The next morning, I asked Cheryl to track down Paula Sanders. She was motivated by the challenge, and by ten o’clock I had Paula’s phone number in hand. I punched in her number. “Paula Sanders.”
“Hi, Paula. You don’t know me, but my name is Merry March. I live in Hopeful.”
“Yes?” she said in a cautious tone. “Why does that town’s name sound familiar?”
“Your ex-husband lives here.”
“That bastard! I wish I never met him!”
“A friend of mine and I were wondering if you had a few minutes to talk with us about him.”
“Why? What’s he done now?”
“We’re not sure he’s done anything. We’d just like to ask you a few questions.”
“I’m off work on Wednesday at five. I guess I could meet you for a drink, if you buy.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Good. Money’s a little tight right now.”
“No problem. Where should we meet you?”
“There’s a place called the Town Tavern on Main Street in Chesterville.”
“I’m sure we’ll be able to find it. We’ll meet you there at five fifteen. My friend Rob is about six feet tall, and I’m short and have reddish-brown hair.”
“I’m tall with blond hair.”
“See you then.” I hung up and texted Rob with the particulars.
Getting back to work, I was distracted. Paula certainly sounded bitter. And if what I heard was true, she had good reason.
The next afternoon, Rob picked me up right on time. “How do you want to handle this?”
“I think the important thing is to get her talking about John. Do you think we should tell her what happened to Ben and that John may have been blackmailed?”
“Let’s play it by ear.”
The bar looked like a typical dive: dark paneling, pool tables in the back, and well-used linoleum-covered card tables. It wasn’t that crowded, and I spotted a pretty blond woman sitting alone. She waved hesitantly. Rob and I made our way over to her.
“Merry?”
I nodded. “And this is Rob Jenson.”
He shook her hand.
She smiled. “They don’t have table service here, so you’ll need to get the drinks at the bar. I’ll have a Bud Light in the bottle, no glass. Another tip—I wouldn’t order wine here.”
“Good to know.” I sat across from her. I looked up at Rob. “The same for me.”
“That makes three. I’ll be right back.”
Paula searched me with her eyes. “What’s this all about?”
“We heard some things, and we were wondering if they were true.”
“Like what?”
I hesitated for a moment. “My understanding is your marriage did not end well.”
Paula twirled her hair with her finger. “That’s the understatement of the year. Let me tell you about that jerk.”
Rob rejoined us carrying two of the beers and then returned with his. “I ordered some nachos for us to share.”
Paula nodded. “Good choice. Now, where was I?”
I prompted, “You were going to tell us about the end of your marriage.”
She tipped the bottle up and gulped some beer. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “That creep. I’m glad he’s out of my life, and I pity the next sucker he’s going to take for a ride.”
Rob gave me a look, and I elbowed him in the ribs, hard.
“It seemed like such a fairy tale in the beginning,” Paula said. “He’s good looking. I’m good looking. I figured our kids would be spectacular. It’s about two years in, and he tells me he never wants kids because his childhood was so bad. Boo-hoo. He had a secret vasectomy before the wedding to make sure we wouldn’t have them.” Taking another guzzle, she put the bottle back down. “Wouldn’t you think that’s something you’d tell your fiancée before you got married? He knew I wanted kids.”
Rob and I nodded sympathetically.
“Then he badgered my dad to get him to pay for his master’s degree. And he made me move into Dad’s house so we could save on rent. My dad was terrific about it all. He set up a special program at work so John could get his advanced education funded and paid for all of our expenses while we lived with him. It was embarrassing. Here we were—adults, married, and living off my dad. Dad knew how uncomfortable I was, so eventually he gave John money for a down payment without telling me. I was so happy we were able to move out. It was a nice Dutch Colonial: two stories with plenty of character. I spent a lot of time remodeling and decorating.” She shook her head sadly. “What a waste of my time and Dad’s money. My dad ran a mine, and as soon as it closed and times got tough, that was it. John was history.”
I frowned. “What happened to the house?”
“John and I owned it. It had to be sold so he could get his half of our combined assets. What a joke! John took our savings and moved it to his own separate account. I didn’t miss it, since I thought the money had been used for the down payment. He also reaped the benefits of the improvements I made when we got a better price for the house at sale.
“When the mine shut down, my dad moved in with us. Selling the house meant Dad and I no longer had a place to live. John’s betrayal was too much for him. He had a massive heart attack and died. I will never forgive John. Never.”
Rob and I shifted uncomfortably in our seats, unsure what to say about the raw display of emotion. I finally spoke, staring deeply into her eyes. “Betrayal is awful, but your father’s death is so much worse.”
She responded almost under her breath. “I will get my revenge. It’s all I dream about at night.” Snapping out of it, she smiled. “Anyone want to get me another beer?”
I jumped up. “My turn.”
When I returned to the table, the nachos had arrived and Rob was talking about his career as a journalist. I asked Paula, “So what are you doing now?”
“I was able to get a job as a teller at the local bank. Plus, I bartend on weekends. I’m still paying off my father’s bills.”
“That must be tough.”
“It keeps me busy.”
I stood, and Rob joined me. “Paula, it was good to meet you. Thank you for being so open with us.”
“I’m sorry if I was too emotional. As you can tell, it’s a really sore subject for me. You said you were both from Hopeful?”
“Yes,” I said.
“Didn’t I hear about a murder there recently? I think it was the postman?”
“You did. It was horrible and surprising that it happened in our small town.”
“Lots of horrible things happen in small towns.” She smiled grimly as she rose from the table. “Thanks for the drinks.” She left without waiting for a reply.
“Wow,” I said.
“Wow is right.”
The ride home was silent as we processed what we had heard. As we got closer to my house, Rob said, “John is a piece of work.”
“That’s if we take Paula at her word.”
“Are you defending him?”
“No. There’s enough smoke to make me believe he’s a slimeball. It’s just a question of how big a slimeball.”
Rob smiled. “Good. Then we’re on the same page. You won’t see him again.”
“I didn’t say that.”
His neck flushed. “You have to admit, slimeball kind of implies it.”
“True, but I may need to continue to see him to see if I can get more information.”
“No. Just no. It’s not safe.”
“Here’s a promise I’ll make: I will only see him in a public place and only after telling you about it first.”
“I’m still uncomfortable, but I guess I can live with that.”
“You’ll have to.” I hopped out of the car. Moving to the driver’s side, I leaned in for a quick kiss. “I’ll see you soon.”
The next morning, I rose with the birds and decided to go to the early Mass. Waking Jenny, I told her that her smoothie was in a to-go cup on the counte
r. I dashed out the door and waved to Nancy on her porch.
She called out, “Stop by tonight if you have a chance. I have something interesting to tell you!”
“Will do!”
The rhythm and tradition of the Mass, along with the well wishes of people attending, cleansed me of the negativity from the night before. Afterward, I caught up with Father Tom and accompanied him to the rectory. “Father, I’ve been thinking more about the possibility of an annulment. Perhaps we could discuss it?”
“I’d be happy to talk more about it with you, Merry. I do have another appointment now. Ask Belinda to set up some time; she should be in the kitchen.”
I smiled, pleased to have a priest-approved excuse to talk to her. “I’ll do just that.”
Belinda was sitting at the table drinking tea. She started to rise, and I said, “No, don’t get up. I’ll join you.”
“Would you like some tea?”
“No. I had coffee at the house, and I don’t want to have too much caffeine.”
“I know what you mean. I try to limit myself, but sometimes I just need another cup. What can I help you with?”
“Father Tom told me to speak with you about setting up an appointment.”
She started to stand again. “I’ll get the book.”
I waved her back down and sat at the table. “No hurry. Enjoy your tea.” I settled back in the chair. “We’ve never really had a chance to chat. How have you been enjoying your time here in Hopeful?”
“It’s a great town. The people are nice, and it’s such a vibrant parish.”
“Weren’t you in a parish in White Horse before you came here?”
She looked pained. “Where did you hear that?”
“Father Tom told me he stole you from the priest there.”
She smiled. “I don’t know that he stole me, but it was time for a change. I have family closer to here.”
“Really? Where?”
She looked cornered. “Well, closer to here than there. Anyway, as I mentioned, it was time for a change.”
I raised my eyebrows. “I can understand wanting to be near family. It will be tough when Jenny leaves for school year after next. I’m kind of hoping she picks a school that’s not too far away.”
“Family ties tug at you no matter where you live or how old you are,” she murmured with a faraway look. Shaking her head as if to clear it, she stood. “Well, Father Tom isn’t paying me to sit here and drink tea. Let’s set up your appointment.”
Appointment time in hand, I texted Rob, “Have time for coffee?”
“Ten fifteen; Morning Pastry.”
Rob was examining the pastry case when I joined him. Ordering my latte, I considered a scone but remained virtuous. I sat outside and closed my eyes to savor that first sip. Rob joined me, holding a coffee and a pumpkin scone. I must have looked pitiful because he broke a corner off the scone and handed it to me without saying a word.
“Thanks.” I scarfed it down.
He broke off another piece. “Lovely as this is, I have a busy day. Why did you want to have coffee?”
I gave him my best sad eyes. “Because I missed you.” He looked ashamed, so I decided to let him off the hook. I grinned. “I have something to tell you and wanted to ask you to dig up some information.”
His eyes narrowed. “What have you been doing?”
“Nothing bad. I went to morning Mass and ran into Father Tom. I wanted to talk with him, so he asked me to make an appointment with Belinda.”
“And?”
“Belinda and I ended up chatting.” I rolled and unrolled the paper ring that had been affixed to Rob’s napkin, and he stilled my hand. I looked into his eyes. “It was a weird conversation.”
“How so?”
“I asked her specifically where her family lived, and she didn’t answer. She avoided the question. And I got the distinct impression there’s something not quite right with her family dynamic. She spoke of them tugging on her no matter where she lived.”
“That is odd. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything there.”
“We need more information. Can’t you do some type of search on her relatives?”
He sat back and sighed. “Yes, I can, and I have a feeling I’d better or you won’t give this up.”
“You’re right about that.” I smiled. “Now, wasn’t this a nice coffee break?”
“You didn’t get a task; you delegated.”
I smiled again. “Sign of a good manager. Well, I better get back.” I gave him a quick kiss. After a beat, I turned back. “Dinner at my place tonight? Sixish?”
“I feel far less used now that I know you are going to feed me. You’re on. Need to leave to cover the basketball team by seven thirty, though.”
“Maybe I’ll go with you.”
“I’d like that.”
I went home at lunch, threw a few things into the slow cooker, and set the table. I texted Jenny, “FYI, Rob coming for dinner tonight.”
She texted a two-faces-kissing emoji.
I need to talk to that girl. I am her mother. After work, I put some rolls in the oven. Right at six, Rob rang the doorbell.
I answered it. “Want some wine?”
He grimaced. “I do, but no, not with the game tonight.”
“Okay, I’ll be good too then. Iced tea?”
“Yes.”
Giving him a glass, I ran upstairs and knocked on Jenny’s door. “Dinner in five.”
Hearing a mumbled reply that sounded like a yes, I returned to the kitchen. “Did you find anything out?”
“Belinda’s parents are deceased, but she has a brother who was released from prison a few months ago. He spent time in the penitentiary for armed robbery. Prior to that, he did time for assault and battery. He also had some juvenile charges, but they were blocked from view. In general, I’d say he’s a pretty unsavory character.”
I shuddered. “I wouldn’t want him for a relation or to run into him in a dark alley.”
“Me neither.”
Jenny bounded down the stairs and swung into the kitchen. She plopped down next to Rob. “How’s the reporting business?”
“Fine. How are your Roughriders going to do tonight?”
“They’ll win, as usual.”
Pulling the rolls out of the oven, I ladled the stew into bowls. We all tucked in and made appropriate enjoyment noises.
Rob said, “Wow, this is good. How did you have time to do this and work today?”
“I’m Wonder Woman! Not. The secret is a slow cooker and frozen vegetables. I ran home for lunch this afternoon and just threw them in and let the cooker do its magic.”
“You can do magic like this for me anytime.”
Jenny nodded. “Me too, Mom. It’s really good.”
After dinner, Cindy picked Jenny up for the game, and as the last dish went into the dishwasher, Rob and I left. It seemed like most of the town was there, and the game did not disappoint. It was a nail-biter, with the Roughriders winning by six. Rob dropped Jenny and me off afterward, settling for a quick kiss on the cheek. Setting the alarm, I checked the locks and went to bed. I was so tired, sleep quickly found me.
When I got up the next morning, it occurred to me that I hadn’t seen Nancy the night before. Feeling uneasy, I frowned as I put the coffee on. While waiting for it, I counted on one hand the number of times she hadn’t been on her porch in recent memory. And that included bad weather. It had been perfect out last night.
Opening the door, I peered at her house. Her porch was vacant, so I scurried over and knocked. After a moment, I tried the door. It opened right up.
“Nancy, are you here?”
Silence greeted me. Nothing seemed amiss in the front room, so I inched forward, calling her name again. Nothing. In the kitchen, one of her feet stuck out from behind the island. My mind went into hyperdrive. Oh my God, she’s had a heart attack. She’s always using too much salt. I rounded the island and froze. She lay there unmoving, eyes open, a bo
ning knife in her chest.
Gagging, I clutched my chest and ran back to the front porch. I took a deep breath and dialed 911. I gave the operator the information, sank down onto the steps, and cried. Nancy will never watch over us from this porch again.
Sirens split the air, growing ever louder. Detective Ziebold’s car screeched to a halt. He raced up the steps. “What happened?”
“Nancy was murdered.”
“Where?”
I gestured toward the house. “In her kitchen.”
“Wait here!” He dashed inside.
“Mom?”
Startled, I leapt up, blocking the door to Nancy’s house. “Go back home, Jenny. I’ll be there shortly.”
“What happened to Mrs. Piedmont? I heard the sirens. Is she okay? Why are the police here? You’ve been crying.”
“I’ll explain everything in a few minutes. Please go back to the house.”
Rob’s car pulled up. He jumped out. “What happened? I heard the address on the police scanner and hopped in the car!”
I pulled myself together. “Rob, there’s been an accident. Would you please take Jenny back to the house? I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
Rob glanced between my ashen face and Jenny’s concerned one. “Sure.” He put an arm around Jenny and walked her back to the house.
More police arrived and hurried inside. Phoning Cheryl, I told her to rearrange my appointments. Police came and went, and then the coroner’s van arrived. Eventually, Detective Ziebold came out and told me to go home and that he’d come for my statement as soon as he could.
I shook as I jerked across the yard. Thinking about Nancy on her porch and our many conversations made me stop in my tracks and sob.
Before I knew it, Rob gathered me in his arms. “It’ll be okay.”
“No, it won’t be. It won’t be ever again.”
“You’re in shock and chilled to the bone. Come in. I called the school and told them Jenny wouldn’t be in today.” He gently led me toward the door.
“It was so awful.”
“Try not to think about it, at least for now.”
Guiding me to the kitchen, he sat me down at the counter. “Where’s the strong stuff?”
“It’s before noon. What do you mean?”
“You need something. You’ve had a shock.”
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