The Butcher (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 5) Read online

Myrna smiled. “Yes, and he’s dying to meet Mr. Bradbury.” Tom snorted and shook his head.

  Delilah added, “I agree with Myrna. I think he’ll show up. Ivan will make him.” She hunched her shoulders. “If it doesn’t look like he’s pulling into the parking lot, just have one of your officers nudge him in the right direction.”

  The chief chuckled. “Yeah, that’s what I’ll do. I’ll tell them to be oh-so-gentle and ‘nudge’ him. I’m sure they’ll listen.” He stood and went to the door and waved his forefinger at all of them. “Coordinate your plans. If you need help with any of the funeral arrangements, let me know.”

  Myrna stopped him from leaving and shook out a list in the air. “We’ve already decided on the flowers. If you could go to the nursery and put Becky in charge of this, she’ll get it done right. She’ll also deliver them to the funeral parlor where I have Steve setting up and opening up the two viewing rooms to make it one huge one.”

  He asked, “Have you decided on caskets yet?”

  Tom and Adam shook their heads. Tom stated, “We’re all going to pick them out after this meeting.”

  The chief stood there thinking and glanced at Myrna. “What do we do about tourists during the wake?”

  She sat in thought and asked, “Can we notify the bed and breakfast to alert their guests that the town would like privacy during that time, but assure them Carla’s Fine Cuisine and the Tavern will put out spreads for their supper? Could you have your remaining men block off the area temporarily?”

  The chief saluted her, turned, and left the meeting after snatching the list from Myrna.

  Myrna, Delilah, Fran, and Corrine looked down at their lists as the men began discussing security and how to accommodate out-of-town guests for one night and also for the reception following the funeral.

  Corrine poked Delilah’s arm and said, “I want to have the funeral reception at Carla’s Fine Cuisine, in the same room where we had our last date. It’s so divine in there, and your father was so attentive and romantic.”

  Delilah stated, “He loved the room. Not only that, but we first met Big Lou in there, so I think it’s a great idea, don’t you, Adam?”

  Adam had heard the discussion and wiped his eyes again. He agreed with Corrine. “We had some good times in there.”

  Myrna put her papers down and looked around the poker room. “This place still carries their scent. Why is no one mentioning what Maurice kept saying?”

  Tom agreed. “He told Liam he would see and speak to him again.”

  Delilah added, “Father said the same thing to me.”

  Corrine asked, “Do you think it was just a reaction from the medication he received during surgery?”

  Myrna shook her head. “No. Nothing was capable of clouding the man’s mind. It was a full moon last night too. Strange things happen during a full moon.”

  Adam rubbed his chin and harrumphed. “Big Lou mentioned meeting an old witch in town where he bought the movie marquee. He said she told him and the boss this town would never let them go.”

  Myrna’s eyes went wide. “Wanda? Wanda told him that?”

  Adam smiled. “Ya, but the boss and Lou called her ‘Wanda the Witch.’”

  Myrna snorted. “The woman is a peach. She’s not a witch, she’s a seer. When she speaks, folks listen.”

  Adam asked, “What the hell’s a seer? I mean, I don’t believe in all this hocus-pocus, and I’m petrified of gypsy witches, but if it means I get to see or talk to them again, I’m all for it.”

  Myrna brought her fingers to her eyes and then pointed them outward. “A seer is someone who can see into the future to a point. They have visions and can spy into the spirit world but are grounded here on earth.” She shrugged. “Some people don’t believe in these things, but I’ve known Wanda a long time, and she’s never wrong.”

  Tom hunched his shoulders and added, “Grieving people always want to see and talk to their departed loved ones. They go to fortune tellers, psychics, and whatnot. I think my father just wished to live forever and didn’t want to upset Liam, so he told him he’d be back.” He rubbed his forehead. “As it is, I can’t understand how he lasted so long or how he spoke as much as he did on his deathbed. It was a medical anomaly and inexplicable.”

  Delilah stated, “My money is on Wanda. I met her, and I liked her.”

  The group finished off the funeral arrangements and discussed the outfits to deliver to the funeral parlor when picking out caskets. Delilah assured them she had both outfits picked out and ready. The group stood and headed out the door for the funeral parlor when the tavern phone rang. Delilah rushed to answer it and extended the receiver out to Myrna.

  Myrna said, “Hello?”

  Artie was on the line, “Myrna, we got an unexpected visitor here at the town hall.”

  She frowned. “Who is it?”

  Artie answered, “Commissioner Jones.”

  She held the receiver away from her mouth and spouted out a wagonload of swears foul enough to make the angels weep. She felt Tom rubbing her back to calm her down, put the receiver back to her ear, and growled, “I’ll be there in five minutes. Change my nameplates without him seeing you, if you can.”

  She heard, “Okay, Myrna, I’ll tell him,” and they disconnected.

  She hung up the phone and turned to stare at Tom. “Can you believe this shit?” He shook his head and embraced her as she wept in frustration. She hadn’t had enough sleep, none of them had, and a commissioner in town was the last thing she needed to deal with on today of all days. The loss of Big Lou and Maurice had struck her like a bolt of lightning, just as it had Tom, and neither of them had had a chance to truly mourn, scream, or pound their fists in anger. The entire group was running on fumes and frustration.

  CHAPTER 13

  Tom dropped off Myrna at the town hall with the promise to pick her up in one hour. She rushed up the steps, opened the doors, and made her way to Artie’s and Amanda’s desks. Artie pointed up and said, “I got the name plates changed and had Donnie deliver him some lunch and coffee.”

  Myrna growled, “What does he want?”

  Artie hunched his shoulders. “He didn’t say. He seems to be in a good mood, so go find out and let us know, all right?”

  Myrna stated, “As soon as I find out the official day and time of the wake for Maurice and Big Lou, be prepared to put our plans into action.” They both saluted her as she turned and made her way up the stairs to her office. She could hear the children playing in the day care. The sound was like music to her ears after hearing nothing but sobbing for hours. She made her way to her office and greeted Commissioner Jones, who was just finishing off a ham-and-cheese croissant and sipping his coffee.

  After wiping his mouth, he pointed at the wrappings and said, “Baking that good should be a crime!”

  Myrna laughed and said, “I’m glad you liked it.” After a brief silence, she asked, “What can I do for you today?”

  The commissioner stared at her and stated. “By the looks of this town and its bustling streets, it won’t be long before Cold Hollow is independent of government funding and inspections, Mayor. Congratulations.”

  Myrna displayed a bright smile and replied, “We calculated that by this time next year, we will be a completely independent town. Everyone is thrilled about our success.”

  Jones said, “So are the commissioners and the government. However, what brings me here today is a favor I promised to do for a friend of mine.” He glanced at her and saw her lean forward, eager for more information. “I am great friends with Chief Donahue in New York. He was both amazed and thrilled when a dangerous drug ring was shut down in one of his districts. He traced the reason back to Cold Hollow. I would like to speak with Chief Hanover.”

  Myrna’s blood froze, but she managed to slip her police radio out of her pocketbook and hail the chief.

  He replied, “What now?”

  Myrna cleared her throat and said, “Commissioner Jones is in my office for an unexpected v
isit. He would like to speak to you.”

  They heard a slight growl, a shuffle of papers, and a grunt. “I’ll be right there, Mayor.”

  As they waited, the commissioner commented, “I couldn’t help but notice something today, Myrna. The tourists seem content and happy, but the townsfolk seem…”

  He had no description for what he felt, so Myrna finished the sentence for him. “Filled with sadness.”

  “Yes! Do you know why?”

  “My father-in-law passed away last night. All the townsfolk loved him. He was generous to a fault and helped raise this town to new heights of prosperity.”

  His head tilted in sadness as he said, “You have my condolences. I can’t apologize enough if I pulled you from anything of importance.”

  She shook her head. “No apologies are necessary. I have one hour, and then I have to continue to help my family.”

  He glanced at his watch and said, “I have to hit the road again as well. I have a board meeting at the ski resort I can’t miss. Cold Hollow was en route, so I couldn’t refuse the favor my friend begged of me.”

  Myrna smiled. “I understand.”

  Chief Hanover rushed into the room, fussing with his uniform, and shook the commissioner’s hand before taking a seat across from Myrna. She sat with her hands clasped before her so she wouldn’t wring them.

  She held her breath until the commissioner turned slightly in his chair and faced the chief. He reached into his coat pocket and opened a small case, displaying a medal. He pulled it from the case and reached out to pin it on the chief’s uniform. “This is from the City of New York, for outstanding service in the fight against crime. Congratulations, Chief Hanover.”

  Myrna nearly coughed a fit and had a devil of a time restraining her hysteria.

  Chief Hanover thanked the commissioner, but his expression was cockeyed and his mouth hung open. Myrna managed to squeak out, “Could you explain what the chief did, Commissioner?”

  “Certainly. He delivered the kingpin of the drug ring and one of his lackeys to the state penitentiary. His name is Rodriguez. None of the other dealers in the ring have resurfaced, and one of the chief’s districts has been clean since. The streets talk, Mayor, and the word is that twelve dealers came up here and, so far, have not resurfaced since Rodriguez was captured.” He glanced at his watch again and apologized, “Normally, these medals are accompanied by a lot of fanfare, but I knew the chief wouldn’t leave this town during the tourist season. I wish I could explain further, but time is wasting, and I’ll be late if I don’t head to the ski resort now.” He leaned over the desk and shook her hand. “Keep up the good work, Mayor. I’ll see you in July.”

  She blushed and thanked him. He turned to the chief and shook his hand. “Fine job, Chief.”

  Chief Hanover glanced down at his new adornment and cringed. “Thanks.”

  When the door shut behind the commissioner, Myrna’s hands went to her face, and her eyes watered as she laughed at the chief’s expression. When she pulled her hands away from her face, she wiggled her eyebrows at him. “I’m going to go out and carve up a bad guy’s forehead so I can get some new jewelry too!”

  The chief removed the medal and threw it at her in a huff.

  ***

  Chief Hanover picked up a grinder and a soft drink at the local pizzeria for the inmate at the station and walked to his cell. He slipped it between the bars to Samuel and watched him grasp it, turn, and sit on his cot with it. Placing it one side, he bent in two to examine the bandage on his ankle over the dog bite. He glanced up at the chief. “I do believe I’m entitled to a phone call.”

  The chief remained stoic and lied, “The phone lines are down.”

  Samuel unwrapped his grinder and inspected it. “Then I am entitled to a visit from an attorney.”

  “You, sir, are entitled to shit. We don’t have attorneys in this town. I’m in the process of sorting out the details of the case. We’ll probably end up giving you a nice little escort out of town to the next jurisdiction. My advice to you for now is to shut the hole in your face and eat your lunch.”

  Samuel looked up and grinned. “You’re cranky today. What’s wrong, Chief? Rough night?”

  The chief spun on his heel and took great satisfaction in the fact he had spat in Samuel’s grinder. He headed to the vacant desk they had assigned to Eddie Brewster and deposited a bagged lunch and soft drink for the kid. Eddie looked up and thanked the chief, and the chief pointed at him. “Eat it all, finish your homework, and stay away from the cells. Don’t speak to the man inside.”

  Eddie agreed. “He keeps trying to get me to go over there and talk to him, but Officer Cutler told me the rules, and I’ve been obeying.” He sorted through his school papers and showed the chief his latest history report. The chief smiled when he saw an A+ in bright red at the top of it.

  “Good work, Eddie. I tell you what: tomorrow I’ll get you a surprise from the bakery for that A+.”

  Eddie beamed and thanked him as he dove into his meal.

  They both heard Samuel shout, “Do I get a surprise from the bakery too?”

  The chief shouted back, “I told you to shut the hell up and eat your lunch!” His most fervent wish was that Samuel choked on his grinder and died. It would save everyone a great deal of work.

  ***

  The following morning, Myrna checked into the bakery and left instructions for Donnie and Sarah before she took a few days off.

  Ivan showed up, and Myrna briefly sat with him. He had walked to the bakery from the annex that morning, and Myrna slipped him the keys to the Hummer.

  Ivan stared at them incredulously. “How you get these?”

  Myrna’s lips twitched. “The chief confiscated them from Samuel when he was arrested. I have a favor to ask you.”

  Ivan pocketed the keys and looked at her, waiting for her to ask him something. She swallowed and began. “Samuel will be set free tomorrow, late afternoon. I need you to pick him up and drive him to the funeral parlor where he is to pay his respects to our dearly departed. It’s the least he can do for all the heartache he has caused.” Ivan started to speak, and she held out her hand. “You are to pretend you’re leaving with him. Have your luggage in the vehicle with you. When you arrive at the funeral parlor, remove the luggage and carry it inside. Find Adam and stay by his side. We want you to stay in this town. I think it’s good for you.”

  Ivan’s face turned red, and his voice escalated as he argued, “That not right! Boss Sam needs punish! He kill two good men! Two!”

  Myrna took a deep breath and placed her hand over his. “He will pay, Ivan. You need to trust me. Do you trust me, Ivan?”

  He calmed down and nodded. “Da. Ivan trust Red Lady. Ivan will do as Red Lady says.”

  She stood and smiled at him. “Good, that makes me happy.” She bent and kissed his cheek before leaving and watched him blush and begin his breakfast.

  ***

  “Tom! I waddle! I swear to God I waddle like a duck! I just caught myself in the mirror as I walked over!”

  Tom approached Myrna and ran his hands over the growing baby bump and chuckled. “You don’t waddle. You walk as you always have. You’re just nervous about the wake and what follows.” He held his hand on her abdomen and felt movement. “Did you feel that?”

  Myrna giggled. “The baby has been kicking me to death all morning.”

  Liam waddled into the room like a duck and asked, “If you think you walk like this, Mama, you don’t.” He continued waddling about the bedroom as Myrna and Tom laughed. They were relieved he was taking the deaths of Maurice and Big Lou as well as he was. They had phoned his child psychologist at the hospital, and Liam had a brief meeting with her, but she assured them that Liam was adjusting just fine.

  When everyone was ready, they bundled up and made their way outside. There was a cold, steely rain falling, and umbrellas were deployed. As he looked at the woods, Liam commented, “The fog is coming tonight. A thick fog.”

 
; Tom hoisted him into the back seat and said, “We’re used to it, Liam.”

  They were on their way to the funeral parlor ahead of time for a private viewing. Myrna had her police radio in her pocket along with another device. The windshield wipers were driving her crazy with the thumping and squeaking noise. With everything happening in town, she had forgotten to bring the vehicle to Car Hop Harry to replace the wiper blades.

  Before long, they were heading down Main Street, where black wreaths hung on the doors of every shop. Myrna frowned. She also noticed the tourists flooding into Robert’s for the buffet he had set up to keep them occupied during the wake.

  Further down Main Street the police were busy setting up the temporary roadblocks during the hours of the service to afford the family and townsfolk some privacy. She rest assured knowing the chief had held true to the plan.

  They pulled into the parking lot and saw the rest of the family had already arrived. They got out of the car and raced to the entrance of the funeral parlor to avoid getting soaked. Once inside, they shook out their umbrellas and wiped their feet on the mat. Moving forward, the scent of fresh flowers hit them, and Myrna felt herself relaxing. They moved forward to where two luxurious caskets were set up side by side with kneeling benches off to the right of each one. Myrna was impressed: the family had chosen the Cadillac of coffins for both men, and it suited them. Behind the coffins, large easels were set up and the family portrait was displayed along with the shootout on the mountain top, with various framed photographs Delilah had taken. It was a heartwarming scene.

  Off to the left of the coffins, a reception line of chairs was set up where the family members could rest while greeting mourners. They approached the kneeling benches, said prayers, and commented to Steve, the funeral director, on the fine job he had done on both men. Myrna had to stare closely to make sure they weren’t still breathing; she swore both men looked alive. It wasn’t the pasty, thick makeup look most corpses donned at traditional wakes. Both men wore their Armani suits, gorgeous shirts, and matching silk ties.