A Big Life in a Small Town (Bellingwood #2)

by Diane Greenwood Muir

  "I know I can't stay here on the floor, but I don't know how to get away from them. They're watching for me."

  Polly asked, "How do you know you're being watched?"

  "I saw them in Boone. They must have been here first, especially since they called you. I don't want you to have any more trouble than I've already brought."

  Polly heaved a sigh and said, "I suppose I can handle a little trouble. Come with me. Let's get you to my apartment. You can take a shower and change your clothes and get some sleep. We'll figure things out. I have a lot of great friends who are experts at that." She threw a sideways glance at Henry who smiled.

  Elise picked the gun back up and then handed it to Polly. "Take this, please."

  Polly pulled back as if it were a snake. "I don't want that. I won't use it."

  "Take it and I'll come with you to your apartment. Otherwise I'm staying here."

  They were obviously not going anywhere without it, so Polly slipped her finger into the trigger guard and made her way back to the doorway where she immediately handed it to Henry. He helped her stand up and they waited as Elise crawled through the doorway. He pulled the door shut and Elise stood up, then they walked along the wall to the back by the bathrooms and across to Polly's entryway. Polly walked in and was met by a very happy dog.

  "Have a seat, Elise. Can I get you something to drink? Have you eaten lately?" Polly took Elise by the arm and led her to the sofa. The girl dropped down and absentmindedly began rubbing Leia's head when the cat snuggled up to her.

  "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for anyone else to get involved. I'm so sorry," Elise kept repeating.

  "Elise. Stop it," Polly said.

  When there didn't seem to be any response, except repetitive stroking of the cat's head and murmuring, Polly put her hand on Elise's knee and sharply said, "Elise!"

  The girl looked up and said, "I'm sorry, what?"

  "Henry is going to boil water for tea and run downstairs to get leftovers from lunch today and I'm going to get you into the shower. You're going to eat and drink something and then you're going to crawl in my bed and sleep. When you wake up tomorrow morning, we're going to figure everything out."

  Polly walked with Henry to the front door and stepped outside with him. "Would you call Aaron and tell him what is going on here? I think we'll be fine tonight, but I want him to know."

  "Sure," Henry said. "And I'll bring up food and make tea for her, but I can't leave you two girls alone here tonight."

  "We'll be fine, Henry, but I'm not asking you to leave right now anyway. Help me get her settled and then we'll talk."

  "I'm calling Aaron, but you're not going to talk me out of staying here. You don't know how to use that gun and if your friend in there is afraid enough of someone to think she needs it, that worries me."

  "Whatever. I'm not talking about this now. She needs to clean up and eat before we make any other decisions, now go." She pushed him a little and gave him a small smile, "And thank you."

  Elise was still sitting in the same position and Polly walked back over to her. "Come on. Let's start with a shower." She held her hand out to the girl, who took it and stood up. Polly walked with her into the bathroom and turned the shower on. Elise flipped the lid down on the toilet and sat there.

  Polly tested the water and said, "It seems fine. I'm going across the hall to find you some clothes ..."

  "No! You can't go in that room. If they see you moving around in there, they'll know I'm here."

  "Elise, don’t worry. I've been in and out of that room all week long. I’ll make sure that if someone outside sees anyone in there, they know it's me. Now, you get into the shower. I'll be back in a few minutes. The door to my apartment is locked and the only people who can get in tonight are me and Henry. You're safe."

  Elise nodded and stood up, kicking her shoes off. She bent down to pull off her socks and then as she reached to pull her shirt over her head, Polly walked out and shut the door.

  She went across the hall and walked in front of the windows, checking their latches and bending over as if picking things up. She filled a laundry basket with clothing for Elise to wear for several days, kicked the basket across the floor to the door, reached up and turned out the light. She bent over to pick the basket up and heard footsteps on the stairs.

  Henry came up the last set of stairs. "I talked to Aaron. He's coming over to watch your place while I run home to take care of things so I can spend the night. He said he'd be back in the morning to talk to you and Elise, but if anything comes up to let him know."

  They walked together back to the door of her apartment and Polly said, "You know, rather than feel like a helpless little girl who needs all of these men around to take care of me, I think I'm going to choose to be thankful for you in my life."

  Henry laughed. "Well, that's a start!" He held the door open and she walked in with the basket in her arms and headed into the bedroom. She heard him opening cupboard doors and stuck her head out and said, "The teapot is in the cupboard over the stove, mugs are to the right of the sink and dishes are in the one beside that cupboard. Silverware ... oh, you've got it. Thanks."

  She heard him drawing water as she shut the door.

  "Elise? How are you doing?" Polly asked through the door. "Are you still in the shower?"

  "I'm fine. I'll be out in a few minutes."

  "I'm coming in to set out fresh towels. I'll lay them on the counter," Polly said. She quickly went into the bathroom and pulled one of her big sage towels out of the linen closet and put it beside the sink. Then it occurred to her Elise might need a few other things and she dug around looking for a fresh toothbrush. There were two unopened combs in her travel kit, so she pulled those out as well and set them on top of the towel.

  "Elise?"

  "Yes?"

  "There's a basket of your clothing on the bed. When you're ready, come on out into the living room."

  "Thank you, Polly."

  Polly left the door open between the bathroom and bedroom. The cats scurried into the bedroom and she left them there as she pulled the door shut and walked into the living room. She dropped to the sofa, put her feet up on the coffee table and asked, "Has everyone gone home?"

  "I saw Jeff's car pull out when I went down," Henry replied.

  "Good. That was kind of fun tonight, wasn't it?"

  "Which part?" he asked snidely.

  Polly chuckled and said, "The whole thing, you nut, though that kiss was a little more than I expected."

  "I told you. More surprises than I have sleeves."

  He brought over a mug with steaming water and put it in her hand, then held out the basket of bags. Polly selected one, opened it and dropped it in water, dunking it in and out as she took in the aroma of Chamomile. Henry pushed her feet off the table and she giggled, then kicked her shoes off and rearranged herself, tucking them under her. When they heard the water turn off in the shower he went back into the kitchen and started the microwave.

  "I didn't mean for you to do all of this," Polly said. "You've had a longer day than me."

  Henry said, "Don't worry. I've got it. You sit there and relax and don't worry," he said. "I have a long memory and a lot of patience."

  Polly rolled her eyes, then shut them as she held the mug to her face and allowed the steam to warm her.

  The bedroom door opened and Elise walked out, dressed in sweats and a fresh t-shirt, holding a pair of thick socks in her hands. "Thank you," she said. "I feel much better."

  "Sit here," Polly patted the sofa. "I think we have Henry as our waiter tonight. Sylvie made a terrific Shepherd's Pie for lunch and he's reheating some for you."

  Henry walked over with another mug of hot water and placed it in front of Elise. He also put two saucers and teaspoons on the table between the girls.

  "Wow," Elise said, "I have never been pampered by a man. If you don't want him, can I have him?" She bent over and slipped her socks on her feet.

  Polly looked up a
t Henry, who simply grinned at her. "Can she have me?" he asked.

  "I'm not giving away men tonight," Polly said. "Just a bed and a shower."

  "I shouldn't be taking your bed from you, Polly. I can sleep on the couch."

  "You look like you haven't slept in several days. It's fine, as long as you don't mind a couple of cats sharing your space."

  Leia had jumped up between them and was rubbing her head against Elise's leg. Luke was perched at the far end of the sofa back licking his front paw as if nothing else was happening in the world.

  "I don't mind them being in the bed," Elise said. "Leia always slept with me."

  "Then, it's settled. Now, eat something."

  Henry had put the plate of food on the table and Elise reached over to pick it up. He pulled his phone out of his back pocket and said, "Hello? Okay, thanks."

  "I'm going to run home. Aaron is across the street in Lydia's Jeep. He'll keep an eye on things until I get back. Why don't I take Obiwan with me. Then you won't have to go out with him again tonight."

  Polly unfolded her legs and got up. She pulled Obiwan's leash off the table beside the door and snapped the hook onto his collar, then handed it to Henry.

  "Thank you."

  Henry took her by the elbow and guided her out into the hallway, then nudged the door shut without latching it. "We're going to be a while. I told Aaron I was going to walk the perimeter while he's here to make sure you're safe. Don't go anywhere, okay?"

  He kissed her on the cheek and headed down the steps. Polly followed him to the top of the second landing and watched as he put his coat on and went out the front door with her dog.

  Her phone rang, "Hello?" she said.

  "Hi Polly," she recognized Aaron Merritt's voice.

  "Hey Aaron. You missed the dancing fun tonight."

  "Actually, I don't believe I missed anything fun at all tonight."

  "You’re going to be okay with your gorgeous wife dancing around the floor with other men?"

  He had a deep, hearty laugh. "If it means I don't have to make a fool of myself, she can dance with anyone in town. How are you doing?"

  "Good, I guess. I'm not sure what to do with all of this added excitement. I thought that raising a barn was enough, but apparently I was wrong."

  "Have you found anything out from your guest yet?"

  "No, not yet and speaking of finding anything out, have you been able to uncover anything about that note and those pictures?"

  "We're still waiting, but when I can, I'll let you know. Now, you be careful tonight."

  Polly said, "Thanks Aaron. I'll see you Saturday, right?"

  "I'll be there. It isn't every day something this exciting happens in Bellingwood."

  Elise had found the remote and turned the television on. She looked up and asked Polly, "Is everything okay?"

  "I think so," Polly replied. "Henry's walking the dog and is going to run home to get some of his things. He'll spend the night here.

  "Where's he going to sleep?" Elise asked and then as soon as she thought about it, she said, "Oh, I should sleep on the couch. You two can have the bedroom."

  Polly threw her hands up and said, "No, No! It's not like that. We're not like that."

  "Really? Because you certainly look like you are together like that. You're awfully comfortable with each other if you aren't ... like that."

  "No. And don't start putting those thoughts out there. I don't want the universe to get any crazy ideas. I'm a long ways from wanting a relationship ... like that. For now, we just enjoy spending time together."

  "I'm not very good at understanding relationships, but I think Henry wants more than that,” Elise said.

  "He might, but if he's smart and doesn't want me to throw a hissy fit at him, he'll go slowly and there will be none of the 'like that' until much, much later."

  They both giggled. Polly sat down on the other side of the two cats, who had found a soft spot in the sofa and were snuggled together beside Elise. She turned to the girl and said, "Will you tell me what is going on?"

  "Can I sleep first? I'll talk to you tomorrow, I promise."

  "Elise, I have to know something. Is that even your real name? Who is Linda Marberry?"

  "I am," Elise said, her voice pitched low. "I am."

  "Why are you here as Elise Myers?"

  "Because ..." she stopped, "I don't want to talk about this right now."

  "Are you running away from something? And where have you been these last few days?"

  "I've done nothing wrong!" Elise declared. "But, I guess you could say I'm running away. I didn't think anyone would find me before ... I really don't want to talk about this."

  "Are you really in grad school and working on your dissertation?"

  Elise looked up and nodded. "Yes! I am! All of that is true. And my family did give me money so I could go somewhere and dedicate myself to finishing it. But, it isn't really true that I have an aunt who heard about Sycamore House. I made that up."

  "That's a start. Now, tell me where you've been and why you looked so awful when I found you tonight? And why do you have a gun?"

  The girl sighed. "The gun is what I don't want to talk about.” She took a deep breath. “When you told me you had received a couple of calls about me, I knew I had to leave. I figured they would show up, discover I wasn't here any longer and go away. I called a taxi service in Boone and went down there, but then I realized I couldn't register under either of my names. I hitched a couple of rides, slept in some rest areas and a few barns and finally, when I couldn't take it anymore, I hitched a ride back here. When I saw all of the activity, I knew I could sneak in with a group of people coming in to work."

  "Should I call you Elise or Linda?"

  "Elise is fine. It's my first name. Linda is my middle name, but since my Mom was Elise too, I always used Linda. But, you know me by Elise, so you can use that."

  "Where are you from?"

  "Chicago. I promise all of that is true."

  "Did something happen to you there? Is someone trying to hurt you?"

  Elise's face looked so wounded, Polly wanted to hug her, but she said, "Nothing happened to me, but I think these guys want to hurt me."

  "Do you know them?"

  "No, I don't know them personally. I think they were hired to find me."

  "What do you mean?" Polly asked. Now she had hired goons chasing her guests in Bellingwood? She was never going to live this one down. If Bellingwood had a railroad, they'd want to run her out of town on the rails. As it was, she was already getting a reputation for shady characters hanging around.

  She sighed and said, "Who hired them?"

  "I don't want to talk about that," Elise replied.

  "Who brought you here?"

  Elise shook her head. "It was just a friend. But, if they know I'm here, he's the only person who could have told them. I hope he's okay."

  "Told who? Elise, who is after you? What's going on?"

  "I didn't even know anyone knew I was there," she said. "I waited until everyone left before I came out."

  "What are you talking about?" Polly asked.

  "Polly, really. I don't want to talk about this tonight. I haven't had any sleep in days and I want to lie down in a real bed." She rubbed her eyes. "Do you have any idea what it is like for someone with my fear of the world to be stuck out there not knowing what's going to happen next? I've been sick to my stomach all week long and scared out of my mind."

  Polly's heart broke. "Of course you have. I'm sorry I was pushing. Tomorrow will be fine. And Elise, one of my best friends is the Sheriff here. Will you talk to him and let him help you? He's a great guy and ..."

  "No! I know you might think he's a great guy, but I can't trust anyone. I can't even believe I've told you this much." She seemed frenzied and then Polly watched her bring herself under control.

  "I just need some sleep," she said. "If I can sleep through the night, I'll make better decisions tomorrow."

  "Will you thin
k about talking to my friend?" Polly asked.

  "I'll think about it tomorrow. But, first I need to go to sleep." Elise stood up and began to walk to the bedroom. "I'm sorry that I've involved you in all of this. If I had anywhere else I could go, I'd have stayed away, but right now this is all I've got."

  "It's fine," Polly said. "You get some sleep. I can wait until tomor ..."

  Polly's front door crashed open and two men wearing black ski masks and carrying handguns rushed in. They took in the situation and while one of them grabbed Elise, the other strode over and as she rose up off the couch, thumped Polly in the back of the head and everything went black.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Polly opened her eyes. She was sprawled across her coffee table. One of the mugs had been overturned. Henry hadn't returned, so she hadn't been out very long. She pushed herself up and sat back on the sofa, rubbing the back of her head, then picked up her phone and dialed.

  "Aaron. Two men just broke in and took Elise."

  "What? I'll be right up. Are you okay?"

  "I think so. One of them hit me over the head and I blacked out."

  "Don't move. I'm calling the squad. They'll be right behind me."

  "Okay. I'm not going to move. My head hurts."

  From the background noise of his phone, she heard his tires spinning across her gravel as he said, "Do you hear anyone still in the building?"

  "I don't know. They broke my door, Aaron."

  "I'm here. I'll be right up."

  "Thank you, Aaron." Polly ended the call, shut her eyes and rubbed the back of her head again. Yes. That was going to leave a mark.

  Aaron rushed through the door followed closely by Henry. Polly heard sirens and wasn't any too happy to realize they were coming for her. She giggled as both men came in close.

  "What are you laughing about?" Henry asked as he sat down beside her.

  "I heard the sirens and thought about how they were coming for me and all I could think was, ‘They're coming to take me away, ha ha, they're coming to take me away.’

  Polly sobered, "Don't let them take me away, Henry. I have too much to do. Please?"

  Aaron chuckled. "You're going to let them take a look at you and if they say you will be all right, you can sign their refusal form and stay home tonight. But, if they say anything different, I'm going to act like your father and tell you to be obedient."