A Bittersweet Winter: A Susan Brooks and Walter Conway Mystery

By Barbara Valanis

On the Big Island of Hawaii, Susan Brooks and Walter Conway, newlyweds, mostly live a quiet, peaceful life. When an ambulance pulls into the neighbor’s driveway, peaceful goes out the window. Walter knows that his neighbors, Lloyd and Connie Perkins, are elderly and have health issues. It’s still a shock when Lloyd ends up dead.

Connie, devastated by the sudden loss of her beloved husband, is horrified to learn that the police think he was murdered—and she’s the chief suspect. The arrival of Connie’s estranged granddaughter somewhat alleviates her loneliness, but involves them in events that may haunt them forever.

Susan and Walter reach out to support the frightened widow. They never could have imagined that their neighborly kindness would catch a killer and save Connie’s life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: May 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781665703802

Barbara Valanis

Barbara Valanis began writing fiction after she retired from her career as a professor, epidemiologist, and health services researcher. Although she spent much of her life in Washington State, she and her husband now live in Melbourne, Florida, closer to their family.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

53108.png

THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII

JANUARY 12, 2020

S usan and Walter Conway lingered over their dinner, watching nature’s drama play out before them. As the Hawaiian sun dipped toward the horizon, the palm trees along the beach cast their silhouettes against an aqua-colored sky streaked with vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. Colored sparks of reflected light danced on waves that lapped the shore as they advanced, then retreated.

Do you realize, Walter, this is the first time we’ve been alone for dinner in over a week? The visit with our family was wonderful, but the hustle and bustle of our family coming and going wore me out. I had no time or energy to enjoy our beautiful sunsets. Just look at that spectacular show!

It is beautiful sweetheart. Like you, I welcome some quiet time to enjoy each other and the spectacular world around us. Ten adults and seven children were quite a boisterous crowd! But, I do think it was worth the effort that went into organizing the get-together. My children and their spouses seemed to enjoy getting to know yours, and vice-versa. All the grandchildren managed to get along. The visit met all my expectations. We’ve been married less than four months and I feel like we’ve already become one big family.

Our families did seem to bond. So much has happened in the four months since our wedding….visits to all our children and their families, then closing up my Lake Washington house to come back here for the winter, our first Christmas together, last week’s family get together….barely a moment to breathe! You did a terrific job of organizing the visit. Housing each family in their own condo gave them private space in which to relax. The four group events we hosted brought the families together often enough to become acquainted, while leaving them plenty of time to explore the resort or the island on their own. I especially appreciate that you arranged to cater the group events. That made my life so much easier and allowed me to enjoy our families. You’re a most thoughtful man, one of many reasons I love you.

I’m pleased that you were happy with the arrangements, sweetheart. It was a miracle that everyone managed to get their kids out of school so soon after the Christmas holidays! Their visits to the volcano, the observatory, and various historical and cultural sites made it an educational experience and gave the children plenty to write about in their school reports. However, as wonderful as it is to finally be alone with you and to have some peace and quiet, I must admit that I miss the cheerful camaraderie of the family. We must do something like this again soon.

Not too soon, please! We have so many decisions to make about our lives—where to live being the most important. We don’t want to keep three residences indefinitely. Since we returned to the Big Island, I’ve realized how much I miss this island when I’m away. Your house is a wonderful place to live and entertain. I suggest that we keep this house and sell my condo; it’s small, and not nearly as comfortable. While Keauhou is convenient for its proximity to the shopping center, downtown Kona, and access to the towns further south, the day-to-day comfort that comes with this house is a bigger consideration.

We could sell both places and buy a spacious home in Keauhou, if you like.

I appreciate the offer, Walter. But, it would be a hassle to relocate and an unnecessary expense. By the time we pay the realtor’s commission and the taxes from selling this place, fix up a new place, and cover moving costs, we’d be looking at a big cash outlay. I think it makes more sense to keep this house for now. Once we decide whether we want to live in Hawaii full time, or to spend our winters in Hawaii and the warmer months in Seattle or elsewhere, we can reconsider.

Suddenly the dining table shook and the floor under Susan’s feet vibrated. She heard a rumbling sound.

What was that vibration? You don’t think it was a mini-earthquake do you? I’ve never experienced one on this part of the island, but they happen down south when the Kilauea volcano is acting up. Oh wait, I see a light flashing outside.

Susan went to the front window.

A fire truck just parked in front of the house. Its weight must have caused the vibrations. Two firemen emerged and walked toward the neighbor’s house. Susan moved to a side window facing that house and peered out.

An ambulance is pulling into your neighbor’s driveway and a police car is coming up the street. It too is parking in front of your neighbor’s house. I wonder what happened.

Walter joined Susan at the window. The ambulance suggests it must be serious. Both Lloyd and Connie Perkins, my neighbors, are elderly and have health issues. They’ve been married for more than fifty years. Lloyd has a pacemaker for a heart problem and has diabetes. Connie has arthritis and fibromyalgia, and is a breast cancer survivor. While both of them are frail, they’ve remained active and they do everything together. It would be dreadful if one of them had a stroke or something else that left them disabled. Because of frailty, their spouse might find it difficult to provide care. Worse, if one of them were to die, the survivor would find life alone very difficult. At least when Marge went I was prepared. She had been fighting her cancer for years. Come, Susan, let’s go and finish our dinner while it’s still warm.

A sudden death would be catastrophic. I still feel a pang when I think of Scott’s death from his heart attack. It was awful! One minute everything was fine, the next, he was gone! My whole life turned upside down in an instant. It was hard enough to cope after thirty years of marriage. I can’t imagine it happening after fifty years.

We’re so fortunate to have found each other and get a second chance for a happy life, Susan. We must help Connie and Lloyd, whatever the circumstances.

I agree, my love.

A car door slammed. They returned to the window. Two men were wheeling a gurney to the back of the ambulance. Susan and Walter couldn’t see well enough to tell who was on it. The men loaded the gurney, shut the rear doors, and returned to the house.

That doesn’t bode well, muttered Walter after several minutes had passed without the attendants returning to the ambulance. If the person on the gurney were alive, they should be heading out to the hospital.

Just then, a Crime Scene Investigation unit pulled up. This is definitely bad news. They don’t bring in CSI unless they suspect foul play. I don’t see how that can be, in this case.

Eventually, the ambulance drove off, followed by the fire truck. Shortly afterwards, another police car arrived. That policeman joined the others in the house. A CSI officer came out and took pictures of the house and its surrounds, and then returned to the house.

We might as well clean up the kitchen, said Susan. I don’t think we’ll learn much about what’s going on by standing here."

You’re right, of course. But I’m concerned. Whoever is left in the house must be having a rough time of it. To lose a spouse, then be grilled by squads of policemen only makes things worse.

Twenty minutes later after they finished cleaning up, Walter returned to the window. No one has left. What on earth is going on?

Can you go and talk to the policeman who’s sitting in that car? asked Susan, pointing to the car nearest to them.

No, they probably wouldn’t tell us anything. They have their work to do. He’s probably radioing headquarters. We’ll just have to wait and see what else happens here tonight. Tomorrow I can contact a buddy in the police department. Let’s watch a movie to distract us from what’s going on out there.

They settled on the couch. Susan snuggled up next to Walter. He put his arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder.

I’m so grateful to have you in my life, Walter. If anything happened to you, I don’t know what I’d do.

He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her, a long lingering kiss that set her heart pounding.

I feel the same, sweetheart. We’re blessed to have each other.

Several hours later, after a movie and a late night snack, Walter and Susan turned out the lights. Before retiring, they took one last look out the window. The police vehicles were still there. People were conversing by the front door. Nothing gave an indication of what might be going on.

CHAPTER 2

53108.png

JANUARY 13

S usan was in the kitchen pouring her second cup of morning coffee when she heard Walter coming down the hallway. She greeted him with a hug. Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?

"Actually, I was quite restless last night. After you fell asleep, I got up and read for several hours. That’s why I’m so late getting up. The police were next door until after eleven thirty! I kept worrying about how Connie or Lloyd, whoever was still alive, was able to handle the interrogation for all those hours after losing their life’s partner so abruptly. Have you looked at West Hawaii Today? Was there anything in the newspaper about what happened?"

I haven’t yet retrieved the paper. Why don’t you collect it while I make us some breakfast? Bacon and eggs okay?

That’s fine. Thanks.

Walter returned from the front door with the newspaper and flipped through it. Nothing in here that I can find. Do you think I should go next door and knock after we finish breakfast?

If you think it isn’t too early. They might still be sleeping after the late night. You could telephone. That might be better. Do they have children here on the island? Anyone who might be able to help?

They have two children, a daughter in Oregon, and a son in Denver. Connie and Lloyd never talk much about their children. I get the feeling they aren’t close. Lack of geographical proximity and the huge time difference between here and the mainland can contribute to that, as you know. It’s one of the downsides to living in Hawaii. Their son was visiting recently. I remember seeing him briefly after Christmas, sometime before our gang arrived. I’m not sure whether, or when he left.

Why might the police suspect foul play in the death?

If Lloyd died, they might have detected bruises on his body. He has a pacemaker and takes Coumadin. As a result, he bruises easily. Any bump causes a black and blue mark. If he fell against something and cut himself, he could bleed a lot. I know that Connie worried about him falling. But he was always careful to use a cane when he felt unsteady. As for Connie, I just don’t know.

You don’t suppose anyone could have come in from outside do you? A robbery attempt?

That’s pretty unlikely. As you know, people entering the resort must check in with the guard in the gatehouse. That usually keeps out those who don’t belong.

I hope we can find out what happened. All those police were very unsettling. Then, we must find out how we can assist your neighbor. When can you contact your police buddy? Or maybe I could call Sergeant Hanaka. He might be willing to talk with me.

I bet he’d be surprised to hear from you. When he said good-by to us at the hospital the day after you were shot in the cave at Kiholo Bay last year, I think he didn’t expect to see you again.

I’m sure that’s true. But, I bet he’d be willing to tell me anything that isn’t confidential. He knows me well enough to realize I wouldn’t ask out of idle curiosity. Perhaps it’s late enough that you could call the house. If you reach Lloyd or Connie, you could invite them to breakfast. They might welcome someone to talk to.

That’s a good idea, Susan. I’ll go make the call.

Walter returned. I reached Connie. She’s most distraught. It was Lloyd who died last night. Apparently, he went to the bedroom to get a sweater and then fell when he was returning through the living room. He hit his head on the recliner and couldn’t get up. Connie couldn’t lift him. She said his head was bleeding badly, so she called for an ambulance. He died shortly after they arrived. I asked her to join us for breakfast, but she said she couldn’t eat anything. I asked if she would like to come over to have some company. She said it would be better if we came to her after we finish our breakfast. She’s feeling overwhelmed and could use some help thinking through what she needs to attend to.

That poor woman! I’ll take her a plate of fruit, cheese, and fresh bread that she can eat later. We can help her generate a list of tasks, and later assist by making phone calls or running errands for her.

49555.png

Walter knocked on the door. A moment later, it was opened by Connie Perkins, a short, slender woman with a cloud of white hair. She was wearing a blue floral-print housedress and blue mules. Dark circles under her eyes suggested that she hadn’t slept for more than a few hours. She looked up at Walter with tears in her eyes.

Walter reached for her and enveloped her in a hug, waiting patiently as she sobbed in his arms. When she finally drew back, she exclaimed, I’m acting like a big baby! Thanks for coming over, Walter.

Connie, I’m so sorry about Lloyd. You must feel like your life has come to an end.

That’s exactly how I feel. Of course you understand. You lost Marge.

I’ll never forget that day, Connie. But life does go on. I’d like you to meet my new wife, Susan. We met during last January’s golf tournament and were married in September. Susan, this is Connie Perkins.

Hello, Connie. Walter told me about your husband dying last night. I am so sorry we meet under these circumstances. If there’s anything we can do to help you, please ask. For now, we brought you something to nibble on when you feel hungry. Susan handed Connie the plate she had brought.

Thank you, Susan. I’m glad Walter has someone with whom to share the rest of his life. Please come in.

Connie excused herself to put the food in the refrigerator. When she returned, Walter said, Connie, we were concerned about you. I gather that the police were here until nearly midnight. That must have been quite an ordeal for you.

It was sheer hell, Walter! They seemed to think that I killed Lloyd. They questioned me about our relationship, his illnesses, his medications, whether I had given him anything that evening. They wanted to know how much care he needed and exactly what I did for him. It just went on and on. I’m not sure they believed anything I told them. They said there will be an autopsy and they took all Lloyd’s bottles of pills with them. I don’t know what to think.

I’m sure that was very hard for you, especially after just losing your beloved husband. The police must ask those questions after a sudden death, but there are ways to do it without being so heavy-handed. I’m sorry they put you through that. Could you describe for me exactly what happened last night? Start with when you and Lloyd finished dinner and describe sequentially exactly what happened, if you’re up to it. Once I have that information, my experience as a policeman should let me know better how to help you.

I’ll try, Walter. I’m still so upset. I hope I can tell you without breaking into tears again.

Tears are not only to be expected, but can be cathartic. Susan and I have both lost spouses, so have some understanding of what you’re experiencing.

Connie turned to Susan. So you were also widowed?

Yes, my husband of thirty years died suddenly of a heart attack. I felt that life was over for me. I had no desire to go on without Scott. Learning to adjust to life alone is one of the hardest things one must face after a spouse dies. I’m still amazed that six years later, here I am, married to this handsome neighbor of yours. I feel like my life has begun all over again. But, those initial years after Scott’s death were tough. I’ll never forget what that felt like. Walter and I will help you in whatever way we can.

"I’m glad I will have the two of you to talk with. That will make me feel less alone. My children live so far away. Our son, Roger, visited recently but returned home several weeks ago. I have one sister still alive. She’s in a nursing home in Pennsylvania, so we don’t talk often because of the time difference.

"Anyway, let me try to tell you about last night. Lloyd and I enjoyed a nice dinner. I made grilled ahi tuna, one of his favorites, with mashed potatoes and a small salad. We listened to classical music while we ate. After doing the dishes, we moved to the lanai to watch the sunset and enjoy the ocean breeze. Lloyd felt chilly and went to the bedroom for a sweater. You know how he often felt cold, Walter.

"He also said he was going to take an Omeprazole; his stomach had been bothering him. Anyway, he was crossing the living room when he fell. I’m not sure what happened. I was still on the lanai. I heard him cry out and found him lying on the floor bleeding from a cut on his head. He told me he caught his foot on the edge of the recliner and then fell. I tried to help him up, but since I couldn’t manage, I put a pillow under his head to make him more comfortable. After I called 911, I held a compress to his head to slow the bleeding.

"The firemen arrived first, followed almost immediately by the ambulance. The firemen lifted Lloyd and laid him on the sofa. The cut was still bleeding. They applied a pressure bandage and were able to slow the bleeding to a trickle. The firemen talked to Lloyd, but his response was just a mumble, nothing intelligible. When the ambulance arrived, the EMTs came in, assessed the situation, and then went and got the gurney. They had just placed Lloyd on the gurney when he had a seizure. After the seizure, he stopped breathing. They were unable to resuscitate him. That’s about when the police arrived. The EMT’s told them that Lloyd had a seizure, then died. They took the gurney out to the ambulance and returned to answer questions from the two policemen.

"The police began to question me about what had happened. I told them what I just told you. Then they asked for the name of his doctor and what medications he was taking. They asked me to describe the state of his health. I told them his medical diagnoses and what he took for each condition. I explained that his medicines seemed effective and allowed him to live an active life, playing golf, going out to dinner and the theater, and so on. They asked to see the bottles, so I brought them out. They said they had to take them for examination! Next they asked me a lot of questions about the quality of our relationship and whether Lloyd took his medicines himself or whether I gave them to him.

"One policemen went outside and had a conversation with the EMTs. When he returned, he asked the same questions all over again, and then asked about our children, friends, and other relatives; he also wanted contact information for them. I began to feel like he didn’t believe me.

"Next, I believe, the CSI officers arrived. They asked me a lot of the same questions as the previous officers. They took pictures of the room and asked if they could search the house. I asked what they were looking for, but they refused to tell me. They searched everywhere, including under the kitchen sink and in the garage!

"I overheard one policeman telling another that the EMT reported that he found multiple bruises on Lloyd’s body. You know how easily he bruised since he’s been on Coumadin. They wouldn’t even let me leave the room to go to the bathroom without a female officer to escort me. It felt like they suspected me of killing Lloyd!

I asked when they would release Lloyd’s body, so I can plan the funeral. They said not until they talked with his doctor, did an autopsy, and examined his medicines. They would be in touch. I wanted to scream at them, to convince them that all of this made no sense. But, I managed to calm myself and remain polite. They finally left around eleven-thirty. I was a wreck. How could they possibly think I would murder Lloyd? I took a sleeping pill and went to bed but never really slept.

"Connie, they really put you through the wringer. I’m so sorry. That was unnecessary, unfair, and unfeeling. They could have explained to you their procedures and why they had to ask those questions and search the house. Knowing what was going on would have made it much easier on you.

Susan and I will use our contacts and see what we can find out from the police. For now, let’s work on making a list of what you’ll need to take care of during the next several weeks. We’ll be happy to do some of the tasks for you. Unfortunately, you will be required to do many of them in person.

Connie handed Susan a notepad and pen. "Would you take notes and make a list for me as we identify