Purl Up and Die (19 page)

“You know what I want?” Jennifer said. “I'd love one of those chocolate-covered ice cream bars on a stick. I haven't had one of those in ages.”

“Ummmm, that does sound good,” Kelly chimed in. “What made you think of that with all the popcorn talk?”

Jennifer pointed down to the front of the bleachers where Cassie and three of her softball friends sat, devouring popcorn, sodas, and ice cream bars. “Cassie's friend Judy got one and suddenly I remembered eating them as a kid in the summertime. Playing with friends in the playground.”

“Running through the sprinklers,” Lisa joined the reminiscing.

“The only time I ran through sprinklers was when I was hot and sticky after ball practice,” Steve said, crossing his arms behind his head as he relaxed.

“Well, it's been hot and sticky today, so I say it's ice cream bar time,” Marty declared, rising from the bleachers. “I'll get more regular popcorn, some with jalapeño, and some ice cream bars. Anything else?”

“I'll come with you,” Pete said, jumping up from the bleachers. “Anybody want another hot dog?”

Greg started to raise his hand.

“You must be kidding!” Lisa stared at him with a horrified expression.

“I just did it to see your expression,” he said, giving her a wicked grin. Lisa rolled her eyes and made an exasperated sound.

Pete jumped to the ground and walked over to Cassie and her friends on the first row of bleachers. “You girls want anything? We're going to the concession stand.”

Cassie and the other three girls chorused simultaneously in rousing replies of “Yes!” “Potato chips, please!” “Can you get ice cream, please?”

Pete grinned. “Then, c'mon. We'll need your help to carry all that,” he said, beckoning to them. All four girls jumped off the bleacher row and followed after Marty and Pete.

“The magic words. ‘Concession stand,'” Kelly said with a smile, watching the thirteen-year-old girls cluster together in a gangly bunch.

“That's for sure. When I taught that kids' tennis team at the recreation center, they all made a mad dash for the concession stand afterward. It's gotta be the age,” Megan observed.

“They're all going through growth spurts,” Lisa said. “I
watched it with my younger sisters. They shoot up like weeds.”

“Like Cassie,” Jennifer added. “She's almost eye to eye with me now. And she's going to grow a lot more.”

“She's going to be tall. That's for sure.”

“We've never met Pete's sister,” Megan said. “I wonder if she's tall. Pete is medium height, so his sister is probably shorter.”

“But we don't know how tall her father is,” Greg said, leaning back on the bleachers again. “Wonder who he was. Some student, Pete said.”

Jennifer gave a little shrug. “That's all we know. Tanya was in the midst of her ‘I wanna be a rock singer' phase. Pete said she was partying every night and sleeping around. All she remembers is the guy was probably a student because she was still taking classes at the university and everybody would flock to the bars in Old Town at night.”

Greg closed his eyes. “Hmmmmm. Well, Cassie's tall now, and you guys say she'll keep growing. So the dude had to be tall. And Cassie's smart, so Tanya must not have been a roaring drunk.”

“I asked Pete about Tanya, and he said she got a lot of nausea when she was first pregnant, so she quit drinking. It made her sicker,” Jennifer said.

“Well, that was a blessing,” Kelly said. She noticed Eric's team appear on the sidelines in their green uniforms, watching as the other game finished up. One more strike and that game would be over.

“Well, whoever the guy is, he's missing out on watching one great kid grow up,” Steve offered.

“That's for sure,” Megan added. Then she pointed to the side. “Hey, here comes Mimi and Burt.”

“Hey, hey, you two,” Kelly greeted as Mimi and Burt walked over to the bleachers. “There's plenty of room. Cassie and her friends have staked out that first row.”

“Hello, everyone,” Mimi said, climbing onto the second row.

“Hey, folks,” Burt greeted with a wave. “Looks like we got here in time. That's Eric's team taking the field now.”

Kelly glanced toward the field and saw the other two teams heading off while Eric's green-shirted team claimed the baseball diamond.

“Where's Cassie?” Mimi craned her neck, looking around while Burt settled onto the bleachers.

“She and her friends are at the concession stand with Pete and Marty,” Megan said. “They'll be right back.”

“Well, howdy, folks,” Jayleen's voice sounded right beside the bleachers.

“Hey, there, Jayleen, Curt,” Steve said. “You want to climb up?” He offered his hand to her.

“Naw, I think I'll join Mimi and Burt down there for a spell.” She strolled toward the front row.

“I'll join you folks,” Curt said as he stepped onto a lower row of bleachers and climbed up beside Megan. “We were a ways down, talking to some rancher friends. Then I spotted Eric's team take the field.”

Kelly peered at the field, looking for Eric's number 12 shirt. Spotting the tall gangly thirteen-year-old taking some practice swings with the bat, she noticed that Eric's form had improved.

“Eric's swing is looking smoother,” she observed out loud.

“Well, he's been doing the work,” Steve said, staring out toward the field. “He's been practicing regularly with the ball machine.”

“That boy's been hitting way better since you started working with him, Steve,” Curt said, staring down at the field.

“Eric's a quick learner,” Steve said. “Plus he's willing to work at it. Practices with the ball machine a couple times a week. That makes a whale of a difference.”

“That's for sure,” Kelly agreed. “Cassie uses the ball machine after every clinic session I teach. In fact, the rest of the girls do the same now. I had three machines going at once.”

“No wonder she's improved,” Lisa said.

“Practice will do it every time,” Megan decreed. “I had a tennis pro instructor years ago who always told me to practice four hours for every hour of lessons. That's how to improve your skills. He swore by it.”

“Whoa, four to one. That's a lot,” Jennifer said.

“Makes sense. What you practice, you learn,” Kelly added.

“Well, we have a couple of real good learners who're not afraid of doing the hard work,” Curt observed. “Both Cassie and Eric have got a heckuva good work ethic. They're gonna do great in life.”

“Oh, yeah,” Kelly and the rest of the Gang agreed.

Friday afternoon

“Hello,
there, Kelly-girl,” a familiar voice sounded, breaking through Kelly's spreadsheet concentration.

Kelly swiftly turned to see Jayleen Swinson stride across the empty café alcove toward her, broad smile in place. “Jayleen, it's great to see you here,” Kelly said on sighting her old friend. “I've only seen you briefly at baseball and softball games, and we hardly got a chance to talk.”

“Good to see you, too, Kelly,” Jayleen said as she pulled out a chair across the table from her. Late afternoon and the café was empty. “You and Steve are going to have to come up to the ranch for a trail ride with Curt and me. It's been a while since you two have taken a ride.”

Kelly shoved her laptop aside and leaned across the table. “You know, that sounds tempting. Getting outside in the
woods up in the canyon. Peaceful. Steve and I could use some of that.”

“You two work too hard. It's a good thing you both play ball. At least you're outside in the fresh air and sunshine regularly.”

“Are you kidding?” Kelly joked. “This is late July! We're cooking in the sun.”

Jayleen chuckled and leaned back in the chair. “Summertime in Colorado.”

“It's been fun watching the kids' games this summer. It's also given us a chance to see you and Curt more often. We're down at the ball fields every weekend, either playing our games or watching Cassie's and Eric's.” Kelly took a drink of her iced coffee.

Jayleen nodded. “It sure has been nice to have Cassie join us and the grandkids for all our adventures. She's become a regular member of the family ever since she came here last summer. Hard to believe a whole year has come and gone.”

“I know what you mean. Cassie fits in so well with the Gang and at Lambspun, it's almost like she was meant to be here. And I know how well she's fit in with you and Curt and his grandkids, because I get to hear her tell all about those adventures.” Kelly grinned.

“She's a jewel, that's for sure,” Jayleen said. “Not every young girl would be able to adjust and adapt so easily to a totally new home environment like she did last summer. New town, new family, new home, new school, having to make new friends. Cassie found her place in each one.”

“Yeah. She has an amazing ability to fit in just about anywhere.” Kelly smiled across at Jayleen. “And you two took to each other right away, as I recall. Like coffee and cream.”

Jayleen glanced down with a smile. “I have to admit, she captured my heart from the moment I met her.”

“I remember. It was here at Lambspun. You invited Cassie out to the ranch, and she fell in love with it.”

Jayleen nodded. “And those alpacas.”

A stray thought surfaced in Kelly's mind. Something she'd wanted to say to Jayleen if she ever got the chance. “You know, Cassie never knew her grandmother because she'd died. All she had was her grandfather Ben. And now he isn't able to be involved in her life like he used to. It seems like Cassie is sorely missing grandparents in her life. And you and Mimi have both become the grandmothers Cassie never had.”

Jayleen met Kelly's gaze and smiled. “You're right about that, Kelly-girl. Cassie has filled a hole in my heart I never knew I had.”

Kelly knew what she meant.
Jayleen's missing children.
Her drinking had cost Jayleen the custody of her school-aged children years ago. Her second husband raised them alone. Jayleen had told Kelly she'd tried to make contact after she'd become sober, but neither her son nor her daughter responded. They obviously weren't interested in meeting her. By now Jayleen's children probably had children of their own. Grandchildren Jayleen would never know.

“Well, I can't think of two women who deserve
grandchildren more than you and Mimi,” Kelly said, looking into Jayleen's eyes.

Jayleen glanced out into the empty alcove. “That's right. Mimi's son died in college. Way too young.”

“And he was Mimi's only child, so I suspect Cassie is filling a hole in Mimi's heart as well.”

Jayleen looked back at Kelly and laughed softly. “Perceptive as ever. Isn't that what Curt says to you?”

“I think it's Burt, but no matter. By the way, Curt and Burt aren't too shabby as grandfathers, either.”

At that, Jayleen let out a bigger laugh. “Well, you're right on that. And both of them have plenty of experience in that department, too.”

Kelly joined her laughter as Mimi walked into the alcove. “Hey, there, you two. I thought I heard Jayleen's laugh,” Mimi said with a grin as she paused at the edge of the alcove and the hallway. “I'm going to have to steal her away, Kelly. Jayleen and I need to talk about fleeces and such.”

“Mercy sakes alive,” Jayleen said, pushing herself out of the chair. “Kelly and I were having such fun talking I purely forgot about taking care of business. We'll talk some more at the next ball game, Kelly,” she promised, then headed toward the hallway.

“No problem.” Kelly waved them off. “I have to return to these wayward spreadsheets anyway.”

“Oh, I think Burt was looking for you,” Mimi said as she turned away. “I'll tell him you're here.”

Kelly debated returning to the numbers that wouldn't behave, then decided to refill her coffee mug instead.
Jennifer always left a full carafe of coffee for Kelly in the café kitchen. That way she could easily last until dinner without munching on anything. By the time she returned to her café table in the corner, Burt appeared in the alcove.

“Hey, Kelly, Mimi said you were here. Catching up with Jayleen.”

“Yeah, I told her she and Mimi had become the missing grandmothers in Cassie's life,” Kelly said as she settled into her chair.

Burt chuckled. “You're right about that. I've felt the exact same thing. Mimi has loved being a second grandma to my daughter's kids, but I have to admit, Cassie has got a special place in Mimi's heart.”

Kelly nodded. “And the same with Jayleen. I told her I couldn't think of two women who deserved grandchildren more than the two of them.”

“That's the truth.” Burt's smile faded. “I wanted to let you know that the crime lab came back with DNA results.”

That got Kelly's attention. “Really? That's been, what? About four days? Boy, they are moving faster. So, did they find any matches?”

Burt frowned. “Well, yes and no. Professor Smith had no matches whatsoever, so he's off police radar entirely. Dan said he would contact Smith today. But Tommy showed some similarities in certain markers, Dan said. No exact matches, just those similarities. But that was enough to draw police interest.”

Kelly screwed up her face. “What? What kind of similarities are we talking about here? I thought you either got a match or you didn't.”

Burt shrugged. “Most of the time, that's what you do get. But the medical examiner was being very, very careful. He only had a small example of skin tissue from under the victim's nails. So he's going to run the tests again. In fact, he may ask Tommy for another DNA sample, too.”

Kelly sank back in her chair. “Good Lord. Does that mean Tommy is still a suspect?”

A pained expression crossed Burt's face. “I'm afraid so. Tommy hasn't been cleared by the police yet. Professor Smith has been. They won't be questioning him further because he's no longer a suspect.”

Kelly stared at Burt for a minute. “Do you think Tommy will cooperate and provide another sample?”

“I have no idea, Kelly. That decision will be between Tommy and his lawyer.”

Kelly shot Burt a look. “You forgot Barb. There's no way this decision is going to sit well with her. I can picture the storm clouds on her face right now. Lightning bolts.”

“Oh, yeah,” Burt nodded. “And I guess I'll be the first one to dodge those lightning bolts. I'm getting ready to meet her in the parking lot in a few minutes. It's better if I tell her before her class. So she has time to settle down.”

“You hope.”

Burt released a long sigh. “Yeah. I hope.”

Kelly hoped that Burt was right. She was just glad she didn't have to be the one to tell Big Barb.

•   •   •

Kelly
peered around the corner of the front room and saw Mimi at the counter next to the cash register. Rosa wasn't
there, so Kelly hastened over while Mimi had a quiet moment, before another customer walked up.

“Hey, Mimi. How'd Barb take Burt's news about those DNA results? Have you spoken with her?”

Mimi's eyes went wide, and she peered into the central yarn room, clearly checking if it was empty. “Oh, Lord, yes. Barb is furious! She went outside to call Tommy right away and tell him to get over to their lawyer's office immediately.” Mimi lowered her voice even more. “I told Burt that she looks mad enough to storm down to the police department and tell them off.”

“Well, if anyone could do it, Barb could.” Kelly could picture that scene right now. Big Barb going toe to toe with Detective Dan.

“Lord have mercy, I hope you're wrong,” Mimi said, worry lines gathering as her cell phone jingled with one of Mimi's favorite lighthearted tunes. “Excuse me, Kelly. It's one of those other shops I've been talking to.”

Kelly raised her coffee mug to her and headed through the central yarn room. Now that she'd beaten those disobedient numbers into cooperation, Kelly decided she deserved a break. Besides, she was almost to the point of binding off her knitted top. Perhaps this would be a quiet time.

As she turned toward the main room, however, Kelly was surprised to see Barb holding class around the table. Almost every chair was taken. So much for peace and quiet.

“Oh, excuse me. I didn't know you were holding a class here, Barb.”

“That's all right, Kelly. Take a seat. My class and I are having a catch-up session on their projects today. So, join us.”

“Thanks. I promise to be quiet,” Kelly said with a good-natured smile as she headed toward a chair at the end of the table closest to the windows.

“Okay, Barb. I have another question.” An older knitter on the right side of Barb spoke up.

“Just one?” said a younger woman across the table. “I have several.” She glanced up briefly from her needles.

“Me, too,” said the knitter on Kelly's right side. She didn't look up but kept her attention on her knitting.

“I don't think the police can charge Tommy with anything if there are no DNA matches,” the older knitter beside Barb said. The light green sweater she was knitting looked close to finished. This woman didn't watch her stitches at all. She focused on Barb. Kelly always was in awe of knitters who could ignore their knitting and yet produce perfect stitches.

“I agree. I think the court would rule against them, right?” the knitter beside Kelly asked.

“I would think so,” the younger knitter added. “There's no real match.”

“Even if the police charged Tommy, wouldn't a jury consider that reasonable doubt . . . or something like that?” the younger woman spoke up.

“Ohhhh, don't even mention a jury trial,” the knitter beside Barb said.

“Please, no. I don't even want to think about that,” Barb said in a low voice.

Kelly observed Barb. There was no sign of the Furious Mom ready to give the police a piece of her mind, which Kelly pictured a few minutes ago. Nor was Bossy Barb in evidence. Barb sat quietly, concentrating on the sweater she
was knitting. Kelly noticed her face was pinched with the same worry that Kelly had seen most of this month since Tommy's ordeal began.

“Have you spoken with Tommy, Barb? I mean, since those results came in?” another knitter asked quietly.

Barb didn't reply in words. She just nodded her head.

“How's he holding up?” the woman beside Barb asked.

“Pretty well. Confused, of course.” Barb murmured so low, Kelly had to lean forward to hear.

The knitter beside Kelly spoke up. “Have the police ever considered the possibility that the victim was killed by someone who got into her apartment? I mean, she was in apartments near campus. I know how insecure those places can be. My son lived in a couple of different apartments while he was going to the university. And he and his roommates had break-ins several times. They had televisions stolen, laptops, anything valuable that was electronic. It was a nightmare.”

“I know. My daughter's place was broken into twice. Once by a guy who tried to assault her roommate. A friend walked in and scared the guy away.”

“Good Lord . . .”

“Did she identify him to the police?”

“She tried to, but he didn't match any of the photos they had. With an entire campus filled with students, it's way too easy for any one of them to be tempted by a patio door left open a crack.”

“Or an unlocked lower-floor window.”

“Or worse, an open lower-floor window. And no one in sight.”

“So many of these kids just don't think,” the older knitter commented.

“And so often the real reason is because the person inside is either drunk or close to it and doesn't pay attention,” the younger woman observed.

The young woman's voice had the sound of experience. These comments were all too familiar to Kelly. Living in a university or college town was an educational experience in many ways. Plus, Kelly had quite a few acquaintances and business associates, so she was well aware of the relationship between the city and the university. College students had certain habits—like partying late on Friday and Saturday nights—that caused problems. If the students lived in university housing, it was more easily handled. If the students lived in single homes in the midst of older neighborhoods surrounding the university, then the partying issue became a bigger problem. Add to that mix a significant portion of those neighborhoods being inhabited by senior citizens, then the situation could turn volatile.