Murder at Coventry Hill Inn

by Jane T O'Brien

  Mike couldn’t admit it to himself but he liked the room they were staying in too. It reminded him of visiting his great-grandmother when he was a kid. She always had handmade quilts on every bed in her home. He and his brother, Matt, jumped on the big feather beds until their mother said the plaster would drop from the ceiling if they didn’t knock it off. Life seemed so simple back then. Cassie was right when she called him cynical. He wondered when he changed from the carefree kid to the distrustful man he’d become.

  Cassie packed a few belongings. She would miss this room. It was true she shared it with the most exasperating man she’d ever known but she loved the lace curtains covering the windows overlooking the beautiful garden below. I would love to come back here in the spring. I hope Jenny will welcome my return when she discovers Mike and I are deceiving her about our relationship and the real purpose of our visit.

  Cassie opened the package she’d bought on impulse at Buds and Blooms. It was unlike her to do anything on impulse but Mike’s comment about the price irritated her. She would give it to Mrs. McNulty, the housekeeper at home in Newcastle. She knew Mr. McNulty enjoyed feeding the squirrels on the grounds while he tended to the gardens. Her first thought was to display the squirrel on the dressing table to aggravate Mike but she thought better of it and packed it away and out of sight.

  Chapter Seven

  “Dr. Wilson might fight you on that, dear,” said Alec. “My offer of paying for her to stay in Maplewood Manor still stands.”

  “Thank you, Alec, I think Dr. Wilson has gotten enough of the Abbott money, we’ll let someone else pay for his luxury facility.”

  “Mrs. Danforth,” said the receptionist, “I don’t see your name on the visitor’s list today. Did you schedule an appointment to see Mrs. Abbott?”

  “What are you saying? I need an appointment to visit my mother? That’s ridiculous! It’s one o’clock in the afternoon, why would I need an appointment.”

  “It’s Maplewood Manor policy to schedule your visits. I believe Dr. Wilson was lenient when you visited earlier because you were from out-of-town.”

  “I demand to see my mother. Unless you want me to call the authorities, you will let me pass.”

  The receptionist made a quick call and pressed the button opening the secured door.

  Angela Jackson, the caregiver assigned to Mrs. Abbott, stood by the private room door.

  “This visit is highly irregular, Mrs. Danforth. We at Maplewood Manor keep a strict schedule for our residents and we can’t allow impromptu visits.”

  “I won’t argue with you, Angela, isn’t it time for your coffee break? I want to speak to my mother privately.”

  Angela, who had been the image of sweetness and light on their last visit, stomped down the hall in a controlled rage. “Dr. Wilson will have my head if he finds out about this.”

  “Mother, it’s Laura. I would like you to come home with me. Alec and I live near Hillsboro. There are many nice places for you to stay there and I will visit you often. Do you think you would like that?”

  Glenda looked in her daughter’s eyes. “I know you, you’re my daughter.”

  “Yes, Mother, I’m Laura.”

  “I’m sorry, Clinton, I’m so sorry.” Glenda cried.

  “Mother, Clinton is dead, I’m Laura, your daughter.”

  The tears stopped and Glenda stared at the blank television set.

  “I know I mean nothing to her but I’m getting her out of this place as soon as possible,” said Laura.

  Alec put his arm around his wife. He wanted to protect her from the rejection she experienced with both her mother and father. It was true he loved her but even if that wasn’t the case, he knew she was a wonderful woman and didn’t deserve the treatment given her by her parents.

  Laura had long ago given up on the idea she and her parents would be a happy family. She had hidden away in her books for so long because she felt she wasn’t worthy of being loved. Since moving back to Hillsboro and renewing her relationship with Alec, she could finally open her heart to others.

  Maybe it was a mistake to move her mother to the Hillsboro area. Laura had a bad feeling about Maplewood Manor. Her mother might never recover from her accident and might never show affection for Laura but she couldn’t let her live where she was cared for only by professionals.

  The Kincaid jet was waiting for them at the airport. The flight home was uneventful, and the travelers were glad to be back in familiar territory.

  Luke was waiting for Molly when she stepped off the plane. He took her in his arms. “Next time, I’m going with you, I don’t enjoy being apart,” he said.

  Chapter Eight

  The door to the Welker mansion was opened by an older gentleman whose posture replicated that of a tin soldier.

  “Good morning, sir,” said Mike. He introduced himself and Cassie as Michael Callahan and Cassandra Cross, representing Gillespie Insurance Company. There was no need to conceal their identity while speaking with the victim of a jewelry thief. “Mrs. Welker is expecting us.”

  “Please come in, Mrs. Welker and her companion Elisha Small will be with you momentarily.”

  The doorman led them to a pleasant but formal living area where the antique Victorian rose carved chair was ill-suited to Mike’s large frame. Cassie fought the impulse to laugh at her partner and his discomfort.

  Several minutes passed before a woman in her early sixties guided a stout, older lady through the mahogany double doors to the room.

  “I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” said Elvira Welker as she slowly walked toward her visitors. Mike and Cassie both stood to greet the woman. “Please sit, Mr. Callahan, not in that rickety old chair, let’s sit near the fire.”

  Mike was relieved as he walked toward a more comfortable easy chair. He and Cassie waited until Mrs. Welker was seated before they sat.

  “You’re here about that scoundrel Clinton Abbott, aren’t you? I knew his parents, they were lovely people. They would turn over in their graves if they knew their son was a thief.

  “Elisha, dear, tell these fine young people what a fool I was to fall for the silver-tongued devil.”

  “No, Mrs. Welker, Mr. Abbott fooled me too. He was a charming man and brought a light to Mrs. Welker’s eyes when he visited.”

  “Mrs. Welker,” Cassie asked, “how did it happen that Mr. Abbott came to visit you? Were you acquainted with his wife, Glenda, also?” Cassie noted although the woman struggled physically, her mind appeared sharp.

  “I’d met Mrs. Abbott several times through the years, she and Clinton traveled all over the world. My late husband, Arthur, would often fret about the young daughter who was left behind while her parents were globetrotting.

  “The last social function I attended before my physical disabilities took over was the party held at the home of Estelle and Edward Palmer. That was the evening Glenda Abbott made a fool of herself chasing after a friend of Edward. Poor Clinton, he ignored his wife’s behavior and didn’t stop her when she left the party and drove off the road.”

  “Was Mr. Abbott in the habit of visiting with you, Mrs. Welker?”

  “Oh, no, Clinton was always cordial at social functions but we weren’t close friends by any means. My Arthur didn’t hold the Abbotts in high regard. He often said Clinton didn’t know the meaning of the word work and it would be his downfall one day.

  “I don’t remember exactly when Clinton called upon me. I was surprised to hear from him and met with him out of curiosity. He said Glenda had been in Maplewood Manor for close to four years. He confided that he was forced to sell their home to pay for her care. He wasn’t complaining, mind you, he said it in a matter-of-fact way.

  “We had a pleasant conversation that afternoon, and I invited him to lunch the following day. His visits became a regular part of my day and I looked forward to his chatter about the marvelous times he and Glenda had in all the exotic places around the world. Mr. Welker was a wonderful husband and provider but he had no interest
in travel.

  “Didn’t he tell the most glorious stories, Elisha? I know he was a scoundrel but I miss his company.”

  Elisha patted her bosses hand. It was obvious she missed Clinton’s visits too.

  “How did Mr. Abbott know about your jewelry collection, Mrs. Welker?” asked Mike.

  “Oh, my, young man, everyone knew of my fondness for fine jewels. My collection rivals that of the queen of England,” she said proudly. “I can no longer attend social functions and forced to lock them in the safe only looking at them occasionally.”

  “Mr. Callahan,” said Elisha, “Mrs. Welker trusted Mr. Abbott. I knew she had given him the combination to the safe. I was apprehensive at first but Mr. Abbott seemed like an upstanding gentleman who enjoyed Mrs. Welker’s company.

  “Mrs. Welker’s jewelry collection is large and neither of us noticed when a piece or two turned up missing. A favorite piece was a bracelet with at least ten karats of round-cut diamonds. It was appraised at twenty-four thousand dollars but its sentimental value meant more to Mrs. Welker than the cost.”

  “Yes, of all my fine jewels, I loved that bracelet the most. My Arthur presented it to me on our fiftieth wedding anniversary. He said it represented the never-ending sparkle I brought into his life. He slipped the bracelet on my wrist and I could see the reflection of the diamonds in his eyes as he took my hand in his. Arthur wasn’t much for sentiment or romance but I knew then why I’d loved that man from the moment we met.” Mrs. Welker’s eyes filled with unshed tears as she spoke.

  “You didn’t notice your jewelry was missing until you looked for the bracelet, is that correct?”

  “That is correct, I know I’m a foolish old woman. When Elisha couldn’t find my bracelet, we thought I’d misplaced it. Elisha pulled out all the cases, and we realized several pieces were missing.”

  “That was when we called Mr. Fox,” said Elisha.

  “Abner Fox is my attorney,” added Mrs. Welker. “Abner has a list of all my jewelry. He compared it to what was in the containers and discovered I’d been robbed. The servants are all long term, trusted members of the staff. I know they would never steal from me. Elisha is the only one on staff who knew the combination to the safe and I’d trust her with my life.”

  “Mr. Callahan, Ms. Cross, I didn’t take Mrs. Welker’s jewelry. I’ll submit to a lie detector test,” Elisha said nervously.

  “Elisha, no one is accusing you of theft,” said Cassie. “Where was Mr. Abbott when the jewelry was discovered missing?”

  “Clinton left the day before. He told us his daughter was getting married upstate and he would be gone for a few days. He was gone all right, and my gems were gone along with him. Abner insisted I put in a claim, I’ll withdraw it if you’d like me to. The money is of little interest. I’d have given Clinton the money if he’d asked. I wish he hadn’t betrayed my trust.”

  Cassie felt sympathy for the woman. She trusted her friend, and he deceived her. She saw the look of pity on Mike’s face. Maybe he isn’t as cynical as I thought. I’d better be the one to tell her about Clinton Abbott’s death. I think I can soften the blow.

  “Mrs. Welker, I’m afraid I have some sad news to tell you,” said Cassie. “Mr. Abbott did attend his daughter’s wedding, however, he was shot and killed the same day.”

  “Oh, my, Clinton is dead?” The thought of the missing jewelry was far from Mrs. Welker’s mind.

  Elisha gasped in disbelief. Cassie wondered if the companion had developed a crush on Clinton Abbott. Could she have conspired with Clinton in the theft? No, she was adamant about taking a lie detector test. Maybe that was an act. Regardless of her involvement, she is visibly upset at the news of Clinton’s death.

  “Mrs. Welker,” said Mike, “Ms. Cross and I have taken up enough of your time. I’m sorry for your loss and I assure you we will do everything in our power to recover your jewelry. Unfortunately, it might be too late.”

  “My jewels seem unimportant now, Mr. Callahan. Poor Clinton is dead, I know he swindled me but that is not important anymore.”

  Cassie and Mike left the mansion. As they drove away, Mike said, “For a rich old broad, Mrs. Welker is a cool lady.”

  “Gee, Mr. Callahan, what do you have against the rich, you sound like a snob.”

  Mike glanced at the clothes Cassie was wearing. I’m far from a fashion expert but I suspect my partner buys quality stuff. I’d bet she’s a little rich girl who is slumming with the working class as a lark. He knew that wasn’t the case, but he was running out of reasons to dislike the beauty sitting next to him.

  Chapter Nine

  “Hey Boss, it’s me. I’m leavin’ Abbott’s motel room now before the manager catches me. There ain’t no fancy jewelry here. I didn’t find nothin’. The guy traveled light, just a few clothes.”

  “Did you find anything that incriminates me?”

  “I didn’t find nothin’ I tell ya. I’m gettin’ outta here before I get caught. I’m not goin’ to the slammer for breakin’ and enterin’.”

  “They’d better not find any evidence you overlooked. If they do, you’ll wish you were in a nice safe cell and not dealing with my displeasure.”

  He shivered at the thought, he knew the boss would make him pay. He was already in trouble for knocking off the rich guy before finding out where he stashed the jewelry. Maybe I should cut my losses and move to Mexico where the boss can’t find me.

  “Laura,” said Detective Dylan Roth, “the manager of the Gate’s Motel called to report a robbery in one of his rooms. It doesn’t look like anything was taken but the room is demolished. The officers found a copy of an article announcing your wedding. Your father was registered at the motel. Someone has been searching for the jewelry he is accused of stealing.”

  “I didn’t know my father well but I find it hard to believe he would resort to stealing to keep my mother in that place. Alec’s attorney is working on a court order so my mother can be released. I have found a suitable nursing home for her. It’s different from the resort she’s in now but it’s in Evergreen where I can visit her.

  “The coroner has released my father’s body. He will be cremated and buried here. I don’t know if he had afterlife wishes, I can only hope he wouldn’t object to the plan.”

  Dylan felt sympathy for Laura. He couldn’t imagine what her childhood was like with parents who didn’t seem to care about her. She overcame her early years and was a well-loved and respected member of the Evergreen community.

  Travis Kincaid, who was instrumental in the development of Evergreen, arranged for Clinton Abbott’s burial in a plot under an oak tree by the river. When the time came, Glenda Abbott would be buried next to her husband.

  “Laura, there is room for more graves if you and Alec would like them saved.”

  “Thank you, Travis, my parents never wanted me around when they were alive, I don’t want to be with them after I die.”

  Laura was touched when her friends joined Alec and her at the gravesite for an informal service followed by Clinton’s ashes being buried in the ground.

  With the papers in hand. Laura and Alec set off for Westbury. Her mother would be transported by ambulance to the nursing home in Evergreen.

  Dr. Wilson was informed of Glenda Abbott’s transfer. He didn’t like it but there wasn’t anything he could do about it. Lately, it was becoming harder to admit people who could afford to pay the exorbitant fees required for residency at Maplewood Manor. Didn’t their loved ones realize these old folks deserved to live their last days in luxury? It didn’t matter that only he and his nurses made use of the swimming pool and well-stocked bar. It was one benefit of working for the good doctor.

  It was expected any resident of Maplewood might succumb to a medical condition and no one questioned the deaths that occurred. Dr. Richard Wilson had all the credentials on his walls. The families assumed he’d kept current on improvements in medicine and Dr. Wilson saw no reason to tell them differently. It didn’t matter that he gradua
ted at the bottom of his class in medical school or that he was forced out of the residency programs in three hospitals before he made it through. He didn’t relish being around old people and that was why he paid his staff well. He had top-notch nurses, and it was a plus if they were beauties too.

  Richard remembered Glenda Abbott before the accident. She was a looker. Old Clinton was a lucky dog. Richard tried his best to strike up more than a casual acquaintance with Glenda. Unlike most of the women he met at social functions of the country club set, Glenda only had eyes for Clinton Abbott.

  Looking at her now with her stringy, colorless hair and bloated body, made him cringe. It was through the grapevine that Richard learned Clinton Abbott was almost penniless. He knew the man was forced to sell his home to pay for his wife’s time at Maplewood Manor. Dr. Wilson didn’t care as long as he benefitted from the transaction. The old guy squandered his family’s money and never worked a day in his life. It serves him right.

  “Dr. Wilson,” came the voice of his long-time office assistant. “Mrs. Danforth is here with legal papers, she insists on moving her mother up north to a suburb near Hillsboro. She’s arranged for an ambulance to transport her. What should I do?”

  “We must let Mrs. Abbott go. I can stall her a couple days by insisting our attorney look over the papers but there isn’t anything we can do to stop her.” Maybe I can charm her into changing her mind. I hate to see that beautiful Danforth money get away.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Danforth, please have a seat. Where is your friend, Molly, isn’t it?” asked Dr. Wilson.