She Waits Part 12

"I remember you saying last night there was something that didn't sit well with you. You're sure it was a woman?" He wasn't challenging, just asking.

"Well, in this day of unis.e.x cologne, I can't be completely sure. However, Steve, this was definitely a woman's fragrance. So, if it quacks like a duck...well, you know what I mean. That coupled with the strength, I'm saying it's a woman. Now, onto my next issue. Can you tell me anything about Miranda Winfield's murder?"

He looked at his watch. "How about a cup of coffee? I can tell you what I know."

We sat at the same diner where Maggie and I'd had breakfast.

"You look done in, Kate. What's your deal here? How is it that you're in the middle of this?"

I told him, vaguely, about Jan and Barb and their concern for Maggie. "I never expected to fall into the middle of something like this."

"You're not trying to play Nancy Drew are you? I care a great deal about that family."

"That's not the case, I a.s.sure you. Besides, I'm too old for Nancy Drew." I gave him a rea.s.suring smile.

He slid the old folder he had been carrying across the table. "It's the police file on Miranda Winfield's death. You can take a look at it today, but I'll need it back tomorrow."

"Are you sure you should be giving this to me, Steve? I mean, you don't know me," I said, though I was itching to take the folder and run.

"My father was the sheriff back then, Kate. If he were still sheriff, I think he'd do what I'm doing now and give you the file. He'll be here tomorrow for the Fall Festival, maybe we can talk to him then."

As we walked out of the diner, we b.u.mped into Allison. It was obvious she noticed the folder. Giving us a curious look, we exchanged h.e.l.los and good-byes and she scurried off.

"I'll make sure I get this back to you as soon as I've read it, Steve. Thanks."

I wanted to see the lake again, from the other side. I drove the three miles then saw the sign for Cedar Lake and turned right. Surrounded by woods, the road was worn but drivable. I came to a fork in the road and took the road to Cedar Lake. There was a small parking area for no more than three or four cars, and didn't look like anyone had used the lot in quite a while.

Grabbing the file, I walked down a path that led to the lake. It was beautiful. The autumn colors that lined the sh.o.r.e were breathtaking. The path probably led all the way around the lake, so I followed it for about fifty yards.

I saw a makes.h.i.+ft bench close to the sh.o.r.e. Someone had taken a long birch log, about six feet, and planed it flat on one side so you could sit on it.

I leafed through the pages, and then I came to some gruesome photos. When I saw these, I was a little prepared, but shocked nonetheless. I hoped Maggie or Hannah had never seen these.

Miranda's bloated body was completely clothed. She was laying on the lakesh.o.r.e. The upper torso and neck had several stab wounds. I quickly went to another photo. I scratched my head. I looked up and scanned the lake.

The report was short. A young couple that was walking around the lake found the body. It was determined that the body had been in the lake for two days. She was last seen on October 31, 1986. I stared at the date. She died on Halloween. I s.h.i.+vered violently, for the hundredth time this weekend.

Christ, I thought, not that there is a good time to be murdered, but Halloween? I read on.

The coroner, Dr. Walt Jenkins, determined that the cause of death was loss of blood due to the severed carotid arteries. The victim died within minutes. It was also determined that the victim had been killed at the lake.

She had been stabbed with an extremely sharp instrument; however, no murder weapon had been found. Unfortunately, it was impossible to get the exact time of death, due to the weather conditions at the time. An unexpected warm spell and heavy rains marred any exact determination.

Doc Jenkins was the coroner. I guess that wasn't too unheard of. Hannah said he was more or less a brain, and in a small town, you have to wear many hats other than town doctor.

I turned the page and there was the report from Steve's father, Sheriff Tom Caldwell.

The victim was Miranda Margaret Winfield, found on November 2, 1986. She was the victim of an apparent robbery. Her body found in Cedar Lake, by a young couple walking in the area, had multiple stab wounds. Mrs. Winfield had no jewelry, purse or any other belongings on her person, but victim's house and car keys were in her left pants pocket. The crime scene and surrounding area was sealed. The robber was clever enough to leave absolutely no signs, or any evidence.

Sheriff Caldwell's signature was at the bottom on the page. I turned the page over and someone had scribbled-Murderer too careful. If a drifter then why didn't they take keys?

I sat there for a moment or two. Why would a murderer take the time to steal all the jewelry, take her purse and money, but not check her other pocket and notice the keys? Why in the world would you rob and kill someone then leave the evidence all over the woods?

Then I realized they didn't leave it all over the woods. Chance dug it up. The question now was why would someone bury it and not take it with them and then dispose of it, or better yet, sell it if that was their intention, for drug money, or whatever.

Someone was scaring Maggie and causing these accidents. Someone definitely sabotaged that saddle. Who would want her harmed? Who is the woman in the woods and what connection does she have to a twenty-year-old murder?

And why am I sitting at the crime scene by myself?

Chapter Eleven.

I went back to my car, trying to shake off the feeling of being watched, and fumbled to the put the car in gear. Good grief, Ryan, calm down.

I glanced in the rear view mirror and saw her. She was standing right behind me in the same white dress she'd had on earlier. I jumped out of the car, but she had already vanished without a trace.

The woods were totally still. Okay, that's enough. I jumped into the Jeep and sped away, occasionally glancing in the rear view mirror.

When I returned I found Maggie and Hannah in the living room where a repairman was replacing the French doors. They both looked up when I came in.

"Good, you're back," Hannah said. "Teri and Mac went for a walk with Chance."

Maggie ignored me completely for some reason. I looked at Hannah but couldn't tell what in the h.e.l.l was going on by the look on her face.

"Good. Well, I stopped into town and-" I started.

Maggie interrupted me. Good grief, these people! "Where did you go this afternoon? Allison called. She told me she saw you coming out of the diner with Steve. She mentioned that perhaps I shouldn't trust you. With you sneaking off to Steve and thinking I was lying about the saddle, I'm not so sure she's wrong." She had that defensive look again.

"Margaret that's enough," Hannah said.

Maggie stared at me, completely ignoring Hannah.

I was getting a little tired of that look. I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead. I was beyond tired and had had enough. "First of all I don't sneak. I'm trying to find out what's going on and what it has to do with your mother's murder. So trust either your girlfriend or me. Which is it going to be?" I turned away and looked out the door. Christ she was infuriating. I looked at my watch; it was nearly four-thirty. I'd been gone longer than I thought. I turned back to Maggie, who was standing by the fireplace.

She looked tired, lonely and worn and I felt bad for the way I'd reacted. "Look, this is a very unusual situation, Maggie. Things are beginning to unravel here and I don't want it to get away from me. My fuse is a little short, I apologize," I said.

She turned to me with tears in her sparkling blue eyes. Now I felt worse. I hated that look. "No, I apologize," she said. "You're right, too much has happened in the last twenty-four hours. My nerves are a little shot, too."

"Okay, let's forget it. Did you meet Teri and Mac?" I asked.

"Yes, are you sure you want your family in on this?" She gave me a worried look.

"Well, you've met Mac. I may ask you the same question."

"They're very nice. You have a great family, Kate."

"They're so disgustingly in love," I said.

Maggie laughed openly and once again, I chuckled along with her contagious laughter.

"Boy all this is yours? I'd hate to have to mow that lawn," Mac said as he and Teri walked up to the porch.

"Bedford's been doing that for almost thirty years, he does takes care of this place," Maggie said.

Hannah walked out onto the deck and smiled happily. "Well, did you enjoy your walk?"

"It's beautiful. Someone is burning leaves," Teri said.

"I remember when we were kids. I loved that smell," I said.

"When I was a little girl, Bedford would rake the leaves and let me play in them and ride my bike through them," Maggie said. I noticed a sad tone in her voice.

All at once, I felt bad for her. Growing up in an Irish neighborhood you took for granted that you had family and friends to play and fight with. I wondered if she was lonely as a child.

"I remember when I was young, we would have piles and piles of leaves, smoldering for weeks at time," Hannah said.

"So you're the one who screwed up the ozone," I accused.

We all had a good laugh as Hannah shook her head. "You nut. I'm going back to the kitchen. Oh, Margaret, don't forget to remind me to call the caterers tonight. We have the party tomorrow after the Fall Festival," she said over her shoulder, and disappeared into the house.

"Fall Festival?" Mac asked and looked at Maggie.

"Yes, it's in town during the day. Aunt Hannah prides herself on her one big bash of the year afterward," she said. "Now, what did Steve tell you, Kate?"

"Let's go in and I'll fill you all in."

Mac and Teri walked ahead of us, I gently held Maggie back.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Maggie, Steve gave me the police report to read and there are certain aspects of your mother's murder... Well, I don't want them to upset you. Or Hannah."

I realized I was holding her hands in my own. We were silent for a long moment and all I could think of was how soft her small hands felt. I let go of them and got back to the matter at hand. The poor kid had been through a great deal and I didn't want to add to it if it were at all possible.

Maggie then reached down and grasped my hand, once again. "Kate, I've been living with this my whole life. I'd like it cleared up so I can move on. I know my mother was murdered and I know there are gruesome details. I can handle it, if that's what you're worried about."

"I'm sure you can. I just want you-" I stopped, not knowing what I was going to say.

Maggie gave me a curious crooked smile. "You want me...?" she prompted.

When I didn't say anything, she smiled and caressed by hand before she let it go.

"Well, you'll have to finish that sentence, but, thanks, I'll be fine."

I looked down into her eyes and frowned. I realized I had no idea how to finish that sentence. This little woman was beginning to ...

"Kate, the fireplace looks awfully lonely," Hannah called from the doorway.

I had the fire blazing within minutes and we sat in comfortable silence staring at the mesmerizing flames. Chance, of course, was sound asleep, once again sprawled out in front of it.

"Okay, Kate, what do you know so far?" my sister asked.

I began pacing in front of the fire. I'm a pacer. When I think, I have to move.

Hannah came into the living room and set down a tray of all sorts of goodies. "Mac, will you tend bar please?"

Mac got up and rubbed his hands together. "My pleasure," he said and went over to the bar. "Okay gals, name your poison."

I was pacing, not paying attention. "Don't mind that two-headed nature lover. She's in another world," Mac said, handing Maggie a drink.

Staring at the fire, I thought of how to piece together what I knew. I forgot where I was and thought I heard Teri say to Maggie, "She's in her thinking mode."

"I've noticed that," Maggie replied.

Hannah said, "Sshh! Let her think."

"Kate's mind: a finely honed machine," my smart-a.s.s brother-in-law said.

I gave him a sarcastic grin. "Thanks. Okay, here's what we know: First, someone murdered Miranda twenty years ago, on Halloween."

Mac stopped pouring and looked at me. Teri's eyes got as big as saucers. I glanced at Hannah and Maggie. Maggie gave me an encouraging nod, so I continued.

"For some reason, the murderer buried the jewelry soon after the murder. Yesterday, Chance dug it up, from where I don't know, and brought it back here, where I found it today.

"In the police report, Tom Caldwell stated that the murderer took everything but didn't bother to look in her pocket to find her car and house keys. He found that a little odd. I agree with Tom Caldwell, but we'll get back to that. Now, two months or so ago, weird things start happening to Maggie. She got knocked on the head in the stable and stalked through the woods. Then yesterday morning, I come along and she got thrown from her horse." I cleared my throat and avoided eye contact with the smug doctor as I continued. "The saddle, I discovered, had been tampered with-the stirrup had been cut almost clean through. I found it hidden in the stable earlier this morning. Bedford said he was coming to afetch it and get it fixed' I believe." I looked at Hannah and Maggie. "I know Bedford has been with you for a long time, but I think he knows something and I need to find out what. Maybe I'll have a chat with him later. So, to continue, last night, well we all know what happened last night: An intruder broke in and whispered in my ear that I shouldn't be here. She also left a note on Maggie's pillow. Today, we see a woman in the woods and Maggie's horse bolted and then"-I stopped and took a deep breath-"I saw the woman in the woods again this afternoon. It was quick, I could be mistaken, but when I looked in my rearview mirror, I saw her. When I got out of the car, she, of course was gone."

Maggie's face lost all color. "What in the world is happening?"

"It's a good thing you saw her," Teri said.

We all looked at her as if she was crazy.

"How do you figure, sweetie?" Mac asked.

It dawned on me. "Because if this woman, whoever or whatever she is, wanted only to scare the life out of Maggie, or hurt her, why show herself to me? Or, if Maggie was the only one who saw her, we'd all have a very good reasonable doubt as to Maggie's state of mind." I looked at Maggie. "We both saw her. You weren't imagining anything. She's real."

Maggie said, "So this means..."

"You're not nuts!" Mac declared through a mouthful of cheese.

Teri shot Mac a horrified look. I hung my head and Maggie laughed out loud.

"I like him," Hannah reaffirmed with a wink.