Sinner or Saint Read online

  Marlee’s jaw dropped as more puzzle pieces shifted into place. “So, he had Ian O’Sullivan get the Raffertys to let Kelsey live and work there, pretending to be their daughter.”

  “Even more than that. Conrad created ads targeted just to you to make sure you selected the Rafferty B&B because of the rates much lower than the others in the area.”

  “And I fell right into his trap,” Marlee said, feeling like a fool. “And this was all to test his stupid Mystery Box game?”

  “And to stick it to you. I think that was a big motivation. I’m guessing Conrad would’ve targeted you for some scheme in India, but he didn’t have any connections there like he did in Ireland. Ian worked for Conrad, and he brought the Raffertys on board because they really were in debt to him,” Hector said. “If you’d stayed in India longer, he would’ve sought out someone to do his dirty work in Delhi.”

  “I was only there a few weeks before everything blew up,” Marlee said remembering her dismissal from Delhi University before she even began her assigned teaching duties.

  “You still haven’t told me the whole story about your multiple marriage proposals while in India,” Hector said.

  “I already told you. One was a scam to get to the United States. The other was genuine, but I wasn’t in love with him and had no intention of moving to India. That’s it. End of story,” Marlee replied.

  “What about us? Do you think there’s more to our story?” Hector asked.

  Marlee didn’t answer right away. The conflicting thoughts raced through her head, replaying Hector’s fling, her own inability to commit to a relationship, and the subsequent drama. At first, she was only able to see Hector’s failings; his one-night stand with an attractive deputy sheriff at the jail and their subsequent love child. Later, Marlee could recognize her own downfalls; namely, stringing Hector along while deciding whether she wanted to date him or return to her previous boyfriend, Vince Chipperton. Marlee and Hector had both screwed up, and she could see that now. Time and distance provided the clarity she needed on their past relationship.

  “I don’t know, Hector. I guess I’m not ready to close the book on us yet,” Marlee said with a smile and a twinkle in her eye.

  Afterword

  In a sweetheart plea deal, Ian O’Sullivan pleaded guilty to Compounding a Felony in exchange for his testimony against Conrad Thayer. He was sentenced to two years in prison, and upon his release, will be deported to Ireland where he faces a multitude of charges. Patrick Rafferty wasn’t charged for any crimes since he acted as a cooperating witness, providing information and testifying against Ian and Conrad Thayer. Patrick returned to Ireland immediately following the verdict in Thayer’s trial. Matt Lemming, Jr. is still under federal investigation with new charges piling up by the day. Lemming Jewelry closed its doors the day after Conrad Thayer’s arrest.

  Kelsey Sheehan was cremated in Elmwood, South Dakota, and her ashes were shipped to her half-brother in Dublin. He was unaware she had been out of the country, and, even though they were not close, he was deeply troubled to hear of her death. He confirmed that she worked part-time as an actress and had since leaving their last foster home nine years ago. Of note, Kelsey was not nineteen years old, but twenty-seven.

  Conrad Thayer denied all charges, claiming he was too incapacitated from alcohol to have forced Kelsey Sheehan off the road. He offered no explanation as to why the damage to his Cadillac was consistent with the damage done to the SUV Kelsey was driving. Nor did he explain how the illegal fentanyl ended up in his car. Thayer went to trial in state court, where he was promptly convicted of First-Degree Murder for the premeditated death of Kelsey Sheehan, Possession of Fentanyl, and Tampering with a Witness. During the trial, the details of his Mystery Box game were revealed, leaving the jury stunned that a young girl died because of an interactive game. The judge was likewise repulsed and imposed a life sentence without the possibility of parole. He received a hefty fine and was ordered to pay restitution to Kelsey Sheehan’s family for funeral expenses. Conrad appealed his conviction and expects it to be overturned.

  Thayer is also under investigation by the federal authorities for Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, all stemming from his Mystery Box game. His precious collectibles were deemed part of his criminal conspiracy and most were seized by the Federal Government. The cost of Conrad’s defense as well as the enormous fine and restitution in state court forced the eccentric collector to sell his home and the few remaining antiques not taken by the authorities. The majority of the antiques, books, and collectibles appraised by Matt Lemming were imitations and deemed worthless.

  Della Halter came out of the ordeal unscathed. Just before Thayer’s trial, she agreed to testify against Conrad in exchange for all charges against her being dropped. Since she wasn’t charged with any criminal offenses, Midwestern State University opted not to censure her. Fearing publicity and a scandal, university officials decided to wait her out, knowing she was eligible to retire within the next few years. In an unexpected move, Della resigned from MSU and never even made arrangements to receive her retirement pension. For tax purposes, Conrad had listed her as the sole owner of the Mystery Box game. He knew she was inept at technology and loved him so much that she would never try to deceive him. Della went on to develop Mystery Box into a multi-million-dollar business which she runs from the Maldives, an island country that does not extradite suspected criminals to the United States. She had a lot of faults, that was for sure, but Della knew how to play the long game.

  When Marlee said she’d give Hector another chance, he assumed they would pick up where they left off. He was mentally preparing himself to move from his apartment to Marlee’s house, and when he mentioned it, she set him straight. They remain in their respective residences and are dating. The rest of their story remains to be seen, but he’s already getting on her nerves.

  Not everything I told Marlee was a lie. I really did want to move to the United States and start a life. My dream was to become a film star, and the acting job Mr. Thayer proposed put me one step closer to reaching my goals. Mr. Thayer found my photo on a website for actors who were looking for work. He said I looked a lot like someone he knew and hired me for this gig. I already knew Ian from a foster home we were in together, and he knew the Raffertys would play along if the price was right.

  There never were any emeralds. I never even brought the pipe to Elmwood. Once I arrived in town, I was picked up by Mr. Thayer’s bodyguard and taken to his home. There, I was briefed on the plan to deceive Marlee McCabe and provided with a pipe. Mr. Thayer gave me the backstory to use: I was bringing a collectible pipe from Dublin to Elmwood to settle a debt my parents owned a loan shark.

  I wanted to show Mr. Thayer the level of my acting skills, so he would introduce me to people in Hollywood that he knew. So, I threw in the ideas of seeking asylum in the United States, the emeralds being contained inside the bowl of the pipe, my addiction to Oxy, and Della needing money from the sale of the emeralds to pay for a lawyer. None of it was true. Mr. Thayer later obtained four imitation emeralds and gave them to me in case I needed to show them to Marlee and her detective boyfriend.

  At first, Mr. Thayer and Della thought my improvisations were great and encouraged me to roll with it. But then I got to know Marlee and realized she really was a decent person, not the conniving, dishonest bitch Mr. Thayer and Della made her out to be. I didn’t know why they were going to such extremes to meddle in her life. While I was at Mr. Thayer’s house, I did some snooping and found out all about the Mystery Box game he was developing. When I threatened to tell Marlee and Hector, Mr. Thayer had Ian and Patrick come to take me back to Dublin.

  After Ian knocked Marlee unconscious and left her and Della, they kidnapped me and were going to make me fly back to Ireland with them. I made up an excuse to go back to Marlee’s house. Ian and Patrick drove me there, and I took the so-called emeralds Ian pretended to find at Della’s and left them in my suitcase along with my real passp
ort, knowing sooner or later, Marlee would find them, and the whole dirty story would be revealed.

  When we were discovered at Mr. Thayer’s cabin, I had no choice but to sneak out and steal Marlee’s vehicle. The police would take me to jail, or Ian would take me back to Dublin, and I couldn’t let either happen. I parked in an abandoned barn until I could figure out what to do. While I was thinking, Marlee’s cell phone rang. I’d taken it and my own cell that morning when Ian wasn’t looking. I looked and saw it was Della calling, so I answered it. At first, I couldn’t figure out if she was completely in on the whole charade or if she was being used by Mr. Thayer. It was past midnight, and she suggested I come over to her house. She assured me no one would be out looking for me that time of night, and I didn’t have any better ideas, so I drove over and parked on a side street where the streetlight had burned out. Mr. Thayer’s old, white Cadillac was parked in her driveway.

  Mr. Thayer was passed out on the couch when I arrived. Della got me good and drunk, and I suspect she put something in my drink besides alcohol, because I was very woozy when I left. At that point, I’d decided to go to Marlee and beg her forgiveness and see if she could help me. I was going to tell Marlee everything; how Mr. Thayer had hired me, the Mystery Box game, everything. When I told Della my plan, she suggested I drive along the outskirts of town, along Eagle Creek, because it was less likely to be patrolled by the police at that time of night.

  I knew I was too intoxicated to drive, and my eyesight was getting very blurry, but I was out of options. I took the route around the edge of town that Della suggested when I noticed a vehicle zooming up behind me. My eyes wouldn’t stay focused on the road, and the light in my mirrors was blinding. Before I knew it, the car pulled along-side and sideswiped me. The SUV fishtailed in the fresh snow, but I was able to stay on the street. Just before the car hit me again, I looked over and saw Della driving Mr. Thayer’s white Cadillac. Then everything went black.

  I wish I’d stayed in Dublin.

  Acknowledgements

  Sinner or Saint took longer than usual to write. I think it’s because I kept changing the ending. And the middle. When I started the book, I had the basic premise but let the story come together in its own way. This meant a fair amount of backtracking and mind changing until I was satisfied with the final manuscript. Honestly, if my mom wasn’t pressuring me to get this book out, I’d probably change the identity of the killer again. And again. You get the picture.

  Most of the first draft of Sinner or Saint was written in November during National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo). This program encourages new and experienced writers to write 50,000 words during the month of November. If not for this program, I’m not sure I would’ve ever finished my first book back in 2014, let alone be publishing the seventh book in the University Mystery Series.

  A big round of applause goes out to my beta readers: Jill Kruger and Dayle Tibbs Angyal. They provided me with feedback on my dialogue, suggestions on the storyline, and found a couple plot holes which had made it past me. Thank you so much for your diligence.

  Samantha Lund Hillmer, a long-time friend and former college roommate at South Dakota State University, designed another eye-catching book cover for this book. She’s designed all my book covers, set up and maintains my website, created my business cards and bookmarks, made my display sign, and put together the design for my promotional merchandise. Basically, I couldn’t get my book out to the public without her dedication and eye for style. Thank you, Sam! I’d also like to acknowledge no_limit_pictures for the cover photography, courtesy of iStock. In addition, I want to credit Michelle Maupin Barrett Photography with the author photo. I absolutely hate having my picture taken, but Michelle makes it pain-free and even fun.

  Many thanks to my editor, Brian Schell for his careful reading of my work and skillful editing. This is the fourth book he’s edited for me, and I’m proud to have him as part of my team. I also want to thank my proofreader, Cécile Reynolds, for catching inconsistencies and errors.

  The biggest shout out goes to my readers. Whether this is the first of my books you’ve read or if you’ve been with me throughout the series, THANK YOU! I’m starting a new series, but I won’t forget about Marlee McCabe and the other characters in the University Mystery Series. We’ll check back in with them from time to time just to make sure Marlee and her supper club friends are staying out of trouble.

  Did You Enjoy This Book?

  Reviews are the most important way to get my books noticed by other mystery lovers. If you’ve enjoyed this book, I would love for you to leave a review on the book’s Amazon page. The review can be as brief or as detailed as you like.

  Without reviews from readers like you, my books will be less visible on Amazon. Honest reviews of my books help bring them to the attention of other mystery lovers around the world.

  Thank you so much!

  About the Author

  Brenda Donelan is a life-long resident of South Dakota. She grew up on a cattle ranch in Stanley County, attended college in Brookings, and worked in Aberdeen as a probation officer and later as a college professor. Currently, she resides in Pierre with her two Himalayan cats, Yeti and Wolfie. She loves reading, playing with her cats, and traveling.

  Sinner or Saint is the seventh book in the University Mystery Series. Brenda is currently working on her next book in a new series and is always looking for new ideas.

  The author can be reached by email at [email protected]. For more information on Brenda Donelan, books in the University Mystery Series, and tour dates, check out her website at brendadonelan.com or find her on Facebook at Brenda Donelan – Author.

  Also by Brenda Donelan

  Day of the Dead

  When a college professor is found dead on campus, rumors and innuendo begin to swirl at Midwestern State University. The police department and the university are mysteriously secretive about the professor’s background and the ongoing investigation. Marlee McCabe, a professor of Criminology, is unwittingly pulled into the investigation leading her to question the integrity of the police department and her university. Despite warnings, Marlee uncovers information on the professor’s death, making her the next target of someone who has nothing left to lose.

  Holiday Homicide

  Criminology professor Marlee McCabe is thrust into a criminal investigation when a janitor is murdered at Midwestern State University. Marlee's sleuthing leads her to the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation and into the dangerous underworld of trafficking Native American artifacts and sacred cultural items. Those involved are not afraid to use threats, violence, and even murder to keep their secrets buried. What will they do to keep Marlee from exposing the truth?

  Murder to Go

  On the second day of a week-long class trip, a body is discovered in a motel room. Criminology Professor Marlee McCabe struggles to continue the tour of prisons and juvenile correctional facilities while uncovering the truth behind the life and death of the victim. As she protects her students from harm, Marlee begins to suspect the killer has ties to her university. What steps will the murderer take to hide the truth and prevent Marlee from revealing it?

  Art of Deception

  A million-dollar antique is stolen from an art show in Elmwood and Professor Marlee McCabe jumps into the investigation when her cousin, Bridget, is arrested and thrown in jail. Marlee steadfastly defends her cousin until secret details of Bridget's life call that loyalty into question. As Marlee struggles between dedication to family and the pursuit of justice, she is forced to make decisions which may destroy the rest of her life.

  Fatal Footsteps

  Get ready for a wild ride as Criminology Professor Marlee McCabe looks back to her earliest adventure as an amateur detective. It’s 1987, the time of acid wash jeans and big, permed hair. When a college dorm mate is found dead in the snow outside a party house, Marlee puts her newly-learned Criminology knowledge to use as she strives to find out who killed the co-ed and why. The more in
volved Marlee and her roommate become in the investigation, the more deadly it becomes for them and their friends. As the body count rises, Marlee fears she’s next on the killer’s hit list.

  Blood Feud

  When an unexpected teaching assignment whisks Marlee McCabe off to New Delhi, India, she lands right in the middle of an ongoing family dispute and an academic firestorm. Before long, Marlee is faced with the most difficult decisions of her life, causing her to choose between her life back home and a new life in India. Without the familiarity of the Midwest, she’s dependent upon the good graces of strangers. But are these new acquaintances really who they pretend to be? Sacrificing her career and her own safety, Marlee struggles to unravel the mystery of who murdered her only friend in India. Can she unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim?