Murder by Accident

Murder by Accident

by

Patricia Shannon

Copyright © 2006 by Patricia Shannon

Smashwords Edition

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Murder by Accident

Chapter 1

Lois Phillips rested her knee on the toilet seat in the tiny bathroom, and fed the slender fishing line through a small hole cut in the window screen.

Slinging a camera around her neck, she stepped outside, around the end of the motorhome to the narrow footpath separating the camping space from the precipice overlooking the reservoir.

Pretending to snap pictures of the lake and surrounding area, she glanced around once. No one appeared to be watching. Letting the camera dangle on its strap, she quickly pulled the nearly invisible nylon fishing line down the back of the rig, stretching it across the path. Looping the line around a tree, she tied it with a slipknot about a foot off the ground. It took only seconds to pull a little slack in the line, lay it flat on the ground, and cover it with a thin layer of loose soil and brush.

She stepped back, framed a picture of the lake in the camera lens, and glanced down at her work. The line was virtually invisible.

*****

Harry sauntered along the footpath, stopping from time to time to admire the view from his vantage point high above the reservoir. Like scenes from a movie, small speedboats raced on wings of water, churned white and thrown high in the air, as the boats skipped across the surface of the lake. Screeching gulls provided the sound track as they swooped and dived in their quest for scraps tossed by children on the shore. He watched sailboats dancing in the distance; their brightly colored sails contrasting beautifully with the sun sparkled blue of the water. A few cottonball clouds decorated an otherwise clear sky.

What a great day to be alive! He proclaimed to the world in general, and inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent of earth and wildflowers in the sweet, clean air. He gazed heavenward, pausing momentarily to watch the contrail of a far off jet plane. Smiling to himself, he sauntered along the well-worn footpath behind his motorhome.

The nearly invisible fishing line jerked up so suddenly that Harry only had time for one quick gasp of breath before he found himself spinning in the air, bouncing against rocks and trees as he tumbled uncontrollably down the steep slope toward the water sixty feet below. He grabbed desperately for handholds on the rocky slope, but the scrubby brush was too flimsy to do more than temporarily slow his wild descent. One low hanging limb held just long enough to swing his body around, and slam his head against a boulder. Harry was unconscious when he hit the water.

*****

Lois quickly pulled the last of the thin fishing line through the tiny opening in the window screen, gently smoothed the nylon screen until the hole was virtually undetectable, and then sealed the hole with a drop of clear glue. She had had a little trouble at first, getting the slipknot to release, but she gave a final sharp tug on the line, and the knot let go. The line slipped easily from around the tree, and snaked its way across the narrow pathway between the back of the motorhome, and the edge of the sheer drop down to the reservoir.

She stood back from the window in the small bathroom, and spun the handle of the reel until the last of the line was secure on the spool.

Lois hummed softly while she carefully refastened the hook to the end of the fishing line, and clipped it to the edge of the reel.

It won't be long now, she thought, as she retracted the telescoping rod to its foot and a half storage length, and zipped the rod and reel in its carry pouch. She shoved the pouch into the space under the bed beside the rest of the fishing tackle, and secured the drop down door.

She leaned against the counter of the galley in the motorhome, and poured herself a cup of coffee with a steady hand. She added cream and sugar to the cup, and selected an apple from the basket of fruit on the counter. She carefully rearranged the remaining fruit, turning the basket this way and that, until she was satisfied with its symmetry.

Harry Phillips loved to go for long early morning walks, and usually Lois accompanied him, but not this morning.

Don’t go very far, she had told him. I have something special planned for breakfast.

She let her mind wander back over her short marriage to Harry Phillips as she waited for the inevitable knock on the door.

*****

Lois and Harry had met a little over two months ago through an ad in a RV magazine.

SWM looking for traveling companion. Desire to meet SWF between 40 and 55, must be in good health, and enjoy the outdoors.

Lois answered the ad, and she and Harry Phillips agreed to meet for coffee and pie. Harry chose decaffeinated so Lois did the same. He didn’t believe in alcohol he said, and was pleased when she told him that she didn’t drink either. They seemed to hit it off from the start. Harry loved to fish, and Lois enthusiastically agreed that fishing was her favorite pastime as well.

Harry was fifty-four years old. The little gray that was beginning to show at the temples of his dark hair, gave him a distinguished look.

Lois had thought that he was rather attractive, in an outdoorsy sort of way.

He believed in physical fitness to an extreme, which to him meant plenty of exercise preferably outdoors; also, no alcohol, no smoking, no caffeine, and no carbonated beverages.

Take care of your body, and it will take care of you, he was fond of saying. To which Lois always agreed enthusiastically.

That’s exactly how I feel, she nodded. My late husband never took care of himself. He simply refused to listen to anything I advised. And you can see what it got him. Dead at forty-eight from a heart attack!

Harry hadn’t planned on ever marrying again; a brain tumor had ended his twenty-six year marriage the previous year. He missed his wife, and knew he always would, but he was lonely. His son and daughter were both married, and busy with their own families.

He needed someone with whom he could share his thoughts, someone who would share his interests in fishing, and other outdoor activities, someone to travel with him. This woman would be a perfect fit. She seemed to be interested only in pleasing him.

Lois had told him that she was forty-nine years old, and that she had been married once, but had no children.

She went on to explain that she had been an executive officer with AmCan Energy Systems, that she had accepted a buy-out offer to take early retirement, and that she had moved to Kingman a little over a year ago to escape the harsh winters in Montana.

He was impressed with this trim, well-groomed woman who looked to be no older than forty or so. Soft light brown hair framed her attractive, though not beautiful, face. A smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose, and the beginnings of laugh lines at the corners of her eyes, gave her face character.

She wore very little makeup, and needed none, to enhance her blue eyes, and clear healthy looking complexion. At five foot four, and one hundred twenty pounds, she was slender but not too thin, and the casual slacks and loose fitting sweater, couldn’t conceal her youthful figure.

Lois and Harry spent as much time together as possible over the coming weeks. They dined in nice restaurants, saw movies, went for long walks, and attended church twice a week. Lois even joined the church choir. She didn’t have a great voice, but her soft contralto was pleasant to the ears, and she was welcomed with open arms by the other church members.

Harry was reconsidering his decision not to re-marry, but he didn’t want to lose this wonderful woman. Lois had let him know from the start that she didn’t believe in living with a man outside of marriage.

I guess I’m just old fashioned, but that’s how I feel. Like you, I’m a devout Christian, and you know what the Bible says about fornication. I also believe that if two people care enough about each other to live together, they care enough to get married.

I have to agree with you, Harry admitted, relieved that she felt that way. I haven’t been too keen on the idea of just living together either, but after I read all those ads in the travel magazines, I thought that was what people did now days.

Well, let’s just enjoy each other for now, and see how we feel later, she suggested, and patted his hand.

Thank you God, Harry offered up a silent prayer. Thank you for sending me this terrific lady.

I’ve decided to take early retirement, Harry announced a few days later. My son is perfectly capable of running the business now.

Phillip’s Electronics is just a small company, but Lance has some pretty good ideas about growth, and I think the change would be good for the company, and for me, he added after a moment.

Oh Harry, it would be great if you could retire now! We could have so much more time together.

And I've been thinking about buying a motorhome, you know, to travel in, and to take on fishing trips. I think we would be more comfortable in a motorhome than we would be in my old pickup camper. He grinned, and placed a small velvet box on the table between them, then waited for her response.

If that is a proposal of marriage Harry Phillips, then I accept gladly, Lois gazed misty-eyed at her new ring. But there’s no need for you to buy a motorhome. I already own one, I thought you knew. I named it ‘The Honey’. Just my little joke, that way I could always travel with my very own honey.

Lois Haskell and Harry Phillips were married ten days later in a simple ceremony, with only the judge and two clerks in attendance.

For a wedding gift, Lois surprised her new husband by renaming The Honey. It had been easy enough to change the small painted name on the front of the motorhome from The Honey to The Harry.

I changed the name because you are my honey now, Lois explained to her elated husband.

This vacation trip in the motorhome was a delayed honeymoon of sorts. The drive from Arizona to Oregon had taken the better part of three days. They parked in a campground on the edge of a huge, beautiful reservoir, in the Deschutes National Forest in Oregon.

*****

The sudden loud pounding on the door of the motorhome broke into her reverie. She jumped in spite of herself, startled by the frenzied knocking, sloshing the now cold coffee on her shirt.

Damn, she muttered, dabbing at the stain.

Miz Phillips! Miz Phillips! You better come quick, it’s Mr. Phillips!The child wailed, his voice rising to a scream.Miz Phillips!

Lois Phillips took a deep breath, threw open the door, and looked at the boy in alarm. Calm down Kevin, you startled me so, I spilled coffee all over myself. What’s wrong? What was that you said about Mr. Phillips?

Oh Miz Phillips. I’m so sorry, you have to hurry, Daddy said to get you and.. Kevin Chalmers, the thirteen- year-old son of the campground manager, was dancing from one foot to the other.

Just about then, frantic sirens led the Rescue Squad into the campground, drowning out the sounds of running feet and shouts of alarm of other campers as they rushed to the scene.

Oh my god! Lois Phillips gasped. Where’s Harry? It’s Harry isn’t it?

*****

The police investigation determined that Harry had tripped, perhaps on a tree root, hit his head on a rock, and tumbled down the steep slope into the reservoir. Lois Phillips seemed to be prostrate with grief. After all, it appeared that Harry had been walking right behind his own rig when he fell.

Why didn’t I hear him? Lois cried, wringing her hands in despair. I should have heard him! I should have been able to do something!

You couldn’t have known. The fall must have knocked him out. You mustn’t blame yourself, everyone assured her.

The Coroner ruled Harry Phillips death as accidental.

*****

Everyone has been so kind, Lois exclaimed tearfully to the campground manager’s wife. Thank you so much for letting me leave the motorhome here after I moved to the motel. I’ll move it out as soon as I can get it sold. I just couldn’t bear to stay another night in it, without Harry!

There, there, it’s the least we can do. I would be glad to sell it for you, if you like. Betty Chalmers offered, trying to console the grief-stricken woman.

Oh would you? Sell it for anything. I don’t care how much you get for it. I never want to see it again. I would be so grateful. The offer brought a fresh round of tears. Lois dug in her purse for a tissue.

If that’s the case, and you’re are willing to sell it cheap, I know someone right here in town that might like to buy it. But it would have to be really cheap. Tim and Kathy haven’t got very much money, but at least it would be a fast sale.

Call them! The sooner I get this over with, the sooner I can go home. I’ve called Harry’s children to tell them the bad news, and I’ve already arranged for Harry’s body to be shipped home for burial. Lois broke down again at the mention of her late husband’s burial.

Can I get you a drink? It might do you some good, you know, calm your nerves a little, Betty offered.

No. Thanks but no. I never drink anything stronger than coffee. Alcohol makes me deathly ill, Lois said, and snuffled into her tissue.

Some coffee then? I can put on a fresh pot in no time.

Coffee would be nice, you are very kind,Lois said, offering her a trembling smile.

*****

It was love at first sight, when the young Nedders family saw the well-maintained motorhome.

Betty Chalmers told us what happened to your husband. I’m so sorry, Kathy Nedders said.Are you sure you want to sell the motorhome this cheap? I feel kind of guilty, it’s like we’re taking advantage of you because of your bad luck.

Not at all, in fact you would be doing me a favor. Didn’t Betty tell you that I have already moved to a motel? Without Harry, the rig means nothing to me. I just want to go home, Lois assured them, forcing a sad smile.

Lois Phillips accompanied Tim and Kathy Nedders to the bank; she had insisted they pay in cash.

I’ll need money for the trip home, and you know how expensive airfare is. I would take a bus but I want to be there when Harry’s poor b-b-body arrives, she blubbered. Oh my poor dear Harry!

When Lois went for one last look-around to see if she had forgotten anything she wanted keep. Tim and Kathy were beaming with pride as their two small children excitedly explored every nook and cranny of the motorhome.

Lois had already packed the few things she would take with her. She sold everything else, dishes, pots and pans, bed linens, even the television set to the Nedders family for practically nothing.

You might as well get some use out of those things. I can’t take them on the plane with me, and anyway they are a constant reminder of my loss.

Lois accepted Betty Chalmers offer of a ride to the airport. It would save cab fare, and she wanted Betty to see her board the plane to Arizona.

Thank you so much, Lois told her. I really don’t know what I would have done without you.

Call me when you get home, so I’ll know you had safe trip, Betty said when the boarding call was announced.

I will, and thanks again, Lois called back over her shoulder, and joined the rapidly forming line at the passenger tunnel.

*****

Thank God that’s over! Lois mumbled under her breath as she settled into her tourist class seat.

She badly wanted to order a double scotch, but she resisted the urge, she couldn’t afford to have a whiskey smell on her breath when she arrived in Kingman. Harry’s son, Lance Phillips, had said that he would meet her at the airport, and the rest of the family would be waiting at the house.

She didn’t look forward to the coming month, but it was a necessary part of the job. She had to convince Harry’s family that she was a grieving widow.

Only a little longer, and then it will be over, she reminded herself.

*****

Lance dear, thank you for coming. I’m so sorry about your father. We hadn’t been married for very long, but we were happy. At least, it’s some comfort to know that he is safe in Heaven now.

Have you made any plans for my father’s funeral yet? Lance asked as they drove out of the airport parking lot.

No dear, I though perhaps you and Gail should make that decision. Harry and I had not-not.Lois took a deep breath, and continued. We had not discussed... anything like that. I don’t know what Harry would have wanted.

Dad always said he wanted to be cremated, like Mom was. Lance glanced over at his stepmother before continuing.

He said he wanted his ashes scattered around her rose bushes, to mingle with her ashes. Would you mind?

Of course not. I think that is very sweet, and so thoughtful of him.But that was how your father was, always so thoughtful. That’s one of the things I loved about him. Lois pasted on a weak smile, and patted her stepson’s arm.

Harry Phillips’ body was cremated the following Tuesday. Lois joined the rest of Harry’s family, and a few invited friends, to observe the solemn ceremony conducted a few days later. Harry’s son and daughter, Lance Phillips and Gail Phillips Moore, scattered his ashes among the many rose bushes surrounding the Phillips house.

*****

May I please speak with Mr. Templeton? I’m Mrs. Harry — uh I’m Lois Phillips, Lois asked the receptionist in the plush outer office of her late husband’s lawyer.

How do you do Mrs. Phillips, won’t you please come in? Judson Templeton said as he escorted her to his inner sanctum.

I was very sorry to learn of Mr. Phillips untimely death. You have my condolences.

Thank you. It was a terrible shock, and so unexpected. I don’t know when I’ll ever get over it, Lois told him.

Lois declined the offer of coffee or tea, and perched on the edge of the upholstered client’s chair. She placed her handbag, and a small airline carry-on bag, on the floor beside her chair. She sat, facing the lawyer, with back straight, hands clasped in her lap, and feet flat on the floor.

I’m sorry, but the reading of the Will isn’t until tomorrow. Is there anything I can do for you in the meantime? Mr. Templeton reclaimed his chair behind the large desk, and sat with elbows on the desk, hand clasped together.

Yes there is. I know that Harry, Mr. Phillips, changed his Will right after we were married. We had only been married for two weeks when he-when he..., Lois paused, dabbed at her eyes, and blew her nose daintily before continuing.

Under the circumstances, I wouldn’t feel right accepting any share of his estate. Is there something I could sign stating that my share, if any, would go directly to his two children?

Are you sure you want to do that? You do know that Mr. Phillips left a sizeable estate don’t you? He was quite a wealthy man.

This declaration, from Harry Phillips’ widow, was not at all what Judson Templeton had expected. In fact, Lance and Gail had already spoken to him about the possibility of breaking the will, if their father had been too generous in his bequest to his new wife.

Lois hesitated for a heartbeat before speaking. She pretended to stifle a sob to cover her surprise. She hadn’t known that Harry was rich; it had caught her off-guard.

I wasn’t aware that Harry was a wealthy man, but that doesn’t change my decision. I have thought it over completely, and I’m sure that this is what I want to do, she stated firmly.

In fact, I came to see you today because I don’t plan to be here tomorrow for the reading of the Will, I’m leaving this afternoon. I just can’t stay here now, this town holds too many memories of my late husband.

Lois Phillips signed away her rights to any share of the Phillips estate, and then stood to leave.

"I have already moved out of the house. I only took a few personal things, that’s all