Spangled to Death, page 17
As we were entering the office, I heard Grandpa’s voice. Erlandsen immediately left, presumably to prevent them from entering the rest of the house. A fluffy teddy bear sat on the top shelf of the bookcase. It looked cute, but I knew for certain I’d never seen it before so I pointed to it. Another notation. I nodded at an old cardboard box sitting on the side of the desk.
“Upstairs.” Erlandsen motioned for us to leave the room.
As we walked into the living room, my grandparents were entering, and we nodded. Grandma blew me a kiss, which made me smile. I must’ve looked serious because that’s what she used to do when I had to recite something in school. It helped me forget to be nervous.
Upstairs, we poked inside the two bedrooms and bathroom, but I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. I even opened the linen closet, and the towels appeared non-disturbed. Then I glanced upward at the hatch door.
Two prongs were out of position.
After Mergens had made a notation, we went downstairs.
Erlandsen’s eyes skimmed over us, and before you knew it, we had formed a circle outside on the back deck.
“It appears as if your house has a bug in the teapot and the bear. There may be one in the back of the sampler. The items Miss Anderson pointed out lean to that conclusion. We won’t know for certain until we look closer.” Detective Mergens looked individually at each of us.
“This is totally mystifying,” Grandma said, frowning. “Completely.”
“We’ve picked up letters from an attorney today that my wife has inherited. The cufflinks, I truly didn’t believe would put our Olivia’s life in jeopardy since the burglary happened some fifty years ago. Also that guy’s dead. I’m sorry, but they’re in the bank safe box.”
“There’s no known motive, is there? No one can figure it out.” When both detectives shook their heads and crossed their arms, I figured it was my turn to take a shot at this.
“I think it dates back to Dolley and James Madison.” I closed my mouth, to wait for someone to say something, but neither detective responded. “Jackie Newell asked me if I knew about the family secret. I didn’t know what she was talking about, and we were descendants of Dolley. She’d grabbed the dolls too, remember?” I saw they were becoming impatient by the way they looked away from me and pretended as if they were listening, when I knew they weren’t. “Grandma’s sampler is almost identical to the one hanging on Alexander Hamilton’s wall in New York City.”
“Liv, you’re digging way too deep here.” Erlandsen sighed. “Nothing adds up to a present day murder.”
“For goodness sake, listen to my granddaughter. You don’t have any better ideas, do ya, sonny?” Grandma planted her hands on her hips.
“Grandma.” I took a deep breath. “A brooch was stolen from Montpelier. Did you know that?” I pointed my finger at them.
“Liv.” Mergens pulled out his notepad. “Okay. I’ll play along with you.”
I watched him scribble a few words. “A set of cufflinks, which used to belong to President Madison, were bequeathed by Dolley to a Mr. Elijah Putnam.”
“He’s also a distant relative of mine.” Grandpa raised his chin. “I have the cufflinks, remember? But they’re in the bank.”
“Good,” Mergens said. “What about the dolls you so blatantly stole and should be charged with but since you’re the owner—I’m going to forget about it for the moment since I’m such a nice guy and they’re in with evidence.”
“Thanks. But I can prove they were mine just from the sales slips and inventory list at the time they were stolen.”
“This is all fine and dandy, but how does it relate to a present day murder?” Erlandsen asked.
“That’s what we don’t know.” I cocked my head. “And I’m trying to find out.”
Chapter nineteen
“You want us to climb up into the attic before you leave, just to make sure it all looks good?” Aaron had joined us. “It’s so convoluted, but there are so many coincidences.”
“If anything is amiss, would you be able to tell?” Erlandsen stared up at the hatch cover.
“I’ll go get the stool, but let me climb up there,” I said.
“Let me.” Aaron gave me a solemn look. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“What could possibly happen? There are two detectives plus you, along with my grandparents, standing watch.” It was true. At that moment, they poked out from the bathroom door where they’d been eavesdropping. The hallway was too small for us all. It took a minute for me to fetch the stool and set it under the door. I moved over so Erlandsen could climb up to open the hatch. He’d already removed a pair of plastic gloves from his pocket and slipped them on as he stepped up on the stool.
“Mr. Ott, August, why didn’t you ever have stairs put in? It’d be a lot easier,” Erlandsen grumbled, pulling the folding stairs down. “I’m curious.”
“It’s never been a problem.” I stood beside Grandpa, who had tears spring into his eyes. Why did he suddenly become so emotional?
“We have really old and valuable papers up there. Love letters from when I was in the Marines plus my bride’s wedding gown,” Grandpa said.
I glanced over at Grandma, knowing they were the love of each other’s life. I trusted Aaron and I would be the same. So much in love for such a long time. It made my heart go pitter-pat. I turned my attention to the trapdoor, wondering what else was hidden up there.
“Liv?” Mergens voice interrupted my thoughts. “The ladder’s set. Go get ’em and bring ’em down, if you will?”
“Of course.” I climbed the ladder, popped my head into the attic, hauling myself inside. Once standing, I reached for the light string and yanked it. A wave of light brightened the room.
“How’s it look?” Mergens’ concerned voice below me spoke volumes.
“Fine, as far as I can tell.” Gazing around the room I checked the dusty floor for footprints. It didn’t seem as if anyone had padded over my earlier footsteps. My shaky fingers cautiously opened the antique birdcage drawer. Closing my eyes, it felt as if my heart stopped beating. I forced myself to look, but there they were, just as before. I let out a long breath of relief before calling, “They’re here! My dolls are here.”
I carefully placed them in my pants pocket. At the same moment, Aaron’s head poked up through the opening. I said, “Let’s take that box over there down. I think it’s full of letters. I’ll hand it to you.”
“Anything else that might fit your plot?” Erlandsen asked.
“Listen, mister! Pay attention to my granddaughter!” Grandpa said.
Aaron and I quietly chuckled as I handed him the box. When he’d started down the steps, I found the other box that had previously caught my interest and had it ready to hand over to him.
“Where are they?” I whispered to Aaron once his nose poked back into the opening.
“August ushered her downstairs, and I’d already told them to go to my house.” He nodded downward, mouthing, “They’re still here.”
I knew he meant the detectives, so I didn’t respond except for handing him the other box. After climbing down, I was ready to tighten the latches to the hatch when Mergens said, “Don’t. We’ll do that.” When I went to pick up the stool, he said, “Leave it.”
We started walking toward the front door.
“Take a closer look at the dolls and the outfit when you get to the precinct.” I stopped next to the picture of Grandpa and Grandma. “Look closer at the sleeves, the cufflinks imprint on them. See?” I pointed to the picture. “Compare the cufflinks Grandpa is wearing with what’s on the Madison doll.”
“They look like the flag but with this imprint around it,” Mergens said.
“I can see they’re a puzzlement if you combine them with the fact they’d been stolen,” Erlandsen said.
“Yes, and add it to the cufflinks themselves,” Mergens said, placing his doll in my palm. “Bank for them too.”
“They’re too dangerous to keep,” Erlandsen said, taking it. He set his doll and the envelope beside the other one. “I presume, Aaron, that you’ve invited your future family over for coffee?” Erlandsen asked.
“As a matter of fact, I have. That’s where we’re going now.”
“I’m picking up cousin Nellie’s box, which I haven’t seen yet. Hold on a sec.” I quickly went for it and met Aaron by the backdoor.
Aaron and I walked over to his house only to find my grandparents curled up on his couch. I sat down beside Grandma while Aaron went to get a spare chair. We set the boxes on the coffee table.
“One for each?” Grandpa held up a wine bottle and we all nodded except Aaron.
“I work later.”
“Thought so.” Grandpa proceeded to pour. Grandma snuggled closer.
“I feel bad this had to happen.” I took my offered glass and sipped. “I wonder where this will lead us?”
“We know what’s on the gadroon, the imprint, which makes me wonder if that isn’t what they’re after?” Aaron asked.
“Polly. Polly on both.” I pulled the dolls and outfit out of my pocket to hold up for them to get a better look. “I don’t see anything different. Thirteen ruby stars.”
“Thirteen strawberries.” Grandma smiled.
“Thirteen colonies. The making of our country.” I gave a doll to Grandpa. “I’m putting them back inside the desk when we get home and you’re putting them in the bank tomorrow morning.” I stared at both grandparents.
“I think you might be right, Aaron.” Grandma wiped her eyes.
“Let’s take another angle.” My insides were warm and I felt cozy. “I believe it’s time to read these letters.”
“You’re not going to read our love letters!” Grandpa declared, and his eyes became as big as plates. “You wouldn’t dare. Marie!” He stared at Grandma. “Do something.”
“Settle down, you two.” Aaron grinned. “We found an older box hidden farther in the back, behind other items. Don’t worry. We’d never read your letters, at least not until you’re both gone. Then we’ll print them in the newspaper.”
“We’ll give them to Ronnie.” I glanced out the window, noticed Detectives Mergens and Erlandsen walking over to the house, which caused me to grimace.
“Aaron, the detectives are here.”
“I’ll let them in.” He got up and went to the door. “Have a seat.”
They both remained standing.
“Chilly out. Brrr!” Detective Erlandsen said. “I suggest you remain here until we’re done next door, unless you need to do something, of course.” He glanced at the decorated tree in the living room. “Let’s hope this gets wrapped up before the holidays.”
I figured him as the nicest of the two detectives, also the most understanding.
“We hope so, too,” Grandma stated.
“Don’t worry, we get the drill.” I wondered if they would bring in those two suspects for more questioning. I hoped they would. “Will you question Stone and Wanda again?”
“We’re on it, Liv. Stay out of it.”
“What’s in the box?” Detective Erlandsen nodded to cousin Nellie’s box.
“We don’t know yet.” I began removing the lid. “I think they’re over a hundred years old. Not sure.”
“We need clean hands, my dear.” Grandma gave me a stern look. “They shouldn’t be exposed to the air.”
“You’re right. We should wear gloves.” I knew where to find a couple pairs too. Grandma had white gloves in the trunk at the foot of her bed.
“On the off-chance there might be something to all of this,” Erlandsen cleared his throat and loosened his tie, “I contacted the Montpelier security office to inquire about the break-in Liv mentioned and also asked what’s missing. I found out Jackie Newell was also there the day it happened.”
“They can prove that?” Aaron asked. “We’ve searched the Internet. We already knew she was in the area, but not at Montpelier.”
“I figured she was the burglar.”
“Hmm.” Erlandsen massaged his chin. “What about her entourage, Wanda and Stone? I think I’ll give ’em another call in the morning.”
“Good idea, detective.”
“We’ll stay in touch.”
When the detective left the room we looked at each other as if frozen.
“I hope it won’t be much longer until we can go home.” I glanced at the time on my phone. It was already eight o’clock.
“I really need to sleep, guys. Liv?” Aaron leaned over and kissed me. “Good night. I’ll text later.” To the three of us, he said, “Just lock up when you leave.”
“We will. Good night, honey.” I watched him go up his stairs. “I can’t believe I’m sitting here like this.”
“Neither can we.”
Minutes slowly passed as I stared at the boxes.
“I’m calling the detective.” I placed the call and asked, “May I sneak in for a pair of gloves and leave right away?”
“Back door. No talking.”
“Got it.” I took a breath and said, “You guys stay here. I’m going over to get the gloves and to see what’s happening. I’ll return in a jiffy.” I handed the remote to Grandma, who flicked on the TV as I slipped into my jacket.
I trudged across the yard, went in the back door, and straight to the living room where I found the two forensic men waving electronic devices over picture frames and lamps. When they saw me, they both shook their heads.
When Mergens removed the sampler from the wall and turned it over, my eyes opened wide as he removed a small, round, penny shaped device. He held it to the light before dropping it into a plastic bag and labeling it. Almost immediately, he held up his finger as if to say “hold on,” and then both detectives went outside. I figured they brought all the evidence out to the squad car.
I hurried upstairs to fetch the gloves and came back down. Erlandsen followed me to the kitchen and outside on the steps. After closing the door, he said, “You’re safe now.”
“Is it full of bugs?”
“Not anymore. I’ll give the house another run-through, but I think we’ve found all the devices.” Detective Erlandsen held up a finger as he began listing where all the devices were located. “The office phone had one. There was a teddy bear on a shelf, kind of hidden behind some books, which is why some of you may not have suspected it or flat didn’t see it. The teddy bear was a video device. Also, the device behind the wall sampler was a listening device.” He held up three fingers. “Can ya think of anyone who would do this?”
“Lots, but it all comes back to Jackie Newell’s entourage.” I swallowed hard. “I’ll be at Aaron’s next door with my grandparents. Just walk in when you’re finished.”
“Got it. It won’t take long,” Erlandsen said. “We’ll make another sweep, then we’ll be done.”
After reentering Aaron’s house, I sat back down.
“Let’s wait to look at the letters. I think we’ll be able to go home soon.”
Worry had beset us, so we were all happy to go back home when Erlandsen called ten minutes later and gave us the green light. Grandpa reached for the jackets, Grandma grabbed one of the boxes while I picked up the other. We headed straight for the office and placed the boxes on the floor near the desk.
For the first few minutes, I thought about the evening and how it was shattered. “I feel violated.” I stared at Grandma. “Don’t you?”
“I think we all do.” Grandpa looked out the window. “The police are finally starting to think about the Madison theory, at least.” He raised his eyes to look at me. “What do you think, Livvie, honey?”
“I believe this reaches far back into history.” I reached for a sheet of paper and wrote: thirteen colonies. “I believe that those thirteen strawberries are symbolic of the colonies. If that’s true, then we are talking about Dolley.”
“I agree with Olivia.” Grandma always called me Olivia when she had too much to drink or was overly tired. “Dolley took pleasure in everything. As a Quaker, she knew how to embroider beautifully. You should research the history of embroidery. That might answer a few questions.”
“I already planned to.”
“Morning comes too early.” Grandpa yawned. “It’s close to eleven. Past my bedtime.”
“Mine too.” Grandma stood and reached for Grandpa’s hand.
“Good night, you two.” I got up to kiss them good night. I hustled downstairs to turn on the DVD to watch another Mitch Miller sing-along show. I sat cousin Nellie’s box in front of the television. I carefully lifted the cover and peered in. It was filled with old, yellowed envelopes. I slipped on the gloves and counted. There were ten. I picked up an envelope and pulled the top letter from it. It read:
My dearest Sister, 1816
I missed you something fierce when I traveled to New York City. The City has vastly changed since last visited. Mrs. Hamilton adored my gift and hung it on her wall for all to see. She is a lovely woman.
How are you? You must come and visit Mr. Madison and myself, of course! We will soon leave Washington City for Montpelier. I do so look forward to the change as the President’s City becomes so stifling in the summer months.
Praise God!
Dolley Madison
I almost fell off the chair from shock. Neatly, I folded the letter in the same exact fold and slid it back into the envelope. I filed it back with the other letters. As I searched through the stack, I found several addressed envelopes dated from 1812-1817. I assumed they were written by Dolley. I removed the top letters and one by one opened them for a read.
Dearest Sister, 1815
I believe that you offer a greater suggestion than what I could ever come up with on my own. What a brilliant idea! Brilliant! It’ll add symbolism. What a glorious conception. Everyone will know what thirteen references. The hardest part of the whole idea will be where to hide it.
