by Tonya Kappes
I made my way up to the front. Both of us jumped when they opened their eyes.
“You scared me to death. Are you following me?” Blanche was as surprised to see me as I was to see her.
“No.” I shook my head and eased down next to her. “I was working on the taxes in the church office and I saw you come in. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t need something.”
“Are you working here? I’ve never seen you at church.” She was using her good observation skills as a prison guard to assess me, and I could feel it.
“I’m doing a favor for the preacher. His wife is one of my best friends.” There was no way I was going to tell her that some of her church’s money was missing. She had a visible look of concern on her face. “I’m not very good at religious stuff, but I do have a good ear that can listen if you need to talk.”
“I’m fine. Just making things right with me and the big man.” Her eyes rolled upwards. “Not that I have done anything wrong. I’m sure you know since you date that cop and all that it was my fault Greaser escaped.”
“Hank doesn’t tell me much.” I lied to make her feel better. “It’s not your fault. Greaser had already decided he was going to get out of there one way or another.”
“Why do you say that?” She leaned back and knitted her thick fingers together behind her head. “Did the cops find out something they aren’t telling the prison?”
“No. I. . . I don’t know why I said that.” I said it because Greaser had caught a ride and someone had helped him. If that person was still around, I sure didn’t want to alarm the community. “I was trying to make you feel better.”
“You can make me feel better by bringing back Darnell and Burt. I’m not even sure what’s going on with poor Flora Jean.” Her voice cracked. “It’s my fault Greaser escaped and made good on his promise.” She looked down at her hands and fiddled her thumbs together while the rest were still clasped. “That’s why I’m here.”
“I’m sorry Lester isn’t here to pray with you or give you words of comfort, but he did say something to me that I’m sure made him feel a little better and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind my telling you.” I actually reached out and touched her knee with my hand. “He said what happened at the prison made him realize what he’s been taking for granted, just going through the motions of daily life.”
So I might’ve added a few words. She seemed to need them.
“He said the prison break made him realize how good he has it with Betts. That’s she’s his wife and she deserves to have everything he can give her. The little stuff doesn’t matter. I’m so glad he’s taking time off from the prison ministry to spend quality time with his wife.” My eyes searched her manly face. “Maybe you can find some good in this and turn it around to make a positive change in your life.”
“He said that?” She asked in a very soft voice as if what he said brought her some comfort.
“He did. In fact, he wasn’t going to let me help out in the office.” I was careful not to say anything about the taxes. “But after he told me that, he decided to go spend some time with Betts.”
“He’s a good man.” She smiled.
“You know, I really don’t know him that well, but his wife is wonderful and everybody in town speaks highly of him.” I hoped my words really did comfort her. I know it made me feel good that I could help her in some way.
“Thank you.” She used her hands to push on her knees and push herself up to standing. “That’s some good information you gave me.”
“Great.” I stood up and put my arms out. “We hug around here.”
I embraced her. Although she was stiff at first, she ended up giving me a hug back.
“That’s one thing Betts told me when I first moved here. I wasn’t a big hugger either, but sometimes we just need one.” I was feeling really pleased with myself, though she didn’t look as entertained as I did when the Laundry Club gals told me we hug around here.
“Thanks,” she muttered. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
I watched her saunter down the middle aisle of the church and she turned around.
“Thanks, Mae. Really. Do you mind if we keep this between me and you?” she asked with a smile.
“Of course.” I really wanted to tell her that she needed to smile more often because it brought out her feminine side, but I kept that to myself just like I would keep our conversation to myself.
I was getting good at not telling everybody everything I knew. Just like with Hank and the investigation, I hadn’t told her about the money missing from the church. It appeared I just might be a good secret keeper. I turned back around and decided to sit there for a few more minutes. It was so peaceful and felt really nice. And I did need to say a quick thank you prayer about finding that motorhome.
I turned around, resting my arm on the back of the pew, when I heard the door of the church open and in walked Julip. We stared at each other for a second until both of us gave a friendly smile.
“Julip, what are you doing here?” I asked and stood up.
“Is the church open?” she asked.
“Of course it is. It seems like everyone has a little something to say to the big guy in the sky today.” I tried to make light of it.
“Yeah. Is the preacher here?” she asked.
“He isn’t. Lester’s gone to be with Betts. But I think we can consider each other friends now that we were in battle together.” I joked, but she didn’t budge, apparently not finding it as funny as I thought I was. “I can listen.”
I scooted over and patted the pew cushion next to me.
“Nah. I like it when the preacher prays with me.” She shook her head and turned around.
“While you’re here,” I said, stopping her, “do you think you could give me a lift back to the campground?”
“Sure. I’m going to head on back to my cabin anyways.” She smiled, making me feel a little better.
Walking out of the church, I said one last prayer under my breath.
“This Greaser situation has really put a heavy burden on the people in Normal. Please help bring closure.”
I’m not gonna say I didn’t try to get information out of Julip about what was heavy on her mind because I did. Only she didn’t budge. She said she was fine and wanted to put the reenactment behind her and hoped the society wouldn’t have it next year.
“I’m glad to see the police tape is all gone.” I noticed as we drove up the gravel drive to the campground.
“I’m glad you got the motorhome back,” she said as I directed her to go around the left side of the lake. I wanted to see if the Bassetts’ home on wheels was back on the concrete pad.
“You and me both. Now they think Greaser had an accomplice. I hadn’t considered that when I came across the motorhome. The accomplice could’ve been in there and killed me.” I let out a long sigh, knowing I’d probably said too much, but she didn’t appear to be affected by it. Maybe she hadn’t heard me. “That’s the motorhome there.” I pointed to it, quickly changing the subject. “I’m so glad it’s there and they haven’t left. Though I do fault them for keeping the keys in the console.”
“That’s just asking for trouble.” she agreed.
“That’s my yellow RV right there.” I gestured once she drove around the lake to the right side of the campground.
“All of these are so cute. I’m sorry I’ve never come to one of your monthly parties.” She drove past all the vintage campers I’d cleaned up.
“You should come to next month’s.” I encouraged her. “If I didn’t have to get to Hank’s granny’s for supper, I’d give you a tour of them. This campground is why I had to find the motorhome and was so happy that Greaser hadn’t stolen it.”
She pulled up and stopped in front of my RV. I was happy to see my car was there and made a mental note to call Abby and make sure she was okay.
“I should’ve been setting aside money for a bigger insurance policy and some savings, but instead I renovated all the vi
ntage campers.” I was very proud of what I had accomplished.
They were all cute vintage campers with all the modern conveniences you could think of. Henry, my handyman, and I replaced all of the flooring and even remodeled a few of the kitchens. All the campers had modern countertops, and some had the southern flare. Each one was designed perfectly, whether modern or southern. Abby had gone through each one and taken detailed photos for our website so renters could pick out their favorite style.
Even the bungalows had had makeovers, and they were very popular with families.
The campground had turned out to be a wonderful investment, but the stolen motorhome had been a big wakeup call.
“I’ll come by another time. Have a wonderful supper.” There was stress in her eyes. I could tell she was still uneasy, but time would help her work through it. I only wished I could help her.
Maybe inviting her to the Laundry Club would help, but I’d have to ask the others first.
“Let me know if you ever need me to return the favor.” I waved goodbye and watched her drive out of the campground.
“May-bell-ine, where have you been?” I didn’t have to turn around to know it was Bobby Ray Bonds, my foster brother who lived in one of the renovated campers. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Bobby Ray had literally been looking all over for me since he gave me the money for a one way Greyhound bus ticket to New York City the minute I turned eighteen. I was forever grateful to him for that and when he’d seen the article in the National Parks Magazine featuring me and how I turned Normal’s economy around by revitalizing the campground, he came to Normal to find me.
Although he had never said he was there to cash in on the favor I owed him, Bobby Ray didn’t have a job, a car, or as we say in the south, a pot to piss in when he found me, and I knew I had to make good with him. I gave him a place to live and got him a job down at Grassel’s Garage. Joel Grassel was in need of a good mechanic and that was Bobby Ray’s specialty. It was a perfect fit.
“I heard you found Joel’s brother. Is that right?” Bobby asked. He tugged off his hat, letting his curly blond hair fall down around his ears, giving me a fit of jealousy.
Any girl would want Bobby Ray’s hair.
Fifi was yipping and jumping, looking out the window from the couch inside my RV.
“You heard right.” I walked up to the door of my RV and unlocked the door.
Fifi bolted out and ran straight to Bobby Ray. Her little poodle tail was wagging so fast, it looked like a helicopter propeller gearing up for high speed.
“Joel is beside himself. He said something about Greaser making good on his promise and all.” He bent down and picked up Fifi. Talking around all the kisses she was trying to give him on his mouth, he said, “The only thing I could make out was when he asked if I could work the service station all by myself. That’s why I’m here, May-bell-ine.”
“Mae, Bobby. I go by Mae now.” I had no idea why I bothered correcting him. No matter how much I did, he never called me by Mae. It was always by my birth name Maybelline, my three syllable name he always stretched out into six.
Fifi wiggled around in his arms and he put her back down on the ground. She scurried over to the grass and did her business while we finished up ours.
“I’m not gonna be around here much, so you keep an eye out for trouble.” He nodded.
“I understand. I know where to find you if I need you.” I reached out to him and rubbed his arm. “Have you talked to Mary Elizabeth? I don’t know if you heard about Greaser staying there or not. I can’t seem to figure out if she’s really not bothered by it or is just putting on a brave face.”
“Knowing her, she’s just fine.” He put his hat back on his head and tugged the bill way down over his eyes. “I’m just glad she’s okay and that Greaser didn’t hurt her.”
“I guess that’s because she wasn’t a juror.” That was the only way I could wrap my head around the fact that she and Dawn were okay.
“You call me if you need something,” assuring me he’d do whatever I needed him to do. “I almost forgot.” Bobby Ray smacked his hands together. “Tomorrow Mary Elizabeth wants to have a lunch picnic downtown. Can you make it? I told her I would check.”
“I don’t see why not.” I smiled and we said our goodbyes.
Once I got Fifi to come back inside, I changed into a pair of skinny jeans and a light long-sleeved sweater. It was the time of the year when it was warm during the day, but very cool at night. I wasn’t sure if Agnes kept her house warm or cold. Usually with elderly people, there was no middle temperature in their homes. So I was well prepared for where Agnes set her thermometer.
Fifi was so excited to be going for a ride. Once we were in the car, I pulled out my phone to call Abby before I started to drive.
“Hey, Abs, it’s me, Mae,” I spoke into her voicemail. “I’m not sure if you’re mad because I left you there with the drunk kid, but you won’t believe what happened after I took the motorhome. Anyways, meet me at the Laundry Club in the morning if you can. I’m going to stop by there before I head over to help out with the church’s taxes.” I pinched my lips together. “Did I tell you I was helping Betts out?”
Oh, gosh. I sure hope I didn’t say something I wasn’t supposed to. So much for thinking I could keep any secret.
“Okay, well. I’m going to Hank’s granny’s for supper. Can you believe it?” I gushed. “Call me back or I’ll just see you at the Laundry Club in the morning.”
I hung up the phone and quickly dialed Mary Elizabeth.
“Hi.” I was happy to hear her voice on the other end of the phone. “I was sad I didn’t get to see you today.”
“I’ve been so busy since with those people whose RV was stolen that I’ve gotten myself dizzy.” Mary Elizabeth’s southern drawl was sweet music to my ears. “That Barbara needs to know that good manners never go out of style and she could use a few.”
“I don’t even want to know.” I looked past my left shoulder towards their motorhome and noticed there were no lights on. “Are they still there?”
“Still here? She refuses to leave until the two weeks they rented the campsite for are up. She insists that I make everything from scratch and if I don’t, she says she’s gonna sue you for the campground.” Those were words I didn’t want to hear.
“Are you kidding?” I asked, stunned. “I risked my life to get their motorhome back and this is the thanks they give me?”
“Risk? Wasn’t the kid drunk? That’s what I heard,” Mary Elizabeth let me know the gossip had already started to circulate.
“He was, but I risked my life going in before I knew that. Oh well, maybe I can come talk some sense into them.” I sighed and noticed the digital clock on the car radio. “Listen, I’ve got to drive over to Hank’s granny’s for supper. Any chance you can meet at the Laundry Club in the morning? You and Dawn?”
“I’ll make time. But more importantly, are we gonna have a wedding?” she asked as her voice took an upbeat tone. “You’re having supper with the family and everything.”
“No, Mary Elizabeth. It’s just supper.” I looked down at my left hand. “We aren’t anywhere near getting engaged.”
Were we?
Fourteen
“This is Hank when he was a wee little turkey.” Agnes joked about how much trouble Hank used to get into when he was a little boy as she pointed to all the photos of him. She had one hand on Precious, the little six-month-old pugoodle that was one of Fifi’s babies.
Agnes’s house was exactly as I pictured it to be. It definitely had not been remodeled since the day she’d bought it, which I imagined was forty years ago or more. Agnes had on a pink cardigan that matched the pink rosettes on the wallpaper and the faded pink carpet and her gray pants that were the same shade as her gray hair. A curio cabinet in the corner held too many of those Precious Moment figurines to count. She must’ve collected clocks because the mantle was lined with them and there were many hangin
g on the walls.
Fifi didn’t pay any attention to her baby. She only wanted to be with Chester. They’d been sniffing each other and chasing each other around the house for the hour I had been there. Thankfully we didn’t have to worry about them making babies since both of them were fixed.
“Granny, Mae doesn’t want to see all those old pictures.” Hank came into the family room carrying a tray with three glasses of iced tea on it.
“A tray?” I was impressed with his hospitality. It was definitely something Mary Elizabeth would do.
“Are you kidding? That boy only has manners when it matters and that tray don’t matter to him, but it matters to me.” Agnes pointed to herself. “Look at this one.”
She went back to explaining each photo and her memory of it. I glanced over at Hank. Both us of smiled at each other as she continued to brag on him.
“It’s cute,” I told him after he protested and she went into the kitchen to check on the meatloaf in the oven. “She’s proud of you.”
“I’m not used to having a girl here. I really should be at the office working on finishing up the Greaser case.” He went back to serious detective mode that I wish he would set aside for a few hours.
I knew that was asking too much. Hank Sharp wasn’t going to change for me or anyone else for that matter. Not even Agnes.
“I thought you said it was pretty much a closed case.” Or did he tell me something different? My mind was so jumbled I wasn’t sure what he had said or not. I continued to through flip the pages of the photo album.
“As far as Greaser being dead, yes. But I swear he had an accomplice. He had on a wig.”
I jerked up.