Festival Turmoil

by Wendy Meadows

  Richard's cheerful demeanor belied the fact he'd been roaming around outside in the very early morning hours. Brenda expected bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. Instead, he looked well-rested and she doubted whether she had really seen him.

  Rachel Wellington picked at her omelet and even though she lifted the cup of hot tea, she failed to remember to take a sip of it. Brenda thought that Thomas Wellington had to have a strong constitution to spend that long outside talking on his phone in the cold.

  Brenda finished her breakfast and asked the guests if anyone needed anything. Everyone answered in the negative and so she went to the office to catch up with Allie. It was time to make sure the night had gone well for guests and to see if anyone had any special requests.

  "I told Mr. Wellington he could use the alcove off this hallway for his call," Allie explained. "He looked like he was freezing out on the veranda. It was my idea."

  "I wondered how he could stand to be out there that long without a winter coat on." Brenda and Allie turned quickly toward the closed alcove door. Thomas Wellington's voice rose, though words spoken were not distinguishable to them.

  "He doesn't sound pleased," Allie said.

  "I just hope he and Rachel can get into town to get their minds off whatever the phone calls are about."

  "Do you think we have an odd mixture of guests this time?" Allie asked.

  Before Brenda could answer, a cold wind blew into the foyer from the small enclosure between the front door and the inside door. Smiles broke out on the women's faces. Hope Williams balanced a large box while edging inside. Brenda hurried to steady the door for her. Hope's face was pink from the cold.

  "Why didn't you come through the kitchen door as usual?" Allie asked her mother. "Never mind. I don't care which door Sweet Treats Bakery goodies come through." She reached for a cinnamon roll dripping with white icing.

  Hope laughed. "I came in this way because I knew I'd find the two of you in front. I know your habits," she said. Hope opened the lid and offered a freshly baked cherry muffin to Brenda. "This is a new recipe. Try it and tell me what you think."

  Brenda took a bite and while savoring the tasty muffin, she nodded. Hope smiled gratefully and then her demeanor turned serious.

  "I suppose you've heard about the break-in early this morning," she said. "I think whoever is committing these crimes doesn't do it to take anything of great value. It's as if he is taunting Sweetfern Harbor merchants."

  Brenda hadn't thought about it that way, but Hope was right. So far, nothing of real consequence had been taken. The culprit or culprits were cunning and slick in their activities. The women chatted a little longer about the petty crime spree around town and then Hope said she must get back to Sweet Treats.

  "Tourists are already arriving and I'll be kept busy." Allie offered to help her mother when she finished at the bed and breakfast. Hope told her to practice her ice skating routine instead. "How is the choreography coming along?"

  Allie Williams was a talented young woman and figured everything out by herself. She didn't want to tell anyone details of the routine she had in store for the competition. Hope had long ago given up on trying to pry specifics from her.

  "It's coming along fine. I just have a few things to smooth out, but I'll be ready." Allie smiled mysteriously but excitedly.

  After Hope left, Brenda decided it was time to loosen the spirits of the Wellingtons. She looked for them and saw Rachel coming from the dining room.

  "Any decision yet? Are you and Thomas going downtown today?" Brenda asked. "There are many specialty shops that I think you'll find interesting." She told Rachel about Morning Sun Coffee, Jenny's Blossoms, the shop that sold crafts created by area residents and the other places of interest. "There's also an interesting museum if you want to learn more about our town."

  "I hope to get down there," Rachel said. Brenda didn't think she sounded convincing.

  "I know you will enjoy the Winter Festival, but do visit the town. You won't be sorry." Brenda smiled but did not get one in return.

  Rachel continued to be distracted. "I'm looking for Thomas." When Rachel turned from Brenda, the Martins came into the hallway. Richard spoke to his wife and told her to have a good time in town. Marilyn and her new-found friend Linda went upstairs to retrieve their coats and gloves. Brenda told them Michael would be happy to take them and anyone else downtown and pick them up later.

  "We want to walk. The sun is out," Marilyn said, "and the wind has let up some. It will be good to get out into the fresh air."

  Brenda wished them well and watched Richard. When his wife left, his face changed. Furrows formed across his forehead. He hesitated at the bottom of the stairs and seemed to be observing the landing at the top before he climbed the steps.

  Brenda decided to quietly follow him from several steps behind. When Richard got to the top of the stairs he noticed her behind him. At first, his startled look surprised Brenda, until the smile spread across his face. The image of a chameleon ran through Brenda's mind.

  "What is at the end of this hallway?" he asked.

  "The guest rooms end three doors down from here. Then there are closets where housekeeping supplies and equipment are kept. Around the corner is our apartment. It's almost a separate wing."

  "When was this place built?"

  Brenda explained it was circa 1890. She told him how it had changed hands a few times until her uncle purchased it, and how it became hers. Richard Martin appeared genuinely interested in its history.

  "Are you a history buff?"

  He laughed and shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose an amateur one at best. I've found history in areas like this to be interesting."

  "Then you will love exploring downtown. Every shop along the main thoroughfare is on the historic register."

  He promised to do just that and turned toward his room. Brenda continued to her apartment. She wanted to ask him about his stroll around the premises in the very early morning hours, but decided to discuss it with Mac first. Once in her apartment, she began to doubt again that she had seen Richard Martin at all. But who else could it have been?

  She did not hear the quiet pad of footsteps on the carpet of the second-floor hallway as Richard Martin crept out of his room and explored, once more alone.

  Brenda set the water to heat in her teakettle, absorbed in her thoughts. She missed Phyllis and was disappointed that she and William delayed their arrival home an extra two days. She couldn't blame them. Phyllis had waited almost fifty years to find the man of her dreams and Brenda understood how the couple wanted to spend as much time together as possible. When they returned, both would be involved in the Winter Festival. Sheffield Bed and Breakfast would keep Phyllis busy once again. Everyone in town would gather there after the final competitions for hot chocolate and an array of finger foods and treats to end the celebration.

  Brenda had come to look forward to the seasonal events that occurred in Sweetfern Harbor. At first, she couldn't understand why the townspeople seemed to search for ever-constant ways to celebrate. It had all become second nature to her after her first year, and she looked forward to every one, and in particular to hosting the town that night.

  At noon, Brenda searched for Allie. Sheffield Bed and Breakfast had grown quiet and she felt Allie could use a break. She wrapped up in layers and went downstairs. Allie was all too ready to grab her coat and walk with Brenda. They walked briskly toward town down the shoveled paths through the snowbanks on the sidewalks.

  "I haven't seen Jenny more than once since Mac and I got back," Brenda said. "Let's stop at Blossoms first."

  Jenny greeted them and hugged them both. "I hope I see more of you, Brenda, but I know you and my Dad had a lot of catching up to do at work when you got back." She pulled back and the smile that went from the corners of her mouth widened. "I'm so happy you joined our family."

  Jenny had missed her mother since the day the disease took her away from her and Mac. She was thrilled she had a mother aga
in. Brenda proved to be a best friend, too.

  "I'm happy about that as well, Jenny. I've always wanted a daughter and couldn't have found a better one."

  Jenny showed them her new display in the window. It was a replica of the hill at the end of Sweetfern Harbor just before reaching the seawall. With a sparkling carpet of snow and tiny, glowing streetlights, the display was just as magical as the town itself on a snowy night. Brenda and Allie told her it was perfect.

  Despite the perfect day and the light conversation, Brenda wanted to caution Jenny to pay attention to her customers, in the event someone came into case the shop for burglary. She hesitated since she was sure Mac had done that more than once.

  "I know what you are thinking, Brenda," Jenny said. "Bryce stops in here several times a day and my father has told me what to look for in case someone comes in who looks suspicious. Bryce has become a mother hen." Brenda could tell Jenny was happy her fiancé was solicitous.

  "That's good. I knew I was right - both detectives are looking after you quite well."

  Brenda and Jenny, with Allie's help, chose arrangements to be delivered to the bed and breakfast the morning of the last festival day. All agreed the flowers would be perfect and once everyone saw what Jenny had done with them, she was sure to have an even bigger increase in customers.

  Next, they stopped at Morning Sun Coffee to warm up. Tucked into a booth with their coffee mugs warming their hands, Molly sat with them for a few minutes.

  "Can you believe my mom and William have delayed coming home again?" she asked. Then she laughed. "I don't blame them. William has made my mother so happy, but I miss her."

  "I miss her, too, but she should be back in a day or so. Sweetfern Harbor needs William here and I need Phyllis."

  On the way home, Brenda thought again about the Martins and the Wellingtons. Sweetfern Harbor was as joyful as ever with the festival ahead, but maybe Allie was right. Some of her guests did seem to be unsettled for some reason. She resolved to find ways to help them relax and discussed the matter with Allie as they walked along.

  Chapter Three

  Strangers in Town

  Mac, I'm glad you're home in time for dinner tonight," Brenda said. "Before we go downstairs I want to tell you about something I saw last night."

  She told him in detail about the figure at the edge of the band of trees. At first, Mac chided her for not telling him sooner, but realized Brenda had some doubts about what she saw or didn't see.

  "You don't make mistakes like that, Brenda. With all the petty crime going on around here, I'm on edge. If anything like that happens again, tell me right away. If I'm not here, call me, or if I'm asleep wake me up."

  Brenda apologized and realized how important it was. She wished she had told Mac when it happened. His warm kiss soothed her.

  "The reason I doubt myself is because Richard was very cheerful this morning and didn't look like he had lost any sleep at all."

  "Any way that you look at it, it was strange that anyone was up at two in the morning trudging through snow. What was he doing out there? Did you see anyone else with him?"

  Brenda shook her head. "To my knowledge he was alone, unless someone was hidden. The yard light didn't shine all the way to the tree line, so I suppose there could have been someone else out there."

  While they discussed the subject, Mac's phone rang. The look of panic on his face alarmed Brenda.

  "Where's Jenny?" he said to the caller.

  When he ended the call, he grabbed his coat. "Is Jenny all right?" Brenda asked.

  "She's fine but her shop was just broken into, and her window display left destroyed. She and Bryce were at my house. I'll call Bryce and tell him to bring her here until we canvas the shop."

  Brenda had never seen anger like the one that seethed in Mac's eyes. "I'm coming in my car," she said. "I'll pick up Jenny and bring her here." When Brenda arrived at Mac's former house, she went inside to find a female police officer handing Jenny a hot beverage. Brenda identified herself to the officer while Jenny clutched her arm and set the drink down. Brenda swung her into a tight hug.

  "Your dad wants you to come home with me and stay at the bed and breakfast."

  "Bryce told me he would stay here with me when he gets back in."

  "They may both be on this all night long. Come with me so your dad won't have to worry about you, Jenny."

  The officer agreed with Brenda, and all three gathered Jenny's belongings. She secured the house and the officer followed them until they were safely inside Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. That was when Jenny sank onto Brenda's sofa and shook like a leaf in a strong wind. Brenda pulled her close. They were in the apartment, away from prying eyes, and Jenny could finally let out the emotions she had been bottling up inside. The tears ran down her face.

  "Everything will be all right, Jenny. You are safe here and you can be sure Bryce and your dad will get to the bottom of it all. He called in the state police for help. I expect there will be more law enforcement brought in as well."

  Jenny's sobs subsided and she began to relax. Brenda shifted her from the couch to an easy chair while she pulled the sofa into a bed. She made up the bed and told Jenny it was ready when she was. Finally, Jenny laughed. "I never go to bed this early, but I'm glad it's ready when I am."

  Brenda offered her something to eat. "There is plenty downstairs in the refrigerator and I have soup and crackers up here in our little kitchen."

  Jenny declined. "Bryce and I had a wonderful dinner at the local Italian restaurant, so I've had all I need for now." She bent her head into her cupped hands. "I can't imagine who would destroy my window display like that. Most importantly, why would anyone just break in to destroy things? I have some valuable vases and urns in there and they were left intact. Nothing significant was taken as far as I know. I know they haven't done a complete investigation yet, but I doubt anything was stolen." Brenda shook her head. She had no answers. Jenny wanted to talk. "You know, Brenda, everyone who owns a business in Sweetfern Harbor is on edge and very nervous. So far the thefts have happened after hours…but we are all wondering how long it will be before the thieves get more brazen and possibly harm someone."

  "This is why we have an excellent police force in Sweetfern Harbor. You know your dad is expert in his job, and Bryce is too. There are several other officers we both know who will do everything in their power to solve the crimes."

  "I hope you give your input, too, Brenda. You have insights sometimes that the law doesn't see right away."

  Brenda beamed inside. It was true. She had found solutions to several crimes that occurred since her arrival in Sweetfern Harbor. "I'm paying attention to what is going on, Jenny. If I come up with anything I'll definitely let Mac know. Chief Ingram is sometimes reticent in his behavior but he is always on top of things, too."

  Jenny smiled. "Bob is an excellent friend and as Chief of Police, he's the best thing that happened to Sweetfern Harbor."

  "Then it's settled. We'll keep our eyes open and let them do their work."

  The muscles in Jenny's body relaxed and she sank back into the overstuffed chair.

  Thomas Wellington closed the door to the room he and his wife shared. She sat on the edge of the bed with a worried look on her face.

  "Are things moving along better, Thomas?" she asked.

  "There is nothing to worry about, Rachel. There have been a few hang-ups but things are smoothing out."

  "I hoped to relax and see a little of the area around here. It would be a wonderful place to visit in the summertime. I hear they have annual boat races. Do you remember how we met on that sailboat your friend had in Florida?"

  Thomas smiled. "I remember. That was a long time ago when I think about it. It was a more innocent time for both of us. I was no sailor but you took to the water like a fish in the ocean. It would be nice to come back in better weather. I'm not a fan of winter, especially like this one."

  Rachel thought about the years since that day when she met the
handsome Thomas Wellington. It had been a rocky road for both of them. More than once she almost decided to leave him for someone more stable. There was something about Thomas that always drew her back to him. Now they were full partners in business.

  Because of his business interests, he had convinced Rachel that it would be profitable to attend Sweetfern Harbor's Winter Festival. She hoped he planned his venture well and was successful.

  Down the hall, Richard Martin knew an argument was brewing with his wife. Marilyn nagged him for not spending much time with her during this getaway. She knew Richard had little interest in shopping. He seemed to appreciate historical sight-seeing and architecture but even that interest appeared to remain on the surface as far as she could tell.

  She had been married to him for six years and just when she thought she had him figured out, he turned out to be someone entirely different. She was his third wife and when they married, she felt sure she would be his one and only for the rest of their years. As the years passed, she felt he was not the man she thought she married, but she tended to shove those thoughts from her mind.

  Richard could carry on a brilliant conversation about most things the guests discussed during meals and in the sitting room, and he was an avid reader. He could also read people very well. When he sensed someone had an interest in a specific subject, he read up on it and became knowledgeable enough to converse amicably about it.

  "If you are truly interested in the eighteen hundreds, I would think you'd want to explore this town a little more. Linda and I met so many nice people today. One shopkeeper told us that when someone named William Pendleton returns home we should meet with him. William is a historian and knows the entire history of this area."

  "Marilyn, I'm only interested so I can join in conversations in an intelligent way. Someone like me shouldn't come across as someone who has no knowledge in matters of history."

  Marilyn stared at him, thinking his words didn't make complete sense. "Someone like you? What does that mean, exactly? It's funny, but I realize I don't know very much about your past, dear. Where were you born, for instance?"