Patchwork Connections

by Carol Dean Jones

  Sarah held the phone without speaking. “Are you still there?” he asked after realizing she hadn’t spoken.

  “Yes,” she said simply. “I’m here. I don’t feel good about this, Charles. What has happened to my daughter?” Without waiting for his reply, and not really expecting one, she went on to ask what he had learned from Greyson’s parole officer. He hesitated a moment but decided he shouldn’t be holding back.

  “Officer Blackburn said Greyson missed his last appointment.” He hesitated when he heard Sarah gasp. “He wasn’t concerned about it, he said, because Greyson started a new job, and he probably had trouble getting away. Blackburn’s going to the job site today to see him, and he’ll call me tonight.”

  “Okay,” she said simply, then added, “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  “I love you,” he responded. “Call me when you get home.”

  “I will,” she replied barely above a whisper. “And I love you, too.”

  Sarah and Nathan drove for the next hour or so in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. When they were a couple of hours from home, Sarah again picked up her cell phone and dialed her son, Jason.

  “Hey, Sarah!” Jennifer answered enthusiastically. “I didn’t expect to be hearing from you this weekend. How’s the quilt show going?”

  “Jenny, something has happened.” Her voice cracked and Jennifer’s tone immediately changed.

  “What?” she responded with alarm. “Are you okay?”

  “It’s not me, Jenny. It’s Martha. We can’t find her.”

  “What do you mean? She’s missing?” Jennifer asked sounding confused.

  Sarah told her about Tim discovering she wasn’t at home or at work. “No one knows where she is,” she added and again began to sob.

  “Sarah, hold on. There must be an explanation. She’s probably just taking the day off,” Jenny added dismissively.

  “She wouldn’t miss her date with Tim nor take off without calling the office. Something has happened to her.”

  “But …”

  “Jenny, you don’t know the whole story. Is Jason home?”

  “Yes, but …”

  “Put him on the other line, and I’ll tell both of you what’s been going on.”

  “Mom?” Jason sounded worried. “What’s going on? Jenny said Martha’s missing?”

  Sarah proceeded to tell them about the stalker and about the break-in the previous week. Jason became angry. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he demanded. Sarah didn’t take his anger seriously. She knew he always became angry when he felt helpless, but it never lasted long. “What can I do?” he asked, already becoming calmer.

  “I’m on my way home. I’ll call you when I get there. You might call Charles and see if there’s anything you can do to help him.” She gave the number to her son, and he said he would call right away.

  A few minutes later Sophie called to tell her Tim had joined Charles and Amanda and they were retracing Martha’s steps. They had talked with the neighbors across the street and on either side of her. “That old lady across the street yelled at my Timmy! She said the police had been there twice already, and she wasn’t opening the door again!”

  “That’s a good sign,” Sarah responded. “That means the police are taking this seriously.”

  “Amanda saw to that!” Sophie then added, “I’ve got a Crock-Pot stew on. Let me know when you get home, and I’ll bring it over.”

  “I’m not hungry, Sophie. …”

  “Well, you might not be, but Andy and Caitlyn are waiting for you to get home so they can bring Barney home, and Charles will be there the minute you get home. I certainly intend to come over as well. You’ll end up with a houseful of people to feed. You’ll be glad to see this Crock-Pot arrive!”

  Sarah smiled for the first time in many hours. Her friends were gathering, and she loved them all.

  Chapter 30

  Nathan pulled up in front of Sarah’s house and hopped out of the car, heading for the trunk to get her bag. As they were walking toward the door, Sophie came out of her house and hurried down her walkway. Tim came bursting out behind her hollering, “Wait for me, Mom! You don’t have your cane or your coat!” When he caught up with her, he handed her the cane and helped her on with her coat, which was not an easy task since she hadn’t stopped hurrying toward Sarah. Sarah met her in the middle of the street and they hugged while Timmy watched somewhat taken aback. He wasn’t accustomed to seeing his mother hug anyone.

  Turning to him, she simply said, “Deal with it, son. Things change.” And she continued on into Sarah’s house. “Run on back and get the Crock-Pot,” she called to him from Sarah’s doorstep. “And bring a couple bottles of wine,” she added.

  Sarah headed straight for the phone and dialed Amanda’s cell phone before she took her coat off. “I didn’t have this number with me,” she said turning to Sophie.

  When Amanda answered, Sarah bombarded her with questions without waiting for answers. “Wait!” Amanda replied laughing. “Give me a chance to speak.”

  “Sorry. So, what have you found out?”

  “Well, for one thing, Derek Kettler is still missing.”

  “Missing?”

  “You didn’t know!” Amanda exclaimed. “I’m sorry, Sarah. I thought you knew. Yes, we have officers watching the house, but he hasn’t been home for at least two days.” Amanda caught Sarah up on what had been done. A missing person’s report had been filed on Martha and an APB put out for Kettler’s car. Martha’s neighbors and her co-workers had been questioned, but apparently no one knew or saw anything. Amanda said she would keep Sarah informed.

  “Who’s this Derek Kettler?” Sophie asked after Sarah was off the phone.

  Taking off her coat and boots, Sarah responded, “He’s that man that Martha fired a few months ago. He’s been rather insistent that she go out with him. …”

  “Is he the stalker?”

  “Who knows. But now he’s missing too. That must mean something.”

  About that time, Charles opened the front door and walked straight for Sarah. She melted into his arms and felt a degree of relief for the first time that day. “What’s happening?” she asked after enjoying a moment of comfort.

  “Amanda was able to get a search warrant for Martha’s house. She and a couple of officers are going over to see if they can find any evidence of what might have happened. They’ve already searched outside.”

  “Did they find anything?”

  “Well, it’s questionable. It snowed several days ago so there are lots footprints. There’s this one set that appears to go part way up the walk toward the house and then it stops. Unfortunately, there are big boot prints that obliterate part of that set which they think are the mail carrier’s prints. Those go right up to the mailbox and back. But those first ones are small, like a woman’s.”

  “They only go part way up the walkway?” Sarah asked confused.

  “Yes, and then they appear to turn around and take a few steps. Then perhaps there was a struggle. …”

  Sarah gasped and covered her mouth with the back of her hand. “Martha?”

  “We don’t know that,” Charles said pulling her into his arms again. “Like I said, the snow’s a mess out there. There are many prints in the snow, and most of them are smudged. Let’s just wait for the official investigation,” he added trying to reassure her.

  Sophie pulled a pile of bowls out of the cupboard and placed them by the Crock-Pot along with silverware and a loaf of sliced Italian bread. “Help yourselves to food in the kitchen,” she announced. Tim filled a bowl and sat down at the kitchen table. Charles filled a bowl and brought it to Sarah in the living room where she was sitting on the couch.

  “I’m not really hungry,” she said, giving him an apologetic look.

  “Just a few bites, okay? You haven’t eaten all day.”

  “I want to go by Martha’s house. Can we do that?”

  Charles hesitated and then responded, “Let’s wait awhile an
d give Amanda and her people time to check out the house. We can’t go in while they’re there. In fact, I’ll call and ask her to give us a call when you can go in.” He handed her the bowl and a fork and turned to leave before she had a chance to refuse the food. The next time he looked, she was taking a tentative bite. He smiled and turned to Sophie, giving her shoulders a quick squeeze. “Thanks for bringing the food over. Our gal needed nourishment.”

  Sophie turned to Timothy and said, “When you finish eating, hop on over to the house and get those pies. They’re in the warming oven.” Later as he was leaving, she added, “And bring that gallon of ice cream along, too.”

  A couple of hours later, Amanda called and said they were just about finished. Sarah and Charles bundled up and hurried out to his car. The temperature was rapidly dropping and a major front was rolling in, bringing with it snow and icy conditions.

  By the time they arrived at Martha’s house, one squad car was pulling away from the curb, and Amanda had just turned to lock the door. They started to get out, but Amanda motioned for them to wait and headed for their car. She opened the door and slid into the backseat. “Let’s talk here since your car is all warmed up.”

  “Did you find anything?” Charles asked eagerly.

  “Nothing. My guess is that the house is just as she left it when she went to work Thursday. I don’t think she made it home Thursday night. At least, not into the house.”

  “What do you mean?” Sarah asked, turning so she could see Amanda’s face as she talked.

  “There’s evidence of a struggle near the curb just in front of her car. We can’t be sure it’s Martha, but odds are that it is.”

  Sarah collapsed against Charles and began sobbing uncontrollably. After a moment, Amanda added, “I’m sorry, Sarah. I know this is hard on you.” Turning to Charles, she added, “I think you should take her home and stay there. I’ll call if we come up with anything.”

  “Maybe I should be home,” Sarah said through her tears. “Maybe Martha will try to call me. …”

  “Good thought! You go on home. I’ll talk to you later.” Amanda slipped out of the car and headed for her squad car.

  Charles pulled away from the curb just as Sarah spoke. “I shouldn’t have gone away. This is all my fault.”

  “What? This isn’t your fault, Sarah. In no way is it your fault!”

  “I knew about her troubles. I should have taken her to my house where she would be safe, and I should have stayed with her.”

  “Sarah. Sarah. Sweetheart.” He pulled over to the curb and turned to pull her into his arms. “This isn’t your fault. Whatever happened was going to happen whether you were at home or in Chicago. And she’s a grown woman. Do you really think you could have talked her into moving into your house?”

  Sarah smiled meekly through her tears. “I guess not.”

  Just as they pulled up in front of Sarah’s house, Charles cell phone rang. He answered it and turned to Sarah indicating she should go on in. When she opened the front door, she was greeted by a galloping dog who couldn’t control himself well enough to resist jumping up on her. Fortunately Tim was standing nearby and was able to steady her so she didn’t fall backwards. “Barney! You know better!” She tried to sound harsh but was so glad to see her furry friend that she couldn’t fuss at him.”

  “That dog’s a walking disaster,” Sophie hollered from the kitchen. “Get in here, Barney,” she demanded.

  Barney turned and ran into the kitchen, knowing full well that Sophie had a special treat for him. He looked into his bowl and found it filled with warm beef stew. He looked at her with love before the slurping began.

  “When did Barney get home?” Sarah asked as she hung up her coat.

  “Andy and Caitlyn brought him over a few minutes ago. They didn’t think they should stay, but Andy asked that we call them when we hear something.

  “Was he good for them while I was away?” Sarah asked.

  “Humph,” Sophie responded.

  Charles came in quietly and sat down at the table. Tim had gone home and only the three friends remained. Sarah poured three cups of coffee, and she and Sophie joined him at the table. “What was the call?” Sarah asked, knowing whatever it was had disturbed him.

  “It was Blackburn in Montana.”

  “Who’s Blackburn?” Sophie asked.

  “Greyson’s parole officer,” Sarah responded. Turning to Charles, she asked timidly not really wanting to hear his answer, “What did he have to say?”

  “Greyson has violated his parole. He’s left town.”

  Chapter 31

  The next morning, Sarah got out of bed after a long night of tossing and turning. She had dozed occasionally but had immediately awakened from terrifying dreams. She was exhausted and her head throbbed. She took a long hot shower, a couple of aspirin, and was beginning to feel somewhat better when the phone rang.

  “Hi, sweetie. How are you doing this morning?”

  “Better now,” she responded. “Has anything happened?”

  “Not a thing,” Charles responded. “I called Amanda this morning, but I got the machine. She probably worked most of the night and is getting some sleep. I left a message. So, may I come over?”

  “Of course! I’m getting ready to make some breakfast. Have you eaten?” she asked as cheerfully as she could manage.

  “Not yet. Just put the coffee on, and I’ll come make breakfast for us. I’m bringing country bacon. Do you have eggs?”

  Sarah felt her stomach tighten at the thought of a big breakfast, but she knew she needed to eat. She had a tendency to lose her appetite when she was stressed but knew it was important for her to eat. She started the coffee and took milk and butter out of the refrigerator. After turning the oven on, she reached for the flour, baking powder, and a large mixing bowl and began making biscuits. Cooking always settled her down when she was feeling at loose ends.

  As she was placing the carefully formed biscuits on the baking sheet, she heard Charles’ car pull up. Barney heard it too and rushed to the front door, getting there well ahead of Sarah. “Barney, you’ve been forgetting your manners. When Charles comes in, do not jump up on him!” Her words carried a touch of harshness and Barney’s ears and tail drooped despondently. Sarah was immediately sorry, knowing that he didn’t understand her words. She held his collar and gently directed him to sit, which he did obediently. “Stay.” She added as she opened the door for Charles. Barney trembled with excitement but held the position until Sarah said, “Okay!”

  Charles, knowing what was going on, quickly knelt down to Barney’s level, and they greeted one another in their usual boisterous manner, both tumbling onto the floor in a jovial tussle. Fortunately, Sarah had grabbed the grocery bag just in time to save it from being destroyed by the horseplay.

  “You two silly boys!” Sarah said as she headed for the kitchen where she opened the package of bacon and took a skillet out of the cabinet.

  “Stop!” Charles said as he entered the kitchen. “That’s my job!” He reached into the refrigerator, removed a carton of eggs, and moved to the stovetop. Sarah slipped the biscuits into the preheated oven and sat down with her coffee to watch as Charles prepared breakfast for the two of them. Knowing she was watching him, he turned and winked. Her love for him felt almost overwhelming.

  “Thank you,” she said gently.

  “For breakfast? This is nothing special. …”

  “Not just for breakfast. For caring about my daughter and for being there for me and for being such a special man! Thank you for all that and much more.”

  Charles slipped the skillet off the fire and turned to her. His eyes were moist as he looked down at her. Wordlessly, he pulled her into his arms and held her close. She felt the tension drain from her body and her mind. It was suddenly clear to her that all her years of fighting for her independence were foolish.

  People are not meant to be alone, she thought as she sighed deeply and melted into the warmth of his arms.


  * * * * *

  Charles and Sarah decided to spend the day together. Amanda was going to stop by later to let them know what progress had been made, and Charles was waiting to hear from Officer Blackburn regarding their progress in finding out where Greyson had gone. When Sarah suggested they bundle up and take Barney for a walk, he slipped his cell phone into his pocket after making a quick call to Amanda to let her know where they would be and asking her to call him when she was on her way.

  “Maybe I shouldn’t go. Maybe I should stay by the phone in case Martha calls,” Sarah said as they were starting out the door. The tension was returning to her face.

  “Does she know your cell phone number?”

  “Yes. Good point! She’ll call my cell if I’m not home. Wait while I run in and get it.” She handed Barney’s leash to Charles and turned to go back in just as the phone rang. The readout said “private caller” and when Sarah answered, she heard the caller disconnect. Charles had returned to the foyer with a hesitant Barney and asked her who was on the phone.

  “No one,” she responded, looking worried. “They hung up.” After the disturbing call, Sarah was again reluctant to go out, but Charles convinced her it would be fine. He knew that the fresh air and exercise would help her.

  They walked slowly toward the dog park with his arm around her shoulder and leaving their tracks in the freshly fallen snow. As they approached the park, Barney began to pull against the leash and whine. Once inside the gate, Sarah snapped the leash off and let him run. He headed straight for a lowgrowing juniper. His tail was swishing back and forth wildly, and his whine had grown in intensity. Once he was close to the bush, he began to bark a sharp, insistent bark. He ran back and forth between the bush and Sarah, barking and whining. Sarah hurried to the bush to see what was upsetting him.

  “I think he’s trying to tell us that Timmy has fallen in the well,” Charles joked as he walked toward them.