She finally joined me. “Brr, it’s cold out here.”
“Even colder when someone takes forever to say goodbye to people they will be texting all night and will see tomorrow.”
Putting her arm through mine, she smiled. “You raised me to be polite. Let’s go.” She stamped her feet. “I need to warm up. Why did you come by? I could have come home by myself.”
“If we start moving, you may warm up a bit.” She gave me an eye roll but started forward. “Your dad is moving in today.”
She shrieked, “Today? I’m not sure I’m ready.”
“Sometimes we’re never ready for the things that happen in life.” I squeezed her hand. “I’m sure everything will be okay.”
“If you can stand it, I ought to be able to as well.” As we got closer, my speed slowed with each step. “Mom, I can’t keep on pulling you. At this rate, we won’t be home till eleven.”
“You’re right.” I sped up. It’s cold out. We probably won’t even see him. We turned the corner to our street and hurried along to the door.
“Howdy, neighbors.” Drew must have been watching for us out his window.
“Hi, Dad.”
“That’s all. No hug, no kiss? We haven’t seen each other in four years!”
I threw Drew a warning look. “Look, Drew…”
Jenny ran over to his porch and gave him a quick hug and peck on the cheek. “It’s okay, Mom. I’ll be back over in time to change.” She disappeared into the house.
I stood there stunned by the sudden silence. Traipsing into the house, I sat on the window seat overlooking Drew’s house. I hope she’s okay. Maybe I should go over and make sure. That’s stupid. She’s almost an adult, and he’s her dad. Shaking my head, I stood and put a load of laundry in.
An hour later, the back door burst open, and Jenny came in rubbing her arms. “Let’s move somewhere warmer. It’s too cold here.”
“Not a bad idea. How did your visit go?”
“It was fine, Mom.”
“What did you talk about?”
She gave me a look as she hung up her coat. “Not much. He just wanted to catch up on my life. He said his mother studied ballet when she was young too. It’s kind of weird not knowing him but knowing him. Some things seemed so familiar about him, but it’s been a long time. I think it kind of freaks him out that I’ve grown up.”
“He’s been living in a time warp.”
“I know. I had to show him how to use his new smartphone.”
“How could he afford a new smartphone? And how did he afford the rent? He had hardly any money left after I paid everyone back from his accounts.”
“I don’t know. Why don’t you ask him? I need to get changed for dinner.” She ran up the stairs.
I sat at the counter staring out the window. How is he affording this?
After a few minutes, Jenny hurried back down the stairs. “Mom, hate to tell you this, but you could do with a makeup refresh. And you may want to run a brush through your hair. It was pretty windy on our way back from school.”
Starting out of my reverie, I headed for our combo half bath/laundry room. As I refreshed my makeup, Jenny jumped up to sit on the washing machine. “Mom, don’t you think you should bake something and take it over to welcome Dad to the neighborhood?”
I almost took my eye out with the mascara. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
She studied me in the mirror. “If it was anyone else who moved in, you would.”
“You’re right. But it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to do that. It might give him the wrong idea.” I tapped her shoulder. “I know, why don’t you bake something for your dad after school tomorrow? I’m sure it will be that much more special if you bake it and take it over to him.” I smiled at my reflection in the mirror.
The doorbell rang, and Jenny launched herself off the washer. “I’ll get it.”
I made a quick swipe with my lip gel and scrunched my auburn curls.
Sighing, I greeted Rob. He dangled a string, playing with Courvoisier, while Jenny did the same for Drambuie.
He stood when I came around the corner and hurried to give me a hug. “You okay?”
“Yes.” I kissed him. “Mmm, it’s good to have you here again.”
“Mom, are you sure you want me to come with you?”
Rob gave her a crooked smile. “Up to you, Jenny. We’re going to Fiorella’s, though, if that’s of any interest to you.”
Jenny looked over at me. “Sorry, Mom. You’re stuck with me.”
I grabbed her coat and tossed it to her as Rob helped me with mine. “Let’s go. I hope your car’s still warm.”
“It should be. Plus, you could use the seat warmers; they turn on pretty quickly.”
Jenny and Rob strolled out the door. I followed, setting the alarm and locking the door behind me. As I got in the car, a curtain swung shut at Drew’s house. Well, at least he didn’t come out.
✽ ✽ ✽
The next afternoon, I put the final touches on a presentation concerning the differences between various insurance deductibles. Looking at my watch, I was surprised to see that the day was almost over. I left and was shocked at the change in the weather. It almost felt warm. Three cheers for the changing jet stream. Smiling, I made my way home, exchanging pleasantries with others who were also out and about on this gift of a nice day.
I cringed as I turned down my street, concerned that Drew would be out. I didn’t see him, so I gave a sigh of relief as I danced in the back door. My happiness was short-lived, as he was sitting at my kitchen table playing Monopoly with Jenny.
“Hi, Merry,” Drew said. “I hope you don’t mind, but Jenny suggested we come over here.”
I raised my eyebrows at Jenny. She said, “Dad’s getting all kinds of phone calls. Some are threatening, some are heavy breathers, and others are dead silence.”
“Have you reported them to the police?” I asked Drew.
“No. I really don’t want to involve them.”
“I think you should. I have a friend in the department. I could call him.”
He shrugged. “If you think it’s best.”
I picked up the phone and called Detective Jay Ziebold. Jay, Rob, and I worked to solve a murder together, and although the beginning of the relationship could have only been termed as frosty, we ended up in a good place. “Jay, it’s Merry. We have a bit of a situation here, and I was wondering if you could come by when you get a chance. Fifteen minutes?” I eyed Drew. He nodded. “Yes, that will work. Thanks.”
“Why should the police help me, Merry? They put me away, remember.”
“I do remember that. Quite clearly. I also remember that you deserved what you got.”
Jenny frowned. “Come on, Mom. Lighten up.”
“Whatever.” I sat at the counter.
“Why don’t you play with us while we’re waiting? It’s a lot more fun with three people,” she asked.
There was a quick knock at the back door, and Rob came in carrying take-out chicken. “Hello, ladies. I thought you might want some chicken tonight.” He stopped dead in his tracks as he noticed Drew. His hand tightened on the bag. “Or maybe you’re busy.”
I jumped up and gave him a quick hug and kiss. “Don’t be silly. Thanks for stopping by.”
Jenny smiled at Rob. “Want to play Monopoly, Mr. Jenson?”
“I don’t think so, Jenny. Let me just have a quick word with your mom.”
I put the food in the oven to keep warm and then joined Rob in the living room. Keeping his voice low, he asked, “What is going on?”
“Drew’s been getting threatening calls, and Jenny didn’t want to be in his house with the phone ringing, so she brought him here.”
Rob rolled his eyes. “Phones can be unplugged.”
“I know. I’ll be suggesting he do that after he talks to Jay.”
“Jay’s coming over?”
“Yep. Should be here any minute now.”
There was a rap at the back door,
and Jay called out, “Anyone home?”
Rob and I came back from the living room. Drew tried to shake Jay’s hand, but Jay ignored it and strode over to Rob and me. “What’s up? And why is he here?”
I poured Jay a cup of coffee. “Let’s sit.”
Like territorial lions, Rob and Drew vied for the seat near me. I gave Drew a dirty look, and he gave Rob the seat. I asked, “Drew, why don’t you bring Jay up to date?”
He did.
Jay asked, “What do you want us to do?”
“Can’t you trace the calls?”
“What I suggest is that you get caller ID so you can identify who is making the calls. Once you’ve done that, I’ll take a trip over to whoever it is and ask them to refrain from making the calls. The other alternative is to turn your phone off. If the threats escalate, let us know. It might be better for everyone, including Merry here, if you moved on.”
Drew stood. “It’s a free country, and I can live where I want.”
“True. I’m just saying that you hurt quite a few people around here. Seeing you reminds them of the dreams they had that weren’t fulfilled.” Jay rose. “If that’s all, I’ll be going. Thanks for the coffee, Merry.”
“Thanks for stopping by. I’ll go with you to your car.” Once we were outside, I asked, “How bad do you think this could get?”
“I don’t know. I hope people have enough sense to leave it alone, but I’m worried. Let me know if you have any problems.”
Drew’s house loomed over me. I shivered. When I hurried back inside, a tense silence greeted me.
Drew frowned. “I think I should go now.” No one stopped him.
Jenny quickly set the table, and we all sat down to dinner. She fidgeted with her napkin. “Should I be scared for Dad?”
“He can take care of himself, honey. I’m sure everything will be okay.” I shot Rob a quick glance. I hope that’s true.
Chapter 5
While lying in bed on Saturday, I made a mental list of things to accomplish. The cats batted at my hand to make sure they were first on that list. Petting them, I rolled over and got out of bed. Shuffling down the stairs was treacherous, as they did their cat dance, weaving in and out of my legs. I ended up in front of their empty bowls. They looked up at me with wordless appeal. Opening the bag of cat food, the mews of anticipation started. Bowls full, they began to chow down.
Proud to have checked one thing off my list, I turned on the coffee machine and paced the floor till it finished. Smiling, I poured myself a mug. My eyes closed as I savored that first jolt of caffeine.
Feeling sufficiently fortified, I opened the front door and bent down for the paper. Emblazoned on the front page was the headline “Swindler Returns to Scene of Crime.” Darn. I knew Rob would cover Drew’s return. I didn’t know that it would be the lead story or so sensationally written.
Reading it, I kicked the door shut and returned to the kitchen. Jenny came in two minutes later, rubbing her eyes. “Any chance of some hot chocolate and pancakes?”
I turned the paper over. “I think I could accommodate that request.” I gave her a quick kiss on the head and started heating the milk.
There was a rap on the back door, and Rob came in. He gave me a peck on the cheek. “Good morning.”
His gaze darted around the kitchen. When it lit on the paper, he frowned and gave me a quick glance. Jenny’s focus was on her phone, so I shook my head and put my finger to my lips.
Jenny looked up, frowning. “What?”
“What, what?” I echoed.
“Why are you two being so silent? What’s going on?”
I looked at Rob and sighed. “You may as well show her.” Looking sheepish, Rob picked up the paper and handed it to her.
She looked at the headline. “That’s so mean!”
Rob said, “That wasn’t my intention. It’s factual. Your dad did move back to town, and he was a swindler. It’s news.”
“If you really liked us, you wouldn’t have printed it.”
“Jenny, I’m sorry if it hurts, but my job is to report what’s happening in town. It would look silly if I didn’t report it.”
“It doesn’t hurt me; it hurts my dad!” She raced up the stairs.
Rob grimaced. “Was I too rough in the article?”
“She didn’t read it. She stopped at the headline. It was snappy, attention getting, and I guess it’ll sell some papers. It was also pretty incendiary in view of the town’s mood.”
“Are you mad at me too?”
I hugged him and gave him a kiss. “It’s your job. A little warning would have been nice, but, no, I’m not mad at you. This is just going to be a difficult time.”
“That’s fair.” He hugged me back.
I turned away. “I think I should go upstairs and see how Jenny’s doing.”
“Should I stay?”
“No. It’s probably better if you go. I’ll call you later.”
I knocked on Jenny’s door, and she asked, “Is he still here?”
“No, he left.”
“Then you can come in.”
She was lying on her bed, her pillow clutched tightly to her stomach. She punched it. “It’s not fair!”
I sat next to her. “Which part?”
“Mr. Jenson’s using Dad to sell newspapers.” She turned on her side so her back was to me.
“Rob’s reporting on the news. Unfortunately, your father is news.”
She buried her head in her pillow. “Whatever. I just wish this would all go away. My phone is blowing up with kids asking me if I saw the article.”
I rubbed her back. “Just turn your phone off.”
She looked at me as if I’d asked her to cut off her right arm. “Mom, I can’t. What if I miss something?”
I rolled my eyes. “I think you could take it for an hour or so.”
She made sure her phone was out of my reach. “I’m okay now.”
I sighed. “Do you still want pancakes and hot chocolate?”
She smiled. “Absolutely!”
A half hour later, we were enjoying our breakfast. I asked, “What are your plans for today?”
“Dad wants me to take him over to the library to get a card and to take a look at their computers.”
“Nancy used to have Wi-Fi at her house. Didn’t he pick it up?”
“Yes. I helped connect his laptop the other day.”
“Then why does he want to look at the library’s computers?”
Jenny gave me a dirty look. “What’s with all the questions? Why do you care? He can do whatever he wants. Maybe he just wants to be around other people. And if he wants my help, I’m going to give it to him.” She stomped off.
Note to self: tread lighter around Jenny when it comes to Drew. I texted Rob, “Want to get together later?”
“Yes. Where?”
“Late lunch at the Iron Skillet? One thirty-ish?”
“Okay. See you there.”
I was in the process of cleaning the kitchen when Jenny sailed by. “Going to Dad’s. See you.”
From the bay window, I watched as she tripped lightly up the path and knocked at his back door. He gave her a big hug, and she disappeared inside.
I joined Rob for lunch just a few minutes late. After we ordered, I asked him, “Why would someone who has Wi-Fi at home use the library’s computers?”
He looked thoughtful. “Maybe he or she has a data cap.”
“Nancy had unlimited.”
“Ah, so we’re talking about Drew.” He picked up my hand and caressed it.
“Jenny said she set up his laptop and phone so he could access the Wi-Fi, but he wanted her to go with him to the library so that he could use their computers.”
He studied the table, straightening his silverware. “He might want to be around more people.”
I rolled my eyes. “In this town?”
Rob looked straight at me. “Or he doesn’t want anyone to be able to track where he’s been on the Internet.”
> “Maybe we should stop by the library on the way home.”
“Good idea.” We finished lunch and sprinted over.
I blew on my hands. “I really wish this winter would be over.”
Rob gently took my hand and tucked it with his into his coat pocket. He smiled at me. “At least one will be warm. You may want to think about gloves.”
“I forgot to pick them up as I was leaving. But this feels pretty good.” I squeezed his hand and leaned closer to him.
I was happy to see my friend, Evelyn Roberts, behind the desk at the library. She waved at us. “Merry, Rob, good to see you.”
We exchanged pleasantries, and I said, “Evelyn, we stopped by because we know you have all the answers.”
She laughed. “I think you’re exaggerating, but ask away, and I’ll try to help.”
“Where are the public computers, and how does someone get access to them?”
“Let me show you.” She came around the counter and motioned for us to follow her. “They’re actually in a few different places. Since the library is pretty old, we had to locate them where we had available electricity. The first five are through here.” She showed us a smaller room behind the stacks. There was only one older man in the room.
“Why is there a window into the room? Is that so you can see what’s going on in there?”
She laughed. “No. It’s so there’s more light. If we didn’t have the window, it would be like a cave in there, even with the overheads on.” She continued the tour. “Then we have another two workstations around this corner.” She pointed them out. “And there’s also one that most people don’t know about that’s upstairs behind the mystery section. Do you need to see it as well?”
Rob smiled. “No, we’ll take your word for it.”
I asked, “How do you arrange for a workstation?”
“It’s easy. You just come in and ask for one. If it’s a busy time, then we have a sign-up sheet, and we impose a time limit so we can accommodate everyone. That doesn’t happen often, though.”
“So you don’t track who is using what workstation or what they are doing on the workstation?”
She frowned, and even though she spoke in a low tone, I could hear the stridency in her voice. “Of course not. Libraries don’t function as thought police. We have some safeguards for children, but that’s about it.”
Murder So Festive Page 3