Old Bones: a Hetty Fox Cozy Mystery (Hetty Fox Cozy Mysteries Book 2) (11 page)

W
hen I returned home, it was Blackie who was there to greet me. He padded over and wound himself in and out around my ankles. I managed somehow to make my way to the kitchen without tripping. Crossing to the cupboard, I pulled out two kitty treats for him. He downed them quickly, then hopped to the top of the fridge.

After he was settled, I pulled the phone book out of its drawer and looked up Toby Spires’ number. Laura was insistent on my running the proposal past her. I’d best do it before the next knitting session. Once again, it was an answering machine that picked up my call. I explained who I was, and why I was calling, and fed in my number. “Call me when you can,” I added.

Hanging the phone up, I and sat back in my chair with a grunt of satisfaction. Duty done, I wandered to the living room where I lost myself in my knitting.

I’d almost worked two hours before my cell phone rang.

Toby’s voice came through, shrill and demanding. “What’s up now?”

I took a deep breath. “I wanted to let you know that Valerie and I have hammered out a compromise.”

“And?”

“It turns out that once we started talking, Valerie was very reasonable.”

“I’ll bet.”

Hearing the eyeroll beneath her words, I rushed on to outline what we had in mind. When finished, I asked breathlessly, “How does that sound to you?”

There were several moments of silence. “How could you?” she finally asked, her voice dark with fury.

“I’m… I’m sorry. You’re not pleased?”

“Who gave you the right to increase the number of times a month we meet?”

“I didn’t think it would matter. They’re basically just two different groups that will be under one umbrella. Everyone will be welcome to attend whatever sessions they please.”

“And who gets to approve who joins this expanded little group?”

“I thought our club was a come-one-come-all sort.”

“There’s no official vote, but we do discuss each person who joins.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know that. What do you suggest I do?”

She paused a moment, then responded. “Take it forward to the club. We’ll let the members decide. And I’ll tell you right now, I will do everything I can to defeat it.”

I thanked her for calling and replaced the receiver in the cradle. “Oh, dear,” I muttered. I headed straight to the kitchen, where I pulled a nearly full packet of peanut butter cookies from the shelf. It felt like at least a ten cookie day.

***

“Why the long face?” Andrew asked, when he returned home that night.

“I ran headfirst into a woman who was not impressed with my negotiating skills.”

“That sounds serious.”

I shook it off. My fight with Toby Spires would have to wait for another day. “How were things at Sam’s house?”

“Dull.”

“Don’t you anything at all to report?”

“His brother has arrived.”

“I didn’t know he had one.”

“Well he does, and that’s one of our problems. We don’t know who is related to whom around here.”

I set the my knitting down in my lap.  “From where I sit, we have a much more serious problem.”

“What’s that?”

“We don’t know how Eva’s body got inside that trunk.”

He scowled. “That’s true.”

I pulled a deep breath. “Does it take you long to flit back and forth through long distances?”

A puzzled expression slipped over his face. “I don’t know precisely. I’ve never actually thought about it. But it isn’t much longer than a blink of the eye.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes. Besides, even if it took me several hours, it wouldn’t matter much.”

“Why not?”

He smiled grimly. “What are a couple of hours  when compared to an eternity? That’s how long I have to drift about this old world, you know.”

I felt the blood rush to my face. I hadn’t thought about the unending nature of his life or the fact that he’d live on long after I was gone.. “Would you mind going back to Lawry’s house, then?”

“Not at all. But why?”

“I want to talk to him. I need his phone number.”

Andrew smiled. “Then, you’re in luck.”

“Why?”

“I memorized his number while I was out there.” He rattled the if off for me.

“That’s amazing.”

“I know.” He beamed at me. “And it’s all at your service, my dear woman.”

At that moment, I could  have hugged him if such a thing were possible.

I picked up my cell phone and punched in the numbers. And less than two minutes later, I had Eden Lawry on the phone line. “Hi, my name is Hetty Fox,” I announced.

“Yes?” he replied.

“I’m calling because my son-in-law is in a bit of a spot. His name is Damon Langdon. Maybe you’ve heard of him?”

“That’s Eva’s nephew?”

“That’s right.”

“Well, I didn’t know him very well, but how the heck is he, and why are you calling me?”

“Have you heard of the mummy that recently turned up in Hendricksville?”

“Yes, actually. A man named Oberton called me and asked me about all it.”

“You know, then, that the mummy turned out to be Eva Landon.”

“Yes, as I’ve said, I have heard. But why are you bothering me?”

“I wondered if you might tell me who of your friends or acquaintances might have had access to your attic?”

“That’s the same thing Oberton wanted to know. I’ll tell you the same thing I told  him. How am I supposed to know? And even leaving that aside,  what business is it of yours?”

“Considering Damon is a suspect in the killing, I think my interest is quite fair.”

“Then I’d say you have an overly inflated opinion of your importance in the world.”

It was good thing I couldn’t flit off to California like Andrew just then. If I could, I might have throttled Lawry  just then. But I did summon up the best retort I could, “I’d say you you’re not much of a human being if you don’t want this murder solved and the correct killer locked up.”

“Who’s to say the police aren’t correct in suspecting Damon?”

I sighed. He had me there. “Listen, would you do me a favor? Would you think about the question, and if any ideas come to mind would you call me?”

He didn’t say yes, but he did take my cell phone number before we hung up.

Apparently sensing my frustration with the man, Andrew floated nearer. “Do you want me to go out there and haunt him?” he asked with a wide grin. “I could rattle some chains in his bedroom, or, better yet, let him watch me pass into his house through a wall. That should rattle
him
.”

I laughed then sobered. “You know I don’t want you frightening people.”

“Even killers?”

“You have a point there.” How did I know it hadn’t been Lawry himself who’d slipped poor Eva into that trunk?

***

That night it took me ages to get to sleep. Visions of my grandsons living without a father haunted me. Thoughts of Damon locked up in jail were even more frightening. I couldn’t imagine an innocent person trying to survive in prison. Damon certainly didn’t deserve to face that fate.

But the crime was ages old. Whatever physical evidence there might have been was long gone. I had to rely on people’s memories of what had happened. And memories often shifted over time.

I rolled over. Blackie jumped over my shoulders to return again to his favorite position next to my chest. I stroked his back, sighed, and considered my suspect list.

Now that his wife was dead, Sam Hillman led the pack. As far as I knew he was the last person to see Eva that night. He claimed he didn’t kill her. But how did I know that was true? Also since Willa had been his wife, he was directly tied to that death, too. She was even killed on land they owned. Then, there was the rumor of his financial woes. Maybe he owned a life insurance policy on his wife? Or maybe she had money of her own that he’d inherit at her death?

I wondered if any of their children would speak with me. They would probably be able to give me a better picture of their parents.  I quickly dismissed the idea. I certainly wouldn’t cooperate with anyone wanting to pin the murder on Damon. Why would they feel differently about their father?

The funeral was scheduled for a few days from now. Maybe I’d get a better feel for their family ties when I attended the event. Granted I hadn’t known Willa long nor well, but I had met with her. I did feel badly that she’d died.

Then, there was the question of how the killer got Eva’s body into a trunk in the Lawry’s attic.

Answer me that question, huh?

A full moon shone in through the bedroom window. It bothered my eyes.I flipped back onto my other side. Blackie readjusted himself accordingly. We were a restless pair.

My thoughts next turned to Willa. Before her death, I’d been so certain she was the guilty party. It was a cautionary note. It warned me to be careful assigning guilt. I could well be wrong.

And what about the other suspects? Who were they?

I wondered about Oberton, and what he was turning up? I thought about Andrew and his passes through the detective’s office.  Maybe it wasn’t very noble of me to stoop so low, but I was terribly desperate.

Finally, sometime in the early hours of a brand new day, I drifted off into a restless sleep.

T
he Hendricksville Methodist Church sits at the corner of Clark and Vine Streets. It’s a stunning little affair, built of gray stone with a tall bell tower. Its interior on this day glowed from the sunlight filtering through its multi-colored glass windows. Meanwhile, the casket bearing Willa Hillman stood down front. It bore a blanket of red roses and was surrounded by a myriad of funeral bouquets.

I took a seat near the rear of the church. Sam Hillman was positioned in the front pew on the right-hand side. Beside him sat two couples with a collection of five children. I assumed they were his son and daughter along with their spouses and offspring.

Laura Day came in and approached me. “Hetty,” she whispered, “I want you to come to the luncheon after the service. It’s being held in the basement here.”

I considered the request for just a second, then said, “I don’t think I’ll do that. I’d feel like I was intruding. I’d only met Willa once.”

“Nevertheless, I hope you’ll join us. Becky will be here, too. We’re both family, you know. Cousins count at times like these, and we could use the company.”

Since she thought I could be of help to her, I nodded. “Okay, I’ll stay.”

She gave a brief smile and resumed her journey down the aisle. I looked about the sanctuary which was slowly filling. Detective Oberton had arrived. He had taken up a position two rows back from me. Becky came rushing through the door arm in arm with a handsome young man. She paused a moment. Then, apparently spotting Laura, she moved off to join her.

I felt a whispered “hello” in my ear and knew that Andrew had turned up. He had said he was coming. He’d also promised not to let people see him. We’d had a bit of a row about it, but he seemed less willing to yield to my demands than he once had been.

Megan and Damon entered through the central doors. They looked about. Then, when they saw me, they joined me in my pew.

“I didn’t know you’d be here,” Megan whispered, as she sidled up next to me. “You should have told us. We would have picked you up.”

Damon leaned forward and echoed his wife’s sentiment. “We’d have been pleased to bring you.”

“It was a last minute decision,” I said. “And I never dreamed you’d be coming.”

Damon glanced about the church. “As you know, Sam is an active member of the cooperative. Before that, he always sold his grain through us. I’ve known him most of my life, and I knew Willa, too.”

“Oh look,” Megan said, laying a hand on her husband’s arm. “Greg is here.”

“Who is Greg?” I asked.

“His full name is Gregory White,” Megan said. “He’s in charge of grain storage for the cooperative. Damon hired him a couple of months ago. So far, he’s very impressed with the young man.”

“Is he the fellow seated down front with Becky King?”

Megan leaned closer to me. “I don’t know who Becky is.”

“She’s seated next to Laura Day.”

“Sorry, I don’t know either of them.”

Even though Megan couldn’t confirm my suspicion, I was fairly confident they were speaking of Becky’s new friend.

I sat back in my seat and smiled. He was a good looking young man, and it sounded as though he was respected by Damon, which I suspected wasn’t an easy accomplishment. Good for him, I thought, and good for her. It was early days yet, but I hoped everything would work out well for them.

Movement from the corner of my eye caught my attention and I saw Toby Spires enter. She made her way halfway down the left aisle and seated herself near an elderly couple I’d never seen before. If she’d noted me, she showed no sign of it.

Finally, a few stragglers wandered in and took their places and the services began. As I gazed about the room, I realized the turnout was impressive. Willa had apparently ranked highly with her friends and neighbors.

***

Fortunately, the graveside service was brief. The day was sunny. We sat in folding chairs beneath a large awning. Birds flitted past in the distance. A stiff breeze blew into our faces. After the service ended, I drove back at the church, where the returning mourners were making their way into the building. The group was subdued. Even Willa’s youngest grandchildren seemed to feel the weight of the affair.

Laura stood next to the church steps and waited for me to catch up. Becky and Greg were beside her. We greeted each other warmly. I was officially introduced to Gregory, who did indeed turn out to be Damon’s new employee. Then, we turned and entered the church and followed the other people making their way to the basement.

The room we entered was large. Tables marched down the center of the room in three long rows. White paper tablecloths were draped across their tops. To the side, a serving window opened out from an enclosed kitchen. A cluster of women were at work setting serving dishes onto the shelf. Stacks of plates and baskets containing silverware stood ready at the far end of the shelf.

Soon the mourners began filing past the shelf. We help helped ourselves to servings of baked ham, chicken, and various casseroles. I took a drumstick and a small helping of potato salad.Then I joined Laura and Becky and Greg as they made their way to the end of the middle table. Servers came around offering us a choice of iced tea or coffee. Greg and I opted for coffee. Becky and Laura took tea.

“It was a good turnout,” I said, as I passed the salt shaker to Laura.

“Willa was a good church member,” she said. “She was always willing to lend a helpful hand whenever the need came up. She will be missed.”

Becky nodded. “She arrived every day at our house with a casserole when Mom had surgery.”

“Well, isn’t this a cozy little group?” a woman’s voice said.

I looked up to find Toby staring down at us. “How are you?” I chirped.

Across the table from me, Laura echoed my greeting.

Toby grinned. “I’m a good bit better than you two will be after our next meeting.”

“I presume that means you’ve lined up your votes?” Laura asked.

“You can be sure of it,” Toby replied.

I wiped my fingers on my napkin. “Well, if the vote fails,  the women who would have joined can set up their own group and make donations in their own names. It would have been better for our club the other way. But so be it.”

“How do you figure?” Toby asked.

“We’d have had more donations under our club name. It would have enhanced our reputation.”

“Our reputation, as you put it, is just fine as it is.”

“Yes, I agree. It’s just that it won’t be getting better, this way. See you Monday, then.”

“Yes, you will.” Toby raised her chin and walked off.

***

Two days later, Monday dawned clear and cool. After lingering over a light lunch on the porch, I packed up my knitting and headed for Laura’s house. It seemed slightly ironic that today’s session of the knitting group was to take place there. Laura greeted me at the door and gave me a brave smile. “Are you ready to face the vote?” she whispered.

I nodded and stepped inside the house. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, we defeated her?”

Laura let out a quick bark of laughter. “That would be delightful, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

I walked on into the living room and sat in the first empty chair. I was greeted by the women around me, which considering my mission, pleased me. I had been worried they might throw stones at me when I turned up.

Toby Spires was seated across the room. She nodded a stiff greeting, which I returned. Laura entered the room bearing a large pot of coffee. She sat it on top of the dining room buffet then clapped her hands.

“It looks as though we’re all here,” she said, smiling. “I think we should vote now. I’d like to remind everyone that no matter which way the vote goes, we are still a very useful and welcome group in this town. I don’t expect that to change in the future.”

On the other side of the room, Toby stood. “I have called most of you over the course of this last week. I have shared my position on this issue with all of you. I hope you’ll remember my words.”

My stomach clenched. My hands dripped perspiration. I cared about the outcome of this vote more than I’d thought.

Laura cleared her throat. “Toby, thank you.” For a moment, she looked out at the sea of faces scattered about her living room. Finally, she said, “Okay then. Let’s do it. All of those in favor of passing the measure, please raise your right hands.”

Around the room, all hands except Toby’s went up. I suddenly found myself grinning. When I shot a quick glance at Laura, I found her grinning, too. I don’t know how we’d done it, but we’d just won.

I rose from my chair and made my way to Laura. “What happened?” I asked.

“I’ve been calling just as hard as Toby has.”

“But what did you tell everyone?”

“It was what you said at the funeral.”

“What was that?”

“You know,” she said. “About the group becoming stronger with the addition of new members.”

“Ah.”

“This is my group, for now, and I want it to stay strong. I want us to still be respected in this town. I told them I thought your proposal accomplished that.”

On the other side of the room, Toby rose from her chair and departed.

Laura saw my worried glance. “Don’t take it to heart. She’ll be back.”