Hudson House Murders [Book 4 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Read online

  "I like it."

  Beth turned. Her eyes sparkled. “Robby has plans for you. Have dinner with us soon."

  "Love to. I'll bring dessert."

  "Cookies.” Pete and Robby shouted in unison.

  "Have you heard from Lars?” Beth asked.

  "Last week."

  "Any news on the houses there?” Pete asked. “He needs to get back to keep trouble from finding you."

  "He's hoping at least one of the houses will sell soon. But trouble? Haven't had much lately."

  "Right.” Skepticism filled his voice. “What's this I hear about a visit from Marcus Garner?"

  "Just a verbal drive-by."

  When we reached St. Stephen's, Pete let us out while he found a parking space. With three churches in two blocks, Sunday morning parking rivals the mall during the Christmas rush. I walked up the granite steps and stepped into the vestibule.

  Martha stood with her daughter-in-law. She came toward me. “See me after church. There's something I'd like you to do for me.” Her dark eyes glowed with—anger, irritation?

  "See you at coffee hour.” Hopefully, I could persuade Andrew to stay. I spotted my granddaughter and made my way down the center aisle.

  Andrea hugged me. “Mom and Dad are parking the car. I came to save our seats."

  I winked. Since my resignation as organist, I've sat in this pew where the acoustics are wonderful. Everyone in the congregation knows this is my place.

  While we waited for the service to begin, I chatted with several of my friends. The Garners walked down the aisle and settled in the second row, their accustomed place. The younger girl turned and stuck out her tongue. She mouthed something.

  Andrea jumped to her feet. “Not here.” I touched her arm. “What's this about?"

  "Tammy's a brat. She's mad ‘cause I was picked for a solo in the spring recital. She didn't get one."

  "Some people can't handle losing."

  She nodded. “She put honey in my dance shoes. Mom had to buy me a new pair."

  "Are you sure she was the one?"

  "She laughed and bragged to the other girls. They stopped talking to her. Tammy thinks because she's rich and goes to that private school she's better than us. And her mother —” Andrea rolled her eyes. “Mrs. Garner yelled at Miss Juliette about Tammy being stuck in the company. Miss Juliette said solos are based on talent and hard work, not money."

  "Miss Juliette's right."

  "Tammy says her mother's hunting for another dance company. There's one across the river but you have to go to auditions. Miss Juliette told Mrs. Garner she could take Tammy out of the company, but she needed to pay her bill first."

  Andrew and Ruth arrived. In an instant, my granddaughter changed from village gossip to young lady.

  When the service ended, I remained to hear the postlude. The organist, while competent, has none of Roger's flair or charisma. A plus for the church but a loss to music lovers.

  Instead of heading to Fellowship Hall, Marcus herded his mother toward the vestibule. She halted at the end of my pew. Marcus tugged on her arm. “Mother, we'll be late."

  She glared. “I need to speak to Katherine."

  "Call her tonight or tomorrow. Sophie was fortunate enough to obtain luncheon reservations at Mountain View. We must be there for our seating time."

  "Later,” she called as he propelled her forward.

  I followed. At the head of the steps, Martha shook off Marcus’ hand. Her heel twisted. She fell and slid down the steps. I dashed to her side and knelt. She grimaced. Her face was as gray as her hair. When I saw the way her leg was positioned, I was sure her hip was fractured. I felt for her pulse.

  "Don't try to get up.” I rolled my stole and slipped it under her head. “Someone call for an ambulance."

  Marcus glared at me. “Katherine, this is your fault."

  "Excuse me. If you hadn't dragged your mother from the church, she wouldn't have pulled away from you. Why don't you accept the responsibility for your own actions?"

  Marcus’ wife left her car at the curb. “Marcus, our reservations. We can't be late. We won't get another seating for months. You know the rule. They call your name three times and if you don't answer, they give your time away."

  "Sophie, go ahead. Take the girls. I'll stay with mother."

  "Fine, stay.” she snapped. She hurried to the car.

  Amazing, I thought. Reservations at a restaurant were more important than her mother-in-law's health.

  The oldest daughter tugged on her father's arm. “Daddy, I'll stay."

  He shook his head. “Go with your mother."

  "What if Grandmother Garner has to have an operation?"

  I looked up. “They won't take her to surgery for hours, especially if she's had breakfast."

  "Okay.” The child ran off.

  My son arrived. “Ambulance is on the way. Her vitals?"

  "Pulse rapid but steady. I'm sure the pain is at fault."

  Andrew nodded. He helped me to my feet.

  "Katherine. Come. Tomorrow."

  "I will."

  We waited until the ambulance arrived, then drove to my son's house. I tried Jenna's number and gave up after ten rings. Ruth and I collaborated on dinner. After we ate, Andrew went to his study. A few minutes later, he motioned to me. “Just called the hospital. Mrs. Garner's in surgery."

  "Who's the surgeon?"

  "Dr. Beemish."

  "Good.” He'd done the surgery when I broke my leg. Also, as a nurse at the hospital, I'd taken care of his patients and knew he was excellent.

  The rest of the day was spent catching up with my family's doings. That evening when Andrew dropped me off, I knocked on the door of the first floor apartment.

  Jenna answered. “What's wrong?"

  "Your grandmother fell on the steps at church. She fractured her hip."

  Jenna blanched. “Will she be all right?"

  "She has a good surgeon and for her age is in good health. They did the surgery this afternoon. I called but you weren't here."

  "I worked brunch and part of dinner. I'm going to see her."

  "Are you sure that's wise?"

  "Probably not, but I have to be sure she's all right."

  While I understood her concern and need, I hoped Marcus would understand.

  Later that evening as I enjoyed a mug of tea, I heard someone at the door. “Who's there?"

  "Jenna. Can I talk to you?"

  I opened the door. Her eyes were red from crying, but her posture telegraphed anger. “What happened?"

  "Gran is fine. Awake and alert.” Jenna sank on one of the kitchen chairs. “Uncle Marcus dragged me from the room and told the private duty nurse I wasn't allowed to visit again. I saw Gran for a moment. The nurse followed me down the hall and said Gran had come through surgery with no problems. Why is he so mean?"

  "I wish I knew.” I filled a mug for her. “I'll visit tomorrow and keep you posted. You can always call her."

  "And have him remove her phone.” She sampled the tea. “What really happened? He said the accident was your fault."

  "She wanted to tell me something, but he was rushing her. When they started down the steps, she pulled away, slipped and fell. I don't understand your uncle. Why would he lie?"

  "Maybe to make trouble between us. Won't happen.” She smiled. “Did Sophie really rush off to lunch?"

  "She did."

  "Someone at the restaurant laughed about her haste. Shows her priorities."

  "My very thought. I've always known social climbing was her forte. The oldest daughter offered to stay, but Marcus sent her with her mother."

  "Maybe she's Gran's favorite the way Mark was."

  "I don't think your grandmother had favorites in the past or now."

  "But I heard —"

  "What someone wanted you to hear."

  Jenna drained her mug. “I think you're right.” She rose. “Thanks for the tea and the shoulder. I'd better go. Early class tomorrow. When you see Gran,
tell her I love her and I'll find a way to visit."

  "Will do."

  * * * *

  I waited until after lunch to visit Martha at the hospital. As I walked down the corridor of the Surgical Unit, the familiar scents and sounds made me wish I was back in uniform. A very bad idea. I remembered what had happened when I resurfaced as a church organist. Maybe the desire to return was akin to an old racehorse wanting to take another lap around the track.

  I paused outside Martha's private room and listened for voices. Hearing none I wanted to avoid, I tapped on the partially open door. The nurse who appeared had been a colleague until she opted for private duty.

  "Kate, how nice to see you. Heard you retired. Are you visiting someone?"

  "Martha. We're old friends."

  She shook her head. “Her son doesn't want anyone other than family visiting. She needs to rest."

  "Think of this as a pastoral call. We attend the same church.” On occasion, I made hospital calls for our pastor.

  "Katherine, is that you?” Martha asked.

  "Yes."

  "Let her in. It's vital for me to speak to her."

  Fran shrugged. “Go ahead. You can sit with her while I grab lunch. Her daughter-in-law was due to relieve me a half hour ago. Her son doesn't want her left alone."

  To keep out visitors who didn't meet his approval was my take on the order. “Thanks.” I entered and went to the bedside. “How are you feeling?"

  "Sore. Dumb. Awkward. I'm glad you came."

  "Jenna says she loves you and she'll find a way to visit."

  "Tell her to wait until I go to Hudson House. Marcus is so over-protective. When I'm there, he'll know I'm recovering and he won't worry so.” She clasped my hand. “Give me my handbag."

  I looked in the bedside stand and the closet. “Not here."

  Her forehead wrinkled. “That's right. I had it put in the safe."

  Why hadn't she sent her valuables home with her son? “I guess whatever you wanted to give me will have to wait."

  She nodded. “There are some things at the house I want you to remove."

  What's going on?” I turned. Sophie Garner stood in the doorway. She flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder.

  "I'm visiting,” I said.

  "Marcus doesn't want Mother Garner disturbed. Did that stupid nurse let you in? I'll see she's fired at once."

  "You'll do nothing of the sort.” Martha's voice held an iron edge. “I pay her and if I think she deserves to be fired, I will. You're almost an hour late to relieve her. Kate kindly volunteered to stay while the nurse had lunch."

  Sophie waved her red-tipped fingers. “Did you expect me to walk out on Linda Eliot? She's a very influential person around the county."

  Martha snorted. “A newcomer with new money. The Garners have been forces to reckon with for over a hundred years, but you always did like flash.” She dropped her hand on the bed. “Don't let her vulgar money sway you, but there's no sense trying to make silk from trash."

  "How can you say that? I've given you two lovely granddaughters.” Sophie turned to me. “You can leave. When I tell Marcus you were here, he'll be livid."

  "You'll tell him nothing.” Martha glared. “Sophie, step outside. I want to speak to Katherine alone."

  "I will not."

  I clasped Martha's hand. “It's all right. I'll talk to you later."

  Martha nodded. “Let my nurse know Sophie's here and she has no reason to worry or hurry her break."

  "Will do.” I slipped past Sophie and strode down the hall. At the nurses’ lounge, I opened the door and passed Martha's message to Fran.

  * * * *

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 2

  ~

  Onset of Illness

  -

  Though I didn't visit Martha again during her hospital stay, I spoke to her every day on the phone. Several times, I questioned her about her desire to give me her house key, but she refused to tell me the reason.

  "In due time,” was all she would say and then change the subject. Much of her conversation centered on Jenna and how pleased she was with her granddaughter's career choice and spirited independence. One morning, she probed for the details of the five years of Jenna's absence.

  "Martha, you know perfectly well why she vanished and stayed away. Marcus drove her out of town."

  "But he tried to find her."

  "Did he really hire a detective?"

  "He said he did."

  "Did you ever read the reports?"

  She paused for a long time. “No, but Marcus said the agency found no trace of her so there was nothing positive to report. He's my son. Why wouldn't I believe him?"

  "What about her school records? She was entering her senior year in high school. I know she graduated with she lived with her father's cousin."

  "Marcus said the school refused to release any information about where or if she had transferred."

  "But you were her guardian."

  "Not officially. I kept putting it off. I was afraid they would take her from me and someone told me they would put her in one of those group homes. She had some serious problems after her mother died."

  "Jenna? I don't recall seeing any wildness. If anything, she seemed withdrawn."

  "And ready to explode. Katherine, you have no idea how cruel she was with Marcus’ little girls."

  "Did you see her harm them?"

  "No, but I heard about the things she did."

  Had Marcus or Sophie told her these stories? “At least she had a safe place to live. The real shame is there was no reason for her flight."

  "But there was.” Martha's voice was shrill. “The police were about to arrest her for driving under the influence and for causing Mark's death."

  I nearly dropped the phone. “Why would they do that? She wasn't driving and she hadn't been using drugs or drinking."

  "You must be mistaken. Marcus said he'd fixed matters so there would be no scandal from the accident."

  And so he had, but the cover-up hadn't been for Jenna, just for his son. I shook my head. There was no sense pursuing this, especially after five years.

  "Are you making one of your famous chocolate cakes for the bazaar?"

  "Actually, two.” The change of subject signaled the arrival of an acceptable visitor. Either Sophie or Marcus. “I have no choice. Will you be going home soon?"

  "Not home. Hudson House. I'm looking forward to the peaceful surroundings there.” She laughed. “This place is too noisy. People dashing around at all hours night and day. Strange noises. I don't know how anyone can rest in all this confusion."

  I laughed. “Unfortunately a hospital never sleeps. Talk to you tomorrow.” I hung up and thought about her decision to go to the exclusive nursing home. Marcus would have no excuse to restrict her visitors there. Besides, I felt sure he and Sophie would visit less often. At Hudson House, there were fewer people to impress by pretending devotion.

  That evening, I lounged in the living room on the window seat and watched the children across the street at play. The phone rang. I set the mug on the sill and picked up the receiver.

  "Kate?” Lars asked.

  I settled against a pillow. “Who else?"

  He laughed. “Your granddaughter, a neighbor, some stray. Your house is a gathering place for many."

  "Always possible for someone to be here, but I usually answer.” His deep voice warmed me. “I have acquired a second grandchild.” I told him about Robby."

  "He's a fine boy. I've a bit of good news. Sold my son's house and there are several parties interested in mine. Also have a feeler or two on Bonnie's. I may be home before August."

  "Wonderful. Do you ever regret the move there?"

  He let out a long sigh. “Seemed to be the right move at the time, especially when my two youngest were in college there. I feel bad when I think about the tragedies that occurred, but Santa Fe is a lovely town. I've made some good friends and helped several people s
tart new businesses."

  "I'll be glad when you're here."

  "Miss me, do you?"

  I laughed. “Absolutely. I need a bridge partner."

  "What about a husband?"

  "Perhaps."

  He growled. “When will you make the decision? I thought when you were here I had you signed and waiting for delivery."

  "When we can talk about a number of things."

  "Like what?"

  "Not over the phone.” While I loved him and had for years, I wasn't sure I wanted to be married again. After our spouses had died, we had considered marriage. His daughter had thrown several major tantrums so Lars and I had shelved our plans. Even when I'd visited him in Santa Fe, Bonnie had shown her dislike of me in subtle ways. Her death had removed an obstacle, but time and distance had raised my doubts.

  "You're right. A long distance courtship isn't fun. Are you staying out of mischief?"

  I sipped the tea. “Depends."

  "What are you up to?"

  "So far very little. Martha Garner fell on the church steps and fractured her hip."

  "Is she all right? She's a grand old dame.” He paused. “What does her accident have to do with mischief?"

  "Marcus refused to allow visitors other than family at the hospital."

  "So call her."

  "I do. He refuses to let my tenant visit. Jenna is Martha's granddaughter."

  He growled. “And you've made it your business to interfere. Don't. Marcus Garner can be a bad enemy."

  "How well do you know him?"

  "Mainly through the church and the club. Years ago, he wanted me to invest in several projects. I turned him down. He's the kind who if something goes sour, it's never his fault and he tends to be a bully. I can't work with a man like that."

  "You're right about his personality."

  "Is this Jenna the one who was involved in his son's death."

  I finished the tea. “She happened to be a passenger in the car. She tried to get Mark to slow down but he wouldn't."

  "Doesn't surprise me. He hung around the fringes of Bonnie's crowd in high school. Rumor said he was their pot supplier."

  So Mark hadn't been the perfect young man his father had championed. I filed that away for further consideration. “How old was he when he died."

  "Twenty-five or six."