Deadly Accusations (9 page)

“I take it the cops haven't found the shooter?” Casey asked, watching Lou free himself from Marie's grasp.

“No.” She straightened up. “The kids are at staying my mom's until the shooter's caught. I think it was Birch. The asshole must have found out that I've been checking into his alibi.”

Cheyenne settled on the floor by Casey's feet. In a way, she was glad Marie was investigating on her brother's behalf. The cops' interest in Noel was troubling; using his own vehicle to murder someone mid-morning and abandoning it near his house was too stupid to believe. On the other hand, angry people did stupid things. Had Noel been angry with Jasmine about something?

“I talked to a couple of retired folks on Birch's mail route,” Marie said. “They saw him at ten in the morning on the twenty-eighth, but so far I haven't found anyone who saw him at ten past eleven, when Jasmine was shot.”

“I wonder if the bullets in your house came from the gun that killed Jasmine,” Casey said.

“They couldn't have.” Marie wrung her hands together. “They found a handgun under a bush near Noel's place the day after the murder. No word yet on whether it's the murder weapon.”

Casey glanced at Lou. Marie hadn't told her this at the reception on Wednesday.

“Birch is trying to destroy my brother's life because Noel caught him stalking her a couple of times and told him to get lost.”

“You think Birch took a break from delivering the mail to shoot his ex-wife?” Casey asked. “Then planted the gun and abandoned the van he stole the previous night?”

“Absolutely. He could have hidden Noel's van by the church and dumped it near his own car after the shooting. Traffic wouldn't have been heavy at that time of day, and he could have thrown a jacket over his uniform. The whole thing probably took less than twenty minutes.”

Lou crossed his arms. “It would have required a hell of a lot of luck, what with traffic and potential witnesses.”

“Maybe someone did see something, only we haven't found that person yet, which is why I'm here.” Marie turned to Casey. “I need your help clearing my brother's name.”

“He hasn't been charged with anything, though.”

“I know that, but they've questioned him twice now. I have a horrible feeling that it's only a matter of time.”

Casey frowned. “How do you know?”

Marie gave her an impatient look. “You're not the only one who knows people in the police department. Anyway, we really need your help.”

Alarm ricocheted through her. A loud knock on the door offered a quick escape. Casey left the room, opened the door, and saw David Eisler jiggling car keys in his hand. What the hell was Mainland's
VP
doing here? How did he even know where she lived?

“I apologize for not calling first, but I was in the area.” His Adam's apple bounced up and down. “There's something I wanted to ask you.”

He couldn't do it at work? “Come in.” She led him into the living room, where Marie was leaning close to Lou and murmuring something undecipherable. “We have a guest.”

As Eisler entered the room, Marie and Lou's expressions froze. Surprise and displeasure flickered across Eisler's face. Cheyenne wagged her tail and sniffed Eisler's pant leg. Eisler looked at the dog with disdain and edged away.

Casey said, “Have a seat.”

“Thanks.” He nodded to Lou and Marie and sat without letting his back touch the chair. “I apologize for not attending Jasmine's funeral.” His tan developed a reddish hue. “I heard it was a nice service.”

“It was,” Marie said, scrutinizing him.

Eisler lowered his head. Casey caught Lou's puzzled face and returned a haven't-got-a-clue expression.

“I'm looking after some of Jasmine's pets,” Casey said. “Would you like to adopt a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig?”

“My wife's not an animal person.” He glanced at Cheyenne who had again settled down. “She's at a tennis tournament near here, so I thought I'd pop by to ask you where Jasmine is buried.” He paused. “I'd like to send a wreath.”

“She's in Parksville, where her mother lives,” Marie answered, and gave him the name of the cemetery.

“Thanks.” Eisler cleared his throat. “I was shocked to hear about your brother's arrest.”

“He's not been arrested, just questioned,” she answered, glancing at Casey.

“Yes, well, I understand that Jasmine associated with volatile people,” Eisler remarked. “Apparently, one of them is a Mainland driver.”

“Are you talking about Wesley Axelson?” Marie asked.

“I can't say, but since you've mentioned his name, I have seen the gun rack in his truck. Presumably, he has access to firearms.”

Casey noticed Lou's disapproving frown. He and Wesley weren't buddies, but they'd worked together a long time and Wesley's integrity had never been questioned.

“Jasmine was shot with a handgun,” Lou said. “You don't need a gun rack for that.”

“Wes and Jasmine were good friends,” Marie said. “There were no problems between them.” She looked at Casey. “After last night's scare, I have to stop searching for proof that Birch did it, which is why I need your help.”

“What scare?” Eisler asked.

As Marie filled him in, Casey wondered if blabbing everything was a smart move. Marie might be targeting Elliott Birch, but Casey's suspicions were broader.

“Noel's taken some friends' advice and hired a lawyer, but it's really expensive. Neither of us can afford a private investigator. Now that his van is crime scene evidence, he doesn't have a vehicle and can only afford to rent one for a week.” Marie turned to Casey. “After that he'll be pretty much housebound, so I was wondering if you'd talk to the people I couldn't get to on Birch's mail route.”

“You shouldn't ask her to get involved,” Eisler said as he rose. “
MPT
staff have no business investigating the murder of a colleague.” Eisler headed for the hallway. “Thanks for your time, Miss Holland.”

Casey followed him out of the room. The guy had a point. On the other hand, what if he'd killed Jasmine and didn't want the truth coming out?

At the front door Eisler said, “Don't let Marie bully you. She's not thinking rationally.”

“I know.” That wasn't the problem: it was the guilt she'd feel for turning her down.

Eisler lowered his voice. “What if her brother really is guilty? Think about it. The police aren't fools.”

“I realize that, and thanks for coming by.”

When Casey returned to the living room, Marie was running her hand over the sofa cushion. “You could help and watch out for Casey at the same time. No one would have to know about your involvement, Lou. It'd be our secret.”

Lou stood and gave Casey a hug. She didn't know why, except maybe to prove something to Marie.

“Eisler sure looked ticked to see us,” Marie said to her. “If you'd been alone, I bet he would have asked you not to say anything about his visit. The jerk wouldn't want staff knowing he'd been thinking about Jasmine.”

“Maybe.”

“So, will you at least talk to Noel?” Marie got to her feet. “Then you can decide if you want to help.”

“Why me?” She watched the way Marie's mouth twisted, as if reluctant to let the words out.

“Everyone knows you're a good investigator. You have the highest arrest rate, and you're resourceful and thorough.” Her lips began twitching as if about to go into a spasm. “Look, I know we've had our differences, but my brother's future and my kids' safety are at stake, so will you please help us?”

“I don't know. I'm working double shifts, I'm behind at school, and Summer needs me at home more. Things aren't going great for her.”

“I could take some of your shifts. Could you at least chat with Noel and make a decision then?” Marie pleaded. “That's not too much to ask, is it?”

Casey didn't appreciate the petulant tone. “I'll think about it.”

“Well, if your commitments are more important than an innocent man's entire future, I can't fight that kind of selfishness.”

“She's not selfish.” Lou slid his arm around Casey's waist. “She's covered for you at work this past week, and is taking care of Jasmine's pets like you asked. She's also looking after this huge house and parenting a cranky teen who misses her mom. Worse, you could be putting a bull's eye on her and Summer.”

“I'm sorry.” The words caught in her throat. “I don't know what else to do.”

Casey took a deep calming breath. If she turned Marie down, the woman would be hell to work with. Security functioned better with strong co-operation and communication among team members. Besides, she was curious to hear Noel's take on who killed Jasmine. Casey rubbed her temple. Deep inside her skull, a headache had begun to form.

“Look, I'll talk to your brother and then decide what to do.”

“Thank you.” Marie removed a slip of paper from her purse. “This is Noel's cell phone number.” She handed the paper to Casey. “One more thing. I'm really worried about Jeremy. Could you drive by Birch's place and see if he's okay? He lives in Coquitlam, not far from Jasmine's apartment.”

“How do you know?”

“I drove Jasmine out to his trailer one day because he wouldn't bring Jeremy back when he was supposed to. The trailer park's easy to find.”

Pushy broad. “How am I supposed to do that without being recognized by Birch? He saw me at your house.”

“Like I said, you're smart and resourceful.” Marie handed her another slip of paper. “Here's Birch's address and mail route. I checked off the addresses I've already been to.”

The front door opened and slammed shut. Summer stomped past the living room entrance. Cheyenne galloped into the hallway to greet her.

“Summer?” Casey called.

“I have to go.” Marie started to leave. “I'll give Noel your phone number.” She hurried out of the house, as if afraid Casey would change her mind.

Casey stepped into the hallway and found Summer slumped against the wall just before the kitchen entrance.

“What is it, Summer?”

“Grandma's bugging me to live with her again. She thinks my friends are a bad influence just because Tiffany and Ashley got caught smoking.” Summer rubbed Cheyenne's head. “The principal practically forced me to say I saw them doing it.”

Casey said, “Were you smoking too?”

“If I was, you would have gotten a phone call on Friday.”

“There's no need for the snarky tone. So tell me, have you tried cigarettes before?”

Summer avoided eye contact. “No.”

She never had been a good liar. “The truth, please.” Casey rubbed her throbbing temple. “I promise not to scream in shock.”

“I tried it once, but it nearly made me puke.”

“How did your grandmother find out about the incident?”

“She lit a cigarette in the car and I asked her why she smoked, and she said it relaxes her.” Summer scratched Cheyenne's ears. “I told her Tiffany said the same thing, and then Grandma started asking questions and she, like, totally freaked.”

Casey rubbed her forehead. “Why didn't you tell me your friends smoked?”

“They didn't want me to.”

Wonderful. She should have remembered that twelve-year-old girls with absentee mothers made secrets and acting out inevitable. Hadn't her own rebelliousness escalated after Dad kicked Mother out of the house? “You know you don't have to listen to your friends, right?”

“Yeah.” Summer peered at her. “Are you sure I won't have to move in with Grandma?”

“You're staying with me, kiddo. We're a team.”

Casey hugged her, well aware that Winifred's wants weren't as troubling as the impact of devious peers. Summer's old friends wouldn't have asked her to keep secrets, but clearly these girls did.

“Never do what anyone—especially friends—tell you to if it makes you uncomfortable, okay?”

“'Kay.”

Casey thought of Marie. They weren't even friends and Marie was pushing her into an uncomfortable—maybe even dangerous—situation. “So,” she said, stepping back, “how's the math homework coming?”

“Not good.” Summer shrugged. “Can you help me?”

“I have to work on an essay, so how about we work together?”

Cheyenne started whimpering at the door.

“I'll take Cheyenne out first.”

“All right, I'll meet you upstairs.”

After they left, Casey leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. The headache could become a migraine. She didn't get them often; only when under major stress or after too much chocolate and wine. She'd take something for it now. There was too much to do to end up in bed for the rest of the day. On the upside, a chat with the gorgeous Noel Merryweather would be a welcome break from homework and endless chores.

Casey opened her eyes and stood up straight. Had she agreed to meet the guy because she was attracted to him? Was she that shallow?

“I should be off,” Lou said, approaching her. “Is everything okay? Your cheeks are a bit flushed.”

Oh, good lord; she'd been thinking about another man while her boyfriend was here. How tacky was that? “I'm all right. Summer had an argument with Winifred, but she's fine now. We're going to do homework together.”

Lou kissed her. “Sounds like you've got everything under control.”

She didn't know how to tell him that sounds could be deceiving, so she returned his kiss and said nothing.