by Sandy Vale
“I want to get al of you up to speed. Things are happening and we need to get moving. Beware, Craig is here with a date. Tonya Poole. Do you remember her, Aaron?”
She saw Aaron flinch. What was that about? “A little. Haven’t heard that name in a long time.” He nervously looked around but couldn’t see them from his chair.
Kitty looked around the table. “I want to catch you up on what happened today. Craig showed up at my house this morning. Said he was looking for Corey. Surprising her. Turns out he had already found Corey in the woods when she was tapping the trees. He’s testing her. She said she’l work with him but she has to gain his trust. This was another test. He likes to surprise people. See if they make a mistake. See if Corey has ratted him out. He’s dangerous but Corey knows how he thinks and says she can stay at least one step ahead of him. Aaron, you know Craig and Corey.
What’s your assessment of them?”
“Craig is clever. Very clever. He is also ful of himself. Has an enormous ego. If he thinks someone is with him, on his side, he relaxes a bit. He thinks he’s smarter than everyone else so he wil take risks. He likes the element of surprise. Like showing up at your house this morning. Of the two? I think Corey is smarter but doesn’t have experience manipulating people like Craig does. She was always in the shadow of Brad and Craig.
They treated her like she was invisible. She can read situations. Anticipate what’s going to happen. That helped keep her safe many times.
Probably what made her decide to come here with me.”
Tina interrupted. “What are you going to order for dinner Aaron? Here comes the waitress.” As soon as the orders were made, Craig headed to their table. “Aaron. Good to see you again. My friend Tonya says she knows you.”
“What a surprise Craig. Yeah, I went to school with Tonya.”
“We should al get together sometime. I’m renting in town. Cal me.” He left with Tonya, to everyone’s relief.
“We’ve got our work cut out,” Frank observed. “I think it’s best if he doesn’t know who I am.”
“Here comes the food. I didn’t realize how hungry I am. This was a great idea Kitty.” Tina picked up her fork and dug into her eggplant parmesan. “Oh. Delicious.” She closed her eyes and savored the taste.
The meal was perfect. Tina asked Aaron if he wanted to fol ow her home for another drink. Frank and Kitty went back to her house.
“What do you think of Craig?” Kitty asked as she handed Frank a beer.
“Aaron summed him up wel . You can’t let your guard down around him. I’m more concerned with Aaron. Do you think he’s on board with us?”
“No. That’s why I have Tina keeping an eye on him. I expect he’l go right to Craig and tel him our plans. That’s what I hope anyway.” Frank was shocked. “You had me fooled. I don’t think Aaron wil suspect that. You are fil ed with surprises, Kitty.” She smiled. She liked chal enges. Her phone beeped. Tina was cal ing. What could that be about?
Tina whispered. “Aaron got a cal from Craig. He’s leaving to meet him. What do you want me to do?”
“Nothing. Let him go. Make plans to meet again tomorrow.”
Kitty turned to Frank. “They took the bait. It’s starting.”
***
Corey walked into Kitty’s house early. It was quiet. She wondered where Kitty was. They were supposed to check the sap buckets. She saw the coffee pot and got busy making coffee for Kitty. Max wandered in, wagging his tail, happy to see Corey. “Hey Max. Do you want to go out?” He walked to the kitchen door and waited patiently for Corey to open it. Turning, she saw Kitty in the kitchen.
“Good morning sleepy head. I hope I didn’t wake you up. I thought we were going to check the sap buckets.”
“Glad you remembered. Thanks for getting the coffee going. I’l be ready in about a half hour. Do you want some breakfast?”
“I’d love something. I can make it for you if you want Kitty. I can make a pretty mean pan of scrambled eggs.”
“Sounds perfect. I’m going to take a quick shower.”
Corey was humming to herself, feeling content. Her senses went into overdrive. Someone was behind her. She turned, ready for action. “Oh.
Frank. You startled me. Kitty’s in the shower. Coffee’s ready. Do you want some eggs?”
“Yes please. If it’s no trouble.” He got a mug and poured himself coffee, found the milk and sugar and sat at the island watching Corey work.
“This is a beautiful farm, don’t you think Corey?” he asked, making light conversation and gauging her personality some more.
“I love it here. I can’t believe how lucky I was to meet Kitty and get this opportunity.”
“What about Craig?” Frank asked careful y.
“What about him?” Corey sounded defensive.
“Kitty told me you are planning to work with him. Spin a web. Catch him with his hands in something il egal.”
“I want to get him out of my life. He’l just bring me down if I hang around him. I don’t want that life. I was never involved with Brad and Craig’s schemes but I saw and heard enough of what they were doing to know I don’t want that. He won’t just let me walk away, though. I know that about him.”
Corey put a steaming plate of scrambled eggs in front of Frank. “Do you want salt and pepper?”
“No thanks.” Frank took a bite. “This is very good. Thanks Corey.” She cracked more eggs.
“Do you have a plan?” Frank broke the silence.
“I have to be sure he trusts me. If I’m too eager, he’l be suspicious. I’l watch and wait and let him make the first move.”
“I like your style. That’s a smart strategy. Impatience is dangerous.”
Kitty walked in, casual y letting her hand rub the back of Frank’s shoulders. “Looks like I’m missing the party. Smel s good. I could get used to this.”
Corey grinned. She felt at home here in Kitty’s house. She didn’t have to constantly be on guard, waiting for the unexpected.
“Frank, do you want to help us with the sap?”
“Sounds like fun. I’m in.”
They headed to the woods. A pair of eyes watched their path through the snow, unseen by al three of them.
Chapter 8
Craig rol ed over in his soft double bed feeling quite pleased with himself. Aaron was coming around. He had always liked him. The problems had been between Brad and Aaron because of the way Brad had treated Corey. It wasn’t any of Aaron’s business but he had that soft streak and couldn’t ignore Corey’s misery. Craig probably should have protected her more but he didn’t want to jeopardize his business relationship with Brad.
Nice that he didn’t have to worry about that anymore. He knew he wasn’t a very good brother.
It was quiet downstairs. Pul ing on some sweat pants and a t-shirt, he thought it was safe to venture into the kitchen to find some coffee. His landlady, June, was a sweet, but ditzy, old lady. She tried too hard to be helpful and Craig found it easiest to avoid her as much as possible.
“Good morning, honey. Sleep okay?” Craig was startled by June’s voice and thought, Damn, I won’t get out of here quickly after all.
“Hi June. Just looking for some coffee.” If I avoid eye contact and act distracted maybe she won’t talk so much.
“I’l get it for you. Just sit down and make yourself comfy. I get lonely here al by myself. It’s nice to have some company for a change. I made you some oatmeal too. Here ya go. How are you liking it in town? Making any friends? I have a couple of things I need you to help me with when you have time. Oh, and the ladies at the senior center would love to meet you. We play cards every day. You’l have to join us.” June talked nonstop while she bustled around getting Craig coffee and oatmeal.
“Slow down June. You’re asking so many questions, I don’t know where to start.”
“Sorry, honey. Don’t bother about me. Eat your oatmeal. It’s one of my secrets. Keeps me regular, ya know. Not that I’m saying you have a prob
lem, but it’s good to know these secrets just in case.” Craig almost choked when she said that. Too much sharing. He didn’t want the image of June and her morning routine in his head.
“I met a friend of yours last night. Aaron Chapman. Seems like a nice fel ow,” Craig said innocently to June and looked up, making eye contact.
He was hoping to get some more information about Aaron, Sam, Kitty and maybe that gorgeous friend of hers, Tina. He was also concerned about Frank after Aaron told him that he was a detective.
“Oh that Aaron. He’s such a nice boy. His granddaddy, Sam, have you met Sam? Wel , anyway, Sam is a good friend too. He comes to the center and plays cards with us, or we go to his house to play. You couldn’t meet a nicer guy than Sam. I’ve known him my whole life. Grew up here, ya know. Al of us that get together did. He looks out for that neighbor of his at Fat Hen Farm, Kitty Wilson. Now that’s a hard working girl. She got that farm from her grandma and is turning it into a real showplace. Such a tragedy about the murders there though.” June sipped her coffee, lost in her thoughts, but keeping an eye on Craig.
“Murders? What happened?” June noticed Craig showed some real interest al of a sudden. She was better at this than she’d imagined.
June lowered her voice as if someone was eavesdropping on their conversation. “Kitty doesn’t like to talk about it. Thinks it wil hurt her business. The day after she and her husband moved in to the farm, she found him shot in the barn. It was a complicated love triangle mixed in with some stolen cars but it al got sorted out. And now, that young man stabbed in the sugar shack. It would be too much for me, that’s for sure. Another one of my secrets? No stress. That’s why my blood pressure is so low. You seem a little uptight. How’s your blood pressure? Wel , that’s none of my business, now, is it? Enjoying the oatmeal?” June looked at Craig.
He was surprised she took a breath and let him answer. “It’s good. To be honest, I didn’t think I’d like it. I heard about the stabbing. That’s just when I arrived in town. Who was he?”
“The secret to the oatmeal? Don’t use the instant stuff. That’s just mushy. And make it with milk, not water. What did you ask me?” June was having so much fun stringing Craig along.
“Who was the guy that got stabbed?”
“Someone got stabbed?”
“You just told me someone got stabbed in the sugar shack.” Craig’s was losing his patience.
“Oh, I think he arrived about the same time you did. He was looking for his wife. A cute girl. She lives on the farm with Kitty. Such a tragedy.
Widowed at such a young age. Want to know another secret? Love. Find someone to love. Be faithful. Give more than you receive. I was married for fifty five years. We never went to bed angry. I stil miss him. Do you have a girlfriend, Craig?”
“Actual y, I just met someone. I like her so far. We’l see what happens.”
“What’s her name? Maybe I know her.”
“Tonya. Tonya Poole. We went out for dinner last night.”
“Of course I know her. Her granddaddy was a dear friend. But I’ve taken up enough of your time. Thanks for humoring an old lady. Oh, I almost forgot. I’l leave a laundry basket by your room. Just throw your clothes in and I’l wash them for you.”
“You don’t have to do that, June.” Craig put his dishes in the sink.
“I insist. It’s the least I can do.”
“Okay. Thanks. I’l bring the basket down on my way out.”
June smiled as she cleaned up the dishes. Perfect. He let down his guard a little. Now I have a reason to go into his room and do some snooping. Kitty had cal ed her and told her about Craig. She was excited to be part of the plan. Actual y, al the ladies were in on it.
She put the clothes in the washer, checking pockets first. Unfolding a piece of paper from Craig’s pants pocket, she wondered, what’s this scrap of paper? Careful y unfolding it, she saw three names. The first one, Brad, was crossed out. The second name was Aaron and the third name was Corey with a question mark. June excitedly folded it and put it in her pocket. She threw the clothes in the washer and climbed back upstairs. I’ll just take a quick look around his room, she thought to herself, opening his bedroom door. He’s a neat and tidy boy, that’s nice. Hmmm, just a peek in his suitcase. Bingo! Look at all this money. And a gun. I’ll snap a photo with my phone for Kitty and get out of here before I get caught.
June sat down to do her crossword puzzle, waiting for the clothes to dry. Perfect timing. I’ll fold everything and put them on Craig’s bed. Not bad for a morning’s snoop; a paper with names, a gun and a suitcase of money. Kitty will know what to do with this information.
***
Craig saw Tonya’s car at the meeting place.
“Tonya. What have you got for me?” Craig asked as he got out of his car.
“I can get you whatever you want. Everything needs to go through me. You give me the money. I get the drugs to you. I’l set it al up. The supplier doesn’t want anyone else to have his number.”
“I don’t work that way. I’m the customer. You tel your ‘friend’ that for me,” Craig snapped angrily.
“Hey. Don’t yel at me. I’m doing you a favor. This is not negotiable. Just forget it then.” Tonya got in her car, slamming the door.
Craig reached for the car door handle but Tonya sped away.
“Shit.” Craig punched his car roof in anger. He got in and headed to Corey’s apartment. He just figured out her role.
Driving back through Wil ow Fal s, Craig saw Aaron walking in front of the library. Pul ing into a parking spot, he hol ered, “Hey. Whatcha doin’?”
“I have to drive the seniors to Bingo. Wanna come?”
“Bingo? Are you serious? No, I need you to come with me to Corey’s apartment. It’s real y important.”
“I have to do this first. Come on. I’l introduce you.” Craig fol owed Aaron down the stairs to the senior center. This was not going wel .
“Hi ladies. I brought my friend along. This is Craig, Corey’s brother. He said he wants to come with us to Bingo.” Aaron winked at Craig.
June patted the chair next to hers. “Craig honey, come on and sit over here. I’l introduce you. I knew you would stop by. Girls, this is Craig.
Didn’t I tel you what a nice boy he is? And this is Dottie’s son Alex. Maybe you two have met? He has become very good friends with Corey.” Craig felt the sweat trickling down his side. He felt trapped. He glared at Aaron. He had no choice but to sit and be friendly until he could escape this torture. He studied the guy, Alex. Corey hadn’t mentioned him. Craig needed to find out more about him.
June continued. “I got your clothes done. They’re folded on your bed. Your room is so neat and tidy. Your mama must have trained you wel . Why didn’t you tel me Corey’s your sister? Oh, never mind, I probably was just babbling so much you didn’t have a chance.” June chuckled.
Craig sat, smiling but fuming. She went in my room? Did she see anything? He needed to be extra careful from now on.
Mia picked up the conversation. “What a handsome boy you are. Aaron is taking us to Bingo. It’s just pennies but the pot gets pretty big sometimes. I won fifty dol ars once. Can you believe it? Fifty dol ars! We love it. I’m so glad you want to come along.”
“Uh, I don’t think I can make it actual y. I’ve got to get going.” Craig stood up. “Nice to meet you.” Aaron ushered the ladies up the stairs to his car. “Sorry Craig. Meet later?”
“I’l cal you.” Craig watched Alex get into his car and drive off. Craig slammed his car door and left in a hurry.
These people were starting to smother him. He had to speed up his plan and get out of here. He turned at Kitty’s driveway, driving up to Corey’s apartment. She better be here.
It looked deserted, no cars. Craig didn’t bother to knock, just walked into Corey’s apartment. Empty. Pacing back and forth, his mind raced. He went back to his car and got a smal plastic bag from the trunk. This would freak her out. Inside was a b
loody t shirt. Corey’s shirt and Brad’s blood.
Smiling, he stuck it in his pocket. Just in case she needed some extra convincing.
Standing by his car, he saw Alex driving up with Corey in the passenger seat. Smiling, Craig waited to find out what she was up to.
“Hi, Corey. I just stopped by for a visit. Glad I waited. Who’s your friend?” Corey looked upset. “Craig, this is Alex. He works at the library. We have plans.”
“Hey Alex. Nice to see you again so soon. What have you been doing Corey? Something fun?” Corey ignored him, deciding it was easier to say nothing than get in an argument. Craig fol owed Corey and Alex into her apartment.
“So, Alex. Tel me about yourself.”
“Wel , I work at the library. I‘m a writer. Corey and I talk about books.”
“Are you nervous Alex?”
“Uh. No.” Alex looked at the floor.
“Okay. How about you give me and Corey some privacy. I need to talk to her. She’l cal you later.” Craig motioned for Alex to leave.
“Okay. I’l cal you Corey.” Alex glanced sideways at Craig as he walked out the door.
“Craig. You have no right to do that. Get out of here.” Corey was furious.
Craig smirked. “Shouldn’t you be tel ing me about your new friend? I am your big brother. I just want to make sure you make good choices. What if he’s a stalker?”
“What are you talking about? You don’t let me make good choices. Alex is a genuinely nice guy. I guess you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
Craig took her hand. “I have a favor to ask you. I need you to cal this friend of mine, Tonya, and set up a time to buy some drugs. I’m not sure if she’l talk to me.”
“What did you do to piss her off?”
“Doesn’t matter. Just cal her. I’ve got the money.”
“I’l think about it and let you know.” Corey was trying to stal for more time.