by Sandy Vale
Max jumped on the couch next to Kitty and made himself comfortable, always keeping one eye on Craig. She rested her hand on Max and could feel his tensed muscles. “Craig has just been tel ing me how much he travels but he’s in between jobs now.”
“Yeah, Corey. I think I’l hang around here for a while. Spend some time with you. Help you get over your loss. What do you think?” His long legs were stretched out in front as he settled into the cushions.
“Great Craig. Where are you staying?”
“I found a room with someone in town.” He slowly rose from his spot. “Wel , ladies, I’ve gotta run. See ya around Kitty. I’l cal ya Corey.” Craig hugged Corey, squeezing her arm and whispering again, “Didn’t expect this, did ya?” He let himself out and they heard his car drive off.
Corey let out a sigh. “How long was he here?”
“Not too long. Maybe fifteen minutes before you walked in. He was very friendly, polite, charming. Why do you think he came here?”
“He’s giving me a message. To watch out. He showed up in the woods when I was tapping the trees. I told him I would work with him. He’s almost convinced. This was just another test I had to pass. He doesn’t quite trust me yet. He may never completely trust me, but that’s just the way he is.”
“Are you okay with this Corey? Are you putting yourself in danger?” Kitty was very concerned.
Corey laughed. “I’ve been in danger my whole life, Kitty. This is different. I have people on my side now. It was weird when I was talking to Craig in the woods. I felt strong, confident. He noticed the difference and it surprised him. He liked it. He doesn’t like weakness. I have to make this work so I can get on with life.”
Kitty’s phone beeped with a text message from Frank. Can you meet me at the diner? Need to talk. Alone.
Chapter 6
“Frank? What’s going on? Your text message sounded urgent.” Kitty slid into the seat across from Frank in the booth at the end of the diner.
“I ordered coffee and a blueberry muffin for you. Cream and sugar?” Frank affectionately waited for Kitty’s response.
“Yes, that’s perfect. Thanks Frank.” She smiled warmly.
Talking very softly, he told Kitty, “I’ve just been talking with Sam and he gave me some more details of the day Brad was kil ed.” He paused to sip his coffee.
“Maybe we should finish our coffee and talk someplace else. I have some news too.” Kitty glanced around the diner.
Frank fol owed her gaze and nodded. “How did the tree tapping go with Corey?” Frank wanted to keep the conversation going so they looked natural.
“Corey picked it up like a pro. She’s fal ing in love with Fat Hen Farm. I hope she stays around for the long term. We’re going to see her bloom as her self-confidence grows.”
Frank leaned toward Kitty. Quietly he asked, “Are you sure you can trust Corey?” Kitty finished her coffee. “That was delicious. Let’s go back to my farm. I want to show you my setup in the sugar shack. We’l be boiling the sap soon. Have you ever done it?”
“Not on a big scale. My mom used to tap a few trees and we would boil it outside on a wood fire. It was an event. Family time with a sweet treat at the end. I’m definitely staying around until you do your first boil. Let’s go. I’l fol ow you to your sugar shack.” Kitty pul ed in and parked with Frank right behind. The sugar shack was close to the main road, on the other side of her driveway from Sam’s house. They walked inside to the smel of fresh cut pine. The tables were al done, the evaporator pans in place. Everything was ready as soon as there was enough sap to boil.
“What do you think Frank?” Kitty stood in the middle of her space with a big smile.
“Looks great. Can’t wait to taste the syrup on your pancakes. When is the pancake breakfast?”
“Gloria has fliers out and is sel ing tickets for Saturday. She took some photos of the sugar shack for the fliers. I haven’t seen them yet. We should start to boil on Friday.”
Frank sat at one of the tables. “Is this a good place to finish our conversation about Sam?”
“Yeah. What did he tel you?” Kitty made herself comfortable opposite Frank.
“He knew you and Corey were working here when a truck came in, but it left before he came over. He kept an eye on the shack and saw that the truck returned not long afterward. He thought he heard another vehicle too. He decided to walk over and see what was going on. He heard two people arguing.”
“Did he see anyone? Could he tel if the voices were male or female?” Kitty leaned forward, completely focused on Frank.
“I asked him that, but he wasn’t sure. He realized he didn’t have his phone so he went back to his house. It took him a few minutes to find it, then he walked back to the sugar shack. The truck was stil there, but the car was gone. When he went inside, he saw Corey standing next to the body holding the knife.”
Kitty looked puzzled. “He never told me that he heard people arguing. I wonder who that was. Maybe Aaron? Or Craig? Or Corey?”
“He assumed it was Corey when he saw her there. That’s why he told Herb he kil ed Brad in self-defense. He’s protecting Corey.”
“But that wouldn’t explain the car. Corey doesn’t have a car. Did Sam give you a license plate or description?” Kitty couldn’t sit stil anymore.
She got up and walked around looking out toward the parking area trying to picture who might have driven up that day.
Frank got up and stood next to Kitty. “He didn’t see the car, just heard it drive in.”
“Has he told Herb about this? He can’t keep up this lie about committing the murder.”
“Yeah, he went over to the police station today and told Herb everything he told me. Herb is going to start questioning more people now. You, Corey, Aaron. I don’t know who else.”
“Wel , I had an interesting visitor today.” Frank looked at Kitty with interest with her sudden change of subject.
“Another suspect?”
“Definitely. Do you remember last night when Corey told us about Craig? Brad’s partner?” Frank nodded. “He showed up today. Found Corey in the woods, then came to my house. He was friendly. Charming actual y. Stayed until Corey showed up. She said it was a test. He wanted to see her reaction.”
“How can you be sure you can trust her Kitty? You hardly know her.” Frank held Kitty’s arm, gently turning her so she would have to look at him.
“I just have a feeling. I know that sounds dumb, but there’s something about Corey that I can identify with. I was married to an abusive man and I see Corey coming out of that shadow that Brad put her in. She’s getting stronger, more confident, and she wants to move on with her life on her terms. Not on anyone else’s, especial y a man trying to control her.” Kitty looked directly at Frank. “You may not be able to understand this if you’ve never been in that kind of situation where someone is constantly trying to destroy you.”
“You’re right. But I’ve seen plenty of women in exactly that situation you are referring to. I’l trust you on your instincts about Corey. What is her plan?” He sat back down at the table.
“She has to get Craig to trust her. And we have to find out more about him.”
“Sam told me Craig is living with one of his lady friends. Renting a room. Someone named June. Do you know her?”
“I know her. Does Sam know that Craig is Corey’s brother?” Kitty slid onto a seat at the table.
“I don’t think so. He told me that his friend was renting a room to someone named Craig. I just put it together while you were talking. Do you think June would keep us informed on his coming and going, phone activity, stuff like that?”
“She’d love it. There’s a group of seniors that hang out with Sam and they’d love a little excitement in their lives. But do you think it’s safe for her?”
“Good question. You know her better than I do, what do you think Kitty?”
“I think Craig is trying to be seen as a decent guy while he checks out the territory for w
hatever scheme he has in mind. I think it wil be safe for the short term as long as June doesn’t act like she’s snooping.”
“Can she do that?” Frank felt uncomfortable about this idea.
“I think she can. We’l have to coach her a bit. Tel her to act like she’s a little senile. Forgetful. That it wil help Sam. She’l do anything for Sam.”
“Sounds like we need to be patient. Let Corey make the next move. The other interesting thing that Sam told me is that he has noticed that Aaron is on his phone a lot late at night. It might be nothing, he’s not sure.”
“I think I’l go have a little visit with Sam. What are you doing next, Frank?” Kitty started walking to her car.
“I need to go to the police station and talk to Herb. Want me to pick up something for dinner?”
“No thanks. I’ve got a plan.” She smiled as she got into her car. “See you later.”
***
Kitty drove up to her house to get Max and made the walk back down her driveway to Sam’s house. She knew she couldn’t show up without Max.
Sam and Max had a special bond. Sam had raised him from a puppy before he gave Max to Kitty after she moved to Fat Hen Farm. Sam was a good neighbor and special friend. He was her connection to her grandmother. Sam was more like an uncle because of the friendship Sam and grannie Frannie had their whole life. Kitty knew Sam was trying to protect Corey but she needed his help now to get to the bottom of the murder and to get Craig out of Corey’s life.
“Sam? Want some company?” Kitty cal ed as she walked in his back door. Max rushed past her, knowing right where to find Sam.
“Max! It’s great to see you and you too Miss Kitty. This is a wonderful surprise.” Sam got up from his chair and wrapped his arms around Kitty. “I don’t see you enough anymore. Especial y when there aren’t other people around. Let’s sit down and catch up. Do you want tea?”
“I just had some coffee with Frank but I’l make you some if you want.”
“I won’t say no to that.” His eyes twinkled with happiness. “Come here Max. What have you been up to old friend?” Max sat next to Sam, leaning into his legs, his head on Max’s lap. “Glad you haven’t forgotten me.”
Kitty laughed from the kitchen. “Sam, did you ever think Max would forget you? It has only been a couple of days since we were here. You’re talking like it’s been years.”
“So much has happened, it feels like years. Al my peace and quiet has disappeared with Aaron living here and the ladies stopping by to check on me. I think they made a schedule so each one could come by every couple of hours. Sam do you want some tea? Sam do you want some soup? Sam do you want to play cards?” He tried to sound annoyed.
Kitty brought Sam’s tea in, placing it on the table next to his chair. “You make me laugh Sam. You love al that attention and you know it.”
“You know me too wel . You can always see right through my whining.”
“You’re right about that. But now I want you to level with me about the day Brad was murdered. I know you didn’t do it and we can’t let the murderer get away with it.” Kitty stared at Sam waiting for him to start.
“Okay. I’m guessing your friend Frank fil ed you in on a few things already. Ya know, I like that guy. Is he going to be around for a while?”
“Don’t change the subject Sam.” Kitty got comfy on the couch, waiting patiently for Sam to tel her more.
Sam sighed. “This is hard for me. There are two people I’m worried about. I’m not sure who’s in more trouble. Frank probably told you that I saw a truck and heard a car at the sugar shack and heard two people arguing. I couldn’t hear what they were arguing about, but they were mad. I thought it might be Aaron. I went back to get my phone in case there was trouble and I needed to cal for help. You already know what happened when I got back. That’s when I saw Corey standing over the body, holding the bloody knife.”
“Why didn’t you tel us this before?”
Sam looked away. He didn’t say anything for a while. “Aaron means the world to me. I was so happy that he was back, living here, helping me, getting his life back on track. I never asked him what happened in Colorado, but I had suspicions.”
“What are you talking about? What suspicions?”
“I’ve been sending Aaron money for the last six months. He would cal me every couple of weeks. Always sounding upbeat, happy, everything was going great. But he was always short of money and would ask if I would loan him a little. At first I didn’t even keep track. He’s my grandson. Of course I was happy to help him. The money doesn’t matter to me. What else am I going to do with it?” Sam sipped his tea, quiet again.
“I looked forward to those cal s and didn’t think about the pattern. But I final y realized that he only cal ed when he needed money. It took me about a month to start to get suspicious, and I tried to get him to come home. His tactic changed. He stil needed money but he said he had to finish up some jobs and then would come home. Of course, I fel for it and sent him money.”
“Why didn’t you tel me about this, Sam?” Kitty put her hand on Sam’s arm to comfort him.
“You were moving in and had that drama with your husband. And I was embarrassed. Everyone wants to think their kids—and grandkids—are perfect, or at least great people without bad habits.”
“What did you think he was doing with the money?” Kitty asked kindly.
“Drugs. I don’t have proof but I final y stopped sticking my head in the sand. I had to face the truth. He was lying to me, tel ing me what he thought I wanted to hear. When he showed up with Corey I thought he final y was turning his life around. I liked Corey right from the start.” Sam looked at Kitty.
“I like her too. She’s becoming a stronger person every day. I want her to succeed. How has Aaron been acting since he’s been home?” Sam looked away again. “He gets a lot of phone cal s. He’s in and out a lot. He’s always respectful and helpful but I can tel there’s something on his mind.”
“Thanks for tel ing me this. I know how difficult it is for you to say it out loud. I want to help. I think you’re right about the drugs. I’m not sure if he takes drugs, but he was sel ing. Corey told me. Aaron was involved with Brad and another guy, Craig.” Kitty watched Sam as the name registered.
“Craig?”
“Yeah. He’s Corey’s brother.” Kitty waited for Sam to digest this.
“This is bad. Is he in town? June is renting a room to a guy named Craig. Do you think it’s the same guy?” Sam sounded panicked.
“It’s the same guy. Brad and Craig fol owed Aaron and Corey here to Wil ow Fal s. Aaron owes him money. I don’t think Corey is involved. When Brad turned up dead, she thought she was away from that stuff. Craig wants her to work with him; start up something here.”
“So who kil ed Brad?”
“I don’t know yet but we have a plan and I need your help. Are you in?”
“Of course. I’l do anything to help.”
Chapter 7
Kitty’s mind was going a mile a minute. Corey said to be patient but she wanted to get something started instead of just reacting to that scum Craig. She sent a text to Aaron, Tina and Frank. Meet at the new Italian restaurant. 6:30. She would talk to Corey alone.
Kitty arrived a little early to make sure she could grab a table away from the crowd. Tina sashayed in a little after Kitty.
“What’s up? I’m ready for some action.” Tina looked stunning in her mini skirt, leather boots and tight black cashmere sweater. She knew how to turn heads and she loved the attention even as she pretended she didn’t notice.
“Sit down. I ordered some wine. I’m waiting for the others. Before they get here, this is what I want you to do. By the looks of it, you’re ready for the task.” Kitty eyed Tina up and down, smiling.
Tina smiled coyly, fluttering her eyelashes. “I have no idea what you are referring to Kitty.” Kitty burst out laughing. She leaned toward Tina and quietly said, “Okay. You need to keep a close watch on Aaron. Sam sa
ys he’s been getting a lot of phone cal s; thinks he might be getting involved with drugs here. Check his phone if you have a chance. Find out anything you can. Flatter him. He loves that.”
“Piece of cake. Don’t turn around, but someone I’ve never seen before just walked in with Tonya Poole. Do you remember her? I hear she’s involved in a lot of shady stuff now.”
“Describe the guy but don’t stare.”
“Tal . About six foot. Glasses. Shaggy light brown hair. Lean but muscular. Leather jacket. Tight jeans. He’s staring at me like he knows who I am. He’s walking over here.”
Kitty knew exactly who it was without turning.
“Hey gorgeous,” Craig said to Tina. “You’re looking mighty fine tonight.”
“Do I know you?” Tina sounded suspicious.
“We haven’t been introduced yet. How about it, Kitty?”
“Hi Craig. This is my friend Tina. Tina this is Corey’s brother, Craig.” Kitty was keeping her fingers crossed that Tina would stay casual over the introduction. Craig was surely looking for a reaction to see if Corey had ratted on him.
“Nice to meet you Craig. Are you in town for long?” Kitty relaxed. Tina always put on the charm when needed.
“Yeah. I like it here. Maybe we could get together sometime?” Craig put his hand on Tina’s shoulder in a possessive gesture. “I have to get back to my table. Business.” He nodded toward Tonya but never took his eyes off Tina.
“Maybe,” Tina replied noncommittal y.
Craig walked to the other end of the restaurant, to the table where Tonya was waiting.
“What the hel just happened Kitty?” Tina actual y looked a little shel shocked. “That guy gives off some seriously creepy vibrations. When did you meet him?”
Kitty waved to Frank and Aaron and they headed to Kitty’s table.
“This is nice.” Aaron was staring at Tina. “Tina, you look stunning. I can’t get over that you grew up while I was away.” Tina smiled seductively. “That’s what happens when you aren’t paying attention. Sit here next to me.” Frank whispered to Kitty, “You’re looking great. Smel delicious too.” Sitting down next to Kitty, he looked around the table. “Is this a planning dinner?”