Fat hen farm 01- Killer tracks Read online

  Chapter 2

  Kitty pul ed herself together as best she could and got out her phone. “Tina, come here . . . quick . . . there’s been an accident . . . or something.”

  “What are you talking about? Are you okay?”

  “Yes. It’s Roger.”

  “Is he okay?”

  “I don’t think so, come fast,” Kitty pleaded.

  “Did you cal an ambulance?”

  “No. Should I? I don’t know what to do. I think he’s dead. I’l cal the police chief. Tina, please hurry.”

  “I’m on my way. Where are you now?”

  “In my house.”

  Kitty could barely punch in 9-1-1 with her trembling fingers. “I need to talk to Herb . . . the police chief.”

  “Who’s cal ing please?”

  “Kitty Wilson. There’s been an accident. I don’t know what to do.”

  “Are you alright Ms. Wilson?”

  “Yes. It’s my husband, Roger Wilson. I think he’s dead.”

  “I’l send the chief right over, and an ambulance.”

  Sirens broke the quiet. Kitty could see headlights coming up her driveway. She stood looking out the window, her feet glued to the floor. Two police cars pul ed up with the ambulance right behind. Tina’s car was the last in the line.

  Tina flew out of her car but the police chief stood in her path, holding her back.

  “Why are you here? You can’t go to the barn,” Herb was tel ing Tina when Kitty opened the door and stood, listening to the noises.

  “Kitty cal ed me. It’s my brother in there. Let me go in the house. I need to see if Kitty’s alright.”

  “Okay. You can stay in the house with her.”

  Tina found Kitty staring out the doorway but not actual y seeing anything. Wrapping her arms around Kitty she could feel her trembling. “Kitty, tel me what happened.”

  Kitty slowly turned her head to look at Tina. “I don’t know. Roger and I met at the diner for dinner. David came in and yel ed at me, that it was my fault he got fired. Roger got mad and left. I talked to Gloria for a little while, then drove here. Roger’s car was out front with footprints going to the barn. I fol owed them and I found him in the barn. This is like a dream. Tina, am I dreaming?”

  “No, Kitty, this is al real. I’l stay in here with you until Herb comes in. He’l probably want to get a statement from you. Come on into the kitchen and sit down. I’l make you some tea.”

  The front door opened. David stormed into the kitchen, glaring at Kitty and Tina. “What did you do now Kitty? How can you sit here with this murderer Tina? She kil ed our brother.”

  “Calm down. How did you hear about this so fast David? Murder? What are you talking about? You don’t know that. We don’t even know if he was murdered or maybe he had a heart attack or something like that. Kitty is upset enough. You need to leave.”

  “I can’t wait to see you in jail!” David shouted and slammed the door behind him as he stormed out.

  The police chief came in looking for Kitty. “You need to come to the station with us for questioning.” Careful y putting her teacup down, she fol owed Herb and Louise Carlson, the deputy officer, out to the police car.

  ***

  It was a short drive to the station. Kitty was numb in the back seat. Her brain frozen with the image of David lying on the floor of her new barn.

  Nothing made any sense.

  “Okay Kitty, let’s get this over with.” The police chief guided her into a smal hot room that smel ed of stale body odor.

  Kitty sat at a table with a light hanging over her head. Nervous sweat was dripping down her side. Herb sat across from her with a tape recorder, pen and pad. Louise stood by the door.

  Putting a glass of water on the metal table in front of Kitty, the police chief told her, “Ms. Wilson, I wil be recording our conversation. Please tel us what you did this afternoon.”

  Kitty noticed the switch to a more formal conversation and thought that Herb was trying to put some space between their long acquaintance. “I went to see David Wilson at Jimmie’s Auto about the car I bought from him. We argued. Jimmie came in and took care of everything. He gave me a loaner until my truck gets fixed.” Kitty took a sip of water. “I went to the diner to meet Roger for dinner. David came in and yel ed at me, said it was my fault that he got fired. Roger got mad at me and left. I stayed a little longer talking to Gloria, then drove home.” The police chief leaned closer to Kitty. “What did you do when you got home?” Kitty glanced down at her hands. “I saw Roger’s car at the house with the headlights on, the driver side door open and footprints going to the barn. I cal ed his name a couple of times but there was no answer. I went to the barn. I didn’t see anything at first because it was so dark inside.” Kitty’s voice broke, she could barely talk.

  “And then?” The police chief quietly urged Kitty on with her story.

  Kitty looked up at him with tears about to spil over the rim of her eyes. “Then . . . I saw Roger’s body. I’m not real y sure what I did after that. It’s al a blur. I guess I cal ed 9-1-1. I think I cal ed Tina too.”

  “Why did you cal Tina? Is that Tina Wilson?”

  Kitty pul ed herself together and continued. “Yes. Tina Wilson. She’s my best friend and Roger’s sister. She’s always who I cal when I have a problem.”

  Herb placed a gun that was inside a plastic bag, on the table. “Have you ever seen this gun before, Ms. Wilson? We found it next to the body.” Kitty leaned forward to get a better look and her eyes widened with surprise. “That looks like the gun Roger gave me several years ago,” she said, confused.

  “This is your gun. Where did you keep it?”

  “In the glove compartment of my car. But I haven’t real y paid much attention to whether it’s there or not. I’ve never used the gun except for a few lessons when Roger first gave it to me.”

  “Why did Mr. Wilson give you a gun?”

  Kitty sighed and told him, “When I was working nights at the potato chip factory, there was a creepy guy who kept harassing me and Roger thought I should have some protection. I real y didn’t want the gun, but he insisted. I kept it in the glove compartment.” Looking directly into Kitty’s eyes, the police chief asked, “When was the last time you saw it in your glove compartment?”

  “When I bought my truck from David, I transferred everything from my old car to the new truck. That was two weeks ago.”

  “Did anyone else know about your gun and where you kept it?”

  Kitty paused to think about who might have known. “Roger knew and I told Tina about it. I guess David might have seen it at some point, and the other people working at Jimmie’s Auto might have seen it. Why was my gun in the barn?”

  “Someone shot your husband. Where is your car now? Is it at the farm? We need to check it for evidence.” Kitty’s mouth fel open. “I left my car at Jimmie’s for repairs. They gave me a loaner.”

  “Did you move the gun to the loaner?”

  “No. I didn’t. Jimmie said he would have everything transferred from my truck to the loaner. I never checked though.”

  “I think that’s everything for now. Thank you for your cooperation. Please don’t leave town, we may need to question you further as this case goes along. You are free to leave. Ms. Carlson, would you give Ms. Wilson a ride back to her farm please.” Kitty looked from Herb to Louise but saw nothing in their expressionless faces. She was going to have to figure out what happened and make sure this murder didn’t lead to her.

  “I don’t need a ride. I’l cal Tina to pick me up.”

  Kitty turned and walked out of the police station with her head held high, only to nearly crash into David and Candy heading into the station.

  “You haven’t been arrested yet?” David sneered as he looked at Kitty.

  Kitty glared right back at David as she noticed the smirk on Candy’s face. “What’s going on? How do you know so much already?”

  “Oh, don’t put on that cutesy innocent attitude. It was
your gun that kil ed my brother. And Candy saw you driving home from the diner in a big hurry.”

  Kitty didn’t know how to respond, so she turned and walked down the steps just as Tina pul ed up. Kitty slid into the passenger seat, glad to get away from David and Candy. This had been a long day and it wasn’t close to being over yet.

  Driving back to Kitty’s house, Tina reached over and held Kitty’s hand. “Are you okay? This is a nightmare. I saw David and Candy going into the police station. Are they being questioned too?”

  “I don’t know. But David accused me of kil ing Roger. Does he know something already that we haven’t been told?”

  “After you left with Herb, the paramedic said it looked like Roger had been shot. But I don’t know how David got that information so quickly. He seemed to know something before the police even left the barn.”

  When they got back to Kitty’s house, Michael’s truck was parked by the barn. They walked inside and Michael gave Kitty a big hug. “Holding up okay?”

  “I guess so. Feeling a little shel shocked at the moment. I could use a glass of wine. I think I have a bottle around here someplace.” Michael opened cabinet doors until he found the wine and three glasses. ”Let’s sit in the living room. I’l get a fire going for you.” Tina poured a glass of wine for Kitty and got a faraway look on her face. “Hey, do you remember how the three of us used to solve al those mysteries when we were kids?”

  “Oh my god. I haven’t thought about that for a mil ion years. What was the name? Something Crime Busters?” Kitty felt some sort of happiness at the memory.

  “Yeah, the Crime Busters Agency. Remember the lost sweatshirt case? And the stolen lunch money caper?” Al three were just about rol ing on the floor laughing at their big mystery solving successes. “This is a trip down memory lane. Maybe we should reactivate the agency and help you solve this murder.”

  “Guess what Herb showed me at the police station?” Michael and Tina froze. “The weapon that kil ed Roger. It was my gun.” Kitty looked at her friends as they stared with mouths open. No one was laughing anymore.

  “Your gun? How? That doesn’t make sense,” Michael stammered.

  “I don’t know. Someone must have stolen it. Who told you it was murder?”

  “No one official y but that’s what everyone is saying. You know how news spreads like wildfire in this town. I stopped to get gas and that’s what everyone was already talking about.”

  Kitty grabbed a pen and pad. “Let’s start getting the facts down. Suspects, motives, opportunities, clues. Clues—my gun. Suspects—me.

  Doesn’t look too good.” Kitty sat on the couch with her head in her hands.

  “Pul yourself together Kitty,” Tina said. “You’re right, it doesn’t look good. But we know you didn’t shoot Roger, even though he treated you like crap. David has a life insurance policy on Roger. Actual y, David and I are both beneficiaries. I’l check that policy and see if anything has changed.

  How about Candy? She might know something. She hangs onto David like she’s part of him. It’s disgusting. I have a hair appointment with her tomorrow and I’l try to get her talking. That shouldn’t be too difficult. She’s never been able to keep a secret. And she’s always trying to get on my good side. I guess she thinks that wil endear her to my brothers. She doesn’t realize that I’m not particularly fond of them.” They were al startled when they heard a knock on the door.

  “Who could that be?” Kitty whispered.

  Chapter 3

  Opening the door, Kitty was surprised to see Grannie’s neighbor and friend, Sam Chapman. His wrinkled face broke into a big smile when he saw Kitty and wrapped her in a big hug.

  “How are you Miss Kitty? There’s been a lot going on today.”

  “Sam, it’s wonderful to see you. It’s been too long. I’m okay, I guess. Yes, lots of excitement for my first day on the farm. And not in a good way.

  Come in. Let me introduce you to my friends. Tina, Michael, this is Sam. He and Grannie were friends their whole lives, kind of like the three of us.

  Sam, did you hear? Roger is dead.”

  “I know. I can’t say I’m sorry about that. I never did like him. He didn’t treat you very wel . I saw three cars come up your driveway earlier today.

  One was Roger’s, one was yours but I don’t know who the first car belonged to. It arrived just before Roger’s and drove out just before you came in.”

  “Real y? Have you told the police?”

  “Nope, they haven’t asked me anything. You know, I don’t miss much that happens on this farm. I heard the gunshot too. Was it your gun Kitty?”

  “How did you know I have a gun?” Kitty was shocked by Sam’s question.

  Smiling, Sam said, “I don’t miss much.”

  “Miss Kitty, I brought you something. Come here Max.” A mostly black, lab/shepherd/terrier dog looked up at Sam. “Miss Kitty, you need a dog around here. This is Max. He’s special. I told him he needs to protect you and he wil . He’l die for you if need be. You won’t have to worry about anyone bothering you.”

  “Thank you Sam. How did you know?” Kitty crouched down to welcome Max as he wagged his tail. He sniffed her outstretched hand letting Kitty scratch his neck and then he wandered around the kitchen finding Licorice curled up in his little fleece bed. Max nose butted Licorice and the kitten mewed softly, reaching a paw up to touch Max’s nose. He curled up with the kitten, waiting to see what was going to happen next.

  “Yup, he knows this is his home now. Don’t forget that I’m just next door. You can see my lights now that the leaves are off the trees for the winter.

  Cal me if you need help. I promised Frannie that I would look out for you and I never break a promise. Good night you al .” Sam nodded and let himself out into the cold night.

  “I don’t think you have anything to worry about here, Kitty. Between Max and Sam, you’l be protected,” Michael said. “Sam seems like an interesting character. I think he knows more about what happened today than he told us.”

  “I was thinking the same thing,” Tina said. “Kitty, you need to ask him some more questions. Maybe tomorrow. It’s getting pretty late and it’s been a long day. You must be exhausted. Do you want me to stay here with you tonight?”

  “That would be great. If you don’t mind. I’l just take Max out for a minute. I need a little fresh air too.” Tina looked at Michael and told him, after Kitty had closed the door behind her, “I think Kitty is in a lot of trouble. Her gun, her tracks in the snow to the barn. We have to try to find out what real y happened. I hate to say this about my brother, but Sam was right. Roger wasn’t a nice person. I bet there are a lot of people that won’t be missing him. We have to find who had a motive and access to Kitty’s gun. Maybe Candy wil give me some good information tomorrow.”

  Kitty rushed back inside with Max at her heels. “Look what Max found on the barn door. I didn’t want to go near the barn, but he insisted. This piece of material was stuck on the latch. It looks like someone got caught on it and ripped their jacket. It’s not from Roger’s jacket. Do you think it could be from the kil er?”

  Tina looked at the fabric. “Good boy, Max! That could be a clue. Kitty, do you remember anything about the footprints in the snow when you walked to the barn?”

  Kitty crunched up her face trying to remember. “I was stepping in the footprints. They were bigger than my feet. I assumed they were Roger’s footprints. They were a little messed up. I didn’t think about it at the time, but maybe whoever kil ed Roger, walked back on his steps.”

  “Let’s cal it a day. Maybe after a good night sleep, you’l remember something else. I’m heading home but I’l be back bright and early tomorrow morning to finish up your chicken coop.” Michael hugged Kitty and Tina, patted Max and headed to his car.

  “Tina, thanks for staying. I’ve been looking forward to this day, moving into my farm. And it couldn’t have gone more wrong. Tomorrow is a new day and we’l get this figured out. Let’s
get the sleeping bags and camp out on the living room floor. I don’t want to sleep upstairs where Roger slept last night. Come on Max, I’l get a blanket for you too. Tina, this is just like when we were kids and you would sneak out of your house when your parents were fighting. I loved it when you tapped on my window and we could spend the night together. I’ve been wondering if Roger only married me to try to split us up. I think he was jealous of our friendship. He probably should have married Candy. She always adored him.”

  “It doesn’t real y matter anymore, does it Kitty?” Tina said wistful y.

  ***

  Tina woke before Kitty. Max was curled up with his head at Kitty’s feet. What was this dog’s story, she wondered.

  Tiptoeing into the kitchen, Tina got the coffee started. Looking out the French doors, she saw a movement. Was that someone running toward the River Trail? She felt Kitty move next to her. “Did you see that Kitty?”

  “Yes. Let’s get Max and take a look.”

  They bundled up and fol owed Max out the door. He didn’t need to be told what to do. With his nose to the ground, he took off toward the river.

  “What’s Max going after?” Kitty and Tina turned around to see Sam standing behind them.

  “We thought we saw someone running toward the River Trail.”

  Sam shaded his eyes and looked toward the river. “Let’s go.”

  ”Look at this.” Sam pointed to footprints in the snow. “Tracks heading to the barn and another set away. Interesting”

  “Sam, last night Max found a piece of material caught on the latch of the barn door. I have it in the house. Do you think someone came back to try to find it?”

  “Maybe. I don’t think we’l find anything else now, though. Do you have any coffee in the house?”

  “Of course. I can make us some breakfast too if you’re hungry. How about a cheese omelet and homemade bread?”

  “Is that Frannie’s recipe? I can’t say no to that!” Max was waiting at the French doors to come in too. “Too bad he can’t tel us what he saw on the trail.”