Free Murder in the Middle: A Susan Wiles Schoolhouse Mystery by Diane Weiner

sleep infused Susan with courage. The next morning, she cruised by Lindsay Bateman’s house once again. Did she really expect to catch Lindsay leaving the house? If she did, how would she approach her? She drove through Krispy Kreme for a doughnut and some coffee. Didn’t detectives always take food with them on stakeouts? She was hoping her recent indulgences wouldn’t prevent her from fitting into her new dress. She planned on going right back to her healthy diet. On Monday.
    Parked across the street from Lindsay’s house, Susan played a few turns of Words with Friends on her phone, fiddled with the newspaper crossword puzzle, and started a grocery list. Luck was with her. A woman fitting Lindsay’s description came out of the house with a little white Maltese. While Lindsay walked the dog down the street, Susan had only a few minutes to devise a plan. Creative Muse, please help me out here. Okay, the direct approach it is . Susan followed Lindsay down the street, knowing she’d run into her on the return trip. Bingo.
    “Excuse me, are you Lindsay Bateman?”
    “Who wants to know?” said Lindsay, hands on hips. Susan noticed a different boot on each foot. Who does that?
    “My name is Susan Wiles. I’m trying to find a man, if you can call him that, named Caleb Bartolo. I heard through the grapevine that you two were once close.”
    “And? What do you want from me?”
    “That son-of-a-you–know-what was dating my daughter. He led her on, said they’d get married, buy a house. And you know what? Without a word, abandons her and joins the military. Out of the blue.”
    “I’m not surprised.”
    “You know what he does? Guess. Guess what he does?”
    “He trashes her on Facebook , right?
    “What? Not that I know of. No, he sends her a “Dear John” letter. A “Dear John” letter. My baby won’t eat anything but Pop-Tarts, can’t sleep. She smells like used running shorts. Hasn’t showered in days. I’m worried she’s going to try to kill herself. Do you know how to get in touch with him?”
    “I believe it. He did the same thing to me. And people thought I was crazy. I can’t help you. The bastard’s still in the Air Force. I haven’t seen him in years.”
    “I heard he was back in town. Thought you might know where he’s living or working. I’m going to find Caleb Bartolo and make him sorry he ever looked at my daughter.”
    “Back in town? What? He’s back?” Lindsay’s voice rose and she tilted her head.
    “That’s what I heard.”
    “That’s news to me. Big news. I’m not finished with him yet either.” Lindsay’s face turned red and her eyes narrowed. “I’ll hunt him down and wring his neck with my bare hands after what he did to me. And I’ll break his ring finger––for your daughter.”
    “Not if I find him first,” said Susan.

Chapter 24

    The stone church on Huguenot Street was nestled between two hills. Snow dusted evergreens surrounded the chapel, reflecting droplets of sunlight onto the stained glass windows. Susan bent down and drank in the perfume of the pastel carnations that were attached to the end of the pew. Then she took her seat between Mike and Jason. Already excited about the wedding, she rubbed her palms together as the priest and Jackson entered.
    Pachelbel’s Canon floated down from the string quartet perched in the balcony. Lynette, in a deep purple gown, glided down the aisle with the other bridesmaids and ushers. The attendants formed a semi-circle in front of the altar. An organist sat down and the traditional wedding march reverberated through the church. The opening chords brought tears to Susan’s eyes. The congregation rose to their feet and gazed at the doors. Susan adjusted her bifocals.
    “There she is,” said Mike.
    “How gorgeous she looks,” said Susan. Theresa wore a vintage ivory dress with lace sleeves and a cathedral length train. Susan had seen something similar but not nearly as beautiful on Say Yes to the Dress.