Be Mine, Dead Valentine, page 6
part #2 of Crescent Falls Series
“So you did,” Daniel replied. He hesitated for a full fifteen seconds before speaking again. “The medical examiner says Patty died from a stab wound between her sixth and seventh vertebrae. You’re familiar with that area of the spine I’m sure, Bob, since you’re a paramedic.”
Bob was staring at the ice pick. Then his eyes shifted to the Valentine. “She would have died quickly.”
“You know that because you have knowledge of human anatomy.” Luke said.
For the first time since he arrived, Bob’s gaze seemed wary. “What are you driving at?”
Daniel tapped an index finger on the plastic bag containing the ice pick. “We think the killer had such knowledge. This was no sloppy kill, done in the heat of passion. It was cold…” he rattled the bag a little. “…calculating…” he rapped two knuckles on the handle of the ice pick, “…and brutally accurate.” He picked up the bag and shook it in front of Bob’s face.
Bob leaned forward in his chair. “You think I did that to Patty? Are you nuts?”
Luke said, “Maybe you didn’t go home and wait around for her, like you said. Maybe you came back, or never really left. You hung around. You wanted her. Maybe she didn’t want you anymore. You’d had enough of her playing with your emotions—”
Bob jumped to his feet. “Are you insane? What the hell is going on here?” His face was flushed, his breath coming in short puffs.
Luke pushed him back down into the chair.
Daniel said, “We’d like permission to search your apartment.”
Bob looked at him sharply. “For what?”
“If you have nothing to hide—” Luke began
Bob stood again and sidestepped away from Luke. “Don’t try to pull that crap with me. If you want to search my apartment or anything else that is mine, you get a warrant. Am I being charged with anything?” His eyes were bright with anger.
Daniel exhaled slowly. “No.”
“I’m getting a lawyer.” After shooting both Luke and Daniel furious glares, Bob flung open the door and strode from the office.
Daniel stood up. “See what you can do about getting that warrant, and include his car in the scope.”
Paul Carmody was the next to arrive, passing his co-worker in the squad room. Daniel noticed Bob didn’t even acknowledge the other man’s presence.
Daniel watched as Luke waylaid Paul and led him to one of the desks, where he put a legal tablet in front of him and handed him a pen so he could write out his statement about the Friday night altercation in the pub parking lot.
Once Paul was finished with his statement, Luke brought him into the office and closed the door, taking up a position in front of it. With graceful ease, Paul slid into one of the chairs across from Daniel’s desk.
“What’s got Bob so fired up?” Paul’s dark brown gaze settled on the two evidence bags.
“Thanks for coming in,” Daniel said.
“Sure. Anything I can do to help. I liked Patty and want to see whoever did this caught.”
Daniel turned on the recorder and as usual, gave the date, time and who was being interviewed. “You used to date Patty. How serious was it?”
The question obviously took Paul by surprise. His eyes widened and his demeanor stiffened a little. “I’m not sure you’d say we dated. I asked her out twice. Right after that, Bob confided to me he had a thing for her, so I backed off.”
“Just like that? He steps up and you say okay, I’ll leave her alone?”
“Just like that.”
Daniel noticed that the tension seemed to leave Paul’s shoulders, but his gaze kept returning to the evidence bags. “You sure about that? I mean, you dated her first. She was a pretty woman. Very sexy. Any man would fight for that.”
“Look, she was in your class in high school. But I was a few years behind you guys, and so was Bob. So when she started working at the bar and moved into Mulberry Manor where we live, that was the first chance either of us had to really get to know her. I liked her, enjoyed her company, but there was just no…spark there. With Bob, though, you could see the fireworks the minute they were within shouting distance of each other. It wouldn’t have mattered if I wanted to step aside or not. Those two were hot for each other.”
“So, where were you around two o’clock Sunday morning?”
“I took Saturday off. I participated in Race Against Cancer Bicycle Marathon in Rosewood. I crossed the finish line about six o’clock that evening, then spent the night with a friend. I didn’t get back to Crescent Falls until around noon Sunday when my shift at the bar started.”
Daniel recalled that Paul was an avid bicyclist who participated in many races throughout the year. “This friend have a name?”
Paul smiled. “Jillian Peters.” He recited her address and phone number.
Daniel turned off the recorder. “Thanks for your cooperation.” He stood up, indicating the interview was over.
Paul stood also and extended a hand across the desk, which Daniel shook. “If I can do anything else to help, just let me know. Patty was a good person. She’d had a rough time, but pulled herself out of it and was on a good path. She didn’t deserve this.” With that he turned and left the office.
Chapter Ten
When Adelaide arrived at Vernon’s house at a little before seven o’clock, a fine mixture of rain and snow, otherwise known as sleet, was just beginning to fall. She’d walked the short distance from her house on Hawthorne to Vernon’s two-story frame home on Buckeye Street, as was her habit. The wind was gusty, causing the precipitation to sting as it hit her face. The forecast called for more of the same off and on through the night as the temperatures were expected to plummet into the low teens.
As soon as Vernon answered the door, Adelaide rushed inside, welcoming the cheery warmth. He took her coat, hanging it in the cedar closet at the foot of the stairs. She could hear voices coming from the living room to her right.
He smiled as he closed the closet door and turned her way. “You look frozen. Go on into the living room. I have a fire going in the fireplace.” He laid a hand on her arm. “By the way, you look very nice. That color suits you.” He left her there and went through a doorway leading to the kitchen.
Adelaide felt herself flush a little at the compliment. Of course, she had taken special care with her appearance tonight, selecting her best pair of tan slacks and a pale yellow cashmere sweater. A pair of ankle-high brown leather boots with a soft fur lining completed the outfit.
The living room was tastefully furnished in shades of russet, umber and off white. As she entered, she noted that Ethel Henshaw and Tina Engler were seated on the deeply tufted leather couch. Harold Purcell sat in one of the easy chairs, while local market owner, Hal Buckner occupied the other. Adelaide sat down on the striped loveseat that completed the furniture grouping.
“Has it started snowing yet?” Tina asked Adelaide.
“Right now it’s sleet. But I saw a salt truck going up Hawthorne Avenue when I left the house.” Adelaide watched as Vernon entered the living room via the dining room archway. Beyond him, she could see refreshments were set up on the dining room table. Memories of the dinner they’d shared in December, when he had stated his intention to court her, came rushing back along with the memory of James Preston’s recent kiss. She felt her cheeks heat up again as Vernon’s gaze met hers across the room.
“There’s hot coffee and water for tea along with some muffins in the dining room. Everyone help yourselves. We’ll get started as soon as our last member gets here.” As the others got up and headed toward the dining room, Vernon came over and sat down beside Adelaide. “You feeling all right? You look a little feverish.” He laid the back of one hand on her cheek, as though checking her temperature.
Guilt over that kiss pulsed through Adelaide like a speeding bullet. She pulled her head back as though Vernon’s touch scalded her.
A look of confusion, perhaps even hurt, flashed in his eyes. He dropped his hand quickly.
“I’m fine, Vernon. No need to fuss over me.” Her tone was sharper than she’d intended and she immediately reached out and took hold of his hand. “I’m sorry. It’s been a very trying few days.”
Vernon’s expression told her he wasn’t buying it, but he didn’t press the issue. “I think everyone is on edge since that poor girl’s murder. Lloyd Fletcher was in the pharmacy this afternoon. I have to tell you, Adelaide, he’s loaded for bear and will be putting a lot of pressure on Daniel to clear this case in a hurry.”
Just then a familiar voice overrode all other conversations. Zelda Jackson, the seventh committee member, came into the room from the foyer, her gaze fixed on Adelaide. “I guess Daniel’s idea of clearing the case quickly is to falsely accuse my son of murder. This is all your doing Adelaide, so don’t deny it. I know you were hanging around the police station today when they hauled Bob in for questioning. I suppose you were there to witness your handiwork. Now a fine young man’s reputation is ruined because of you!” She advanced into the room, her eyes blazing furiously.
Vernon immediately got to his feet. “Take it easy, Zelda. What’s this all about?”
Zelda stopped a few feet away from where Vernon stood. “Ask your girlfriend. She’s the one who caused Bob to be practically arrested today.” She pointed a finger at Adelaide. “Is that why you were snooping around his apartment the other day? To see what you could find out, then go back and tell that inept son of yours? Everyone knows he couldn’t find his ass with both hands if his mother wasn’t there to point him in the right direction.” Her breath was now coming in short gasps and her face was as bright crimson.
Adelaide, who was now standing behind Vernon, stepped around him and faced her accuser. “I had nothing to do with Bob being taken in for questioning, Zelda. Daniel is just trying to be thorough, that’s all.”
Ethel Henshaw’s voice was even and calm as she said, “Well, Zelda, Bob did find the body. And he was involved with Patty.”
Zelda spun around and faced Ethel, who stood by the fireplace with a cup of steaming tea in her hands. “You two always stick together. Thick as thieves.”
Tina Engler spoke next. “I’m sure Bob did nothing to that girl. And I have to agree that the police are just being thorough. No one who knows Bob would believe he’d hurt anyone, Zelda. He’s in the business of saving lives. Besides, Dora told me earlier that Daniel questioned Paul also. So you see, he’s not just singling out Bob.”
“You need to stop jumping to conclusions, Zelda,” Hal Buckner said.
“And stop accusing people of things they didn’t do,” Ethel added.
Vernon’s voice rose above the others. “Zelda, go help yourself to a cup of tea. It will calm your nerves. We’re not here to toss around unfounded accusations. This is my home. If we can convene this meeting and get down to the business at hand in an orderly manner, then we’ll continue. Otherwise, I’ll have to ask you all to leave.” He now had his hands on his hips. “What is it going to be?”
“Fine by me. I’m here to discuss our committee’s choices for prospective businesses to approach with the end goal of having one or more of them locate here,” Harold Purcell, who had stayed out of the fray up until now, said.
“Me, too,” Ethel vowed.
Tina and Hal both nodded in agreement.
Zelda sent one final glare Adelaide’s way and headed toward the dining room. Adelaide did the same, staying a few paces behind the woman. But she was close enough to hear Vernon, as he caught up with Zelda, say very clearly, “Don’t ever walk into my house again without knocking.” He then stepped back and took hold of Adelaide’s arm, steering her to the other side of the dining room table as though trying to put a barrier between the two women.
The meeting was strained, to say the least. Adelaide noticed that, for once, Zelda had little to say. In the end they decided that Tina would prepare a PowerPoint presentation which Vernon would present as their spokesperson. Zelda left the minute the meeting was over without speaking to anyone.
“So, what was Zelda talking about? Did you visit Bob at his apartment?” Ethel asked Adelaide as they lingered over cups of tea.
“Are you helping the police again?’ Hal Buckner wanted to know.
“She’s always available to help the police, we all know that. Have they asked for your help, Adelaide?” Tina asked.
Adelaide felt a headache nesting behind her eyes. She rubbed the bridge of her nose. Finally, she looked up at the group gathered around her. “I did go to see Bob. Not to spy. Just to see how he was doing. No, the police haven’t asked for my help, nor will they, I’m sure. Daniel and the rest of the force are perfectly capable of solving this crime. I did happen to be at the police station earlier today just to visit my son and see how he was holding up. Bob was in Daniel’s office being interviewed. I have no idea what it was about, since I didn’t have a chance to speak with my son.”
Vernon came back into the room just then and she made a beeline for him. “I’m going home. I’m exhausted. Thank you for coming to my defense tonight. That woman now has it in for me in a big way.” She headed for the foyer with Ethel close behind.
“There’s more to it, isn’t there?” Ethel asked.
Adelaide explained the altercation she’d had with Zelda while they were at Bob’s apartment. “I guess I picked the wrong time to put her in her place.”
“I’ll say,” Harold Purcell said as he retrieved his coat from the closet. “But, I can’t say I’m sorry you did.”
Vernon opened the front door. “Looks like the sleet has stopped.”
Adelaide lingered a little after the others left. Turning to Vernon in the doorway, she said, “Why don’t you let me fix you dinner on Saturday night. I’m in the mood to make a big pot of cabbage rolls.”
Vernon smiled. “I don’t know if I can wait until Saturday. Your cabbage rolls are the best I’ve ever eaten. To say nothing of the charming company I’ll be keeping.”
She could see the wariness in his eyes fade and felt a sense of relief. She knew she’d hurt his feelings when she drew away from his touch earlier, and that was something she couldn’t live with. On impulse, she gave him a brief hug. “You know what they say. Anticipation is half the fun.”
Realizing the hug had caught him totally off guard and left him speechless, she smiled, turned and carefully made her way down the stairs and out onto the sidewalk. As she crossed at the corner of Hawthorne and Buckeye, she felt a sense of warmth course through her.
Did I just flirt with Vernon? I feel as giddy as a school girl right now. I can’t get over the way he came to my defense tonight, like a knight in shining armor. There’s no way I can imagine my life without him in it.
Chapter Eleven
Daniel knocked on Adelaide’s door at seven-thirty Tuesday morning. Surprised, yet pleased by his visit, she hugged him then closed the door quickly behind him. More sleet had fallen during the night, leaving a thin sheen of frozen moisture on the ground, although the salt trucks had taken care of the deicing the streets. As usual, Tim Hunter, owner of the local auto repair shop and the town’s fire chief, had cleared her sidewalk and driveway, along with many others along the street. All he ever asked in lieu of payment was that the recipients of this service give a donation to the local food pantry.
Daniel took off his parka and tossed it over the banister before following Adelaide into the kitchen. “You look like you haven’t slept in a week, Daniel,” she said as she poured him a cup of coffee.
“Thanks. I appreciate your encouraging words, Mother,” Daniel grumbled as he sat down at the kitchen table.
She took a good look at her son when she brought his coffee to the table. “Is it true, what I heard last night? Is Bob Jackson a suspect in Patty Regan’s murder?” She went to the cupboard and got out a plastic container of blueberry muffins. She brought them to the table along with two dinner plates. “How about some scrambled eggs?”
Daniel sipped at the hot coffee and put a muffin on his plate. “This will be fine. I’m more interested in what I heard about your showdown with Zelda Jackson.”
Adelaide sat down at her place, where she’d been drinking coffee and contemplating her day before Daniel arrived. “Which one?” She met her son’s questioning gaze.
“Great. Okay. Let’s start with the one at Bob’s apartment. Zelda called the station yesterday evening. I was gone but Ron Elam was on duty at the dispatch desk and got the brunt of her wrath.”
Adelaide wasn’t surprised to hear Zelda had called the station. She must have done it right before the meeting. “Well, I had another run in with her last night at Vernon’s during our Business Development Committee meeting. She accused me of several things, including being behind your interest in Bob as a suspect.”
Daniel took a bite of muffin and made a moaning sound that she knew meant it more than met with his approval. Once he swallowed and took another sip of coffee, he said, “I had to take a look at Bob as a suspect, whether his mother likes it or not. That woman is batty and everyone knows it. Now I’ve got her to contend with along with that idiot Lloyd Fletcher.” He took another bite of muffin, chewing furiously. “We’re questioning a lot of people, including Paul Carmody. So far Dora hasn’t stormed the station to complain that we’re harassing her son. Besides, he has an alibi.”
She felt a rush of sympathy for her son, who’d had so much to contend with since taking office as the chief of police. “I know you have to do a thorough investigation and put personal feelings aside. And, heaven knows, I’m no fan of Zelda’s. But I can certainly understand her desire to protect her son. I’d do the same if it were me. One of the things she said did make me start to think, Daniel. I’ve decided that it probably isn’t such a good idea for me to be hanging around the police station as much as I do.” He started to say something, even though his mouth was full, but she held up her hand to stop him. “No. She could be right about that. It just doesn’t look proper.”
