Chapter Eleven Traveling Downstream #2
Several minutes later, Chief Burton arrived at the hospital.
He walked over to Josh and Charlie. One of his officers was standing close by.
Although Josh was still flustered, he managed to fill Burton in with the little information they had.
The officer gave Burton his opinion on what might have happened.
“I bet he came across someone who was trying to break into his place and got hit on the back of the head, or they knocked him out before he knew what hit him.”
Burton grunted. “What was the condition of his cottage?”
“It was a mess.” The officer shrugged, insinuating that was its normal condition.
“One thing I’ve gotta say about Crusty, he may look disheveled, but his house is as neat as a pin,” Charlie offered, specifically addressing the young police officer.
“He lost almost everything after Sandy. Once we finished rebuilding it, he didn’t have a whole lot to put inside.
We got him some furniture at that Ikea place, and he kept everything like it just came out of the box. ”
The officer had been quick to jump to conclusions, but now got the drift.
Burton was becoming agitated with the entire situation. The other incidents were illegal but minor offenses. Now, things had crossed the line into being dangerous. Bodily harm had been inflicted on one of his townsmen.
They wrapped up the conversation, and Burton headed down to the station. He had to add this to his other notes. It was time to put everything on a whiteboard, with Kirby Taylor’s name in the middle.
Burton sent a text to Viggo, briefly informing him about Crusty, and asked him to call when he had a chance. He needed another set of eyes on this. Burton then phoned Lincoln. He wanted everyone on high alert. The way things were going, it was in everyone’s best interest to be vigilant.
Madison didn’t take the news well. None of them did. Why would someone beat Crusty over the head? And what were they looking for? Then it dawned on everyone at the same time. Each looked over at the boxes.
“Oh my God! Whatever they were after must be in those boxes!” Olivia’s hand flew to her lips.
“I think we already found what they were looking for,” Lincoln noted.
“The deed,” Madison said in a loud whisper.
“I’m going to go to the county clerk’s office. They should have a record of this,” Lincoln said. “You both stay here until I get back.”
Madison was more than willing to sit tight for a change. This was a lot of information to process. She then began to check all the windows and doors to make sure the house was secure.
“Should we turn the alarm on?” she asked Olivia.
“I suppose we should, but I don’t want to feel like I’m being held hostage by ‘vapors.’” Olivia used her go-to word when something was vague.
“Let’s do this.” Madison was putting a plan in place so they could be distracted and productive at the same time.
“We’ll set the alarms for all the doors and windows except for this patio door.
” She pointed at the one that led from the living and dining area to the patio.
“We’ll lock all the doors and windows downstairs, so the only way to get in is to come through the garden and patio below.
I’ll turn on the motion detectors in the back by the perimeter.
I know it may sound a little excessive, but this way, we can get something done without fretting too much. ”
Oliva nodded. “I think this kind of survival instinct comes from living in New York.” She managed a chuckle.
Madison’s phone buzzed. It was Viggo, sending her a text:
Hannah is bringing Diogo over to you on her way to the boat house. He can make a lot of noise if necessary.
Madison replied:
Will she be alright at the boat house?
Viggo:
No one is going to mess with Hannah. She is mad as a hornet’s nest.
Madison:
Ok. Thanks. Keep me posted.
Viggo:
Likewise.
Madison turned to Olivia. “Hannah is bringing Diogo over to babysit us.”
“That’s sweet.” Olivia wanted to pounce on the subject no one was speaking about, but she thought maybe now wasn’t the best time.
Still, she had to add a nudge. “Viggo is really very thoughtful.” Olivia paused, waiting for a response.
None. She continued. “And he’s easy on the eyes. ” She glanced at her sister-in-law.
Madison had a dreamy expression on her face. “He sure is. Liv, I have to tell you, he looked so handsome in that suit.” She stopped for a moment. “Speaking of which, he left it behind.”
Madison went into the entry area and brought the suit to where Olivia was standing. “So much has happened that I never showed this to you.” She unzipped the garment bag and presented it to Olivia to admire.
“Oh, Maddie. This is gorgeous. But no surprise there.” Olivia fingered the fabric. “Did he like it?”
“He said he did.” Madison looked at it curiously. “I told him he could keep it, but I guess with everything going on, it slipped his mind.”
She zipped the bag and placed it in the front closet.
“I bet he looked quite dashing,” Olivia pushed a little more.
“Dashing?” Madison said in amazement. “He looked hotter than a solar flare.” Madison pantomimed fanning her face.
Olivia shook her head. She tsked. “And you didn’t make a move.”
“I know. I’m an idiot,” Madison admitted.
Lincoln was getting ready to leave when Hannah showed up with Diogo on his leash.
“Thanks, Hannah. Any word about Crusty?”
“They want to keep him overnight for observation. It’s best. According to Charlie, Crusty is more shaken up than his head hurtin’.”
She let go of Diogo’s leash in order for everyone to give him a pet.
“Charlie and Josh are gonna go over to Crusty’s place later and try to put it back together.”
“Let us know if we can do anything,” Madison offered.
“Just keep diggin’ through them boxes. I know we all found a deed, but maybe there’s somethin’ more. Ya never know with Kirby.”
“You people knew him best,” Olivia said.
“I better get goin’. Them fishermen ain’t gonna wanna wait too long for their sandwiches.”
“You be careful, Hannah,” Madison instructed her.
“Don’t you worry.” Hannah made a fist and chortled. “I am in no mood for nobody’s nonsense today. I’ll see ya gals later.”
Madison walked Hannah to the door, then locked it behind her. She and Olivia began to sort and log the piles of paper, atlases, and tide charts that sat looming on the dining room table.
About an hour into their delving, Olivia came across a rough sketch of a small building.
“Oh, this must be from when they had to rebuild Crusty’s place. I remember him telling us that his place got obliterated during Superstorm Sandy.”
“Right. He and Charlie, and Josh, I think, rebuilt it themselves, with the help a local electrician and plumber.” Madison paused for a moment. “Ha. No wonder they were able to pull off rebuilding the boat house. Duh. They had experience.” Madison smiled at the revelation.
“We should give it to Crusty,” Olivia suggested.
“Good idea, but I’m not having it framed.” Madison chuckled.
The rest of the afternoon moved quickly, with everyone converging on the Wainwright house by five.
Lincoln confirmed that the deed transfer was legitimate.
Viggo came to retrieve his pooch. Charlie and Hannah stopped by to check on everyone and let them know the hospital was releasing Crusty in the morning.
By the end of the day, things seemed to have calmed down.