Willie was picked up off the highway by an old farmer. The guy talked Willie’s ear off while he drove slowly to Evergreen.
“There’s an inn about a mile off the highway, son. It’s a pretty little place, I’m sure that’s the one you’re looking for.”
Willie thanked the old man and walked down the road until he came to the inn. When he was a kid, he always dreamed of living in a big house like this one. It made him feel sad and resentful that the only home he knew was in a tenement in the city. He watched from the trees as a wedding was taking place. He wondered if this was the wedding Clinton Abbott came to see. Willie strained to find his mark in the crowd but all he could see was the back of heads.
After the wedding was over, a few raindrops fell. Everyone headed indoors, and the garden was empty. While he remained out of sight, he saw Clinton Abbott walk out of the trees. He had a large envelope in his hand and placed it in the inside pocket of his suit jacket.
This is too easy, thought Willie, I’ll walk up to the guy, slip my hand into his jacket, and take the jewels. He’ll be so surprised, he won’t know I’m there until it’s all over.
As Clinton sat on a chair staring at the altar where Laura stood moments ago. She is pretty, he thought. If only she looked like her mother instead of him, things would have been different. I couldn’t make myself love her and couldn’t bear to be around her. She was a reminder of how I’d been duped into marrying Glenda. Clinton looked up and saw Willie standing before him.
“Are you following me, Willie?”
Willie was surprised Mr. Abbott recognized him and panicked. He pulled the gun out of his pocket and shot the man in the chest. He reached into Clinton’s jacket pulling out the envelope. Willie knew the envelope wasn’t heavy enough to hold the jewelry and ran carrying it with him.
Willie tried to explain that he was startled when Mr. Abbott recognized him.
“I didn’t want you to kill the guy, I only wanted the jewelry.” When he asked for his money, she laughed saying she wasn’t paying him a dime.
Willie’s dream of a leisurely life on the beaches of California disappeared that day, and he vowed revenge on Angela Jackson.
Officer Kelly read Willie his rights. Willie said he wanted to tell his story and he wouldn’t wait for the public defender to arrive. He’d been in prison before and thought it wasn’t so bad. He never worried about where his next meal would come from and he always had a nice warm place to sleep. He knew they wouldn’t send him to the electric chair because the shooting was an accident. It wasn’t his fault that Mr. Abbott moved startling Willie into pulling the trigger.
“Willie, what happened to the envelope? Did you open it?”
“No, I took it back to Westbury with me. I meant to open it, but I forgot I had it. I was going to give it to the boss lady but when she said she wasn’t gonna pay me my money, I kept it. I think I put it under my mattress in the rooming house.”
“Campbell,” Officer Kelly shouted to his partner, “we’ll need a search warrant as soon as possible.”
“I’ll get right on it,” the officer replied.
Willie was taken to a holding cell where he sat with two guys who were drying out and had no desire to talk. That was all right with Willie, he liked to daydream about the warm sand on the beach and watching the waves breaking on the shore. It was almost like being there although he’d never seen the ocean except in his mind.
“Detective Roth, Hank Kelly here.” I have a young man in custody, he has confessed to the murder of a fellow named Abbott that took place in your territory.”
Chapter Seventeen
Glenda Abbott’s health showed improvement over the next weeks. Her speech was slow but steady. Although often confused, she recognized Laura and smiled when her daughter entered her room. The staff was attentive to her needs and appreciated that she was not demanding like some of their other patients with brain injuries. Occasionally she mentioned Clinton’s name, and a sadness came over her. Laura wasn’t certain whether she comprehended that her husband was dead.
Detective Roth told Laura about the conversation he’d had with the officer who’d called him about the arrest of Willie Plank.
“He’ll be released to Hillsboro for trial. He has confessed to killing your father but insists it was accidental. His only fear is dying in the electric chair. I think the trial will be short-lived.”
“They won’t execute him, will they Dylan. I’d hate to think jewelry caused two deaths,” cried Laura.
“The chances of him being executed are slim. Officer Kelly thinks the guy is looking forward to a comfortable life in prison for the next forty years.”
“Let’s head back to Westbury, Cassie. My contact there tells me Maplewood Manor is closing its doors. I want to check the place out again and talk to Eleanor Bagley. That woman knows more than she’s telling about the goings on in the home.”
“I know you easily charm most women, Mike, but do you think you can soften up the cantankerous Ms. Bagley?”
“Did I hear you right? Did you say you think I’m charming?”
“No, I didn’t say I thought you were charming. Don’t put words in my mouth.”
The drive to Westbury had become routine for Mike. He no longer had to set his GPS. He could feel the case was ending whether or not they recovered the jewels. He felt a touch of sadness as he thought of parting ways with Cassie. He’d grown accustomed to seeing her face every day and would miss her smile.
Cassie felt melancholy. This was her first investigation, and she didn’t want it to fail. Mike would be out of her life when this job was over and she was feeling low about that too. She had to laugh at herself thinking about the first time they met. She didn’t know she could feel such dislike for another human being. Through the weeks they’d been together, she had become almost fond of the big lug. She would never admit her change of heart to Mike. He thought of her as a spoiled rich kid and would be glad to be rid of her.
As they walked through the doors of the nursing home, they spotted Eleanor Bagley’s plump legs marching down the hall with a cardboard box in her arms.
“Hello, Ms. Bagley,” said Cassie, “do you remember my partner Mike and me? I’m Cassandra Cross, we are investigating the theft of some jewelry stolen by Mr. Clinton Abbott, the husband of your former resident, Glenda Abbott.”
“I don’t know about any jewelry. If you will excuse me, I’m on my way out of here. In case you didn’t know, the state has shut the doors to Maplewood Manor thanks to the Abbott family.”
“I’m sorry about the loss of your job, Eleanor, may I call you Eleanor?”
“I’ll bet you’re sorry. If it hadn’t been for all you people snooping around here, this place would still be open and I’d have been able to work until I could retire next September.”
“May I carry the box to your car?” Mike asked sweetly.
“Don’t touch my things,” she snapped.
“I wouldn’t touch your things but your reaction makes me wonder if you are carrying some expensive jewelry in there.”
“Hey! I had nothing to do with conning money out of Mr. Abbott. That was all Angela Jackson’s doing, I’m not a crook.”
“No one is calling you a crook Mrs. Bagley. Maybe you would feel better if you told us what you know about the operation here at Maplewood Manor,” said Cassie.
“Yes, I think I would feel better. Will you two come into my office? I have done nothing wrong except keep quiet about everything that has gone on here for years.
“It all started when Dr. Wilson’s father bought the place from some middle eastern tycoon. Dr. Wilson is not a good doctor and never was. His daddy, Everett Wilson, thought if he put his son in charge of a fancy home for old rich folks, it would give him the respectability he needed to succeed. His daddy knew many families of the wealthy seniors living in Westbury. He also knew they weren’t the type of people who cared for their elderly relatives. They’d have them put up here and then never come to see them
again. Mr. Wilson knew this about them and that’s why he’d chose who came here and who were told there was no room for their loved ones.
“These old people were ignored by most of the staff. A few of the aide’s watched over the residents and took care of their basic needs. When the place was first open, the thirty beds were filled. Dr. Wilson complained about having too much work to do and vacant beds were not filled when the poor souls died.
“I hired staff although Dr. Wilson had the final say. I interviewed many capable nurses and aides but the morally deficient doctor turned down anyone who didn’t look like a fashion model. Finally, I only interviewed the young and pretty ones no matter what their qualifications.
“Angela Jackson was the doctor’s favorite. She thought she would be the latest Mrs. Wilson, but I knew better. Angela wasn’t a dummy, she knew the maintenance on the pool alone was costing a small fortune. The residents never used the pool, mind you, it was strictly for the pleasure of Dr. Wilson and his nurses.”
“How did Angela feel about the doctor’s attention to the other women on staff?” asked Cassie.
“Oh, she didn’t like it but she thought once they were married, she would be the only one in his life,” replied Eleanor with a chuckle.
“Angela had no trouble persuading the families of those remaining their loved ones would be helped from bogus and expensive therapy. They wrote out checks with no qualms because they didn’t want to be bothered.
“Glenda Abbott differed from the others. Her husband visited her daily; it was obvious he was madly in love with his wife. I don’t know the part he played in her accident, but he carried the burden of guilt. I’ve heard he didn’t stop her from leaving the party the night she drove off the road.
“Angela was charming when she wanted to be, and she used that charm on Mr. Abbott. His wife was in a coma when she first arrived and he was vulnerable to the attention she gave him. She convinced the man that his wife was improving and moving her to another nursing facility would destroy any progress she’d made.
“Mr. Clinton Abbott came from an old monied family. In researching his wealth, I discovered he had never held a job and lived off his inheritance. Because of his and Glenda’s elaborate lifestyle, the money had dwindled. Selling his home kept Glenda in Maplewood Manor for a time but that money was running out too.
“Glenda had been here for over a year when her condition improved. She spoke in fractured sentences and could walk with help. Angela knew the woman could easily transition to a rehabilitation facility but the lure of the Abbott money was too enticing.
“Soon after Glenda’s improved, her mental health deteriorated. I can’t prove it, but I believe Angela was administering sedatives to the woman.”
“Eleanor, do you know what prompted Angela to threaten Glenda’s life?” Cassie asked.
“No, but I suspect Glenda overheard Angela discussing Mr. Abbott’s financial situation. I know it was Angela’s idea to have Mr. Abbott swindle Mrs. Elvira Welker out of her jewelry collection.”
“How much do you know about the missing jewelry?” asked Cassie.
“I had nothing to do with the heist if that’s what you think. I know my limitations in this world. I wasn’t blessed with good looks or a pleasing personality. The security of my job relies on my ability to listen and observe. I know Dr. Wilson’s father pays off the state inspector every year. I also know daddy dearest is fed up with his son and has threatened to cut off his allowance. Angela wasn’t planning to cash in on the stolen jewelry, she was going to take the money and run off with the doctor.
Eleanor remembered the slip of paper the housekeeper retrieved from under Glenda Abbott’s mattress. The pieces fell into place; the number is a post office box. She surmised Mr. Abbott’s belongings held a key to the box. Perhaps these folks had the key, but she had the location and number.
Eleanor gave Mike a sly look, “Mister insurance investigator is there a reward for information leading to the recovery of the jewelry?”
“Possibly,” replied Mike, “if the information was obtained legally. However, if it was fraudulently acquired from another’s possession, it could lead to the arrest of the informer.”
“Oh, I meant nothing by that question.” Eleanor wanted nothing to do with the jewelry or any involvement in its return.
“I remember,” Eleanor said. “The housekeeper found a slip of paper under Mrs. Abbott’s mattress. I put it in my drawer and forgot it was there. Maybe it means something to someone.” Eleanor pulled the paper out of its hiding place under the top drawer of her desk and handed it to Cassie.
“Thank you, Eleanor, you have been helpful. Good luck in finding another job quickly,” said Cassie.
Cassie and Mike walked to the car. Mike let out a victory cheer when they were out of hearing range of the home.
“The old biddy saved us a lot of time researching the key and where Clinton Abbott stashed the jewelry.”
When they returned to Evergreen, they went directly to the post office where the key easily opened the box. Mike pulled out a large satchel filled with two million dollars’ worth of jewelry.
“Maybe we should hire an armored car to get this back to Mrs. Welker,” Cassie said in all seriousness. Although Mike assured her no one followed them, she would feel much better when the jewelry was in the police’s possession.
They said their goodbyes to the friends they’d made in Evergreen.
“Mike, we’d love to have you and Cassie join our community here. If you decide to resettle here, let me know and I’ll fix you up with office space.”
“Thanks, Travis, maybe someday I’ll take you up on your offer.
Laura hugged Cassie. “I wish we’d gotten to know each other better. I’m so grateful to you and Mike for finding the jewelry. I had no idea my father would do what he did. If it hadn’t been returned to Mrs. Welker, I don’t think I’d have been able to live with myself.”
“Laura, you are not responsible for your father’s actions. I think the man was desperate to help your mother by keeping her in the place he thought was best. I’m happy she is here with you; maybe you and she can heal together. You might never know what made your mother neglect you for so many years but I can see the love in her eyes when she looks at you now.”
Mrs. Welker was so happy to have her jewelry again she insisted on giving Mike and Cassie a reward.
“We were doing our job, Mrs. Welker. However, if you insist on rewarding someone, may I suggest you give it to a young housekeeper by the name of Marcella. If it hadn’t been for her, we might not have found your jewelry.”
Mike checked out of the Coventry Hill Inn. Cassie thanked Jenny for her hospitality and understanding why she and Mike had been untruthful about their relationship. Jenny and Greg encouraged her to visit Evergreen again. Jenny promised the same room would be available to her.
“Well, kid, this is where we part ways. You were a better partner than I thought you’d be. I still think you should go home, marry some rich guy and raise a passel of kids.”
“Whatever you say Mr. Callahan. I won’t tell you what I think you should do,” Cassie said trying to ignore the ache in her heart as she drove one way and he the other.
Chapter Eighteen
Officer Hank Kelly was writing his report concerning the arrest of Willie Plank. He dismissed Willie’s mention of the envelope he’d lifted from Clinton Abbott’s jacket pocket. He wondered if it was possible Clinton was responsible for some other unsolved thefts in town. On his way home from the station, he stopped by the rooming house where Willie stayed before his arrest.
“Hello, Officer,” said the tall, robust woman who opened the door. “I hope none of my tenants are in trouble with the law. I run a tight ship here and my boys know I won’t put up with any nonsense.”
“No, ma’am, I’m not here about your current tenants. Willie Plank said he stuffed an envelope under his mattress. I wonder if you found it?”
“Willie Plank, he fooled me, he a
ppeared harmless and turned out to be a murderer. I was wrong about that one. He left abruptly, and I put all his possessions in a box in the basement. I keep the things folks leave behind for a year and then get rid of them. Willie didn’t leave much but you are welcome to take the box with you.”
The old lady was correct, Willie didn’t leave much behind. There were a few clothes and some personal items he wouldn’t need while serving his time. He also found a thick envelope addressed to Laura Abbott. Hank Kelly prided himself on abiding by the rules of the police department and, although tempted, chose not to open the envelope.
Instead, he called Detective Roth the next day telling him a courier would deliver the letter to him.
“I know you will share any information in the letter that pertains to possible criminal activity.”
Dylan assured the officer he would and assured him that Laura Abbott was an honest woman and it would be unlike her to hold back any information to help the police.
“Mother, you look pretty today,” said Laura. “You have color in your cheeks after your walk on the grounds this morning.”
Glenda Abbott smiled at her daughter. Her speech was improving more each day. She took hold of Laura’s hand and touched the diamond on her finger. “Pretty,” she said looking sadly at her own naked finger.
“Mother, are you looking for your rings?”
“No, Angela took them away. I don’t like Angela.”
“Mother, Angela can’t hurt you anymore. You are safe now.”
Her mother smiled again, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.
Laura knew her mother’s rings might never be found assuming Angela sold them.
Murder at Coventry Hill Inn Page 9
