Kathleen Ernst - The Heirloom Murders

The Heirloom Murders: A Chloe Ellefson Mystery 2011 by Kathleen Ernst.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

First e-book edition 2011

E-book ISBN: 9780738731421

Book design and format by Donna Burch

Cover design by Kevin R. Brown

Cover Scythe illustration Charlie Griak

Editing by Connie Hill

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Acknowledgments

A note about sap sago: I first became aware of this specialty cheese in historical accounts. However, there are those who still enjoy grating the hard cheese over buttered pasta or salads. Im not aware of any American producers, but Schabzieger (spelling varies) can be obtained through some Swiss import shops. Its been made in Glarus since 1463, and is considered the oldest branded product in Switzerland. The distinctive color and aroma originated from the vegetation in Glarner alpine pasturesespecially blue fenugreek, which helps control gastrointestinal problems.

The basic facts relating to the Eagle Diamond are correct as presented. Clarissa and Charles Wood(s) were real people, although I fictionalized their relationship. Some accounts mention a hired hand, but he is not named.

You can find photos, a tour guide, and maps of relevant places on my website: http://kathleenernst.com

Any errors in this book are, of course, my own. That said, I owe enormous thanks to:

My interpreter and curator friends, and everyone at Old World Wisconsin, for keeping me connected. Special thanks to the garden staff and volunteers, past and present. The Eagle Police Department, especially Chief Russ Ehlers and Officer Gwen Bruckner, for sharing their time and knowledge; and Lee Lofland and the instructors at the Writers Police Academyditto.

My agent, Andrea Cascardi, and the entire Midnight Ink team, for making it happen.

Curator Elaine Ledrowski, and all the Eagle Historical Society volunteers, for gathering so many resources about local historyespecially the Eagle Diamond. The guides at the Swiss Historical Village, and everyone at the New Glarus Historical Society, for preserving and sharing community history. Director Mary Ann Hanna, staff, and volunteers at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center, for their help and expertise.

Nancy Kopp, Rudy Kopp, and Hedy Wuethrich, for help with sap sago and pear bread. My treasured circle of writer pals, for their friendship and support; Katie Mead and Robert Alexander, for providing a retreat; and my friends at the Prairie Caf, for a quiet corner and all the mochas.

Scott, my partner in crime; and my family.

And finally, to the readers who asked, What happens next?

Dedication

For all those who quietly labor

to collect, preserve, protect, and interpret

heirlooms of all kinds.

Authors Note

Old World Wisconsin is a real place. I had the pleasure and privilege of working there for twelve years, starting in 1982. However, this book is a work of fiction. All characters, including Chloe Ellefson, were born in my imagination. I freely fabricated events to serve the story.

The Eagle Historical Society does exist (and today operates a museum). The Swiss Historical Village Museum in New Glarus is also a real place, and includes a small cheese factory. (The Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory, restored at The National Historic Cheesemaking Center in Monroe, Wisconsin, also provided inspi ration.) Seed Savers Exchange, which was founded in 1975, is located near Decorah, Iowa. My characters interactions with these sites and organizations are completely fictional.

To learn more about these fascinating places, and to plan your own tours, visit their websites:

http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/

http://eaglehistoricalsociety.org/

http://www.swisshistoricalvillage.org/index.html

http://www.nationalhistoriccheesemakingcenter.org/

http://www.seedsavers.org/

The guy tried using a pistol? Roelke McKenna asked, as he opened his locker door. It was almost eight in the morning. He was coming on-shift; Skeet Deardorff was going off. Roelke always arrived at the Eagle police station early enough to catch up on news.

Yeah. Oh, man. Skeet was laughing so hard he could hardly speak. The phone rang, and he waited until Marie answered it before gasping in a lower voice, He couldnt loosen the lug nut with a wrench, so he figured a shot or two would

Maries hand sliced the air so fiercely that Skeet stopped talking. She swiveled her chair to face the officers. Roelkes nerves snapped to full alert.

In the sudden silence she said, Maam, Im sorry, Ive got some static on the line. Can you repeat what you just said? Then she pressed the speaker-phone button.

A womans voice: said, Im about to kill myself.

Jesus . Roelke snatched a daily report form and pen from a nearby desk and scrawled, WHERE? Before he could even thrust it at Marie she was asking, Where are you, maam?

Ill tell you in a moment, the caller said.

Skeet fumbled for his duty belt. Roelke grabbed a radio.

Please, maam, lets talk about this, Marie said. I might be able to help. Can you tell me your name?

My name is Bonnie. But

Im Marie. Can you tell me a little about whatever is bothering you?

I appreciate what youre trying to do, Bonnie said. Really. But theres nothing to discuss.

Roelke reached for the car keys. The hook was empty. Where were the damn keys?

Im only calling because I want the police to get here first. Bonnie sounded young-ish. Twenty-five, maybe? Thirty? Im in a public place. I dont want kids to find me.

Roelke rifled the counter below the key hook. Papers sank to the floor with a languid rocking motion. Skeet snapped his fingers, then held up the keys. Roelke snatched them.