Weaving The Web: A Cold Hollow Mystery (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 2) (13 page)

“I’m glad they’re gone too. I also wanted to inform you I told Belinda Carlisle she could pick up her sister’s remains at the funeral parlor, now that the coroner has completed his findings.”

“Is there going to be a service?”

The chief shook his head as he shoveled more food into his mouth. “Nope. She wanted her cremated and is spreading her remains all over the farm her sister loved. She said the town hated them anyway, so why bother.”

“It’s sad, but they did it to themselves.”

The chief nodded. “Yep. However, I think the hired hand of hers will say something kind as she tosses the ashes to the four winds.”

“I hope so.” Myrna had been so caught up in conversation she noticed her plate was untouched. When she saw how much food was left, she dug in as if it was her last meal. It was a sumptuous sesame chicken dish with cashews, and she rolled her eyes and kept shoveling. The chief and Liam began laughing at her expressions. She pointed at her plate and said with a mouthful, “If this is anything like what he’s serving tonight, I’m going to gain ten pounds!”

The chief had long since finished his lunch and stood to leave, but before doing so, he asked, “By the way, did you check Warren’s file to see if he took sewing class?”

She pushed the last of the food to the side of her cheek and said, “Yes, as a matter of fact, he took the class, but unfortunately it didn’t list the fabric he bought or left with.”

“Shit. The seamstress in town isn’t missing any silk from her shop either.” He put his hat on and left her office as she thanked him for the delightful lunch. He doubled-back in the hallway, peeked inside, and barked, “Call the facility. See if they’ll tell you.”

She nodded and watched him continue down the hallway.

***

After his psychiatric appointment and long day at work, Warren Measly found it hard to get Myrna Bradbury off his mind. She was a delight to behold, as well as to talk with. She was always courteous and kind. He adored her, but had other things he needed to tend to after he said hello to his dog and took him for a short jaunt.

After a hearty supper, he went to the basement to tend to someone in need of some affection. He grabbed his camping lantern, descended the stairs, and unlocked the door to the small room. After placing the lantern on the floor, he approached Carla Macy and placed a hand on either side of her face. He was smiling and puckering his lips. He kissed her cheeks, lips, eyelids. When he pulled back a bit, he asked, “Did you need that more than your next breath, Carla dear?”

She didn’t answer, so he went to kiss her wrapped neck to make her giggle, but he felt something snap down on his left ear. Raising his left hand, he slapped the side of her wrapped head to make her release him. When she did, he stepped back and saw blood on his hand. He’d expected the same response he had seen Myrna give Liam one day at the town hall, but all he got was a piece of his ear gnawed off. He shook his head at her. “What a rather nasty thing to do, Carla!” He yanked an ice pick from his back pants pocket and waved it before her face. “Do you know what I could do with this simple ice pick? No? Well, I’ll answer the question myself. I could jam it up one of your nostrils until it hit your brain. Then I could wiggle it around in circles, scramble your brain, and give you a nice little lobotomy. You wouldn’t be able to bite me or speak anymore.”

Warren then began reliving his accomplishments when he had grabbed her at the festival. He had never used his car before, but had replaced the dead battery long ago. When he saw the carnival wrapping it up near sundown, he had walked his dog home, fed him, and left his home about the time he assumed the fireworks would begin. He drove into the festival with his headlights off, grabbed a rag soaked with chloroform, and slipped out of his automobile just as the band struck up a loud tune. Carla never heard or saw him coming. After the sweet-smelling chloroform overcame her, he had carried her to his car and returned home. This was where he excelled. He had already woven the large web to hang her from and only had to take her clothes off. Oh, the joy he felt thrumming through his body as he did this. She was in fine shape for a woman who had birthed two children. He gently ran his hands over her supple skin before stringing her up and applying the wraps.

Carla began struggling to free herself when he snapped out of his stupor. He shook his head. “Don’t exert yourself. Save your energy for breathing, Mrs. Macy, if you intend on living a while longer.”

She whispered, “Why are you doing this?”

His head tilted a little bit sideways as he contemplated the question. Then he answered, “It’s quite simple. I am not tolerant of unfounded public humiliation, my dear.”

She slowly shook her head. “I did not…” Then she gasped. He was right, she found it difficult to talk and breathe at the same time. It felt the same as the time she had suffered pneumonia. Eating and breathing had been impossible, and so was talking and breathing. It had to be done in short one-or two-word responses.

“Ah, but you did. You humiliated me in front of my employer and a few customers that happened to wander in the pharmacy. You made a horrible accusation. Why would I be interested in an eighteen-year-old child, who is not even a woman yet?”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m afraid it’s just too late for apologies. The accusation was offensive. I am not a child molester.”

When he reached out for more silk straps, he heard her sob and smiled. Carla Macy watched in dread as he applied another restrictive layer of silk straps around her. She knew she didn’t have long, and the tighter he wound them, the more she feared her ribs would break and puncture her lungs. She tried to draw her next breath, but the feeling of doom overwhelmed her, drowning out any rational notion she might have had. Her last words to him were spoken in short gasps, “Don’t…harm…my babies,” and he guffawed as he applied the next layer of wrappings. She wouldn’t be able to speak much longer. All of her energy would have to be reserved for those precious breaths she’d just wasted. Thanks to her, he would have to tell anyone who inquired about his damaged ear that he had injured himself shaving.

Carla watched him leave the room again and heard the muffled sound of the bolt sliding into place. She then heard what she believed to be weights being lifted and dropped in the adjoining room. Since her abduction, she had heard it routinely. She also heard classical music playing from above after he was done with the weights. She heard an occasional dog bark, but it wasn’t an angry bark—more of an excited bark.

The little rat had applied the second layers of wrapping so tight she had felt one of her ribs snap, and winced in pain. She felt as though she was wearing a too-tight body corset, and it only made breathing more difficult. Her bladder and bowels had loosened long ago, and she no longer had adequate control to stop it from happening. The animal had let her hang suspended in her own filth. The stench in the small, dark room was now so offensive and overpowering she could hardly stand it.

Her eyes watered and her nose crinkled as an immense pressure in her head increased. It felt like a vise grip had been applied and tightened. The searing pain and discomfort behind her eyes made thinking difficult. Her vision occasionally distorted. She could no longer feel her extremities and thought perhaps some blood vessels had collapsed and the blood flow to vital organs had been compromised. The crushing sensation she felt was mind numbing. The small sips of breath were no longer adequate, and she kept going in and out of consciousness. She avowed if she had accomplished anything, it was that she had left her mark on Warren Measly; the dental marks would confirm him as her kidnapper or killer. She said a silent prayer and drifted off again.

CHAPTER 16

After making a final phone call, Myrna gathered up the trash and disposed of it as Liam put his toys away. “Are you ready? We’re meeting Papa at the lake. He was able to get out of work early today.”

Liam picked up the last toy, pushed his small toy tote into the corner, and gave her a brisk nod and a smile. “I can’t wait to catch some fishes. Grandma asked me to catch some for her and Grandpa too.”

Myrna smiled as she grasped his hand in hers. “Well, we better dig up some lucky worms.” They went down the stairs and out the front door of the town hall.

When they arrived at the far end of the lake, they saw Tom there with a small shovel, digging up earthworms and night crawlers. Liam smiled and bolted out of the vehicle as soon as Myrna unbuckled him. She went to the back hatch to pull out their fishing rods. Tom had already strung the line on them the night before, so they were set to go.

She noticed Ted Cutler’s car there and could have bet Sylvia was with him. She raised her right hand to shield her eyes from the sun and saw a town rowboat already out on the lake. It was Ted and Sylvia, and she could already hear Sylvia’s soft laugh as Ted made fun of her casting ability. Their voices echoed, and Myrna smiled and made her way to Tom. Liam was busy sorting the worms into lucky and unlucky ones as Tom laughed because the worms only moved back together and his labor was futile. Tom reached up and grabbed Myrna’s hand, pulling her down to him. His lips were puckered, and she met them with her own. When she pulled out of the kiss, she ran her hand down the side of his face and said, “You were wonderful today with Artie.”

Tom replied, “I was actually ready to punch him if he didn’t calm down. I’m glad you were there to straighten him out.”

Myrna stood upright again and said, “Well, at least it’s over with, and he can see straight and get back to normal.”

“Normal? He’s never been normal, honey.” Myrna giggled and walked to a vacant rowboat and stowed their gear inside of it as the men of her family gathered the bucket of worms and Tom returned the small shovel to his jeep.

Myrna and Tom were experienced swimmers, but this part of the lake was far too deep for Liam, so she slipped floaters on his upper arms just in case something untoward happened. She knew he would have balked if she tried to put a life preserver on him. Tom arrived and noticed Myrna and Liam were already in their seats, so he shoved off and leapt inside at the last minute. He grabbed the oars, and they headed toward the middle of the lake.

He rowed beside Ted Cutler and said, “Day off?”

Ted smiled and nodded. “Sylvia is on vacation this week, so we decided to try our hand at fishing. The chief also wanted me to scout out the perimeter of the lake for any signs of disturbance or strangers lurking around, which took up most of the morning, and we’re just getting to the fishing part now.”

“Well, good luck and have fun.” Tom rowed away from them as Myrna and Liam waved good-bye. It would have been rude to fish in the same spot.

While he rowed, Myrna asked him, “How long do we have to fish?”

“About three hours. Then we need to go home and clean up. Our reservations are for six thirty at the grand opening of Carla’s Fine Cuisine.”

Liam hooked a worm and said, “I want the same stuff I had for lunch today.”

Tom’s eyebrows arched. “You ate without me? Robert cooked for you?”

Liam licked his lips and smacked them together. “Yep, and it was deeeliciious.” Myrna nudged him and snickered at Tom’s frown.

They fished for three straight hours. Liam finally hooked himself a large-mouthed bass, and Tom helped him reel it in as cries of joy echoed off the lake. Tom’s cell phone could take pictures, so he snapped one of Liam holding up his prize. Myrna also snagged a few fish of her own: a few perch and one belligerent catfish lurking in the deep. Tom caught a bluegill, and Myrna couldn’t resist taking a picture of him holding up the pathetic prize. Liam took a giggle fit as she snapped the photo, and Tom tossed the fish over his shoulder and back in the water.

When their time was up, Tom rowed them to shore and put their catches in a basket to take home, where he would skin them and clean them for the freezer. Liam was positive Grandma Alice Dumont would be happy. They took their separate vehicles home, but stopped to wave good-bye to Sylvia and Ted, who were still enjoying their day.

As Myrna drove home, Liam told her this was the best summer he could remember having in his life. Myrna’s eyes welled, and she smiled as she pulled into their driveway. When she put the car in park, she leaned over, tickled him, and said, “Well, keep your pants on, because it’s only going to get better!” He giggled to the roof of the vehicle as she was unbuckling him.

***

Myrna had seen the interior of the new restaurant, so she instructed the men to put on their best summer clothes. After showering and applying her makeup, Myrna slipped into a silk tank top and a matching summer skirt and flats. The fabric was light and breezy and blended perfectly with her red hair. After brushing out her wet hair, she decided to let it air dry and wear it down for the evening. Tom didn’t like it when it was up in a ponytail, but understood it was necessary when working at the bakery.

She made her way downstairs to see her men waiting for her at the front door, dressed in pressed khakis and white shirts. She smiled when she saw Liam holding a bouquet of freshly picked flowers for her. She kissed his face all over as he squirmed, and made a big fuss over the blooms as she put them in a vase of water. Tom could not stop smiling as he ushered his family out the door.

They parked at the town hall and walked across the street together, holding hands. Myrna already noticed people sitting on benches outside of the eatery. Robert Collins was in for a monster of an opening night. She was happy for him. They entered and gave their names to the hostess and were ushered to a primo table. Robert was on them in seconds and made his recommendations for their meal. They agreed with it all and were served appetizers within five minutes. The wait staff was beyond professional and efficient. Robert had been lucky he’d had time to train them well before the grand opening. Sarah Macy came from the back and sat beside Myrna. She told her she had baked the desserts for the grand opening for Robert and it kept her busy. When Myrna asked how she was getting along with Robert at his house, the girl had smiled and said, “He’s making a big fuss over us and is almost overprotective, but it feels good. We sleep in his old bedroom, and he sleeps on the pull-out couch.”

Myrna rubbed Sarah’s back and replied, “I’m glad he is providing you with some feeling of comfort. I hope we find your mom soon, so this can end for the two of you. Where is Becky?”

Sarah giggled. “She’s never cooked a thing in her life, but Robert has made her his temporary sous chef. He taught her a ton of stuff yesterday.”

When their meal arrived, Sarah returned to the back room to help the staff. Myrna glanced around the restaurant to see the chief and his wife eating their meal already. She wiggled her fingers at them, and they smiled back but never stopped eating. Myrna chuckled and dug into her own meal. Liam was fortunate and able to get the same dish he’d had for lunch. Myrna had tried to coax him to try something different, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Myrna and Tom ordered what Robert had recommended, and it was divine. The restaurant was filling fast; people were coming and going and all were speaking of what a great restaurant it was and how good the food was. Robert would do just fine. Tom commented on their surroundings and asked exactly how much money Robert had poured into redecorating the place.

Myrna stared at the new lighting, paint, and furnishings and shook her head. “I don’t know exactly how much, but I do know it was a lot. I also know he had the manager of the furniture store and his wife go to his house and redecorate it. I can only imagine what the inside of his cabin looks like now if this is any indication of his taste.” The walls of the restaurant were painted soft ochre, adorned with prints that suited their surroundings: mountain prints and wildlife paintings. The ceiling fixtures were wrought-iron chandeliers. The dining area was both rustic and elegant. The fieldstone fireplace ran all the way up one of the walls and set the place off. It had wrought iron sconces upon the wall on either side of it.

The waitress arrived and took their orders for dessert. Myrna was full but ordered something light so she wouldn’t offend Sarah. Liam always had room for dessert, as did Tom.

As the men were finishing their dessert, Myrna grabbed for her pocketbook and wrote a short note on a piece of paper. As the chief passed by after paying his bill, she slipped it to him as he escorted his wife outside. The note let him know she had called the rehabilitation center in the afternoon and obtained the list of fabric Warren Measly had taken with him. He didn’t bring bridal silk with him, but he had brought some wild silk. She didn’t think the news would make the chief happy, hence the note. He could blow off steam when he got home instead of in public. She had watched all the people come and go for over an hour and failed to spot Warren at the grand opening. She chuckled to herself and knew he would never enter the establishment. He was jealous.

***

Two days later, Warren Measly was disappointed to find Carla Macy’s eyes had imploded. He checked her face closely to see the skin had turned blue and purplish spider veins had erupted on her once-beautiful face as the tiny vessels had burst. After wrapping her face, Warren Measly held Carla Macy in his arms and released her from the intricate web. He twirled her around and did a formal dance with her wrapped corpse because, in his mind, women loved nothing more than being swept off their feet. The difficult part would be getting her in the trunk of his car. He never realized how clunky dead bodies were. “It’s a pity you didn’t last longer, Carla dear. I was so wrapped up in you.” He chuckled and asked, “Get it?”

When he received no response, he carried her corpse upstairs and out the back door to his barn. It was early morning, but Warren suspected the dark storm clouds moving in would provide him with enough cover.

It was just as well she had passed away. The police were searching homes looking for her and he had a big mess he’d yet to clean up before they arrived at his door.