Part 1 (1/2)
Hideaway Hospital Murders.
Robert Burton Robinson.
Synopsis.
The small East Texas town of Coreyville is shaken by brutal murders and kidnappings, striking too close to home for Greg Tenorly. And the only witness is a mentally ill neighbor whose remarks are rejected by the police as gibberish. But Greg listens carefully to the man's seemingly incoherent statements, and later realizes that they just might contain enough clues to point him in the direction of the killer.
But his investigation leads him into a hornet's nest of dark secrets, old grudges, jealousy, and greed. Now, caught in the crossfire between two families, Greg's life is in serious jeopardy.
By morning, more bodies will be headed for the morgue. The only question is whether Greg Tenorly will be among them.
Chapter_1.
”It's about to come on. Hurry.”
”I'm coming.”
Nurse Judy delivered Martha's tray just in time. It was a frozen dinner, but Judy always transferred it to a fancy plate and prepared a small salad and a bowl of applesauce to go alongside it.
”Looks great, Judy. Now sit down and let's eat.”
Nurse Judy sat down in the recliner next to Martha's bed. The meal she made for herself was similar to Martha's. ”Didn't we just see this one a few days ago?”
”I don't remember. But you know it doesn't matter. I love Jessica Fletcher.”
It was the only good thing about her failing memory. She could watch reruns of Murder She Wrote over and over again. They were all new to her.
The doorbell rang.
”Whoever it is, just get rid of them. It couldn't be friends or family. They know better than to interrupt my show.”
Nurse Judy walked down the hallway to the front door. It was a nurse.
”May I help you?”
”The agency sent me.”
”No, there must be some mistake. I've been caring for Mrs. Mason for a couple of months now.”
”Oh, great. Why do they keep doing this to me? Mind if I come in and use the phone?”
”Don't you have a cell phone?”
”Yeah, but it's dead. I forgot to charge it last night.”
”I hate when I do that. Sure, come on in. What's your name?”
”Carnie.”
”Good to meet you, Carnie. I'm Judy. You can use the house phone.”
Judy led her to the phone. Carnie picked up the receiver and began to dial. But as Judy turned to walk away, Carnie slammed the phone across the back of her head.
Nurse Judy collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
Martha's blaring TV masked the noise.
Carnie scoured the living room, kitchen, and other rooms for valuables, but found none. Finally, she entered Martha's bedroom. Martha was so engrossed in her show that she didn't even look at the nurse when she came in.
”Who was that at the door?”
”It was me.”
”What?” Martha looked away from the TV. ”Who are you?”
”I'm the person who's not going to hurt you as long as you cooperate.”
Martha picked up the remote and muted the TV.
”What do you want?”
”Jewels, valuables-that kind of stuff.”
”I don't have anything but costume jewelry.”
”Where's your safe?”
”I don't have a safe.”
Carnie walked out of the room.
Good, thought Martha. The young criminal would soon exit the back door.
But then she heard her rummaging around in the kitchen. Then silence. Carnie came back carrying a large butcher knife.
”Where's the safe, Old Lady?”
”I told you I don't have a safe. You're just wasting your time here. I don't have anything valuable. I'm poor. Can't you see that?”
Carnie grabbed Martha's right hand and flipped her arm over. Then she held the sharp blade against Martha's wrist.
”Tell me, you old hag.”