Middle River Murders Read online

  Billy’s two sisters, Jenny and Beth, followed their brothers into the room, which was quickly becoming overcrowded.

  “We just stopped by to see how you’re doing and to see our nephew,” Beth said. “Mom says you weren’t in labor very long. How lucky can you get? Every woman I know says their labor felt like it was never going to end. I never hear about the few who have it easy. Now I can brag about your short labor to all my friends.”

  “I was stunned,” Mom interjected. “I thought for sure… well, never mind. I’m just glad it was such an easy birth, because if it had been bad, Jesse would never want to have another child.”

  “You’ve got that right,” I said as my eyelids became heavy.

  “You’re tired and need your rest,” Jenny said. “We brought gifts for Ethan. I’ll put them over by the window. Let’s go see the new addition to our family and let Jesse rest.”

  “Let me lead the way,” Mom beamed. “He’s the most…”

  After kisses and hugs everyone left the room except Billy. He sat down on the edge of the bed and took my hand in his.

  “You’re the woman I’ve been waiting for my whole life,” Billy said as he kissed me gently on the lips. “I knew it the minute I laid eyes on you… but I think I told you that before.”

  “Yes, you did, and I think I told you the same thing.”

  “I called my boys and they want to come see their little brother. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Hey, you can invite Ruth if you want. You two still have a decent relationship and I’d like for that to continue. What do you think?”

  “When I called the boys, they asked if their mother knew and I told them no. They suggested that I call her, so I did. She wants to see Ethan and said she hopes the two of you can be friends.”

  “Sure,” I said as I started to drift off. “I have my man and I’m not afraid of losing him to his ex-wife. I’m the lucky one. Jealousy isn’t in my bones.”

  “Bull,” Billy replied. “It seems to me that it took you a while to get over being jealous of your own sister.”

  “That was sister stuff. I’m over that now. I have everything I want. Invite Ruth for a visit and if she tries to take you away from me, I’ll kick her butt.”

  We both laughed.

  “She’s put on a little weight and I think that might be difficult. She was a strong woman before she gained the weight. My boys said that she’s been depressed and that’s why she’s gained so much weight. Her marriage is on the rocks.”

  “I guess I’d better keep a sharp eye on her then.”

  “You have nothing to worry about, `ge ya. I’m all yours.”

  “I sure hope so. We have two kids who need both their parents. Speaking of which, where’s Maisy? I thought your mother was watching her.”

  “She’s down in the lobby with Claire’s two young ones. Adam is watching them,” Beth said as she walked back into the room. “I need to get back down there so he can come up to see you. You don’t mind, do you?”

  “Of course, not.”

  “I know you’re about to fall out, but could you just hold on a little longer? You know Adam thinks the world of you. He says you’re perfect for Billy.”

  “He’s a good man.”

  She leaned down and whispered in my ear, “We’re going to have a baby. I haven’t told anyone yet, so don’t say anything until I get a chance…”

  “You don’t actually think your husband can keep a secret, do you?” Sarah said as she walked back into the room. “I found out the minute he did. He told me to keep it hush-hush until you had a chance to tell me, but you know how that goes. He’s so proud that he just couldn’t wait to tell someone, and I was the lucky one he told.”

  “She hears everything,” Beth said, looking from me to her mother. “I guess that means everybody knows, huh, Mom?”

  “Sure does,” Billy said. “I found out last night but I was a little too busy at the time to call you. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you and Adam.” He gave Beth a hug. “I know that both of you have wanted a child for a long time. Now you’ll have one.”

  “Two,” Beth said. “We’re having twins.”

  “Oh, my goodness,” Mom said, walking into the room. “Twice as much fun!”

  “I think one at a time is enough for me,” I said, adding my two cent’s worth. “I don’t know what I’d do with two infants.”

  “What do you mean? You have two little ones,” Beth said.

  “I don’t consider Maisy an infant anymore. She’s a toddler. There’s a big difference.”

  “You have that right,” Billy said. “She’s like a miniature adult. She really keeps us on our toes.”

  “I must run,” Beth said. She looked at her mother, Sarah. “After Adam comes up for a visit, we’ll meet you back at the house.”

  Thirty minutes later, everyone had gone home except Billy. It was all I could do to keep my eyes open as he talked to me. Just when I was about to fall asleep, the nurse came in pushing a cart with our baby in it.

  “Someone’s hungry, Mama,” the nurse said.

  I perked right up. It was time to breast-feed Ethan. The first time I tried, he didn’t want to cooperate. He took a couple of gulps and then fell asleep. This time I was determined to get him to feed. Women do it all the time, and if they can do it, so can I. This was something I was looking forward to. I’ve been told that nothing brings a mother and child closer together than this.

  Billy picked up Ethan and handed him to me.

  I put Ethan to my breast and he latched on like a pro. I cried the whole time.

  The nurse looked over at Billy and noticed the concerned look on his face. “Don’t worry, Mr. Blackhawk. It’s normal for a new mother to cry. It’s their maternal instinct kicking in. She’s bonding with her child.”

  “Thank goodness,” he replied. “I thought something was wrong.”

  “Don’t you remember what it was like when Ruth had the boys?” I asked him.

  “I don’t remember her crying, but then again, I wasn’t with her the whole time. Remember, I told you that I wasn’t around a lot. I was busy making a living for my family.”

  “This family has enough money to survive without your being gone all the time.”

  “That’s true,” Billy replied. “Besides, I made a big chunk of change, as you would say, on the last case I worked.”

  “Oh, yeah,” I said. “That’s the one you wouldn’t let me work on with you.” I looked up at the nurse and said, “I finally get my P.I. license and just because I’m pregnant, my husband wouldn’t let me work on a case with him. He said it was too dangerous. What do you think of that?”

  “She didn’t tell you that she was eight months pregnant at the time and could barely get out of the chair let alone run around chasing after a thief. You worked on several cases until you got too big.”

  “I think you should quit while you’re ahead, pal.”

  The nurse laughed and said, “Press the call button if you need anything. But I don’t think you will. You and your son seem to be doing fine.”

  “My wife’s a natural, isn’t she?”

  “Yes, she is, Mr. Blackhawk.” The nurse winked at him and then left the room.

  “You need to burp him, don’t you?”

  “He’ll let me know when he’s ready,” I said. I looked up at Billy and saw a tear in his eye. What a sensitive man! Life couldn’t get much better.

  “Look at the size of my breasts, Billy. They’re so big.”

  Billy looked down and smiled. “They are rather large,” he said. “It’s Mother Nature’s way of providing nourishment.”

  “Does that mean when I no longer nurse Ethan they’ll go back to their regular size?”

  “I think so. I think I read that in one of those books your mother gave you. It was mentioned in the chapter about after the baby comes home and what to expect next.”

  “I don’t remember reading anything about that. I must have missed that chapter. What a
bummer! I was just getting used to the idea of having big boobs. After all I went through, I think I should get to keep them.”

  Billy laughed and said, “I like you just the way you are.”

  “You’re just saying that to make me feel better. I know how you ...”

  Cole walked into the room.

  I looked up, covered my exposed breast with Ethan’s blanket and said, “Oops, I wasn’t expecting more company. I thought you left.”

  “I’m sorry to intrude like this, Jesse, but I was in the parking lot and… Billy, you need to come with me. Something’s happened that needs your immediate attention.”

  Billy looked into Cole’s eyes and the fear that reflected back at him caught my attention.

  “Hey, what’s going on? What happened?” I asked.

  The atmosphere in the room no longer felt calm and serene, nor did it have that pleasant feeling.

  “Billy can tell you later, but right now, we have to go.”

  Billy kissed me on the cheek, rubbed his hand over Ethan’s small head and said, “I’ll be right back.”

  “Don’t stay too…”

  Billy and Cole turned and fled the room before I had a chance to finish my sentence.

  I looked down at Ethan who was busy doing what babies do, and I promised him that his daddy would be right back… or else.

  Two hours had passed and Billy still hadn’t returned. Ethan was in the nursery, but it was almost time for another feeding.

  That’s one thing I found strange about breast feeing—babies eat every two hours. Why? I thought you only had to feed babies about every four hours like we did with Maisy, but the nurse said it was because breast milk is thin, or something like that. Her explanation wasn’t important. It was one of those questions you ask, but the answer doesn’t really matter. I was busy admiring my son. I’d have plenty of time to ask questions later.

  I sat up in bed and reached for the phone two seconds before Billy walked into the room. His face was pale and he had blood on the front of his shirt. I felt sick at the sight.

  “Oh, no! What happened, Billy?” Tears began to flow down my cheeks as all kinds of visions went through my mind. “Where did all that blood come from? Did someone cut you? Say something fast before I freak out.”

  “Our family has suffered a terrible hurt.”

  “What do you mean? Come over here and let me look at you.”

  I felt as if I were going to choke. My stomach was doing a flip and my heart starting beating a mile a minute.

  “It’s not my blood,” Billy said as he walked over and sat down on the bed. “Jonathan was walking to his car when someone walked up to him and shot him in the chest.”

  “Why would someone do that? Is he okay?” I asked slowly.

  “He makes many enemies in his line of work.”

  “Is he going to live?”

  “He’s been in surgery for almost two hours,” Billy said, hanging his head. “I knew you were worried when I left the room in such a hurry. I didn’t want you to hear about it from anyone else. It doesn’t look good, Jesse. I don’t think he’s going to make it.”

  This was the first time I’d ever seen Billy so devastated. The pain he was suffering tore me apart. I put my arms around him and hugged him tightly.

  “It’s going to be all right, Billy. I promise. Jonathan’s a tough guy. He’ll pull through this. I know he will.”

  If Jonathan died, it wouldn’t be all right and I knew it, but it was all I could say. I held onto Billy and prayed. I prayed as both of us tried to comfort each other.

  Finally, I let go of Billy and said, “Go see about Jonathan. He needs you. I’ll be all right.”

  Billy looked at me through tear-filled eyes and calmly said, “Yes, I must go be with him.”

  I tried not to cry as Billy left the room, but I couldn’t help myself. It broke my heart to see him in such pain. A sinking feeling hit me in the pit of my stomach and my heart ached at the thought of losing Jonathan.

  “Dear God, please don’t let Jonathan die. Please,” I begged. “I’ll do anything you want!”

  Chapter 2

  The automobile pulled into the driveway and parked under the large tulip poplar tree as she stood by the window and watched. The darkness kept her from getting a good look at the car, but she just assumed it was her guest. She wondered why her friend would call so late in the evening and want to come over for tea.

  But she was a sister in her club. She had to be there for her.

  She watched and pondered on what her actions would be when her guest entered. Would she have to entertain her for long? She was tired and wasn’t in the mood to stay up late and talk about silly stuff. She needed her rest.

  Even though her eyesight wasn’t what it used to be, she found it odd that her friend looked so different in the darkness. Even with the porch light on she had to strain to see the figure in the night.

  The woman’s shadow seemed much larger than it should have been. Her friend wasn’t as big as this woman appeared to be.

  Maybe her friend thought it was okay to intrude in her privacy because she wanted to discuss the feuding between the women in the club and how it was threatening to tear the group apart. Did her guest have information she wanted to share or was this going to be a gossip session?

  Everyone knew it wasn’t Daisy’s fault that Pat died after eating dinner at her house, but the women were getting antsy. It wasn’t as if they blamed her, but after the incident, they shied away from visiting their old friend. It was only a matter of time before there would no longer be a Stanardsville Social Club.

  Maybe that’s what her friend wanted to discuss.

  Pat Johnson’s death had hit everyone hard. When a member dies and everyone is fighting, that’s usually a sign that the party is over, but being the gracious hostess that she is, it would be rude of her not to open her home to a club member and offer comfort to a distraught friend.

  She was perturbed that her peace and quiet would be interrupted, but tried to put it out of her mind. She knew the visit would be over soon. She would only have to endure the woman’s company for one very short evening. She could do that.

  Tomorrow would be another day.

  Fortunately, her husband, who was hard of hearing, was sound asleep. That was a good thing on both accounts, because he didn’t approve of gossipy women and had very little tolerance for their behavior.

  He was a good husband, but sometimes she thought he was being a little bit difficult. He should just ignore her friends and not cause a fuss every time she tried to talk about them to him. Husbands should be attentive to their wives.

  She had always been a trusting soul. Never, in a million years would she think that an innocent gathering of two friends would turn out to be her last, or that the person she thought was her friend would turn out not to be a friend at all.

  She had no idea that the man she’d just thought of as being troublesome would no longer have her in his life. He would live out the rest of his days in loneliness.

  However, the meeting of two friends over an innocent cup of tea didn’t happen. Instead, confusion and chaos filled her moments.

  The minute she opened the front door, she knew something wasn’t right. The sight of her visitor was disturbing.

  This person was not her friend. She was not her sister. She was a stranger and the look on the woman’s face was that of pure evil.

  The woman rushed her and slammed her to the floor. She jumped on top of her with a brute force not common in a woman her age. She held her down and tried to pry her lips apart.

  The two women struggled as she was forced to drink a large amount of vile liquid. Her mouth was pried open and a hand forced her to drink from the small brown bottle.

  She swallowed the awful tasting stuff so that she would be able to catch her breath. The more she drank, the more she was allowed to breathe.

  Twice she almost choked on the nasty stuff. When that happened, the woman put her hand over her mou
th and nose and sealed off her oxygen.

  Her breathing was slowing down as she felt the light in the room grow dim. She was helpless. She knew she was being poisoned by someone she didn’t even know. Why? What had she done to make this person do this to her?

  She could lay there all night in agony and no one would hear her cries.

  If she could only hold out until her husband woke up. He would save her. He’d take her to the hospital and then they could go on with their lives as if this never happened. She was a forgiving woman.

  She prayed that the woman had gotten her revenge or whatever it was that she had come here for and would leave her to her misery, but instead, she was hit by a swift and forceful blow to the head that sent a crushing pain throughout her skull. One she never saw coming.

  She could feel the life drain from her body and knew that it was only a matter of time before she would be rendered unconscious.

  She lay on the floor bleeding from her head wound. Her insides felt as if they were being eaten away by acid.

  She prayed that her husband would come to her rescue as she heard the woman’s footsteps going down the wooden steps of the porch.

  The woman didn’t even bother to close the door when she left. She had done the deed she had come to do.

  She slipped into darkness. The pain was gone.

  She was found by her husband in the wee hours of the morning.

  The medical examiner found a lethal dose of arsenic in her system and determined this to be the cause of death. The blow to the head had not been fatal, but it had rendered her unconscious long enough for the poison to do its job.

  Another member of the Stanardsville Social Club was no more.

  Chapter 3

  Ten o’clock rolled around and I still hadn’t heard anything about Jonathan’s condition. I told myself that after Ethan’s feeding, which was due any minute, I was going to get dressed and go find out for myself how he was doing. It’s been so long, he must still be in surgery. Was that a good sign? I didn’t think so. Is time running out? I felt sick to my stomach. I heard footsteps and whispers outside my room.