Chapter Five
It was crowded at the lake. They found an empty spot to spread out their blanket and place the cooler but they declined to get in the water at first. She inflated the chairs and they sat in them a while before deciding to take them in the water. They floated in the chairs for an hour or so before returning to their blanket.
They overheard a pair of nearby neighbors discussing a fireworks show that would be visible over the campgrounds and the lake for the next few nights. Today was July 1st so the show was probably through the Fourth of July at least.
A vendor selling snow cones walked through the crowd and George bought a couple of them. The frozen treat cooled them and she smiled at his blue lips figuring her lips were just as blue.
"Darling, why don't we have a barbecue tomorrow? I wouldn't mind some spareribs and burgers." George considered the meal. "We can grill potatoes and corn on the cob and skewer some shrimp. I'm handy with a grill."
She smiled at him and interlocked her fingers with his. "That sounds wonderful. I'll make lemonade and iced tea in the morning."
"Darling, look at three o'clock." George kept his face staring straight ahead. "Todd and Regina and the grandkids are at the water's edge."
Jessica gradually turned her head and saw the group splashing around. "I wonder where the parents are? I noticed they aren't with the kids very much."
George looked around. It was true. The Brody sons and their wives didn't spend much time with their parents or their kids.
"Let's watch them tomorrow. We've been so focused on the other RV that we haven't paid as much attention to them. They did shelter the two men that came." He took off his shirt to catch a little sun.
Jessica took his hand again. "I don't like why you're here but I am very happy you are."
George smiled and gave her hand a squeeze. "I won't get any time off once I go back, not for a while at least."
"I'll just have to visit you then," she decided. It was her biggest worry. Now that they have crossed the boundary from friendship to being a couple, they would have the entire ocean between them.
They relaxed and just enjoyed the time together. As the sun began setting, Jessica deflated the chairs and packed them away. Lying on the blanket looking up at the sky, they talked as they waited for the fireworks to begin. It was nearly nine o'clock when the show started. The excitement and the noise from the crowd grew as wave after wave of fireworks began.
Jessica heard a pop that didn't sound like the booms from the fireworks and she moved to whisper in George's ear.
"George, it's crazy but I think I heard a gunshot." She began looking around and George started as well but it was impossible to see much in the dark. The fireworks lasted another half hour before tapering off and the crowd began packing up.
Jessica folded the blanket but neither she nor George moved from their spot. Suddenly screams were heard. They began moving toward the sound while most people were running away from the screams. Lying on a blanket, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt was one of the G-men. He was dead. His eyes were closed and it looked as though he was sleeping except for the blood seeping out from beneath his head. It was so dark it was hard to see much.
George started forward but Jessica pulled him back. "You don't have any authority over here and you have to keep your cover." She urged him. She looked around wondering if the other two G-men were around. She didn't see them but she saw Todd Brody watching from a distance. She didn't stare at him, just kept her eyes moving before policemen started to arrive. They didn't have a statement to give since they didn't see anything or have any information and they left for their car.
They sat in the car watching the scene from a distance without speaking. George squeezed her hand and pointed his chin toward a group of people. Todd, Regina, their sons and daughters-in-law were walking toward the road. The children were nowhere in sight.
George drove back to the RV and they quickly locked up. She headed for the monitor while he checked to see if the RV had been breached. Assured no one had entered, he sat beside Jessica and watched the camera recordings. What Jessica thought as likely homicide detectives or FBI men soon came to their campground and went inside the G-men's rented RV. Jessica caught a glimpse of a wall of technological equipment before the door closed.
"Will they come here?" she asked.
"It's late so they'll probably wait until morning. All our lights are off."
They heard Todd, Regina, and the group returning. They weren't detained by any of the officers. Sarah came out of their RV and entered her own.
"She must have been watching the kids," acknowledged Jessica. "I wonder if the other three are in the RV."
George was still watching the recordings. "We didn't see Jason or Mark at the lake but we saw Todd and Regina with the kids, then later we saw Todd by himself. Next we see Todd, Regina, the sons and their wives."
They stayed up until late watching the recordings. They did see two of the G-men leave but couldn't tell which two. All three were of similar builds and height. They discussed all possibilities but there were too many missing facts. Although George was instrumental in starting things, he was excluded in most of the sharing of information except what New Scotland Yard received.
It was frustrating but Jessica knew they wouldn't get much information tonight. She went into the bathroom and showered, washing the lake and sunshine off of her. George looked up as soon as the door opened. She blushed, dressed in her robe, but went over to the dresser and pulled out her nightgown. George came up behind her and began kissing her neck but assured her they would not be testing her muscle recovery that night. Jessica was relieved. She was barely even sore anymore and another night or two would be all the rest she needed.
She crawled into bed, tired. She was yawning by the time George emerged from the bathroom. His towel was wrapped carelessly around his waist.
"Do you normally wear pajamas to bed?" she asked. "You seem to have a hate/hate relationship with them."
"I get hot under the covers at night, lass." She blushed and he laughed. "I don't mind wearing them for you."
She watched as he removed the towel. "I won't insist upon it."
He happily climbed into bed without dressing. After a goodnight kiss, they spoke softly until they quieted and fell asleep.
Morning came quickly since they went to bed so late. It wasn't quite seven o'clock so they showered and dressed. George started the coffee brewing while putting the kettle on the stove.
"I think the interviewing will start soon so let's go sit outside." George set up the table and chairs while Jessica brought out the mugs and a dish of pastries. Minutes later, what they assumed was a detective came out of the RV and headed toward them.
"Good morning," he said quietly. George pointed to a chair and the man sat down.
"Coffee or tea?" asked Jessica. She introduced George and herself to the man.
The man declined. "I'm Detective Ryan Boding, Cheyenne Police Department investigating the murder of one of the campers at the lake last night. It happened during the fireworks show."
"During the show I heard a pop that sounded like gunfire not like fireworks around 9:00," volunteered Jessica. "We saw the man lying down after the show but we didn't see anything."
The questioning went on for about fifteen minutes.
"Do you have to question everyone?" she asked. It would be interesting to hear if their neighbors admitted to being at the show.
While the detective was talking to them, the other RVs occupants appeared to be waking up. Todd and Regina watched them and Jessica waved at them but didn't get a response in return.
"Yes, everyone is being questioned whether they were at the lake yesterday or not." The detective was writing in his pad then looked up at Jessica. "We know you're JB Fletcher."
"Yes, I am," replied Jessica although it wasn't a question.
"We've heard you like to assist on murder cases." He sighed. "I don't think we'll be needing help on this one."
"Jessica smiled while squeezing George's knee. "That's good because I'm on vacation with George here, and researching for my next book."
The detective coughed slightly. "How long are you staying?"
George answered this time. "We're staying until Labor Day then going back to New York."
"I thought you lived in Maine," the detective asked.
"Maine is my home but I'm currently teaching at Manhattan University and so I live in New York during the school semesters."
"What are you teaching?" he asked idly.
"Criminology," she answered drily.
The detective's head came up sharply. "You teach criminology at the college level….you must think we're idiots not to accept help."
"No, I think you want to remain professional," assured Jessica. "At any rate, I doubt I could teach seasoned detectives anything. My students are rookie officers and individuals anticipating a career in law enforcement."
"Tell me about your neighbors," he mentioned casually.
"Well, the Brody's were here before me and I've been here nearly three weeks. They told me they come every year with their kids and grandkids."
George decided to enter the conversation. "I believe they're retired. He was an engineer of some kind and she worked in a library when her kids got older." Jessica was nodding in agreement.
"They're nice. They had me over to dinner one night before George arrived and after my nieces left." added Jessica.
"And the other neighbors?" prompted Detective Boding.
"Young people, late twenties, early thirties." George tried not to grimace. The detective could use a course or two on questioning subjects. "We call out good morning or wave hello but we don't see too much of them. I'm pretty sure they aren't interested in a pair of old duffers like us."
Jessica had been watching the detective and she got the feeling that he knew much more than he was revealing which was normal procedure. The point of interviewing was to collect information not pass it along.
"There were three men camping in that RV. Are the other two okay? We didn't see any of them at the lake yesterday." Her piercing blue eyes were looking him in the eye. She knew George was paying attention as well.
"We are questioning them," answered the detective.
Jessica smiled and turned her head. The detective gave a small tell when he issued that lie and she knew George caught it as well.
"Well, anything you need from us, you just have to ask," promised Jessica.
George nodded unimpressed. The detective left and returned to the RV, slipping inside without opening the door too wide.
George chuckled and patted Jessica's hand. "He must be out of the loop."
They decided to sit outside and enjoy the morning and watch the comings and goings in their campsite.
"I'm going to prepare the meat for the grill, lass." George stood and went inside to marinate the meat and chop a few veggies.
Jessica reclined her chair and closed her eyes briefly. Despite the grim matter of the murder yesterday, it was a beautiful clear day. The breeze cools you off in the sunshine and since George extended the awning she was in the shade. She picked up her sunglasses and put them on.
She heard a door opening and saw Sarah and Marnie heading her way.
"Good morning," she said as they approached. She motioned for them to sit, which surprisingly they did.
"Did you hear about the murder?" asked Sarah. "They are questioning everybody I hear."
Jessica wondered where they heard it. "They already questioned George and me this morning."
"What did they ask?" questioned Marnie. This was the first time she actually spoke out loud in Jessica's presence.
"Just the usual, where were you yesterday, did you see anything, your name and address, how long are you staying, how long have you been here." Jessica was carefully watching the women and hoped George was inside watching as well. "He asked us if anyone suspicious was around or anyone that didn't belong. I think it was just routine. We told him we only knew you and the other RV residents and none of you are weird." She smiled at them.
Sarah relaxed. "I wonder when they'll speak to us."
Jessica leaned forward a little. "He came out when we came out here for breakfast so maybe it will be soon."
Marnie stood. "I think I'll put on something nicer." She looked at Sarah meaningfully.
George came outside and greeted the women before they left hurriedly for their RV.
"I think they're going to get their answers in order," he smiled.
Jessica smiled and winked at him.
"Should we invite others for dinner? We can potluck." Jessica lowered her voice. "I have a feeling they'll accept so they can show the detective they're innocent campers."
"That's a grand idea but no intrusive questions and no snooping. They are probably going to be on edge," cautioned George.
Jessica smiled and kissed his cheek. "I think I'll go and invite them now that everyone appears to be awake."
It was true. The RVs that were previously silent were now filled with noises. Regina quickly accepted and offered to bring several dishes. They decided to set up tables under Jessica's large awning and set chairs around the perimeter. They filled a large bin with ice to cool drinks and George donated his case of beer that he never got around to drinking. There were eight adults and he hoped twenty-four cans would be enough. He noticed no one else contributed beer although there was lemonade, tea, and sodas.
A different detective came over to interview and question Todd and Regina. George and Jessica went back to their RV and sat down at one of the tables. Everyone else followed and watched what was going on. They couldn't hear what was being said but no one looked upset or worried.
Jason and Mark were nowhere to be found. Jessica finally asked if they were coming out and Sarah mentioned they left two days ago to fish at another site with a few of their friends and would be back in a couple of days.
George overheard and knew for a fact that the truck was on the other side of their RV last night. He didn't dare even glance at Jessica when that comment was uttered.
While the day wasn't festive, there was a pleasant atmosphere only occasionally marred when someone would enter or exit the G-men RV. But talking would resume and the air would clear again.
The barbeque was a rousing success. George managed the grill and the ribs and chicken were pronounced delicious while the children had burgers and hot dogs. Regina had produced a chilled watermelon alongside the pies Sarah and Marnie contributed.
Jessica was clearing up and putting away food when two men exited the fourth RV and approached. Jessica had sent a couple of plates earlier over with George which was greatly appreciated.
George had just entered the RV with Jessica right behind him when bullets rang out. George immediately dragged Jessica inside, keeping her on the floor and covering her body with his. Several more shots rang out and then there were screams.
"No darling!" called George as Jessica moved to go outside. He reached up and locked the door. He pulled her along to the bedroom. He booted up the computer and watched the video of the camera recordings fifteen minutes earlier. He made a copy of the recording and slipped it in his pocket.
It had quieted outside but sirens in the distance were coming closer.
Jessica peeked out the window. Todd, Regina, their sons, and daughters-in-law were handcuffed and sitting on the ground near their RV. Sarah and Marnie were handcuffed and sitting on the ground in the center of the campsite. A disabled car with its windshield bullet ridden, was smoking on the road beside the fourth RV. An unfamiliar dead man was sitting in the driver's seat. George was standing behind her looking out as well.
"Do we go outside?" Jessica was anxious to ask questions.
"Yes, I'd like to give them a copy from the cameras without the others knowing," replied George. "Do you think you can distract them?"
Jessica nodded and headed for the door. Once outside she went immediately to Regina. "Oh gracious! You're not hurt? I was so worried. What can I do?"
Everyone looked at her.
"Did they cuff you because they suspect you of shooting? That's absurd."
"Do you think you can check on the kids? A detective is inside our RV with them. Please." Regina appeared tearful.
"Of course, dear. I'll be right back." She walked over to the door and knocked. It was opened by Detective Boding.
"Good evening, I just wanted to check on the children," stated Jessica. He opened the door and allowed her inside. Three frightened children hurried over to her. She wasn't exactly a stranger to them but definitely more of a friend than the detective. She hugged them and led them to a sofa.
"I don't know what's happening but the police are going to investigate to make sure everyone stays safe." She spent half an hour with the children and promised to speak with their parents and pass messages.
Stepping outside she saw more cars had arrived. She squeezed Regina's shoulder and gave her a hug. She wasn't sure of how involved she was but felt certain she just wanted her family safe. The children were too young to stay alone so it was decided the mothers would not be detained but couldn't leave the campsite. Jessica blinked back tears as Regina and the men were hauled off. Sarah and Marnie had been taken away while she was inside with the children.
She looked around for George. He was standing at their door watching her. She bit her lip and looked away. George came over and embraced her. He led her to their RV but didn't go inside. Stroking her hair and telling her things would work out seemed trite but she was relaxing. The interruption wasn't a surprise.
Detective Boding was heading over. "Excuse me, Mr. Sawyer? Or is it another name?"
Oh oh.