The members of the group began to look around at each other, clearly confused. Brigid pushed to the front with Linc close behind. She hurried to the guide’s side to see if there was anything she could do. Shavonne was visibly trembling and was having trouble holding herself together.
“Oh my god,” Brigid said when she saw the man’s bloodied chest. She turned away quickly. She’d seen enough to know what had happened. The blood stain and his unnatural pallor indicated that the man was dead.
Three people came rushing over. One looked like he was a groundskeeper, and the other two appeared to be security. They said something to Shavonne while she was trying to collect herself.
“I’m sorry, but we’re going to have to cut the tour short. Please follow me to the main hall. We’ll give you all full refunds. Right this way,” she said. Although her complexion was dark, her face had attained an unnatural pallor. Her eyes were watery and her lower lip trembled uncontrollably.
“Did you see that?” Brigid whispered to Linc.
“Yeah, that guy’s been shot,” Linc said, clearly in shock. His eyes were wide with surprise. Brigid had almost gotten used to seeing lifeless bodies. Not that she was proud of the fact, but she’d forgotten that Linc hadn’t been with her the other times when she’d discovered a murder victim. Still, the eerie stillness of the man’s lifeless body was unsettling.
Brigid nodded. “I wonder what happened to him,” she began. She ran her hand along Linc’s arm, trying to help him focus on something else.
“Oh, no. I know that look. Don’t even think about it. Let the police do their job. You’re here on our honeymoon, remember?” Linc said warily. His color was starting to come back, which was good. She was worried Linc was going to pass out or get sick.
“Yeah, I know,” Brigid sighed, but she couldn’t get the image of the man out of her mind. What had Shavonne said his name was? Mark? Their group was directed away from the scene and led to where they were issued refunds and given vouchers to the gift shop.
Many in their tour group wasted no time leaving the Alamo. They’d seen more than enough and were afraid they might get caught up in the investigation. As the room began to empty, a police officer took Shavonne to the side and asked her a few questions before walking away. Brigid watched the interaction and waited until they had finished.
“I think we should go,” Linc began. “Maybe we can see what else is around here. I think I saw a wax museum nearby.”
“Wait a minute. I want to make sure our tour guide’s okay,” Brigid said, nodding in her direction. “And I’d like to visit the gift shop. Maybe I can use the voucher they gave us for some souvenirs or something. Might as well put it to good use.”
Linc gave her a look that said he wasn’t buying it, but he nodded anyway.
Brigid approached Shavonne, “Excuse me. I’m sorry to bother you, are you alright?” she asked gently.
The woman nodded. “Yeah, I think so. I just can’t believe anyone would do something like this,” she said sniffling. She brushed a few tears off her cheeks.
“Do the police suspect foul play?” Brigid asked carefully.
Shavonne nodded. “I think so. I mean, I’m sure they’re going to explore all the possibilities. It’s not like Mark would have a reason to do this to himself.” She shivered, running her hands over her arms. “I used to think this place was safe.”
“I’m sure it is,” Brigid reassured. “Were you two friends?”
The woman shrugged. “As friendly as co-workers are, you know? I didn’t hate the guy. Oh, I just remembered something. I think he was seeing a girl from the gift shop. She must be a wreck. Poor Zoey,” she said shaking her head.
“Take care of yourself,” Brigid said as she walked away. She looked over at Linc who was busy examining something in a display case, so she hurried over to the nearest officer. “Excuse me, do you think the young man was murdered?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not at liberty to discuss it,” he said apologetically.
“Have you spoken to his girlfriend in the gift shop?” she asked. That seemed to get the officer’s attention.
“He has a girlfriend that works here?” he asked, then he said, “Come with me.” He began to speak into his radio calling someone named Detective Brewer to meet him outside. Brigid looked over at Linc who was watching her leave with the officer.
“What did you do?” Linc mouthed. Brigid just shrugged, and he followed them at a distance.
A man who looked to be somewhere in his late forties or early fifties met them outside the wooden doors. He wasn’t in uniform. Instead, he wore a blue and white plaid shirt and a pair of slacks. He extended his hand to Brigid.
“My name is Detective Brewer. My officer tells me you have information about the deceased.”
Brigid shook his hand and then cleared her throat. “My name’s Brigid Olson. I found out the man has a girlfriend who works in the gift shop. Her name is Zoey,” she offered.
“And you know this how?” he asked as he began writing in his notebook.
“I spoke to the tour guide,” she said simply. Detective Brewer gave the officer a long disapproving look before turning back to Brigid.
“You spoke to the tour guide?” he repeated.
Brigid shrugged. “People just tell me things. That’s why I help out on criminal cases where I’m from.”
“Do you now?” the detective said as he tapped his pen on his teeth. “And where are you from?” he asked, his pen hovering over the notebook.
“Cottonwood Springs, Colorado,” Brigid said. “I assist the sheriff, his name is Corey Davis, with verifying alibis and things of that nature. I’d be more than happy to offer my assistance,” she said easily.
Detective Brewer seemed to really look at Brigid then. “I appreciate that Ms…”
“Mrs. Brigid Olson,” she offered.
“Mrs. Olson, I hope you understand, but I can’t just take your word for it. I’d need to speak with this Sheriff Davis first, and it would help if you knew someone locally who worked with the police department to vouch for you as well,” he said eyeing her.
“Of course,” she said as she pulled out her cell phone. She quickly found Corey Davis’ number and hit send.
“Hey Brigid,” he said after a few rings. “I thought ya’ was on yer’ honeymoon.”
“I am. Long story short, there’s been a murder, and I need you to speak to this detective. Let him know I can help, would you?” she asked.
“Sheesh, Brigid, only you can go on yer’ honeymoon and end up helpin’ with a murder investigation,” he sighed. “I’m sure Linc ain’t too happy about this, but put the detective on the phone.”
Brigid handed the phone over to the detective who took it, looking surprised. He walked a few steps away, and spoke with Sheriff Davis for a few moments before turning back and handing her the phone.
“Sheriff Davis spoke highly of you,” he said simply. “You wouldn’t happen to have anyone on your phone that’s a local cop, would you?”
“Actually, I do have someone,” she said touching her finger to her chin.
“The B & B we’re staying at is run by one of your own who’s retired. His name is John,” Linc offered as he stepped forward. Brigid smiled up at him.
“I know John,” the detective said. “So you think he’ll speak highly of you if I call him?” Detective Brewer asked. Brigid nodded. “I believe so,” she said.
Detective Brewer sighed. “Well, you got more information than my guys did in half the time. With a murder taking place at a high-profile location like this, I’m going to need all the help I can get to wrap it up quickly. Don’t go bragging to the press, though,” he said finally. He seemed reluctant, but grateful, for whatever help she might be able to provide.
“No problem,” Brigid said nodding. “My lips are sealed.” She understood. The police never wanted details leaked to the press before they were able to find the murderer. Otherwise, it made their job just that much harder.
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“Great. Sheriff Davis said you’re good at finding suspects. If you can ask around and get me a list, I’d be grateful. Here’s my card,” he said as he pulled one from his wallet. Give me a call when you have something.”
Brigid nodded as she took it. “Not a problem. I promise you won’t regret this,” she said.
“I hope not,” Detective Brewer said as he walked towards the crime scene.
Brigid sighed. Somehow, she’d once again found herself in the middle of a murder investigation. At least this time, the victim wasn’t someone she knew.
CHAPTER 12
“Brigid, I really don’t think you should get involved in this,” Linc said apprehensively. They were standing in the courtyard of the Alamo, the sun getting higher in the sky. His face was filled with concern. “Let’s go get some lunch or something. Let these guys do their job, and we’ll stay out of their way.”
“Linc, you know I can’t leave this alone. Think about this poor man’s family and friends. There have to be people who care about him. You know how hard the sheriff’s department back home works, and Cottonwood Springs is just a small little town. Can you imagine how overworked these guys are? Not to mention all the other stuff they’re dealing with. The police are human, too.
“If I can help in any way…,” she let her sentence trail off, her face bunched in worry. She had so much sympathy for law enforcement. It was a hard job that often didn’t get much praise. If she could help, even in the slightest way, she felt it was her way to give back to the community.
“I know. You feel that you need to help,” he sighed. He ran his hand down his face and turned away, pacing slightly. Brigid could see he was deep in thought. He always did that when he was carefully weighing his options about something. Linc may have been a thrill seeker but he wasn’t reckless. There was nothing he disliked more than being uncertain.
As he paced back and forth across the pavement, Brigid wondered if she’d be able to just drop the investigation if he insisted. She loved him more than anything, but doing these sorts of investigations had gotten into her blood. It wouldn’t be easy to walk away from it if he refused to support her. But she also knew there was no way she could go against him. If he truly wanted her to stay out of it, she’d have to find a way to be okay with it.
Relationships were all about give and take. There was no way she wanted to start their marriage with a fight just because she wanted to get involved in something that had nothing to do with her besides being in the right place at the wrong time. When he turned back to her, she held her breath in anticipation
“When we finish this, can we get back to our honeymoon?”
Brigid could see the worry on his face and felt terrible for putting him in this position. It wasn’t as if she went around looking for people who’d been murdered, but once she discovered a murder, she felt she had to do something to help solve the crime. It felt like it was her duty.
“Yes, absolutely,” she nodded. “We find the suspects, get their alibis, and see what shakes loose. After that, we focus totally on you and me.” She stepped forward and put her hand on his chest before giving him a kiss. “I promise.”
“Okay, then,” he agreed with a sigh. “I don’t want to try to change you, and this is a part of who you are. I knew it when I married you, and so I have to stay true to my word as well as to you. Let’s do this investigation.”
“You mean, you’re going to help?” Brigid asked surprised. Linc had helped out the first time she’d been involved in a murder, but since that one he’d mostly been a cheerleader. To have him by her side was really something.
“Of course. Although we probably should have put this sort of thing in our vows. In sickness and in health, through murder investigations and kidnapping cases, till death do us part,” he said with a laugh.
“Thank you, Linc,” Brigid said, relieved. She felt the tension in her shoulders melt away. “I don’t know if I could have relaxed if I didn’t try to help even a little. It’s almost like it was a sign. What are the odds that we show up here and are on the tour when a murder victim is found?”
“I know, which is one of the things I love about you,” he said with a smile. “You’re so selfless and brave, although sometimes a little too brave,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “But you have a heart of gold, and I know you only want to help.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Brigid said easily, even though she knew exactly what he was referring to. “I don’t do brave stuff,” she scoffed. There had been a couple of times when she’d simply reacted without any thought for her own safety. It was a bad habit, but it had also helped her catch the bad guy more than once. Who knows how many times sheer luck had kept her out of harm’s way?
“I think we should give the police officials a little bit of space, though. You don’t want to step on anyone’s toes or get in the way,” Linc suggested. “Looks like they have quite a bit going on right now. We wouldn’t want to accidentally mess up the murder scene while they’re looking for clues.”
“You’re right,” Brigid said as she looked at all of the people in uniform who were milling around. “Let’s go back to the B & B and get something to eat. I want to grab my notebook, so I can keep everything straight. These aren’t people I know, so there will be a lot of names I’ll have to remember.” She wrapped her hand around Linc’s arm, and they started to walk out to the parking lot.
“I’m starting to think you like this sort of thing,” Linc said as they walked together. “I’ve always wondered why you take a notebook with you wherever you go. Now I know. It’s in case you happen to find someone murdered.”
“I don’t like it that someone was murdered, Linc,” she chastised. “And I always carry a notebook. You never know when you may want to write something down.”
“I’m not saying you like it when people are murdered, but I think you do like doing this private eye stuff. And honestly? You’re pretty good at it,” he said, almost proudly.
“Why thank you,” Brigid said with a grin. “Maybe I just have one of those faces people like to tell stuff to. But I still really love being an editor, you know that.”
“Maybe,” Linc said. “But you’re a natural at this investigation stuff. Maybe you missed your true calling.”
Brigid opened her mouth to answer him, but she was cut short by the sound of someone crying out. They both turned to see what the commotion was. A young woman was being supported by an officer. Her grief was so overwhelming, she was having trouble standing up. Brigid’s heart melted for the woman who must have been close to the victim. Her hair was hanging down in her face as her body tried to collapse. She shook with emotion.
“That poor girl,” Brigid said. She wondered what the relationship was between the girl and the victim. Her mind wanted to find out, so she could put the pieces together. She wanted to ask the young woman questions and see if she could help find justice for her friend.
An older woman in a pantsuit moved toward the young woman and placed her hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t you dare touch me!” she screamed. The older woman raised her hands as if to show she meant no harm and backed away. “You did this, didn’t you?” the girl screamed. “You knew he couldn’t ever love a shriveled-up old woman when he had me, so you killed him. You killed him! How could you?” she cried out as she began to collapse again.
It was as if it had taken all her strength to lash out at the woman and then she was spent. The officer who was holding her walked her to a nearby bench in the shade where she could sit down, probably so he wouldn’t have to continue holding her up. The girl continued sobbing which could be heard across the courtyard.
“I just want to...” Brigid began as she turned to Linc, and he shook his head. He didn’t need her to finish her sentence. Her intentions were as plain on her face as if they were written there.
“Go ahead. I’ll be in the car cooling it down. Try not to take too long. We want to head to the B & B and get bac
k here before everyone leaves,” he said.
“I won’t. I just want to talk to her and find out who she is. Maybe I can help her calm down a little and let her know I’ll be doing what I can to find out who did this. She’s obviously close to the victim. I’d like to see if I can give her a little peace of mind,” she said carefully. “How can I walk away when the girl’s so distraught?” He nodded as she started to walk towards the bench where the young girl was sitting.
Brigid watched as the detective signaled for the older woman to join him. He obviously wanted to know what that entire scene was about and intended to question her first. The older woman looked conflicted about staying with the girl or doing what the detective had asked her to do.
She finally turned and walked slowly towards the detective, as if she wasn’t looking forward to the conversation that was about to take place. The officer who had helped the young girl walked away, leaving her sniffling by herself, and sitting on the bench.
“Excuse me,” Brigid said as she approached the girl. “Are you okay?”
The young woman looked up with big, red-rimmed eyes. Tears were still streaming down her flushed cheeks, even though she’d managed to collect herself slightly. She’d started hiccupping from her crying, reminding Brigid of a small child.
“No,” the young woman said. “Someone murdered my boyfriend.” Her voice was weak and wobbly.
“I heard you yelling at that woman,” Brigid began. “Do you think she was the one who did it?”
The girl looked Brigid up and down warily. “You don’t look like a cop, so why do you care?”
“Actually, I’m helping with the case. Kind of like a private investigator,” she said, thinking about what Linc had said. “I do a separate investigation from the police, and then we come together and see what we have.” She stuck out her hand. “My name’s Brigid.”
That seemed to satisfy the girl. “Zoey,” she said as she shook her hand. “Yeah, I do think it was her.”
Murder at the Alamo Page 8
