Tea and Sympathy

by Carol Cox

  “That sounds like a plan.” Livvy sketched a salute and headed toward the kitchen.

  No sooner had she started to walk away than the doorbell rang. “I’ve got it,” Livvy called.

  Kate heard an exchange of voices at the front door, and a moment later Livvy returned with a woman about Kate’s age in tow.

  “You have a visitor,” she announced cheerily. “You know Camille Sheppard, don’t you?”

  Chapter Ten

  Kate stared at the petite woman next to Livvy and bit her lip. Did she? She studied the other woman carefully, noting the way the ends of her pale blonde hair curved under to frame a delicate, heart-shaped face. It was a face that would be hard to forget, and yet Kate couldn’t summon up any recollection of having met her before.

  Camille came to the rescue. Without waiting for a response from Kate, she stepped across the room and extended her hand. “I don’t believe we’ve ever been formally introduced, although I certainly know you by reputation. Why, you’re Copper Mill’s answer to Sherlock Holmes and Jessica Fletcher, all rolled into one.”

  “What a kind thing to say! Your name is familiar, though.” Kate reached out to shake Camille’s hand, noting the firm grip. Everything about Camille spoke of a no-nonsense, capable person. But what was she doing here?

  As if in answer to Kate’s unspoken question, Camille launched into an explanation. “My husband and I take a keen interest in Copper Mill and its people, and we do what we can to benefit the community in our own small way. When we heard our resident detective had taken ill, Evan and I both agreed that I should drop by and see if there was anything I could do to help. I brought you some muffins as a combination get-well/glad-to-meet-you gift.” She set a plastic container on Kate’s nightstand.

  “That’s right. You’re married to Evan Sheppard, aren’t you?” Kate remembered Paul mentioning him earlier.

  “Guilty as charged.” Camille’s deep red lips parted in a winning smile.

  Kate nodded. “That’s why your name seemed so familiar...Thank you for coming. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Camille gave a low, throaty laugh. “Same here. And I appreciate you ignoring the fact that this is an abominable time for me to come calling. My only excuse is that I regret that our paths haven’t crossed before, and I really did want to see if there was anything I could offer in the way of assistance.”

  “That’s very kind of you...,” Kate began. She cast a quick glance toward Livvy, who had been hovering uncertainly in the doorway ever since she realized she had shown a stranger into Kate’s bedroom.

  Livvy picked up on Kate’s wordless plea for help. “I think we have everything under control. I was just getting ready to fix dinner when you arrived, and Kate really doesn’t need much of anything except a chance to rest.”

  Kate smiled inwardly. Though spoken in her usual sweet tone, Livvy’s meaning couldn’t have been more apparent: visiting time was over.

  Camille seemed oblivious to the heavy hint. She offered Livvy a bright smile and settled into the chair next to Kate’s side of the bed.

  “In that case, I know just what to do. Livvy can go ahead with her dinner preparations, and I’ll sit here and visit with you. I know how tedious it can be to have to stay in bed for a long spell. This way, you’ll have someone to keep you company until your meal is ready.”

  “That really isn’t necessary,” Kate sputtered. “I’m sure you have other things to do, and I don’t want to take up your evening.”

  “Think nothing of it. I told you, Evan and I enjoy help-ing others. This will give us a perfect opportunity to get acquainted.”

  Kate opened her mouth to protest further but couldn’t think of any graceful way to cut Camille’s visit short. She looked at Livvy, who shook her head in a show of frustration.

  “That sounds fine.” Kate spoke more for Livvy’s benefit than Camille’s, hoping to erase the guilty look from her friend’s face.

  Livvy moved over to the bed, as if unconvinced that she should leave. “Is there anything I can get you while you’re waiting?” she asked, twitching the rumpled covers into place. “Wow, what are you hiding under here?” She reached under the sheet on the right side of the bed and pulled out Kate’s new binder.

  “That’s the notebook Renee got for me.” Glad for the distraction, Kate reached for it and flipped open the cover to show Livvy.

  “Your new case file?”

  “Right. Look at all these pockets and dividers. I have sections for notes, clippings, photos...everything in its own special place.”

  Livvy’s eyes sparkled. “All those pockets, all those dividers. It’s an organization junkie’s dream. I think I need one of those.”

  Camille leaned forward. “You keep a notebook on all your cases? That’s fascinating!”

  Kate snapped the notebook shut before Camille could read any of its contents. Then she gasped and felt her cheeks grow warm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to be rude. It’s just that—”

  Camille held up her hand, palm out. “Say no more. I’m the one who should apologize. I ought to have realized that was privileged information.”

  “Please don’t give it another thought.” Kate tucked the notebook next to her and smiled at Camille. “I tend to be a little protective of airing my theories until they’re proven, that’s all.”

  “And with good reason. I can see why anyone would feel they can trust you with their secrets.”

  Kate began to relax. Camille might have come on a bit strong in the beginning, but she seemed to have a good heart.

  When Livvy shot her a questioning look, Kate gave a quiet nod and a surreptitious thumbs-up to indicate that she would be fine on her own with Camille. Livvy picked up the container of muffins and headed off toward the kitchen with a tiny frown still puckering her forehead.

  Camille scooted to the edge of her chair and leaned forward. “Is there anything I can get for you? Do you need your pillows plumped up or anything?”

  “I’m fine,” Kate assured her. “What I’d really like to do is get to know more about you and your husband.”

  Camille’s face lit up. “He’s a retired engineer. A brilliant man, really. So many people talk about doing good, but Evan prefers to put his money where his mouth is, so to speak.”

  “That’s impressive,” Kate said, warming to the other woman’s enthusiasm for her husband’s interests. It was encouraging to see a couple offer each other that kind of support.

  A lot like Paul and I do. The thought made her smile. The Sheppards and the Hanlons did seem to have a bit in common. Maybe the four of them could become friends in time.

  “Do you and Evan go to one of the other churches here in Copper Mill?” When Kate saw the startled look that crossed Camille’s face, she laughed and added, “I don’t mean to pry. I guess that question is just something that comes with being a pastor’s wife.”

  The look of surprise faded, and Camille smiled when she answered. “We have attended several of the local churches, but we aren’t what you’d call regular churchgoers...unless you consider going on Christmas and Easter regular.” Camille chuckled at her little joke. “We prefer to put our service to the community on a more practical level. Most Sundays, we’re out making visits to shut-ins. Evan does a lot of household repairs for the sick and the elderly.”

  “I see.” Kate swallowed back a vague sense of disappointment. She had automatically assumed the Sheppards might be fellow believers. On the other hand...Kate’s spirits rose at the realization that the Lord might have brought Camille into her life for the very purpose of giving Kate an opportunity to share his love with Camille and her husband. God could use any situation for good—even her illness!

  Kate smiled at her newfound friend. “It’s lovely to hear about the two of you having that kind of commitment to meet the needs of others. Dedication like that is an asset to any community.”

  Camille spread her hands wide. “We love Copper Mill. It’s as simple as that. We want to do ever
ything we can to make it better. Speaking of which...” Camille looked down and picked at a thread on the edge of her sleeve. She raised her eyes to meet Kate’s gaze. “I honestly didn’t mean to snoop, but when you opened your case notebook, I thought I saw some notes about our mayor.”

  She paused, but when Kate made no immediate response, she went on. “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but is your latest case related to the scandal surrounding Lawton Briddle?”

  Kate shifted uneasily. “I’m looking into the fraud, yes.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not asking you to break any confidences.” Camille sighed. “It’s a heartbreaking situation, isn’t it? Such a blow to our little town.”

  “And to Lawton,” Kate said, feeling some of her initial reserve fade away in light of Camille’s concern.

  “Of course.” Camille sighed. “I can only imagine how difficult it must be for him to have to face the accusations that are being flung at him.”

  Kate nodded, pleased at the way Camille empathized so readily with the mayor. “I know what the newspaper says, but I think it’s important to keep an open mind and base an opinion on facts rather than hearsay.”

  “You’re right, of course.” Sadness shadowed Camille’s features. “But public opinion seems to be against him. I keep hearing people complain about the way his actions have smeared the town’s reputation, as though he’d already been tried and found guilty.”

  Camille smiled and waved her hand as if brushing away a bothersome thought. “But that’s quite enough doom and gloom. Let’s move on to a more pleasant topic. Why don’t you tell me about yourself? What brought you and your husband to our fair community?”

  For the next twenty minutes, Kate filled Camille in on Paul’s ministry in San Antonio, their children, her stained-glass artwork, and their decision to move to Tennessee. Camille proved to be a good listener, nodding attentively and laughing at all the right places as Kate shared her anecdotes.

  Kate was in the middle of a story about one of her forays around San Antonio’s River Walk when a key rattled in the front door and she realized Paul was home.

  Camille stood up as he walked into the bedroom, and Kate made quick introductions.

  “I’m so pleased to meet you,” Camille told Paul. “I don’t want to take away from your family time, so I’ll be on my way.”

  Turning back to Kate, she said, “I can’t believe I haven’t taken the opportunity to get to know you before now, but I mean to make up for lost time. It’s been delightful spending time with you. I’d like to stop by again, if I may.”

  Kate smiled amiably. “Please do. I enjoyed the visit very much. The next time you come, I should be back on my feet and able to be a better hostess.”

  “I’ll look forward to our next visit.” Camille walked around Paul and headed toward the front door. “In the meantime, I’ll let you get on with your evening with your husband.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Let me help you set that up,” Paul said when Livvy entered the bedroom carrying a card table in one hand and a plate loaded with stroganoff in the other.

  “Thanks. I thought you might like to eat in here together,” Livvy said. “Tonight’s menu consists of beef stroganoff, courtesy of Betty Anderson. It’s a good-sized batch, so you may be eating it for another day or two.”

  Kate watched Paul unfold the legs of the card table and position it close to the bed. When would be the best time to tell him and Livvy what she had learned? Part of her longed to blurt out the news without further delay. Another part warned her to wait for the right moment before dropping her conversational bomb.

  “Why don’t you stay and eat with us?” Paul eyed the large helping of stroganoff on the plate Livvy held out to him. “You might as well get some payment for all the help you’ve given us.”

  “Friendship is not for sale,” Livvy told him. Then she grinned. “But I accept your invitation. I’ll enjoy the company...and the food too. It smells delicious.”

  She went to the kitchen and returned with a tray with plates and glasses.

  “I’d be glad to trade you.” Kate looked down at her own meal of toast and applesauce and wrinkled her nose. No matter. She would be back to eating regular food soon. A nice roast, perhaps, or some pork chops. Her mind trailed off after the delicious possibilities until she realized a silence had fallen in the room, and Paul was looking at her as if awaiting a response.

  “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  “I just said that Camille seems like a nice person. And the two of you seemed to hit it off right away. When I walked in, it looked like you were deep in discussion.”

  Kate nibbled on a corner of her toast while she considered her answer. “Not a deep discussion, exactly, but we did get on well. Camille is one of those people who are naturally easy to talk to. By the time we swapped stories about our families and backgrounds, it was hard to remember we only met today.”

  “Some people are good at that,” Paul said. “It’s a real gift.”

  “I need to apologize for letting her come in like that without checking with you first,” Livvy said. “I’ve known her and Evan for quite a while, and it simply didn’t dawn on me that the two of you had never met.”

  Kate waved her friend’s concerns away. “Don’t worry about it. We’ve gotten to know a lot of the people here, but there are still a fair number we haven’t connected with yet. It was an odd way of meeting, but I’m glad I got to know her.”

  Kate washed down the toast with a sip of iced tea, savoring the coolness as it trickled down her throat. Never again would she take the simple process of enjoying a meal for granted!

  Remembering the early part of her conversation with Camille, she looked over at Paul. “The one thing we talked about that fell into the category of deep discussions was when she brought up Lawton Briddle’s name.”

  “Oh?” Paul finished a bit of stroganoff and patted his lips with his napkin. “How did that topic come up?”

  “I guess she caught sight of a note that mentioned him when I was showing my new notebook to Livvy. At any rate, she figured out right away that I’m looking into the chamber of commerce matter.”

  Paul set his fork down. “What did she say? Did she have any insight into the case?”

  Kate blew out a long breath. “No new insights. She just confirmed what I already knew, that public feeling seems to be running against Lawton.”

  Paul looked across the card table and exchanged a glance with Livvy. “And I’m afraid it’s getting worse. Opposition to Lawton remaining in office seems to be growing by the day.”

  “But Lawton is practically a fixture in Copper Mill! People have known him for ages, and they keep right on electing him. Why all this bitter reaction now?”

  “That I can’t explain,” Paul told her. “Maybe there’s been a general resentment simmering for years, and it’s just rising to the surface now. What do you think, Livvy?”

  “I haven’t been aware of that kind of ill will.” Livvy pushed her empty plate away and leaned her arms on the card table. “It all seems like it sprang out of nowhere. Honestly, it’s taken me by surprise.”

  “It’s possible that there has been something unethical going on all this time, and we just never realized it until now.” Paul turned to Kate and spoke in a gentle voice. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but you may have to come to terms with the fact that Lawton isn’t the man we thought we knew.”

  Kate plunked her glass of iced tea down on her tray and set her mouth in a stubborn line. Then she saw the compassionate look on Paul’s face, and her heart softened. The idea that Lawton might be guilty pained him as much as it did her. He was only trying to spare her from needless stress if her insistence on Lawton’s innocence turned out to be unfounded.

  She reached for his hand and looked him in the eye. “All I want is the truth, wherever that happens to lead.”

  Paul squeezed her fingers. “That’s what we all want.” Turning to Livvy, he asked, “I’ve
seen Evan Sheppard a time or two at the chamber meetings, but I never met his wife until tonight. What can you tell us about them?”

  Livvy took a sip of iced tea. “Well, for starters, Evan grew up about thirty miles from here, but Camille is from Pennsylvania.”

  “That would explain the lack of a Tennessee accent,” Kate noted. “When did she move down here?”

  “I think they met while Evan was away at college, and they came to Copper Mill after they were married.”

  Paul shook his head. “It does seem peculiar that we haven’t run across them before, other than those meetings where I’ve seen Evan.”

  “Evan has always been a quiet sort,” Livvy said. “He’s really smart—but then as an engineer, he’d have to be, wouldn’t he? He had his own firm before he retired, and they did surveying and structural inspections all over the county. Even though he and Camille tend to keep to themselves, they’re both passionate about Copper Mill. Neither of them came from here originally, but they’ve invested themselves in the community and made it their hometown.”

  “I picked up on the notion that they have a tremendous zeal for the town,” Kate put in. “It sounds like they spend a lot of their time trying to make the community better.”

  “They’re probably more impressed with their efforts than anyone else is,” Livvy said, then her cheeks turned pink. “I’m sorry; that sounded catty. It’s just that they seem to have the idea that fixing a torn screen or a dripping faucet makes as much impact on the community as one of our arts festivals or other public functions.”

  Paul looked doubtful. “But small things like home repairs do make an impact on individuals. That’s the kind of ministry I like to get our people involved in.”

  Livvy put her hands to her cheeks. “I’m not saying this well. I know how important one-on-one ministry is. I think what I’m trying to get at is that the Sheppards seem to take themselves just a little too seriously.”