Missing in Cottonwood Springs

by Dianne Harman

  “Well, there were two men standing outside of it. I think they may have been arguing, but I’m not sure. They were speaking quietly,” she said.

  “What makes you think they were arguing?” Brigid asked.

  “Mostly from their body language,” she said. “One was taller with dark hair and dark skin. I’m not sure of his ethnicity. The other man was lighter, kind of like me, but he also had black hair. The taller one was wearing a dark blue jacket and jeans while the younger, shorter one, had a white shirt and pants that kind of looked like sweat pants,” Eve recalled. Her eyes looked off in the distance, as though she was seeing it all again in her mind.

  “This is great information, Eve. Thanks,” Brigid said as she wrote down everything Eve had told her.

  “The thing is, I know I’ve seen that van somewhere before. It has damage to the front end, so I know it’s the same one. I can’t for the life of me remember where, though,” she said, sounding frustrated.

  “That’s okay, even if you give me a few places it may have been, that will be a start. Do you think it was here in town?” Brigid asked.

  “Yes, it was here in town. I think I saw it on the outskirts of town, maybe at a gas station or something, and it wasn’t that long ago,” she began. “I know I was on the main road that runs through Cottonwood Springs.”

  “You mean like out towards where the dress store is?” Brigid asked, surprised.

  “Yes, in that direction. I heard the dress shop is having a going out of business sale,” she said offhandedly.

  “You saw the white van along that road somewhere?” Brigid repeated. “You’re sure.”

  “Yes,” Eve said confidently. “I’m not sure where it was, but it was along that road. Why?”

  “I’m actually heading over there with my sister and Missy to see if they have anything I might be interested in buying for my wedding. I’ll keep my eyes open when I go there,” Brigid said.

  “I heard you were getting married. Congratulations. I’m glad you’re going to go out that way. Otherwise, now I’d feel like I had to go there. I’m certain that’s where I saw it. Do you think those guys took Olivia?” she asked.

  “I really don’t know, Eve. Truthfully, they could have just been standing near the grocery store minding their own business. Who knows? But it would help to find the van first to make sure it’s one and the same,” Brigid commented. She stood up, tucking her notebook back in her purse. “I better go, so I can let Sheriff Davis know what you’ve told me. Believe me, you may have just helped immensely in solving this case.”

  “I sure hope so,” Eve said as she walked Brigid to the door. “I hate to think that poor Olivia could be hurt. She’s the nicest girl you could ever meet. You find her, you hear?”

  “That’s the plan. Again, thank you, Eve,” Brigid said as she pulled open the door. “Keep her in your prayers.”

  “I will,” Eve said as she shut the door.

  This was the closest thing she’d had so far to a solid lead. As Brigid walked to her car, she looked around, scanning her surroundings. She was starting to feel paranoid, as if there was someone watching her. Her rational mind told her she was feeling that way because of what had happened to Olivia, but it was still a tough feeling to shake.

  When she got back in her car, she started to pull out her phone to call Sheriff Corey Davis, but then she stopped. She knew he was incredibly busy, and so were all of his deputies. What if she called and told him that Eve was certain she’d seen the van on the road out of town, and then they couldn’t find the van? It would be a huge waste of their time. She dropped her phone back in her purse. Plus, he’d told her he had to go out of town this afternoon.

  I’ll wait to call him until after I look for the van myself, she thought. There’s no point in calling Corey and distracting him or his deputies from what they’re doing if it’s not even there.

  Nodding to herself, she made her mind up. She’d be on the lookout for the van as they drove to the dress shop. If she saw it on the way there, she’d call him. If not, then no harm done, she wouldn’t have wasted his time. She backed out of the driveway and headed toward her sister’s bookstore. It was almost time to meet Fiona and Missy.

  CHAPTER 9

  Brigid pulled up in front of the Read It Again bookstore right on time. As she walked through the front door, Fiona was already pulling on her jacket.

  “Told you she’d be right on time,” she said to Missy with a smirk.

  “You know it,” Brigid said proudly. “I can’t stand to be late.”

  “I thought I’d drive, if that’s okay with you?” Missy asked.

  “Not a problem,” Brigid said. “Just give me one minute, though.” She turned to Holly, who was sitting behind the counter. “A woman has disappeared, and it looks like some other people may also have disappeared. I don’t want you to go anywhere by yourself, okay?”

  Holly nodded. “Sure,” she said shrugging her shoulders.

  Brigid patted the counter and smiled. “Thank you.” Turning back to Fiona and Missy she said, “Okay, I’m ready. Let’s go.”

  The three of them got into Missy’s car, talking of wedding plans, dresses, and hairdos as they drove to the dress shop. They sounded as if they were high school girls again, getting ready for the prom. Brigid smiled as she sat in the back seat, listening to the conversation Fiona and Missy were having about strapless dresses. While she was enjoying the ride, she kept her eyes peeled for any sign of a white van, even though they weren’t quite in the neighborhood Eve had described, but she didn’t want to take any chances that she might miss it.

  “So what kind of dress are you hoping to find?” Missy asked, as she looked at Brigid in the rearview mirror.

  “I’m not sure. I’m thinking something that is fairly traditional, but with a little twist,” she said, still scanning the area.

  “That sounds fun. I think if I ever got married again, I’d do the same. I went the traditional route the first time. If I did it all over again, I definitely would do it with more flair,” Missy said with a grin.

  “I’d have a Halloween wedding,” Fiona said as she chimed in.

  “That’s really weird,” Missy said with a giggle.

  “No, you wouldn’t. That’s not allowed,” Brigid laughed. She sat up straighter as they approached the area Eve described.

  “Hear me out,” Fiona said. “With typical weddings, people are forced to dress up and all that jazz. With a Halloween one, they would still dress up, but in a costume. You could even have the ushers dress up as skeletons or zombies. It’d be fun.”

  “You’re too much,” Brigid said shaking her head.

  “Hey, I bet you’d remember it,” Fiona said.

  “That’s true. How could anyone forget something like that?” Missy asked.

  Missy slowed down as they approached the small dress shop. It never really had a name, as the older woman who ran it had just converted part of her home into a store. Her shop was the place where kids would come to order prom dresses and tuxedos. Or at least they used to, before they could get everything they wanted from the internet.

  Brigid sighed. She hadn’t seen any vehicles that even resembled the white van. Feeling a little disappointed, she climbed out of the back of the car and walked towards the front of the dress shop.

  There was a big handmade sign in the window that claimed everything was half price for the going-out-of-business sale. Brigid had to admit she loved a good sale, but it made her a bit sad to think the store would be closing.

  Fiona held the door open for Missy and Brigid as they all stepped inside the small shop.

  “Good afternoon, dears! My name is Dorothy, everything is half off. If you have something in mind, just let me know,” the small older woman said as she greeted them. Her white hair was permed and combed out into what looked like a perfect white cotton ball. Her glasses almost seemed too heavy for her face and drooped down to the tip of her nose.

  “I’m Fiona, this is my sist
er Brigid, and our friend, Missy. Brigid’s getting married soon, so we thought we’d stop in and see what you have,” Fiona said sweetly.

  “Oh, a wedding. How lovely. Are you two going to be in it?” she asked, taking Fiona’s hand.

  “We sure are,” she said.

  “In that case, why don’t you two head over there? You can look through the dresses that would be fitting for members of the wedding party. I’ll take Brigid to the wedding dresses.” She let go of Fiona and wrapped her bony hand around Brigid’s arm. “This way, dear.”

  Missy and Fiona headed off to the area where Dorothy had pointed while she and Brigid walked into the next room.

  “We built this room over twenty years ago,” she said in her gentle, crackly voice. “Things used to be a lot different before people could jump on the computer and order whatever they want from it.”

  “This is a lovely room,” Brigid said, as they stepped inside. There was lighting over each rack of dresses, making every sequin and bead sparkle and shimmer. There was also a seating area around a platform surrounded by mirrors on three sides. Brigid wondered how many brides had stood up on that platform, surrounded by their loved ones telling them how beautiful they looked. The carpeting was worn from all the feet that had sat on those chairs. Dorothy released Brigid’s arm and sat down in a nearby chair.

  “Wedding dresses are one of my favorite things to sell,” Dorothy said. Brigid began to move along the rows, looking at the dresses. “Nobody’s having a bad day when they go wedding dress shopping.”

  “What about those women who are ‘bridezillas’?” Brigid asked.

  “Oh now, they just know what they want is all. Nothing wrong with that,” Dorothy said.

  Brigid looked at the older woman and smiled. Her calm manner had a soothing effect on Brigid. It was as though she was a sanctuary in an otherwise blustery world.

  Spying a dress with a bit of color in it, Brigid’s pulled it out and held it up in front of her. It was all lace and off the shoulder. From the bottom up, embroidered roses embellished the tulle that covered the skirt.

  “Now that’s a dress,” Dorothy said. “Not for just any bride.”

  “It is pretty,” Brigid admitted. “Let me think about it.”

  “Sure, sure. Look around first. I’ll go see how the other two are doing. If you want to try something on, the dressing room’s right over there.” She pointed to a door in the far corner.

  “Thank you,” Brigid said kindly.

  After Dorothy left, she continued to look at the dresses. There were all kinds of styles. Empire waists, fitted, and some that looked like they should be worn by a princess. They were all extremely beautiful, but none of them spoke to her quite like the first one she’d seen. Eventually, she decided to try it on. It had looked to be about her size.

  Once inside the dressing room, Brigid quickly slipped off her clothing and stepped into the dress. She couldn’t zip it all the way up by herself, but she came close. Trying to see what she looked like in the narrow mirror in the dressing room wasn’t allowing her to get the broad view she wanted, so she decided to step out into the main room where the wider mirrors were located to get a better view.

  She walked out of the room, lifting the skirt so she wouldn’t accidentally step on it.

  “Oh!” she heard as she looked up. Fiona, Missy, and Dorothy were standing there, apparently waiting to show her a couple of dresses.

  “Brigid, you look beautiful,” Missy said.

  Brigid felt embarrassed as she felt the blood rush to her face. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

  “I love it,” Fiona said.

  Dorothy rushed over and made quick work of the zipper, her hands suddenly feeling much more capable and stronger than they’d been when she’d gripped Brigid’s arm.

  “Come on, let’s get you on the platform in front of the mirrors. Follow me ladies.” She walked over to the seating area and gestured for Brigid to step up on it. Once in front of the mirrors, Brigid had to admit the dress looked absolutely gorgeous. It was perfect for her figure, hugging her hips, and flattering her subtle curves.

  “It needs to be taken in here,” Dorothy said as she began to move around Brigid. She lifted and tugged at the fabric, pulling pins from what seemed like thin air. Once she was done pinning, she laid out the skirt before stepping back. “Stunning. What do you think?”

  Brigid wasn’t sure what magic Dorothy had managed to do with her pins, but the dress looked even better than it had a few minutes earlier. If Brigid blocked off her face, she wouldn’t have believed that was her body wearing such a remarkable dress.

  “I love it,” she admitted.

  “I made this one myself,” Dorothy said as she ran her finger along the short sleeve.

  “Did you really?” Brigid asked, shocked.

  “I sure did, back before my eyes got too bad to see what I was sewing,” she admitted. “It’s been here a while now, just waiting for the right bride-to-be to come along.”

  “Awww,” Missy said getting a bit teary-eyed. That’s so sweet.”

  “I think you should get it,” Fiona said. “It’s one of a kind, and it looks like it was made for you. I swear, I don’t think you could ever find anything better.”

  Brigid turned to the side, admiring the dress a little longer. She tried to imagine what Holly and Linc would say when they saw it.

  “I’ll take it,” Brigid found herself saying.

  “Wonderful,” Dorothy said as she clapped her hands. “Your friends have a couple of dresses they want your opinion on, but first, we’ll get you out of that dress. I’ll make the alterations and have it ready for you in a couple weeks. I’ll get your number, and call you when it’s ready.”

  After changing out of the dress, it was Missy and Fiona’s turn to try on dresses. Eventually, Fiona told them that she would buy whatever style dress Brigid and Missy liked the best. Brigid told them their dresses didn’t have to match, as long as the colors were spring-like, that was all that mattered. She was on cloud nine. Not only had she figured out the location of the wedding, but now she also had a dress. The plans were definitely moving forward.

  CHAPTER 10

  For the next forty-five minutes, they tried on dress after dress. Fiona was a bit more decisive, like her sister, but she and Missy still couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try on the various dresses. Finally, Missy settled on a soft teal chiffon dress with a high waist. Fiona decided she really liked a lavender dress that was fitted with sequins.

  “I think I really love the bling,” Fiona said as she admired the dress in the mirror. Once they’d decided, Dorothy began to tuck and pin each of them in their dresses. When she was finished, the dresses fit them perfectly.

  “I’m going to send you an invitation to the wedding,” Brigid promised Dorothy.

  “Oh, you don’t have to do that,” she said waving her away.

  “No, I insist. I would love to have you there. You should be able to see your dresses in action,” Brigid said.

  Dorothy smiled. “Thank you. That would be wonderful.”

  She led them to her cash register and rang up the three dresses. The total before the sale would have been a good price for the custom-fitted outfits, but once the sale price was deducted, Brigid was ecstatic. She handed Dorothy the money and thanked her for being so helpful.

  “It’s my pleasure, honey,” she said. “It’s all I’ve done for so long, I wouldn’t know what else to do.”

  “So why close?” Missy asked.

  “Well, my health isn’t quite what it used to be. I’m getting around okay today, but some days aren’t so good. All our children are grown and have moved away. It just seems like the right time to let it go. Now I have to get rid of all these dresses.” Although Dorothy smiled when she said it, Brigid was sure she could sense a hint of sadness.

  “I suppose that’s true,” Fiona said softly. “I can’t imagine the day I would have to close the doors to my store.”

  Dorothy
stepped out from behind the counter and began to ask Fiona about her store. Brigid still felt as though the woman was greatly underpricing her dresses. She would have gotten three times as much for them if she’d been in a better location with more customers. Quickly, while Dorothy was distracted, Brigid pulled a couple of hundred-dollar bills from her wallet.

  Finding a slip of paper and a pen, she hurriedly wrote, “Treat yourself” before sliding the money and the note just underneath the corner of a catalog on the counter. When Dorothy eventually got back to the counter, she couldn’t miss it. Brigid felt much better about herself as she joined her sister and her friend.

  “We should probably get going before the guys wonder what we’re up to,” she said.

  “It was nice meeting you girls,” Dorothy called out as they left the store. “Stop by anytime, and tell your friends.”

  “What a nice woman,” Missy said as they returned to her car.

  “Those prices were something else,” Fiona said. “If she wasn’t trying to close down her business, those prices would.”

  “I left a little extra for her,” Brigid admitted.

  “Did you really?” Missy asked as they climbed in the car.

  “Yeah. I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself, otherwise,” Brigid admitted.

  “You have a good heart, Brigid Barnes,” Missy said. “Made from solid gold. Not many people would do that.”

  “She always has been a good person. Always trying to do what’s right,” Fiona said, smiling back at her sister.

  Brigid had returned to the back seat again, planning on watching for the white van she’d been looking for earlier. Truthfully, she didn’t expect to find it, but she couldn’t just not look. Until it was located, she’d probably spend most of her time out in public trying to find it.

  Pulling out onto the road, Missy and Fiona started chatting again, leaving Brigid to herself, which was fine, because she needed time to think. If these people were from out of town, they had to have somewhere they were staying. She doubted they were sleeping in the van as it was still quite cold at night even though spring was starting to break winter’s firm grip. She was busy mentally creating a list of places in town to check when she spotted something white parked not far off the road.