by CeeCee James
But what would I say? I didn’t know who he was, and he really might have permission to be there. The more I thought about it, the more that idea felt a little uncomfortable to me, almost like I was meddling.
Well, I couldn’t just sit here, trying to decide. I was a little too rattled to go home, so I decided to head for In For A Penny. Being around safe people was what I needed. It wasn’t so much as coming across a guy living in an RV that had me so rattled. It was the expression on his face when he said it wasn’t his fault. And Denise… he’d called me Denise. Someone else had done that before. I wracked my brain trying to remember.
And then it hit me. The man staring at me from inside the car when I was crossing the crosswalk.
Weird and weirder.
The drive back to town didn’t help calm down the Ferris wheel of weird thoughts happening in my mind. I almost wished for a rattling squirrel’s nest to distract me.
Cedar Falls was busy as ever. It seemed like everyone was out shopping this Sunday, and it took me a bit to find a parking spot. Eventually I did, nosing in my car. I grabbed my purse and hurried down the sidewalk for the thrift store.
The little bird alarm trilled as I walked inside the store. I was hit with the fragrance of old books with their welcoming well-thumbed page-scent. Several new stacks sat on a table to the immediate right of the door.
I took a deep breath and felt my shoulders relax. Books were so grounding. They promised so many things, adventure, comfort, friendship, and escape.
There were a few customers milling about, making their own light shopping sounds of picking things up and setting them back down. As usual, Polly was behind the counter with an almost complete puzzle and a slice of pizza on a paper plate before her.
Did the sisters ever take a day off? Ironically, my question was answered when I asked Polly where Pam was at.
“Pammy’s at home,” said Polly, tucking a gray wisp behind her ear. She nudged her glasses up her nose and stared at the puzzle pieces. Her tongue darted out in concentration. After picking up a piece, she glanced up. “Where you should be. What’s going on with you?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, amazed at her deducting skills.
Her thickly mascaraed eyes gave a few blinks. “Well, dear, it’s Sunday. Here you are at work, and your eyes are puffy. Something must be wrong. Are you okay, love?”
I shook my head as I pulled up a stool.
Polly clucked her tongue and disappeared into the backroom. A moment later, she came out carrying two steaming mugs.
“Here. I made you some hot cocoa. My grandmother always made this for me when I felt especially bad.”
I glanced down to see the drink was from a mix, the kind with the tiny miniature marshmallows. They bobbed along the top, melting in a foamy trail.
“Thank you,” I said and took a grateful sip. I hadn’t had this since Mom had made it for me as a kid.
“Now, why don’t you tell me what’s going on. Besides ol’ Clint deciding to kick off at your place.”
“Well, you know they think he was murdered, right?” I whispered.
Polly nodded and took a sip. “I heard.”
“Ever since then I’ve been treated like an outcast from everyone at Cedar Falls. Like I’m the one who did it. And today I got yelled at by the officer in charge of the investigation.”
Polly took a sip and then neatly wiped off her cocoa mustache. “Who is that, dear?”
“Officer Kennedy,” I answered glumly.
“Oh, Officer Kennedy? Don’t worry about her. She’s all bark and no bite unless you’re the bad guy. Then she’ll snatch you up right quick. She’s just no nonsense and has a lot on her plate right now. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”
I thought about that. Officer Kennedy did say the world didn’t revolve around me. It wasn’t a nice comment, but it could be interpreted as another way of saying she had problems of her own.
“Besides, I have a bit of an inside scoop. She’s been getting a lot of heat regarding Clint’s death.”
I peeked over my mug. “How do you know that?”
Polly raised her chin, making her long earrings dance. “It’s Mayor McDaniel, dear. He’s out for blood.”
“Why is the mayor so vindictive about it?”
“I’m not sure. Things turned on their ear when the medical examiner ruled Clint’s death a murder. I think Mayor McDaniel was much happier with thinking it was simply an overdose. He’s been trying to keep things all hush hush, and you just can’t do that with a murder investigation. And that type of digging is liable to bring up a few skeletons with it. It doesn’t help that he’s up for reelection.”
I picked up a puzzle piece and tried to fit it in. “I heard that there was someone running against him.”
Polly glanced around to see where the customers were before leaning in to whisper, “Yeah. Laura Owens. I’ve known her from when she was a little girl. She’ll give him a run for his money, that’s for sure.”
“Maybe that might be a good thing.” It felt like a bold statement to say, in this Mayor-ish climate.
“The McDaniel family has been running this place for a while. Too long, some are thinking. And just like that, two are gone, and the mayor’s reelection is up in the air.” She snapped one more piece into the puzzle.
I took another sip. Should I tell her about the trailer park?
“Go on. Tell me,” Polly encouraged, not even looking at me.
Geez. How could she tell? This woman’s insight was starting to freak me out. “I went to the RV lot today, the one that Henry McDaniel owned.”
“Well, what were you doing clear out there, for?”
“I was curious. Like you said, the McDaniel family has taken a hit. I wondered who was running the business.”
“And what did you find out?”
“It didn’t seem like anyone was.”
“Well, I could have told you that. There’s been some kerfuffle regarding Henry’s will, especially now with his son Clint gone. They’ll sort it out, I’m sure. I suspect it will all end up going to the mayor.”
“I did see one person though, a man. It took me off guard. He appeared to be living in one of the trailers. He scared me as much as I scared him, I think.” I frowned. “He called me by some strange woman’s name.”
“Really? How peculiar. What did he look like?”
I did my best to find words to describe him without using adjectives like rumpled and sleepy. “Blond-white hair. Bulky red jacket. Huge feet.”
“Odd, so odd. Blond hair, huh? I think I know who you are talking about. Was he about this height?” She held her hand up to her eyebrows. Polly was a tall woman so it was still taller than I was. I nodded.
“Hmm. That sounds an awful like Sam Setter.”
I raised my eyebrows. Was that who I thought it was? “Does he work at the Farm and Feed?”
“You got it. Been at the job for most of his adult life.”
At that, my eyebrows practically shot off my face. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah. You know him?”
“He was supposed to make a delivery at my house the morning Clint died.”
The lines around her mouth crinkled deeper with a frown. “That doesn’t sound good. Now what name did he call you?”
“He called me Denise.”
“Very peculiar. For some reason, that’s ringing a bell, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.” She rolled her eyes. “Where is Pammy when I need her? She has a better memory about this sort of stuff.”
“I wonder why he was staying out there?” I said.
“I’m not sure. I guess you have to add it to your list of mysteries.” She harrumphed. “And you do seem to be collecting quite a few.” She put in another puzzle piece. “Some people are talented, I suppose.”
I laughed, feeling kind of sick.
“There’s just one thing I want to know,” she said, her eyes focusing sharply on me.
“What’s that?”
/> “Just how many dead bodies are you planning to find?”
Chapter 23
Talented, Polly had said. Well, finding mysteries and dead bodies was a talent I wished I didn’t have. I headed back home determined to think that the day wasn’t a total loss. In fact, I might jump in the bath with a glass of wine, and regroup since Emma was out of the house.
But before I did that, I knew I needed to call Officer Kennedy again. My stomach clenched at the thought since our last phone call was less than ideal. I wasn’t going to be able to relax until it was done. Sighing, I dialed. Something was going on and things were starting to feel like—even if they weren’t exactly falling into place—they were pieces of the same puzzle.
“Hello Chelsea. Yes, I remember you,” Officer Kennedy volunteered when she answered. As usual, her tone was as dry as a box of Saltines.
“Err, hi, again. Listen, I might have more clues for you.”
“Terrific. And what is it this time?”
I couldn’t tell if she was being sarcastic or interested. I forged on. “So, on the morning that Clint died I was supposed to get a hay delivery.”
“Okay.”
“The guy never showed up. I actually had to call the Farm and Feed because I was so desperate for alfalfa. At the time, the people who worked there didn’t know where he was either. Well, I might have found him today at the RV lot. I think he’s living in one of them.”
“Who is this guy?”
“His name is Sam Setter.”
“Why did his absence stand out to you?” Her voice was razor-edged, and I could tell she was paying attention.
“The funny thing is that our back gate was opened like a delivery had been made. And we found a hay hook. He really might have been there that morning.”
“Interesting. Thank you for letting me know. I’ll definitely be checking that out.”
We hung up. I had to admit, I felt slightly vindicated.
When I arrived home, I discovered AJ was there for some reason. Now what? Thoughts for an immediate bath dissipated in imaginary lavender-scented steam.
Jasper watched me anxiously from the front window. I threw my purse on the buffet and let him out, and then walked to the barn where I assumed the vet was at.
I found AJ sitting on a bale of hay with one of the kids in his arms.
“Oh, hi,” he said with an easy grin. His flannel shirt was unbuttoned, showing a clean white t-shirt underneath. “I just wanted to stop by and check on my newest patients. This one sure is a fighter.” He cuddled the kid against his chest. “What did I call you? Kangaroo Jack?”
“You think so?” I asked, leaning against the stall door. Jasper bumped past me and into the stall to give Daisy and the other kid a thorough sniffing.
“I do. By the way, I gave them their second dose of medicine, so you don’t have to worry about that again.”
Hallelujah! It felt like the sky had opened and the sun was finally shining on me today. No more goat snorts of medicine all over my clothing. “Thank you so much!”
“Not your favorite chore, huh?”
I shook my head, as Daisy’s particularly charming habit of tipping her head so the liquid gushed out the side, while Jasper tried to lap it up ran through my mind. “That would be a strong no.”
AJ laughed. He carried the kid back to the stall and gently set him down. Jasper immediately ran his nose along the kid’s spine. The little goat arched its back and bleated in pleasure.
“Wow, that dog is getting a little chunky, isn’t he?” AJ noted. He reached down to feel the dog’s ribs.
I glanced at Jasper. He did look thicker. “He’s always hungry.” I said.
“How much are you feeding him?”
“So, I started him out on two scoops—”
“Perfect.” AJ scratched Jasper’s side.
“But his bowl was always empty. And he was so sad when he looked at me.”
AJ laughed. “Oh, he’s working you. He knows an amateur when he sees one.”
“Amateur at what?”
“At the puppy pout. It’s one of their superpowers to get what they want.” He rubbed the dog’s chin. “Are you milking her sympathy, boy? Are you a pro?”
Jasper’s tongue lolled out in his doggy smile. His shaggy tail wagged contentedly.
“Put him back on the two scoops. Not one bit more. And no table scraps. Don’t fall for his begging. He doesn’t like it, but it’s what’s best for him.”
“Oh, I didn’t hurt him, did I? By overfeeding him?”
“Nah. He’s fine. He’ll just have sore feelings for a bit once he realizes he was caught and you aren’t going to fall for his tricks any more.”
“Oh, Jasper!”
AJ glanced down and brushed off his pants. Unidentifiable hair clung to them, some from the goats, some from whatever animal he’d seen before coming here. A few hairs floated off, but most stubbornly clung to the canvas material.
“Not coming off too well,” he said with a frown.
I laughed.
AJ gathered his bag, and then I walked with him back to his car. We shared some small talk, nothing too serious. It was nice to make some new memories at the farm that didn’t involve dead bodies.
“Don’t forget to pick up those supplements for the goats. They really need them. The Farm and Feed carries a nice brand.”
“The Farm and Feed! They have everything!”
“They really do. Everything from vaccines to tranquilizers. And diet dog food!” he sent to Jasper.
The dog was deliriously happy with the attention and ran around the vet’s legs, nearly tripping him.
We reached AJ’s car, and he opened the door and tossed his bag in. A weird odor came out, something sharp and medicinal. I wrinkled my nose.
AJ noticed. “Yeah, doesn’t smell great. Spilled a bottle of oral equine medicine back there.” He didn’t seem to be in a hurry to leave. “You been down to the coffee shop?” he asked, leaning on the door.
“Which one? Sweet Buns? That place is great.”
“I like that one. Of course, I half-live on the coffee at the convenience store since they’re open twenty-four hours.”
“Your job has some crazy hours.”
“That’s an understatement.” He laughed, slowly swinging his door back and forth. “Well, maybe I’ll be seeing you again soon.”
“That would be great.”
“Maybe this time with no sick animals involved.”
A zing of surprise—and was that excitement? That’s excitement, Chelsea—shot through me. But before I could respond, my phone rang.
It was Tilly. Now I was doubly caught off guard.
“Uh, I have to take this,” I said, backing up.
“Oh, yeah. Sure.” AJ flushed, and started to jump in his car.
“But I’d love to!” I shot out like a lightning bolt, before hitting answer.
“Yeah?” He gave a crooked grin.
I gave him a thumbs up, and he slammed the door.
“Hello? Tilly?”
“Chelz, is everything okay? Is Emma with David?”
I waved as AJ backed out of the driveway. “Yeah, everything is great. She’ll be home tonight. How about with you? What’s going on?”
“Oh, it’s been absolutely insane over here. You can’t believe the heat! Only springtime here but it’s a scorcher. Anyway, I talked with Douglas Glass. You know, my landlord? Apparently there’s been a mistake, and he says he’s so sorry.”
I smiled, wondering how much Pam and Polly’s threat of no Thanksgiving dinner had to do with it. “That’s great news. Hey, guess what, Daisy had twins!”
“She did?” There was a static-filled pause. “I guess I have more to learn about animal husbandry than I thought.”
“You didn’t tell me she was pregnant!”
“I thought she had more time, so it wouldn’t matter.”
“Oh. Well, everyone is fine and healthy.”
In the background, I heard someone talk
ing to Tilly. “Just a second,” she said to the person. And then, back to me, “Thank you again, Chelz! I’ll call Emma later tonight!”
She ended the call. I half-smiled, happy to know things were going so well for her, and shoved the phone into my pocket. Slowly, I slunk down on the front steps and then surveyed the farm.
Quiet again. Restful even, as the breeze tousled the yellow grass and tall clover.
That is, until Jasper took off barking for the orchard.
Chapter 24
“Jasper!” I screamed, flying up from the step.
He didn’t hear me. Either that or he didn’t care. He definitely wasn’t turning back. Now he was just a dark splotch running through the field.
I wasn’t saying very nice words when I stormed into the house. I wasn’t going after him this time without the leash. At the last second, I grabbed my pepper spray.
Slamming the door behind me, I ran down the steps and through the yard. Rosy watched me curiously as I sprinted along the fence and past the barn. I was pleasantly surprised when I reached the apple trees that I was still going strong. No stitch in my side, nor any of that out-of-breath nonsense that had plagued me so recently.
Amazing.
Still, the tall grass slowed me down. The lower half was matted by the rain and wind, and it snagged my shoelaces. I pushed through and hurried into the trees on the other side. As I walked my mind ping-ponged between Jasper being so ornery and something that AJ had said. It was really nagging at me. Was it the fact that he hinted about getting together? I shook my head. No, that wasn’t it.
I could hear Jasper now just ahead of me. His barks sounded like he was down by that old Pontiac.
The woods smelled loamy and damp as autumn settled in for good. I climbed over the old log grimacing as my hand slipped on the slimy wood.
As I slid my other leg over, it occurred to me what it was that AJ had said. My mouth opened in excitement. That was it!
Just then, Jasper’s barking reached a fevered pitch, driving all thoughts from my mind. I slowed down to disentangle my shoelace from a straggling twig and tried to listen.