Treasure Uncovered (Bellingwood #3)

by Diane Greenwood Muir

  Polly laughed. "I can't imagine. My friend, Sal Kahane, is coming next week. I'll be sure to ask her if she worries about going on a safari and keeping kosher. But, maybe if they're out in the desert and they need to eat, it's a good thing to know."

  "She's orthodox?"

  "Oh no, she's not religious at all, but I like to keep her on her toes. So what else did you listen to while you were there?"

  "I got tired of fiction. After a while, I'd listened to all the classics and I started begging for something other than stories to pass my time. I wasn't much for philosophy. A little Kant goes a long way. The worst thing about listening to that was the fact that I didn't have anyone to talk to about it."

  "You didn't have any visitors?"

  "Not really. A few guys from my unit showed up every once in a while, but I was there by myself most of the time. I think it bothered them to see me in such a mess and realize it could have been them. Hell, I was glad it was me and not them. A couple of those boys had families and this isn't anything you want to take home to your children. They got home safely and their kids got a chance to grow up with a dad who looked normal when he took them to their soccer games."

  "If you had kids, Eliseo, they would love you no matter what. You have to know that."

  "It's a pretty thought, Polly. There were a lot of guys whose families quit coming to see them because it was too awful to deal with their injuries. You can hardly blame them. The poor girl goes into marriage with her knight in shining armor and before they've had a chance to get to know each other, he's an entirely different man both inside and out. Injuries like this change a person and sometimes the stuff that goes on inside your head doesn't make you easy to be with."

  "You do pretty well."

  "You've only known me for a few days, twenty years after it all happened. I've had a lot of time to work on getting my head together, but I still have some rough times. I try to know when they're coming and get myself out of the way."

  "How bad is it for you?"

  "Most of the time I get depressed and angry. I've never gotten violent. At least that didn't change in me. But, I can't stand to be around people when I'm like that. Animals are easy. They don't judge you."

  Polly reached out and put her hand on his forearm. "Just let us know when you're heading down that path, okay? If we know, we'll let you do whatever you have to do to pull out of it. And there are some great big animals around here who like you a lot."

  He laid his scarred hand on top of hers. "I'll try. I will. It doesn't happen as often anymore."

  "That's all I can ask. So, will you tell me why you came to Bellingwood?"

  He moved away from her. He ducked into the barn and she wondered where he had gone and if she had pushed too hard. Pretty soon though, he came back with a couple of brushes and handed one to her. He began brushing Demi down, so she joined him and started on Nat's neck, if only to keep the connection going between them.

  "I thought I knew someone here. An old war buddy. I figured I'd ask him to put me up for a while until I found a job and could get my own place."

  He stopped moving and looked at Polly, then resumed brushing. "But, he isn't here any longer, so I moved up the agenda a little faster. I appreciate you giving me this job."

  Polly didn't say anything. She didn't want to stop him, but he had ceased talking so she prodded once more, "How long ago did your buddy leave town?"

  Eliseo shrugged, "Not long, I guess. He didn't know I was coming. It was just luck that I found out he lived here. He certainly hadn't told any of us where he was going."

  "Us? Us who?" Polly asked, trying to keep the conversation moving along.

  "Guys from the unit. When everyone finally returned to the States, some of us kept in touch, but this friend ducked out of any reunions we had. You know, we met up every couple of years somewhere in the country. He never came. That was weird too. He kept in touch on the message boards but never told us where he was living and he didn’t express an interest in seeing us again."

  "That sounds odd. How did you find out he was in Bellingwood?"

  "It became a game for some of them. They tried to interpret what he said and decipher his location over the years. They finally figured out that he was moving around the country a lot, so it became even more of a game."

  "Do you think he knew they were looking for him? Was he playing their game?"

  "I'm sure he did. They weren't quiet about it, but most of their conversations about tracking him down were through emails, not on the boards."

  "So, did they ever find him?"

  "Well, over the years, they thought they had him pinned down several times."

  Polly looked shocked at his choice of words.

  "Not literally," he said. "Just figuratively. However, a couple of them would travel to look for him and every single time, he had moved on, so the game continued. I wouldn't be surprised if he had as much fun as they did, dropping obscure hints and then seeing if they would figure it out."

  "So, this time you thought you would be the one to look for him?"

  "Not as part of the game, no. I decided I was tired of living in Texas, so I kept an eye on the boards to see if there was anyone living someplace interesting. One day, someone said something about a little town in the middle of Iowa; wondering if our buddy was there or not. I didn't say a word, packed up and came north. None of them knew about my plans. I haven't been on the boards in a while, so I'm not even sure if they know I've moved on."

  "This sounds pretty strange," Polly commented.

  "I suppose it does. It was mostly just entertainment." He patted Daisy and said, "I don't think the horses want to play in the rain. Should we take them back in to the barn? Jason and I will get them ready for the night later on."

  While they'd been talking, he had finished brushing both Demi and Daisy down and was leading them in to their stalls.

  "Sure," she said. "I suppose that's a good idea." Nat followed her in and she rubbed his nose before closing the stall door. "Thanks, I needed this," she whispered to him.

  "I'll bring Nan in. You go on up and get warm and send Jason out when he’s ready."

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Edging her way past a large group of people waiting to be seated, Polly went to the bar to place a takeout order. Davey’s was busier than she’d ever seen it. The bartender was flummoxed as well, but happy to watch his tip jar fill. Beryl had announced she was desperate for one of Davey’s steaks, so they all agreed to meet for lunch at Andy's. Sylvie even had time to join them.

  Polly tried not to stare at the people around the room, so when her eyes landed on Ken Wallers and Aaron Merritt tucked into a table in the back, discussing something pretty intensely, she put a smile on and walked over to greet them.

  "Hi there. Are you keeping Bellingwood safe today?"

  Both men stood up to shake her hand and she said, "No, please. Sit down and eat. I'm waiting for my lunch order. Gotta get Beryl back to normal and today she thinks steak will help."

  They returned to their seats and Aaron pulled a chair from the table behind him for her.

  "How is she doing?" Ken asked.

  "She's doing well. She's walking more easily every day and I believe that the doctors in Des Moines were quite ready to transfer all of her records back to Doctor McKay here in town. I think everyone hopes he'll tell her she is fine to live on her own after she sees him on Friday."

  Polly looked at Ken Wallers, "So, what was up at Harry Bern's house on Saturday?"

  He laughed. "I thought that was you following me, but I hoped you had enough sense to stay away."

  "Lydia yelled at me and told me to leave."

  Aaron grinned and shook his head. "You have to be in the middle of it, don't you, Polly!"

  "Whatever,” she laughed. “So, what's up?"

  "There was a break-in overnight. We hadn't put anything back from the day he was killed, and whoever broke in did another very thorough job of tossing the place. They tore apart wall
s and ripped up floorboards. They even pulled the ceiling down in the bedroom."

  "How did you find out about it?"

  "Whoever was in there took their time, thinking no one would notice. Honestly, no one did until that morning. Bill Wells was working in his garage and when he couldn't identify the sounds he was hearing, he realized they were coming from an empty house and called me."

  "Do you think this is related to those farm thefts happening around the area?" Polly prodded.

  The county sheriff and Bellingwood police chief looked at each other and smiled.

  "What?" she demanded.

  "Nothing," Aaron remarked. "No. We don't believe they're connected."

  Polly continued to look back and forth between the two of them, not saying a word.

  Aaron grinned, "You do know that we’re the ones who use the silent treatment on our witnesses to wait them out, right, Polly? It won't work on me."

  "So you won't tell me why you believe these instances are separate?" she asked.

  "It's not a big secret," Ken responded. "Whoever tore the house apart was looking for something specific. The farm thefts are snatch and grab. And besides, Aaron here has to track those down and I'm working on the murder and subsequent break-in at Harry Bern's home."

  "Because we never want to get county and city law enforcement working together. It would create a black hole," Aaron laughed.

  "Do you know anything more about Harry? What were they looking for?"

  "Whatever it was, they didn't find it."

  "Do you think whoever did it is still in town?" she asked.

  "I wouldn't be surprised. But, you never know."

  "You aren't going to tell me anything, are you?" Polly said, frowning at the two of them. "Like who Harry Bern really was?"

  "Oh, he was Harry Bern, alright. Born and raised in Centralia, Illinois. Parents are gone, one sibling who can't be found and no other immediate family. He served in the Army and was in the Middle East during Desert Storm. After that, his life gets a little murky. Is that enough for you?" Ken asked her.

  She looked back and forth between the two of them. "Is that all you are going to give me?"

  "Probably," Aaron grinned.

  "Then it will have to be enough." She looked at Aaron. "You know, it's a good thing this isn't your investigation or I'd sic your wife on you."

  "I'm absolutely confident of that," he affirmed. "The rest of us aren't safe when you are all together in one room."

  A waitress approached with two shopping bags, "Here is your order, Miss Giller. Do you need any help with it?"

  "Thanks, I've got it," Polly said.

  The waitress smiled, left the table and Polly said, "Well, it's been nice seeing you both. I'll say thank you for the information you gave me and then wait until I get to my truck before I snarl at the information you didn't."

  "See you later, Polly," Aaron replied.

  "Tell Miz Watson to take care," Ken said as she nodded and left the restaurant.

  Everyone was already at Andy's when Polly finally arrived and she walked in as Sylvie was setting up the last TV tray. Glasses, plates, silverware and drinks were set out on the dining room table and Lydia took one of the bags from Polly's hand.

  "Beryl says she's going to starve to death if we don't feed her soon," Lydia laughed. "I told her she'd already put on five pounds with Andy feeding her all day long."

  "Hey!" Beryl called from the sofa. "I have to get back in fighting shape after that awful week in the hospital. Those people may think they know nutrition, but they don't know what my heart likes. Did you bring steak?"

  "I did. Davey said he would cook it just the way you like it," Polly said.

  "That's good. My teeth feel the need for carnivorous activity. Grrr," she growled.

  "So you’re feeling better?" Polly asked.

  "I'm feeling like a rock star. This girl has been pampering me, cleaning my wounds, and treating me like a princess. Let me tell you, if a person has to get sick, this is the place to recuperate."

  Polly laughed. "I don't know whether I'd be able to choose between Andy and Lydia."

  "Hah. I notice you didn't include me in your list of caregivers," Beryl huffed.

  "Isn't that interesting?" Polly remarked. "I didn't, now did I? Tell me, would you be a good caregiver?"

  "I'd get you drunk enough to pass out and then keep you that way until all of your symptoms cleared up. How's that?"

  "Exactly what I would expect."

  Andy had taken the other bag of food and pointed to a chair, so Polly obediently sat down.

  "Tell me the truth. How are you feeling?" Polly asked.

  Beryl smiled, "I feel pretty good. Andy's been great about caring for my legs and I suspect they'll be fine. She told me that the owie on the back of my head is healing up and the big one on my butt looks better than it should. I have a bunch of bandages on my back that she assures me are covering practically nothing and those will be in good shape before we see the doctor on Friday."

  "Your face looks a lot better today!" Polly said, "At least you no longer look like you've been beaten by an angry gorilla."

  Beryl poked at her cheekbone. "It still hurts a little when I do that, but Lydia told me not to do that."

  Sylvie poked her head out and asked, "What would you girls like to drink?"

  Polly jumped up and said, "I can get my own drink. You don't need to wait on me."

  Beryl peered at her through slitted eyes, "Sit down and hush. Have you learned nothing? If Lydia and Andy don't get an opportunity to take care of you, they'll find ways. Even if they have to hurl curses at your water heater."

  "I'd like water, please," Polly said to Sylvie, "and thank you."

  "When do I get to have alcohol again?" Beryl called out to the dining room.

  Andy stepped in, "Do you want some wine with your lunch? You aren't taking pain killers any more except at night. I've got a nice red in the cabinet."

  Beryl's eyes filled, "That would be great. It's nice to feel normal again." She reached up and took Andy's hand, "I'll never be able to tell you how much this means to me."

  Polly watched the two friends and felt tears at the back of her own eyes. It hit her again how lucky they had all been that the damage to Beryl was so minimal. There would be a couple of ugly weeks in everyone's memories, but hopefully they would be ameliorated by the love surrounding her.

  In a few moments, the three women came out from the dining room in a procession. Sylvie carried two white linen napkins, snapped the first open and laid it across the table in front of Beryl, then snapped the other open and put it in the woman's lap. She took silverware off the tray Lydia was carrying and placed it on the table, followed by the plate with Beryl's meal. She and Lydia returned to the dining room, giggling, while Andy set the glass of wine on the table and bowing, turned and walked away.

  In moments, they returned to do the same for Polly.

  "What did I do to deserve such treatment?" Polly asked.

  "We needed an audience," Sylvie laughed, "and since you paid for this, you deserve it!"

  They were soon gathered around, laughing and eating.

  "How is your Marilyn doing?" Andy asked Lydia. The baby's arrival date was in June and since Marilyn had a little difficulty with morning sickness, Lydia had been fluttering back and forth to Dayton as often as possible to spend time with the twins so their mama could rest.

  "She's feeling so much better these days," Lydia said. "I think she is finally happy to be pregnant again. But, I have more news! Jill is pregnant and it looks like I might get a Christmas baby in the family."

  Polly smiled, "Don't they live in Kansas City?"

  "It's only three and a half hours to their house," Lydia said. "Aaron is going to just have to make sure I have good tires on the Jeep, because I'll be hitting the road as often as possible."

  Polly listened as they talked about babies and children. That wasn't something she had ever given much thought to doing. Her friend, Bun
ny, could hardly wait to have babies and every time she saw one, she oohed and cooed. Polly liked kids when they got to be about six years old and were interesting. Infants were just strange little alien things that turned grown women into crazy people as far as she was concerned.

  It had occurred to her several times over the last few years that she wasn't at all interested in being a mommy. Maybe someday, she'd be a mom either as a foster parent or through adoption, but there were plenty of women out there giving birth, she didn't need to join the ranks.

  She wondered what Henry would say to that. What if he wanted children? Joey, Polly’s crazy, ex-boyfriend who kidnapped her, had insisted he wanted children of his own. Having his own genetic material floating around in some child was important to him. She'd dodged a bullet there. That was some corrupt DNA. Henry hadn't seemed terribly upset when she talked about waving Lydia and Andy off regarding children. What was she even thinking though? They weren't talking about marriage and she didn't need to be thinking those things out loud in her head. "Forget it," she said in her head. "I didn't mean anything by it."

  Would he laugh at her having these crazy thoughts or would he get all serious with her and expect them to talk about the future of their relationship. Good heavens, they'd only been dating each other for four months and he'd been in Arizona with his parents for two of those. Why would anyone think that it was time to push their relationship along any faster?

  Wait. She was the only one thinking about this. It was all happening in her head. No one was pushing her, especially Henry. He'd been wonderful about everything. Come to think of it, she was pretty lucky. Mary Shore, the woman who had cared for her after Polly's mother died, would tell her that she didn't need to rush anything and she didn't need to feel any pressure from her friends when it came to making a decision, especially one that would change her life. Mary would have liked Henry. Polly imagined all of her family: Mary and her husband, Sylvester, and Polly's dad sitting around the table meeting Henry for the first time. He would have fit right in. Sylvester was a quiet man who worked hard for Polly's dad. Mary had quit a job in a local dentist's office to come care for Polly. She loved to laugh and when the men were exhausted from a long day on the farm, she steered the conversation so Polly was able to connect with her dad and learn about the things he loved.