It Started With A House: Lizzie. Book 1 (The Westport Mysteries)

by Beth Prentice

  “Why don’t you follow me over there now? I want to get changed before I head off anyway.”

  So that’s what we did. Molly left, I locked Harper inside with a bone Molly had kindly supplied, and I followed Riley back to his house. Waiting while he had a shower and left, promising I would lock the door behind me, I packed my clothes, laptop and Cat in the car and dropped them all off at the house. Harper was still in the kitchen eating his bone, so I felt pretty confident the house had not been violated while I was away. Sneaking Cat upstairs, I locked him in the bedroom, along with all the rest of my crap and then headed over to Mum’s.

  * * * *

  Things were pretty quiet in the Fuller household when I got there, which meant Grandma must either be out or having an afternoon nap. Finding Mum in front of the television, watching Judge Judy while she knitted, I felt a feeling of safety envelope me. It was like when you were a kid and the school bully had chased you all the way home, and as soon as you opened the front door and smelt the dinner Mum was preparing, you knew nothing could hurt you anymore. That was exactly how I felt now. Sitting on the couch, I looked over to see Mum smiling at me.

  “It’s very quiet here, Mum. Where’s Grandma?”

  “I know. Isn’t it lovely? She’s gone out to the Seniors Club. They’re having another get together today, so I dropped her down at the Global Church, down the road.”

  “At least it keeps her active and out of your hair for a while.”

  “Yes. I can watch Judge Judy without her constant interruptions. She even boos them, and shouts at them, raising her fist in the air! If you can believe that,” said Mum, a frown forming between her eyebrows. She obviously disapproved of Grandma’s right to heckle.

  “Something smells good. What are you cooking?”

  “It’s a new recipe I found while watching Ready, Steady, Cook,” she said, her frown turning into a smile. “It’s a chocolate brownie recipe but it’s really different to the one I’ve been using. As I say, you’re never too old to learn something new, so I thought I’d give it a go. What are you doing here, anyway, Love?”

  “Oh…not much. Riley’s brother’s wife had their baby, so he’s gone to the city for a look.”

  “Ooh…how lovely! What did they have?”

  “A girl, Mia Ruby,” I smiled. I hoped Riley took lots of photos of her because I couldn’t wait to see what she looked like. Mum and I were a lot alike in that way. We both loved babies. I’m not too keen on children, however, which seems to be a bit of a problem because from what I gather, they don’t stay babies very long.

  “Oh, Love. I’ve just finished this lovely little pink cardigan and bonnet set. I was going to give it to the hospital for the baby ward, but do you think they would like it?” asked Mum, pulling a tiny pink jumper out of her knitting bag. Taking it off of her and holding it up, I wondered how a whole person could ever be this small.

  “I think they’d love it, Mum.” Seriously, I don’t know if they would, I had never met Shelly actually, but the thought that Mum was so kind and caring made my heart all warm and fuzzy. Getting up and walking over to her, I gave her a hug.

  “Are you alright, Love?” she asked.

  “Yes, Mum. I’m just a bit tired. I haven’t been sleeping very well, lately.”

  “Well that’s probably because you’ve been sleeping with Riley and not all that concerned about sleep,” she scolded.

  “First of all, I am not sleeping with Riley. God, I wish. I have been staying at his house while my bathroom is getting fixed but he’s been sleeping on the couch. Second of all, who told you?” I know I hadn’t mentioned it. “Let me guess, Danny, right?”

  The blush creeping up Mum’s cheeks was a complete giveaway. “He may have let it slip, but I wasn’t supposed to let you know he told me.”

  “Secrets don’t last very long in this family,” I huffed. “Anyway, what have you got against Riley? You were always telling me to get naughty with Scott.”

  “Yes, I know and look where that led,” she said, a look of regret dancing in her eyes.

  Sighing, I said, “It’s not your fault, Mum. None of us knew what an ass he was.”

  “That’s not true. Danny kept telling me he wasn’t a very nice person, but I just thought if you married him, you would be looked after. You were always the one who needed to be looked after, Lizzie. Molly was always the strong one who looked out for you when you were little, but now you live alone, I’ve been worried about you.”

  “There’s nothing to worry about, Mum, I can look after myself.”

  “But that’s such an old house and you’re all alone in it. What if there is some maniac out there looking for a beautiful young lady like you?”

  If only she knew. “No one is going to hurt me, so relax. I’m okay.”

  Yeah, great speech, Lizzie. If only I felt half as confident about that as I sound.

  Hearing the phone ring, Mum put her knitting down and went to answer it. I heard a few oohs and ahhs and after hearing the familiar click of Mum hanging up the phone, she walked back into the room.

  “Grandma needs to be picked up early. Apparently she’s up to no good and the Minister has asked her to leave.” I heard the heaviest sigh I had ever heard, escape her. “Would you mind going to get her for me? I just can’t leave my brownies in the oven and you probably won’t know when to take it out.”

  “Sure, Mum. No problem,” I replied, forgetting all about my visit from the police.

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  It was a really quick drive to the Global Ministry from Mum’s. It only took me about five minutes and I was there.

  Driving in, I was amazed how big this place was. The car park alone was the size of a football field. The front of the building was almost triangular in shape, a cross standing proud on the top, overseeing everybody who walked through the doors. There were two separate entrances, both with canvas canopies, reminding me of a very expensive 1960’s hotel.

  The building stood about three stories high at its highest point and was glass from floor to ceiling. Huge palm trees flanked the entranceways with a wide circular drive drawing worshippers towards the doors.

  It was immaculate. There was not a single blade of grass on the lawn out of place nor was there a single leaf daring to drop and mar the perfect landscape. This church was so far removed from Riley’s it was hard to comprehend they were both built for the same purpose.

  Finding a park near the door, I walked up to one of the entrance doors, pulled on the oversized chrome handle and walked into the air-conditioned hall. Inside it reminded me of an entertainment arena with lots of double doors that all opened onto the foyer, allowing hundreds of people to enter or exit, whatever the need may be. Walking down the hall, I saw the nameplate of Pastor David Thornton attached to the last door on my left. The door was open but no-one was inside. I walked back up the hall on the plush carpet and looked around for somebody to help me. Wondering if they might be in the stadium, I quietly walked over to one of the doors and slowly opened it.

  Wow can be the only word to describe the inside of the room. It was huge. If I had to guess, I would think it would hold a couple of thousand people, with a raised stage in the center, looking down over the—at present—empty chairs. The largest monitor I’ve ever seen was suspended over each side of the square stage. There was no way you could miss anything if they had a live video feed running to those while the show was on.

  That’s what it reminded me of. This was a show you came to see.

  At present though, the arena was empty. Turning around to leave, I walked right into a lady so small she made my mum look tall.

  “Can I help you?” she asked.

  It was hard to pick her age, probably in her sixties. Yet she was dressed to perfection. Her tiny frame was clothed in a very expensive Chanel suit, her hair was pulled back in a rather severe bun and she wore Prada glasses, with absolutely immaculate make-up. All in all, she reeked of money.

  “Oh, I’m so sor
ry,” I said, stumbling backwards, putting my hand on my heart as if that would stop it racing. “I’m looking for my grandma. Mabel Philips? She was here today with a seniors group and I was asked to come and pick her up early,” I explained.

  For such a small lady, she was really formidable, reminding me of an expensively dressed headmistress. “Of course, follow me, please.”

  She led me back out of the arena and towards the rear of the building. Reaching David Thornton’s office, she held the door open for me to enter and I felt my pulse pick up again. This was almost like being sent to the headmaster’s office, and I hadn’t even done anything wrong.

  “Please take a seat. I’ll find somebody who can help you.” She left, leaving me alone in the room.

  I took the seat as directed, but pretty soon found myself feeling restless. These chairs were actually bloody uncomfortable. The may look lovely and expensive, but damn they were hard. Oops. Sorry God. I was in a church so I probably shouldn’t curse.

  Getting up, I took a good look at the room. It was a reasonable size, with a large stainless steel and glass desk in front of me. Apart from the iMac computer sitting on the corner of it, it was pretty well clear of anything. Behind it was a large, black leather, high-backed chair. I could just visualize the good pastor sitting there, passing judgment on all who sat before him.

  On the wall behind it was a huge portrait of a rather superior looking man and woman, with two small children sitting at their feet. The photo looked quite old and I suspected it was David Thornton’s grandparents with his father and aunt sitting at their feet. Remembering the documentary I’d seen on TV, the little boy—who looked about ten in this photo—would be Charles and the girl his younger sister, Mina.

  Old photos really fascinated me. I loved looking at the way people used to dress and the way they posed for photos. There was absolutely nothing natural about any of it. I wanted to take a closer look at it, but the door opened and Pastor Thornton walked in with Grandma Mabel. As he offered a seat to Grandma, I sat back down and waited to find out what was going on.

  “Hello. I’m David Thornton,” he said, extending his hand for me to shake. This was the first time I got a good look at him. Our last meeting in the hospital was a bit blurry and wasn’t really a meeting, as such. He wasn’t as tall as I remembered, maybe about five foot seven, his dark hair cut to perfection, dressed immaculately in a well-cut suit, minus the jacket which was on a hanger near the door, a dark blue shirt and tie. Taking his hand, I noticed he also got a regular manicure, as his nails were shaped to perfection.

  “Hello. I’m Lizzie. Mabel’s granddaughter,” I said, quickly retracting my hand before he got to have a look at my manicure, or should I say, lack of.

  “I’m very pleased to meet you, Lizzie.” His voice was just as smooth as I remembered it.

  “Thank you for coming down here early to collect Mabel. There has been an incident this afternoon and I felt it was best she go home,” he said, sitting in the large chair behind the desk. “In fact, it saddens me to say, but I would rather Mabel never return. Her behavior will not be tolerated here at the Global Ministry.”

  Looking at Grandma, I wondered what the hell she’d done to get thrown out of a Church. I mean, didn’t they forgive everyone here?

  “Well,” I hesitated, “What happened?” I looked at Grandma. She’d been pretty quiet up to this point, which was unusual to say the least.

  “Without going into too much detail, let’s just say she was found in a compromising position with one of the other patrons.”

  “Grandma, you weren’t with Ben Willett again were you?” I said turning to her and trying to look shocked. It wasn’t too hard really. I mean she was eighty-two and we were in a church.

  “Well, he’d taken a blue tablet this time and I thought what a waste if I didn’t make use of it.” She actually had the good grace to blush.

  At this point, there was a quiet knock on the door and small headmistress lady poked her head around the door. “Excuse me, David, but Mr. Willett’s family is here for him.”

  “Oh, of course. Would you ladies please excuse me for one moment while I get them settled?” Not waiting for our reply, he got up and followed small lady from the room.

  “Grandma, you are eighty-two and we are in a Church!” I said as soon as Pastor Thornton was out of earshot.

  “Well, at least if I carked it you wouldn’t have to take me too far.”

  “You’re lucky I’m the one to come and get you and not Mum. She’d be giving you a good old lecture right now.” I couldn’t help but smile. You had to love Grandma’s spirit.

  “Yeah, I know. You’d think she was the mother and not the daughter, wouldn’t you?”

  After a few minutes of silence, I wondered how long we were going to have to wait. Maybe Grandma and I could sneak out while the good pastor was busy. Trying to decide what to do, I continued my look around the room, but my attention kept going back to the photo on the wall behind the desk. Something about it was yelling out to me, but I couldn’t figure what it was. Just then, the door opened and David Thornton walked back in.

  “I apologize for the interruption,” he said, sitting back down. “Now, I can assure you, Mabel, Ben Willett has had the same punishment as yourself. He will not be invited back here again either. I know you are both elderly and that the natural urges of youth don’t just disappear, but the Bible clearly does not condone sex outside of marriage.”

  Listening to him lecture Grandma and thankfully not me, my eyes went back to the picture behind him. And that’s when I saw it. Sitting on the third finger of the lady’s left hand, sat Avis’s engagement ring. There was no mistaking it. The ring was far too unique to be any other.

  “Is everything alright, Ms. Fuller?” he asked me, concern marring his perfectly smooth face.

  “Um, yes!” I said a bit too over brightly. “I was just thinking how awful Grandma’s behavior is and I’m sure Mum will chastise her suitably.” I grabbed Grandma’s arm and almost dragged her from her chair. “Come on, Grandma, we’re going home to talk to Mum.”

  Grandma looked at me as if I was crazy, but I didn’t care, I just wanted to get the hell out of there as fast as possible. My brain was working way too fast and I just couldn’t connect the dots. What was the ring doing on the finger of old lady Thornton? How had it got from her, to Will and then to Avis?

  Standing, David Thornton reached over to shake my hand. “Thank you for your understanding, Lizzie. I’m sorry it had to come to this,” he said, holding my hand a second longer than necessary.

  Had he realized what I saw? Panic surged through me now. I wanted to run away and hide until I’d figured this all out. Surprisingly, Grandma managed to keep up with the pace as we almost sprinted to the car. Well, Grandma was actually doing more of a fast shuffle. I had just beeped the doors open, when I felt a hand on my arm, preventing me from moving any further. Spinning around, I expected it to be David Thornton and prepared myself for the worst.

  But the man who stood in front of me was definitely not David Thornton. Instead, he was about my height and my age, had what looked like premature baldness creeping in, and was dressed really badly in old jeans and a t-shirt a couple of sizes too big for him. I don’t think he’d got the memo involving the dress code around here. But he was completely unnerving in the way he looked at me, never blinking once.

  “Can I help you, please?” he asked.

  I had no idea who he was or what he was doing. Hardly daring to breathe, I waited to see what his next move would be, adrenalin at the ready, prepared to run or fight. Opening my car door for me, he aided me into my seat and pushed a piece of folded paper into my palm. With a small, almost imperceptive nod of his head, he moved around to Grandma and helped her into the car as well.

  “Have a good day, ladies,” he said with a small salute as he turned and walked back towards the building. I didn’t take the time to look at the paper, I just got in my little car and drove away from there
as fast as my wheels would take me.

  “What a lovely young man,” said Grandma Mabel.

  “Really? You don’t think he was a bit strange? The way he showed up out of thin air?”

  “Did he? I never noticed.”

  Five minutes later, we were pulling into Mum’s driveway when my phone rang. Looking at the caller ID I saw it was Molly.

  “Hi, Lizzie, I found that photo and you’re in luck. The license plate of the car was just visible. Are you ready?”

  “Hang on, let me just grab a pen.” Looking through my bag I finally found what I was looking for, turned over the note the strange man had given me and prepared myself for the number that would hopefully link all this together and solve this damned mystery. “Okay. Fire away.”

  Molly read off the number and, after thanking her, I rang Riley. Mum, meanwhile, had run out to the car to help Grandma inside.

  Taking grandma’s arm, mum turned to me. “Can you explain to me why the police were knocking on my door looking for you?” she asked, obviously unsure who she should be the most upset with.

  Oops. I’d forgotten about them

  “I’ll be there in a minute, Mum,” I called out, dialing Riley’s number. “I’ll explain everything.” Would I? I had about two minutes to come up with a good excuse.

  When my call finally connected it went to message bank, so I left Riley a message with the license plate number and hung up. Then I went inside to face Mum and see how Grandma would explain this afternoon’s antics. Not real well, as it turns out.

  Mum had Grandma sitting at the kitchen table, standing over her and trying to get Grandma to talk. Grandma had obviously thought the best way to deal with this was silence. Looking at me, Mum raised her eyebrows and waited for me to explain.

  “Grandma was making out with Ben Willett and the Church frowned upon it,” I said, shrugging my shoulders and feeling a lot calmer now I was in mum’s house.

  “What do you mean, making out?”

  “You know, doing the deed? Hiding the sausage? Doing the nasty?”