by Patricia Fry
“Yeah, sorry it took me so long. I was talking to the kid next door.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, he was looking for a rubber-band airplane. It flew out of his yard and landed in your orchard. So I helped him find it. Then I went to his house to watch him fly it.” When Savannah looked puzzled, he said, “That was okay, wasn’t it? I didn’t even know any kids lived there, did you? I thought that was Mr. Crankyshaw’s house. Did he move?”
“Yeah, I guess he did. I just found out about that yesterday. I heard there are a bunch of children living there now. I’ve only seen one of them—a little girl who looks to be about eight or nine,”
“That’s Kira…or Klara.” He spoke more excitedly. “My new friend is Timmy. He’s eleven. He and his little brother, Jacob…they like flying airplanes. Timmy has a whole bunch of different kinds of planes in his room.” Adam turned more serious when he said, “I didn’t go inside to see them. I told him I should have permission from you and Dad before I go in someone’s house.”
“Good thinking, buddy,” Savannah said. “I was starting to get worried about you. Here, let me show you how to use that comb and you can untangle Peaches’s mane. Start at the bottom and work your way up, like this,” she suggested while demonstrating for him.
“I hope this doesn’t hurt you, Peaches,” Adam said as he began pulling the comb gently through her mane. “Like this?” he asked.
Savannah nodded.
After he’d been working for a few minutes, Adam said, “Now I’ll have kids to play with when I’m here.”
“What kids?” Michael asked as he approached with Lily in the stroller.
“The new neighbor kids at Mr. Crankyshaw’s house. There’s a boy about my age.”
Michael thinned his lips. “Do you miss having kids to play with when you come here? It seems like we keep pretty busy.”
Adam stopped combing and contemplated his dad’s question. “Yeah, we do a lot when I’m here. I guess I might not have any time to play with those kids. But just in case I run out of things to do, I don’t have to be bored, right, Dad?”
“I guess not, Son.”
“So did you see the mom and dad?” Savannah asked.
“Yeah, sorta, I think.”
Michael play-punched Adam. “Kinda, sorta, you think?”
“Yeah, well, I saw some adults. There were three of them—a man was cooking on a barbecue and a lady came out once carrying a baby. I saw another man through a window.” He looked up at Savannah. “Timmy told me he and the other kids like to come over here and climb around on Peaches. Did you know they do that?”
She frowned. “No. I sure did not. And I don’t want them doing that. Someone could get hurt.”
Taking on a more sober demeanor, Adam said, “Jacob tried to feed Peaches his sucker one day. I told Timmy that could hurt the horse and kids can only play with Peaches when there’s an adult watching.”
“Good job, Adam,” Savannah said.
“Know what Timmy told me? He said it’s okay just as long as he doesn’t get caught and so far he hasn’t been caught.”
Savannah gritted her teeth. “Oh yes he has. He has just been caught and I’m going over there to have a little talk with his parents.”
“Now, Savannah,” Michael said, in a calming tone.
“What?” she snapped. “Do you want a child to get hurt over here? Or the horse? Oh no, we have to nip this in the bud.”
He let out a sigh. Then focusing on what the boy was doing, he asked, “Combing her hair, huh?”
“Yeah, she has bed head.”
“Bad head?” Savannah asked.
“No, bed head—you know, how when you get up first thing in the morning and your hair is all messy.”
She chuckled. “Oh, yes, bed head.”
“Straw head,” Michael said. When Adam looked puzzled, he explained, “Her bed is made of straw.” He looked at his watch. “Hey, kiddo, you’d better get cleaned up and packed. Your mom will be here in about forty minutes.”
“Awww, there goes my best groomer,” Savannah whined.
“I got a lot of the tangles out,” Adam said. His face brightened. “Hey, if you want help, just go ask those kids next door. They’d probably like to come out of that fence and comb Peaches.”
“I’ll think about that,” Savannah said. She tousled the boy’s hair. “But no one can take your place, Adam.”
He stood tall. “Yeah, I guess you’re right there.”
Michael laughed. “Okay, super-groomer, let’s go get you cleaned up, shall we?”
****
“Want me to go with you, hon?” Michael asked when he saw Savannah slipping into her jacket after Adam had left. “You’re going to the new neighbors’ right?”
She nodded, then said, “No. Why don’t you stay with Lily?” She gazed out the window for a moment. “I think I’ll walk around to their front door rather than traipse through their backyard.”
“All the way around to Maple Street?”
“Yeah, I could use the exercise. Besides, I can cut through that empty lot between us and Auntie’s and I won’t have to go clear down to the highway.”
When she turned to leave, Michael said, rather hesitantly, “Want a little advice?”
“What?” she asked, taking on a slightly defensive stance.
“Just be diplomatic like I know you can be, okay? We don’t know these people. We sure don’t want to get off on the wrong foot with a neighbor, do we?”
“No, we don’t. But I want them to know that their children might be putting themselves in harm’s way by sneaking over here and messing around with Peaches. And I don’t want my mare to be in danger, either. Michael, one of those kids almost gave her a sucker—now that’s the kind of thing we need to stop before something awful happens.”
“I know, hon. Just try not to let your emotions drive your message, okay?” He pushed his palms downward and lowered his voice. “Keep it low-key.” When he saw her narrow her eyes and look off into space, he said, “Uh-oh, I see your wheels spinning.”
“Yeah, I have an idea—a peace offering.”
“A peace offering?” he questioned.
She headed toward the kitchen and returned with two jars in her hands. Smiling, she said, “Homemade jam.”
He grinned. “There’s nothing wrong with bribery.”
****
“So how did it go?” Michael asked when he saw Savannah step in through the front door forty minutes later.
“Nice,” she said, removing her visor and windbreaker. “The family name is Crane. Tiffany’s real sweet—a bit overwhelmed, but sweet. She didn’t know the kids were coming over here or even that we had a horse. She agreed with me that the corral should be off limits. She said a couple of the kids are real horse enthusiasts. The little girl I saw over here the other day, Kira, she’s one of them. So I told Tiffany she could bring the kids over someday and introduce them to the horse and I’ll give a lesson on safety.”
“Good idea, hon,” Michael said. “Did you meet the kids’ dad?”
“No. I saw a man walk through the room and another one peer out once from the kitchen. But there were no introductions. In fact, Tiffany got kind of quiet when the men were around. She did point out which one was the dad—he’s covered in tattoos. Looks like a biker dude/tattoo artist rather than a minister.”
“He’s a minister?”
“Yeah, that’s what Tiffany said—he’s a minister on the Internet. They actually belong to our church.” She winced. “…the church we haven’t attended in ages. But he has an online congregation he preaches to and those people help support the family through contributions. She said he has other online businesses, as well.” She plopped down on the ottoman across from where Michael sat. “I can’t imagine anyone working in that hectic household. Tiffany said his office is in the garage.”
Michael frowned. “Interesting. I’ve never met an Internet preacher. Why does he atte
nd church, I wonder…to get ideas for his sermons?”
She shrugged. “Maybe. It’s an odd concept for me, but I can see there would be a need for TV and Internet church for shut-ins. I just hope…”
“You hope what?”
“That he’s more legit than he appears.” She looked across at Michael. “Do you know what I heard him tell one of the children?”
“What?”
“The little girl, Kira, came into the room and asked her mother if she could have a Popsicle. Before Tiffany could respond, this booming voice came from behind her, shouting, ‘What have I told you about begging for food?’ The poor little girl cowered against her mother and Tiffany said, ‘But, Ray, she asked for it like you want her to.’ He said, ‘Sounded like begging to me.’”
Michael frowned. “That’s rather harsh.” Then he asked, “Who was the other man?”
“The kids’ uncle, according to Tiffany.” She smiled and added, “As I was leaving, Kira stopped me. I’d asked Tiffany if it would be okay if I cut through her property, since it backs up to ours. She said that would be okay, and as I was walking away from their house, Kira came up to me and said in her sweet voice, ‘You have a cat.’ I told her, ‘Yes, I have three cats.’ I asked her if she likes cats and she got the biggest smile on her face. She’s really cute—has dimples, you know.”
“So does she want to come over and see the cats? Did you invite her over?”
“Well, sort of. She evidently saw me with Rags on his leash one day and she asked if she could hold his leash sometime. I’ll check with her mom and we’ll set something up.”
He smiled. “Sounds like fun. So do you think your visit was successful, Ambassador Savannah?”
“I hope so. In the meantime, I’ll keep a closer eye on Peaches and, for that matter, Lexie when she’s out in the dog pen.”
****
Early the following morning, Savannah watched her husband pack some of his clothes in an overnight bag. “I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were taking this trip.”
Looking sheepish, Michael said, “I told you Saturday.”
She nodded. “Yeah, when I brought it up after my sister told me. How long have you known about it, anyway? Did you tell me before that and I just forgot? You know how busy we’ve been these last few weeks with Auntie and Rags going missing, Colbi thinking she was dying, the wedding, and all.”
He winced. “I don’t think I told you. I wasn’t even sure Bud and I were going until a few days ago. And, as you said, we’ve been busy.”
She watched him for a few moments, then asked, “So what do you expect to find when you get there?”
“It’s anyone’s guess. I understand it’s a hoarding situation gone terribly wrong involving all kinds of domestic and farm animals. They need veterinarians to evaluate, treat, and, of course, euthanize. As I understand it, volunteers are converging on Eugene from all the Western states.” When he heard Lily’s voice and saw Savannah start to head toward the hallway, he said, “Let me get the princess up this morning. I’m sure going to miss that little one.”
“Okay, I’ll go fix something hearty for your breakfast.”
By the time Michael entered the kitchen with Lily in his arms, Savannah had started a pan of bacon baking in the oven, mixed up some biscuit batter, and was whisking a bowlful of eggs to scramble. “There’s a smidge of apricot jam left. That’s the end of it until June or July. So enjoy.”
“Sure will,” he said, smiling. He jostled the baby. “Won’t we, punkin?” Putting her into her high chair, he asked, “What’s Lily having for breakfast this morning?”
“Her fruit’s ready. Here’s one of her snack crackers. Bacon and eggs coming up.” Savannah faced her husband. “What time are you and Bud leaving?”
He looked at his watch. “I’m picking him up around nine.”
An hour later, as Michael double-checked the meds and supplies in his truck, Savannah recited items he might have forgotten. “Got your slicker? This is their rainy season, you know.”
“Good idea.” He glanced at her. “In Oregon, every season is the rainy season.”
“Got your phone charger? Sneakers? Change of underwear? Jammies?”
“Yup,” he said, closing the compartments on his veterinary truck.
“Who’s going to run the clinic?” she asked. “Bud usually takes over when you’re gone. I would have thought you’d take our newest veterinarian, Rick, or maybe Gary from the Hammond Veterinary Clinic.”
“I’m leaving Rick to handle things here. He’ll do just fine,” he assured her. “Gary, in fact, has agreed to be on call in case Rick gets more than he and the assistants can handle this week. Bud really wanted to help out in Eugene. He does like the challenge of the emergencies and special cases.”
“Like you do?” she asked, watching Lily poke at a bug on a blade of grass.
“Yeah, I like most types of cases, actually. That’s why I do what I do.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Now, I want you to stay safe—keep the place secure, will you?”
“I usually do. Why? Do you know something I don’t know?”
“No, it’s just that we have new neighbors who, according to what Detective Craig told us at the wedding Saturday, have already been in some sort of trouble with the sheriff’s office. I don’t want you taking any chances.”
“Michael, you heard what Craig said. It doesn’t sound like they’re criminals or anything. They have a lot of kids and they’re probably bothering some of the neighbors; that’s all.”
“Well, what do you actually know about them?” he asked.
“Not much, but I may have more information by the time you get back.” She gazed in the direction of the Crane home and said quietly, “I’d sure like to know what makes that sound I keep hearing over there.”
“Sound? What kind of sound?”
“Yeah. I heard it again this morning when I fed Peaches. It’s eerie…rather haunting.” She turned toward Michael. “Maybe I’ll find out what that is by the time you get back, too.”
He grinned at her. “Knowing you, I’m sure you will.” He kissed her, picked up Lily and snuggled with her for a moment, then handed her to Savannah and stepped into his veterinary truck. “See you before the end of the week,” he said, waving as he drove out of the driveway.
As Savannah continued to wave, Lily cried, “Da-da. Da-da.”
“Daddy will be back in a few days, honey,” Savannah crooned. “He has to go help some kitties and puppies.”
“Ki-ki?” Lily said.
“Yes, and oof-oofs—maybe piggies,” she said, playfully poking the baby in the tummy. When Lily giggled, Savannah continued, “…horsies, little lambs, duckies, baby peeps. They have owies and Daddy’s going to help them.”
“Owie,” Lily said, suddenly becoming serious. She held one arm out to show her mother.
“Yes, you have an owie, too, don’t you?” Savannah said, kissing the baby’s elbow. When Lily continued to stare off in the direction Michael had driven, Savannah said, “Aunt Bri’s coming to stay with us for a few days. Want to see Aunt Bri?”
When Lily didn’t respond, Savannah said, “Brianna. Can you say Brianna?”
“Nana?” Lily said.
“Yeah, it is like banana, isn’t it?” She kissed the baby’s little hand. “Auntie Nana.”
“Auntie?” Lily chirped. She then said, “Nana.”
“Yes, Auntie Nana.”
After a few moments, Lily was repeating “Auntie Nana. Auntie Nana.”
“Perfect,” Savannah said, walking into the house with the toddler and placing her on the floor with some of her toys, so she could tidy up the kitchen. Just as she finished clearing the table and putting the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher, her phone rang. She looked at the screen and told Lily, “It’s Auntie Nana.” Into the phone, she said, “Hi Bri. Are you ready for our all-girl week?”
“Sure, as soon as I finish helping Mrs. Bogart with t
he feeding. Michael and Bud just left here.” Savannah heard Brianna speak to someone. “Bud’s mom says hi.”
“Tell her hello for me,” Savannah said.
“Sure will. See you soon.”
“Hey, when you get here, Lily has a surprise for you.”
“Oh?” Brianna said. “What sort of surprise?”
“She can say your name.”
“Really? How cool is that? Let me hear her—put her on the phone.”
“Well, I’ll try, but the little ham usually becomes a clam once we put a phone to her ear.” Savannah walked to where the toddler sat playing with a talking toy dog.
“Oof-oof,” Lily said.
Savannah held the phone to the baby’s ear. “Aunt Bri’s on the phone, honey-bun. Say hi to Auntie Nana.” She could hear Brianna talking to Lily, but Lily remained quiet. “Say hi to Auntie Nana. Auntie Nana,” Savannah repeated.
Lily simply listened intently. When it appeared the toddler wasn’t in a talking mood, Savannah took the phone from her. “Well, I guess she’s saving the surprise for when you get here. I’d better bathe and dress her. See you later.” Before Savannah could pocket her cell phone, it rang again. “Oh hi, Auntie. Are you joining Bri, Lily, and me for lunch this afternoon?”
“Yeah, planning on it. But first, I have a crisis to deal with.”
“What happened?” Savannah asked, while she followed her toddler down the hallway. When she saw Lily step into the nursery and sit down next to her toy box, she smiled. Must have a certain toy in mind, she thought, watching her pull toys out of the box and toss them aside. Oh, she wanted her dolly’s hair brush. Cute. “What’s the crisis?” she asked into the phone.