Fat hen farm 01- Killer tracks (10 page)

“I think I’l ask Michael to build a sugar shack and help me tap trees in the spring. Who doesn’t love maple syrup? I don’t see Max anywhere. I guess he’l let us know when he gets back. Let’s go get some lunch now. With al the excitement, cold air and walking, I’m starving.” They headed back toward the barn, enjoying the rhythm of walking together. Kitty felt some of the stress melt away with the fresh air and exercise.

As they rounded the end of the barn, they were both startled back to reality by the sight of Candy’s car in front of the house. “What now?” Tina whispered to Kitty.

Candy opened her car door and stared at them. “Wel , wel , wel . Looks like I found both of you together. That makes things easier. Let’s go to the barn. That’s my favorite place,” she smirked.

“Candy? What are you doing here?” Tina could feel the hairs rise on her neck.

“Yeah, you never thought I was too sharp did you Tina? I outsmarted al of you. Playing those two brothers against each other. David thought I was in love with him, and you thought I was your friend. Wel , Roger got exactly what he deserved.” Her face distorted with anger.

“What are you talking about?” Kitty could hear her voice sound calm as her mind was screaming with alarm.

“You stil haven’t figured it out have you?” Candy laughed crazily as she pul ed a gun from her pocket and pointed it at them.

“You kil ed Roger? Why? How?” Kitty demanded.

“Roger promised to leave you. I thought I’d final y gotten him for myself until I found him cheating with another woman. He never loved you, Kitty.

Why couldn’t you see that? He always loved me. Wel , I made sure he wasn’t going to cheat on me anymore. It was so easy. David stole your gun from your truck and was bragging to me about how he would save it in case he ever needed to frame you. Your luck has run out, you spoiled bitch.”

“Why kil us? No one suspects you.” Tina knew she had to start talking Candy down. “You could leave and who would ever know?”

“I don’t believe you. You think I’l fal for anything you tel me, don’t you Tina? I’m sick of you two thinking you’re so much better than me. I’ve seen you talking to that detective, feeding him, even letting him sleep here.”

“How do you know that?” A chil went up Kitty’s spine.

“I’ve been watching your house Kitty, waiting for my chance to finish you off, too. Get you out of my way.”

“Candy, Roger had tickets to take you on a trip. They were hidden in a suitcase in the closet in his office. Take the tickets and go, disappear, don’t come back. Don’t make things worse.”

Candy hesitated. Max charged around the corner of the barn, a four legged growling blur. He took one flying leap and knocked her over.

They al scrambled for the gun that flew out of her hand into the tracks in the snow. Tina got it first. Max grabbed Candy by the arm hard enough to hurt and hold her in place. She tried to struggle away but Max clamped tighter, letting her know he meant business. “Get this crazy dog off me,” she screamed.

“Candy, what a fool you are thinking you could get away with murder.” Tina looked at her with disgust. “Kitty, cal Frank. He’s not going to believe this.”

***

It didn’t take long before they heard the sirens.

Sam must have sensed something because he came back too. He took one look at Max holding Candy down and just shook his head and grinned.

“Miss Kitty, I told you that dog is special.”

Sam cal ed Max away so Frank could cuff Candy and get her loaded into the police car.

Frank didn’t even ask. He just looked at Kitty and waited for an explanation.

“Let’s go inside and I’l fil you in on the details.”

Kitty sped through a quick version of the last hour. “Candy was waiting for us when we got back from our walk. She said she’s been waiting for a chance to finish me off, too. Max knocked her over and grabbed her arm, holding her until you came. She kil ed Roger because she thought he was cheating on her. Something must have snapped in her.”

“I guess that solves everything.” Frank smiled at Kitty and Tina.

“What about Jimmie and Glenda? Were they involved too? And the guy in Roger’s office?”

“No. Jimmie was starting to suspect something was wrong but had no idea David was moving stolen cars through his lot. Glenda had copied a lot of files but didn’t know anything either. The black car they were driving had dealer plates, it wasn’t the one that had been fol owing you. The guy that took the files from you in David’s office was driving the car that had been fol owing you. He admitted to everything after Herb picked him up.

He’s agreed to help us find everyone involved with the stolen cars in exchange for a reduced sentence. David was the first he ratted on. Everything started to fal apart when Roger was murdered. It wasn’t connected but it got our attention because we assumed there was a connection. If Candy had been a little more patient, she may have been able to have the man and the life she always wanted. Now, she’l have a life in prison for murder and attempted murder.”

Frank added. “I guess you can get back to focusing on your farm Kitty. Take care of that dog of yours.”

“You’l be leaving now, Frank?” Kitty asked.

“Not quite yet. I stil have some unfinished business. I promised someone a dinner and I never break a promise.” Frank looked a Kitty with a big grin.

Now it was Tina’s turn to be confused. “Who are you taking out to dinner?” Then she saw the smile on Kitty’s face and figured it out.

I think this cal s for a celebration. “Sam, are you stil here?” Tina cal ed.

“Yup. I’m in the kitchen talking to Max.”

Tina walked into the kitchen. “We’re having a drink. Care to join us?”

“Don’t mind if I do.”

Tina poured four glasses of wine. “Here’s to a new start for you, Kitty, and to good friends.”

“Thanks everyone. I’m feeling extremely lucky today to have al of you in my life. And you too Max.” Max jumped up and gave Kitty a lick, almost spil ing her drink.

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