Numbers Can Be Deadly (Sage Gardens Cozy Mystery Book 7) Read online

  “Oh, wait a minute, I think I know her.” Walt narrowed his eyes at the woman who gave the man a hug. “She looks like the receptionist that worked with Magnus. In fact, I would bet my life on it. She was the one employee that he actually liked, it would make sense that she would still be at the company.”

  “Which makes me wonder who the man is that she is hugging.”

  “I don’t know, he’s too young for me to remember him. He looks like he’s in his twenties.”

  “Hm.” Eddy stood up from the chair. “Only one way to find out.”

  “Eddy, what are you doing?”

  “I’m going to find out who that man is and why they are cheering for him.”

  Walt took a sip of his water. A deep breath followed a hard swallow. Eddy paused beside the table.

  “Congratulations.” He smiled at the man who had just sat down.

  “I’m sorry?” The man looked over at him.

  “Oh, I just thought with all of the cheering congratulations were in order.”

  “Not exactly.” The receptionist smiled at him. “We’re just glad he’s okay.”

  “Yeah.” The man rubbed his hand back through his hair. “It’s been a rough couple of days.”

  “Don’t be modest.” The receptionist shot him a reproachful look, then turned back to Eddy. “Our company was broken into, and Kent here survived. He was knocked out by the intruder, but he managed to make it out of there alive. So we’re celebrating that.” Eddy’s eyes widened at the mention of the man’s name. The number 9889 was assigned to a Kent.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry to intrude. Sounds like you are a brave young man, Kent.” He smiled at Kent.

  “Not exactly.” Kent sighed. “All I did was get knocked out.”

  “Must have hurt.” Eddy scrutinized his features.

  “It did.” Kent’s voice grew quiet. “But I feel better already. I’m back at work tonight.”

  “Well, you have a reason to celebrate. Enjoy.” Eddy turned and walked away from the table. As soon as he was a few feet away the chatter at the table began again. Eddy joined Walt at the bar again.

  “Looks like that’s our only witness,” Eddy said.

  “The employee that was working?” Walt asked.

  “Yes. He claims he was knocked out.”

  “You don’t think he was?”

  “I think when someone is knocked out cold, they have a mark of some kind on them. I didn’t see a knot, or a black eye, or anything to indicate that he was assaulted.”

  “Maybe it was a blow to the back of the head? It’s hard to see beyond the hair,” Walt said.

  “I doubt it. He rubbed his head and didn’t even flinch. If you’re hit hard enough to get knocked out, the pain lingers for a couple of days at least.”

  “I guess that you’re right about that. I wonder if the police report noted anything about injuries.”

  “I can check on that,” Eddy said. “There’s another thing.”

  “What?” Walt asked eagerly.

  “His name is Kent. He is probably the same Kent that has the employee number 9889.”

  “Oh.” Walt’s eyes widened.

  “That might explain why Magnus wrote it down,” Eddy said. “Because he was there when Magnus was murdered.”

  “Or maybe because he was the murderer.”

  “I’ll just be a minute,” Eddy said as he stood up and walked towards the restroom. Walt had his eyes on the people at the table. When Eddy walked away, Walt stood up and walked towards the table. He took a seat a few feet away so that he could hear their conversation.

  “Look guys, I really appreciate this, but I don’t deserve it. All I did was get knocked out,” Kent said.

  “Are you kidding?” The man sitting beside him shook his head. “I’d be scared to even walk back in that building if it happened to me. Heck, I’m scared to walk back in after what happened to Magnus. If a man like that could be killed, then anyone is game.”

  “It’s not like he didn’t have it coming.” Another woman at the table tilted her head back. “He made more enemies than friends.”

  “Watch it, Cheryl, that’s no way to talk about Mr. Magnus.” The receptionist huffed.

  “Please, Madeline, we all know that you were his favorite. I’m not saying anything bad about the man, I’m just being realistic. Whoever did this clearly wanted Magnus dead. Why else would he have left Kent alive?”

  “Ouch.” Kent frowned. “I’d rather not think about what else could have happened.”

  “I’m sorry, you’re right,” Cheryl apologized. “I just can’t help but wonder who might have been after him. Do you think the murderer might come back?”

  “Cheryl, enough.” Madeline smacked her hand on the table. “You’re getting everyone all worked up. There’s no reason for that.”

  “I’m not trying to cause any trouble, but I think I have the right to be concerned about whether we will be safe at work,” Cheryl said. “Obviously security isn’t tight enough.”

  “She’s right,” Kent agreed. “No one should have been able to just walk in there.”

  “Unless they belonged there.” Madeline clucked her tongue.

  “What are you saying?” Kent looked over at her. “You think it was an inside job?”

  “I don’t just think it. I know it.” Madeline swept her gaze around the table. “It could have even been one of you sitting right here.”

  The table fell into silence at the comment. Cheryl scrunched up her nose. “Yes, it could have been you. I’ve always wondered about the two of you. Are the rumors true?”

  “Rumors?” Madeline scowled at her. “What rumors?”

  A few guilty looks were exchanged around the table before Cheryl spoke up again. “About you and Magnus. Were you together?”

  “Magnus was married.”

  “And?” Cheryl laughed. “His wife lives in another state.”

  “You seem to know an awful lot about a man you didn’t even consider your friend, Cheryl.” Madeline pushed her chair back from the table. “I am not going to sit here and be ridiculed by you. A man is dead, and all you can think about is flapping your gums. Ridiculous.” She shook her head. Cheryl held up her hands.

  “I was just asking a question.”

  “You’d better watch yourself.” Kent pointed a finger at her. “With Jimmy as acting CEO none of our jobs are safe. Be careful who you make angry.”

  “I am already looking for another job. I don’t want to work for Jimmy any more than I wanted to work for Magnus. You know that Jimmy’s been dying to get in this position for a while now. I can only imagine what kind of power trip he’ll be on now that he’s in it.” Cheryl pursed her lips and then released a heavy sigh. “It’s not like the pay is great anyway.”

  “True.” Kent raised a glass. “I can toast to that.”

  “We all can.” The man beside him raised his glass as well. Soon the entire group at the table held their glasses in the air. The ensuing clinks made Walt cringe and draw back. Certain sounds always set off his nerves. Walt stood and walked back over to meet Eddy back at the bar.

  “Where did you go?”

  “To eavesdrop.”

  “Hear anything good?”

  “Magnus’ receptionist is still the same woman, and there are rumors that she might have had an affair with him. I think we should talk to her.”

  Eddy smiled. “Then we will. What’s her name?”

  “Madeline.” Walt frowned. “I’m not sure that she’ll talk to us though.”

  “Oh, don’t worry, she’ll talk.” He stood up from the bar and watched as the woman left the table. She seemed a little annoyed as she headed for the door. Eddy casually fell into step behind her. He didn’t quicken his pace until she was outside the restaurant. Walt trailed right after him. Just as Madeline paused beside a late model silver car Eddy walked up to her.

  “Excuse me, Madeline?”

  She turned to face him. “Yes?” She looked into his eyes with a hint of co
nfusion.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to startle you. My friend Walt here, told me your name.” He smiled. Walt stood a few steps away from her and offered a nervous smile.

  “Walt?” She narrowed her eyes as she looked at him. All of a sudden her expression shifted. “Walt Right?”

  Walt swallowed hard. “Yes, that’s me. I mean, it’s me.”

  “It’s been years! How are you?”

  “Uh, not the best at the moment actually.” He looked down at his shoes.

  “Right, I heard that the police are looking into you.” She laughed. “When they questioned me about you I nearly choked on my coffee. As if Walt Right would ever hurt anyone.”

  Eddy looked between the two with a raised eyebrow.

  “Thank you for that, Madeline. I wasn’t sure if you would remember me.”

  “I remember.” Her smile spread wider. “You were the most honest man I’d ever met. I’d never seen anyone stand up to Magnus like that before.”

  “That didn’t bother you?” Eddy broke the spell between the two as they gazed at each other. “Weren’t you and Magnus close?”

  “Don’t believe the rumor mill, Sir. I’ve always believed that work and personal life should be kept separate. Magnus had some preferences that gave off a certain image of our relationship, but it was strictly professional.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss.” Walt frowned. “You two worked together for so long.”

  “Oh trust me, it was no great loss.” Madeline pursed her lips. “I know I’m not supposed to say that, but to be honest I feel free for the first time in decades.”

  “Madeline.” Walt stepped closer to her. “Did he do something to hurt you?”

  “It’s water under the bridge. The important thing is just to move on from here.”

  “Walt isn’t going to be able to do that if he’s in handcuffs.” Eddy tightened his hands at his sides. “If you know something that can help us, you should tell us.”

  “What could I know?” Madeline’s eyes widened. “Are you a police officer?”

  “He’s a good friend of mine.” Walt’s tone softened. “He’s just trying to help me out of this mess.”

  “I see.” Madeline nodded a little. “That’s a good thing. You don’t deserve any of this, Walt.”

  “Then maybe you could tell us what you know about Jimmy Barker?” Eddy moved to the other side of her to prevent her access to her car.

  “Jimmy?” Madeline rolled her eyes. “He’s all bluster. He loves to push people around because Magnus has always pushed him around.”

  “Wouldn’t he have wanted Magnus out of the way?” Eddy pressed. Walt watched him closely.

  “Everyone wanted Magnus out of the way. But Jimmy’s not a killer.” Madeline shrugged.

  “Are you sure about that?” Eddy narrowed his eyes.

  “Are you trying to say that I might be lying?” She glared right back.

  “Eddy, please.” Walt stepped between them. Eddy grimaced, but Walt ignored him. He looked into Madeline’s eyes. “I don’t think that you’re lying, Madeline. I’m sorry we’ve bothered you. I have one question for you. Is that okay?”

  “Sure.” She relaxed as she met his gaze.

  “Hiller Brothers and Hiller Maximum, do you know anything about those two companies?” Walt asked.

  She grappled for her door handle. “Walt, I always liked you. Please, listen to me when I tell you. Do not get involved with the Hillers. They are very powerful people. That is all I will say about it.”

  “Madeline, can’t you tell me anything more?” Walt asked.

  “Excuse me, I’d like to leave now.” She elbowed Eddy out of her way and opened the door to her car. “Good luck, Walt.” She glanced back once at him. “I mean it.”

  “Thank you, Madeline.”

  “Walt.” Eddy grimaced. Walt closed the door for her and then stepped away from the car. As she pulled away Eddy looked over at him. “Our best lead just drove away.”

  Walt pursed his lips then glanced over at Eddy. “She’s still a lady, Eddy, and we’re not going to pressure her. If she has more to say, there are other ways we can find out.”

  “Obviously those two companies are a red flag. It’s time we get together with Samantha and Jo to discuss this.”

  He pulled out his cell phone and dialed Samantha’s number. When she answered he tried to hide the frustration in his voice.

  “Can you and Jo meet us for lunch?”

  “Sure. When and where?”

  “Now, and I’ll text you the address.”

  “We’ll be there as soon as we can.”

  Eddy hung up the phone and texted her the address of the restaurant. Then he raised his eyes back to Walt.

  “Listen Walt, I want your name cleared. But if we’re going to make that happen, you’re going to have to be willing to take a few chances.”

  “I am.” Walt wiped the hand that touched the car door handle with a wipe. “But not with Madeline.”

  “Is there something I should know?” Eddy raised his eyebrows.

  “Nothing ever happened.”

  “Remember, a woman can be just as dangerous as a man, Walt, and it seems that she has motive, by her own admission she didn’t like the man.”

  “I hear you, Eddy. Trust me, I’ve never been one to be dazzled by a pretty face.”

  “It is a pretty one though isn’t it?” Eddy winked at him. Walt rolled his eyes.

  “I can’t say that I noticed.”

  “Yeah right.” He shook his head. “Let’s go back in and wait for the girls.”

  “Women, Eddy, women.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Eddy grinned.

  Chapter Ten

  As Eddy and Walt settled at a table to wait for Samantha and Jo Walt looked towards the bartender. He waved and the bartender walked over.

  “Sorry, I’m going off shift. Arlene will take care of you at the bar.” He pointed to a woman who tugged an apron over her head. “Or you can order from Becs,” he said as he pointed to the waitress.

  “Okay that’s fine, thank you.” Walt nodded. “I just wanted to know if you’re very familiar with that crew that just left.”

  “Oh sure. They come in here for lunch a lot.”

  “Just lunch?” Eddy leaned forward. “Do they ever come in for anything else?”

  “Not really, not as a group. Sometimes a few of them will come in alone for dinner or a drink.” He shrugged.

  “Thanks.” Eddy handed him a few dollars as a tip. The bartender walked away.

  Eddy rubbed his hand along his chin. “What is it?” Walt looked over at him.

  “I just can’t get over how uninjured Kent appeared. He didn’t even seem that shaken up by the experience.”

  “Maybe he was still in shock,” Walt said.

  “Maybe, but I’m going to put in a call to Chris. I want to see if he can get a copy of the medical records from that night. If Kent was injured he likely would have gone to the hospital, or maybe he got checked out by paramedics.”

  “Good idea.”

  Eddy dialed Chris’ number. Within moments he answered the phone.

  “Eddy, it’s good to hear from you.”

  “Do you really mean that?” Eddy waved to Samantha and Jo as they stepped into the restaurant.

  “Of course I do. What are you looking for?”

  “Do you have any medical records for the night shift employee that was knocked out? Kent?”

  “No, I don’t have any. As far as I know there weren’t any medical records.”

  “Why is that? A man gets knocked out but no hospital visit?”

  “He refused medical care.”

  “What about paramedics? Photographs of the injury?”

  “None that I can find.”

  “Chris, did someone drop the ball?”

  “I don’t really know. But I can tell you that he insisted he woke up only after his boss was dead. I’m sure if the detective suspected him they would have investigated the
issue further.”

  “Just like they documented the injuries?”

  “Good point.” Chris yawned. “I’m sorry, it’s been a long night. I’ll see what I can do about finding out why nothing more was done to confirm his story. Anything else I can help you with right now?”

  “No thanks, that’s all I needed. I appreciate your help.”

  “Oh, you’re going to owe me. I’m still waiting to find out everything that happened with the investigation of that double murder you worked in ninety-two.”

  “In time, in time.” Eddy chuckled. Samantha and Jo joined them at the table. Walt signaled for the waitress to come over. The woman smiled at them as she approached.

  “Hi, what can I get for you?”

  Eddy tucked his phone into his pocket. “I’ll take a soda, and some cheese fries.”

  “Eddy.” Samantha clucked her tongue. “You remember what Owen said the last time you had a check-up.” Owen was the young nurse at Sage Gardens who had become Eddy’s friend.

  Eddy looked around the restaurant. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see him here, when did he come in?”

  “So, no cheese fries?” The bartender hovered her pen over the notepad in her hand. “Does anyone want cheese fries?”

  “I do.” Eddy cleared his throat. “Add a little bacon if you can, too.”

  Samantha pursed her lips.

  “Can I get a beer please?” Jo set her purse on the floor beneath the table. She hooked her foot through the strap.

  “Sure. Any cheese fries?”

  “No, I’ll just eat his.” Jo winked at Eddy.

  “That’s what you think.” Eddy glowered at her.

  “Let’s focus here, please,” Walt said. After they finished placing their order the four leaned closer. Eddy updated Samantha and Jo on what they had overheard, and their suspicion of Kent. When he tried to mention Madeline as a suspect, Walt interrupted.

  “She’s worked with him for decades. If she wanted him dead, I’m sure there would be much easier ways for her to accomplish that. Why would she do something so messy?”