Deadly Traditions by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grace Abraham Publishing

Chapter 6

On The Second Day After Christmas

I came downstairs the following morning to find both Mother and Daddy in the kitchen. Daddy had the week off from work, and I was glad of that. I didn’t want him out of my sight until I felt confident that this Freddy business was behind us.

Wanting to speak with Daddy alone, I said, “Mother, why don’t you go play us something, and I’ll make breakfast.”

She was a hard nut to crack, and she probably figured I was up to something. “I’ve already got biscuits in the oven, and I’d prefer not to wake your sister until they’re done. If you’d prefer to speak with your father alone, the two of you may go to the living room.”

“There’s no need, Max,” Daddy said. “She knows.”

“How?” I asked.

“A double homicide in our town isn’t so common that the newspaper wouldn’t carry the story two days in a row,” she said. “Especially when the killer or killers remain at large.”

Huffing out a breath, I said, “Well, for goodness’ sake, don’t tell Dot.”

“What did you want to talk with me about in particular?” Daddy asked.

“The gun.” I sat at the table beside him. “What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to turn it in to the police,” he said.

“You can’t.”

“Why can’t he?” Mother asked. “We’ve been sitting here discussing it, and it’s the most reasonable solution.”

“No, it’s not,” I said. “Freddy ditched the thing here thinking his not having it with him would keep him and Mavis safe. But it didn’t. If Daddy leaves here with that gun, he might end up like them.” I looked from Mother to Daddy. “Don’t you see? The shooter thought one of them was carrying the gun. Now they’re dead, and their killer still doesn’t have the gun. People know they were here. If you leave–” I broke off, unable to continue.

He covered my hand with his. “What do you suggest, sweetheart?”

“Call the police and ask them to come here.”

Mother stood and went to the oven to check the biscuits. “I don’t know. The police are trying to solve this case quickly in order to reassure the townspeople that there’s not a madman on the loose. Some ambitious young officer wanting to make a name for himself could come here, make your father look guilty, and arrest him.”

“Okay, then I’ll take the gun to the police station.”

Both parents bristled at my suggestion.

“It makes perfect sense,” I said. “I can deliver the package, say I found it in the street or something, and –”

“Why are you afraid for me to leave the house with the gun but believe it’s a fine idea for you to do so?” Daddy asked.

“I’m an innocent young lady, Daddy. Neither the murderer nor the police will think I’m up to anything.” I batted my eyes.

“Innocent, my Aunt Fanny.” Mother slipped on oven mitts and removed the pan of biscuits from the oven. “We’ll discuss this after breakfast. I’m going upstairs to wake your sister.”

When I heard Mother climbing the stairs, I told Daddy, “You know I’m right.

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