another sandwich. This spy business was making her hungry.
As the two entered the back of the building that housed the
cafeteria, there was Mr. Schmidt eating his lunch. He looked
up as the two teachers approached with a smile, and greeted
them.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Whitney, Ms. Montgomery.
Looking for someone?”
“Yes, Mr. Schmidt, we are you. May we have a few
minutes of your time after you finish your lunch? I have a few
questions regarding our last conversation.” Alex was hoping
he remembered the topic.
“Ask away. I’m finished and I do remember our last
conversation. Did you find your door unlocked again?” Mr.
Schmidt motioned to the two to take a seat at the large table
provided for the kitchen staff. It was a place for them to eat
their lunch in peace away from the students.
Alex looked him in the eye and thought how much he
reminded her of her grandfather, with the same deep kindness
behind his eyes.
“Mr. Schmidt, I’m having a little problem with an
unknown admirer.” Alex wasn’t sure how much to tell him
about Barney.
“Ms. Whitney, please call me Frederick, and how can I
help with your admirer?” His wife, Minnie was the only one
allowed to call him Freddie.
“Okay. I’ll call you Frederick if you call me Alex, and
this is Cyn.”
Frederick smiled “Ms. Montgomery, excuse me, Cyn
and I have talked before. It’s hard to switch to first names, as
I’m so used to calling everybody by their last name. Alex started at the beginning and explained the
flowers, St. Christopher medal, and then the poem and Cyn’s
car. Mr. Schmidt sat intently listening and never said a word,
but it was apparent he was processing all the information as his
eyes responded to each new detail of the story of Barney, the
Stalker. He even laughed when Alex told him what she was
calling her admirer.
Frederick looked at his watch. The bell was about to
ring. He asked if he could have some time to think on what
Alex had just told him and suggested they meet Sunday, which
was his day off. They would have more privacy and fewer
distractions and could go into detail about everyone who could
possibly be a suspect. Frederick was troubled that past events
may be happening at his school again. Alex and Cyn thanked
him for his time and headed back to class. Exiting the building,
Alex looked around to see if anyone was watching them. All
clear.
“What do you think?” Alex looked at Cyn. “Did you
notice his expressions when I was relaying my story? He
seems to know something already, or is this just wishful
thinking?”
“I think you’re right. His eyebrows were working
overtime. He must know something, or he has a twitch. Either
way we’ll find out what he knows on Sunday.” Cyn smiled at
Alex as she broke off in the direction of her classroom. Alex was very hopeful that Frederick was going to point a finger at someone she could confront, or write a letter to. These advances had to stop. Either way Alex was counting on a quick end
to this whole drama.
As Alex drove home she had a sick feeling about the
conversation she needed to have with Dez or she could go
into denial and pretend like all was well until after the whole
Barney problem was resolved. Denial was working, only
because she really wanted to be able to focus on their relationship and didn’t want any outside drama to cloud the issues.
Seeing their relationship as a functioning or nonfunctioning
one needed complete attention by both parties. Alex was trying
to uncover who Barney was and Dez seemed to be in a crazy
work cycle. Was it possible that both would even be ready to
tackle their relationship woes at the same time? But of course,
Dez was oblivious to the problems, seemingly happy with
things the way they were, therefore Alex had better be ready to
address all this with her complete and undivided attention.
Yes, she was sure this conversation would be better postponed.
The subject of Barney would also have to wait, that is unless
Dez brought it up – Alex wasn’t going to hold her breath.
Chapter 9
Dez had another late night, so Alex was in bed early trying to read her mystery. But her mind kept bouncing back and forth between the good times she had with Cyn on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and her conversation with Frederick. She was trying hard not to think about ominous endings to the Barney problem, as every scenario was more disturbing than the last. Needless to say, it was more fun to think about her evenings with Cyn.
Alex had not given much thought to being single again, until now. Did she want to be single again? Would she be giving up a relationship with a few problems for no relationship? Could she spend the rest of her life with Dez being satisfied with things as they were, or throw it all away for what could be? The old Alex would have settled the new Alex wanted it all. But was she being realistic? Can you have it all, or at least some of it? Alex wasn’t greedy she could settle for half of it all. But something and it needed to happen soon.
It was well after midnight when Alex heard Dez come in. She pretended to be asleep, as she didn’t want to be up for another hour hearing about the latest equine crisis. She knew in the past she would have rolled over and listened attentively to every word. But now she really didn’t care. Having her own crisis to deal with was all she could handle right now.
TGIF was all Alex could think of as she crawled out of bed. This past week had been packed full of both fun and stress. She had met some new co-workers and hopefully made some new friends at the same time. The extra time she saved not having to make lunch was benefiting her in the eating with Cyn and drinking great coffee department. She needed to help pay for the coffee she would be consuming from now on. No way would Mrs. Greenway foot the bill. She would buy generic coffee for everyone, but not the specially blended coffee Cyn was using. Alex wondered if the other teachers were kicking in as well.
She was moving so fast she nearly missed seeing the note for her on the table near the front door. It was from Dez. “Alex, I’m sorry this week has been so crazy busy and I know you aren’t very happy with me right now. Please tell me what I can do to make it up to you. Love, Dez.” Alex was beside herself. Why now? Before, if she would have written that note, Alex would have been all over her thanking her for being so in tune with her feelings. Now it just seemed like too little, too late. Once again, Alex had to remind herself she was the one who was changing, not Dez. She took a deep breath and decided to call her later after she’d had a chance to think things over rationally.
As Alex pulled into her parking space she was in a better frame of mind. The long drive had given her time to think about her reaction to Dez’s note and she realized the world wasn’t coming to an end. Maybe they would have to talk sooner rather than later, since it seemed Dez finally noticed there was a little trouble in paradise. It would be hard, because Dez really wasn’t doing anything differently than she had the last four years. The problem was, she had changed a lot from the person Alex had known the first year. One great year out of five wasn’t the best of percentages and Alex didn’t need to be a math teacher to figure that out. It had been a gradual change, barely noticeable at the time, but looking back now it all seemed very drastic from this side of the memory.
Alex wa
lked quickly as she imagined she could smell coffee. It was almost like magic as she walked through the door to find her toast and coffee already there waiting for her. Had Cyn been watching from the window in order to surprise her? Who cares – let’s eat!
“How are you this morning?” Alex addressed Cyn and didn’t even see the other teachers; her eyes were focused on her special treat. When she finally noticed the other teachers, she had a piece of toast in her mouth. “What?” Why were they looking at her so strangely? “I have my priorities, food first chit chat after. Is that a problem?”
“No, no. We totally understand.” Lucy was leaning against the counter and looked at Cyn and Bonnie for confirmation.
“Absolutely. We know better than to distract a woman from her breakfast.” Cyn was grinning and Bonnie was shaking her head in agreement.
“Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page. Boy, that’s so good.” Alex finished the last bite, wiped her hands off and looked at Cyn.
“Thank you so much. I was looking forward to that ever since I got up this morning. Yummy!”
“My pleasure. We need to keep you in a good mood for your students. No one wants a grouchy teacher.” Cyn was in heaven taking care of Alex. She wished she could make her breakfast every morning, preferably in the comfort of their own place. Once again Cyn really did need to stop fantasizing about Alex. It wasn’t a healthy habit she’d acquired.
“So what’s up? Anything new and exciting I need to know about?” Alex asked.
Just then the door opened and several other teachers came in. Alex looked at the clock and realized it was later than she thought. She took the last gulp of coffee and signaled to Cyn she was heading to class. The truth was, she remembered the reasons she had stopped going to the teachers’ lounge in the first place – politics and gossip – two things Alex tried to avoid at all costs.
On the way to her classroom she thought how nice it was to have someone waiting on her for a change. She missed that as it was something Dez only thought of once in a great while. The last time was the first day of school, when she picked up takeout from the Tea Room, but nothing since then. Once a month was not exactly an outstanding report card. If she had to grade Dez’s lover aptitude she would give her a C minus. There was plenty of room for improvement. But she would give her an A in citizenship. Granted, it took almost two years of reminders to get Dez to call home when she was going to be late, but this past year she was close to perfect.
At lunch everyone was forced to eat indoors as it was sprinkling. The cafeteria was crowded with teachers and students alike, so Alex and Cyn found themselves sitting with several girls who were new to the school. Cyn was fielding questions from them about the school’s history which allowed Alex to observe her interaction with them. The girls seemed very comfortable with her as she talked and kidded around with them.
Cyn noticed Alex was being left out of the conversations and decided to show the girls that Ms. Whitney was okay too.
“So do any of you girls have a horse like our Ms. Whitney here?” Cyn looked for a response.
One quiet little girl spoke up and stated she had a pony.
“Yes, Megan is in my class. She is a very good writer and I enjoy reading her short stories about her pony.” Alex smiled in Megan’s direction.
“Oh, thank you, Ms. Whitney. I do love to write, especially about my pony.” Megan was pleased at the praise.
“Wow, so you two have something in common.” Cyn was trying to show the girls that Alex wouldn’t bite.
“Megan, how old is your pony, and where do you keep him?” Alex was curious if they had any friends in common from the stables.
“Phantom is twelve. He’s a black and white pinto and I keep him at the Parkers’ place on the other side of town. I like to go on really long trail rides, although lately he’s been sick. Dr. Dez has had to treat him several times over the last month or so.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Alex suddenly had the face of the client’s daughter who was keeping Dez occupied on those late night emergencies.
“Is he better now?” She sure hoped so. She needed to talk to “Dr. Dez.”
“Yes, he’s getting back to his old troublemaking self. I hope to be able to ride him this weekend.” Megan had just finished her sentence when the lunch bell rang.
“Good luck! I hope you get to ride.” Alex shouted.
The noise level in the cafeteria had risen to a loud roar. Teachers and students alike put their dirty dishes in the empty tubs by the kitchen, and headed back to class. Alex wasn’t looking forward to her conversation with Dez tonight, but listening to Megan only further reminded her she really did need to get her concerns out in the open. She also wanted to see if Dez would remember to ask about her secret admirer. It was a little test, and she was doubtful Dez would pass it.
“Are you okay?” Cyn saw the look on Alex’s face and wondered what she was thinking about.
“Oh nothing I can’t handle. I just can’t think of a good opening line to use on Dez this evening. There’s something we need to talk about and I’m not sure where to start.” Alex didn’t want to go into detail with Cyn about her problems at home.
“Well, I have complete confidence in you that by the time you get home you’ll have thought of a way to explain all to the good doctor.” Cyn hated deep and meaningful conversations. Every time she had one; she was either breaking up with her lover, or visa versa. “I’m glad you have so much confidence in me, I am not so sure. Hey, girlfriend, if I don’t see you after last period call me tomorrow. I may need a big pep talk if tonight doesn’t go well.”
“Okay, and do you want me to figure I’m picking you up Sunday to meet Frederick, or do you want to do the driving?” Cyn was hoping Alex would drive, as she loved riding in her old truck.
“I’ll drive. You save your gas.” Alex liked to drive her truck and looked forward to having a passenger for a change. When she and Dez went anywhere they always had to take the vet truck in case a call came in.
Chapter 10
The afternoon flew by, which is always the case when you’re dreading something. Maybe Dez wouldn’t be home, then what? A funny feeling was forming in the bottom of Alex’s stomach that feeling of dread when you need to do something you’d really, really rather not do. The feeling went away momentarily when she didn’t see Dez’s truck in the garage.
She parked her precious truck in it’s canvas carport and was almost through the front door when Dez drove up and honked. The feeling came back in a hurry.
“Do you want to go to the Tea Room? I know it’s been ages since we went out to dinner.” Dez knew how to make points with Alex.
“Rats! I wanted to get this over with.” Alex thought to herself, but no way was she going to pass up a chance for Plum Wine and those egg rolls. She shook her head yes, and then went in the house to put her things down. Dez had the truck turned around by the time she came out. She jumped in and off they went.
The drive to the Tea Room was spent with Dez giving Alex blow by blow details of what she had done all week. She relayed the whole “Phantom” saga, and what a big help Megan’s mother, Sally had been. She was a nurse and able to give shots, otherwise Dez would have been gone even more. She really liked the kid, Megan, and explained why her pony was called Phantom. Apparently he had a white marking that covered his right eye which looked like the mask in “Phantom of the Opera.” Then she went on about the difficult calving and how she was able to save the little heifer, which was so cute, and how grateful the clients were. Then of course, there were all the routine calls she had made during the week.
When they finally arrived at the Tea Room, Ping seated them immediately and confirmed that they wanted the usual: Plum wine, assorted appetizers with an extra serving of egg rolls and Moo Shu Pork for two. Dez continued on about her week’s activities and didn’t even stop when the wine arrived. Alex took a big gulp. She was hoping she could get a buzz along with some courage since Dez had to come up fo
r air eventually.
By the time Ping brought the appetizers and refilled Alex’s empty glass, Dez was slowing down a bit. Alex was starting to feel no pain as she only had a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch and the wine was beginning to hit her hard. Therefore, when Dez finished her monologue and asked her how her week went, she no longer felt prepared, so she just gave her usual response, “Nothing earth shaking, just another week at Taylorwood. But there was something that happened…” Just as she was about to bring up meeting Megan and segue into some of her concerns about their relationship, the food arrived. She was really hungry and needed something in her stomach to soak up the wine. Ping assembled their Moo Shu Pork with speed and accuracy placing four nicely folded items on each plate. Alex waited for Dez to get hers, but was finishing off the paper wrapped chicken in the meantime. As Dez lifted her fork to dig in, Alex got busy making quick order of her meal as well but then realized she needed to breathe once in a while.
In the meantime Dez had begun to talk again nonstop. Alex was half listening and half thinking how Dez should have realized that she had only begun to talk before the food came, and probably had more to say. Now Dez was off on a tangent about the drug companies wanting to raise the price of the vaccines again and how only some of her clients would go along with the increase, and how the animals would suffer not being properly vaccinated. Alex sat there mesmerized by Dez’s self absorbed ramblings. How could she have been so oblivious to this behavior before? Love was not only blind, but deaf, dumb and stupid. She tried to cover a yawn, but Dez caught her.
“I’m sorry Babe; I’ve been talking the whole evening. I forgot what time you get up in the mornings to go to work. So what were you saying about something happening at school?” Dez suddenly realized she may have been boring Alex with information she really didn’t need to know.
“Oh, I just wanted to tell you I met your Megan at lunch today. She’s in my second class and is very bright and very shy. But she is a good little writer. She mentioned she wanted to go riding this weekend on her pony.” Alex had a change of heart about talking to Dez about their relationship.
Taylorwood (Alexandria Whitney Mystery) Page 7