“Don’t tell me I’m imagining that,” the male prowler snarled, his voice growing louder. “I told you, but you wouldn’t believe me. I’m out of here. You’re on your own. This whole thing was your idea in the first place.” Footsteps clumped past the bookcase and down the steps.
“Don’t be a fool. There’s no such thing as ghosts,” the woman called after him. A second set of footsteps rushed past the door. The front door slammed. Footsteps thumped down the stairs. A woman screamed, then a loud thud. A scrambling commotion followed and the front door slammed a second time.
Meggie bowed her head and unclenched her fists. She switched the flashlight on and hurried back up the stairs. She stepped inside the attic and swept the flashlight back and forth. It came to rest on her friend. Her stomach dropped at the sight. Shirley lay sprawled facedown.
She rushed over, knelt down and shook her gently. “Shirley, can you hear me? Where are you hurt?” She flashed the light over the prostrate figure.
Shirley moaned and tried to lift her head. “I’m alive but my head is killing me. I’m not sure all my parts are working.” She pushed with her arms to prop herself up. “Are they gone?”
“Yes, they’re gone. You scared them off when you fell. They thought you were a ghost.”
“If I didn’t hurt so much I’d laugh. Am I bleeding?”
Meggie helped her into a sitting position and flashed the light over her face. Her disheveled hair hung over her eyes. Red streaks marked her skin.
“You have a scrape across your forehead. It’s barely bleeding, but we better get you downstairs.”
Meggie knew she should run downstairs and call the authorities. It seemed heartless to leave her injured friend alone in the attic. The call would have to wait. After a bit of tugging, Meggie managed to get Shirley on her feet. Together they made their way down the stairs.
Later that evening after the authorities took their leave, the house was restored to order and all the doors were bolted. Both women had dressed for bed but were in no hurry to retire for the night.
Meggie checked on Brandy and quietly closed the bedroom door. She joined Shirley at the kitchen table. A cool breeze blew through the open window along with the gentle pitter-patter of rain. Nature’s way of soothing nerves.
“I wonder what they were looking for.” Shirley spooned a bite of marble cake and vanilla ice cream into her mouth.
“I don’t have any idea, but I’m pretty sure they didn’t find it. And from the way they took off, I don’t think they cared.” Meggie twirled the spoon in her ice cream. “I did tell the deputy that it sounded like the male intruder limped. I mentioned my suspicions about Simon. Maybe that information will help.”
“What did Molly say when you told her about the intruders?”
“She took the news hard. She wanted to come home right away, but I told her we would hold the fort down. There’s nothing she could do if she did come home.”
Shirley finished her dessert and pushed the plate aside. “Remember when we first went up to the attic and I told you I heard someone yell? I don’t think I imagined that. But why would they let us know they were here to rob the place?”
Meggie seemed lost in thought for several seconds. “Now that you mention it, I remember a couple years back when a customer came into the shop. She told a strange story.
Shirley pulled her chair closer to the table and propped her chin on her hand. “Nothing you can tell me will seem strange anymore. Spit it out.”
Meggie cleared her throat. “At the time she lived in the country not far from Pine Lake. It was during the summer. Evidently, she had been reading but grew tired and decided to call it a night. She set her book on the bedside table and turned the light off. She started to doze when she heard the front doorbell ring.”
“At first she thought it was her imagination playing tricks on her. Who would be visiting so late at night? But when the doorbell rang a second time she crawled out of bed and went to answer the door.”
“She peeked through the small window in the door but couldn’t see anyone.”
“You mean there was no one there? I bet some neighborhood kids were out pulling pranks. Somebody’s little angels had nothing better to do than ring doorbells late at night and take off running.”
Meggie shook her head. “The doorbell rang again so my neighbor inched the door open. Two young girls about eight or nine years old stood on the steps under the porch light with umbrellas extended in their hands.”
Shirley frowned. “What in the world were two young girls doing out so late at night?”
“That was the first thought that crossed her mind. The fact that it wasn’t raining was the next thought to cross her mind.” Meggie paused and pushed her ice cream away. “One of the young girls asked the woman if she had seen their dog. But when the woman questioned them about the dog’s description, they didn’t answer her. They backed away from the door, turned and ran down the sidewalk out of sight.”
“That’s strange. Why would two young girls ring a doorbell late at night, ask about their lost dog, and not wait around for an answer?” Shirley threw up her hands. “Not to mention they had umbrellas when it wasn’t raining.”
“I didn’t understand it at first either. But after thinking about it for a while, it all made sense. The whole thing was a ruse to find out if anyone was at home. I’m sure someone must have been waiting for those young girls on the road.”
“And if the girls reported no one at home, the burglary would be good to go.” A blank look crossed Shirley’s face. “What about the umbrellas?”
Meggie smiled. “The woman couldn’t describe the girls because the porch light shone down on the umbrellas and shaded their faces.”
Shirley scratched her jaw. “That’s quite a story and it all makes perfect sense.” She looked at Meggie. “What are you frowning about?”
“I just remembered the female prowler said, ‘She said they’re somewhere in the house.’” Meggie thought a minute. “Who was she and what was she talking about?”
Shirley yawned, lightly slapped the table with her hand and stood up. “Now you’re talking riddles. I think I’m going to turn in. It’s been a long day.” Her eyes roved over the table. “By the way, where is that package you were going to mail for Molly?”
“In the car along with the carton of tomatoes she gave us. I didn’t want to forget them in the morning.”
After Shirley retired to bed, Meggie sat alone with her thoughts. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to fit together, but the biggest piece was still missing. Who killed Fred?
If she knew all the players in this mystery she might figure out who murdered Fred and why. Until that time, his spirit wouldn’t rest and neither would she.
Chapter 24
Meggie spent a good deal of August at Hearts and Flowers Gift Shop. More tourists than usual invaded Pine Lake in August. Eldon still wore the cast on his leg, which limited his ability to work. And while Vera arrived early and left late, she devoted a significant amount of time to wedding plans.
One Friday morning Meggie arrived with a bouquet of pink, red and white painted daisies. Vera oohed and aahed and suggested she find a vase in the breakroom. “Please bring them out front so the customers can enjoy them as well. There’s nothing like a colorful bouquet of flowers to brighten up one’s day.”
Meggie disappeared behind the breakroom curtain and came back a couple minutes later. She set the floral arrangement on the end of the counter, sidled up to Vera and looked over her shoulder. “You’ve been busy, I see.”
“I arrived in the wee hours this morning and have been working on our wedding plans ever since. The park will be a lovely location for a wedding.” Vera glowed. “And the large gazebo will provide shelter if the weather doesn’t cooperate. We won’t plan on many guests. Just a few close friends. May
be some quiet music.” She glanced outside. “I do hope this weather holds.”
Meggie recalled Vera’s hesitation when several acquaintances suggested she consider an outdoor wedding in Pine Lake Park and invite her close friends. It took a fair amount of coaxing on their part and careful consideration on Vera’s before she decided it would be a splendid idea. Eldon readily agreed.
“I’m so glad you changed your mind and decided against a private ceremony.”
“We couldn’t be happier about the change in plans. Our dear friends will be with us on our special day. In the whole scheme of things that’s what really matters.”
Meggie patted Vera’s arm. “If you need help with anything you be sure to let me know.”
The bell tinkled above the door and the first customer of the day stepped into the shop. A smile lit up Vera’s face. She tucked her wedding plans under the counter. “Good morning, Detective Peterson.”
Meggie pasted a smile on her face, stepped out from behind the counter and asked if she could help him find something. She took in Bulldog’s street clothes and sensed his unease. “Are you looking for anything in particular?”
“Actually, I’m shopping for my mother’s birthday present.” Bulldog confided that his mother’s eyesight had deteriorated to a point where small print had become too difficult to read. “A friend told me he bought a cookbook here in large print. I’d like to take a look at one if you have any left.”
“I believe we do.” Meggie lifted the cookbook from the book rack and handed it to Bulldog. She rotated the rack. “We had a dessert cookbook in large print, too, but I see it’s no longer here.” She nodded at the cookbook in Bulldog’s hand. “But there’s a variety of dessert recipes in that cookbook.”
While Meggie discussed cookbooks her mind wandered to Fred Jackson’s investigation. She felt the urge to question Bulldog about it but didn’t know how to broach the subject.
“My mother still loves to cook and fixes me a home-cooked meal every week. She insists I keep my strength up so I’m able to catch the bad guys.” Bulldog grinned. He turned the book over and checked the price. His face fell. “Little spendy for a bunch of recipes, isn’t it?”
“You won’t be able to find many cookbooks in large print. Your mother will really appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Meggie stood by until he made his decision to buy it then followed him to the card rack. “Speaking of bad guys, have you had any luck finding the person responsible for Fred’s death?”
Bulldog hesitated, gave her a sidelong glance and chuckled. “That’s a loaded question. You know I can’t talk about the case, but I can tell you we’re working on it.”
He spun the card rack until he came to those cards marked half-off, picked one out and clumped over to the counter. He laid the cookbook and card down and pulled his wallet from his back pocket. “Do you gift wrap by chance?”
Meggie moved behind the counter and conveyed to him that there would be an extra charge for gift wrapping. When Bulldog shook his head she pointed out the gift bag selection near the card rack. In the end he decided to wrap it at home and handed over his money.
She slipped Bulldog’s purchases into a bag and thanked him for stopping. She watched him walk out to his truck and tapped a finger against her lip. How much wasn’t he telling her? Surely by this time they had someone of interest in Fred’s case.
It was common knowledge that Darrell Schmidt finally admitted to breaking and entering Riley’s house to search the attic. But he still denied having anything to do with Fred’s death.
Donna, Riley’s nosy neighbor, stated she had seen Fred the day Darrell was arrested. If that were true, Darrell couldn’t have harmed Fred.
The identity of the two intruders at the farmhouse still remained a mystery. At the time, she couldn’t be sure who the intruders were or what they were looking for in the Rileys’ home.
But the next day after she dropped the package off at the post office and returned home, she did a fair amount of reflection. It dawned on her that the documents and photographs might have been the object of their search.
Perhaps there was something among the photographs and documents someone didn’t want Barry to see. But who knew about Molly’s discovery besides Molly, Michelle, and Barry? It made no sense that either Michelle or Barry would break into the farmhouse to steal something that belonged to Barry. Perhaps Michelle mentioned the box to her mother.
It was pure conjecture on her part that the intruders were looking for the photographs and documents, but nevertheless she had called Bulldog with her suspicions. Whether he acted on them or not she didn’t know.
Meggie’s musings came to an end when a group of ladies walked through the door of Hearts and Flowers. They chattered on their way through the shop, past the candles and stopped near the mosaics display. A few minutes after they arrived they walked out with several purchases.
Customers were in and out of the shop the rest of the afternoon. Vera had no time to spend on wedding plans. She looked forward to visiting Eldon after work to go over wedding arrangements.
By the end of the day Meggie looked forward to spending a quiet evening at home with Walter. Even if he sat in front of the television while she sat on the deck, they would still be home together.
Later that month, the wedding day arrived with sunny skies and a hint of fall in the air. Pine Lake Park buzzed with activity. Since Vera had been reluctant to have a bridal shower, her friends insisted on decorating and providing the wedding feast.
Vera had readily agreed to their offer to decorate but hesitated over the potluck idea. She didn’t think it proper for her guests to bring food to the wedding. But at everyone’s insistence she soon relented.
Meggie arrived early to help decorate and prepare the gazebo and reception area for the grand occasion. Shortly after, Shirley and Molly joined her. The three women were busy arranging flowers in the park shelter when a loud roar sounded close by.
Vera’s cousin, Nettie, had arrived on the scene. The plump woman emerged from the driver’s seat of the car and walked around to the passenger side. She plopped a straw hat on her head, pulled a large tray from the vehicle and strode towards the park shelter.
“Hello, ladies,” she crooned and set her homemade dinner rolls off to the side. She surveyed the entire shelter. Her eyes came to rest on the eight-foot table the three women had wiped down. “We’ll have this table set in no time. It’ll make a wonderful food table.”
Nettie spread a white plastic covering over the large rectangular table and laid her handmade white-lace tablecloth on top of it. While walking the perimeter of the table, she tugged the tablecloth to make sure it hung evenly. Satisfied, she gave the high sign to Molly and Shirley to begin setting the buffet table.
By the time the last guest arrived, the table overflowed with an array of foods. Hotdishes, cold salads, and baked beans along with an assortment of breads spread out over the festive tabletop. A vase of fresh flowers at the end of the table added the finishing touch.
Audrey Peterson arrived at the last minute with a wedding cake, compliments of Swenson’s bakery. She set it down near the flowers and tossed a number of rose petals around it.
Sprigs of greenery hung over the gazebo’s entrance and fresh flowers were visible inside the building. Eldon’s nephew strummed soft guitar music in the background.
A rose garden stood a distance from the summerhouse. While the flowers were no longer at their peak, the rockery surrounding the garden and the water fountain lent a romantic air to the occasion.
Meggie looked over the crowd gathered for the wedding. She waved to Molly Riley as the young woman slipped into a seat at the end of her row. Molly held her camera up and smiled.
At last the moment arrived. Vera and Eldon stood in front of the minister and recited their vows. When they were finished the clergyman presented the c
ouple. “Now you may kiss the bride.”
Applause rose and contagious smiles spread all around. Eldon leaned over, Vera puckered up and somewhere in the crowd a cell phone rang. Heads turned as Molly sprang to her feet. She grabbed her purse and hurried away from the gathering.
Walter nudged his wife and nodded to the congratulations line. When Meggie’s turn came to offer her congratulations, she hugged both Vera and Eldon and wished them the best. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find Molly by her side, a dazed look on her face.
“Barry just called. The authorities have made arrests in Fred’s murder.”
Chapter 25
I still can’t believe I won a free weekend for two at the new bed and breakfast on Shadow Lake.” Meggie fastened her seatbelt and leaned back in the passenger seat of Walter’s pickup truck. “We’re actually going to spend some time together for a change.” She winked at her husband. “It might be kind of romantic.”
“You act like we’re never together when in reality we’re seldom apart. Except, of course,” Walter raised his hand in the air, “when you’re off on one of your housesitting adventures involved in murder and mayhem.” He winked back at her.
“I’ll admit you are right on one point. I am beginning to wonder if I should housesit anymore.” Meggie gazed out the truck’s window and thought about the recent close calls she had while housesitting.
She shuddered and told herself it wouldn’t do any good to cry over spilt milk. Instead she would focus on the fall scenery and the exciting weekend ahead. But try as she might, her mind kept wandering back to the hobby farm and Fred’s ghost.
For some time she couldn’t figure out why his ghost sought her out and not Molly or Michael. It baffled her, but after some deliberation she concluded that while Molly and Michael were permanent residents in the house, she had been curious and discovered Fred’s remains.
Bring Home the Murder Page 15