I hugged him. “You are a nice man.”
“I’d let you thank me properly, but we need to eat.” He grinned.
I smiled back. “Later. Let’s go to the conference room. My desk is a mess, and I’m afraid I’ll get food on everything.”
He laid the meal out on the table. “I wasn’t sure what you wanted, but I saw a fried chicken food truck and decided on that. We have chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, and some coleslaw. I also picked up coffee.”
“Looks like a feast!”
After digging in and some embarrassing moans of ecstasy from me, he said, “I guess this chicken place is a winner.”
I held up the chicken leg I was eating. “You better believe it. I need to figure out the food truck’s route so I can stalk it. Of course, that means I’ll need to exercise a ton more. On a lighter note, how was your day?”
“Not too bad. There’s a big brouhaha going on with regard to the Christmas decorations.”
“What about?”
“The chamber of commerce submitted their recommendation, but one of the town selectmen insists on wreaths for the streetlights. Another wants small hanging trees. And then there is the question of bulb colors. They’ll be looking for public comment prior to finalizing the decorations.”
My eyes widened. “Do they know two people died? Where are their priorities?”
“Christmas is not that far off, and decorations have been proven to bring in shoppers.”
I put my head in my hands. “Don’t remind me. I haven’t even started shopping.” When I looked up again, the table was nearly empty of food. “I can’t believe how much we ate. Let’s put the trash out back so the office doesn’t smell tomorrow.”
Arriving at the high school, we settled in our seats. The production started, and the dancers were terrific. Jenny and Cindy seemed to float by when they were on stage. Jenny must have gotten her grace from Drew. I have two left feet. After the ballet ended, Rob and I fought through the crowd to the backstage entrance and were quickly joined by Patty and Patrick.
I gave Patty a hug. “Does your family think you’ve adopted Jenny? I’m hopeful it won’t be too much longer.”
Patrick replied, “She’s a lot of fun to be around. Everyone will be sorry when she goes home.” He turned to Rob. “Nice flowers.”
Rob handed them to me. “Merry got them for Jenny.”
Patty arched her eyebrows. “Nice save.”
The girls came out talking a mile a minute, and we all heaped praise on them. Pulling Jenny aside, I gave her the flowers. “I’m so proud of you.” I hugged her fiercely.
“They’re so beautiful. Thanks, Mom.”
Patty joined us. “We’re going for ice cream. Do you and Rob want to come?”
I gave him a questioning look. He nodded, and I said, “We’d love to. Jahn’s?”
“Of course.”
“We’ll meet you there. Jenny, do you want to come with us?”
“Yes.” She hugged Cindy. “I’ll see you there.” Jenny bounded in front of us.
Rob and I exchanged a glance. I smiled. “We may have to tether her to the ground.”
Jenny twirled and laughed. “I’ll slow down for you old folks.”
I dashed up behind her and grabbed her in a hug. “I’m not old!”
We both laughed as we pushed out the doors into the cold. Rob caught up and gathered us both in his arms. “I’m only slightly old.” This sparked more hilarity.
Jenny froze.
“What?” I looked over my shoulder.
“Mr. Gordan,” Jenny said. “I thought you were still in the hospital.”
John scowled at us, his arm in a sling.
“John, should you be out in the cold so soon?” I asked.
His eyes narrowed. “Probably not. I just came to get some papers.”
“I thought you were on leave?” Rob said. “Should you even be entering the school?”
Shooting Rob a look of pure hatred, John got back in his car. “That’s none of your business. I suggest you and your friends go on your way.” He glared at us through the window.
I pulled on Rob’s arm. “We were just leaving.”
Rob looked like he was going to argue, but then he noticed Jenny’s pale face and trembling body. He held his hand out to her. “Come on, Jenny. Let’s go.”
She took his hand, but her eyes never left John. The three of us walked toward town.
“Mom, he was so mean. Why doesn’t he like us anymore?”
“He’s had a tough time; he was shot. If you can, you should avoid being around him.”
“I will. He’s scary.”
I held her face. “Are you still in the mood for ice cream?”
She smiled. “Absolutely!”
We arrived, and Patty, Patrick, and Cindy waved us over. Their celebratory mood lifted ours. At the end of the evening, we hugged Jenny goodbye as she got into the Twilliger’s car.
Patty said, “We could drive you.”
I smiled. “Yes, but then we wouldn’t have a chance to try and burn off the banana split you thought was such a good idea.”
“What can I say? I’m such a temptress, but you didn’t have to say yes.” She winked as the car pulled away.
Rob and I strolled for a while, both lost in our own thoughts. Rob abruptly stopped. “What do you think was so important that John went to the high school just after being released from the hospital?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea. He said he was looking for some papers.”
I opened the door to the house. “Let’s call Jay,” Rob said. “He may want to know about this.”
After a few minutes, Jay called back. “I spoke with the board president. He’s given me permission to search John’s office. I shouldn’t let you, but do you want to meet me there?”
Rob didn’t hesitate. “Yes. We’ll be there in ten minutes.”
I stared at him. “Don’t we need a search warrant?”
“I guess if you have permission, you don’t need one.”
“Good thing. It looked like John was going to leave after you challenged him. Do you think he doubled back after we left?”
“I guess we’ll find out.”
Rob drove to the high school. I frowned. “It’s weird to be here this late. There’s no one around.”
“I think that’s the point.”
Headlights came our way. Jay parked next to us, and we got out of the car.
He joined us. “The board president told me the district’s offices are on the second floor on the east side. The night janitor is supposed to meet us to let us in.”
We came to the doors, and the janitor opened them. “How long are you going to be?”
Jay replied, “Not sure yet. Give me your cell number, and I’ll text you when we leave.”
They exchanged numbers as I looked around. Only the night lights were on. The school was so dark it was spooky. I started when Rob put his hand on my arm. “This way.”
We ran up the stairs and into John’s office. I asked, “Where should we start?”
“Look for a briefcase or backpack.” He pointed toward the closet. “You can start over there, and Rob and I will look through his desk.”
Opening the closet door, I muscled some coats out of the way. A backpack peeked out from behind a stack of paper. I lugged it out and placed it on one of the armchairs. Pulling the other chair up, I sat and rummaged through the pack. A few files, some receipts, and then I removed a velvet bag. I opened it and gasped. It was a beautiful twenty-four-inch pearl necklace. And it looked real. I held it up. “Who leaves a valuable pearl necklace in their backpack?”
Rob’s eyebrows rose. “Maybe someone who already had their house burgled.”
Jay frowned. “I think I missed a chapter.”
Rob filled him in on our conversation with Paula. Jay said, “I’m going to have a chat with her. And I’d wager we found what John was coming to get. Thanks for the info and for meeting me here. I’ll text t
he janitor. You two better go home now.”
Rob and I scurried down the hall past all of the gray lockers standing sentinel in the darkened hall. Our steps echoed. I shivered.
Rob put his arm around me. “Are you cold?”
“No. Nervous, I guess. Feels like someone just walked over my grave.”
“Let’s get you home. I’ll make some hot chocolate for us.”
I smiled. “That’s just what I need tonight: more calories.”
We slid into the car. I bit my lip. “How mad do you think John is going to be when he finds out the necklace is gone?”
“Very mad. I’m glad we’re not going to be there when it happens.”
As we pulled out of the parking lot, John’s car drove past. I ducked down. “Do you think he saw us?”
“I couldn’t see him, so I doubt he could see me. And I don’t think he knows my car on sight. Good thing Jay is still at the school.”
✽ ✽ ✽
As I went to work the next morning, Jay’s car pulled up next to me. The passenger-side window slid down. I leaned in. “Good morning. It seems like I just saw you.”
“You did. We’ve got to stop having these early mornings after late nights.”
I laughed. “You’re right. We are getting too old for this. Hey, I have a question for you.”
“What?”
“What did John say when you saw him last night?”
Jay frowned. “I didn’t see him.”
“That’s strange. He pulled into the school parking lot as we were pulling out.”
“He didn’t come in or I would have seen him. I was talking to the janitor by the front door.”
“I guess he didn’t want to run into you.”
“Well, he’s going to run into me today. I need to ask him about those pearls you found.”
I waved. “Good luck, and have a good day.”
“Likewise.” He drove away.
I texted Rob, “Do you think we should call Paula re: pearls?”
“No. Let Jay handle.”
I sent him a thumbs-up emoji. The morning was busy, and I had just enough time to dash over to the Morning Pastry to grab a sandwich to eat at my desk. As I stood in line, I noticed Suzie looked worried and seemed distracted. I had to repeat my order several times.
After the third time, I said, “Suzie, are you all right?”
She nodded. “I’m just out of sorts. There’s a lot going on.”
“Call me if you want to talk.”
Picking up my tuna on sesame bagel, I grabbed a drink and left. Suzie still seemed out of it. I wonder what that’s all about? I shook my head and returned to the office.
At five thirty, Rob poked his head around the door. “Finishing up? Or should I come back later?”
“Finishing up, but you shouldn’t feel we’re joined at the hip.”
He smiled. “What’s wrong with being joined at the hip?”
“Nothing, I guess. I’m just wondering if you are getting tired of babysitting all the time. Don’t you want a night off?”
“From you? Never.”
I raised one eyebrow. “If Jay doesn’t solve this thing, we’re eventually going to have to go back to normal. Jenny needs to come home soon. I miss her, and I don’t want Patrick and Patty’s hospitality to run out. You must miss your house and routines as well.”
He looked pensive. “I do, but I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you. Were you able to clear some time on your calendar for Nancy’s wake tomorrow?”
“Yes. I thought we’d stop by for a few minutes at two and then stay for the whole time tomorrow night. I also had Cheryl clear my calendar for Friday morning so we’d be able to go to the funeral.”
“Are you going to want to go back to work after the funeral?”
“It’s going to be a light afternoon, so we’ll play it by ear.”
As we went to my house, Rob’s phone rang. After listening for a few minutes, he covered the phone. “Jay wants to come by at eight. Is that okay?”
I nodded. “Works for us. We’ll put the coffee on,” Rob said and then hung up.
“I wonder what he wants.”
We had a quick dinner and focused on tidying up some business odds and ends until Jay knocked at the back door. Rob let him in and poured the coffee.
Jay took a mug and sipped it. “I spoke with both Paula and John today. What a piece of work they are.”
“Was the necklace Paula’s?” I asked.
“Yes. Apparently, it was a Tiffany heirloom from her mother. She reported it stolen five years ago when she was still living with John. I guess we now know who took it.”
Rob asked, “Why would he have taken it?”
“Paula told me she thought it was spite. She said he was always jealous of the expensive things she got while growing up. I’m surprised he didn’t sell it.”
“How much is it worth?” I asked
“A conservative estimate is $50,000 to $60,000.”
Rob whistled. “Wow. That’s a lot of money for one necklace.”
Jay nodded. “It sure is.”
Rob frowned. “Did you arrest him?”
“No. She’s refusing to press charges. She says she must have forgotten he had it. She’s just happy to have it back.”
“Do you think that’s why Ben was blackmailing him?” I asked.
“Hard to tell. It might have been, since the police report was a public record.” Jay stood. “Thanks for the coffee. Let me know if you hear anything else.”
Rob accompanied him to the door. “Thanks for letting us know what happened.” He shut the door. “Curiouser and curiouser, as Lewis Carroll would say.”
Chapter 24
As I donned my black suit and white blouse, I cried. I remembered how kind Nancy was to me and Jenny. She took care of the cats on a moment’s notice and kept an eye on my place. I sighed. I would miss our coffee klatches on her front porch and the way she always had her finger on the pulse of the town. It would be tough getting through the next few days.
Jenny was excused from school on Friday so she could attend the funeral with us. Need to take her clothes to Patty’s. Wiping my eyes and smoothing the creases in my skirt, I trudged slowly down the stairs to the kitchen.
Rob looked up when I entered and came over to give me a hug. “Feeling blue?”
“How could she be gone? She was so full of life.”
“She was a good friend to you. It’s natural for you to feel down. After you leave, I’ll go home and get my suit.”
I studied him with a wry smile. “I thought you looked a bit casual.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t embarrass you.”
“I’ll see you at two?”
“Yes, I’ll be there.”
I gave him a quick kiss and left. Staring up at Nancy’s porch, I automatically looked up for her wave. Shoulders sagging, I continued on to work.
At one forty-five, I left the office, walking to the funeral home. Rob waited outside the door. He hugged me, and we went in together. Even though we had gotten there early, a line had already formed of people waiting to pay their respects. It went quickly, and before I knew it, we were standing in front of the open casket. I knelt and said a prayer, tears running down my face. Touching her hand, I said goodbye.
Rob put his arm around me, and we made our way over to Melissa and her girls. I hugged them. “I’m so sorry she’s gone. I miss her every day.”
We stayed a few more minutes, talking with other people, and then made our way toward the door. Rob asked, “Are you going to be okay going back to work?”
“I want to keep busy.”
“I’ll pick you up at five. We’ll have an early dinner and then head back over here.”
I gave him a quick kiss. “Thank you for your support. It means more than you know.” I returned to the office and tried to concentrate without a lot of luck.
At four, Cheryl stuck her head in the door. “You don’t have any appointments for the res
t of the day. Why don’t you go home? We all know how hard this is for you.”
I gave her a half smile. “Thanks for looking out for me. I’ll just finish up a few things and then try to take a nap before the wake tonight.”
“Remember, we pretty much cleared your calendar for tomorrow. Text me if you want me to move your three o’clock.”
I tidied up my desk. A nap would be most welcome. Leaving, I traipsed slowly back to my house. Again, I stared up at the empty seat where Nancy should have been. With a heavy heart, I pushed open the door. I trudged up the stairs, tumbled into bed, pulled the covers over my head, and fell instantly asleep.
I woke abruptly after something pounced on me. Courvoisier had decided my feet moving under the blankets constituted a threat to be vigorously defended against. Groaning, I glanced at the clock and saw I had just enough time for a quick shower before Rob got home. I gave the cat a quick pet and apologized for taking away her game. I looked down and realized I would have to find something else to wear, as my suit was now hopelessly wrinkled. Serves you right. Next time remove clothes before napping.
A pair of black slacks and a subdued sweater hung in my closet. Donning them, I contemplated makeup and decided it was pointless. I headed downstairs to join Rob.
“Something smells good,” I said as I rounded the corner into the kitchen.
“I picked up eggplant parmigiana. It felt like a comfort food kind of night.”
“Thanks. Let me put a salad together.” I set out plates and cutlery. “How was the rest of your day?”
“It was good and relatively uneventful. Yours?”
“I left early and came back for a nap.”
He kissed me on the forehead. “That’s good. You probably needed it.”
“I did. I feel much better now.”
At the funeral home, we greeted Melissa and her daughters again and sat down to watch a tribute tape they had put together. It was fun to see the younger pictures of Nancy and the ones of her and her nieces as children. They also had some nice pictures of her gardens over the years. I was impressed to see how much it had grown and filled in even since I’d been living next to her. Quite a few people stopped by and shared their remembrances.
I was paging through one of the photo albums when Rob’s hand tensed on my shoulder. I followed his gaze to John Gordon in the receiving line. “What’s he doing here? He didn’t know Nancy.”
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