Fic: Long Ago and Far Away, 10/12 (NC-17 please)

[lorie945]

9. - There, I've Said it Again

Laurie's heart sank as they approached the Damsons' door. Robert had sounded weary when Laurie telephoned, and he hadn't mentioned that Ralph was no longer in jail, nor that Queen would be with him. He was merely following the directions he'd been given, but it seemed a nasty thing to do to a friend.

Susan, who answered the door, looked delighted to see them. "Ralph! I'm so glad to see you." She gave him a hug and Ralph made a weak attempt to smile. She saw the strain and almost immediately began to look worried instead. "Oh, your poor eye. You did see a doctor, didn't you?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Come in, please. We're just relaxing in the living room."

She led them to the familiar room. Helen was in her chair with her knitting, Robert across from her with a newspaper. Jack and Henry were at the side table, close to the radio, but Henry switched it off as they rose to greet Laurie and the others.

"Ralph, it's so good to see you've been cleared of those ridiculous charges," Henry said.

Queen answered him. "No, I'm afraid he hasn't been cleared. Mr. Lanyon is out of jail thanks to Mr. Odell's bail payment. That's why I'm here, Mr. Damson. I'm still investigating the murders, and I'm afraid that means beginning again with more questions."

"Anything we can do to help, Mr. Queen," Robert said, but his tone was definitely cool, and he wouldn't meet Laurie's eyes.

Laurie didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He'd feared their cooperation with Queen's plan might lead to losing these friendships, but he'd never imagined that Robert would actually believe Ralph was somehow involved in the murders. Even the young people looked bewildered and wary, but Laurie forgave them, and Helen. It was Robert -- he'd worked with Ralph for years, enjoyed his friendship... Robert's disloyalty would hurt Ralph deeply, and that made Laurie's heart ache.

"I'd like to begin with a few questions for your mother, Mr. Damson."

"It's very late for her, Queen," Robert protested. "Can't this wait?"

Ralph's face darkened with his best angry look, as planned. Laurie said, "Robert, please. This is vitally important to us."

"I'll fetch her," Helen said wearily. "She won't be pleased. She's been out of temper today."

"I appreciate your cooperation very much, Mrs. Damson. Please assure her I won't take much of her time."

When Helen left the room was oddly silent. Ralph was the one who usually covered such awkward moments, but Laurie made an attempt. "How's your class list shaping up, Robert? Is Evans returning?"

"Yes," he said with a bit of effort. "I'm very glad he was given that scholarship. He's asked me to be his advisor, and I've agreed although I do need to work on publishing some papers I began preparing this summer."

"Ah, I see," Laurie said, and then they all stood silently for another moment. He tried once again. "Henry, Susan tells me you're enjoying your work at the foundry now?"

"Yes," he said shortly, looking a bit put out. Then Laurie realized he'd made it sound as if Ken's death were ... He decided he was not equipped to begin casual conversations when every topic led to a pitfall.

Jack asked, "Ralph, have you been working on a story for the newspaper?"

"Yes, amazingly, even with all the ... interruptions ... I've been researching at the library for the fire code story. And I've finished a draft about my voyage to India in '36. I needed my notes from that year to fill in the details, and our belongings just arrived..." Ralph trailed off, his eyes distant.

"How's the accounting, Jack?" Laurie managed.

"It's not quite what I expected. In some ways what I'm doing now is boring, very basic and repetitive. But I hope that in a few years, I'll be able to do more advising and consulting, working with business owners on long-term plans instead of just counting their money and filling out forms."

Susan said, "Jack, you should be running your own business someday."

He smiled at her, his heart in his eyes as always. "I think it will be more fun to run everyone else's, actually. I'll have poor old Henry here scrambling to modernize and branch out..."

"Over my dead body," said an imperious voice as Enid entered the room on Helen's arm. "It's still my business, you lazy gold-digger."

"Grandmother!" "Mother!" Robert, Susan and Henry spoke at the same time. Queen was watching it all intently.

"I know he's working some pissant job now. But something's not right when a boy lazes around the house as long as he did!"

"I'll agree," Queen cut in smoothly, "Something isn't right here, Mrs. Damson. I'm hoping you can help me set things in order."

"You're badgering me and I haven't even sat down yet," she protested.

"Turnabout," Henry muttered.

"I do apologize," Queen said. "Here, please do take a seat." She did, with much fussing which he very calmly soothed. "Now, then, Mrs. Damson. My first question is, do you keep large amounts of cash in your rooms here?"

"That's a very personal question, Queen," Robert protested.

"And none of your business, young man," Enid said tartly.

"Ah, but it is my business, Mrs. Damson. And you'll note I'm not asking you to reveal where, specifically, you might keep such money. I don't want to know if you have a safe or a mattress stuffed with greenbacks. I merely ask if you are in the habit of keeping cash on hand."

"No, of course not," she huffed. "First National Bank of Wrightsville, that's my family's bank."

"Yes, I remember you told me your maiden name was Wright. Though I don’t believe anyone in your immediate family owned an interest in the bank."

"Perhaps not. Still my family, aren't they? All these silly questions..."

"Mr. Queen, mother is fatigued," Robert attempted.

"Just a few more questions, I assure you. Mrs. Damson, since you don't keep money here and the records of your bank account show only withdrawals in the last seven months, can you tell me what happened to the payment you received for your automobile?"

"I spent it, of course. Old heap wasn't worth that much, you know."

"Mother, I hope you didn't sell the car for less than I told you--" Robert began, but she cut him off.

"What I did is none of your business, Robert," she snarled. "Helen, I want to go back to my rooms now."

"Just one more question, Mrs. Damson. Can you tell me what, exactly, you spent that money on? Because between that sum and the twenty thousand dollars you've withdrawn from your account, and the ten thousand Ken Tinker got for selling your jewels -- I know he must have been pawning them with your permission, Mrs. Damson, since you didn't report them as missing or stolen --"

The room was in an uproar, and Enid was the extremely outraged center of it. She shouted them all to silence, then gave Queen a look that could have killed. "So the police have been snooping in my affairs, have they? I'll take care of Dakin later; he's had that job too long. As for your impertinent questions, Mr. Queen, I'll tell you what you want to know. I lied. I do keep some money here in the house. I haven't trusted banks in years."

She stood up, tightly grasping her cane, and glanced loftily around the room. "They were my jewels to sell, I suppose. The money in the bank is my money, too. Lord knows Robert's never brought any income to this house from his piddly teaching job." The contempt in her voice when she said "teaching" made Laurie wince. "So long as you're all fed -- very well fed, I may say -- and have a roof over your heads, I don't think any of you have any right to be questioning my decisions or complaining."

Without another word she sailed out of the room, looking much less frail than she had on her entrance. Queen was staring after here with an admiring look, while the rest of them looked dazed.

"Well," Queen said lightly, "My job here is done. I have to see if I can catch Chief Dakin first thing in the morning, and then I'll give you a call, Laurie. Mr. Damson, Mrs. Damson, thank you very much for your assistance in my investigation. Don't bother, Miss Damson, I can see myself out."

Then he was gone, and the room came alive again, everyone except Ralph and Laurie speaking at once. Laurie felt damned awkward, remaining here when the Damson family obviously would have liked to be alone. But he had his orders from Queen, so he stayed in his chair, accepting a cigarette from Ralph. The others weren't paying any attention to them, yet, which was very good since Ralph's hand was shaking just a bit.

Helen announced she had a headache and left the room. Robert fumed a bit longer, then said, "It's time I spoke to Mother," and stomped out without a glance at them or a good-night to anyone. That was just about the time Susan seemed to remember they were there. She looked a little guilty as she hushed Henry and drew his attention to the two figures still sitting in the corner.

"Oh, jeepers," Henry said. "Laurie, Ralph, please forgive us."

"It's just that what Mr. Queen said -- we can't believe it's true." Susan looked very distressed. "And none of us noticed. Grandmother has always been very self-sufficient, but now... Is this some symptom of old age, that she's being so odd about her money?"

"It is her money, she has a right to do whatever she'd like with it," Henry said. "But I'm afraid she needed assistance, just as she did with the foundry. She wasn't happy with Ken having so much power and control, I realize that now. But she didn't come out and ask for my help."

"No, she tried to browbeat you into the job instead," Jack said. "I get the feeling that she'd always rather do that than admit that she isn't capable of doing something herself."

"I believe you're right, Jack," Ralph said suddenly, rising and walking to one of the long windows. A light rain had begun outside while they were talking, and in the silence now they could all hear it. He tossed out his cigarette butt and stood glowering at the dark garden.

"She's always been contrary," Susan said softly. "And perhaps Jack has been right all the time when he said she's unhappy. Grandmother doesn't believe in 'whining,' but what does she have? A few rooms here in the house, fancy clothing but nowhere to wear it, and declining health. She never found someone to replace Grandfather. No woman wants to be alone like that." The look on her face as she stared at Jack made Laurie look away.

Henry, too, seemed flustered. "Well, enough of that. We'll find a way to help her now. I'm very glad Queen uncovered all this..." Again, a realization of what he'd just said made Henry's face turn dark red. "I don't mean ... well, you know."

"I suppose so," Ralph said quite rudely. "You don't mean that you're happy I'm under arrest, or that Laurie's had to hire an investigator and put up his savings as my bail."

"Your savings..." Susan said. "But..."

"He'll get it back, of course," Jack said. "Bail money comes back once ... well, once the trial begins and Ralph appears in court."

"Well, yes, that's true, it would," Ralph said flatly. "I'm afraid Laurie isn't so lucky, though."

"What?" All three of them gasped the word.

"Ralph's not staying here to be lynched by the next group of upright citizens who decide they don't like his looks," Laurie said. "I bailed him out of the jail so he can leave town."

"But..." Susan looked close to tears.

"We're telling you this in confidence," Ralph said, coming closer. "I'll be gone tomorrow evening, the next day at the latest. I'll find a ship that could use an extra hand."

Henry seemed stunned, too. "You'll be a fugitive, Ralph."

"Only in Wrightsville, Henry. It's a big world out there. I can be perfectly happy never seeing this place again." His voice was full of contempt for Wrightsville and all its ilk. "Except ... well, I did want to say goodbye to all of you. You've been so kind and helpful. I do appreciate that, and I regret that I'll never see you again. That, and taking Laurie's money. It's not likely I'll ever be able to repay him. I'll be lucky just to keep myself going."

Jack stepped forward and extended a hand. "Good luck to you, Ralph."

"Thanks, Jack. I do wish I could be around to see you in a few years, once you're running the town." They shook hands, then Susan came over and awkwardly embraced Ralph with no words. "After I'm gone, please give your father my thanks for all his kindness," Ralph said, and she nodded.

Henry came over and also shook Ralph's hand, his face creased with worry. "Ralph, I hate to see you doing this when I know you'll be cleared of these absurd charges. We can ask Dakin to have you moved out of town properly, and keep within the law."

"You may trust that man, Henry, but I don't think he's capable of finding his own arse, much less the truth in all this mess," Ralph said bitterly. "His protection is more likely to get me killed than another bloody war."

Laurie said, "I'm afraid we both feel that way, Henry. Your police can't be trusted. After the last assault, they told me it was Ralph's own fault." It was the truth, but it fit in well with Queen's plan, and Laurie had no trouble sounding bitter when he remembered that moment. Laurie had seen how painful it was for Ralph to move and knew his torso, not just his face, was covered in purple and black bruises -- but the police were the ones responsible for the dark bruise encircling his left wrist.

"But they can't believe that," Jack said.

"I'm afraid they do," Ralph said. "I hope you understand my decision, all of you."

"Yes, I suppose we do," Henry said. "Listen, I don't like to see you run off this quickly, so unprepared. I know you worked your way around the world before, but things have changed and a lot of places aren't very safe. Can't you wait for the weekend? I could set you up with a different car and some cash for traveling."

"Henry, I can't accept that," Ralph protested.

"Well what are you going to do, drive off in your own car and have the police stop you in a few hours? Or take the train and have the same thing happen?"

"You can't go by train," Jack insisted. "Someone will notice you boarding and Dakin will hear before you reach the next station."

"I'll manage, don't worry. I'm thinking of heading to the coast, but I'll start out northbound so everyone assumes I'm going to Canada."

"Really, Ralph, if you can wait until Saturday we can get you underway." Jack smiled at him. "Let me apply some of that strategizing you always claimed to admire. We'll pretend it's another picnic in the mountains. Susan can ask Cook for a basket and all of us will drive off in our two cars."

"What good will that do? The police are following me."

"We'll have a friend drive a third car up there and meet us. You can bug out immediately in the strange car, and leave it someplace -- we'll arrange a spot where we can retrieve it. Then we'll keep our friend with us so there are still five people and two cars. Laurie will get home safely, and no one will realize you're gone until long after you've had a good head start."

"Well..."

"That might be the only way to get away safely, Ralph," Laurie said earnestly. "Dakin's people won't be too close. If we can find a secluded place to make the switch..."

"All right, we'll try it your way, Jack. But I won't accept any money. At least this way I can leave my car for Laurie. Kind of an installment on repayment, eh Spud?"

They talked for a little longer until Ralph and Laurie could finally get away. They drove home slowly, aware a police car was following at a good distance. It was comforting to Laurie, though he knew it was also for show. When they finally pulled into their drive, another car was across the street, with an officer behind the wheel watching the house.

They stopped in the kitchen for bottles of lager and sat in their shirtsleeves, drinking, in the still-dark living room. The curtains were billowing; the brief rainstorm had cooled things. The lawn smelled fresh to Laurie.

"Think it worked, Spud?"

"I don't know. Queen's keeping us in the dark as much as everyone else. Do you suppose we weren't supposed to agree to the delay?"

"Nothing will convince me that Henry is a cold-blooded murderer." Ralph took a last pull at the bottle and set it down softly. "I know he was a soldier, but that boy wouldn't kill unless he had to. You've heard how he talks about it."

"Yes. I ... do you suppose Queen really is convinced it's one of the Damsons?"

"He said money is often a motive, and Enid Damson has been stockpiling a lot of money. But no one's threatened her. Anyway, her money will all go to the family in the end."

"True. And the people who've died didn't leave the Damsons any money. I don't see how they can be involved in what Enid was doing. Except Ken, but that makes no sense, either..."

"Let's turn in." Ralph spoke quietly, but Laurie felt warmth down to his toes. It was foolish, he had no doubt of that, but Ralph would be in his bed tonight, he knew it as clearly as if Ralph had just said "Spud, I'm going to have you now."

They did their usual routine, lights on in both rooms, casual conversations and sharing of the facilities. Laurie cleaned his teeth; Ralph shaved. Laurie smiled at the promise Ralph's eyes reflected into the mirror. Then they went into their rooms, called out goodnights, and waited in the dark.

Half an hour later, Ralph was with him, shedding his pajamas before he climbed into the bed where Laurie waited, already naked and hard with excitement. Ralph nuzzled his neck and bit down lightly, and then he moved Laurie's hands to the spindles of the wrought-iron headboard and whispered, "Hold them there or I'll have to tie you." Laurie shivered at the raw lust in Ralph's voice and tightened his grip. Ralph caressed his arms, running his hands down to Laurie's ribs. He bit back a moan and Ralph laughed softly, then kissed him for a long, breathless time.

They were utterly silent, well aware of the police car closer than any neighbors, but it was among the most intense lovemaking they'd ever done. Ralph sucked Laurie until he was ready to burst, then abruptly stopped and moved so he could fondle both their erections together in his two hands.

"That's it, Laurie, stay right there and let me do this. God, you're beautiful and you make me so .. oh, yes." Ralph dived in to kiss him more and Laurie writhed, wanting it to continue forever but he was so close and it was so good.

"So bloody good," Ralph whispered and then he choked back a groan and Laurie felt the drip of hot seed on his belly. That was all it took, he was coming and Ralph was pressing him into the bed, kissing Laurie's nipples and still pulling on his cock, whispering "yes" over and over as Laurie strained, his hands desperately gripping the headboard.

"Beautiful," Ralph said softly, and then he removed Laurie's left hand, kissing the wrist before placing it down alongside him. Ralph took the other hand and held it to his face, turning it to kiss the palm.

It had only been play-acting, Ralph's plan to flee Wrightsville. But if it were true, Laurie would have to leave, too. He needed to be with Ralph, just as Ralph needed him. He'd follow, give up his dreams and drive a coal truck in the poorest section of London, just to have this in his life...

Laurie gasped, "Ralph, please -- more," and felt Ralph's eyes on him in the darkness. Then he stood up and moved to the dresser, and Laurie heard him rummaging in the drawer for a moment. When he came back to the bed, Laurie had his hands on the headboard once again, this time lying face down.

Ralph began to massage him, long strokes up his back and down his sides, strong fingers digging into the muscles of his thighs and calves. Laurie wanted to moan his appreciation but instead kept silent, biting the pillow and holding on so tightly Ralph reached up to grasp his forearms and whispered, "Relax." Then his hands continued moving, kneading Laurie's arms and shoulders, once again smoothing over his back and down to his buttocks.

Laurie was relaxed, completely ready, but Ralph kept petting him, soothing him, and finally he wriggled and stuck his bottom up in the air, begging for the attention he wanted. Ralph's finger traced down and found the opening to his body, and then pulled away, coming back coated in petroleum jelly to breach him. It felt wonderful, but too gentle. Laurie tried to push back, demanding more, and Ralph understood. He began to move more quickly, and soon he pushed two fingers up inside Laurie.

"You wear me out, Spud," Ralph whispered close to his ear. "Watching you like this, it's too much."

"Please," Laurie pleaded, and Ralph picked up the pace again, his fingers reaching to hit the place inside Laurie that made him gasp and shudder with pleasure, though his cock was already spent. "Ralph ... so good."

"I love giving you this, love watching you take it," Ralph gasped close to his ear, and then he was removing his hand and straddling Laurie, laying flat on top of him so they could both feel every inch of naked skin touching. Ralph's cock was hard, Laurie could feel it pushing between his legs, and he moaned a little and bucked up. Ralph kissed his neck and reached around for him, and they went at it again. It took a long time for Laurie to find his second release, and even longer for Ralph as he drove between Laurie's thighs, his hands holding Laurie's in place on the headboard.

When it was over Ralph lovingly turned Laurie and held him, mumbling something about smoking before falling asleep with his head on Laurie's chest. Laurie's mind had been wiped so clear that he immediately slept, too, with none of his usual melancholy.

***

Queen telephoned very early the next morning to tell them he'd meet them at Laurie's office at eleven. Ralph smiled when Laurie gave him the message, making a wry comment about an author's office hours.

Ralph dropped Laurie on campus with a promise to return by the appointed time. He was planning to return home to write and to make a call to Duncan, his editor, to see what he'd thought of the draft piece he'd submitted on Tuesday.

Laurie had arrived early enough that he didn't see anyone on his way to the office, and he managed to accomplish quite a lot by ten. Then he walked to the library to give the librarian a list of books to reserve for his seminar students. He hadn't planned to be there long, but he ran into Dr. Higgins and they had a lengthy conversation standing outside in the sunshine, so by the time he returned to his desk both Ralph and Queen were waiting for him. Ralph had pulled in a second chair and was drumming his fingers on the desk.

Laurie carefully closed the door. "I see you found the coffee pot, Ellery."

"Yes. Neither of you drink it?" He slumped in a chair, clutching the cup and looking tired.

"It would be more accurate to say neither of us really like coffee; I'll drink it. Laurie's a tea drinker, though. I have to wait until the sun's over the yardarm before I can have my beverage of choice."

Queen nodded, drank deeply, then sat up straighter in his chair. "So. Tell me what happened after I left the house last night."

They told him, frequently adding to each other's narrative and even going back to add and correct details. Queen listened intently, asking questions and even making notes in a pocket-sized notepad he carried. When they finally finished, he sat silently for a long time, his eyes far away.

Ralph rose, took the empty coffee cup from Queen's hand, and left the room. When he came back, he had two full cups.

"Thanks very much," Queen said absently. "All right, I believe I can see the pattern here. And it could be very bad. I'm afraid our murderer isn't planning to kill Ralph... at least, not before he's killed another victim and put the blame on Ralph."

Laurie was about to protest when Ralph said, "Really, Queen, this is too much. How can you possibly know that from what we've just told you?"

"I don't know it, not precisely, but I can infer that there is another murder in the works because I'm looking at the entire case, things Dakin has told me that you don't know yet. And now that you've been asked to remain here until Saturday, I believe our time is short." He stood up, placing his coffee cup on Laurie's desk. "Can you please call police headquarters and let Dakin know I'm on my way to speak to him?"

"Yes, of course," Laurie said.

"There's no time to waste. Don't worry, I promise you'll be there when I can finally explain everything."

He rushed out the door, leaving Ralph looking angry. Laurie was about to get up and go to the telephone, but he first said, "Henry is the one who asked you to stay in town until Saturday."

"I know, Spud." Ralph's hand was drumming on the desk again. "I know."

***

The day passed with no word from Queen, Dakin, or from any of the Damson family. Laurie remained on campus, nicely distracted by a lunch with Dr. Aiken discussing his area of expertise, Alexander the Great. Aiken had studied with Bevan and was a bit set in his opinions, but Laurie considered him a great resource and wanted to spend time with him before he retired, which was planned for the following school year. Laurie talked around the subject of competition without mentioning the paper he was preparing, and decided he might add a section on the Macedonian army and Hephaestion.

Ralph picked him up around six and they went straight home. Mrs. Oliver was gone but their dinner was waiting, covered and keeping warm in the oven.

"She refused to let me drive her home," Ralph said. "Said I might get in trouble in town again. Can you believe it?" He pulled the food out and began unwrapping it.

"I'd say she likes you, Ralph." Laurie smiled at him as he set plates on the table.

"But that little woman, trying to protect me?"

"Some people are like that," and tears sprang into his eyes, thinking of his mother, tiny and so fiercely protective of him. Until Straike came into her life, at least…

"I'm sorry, Spud. Here, let's have a drink with dinner."

"No, please. I'll just get maudlin. More so." Laurie wiped his eyes impatiently, and then Ralph was holding his hand, sitting beside him.

"Talk. I know you miss her, you don't have to keep it all inside."

"Mrs. Oliver is nothing like my mother," is what burst out. "But... having a woman around, taking care of us this way..."

"Of course."

"Mother never would let me fend for myself in the kitchen, as we do now. She always cooked extra portions, and would wrap them up for me, for days when she'd be late coming home…"

Ralph nodded encouragingly, looking as if he wanted to grab Laurie in a hug.

"I don’t always miss her, you know," Laurie said. "You ... you're my best friend, Ralph, and you always take such good care of me. It's just ... different ... the way a woman thinks to do things..."

"Mrs. Oliver is a very nice woman, isn't she? Jack did right by us with her."

Laurie could only nod, his mind full of a hundred kindnesses of his mother's that he'd probably ignored at the time. Had he ever thanked her enough? Now it was too late. And she'd died without him being able to tell her how happy he was, having Ralph in his life...

Then he looked over at Ralph, sympathetically watching him, dinner forgotten. Was he doing the same thing with Ralph, taking him for granted? Not telling him…

"I love you so much, Ralph." He didn't say the words often enough, for if he did Ralph's face wouldn't have lit up with such dazed happiness at the simple mention of love.

"Spud... you know," Ralph managed in return, then looked around the kitchen. "I don't want this food getting cold, here, let's dish up."

Laurie looked away, smiling, as Ralph bustled around the kitchen, misplacing the pot holder, then dropping the serving spoon. Laurie would have to remember, the next time Ralph was being too masterful and officious, how simple it could be to take complete control of the situation and turn him into this charmingly inefficient person.

***

Susan telephoned them Friday morning to invite them for the picnic on Saturday. "Henry said to tell you Jack's invited Sandy Mastern along, too. You'll like him, I'm sure."

"Yes. So we'll drive up together, we can take the hamper in Ralph's car."

"Sounds fine. Meet us at the house at 10, okay? 'Bye." Her gaiety was forced and unconvincing; Susan wasn't fooling anyone at home, no matter what she might think. Laurie hated causing her this discomfort.

He hung up the receiver and turned to find Ralph standing there, listening and reading his face. "The picnic tomorrow..."

"Yes, but surely we'll hear from Queen sometime today? He can't expect us to go through with this 'escape' farce."

"I hope so, Ralph." Laurie decided to remain at the house today, in case Queen was trying to find them. Ralph went upstairs and soon was typing steadily in his irregular rhythm. Laurie still hadn't quite gotten used to that, but when he became absorbed in a journal article, he didn't notice it any longer. He barely heard Mrs. Oliver arrive, and when Ralph came to fetch him for lunch, he was startled to see it was after one.

The afternoon passed uneventfully, with Ralph dragging Laurie away from his books around four to finish planting the garden. The yard was in shade at this time of day and very pleasant. While Ralph dug and knelt, planting their vegetables, Laurie set flower seeds between the ivy shoots they'd put into the new window boxes on the south wall.

"Mrs. Oliver thinks I'd make a passable handyman in the neighborhood, Spud," Ralph told him while taking a break for some lemonade. "Painting and yard work for some of the older folks, that sort of thing. You know I like to keep busy."

Laurie looked at him fondly. "Bored with writing already? I'd think the yard work for our house would be enough."

"Being out and about, meeting people, will help me find new stories. I can't spin out seven years at sea forever, you know."

"I think you could, actually," Laurie said with a smile. Ralph returned the smile almost shyly and moved to fill the watering can. He soaked the newly planted beds thoroughly, then refilled it for Laurie to use.

Mrs. Oliver left for the evening once her casserole was in the oven, once again refusing Ralph's offer of a ride back to her home. They stood together, Ralph leaning on the shovel, and watched her walk toward the bus stop.

"She's a stubborn woman."

"Yes. She doesn't believe in cold suppers. I told her she could leave us a cooked chicken in the ice box, or we'd eat tinned tuna. She was horrified at the idea."

Ralph wiped his sweaty brow, leaving a streak of dirt that made Laurie smile. "We'll appreciate it in the cold weather, I'm sure, but tonight I wish she wasn't heating up the kitchen."

"Go have a nice cool bath, that will fix you. I'll have a whiskey waiting for you."

"Give me your spade, Spud. I've got to wash off the tools and oil them, so you take the tub first." Ralph was walking away as he tossed back, "Your face is like a sweep's."

Laurie laughed as he called back, "Unlike yours -- you're ready for the opera, I'm sure."

***

Eight o'clock came and they still hadn't heard from Queen. Ralph was pacing by the front windows, muttering about the uselessness of the policeman stationed out front because he'd had no information for them. Earlier they'd called police headquarters and the Bradford residence without finding Queen.

When the telephone rang Ralph jumped up and strode to it, Laurie following more slowly. But the caller wasn't Queen; it was the chancellor's secretary, who asked for Laurie and then informed him that Mrs. Helen Damson had a seizure earlier in the afternoon and was dead.

Queen arrived at the house around nine, looking weary. "I'll tell you what I know -- it isn't very much, even though I was at their house today."

"You were?"

"I told you I believed another murder was going to take place. I didn't inform you that Dakin and I were setting a trap for the murderer. We convinced Mrs. Damson -- Enid Damson -- to allow us to set up surveillance in her suite of rooms, to protect her. That was quite a task, as you might imagine."

"That's the first murder that would make any sense," Ralph muttered, heading to the kitchen cupboard. "Old battle axe."

"I'm sorry, I must ask -- was Helen murdered?"

"No, it appears she died of natural causes. Dakin is insisting on an autopsy, because of all the recent troubles, but the doctors at the hospital who treated her are convinced it was merely a cerebral hemorrhage. No foul play there." Queen accepted a glass from Ralph with a nod of thanks and took a long pull.

"So ... we're not going ahead with our little drama society production tomorrow, then?" Ralph asked. "I don't need to flee Wrightsville?"

"No, we're in a holding pattern right now. The Damsons are all shell-shocked. Except Enid, who was enjoying herself berating me for my idiocy, since there has been no attempt on her life."

"We should do something for them, Ralph," Laurie said.

"Spud, they weren't very happy to see me the other night. And since I so charmingly played the disgruntled, fleeing criminal, I don't imagine any of them will want to see me now."

"They were confused, Ralph, by all the rumors and false evidence. But now -- they'll need their friends."

"I won't stop you from taking one of Mrs. O's casseroles over there. I'll even drive. I'm just saying, I don't think they want us in the house trying to comfort them for their loss." Ralph crossed his arms over his chest. "I am sorry she died. Helen was a lovely woman."

Queen shifted in his chair. "We're going to keep the police presence here at the house, Ralph. I'm not convinced that you're out of danger, even if I was wrong about the murderer's next move. Enid Damson may be safe, but I'm not certain of that. This unexpected death could simply have caused a change in the timetable."

Ralph nodded, and Laurie asked, "Then Ralph shouldn't be alone?"

"Right. I'm going to see if we can get Enid's doctor to insist that she have a trained nurse to help during this difficult time. There's one woman I know who'd make a great bodyguard, just in case." He pulled himself to his feet. "This can't be easy for either of you, but I can almost see all the pieces. It's as if they're slightly out of focus but moving closer..."

"Don't worry, Ellery, we'll be fine. I appreciate all you've done," Ralph said.

"Yes. It's distressing, of course -- I don't know how you can be involved with such unpleasantness time after time. But we'll do all we can to help, however we can." Laurie meant what he said, of course. If he was really more concerned with keeping Ralph safe and alive, that was his own business.

***

The week-end was spent at home, quietly. They did make the drive to the Damsons' house with condolences and food, and fortunately found the house full of neighbors and other friends. They were let in the front door by a stranger, another took the food from their hands, and there was such a crowd around Robert and Susan that they only spoke to Henry, who was red-eyed and detached. Enid was nowhere in sight.

On Monday, Laurie put on his best suit and a dark tie. He and Ralph drove to St. Paul's for the funeral service, then out to Twin Hill cemetery for the burial. Someone in the crowd behind them whispered that Ken Tinker's service was also today, wasn't that odd? Thankfully the person was hushed by her neighbor, and no further gossip marred the solemnity of the graveside service.

The day was beautiful, so lovely that Laurie wished they were having a picnic -- a real, carefree picnic, a day of meeting new people and growing friendships. Now, standing at the grave, it was impossible to believe that only nine days ago they'd had such innocent pleasure. That had been before Ken had been killed; before Ralph had been arrested. That afternoon Laurie had never pondered the possibility that one of these kindly people might be capable of committing cold-blooded murder.

The minister spoke of Helen's work for the community, of her many years as a faithful wife and loving mother, and Susan wept silently, leaning on her brother. Robert stared ahead, his mother holding his arm in a very proper black coat and hat. But the hand clutching her cane glittered in the bright sunshine with too much jewelry, and her face showed no real grief at the loss. Helen's family were opposite them, a younger man who resembled her so strongly he must be Helen's brother, surrounded by his wife and four children.

Then it was over, flowers gently placed on the finely detailed casket and the mourners drifting away in clumps. Laurie was slower than most of the others, Ralph's steps matching his so they remained shoulder-to-shoulder all the way to where they'd parked the car. When Laurie looked up, he saw Queen leaning against it, waiting for them.

"Ralph, Laurie," he said.

"Hello, Ellery. Has something happened?"

"No, I just wanted to talk to you both and I knew I'd find you here. Are you headed home now?"

"That's what we had planned, unless you need us..." Laurie stopped speaking when he saw Chief Dakin striding toward them. He fought the need to put himself between Ralph and the policeman, and kept his face frozen, neutral. Then Laurie realized that Dakin was about to walk right past them, his mind elsewhere.

Queen called out, "Dakin. What's wrong?"

The Chief stopped, looking startled. "Sorry, I didn't even see you there. I'm looking for Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Mastern... they should have been here for the funeral." He glanced around again.

"I'm afraid we're among the last people still here, except the immediate family." Laurie looked back and confirmed that Robert and his children were still at the grave, Jack standing a little behind them, waiting.

"Damn. I've got bad news for them, I'm afraid. Young Sandy was killed in an accident on Route 16 -- probably coming here for the funeral. Missed a turn and went into the granite."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Queen said.

"Sandy Mastern?" Ralph said. Laurie hadn't put the names together until he spoke.

Dakin nodded. "That's right."

"What is it, Ralph?" Queen asked.

"It's just ... deuced odd, I suppose. We were supposed to... Susan said he'd been invited to our picnic Saturday."

Queen understood, though Dakin looked confused. "He was the one Henry set up to switch cars with you?"

"Henry... or Jack, it was his idea. I don't know...," Ralph said with a dazed look on his face. They all turned to look back at the four people gathered by the new grave.

"Dakin, we've got some investigating to do," Queen said, and the two men left together, Queen rapidly speaking in a tone too low to be understood.

Laurie turned to Ralph, who still looked as if he'd been dealt a heavy blow. "The car... that boy's car, I was supposed to be driving it..."

"It can't be, Ralph. Accidents do happen, it's just a terrible coincidence."

"But if it isn't?"

"It is, I tell you. He wouldn't... They wouldn't. Even if one of them did kill, for some unimaginable reason -- they wouldn't have tried to put the blame on you."

"Spud, I don't know what to think."

"Come, let's have a drink."

"Yes."

They went to town, not to the taverns along Route 16, where there would be police and a wrecked car at the crash site. Instead they found a friendly pub down the street from the newspaper office, and there they ate sandwiches and drank beer. Afterwards, they walked down to the movie theater and sat through newsreels, cartoons, and a serial enjoying the cool air. But when the feature began, it was a dark-themed detective story. They squirmed for a few minutes, then looked at each other. Laurie nodded and they left, looking relieved once they were outside in the afternoon heat again.

Ralph insisted that they visit the library instead, and Laurie saw the name "Aiken" at the front desk. No doubt the librarian was a relative of the old gentleman; he'd have to introduce himself some other day. Today he took his time learning his way around the place while Ralph sat in a corner with the New York papers from the previous week. They didn't leave until they were chased out at closing time.

When they finally went back to the house Mrs. Oliver was already gone, with a note that she'd come early the next morning to wash the floors before the grocery delivery. She'd left a roasted chicken on the stove for them, and cut fruit. It was a perfect meal for this warm August day, and they changed into their most casual clothing and ate sitting on the back steps in their shady yard.

Much later, as they were reading in companionable silence, Queen telephoned them. From where he sat, Laurie could hear Ralph's side of the conversation clearly.

"You've solved it, then?" Ralph asked. He listened for a moment, then said, "We'll be there. Eleven o'clock. Right." He returned to the room and said, "Queen has asked that we go to Robert's house tomorrow morning. The whole family will be there, and he's going to prove who committed these murders." Ralph moved to the window and pulled the curtains closed.

"Ralph, you don't suppose they still believe you're involved?"

"Queen mentioned his promise, that I could write the story for the newspaper. That doesn't sound as if he's going to arrest me." Ralph gave him a wry look. "Although I'm starting to feel as if I had been involved." He closed the curtain on the second window and said, "Good thing I know someone who can testify that he was with me..."

"Someone who knows you're innocent."

"I haven't been innocent for a very long time, Spud." Ralph seemed serious, but Laurie decided to lighten the mood. He moved closer to Ralph.

"You're innocent of those crimes," he said. "As for other things... I'm usually quite happy you're not all that innocent, you know." He switched off the lamp before clutching Ralph and pulling him in for a long, passionate kiss. He might have felt bad for using sex to distract Ralph... but then, Ralph did the same to him.

And it always worked, for both of them. Soon they were upstairs, tumbling into their bed, where Laurie stopped thinking altogether.

to be concluded