Nell needed to stay calm. She knew Jill was the murderer, in jail, and could no longer try to kill her. Northwoodsman was just a cyber stalker with no intention of causing her any bodily harm. She had to talk to someone. Nell knew Sam was tending bar right now so she called him.
“Sam’s Slam.”
“Sam, Northwoodsman is still out there. I just got a post from him,” Nell blurted out in a rush.
“What did it say?”
“He called me LaNell and said he’d see me soon.” Nell’s pacing started once more.
“Call the police right away and then get back to me.”
Nell fished the card with Detective Kirby’s number out of her purse. He answered immediately.
“Detective Kirby, this is LaNell Bailey. Sorry to bother you, but I received another blog post from Northwoodsman,” Nell said, anxiety in her voice. “Did you think to ask Jill if she was the one that had called me and said ‘Die, bitch?’”
“I did. She denied it. She said she hadn’t suspected you of having an affair with her husband until yesterday.” The detective paused and then added, “Jill Hanson confessed to so much, this would have been small potatoes. I don’t think she’s this Northwoodsman character. You have a cyber stalker. Most likely he won’t hurt you, though.”
“Most likely? That’s comforting. What can I do about it?” Nell felt a sense of urgency come over her again.
“I’m not the right person to ask about that. You’ve made a report with your local police. You’ll need to take it up with them,” Detective Kirby announced curtly.
“Yes. I’ll guess I’ll just let you get back to other murders then,” Nell snapped, annoyed he wasn’t willing to help.
“I’m sorry, Nell. This is not my area of expertise.”
Nell hung up the phone and called Sam back. After relaying what the detective said, Sam replied, “I’m sure Kirby is right. This stalker hasn’t done anything physical to you. It sounds like he just wants to scare you.”
“Well, he is getting his wish. I’m scared big time.”
“You have been so strong throughout all of this. Don’t fall apart now. The worst is over. Do you want to come here? I can’t leave, but you’re welcome at the bar, if you need company.”
“No, I’m fine here. I know you’re right. I was so relieved when I thought it was all done.” Nell hung her head and softly said, “You know I should’ve put it together myself. I’ve heard from Northwoodsman for weeks and Jill did only suspect me yesterday.”
“I’m gonna talk this over with the Bean. Why don’t you discuss it with your friends and we’ll all come up with some ideas?”
“Thanks, Sam. I know this is much smaller in scope than a murderer, but I was just so relaxed for a few hours. I thought I had my life back. No more.”
“You will get your life back, Nell. You will. I promise.” Sam’s voice was gentle and soothing. That was the kind of comforting she had been missing these last few years.
Nell didn’t have the heart to call all her friends and tell them about this setback. She was just going to sit on the information for a while. She headed to the fridge.
No. I’m not going to eat the rest of my burger. I’m not hungry, just upset.