Hey, Christmas murder fans, this is Katie A Cardo. Listen in while
I tell you the story of the Evergreen Murders. A McKenzie Monroe Christmas Mystery,
Part five, more sleuthing. After the sheriff was called and the crime
scene was photographed and Nick and McKenzie were interviewed, they sat in next car
and tried to wind down. McKenzie was shaking, and she wasn't sure if
it was from the cold or because she had seen her second dead body of
the day. Nick broke the silence after a minute. Well, I guess
we can rule out Denver's ex wife as a suspect. McKenzie sighed and wrung
her hand nervously. This is not really the time for jokes, Nick,
It wasn't a joke, Nick stated, it was just a fact. Poor
Wanda, What in the hell is going on in this town, mackenzie wondered
aloud. I came here for a movie shoot, and now there's no movie
and the mayor and his ex wife are dead. There's clearly a psychopath running
around in this stupid little town. Nick thought a moment, you know what,
we need food and a drink, or maybe six drinks. How about
that rain check now. I can't even think about eating at a time like
this, Mackenzie answered, but I will take a drink. Nick pulled out
of the drive and pointed the truck in the direction of the Reindeer Pub.
The place was in full swing because of it being so close to Christmas.
A few townspeople were packed in a small bar area, and the restaurant portion
consisted of only three cracked vinyl booths. The bar was badly in need of
repair. Bar stools were broken, there were acts in the ceiling, and
there was a musty odor about it. The pub was decorated much like the
diner, except more toned down. Strands of lights were draped haphazardly from the
ceiling, and mechanical snowman twirled lazily in circles from the bar's tinny speakers blasted
a warbled version of I Saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus. Nick led them to
the back of the bar, near the rear exit door, where the only
two empty bar stools remained. A chill was coming in through the window above
the door, and Mackenzie pulled her sweater tighter around her as she surveyed her
surroundings. After a few minutes, the bartender came around to serve them.
Nick introduced him to McKenzie as Bub. Bub was an enormous man with balding
dark hair and a missing tooth on the top row of his mouth. Despite
the freezing cold weather outside, he was wearing jeans and a wife beater.
He was chewing on a toothpick, and, after shaking Nick's hand, gave
McKenzie an expectant look regarding her drink order. I'll take a whiskey neat,
she said, eyeing Bub warily. After the day she had had, she
wasn't in the mood to trust or be nice to anyone. I'll take the
same thing, Nick said. He turned to McKenzie. Are you sure you
don't want something to eat? He asked, sweeping his arm around the bar.
I know it doesn't look like much, but they actually do a decent
burger here. The cook Jimmy, he's been around forever, used to work
at the diner with my mom. I'm not hungry, mackenzie snapped, as
Bub came back with their drinks. All right, Nick said, obviously hurt.
I'm sorry. I'm just still really shaken up over these murders, McKenzie
explained, knocking back her drink and signal ling to Bub for another one.
Understandable, Nick said, finishing his drink as well, Look, I'm sorry
if I got you mixed up in Well, you know, whatever this is,
there are much better things a beautiful talent agents such as yourself should be
doing this time of year. You think I'm beautiful, Mackenzie asked, taking
a sip of her next whiskey. Nick's face reddened. Well, yes,
I mean, come on, you know you are. You're a very La.
What's that supposed to mean, Mackenzie asked, offended. I mean,
well, you know, the blonde hair, the great body, it's just
very La. You're obviously very suited to it. Well, thanks, I
think it was supposed to be a compliment. Nick finished his second drink and
signaled bub for two more. Mackenzie swallowed and became lost in thought. I
just want to get the filming started again so I can get back to La
and get on with my life. I wasn't even supposed to come to the
shitty town in the first place. Mackenzie could feel the warmth of drunkenness beginning.
She usually drank wine, not liquor, and never this quickly, but
at least it was beginning to help her forget about the horrible scene she had
just witnessed hours before. Nick bowed his head before speaking up. I know
you think we're all backwoods hicks here and we're just country bumpkins. But I
for one loved growing up here. Just a simple way of life and the
nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Yeah, except the psychopath murdering
ones that all seemed to congregate here, Mackenzie argued, draining her glass.
I guess that part doesn't exactly put Evergreen in the best light. Nick agreed.
Did you know that I went to law school in LA Mackenzie snorted as
bub placed two more glasses in front of them. She was already drunk.
She may as well keep going. No way, you went to law school
in Los Angeles? I did, Yes, I went to Pepperdine. I
don't believe it, Mackenzie laughed, throwing her hands up in the air.
Why, Nick asked, You don't think I'm smart enough. No, it's
not that, Mackenzie exclaimed, You just don't seem like the LA type.
Nick asked, Well, that's because I'm not you left La to come back
to Podunk Evergreen to practice law here. Who would do that? You know,
not everyone loves La, Nick said, I, for one hated it.
He sipped slowly from his glass. Also, my dad had just died,
so I came back here to help out my mom. The timing just
worked out. I'm sorry about your dad, Mackenzie sniffed. I didn't realize.
How did he die heart attack? Nick explained he was a great guy,
but didn't have the healthiest lifestyle, meeting potatoes type of man. But
he and my mom were married for twenty five years. He died the day
before Christmas Eve. My mom used to be in charge of the Christmas Eve
ball that we have out here in the forest. It was her favorite night
of the year, but ever since my dad died, she can't bring herself
to go too sad. I guess that's terrible, Mackenzie said. Nick's face
was starting to sway in front of her. I was wondering. Nick started
looking at Mackenzie out of the corner of his eye. If you would maybe
like to go with me to the ball on Christmas Eve as a friend or
Mackenzie's body felt heavy As she sipped from her drink, Nick's words swam in
her ear, and she slurred her response. I can't. Cameron and I
are leaving Christmas Eve Day to go back to La Thank God. Okay,
well, no problem, I just thought i'd ask. I was thinking tomorrow
I should go have a little chat with Tom DeWitt before my meeting with Miranda
Sebastian to go over the will. Would you like to come along? Sure
if it gets us any closer to solving this thing and getting me back to
La. I'm in. Mackenzie finished her drink and tried to stand, but
almost fell off the stool. I think I need to go back to the
hotel now, she told Nick. Yeah, let's get you back. Nick
agreed, don't want you puking all over the bar, although you wouldn't be
the first one to do it, lovely, Mackenzie deadpan, sliding off the
stool and falling into Nick. Nick put his arm around her and escorted her
out of the bar and into his truck, where Mackenzie promptly fell asleep.
The next morning, McKenzie awoke with a start around nine. She couldn't remember
the last time she had slept in so late. Usually she was up before
the sun at five am. As she looked around her room, the first
thing she noticed was the insistent pounding in her head. She glanced down and
realized she was wearing simple panties and a lacy camussel. Mackenzie tried to remember
the night before. She recalled drinking a lot at the Reindeer Pub. Nick
sang something about a Christmas eve ball and some bartender named Bob or was it
Bow? Besides that, she was having trouble bringing up many specifics. She
reached for her cell phone and was surprised to find that it was neatly plugged
in. On the bedside table. Next to it was a glass of water
and two pain pills with a note from Nick. It read good morning,
thought you might need these. I will swing by to pick you up around
noon. Next to the writing was a smiley face. Mackenzie groaned, crumpled
the note into her fist, and threw it across the room. Why was
Nick so nice and thoughtful? Mackenzie figured that he must have dressed her in
what she was currently wearing, and felt a blush creep onto her cheeks,
shaking her head to wipe away the memories or lack thereof, swung her legs
over the bed and feebly stood up. She dashed off a quick text to
Cameron as she turned on the shower. Cameron rode back, asking her if
she had had a good time on her date last night, and filling her
in that he planned to run lines with the rest of the cast that day.
Mackenzie replied saying that last night affairs were not dates, and Cameron's response
was an eggplant and peach emoji. Mackenzie decided to ignore the last text.
By noon, McKenzie was showered, dressed, and waiting outside the inn.
She had donned a simple pull over sweater, plaid skirt, and tights and
felt warm, cozy, and comfortable. A light snow was falling, covering
the ground in a dusting. As soon as she saw Nick's truck pull up,
she smiled. She realized she was actually looking forward to seeing him this
time. She took a running leap and managed to hoist herself up into the
passenger seat all by herself. Nick glanced over at her and smiled, Well,
who's all perky this morning? He exclaimed, I must admit that after
last night, I wasn't sure you'd make it. Was I that bad?
Mackenzie asked, embarrassed, And did you put me into my pajamas? If
you call those pajamas? Nick answered, winking at her, not really.
You just kind of took off some of your clothes and then fell into bed.
And what you were wearing. I figured you were okay when you started
to snore. I was thinking about staying to make sure you were all right,
but then thought you might be creeped out by some guy just standing there
staring down at you. Well, thanks, Mackenzie said, and thank you
for the water and the Thailand all. I'm feeling much better now, So
what's the game plan for today? Nick tossed her a sandwich wrapped in plastic
roast beef on rye with cheddar cheese and mustard. As Mackenzie bit into it,
she realized she was starving, probably because of the fact that she had
barely eaten anything yesterday. Nick took a bite out of his own tuna fish
sandwich. That's the beauty of having your mom work in a diner. She
still packs a pretty kick ass lunch. Today, I thought we'd go over
and have a little talk with Tom DeWitt. The accountant who threatened Denver at
the Christmas party. I told him I want to pick his brain about tax
season, but obviously that's not true. Then I can take you back to
the inn while I talk boring lawyers speak with Miranda. Sounds good to me,
Mackenzie stated, finishing the last bite of her sandwich. Nick pulled the
truck up to the end of Main Street, where Tom's office was located.
On the second story of a white brick building. A small sign declared Tom
DeWitt and Associates Tax Accountants. Don't let the and Associates part fool you,
Nick said, as they started up the steps to the second floor. It's
just Tom, who works by himself with his secretary. He just tacked on
the and so socie. It's part to sound more professional. Sounds like this
guy is something to prove, Mackenzie noted. Stepping into the office, the
outer office was tiny, and as soon as they stepped over the threshold,
they were greeted by a bored looking man in his early twenties who was playing
on his phone. Can I help you? Asked the man without looking up.
When he finally did and noticed Nick, he relaxed, Oh hey,
mister Tennenbaum. He greeted him. Hey, Steve, what's going on man?
Nick shook his hand and it's Nick. I don't see my dad standing
here to you. Steve snorted and looked over at McKenzie. He took her
in and checked her out as his eyes traveled slowly downward. Who's this,
Steve asked, This is my friend. McKenzie actually wanted to have her talk
to Tom about some tax stuff. Yeah, yeah, no problem, Steve
stated. He waved Nick toward the door that led to Tom's office and gave
him a thumbs up, and he thought mackenzie's back was turned. Mackenzie followed
Nick into Tom's office. The office was only slightly bigger than the entry way
one. Unlike Rick Matheson's, Tom's office was understated and only consisted of a
desk, a computer, and a single wingback chair next to a small bookshelf.
In the corner. To the left of the bookshelf in the wall was
a tiny coat closet. Tom sat behind his desk and glanced up as Nick
and mackenzie walked into the room. Tom was dressed in a gray pinstriped suit
and shot his cuffs as they entered Nick, to what do I owe this
pleasure? Tom asked, rising slightly out of his chair to briskly shake his
hand and Miss Monroe, he greeted her without a handshake or a curt nod.
I'm sorry, I don't have much time for chitchat today. I have
a very busy schedule, as you can imagine. I have been working on
Denver's financials day and night. But while you're here, how can I help
you both? Nick began, as he sat in one of the chairs before
Tom's desk. We he started, as he waved his hand back and forth
between himself and mackenzie. We're actually wondering about those financials. Who benefits fiscally
from Denver's murder. Tom chuckled as he leaned back in his office chair.
Mister Tannenbaum, you realize I cannot disclose that sort of information. That is
part of my fiduciary duty and that I take very seriously. I understand,
Nick began scratching his chin. But something just doesn't add up here. There's
been a murder and the perpetrator is still out there. It is quite unfortunate
what happened to mister Sebastian I agree, Tom said, but I had nothing
to do with it, and I certainly had no motive for the murder.
I'm merely mister Sebastian's accountant. I will only get paid a nominal amount by
the trust for his continuing financial matters. Those funds are hardly anything worth killing
over. Mackenzie spoke up. Then, are you aware, mister DeWitt,
that Denver's ex wife has also been murdered. Tom's demeanor registered surprise, and
then he quickly switched back to his poker face. No, I was not
aware of that. How did she die? She was strangled? Most unfortunate,
isn't it. Tom scratched his chin. Well, you know, her
apartment buildings were not in the safest place of town. I'm not surprised something
happened to her there. Poor woman, she was a saint having to put
up with Denver for so many years. I suppose now her financials will also
need to be sorted. It's just strange. Nick mused that you threatened Denver
merely one evening before he was murdered. Don't you think that's an odd coincidence?
Tom laughed again. Mister Tenant Baum, I appreciate your concern and your
sleuthing techniques. But no, I do not think it is strange Denver was
getting a lot of blowback from the community. I was simply trying to speak
for everyone who has been, let's say, frustrated with his choices and his
leadership skills. Tom abruptly stood up then and held his hand out toward the
door. Now, if you will excuse me, Like I said, I
have quite a bit of work to attend to. Nick began to protest,
but decided against it. He stood up, shook Tom's hand, and followed
Mackenzie to the door. Thank you, Tom, he said, We'll be
speaking soon. Can I expect to see you at the Christmas Eve ball.
I'll be there, Tom said decidedly. After flashing a smile. He added,
wouldn't miss it, and then close the door in their faces. Mackenzie
and Nick exited through the entryway door, saying goodbye to Steve as they left.
Well, that was enlightening, Nick deadpanned. As they walked through the
snow on the sidewalk, Mackenzie noticed that the little Christmas trees that line the
town square were lit up with sparkling lights, giving the city a warm,
cozy feeling. Yeah, I know. I just something isn't sitting right with
me, but I can't figure out what it is, Mackenzie stated, I
hear you. Nick agreed, something does seem off. But listen, I
have to get to Miranda's to go over the will with her. I would
invite you, but there is such a thing as attorney client privilege. Can
I give you a ride back to the hotel? Nick looked at her expectantly,
No, but thank you. I think I'll walk. Maybe clearing my
head will help me figure out what's been bothering me about the case. All
right, mac Nick said her a small pat on the shoulder. What do
you think about dinner later? I could cook and you and Cameron could come
over. Yeah? Maybe, thanks, Mackenzie replied, lost in thought,
with a little wave. Nick left to get into his car, and Mackenzie
started walking slowly down the main drag. What was it that was irking her?
Was it something that Rick Matheson had said, or Tom DeWitt, or
was it just the fact that she had seen two dead bodies within the span
of forty eight hours. She let her mind travel back to seeing Wanda sprawled
on the carpet, her hands desperately digging into her neck. She shuddered at
the thought. She saw the wine bottle, felt the creepiness of the apartment
and the grounds and wait a minute, she thought that was it. The
apartment Wanda's apartment. Tom DeWitt had asked how Wanda had died, but he
had also mentioned at her apartment was in a creepy location. But how had
he known that that was where she had died. There had been no press
releases, and the sheriff had told mackenzie and Nick that he was going to
keep the news quiet for now. So how could Tom have known that Wanda
was found in her apartment dead unless he had had something to do with it.
As the realization hit her, Mackenzie stopped in her tracks. She dashed
off a quick text to Nick explaining her thought process, but knew that he
was busy with Miranda. She wouldn't expect to get a response from him for
at least a couple of hours. McKenzie was now feeling restless because of her
new found theory. She had to do something. She had to check out
Tom some more and get into his files in his office. But how could
she do that? She wandered back down the sidewalk until she was a block
away from his building. As luck would have it, in a few minutes,
she saw Tom exit the shrugging on a jacket and talking animatedly into his
cell phone. Now was her only chance. She sprinted toward the building and
once again climbed the stairs to the small entryway. She was going to have
to make up a story, and she was going to have to make it
good. She tucked her cell phone, which only had two percent battery left,
into her purse and pulled her sweater down to reveal a good amount of
cleavage. Next, she sauntered into the front office. Steve was just as
they had left him, on his phone, with his long legs propped up
on the desk. He registered a look of pleasure as Mackenzie strolled in and
hurriedly put his phone away. You're back, Steve said, his face lighting
up and his eyes drawing down toward the top of her sweater. Yes,
I am, Mackenzie giggled. You know what, I am so dumb,
she exclaimed in her best valley girl voice. I took up my cell phone
to do some math on the calculator when I was in there, and you
know what, I completely forgot it inside mister DeWitt's office. I have been
wandering around without my phone for the last few hours. Who does that?
Would you be so kind as to let me in to retrieve it? It
won't take me long. Steve looked at her with googly eyes and nervously swept
his hand towards Tom's office. Go right in, it's open. Take all
the time you need. Aren't you just the best? Mackenzie asked rhetorically as
she bounded toward the office. And cute too, she added, as she
looked back over her shoulder to catch Steve's eyes glued to her ass. He
blushed at the statement. McKenzie swept into the office and slowly pushed the door
closed almost all the way behind her. She heard the phone ring in the
front office and Steve answer Good. At least she would have a little bit
of time to do some digging. She swung her purse down to the floor
and PLoP down in Tom's desk chair. She swirled her finger over the laptop's
mousepad, bringing it to life as the screen illuminated. She had waited too
long, though the homepage had already gone to sleep, and she found herself
staring at a username and password login screen. Damn it, she mumbled under
her breath. There was no way she was going to be able to guess
his password. In a few minutes. She could hear Steve still on the
phone if she hurriedly looked around the office. Catching her eye was a locked
file drawer at the bottom of the desk. She tapped her fingers against the
desk, thinking of how she could pick the lock. Suddenly, she remembered
she always carried a nail file with her if she could jimmy the lock just
so, she reached into her bag and pulled out the travel sized file.
She jammed it into the lock in the drawer and wiggled it around until she
could hear the lock click and give with a gasp of its excitement. Mackenzie
pulled the file drawer open and rifled through the Manilo files. Near the back,
she found a thin file labeled simply Evergreen. Yanking it out of the
drawer, she quickly paged through it. What she saw baffled her. In
front of her were three pages of financials detailing an apartment complex an outdoor mall
called the Evergreen Bows just Ad Denver had talked about at the dinner party.
Those three pages consisted of spreadsheets, detailed drawings, contracts, and budget accounts
for vendors, construction firms, and various other employees. Why in the world
would Tom have drawn up these contracts and account statements if the Evergreen Vows was
not going to be built, unless Tom had found a way to ensure that
it would be built. As Mackenzie hurriedly took pictures of the statements with her
phone, she heard Steve begin to wrap up his conversation. Mackenzie was about
to put the file back in the drawer get the hell out of there,
when something fell out onto the floor from the back of the file. Leaning
down to pick it up, she realized it was a polaroid picture, much
like the ones that had seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. On
the back was written can't wait to see you tonight, love me and neat
cursive script. Mackenzie flipped the picture over to the other side and let out
an audible gasp. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. The picture was
of a middle aged woman, attractive wearing a very expensive looking lacy red teddy
and a garter belt. She was on her hands and knees on a bed
with her head turned back over her shoulder toward the camera. Mackenzie recognized the
sultry woman right away. It was Miranda Sebastian. The Evergreen Murders is written,
produced, and performed by me Katie Cardo. Sound mixing provided by Jack
Hire. Music provided by Jack Hire, Jim van Rie, Steve Bain and
The Angel Choir. Tune in next Tuesday for Part six. See you then,