with me? I'm sorry I have been an absentee friend, maybe I should have made more of an effort to keep in touch these past few years.”

  “It's not you, it's me. I live with a woman who hasn't left the house in five years and a daughter who hates me. My mother cries for hours about missing my father and we both know what a bastard he was. My ten-year-old daughter is a female version of Damian and she isn't even a teenager yet. The good old boys at the station treat me like a piranha. Patsy Burke wants me to investigate C J Sinclair's death as a murder. To top it off, you strut into town with your perfect face, your perfect life, and your perfect guy. It's just not fair.”

  “Allison, my life is far from perfect but it's obvious you're troubled. Why don't you tell me about Bella and what you know of her life before you adopted her?”

  “Bella's parents, Rich and Trudy Mason, were neighbors of my Aunt Celia in Evandale. I didn't see her often, but I could tell she was a happy baby. Trudy and Rich were good parents. Rich was a little standoffish, but Trudy loved the little girl. Trudy was diagnosed with breast cancer when Bella was only four-years-old. Rich showed his true colors and left shortly after Trudy became ill.

  “Bella didn't know where her father had disappeared to and didn't know how to cope with her mother's illness. Her grandmother, who took care of Trudy until the end, was so distraught by her daughter's death; she was in no position to care for a little girl. Bella didn't have anyone. I know it surprised a lot of people when I adopted her, but I couldn't let her go into foster care. You understand, don't you Samantha?”

  “I understand, you did what a mother would do.”

  “You know, don't you?”

  “I don't know anything but I'm guessing Bella is your child and she was born that summer when you told us you were in California.”

  “Obviously, I never did go to California. It was so hard not telling you girls the truth. I was afraid my father would not only kill me but kill my mother too. Believe me, the man was capable of murder.”

  “Why do you say that? Do you suspect him of murdering Bella's father?”

  “You really are a detective, aren't you? How long have you known about C J?”
/>
  “Mom mentioned the resemblance today. Before that, I had no idea what you'd gone through at such a young age. We were all so consumed with our own lives, we didn't catch on to what you were going through.”

  “I hid my pregnancy well. You girls got on me about putting on weight. I tried to overeat when I was with you, and then would go home and throw up. I had morning, afternoon and evening sickness for the first six months.”

  “Did you tell C J he was going to be a father?”

  “I did, and he didn't believe me, he said I was trying to trap him with someone else's kid. He walked away from me that day and we never spoke again.”

  “What about Bella's adoptive father? Doesn't he still have parental rights?”

  “I hired a private detective who was able to track him down. He readily relinquished his rights. I don't think he ever wanted Bella in his life in the first place.”

  Samantha's heart broke for Allison and Bella and for C J. What happened to the boy she loved like a brother? When had he become so callous? He had so much going for him and it all went to his head. His mother died not knowing she was a grandmother. Frances Sinclair was a loving woman and would have welcomed C J's child with open arms.

  “Allison, do you think Bella has a right to know the truth?”

  “I plan to tell her when she's older. I'm afraid of what she might do if she finds out the truth in her fragile state.”

  “Have you considered family counseling?”

  “Yes, I have thought of it and I know I should be getting help for my girl. Her behavior started changing about six months ago. Before that, she was beginning to blossom into the sweet Bella she was before Trudy's illness. Samantha, I can't tell you how much better I feel just talking to you. I feel like a burden has been lifted from my shoulders now that you know the truth. I'm going to call for an appointment with a counselor as soon as I get home.”

  Allison's cell phone rang. She recognized the number of Bella's school. Allison's face turned scarlet. She thanked the caller and hung up.

  “Bella is taking some extra credit classes in summer school. She asked to use the restroom and didn't return to class. One of the other students saw her riding her bike past the classroom window. Do you mind driving me home to see if she's there?”

  “Of course, let's go.”

  Samantha left money on the table and they walked out of the restaurant. On the way to the car, Allison looked up and saw Bella riding down the middle of the street on her bike.

  “Bella!” Allison shouted.

  Bella saw her and attempted to turn the bike around running into the curb in front of Krause Book Shop. Her body went over the handlebars and she landed on her head on the sidewalk.

  Allison screamed and ran to her daughter. Mr. Krause came out of his store and fell to his knees beside Bella's motionless body. Samantha dialed 9-1-1, praying it wasn't too late.

  Chapter Eight

  Allison rode in the ambulance with Bella, holding her limp hand as the paramedics continued to check her. She had seen many accident victims during her time as a police officer and knew how serious a head injury could be.

  After, what seemed an eternity, the ambulance pulled into the road to the emergency room. Bella was taken to a cubicle where hospital staff was waiting. Allison stepped aside, never taking her eyes off her daughter.

  Samantha arrived shortly after, followed by Mr. Krause.

  “Mr. Krause, I'm happy to see you, I don't know if you remember me.”

  “Oh, but I do remember you, Samantha. You were a favorite bookworm of Mrs. Krause. My Helga would be so proud that you are a writer yourself now.”

  Helga Krause died several years ago. She and Frederick opened the Krause Book Shop in the early sixties. They focused more on the pleasure of reading than the selling of books. Mrs. Krause captivated the children when she read stories to them. Her thick German accent added to their enjoyment. Samantha often dropped by the shop on her way home from school. The Krause’s kept a corner of the store open with a supply of books for children of all ages.

  “Mrs. Krause's appreciation of good storytelling is one of the reasons I began to write.”

  “Bella never met my Helga, but she has the same interest in reading as you had when you were her age. She stops by the shop almost every day after school. I was surprised when I saw her so early today. I was looking out the window when she took that terrible fall. She's such a special little girl, I wanted to come here to make sure she is all right.”

  “Allison is with her now. I hope she comes out soon with news of Bella's condition. Head injuries are frightening.”

  “I wonder if Mrs. Jennings knows about the accident? As soon as we hear something, I'll drive over there.”

  “It might not do much good; Allison says she won't open the door to anyone when she is alone in the house.”

  “I visit her quite often; Martha Jennings and my Helga were close. Helga made me promise I would take care of her friend after she died. I have kept that promise, although it isn't always easy. That husband of hers still has a hold over her even after his death. She does, however, allow me to sit at the kitchen table with her while we have afternoon tea.”

  “That's good to hear, I don't think Allison is aware of your visits.”

  “I don't think she is, Martha is a very private person, we talk mostly about books we've read. Helga knew some of her secrets but never revealed them to me. I get the feeling her husband was involved in something sinister. Maybe I'm letting my imagination get the better of me.”

  Samantha wondered if something sinister involved C J's accident. If Mr. Jennings was responsible for the fall, what good would it do now? He could no longer be punished and revealing it would only hurt his family.

  Allison walked through the doorway with a look of relief on her face.

  “Bella is awake; they've taken her for a CT scan. The doctor thinks it's a concussion. She told me not to yell at her because she wasn't wearing her helmet. I told her we'd talk about that and why she ditched school when she feels better. She seemed like her old self again.

  “Mr. Krause, how nice of you to be here, Bella is so fond of you, she will be glad to see you.”

  “I'm happy she will recover. I must leave to run an errand, but I will be back shortly.”

  Samantha put her arm around her friend and guided her to a chair. Allison's heart stopped racing and Samantha noticed color was returning to her cheeks.

  “Wasn't it nice of Mr. Krause to leave his shop to check on Bella?”

  “You have more friends in this town than you realize, Allison.”

  The outside doors to the waiting room opened and many of her fellow officers walked through.

  “What's happened?” she asked the captain. With this many officers in one location, she feared the hospital was in danger.

  Captain Riley smiled at her, “We're here for you Officer Jennings, the minute your daughter's accident was called into the station, we rounded up every available officer. We are here to stand by a fellow officer in trouble.”

  Allison was touched and trying her best to hold her head high and fight the urge to cry.

  One by one, each of the men approached her with words of comfort. For the first time since she joined the force, Allison felt she belonged and was part of a team. She told them Bella was going to be fine and thanked them for their offers to help.

  Captain Riley said to take as much time as she needed to be with Bella through her recovery.

  One by one, her fellow officers saluted her as they walked to the door. When the last man left the building, Allison turned to Samantha and burst into tears.

  Doctor Remington approached and told Allison the CT scan showed no signs of permanent damage. He thought it best for Bella to stay overnight for observation.

  Samantha offered to drive Allison home to pack a change of clothing for her and Bella, “or I could bring the clothes to you. That is if you trust me to pick out an outfit for you.”

 
“I trust you, in the old days, you always supervised my wardrobe. I don't think I ever went to Melbourne's Department store without you, Jody and Erin.”

  Samantha laughed thinking of the times they would wear each other's clothes. They had traded so often, she would lose track of what belonged to her and what belonged to the others. There were so many happy memories until the day C J died. Samantha still felt a tinge of pain when she thought about the tragedy.

  “On second thought, Samantha, it will freak Mother out if you are in the house without me. I'll call Decker later, he can drive me to the house and I'll get my car too.”

  “Do I sense something in the air with Officer Decker? He is a cutie.”

  “Decker? No, he is a hunk, isn't he? He's a newcomer who always treated me like his maiden aunt. Not only that, he's taken. He's engaged to a sweet little thing that can't be more than nineteen. I'm sure you'd like to see all your old friends married off but there isn't one single guy on the entire force.”

  “Bummer! I'm going to leave you to be with your daughter. If you need anything at all, please call me.”

  Allison watched Bella as she slept peacefully for about an hour. She was dozing off herself when she heard Bella's voice.

  “Mom, are you mad at me?”

  “Oh Bella, I'm not mad, I'm so happy you're going to be all right. I couldn't bear it if I lost you.”

  “You don't mean that,” Bella whispered. She looked up and her face lit up, “Grandma, you're here.”

  Allison turned to see her mother standing there looking like a scared rabbit. She was holding Mr. Krause's arm so tightly, Allison worried she was cutting off his circulation.

  “Mother, I can't believe my eyes. Mr. Krause, how did you get her out of the house?”

  “I told her Bella was hurt and she wanted to see her,” he said smiling.

  “Mother, come sit next to Bella. You can see she is looking good, she even has some color in her cheeks.” Allison stood up to let her mother take her seat.