Be Mine, Dead Valentine, page 5
part #2 of Crescent Falls Series
Two hours later, when Ed, Judy and Ray returned from Rosewood, the news wasn’t good. They’d found nothing in Pete Hicks’ apartment to indicate he’d committed the murder. Luke took a DNA sample from Pete, who protested at first then finally gave in. They’d confiscated his cell phone at his dingy little apartment and sent it off to the lab in Rosewood, where the calls would be analyzed. They’d done the same with Patty’s phone, so if the two had communicated by phone in the days before her death, maybe they’d know that, at least.
Daniel was in the kitchenette next to his office later that afternoon when Luke joined him. “I’m getting ready to go off duty, Chief, unless you need me to stick around.”
“No, go on home. I’m about ready to head out too.”
“I like Hicks for this, Chief. Do you?” Luke asked.
“I want to. But…”
“But what?”
“The look on his face when he saw that Valentine. I don’t think he’d ever seen it before.”
“He was drunk today. Maybe he was drunk when he concocted the murder and just didn’t remember putting the card there.”
Daniel sighed. “Yeah. Maybe. But maybes aren’t going to solve this case. I’m sending officers out tonight to talk to Patty’s coworkers and customers at the bar.
“We’ll figure it out, Chief. We have to.”
Daniel knew what Luke meant. If he didn’t solve this crime quickly, he would most likely be finished as chief of police.
Chapter Eight
When Adelaide arrived at the parsonage at seven sharp, it was spitting snow and the wind had a sharp, frigid bite to it. Welcome to Ohio in February. On the other side of the door she could hear James’s dog, Suzie, barking in response to her knock.
The minute James opened the door, Suzie began doing what Adelaide always called her happy dance whereby the blonde Cocker Spaniel would jump up and down on her hind legs and spin around many times in rapid succession. Adelaide stepped inside and leaned down to pet the canine’s head, while Suzie licked at her gloved hand vigorously.
James looked down at the dog and smiled indulgently. “She’s such a ham.”
She slipped off her calfskin gloves and stuffed them into her coat pocket right before James helped her off with the garment. Tonight she’d chosen a pair of black woolen slacks and her best white cashmere sweater. Her accessories were simply an onyx pendant necklace and matching earrings.
“You look lovely, by the way,” he said as he hung the coat in a small closet next to the front door.
He didn’t look so bad himself, she noticed, in a pair of dark gray slacks, red shirt and light gray V-neck sweater. His cologne or aftershave, whichever, had a light, pleasant citrus aroma. But it was the aroma of the lasagna that now grabbed her attention. “Something smells wonderful… besides you, I mean.” She immediately felt her cheeks grow hot. How had she managed to blurt that last part out?
James’s smile widened, although he didn’t add to her embarrassment by responding verbally to her comment. “Come into the kitchen. I’ve just put the bread in the oven to heat up and I don’t want it to burn.”
As she preceded him through the living room, which was now filled with his furniture, and through the dining room, where the table was set beautifully, she noticed his hand on the small of her back, very lightly, but definitely discernible. Suzie trotted along beside them, her stub of a tail wagging enthusiastically.
The kitchen was done in warm colors and had a cozy feel to it. She noticed that the pan of lasagna was now sitting on top of the stove. “Why don’t you get the salad out of the refrigerator,” he said as he took the bread from the oven. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starved.”
They took the food to the table, where several white taper candles in a centerpiece provided the only light. Once they were seated, James said grace then looked across at Adelaide. “I have some news.” He eyed her steadily, the flickering candle flames reflected in his dark brown eyes.
Ignoring the salad for the moment, Adelaide took a bite of lasagna, letting the rich spices bathe her taste buds. After swallowing, she said, “Well, don’t keep me in suspense.”
“Marsha Burns has decided to stay on as church secretary. As you recall, she wasn’t sure it was the job for her, but she’s done so well and the congregation loves her so much that she says she couldn’t bear to leave.”
Adelaide was overjoyed, not only for Marsha, who she knew needed a steady job since her position at Jerry Hatfield’s insurance office disappeared after he died and Susan was critically injured, but for the members of the congregation, who had come to think of her as part of the church family. “I’m thrilled. Ethel and I were talking about her before church, hoping she’d make that decision. We need someone like her in the office.”
“It still stings, doesn’t it, Adelaide? What Brenda did? But you must remember that she has a mental illness.”
Adelaide picked around at her salad. “She almost killed my son and me. I realize she is ill, and while I’m able to forgive, I’m not ready to forget quite yet. I’m sorry, James.”
He sighed. “I spoke today with the chaplain at the psychiatric facility where she is being treated. It looks like she may be there for a long time.”
Adelaide took a sip of ice water from the crystal goblet in front of her. “I’m not without compassion, James. You know that.”
“I understand. Let’s talk about something else. I want tonight to be a pleasant one.”
“Well, then the next subject might disappoint you. I went to see Bob Jackson today, after I visited my son at the police station.”
“Oh, that poor girl, Patty Regan. Who would do such an awful thing? I understand she and Bob were good friends. How is he holding up?”
“Not so good. He’s devastated. Zelda showed up while I was there. That’s when things took a rather…ugly turn.” She took another bite of lasagna and chewed methodically.
James put his fork down on his plate. “Why do I get the feeling this story is not going to have a happy ending?”
Adelaide swallowed her food. “I’m sure there will be repercussions. Not only at the church but all around Crescent Falls. That’s what usually happens when someone stands up to the town bully.”
“Mercy, Adelaide, what did you do?”
“I told Zelda Jackson off, once and for all.” She told him some of the things she’s said to the woman. “It just came pouring out, James. I couldn’t help it. She is so infuriating.” She could see a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Don’t you dare laugh. Zelda will play the victim and I’ll be the one on the hot seat.”
“Oh, to be a fly on the wall,” he commented as he began to laugh.
“Well, I can see you’re going to be no help.” She tore off a chunk of Italian bread and began to butter it with savage swipes.
James took a sip of water. “What would you like me to do? I mean, it sounds like you took care of business pretty efficiently. Just be grateful no one was there to record it otherwise it would probably be going viral now on You Tube.” He was laughing again.
In spite of herself, Adelaide could feel a chuckle working its way up into her throat. “I did feel pretty good when I got finished with her.” She began to laugh also, unable to hold it in any longer.
Over dessert, which was the most delicious Tiramisu that Adelaide had ever eaten, they discussed the upcoming council meeting. “The Business Development Committee is meeting tomorrow night at Vernon’s house, seven o’clock. I think we have a real chance to forestall a decision about the casino with the information we’ve gathered about companies interested in relocating or opening second locations in this area.”
James nodded. “I’m glad to hear that. We need businesses in this town that will not only bolster the economy but provide an opportunity for growth.”
They got up and began clearing the table after Adelaide insisted he let her help. “The meal was perfect, James,” she told him as he rinsed the dishes and she loaded them into the dishwasher.
What happened next was such a surprise, she could hardly believe it. For, after she closed the dishwasher door and stood up, she suddenly felt herself spun around and locked into an embrace. The kiss was gentle at first, then more intense. As James’s arms tightened around her, she was surrounded by his delectable scent.
Then and the reality of it sank in and she stiffened, pushing him away with all her might. He stumbled a little, grabbing the countertop for support. Her lungs fought for air, her skin tingled hotly. She stood transfixed for a moment, unable to comprehend what had occurred. “What are you doing?” she finally managed to gasp.
James met her gaze. “I kissed you, Adelaide. And you kissed me back, so don’t act like this was completely unexpected or unwelcome.”
“It certainly was…unexpected, I mean. I’m not ready for this. I thought you understood that.” She felt self-conscious and ill at ease all of a sudden.
His expression softened. “I’m sorry. I guess I misjudged the situation.”
She doubted that. Somehow she just knew he was making his move. The competition between him and Vernon had been implied if not spoken of over the past few months. But, Vernon had never acted so boldly. He had respected the boundaries she’d established.
James reached out and touched her arm. “I’m a passionate man, Adelaide. I guess it’s my Italian heritage. I have strong feelings for you. Albert was a wonderful man and a good friend to me after I took over the ministry at Crescent Fall UMC many years ago. But he is gone. And you are a vital, beautiful woman who should be getting on with her life. It’s time, Adelaide.” He squeezed her arm gently.
Adelaide moved away from his grasp. “I will decide when it is time, James. Not you. Not Vernon. Not anyone else.” She turned and left the kitchen. He followed. She got her coat out of the closet and allowed him to help her on with it. Turning to him, she added, “Thank you for a wonderful dinner. I’m afraid I’ll have to look at those plans for your house another time.”
As she walked out into the night, she could feel his gaze on her, watching until she got into her car and drove away.
Chapter Nine
“What do you mean he’s gone?” Daniel asked. It was nearly eleven on Monday morning and he’d just received some unwelcome news. Pete Hicks had been released from custody late last night after he’d sobered up enough to walk out under his own steam. Now it appeared he’d flown the coop.
Luke Fagan stood in front of Daniel’s desk, his hands clasped behind his back almost as though at attention. “I sent Judy and Ray to pick him up and bring him in this morning for further questioning. I figured since the analysis of their cell phones showed he’d made a call to Patty two weeks ago, we needed to find out what it was about.”
Daniel had the report on his desk. He knew the call had lasted only thirty seconds, but no voicemail was left, so they hoped Pete could fill in the blanks. “Maybe he’s at work.”
Luke shook his head. “The apartment manager let Judy and Ray inside Pete’s place. He’d packed a bag. The closet was almost empty. They checked with his employer. He didn’t show up this morning. He didn’t call in either, which might be understandable, since we have his cell phone. A neighbor says she saw his car drive in about ten last night and leave about a half hour later.”
Daniel slammed a palm down on his desk. “Damn. Put out an APB.”
“Already done.”
Daniel sat back in his squeaky swivel chair and felt his gut twist with anxiety. Their one and only suspect in the death of Patty Regan had slipped through their fingers as easily as butter off a hot dish.
He looked up at Luke, who still stood silently before him. “You’ve got something to say. Spill it.” He knew his friend too well.
Luke sat down in one of the chairs opposite the desk. “I went over the ME’s report again early this morning. I know I told you yesterday that I liked Hicks for this, but after reading that report again…” He shook his head, as though trying to put his thoughts into sensible order.
Daniel leafed through the file until he found his copy of that report. “So, what is it? What’s bothering you?”
“Think about Pete Hicks. Now read the report again.” He settled back in his chair, waiting.
Daniel felt like a student who had just been challenged by a teacher to find a mistake. He perused the report, checking the diagram that depicted the wound that had killed Patty Regan. He began reading certain parts out loud. “One thrust of the icepick. Slightly downward. Entered between the sixth and seventh vertebrae. Most of the bleeding was internal, which explains the minimal blood on her clothing and the Valentine.” Then it hit him. This was a neat, fairly clean kill made with precision to cause a quick death with as little mess as possible. “Our killer was either very lucky, or very accurate.”
“That sound like the Pete Hicks we met?” Luke asked.
“No. This was a cold, calculated kill. Most likely made by someone with a good knowledge of human anatomy.” Daniel felt his pulse quicken a little. The ME’s report gave no opinion as to the type of person who killed Patty Regan. It was a document filled with data only. But Daniel knew if he went and talked to the person who had prepared this report, he’d hear the same thing he had just said to Luke.
Luke nodded his head. “I’ll repeat. Does that sound like the Pete Hicks we met?”
Daniel met his friend’s gaze across the desk. “The analysis of the ice pick states it was old. The wooden handle was worn, but still had grooves visible. No fingerprints.”
“Something the killer had around the house? Found somewhere? Bought at a flea market? What?” Luke’s frustration was evident in his tone.
Daniel snatched his empty coffee mug from the desk and stood up. He definitely needed a caffeine boost. “We’ll ask him when we find him. For now, let’s concentrate on finding Pete Hicks. Let’s get Bob Jackson in here today. He’s a paramedic. I think it’s time we took a better look at him. Come to think of it, he needs to come in here anyway, to give a statement about that brawl in the parking lot. And let’s not forget Paul Carmody. He needs to make his statement about that brawl, too. Also, he’s a paramedic and worked with Patty. I seem to recall they went out a few times last year before she began her romance with Bob. And, we need to interview the parents again, this time at their home. Maybe one of Patty’s other boyfriends, past or present, has a medical background. Bob may not have been the only one she was dating, even though he thought he was.”
* * * *
It was just past twelve-thirty when Adelaide entered the municipal building. Looking left, she saw Ray Butler escorting Bob Jackson into the police station. She hesitated in the main hallway, then advanced forward toward the atrium that acted as the focal point of the reception area. The lush foliage and miniature waterfall were located just outside the council chambers. She stood for a moment, then turned around and made her way back to the double glass doors leading into the squad room. By now she could see that Bob was seated in Daniel’s office. Luke Fagan was just shutting the door.
Looking around the large open area, where a dozen desks were located, she spotted Judy Hess sitting at the one in the far corner.
Judy looked up as Adelaide approached. “Mrs. McBride. Nice to see you. Daniel is in a meeting right now. Can I help?”
Adelaide’s morning had been one of almost frantic activity as she cleaned her house, did some laundry and made blueberry muffins. All of this was aimed at trying to blot out what had happened between her and James Preston. That kiss. So inappropriate. Yet…
“Are you all right?” Judy’s voice was now tinged with concern.
Adelaide met the young woman’s emerald green gaze. “I, ah. Yes. I’m fine. I was just hoping to see Daniel. I can see he’s busy, though.”
Judy glanced toward Daniel’s office. “They’re talking with Bob Jackson. I’m not sure how long they will be.”
“Has there been a break in the case?”
Judy’s gaze didn’t meet Adelaide’s this time. “Just routine.”
Adelaide knew an evasive maneuver when she heard one. “Surely he’s not a suspect.”
Judy shifted in her seat. “We’re just trying to be thorough.” Judy got up. “I’m sorry Mrs. McBride. But I have to go back out on patrol.” She began edging away. “You’re welcome to wait.” With that she quickly left.
Adelaide glanced toward the dispatcher’s desk to find Mindy Cooper staring at her. The woman hadn’t been at her post when Adelaide arrived. After shooting one final glance toward Daniel’s office, where she could see him and Luke in conversation with Bob, she walked slowly past the dispatcher’s area, giving Mindy only a nod as she exited the squad room.
* * * *
When Bob Jackson arrived at the police station Daniel asked him to sit at one of the desks in the squad room and write out his statement about the altercation in the pub parking lot. Once that was out of the way, Daniel asked him to come into his office. “I just have a few more questions about the night Patty was killed. Have a seat.”
Bob sat down and shifted slightly in his chair. “Sure. Go ahead.”
Luke entered the office and closed the door.
Daniel had the tape recorder on his desk. “I’ll be recording this. He spoke the pertinent information into the machine and then began interview by going over the same ground they’d covered originally. After he saw that Bob was relaxing a little, he was ready to get down to the nitty-gritty. He took the evidence bags containing the ice pick and Valentine from his top left drawer and put them on his desk.
“I’ve seen them. I found her, remember?” Bob said somewhat peevishly.
