Every Deadly Suspicion

Chapter 33

CHAPTER 33

H ANNA MET M ANDY FOR LUNCH at The Beanery because they both wanted something light. When they had lunch there, they usually shared a ham-and-cheese sandwich, which was what they did today.

“What’s he like?” Mandy asked, before Hanna had a chance to take her first bite.

She set her half sandwich down. “He’s weak. The trek from the car to the house wore him out. When I left, he was breathing with the help of a nebulizer. So I really didn’t talk to him.”

“Do you think he’ll be strong enough to talk to me later today?”

“I don’t know. I think sooner than later would be best. He is very frail.”

Mandy sat back and sipped her tea. “I’m nervous about it. Were you nervous when he got there? What did you feel?”

“Wow, where do I start? I really don’t know what I feel. After all these years, seeing him in person is not what I expected. And, like I said, he’s so frail. I was raised to respect the elderly and infirm, to help them, and I find myself even feeling a bit protective. And then I remember what he did. Where he’s been for all these years. All the horrible things my mother used to say about him. I’m in knots.”

“Knots? Have you forgiven Joe, Hanna?”

“Huh?” Hanna stared at Mandy. She’d just asked the question that had plagued Hanna since the day she received the letter from the Department of Corrections.

Have I forgiven him?

“I honestly don’t know.”

“I don’t have to guess for myself. I have, but it was hard. My grandparents have always been about forgiveness. Holding bitterness, unforgiveness against someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. I’ve heard that warning my whole life. When I was a kid, the phrase gave me an oversized fear of drinking poison. I expected if I ever did, all my insides would leak out and I’d die in a puddle. I think because of that, I can say I’ve forgiven your dad completely. It’s finding out where my folks are that has me in knots.”

“I hope he’ll tell you what you want to know. Come over after work. Ask him whatever you want.”

They made their plans. After lunch Hanna went back to the station. It was a quiet day. She stopped at Terry’s office. “You saw my note about the talk I had with Chase after the bar fight?”

“I did.”

“What is your read?”

Terry shrugged. “I can’t see Everett killing his son. Chase is an unknown to me.”

“He didn’t seem to like the idea of Scott taking Braden.”

“That could be motive.”

“I think so too. Although I can’t see Chase using poison. He’s more of a direct kind of guy. Any luck with the security cameras at the airfield?”

Terry rubbed his eyes. “Not so far. I decided to go back to the last time he flew the plane. No one used his coffee machine but him. Maybe someone tampered with the coffee awhile before the day he flew.”

“Good idea.”

“I’ve been everywhere I can go, talked to everyone I could. People liked Scott. Sure, some businessmen didn’t, but that’s just normal.” He took a deep breath. “The only viable suspect is Chase.”

“We know Chase is not a flight risk. Even if we talk to him and he is the killer, he’ll deny it. We need more evidence. I wish we had that coffee container.”

“Me too.”

“Keep at it. And remember, if you need help, ask.” Hanna went back to her office, listening to the chatter on the radio.

Like Everett had said, the fire was winding down. Her reserve officers who’d been helping were back in town, ready for their normal shifts. She had a note to call the city attorney about an upcoming hearing concerning the Jude Carver lawsuit. She also wanted to call Nathan and check on his progress with Edda’s case. There was a BOLO out for Edda’s car. Other than the ongoing drought and the fact that a man she hadn’t seen in her whole life was in her guest room, everything was slowly returning to normal.

Would Joe tell Mandy what she wanted to know? Hanna prayed that he would. She had no way to force him to do the right thing. When it was time to go home, Hanna texted Mandy and told her she was leaving.

I’ll be at your house in a few minutes was her answer.

Hanna still beat her there. She walked into the front door expecting Gizmo to wiggle in and out between her legs. There was no dog.

“Grace?” Hanna called out.

“Yes?” Grace stepped out of the guest room. Hanna could hear a television show coming from the room.

“Where’s Gizmo?”

“In here with Joe. Is that okay?”

“Ah, yeah.” Hanna stepped in the doorway. Joe was sitting up in bed, with Gizmo curled up at his feet. The dog looked up and thumped his tail but made no effort to move.

Joe gazed up at her, looking alert and awake. He smiled.

“Hello, Hanna.” His voice was raspy and weak, as if it took every breath to form a word.

The photo from the book flashed in Hanna’s thoughts. The hair was thinner, and the mustache was gone, but it was the same smile.

“Do you feel better?”

“I do. Thank you for letting me come here. You look so much like your mother.” He paused. It seemed as if each word took a lot of effort. “You’re prettier though.”

Hanna didn’t respond, not sure how she should.

“I can’t take back those years,” Joe continued haltingly. “But I want you to know ever since I saw the light, I’ve prayed for you and your mother. I’m sorry she’s gone.”

Hanna didn’t know what to say. If her mother were still alive, Joe would not be here, that was for sure. She heard the front door open and felt relief that Mandy was here to focus the conversation in another direction.

“Joe, do you remember Amanda Carson?”

His brows scrunched together as if he was trying to remember. “Sophia’s girl?”

“Yeah. She’s my friend, and she wants to ask you something. Do you feel up to talking to her?”

An indefinable expression crossed his face. He brought a hand up to his chin and with his index finger scratched under the nasal cannula. “Sure.”

Hanna felt Mandy’s presence behind her. She turned and saw the hopeful expression on her friend’s face.

“Joe, this is Mandy Carson.”

Mandy stepped forward.

Joe looked at her, his eyes widened. “My goodness, the last time I saw you...” He leaned forward, his face lost all of its color, and he coughed. Gizmo jumped off the bed, and Grace got up from her seat on the bed to attend to him. Joe waved her away.

She picked up the nebulizer and stood to the right of the bed.

“You were in diapers,” Joe continued. “You don’t look at all like your mama. You take after your dad in a good way.” He coughed some more, but the color slowly returned to his face.

Mandy pulled the chair that was next to the bed closer and sat. “Hi, Joe. I’m sorry you’re so sick.”

“Oh, honey, don’t be sorry for me. I’m getting what I deserve. I’m sorry your parents are gone.” He paused again, seemingly trying to catch his breath. “Your dad was a hothead, but your mama was sweet.”

“I forgive you, Joe. I did a long time ago. And I have a favor to ask.”

He gave a mirthless chuckle, punctuated by coughs. “I’m in no position to do any favors.” His cheeks shone red from the exertion of talking. Hanna also had the feeling Joe did not have much more time on this earth.

“This is one you can grant. I’m sure of it. Please, Joe, will you tell me where my parents are? Where did you put their bodies?”

Joe’s chest rose and fell, breathing labored. He put his gnarled, liver-spotted hand over Mandy’s, but it was several minutes before he said anything. “I can’t.”

Hanna barely heard him.

“Joe, please, after all these years. I’d like to lay them to rest. I hold no grudge against you.”

“Understand.” Long pause. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”

Mandy stood, agitated. “You have nothing to lose now, Joe—”

He shook his head.

“Why can’t you tell her?” Hanna asked. “It’s the Christian thing to do.”

“I can’t tell you where they are because I don’t know.”