Law and Author (5 page)

If you know anything more than what you're saying, it's important that you tell us.

MURDER WITH GANACHE—
LUCY BURDETTE

L
izzie turned around on the spot and led the way back to the kitchen, where she opened the kitchen window closest to the crime scene, as quietly as possible. She boosted herself to a sit on the kitchen counter and leaned against the open window to hear as much as possible.

She couldn't make out the conversation too well, except that Mark was using his serious interviewing tone. When Darla let out a yelp, Lizzie almost fell through the window. The movement caught Mark's attention and although Lizzie had scrambled down from the counter and was casually leaning against it by the time he walked in, he said, “You'd better come out here, Lizzie. I don't want you falling out and breaking something.”

She winked at Molly as she followed him outside.

He turned to her as soon as the door had closed behind
her. In a low voice, he said, “You can listen but don't say anything. Understood?”

She nodded and gestured that her lips were zippered shut. He grimaced and walked back to where Darla and Officer Craig were standing. Lizzie followed a few feet behind and stood to the side, hoping not to be intrusive. She knew a gift when she saw one and realized, even though Mark had told her not to get involved, he wanted her to have some information. Maybe it was his attempt to keep control of the situation, realizing that she'd probably be involved at some point. Whatever, she was pleased.

“So, you say you don't know this man?” Mark continued. “But we have a witness who saw you with him in an alley in town yesterday afternoon. Would you like to change your story?”

Darla glanced quickly at Lizzie but Lizzie knew she hadn't been spotted. Maybe Darla was hoping for some backup or just plain moral support.

“I guess he is the guy I was talking to but I didn't know him,” Darla finally answered.

“So, if that's the case, would you please explain how you happened to be with him?”

“I was walking down the street and he, he accosted me. That's it. He pulled me into the alley.”

“Did you scream?”

“No. I was so shocked.”

“Did he try to hurt you?”

“He had grabbed a hold of my arm really tight. It was hurting a lot.”

“What did he say to you?”

Darla hesitated a moment. “He wanted money but I didn't have any.”

“He was trying to rob you?”

“Yeah. But I didn't have money so I yelled at him and told him to get lost.”

“That was very brave, or foolish, of you.”

“Yeah, well I got over being scared really fast and then I got angry. I'm in desperate need of money, too. Why would I give that creep any?” She stuck her hands in her jeans pockets.

“So what happened then?”

“He looked like he was going to punch me in the mouth so I twisted out of his hold and hightailed it back to the street.”

“He didn't follow you?”

“No. I guess he realized I didn't have anything for him.”

“You were very lucky in that case,” Officer Craig said. Lizzie glanced at her. Something in her voice. But her face retained its usual cop bland expression and she wouldn't catch Lizzie's eye.

Darla glanced back at the body. “I guess so. Who would want to kill him, though?”

“Does the name Rafe Shannon mean anything to you?” Mark asked.

Darla looked startled but quickly reverted back to normal. “No. Should it?”

“You tell me. That's the name of the victim.”

Lizzie looked over in surprise. When had they discovered the victim's name?

Darla shrugged. “I told you I didn't know him,” she said in a whiny voice.

“You can see it's looking a bit suspicious,” Mark said. “You having an argument with him and the next day he's found dead here at Molly's, the place you're staying.”

Darla looked frightened. “But, I didn't do it. I told you that. I promise, I didn't kill him.”

Mark looked at her a minute without saying anything.
Darla looked like she was trying hard not to fidget. He finally said, “Where are you staying?”

“Right here, with Molly. If that's still okay with her.”

“I want you to go with Officer Craig down to the station and write out a statement. And, I don't want you leaving town anytime soon. Especially not without checking with me first. Do you understand?”

Darla nodded and swallowed hard. “Yes, sir,” she answered, her voice a whisper.

Craig motioned for Darla to follow her.

When they were out of sight around the corner, Mark said to Lizzie, “I want you to go over again what exactly you saw and heard in that alley.”

Lizzie went over the details again, stressing that although she hadn't heard the conversation, it wasn't until near the end when the dead guy had looked like he might hit Darla.

“Was what she described consistent with what you saw?”

“Basically, except that they were crossing the town square when I first saw them together. I thought it was Darla but I wasn't positive until I went over to see what was going in the alley. It looked like they were arguing and then the guy stomped off.”

Before Mark had a chance to say anything, Bob rounded the corner. “What's going on? I thought I just saw Darla in the backseat of a police cruiser driving off.”

Molly had come outside and quickly walked over to Bob and put her hand on his arm. “There's been an incident here.” Molly sighed and pointed to the body in the background on the lawn. “Someone's been murdered.”

Bob peered around her. “Who?”

Mark answered. “Male, around forty years old. He's not from around here although we believe his name is Rafe Shannon. Does that ring a bell?”

Bob shook his head. “So what's it to do with Darla?”

“She was seen talking to him yesterday in town. Craig is just getting a statement from her and will drive her right back here.”

“So what are you saying? Did Darla see this happen? Is she in any danger? You've gotta protect her if she is.”

“We just want to find out what she knows about this guy.”

Bob glanced sharply at Mark. He opened his mouth to say something but instead, shook his head and walked over to the body, and bent down for a closer look. Lizzie watched him, trying not to look at the dead man's face when Bob pulled the tarp back. After a couple of minutes, Bob replaced the cover and stood. “That's a nasty head wound. Any idea what happened? Did anyone hear anything?”

He looked at Molly, who shook her head. “We didn't hear anything at all outside.”

“We don't have a time of death as yet,” Mark stated.

“Who saw Darla with this guy?”

Lizzie answered. “I did. I spotted them walking into an alley off Main Street. It looked like they were arguing.”

Bob nodded. “Did you hear what was being said?”

“No, I didn't. I thought at one point he might hit her but instead, he stalked off leaving her standing there.”

“Did you ask her about it?” Bob asked.

“I thought it prudent not to let on that I'd seen them.”

Bob looked at her quizzically. “Why?”

Lizzie shrugged. “I don't really know. It just seemed like the right thing to do.”

Bob let out a deep sigh but Lizzie could tell he was upset. “You don't seriously think she's involved in this, do you Mark?”

“It's too early to say, Bob. You know that. I'm keeping an open mind here. We'll go with that until we hear anything
different but we don't really know the girl. None of us do,” he said pointedly.

“She's my grandchild,” Bob said, his voice flat. “I have to believe her.”

“I understand but I hope you'll stay out of this,” Mark answered. He looked at Lizzie. “All of you.”

Bob gave a curt nod. “I'll just go down to the station and then bring her back here after she's finished.”

Mark watched him walk away. “I have a feeling this isn't going to be easy.”

Lizzie looked at him. “Least of all for Darla.”

I was probably worrying over nothing.

NAUGHTY IN NICE—
RHYS BOWEN

“O
f course there's something she's hiding,” Molly agreed with Lizzie.

They were sitting in Molly's kitchen at the banquette, where they could keep an eye on the progress out in the backyard while waiting for Bob and Darla to arrive. Lizzie studied Molly's face, noting there were probably just a few more lines added around her mouth and forehead. But for someone in her midseventies, she looked great. Of course, her sense of style and knowing how best to wear her shoulder-length hair helped.

“She doesn't know us so she won't trust us. But I'm pretty certain there's more to her story of why she's here,” Molly was saying. Lizzie realized she'd been daydreaming.

“I didn't know you thought that,” Lizzie said with relief. “I thought I might be a bit too suspicious.”

“Well, whatever it is, I don't think it's the fact she's a murderer. That child doesn't have it in her.”

“I hope you're right, Molly. But I did see her with that Shannon fellow. And it looked like they knew each other not that she'd just been accosted.”

“Perhaps you've—we've all been reading too many mysteries?”

Lizzie shook her head. “Anyway, I just hope whatever it is she's hiding won't hurt Bob.”

“You're so right, honey. That's why we have to find out what's going on and try to keep Bob on the sidelines.”

“Easier said than done.”

“I know. But if he sees we're all trying, maybe he'll back off a bit. I'm going to call all the members of the book club right now and see if they can come over tonight.”

“Tonight's the literacy class, remember?” Lizzie glanced at the wall clock.

“I really did have my mind in working order earlier today,” Molly said with an embarrassed laugh.

“There's been a lot happening. It's easy to forget things. Why don't Sally-Jo and I come by after that and let's wait until Thursday night for the book club? It's our regular meeting night, after all. And we may have more information to go on by that time.”

“That sounds like a very good plan.”

“I should make up a sign for your door, though, in case I can't get hold of everyone.”

“Don't worry about that. I can do it.”

“Thanks, Molly. I guess I'd better get going home.” Lizzie gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Try not to worry.”

She left without saying good-bye to Mark and drove home quickly. She made an espresso, thinking she'd need the extra energy, and pulled out her class list to inform them all of the
change in plans. She managed to contact most of her students by five
P
.
M
.
but had to be content with leaving a message for one of them, just as the cats came strolling into the kitchen.

“Dinnertime, I guess.” In answer, Brie jumped onto the counter and nudged Lizzie's arm. After a few minutes of stroking the silky chocolate coat, Lizzie filled both cats' dishes and then looked in the fridge for something quick and easy for herself. Leftover stir-fried veggies and some slices of deli ham would do the trick.

*   *   *

L
izzie arrived half an hour before the class time, wanting to check out the room and to put a sign on the main counter informing her students of the temporary location. After being satisfied the space would work just fine, she went in search of Sally-Jo.

She had to duck into an open doorway to avoid being knocked over as two male staff members led another man toward the front door. They looked like they meant business, each hanging on tightly to both arms of the guy. Nothing was said but the guy looked over at Lizzie, a smirk on his face.

“What was that all about?” Lizzie asked another staff member coming up behind them.

“He's a drug dealer. Tries hanging out around here, dealing to the kids. We've issued a No Trespass for all the good that does.”

“Why don't the police handle it?”

“He's smart. We've called them but he's taken off before they've arrived. Usually he doesn't come inside, though.” He shook his head and walked off.

Lizzie felt some anxiety, wondering if her students could be a target. She needed to find Sally-Jo.

“Hey,” Lizzie said as she pushed open the door after a
quick knock. “I just witnessed something unnerving in the hall.” She went on to explain what had happened.

Sally-Jo looked shocked. “There are young kids using this facility. Not to mention our own students.”

“Yeah, I know. Well, I guess we just keep an eye out for him and hope not to see him again. Is all well with this?” She gestured around the room.

Sally-Jo glanced around, too. She tried tucking a stray bang behind her ear, something not easy to do while her hair was at that growing-out length. Lizzie had bet Stephanie that by the wedding date, Sally-Jo's hair would be back to its usual pixie style.

“It's good. Not as comfy as being at Molly's but at least it's clean and bright. Have you heard anything more about Darla or what's happening?”

“I gave Molly a quick call and she said neither Darla nor Bob were back yet, and that a police officer had remained in her backyard even though the body has been removed. Teensy was with her, which is a good thing. I thought we should stop by after class.”

Sally-Jo nodded. “Poor Molly. Another body outside her house. I'd think it's very unnerving. Do you think there's anything we can do to help this time?”

“I'm not sure. We don't really know any of the details.”

“I thought you'd seen Darla talking to the victim.”

Lizzie nodded. “But I have no idea why except for what Darla said.”

“You think she's lying about that?”

“I hope not but it seems sort of strange. She's new to town and so is he.”

The first of Sally-Jo's students entered the room. Lizzie nodded at the young girl and told Sally-Jo, “I'll see you later.”

Lizzie was pleased to see three of her students sitting at
the rectangular table when she got back to the room. Noelle Ward, Tyler Edwards and Priscilla Ingersoll looked expectantly at her as she joined them, pulling over a chair to the end nearest the door.

“I'm sorry about this last-minute change of plans but I'm happy you're able to make it. I'll just pass out your essays from last week while we wait for Madona Currant. I hope she got the message I left her about the change of venue. Have any of you heard from her?”

Nobody answered, so Lizzie continued. “If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them.”

Tyler tipped his chair back, leaning precariously. “What's up at the mansion? Why the change?”

Before Lizzie could answer, Priscilla jumped in. “I heard on the radio that a body was found somewhere around there? Was it at the mansion, miss?”

Lizzie hadn't expected the question, although she realized now that she should have and come up with a ready answer. “I don't have any details but we were asked to find a different location for tonight.” She knew that wouldn't satisfy Priscilla.

“So, was there a body or not?”

“She just told you, lamebrain, she don't know,” Tyler said, shaking his head.

Priscilla jumped out of her seat. “You are such a dumb a . . .”

Lizzie loudly cleared her throat and Priscilla glanced at her before continuing.

“Aardvark. I'm allowed to ask questions so just back off.”

Lizzie thought it best to let the standoff of glares play out before saying anything. Priscilla finally sat back and made it obvious she was ignoring Tyler. A wide grin spread across his face.
Oh boy.

Time to get back on track. Lizzie pulled the homework she'd assigned last week out of her bag. The assignment had been to choose their favorite mode of transportation, to take out a book from the library about it, and to write a short three-hundred-word essay. She hadn't been at all surprised to read that Tyler wrote about motorcycles while Priscilla fantasized about a Porsche.

She'd decided that each week would include a short in-class test to get them more comfortable with writing them. That was next on her list and while they attacked the questions, Lizzie tried to focus on tonight's class and not let her mind wander to the murder. It was a struggle, though.

When the timer she'd set on the table went off, Lizzie went over the answers to the test and then ended with a question period, questions from the three of them, that she hoped would give her better insight into what assignments to prepare for future classes.

“This is it until after Easter break,” she finally said, wrapping up the evening. “I hope y'all have a good two weeks and we'll see you back at Ms. Mathews's house when we resume.”

Lizzie left her classroom at the same time as Sally-Jo. “They were really curious as to why we changed location. What about your kids?”

“The same. I tried to deflect a lot of the questions and finally, they gave up. You can bet they'll make up for it next time once the news really gets out.”

Lizzie nodded. “Lucky us. Now, if they'd just apply that amount of inquisitiveness to the school work, all would be fine.”

Sally-Jo chuckled. She shrugged her shoulders up to her ears. “I hope Jacob's around when I get home and that he's in the mood to give me a massage.”

“I'll ask the cats to walk around on my back for a while. Not as effective but at least it's something.”

Sally-Jo smiled. “I think I'll pass on Molly's, if you don't mind, though. I want to help if I can but the last thing I need right now is more stress in my life.”

Lizzie stopped and waited until Sally-Jo had stopped moving and turned to look back at her. “Is it mainly the dress?”

Sally-Jo shrugged. “At this point, yes. But I guess I'm also gearing myself up for much worse to come. You know my mama. It's her way or no way, and I get all tied up in knots thinking about how Jacob's taking this. If I were him, I might reach the point of no return and just bail.”

“Don't be silly. You're projecting your desperation on Jacob. He's tough. He can take it and I know he'll be there for you. Now, if you want to worry about something other than Jacob, who doesn't need you to worry about him, then you can worry about me and my dress. I don't have a clue what to wear to your wedding.”

Sally-Jo burst out laughing. So much so, she was almost in tears by the time she pulled herself together. “You're wonderful. Thank you for that.” She gave Lizzie a long hug.

As Lizzie watched Sally-Jo walk away, she just hoped her friend could do a lot more laughing over the next several months.

By the time Lizzie parked in Molly's driveway, it was just after ten. A police cruiser was parked on the street and Bob's old pickup sat in front of the double garage. Lizzie knocked and then walked inside, following the voices out to the kitchen where she found Molly, Bob and Darla seated at the banquette.

“You look tired, honey,” Molly told Lizzie and got up to get her a glass of tea.

“It feels like a long day. How are you doing?” Lizzie asked Darla. She glanced at Bob at the same time and noticed he looked totally exhausted.

Darla yawned. “I've been better. I don't think your police friend believes me.” A flash of anger crossed her face. “This is so dumb. I didn't kill the guy. You believe me, don't you, Granddaddy?” She looked at Bob, almost in tears.

He reached across the table and patted her hand. “Of course I do, Darla. But the police do have to thoroughly examine all links to any case. It will help clear you faster, you'll see.”

Darla sounded angry this time. “You used to be police chief, didn't you? Grandmamma told me so. Why can't you tell them to stop it?”

“I'm afraid that's not how it works.”

Darla stood up. “I can see what Grandmamma meant.” She stomped out of the room.

The others were silent as they listened to her heavy footsteps going upstairs. Then Molly said, “Don't take it to heart, Bob. She's tired and she's lashing out because she's also afraid.”

Bob sighed. “I know, Molly, but this isn't helping me get into her good books any.” He ran a hand through his already disheveled gray hair.

Lizzie sat on her hands so she wouldn't reach over and pat the wild wings back into place. “We all know how murder investigations can shake things up,” she said. “Let's just hope something useful shakes loose real quick.”