Murder Under the Tree Page 17

  Someone said, “Mr. Driscoll, she's coming around.”

  Phil came over. “Kay! Kay! Are you all right?”

  Despite the blankets I was wrapped in, a wave of shivering overcame me. I closed my eyes again just for a few moments, waiting for it to pass.

  I heard a clunk. I opened my eyes. Phil had dropped his cellphone on the coffee table next to the sofa. “Kay, I was so scared!” Tears flowed from his eyes. “The girls were coming down the street and saw you lying in the snow. They helped carry you inside.”

  Focus, Kay. I heard my raspy voice as if it were another person's say, “Thank you, girls.” If they hadn't have come down the street at that precise time, I would most likely be dead.

  The girls looked between Phil wiping his eyes and me. “Mr. Driscoll, I think we better leave now.”

  The door closed. Phil's hands were on my face. Then he gathered me in his arms, hugging me so tight, that for an instant, I felt like I was going to suffocate again. He pressed a kiss into my hair.

  Phil's face had turned ashen. His chin trembled. “Kay, I thought for a second I might lose you.”

  Tears spilled down my cheeks.

  He looked down at me. “Kay, your neck...bright red with gouges.”

  Coughing, I said, “Someone tried to strangle me. With the Christmas lights.”

  Phil's mouth opened. “Strangle you? Why?” He kissed my head again. “Did you see who it was?”

  I looked at Phil. So many questions. He was so concerned, but I just wanted him to hold me, imbuing me with his warmth and protection.

  “I was just about to call an ambulance. I'm calling them now.”

  “No, call the police,” I rasped.

  Phil started to argue, but just then the front door opened and Deirdre came rushing in with Mike behind her. “Angie told us...”

  I sat up again. Deirdre hugged me. I started crying again. The full horror of what had just happened suddenly hit me.

  Phil was on his cell, dialing 9-1-1. He looked over at them and said, “Someone tried to strangle Kay.” His voice trembled. Then turned away. “Hello? Hello? I need to report a violent crime...”

  A violent crime...I thought. The target of another evil, violent crime.

  Deirdre went into the kitchen to grab our first aid kit. Mike made Phil and himself a drink.

  The police sirens came in a matter of minutes. I wiped my cheeks. Chief of Police Kirk arrived with another police officer, who looked skeptical as he entered my home, but that look disappeared when he saw the marks on my neck. I guess I had a reputation at the police station from coming in so often. I told them what happened and how I tried to defend myself, including driving my thumbs into the person's eyes. “I pressed hard enough for the person to scream out. I would think it would leave some bruising.”

  Kirk looked at me. If he asked me if I got myself tangled in the Christmas tree lights, there was going to be another strangulation. But I only saw genuine sympathy in his eyes. Instead, he asked about the suspect and recommended that I be taken to the emergency room. I declined.

  He made a call to start patrolling the area and gave the description of a suspect dressed all in black.

  I shook my head. Kirk was really going to get somewhere with that description. But that was all there was to go on.

  Later in the evening, after everyone left, I huddled beneath the shower, my tears mingling with the warm water pouring over my body. The water did nothing to wash away the fear that lingered inside. I heard the bathroom door open. Instinctively, I tensed up. Then Phil slipped into the shower and with a soft cloth he proceeded to pat the gouge marks around my neck.

  “Kay, I love you. I don't know what I would do if...” He stopped.

  Words were no longer needed. He kissed my wet eyes, my cheeks, my lips.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Monday, January 5

  Throughout my mostly sleepless night, uncontrolled feelings of peril flashed through my mind. When I did sleep, I dreamt of being chased by a faceless person dressed in black, and then another person joining them in my pursuit. Just as they were about to catch me, I flapped my arms, which lifted me up into the air, and I started flying. I looked down at them, reaching for the sky. I was able to take control. As I awoke, I reflected on the good sign I received in my dreams. I would get through this, I thought, as the morning light appeared on the window panes.

  It was to have been Phil's first day back to school for the semester, but he decided to stay home with me, saying it was only a half day and the class wouldn't be starting on a project yet. He was attentive, bringing tea while we read on the sofa together, making our lunch. It meant a lot to me even though I started to feel a little guilty for not telling Phil what I had been up to.

  I was upstairs reapplying antibiotic ointment to my neck, which had turned purplish and midnight blue, when Deirdre and Elizabeth came by mid-afternoon to see how I was doing. Phil was downstairs in his workroom while we sat in the living room, sipping tea, and discussed who might have attacked me. I told them about my confrontation with Nancy.

  “I think she could be either mad or scared enough to have done it,” Elizabeth said. “Or another obvious suspect is Sheila.”

  “Late yesterday afternoon I saw our new neighbor outside,” Deirdre offered. “Could be, we have a murderer living next door?”

  “Get off it, Deirdre,” Elizabeth said. “You haven't liked him from day one.”

  “Is he still stalking you?” Deirdre asked, ignoring Elizabeth's comment.

  My jaw clenched. I could feel my face getting red. I had confided to Deirdre about John's visit. I hoped she wouldn't mention that to Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I'm going to try and forget you even said that.”

  I heard sounds coming from the kitchen. A few minutes later, Phil came into the room with the teapot. “More tea, anyone?”

  Elizabeth and Deirdre both looked at me. Phil definitely was doting on us.

  “Thanks, Phil. I'd love some,” Deirdre said.

  “This is great,” I said. “Thanks.”

  “Deirdre, why don't you think of something productive,” Elizabeth said. “Go read some star charts to divine who the killer is.”

  “I should. Do you know Robert's birthday,” Deirdre replied icily.

  Phil looked towards me and raised an eyebrow.

  I shrugged my shoulders.

  An awkward smile started to build on his face. Perhaps because he knew how Deirdre and Elizabeth could go at it with each other. Then he asked, “Killer?”

  Deirdre bit at her lips then closed her eyes, probably thinking calming thoughts.

  I opened my eyes wide at Elizabeth.

  “Don't mind me, Phil.” Elizabeth smiled at him and then turned to us and said, “After we are finished here, let's go to the patisserie. Phil, don't you think Kay should get out of the house?” Then she added, “Besides, I'm due for a chocolate infusion.”

  I looked up at Phil. He had been so great about staying home from school. How could I now go to the patisserie and leave him here alone?

  Phil must have figured out what I was thinking. “Kay, if you feel up to going out, don't worry about me. I'll keep going over the plans for my new guitar.”

  “Thanks, Phil. I think I'll be fine. I won't be gone long.” Phew, that was close.

  When we pulled up to the patisserie, it took us exactly one second to realize Nancy was not the person who assaulted me. We could see her through the window, sitting at a table alone, looking miserable. Well, not quite as miserable as she looked when she saw the three of us enter the patisserie. She immediately began to inhale her torte. I recognized the rich truffle torte, covered with chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries. It was my favorite item on Marissa's menu.

  “Nothing wrong with her eyes,” Deirdre noted after we sat down.

  “I wonder why she's here,” I said. “You'd think this would be the last place she'd go, since she seemed to hold Marissa personally responsible
for delivering the peanut-filled food item that killed Les.”

  “Well, if it wasn't Nancy, who was it?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Your answer might have just walked in,” Deirdre said, smiling, nodding at something behind Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth and I looked toward the door. Robert Peterson came strolling in. He looked over at Nancy and nodded, then came to our table.

  “Deirdre, don't you dare say anything to him about Kay,” Elizabeth said under her breath. “In fact, don't say anything to him at all.”

  Elizabeth waved at Robert. “We'd love to have you join us, Robert?” Her voice went up.

  He sat down next to Elizabeth. “Hello, ladies. How's everyone doing?”

  I reached up to adjust the scarf I wore to make sure it was covering my throat. “Very well, Robert. Thank you.”

  Elizabeth and Deirdre followed my cue and made polite assurances that they were well.

  “So, Robert, I've seen you at Hawthorne Hills a couple of times. I understand you will soon be the new owner.”

  Elizabeth shot me a brief warning glance, imploring me not to relaunch my investigation just now.

  Marissa came over to take our orders.

  Elizabeth smiled and whispered in my ear, “Behave!”

  I gave Marissa my order, then watched Robert as he did. What else were you doing, Robert? Chopping down icicles so I would get skewered? And what about last night, when I was fixing the string of lights on my tree? Oh my gosh. He was at both places when an attempt was made on my life. But he doesn't have any bruising by his eyes.

  “Kay...Kay,” Elizabeth said. “Robert is answering your question.”

  “As I was saying,” Robert continued, “I've been shadowing members of the staff at Hawthorne Hills, just so that I know how the place is run when it's time for me to take over. I'm hoping to be a more hands-on owner. Also my sister, Celine Winterberg is the new nurse at Hawthorne Hills. Celine cared for my wife while she was ill. She's one of the reasons I'm here.” He looked over at Elizabeth when he said one.

  Robert was no longer being subtle about his connection to Elizabeth, whatever that might be. It seemed obvious that he had specifically chosen Sudbury Falls because of Elizabeth, whom he must have known lived here. John perhaps had more reason to worry than initially expected. So did Elizabeth, for that matter. I noticed for the first time that Elizabeth was starting to understand the gravity of this situation with Robert; she appeared to regard him warily. Her smile went stiff. I could sense her body tensing.

  Deirdre, who apparently had decided to be tactless with Robert going forward asked, “What were your other reasons?”

  Elizabeth kicked Deirdre under the table, which caused Deirdre to yelp suddenly. Elizabeth’s eyes seemed to bulge out at Deirdre. She cringed.

  Robert looked between the two of them.

  Just then the door opened, and in walked Sheila wearing sunglasses. The day was gray and snowy. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw us, but quickly recovered and walked over to Nancy's table.

  “Look at those huge sunglasses she's wearing,” I whispered to Deirdre. “If Nancy's eyes are just fine, I'll bet Sheila's covering something up with those great big things.”

  Deirdre took a sip of her tea. “I'm not one to question signs from the cosmos.”

  Nancy and Sheila must have noticed us looking over at them, because Nancy suddenly threw down some money on the table, and they both got up. Nancy put her coat on. I decided to make my move.

  “Dreary day to be wearing sunglasses, Sheila,” I said, walking briskly to get myself between their table and the door.

  “Get out of my way.” Her head tilted down.

  “What are you looking at? Your handiwork on my neck?”

  “Get out of our way, or we'll have to call the police,” Nancy said.

  Robert walked over. Elizabeth and Deirdre followed.

  “Nancy, what's the problem here?” Robert asked.

  “This woman.” She motioned toward me. “She won't let us pass, and it's starting to make me mad.”

  Elizabeth seized the opportunity to approach Sheila from behind and slipped her sunglasses off.

  “What are you doing?” Sheila screamed and shot daggers at Elizabeth. Sheila made an attempt to cover her face with her hands, shying away from us. But I saw.

  Her eyes were bloodshot. The skin around Sheila's eyes was sloppily caked with foundation that did little to covered the bruising underneath. I looked upon the person who had tried to kill me once, probably twice, with a mixture of hatred and triumph.

  Deirdre gasped. “Look at her eyes!”

  “I'm putting you under citizen's arrest, Sheila Harris, for assaulting me yesterday evening.” I glanced over at Marissa. “Marissa, call the police!”

  Marissa went on the phone behind the counter.

  I heard Elizabeth say to Deirdre, “Oh this is good. Kay's making a citizen's arrest.”

  “Is that legal?” Deirdre asked.

  “Whether it is or it isn't, I'm sure Kay doesn't care,” Elizabeth said.

  Nancy exclaimed, “This is ridiculous!” and started toward Sheila, but Robert blocked the way.

  I went on as Marissa came back over to us. “They're on their way, Kay.”

  “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” I was on a roll!

  Soon we heard the sirens coming down the street and stopping outside the patisserie. Two officers came in and, when the situation was explained, took Sheila to the back of their squad car. I collapsed into the chair closest to the door. A killer was in the hands of the law, for now, but I had a nagging hunch this wouldn't be the end of Sheila.

  * * * *

  After all of this happened, I came home and figured I'd better come clean with Phil. When I walked into the living room, I saw him building a fire in the fireplace. Perfect timing. I turned around, went downstairs, and brought up a bottle of red wine, figuring what could be better than wine by the fire on a cold winter's early evening. By the time I came back into the room, a cozy fire crackled next to the lights of the Christmas tree, giving off a great wintry smell of the burning logs.

  I put the bottle of wine and the glasses on the coffee table and walked over to Phil who was still sitting on the floor and kissed the back of his neck.

  He turned and looked affectionately at me. “Thank you,” he said. “I made a nice fire for us.”

  I sat down on the sofa and poured the wine. Phil put on some soft jazzy music.

  He sat down next to me. How pleasant it was to have him so near. “This is a great way to start the week,” he said, then returned my kiss.

  I took a sip of my wine. “Phil, I think we should talk.”

  He took a sip of his. “Talk?” he said with a smile. “You really want to talk?”

  “Yes. I really do. I need to tell you that I've been investigating Les' murder.”

  Phil opened his mouth to say something. I took charge of the conversation. “I know you told me not to, but I couldn't stand by and let the murderers get away. There has to be justice for everyone, not just Les and Martin, but also for Sheila and Nancy.”

  Phil put his arms around me. His expression was grave as his words delivered a serious tone, “Kay, did what happen to you last night have anything to do with this?”

  “I'm afraid so. I'm sorry, Phil, from keeping this from you. But, you will be relieved to hear that the culprit is now in police custody.”

  “Why do you always have to see that justice is done?” He lightly stroked my wrist with his fingers. “I don't want anything to happen to you. You can see how putting yourself in danger like this is difficult for the people who care about you.”

  “Someone has to see to it,” I replied. Phil finished his wine and poured himself another glass. As I proceeded to tell him everything that had transpired thus far, his eyes went wide. He listened to me more than he spoke.

  After I finished, he put his glass on the
coffee table and looked up. His eyes met mine. “All of this must have been so traumatic for you. You're brave and courageous, Kay, but I'm concerned about your safety.”

  My eyes were intent on his. Phil leaned over and kissed me on my lips. I returned his kiss, making it into a real one. Turning towards him, I wrapped my arms around him. He drew his body closer to mine. Our lips met again. My body responded to his touch, feeling a swell of happiness inside. Then Phil took my hand and invited me down onto the carpet.

  We were in front of the crackling fireplace, our clothes laying in heaps around the hearth when...

  Rrring! Rrring! Rrring!

  “Oh my God! Let the answering machine pick it up,” Phil said.

  We both laughed.

  “Hello. You have reached 715-123-4567. Please leave a message after the beep.”

  A distorted voice invaded the room.

  “BACK OFF OR YOU'RE NEXT!”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Tuesday, January 6

  I picked up Deirdre and Elizabeth at nine o'clock and we drove down to the police station. Phil had left for school and I promised him I would be careful. He was worried about the message left on the answering machine last night. Actually, so was I. I knew for sure, who hadn’t done it. Sheila. She was in jail. But, who else would do such a thing? When we called the police we gave them the caller ID number and they learned the called had been made from a waiting room at the free clinic. Anyone off the street could have walked into the clinic and accessed the phone. Yet no one had seen or heard anything unusual.

  Well, this would all have to wait until later. We were now on our way to learn what the police had gotten out of Sheila. Had she confessed to my attack and Les' murder?

  When we arrived, I told the desk sergeant that we would like to speak with Chief Kirk. I was told he was out of the office. Somehow I had my doubts that was the truth.