“All done,” Lin said, as the last light went into place and they were shining brightly. No more decorating tonight. I’m ready for a drink.
As Lin poured herself a glass of wine and pulled together a plate of crackers and cheese, Neal opened a beer and announced that he was going to make chili for dinner.
“I’ll put together a salad, and I think we still have some of that good whole grain bread,” Lin was glad to have Neal assume the cooking duties.
He soon had the chili simmering on the stove. The salad was made and stowed in the refrigerator.
“Let’s take our drinks to the porch,” Neal suggested. He lit the gas fire while Lin brought out their drinks and snacks. It was actually quite chilly as the day had been colder than usual.
“Come over here,” Neal said, sitting on the sofa near the fireplace, “ It’ll be warm soon, meanwhile we can enjoy being close.” He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close to him. They sat in silence for a time, enjoying the fire as it began to warm the room. The sound was calm and the moonlight made a dappled path across the water. There were stars visible in the dark skies. Lin snuggled closer to Neal. It can’t get much better than this Lin thought to herself. Neal had obviously shed his earlier mood of concern over the conversation with Connie. He seemed to have regained his earlier holiday spirit. At that particular moment Lin wondered what it would feel like to have this contented feeling all the time. Would the two of them be happy in a more permanent relationship? At present that seemed likely to her. Maybe she shouldn’t be so cautious moving forward.
They sat comfortably in silence for a long time, enjoying their drinks and taking in the beautiful view. A bell sounding in the kitchen interrupted the peaceful setting.
“That’s the timer for the chili,” Neal said, “I’d better go check it. Sorry, to break this mood,” He kissed her lightly as he got up.
“It’s ready,” he called from the kitchen. Lin got up and put the salad on the table. The aroma of the spicy chili made her realize how hungry she was. They had had only snacks since breakfast, and it was already past eight.
After dinner they shared the clean up chores. Lin volunteered to take Sparky outside for a quick walk around the yard. When she came back in, Neal was in the living room opening boxes of ornaments.
“I’m just looking,” he said when he noticed Lin seemed surprised. “Kate has a lot of beautiful things here. I’m really enjoying preparing for a real family Christmas,” he had a warm smile on his face. Lin realized that he had, perhaps, spent a lot of holidays alone in recent years and felt glad that he was here with her.
She went into the kitchen and poured herself another half glass of wine then went back to the living room where Neal was still surveying the scene. Boxes were scattered about; some decorative items were sitting out on tables and shelves. It would all be better tomorrow when they finished decorating and put all the boxes away.
This scene made Lin smile as she sipped her wine. “It’s been a long day. Are you ready for bed?”
“That sounds like an invitation to me,” Neal gave her a wink, “one that I certainly can’t refuse. You go on up. I’ll check all the doors and be up shortly.”
Lin felt a familiar warm tinge of excitement as she went upstairs. She decided to wear the silky blue gown she’d bought before Neal arrived. She slipped between the sheets, turned out the overhead light, and waited for him to join her.
Afterward, as she lay quietly listening to Neal breathe and waiting for sleep to overtake her, she thought, a perfect ending for an almost perfect day. Only the conversation with Connie left any concerns, but she would think about that tomorrow.
Chapter 10
Their holiday mood continued throughout the day on Sunday. Both Neal and Lin enjoyed decorating Kate’s lovely home. Seeing things come together gave them a good boost of holiday spirit. When all that remained in the boxes were strings of colorful outdoor lights, they decided to put them on the small pier that led across the marshy fringe and out into the sound. Lin made two wreaths from the holly Neal cut and adorned them with red velvet bows. One graced the front door and the other was placed above the fireplace in the glassed porch area. That provided a festive touch to that warm, cozy room where they planned for Sam and Emma to sleep when they arrived.
It was late afternoon when the decorating was completed, and neither of them was in the mood to cook so they decided to go out. “Let’s try Kelly’s,” Lin suggested, “I’ve heard great things about the food and the atmosphere. I know Eloise says its one of her favorites.”
“Isn’t that where Connie Frazier works?” Neal seemed to be trying to avoid sounding concerned.
“I think so,” Lin tried to reassure Neal, “but we’ve already talked and I don’t think there is anything more to be said on that front.”
Kelly’s didn’t disappoint. They had a good wine and then ordered a seafood appetizer. The restaurant was quite busy, and it took a long time for their drinks and appetizer to arrive.
The waitress, an attractive brunette, apologized. “I’m sorry for the delay, we’re understaffed tonight. One of our best waitresses, Connie, didn’t show up for work this evening.”
Lin couldn’t resist, “Do you mean Connie Frazier?”
“Yes, do you know her?” the waitress responded.
“We’ve met,” Lin replied, “but I don’t know her well, did she call in sick?”
“That’s the thing, she didn’t, and the manager has been trying to reach her but no one seems to know where she is. That’s not at all like Connie,” the young woman seemed troubled, “I’m really a little worried about her.”
Another customer signaled the waitress; she excused herself and headed for that table.
Lin played with her food, puzzled about this news. “What do you think could have happened, Neal?”
“Oh, she probably just didn’t feel well. Maybe she fell asleep or something and just forgot to call in—it happens. Sometimes folks aren’t always as reliable as you think they are. Anyway, it’s her own responsibility—nothing you need to concern yourself with.”
“I know,” Lin replied, “but she was rather upset when we talked. Maybe, I should try to call her.”
Neal looked as if he was going to object, but he didn’t say anything. Lin didn’t press the issue. “ Maybe, later,” she said. “Let’s look at this menu.”
Their dinner was delicious and Neal kept up a steady conversation discussing plans he wanted them to make for the upcoming holiday. He had ideas for the party Eloise wanted to throw as well as a wish list of activities he planned to pursue with Lin’s son and son-in-law. He mentioned a possible deep sea fishing trip, maybe a day trip down to Ocracoke Island, taking the kids on a ride to visit the resident herd of wild horses—the list went on. Lin tried to stay focused on all of these plans, but she found it increasingly difficult to do so. She couldn’t stop thinking about Connie Frazier and what might have happened.
As they left the restaurant she put her arm through Neal’s. “I’m sorry I wasn’t good company tonight. I really do hope that you’re able to do some of the things you’re planning. You might not have time for everything, but I know the kids will enjoy whatever you can arrange. Why don’t you call Ben this week and see what would be at the top of his list. He can talk to Brian, and I’ll speak with Lucy about plans for us girls and for the children. We can make more specific arrangements after we talk to them.”
As they sat in the car, Neal turned to her. “Thanks for trying Lin, but I know what’s really on your mind. You’re worried about Connie Frazier, and you want to talk to her Mom. I know you. This whole thing has gotten inside you, and you’ll not let go until you learn more.” He slapped the steering wheel, more in frustration than anger, “ What is it with you, anyway? Why are you always the one who has to help someone out? Frankly, I think you’re taking a big risk, poking around trying to find out more about what that dead girl was doing—and what good will it do? I’m sorry, I don’t
mean to sound angry, I’m not, but I’m at a loss to understand you when it comes to stuff like this.” He reached for her hand and pulled her close.
Lin was silent for a while. She was trying to find a way to explain herself and realized that she couldn’t do that adequately. Either Neal could understand or he couldn’t. She wasn’t sure why she responded as she did to situations such as this, but she did know that it was part of who she was, and she knew she couldn’t change that, at least not easily. She wasn’t at all sure she would want to change.
Before she could say anything, Neal spoke again. He seemed to have read her thoughts. “I know this is who you are Lin. I doubt you could change, even if you wanted to, and I’m not sure you should even try. It’s just that you have become so important to me. I couldn’t stand it if anything happened to you, and I have an uneasy feeling about this situation with Dorrie. I don’t think it’s as simple as it might have appeared at first. The more you learn the more entwined this whole thing becomes with the death of Connie’s sister, and as I said earlier, if Dorrie didn’t kill Liz then someone else did. Someone who’s still at large.” He paused and took a deep breath. Lin realized that he was fighting back tears.
Neal lifted her face toward his and kissed her, deeply and with urgency. “I love you, Lin Hanna. I love you.” It was the first time he had spoken those words.
“ And I love you too,” Lin responded, “You’re right about me. I seem to be drawn to situations where it seems someone needs help. I doubt I’ll ever stop being that way. It is, indeed, part of who I am.”
“And, ironically, that’s a big part of what I love about you,” Neal managed a small laugh, “…among other things…”
“I have an idea,” Lin offered, “one I think you’ll like and I like it too. I won’t try to call Connie’s Mom, but I will call Ken Parker tomorrow and ask if he could check on her whereabouts. Who knows, she may have turned up by then anyway. I had planned to talk to Ken about the medical report on Dorrie, whether he could help her parents get a copy; I’ll just add my concern about Connie.” Earlier, Lin had explained to Neal that the young local officer had seemed to be very caring and concerned. She felt he’d be willing and able to help.
“ Sound’s like a plan to me,” Neal smiled. “I’ll try to curb my ‘protective’ instincts, but you’ll have to forgive me if I worry sometimes—that’s just me caring about someone I love dearly. Someone who just said she loved me too, if I recall,” he teased.
“ Yes, she did,” Lin smiled as Neal started the car. “She’s not yet sure where all this is heading, but she does love you.”
“I’m not sure where it’ll lead either,” Neal replied, “but I do plan to enjoy the journey. Now let’s go home.”
As they rounded the corner of Kate’s street and headed toward the house, they could tell immediately that something was wrong. All of the lights were on and they could hear Sparky barking from the screened porch. A black and white police car was pulled up in the driveway. The lights were all on At Eloise’s house too, and they could see the older lady standing on her porch in her robe and slippers. She waved at them as they pulled into the driveway.
A young officer exited the police car as they arrived. Lin didn’t recognize him. He wasn’t one of the men who had been at the scene when Dorrie was found.
They approached the young man and introduced themselves.
“Your neighbor, Ms. James, called us.” He pointed toward Eloise. “She said she was watching TV when she heard you’re dog going crazy—barking and carrying on from the porch. When she looked, she thought she saw someone prowling around in the bushes near the house so she called us. I guess the dog must’ve scared whoever it was away ‘cause there doesn’t seem to be anyone here now. With your permission though, I’d like to go ahead and check the place out—make sure whoever it was didn’t get in or do any damage outside. Maybe you folks could check the interior, but all the doors were still locked when I arrived. I turned on the outside lights from the switch in the parking area under the house.”
“We’ll do that, and we appreciate your help officer,” Neal spoke up. He and Lin went in through the lower level and proceeded to check each room as they worked their way upstairs. Everything seemed in order, no visible damage, no signs anyone had been inside at all. As they finished and returned to the kitchen, the young officer rang the doorbell. Lin let him in and invited him to sit down.
“I can’t stay, really. I’ve got another call to answer,” he responded. “I can tell you that there are no signs of attempted entry from the outside, but I did find this little item in the bushes,” With a gloved hand he reached into a large canvas tote bag and pulled out a heavy crowbar. “I don’t think this is a tool someone lost while gardening,” he said. “I think your dog here saved you from an actual break in,” he reached to scratch Sparky behind the ears, “along with your neighbor who called us. Maybe you folks need to consider installing an alarm system.”
Lin realized that she was trembling, partially from the cold, but also from the shock of what had almost happened. “It’s not our house,” she explained, “we’re house sitting for a friend during the holidays—but we’ll talk to the owner about that.”
“Meanwhile, make sure that dog is on the porch whenever you’re away,” the officer suggested.
Lin pointed to the doggie gate in the kitchen door, “He usually sleeps in the kitchen, but he can go to the porch whenever he wants. That’s probably what happened tonight. Sparky heard something and went out to investigate,” she gave the dog a hug.
“Well, I’ve got to go to that other call,” the young officer said, “can you come by the Kill Devil Hills station tomorrow to complete the report? I’ll send someone over tomorrow morning to check outside for fingerprints, footprints, etc. Easier to do in daylight and it’s not going to rain tonight to mess things up.”
“ We’re busy tomorrow, at least in the morning,” Lin replied. “We could make it right after lunch.”
“That’ll be fine, we’ll know by then if we have any prints worth anything. I’ll tell Sgt. Parker you’ll be by about one, maybe?”
Lin was glad that Ken Parker was apparently in charge of things. It was reassuring for her. “We’ll be there, at least I know I can be there,” she looked at Neal.
“I’ll be there, too,” he responded quickly.
When the young police officer had gone, Neal explained that the gridding he was to work on was really an ongoing thing. He could do as much as possible during the morning while Lin was working with the school group, then he could continue the work later in the week. He could see that Lin was upset, still shaken by these events.
“l’m going to ask Eloise to make us some coffee. Then I’ll check around the outside once more, just for my own peace of mind. I’ll be careful not to touch anything or step in any obvious places where they might find footprints. You go over to Eloise’s and I’ll meet you there shortly.” He grabbed a flashlight and they left the house, making sure the door was locked behind them.
Eloise was still on her porch and was only too happy to have them come over. Lin felt herself relaxing somewhat as she sat in the cheerful kitchen while Eloise made fresh coffee and pulled out a tin of homemade cookies.
“I began doing some baking for the holidays today, but this seems like a good time for a shot of sugar to go with our caffeine,” she declared.
Lin had to agree. Hot fresh coffee and delicious chocolate chip cookies were the perfect prescription. Caffeine and sugar were supposed to make one jittery, Lin realized, but right now she found them soothing.
Neal soon came in to report that everything seemed sound and undisturbed. “I think Sparky must have scared off the intruder, that along with Eloise being alert enough to call the cops and turn on all her lights. We had only left lights on at the door and on the porch,” he shook his head, “next time we go out, we’ll light the place up in full”
“ I don’t want to worry Kate, but maybe I should call her ne
xt week and see if she wants to have an alarm system put in,” Lin offered.
“I don’t think many folks in this neighborhood have one—maybe some of the summer families,” Eloise mused. “We’ve really never had any break-ins here that I can recall. Guess times are changing.”
Neal and Lin didn’t stay long. Neal helped Eloise check her own house before they left, just to be safe. They thanked the kindly neighbor for her help and hospitality and walked back to Kate’s. Once inside, they checked all the doors and windows one more time before going upstairs to bed.
The stresses of the evening—her conversation with Neal about his concerns for her safety and well being, along with the shock of the attempted break-in—caught up with Lin and, in spite of her late dose of caffeine and sugar, she fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Neal took one last look at her lovely face as he turned out the light and settled in himself. He wasn’t sure what was going on here, but he feared that tonight’s prowler was not simply a thief looking for valuables. He might be wrong, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that these events were somehow related to all the other stuff going on here. Who was this prowler? What was he after? All these concerns floated through Neal’s head as he pulled Lin close to him in a protective embrace.
***
Fortunately, Neal had remembered to set an alarm or Lin would surely have overslept. He was already up and showering when the jangling noise roused her with a start. She lay back on her pillow clearing her head and trying to think about the day ahead—leading the school group on a field trip while Neal worked on gridding the survey sites. After that, they had to head back for their appointment with Ken Parker.
At least I can kill two birds with one stone, Lin thought. She could use the meeting with Ken about the attempted break-in to ask if he could inquire about Connie Frazier as well.
“See you’re up,” Neal said as he exited the bathroom, his hair still damp from the shower.
Sandrift: A Lin Hanna Mystery Page 12