Mr. Morrison’s jaw tightened. “Well, as I’ve told Ellen before, I may have overreacted about that silly thing.”
Judith’s memory raced back to the volatile night of their elementary school talent show when Jasmine’s dad had thrown a fit and called them by what she later learned was a Japanese racial slur. She knew it was time to think fast. “Well, I can just imagine now how we must’ve caught you off guard that night, Mr. Morrison. Being so young and naive, I’m sure we thought you’d love our little Japanese getups and song-and-dance routine, but I guess we didn’t take into account how much the war against Japan had affected servicemen like you who’d risked your lives for your country.” She paused. “And for that I’m sorry.”
He nodded. “I’m sure you girls never meant any harm in it. But when I saw you up there looking like a couple of geishas, it was just too much.”
“Oh, I thought they looked adorable.” said Ellen soothingly. “And you girls must’ve worked so hard on that act, and to think that you memorized all those Japanese words and everything.”
“Actually, Jasmine wrote them all out for us and pasted them to the backs of our fans just in case we forgot.”
“You two were such clever little things. You were always up to something. Do you remember those talent shows you used to put on in our backyard after Daddy built that sun-deck?”
Judith laughed. “Actually, Jasmine was the mastermind behind those little productions. In fact, I’m surprised she didn’t end up on Broadway or the silver screen. She always had such a dramatic flare about her.”
“Well, actually she did attempt some—” Ellen stopped herself as she caught her husband’s sharp look.
“Oh, there’s our waitress now,” said Judith. Relieved for an interruption, she waved to Katie. “Excuse me, we’d like to order some dessert over here.”
Katie came back and woodenly took their dessert order, refilled their water glasses, and strutted away.
“Looks like Jeff Miller needs to give his daughter a little lesson on manners.”
“Is that the same Jeff Miller who used to be the star quarterback?” asked Judith feigning mild interest, although she already knew the answer.
“Yes, and he’s a good man, but he doesn’t seem to have much control over that daughter of his.”
“Oh, Burt,” said Ellen. “‘You know that it can be hard raising teenagers.”
His brows came together. “That’s why fathers need to be firm—to keep those kids in line before it’s too late.”
Ellen looked away, and Judith struggled to think of something to say to change the subject again. But before she had a chance, a middle-aged man stepped up to the table.
“Evening, Burt.” he said in a familiar tone. “Evening, Ellen.”
“Evening, Gary.” Mr. Morrison nodded over to Judith. “This is a good friend of the family, Judith McPhearson.”
“Actually, it’s Blackwell now.” She smiled up at the potbellied and slightly balding man.
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” He turned his attention back to Mr. Morrison. “Hate to disturb your dinner like this, but I wanted to talk to you about something—something pretty important.”
“We’re about done here, Gary. What’s going on?”
Gary glanced at Judith with a questioning look, then continued. “Well, don’t know that you’re aware of it or not, but we got our selves a little infestation problem.”
One of Mr. Morrison’s brows shot up. “Where ’bouts?”
“Right here in town.”
“In Cedar Crest?”
Gary nodded with a sly smile. “Yep. We got us a real live varmint right here in town—yep, right here in river city.”
Judith felt her pulse begin to quicken, but she took a calming breath and looked evenly at the two men. Were they talking about what she thought they were talking about? She glanced over to see Ellen neatly folding and refolding her paper napkin, creasing it each time with her spoon, hands trembling just slightly.
“Well, there’s nothing we can do about this right now, Gary. But why don’t you give me a call later tonight and fill me in on all the details?”
“Just thought you’d like to know,” said Gary as he nodded politely to the women and then moved away.
Ellen, still absorbed in her napkin folding, didn’t even seem to notice as Katie set their desserts down before them.
“This looks delicious,” said Judith, hoping her voice sounded more calm and undisturbed than she felt. She looked over to Mr. Morrison as he forked into his chocolate cream pie, and then she continued talking. “So, was Gary talking about some sort of wild animal that’s gotten loose in town? When I stayed at that fleabag motel downtown, I saw a huge rat in the parking lot. But then that’s probably not so unusual around there.”
Mr. Morrison laughed, but there was no mirth in the sound. “Nope, Gary’s not talking about a rat. He’s referring to a different sort of varmint. You see, Judith, living out near the wilderness like we do, varmints sometimes wander into town. And, of course, they don’t realize they’ve gone beyond their natural habitat. Sometimes we’ve got to give them a hand and help them to remember to stay where they belong.”
“Like the time that cougar walked through the middle of town when Jasmine and I were kids?” asked Judith. “I remember how we got so scared we climbed up into a tree.” She laughed. “Of course, it didn’t occur to us, back then, that a cougar could easily climb a tree too.”
“Yes, something like that. And do you recall how we men got together a hunting party and how we stayed out all night until we finally found that cat and put her down?”
“Yes, I remember thinking you were really brave.”
“Well, we needed to protect our wives and children. It was our duty.”
Judith concealed her abhorrence at the gruesome image that had just assaulted her memory—the way the men had proudly displayed the lifeless and bloodied body of the old, female cougar right out on the sidewalk in front of the police station. Of course, it was the girls’ own fault, since Judith and Jasmine had both insisted upon going down to see the cougar the following morning. But Jasmine had broken into tears as she knelt down and petted the furry coat, saying, “Poor old cat, you couldn’t help it that you were old and lost and hungry and had no place else to go.”
“And if memory serves me,” said Judith, determined to be strong, “you were the one to finally shoot the cougar.”
He nodded proudly. “Took her out with one clean shot too.”
Ellen looked up now, and as if just noticing her coconut pie, she picked up her fork and smiled. “Well, now doesn’t this look good.”
“So, do you still do any hunting, Mr. Morrison?”
“Now, Judith,” he smiled at her again. “I’m thinking that if you’re going to be like part of the family, you should start calling me Burt.”
Ellen nodded. “Yes, of course, she should.” She turned to Judith. “No more of that Mr. Morrison silliness. From now on, you just call Daddy ‘Burt.’” She giggled. “Or, you can even call him ‘Daddy,’ if you like.”
“Thank you,” murmured Judith, pretending that her chagrin was really only embarrassment.
“And, to answer your question, yes, Judith, I do still hunt. Hal Emery has been a good hunting buddy of mine. We even got Jasmine to go out with us last year.” He shook his head. “I was looking forward to more years of hunting with my girl, but it seems the good Lord had other plans for her.” He eyed Judith. “How about you? You used to be pretty comfortable in the great outdoors. Do you hunt or fish?”
“I’d like to. Actually, I’ve fished a bit. Not nearly as much as I’d like. You see, my late husband, although he was a wonderful person, wasn’t much of an outdoorsman. But I think I’d like to do more. I think I’m ready for some changes in my lifestyle.”
He grinned and forked up the last bite of his pie. “Well then, Judith, it seems you’ve come to the right place.”
She smiled brightly. “It sure see
ms that way.”
Burt picked up the bill, then reached into his pocket to find a penny which he set in the center of the table. “That’s all that little snit of a waitress is getting from me tonight.”
“Oh, Burt,” murmured Ellen with a slight scowl.
As they made their way through the still busy restaurant, Judith noticed how many people smiled, nodded, or greeted the Morrisons. It was clear Burt and Ellen were in their element here, completely at home with their fellow citizens of Cedar Crest. Respected even. And in the same moment a wave of hopelessness swept over Judith. Was it even possible that things could ever change for this unfortunate town?
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
SHE DIDN’T KNOW IF it was a result of the greasy, fried food or simply the stress of spending an evening with the Morrisons, but Judith barely made it home and to the bathroom before she lost her dinner. Not that Ellen was so horrible, she thought, as she splashed cool water on her face. In fact, she felt somewhat sorry for the woman—it seemed as if she were trapped. Now Burt was another story. He was the man in control, he called all the shots, he held all the power. To be honest, perhaps the most disturbing thing about Burt was the way he’d finally warmed up to Judith; but even worse than that was the way she’d almost enjoyed playing the game with him and finally winning him over like that. Maybe that’s what sickened her in the end.
She went into the kitchen and put the teakettle on, watching as the blue flame steadily glowed beneath the copper kettle and listening to the reassuring hum of metal warming. How could she possibly keep this up? Meeting with the Morrisons was only the beginning, and yet she felt emotionally drained and totally exhausted. She was wearily mulling over the evening when she heard a quiet tapping at the backdoor. She flicked on the porch light and peered through the curtains to see Adam standing out there, his hands in his pockets while he waited.
She opened the door. “Come in,” she said, her voice flat. Just then the teakettle began to whistle, and she returned to the stove. “I’m just making tea, would you like some?”
“Sure. That sounds good. Tonight turned a little chilly on us.” He sat down at the kitchen table. “So, Judith, don’t keep me in suspense. How did it go with the Morrisons tonight?”
She set the tea tray down and then stared at him in wonder. “How did you know who I was with? I only told Jack I was meeting some friends.”
He smiled. “I have my ways.”
She shook her head, sighing deeply as she sat down. “Oh, I suppose it went fine, but I was feeling a little overwhelmed just now.”
He nodded then began to fill the two cups. “Is it going to be too much for you? Too hard? You know, Judith, it’s not too late to quit.”
She took a sip of tea. “I know. But at the same time I feel overwhelmed I also feel this strange compulsion to continue. I mean, even as I’m completely repulsed by this whole situation, I’m also intrigued to find out what’s really going on, what’s gone on. I want to see those people exposed for who they really are.”
“Good.” He took a sip. “That’s good.”
“But it’s disturbing too.”
“Why’s that?”
“Well, on one hand, I’ve been telling myself that Jasmine’s parents are the evil enemy here, and that I’m spying on them in order to expose them, but at the same time I feel sort of sorry for Ellen. She seems so unhappy and, well, sort of trapped.”
“That’s understandable. But you need to remember that she’s a grown woman and responsible for her own choices in this situation. Even if her own choices have been to bury her head in the sand and pretend that everything is just peachy.”
“I know, I know...” Judith set down her cup. “Can I be totally honest with you, Adam?”
“I was hoping you would be.”
“Okay, the thing is, I’m feeling really disturbed about Mr. Morrison—actually he’s even invited me to call him Burt—and you see—” she pointed her finger into the air as if to drive home her point, “—that’s just it! I think he’s starting to trust me and to even like me—”
“That’s great.”
“Yes, and I know that’s my goal, but it’s really upsetting me, because to be honest, it’s almost as if...as if I like it!” She gritted her teeth and tightened her features into a repulsed expression. “And that seriously frightens me. I mean, why on earth would I like it?”
He smiled in a knowing, yet slightly aggravating way. “Well, it seems pretty natural to me, Judith.”
“What do you mean, natural?”
“Well, you told me how you and Jasmine grew up together. And I know that you didn’t have a father in your home—”
“How did you know—” She stopped herself and waved her hand. “Oh yeah, I forgot, you have your ways.”
“Yes. And anyway, Burt Morrison was something of a father figure for you.”
“Some father figure!”
“But you were just a kid, and I’m sure you admired him—at least a little. And, no doubt, you were looking for his approval. And even though you’re all grown up now, there’s probably this little girl deep down inside you that still wants his approval.”
“Did you study psychology?”
He laughed. “Sort of. It comes with the territory.”
She nodded and took a sip of tea. “I guess that makes sense. But just the same, it’s pretty disturbing.”
“So, tell me, Judith, how did it really go? Did you learn anything significant, or just mostly establish a relationship where they’re beginning to trust you?”
“Actually, I think I’ve pretty much won them over. They even invited me out to the lake on the Fourth.”
“Wow, that’s something.”
“And a couple of other things too. I’d meant to write them down when I got home, but I was.. .um.. .distracted.” She sighed and looked him right in the eye. “To tell you the truth, I became sick to my stomach as soon as I walked in the door.”
He chuckled. “Not surprising.” Then he pulled out a small notebook. “Go ahead and talk, and I’ll take notes. And, just for the record, it might be better if you don’t write these things down. I don’t want you leaving anything lying around that someone could find—you know, and use to blow your cover.”
“Yeah, that makes sense. Okay, the biggest thing that’s got me worried tonight is that this guy, Gary, I don’t think I heard a last name, but he’s middle height, balding, and has a pretty good beer belly on him—”
“Gary Rider.” He jotted it down. “A member of the club.”
“I figured. Anyway, he came up to our table and said there was an ‘infestation problem’ in town. At first I actually thought he was talking about rats, but then he said it was a ‘varmint,’ and Burt immediately got it. And that’s when I remembered some of the names you’d written in your notes for me. And it made me feel sick, but I think I knew who they meant.”
Adam nodded. “Yeah, when they’re in public they like to use names that sound subhuman for any non-WASP people. Varmints, animals, savages, whatever it takes to help them to believe in their own superiority. Of course, what they call them in private is something altogether different.”
“Yeah, I can imagine. But now I’m really worried about Eli. I’m afraid they might to do something to hurt him.”
“That’s a legitimate concern.”
She set down her cup and frowned. “But can’t you do something to protect him?”
He smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ve got someone already on it. Don’t kid yourself, Eli knows what he’s gotten himself into. He has a good head on his shoulders. You just keep yourself focused on your own mission here, Judith.”
“Okay, I’m trying. Just as long as I know Eli’s not in any real danger.”
“I didn’t say he’s not in any danger, Judith. I can’t make that kind of promise. Not for Eli, not for you, not for me, not even for my family.” He grimaced.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s Josh.” He exhaled loudly betwee
n his clenched teeth. “That stubborn kid took the job at the grocery store even after I told him not to.”
“Oh.”
“And now Pops thinks he’d better stick around too.”
“That complicates things.”
“Well, it gives me two more people to worry about.”
“Sorry.”
“Thanks, but it’s my problem, not yours. Okay, what else did you learn?”
“Well, here’s something interesting.. .when I asked them about Constance, they said she was in an accident, but I thought you said she died from a natural cause. I assumed that meant an illness. Do you know how she died?”
“Records say a natural cause, but I do know that she was heavily involved in drugs before her death.”
“Drugs? Constance?”
He nodded. “Probably her own personal escape from Mommy and Daddy.”
“Do you think Constance and Jasmine remained in contact?”
“I think it’s possible. They both lived in the Seattle area.”
“Yes, Burt also mentioned being in Seattle.”
“He did?” Adam made a note. “He probably didn’t say when, did he?’’
She shook her head. “No, but it didn’t seem like it was a long time ago.”
“Hmm...”
“I didn’t learn anything more about Aunt Lenore tonight. But Ellen said she’d had some health problems, and that they’d been concerned and taken her in and she would remain there until she was stabilized, or something to that effect. But she wouldn’t say where she was at. Have you had any luck locating her?”
“No. But I’m fairly certain that she’s not at any of the local care facilities.”
“Doesn’t that seem weird?”
“Depends. Actually, I wonder if she’s not out at the club.”
“At the club? You mean at the lake?”
“Yeah. I wonder if she doesn’t know something and that maybe they’re trying to keep her quiet.”
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