2
Dawn was Jillian’s favorite time of day, when she could relax and not be tied to a schedule. She rose early that morning and walked to the neighborhood park nearby. Towering trees provided ample shade as she set out on the trail, listening to the birds tweeting overhead.
Right away, she recognized a dog’s bark and paused. When she looked back, she saw Charlotte Mitchell and her floppy-eared beagle approaching, so she waited. They walked together at a comfortable pace until Chip broke free from Charlotte’s loose grip on his leash and took off in pursuit of something.
“Chip, come back!” Charlotte commanded. Instead, he led them to a wooded area just ahead, where he let out a woeful-sounding howl.
Sensing something vile, Jillian said emphatically, “Charlotte, don’t go any farther!”
Charlotte covered her mouth to stifle a scream, then managed to say, “Chip, come here.” The beagle dutifully returned to her side, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings.
Coupled with shock and fear, the women gaped at the graphic murder scene. A young woman was propped against a tree, nude from the waist up, with eyes wide open, as if staring at something, or someone. The bright red lipstick smeared across her lips resembled a frozen smile, and a yellow scarf was tied around her neck.
***
Within minutes of receiving the 911 call, patrol cars arrived at the park entrance, and Ed Carpenter approached Jillian and Charlotte. He was in his mid-thirties, average height, with a brawny physique and thinning hair combed to one side.
Jillian immediately sensed the detective’s arrogance and while she was accustomed to men noticing her, Detective Carpenter was ogling.
“Ladies, where did you find the body?” he asked authoritatively.
“Charlotte, why don’t you stay here with Chip while I show Detective Carpenter?” Jillian suggested. She would have preferred Charlotte come along, but knew it was best if she stayed behind with Chip.
“Thanks. Chip will start the awful howling again if I go back there.”
When they neared the crime scene, Jillian pointed and said, “Over there, under that tree.”
“Wait here,” Detective Carpenter said sternly.
Jillian didn’t appreciate his overbearing attitude. “Don’t worry, I have no wish to view the murdered woman again,” she replied with a hint of sarcasm.
After securing the crime scene, Detective Carpenter escorted Jillian back to the park entrance and leered at her again. “So, Miss Spencer, do you live alone?”
“Yes.”
“I can stop by and make certain you’re OK. We can spend time together and see where it goes from there.”
“That’s unnecessary,” she said coldly and could tell from his facial expression that her reply angered him.
“Have it your way,” he retorted.
They reached the park entrance and Detective Carpenter’s manner was brusque when he questioned Charlotte and Jillian. After jotting down a few notes, he flipped the notebook shut and said, “That’s all the questions for now. You’re free to go, but be available for more questioning.” He turned his back on them and walked away.
Charlotte looked at Jillian. “Since we’re dismissed, do you want to stop at my house for coffee before going home?”
“Yes, coffee sounds good.”
As soon as they reached Charlotte’s house, she called her husband and told him about the park murder, then joined Jillian on the patio. Trying to appear calm, Charlotte said, “Stan offered to come home, but I told him to stay at work and finish his construction contract.” She stirred cream in her cup and forced a smile. “Do you like the coffee? It’s a blend of cinnamon and hazelnut. I wanted to try something different.”
“It has a nice flavor; I’ll pick up a bag.”
After a few minutes of silence, Charlotte said, “I’m sure neither of us wants to think about what we witnessed this morning, but I hope whoever committed this heinous crime doesn’t get off on an insanity plea. That poor woman.”
“The murderer may not be insane according to the legal definition. A person can be insane, yet still know right from wrong. Whoever committed the murder enjoys inflicting pain.” Jillian shuddered at the thought of such a despicable act.
Charlotte studied Jillian momentarily before speaking. “What you just said is very insightful; I didn’t consider the part about inflicting pain for the fun of it. Why don’t you stay with me and Stan so you’re not alone at night? I remember hearing of another park murder a couple months ago involving a young woman.” Suddenly becoming aware of the content of her stream of consciousness banter, Charlotte quickly added, “Of course, the murders may be unrelated.”
“Thanks for the invitation, but I’ll be OK. I have a high-tech security system and a handgun, and even though Marcus may not fight off intruders, he’s good company.”
Charlotte grinned. “If you change your mind, the invitation is open to both of you.”
Jillian looked at the gray flagstones under her feet. “I just realized you redid the patio, and it’s much larger than the old one.”
“Stan’s carpentry skills come in handy. Are you sure I can’t get you another cup of coffee?”
“No, I’m good.”
“That Detective Carpenter is a conceited jerk. Did you notice how he strutted? He was downright rude and seemed mad about something.”
“On the walk back to the entrance gate, he asked if I lived alone and offered to stop by and check on me. On the surface that sounds reasonable, but then he added that we could spend time together and see what happens. And the way he looked at me when he offered his services was repulsive.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. “What did you say?”
“I said it wasn’t necessary, but he didn’t like my answer and acted surly after that.”
“I’m glad you set him straight. He must have an enormous ego to think you’d give him a second glance.”
Jillian glanced at her wristwatch. “I need to pick up a couple items from the market. Want to come along, and we can eat lunch in the village afterward? Staying busy may keep our minds off what we saw this morning.”
“It’s enough to give anyone nightmares. I’d offer to drive, but Stan took my car to the dealership yesterday. Something about the transmission making a noise when switching gears.”
“I’ll go get my car and come back.”
“Let me get my purse, and I’ll walk with you.”