She pressed the ON key on the cash register and noticed that one of the ceiling fluorescent bulbs had burnt out.
Perfect, perfect, perfect. Start the morning wrestling with ladders and light tubes. I’ve got to conquer this ridiculous fear of heights. Do it now. Don’t wait. Do it before you think.
She fetched the long package of replacement bulbs from the supply cabinet in the office and placed them on the counter, then returned to get the heavy wooden six-foot stepladder. She opened the ladder and checked to make sure the hinges were locked. Checked them twice, then once more. She put her right foot on the bottom step. The plan was to bring down the burnt out bulb first, then take up the new bulb so that she always had a hand free to grip the ladder. She placed her left foot on the bottom rung, paused, then followed with the right foot.
I can do this. It’s not as tall as the tree last night. I’ve got to overcome this fear.
Holding her breath, she took the next step in the same rigid manner, and finally the third. Both hands were beginning to ache with the death grip she clenched on the sides of the ladder. The bell jangled, and she froze.
Edward stepped inside the front door with a smile and a tray that contained a French press filled with dark coffee, floral bone china cups and saucers, and matching cream and sugar containers. “I’ve brought strong coffee. I guessed you might need a little lift after . . .” He looked up at the ladder “What’s the matter with you? Are you going to be sick? You’ve gone white.”
Savannah gritted her teeth and moved her head the tiniest fraction down. “I thought I could manage my fear of heights.”
“It doesn’t look like it’s going to plan.” He put the tray on the counter and with deliberate slowness, stood on the second step on the ladder. “I’m right here behind you. You can’t fall. Put your left foot on the step below. Good. Now your right foot. Good.” He stepped off the ladder.
“Just one more step. Left foot first. Good. Now right. Now step onto the floor.”
Savannah wiped the cold sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. “Thanks a bazillion. I’m sorry. I thought I could do it myself. I was wrong. I’m really glad you were here. Thanks.”
Edward waved a Vanna White gesture at the coffee tray. “I thought you might need a strong wake up.”
Savannah smiled as the warm scent of the scones filled the shop. She reached out and wiggled her fingers. “Oh, gimmie, gimmie, gimmie. You’re a mind reader.”
After he handed her a scone, he looked over to the cash register and then back at Savannah, eyebrows raised.
“I’ve gotten brave enough to push the ON button,” she said. “Crabby Cash Register is whirling his gears. He looks happy.”
Edward squinted at the boot-up process scrolling quickly up the cash register screen. “So far, so good. It should only be a minute or two before we know. How are you this morning?” He casually climbed up the ladder and using both hands removed the burnt-out light tube. “Here’s the bad one. Hand me the replacement.”
Savannah removed the new bulb from its paper sleeve and handed it up to him. “Still a little stunned by the whole situation, finding Hugh dead yesterday, closely followed by that message from Dad.” She took the burnt-out tube and slipped it into the paper sleeve. “I’m so grateful you came to the dog park last night.”
“Not an issue. I can see now that you wouldn’t have been able to get it.” He installed the new bulb with a little twist. It flickered and light flooded the display room. “Did you figure out the message from the pink kitten box?”
“No, this one is really a puzzle. It took a long time to find it. All those little items were a distraction. The message was hidden between the binding of the notebook. It’s a slim sheet of really old onion skin with a random—to me at least—pattern of tiny holes.”
“What did it say?”
“I wish I knew. I’m going to show it to Jacob. It could be blatantly obvious to him, but I’m absolutely baffled.”
“Good plan. Jacob might be able to solve it just by looking. You might show it to Amanda as well. I’m continually surprised by the various skills she’s acquired holding down dead-end jobs. Ready for class?”
“I’m feeling better, and oddly enough, looking forward to continuing the class. It’s a familiar routine that doesn’t leave time for dark thoughts.”
“That’s good. Have you talked to John’s accountant yet about Hugh?”
“That’s one of my horrible tasks today. It puts a hamper on my plans to go back to Seattle quickly. Burkart will have some good advice. He’s quick on his feet, but he needs to know about Hugh.”
Have you heard anything from the police department?” He picked up the spoon in the sugar bowl. “Sugar?”
“Yes, and plenty of cream.” Edward put sugar and cream in both cups, stirred them and handed one to Savannah.
“Thanks. You’re a prince.” She sipped the rich brew. “Not a word from the police. I think I’m being treated as a crank call.”
Edward peered at the cash register. “Ah, it’s happy again today. Good.” He started to fold up the ladder.
“No, don’t touch that. I can put it away easily. At least I’m strong, even if I need to stay at ground level.”
“Sure. Anyway, the police force in St. Petersburg suffers from staffing shortages like any other business.”
“Really? I didn’t get the feeling that I would be welcomed with open arms. But maybe you’re right. If they don’t call back by the end of today’s class, I think a visit to the station would be the next step. Now that I have more to go on, maybe they’ll take me seriously.”
“Would you mind if I went along?”
“Mind?” Savannah grabbed his arm. “I’d really appreciate it.” She noticed her grip and removed her hand. “Are you serious?”
“Quite. I’ll be free any time after four. Is that a good time for you?” He transferred the dish that held the scone to the counter, placed the French press, the sugar and the creamer on the tray he balanced with one hand, just like a waiter.
“I could use the support. I don’t feel like I’m being taken seriously at all.”
“No problem.” Edward stood in the open door. “I’ll check back with you this afternoon. Enjoy.”
“Hi Edward!” Amanda appeared in the doorway, took advantage of the open door, and bustled her bags and bundles into the classroom.
Savannah smiled and scooted over to the classroom door to hold it wide for her. Amanda performed some acrobatic moves to get everything she was carrying onto the worktable. She walked over and stood in the doorway in front of Savannah.
“I meant to tell you yesterday, but things did get a little crazy, you know, after Hugh.” Amanda turned her mouth down like a lizard. “Anyway, I just love your earrings. They match your outfits perfectly. Do you make them?”
“Yep. I can’t stop either. They’re quick and use up the various bits of glass that I have lying around from other projects.”
“They’re gorgeous. You should start a side business selling them.”
“Then it wouldn’t be fun.”
Amanda looked from Savannah and Edward, around the rest of the empty shop, and then back to Savannah. “I’m not too early, am I?”
“Nonsense,” said Savannah. “I’m already open and just getting the materials ready for today’s lesson.”
“Good. I don’t want to be a nuisance. Some of my patients at the Abbey don’t pay attention to what’s happening around them most of the time. They just stand in the middle of the hallway and talk up a storm while blocking the way for everyone else to get by.”
“Excuse us, excuse us,” Faith and Rachel spoke in unison. “We need to get through.”
“Oh, of course.” Amanda flushed up pink to her ears as she returned to her workstation and rearranged her parcels back and forth across the work surface.
“This is not right. Which side were you on?” said one of the twins as she scooted into the last row.
“You�
��re on the wrong side. You were over here. Move out so we can switch.”
“What difference does it make?”
“You know I’m left handed and need to be on the other side so our elbows don’t bump.”
“Really?” The twin smirked. “I keep forgetting.” The twins shuffled their places and sat down.
Savannah looked at their hands. The nail polish identified Rachel, so it was Faith, the left-hander, who wanted to sit on the outside worktable.
“Good morning, Savannah. Are we going to make up for missing yesterday’s class?”
Feeling the tightness in her chest, Savannah resisted the urge to tell Rachel—at volume—that was a callous thing to say after Hugh’s death. Instead, she pushed the anger down to a quiet place. “Good question. As soon as we’re all here, I’ll make an announcement.”
The bell jingled and she went to the front door to greet the newlyweds.
“Good morning,” said Nancy. “I’m rather hoping today will be quite boring.” She led the way into the classroom with Arthur following with a dreamy look on his face. “We’re going to be very careful, aren’t we, dear groom?”
Jacob sat next to Amanda. He had already settled and his eyes steadily focused on a blank page of his notebook.
“Jacob, I didn’t see you come in. How did you get in?” Savannah asked, returning to the classroom.
“I have a key, Miss Savannah. Mr. Webb gave it to me last month. Do you want me to return it?” He spoke quickly with a hint of tremor in his voice.
“No, no, Jacob. I was just surprised. Where’s Suzy?”
“Suzy is in the office. I brought a real bed for her. I bought it for her yesterday. Is that okay?”
“Of course. That’s perfect.” Savannah opened the door to the office. There by the back door was Suzy, all cozy in a little plush dog bed with a small bowl of water next to her.
She looked up at Savannah and her tail thumped hello on the side of the bed.
Savannah left the door slightly open and went to the front of the classroom. “Welcome back to Beginning Stained Glass. Just a few announcements before we get started. Jacob has brought his new service dog, Suzy. It’s important that she stay in the office as all other parts of the shop may have glass shards. Jacob, when you’re ready, I’m sure each class member would like an individual introduction.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Amanda shot her hand into the air and peered over her shoulder at the crack in the office door. “Can I be first, please? I love animals. This is way, way cool.”
Jacob stiffened and began to breathe faster.
“Not today,” Savannah said quickly. “Let’s give Suzy a chance to become more comfortable with her new surroundings.”
Jacob stopped gasping immediately and quieted.
“Now for some announcements and decisions. We have lost some class time and we need to decide how to make up for it. I have two choices for you. One, we stay an hour later each day this week. Two, we return on Saturday morning. Any questions before I ask for a show of hands?”
Nancy raised her hand in a queenly little wave. “What about a third choice to not make up the schedule at all?”
Savannah bobbed her head. “Good idea. We’ll make that choice number three. Anything else before we vote?”
Everyone looked at each other, but no one spoke.
“Okay, then. Who wants to stay an hour later each day?”
Rachel raised her hand.
“Who wants to come on Saturday?” Amanda, Jacob, and Faith all raised their hands. No one moved.
“Choice number three—who wants to ignore the lost time and keep to our original class meeting times?” Nancy raised her hand and looked pointedly at Arthur who quickly raised his.
“Well, that’s a majority for making up time on Saturday morning. Thanks. I’ll change our posted schedule. Now, let’s pick up cutting glass where we left off yesterday.”
She picked up the black whiteboard marker and walked over to the classroom board. It was chock-full of posters for local events, conference announcements, glass art exhibits, classified ads, and the master class schedule. She added Saturday’s class to the schedule and noticed that some were out of date.
Jacob leaned over to Amanda and whispered loudly, “Mr. Webb left Miss Savannah a scary letter. I saw it.”
Amanda glanced around at the other students and leaned over, as well. “What did the letter say?”
Alarmed, Savannah quickly leaned between them as Jacob opened his mouth to tell Amanda. “Quiet, you guys. We’ll discuss this after class.”
Noticing something strange in Savannah’s voice, Amanda looked up at her with a mixture of concern and curiosity.
The doorbell jangled and Savannah turned to greet the visitor. “I’ll be right back. Continue cutting all the straight pieces you’re going to need. Then we’ll move on to curves and arcs. It’s better to cut accurately so that you don’t have to spend a lot of time grinding it to shape.”
She went through to the display room. Officer Boulli was standing just inside the door of the shop with his thumbs tucked into the belt that was way south of the normal waistline. He turned to Savannah and removed a full-sized clipboard that he had wedged under one armpit. He removed a clipped pen from the clasp, shifted his weight to a wide stance, and tilted his head to one side. Pen poised above a form, he asked, “Are you Savannah Webb?”
“Yes, Officer Boulli. We met yesterday.”
He made a small check on the form. “Humph.” He moved his pen down the form and read carefully. “Are you the owner of Webb’s Stained Glass Shop?”
“Yes, sir. I’m taking over the shop from my dad. He died last week.”
He made another small check on the form. “Did you call in a suspicious death on Monday?”
“Yes, Officer. You took the call. Don’t you remember?” She could hear the irritation in her voice, but couldn’t dial it back.
He made a final check on the form, slipped the pen back onto the clip, tucked the clipboard back under his armpit, and held out his right hand. “I’m Officer Boulli of the Homicide Division for the St. Petersburg Police Department. I spoke with you yesterday and I’m here to verify your statements.”
She shook his outstretched hand. “What does that mean?”
“It means what I said. I was ordered to verify the statement you made yesterday at”—releasing the clipboard from his armpit, he drew a finger down to one of the filled-in slots—“fifteen thirty-five.”
“Do you want to go into my office?”
“Not necessary,” said Officer Boulli. “I would like for you to read this description for accuracy.” He pointed to a large white square on the form with his black BIC pen.
She leaned in to see the tiny handwritten statement and read the few sentences Officer Boulli had apparently written down after her phone call. “That looks accurate.”
“That’s good.” He held out the pen. “Sign here.”
Savannah signed the form and handed the pen back to him. “I found a second coded message last night. This is very serious. I’m convinced my father believed he was in danger and that I’d be at risk as well.”
Pressing his lips into a thin line, Officer Boulli made a laborious effort to write a note at the bottom of the form. Then handing it back to her, he ordered, “Initial this last statement.”
Savannah complied with his instructions then pointed out, “I want to emphasize that I believe this to be a very serious threat.”
He slipped the pen back onto the clipboard. “I’ll ensure the proper authorities are aware of the second”—he paused to make finger quotes—“coded message.”
Unable to resist, Savannah asked, “Is there anything I can do to”—she made finger quotes—“help?”
“That’s all for now, ma’am.” He ensured that everything on the form had a response by running his finger down the list. “You’ve verified that you made the call and we’ll let you know if anything further is required.” He tucked the
clipboard again and pulled a business card from a fat stack in his top pocket. “Call this number if you have any questions.”
“You gave me a card yesterday.” She spoke to his wide retreating back and slipped the card into her pocket.
Is that really all he’s going to do? What a pair we are. He is an idiot and I am crazy.
She spent the rest of the morning guiding the class, who were all still working on creating turtle sun catchers. As she was showing Arthur how to cut a gentle arc for one of the turtle legs, the shop phone rang. “Jacob, could you get the phone for me?”
With a pale face, he turned around to look at her feet. “I don’t use the phone.”
Savannah’s brow furrowed into multiple creases. “What? Of course. I understand. Don’t worry at all. Amanda, can you get the phone for me? I’ll be right there.” The phone continued to ring in the display room.
“Yes, ma’am.” Amanda launched herself into the display room and picked up the phone. “Webb’s Stained Glass. How may I help you?” Silence was followed by, “Yes, sir. She’s tied up teaching a class at the moment. Can I take a message?” More silence. “Of course, I’ll bring her to the phone right away, sir.”
Amanda leaned into the classroom. “It’s a police detective from the downtown station. They want to talk to you very, very urgently.”
Savannah placed Arthur’s glass on the worktable and sped into the display room. Amanda handed her the phone and Savannah placed her hand over the phone receiver and mouthed Keep things moving, then nodded her back into the classroom.
“Good morning. This is Savannah Webb.”
“Miss Webb, this is Detective David Parker from the St. Petersburg Homicide Division. As a result of your call yesterday and your confirmation earlier, I’m sending Officer Boulli back to interview you and the students that were at Webb’s Glass Shop yesterday. Is it possible to have them come back to the glass shop today?”
“But Officer Boulli was here this morning,” she said through a clenched jaw.
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