"A Murder In Milburn", Book 4: Death By Ice Cream (10 page)

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? After all, Harvey was cheating on her with Tiffany!”

*****

Chapter 11

“Bernard!” Simone was appalled. “You shouldn’t have said that!”

“It’s a theory, isn’t it?” Bernard said. “Just like her theory about Joe?”

“Why are you always so protective of Joe?” Simone asked. “He really isn’t a very nice guy.”

“Joe was like a cool uncle to me, growing up,” Bernard said. “I’m very fond of him. I used to sneak into the factory as a ten year old, and Joe never once told my father about it. My father, of course, was far too busy to pay attention to me, but Joe never was. He taught me how all the machines work. Back then, he was just a worker on the factory floor, but he was always a favorite with the guys.”

“With the guys, maybe. Certainly not with the girls, I’m sure.”

“You’d be surprised. He was very handsome, and everyone knew he was going to reach a high position someday,” Bernard said. “Joe can be a little stupid where women are concerned, but he wouldn’t murder one! I remember how kind he was to me, and he had no reason to be.”

“Of course, he had reason to be! He was ambitious and you were the boss’ son,” Simone said.

“I don’t want to hear another word about this. Joe is a good guy. He wouldn’t do this,” Bernard said. “Simone, we’ve got to move past this. The whole affair is messy, and it can have some lasting repercussions for our factory. Have you thought about that? We could be caught in a very bad scandal.”

“Is that why you’re so eager for Harvey to get convicted quickly?” Nora asked, suddenly furious. “You just want to tie up loose ends?”

“I think he’s done it,” Bernard said. “It’s clear to me that it’s either you or him. Joe can’t be the one. Your theory about him pretending to drop off the keys and then leaving us is simply ridiculous. Of course I would have noticed that!”

“Would you?” Simone asked. “I’m not so sure. You were busy cooking, and in between, answering work emails. I was busy tucking Will in.”

“I’m very sure,” Bernard said. “Sean is an excellent sheriff, and if he thinks Harvey’s done it,
 
then that’s good enough for me. As a matter of fact, I’m going to cancel our contract with his company. I can’t possibly let them work for us after this.”

Frustrated after her altercation with Bernard at the ice-cream factory, Nora took a long winding drive before heading back to the diner. She needed to be alone with her thoughts, and maybe some time in the company of the Teutons would help sort her out. She parked her car on the shoulder of the highway, and sat on a small bench at the viewpoint, looking out at the glorious scene in front of her. No matter what was happening in her life, the sheer grandiosity of Wyoming’s landscape always overwhelmed her with joy. It was almost like visiting a shrine. The mountains stood rugged over vast yellow fields, bordered at the edges by trees, and dotted at the edges by mirror-like lakes.

A few deep breaths later, she was on her way back to the diner. Tina would need help, she knew. No matter how much she wanted to chase down the killer, she’d have to take it slow.

Business was still slow at the diner, however, and Tina was happily talking to a customer when Nora entered.

“Hi, Nora.” Tina waved to her. “Dr. Kurt dropped in to say hi.”

Dr. Kurt Neil was the town doctor, and had been for as long as Nora could remember. She suspected he had even helped in the birth of her own mother. He looked a little bit like Einstein in his crazy-scientist days, with a shock of white hair that was always messy, and twinkling eyes that seemed to see through most people. He gave her a friendly wave, and patted the bar-stool next to him.

“Come have a cup of coffee with us,” Dr. Kurt said.

“I’d rather have a mint mocha milkshake actually,” Nora said. She batted her eyes at Tina. “Would you, Tina?”

“Fine, I’ll make it, but you owe me one,” Tina teased. “Keep the Doctor company, will you? I’m dying to hear his thoughts about the case.”

“Oh, I couldn’t tell.” Dr. Kurt put up his hands. He often helped out with forensics in the tiny town.

“Well, the news is already out,” Nora said. “Sleeping pills, followed by an injection of ammonia killed her.”

“That’s correct,” Dr. Kurt said, looking astonished. “How did you figure that one out, Nora? Very brilliant of you.”

“There was a syringe found next to her body, and a bottle of sleeping pills in her pocket,” Nora said. “Right?”

“Right,” Dr. Kurt said. “Add the unmistakeable smell of ammonia, and Sean had pretty much figured it out. He just needed me to confirm it.”
 

Nora nodded. “Deputy Ellerton let the cat out of the bag. By now, the whole town knows how she died.”

“Ah, but they don’t know
everything
,” Dr. Kurt said. “The killer gave her Whiskey and mixed the pills in them. It took at least half an hour for the pills to work, which means he must have been plotting to kill her even as he sat talking to her. A real piece of work, this man.”

“Or woman,” Tina said. “There’s gender equality in those committing murder, you know.”
 

“I’m an old fashioned man. I think of murderers as men.” Dr. Kurt shrugged. “But my point is, whoever did it is clearly a psychopath.”

“That part we figured out all by ourselves.” Tina smiled. “Dr. Kurt, do you think Harvey will be convicted?”

Dr. Kurt took a sip of his coffee and looked at Nora sideways. “Whoa there, I really can’t comment on that. That’s up to Sean.”

“Come on.” Tina bought out a warm slice of pie. “Try this, buttermilk and cardamom. Should go really well with the coffee.”

“If I didn’t know you better, I’d think this was a bribe.” Dr. Kurt smiled.
 

“Maybe it is,” Tina said coyly. “Come on, Dr. We already know that Tiffany met Harvey last night, and they fought. She scratched him.”

“Harvey gave her some whiskey,” Dr. Kurt said. “He washed the glass afterwards, but there were still some fingerprints on it.”

Nora felt her stomach sink. “Is this true?”

“He admitted it, I heard,” Dr. Kurt said. “I’m sure he’ll tell you so himself. He swears he hadn’t mixed anything in it, but Nora, things are looking bad for him. There comes a point where even his staunchest supporter must ask, what if?”

“I can’t ask that,” Nora said. “I won’t!”

“I understand,” Dr. Kurt said. “But the thing is, Tiffany isn’t the only person who died last night, is she? Sergio died too. To be more exact, Sergio was killed.”

“Sergio
was
killed,” Nora said. “He was killed while he held a knife to my throat. Excuse me for not blaming Harvey!”

Dr. Kurt sighed. “Say what you like, Nora, but the town’s opinion is turning against him. I admire your loyalty, but surely, by now, you have your doubts?”

“I don’t,” Nora said. “Harvey didn’t do this, and I’m going to prove him innocent.”

“No, you won’t.” The bell above the door tinkled as Harvey walked in. “Nora. Come on. You promised me you’d stay out of this.”

Dr. Kurt looked very uncomfortable. Hurriedly taking a last sip of coffee, he put a few dollars on the counter and walked out.

“You have a good day, Doctor!” Harvey called out behind him. The Doctor didn’t turn back or answer.

The few people left in the diner seemed to shrink in their seats as Harvey walked in. Nora watched him - he could see the effect he had on the people around him, and she knew it hurt. Until yesterday, the town had considered him a very respectable citizen. He’d been greeted with smiles and waves wherever he went. Today, she knew, people had turned their faces when he walked up to them.

Still, there were some who were loyal - Sam and Tina for one. Tina’s husband walked in too, and he clapped a hand on Harvey’s back.

“So, I hear you’re accused of murdering someone?” he said, as loud as possible. “Did you do it, Harv?”

“You know I didn’t, Sam.”
 

“Sure I do,” Sam said with a smile. “I know it, and now everyone in this diner knows it. I’ve known you for quite a few years now, Harvey, and as far as I’m concerned, you’ve never once lied to me before.”

Other customers slowly started paying their bills and exiting.

Tina sighed. “I think we should close down for the day, Nora. What do you think?”

“Stay open,” Sam said. “Business will pick up again, as soon as people hear Harvey’s here, they’ll come to watch the circus.”

“I don’t much like being the circus freak,” Harvey said, his voice mild but bitter.

“I feel ya.” Sam sighed. “Let’s go to my place and have a beer, what d’ya say?”

“Actually, I’d rather get some hot black coffee,” Harvey said. “The stuff they gave me in prison is little more than muddy water.”

Nora couldn’t bear it any more. With a small sob, she fell into his arms. “I’m so sorry, Harvey! This must be horrible for you.”

“Horrible? It’ll pass soon.” Harvey kissed her on the forehead, then gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “As long as you’re with me, there’s nothing on earth that can make me unhappy, Nora.”

“You’re a brave man,” Nora said. “But even you aren’t that brave, Harvey. I know how unhappy you’re feeling right now. But I am with you, and so are Sam and Tina. That’s a start. We’ll figure it out.”

“Oh, speaking of which, may I introduce you to my lawyer?” Harvey smiled and gestured to the man next to him. “This is Thomas Pineridge. He works in Jackson, but I’ve retained him as counsel. He’ll be making a lot of trips to town over the coming days, I think.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Thomas shook hands with Nora. “I’ve heard about some of your exploits before, Ms. Newberry.”

“From Harvey?” Nora smiled.

“From the papers,” Thomas said.

“I wouldn’t call them exploits,” Harvey said. “Nora’s got a habit of putting herself in danger without a thought to the consequences.”

“Harvey’s got a habit of acting like he never needs any help,” Nora shot back.
 

The two of them glared at each other, none willing to take their eyes away first.

“Wow.” Tina gave a whistle. “Save it for the bedroom, guys. This is a family friendly place.”

“I’ve already told you not to mess about in this,” Harvey said. “Then I hear that you’ve been to the ice-cream factory today. Seriously Nora? Why would you do that?”

“It’s not very wise, definitely,” Thomas Pineridge agreed. “We want all the evidence gathered to be police-work. If you contaminated some of it, it could actually prove detrimental to Harvey’s case.”

“There, see? Stay out of it for both our goods,” Harvey said.

“I’m betting you paid him to say that,” Nora replied. “I’m not backing down from this, Harvey, and you can’t make me.”

“Can we go somewhere private?” Harvey said, looking around. “We really
do
need to talk.”

*****

Chapter 12

“What is it?” Nora asked, as he pulled her into the storeroom.

“Nora, are you really serious about not giving up?” Harvey asked.

“I am,” she said.

“Fine,” Harvey said. “Then if you can’t promise me you won’t stop looking for answers, at least promise me you’ll do everything to keep yourself safe.”

“Of course, I will,” Nora said. “I know what you think, Harvey, but I don’t ever intentionally put myself in danger.”

He held up a hand. “I’m going to give you something. It’s an unusual gift to give a girlfriend, but then again, I have an unusual girlfriend.” He handed her a cardboard box wrapped with an old newspaper. “Sorry about the bad wrapping.” He smiled. “I didn’t have much time after I got out.”

“It’s all right,” Nora said. “You know.. I expected a fight, not a gift when you took me aside. Thank you for being such a wonderful boyfriend. It means a lot to me that you understand why I need to do this.”

“I don’t.” Harvey sighed. “I’m the man. I’m supposed to protect you, and you’re supposed to sit there and look pretty.”

“Sometimes, I feel like you walked right out of a cave,” Nora said with a shake of the head. With no further comment, she ripped open the box, excited to see what was inside. “It’s a… what is it?” She looked at the odd metal rectangle, and then gasped. “Harvey, did you buy me a
gun
? A pink gun?”

“A taser,” he said, taking it out to demonstrate. He pressed a button and a little line of blue electricity shot across it, accompanied by an evil crackle. “Like it?”

“I love it!” Nora exclaimed. “Now if you irritate me too much, I can try it on you.”

Harvey laughed. “Don’t even think about it. I wish there was something else I could give you, Nora, but this is the best I can do right now.” He had a haunted look on his face again. “The truth is, I’d rather be giving you a ring.”

With an ache in her heart, Nora remembered Harvey’s habit of teasing her, telling her that someday he’d propose in a grand manner. Now, with his future in doubt, he surely wouldn’t.
 

Harvey always thought of her before he thought of himself, and he wouldn’t want her name linked to his if he was convicted. He might even leave town if he was let off, but didn’t quite clear his name.