“Tired?”
“You can tell?”
“I can. Eat your breakfast. Omelets and coffee, toast, and juice.”
“Sounds yummy. Have you heard from Sheriff Carver?”
“Not yet.” I went on to share what Dr. Sommers had told Jack and me. That way, Bun would know, too.
“Are you ready for tonight’s gig? I can’t believe it’s time to speak to these students.”
“We’ve had a fairly busy schedule these past few weeks. I’ll be glad when the evening is over so we can focus solely on the open house. Jack has his hands full and probably won’t bug me to death over the case, especially now that I’ve backed off somewhat.”
“I noticed you have been distancing yourself from the investigation. Did the attack on you at Lake Plantain have anything to do with your decision?”
With a mouthful of food, I nodded.
“Well, I, for one, am glad of that. You belong here at the farm, not out chasing killers.”
“Easy for her to say. Sometimes that falls into our lap, and we have to handle it the best way we can.”
I gulped a glass of orange juice and then said, “It’s a matter of taking care of myself, so I can run the farm and care for the rabbits. They’re important to me.”
Jess nodded. “I guess it wasn’t helpful of me to call and insist you come to the house last night. You and I could have been in trouble if the guy who assaulted Felicia was still about. Did you share what Valerie told us with Jack?”
“He found it most interesting and will speak with her.” The phone jingled and I saw Carver’s name on the screen.
“Hey, Jack, what’s up?”
“Dr. Sommers called to say Felicia had a bleed in her brain, and the neurology brothers—the ones that are doctors and brothers—took her into surgery to fix it. She’s still unconscious, but they agree that she will recover. And, before you ask, they don’t know how much damage the injury caused. I’ve contacted her parents. They’ll arrive sometime today.”
“Thanks for calling, Jack. I appreciate the news.”
“I’m off to speak to Valerie before she heads to school. Keep me posted if you find out anything that will help my investigation. You and Jessica are speaking tonight, aren’t you?”
“We are.”
“Take care, Juliette. There’s a killer at large and I think he lives on that campus.”
“I’m not so sure, but I’ll consider that.” I hung up, gave Jess a quick rundown of what Jack said, but left out the part about helping with his investigation. I didn’t need or want another lecture from Jessica. She lived her life the way she saw fit while I lived mine—take it or leave it. Did I want to be safe and alive to care for my rabbits? Of course. Did I need to poke my nose where it didn’t belong? Sometimes. Could I leave a rock unturned? Not a chance. Bun wouldn’t allow it. I heaved a sigh and pushed back from the table.
“Chores await me.”
We cleared away breakfast bits and dishes. I set the dishwasher to run when Jess went to the clinic. I prepared a pork roast and tossed some raw veggies into the Crock-Pot to cook for dinner.
The chores went smoothly. Petra’s babies could now move about pretty well and were sweet. Bun was in the play yard with his fellow rabbits while I cleaned hutches, sanitized cages, and emptied trays. The rabbits had eaten before I started to clean, which made my job easier.
I’d emptied the last fecal tray into the hopper when the barn door opened, and Jason walked in. “Let me do that for you,” Jason said.
“Too late, I’m done. You can handle those hay bales and each hutch needs some of it. What are you doing here so early?”
“It’s a teacher-learning day of sorts and there aren’t any classes.” He grinned and got started.
I left him to his job and went into the house to shower and change my clothes. I struggled with my snarled hair before I dressed, and won the battle. Returning to the barn, I went in search of Jessica. She stepped from the clinic into the shop.
“What’s going on?” Jess asked.
“Nothing. I wanted to ask if you planned to eat supper here and then we’d go to the lecture together.”
“Sure, what’s on the menu?”
I told her what was cooking.
“Consider me included, then.”
“I’m going to distribute more of the postcards I picked up the other day. I’ll take Bun with me. Jason’s here and has taken over what’s left for chores.”
“Okay, I’ll see you later.” Jess drew close and glanced over her shoulder toward the clinic. Then she whispered, “There hasn’t been anything about the attack on the news, has there?”
I shrugged. “I haven’t had the radio or TV on, but I’ll listen while I’m driving. I take it you haven’t told your parents about last night?”
She shook her head and went to greet her next patient.
I returned to the barn in time to see Bun looking around. When he saw me, he hopped over to the pen wire and said, “What’s going on?”
I glanced at Jason and said I’d be taking Bun with me while I ran errands. He waved and went back to work.
“For a minute there, I was worried that you’d gone off without me, yet again.”
“Come on, we have things to do and places to go.” I donned the sling and leaned down so he could climb in.
While I drove into Windermere, my cellphone rang.
“Hello?”
Jack said, “Did you ever go back to the Eriksons for the postcards?”
“I did, why?”
“You were supposed to talk to them about Denton Clarke.”
“The store was busy and I couldn’t wait for people to leave. There were several customers ahead of me.”
“What were they picking up?”
“I don’t know. Packages, that’s all I saw. Some large, some not.” The reason he asked hit me like a brick. I sucked in a breath and said, “You think they’re distributing drugs, don’t you?”
“I had considered it, didn’t you?”
“Not at all.”
The line went dead. I continued on to the library, where I left stacks of postcards. The next stops were the supermarket, Carrie’s diner, and finally Stacey Farnsworth’s corner deli, The Eatery. Inside, I instructed Bun to stay in the sling. The shop was animal-friendly, but I refrained from allowing Bun to roam free.
Stacey greeted us from behind the counter with a wide smile of welcome. She poured a cup of coffee and handed it to me. “Great to see you again. I didn’t think you’d remember to stop by after what took place at the hop was over.”
I sipped the brew and watched as she read the postcard. When she looked up, her smile widened.
“This is a fantastic idea. I didn’t realize you offered classes like this or even taught them.”
“I don’t teach, one of my employees does. There’s also a student waiting list.”
“You certainly are fortunate. What can I do for you, other than leave these out for my customers?”
“There won’t be refreshments inside our open house, but I will have an outside tent in place for them. I wondered if you’d be able to cater sandwiches and desserts for our guests? I’d like to keep it simple.”
“Sure, I’d be happy to bring the food. A cup of soup is always a big hit, too. How many people do you expect?”
“If the crowd is like the last one, food for up to a hundred people should be enough.”
Her eyes brightened at the number. I could almost hear a cha-ching sound go off in her head. This would be costly, but one month of the student fees Molly charged would more than cover it.
I gave Stacey the date, set up the menu, and what time I wanted her to arrive. On my way out, Stacey remarked, “That was terrible news about Felicia Brandt. You heard about it, didn’t you?”
At the door, I glanced over my shoulder and said, “I have. Yes, terrible news.” With that, I tried to make my getaway.
“I’ve always considered her an aggressive woman, but
she didn’t deserve that.”
“You’re right. Thanks for being a part of this event, Stacey. I appreciate it.”
“You betcha, it’s my pleasure. Do you mind if I bring brochures and business cards to give out?”
“Not at all. They’re good promotional tools to use during your day there.” I left before she could say more.
On our way to the car, Bun remarked, “Odd that she’d mention Felicia? I wasn’t aware that they were acquainted.”
“Me, either. Curious that Stacey brought it up, though, isn’t it?”
I called Jessica to say Felicia’s attack was now common knowledge. She groaned but said she knew it would come out sooner or later.
Bun’s ears flipped forward and he burrowed back inside the sling when Margery Shaw approached.
“I see that despicable animal is with you again. I’d keep an eye on him if I were you. He’s worthless, you know.”
“You’re the despicable one. You should move on.” Margery blocked my path. I started to sidestep but she did the same. I stopped, gave her a look, and loudly insisted, “Out of my way, now.”
“Tell me—he talks to you, doesn’t he? What does he say? Does he rant and rave?”
“The only one who raves is you. Bun’s a rabbit and rabbits can’t talk. Now, step aside, or I’ll call the police to say you’re harassing me.”
It took her less than a second to rush off, yelling epithets with each step she took. I shook my head, rolled my eyes while people watched, and then I sauntered off.
A cruiser pulled close to the curb as I reached my car. Adam stared at me from behind the steering wheel, then he got out and stepped onto the sidewalk.
“I received a call that you were having problems. Is that true?”
Bun popped his head out of the sling. “Tell him. Tell him the truth, that the wicked witch taunted us. Maybe he can put an end to it.”
“Margery Shaw was on a rant. She blocked my path and refused to move until I said I’d call the police, which I didn’t do, by the way. She’s stark raving mad, Adam. She believes Bun can talk. Nuts, I tell you, the woman is nuts.” Okay, so my anger was on a roll, even though I hadn’t thought I was angry at all.
“I’ll have a word with her. Which way did she go?”
I pointed in the direction Margery had taken and then said, “You might be better off to speak with her at her home. I don’t know where she was going. But, she was on foot.”
He studied the direction she had taken and then nodded before he left. On our own again, we made a few more stops to drop off additional postcards before we returned to the farm.
“It’s nice to be back. I don’t think I’d enjoy living in the city.”
I put the car in park, shut off the motor, and agreed. “Me, either.”
Dinner was luscious. The food, cooked to perfection, nearly melted in my mouth. Jess commented on its tastiness as we overindulged. I sat back, replete from the meal, and glanced at the clock.
“It’s almost time to go. Are you nervous?”
“Not really. I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be fun and just think, Felicia won’t be there to heckle us.”
“That was mean, even if you’re right. I wondered if she might show up to annoy us. We’ve got so much to share about being small business owners, that the audience is sure to find interest in what we have to say.”
Jess agreed. She began to clear dishes from the table while I stored leftovers in the fridge, and then filled the dishwasher. Earlier, Jason and I had fed the rabbits, then given them extra water and a snack before Jason left for home on his motorized bicycle, which I thought was pretty cool. While I’d looked the bicycle over, he talked of how he’d saved his earnings to buy it.
Pleased to think he was smart with money, I said so and watched him swell with pride as he rode away.
“Jason’s motorized bicycle is quite the item. Have you seen it?”
Jess grinned. “He showed it to me when I was between patients. Even my mother thought it was a neat way to get around.”
Taking Bun with us, I drove to the college and left the car in the visitor parking area. As I walked toward the entrance of the room assigned for the lecture, Bun said, “I’ll be all-ears tonight. Don’t worry about me, okay?”
“Uh-huh, I can only hope you won’t be underfoot,” I murmured.
We joined Jessica and headed into a small, eight-row, curved amphitheater.
Chapter 24
Seats filled while Denton consulted with Jessica and me. We were ready, or thought as much, until we saw the number of students. I took a deep breath, let it out slowly, as did Jessica. Bun sat on the top step of the aisle and flipped his ears at me. I smiled and walked over to the microphone.
“Welcome, everyone. I’m happy to be here with you tonight.”
Jessica added her welcome and the show began. We shared our backgrounds, explained our businesses, and how we had come to be entrepreneurs. Then we went into the nitty-gritty of what to expect in the real business world. We entertained the audience with our mistakes and shared how we had turned those oops moments into opportunities. Our honesty and openness were rewarded with a round of applause.
The time flew and before we knew it, we were at the question-and-answer portion of the program.
Some students were familiar to us, while others were not. Those who had worked the hop event had an advantage over the others due to their familiarity with us and Molly, who sat in the front row. I’d noticed Bun move from step to step and back again. When he heard something of interest, he’d let me know with an ear wag of sorts.
A student with a question would stand and ask away. Jessica or I addressed the question or added to the answer given. This went on until Rob Brayton stood up and asked, “Is it true you were attacked at Lake Plantain, Miss Bridge?”
“I was, but it has nothing to do with tonight’s discussion.”
“I understand that, but you found Frank Poland’s body, too, is that right?”
“It is, but again, it has nothing to do with this evening.”
“Are you worried you might be assaulted again at any moment?”
“Not at all. Does anyone else have a question on tonight’s topic?”
Rob smirked, resumed his seat, and stared at his fellow students.
Jess fielded the next few questions while I noted the response Rob had gotten from others near him. Some glared, a few wouldn’t meet his eyes, and several turned away completely. Remarkably interesting. Rob had given me food for thought. Was it intentional, or had he simply heckled me?
The evening came to an end and not soon enough. Rob had caused a stir, as he’d intended, by offering me a peek at who might know why Frank was dead. His questions were intentional, but why? Why would this man pull a stunt like that when he knew there would be problems for him from Denton Clarke afterward?
As I contemplated Rob’s intentions, Molly stepped forward with Bun in her arms. “That was an awesome presentation.” Her eyes sparkled as she placed Bun in the sling that I had donned and held open.
“Thanks. It was delightful to see so much interest in our lecture and be able to respond to the intelligent questions asked.”
“All but Rob’s questions, of course. He was rude.”
“It’s okay. I handled it. Now, let’s get out of here.”
The three of us and Bun went down the hallway with some of the stragglers who’d had extra questions for Jessica. Molly left in her car, while Bun and I stood outside the main entrance. Jessica lagged behind to answer queries.
“We have company.”
I heard his murmur before Rob moved into the light from behind the potted tree. “I hope I didn’t annoy you with my questions, Juliette.”
“Not at all. It was poor manners to bring those questions up, but I didn’t mind. I found the responses from other students quite fascinating.”
His laughter soft, he said, “I thought you might. The sheriff is running in circles and he’s lost
valuable time. Instead of dragging me into the station on a whim, he should follow the drug money.”
“I’ll be sure to tell him that. Thanks.”
“I’ll see you around. Watch your back, Juliette.”
I turned as the double doors opened. When I glanced over my shoulder, Rob was gone.
“That was creepy.”
“Yes, it was.”
“I hoped you were waiting out here. Glad you didn’t leave me behind, Jules.” Jessica chuckled as we started down the steps.
“Oh gosh, I forgot my handbag.” Jessica abruptly went back inside.
“I’ll get the car and wait for you here.”
She waved and rushed down the hallway.
Bun settled in the backseat of the car. While we waited for Jessica to join us, Bun filled me in on what he heard the kids talking about.
“All was fairly quiet until good old Rob opened his trap.”
“I watched the students around him react to his questions. When Frank’s name came up, some students looked anywhere other than at Rob or me. It seems he struck a chord with them.”
“He did it on purpose, didn’t he? I heard remarks from those around him after the lecture was over. Rob left right away, but a few people lingered, commiserating among themselves. He isn’t popular with the drug crowd.”
“How do you know they are the drug crowd? Hurry up and answer, Jessica’s coming down the steps.”
“They talked about making a buy.”
Jessica climbed into the front seat, heaved a sigh, and then yawned. “That was a wonderful, but exhausting, evening.”
“You had fun and you know it.”
She nodded. “We both did, until Rob goaded you with those questions.”
“He was just being Mr. Attitude.” I didn’t relate what Rob said on the front steps. Jess didn’t need to know, but Jack Carver did.
“If you say so. I’m surprised Rob didn’t get under your skin.”
“Early in the investigation I saw him questioned by Jack at the police station. He was calm and unshakable, much to Jack’s dismay. Rob refused to answer the questions, did his best to annoy Jack, and then walked out of the building as though he hadn’t a care in the world. I wasn’t about to let him get to me in front of everyone.”
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