Hiding in Plain Sight

by Mary Ellis

  ‘Those truly are wonderful inventions.’ Jill glanced around the TV-less room. ‘And you sure don’t need cable.’

  ‘Nope, me and the kids go to the library once a month for all the entertainment we need.’

  ‘Good idea. What about schools in the area? Does a bus come down Chester Road?’ Jill laced her fingers over her belly as though she had a reason to ask. But with the false insinuation, her gut took a queasy turn.

  ‘It does not. I teach my kids at home.’ Emma’s friendly expression faded. ‘Ain’t that the reason you want backland in the middle of nowhere – so nobody tells you what to teach your children?’

  ‘That’s what my husband says, but I don’t know if I’m smart enough to be a teacher.’

  ‘The library has all kinds of stuff that makes the job pretty easy. Don’t worry ’bout that. The librarian will help you plan a curriculum.’ Emma shifted the fussy baby to her other hip. ‘Look, Miss Wyatt. I don’t think Ralph wants to sell any land, but I will ask when he gets home. I’ll check with my neighbors too. You got an answering machine? If I come across any cheap land for sale, I could leave a message when I go to town for the mail.’

  ‘I do have an answering machine. That would be really nice of you.’ As Jill dug in her purse for something to write down her number the queasiness ratcheted up a notch.

  ‘I’ll get some paper.’ Emma jumped to her feet. ‘Say, you want some iced tea? I got oatmeal cookies too unless my son finished them off.’

  ‘No, thanks. I ate lunch at the diner where Frannie works.’

  While her hostess was gone, Jill took another perusal of the room. The Norrises seemed to live an austere but wholesome life. The children were being fed, clothed, and educated. Who says everyone needs Netflix, ballet lessons, and soccer games? She realized her unsettled stomach stemmed not from the meatloaf, but from her steady stream of lies. Why hadn’t Beth prepared her for this aspect of PI work? An investigator often had to be a masterful liar.

  ‘Here we are.’ Emma set a tray down with two glasses of tea and two cookies, in addition to the pen and paper. ‘Just a bit of dessert after your lunch. Food still good at Lazy Bear? I heard that’s where Frannie worked now that her youngest is in school. Is she still as pretty as ever? Frannie had her pick of boyfriends in high school.’ Emma picked up one glass and drank deeply. It was as though a floodgate had been opened and she wanted to make up for lost time.

  Unable to deceive someone who’d showed her nothing but kindness another minute, Jill gripped the arm of the sofa and struggled to her feet. ‘Yes, Frannie is still very pretty, but I never laid eyes on the woman before today. I tricked her into telling me where you lived, just like I used false pretenses to gain entry to your home.’

  ‘Why on earth would you do that?’ Emma blinked her large blue eyes.

  ‘Because I wanted to talk to you and I knew your family liked privacy.’

  ‘So you’re not looking to buy backland?’ Emma placed the sleeping infant into the cradle next to her chair.

  ‘I’m not. I am also not married and not expecting a baby. What I am is a big liar. I wasn’t raised like this and I’m ashamed of myself.’ Apparently, Jill’s own floodgate had opened wide. ‘I’ll leave you in peace if that’s what you want.’

  ‘What I want is for you to tell me why. Is Jill Wyatt even your name?’

  ‘It is. That’s one of the few truthful things I told you.’

  ‘It’s time for you to tell me a few more.’ Emma crossed her arms over her print dress.

  ‘I’m a private investigator who came up from Savannah to find you. Apparently, I’m a bad PI since telling a bunch of lies gives me a bellyache.’

  ‘Who on earth would pay you to find a cotton farmer’s wife with three ordinary kids? Is there a reservoir of oil under our property or maybe a goldmine?’

  Jill locked gazes with the woman. She should keep quiet and simply pass the information on to Mr Sugarman. After all, she’d been paid to find Baby Girl Allston, not become a liaison for possible organ donation. But Jill couldn’t do that. ‘The husband of your natural sister – your birth sister – paid me to find you because your sister wants to meet you.’

  Emma dropped heavily into the chair next to the cradle. ‘We told the Department of Social Services we didn’t want to meet anyone from the past.’

  ‘Yes, and they have honored your wishes all these years. I found you in a rather roundabout way that didn’t involve a government agency.’

  For a while the ticking of the mantel clock was the only sound in the room. Then Emma said, ‘I’m sorry you wasted your time and this husband wasted his money by hiring you. My answer remains the same.’

  ‘Even if your birth sister is very sick?’

  Emma’s eyes rounded, but before she could utter a syllable, a gruff voice spoke from the doorway. ‘I believe my wife made herself very clear.’ A man who could only be Ralph Norris stepped into the room.

  ‘How long have you been standing there?’ Emma asked.

  ‘Long enough to know it’s time for Miss Wyatt to leave before I call the sheriff.’

  Interesting how hubby has a cell phone, but his wife can only make phone calls while in town. ‘I’m leaving. Again, Emma, I apologize for tricking you into talking to me.’

  ‘Goodbye, Jill. Perhaps you can find a job that doesn’t involve so much deception.’

  Perhaps, indeed. Jill couldn’t get into her car and down the driveway fast enough. She had messed up. Hopefully the Williamsburg County Sheriff wouldn’t chase her halfway back to Charleston. Jill was so unnerved by meeting Ralph Norris she forgot her current situation until she reached the historic district. Hadn’t she told Eric she would pack her bags and move out? Not tonight she wasn’t. All she wanted to do was crawl up the steps and climb into bed, whether it still smelled of smoke or not. Unfortunately, when Jill approached the back entrance she heard several voices raised in anger.

  Jill plunked down at a courtyard table to wait. If the Manfredis were arguing, this wouldn’t be a good time to walk inside.

  Eric had to get out of that kitchen before he said something he’d regret to the people he loved most. His friends had warned him that going into business with family was a big mistake. Too bad he hadn’t listened. Considering his grandmother’s age and everything she had lived through, he expected Nonni to not want the police involved. But even his mother was being unreasonable, insisting his father wouldn’t want this. And his sister’s penchant for playing ‘Switzerland’ during family arguments wasn’t helping his cause.

  When the cool air of the courtyard hit his face, Eric considered a walk around the block. But after the most exhausting day of his life, instead he slumped into a chair and dropped his head into his hands. For several blissful minutes he simply breathed in and out without thinking about anything, until the clearing of a throat jerked him from his nirvana.

  Eric’s head swiveled around until he spotted Jill under a tree. ‘Jill, what are you doing out here?’

  ‘When I returned after seeing my client, I heard your family … discussing something. So I decided to give you some privacy.’

  ‘Discussing … what a polite word you chose.’ Eric thumped his forehead on the metal table.

  ‘Truly, I wasn’t eavesdropping. That’s why I’m way back here.’

  He lifted his focus to the woman he had once planned to ask out. ‘It wouldn’t have been a problem, since you’re moving out.’

  ‘Not tonight I’m not. I just had the worst day of my life.’ Surprisingly, Jill got up and sat down at his table.

  ‘We have that in common.’ Eric plucked leaves from a drooping magnolia which had been battered by the firefighters.

  ‘How extensive was the damage?’

  ‘Luckily the fire was contained within the kitchen. But since the heat triggered sprinklers in the pantry, hallway, and employee lounge those areas will have to be repaired as well.’

  ‘Has the fire department finished their report? Can res
toration work start tomorrow?’

  Eric tried to fathom a reason for her interest, but he was too tired. ‘No, not until the State Fire Marshal inspects the kitchen for arson.’

  ‘Does Captain Lewis think an arsonist set the fire?’

  ‘It’s what I think. Of course, this morning you accused me of pyromania.’

  Jill wrung her hands. ‘I said that because I was upset. I’m scared to death of heights and ladders.’

  ‘So you no longer think I torched the place?’ Eric refused to drop the matter.

  ‘The restaurant obviously makes money. Why would you want to put yourself out of business? And you certainly wouldn’t call someone who investigates fires for a living. I’m sorry I overreacted.’

  ‘We seem to be trading apologies, Miss Wyatt.’

  ‘It’s Jill. Care to tell me what the argument was about? Maybe I can help.’

  ‘Why not? I’ve got nothing to lose.’ With a weary sigh, Eric slicked a hand through his hair. ‘My mother and grandmother didn’t want the police involved. They say the sooner we get a contractor here to make repairs, the sooner we can reopen. An arson inspection will only slow down the process. The insurance company won’t pay if someone else can be held responsible.’

  ‘I see your mother’s point,’ Jill said. ‘A closed business generates no profits.’

  ‘Absolutely, but think about it, Jill. Nonni was in her room down the hall. You were asleep upstairs, so I set the alarm. Danielle, Bernie, and I were home. No one was cooking at that hour of night. Today I talked to our night cleaners. They were positive no burners were left on, no candles were burning.’

  ‘But someone would have needed a key to get in, right? It sure wasn’t me who started it.’

  ‘That’s why I insisted on an arson inspection and the wheels are already in motion.’

  ‘Without talking to your parents first? No wonder I heard all that shouting.’

  ‘Arson is a very serious crime. The fire chief probably would have requested one anyway. There was no logical explanation.’

  ‘Nevertheless, I’m surprised there were no fisticuffs.’ Jill leaned forward so he could see her smirk.

  ‘Just wait until my father gets home.’ Eric tilted back his head to gaze at the sky. ‘But seriously, this is our only chance to find out the truth.’

  Jill remained quiet for so long, he thought she might have fallen asleep sitting up. ‘Do you think the fire might be related to the other stuff happening around here?’

  A spike of apprehension ran up Eric’s spine. He would do well to remember his tenant was also a private investigator. ‘What other stuff?’

  ‘The overturned dumpster in the alley and your dad getting clubbed in the head and robbed. The level of violence seems to be escalating.’

  ‘Since you’ve only lived here a short while, it’s natural to make a connection.’ Eric tried to sound philosophical. ‘But the dumpster was a prank by teenagers who find that sort of thing funny. The robbers were thugs, who unfortunately can be found in any city after dark. This … .’ he hooked his thumb at the building, ‘was the work of someone far more calculating than a mugger or a bored kid.’

  Jill pushed up from the table. ‘That makes sense, especially since your grandmother and I could have died, besides your beautiful trattoria burning to the ground.’

  ‘And for that I’m truly sorry. It’s probably a good thing you’re moving out. You need someplace safer and quieter than above a construction site.’

  ‘Who says I’m moving out? Now that we’re even with the apologies, life is far too interesting here to leave. I might even be able to help at some point in time.’ Yawning, Jill stretched her arms above her head.

  ‘But breakfast is out of the question. I’ll be lucky to keep coffee flowing during the remodel.’

  ‘No problem, I’ll just keep cereal and milk in my suite. I have a small refrigerator. Good night, Eric.’

  ‘Good night.’ Eric continued to mull long after Jill disappeared inside. He hoped he hadn’t overplayed his hand. Things might go smoother without another outsider nosing around. But that would be a problem for another day. Tonight, he’d be lucky to have enough energy to drive home.

  NINE

  If Jill had to keep driving back and forth to Orchard, she might have to rethink her charming suite in Charleston after all. Not that the Norris neighborhood had plenty of short-term rental options. At least when she woke up that morning, someone had set a box of Cheerios, a quart of milk, and a tub of berries by her door. And the two-hour drive would give her a chance to strategize. Yesterday she blundered into a situation she wasn’t prepared for. She wouldn’t make that mistake today. After driving up and down Chester Road, Jill chose a semi-hidden easement within view of the Norrises’ driveway. Parked behind a mountain laurel bush, she was able to keep watch in hopes Ralph Norris left the farm. If he decided to work the fields near the house, she would try something different tomorrow. Maybe she would leave her car here, hike up the driveway, and hide in the bushes until Emma came outside. Not a terrific plan, but she needed to speak to Emma alone. Fortuitously, her opportunity arrived three hours later, after Jill had read The Post and Courier, two magazines, and seven chapters of a new novel.

  Ralph and his son pulled on to Chester Road and accelerated to a speed no sane person would try on such a rutted surface. The moment his battered truck disappeared around the corner, Jill wasted no time getting to the Norrises’ front door.

  Emma answered her knock, her face registering an expression of shock. ‘Miss Wyatt, why have you come back? I gave you my answer yesterday. And I fully expect you to honor my request for privacy.’

  ‘I certainly will, after I finish explaining. I’m afraid your husband cut me short.’ Jill stood poker straight with her hands by her sides.

  ‘Ralph might have done so, but the outcome would’ve been the same. I’m sorry you drove all the way out here.’ Emma spoke softly with pity, not annoyance. Jill hoped she’d remember such compassion the next time a solicitor knocked on her door.

  ‘Mr Sugarman – that’s your birth sister’s husband – paid me to not only find you but to convey a message. Once I do that, I can collect my paycheck without reservations.’

  Emma glanced over her shoulder. ‘Go on upstairs, honey. This doesn’t concern you.’ Then Emma turned her attention back to Jill. ‘Ralph wouldn’t like it if I invited you inside.’

  ‘Maybe we can sit out here and talk a few minutes.’ Jill pointed at two lawn chairs on the porch.

  ‘Very well.’ Emma walked to one and sat primly, while Jill took the other.

  ‘Wow, you have a great view from here.’

  ‘Say what you came for, Jill. Don’t beat around the bush.’

  Jill inhaled a deep breath. ‘OK, Charlotte Sugarman isn’t just sick – she’s dying from acute Hepatitis C. Her liver is failing and she desperately needs a transplant.’

  Emma focused on a row of crows on the fence. ‘I’m sorry to hear it, but there are lists for that sort of thing.’

  ‘Charlotte has been on the list for years, but they haven’t found a suitable match yet. Her last hope is a blood relative. The doctor determined her children are too young to donate.’

  ‘This woman has children?’

  ‘Two, a boy of eight and a girl of five.’

  ‘That makes the situation especially tragic. I’ll remember … Charlotte and her family in my prayers.’

  ‘She’s a praying woman too. That’s why Mrs Sugarman isn’t the least bit afraid to die. She wants the transplant solely for her children’s sake.’

  ‘I can understand her feelings, but it doesn’t change anything.’ Emma rose to her feet.

  Jill stayed right where she was. ‘Look, all I’m asking is for you to have a blood test. If you’re not a suitable match, Charlotte can die knowing she tried her best.’

  ‘I thought all you wanted was to convey a message.’

  ‘True, but those kids broke my heart when I met them
.’

  Emma’s patience had reached its limit. ‘Playing on my sympathies is pointless. I can’t give this woman my liver.’

  ‘She only needs half, and it grows back completely within six weeks.’

  ‘That is immaterial. We are members of the Church of Christ, Scientist. We don’t believe in medical intervention. We place our full faith and trust in the Lord. Only He has the power to heal. Please tell … Charlotte that I will pray for her complete and total recovery.’

  Blindsided, Jill sat motionless. ‘Do you give me permission to tell the Sugarmans your reason?’ she finally asked.

  ‘Yes, I do. I’m glad Charlotte is a woman of faith. Please tell her miracles happen to those who believe.’

  Jill held out her business card in her palm. ‘Just in case you wish to reach me, my cell phone number and Charleston address is on the other side.’

  Emma walked inside and closed the door. But she had at least stuck the card in her pocket.

  Jill ran to her car and high-tailed it out of there, similar to Ralph’s style of driving. As much as she liked and respected Emma, she preferred not to meet her husband on their narrow lane. Once she was far away from Chester Road, Jill contemplated heading back to Charleston. After all, hadn’t she done exactly what her client paid her to do? She could complete her case report for Nate Price and explain the situation to her clients. Once the Sugarmans heard Emma’s reason for refusal, they would understand.

  And Charlotte would soon be dead.

  No matter how hard she tried, Jill couldn’t get past that reality – or forget Joan’s face at the hospital. She turned the Toyota around in the next drive and headed to Orchard. One more visit to the Lazy Bear Diner wouldn’t hurt. Then she would sleep better at night.

  ‘Hey, there. Didn’t think I’d see you again.’ Frannie Davis greeted her with a warm smile. ‘Did you find Chester Road and Emma Norris?’

  Jill slipped on to a stool at the counter. ‘Yep, that map sure came in handy. Thanks.’

  ‘Well, gimmie the news.’ Frannie poured them both a cup of coffee.

  Jill swallowed hard, wanting to tell the truth. ‘Emma is fine. She has a new baby boy, so that makes two boys and a girl. Ralph still plants cotton and drives an old Ford pickup.’