Yarn Over Murder (A Knitting Mystery) (16 page)

“Did Dan tell Burt anything? Did Connie admit to something?” Jayleen peered at her.

Kelly shook her head. “All Connie said was she went up to talk to Andrea once she’d calmed down. She asked Andrea to break off her relationship with Jim because Connie said she loved him.”

“Oh, Lord . . .” Jayleen rolled her eyes. “What’d Andrea do? What did Connie say?”

“According to her, Andrea told Connie to leave and refused to talk with her. Connie told the detective she did just that. Which, of course, the rest of us find hard to believe. Hot-tempered Connie turning tail and leaving, not standing for another fight? I don’t know.”

“Ah, who knows, Kelly? People do the strangest things when they’re in love with someone. I can testify to that.”

“You sound like Burt.” Kelly smiled.

“The voices of experience. Believe us.”

“Burt also said that the department is taking a harder look at Dennis. That’s the word Burt used. Apparently some new information has come to light. Some sort of financial information.”

“Oh, yes. I was just about to tell you. I heard from Dennis this morning. That other detective paid Dennis a visit yesterday up in the canyon. Found Dennis at Andrea’s ranch. Apparently he wasn’t too happy that Dennis disobeyed the evacuation orders. But he did say that he understood why Dennis did it.”

“That must have been Burt’s former partner, Dan. Did Dennis say what kind of questions Dan asked him? What kind of financial information was he talking about?”

“That’s what’s got Dennis kind of spooked. This detective asked about loans that Dennis took out and his payment history. And he found out that Dennis was behind on the mortgage on his own property in the canyon. Dennis said from the way he talked, it sounded like he’d already gotten a look at Dennis’s tax payment records from last year and the year before and his property tax record. All sorts of stuff. I tell you, Dennis sounded worried over the phone.”

That worried feeling flared again in Kelly’s gut. Property taxes. Income taxes. State and federal. There were all sorts of ways people could slip into financial trouble by not paying their taxes. Unfortunately, it was easy for people to forget about the taxman when they were behind on their mortgage.

“Did Dennis fall behind on his taxes, too? That’s bad, if he did. Both state and federal tax men will jump on him. And they charge interest and penalties. That makes it even harder to catch up.”

“You know, I think I recall his saying he’d paid his taxes, property and income. I think all of us are afraid of the tax man, so we don’t want to risk getting into trouble.”

“Well, that’s good. I wonder how far behind Dennis is in his mortgage payments by now?”

Jayleen’s expression saddened. “That I don’t know. But I have a feeling it’s a couple of months. That’s enough to get the bank’s attention for sure.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Kelly frowned. “Had he ever asked you for money . . . a loan, maybe? To help him get back on the straight path?”

She shook her head. “Nope. I wish he had, because I would have lent it to him gladly. But Dennis not only looks like a rugged mountain man, he is one. And he’s fiercely independent. There’s no way he would take a loan, even from a friend.”

“Darn. People like Dennis confuse a loan with charity if it comes from someone they know. Loans are business arrangements. The lender earns interest. There are a lot of private lenders out there, willing to lend money to qualified people. And those loans can earn good interest for the lenders, too. No middleman. No corporation or bank taking the profits. I remember telling some of my self-employed clients that private lenders might be their best choice for small and medium-sized loans. With the banks’ new rules, even customers who have W-2s and good credit scores sometimes get denied loans. Self-employed people don’t have those W-2s to vouch for their incomes. They have revenues and expenses and profits, and only their tax forms can show what kind of incomes they earn. Nowadays, most banks aren’t even granting those ‘Stated income’ loans.”

Jayleen grinned. “I love to hear you talk about taxes, Kelly-girl. It reminds me of how it used to be and how far I’ve come. Years ago, I used to scrimp and save to come up with my tax payments. Now . . . thanks to your budgets, you’ve got me putting away money every month so I can pay those quarterly estimated payments without breaking into a cold sweat.”

Kelly laughed softly. “Music to my ears, Jayleen.” Then her grin faded. “Now, if only there was a way to get Dennis back on the straight and narrow budget path. Unfortunately, he’s got some problems to solve first.”

“Big problems,” Jayleen agreed with a nod.

No more smiles. Money problems had a way of sobering everyone’s conversation when they reared their ugly heads.

Tuesday, June 26

Kelly
cradled her cell phone between her cheek and her shoulder as she placed file folders into her briefcase. “What did you hear at the fire authority’s update briefing over at the Ranch last night?”

“Actually, we got a little bit of good news,” Jayleen replied over the phone. “We may be allowed to go back up into Bellevue Canyon later this week, if conditions permit. Lord have mercy, I surely hope so.”

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed, Jayleen.” Kelly picked up the last of the Arthur Housemann folders and shoved that inside her briefcase to join the others.

“You and all of us. No matter how many rumors said the ranch house is still standing, I won’t believe it until I see it with my own eyes.”

“I understand, Jayleen. But I’ve got a good feeling about your ranch. Have you been practicing what Curt said to do last week? You know . . . picture the ranch house intact? I never knew Curt had a metaphysical streak to him.” She laughed lightly.

Jayleen hooted in reply. “I swear, that man is amazing. All sorts of things come out of his mouth. And, yes, I have been following Curt’s advice. So this will be a good test, I guess.”

“The power of positive thinking. Well, if anyone can make it work, it’s you, Jayleen. You created that ranch out of your dreams and hard work. I’d say that was pretty powerful stuff.”

“Why, thank you for saying that, Kelly-girl. That means a lot.”

“Has Dennis had any more visits from Detective Dan? I have to admit, I’ve been worried over what you told me yesterday.”

“Ah, me, I’m afraid he has. He called me earlier this morning right before you did. That detective called him first thing this morning and said that they’d gotten authorization to check Andrea’s bank records. They found some cash withdrawals that were . . . what was that word they used?
Questionable
, that was it. I tell you, Kelly, I had a sinking feeling when Dennis told me that. I asked him if he had any idea what the detective was talking about, and Dennis admitted that he had taken some money out to pay for Andrea’s expenses at the funeral home. He’d gotten a bill in the mail from the hospital for the ambulance and other charges. And he didn’t want to risk having another unpaid bill on his record. His credit rating was sinking already, he said. Lordy, Lordy.”

“Poor Dennis. I bet he didn’t have enough savings to cover Andrea’s expenses. Arthur Housemann lives next door to Dennis and mentioned that he was having financial problems.” Kelly stopped what she was doing and stared outside into her backyard. Carl was lying in his sunny spot. Midmorning naptime. Brazen was balanced on the top rail of the fence, checking if it was safe to explore for seeds and tasty buds. Big Dog’s territory was unguarded. She continued in a quiet voice, the better to not wake Big Dog. “I was trying to ease Arthur’s worry about his Poudre Canyon property near Poudre Park, so I got a little creative and told him that I’d heard from a friend of a friend that those homes were still okay.”

“Creative, huh?” Jayleen laughed softly. “Friend of a friend. That about covers it. Nobody can work around the truth like you, Kelly-girl.”

Kelly wasn’t sure if bending the truth creatively was a good thing or not. She did know that it was useful, especially whenever she was sleuthing around a murder investigation. “I’ll take that as a compliment, sort of. It’s kind of a dubious ability, but useful.”

“Well, Arthur Housemann is a good man, and he’s put a lot of work into his new house up the canyon. I imagine he’s been worrying as much as I have.”

“He sure has.” Kelly poured the last of her coffeepot’s contents into her mug.

“Gotta talk to you later, Kelly. There’s another call coming in.”

Kelly heard the sound of beeping on Jayleen’s line. “Later, Jayleen. I’ll keep my fingers crossed about your ranch house.”

“Bless your heart,” Jayleen said before clicking off.

Kelly drained the last of the coffee in her mug and checked her watch. She had an hour before she needed to drive over to Arthur Housemann’s office. That was just enough time to see if she could grab a few minutes of Burt’s time. He was teaching a spinning class this afternoon, so maybe she could catch him.

Checking Carl’s water dish to make sure it was still full, Kelly refrained from disturbing Big Dog as she gathered up her briefcase. Brazen Squirrel was having a grand old time checking for tasty morsels in her flower bed of sun-loving yellow zinnias, purple petunias, and red geraniums. Kelly pocketed her cell phone and stealthily left the cottage. She’d seen the drama many times before when Big Dog suddenly awoke and Brazen froze, unseen, amidst the greenery. It always amazed her how crafty the little squirrel was in managing to evade Big Dog. She figured Nature endowed the smaller creatures with an extra helping of cunning so they could survive.

The sun beat down on her as Kelly walked across the driveway, hastening to reach the shady café patio and escape from the heat. Maybe she’d better heed her dermatologist’s advice and slather on more sunscreen, to be safe. “Never leave the house without it,” the doctor had warned.

As soon as she reached the shade of the trees dotting the patio, Kelly could feel the difference. She also noticed Burt sitting at an outside table, finishing his breakfast. “Hey, Burt, I was looking for you, so this is perfect timing,” she said as she approached. “May I join you?”

Burt wiped his mouth with the white napkin. “No need to ask, Kelly. Have a seat. I was about to flag down Julie for some more iced coffee.”

“Oh, that sounds good. The heat is still brutal.” She plopped her briefcase on a nearby chair as she sat across from Burt.

As if she were reading their thoughts, Julie suddenly walked up. “Hey, hey, I can spot thirsty people when I see them. Burt, that enchilada probably made you want another round of iced coffee. How about you, Kelly?”

“Absolutely. In fact, make a second one to go, would you, please? I’m going to see my Fort Connor client after I chat with Burt.”

“Sure thing. I’ll be right back, guys.”

“Thanks, Julie,” Burt said as she scurried away, then leaned back in his chair and smiled at Kelly. “I can tell you’ve got something on your mind. What’s up?”

“I’m starting to worry about this transparency thing,” she laughed. “You’re reading me way too easily, Burt.”

“Naw, we’ve learned to read each other’s signs, that’s all.”

Kelly settled back into the metal chair. “I talked to Jayleen a little while ago, and she said that the police called Dennis and told him they had gotten access to Andrea’s bank records and found some questionable withdrawals. Their word. Of course, that got my attention. Jayleen said that Dennis admitted to her yesterday that he had withdrawn money to pay the funeral home charges and a hospital bill for the ambulance and other charges. I’m guessing Dennis simply didn’t have the money in his bank account to pay for Andrea’s expenses. I’d heard he was having financial problems.”

“Who told you that?”

“Arthur Housemann. He’s Dennis’s neighbor in the canyon, so they talk regularly, I guess. Anyway, Arthur mentioned that Dennis had admitted he had trouble keeping up with bills. So I imagine that’s why he took money out of her account. Of course, that doesn’t excuse it.”

“No, it doesn’t. And I’ll be honest with you, Kelly. Dan updated me this morning and said Dennis has now moved onto the police radar screen, right behind Connie.” Burt’s bushy eyebrows argued with each other, a sure sign of displeasure.

“Won’t the police take the circumstances into account? I mean, Dennis was in financial trouble already, so he told Jayleen he didn’t want to risk having another uncollected bill on his credit rating, which was sinking.” Kelly looked over toward the golf course, the greens empty now. The heat was intense. “I know, it sounds weird hearing me say that, accountant that I am. But this is still a recession, and people are having problems.”

“Unfortunately, Kelly, the police cannot take someone’s word for their actions. Dennis told Dan that he had to sign at the hospital as the responsible party, or they wouldn’t release her body to the funeral home. Even though they were divorced, there was no other next of kin alive.”

“How’d he do it? I mean, banks require a photo ID to withdraw from your account. And most ATMs have cameras.”

“He admitted to Dan that he checked Andrea’s wallet and found her account number and pin to use at the automated bank machine at night. He probably didn’t know ATMs take your photo. Dan said Dennis acted really contrite and appeared convincing. But you know detectives. We have to keep our skeptical natures. Dennis’s actions may have been well-intentioned but they are still illegal. He did not have legal access to Andrea’s accounts, and he withdrew money. That’s a crime.”

“Yes, it is.
Damn
. No way he can get away from that, can he?” Kelly shook her head sadly.

“I’m afraid he can’t, Kelly. And let’s just hope that minor theft is all Dennis winds up being guilty of.” Burt arched a brow in her direction.

Kelly simply shook her head sadly in reply, as Julie approached with their iced coffees.

•   •   •

“These
numbers are looking pretty good, Arthur,” Kelly said as she pushed the pages of the income statement across the mahogany table. Arthur Housemann sat across from her in his side office. It always looked like a law library to Kelly. Bookshelves lined three walls. Blessed air-conditioning sent cool air to counteract the blazing nearly one hundred degree heat outside.

Housemann studied the income statement for a couple of minutes, then compared it to the previous month’s statement. “Actually, I’m surprised, Kelly. I thought some of my tenants close to the foothills might have left before the end of June lease date. Several of my older apartments and houses are right off Overland Trail Road. Right up next to the foothills like that, the smoke got really heavy. The fact that my renters stayed amazes me. Of course, some of them may be staying with friends in the city. So, these numbers are surprisingly good.”

“I thought so, too, Arthur. I was pleased.” She glanced toward the window in his library and stared outside. Lots of sunshine, but thankfully, no clouds of smoke hanging in the air. And no more spirals of smoke curling up into the sky from newly ignited pine trees or houses. “Thank goodness that smoke finally died down.”

“All thanks to the firefighters’ hard work.” Arthur leaned back in his chair, following Kelly’s example and gazing out the window toward the foothills on the other side of town.

Kelly sipped from her coffee mug. “I tell you, I’m glad Steve and I are living in his last development up near Wellesley. That’s way to the northeast, away from the smoke.”

Arthur smiled. “That’s right. You two are staying in one of Steve’s new houses that hasn’t sold yet. Smart move.”

“It was an easy decision. Greg and Lisa are renting there. Megan and Marty started out renting next door to them, then after a year they decided to buy. Steve gave them a good price as a wedding present.”

Arthur chuckled. “That was one heckuva wedding present. Steve did a good job with those houses. I’ve been inside with real estate agents, so I’ve seen all the extras he included. Megan and Marty got a great deal. Those houses are going to appreciate fast once we get out of this recession.”

Kelly grinned. “They were really happy, I’ll say that. And we’re all happy to be in the northeastern part of town, away from the smoke. I’ve driven over to the western edge of the city several times that first week and last week, too. Keeping track of the wildfire’s progress judging from the smoke that’s spiraling up from the mountains. That first week was really scary. I pulled over to the side of Overland Trail Road each time I went, just so I could watch the wildfire. It’s mesmerizing in a way. A fearful way. Kind of like looking at a monster or something from farther away.”

“Yes, indeed, that wildfire was a monster, all right. I remember how worried we all were in the Poudre Canyon that night, wondering if the fire would jump the ridge from Bellevue Canyon. We could smell the smoke getting worse. That’s always a bad sign. So when we got the word it had crossed into our canyon, it was like all our nightmares come to life.”

“That must have been scary, trying to quickly gather some of your belongings and leave all of a sudden. That’s a panic mode. I’d forget something, probably.”

“Well, my wife and I took some preliminary steps to make it easier in case we had to leave. She left the canyon in late afternoon to escape the smoke. Alice has asthma, and she was already starting to notice the particulates in the air blowing in from Bellevue Canyon. So, we loaded up the car and she drove out and returned to our house in Fort Connor. Meanwhile, I started putting stuff in the back of my truck in case I had to leave. By eleven thirty that night, police were ordering everyone to leave, and it was chaotic getting out of the canyon.” He shook his head, obviously recalling the scene.

“I’ll bet. One of Steve’s friends lives near Poudre Park with his family, and he said it was all he could do to remember to grab some clothes and things for the kids. He and his wife both forgot to bring clothes for themselves.”

Arthur nodded. “Firefighters and police went to all the houses in that area and ordered people to leave. And they didn’t give them any more than a minute or two to grab stuff and leave. People were literally fleeing the canyon with only the shirts on their backs. And the smoke was thicker by then. Heavy. I was coughing, too. Of course, the drive went slower because of all the people on the road. Some people were actually hiking out of the canyon to get away. I saw a couple with their backpacks. I even gave a ride to one man who was walking alongside the road. He didn’t even have a backpack or water bottle. He was coughing a lot when I noticed him.”

“That was so kind of you, Arthur. Helping out someone when you’re in the midst of handling a crisis yourself.” She gave him a thumbs-up.

Arthur smiled. “Well, I wouldn’t have done it if he’d looked scruffy, I admit. But this guy looked okay. He was really grateful when I pulled over. Said he and friends from Denver were camping in the Diamond Rock campground since Friday night, not far from Poudre Park. They were keeping track of the fire on their police radio. Once they saw the first flames cresting the canyon’s ridge, they decided to get out of there. They loaded up and headed farther up the canyon toward Walden, away from the fire. They figured the firefighters and police would close the lower canyon road, and they didn’t want to risk getting stuck in all that traffic. He said he lived in Fort Connor, so he told them he’d hike out of the canyon.”