Be Mine, Dead Valentine, page 7
part #2 of Crescent Falls Series
Daniel’s face flushed a bright pink. She could see the anger in his eyes. “I don’t give a damn what that nut case thinks. I’m the chief of police and until the town council says otherwise I’m in charge of who comes and goes. Zelda Jackson is a bully. I can’t believe you’re letting her dictate how often you come into that building, which is, by the way, a public facility.”
“I just want to make things easier for you, that’s all.”
“Then stop talking nonsense,” he snapped.
At that moment, he reminded her so much of Albert, who had never suffered fools gladly. Normally a kind, considerate man, if someone got his dander up by picking on the underdog, look out. “You’re like your father in so many ways.”
“Then you should know I’m not going to let the likes of Zelda Jackson tell me who comes and goes out of the police station.” Finished with his first muffin, he put another on his plate. “Now, let me update you on the case. Besides Bob and Paul, we questioned Patty’s ex-husband, Pete Hicks. He was less than cooperative and has now disappeared.”
“Seems to me that makes him a better suspect.”
“Except for one thing. The wound was very precise, obviously made by someone with a good knowledge of human anatomy.”
“Which makes Bob a viable suspect.” Adelaide suddenly felt a sick gnawing in the pit of her stomach.
“We brought him in. Once he realized we were looking at him not as just the person who found the body, but as an actual suspect, he got up and left, saying he’d be getting a lawyer. I just found out he’s hired Mark Cardosa to represent him. Judy is going to Rosewood this morning to interview Patty’s parents again, this time at their home. We’re hoping they might remember more about Patty’s life and friends, anyone who might have a grudge besides the ex.”
“What about that Valentine found on the body?”
“No prints on it. The blood was all Patty’s, what there was of it. Most of the bleeding was internal, which was the whole idea, no doubt. Like I said, whoever did this knew just the spot to hit. As for the Valentine itself, it was the kind like we used to get and punch out. The lab report said it had some age on it, was a little yellowed, like it had been sitting around for a long time. Not new.”
“Like the ice pick,” Adelaide said softly.
“Something the killer had on hand.” He picked around at his muffin.
“Who keeps children’s punch-out Valentines around long enough for them to get yellowed with age?” A sense of foreboding sniggled around inside Adelaide’s gut.
“Yeah. Who? We’re trying to get a search warrant for Bob’s place now.”
Adelaide shook her head. “You’ve known Bob forever, Daniel. Does this sound like something he would do? The whole thing sounds so…ritualistic. I’ve got a very bad feeling.”
“You’re not the only one, Mother.” Daniel pushed the plate away as though his appetite was suddenly gone.
* * * *
The Friends of the Library meeting on Tuesday evening was, as usual, held in the meeting room at the Luther Henshaw Memorial Library. Named in honor of Carl Henshaw’s father, the library was privately endowed from a trust fund set up by the late Henshaw, who was an avid reader and rigorous promoter of literacy.
The meeting room was located off of a lobby that also contained public restrooms, a water fountain and a long wooden bench. A separate set of glass door led into the library itself.
Adelaide arrived just moments before eight o’clock, having had to force herself to come at all. The meeting room was set up simply, with a rectangular table and chairs. Cartons of donated books, yet to be sorted, lined the walls. She spotted Ethel and Carl immediately. Striding across the room, she nodded greetings to Tim and Brie Hunter, Rudy and Tina Engler, and Dora Carmody along the way. Harold Purcell was deep in conversation with Vernon in one corner of the room. Gayle Nelson came in right behind Adelaide and immediately went to the coffee urn set up on one end of the table, where she joined the chairman of the group, Mary Ellen Oliver, head librarian. Just as Adelaide reached the Henshaws, she spied Zelda Jackson coming into the room. As usual, she wore a scowl on her face.
“My first instinct was to skip this meeting. Now I wish I had,” Adelaide said to Ethel by way of greeting.
Ethel threw Zelda, who was still hovering by the door, a scornful look, then returned her gaze to Adelaide. “Just ignore her. She’s full of hot air anyway. If Daniel questioned her son, he had good reason.”
Carl stepped closer to Adelaide. “If she starts any trouble, I’ll throw her out myself.”
“And if he doesn’t, I will,” said Vernon, who now joined them.
Adelaide looked behind her, surprised she hadn’t heard him approach. “I’m glad you’re here. All of you.”
Mary Ellen Oliver tapped the end of a pen on the table to stop conversation. “It’s after eight. Let’s get started.”
Adelaide focused her attention on the stately library manager. Her new hair style was very attractive, framing her pleasant-looking face in a flattering way. Even her outfit looked more stylish, tonight consisting of a pair of tan slacks and a soft looking off-white sweater.
“The first thing I’d like to discuss tonight is book donations. As you can see from all the cartons in this room, we had many books left over from the January sale, and many more donated in just the few weeks since then. Our last sale did not meet my expectations. Now, I think it is time for some new, fresh ideas about how we can sell more books.” She looked around at the group, making it obvious the ball was in their court.
It was Gayle Nelson who spoke up. “I’ve been giving this some thought since January. Maybe it is time we added another sale to the schedule. The July fourth festival would be a perfect opportunity. We could set up a booth just like the other vendors. I have a booth and I’m able to move a lot of my stagnant inventory that way.”
Adelaide knew that Gayle, owner of the local gift shop, did well at the festival, because people came from all around the area to attend.
“I like it,” said Brie Hunter, boutique owner and also a booth holder at the festival.. “Like Gayle, I do well every year, because the non-locals haven’t seen the merchandise I put out for sale before.”
Funeral home owner Harold Purcell cleared his throat, getting everyone’s attention. “My only concern is the cost of the booth. It is quite substantial, since that’s how the festival committee makes its money. Can we afford to pay that fee just to sell books for a fifty cents or a dollar each?”
Adelaide noticed Harold and Dora Carmody, owner of Dora’s diner, were standing so close that their hands were touching. It was no secret they were now officially dating, but they still tried to show restraint in public, which she found endearing.
“I think that fee can be waived for the Library. I’ll see to it at the next council meeting,” Carl said. “The library isn’t a for-profit business like all the others who set up at the festival, so they shouldn’t have to pay.”
Everyone, including Adelaide, agreed.
Mary Ellen’s gaze drifted to Gayle. “Thank you for that wonderful suggestion, Gayle. I can see why you’re such a successful businesswoman. Now another area of concern is the sorting of the books. We need more help. Harold and Dora do a wonderful job, but I don’t want them to get overwhelmed. They haven’t complained, don’t think that, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t try to get them more help.”
Adelaide had to admire Mary Ellen’s technique. After each request, she just stood there waiting for a response, making it obvious that someone needed to step up with a suggestion.
This time it was Tina Engler who filled the conversational void. “Maybe it’s time we tapped a much neglected resource. Our high school students. They could volunteer time on Saturdays.”
Adelaide saw a look of uncertainty cross Mary Ellen’s face. “That could be a slippery slope. I don’t want this meeting room turned into a social gathering place for a bunch of noisy teens.”
Vernon stepped forward. “The teens who work at the soda fountain in the pharmacy on Saturday were screened carefully, Mary Ellen. Only those with a good work ethic are allowed. I personally interviewed the kids and their parents, and talked with the school principal and counselor before hiring them. You could do the same. Plus it would be mandatory that one adult be present when the kids are working here.”
Adelaide smiled at Venon, who winked back at her. She felt her cheeks grow warm. Somewhat flustered, she averted her gaze, concentrating on what Mary Ellen was saying.
“…excellent idea, Vernon. I might want to get with you later about this. Maybe you can talk to some of the teens who work at the soda fountain and see if they can suggest friends of theirs who would be suitable.”
Without giving Vernon a chance to respond, Mary Ellen moved along. “Next is the issue of donated books. We have duplicates of certain books, sometimes four or five of the same ones.” Again, she stopped talking and gazed out at the assemblage.
“I think I see a solution,” Harold said. “First of all if you have four of the same book, only put out two. If people think an item is limited, they’ll grab it up more quickly. Then when those two are sold, bring out the other two. Also, at the end of each sale the extras could be donated to the local nursing homes and hospital for patients there.”
“I see no reason to give books away. They could be sold at the next sale,” Zelda said. She glared across the room at Harold, her old nemesis.
Adelaide felt her stomach sink. She prayed this wouldn’t end in another nasty confrontation between those two.
“By the time we have the next sale we’ll have a whole new crop of books, including duplicates, I’m sure. Why not pass along the extras for a good cause?” Ethel asked.
Zelda’s huffing cut through the silence like a knife through butter. She crossed her arms over her midsection but said no more.
“I think your suggestion is ideal, Harold. Would you be willing to keep an eye on the duplicates and handle them appropriately?” Mary Ellen asked.
Harold nodded his agreement. “I’d also like to mention that the library board met last Wednesday and voted to purchase two new computers. That will make five available for public use here at the library. Also, as some of you may know, the attorney who handled the library’s legal matters for years has retired. In view of that, we voted to retain Mark Cardosa.”
Adelaide wasn’t surprised. After all, his soon-to-be mother in law was on the board, as well as Mark’s good buddy, Lloyd Fletcher.
Mary Ellen ended the business meeting and approached Adelaide. Glancing over at the woman, she said, “I love your new hair style. Very attractive.”
Mary Ellen’s cheeks flushed pink. “Thanks you. I’ve had a lot of compliments. I must say it is easy to maintain.”
Adelaide had to wonder what was behind her friend’s sudden self-improvement crusade. But before she could bring up the subject, Dora approached just then with a question for Mary Ellen, so Adelaide wandered over to where Ethel, Brie, Tina and Gayle were discussing Gayle’s upcoming nuptials.
“The bridesmaids will be in coral. I’ll be in white. My bouquet will be coral roses and white honeysuckle. The bridesmaid’s bouquets will be white roses and coral honeysuckle.” Gayle’s eyes shone with enthusiasm.
Tina smile. “It sounds stunning.”
Brie, who was to be one of the bridesmaids, said, “You should see our dresses. Chic, yet comfortable.”
Adelaide felt her mind drifting. Nearby she could hear snatches of the conversation between Carl and Harold, who were discussing the new associate minister who would be joining the staff of the Crescent Fall United Methodist Church tomorrow. With everything that was going on in town, she’d almost forgotten about Reverend Andrew Wallace. She’d have to go by the church in the morning to welcome him, even though she realized things might be awkward between her and James after that kiss the other night.
Suddenly Adelaide felt as though someone was watching her. She was right. As she glanced across the room, she saw that although Tim Hunter, Rudy Engler and Vernon were having a conversation, Vernon’s gaze was on her. He gave her one of those caught you looking smiles before returning his attention to the two other men.
“Your wedding sounds lovely. I hope I’m invited,” Adelaide told Gayle.
“Of course. The invitations will go out in April,” Gayle replied, patting Adelaide’s arm reassuringly.
Adelaide excused herself and walked over to where Mary Ellen and Dora were going through a carton of books. She noticed that Zelda had already left, which came as a relief.
Just then a car horn could be heard outside. Gayle quickly left Brie and Tina, taking her coat from a nearby rack. “That’s Mark. He won’t let me go out alone at night until that maniac who killed Patty Regan is caught.” Her gaze flitted Adelaide’s way briefly.
“The police are doing all they can,” Adelaide said.
Before anyone could respond to that, Brie changed the subject. “I’m surprised you and Mark aren’t already living together. That house of his is amazing.”
Adelaide was paying attention now. Mark Cardosa’s beautifully renovated Victorian home sat across from her own on the southwest corner of Hawthorne Avenue and Buckeye Street.
Gayle zipped up her coat. “I still have time on my lease. Plus he’s been working from home, which means clients coming and going. But, I do have some news. He signed a lease today for the building where Jerry Hatfield’s insurance office used to be. So, he’ll be working right across the street from my shop.”
Again a car horn beeped.
“Sounds like Mark is getting impatient. I’ll bet you two have plans tonight, at one place or the other,” Brie said with a wink and a grin.
The horn beeped a third time and Gayle flew out the door, waving goodbye as she went. “Tonight he’s just my ride home. He has a late meeting with a client in Marietta. See you guys,” she called over her shoulder.
Adelaide wondered what kind of client the smooth-talking attorney could be meeting with at this hour in Marietta. Or if it really was a client?
Chapter Twelve
A lot of thoughts were running through Gayle Nelson’s mind as she prepared to take her trash out to the Dumpster behind her apartment building. What Brie had said earlier at the Friends of the Library meeting kept repeating itself inside her head. Of course she planned on moving into Mark’s Victorian home after the wedding. Why would she stay in this small Mulberry Manor apartment when he had such a beautifully restored place? But for the time being, having her own residence, humble though it was, gave her a sense of independence. That was very important to Gayle, especially after her disastrous relationship with Roy Baines ended.
Six years with that man. Six years of his possessiveness. Six years of having my every moved controlled. I gave up so much and got so little. I had to leave Rosewood, my hometown, to finally break free of him.
But she had broken free and started a new life in Crescent Falls. She now owned her own business and was engaged to a man who respected her in every way. She realized there were many people in town who didn’t like Mark. She’d heard the comments made by people when they thought she was out of earshot. Shyster. Oily. Slick. None of that mattered to Gayle. She only cared about how he treated her.
A memory of the phone call she’d received from Roy right after he saw her engagement announcement in the papers came rushing back to her. When she asked him how he got her cell phone number, he’d just chuckled. It soon became apparent he was drunk. At that point she’d hung up on him, cautioning him to never contact her again. She even threw in a threat about legal action and added for good measure that, in case he forgot, her fiancé was a very successful attorney who could make his life miserable if need be. Since Roy was a police sergeant in Rosewood, Gayle knew he couldn’t afford any legal troubles. She hadn’t heard from him since.
Actually, she had little time to dwell on Roy. There were more important things to think about. Valentine’s Day was one of the busiest times at her shop. In fact, she’d brought two extra part-time people on board to handle the extra work.
Then there was the upcoming town council meeting, where she hoped people would see the advantages of the casino proposal. She’d already gotten a promise from Lloyd Fletcher that if she threw her support behind the casino idea and promoted it to the town’s residents, he would make sure the owners would rent her a prime shop space in the mall that would be built inside the complex. If things went as planned, she’d have two shops, one in town and one in the casino mall.
She carried the sealed trash bag to the back door and grabbed a wool jacket from one of the hooks on the wall.
As they did often these days, her thoughts turned to her wedding. She was still undecided about her dress. She’d narrowed it down to two choices. One was lacy and strapless with a full skirt. The other was a chiffon A-line with a beaded Grecian collar. Her petite stature made things a little tricky and she wanted to be sure the gown would accentuate her attributes, one of which was a full bust line. Either garment would suffice, but she found it difficult to choose between the two for some reason.
A blast of frigid air hit her full force as she opened the back door. There were still some slick spots from the earlier sleet. She stopped, trying to decide whether she needed to put on boots and a heavier coat, but finally decided the walk to the fenced-in Dumpster area was only a few yards away and she could surely make it without falling or freezing to death.
The vapor light beside the building did little to illuminate the spot where the Dumpster was located, so she had to concentrate on every step she took. It occurred to her that she could just as easily have done this in the morning, but old habits die hard. She always took the trash out late on the night before pickup and she wasn’t going to let fear of some anonymous killer scare her into changing her routine. Besides, she was just a few steps from her own back door, and there were lights still on in several of the apartments, which meant some of her neighbors were still up, so what could happen?
