Randy tugged at the cuff of his sweatshirt, pulling the sleeve down. “Well, we don’t have to talk about it. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten into it.”
“So, Eddie told you what these names are from?”
“He said it had to do with a birth certificate, and that Leah Viniard was the baby’s name and you were trying to find something in common. I thought maybe I could make myself useful, only I couldn’t find any connections.”
“Sounds like you found about as much information as I did the other night,” Harvey said.
Randy hesitated.
“What?” Harvey asked.
“Did you know there’s another guy with the same name as you?”
Harvey stared at him. “No, I didn’t. You giving it to me straight?”
“Yeah, I found his name in the Boston Globe’s archives.”
Harvey sat up straighter. “Another Harvey Alan Larson?”
Randy nodded.
Harvey looked over at Jennifer. She stood with the spatula in her hand, gazing at Randy.
“This is the first I’ve heard about it,” she said.
Boston was a big city. Harvey had dealt with enough mistaken identity cases that he knew it could happen. “So, what did you find?”
“I bookmarked it,” Randy said. “He was in the court news, like, twelve years ago. That was the only thing I found, but if I had more time—”
Harvey stood. “Show me the bookmark.”
“Sure.”
They went into the study, and Randy sat at his desk and clicked a few buttons on the keyboard. The Boston Globe’s website came up. Harvey pulled Jennifer’s desk chair over and sat down beside him. He leaned in over Randy’s shoulder and read the brief notice, about halfway down a fifteen-inch column of police log entries. The man was two years younger than him. There was definitely another Harvey Alan Larson out there.
“Hmm. Arrested for drug possession. Anything else?”
“That’s all I found,” Randy replied. “I looked for more court news, or a trial or something, but I couldn’t find anything. Maybe there’s a different way to look for it.”
“Don’t worry about it. I have all kinds of software on my computer at work that will let me follow up on this and see if the guy went to jail or what, and if he had later arrests.”
“Wouldn’t they be in here?”
“Maybe not, if the charges were dropped. And not everything’s online or accessible to the public.” Harvey exhaled heavily. “Randy, my man, you just did me a big favor.”
“Really?” Randy smiled, and behind his glasses his eyes brimmed with joy. “I hoped I wasn’t messing up your research.”
“No. In fact, this is a huge help.” Harvey sat back in his chair. Now all he had to do was make the connection between the drug collar and Tara Ervin. “Print out a copy of that, would you?”
“Okay.”
“Thanks.” Harvey stood and clapped him on the shoulder. “I was so wound up with Peter’s case that I never got back to that. It did occur to me that someone else could have the same name, but I tossed that out as too unlikely. I figured if someone in this area had the same name, I’d have run across him by now. Shows what I know.”
“So you’re not mad?”
Randy was peering up at him anxiously.
“No, I’m not mad. That guy may have been out of state all this time. But if he’s the one on Leah’s birth certificate, I’ll find out.”
Randy blinked. “Okay.”
Harvey realized he hadn’t had a decent conversation with Randy for a long time. He sat down again. “Catch me up. Were you accepted at the school you wanted?”
“Yeah, I was actually accepted at three.”
Harvey smiled. “That doesn’t surprise me. So, what did you pick?”
“Well, I thought about USM because they’d teach me how things are under Maine law.”
“Are you sure you want to stay in Maine?”
“Not totally, but anyway, the counselors at the other schools said their programs would prepare me to work in any state. And I really would like to get some Bible classes. I feel pretty ignorant in that area.”
“Yeah,” Harvey said. “That’s something I wish I had, too.” He’d lived most of his life knowing next to nothing about God’s Word. “I’m not saying you have to, but it’s an opportunity you may never get again. And knowing the Bible is probably more important than your career path. It might not seem like it now, but trust an old duffer on this. If I’d gotten close to the Lord when I was your age. . .” He shook his head. It was too easy to get lost in regrets and what-ifs. “Let’s just say, my life would have been a lot different.”
Randy nodded soberly. “Yeah. I want to do what’s right, but first I have to know what’s right.”
Chapter 20
Jennifer peeked around the end of the bestsellers display. The store manager was still talking to Leeanne.
“Ten more minutes until they start officially,” her mother said.
Jennifer shifted Connor, putting most of his weight on her hip. “I know, but this guy’s getting heavy.”
“I can take him to the children’s section until you’re done, and then you can watch him while I get my books signed.”
“No, I want us to be her first two customers.”
At least Andy had gone to school that morning. Jennifer loved the little guy, but now that Peter was home, he needed to keep up in school.
She pulled in a deep breath. Bookstores were some of her favorite places, with all the glossy covers beckoning her to stories unread, and the smells of paper and coffee. Harvey had even proposed in a bookstore. She could lose herself in one for hours with no regrets.
The manager nodded, adjusted one of the tabletop easels holding a copy of Leeanne’s book, gave Leeanne a big smile, and walked away.
“Now,” Jennifer said.
She and Marilyn hurried toward the table, where Leeanne was seated behind two artfully stacked pyramids of The House Next Door. When she saw her mom and her sister, her eyes lit and she jumped up.
“Hey! Welcome!”
Marilyn set four copies of the hardbound book on the table in front of Leeanne. “We’d love to have you sign these for us.”
“Wow, Mom. Four copies?”
“Two are mine and two are Jennifer’s. We already paid.”
Leeanne laughed and reached for Connor, who was flapping his hand and babbling at her. “Come here, big guy.”
Jennifer pulled away, pivoting Connor away from her. “Oh, no. You’re working. Let’s see you get busy and start signing.”
“Can’t authors kiss babies?” Leeanne asked.
“No, that’s politicians. I’ll let you hold him if nobody else comes by before you’re done, but. . .” Jennifer looked toward the store’s front door and smiled. “But I have a feeling that’s not happening.”
Leeanne looked beyond her and spotted Eddie and Tony headed for the table with a striking red-haired young woman between them.
“Hi,” Eddie said.
“Hi.” Leeanne looked expectantly at the young woman.
“This is Laney,” Tony said. “Laney, this is Eddie’s wife, Leeanne.”
Laney smiled. “It’s great to meet you.”
“Thanks.”
“Hello, guys,” Jennifer said. “Laney, I’m Leeanne’s sister, Jennifer, this is our mom, Marilyn.” When they’d greeted each other, Jennifer looked at Eddie. “Where’s Harvey?”
“He and Jimmy are stuck in court,” Eddie replied. “They said they’ll try to get over here before two if they can.”
Tony picked a book off the stack. “Impressive, Leeanne! Can you sign this for me?”
“Get in line,” Jennifer said with make-believe offense.
Leeanne leaned toward Tony and Eddie and whispered, “You have to pay for it before I’m allowed to ink it.”
“Oh, right. Be right back.” Tony grabbed a second book and headed for the checkout.
“I don’t ne
ed to buy one, right?” Eddie said.
“No, your wife’s buying you one,” Leeanne said, and they all laughed. Leeanne poised her pen over the title page of her mother’s first volume. “Is this for you, Mom? I was going to give you one.”
“Great. Sign that one for Grandpa and the other one for your Aunt Dorothy.”
Jennifer touched Eddie’s sleeve. “Aren’t you proud of her?”
“You bet,” Eddie said. “I want to bust my buttons today.”
“Quit whispering,” Leeanne said. As she started writing, two women approached with books in their hands. Eddie stepped aside with a sweep of his arm, and Laney fell back beside him.
“Step right up, ladies. I’m not in line,” Eddie said. “I’m just the famous author’s husband.”
The women laughed and launched into conversation with Eddie. Leeanne seemed to take that in stride, but his mother-in-law arched her eyebrows. She leaned toward Jennifer.
“I suppose that’s just Eddie being Eddie.”
“Oh, yeah, he can’t help flirting,” Jennifer said. “I promise you it’s innocent, but he may help sell a few books today.” In fact, the handsome detective would probably draw more female shoppers than the colorful posters of Leeanne’s book cover or the bowl of wrapped chocolates on the table.
Leeanne held up the two books she had signed and looked inquiringly at Jennifer.
“One for Mr. Bailey and one for John Macomber,” Jennifer said. She knew that Everett Bailey, who had formerly owned her and Harvey’s house, would welcome a copy, as would her partner in creating software.
Her mother had her cell phone out. “Can I snap a picture, real quick?”
“Of course,” Leeanne said and frowned in concentration over the next book.
Marilyn snapped the shot. “Jennifer, get behind there with her.”
“There’s too many people waiting, Mom,” Jennifer hissed.
Marilyn looked behind her. “Oh, all right. Aren’t those your neighbors?”
Jennifer glanced over her shoulder. “Yeah, that’s Bud and Janice Parker.” She waved. Connor squealed and tossed his head. “We’d better get him out of here. Looks like you’re going to be busy, Leeanne.”
“That’s good.” Leeanne finished her signature with a flourish and passed the books to her mother. “Thanks for coming.”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Marilyn said. As she put the books into her shopping bag, Jennifer shifted Connor’s weight again. “Here, let me take him.” Marilyn swapped the bag off to Jennifer and took Connor in her arms.
“Bye,” Jennifer said. “Bye, Eddie. Laney, nice to meet you.”
Eddie flashed his killer smile. “See you later.”
As they walked toward the door, they met Mike Browning with half a dozen of Leeanne’s books in his arms.
“Chief Browning,” Marilyn said. “I think half the police department is here.”
“I hope they’re using their lunch hours for it,” Mike said.
Jennifer eyed his stack. “You must know a lot of readers.”
“Tons,” he said. “This is the perfect gift. Goodbye, ladies.”
Jennifer was still smiling as she pushed open the door. “Of course, he’s in the book. He’s probably giving one to each of his children and grandchildren.” If she knew Mike, he would probably give one to the mayor as well.
“You’re in it, too,” her mother reminded her as they crossed the parking lot.
“Yeah—oh, look, there’s John Russell.”
“Who’s he?”
“Leeanne’s former boss at the newspaper. I wonder if he’s going in to buy her book.”
“I’ll bet he is,” Marilyn said.
Jennifer hit the unlock button on her key fob. “Well, Leeanne is going to have a lot to tell us about tonight.”
*****
Abby opened the garage door, and Andy and Gary ducked past her, tearing for the master bedroom. By the time she reached it, Andy was climbing onto the bed, and Janelle was rising from her chair at Peter’s side.
“Hi! How’d it go at school?” Peter asked, looking at Gary.
Gary edged up to the bed and held out a small, velvet-covered box. “I got a medal.”
“Wow. That’s great.” Peter opened the box and looked down at the award. “This is for your dragon story?”
Gary nodded. “The school gave me that, and the bookstore gave me a fifty-dollar gift certificate.”
“Fifty bucks?” Janelle cried. She looked to Abby for confirmation.
“He got the highest award in the school, plus first place in the fifth grade,” Abby said.
“Pretty impressive, Gary,” Peter said. “I’m really happy for you.”
“Can I see it?” Janelle asked.
Gary walked over to her, displaying the open box. “Mom’s got the gift certificate in her purse. She said we can go book shopping tomorrow.”
“Not tomorrow,” Abby said. “You’re going to school tomorrow, remember?”
Gary’s smile faded. “Oh, yeah.”
“How’s the arm?” Janelle asked.
“Okay. It hurts some.” Gary looked up at Abby. “It hurts now.”
“Yeah, you need to take your medicine. Daddy probably does, too.”
“Does your leg hurt, Dad?” Gary asked anxiously.
“Yeah, it hurts some. Just one more thing we have in common, I guess.”
Andy wiggled around to sit in the curve of Peter’s arm and stared up at his aunt.
“Aunt Janelle, is Uncle Tom still in jail?”
Abby winced. She had specifically instructed the boys not to bring up the subject of Uncle Tom.
“Yeah.” Janelle’s upper lip quirked. “It looks like he may be there a while. At least until tomorrow, maybe longer.”
“Will you stay for supper?” Abby asked.
“No, I’d better get going. I need to do some laundry.” She glanced at Abby. “I’m going to the courthouse tomorrow, and then I’m going job hunting.”
“Oh.” Abby didn’t know what else to say. Peter would fill her in after Janelle was gone, she supposed.
Janelle said her goodbyes all around, and Jennifer saw her to the door. She went to the kitchen and prepared the medications for Gary and Peter. When she got back to the bedroom, Andy was asking about his toy Mustang.
“I’m sorry,” Peter said. “I lost the other wheel and the front axle. I think we’re going to have to get you a new car.”
Andy made a pouty face, but Gary took his pills without complaining. Abby handed Peter his and a glass of water.
“You boys go change into play clothes,” she said.
“Can I wear my medal to supper?” Gary asked.
“You sure can.”
Gary smiled. “Thanks, Mom.”
Both boys ran out of the room, and she smiled down at Peter. “I got some wonderful kids when I married you.”
“Yeah, I’ll admit that. Top prize for the school. And he’s calling you Mom now.”
“Yeah. I noticed that, too. I think it started the night he broke his arm. We had a little talk about stepmothers.”
“Aha.”
Abby sat down gently on the edge of the bed. “Think Gary will be a writer?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Peter said.
She took the glass from his hand and set it on the nightstand, then leaned over to kiss him. Peter held her there for a long moment.
She sat up and brushed her hair back. “I hope the boys end up doing something they love. If it’s writing for Gary, that’s great.”
“He likes science, too,” Peter said.
“Yeah.” Abby pulled in a deep breath. “Do you ever think about selling the dealership?”
He held her gaze for several seconds. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t.”
“Okay. Do you think you could sell it?”
“I know I could. At a profit.”
Abby reached for his hand. They’d removed all the bandages on his right hand in the morning, a
nd the cuts were healing nicely.
“I love you very much, Peter, and I’m good with whatever you want to do.”
“I know. Thank you.”
She smiled and stroked his hand gently. “I want you to do something you love, too. Even if it means going back to school.”
He inhaled slowly, looking toward the door, then let out the breath. “I’ll think about that.”
“Good.”
“Kiss me again,” Peter said.
“Anytime.”
Chapter 21
Tony glanced sideways at Laney. She caught him and smiled. He could feel his face heating. Man! He faced front, where Amy and her fiancé were lighting candles. He was sure this room was filled beyond capacity for fire safety. So many people were packed in for the wedding, it was hard to get a deep breath.
“You may kiss the bride,” the minister said—finally. Whew!
It was bad enough being out with a woman for the first time. Tony hadn’t considered the added pressure of being squeezed into the double parlor at the Blaine house with over a hundred other people and having all his relatives scrutinize Laney from head to toe. Not that she wouldn’t pass muster. She looked terrific in the short blue-and-white dress she’d chosen. Stylish and chic. And the crush during the ceremony didn’t seem to bother her, either. She looked perfectly comfortable. Of course, she had on a short-sleeved dress, not a jacket and tie. At least it wasn’t raining. The reception was being held at a new resort hotel. Maybe they’d have more space there.
After Amy and Daniel had managed to squeeze down the narrow aisle between the folding chairs and into the state dining room, Tony seized Laney’s hand.
“How about we step outside for a minute and let the crowd regroup?”
She laughed. “Sounds good.”
Except his sister and at least half his numerous cousins had the same idea.
“Yo, Anthony,” Theodore Johnson, sometimes known as Klutz or Thee-Odor, depending on whose company he was in, called from the lawn as soon as they stepped out onto the porch.
“Hey, Theo,” Tony said, conscientiously choosing the least offensive of his cousin’s nicknames when elderly relatives might be within earshot.
“Who you got with you?” Theo asked, sauntering toward them.
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