Happier Days in Time

by Jenna St James

  “You be careful,” Maggie said. “I can’t take much more stress in my life. Between you and Peggy Sue, I’m jumpier than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs right now.”

  “I don’t like cats! No cats! No cats!”

  I tried to be as casual as possible, strolling down the walkway then crossing the street to meet up with Cliff, Nancy, and the two kids. Both children were riding their bikes along the edge of the street.

  “Hey! I’m getting my training wheels off tomorrow,” Rosie said as she hurried over to me. “I bet I can beat you in a race.”

  “I don’t have a bike,” I said. “Can I ride yours in this race?”

  Rosie laughed. “No! You’re too old and big to ride my bike. It would never work.”

  “Wanna bet?” Rex mused.

  “No, I don’t want to bet,” Rosie said primly. “Mommy says ladies don’t do such things.”

  “Rosie Ann Belmont!” Nancy exclaimed. “What is this nonsense talk of you and betting?”

  “It wasn’t me,” Rosie insisted. “It was her. She asked me if I wanted to bet.”

  Nancy frowned. “She did no such thing. I was standing right here and that never happened.”

  Rosie turned to me and scowled. I couldn’t blame the kid for being mad at me. It wasn’t her fault she had no idea what she was hearing. “I did too hear it.”

  “Young lady,” Nancy said, “you know better than to back talk your parents. One more outburst and you will go inside and sit with a bar of soap in your mouth.”

  I swear, I could almost see the wheels turning in the young girl’s head. Did she keep silent and stew in anger…or did she insist she was right and risk a punishment? I figured since I’d gotten her into the mess, I should try and get her out of it.

  “I’d love to come over tomorrow and watch you ride without your training wheels,” I offered.

  “Really?” Rosie mused. “That would be swell!”

  “You two go on and ride on ahead,” Cliff said, “we’ll follow shortly.”

  When the kids were out of earshot, Nancy turned to me. “What do you want, Miss Ivanova? We don’t know you well enough for you to just assert yourself into our Monday night ritual.”

  So now it was Miss Ivanova and not Alexa. Shocking how quickly the guilty will pull rank and close themselves off. Not. “I just thought I’d let you know that after a thorough search of Sissy’s room, I finally found her journal. Isn’t that wonderful? I haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I figured I’d brew a nice cup of tea tonight and curl up on the sofa downstairs and see just what it was that my sister found so interesting with everyone in this neighborhood.”

  “You found the journal?” Cliff asked. “Really?”

  “We don’t care about some silly journal,” Nancy said.

  But her face didn’t look convinced at her own words. I was pretty sure she knew her family secret was in the journal…and from the pallor of Cliff’s face, I’m sure he remembered the confrontation and threats he made to Sissy when she said she was going to tell Nancy about Janie. All of which would probably be in the notebook.

  I’d done what I intended to do—give the killer one last push closer to the edge to see if he’d leap. I had to figure out a way to make Cliff confess before my seven days were up. Surely the police had more than sufficient circumstantial evidence from the bruising on Sissy’s temple, to the journal where she wrote down Cliff’s threats, and now finding Janie’s body to charge him with both the murder of Sissy and the murder of Janie. Hopefully tonight would put the final nail in the coffin…assuming Cliff took the bait.

  “Well, I should get back across the street,” I said. “Settle down, brew me some tea, and get ready to be entertained.”

  Without waiting for a response from either of them, I turned and jogged back across the street, up the stairs, and sat down on the top step by Maggie’s rocking chair.

  “I don’t know what you said, but it must have been something,” Maggie said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen those two speechless before.”

  ***

  Because I didn’t want Maggie to be surprised if someone broke into her house, I decided to let her in on the plan. Normally I wouldn’t dare bring in a civilian when capturing a killer, just in case I had to use magic, but I didn’t figure this would be anything more than catching Cliff in the act of breaking and entering. No need to take him down with magic.

  Maggie would hide at the top of the stairs with a baseball bat she insisted on holding, while I made sure to keep the drapes open so Cliff could see the light on downstairs and know I was still up reading the journal. I figured I’d keep the light on until ten-thirty, and then pull the drapes and shut out the light, letting him think I’d gone to bed.

  Which is precisely what we did.

  At eleven, a board on the front porch squeaked, letting me know company had arrived. I looked at Rex. With a nod, he leaped off the couch and took off for the front door. He’d alert me to who was walking through the door so I wouldn’t be surprised.

  After what seemed like forever, I heard the front door slowly swing open. Letting out the breath I’d been holding, I stood up and crouched next to the bar in the family room.

  “It’s Cliff!” Rex exclaimed. “Let’s take him down here and now!”

  I couldn’t agree more. Since Cliff was a big man, and I wouldn’t be using magic to take him down, I needed to use Rex as my distractor, giving me an opportunity to capture Cliff while he was unfocused.

  I’d left the bait on the couch—an old notebook Maggie had lying around.

  A beam of light shone across the carpet, and a few seconds later Cliff Belmont stood in the middle of Maggie’s family room. He shined the light over to the couch and chuckled when he saw the fake journal.

  “Now it will just be Alexa’s word against mine,” Cliff murmured.

  Walking briskly to the couch, he reached down and snatched up the notebook. As he turned to head back out of the house, Rex and I made our move. Leaping at the same time, Rex darted up Cliff’s pant leg and jumped on his head.

  “What the—”

  Batting at Rex with the flashlight, and hitting himself in the process, Cliff flailed about cursing and turning in a circle. I waited for him to turn once more and face me before I jumped on my right leg, lifting my left leg high in the air. After a moment’s pause, I threw a front snap kick straight at Cliff’s chin.

  He dropped to the ground as the lights went on and Maggie ran downstairs clutching her baseball bat. “Sakes alive! Cliff Belmont, what are you doin’ in my house uninvited?”

  I chuckled. “I think Cliff here is down for the count.”

  “I better ring the police so they can get out here before he wakes up.” Maggie handed me the bat. “You obviously don’t need it, but just in case.”

  Twenty minutes later, two cops stood over a brooding Cliff as they listened to Maggie and me repeat our story. Maggie had called Jack, and after he arrived and heard what had happened, I had no doubt charges would finally be filed against Cliff—even if the police were still dragging their heels.

  “So you purposely trapped Mr. Belmont into coming over tonight?” one of the officers asked me.

  “If by ‘trapping’ you mean I told him I found Sissy’s journal—the one the police department has in their possession that says Sissy suspected Cliff Belmont had an affair with his secretary, the same secretary whose murdered body was found last week—then yes, I guess I trapped Cliff into coming over tonight.”

  The officer scowled. “Now you just cool it right there, missy. You can’t go around—”

  “I believe you have more than sufficient evidence,” Jack said coldly, “to take Mr. Belmont into custody for the murder of—”

  “Now hold on just one minute!” Cliff exclaimed, leaping from the couch. “I didn’t kill anyone! I may have had an affair, but I didn’t kill anyone. Not Sissy or Janie. No one! You hear me?”

  The two cops looked back and forth between Cliff and Jac
k, unsure of what to do.

  “I am the district attorney for this county,” Jack said, “and—”

  “And I am the owner of one of the largest newspapers in this state,” Maggie said, coming to stand by Jack. “And I can assure you come tomorrow, your chief will be answering questions from one of my star reporters on why this whole incident has been handled so poorly. Now, are you going to do your job, or do I need to ring the chief at his house right now?”

  I grinned at Maggie as the two officers all but tripped over themselves as they hauled a protesting Cliff to his feet and shoved him out the door.

  “Nice speech, sis,” Jack said.

  “It was either that,” Maggie said, “or I was going to have a full-blown hissy fit.”

  Jack threw back his head and laughed. “I haven’t seen that in a while.”

  As Jack and Maggie followed the cops outside, Rex and I slipped upstairs. There were a few last-minute things I needed to see to before casting the spell that would take me home. I hated to just leave, making Maggie worry, so I figured I’d write her a note and have her think I slipped away during the night.

  Once my letter was written, and I’d changed back into the clothes I’d arrived in, Rex and I sat down cross-legged on the bed and prepared for our journey home. I didn’t want to jinx anything by bragging, but I was pretty proud of myself that I didn’t have to use magic to take Cliff down—just some self-defense moves Nuala taught me. This meant the Agency wouldn’t have to send out a handler to smooth out my rough spots.

  Untucking my tourmaline necklace, I grasped the stone and breathed deeply. When I felt I was ready to go, I started my spell:

  “From this time I must depart.

  I've done my job and time can restart.

  Bring me home, cosmos, I ask of thee.

  In my own time is where I need to be.”

  Chapter 20

  “Uhhh, Lexi? Don’t panic! Don’t panic! But we’re still here!”

  My eyes flew open. Rex was right. I was still in Sissy’s bedroom. After I invoked the return spell nothing had happened.

  “What’s going on?” I asked. “Why didn’t we travel back?”

  “The only thing I can think of is that we have more to do.”

  “More! Like what? I mean, my job was to find justice for Sissy Ivanova. I’ve done that. I practically handed Cliff Belmont over to the police tonight on a silver platter. And in the meantime, I’ve uncovered enough dirt to have Cliff also charged with Janie Alderman’s murder, and hopefully put a local hate group out of commission. What more can I do here?”

  “I don’t know. But you better figure it out. I’m ready to go home and see my wife.” He smacked his lips together. “I’ve been cravin’ her rotten tuna casserole and sour milk bread.”

  I waved my hand in front of the dresser, causing three drawers to fly open in my anger. “I guess I’ll change into my pajamas and see what tomorrow brings.” I snatched up an ice blue peignoir set. “But I swear, we don’t figure something out tomorrow, I’m calling in reinforcements.”

  “We’ll think of something, Lexi. Don’t you worry! Don’t you worry!”

  I paused at the door. “Do you think we missed something? Granted, Cliff told me Saturday night that he hadn’t seen Sissy anytime between six or seven, but that doesn’t mean anything. I expected him to lie.”

  “Maybe we press Walter harder tomorrow. I can see him killin’ Sissy after that meeting Sunday night.”

  “I don’t know. Walter strikes me more as the shooting or stabbing sort.”

  “So true! So true!”

  ***

  “Good morning,” Maggie called from the percolator as she poured a cup of coffee. “Sit. I have coffee and toast.”

  “Sounds good.”

  She set a cup of coffee down in front of me and then went to get the toast. There was a slight breeze outside, causing the yellow and green window curtains to blow gently. The side door was also open, allowing the wind even more access to the kitchen. It wasn’t quite seven-thirty, and already I could tell it was going to be a warm one outside.

  “I’ll ring my office today and talk with the editor about what happened last night.”

  “Have you heard anything from Nancy across the street?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “Not a peep.”

  I took a sip of the coffee. “Do you think the police will officially charge Cliff today?”

  “Yes.”

  “I guess there’s not much more for me to do,” I said. “I’m sure you’re wanting your house back.”

  “Nonsense.” She waved her hand dismissively. “You’re more than welcome to stay here as long as you like. I love having the company.”

  “Thanks,” Rex said, “but I’m ready to move on!”

  “Well,” I said, “I thank you for that. I still need to pack Sissy’s things and all.”

  “Oh, Jack rang me a little while ago. He and Peggy Sue are going to stop by this morning to check on us before he has to go into work. He had that trial that started yesterday.”

  I looked down at my pajamas. “I should run up and go change.”

  “Just put an apron on over that,” Maggie said. “That’s three layers of clothing. I think it’s more than proper, but remain sitting if you’re unsure.”

  Laughing, I grabbed one of the aprons off the hook and tied it around my neck and waist then sat back down and nibbled on my toast. I could tell Maggie wanted to say something, but every time she opened her mouth…she shook her head and shut it.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  She set her cup down and sighed. “I haven’t told Jack about Peggy Sue because I know he’s busy with work, then with what happened last night…he has so much on his mind as it is.”

  “I understand,” I said. “And whatever you decide will be the right decision.”

  “I’m going to have to tell him,” Maggie said. “I just have to find the right time.”

  “The right time for what?” Jack asked, as he opened the wooden screen door for Peggy Sue to enter.

  “Nothing,” Maggie said quickly, glancing at Peggy Sue.

  “Are you two planning your next girls’ weekend?” Jack teased. “Peggy Sue was just saying she’d love to do some shopping in Philadelphia soon.”

  “You caught us,” Maggie said. “Do you have time for coffee before you head to the courthouse?”

  “I don’t.” He kissed Peggy Sue on the cheek. “I’ll see you tonight. You three have fun today.”

  “I’ll make your favorite tonight,” Peggy Sue said. “Pork chops and buttered peas.”

  “You’re the best,” Jack said.

  “Win your case today,” Maggie called out as he hustled out the kitchen door. “Peggy Sue, you sit and I’ll get you some coffee.”

  “I can get it,” Peggy Sue said. “You two just stay put.”

  Once the coffee was poured and the milk and sugar added, she glided back over to the table, never spilling a drop on her pretty pink and white checkered dress.

  No one said anything for a few minutes, each lost in our own thoughts. Finally Maggie set her mug down and turned to Peggy Sue. “I suppose we should talk about what happened yesterday after you came back from Miss Ferndale’s place.”

  Peggy Sue shook her head emphatically, her short blonde curls bouncing. “Oh, please no. Not today. I don’t think I can bear it.”

  “We’ll need to finish the discussion soon,” Maggie said. “Jack needs to know.”

  “No!” Peggy Sue cried. “Please no.”

  “I’m sorry, Peggy Sue,” Maggie said gently. “I can’t keep it from Jack.”

  Peggy Sue rose gracefully from the table. “I need to use the restroom. If you’ll both excuse me, please.”

  We watched her sail out of the kitchen, her feet nearly flying off the floor.

  “I suppose I’ve hurt her feelings,” Maggie said.

  “Give her time,” I advised. “She may see reason and come around.”

&nb
sp; “Good one, Lexi!” Rex slapped his leg. “Good one!”

  When Peggy Sue entered the kitchen a few minutes later, I could tell she’d been crying. Wanting to lift her spirits, I said the first thing that popped into my head. “Where in Philadelphia did you want to shop?”

  For the next twenty minutes, Peggy Sue droned on and on about her favorite boutiques and dress shops. And shoe store. And intimates store. And fabric store.

  Just when I was about to nod off, she looked at her watch and giggled. “Alexa, it’s almost eight-thirty. You better run and get dressed. Maybe today we can go to the library?”

  I shrugged and looked at Maggie. “Sounds good to me.”

  Maggie carried her cup to the sink and rinsed it out. “That sounds nice. I need to ring the office and conduct a little business, but afterward that sounds like fun.”

  “I’ll go change,” I said.

  “And I’ll stay here and eat.”

  Up in my bedroom, I did a quick glamour for pin curl waves, then threw on a pair of red cigarette pants, a black sleeveless top, and red kitten heels with a strand of pearls. I figured I was ready to tackle whatever came my way. And it sounded like for the next few hours it was going to be library books. I wasn’t sure how that was going to get me one step closer to the closure I needed in order to get back to my own time, but I was willing to try anything.

  As I descended the stairs, I felt a painful pull in my stomach. Like my insides were being knotted and stretched. Putting a hand to my stomach, I bent over to try and ease the pain.

  It didn’t work. Something was wrong, but I didn’t know what. I was about to call out to Maggie, when I realized how eerily quiet the house seemed. But I also knew if there was a problem, Rex would have warned me.

  “Rex!” I called out in my mind. “Can you hear me?”

  Silence.

  “Rex! What’s going on? Is something wrong?”

  Silence. Not a single wacky Rex peep in my head.

  Closing my eyes, I tried to use another magical gift I had besides movement. Usually I could sense when another person was near me. Not who they were, just that someone was near. I let my mind drift, and just when I was sure I sensed something, it fell away. There was only one reason for that to happen—someone had erected a blocking spell!