Murder on Sagebrush Lane (11 page)

31

“Remember your promise.” Harrie cautioned DJ.

“I’m working on it, but you’ll have to admit, this is a new twist, and I might have a legitimate concern this time.”

Harrie had just finished telling DJ about finding the message on the answering machine. Ginger had interjected her own comments at predicted intervals. The pizza and salad still waited, mostly forgotten.

“Did you bring the machine with you?” DJ asked.

“No, it’s pretty much toast after I dropped it.” Harrie stood and went to her purse. She brought the cassette tape over and laid it on the table. “This is all that’s left.”

DJ picked it up and examined it closely. “It looks okay, but I can’t really tell. Hey, Mom,” he called over his shoulder. “Do you still have your old answering machine?”

“I think so. If I do, it’s in the garage on the top shelf.”

DJ went to search for the machine, and Steve spoke up.

“Did you recognize the voice at all? Was there anything about it that could give us a clue?”

Harrie shook her head. “You’ll see when he finds the tape machine. It’s just a creepy, breathy voice.”

“But you’re sure it was a man?” Steve leaned in, waiting for her answer.

“Well . . . ” Harrie stopped and looked at Steve. “I think so. It never occurred to me it could be a woman.”

DJ returned with a triumphant look on his face, and the answering machine in his hand. “Okay, let’s see what we have here.”

He plugged in the machine and inserted the cassette. When he pressed the playback button, the silent space with the soft breathing in the background played out and repeated a second time. Then the machine announced the time of day and date of the last call: “4:50 p.m., .”

“Mrs. Scott,” the voice said. “I believe you have something I need. I don’t have time to mess around so follow my instructions. Meet me tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. I’ll be waiting for you beside the docking station at the base of the Tram.” The rest of the message with the veiled threat played out, the machine gave a last beep, and then only silence.

DJ took out his cell phone and placed a call. “Swannie, this is DJ Scott. I think you should see what Harrie found today.” He listened and then said, “We’re at my mother’s house. Do you know where it is? Okay. We’ll see you in a few minutes.”

DJ turned back to the group. “He’ll be here soon. Can we reheat the pizza? Mom, do you mind if we share our dinner with Swannie?”

“Of course not,” Caroline smiled at her son. She put the pizza in the oven on low, while Ginger set another place at the table. Harrie went in to check on Katie. No one had spoken since DJ got off the phone.

Harrie returned and said, “Bless her heart. She’s sound asleep. She’s all curled up with that bear of hers.” She shook her head. “She never lets go of that silly thing.”

Ginger laughed. “Kids always have a favorite toy. Can’t pry it away from them, even if you have to wash it or repair it.”

“I know,” Harrie said. “This morning she held on to it the whole time I was cleaning off the blood.” She shuddered. “I hope she won’t remember that after today.”

“Don’t borrow trouble, Sweetie. Kids are pretty resilient.” She patted Harrie’s hand. “Trust me. By tomorrow morning she’ll be ready to go again, bear and all, and you’ll have your hands full.”

Harrie looked from Ginger to DJ. “Oh, dear. I didn’t think of that. Of course she’ll be raring to go and I . . . .”

She abruptly changed the subject. “So what do you think this guy wants me to bring him tomorrow?”

DJ said, “That’s not anything you have to worry about. You won’t be meeting him.”

Harrie frowned. “But you heard him. If I don’t bring whatever it is he wants, one of you could be hurt. He meant what he said.”

“Great Gertie’s Ghost, Harrie!” Ginger grabbed her friend by the shoulders. “Are you out of your ever-lovin’ mind? Do you honestly think there is one person in this room who will allow you to meet this creep? I swear, woman, you’ll be the death of me!”

Harrie’s eyes were huge, and she stared at Ginger in stunned surprise. “I’m sorry,” was all she could manage at that moment. “I didn’t think—”

“You often do not think,” Ginger said. “That’s the problem. You go off like a half-cocked Colt, completely oblivious to the trouble you’re about to drag down upon yourself. Stop acting like Wonder Woman.”

She ran out of steam, released her grip on Harrie’s shoulders, and grinned. “Besides, your magic, bullet-deflecting bracelets don’t work in the real world.”

Harrie looked from Ginger to DJ. “Okay. So maybe I won’t keep the appointment with this guy. But if somebody gets hurt, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Caroline spoke up. “Good. Now that we’ve settled that, how about a glass of wine.”

DJ nodded. “Great idea, Mom. I’ll get a bottle of Merlot from the wine cabinet.”

The glasses were filled, and DJ delivered one to Ginger and Harrie. Caroline handed Steve his glass, and DJ said, “Here’s to a quick resolution of this mess, and to Swannie and his crew.”

They raised their glasses and murmured, “Here, here.”

After a few sips of wine, everyone seemed to relax, and the easy, bantering conversation resumed. For the moment, they avoided the subject of the ominous message.

A long beeping sound came from the oven timer, indicating the pizza had warmed to the desired temperature. At the same time, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it,” DJ said, as he put down his glass of wine. He opened the door, and as expected, saw Lieutenant Swanson on the porch.

“I hope you haven’t eaten,” DJ said when Swannie came in.

Swannie’s grin was weak. “Eaten? What’s that?”

DJ put a hand on Swannie’s shoulder. “We have pizza, salad, and wine, and it’s ready for you right now.”

A chorus of “Here’s Swannie,” greeted them as they entered the kitchen.

Caroline said, “Please excuse the informality, Swannie. We thought it would be cozier to eat in here tonight.”

Swannie seemed to perk up. “That’s fine with me. As far as I’m concerned this is downright elegant: table and chairs, plates, forks and napkins. Hell, I usually eat standing at the sink.” He put his hand over his mouth as he realized what he’d just said. “Excuse the French. I should watch my language in front of ladies.”

Ginger went to Swannie and hugged him. “You don’t have to worry about that with this crowd, Swannie. We all speak French from time to time.”

They filled their plates with the newly warmed pizza and sat down for the feast. When conversation got around to the day’s events, DJ told Swannie about Harrie’s latest adventures.

“I thought you were going to let us handle things this time, Harrie. Am I going to have to take you into protective custody?” Swannie’s eyes twinkled as he spoke, and Harrie relaxed.

“I’m sorry, Swannie. I don’t think I have time for that.”

DJ motioned the lieutenant over to the answering machine and said, “Listen to this, Swannie.” He pressed the play button.

Swannie listened intently, and asked to have it replayed several times. At last he said, “Do any of you recognize this voice?”

A chorus of “nos” responded.

“So what should we do now?” Harrie looked around the assembled group. “If I don’t show up, who knows what he’ll do?”

Swannie shook his head. “You’re just dying to get yourself in trouble, aren’t you?” He stopped her indignant response. “Fortunately, we have people on the force who can go in your place. There’s a lovely lady in Homicide who is about your size and build. I’ll arrange for her to take your place and keep the appointment in the morning.”

“But she doesn’t know what he wants,” Harrie protested.

“And you do?” DJ gave her a quizzical look.

“Well, no, I mean . . . .“ She studied the faces around her. They all gazed back with stern expressions.

“Okay.” She held up her hands in surrender. “You win. I’m sure your detective, whoever she is, can handle the situation.” Then she said, almost under her breath, “At least I hope so.”

Caroline frowned. “But Swannie, what happens when she meets him and doesn’t produce the item he wants?”

Swannie grinned. “Oh he’ll definitely get what he has coming to him. Even if it’s not what he expects.”

32

By 9:30 p.m. the assembled group was ready to end this long day. Swannie left first, with the promise to meet DJ at 7 a.m. the next morning. The two of them would have a briefing before the planned meeting with the mystery caller.

Steve stood up. “We need to get going too. I have an early day tomorrow. Is there anything you need from us?”

“I may call you in the afternoon,” DJ said. “I want to talk to you about the allegations Winnie Devlin made.”

Steve nodded. “Call me on my cell. I should be available most of the day.”

Ginger hugged Harrie. “I’ll go to the office in the morning and check the schedules. I know we have a couple of things that need our attention, but I think I can handle all of it. If I have any questions, I’ll call you.”

“Okay, sounds like a plan. I should be here unless I have to run out to the store.”

With the last of the guests gone, DJ was ready to head for the shower. Caroline said, “The big guest room is ready for you. I left clean towels in the adjoining bathroom.”

“Thanks, Mom,” DJ called over his shoulder.

Harrie stayed in the kitchen to help Caroline clean up the dishes from their impromptu dinner. She loaded the dishwasher while Caroline put things away, and they finished in less than twenty minutes. Harrie heaved a sigh of relief.

“I’m really glad this day is over. It’s been harrowing and emotional.”

Caroline nodded. “I never cease to marvel at the way things happen. You start out in the morning, and before dark, your entire life can change.” She looked at Harrie. “And this has definitely been a big day for you.”

Harrie hugged Caroline. “Thank you so much for everything you did today. You’ve been such a godsend, and Katie is so comfortable with you.”

Caroline smiled. “She’s an unusually happy child, and she seems right at home playing alone and entertaining herself. But you need to be prepared.”

Harrie’s smile faded. “What do you mean?”

“Look, Harrie, I don’t want to upset you, but there’s every possibility they will place Katie in either a foster home, or with one of the women claiming a relationship to her. I don’t want you to get too attached. You can take care of her for now, but you have to remember she’s not your child.”

“I know,” Harrie said, “and I believe I’m being realistic, but I can’t help thinking about the possibility we could get permanent custody of her. I want her to be with people who will love her and not let her down.”

“I agree with you, but all we can do right now is keep her safe while she’s with us. We’ll have to trust that things will work out for the best.”

Harrie leaned against the counter. “I know you’re right, and I promise I’ll try. I’d feel a lot better, though, if we were only dealing with the custody issue. This man who expects me to bring him a mysterious item tomorrow morning certainly complicates things. I can’t begin to imagine what he’s after, but I intend to find out.”

Caroline said, “I admire your determination, dear, but I think the others are right. You have to stay out of this, and let the police and FBI handle it. Now come on.” She put her arm around Harrie’s shoulder. “You need your rest. Tomorrow will be another busy day, and you have a two-year-old to look after.”

They turned out the kitchen lights and Caroline headed for her room. “Goodnight, Harrie. I hope you sleep well.”

“Thanks, Caroline. I think I’ll find a book to read. Maybe it will help me relax. See you in the morning.”

She went into the den, scanned the bookshelves, and found a mystery she hadn’t read. When she turned out the lights, she decided to check to make sure the front door was locked. She picked her way through the darkness to the foyer. There was a big, beautiful door with glass panels down each side, and a large window above it. She twisted the knob and verified it was locked, with the dead bolt firmly in place. Then some sort of movement caught her attention in one of the side panels. She stopped and peered into the darkness. A dim pool of light bathed the area.

An individual stood on the sidewalk across the street, facing their door. Whoever it was seemed to be watching Caroline’s house. Before Harrie had time to think or react, the figure turned abruptly and walked away.

33

Tuesday, June 10

Harrie woke up the next morning feeling brain-fogged. She sat up and looked around, frowning. Neither the bed nor the room seemed familiar. Then she remembered they had spent the night at Caroline’s. She thought about yesterday, and felt amazed all over again at the turn of events. She mentally clicked off the strange occurrences they’d experienced, including the impromptu dinner party last night. But a lost thought tickled at her memory. What? She struggled to retrieve the thing she searched for, but it lay just beneath her consciousness.
Stop trying so hard
, she told herself.
It’ll come when you relax.

She yawned and threw back the covers. The clock showed 6:45 a.m., and DJ was gone.
Of course
, she thought. He’s meeting Swannie at 7. Tuptim raised her sleepy head and looked at Harrie. The lazy beast stretched luxuriously, spread her paws wide, curled up again, and closed her eyes. Harrie chuckled. DJ must have fed her before he left. “Guess you don’t need me this morning, do you Miss Priss?”

She put on her robe and went to check on Katie. The door to the other guest room stood open, and Katie was not inside. For a moment, panic gripped Harrie’s chest. Then she heard soft, tiny giggles coming from down the hall, and relief washed over her.

Katie sat perched on a chair atop a gigantic dictionary. On the kitchen table in front of her sat a bowl of brightly colored cereal. A coloring book and crayons lay off to one side. Caroline and Katie sat next to each other, engaging in a game of peek-a-boo. Katie giggled again.

“There you are,” Harrie said, the lilt in her voice unusual for her at this hour. “I couldn’t find you,” she said as she bent down to hug the happy child.

“You have to start pretty early in the morning to keep up with this one,” Caroline said, and smiled. “Our Katie is an early riser. I heard her stirring around just before six. She’s been coloring and having breakfast since then.”

“I didn’t hear a thing. I’m so sorry she woke you up.”

“Not to worry. I’m up by at least six every morning. Old habits are hard to break. When I worked at the law firm, I arrived by seven each day. Jacob liked to get an early start, and I knew he would never ask me to come in that early. So I just made it a habit to show up before he expected me.” She paused, the laughter left her eyes and a wistful sadness took over.

“I wish I’d known back then that he was my biological father.” She shook her head, and the soft smile returned to her face. “At least I knew the fine man he was, and we worked together all those years. Not every adopted child gets that advantage.” She wiped a spot of milk from Katie’s mouth, removed the cereal bowl, and put the coloring book and crayons in front of her.

Harrie eyes filled with tears as she looked at the child, busily working on a picture. “I wonder if she will remember anything about the time she had with her mom and dad.”

Caroline came over to put her arm around Harrie. “Don’t go there. If you think about things like that it only breaks your heart.”

Harrie swiped at her eyes. “I know. You’re right.” She put a smile on her face. “So,” she said, her voice upbeat, “tell me what I should do first for this young lady.”

They spent next hour getting Katie bathed and dressed; then they arranged the guest room for her clothes and toys. Caroline had borrowed a crib from a friend’s daughter, and it was perfect for Katie. The child happily arranged her dolls and stuffed animals around a small table. Then she prepared pretend tea and cookies for them.

Harrie smiled. “Katie certainly seems happy playing by herself.”

“I suppose that’s what she’s always done. I don’t imagine with her mother being ill all that time she had much opportunity or inclination to take Katie to play dates.” Caroline chuckled and shook her head. “That term still doesn’t fall easily from my lips. When DJ was a little boy, he played with the neighbor kids, and his classmates. It never occurred to me to arrange anything for them. In fact, I think they would have hated it if any of us parents tried to coordinate or schedule their play activities.”

Harrie frowned. “Am I going to be expected to find other kids for Katie to play with, and arrange these ‘play date’ things with their parents?”

“It’s much too soon to worry about that,” Caroline said. She patted Harrie’s shoulder. “Remember, we’re supposed to keep her whereabouts a secret. This is no time to bring a bunch of kids into the mix.”

Harrie looked at the clock. “I can’t believe it’s already almost nine o’clock and I’m still in my robe. Do you mind watching Katie while I grab a quick shower and get dressed?”

“Not at all, dear. Go right ahead. I’ll make a grocery list and plan our meals for the next few days.” Caroline went to the kitchen, and Harrie left to get ready for the day.

As she finished brushing her hair, her cell phone rang. Ginger said, “Can you do me a favor?”

“Sure,” Harrie said. “What do you need?”

“Well, I’m assembling Dr. Mead’s manuscript, and as I recall, you took five of the chapters home with you. Did you finish them?”

Harrie thought a minute. “Yes, I finished them night before last. I had planned to print them out and bring them in yesterday, and then . . . well, you know what happened.”

“That’s what I thought,” Ginger sounded hurried. “Can you or Caroline bring them to the office? He called this morning and wants to pick up what we have typed. He says he’s ready to send it off to one of his readers before publication. He wasn’t supposed to pick it up until Friday.”

Harrie checked her watch. “I’m sure one of us can run them over.” Then she stopped and said, “Oh, damn.”

“Uh-oh, that doesn’t sound good at all.”

“I just remembered I didn’t bring my laptop over here when I packed our stuff yesterday. All the corrections are on the electronic copy. I intended to print them out, and— oh shoot. I don’t know where my brain is. I’ll run over to the house and get the laptop. When’s he coming to the office?”

Ginger said, “Not until noon. There’s plenty of time. Do you want me to go pick it up?”

“No, that’s all right. Caroline needs stuff from the grocery store anyway, and the least I can do is pick it up for her.” She took a breath. “Look, I’ll just run by the house, pick up the laptop, come to the office, and print it out. Then I can go to the store and get back here to relieve Caroline. I shouldn’t be gone more than forty minutes or so.”

Ginger said, “Okay, but don’t be going off on a wild-assed snooping expedition. Don’t get sidetracked, and don’t even think about going near the base of the Tram.”

Harrie exhaled noisily. “Really? That’s what you think? After the lectures I got from everybody last night, why would you even go there? DJ would have a coronary if I did that.”

“Okay,” Ginger said. “I thought I’d mention it. I wanted to cover all the bases so there’s no question about what you are
not
supposed to do.”

“You know, I’m not really as irresponsible as you all seem to think I am. And I don’t have a death wish, so relax. I’m not planning any dangerous side trips, okay?”

Ginger’s laugh was shallow. “If you say so. When are you leaving Caroline’s?”

“I’m almost ready, so in about ten minutes. I’ll call you when I get to my house, if it’ll make you relax.”

“I’ll hold you to it,” Ginger said. “If I haven’t heard from you in the next half hour, I’m calling in the Cavalry.”

“Trust me,” Harrie said. “You can take it to the bank. I guarantee I’m not looking for any trouble.”

“Yeah,” Ginger said with a note of weariness in her voice. “I’ve heard that before.”