Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
“I must ask, is now the right time to finally make the judgement call and put a curfew on the town for safety’s sake?” Ami asked the sheriff. “I don’t want to risk a vigilante group organizing and trying to hunt down this killer on their own because they fear the authorities aren’t doing their job.”
Tom nodded. “I understand what you’re saying, and it might not be a bad idea at this point. Out of precautions to enforce a curfew on the town say nine o’clock. That way businesses wouldn’t have to close too early, and it won’t hurt the economy too much.”
She nodded. “I will reach out to the principal at Dixie High about the curfew so he can inform the students immediately. This will also impact the reunion this weekend. Someone should reach out to the organizers to make the necessary arrangements.”
“I’ll do it,” Harold said. “I’m still in touch with Jacoby Watts, our class president. He was heading up the reunion committee. He’ll need to k now what’s happened right away because Becky and Connor were being honored as Mr. and Ms. Dixie High and for being married.”
“Thank you for doing that,” Ami said. “I better head to the mayor’s office as well. I need to reach out to the local TV station about doing a press conference and making the statement about the curfew.”
“I should be there with you when you do that,” Tom said. “To show the citizens that you have the backing of the police on this.”
“Of course,” Ami agreed. “I’ll call you as soon as I have a time set for it.”
She walked toward the truck and looked over her shoulder at Kenneally. “You’ve been quiet. Penny for your thoughts.”
“Don’t really have any,” he said. “You seem to have everything under control as usual. You really are a natural at being mayor.”
She shook her head. “It’s not as easy as it looks.”
“Maybe not, but you make it look that way,” Kenneally said.
“The same way Judson fooled me into thinking the job was easy,” she said and then sighed. “When I think of Judson…Tilda… I can’t imagine either one of them doing something so horrible that someone would want to kill them. And yet, if the note found with the Simmons’ remains is any indication, they did.”
Kenneally unlocked and opened the truck’s door for her. “Where can we get you a quick breakfast before heading to the office?”
“There is a diner down the street from the mayor’s office. We can order and they will deliver,” she said. “I don’t have time to stop in for breakfast.”
“Okay then.” He shut the door and hurried to the other side to get in. “Straight to the office we go.”
Selena was on the phone when they stepped off the elevator. She looked up, made a face and used her index finger to move across her neck like a knife cutting her throat.
“Herbert, calm down,” she finally said. “The mayor has everything under control. There is no need for you or Patricia to rush over here. I will inform her of your concern. We are all concerned about the safety of Dixie in light of the last two murders bringing the death toll to five.”
Ami steepled her hands together and mouthed “thank you” to Selena before she hurried into her office with Kenneally on her heels. He shut the door behind them and Ami turned, falling into his arms.
“Thank you for just being here for me,” she said, burring her face into his chest. “I know it’s your job, but I’m glad you’re here anyway.”
“I’m glad I’m here too,” he said, holding her tight. “I’m worried about what this last killing means. You’ve had some connection to every victim and while that note found at the crime scene suggests that other than Gertrude they were murdered, for some debt that needed to be repaid. It makes me wonder how safe you are in all of this.”
“I know. That eerie feeling that I had at Tilda’s funeral has returned,” Ami said and then she sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She stepped away, breaking his hold. “I have to get a grip on my emotions. I can’t let this get to me. I have to make that phone call to the television station about setting up a press conference for this afternoon.”
“Shouldn’t your communications director handle that?” he asked.
“Normally, but I feel obligated to handle this myself,” she said. “I’ll contact Billie Jo and let her run point after I arrange the details. Make yourself comfortable while I make a few phone calls.”
She went to the stereo system and put on soft music with the volume turned down low to calm her nerves before she settled at her desk. Opening up her laptop, she pressed the on button then picked up her phone and made the necessary first call.
“This is Mayor Novak. I’d like to speak with your news director. I’m planning to hold a press conference this afternoon,” she said. Once she arranged things there, she contacted Billie Jo and informed her what was going on.
“I’ll write my speech and run it by you before giving the address,” she explained. “If you’ll contact the local paper and maybe a few other venues to inform them about the press conference that should do it.”
“I’ll get right on it,” Billie Jo said. “I can’t believe we’ve had two more murders.”
“It’s numbing,” Ami agreed. “We have much to do before noon.”
“I’ll let you go then,” Billie Jo said.
After she hung up, she called Dixie PD and left word about the time for the sheriff. Then she made the call to Dixie High to speak with the principal. After being put on hold, she was finally put through to him.
“Principal Holloway here,” the strong male voice said.
“It’s Ami Novak,” she said.
“Good to hear from you, Mayor,” he said. “I hope you’re not calling to cancel on giving the welcome speech?”
“No. I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “I am calling on a different matter. I wanted to let you know that we’ve unfortunately had another murder in town and therefore, I will be enforcing a 9 p.m. curfew until further notice. I’ll be giving a press conference concerning this at noon today. I was hoping you can stress the importance of adhering to this with your students. And if this impacts any basketball games, other sporting events, or school activities you can work with the athletic department and those in charge in rearranging start times.”
“Absolutely, Mayor,” he said. “I’m sorry to hear it has come to this. Dixie has never experienced anything like this before. The curfew will also impact the reunion on Saturday night. I will get in touch with Jacoby Watts immediately.”
“Harold Bagley is reaching out to him, but I’m sure you’ll want to coordinate with him as well.”
“I do. Has it been made public who was killed?” he asked.
“Not officially, but with so many people in town near the crime scene earlier I’m sure talk is already spreading,” Ami explained, pausing a moment to take a breath before breaking the news to him. “I hate to be the one to tell you, but it was Becky and Connor Simmons at the bed and breakfast.”
“No!” the principal exclaimed. “They were such a lovely couple.”
“I know,” Ami agreed. “It is setting a sour tone on the upcoming holiday.”
“It sure is,” he concurred. “Is there anything I can do in the meantime to help you?”
“Not that I can think of, but thank you for the offer,” she said. “I will let you get back to overseeing the school.”
He chuckled. “It is a fulltime job, that’s for sure.”
“I’m sure we’ll speak again before the reunion,” she said. “Until then.”
“Until Saturday.”
Kenneally shot her a look with raised brows.
“He’s a very nice man,” she said. “I’m really surprised I hadn’t met him before last week.”
“Maybe he likes to keep to himself outside of work,” Kenneally suggested.
“Perhaps.” She leaned back in her swivel desk chair and sighed. “If next Monday morning starts out this way I think I’m hanging up a gone fishing sign like Judson used to do.”
He chuckled. “I’d be up for that.”
“I’m sure. Isn’t that what you said you and Hank are planning on doing after Christmas once he comes down?”
“If he comes,” he corrected. “I still haven’t heard whether he talked Sadie into it or not. But I do hope to get some fishing time in before returning to Leesburg.”
She nodded. “Maybe we can go. Rent a boat and head out on the bayou for a Saturday.”
“Sounds like a plan,” he agreed.
She sat up straight and scooted closer to the desk. “I better get to working on my speech for the press conference since I told Billie Jo that I’d write it. She’ll be dropping by soon to see what I’ve come up with.”
“Okay. I’ll check with Selena about ordering some breakfast from that diner then,” he said.
“Nothing too heavy,” she said as he walked out the door.
Kenneally found Selena on the phone. At first, he thought she was still on with Herbert, but then she heard her say Roger and he remembered that was the financial officer. He went over and made two cups of coffee and took one back to Ami then returned to find Selena still chatting.
He sat his cup of coffee down and wrote a message on a sticky note. Ami wants to order breakfast from the diner. Do you have a menu handy?
Laying the note pad in front of her, she looked up at him and nodded, then opened her desk drawer, taking out the menu.
He went back to Ami’s office and they placed the order. Then he settled in the chair again, sipping his coffee. Fifteen minutes later, a knock came at the door before Selena entered with their delivery.
“Thank you,” he said taking it from her. Then he set the food out on the round table for them.
Ami got up and took her food container from the table. “Sorry, but I don’t have time to join you.” Then she returned to her desk and worked while she ate.
After they finished, he refilled their coffees and cleaned up the empty containers. Then he found a magazine to look through while she worked. Half an hour later Billie Jo arrived and she and Ami fine-tuned the speech before going downstairs for the press conference.
A podium with microphone had been set up on the steps in front of the building and a few reporters had arrived as well as the local television crew. The sheriff and his two deputies were waiting for them.
“Hello, Tom,” Ami said. “Buck. Steven.”
“Mayor,” they said in unison.
A news van from New Orleans drove by and parked on the street a short distance away. A crowd of pedestrians began to gather, seeing that something important was going on.
“Mayor, two minutes,” Billie Jo Dunaway said.
“Thanks, Billie,” Ami said going to stand behind the podium.
Kenneally stayed off to the side, but close enough to be able to quickly reach her in the event of an emergency. The sheriff and his deputies stood behind her, spread out enough to be seen by all camera angles.
Billie Jo motioned to her and Ami nodded.
“I’d like to thank everyone for coming out on short notice,” Ami said. “This morning Dixie was hit with a double murder, bringing our death toll to five. Therefore, in consultation with the sheriff’s department, I’m enforcing a curfew for all residents and visitors in Dixie for 9 p.m. starting this evening until further notice. This decision was not made lightly, but in order to keep all citizens safe, we felt this was wise. However, we do not want to cripple businesses either and hope that the 9 p.m. time will still allow the economy to thrive during the holiday season. I’ve already been in consultation with the high school principal and athletic events and other activity times will be adjusted. I will open the floor up for any questions.”
“Mayor, why do you think Dixie is suddenly being plagued by a killer?” Sue Ann Chang, a news reporter from a television station asked, sticking the microphone toward her.
“That is a question we are unsure about at this time,” she answered honestly. “We are trying to figure out why these particular people have been murdered and who, if anyone, might be next.”
“Sheriff, what do you have to say about this?” Stewart Duncan, a reporter with a tape recorder asked.
Ami stepped aside and allowed Tom to come forward.
“It is a baffling situation, but as soon as we have a lead we will bring the suspect in for questioning,” he explained.
“So, you have no clues as to who is doing this?” Hilary Neeley, another reporter asked.
“At this time none that we are willing to divulge,” the sheriff answered.
“But you are certain that the deaths are connected?” Sue Ann Chang questioned.
“Yes, we are certain,” the sheriff said, stepping back from the microphone.
Ami stepped back to the podium. “I cannot stress enough how important it is for the community to respect this curfew. We want everyone to be safe and to have a happy holiday season. Thank you.” She turned and walked back toward the building.
“Mayor!” Hilary called.
“Mayor?” Stewart called.
But she did not stop as she reached the door. Kenneally opened it for her and she went inside. He stepped through behind her.
She shook her head. “I wasn’t prepared enough. They sensed it.”
“You did fine.”
“Did I? You heard all their questions. And then their yelling as I left the podium.”
“I think that was natural,” he said. “This is the first press conference that you’ve given since the murders happened.”
“But I answered their questions when they showed up before Tilda’s funeral,” Ami said.
“It isn’t the same.” He reached out and pushed the button to call for the elevator. “To them it was three random deaths. Now it is clear we have five connected. Well, four actually, but they’ll assume Gertrude’s was as well.”
The elevator doors swung open and they stepped inside. Ami pushed her floor and the doors slowly closed. “I wish I understood why the killer chose now to start killing. What made this the time for the debt to have to be paid.”
Kenneally smiled at her and stepped closer. “That is not for you to figure out. You are the mayor. Not the sheriff. Not the prosecuting attorney. But the mayor. All you need to worry about is keeping the town safe and you are doing it by establishing –the police will enforce it– this curfew.”
She looked up at him, a but on the tip of her tongue, but before she could say it he lowered his head and brushed his lips gently across her.
“And I think you are doing a mighty fine job,” he finished.
Ami blinked, still with that but on the tip of her tongue but for a different reason now. She wanted to know why he’d kissed her. Not that she objected. But why now? Why in the elevator?
Instead, she stared dumbfounded up at him, unable to find the words to speak as the elevator finally dinged announcing they’d arrived at her floor. He stepped back and allowed her to go first and he followed her.
Selena met them immediately. “I watched from the TV in the conference room. You did a great job, Mayor.”
Ami nodded. “Thanks.”
“Is something wrong?” Selena asked. “You look in shock more than usual lately.”
“I guess I’m not myself in front of the camera,” Ami said.
“But you were such a natural during the campaign,” Selena said. “I remember how Tilda bragged about you.”
Ami winced. “That was when she was by my side. I had her confidence then.”
“Sorry, Mayor. I shouldn’t have brought her up.”
“It’s okay. If we can’t talk about her and the memories we have then what can we do?” Ami said. “We can’t allow the killer to take everything away from us.”
“That’s right,” Kenneally agreed.
Selena’s phone rang and she hurried to her desk to answer it. “Mayor’s office,” she said. “Oh, hello, Herbert. No. I didn’t know the mayor was going to announce the curfew. I don’t think she had to inform the city council before doing it. It was in her right to act without informing the rest of the members. She discussed it with the sheriff and they came to the decision together. Listen, if you don’t like it, then you run for mayor next election. Good-bye.”
Ami laughed when Selena slammed the phone down. “You don’t know how many times I’ve wanted to do that to the man.”
“He won’t run for election because he knows no one in their right mind would vote for him except for maybe Patricia.”
“Maybe a few friends that they have,” Ami said.
“True,” Selena agreed. “I’d resign before I’d work for him if he got elected.”
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” Ami said and headed to her office.
Kenneally started following her, but she turned and stopped him.
“Do you mind?” she asked. “I need time alone to get my head together and do a little work. I appreciate your being here, but I don’t need you hoovering right now.”
He held up his hands in understanding. “I’ll back off. Sorry if I’ve overstepped my bounds.”
“You haven’t. I just need some space,” she explained and then hurried to her office, closing the door behind her. She leaned against it and closed her eyes. Why had she just retreated like a scared rabbit?
So, he’d kissed her in the elevator. It wasn’t like she’d never been kissed before or that she wasn’t attracted to the man because she was. Very much.
He’d caught her off guard. Plain and simple. The kiss had been so chaste and quick she hadn’t had time to react to him. To respond to him. Was that what was bothering her? That she wanted more, but there hadn’t been time for that?
What was she thinking. He was there to protect her, not get involved with her. He had a job to do, and so did she.
Pushing away from the closed door she went to her desk and opened up the awaiting file folder, but her mind was elsewhere. It was on Kenneally and how she’d come to rely on him being there for her. Just that morning she sought comfort in his arms and cried into his chest. She’d been cooking with new gusto lately because he enjoyed everything she made for him and his appetite was endless. She recalled how she’d forgotten to introduce him to Becky and Connor at the bed and breakfast Saturday evening when they stopped in for cider and cookies before the tree lighting. She truly had become so accustomed to him being with her that she failed to recall not everyone in town knew him.
What would she possibly do without him here once he returned to Leesburg? The house would be so lonesome without his footsteps upstairs or his constant help in the kitchen. She really didn’t want to think about it. What was she thinking? She’d be just fine once he was gone. Just like she was before he came to Dixie. Heavens. He was just a man. Her life didn’t depend on him being in it.
Her phone rang and she answered it, finding her voice squeaked when she said hello. But she cleared her throat and carried on business.
A few phone calls later and she stopped for lunch, leaving her office to find Kenneally still stationed in one of the arm chairs in the outer office.
“I’m ready to have lunch, what about you?” she asked happy to find him waiting for her.
“Sounds good.” He got to his feet. “Any place in particular?”
“I thought we’d take a walk and see what looks good,” she said, heading toward the elevator.
He grinned, falling in step with her. “In Dixie that could be anything I’ve found.”
She returned his grin and nodded. “You are right.”
“We might end up back at the Christmas market at that place where we had the turducken on Saturday.”
She tilted her head. “Now that is a thought.” And she checked her watch for the time. “We better get a move on if we want to get there and back in an hour.”
Kenneally leaned in and whispered. “You’re the Mayor. I don’t think Selena would put up a fuss if you took more time for lunch.”
She giggled and pushed the button to call the elevator. “True, but I don’t want to abuse my power.”
“I doubt taking a little longer for lunch would fall in that category,” he said as the doors swung open and they stepped inside.
Ami pressed the button for the lobby aware that they were alone. Which was nothing new. Rarely had they got on together that anyone else was with them, but after Kenneally had kissed her, she was more aware of the fact. Would he try to kiss her again?
Probably not. She hadn’t responded to him. He might think she hadn’t enjoyed it. Which was far from the truth.
All too soon the doors swung open to the lobby and they exited the building. But they were soon stopped by a few reporters who had been waiting for her in hopes of getting in a few more questions about the latest murders.
“Mayor Novak, can you elaborate about these recent deaths in Dixie,” Stewart Duncan asked. “How safe do you feel the citizens are? And why did you and the sheriff wait so long to enforce the curfew?”
“Mayor,” Hailey Neeley said. “Can you say if there are any suspects in mind at this time?”
Ami stopped. “The sheriff and I discussed a curfew from the time Tilda Jaynes was murdered but felt it was too soon. At that time, it all still felt too random, singular. And we were in constant consultation about it in the hopes of keeping the citizens safe. As for any suspects, that is not something that the sheriff has divulged with me. You should be asking him about it.”
“Will you be cancelling the cookie crawl?” Hailey Neeley asked.
“No,” Ami said. “That is a Dixie fundraiser that Tilda Jaynes worked hard on every year since it was started. I see no reason to cancel something that many citizens look forward to participating in. Just like I wouldn’t want to cancel the class reunion this weekend. While I want to keep the citizens of Dixie and our visitors safe, I do not want to dampen the holiday traditions we celebrate each year just because we are having this unpleasantness happen.”
“Unpleasantness?” Stewart Duncan said.
“Would you rather me say murders?” she said. “Someone has chosen to kill people in our town for a reason at Christmas and it is wrong. So wrong.”
“Thank you, Mayor,” Hailey Neeley said. “We agree. It is.”
“Yes, thank you for showing how you truly feel,” Stewart Duncan said. “We didn’t see that from you at the press conference.”
“I couldn’t show it. If I had I would have been labeled weak,” she said. “This has not been an easy time, let me assure you. I’ve lost my friend, my mentor, my neighbor, and now two people I just had cider and cookies with on Saturday. The fact I knew them or was with them prior to their deaths has nothing to do with their murders we know that much, but it still doesn’t help knowing that they are dead.”
“And you eluded to the fact that there might be another death,” Stewart Duncan said.
Ami nodded. “We believe there may.”
The reporters nodded.
“Thank you, Mayor,” the reporters said in unison, finally turning to leave.
Ami sighed before she and Kenneally walked on.
Ami stopped at the diner and went in. “I don’t feel like walking all the way to the market place today. We’ll go again one evening if you want for dinner.”
“Fair enough,” Kenneally said as they grabbed a booth.
A waitress came over with menus and took their drink order.
The diner was not very crowded since the lunch crowd was over and it was nearing two o’clock.
“Is there anything you recommend?” Kenneally asked her.
“Their daily special is always a winner,” Ami said. “Except I see today is liver and onions unless you like that. I’d go with the meatloaf plate or something else.”
He chuckled at the face she made when she said liver. “You’re in luck. I don’t like it.”
“Good,” she said. “Something else we have in common.”