by Jackie Weger
Last year, the Pride processed twenty thousand birds a day and had two hundred and sixty employees. Matt told me that they had made a thirty-thousand-dollar profit. He expected it to almost double this year.
I was happy to see Dickie had an interest in the business. I was certain Matt would encourage him.
Dickie opened the back door of the car before I pulled to a complete stop. He ran up to Matt who was walking up from the hatchling barn toward his office. I watched Dickie nod no less than fifteen times and stood obediently while Matt walked over to us. His limp was barely noticeable today.
Matt leaned down to the open window. “Reckon I’ve got a shadow for the day.”
“You don’t mind, I hope. Dickie said…”
“Not at all.” He smiled. “A promise is a promise.”
Behind Matt, I noticed Dave come out of the office. I recognized him readily enough through Otis working at the Pride. He was a short man. Every time I had seen him, he always wore the same thing, white shirt, brown work pants, and his brown worn hat. Same today.
“Matt, got a minute? Just got notice,” Dave called out. “You were right. Something was up with the POWs.” He stopped and waved at me. “How do ya do, Cady…Mrs. Pritchard? Both Mrs. Pritchards.”
“Just fine, Dave,” I replied, admitting it felt right good to be acknowledged as Matt’s wife. I recognized, though, he was reluctant to talk in front of us women.
Matt gestured for me to wait and walked over to Dave. I couldn’t make out what was said, but Matt frowned. He wasn’t happy.
“We will have to figure it out,” Matt said as he made his way back to the car, scratching his head. “Sorry, darling, we are going to be shorthanded today. One of the POWs escaped. I knew something must have been up when they didn’t show up this morning.”
“Is there anything we can do to help?”
“No,” he said firmly. “Absolutely not. Hopefully, the guy will be caught soon enough. No matter, I’ll call over and see what’s going on. I’ll handle it. Go enjoy your lunch.”
I left with one last glance in the rearview mirror. I smiled to myself when Matt walked off with his hand on Dickie’s shoulder. He was right. There was always going to be issues to deal with when running a business. I was confident in his abilities to manage any situation.
Today, my job was to show my face around town. Smile. Never let anyone see behind the mask. For me, that was a mighty task, but one I would attempt for Matt.
Nate’s Restaurant sat on the corner of Main and White Oak by Joe’s Barbershop. Like most of the shops on both sides of the street, it had an awning above the painted glass with Nate’s Restaurant painted on it and Coca-Cola signs. I had passed it many times in the past, but rarely had enjoyed a meal, only twice with Ginny Rose.
I allowed Mrs. Pritchard to go inside first. I followed. Coming in from the sun, it took a moment for my eyes to adjust. To my surprise, I saw Ginny Rose sitting at a large table by Claire and Dodie. There were two empty seats.
Rising, Ginny Rose greeted Mrs. Pritchard with a polite hug. There wasn’t another choice. I had to do the same.
“We ordered iced tea for you,” Claire said in the sweetest voice. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all,” Mrs. Pritchard said. “So sorry we are running a little late.”
Dodie patted the seat beside her. “I saved this one for you.”
I swallowed my shock. Dodie had said the words like we were the best of friends and loud enough for all ears to hear. I eased into the seat with the greatest reluctance.
Dodie laughed. She seemed to be in a great mood, which made me more suspicious.
She looked the best I had seen her since before Moria’s death. She had gotten a shorter haircut that flattered her; her dress looked like the latest fashion. Once more, I felt that I fell short in comparison.
Although, if the truth be known, I had taken care with my appearance today. I wore the navy outfit that Matt bought me on our honeymoon. It was his favorite.
Dodie leaned over. “Laugh like I told you a joke. It will do well for everyone to see you have nothing to hide.”
I drew in a deep breath. Dodie knew why we were here. I managed only a smile.
“I swear I’m going to melt in this heat,” Dodie said to Mrs. Pritchard. “It seems to get worse every year.”
Thankfully, the conversation turned away from me. No one expected me to say much. Just nod and smile. I barely tasted the minute steak and salad I ordered.
Dodie looked over her shoulder, then back at us. Like she was sharing a secret, she raised her open hand to her mouth like we were the only ones to hear her, whereas I expected the entire restaurant could hear her every word. “I suppose you all heard about that dreadful German soldier that escaped.”
“We only just,” Mrs. Pritchard admitted. “Dreadful shame. No one will get a good night’s sleep until he’s caught.”
“You don’t know all of it, I imagine,” Dodie’s voice rose louder. “Why…Sheriff Brawner said that he believes that the devil had something to do with that boy’s disappearance last summer. I’m telling you it’s not safe with that POW camp that close.”
Old Miss Markle sat at the next table over. She turned around. “You don’t say.”
I had no doubt that it would be all over town before we even got back to the house. Old Miss Markle was the biggest gossip in Oak Flatt.
Mrs. Pritchard looked quite pleased. This little venture of ours had been quite fruitful. Everyone would be talking about the Nazis and not us.
My thoughts returned to Alfie. I doubted that the escapee had anything to do with Alfie vanishing. I remembered that night quite well. The truck with all the POWs left well before Alfie went missing. I saw Alfie after it had departed.
I sat in silence, not daring to contradict Dodie. She must have sensed my hesitation. She said simply, “Family stands with family.”
On the way home, I didn’t mention my reservations to Mrs. Pritchard. She was quite happy with the day’s events. It would do no good to tell her that the man couldn’t have possibly taken Alfie.
The truth didn’t matter. I was coming to realize that it was a game that Dodie played very well—deflection.
Over dinner, Matt shook off the theory as quickly as I had when he heard his mother’s description of our lunch. He shrugged off the implications readily enough. People around here would shoot first and ask questions later.
“The guy’s name is Hans Tilles,” Matt said. “The prisoners are treated well. He had no reason to run, but in the same breath, he also knew the consequences if he did run. He did it to himself.”
Matt had no sympathy for whatever happened to him, which I understood. But something bothered me. Dodie had orchestrated the whole spectacular at Nate’s. I wondered at what cost.
If I knew anything at all, I knew Dodie did nothing out of the goodness of her heart. She wanted something.
Chapter 18
“Sins of the flesh condemn you to an eternity of hellfire!” Frazier proclaimed from the pulpit on a hot Sunday morning. “Repent! Repent!”
Dutifully, I sat beside Matt with my eyes lowered. I couldn’t bring myself to look directly at Brother Frazier Clayton.
The time had come to live with a semblance of normalcy. The town expected to see the Pritchards sitting in one of the front pews. No matter that less than a year ago, I sat across the aisle as Frazier’s friend.
So much had changed. No one sat in that spot now. He stood alone, having been scorned by a woman—me. At least, I was certain, that was how most saw me which made this morning so uncomfortable.
I assumed they considered me as they did my momma, a gold digger. There again, I wondered what they thought of Matt, which concerned me more.
My beliefs had been challenged. Yet, I couldn’t deny a need to come to church. My soul yearned for it.
Fear seemed to dictate the sermon. Though it was love and solace I sought. I found it hard to accept that a God that proclaim
ed love and turning the other cheek would rule with the threat of fire and brimstone.
I pictured Jesus sacrificing himself on the cross. He spoke no words of hatred or condemnation, only of love and forgiveness while he was dying. I wanted His salvation, but the pit in my stomach feared I fell short as I listened to strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
My soul wasn’t the only one I feared for. I feared for all I loved.
Behind us sat the Reeves, including Dodie. Over the last couple of weeks, she had seemingly become my best friend. I couldn’t do anything without her over my shoulder. Matt urged patience.
I understood his stance. Things had quietened down. There was no need to stir up a hornet’s nest.
Today, there was a church picnic. My escape lay with sitting with Goldie. I was also certain that Dodie would keep away from Dickie as well. Otis had not attended. I found his absence disappointed me. I hadn’t talked to him since the incident.
Otis had been the only father I had ever known. He had protected me even when I didn’t realize he had. I wanted it to go back the way it used to be and that I had never seen Otis with Frazier.
After the service, I sat under the shade tree and watched Dickie play with his friends. Today, his smile lit my heart. It was good to see him happy.
He had begun to work at the Pride. He helped feed the chickens. Matt said he was a hard worker. I think it did Dickie good to have some responsibilities.
“Too hot for a picnic,” Goldie grumbled.
I looked over at her and smiled. Her gray hair was pulled back in a tight bun. She had even worn a new dress she had made from the purple and white polka dotted material spotted with small flowers I had bought her in town. Though she refused new shoes. She had worn her black boots.
Goldie deserved credit for her efforts. She, too, sensed the tension against me.
“Ain’t gonna make my feet suffer by pushing them into no heel,” she had said.
The people were quick to lay blame with me. The temptress, I supposed. They needed to blame someone for all that had happened over the year. I was the easiest target.
“Can you get me some more tea, sweetie?” Goldie asked as she swatted back the flies around the potato salad on her plate. “And while you’re up, might as well get me some of Ida Jean’s blackberry cobbler.”
When I got back, Ginny Rose had taken my seat. I gave Goldie a bowl of the dessert and her tea, pulling up another chair.
Ginny Rose went on, telling Goldie about me as a baby, Dodie, and Lauren, Claire and my father, Holden. She looked over at me, very bright, very cheerful. “How are you today? Do I know you? You look familiar.”
“Yes, we have met.” I hesitated. Ginny Rose had had spells before where she became confused, but never like this. “A lovely service today.”
“I have rarely heard a sermon as powerful as Brother Floyd’s from the pulpit. Mr. Reeves says we are fortunate to have someone so fluent.”
“Ginny Rose, Brother Floyd died over fifteen years ago,” Goldie said bluntly, having little sympathy for Ginny Rose’s confusion. “That’s Cady Blue in front of you. A married lady now, not some crying infant. Get hold of yourself.”
Ginny Rose glanced over at Goldie with her hand over her mouth. “Poor Goldie. Got your hands full with that one over there.” She pointed over toward Dickie, but I knew she thought he was Otis.
“Lord almighty,” Goldie uttered under her breath.
I swallowed, thankful that I saw Claire walking toward us. Ginny Rose sat back. I was surprised she seemed quite smug with her banter with Goldie.
With a soft, impatient voice, Claire said, “Can’t turn my back on you for a minute, Mother. Come on now. Let’s go home.”
Claire leaned down and grabbed Ginny Rose’s elbow. I helped on the other side. The poor woman had a distant and far-away look in her eyes. She made no protest.
“I’m so sorry. Mother is getting worse every day.” Claire sighed. “Yesterday, she wanted me to go over to Cousin Susy’s. She wanted to ask for her shoes back that Cousin Susy borrowed forty years ago.”
I thought perhaps of saying that Ginny Rose needed to go see a doctor. One look at Claire and I refrained. The woman appeared quite out of sorts. I wondered why. My first thought was this façade of being close family was wearing on her nerves. I knew it was mine.
Claire gave us a small smile and retreated with her mother. I watched her walk over with Ginny Rose on her arm to her husband. Behind him, I noticed Matt talking with Dodie.
Dodie laughed at something Matt said, and then ran her finger up his arm. I contained a gasp.
I watched Matt catch her hand and push it back. She tilted her head to the side and gave him a sly look and laughed again. I saw his solemn expression and frown. It wasn’t him that bothered me. It was Dodie.
Turning my attention back to Goldie, I found her shaking her head at me. “Something stinks around here.” She took the last bite of her cobbler. “I’m ready to go.”
Goldie was done. When Goldie was done, she was done. I nodded.
Otis had dropped her off this morning on the condition that I bring her home. He had work to do on the farm.
Matt said he would look after Dickie. The POW still hadn’t been found, and my brother wasn’t ready to leave yet.
In the car, Goldie talked to me when we turned up the road. “Ginny Rose is acting,” she began. “Guilt eating at her. Can’t tell me no different.”
“I shouldn’t have told you that I talked with her,” I said. “She’s been having these spells for a time now.”
“Don’t waste your sympathy,” Goldie spouted off. “Them Reeves are there beside you for a reason that ain’t got nothin’ to do with trying to quiet the rumors about your husband.”
“You don’t know that.” I brushed it off.
“Yeah, I do, child,” she said. “Heard it last night. Phil Wentworth been embezzling from the bank.”
“That can’t be.”
She licked her teeth with her tongue and sucked in air. “Got my ways. It’s true. Old Man Reeves spent a fortune to replace it and tried to keep him from going to jail. He don’t work there anymore, does he?”
“Dodie said it was his health,” I said without thinking. My mind was going back to the conversation. It had been odd that the doctor would recommend retiring. As far as I knew, the man had never been ill. I said finally, “If he stole money, he would have to go to jail.”
“It’s always been my experience that the truth is written by those in power. Them that are rich enough to assert their view of the events that unfold,” she said firmly. “He won’t see the inside of a jail cell.”
We drove in silence. It was a relief to be with Goldie. I was finding it harder to know who to trust. I had been a fool to believe the Reeves were standing by us during this hard time. But I knew that Goldie would always be there for me.
I pulled into the driveway and parked beside Otis’s truck. Goldie opened her door. Before she exited, she turned to me. “Don’t lose yourself, Cady Blue.”
My first intent had been to drop Goldie off and return to the picnic. Instead, I turned the ignition off and followed Goldie inside.
Goldie made no remark. I expected she figured I would stay for a bit.
Out of habit, I began picking up in the living room. Dust was everywhere. Rain had been scarce this summer.
Goldie went into the kitchen. She came back into the room with a glass of iced tea for me. “Why don’t you stay awhile? We can sit on the porch.”
I made no protest. With a distinct realization that perhaps I needed an escape from prying eyes. Tension at home was high despite there had been no more incidents with law enforcement.
Mrs. Pritchard jumped at every vehicle that drove up the driveway. Moreover, Matt had this overbearing need to protect me against the suspicion that shadowed him. I felt I couldn’t breathe without him clarifying that I was fine.
The bells
began to ring, faintly though they may have been. They wouldn’t stop. I clutched to my dignity with both fists, as if it were a jar about to spill its contents and be lost forever.
The sun was snaking over a cloudless sky when I sat down in the rocking chair. I watched Goldie drink down her glass, suspecting there was more in her tea than sugar.
“Don’t look at me that way,” she groused, reading my mind. “My rheumatism is acting up fierce. No mind that them German prisoners are going to kill us in our sleep.”
“Nobody’s going to be killing anyone in their sleep.”
“Them German devils,” Goldie muttered with all the hatred the world war had created. “Knew nothing good would come from having a POW camp here in the mountains. They treat it more like some sort of holiday. Then one of ’em ups and kills poor Alfie.”
“I doubt that, Goldie,” I countered. “I saw them all leave that night before Alfie disappeared.”
Her left eyebrow rose questionably. “The word is that the German was the one that grabbed Alfie.”
The war had people around here on edge believing that those faraway foreigners lived in darkness. The picture of those who moved only in the shadows lest their evil be exposed had been imprinted in our minds. Yet I knew that these Germans had nothing to do with Alfie’s disappearance which meant that evil lived amongst us as well.
“Couldn’t have. Alfie was with the kids, throwing wads of dirt at them while the POWs were leaving,” I stated. “I believe that people simply overheard Dodie while we were having lunch the day the German escaped. She offhandedly said she wouldn’t be surprised if the POW was responsible for Alfie. Rumors took off, I expect.”
“Someone should tell Walker.” Goldie held up her empty glass and frowned. “He and his kin have been searching for the fellow.”
“People should use the sense God gave them.”
She stared at me with that look of hers. “Then you need to use yours. That woman is after your man.”