by Lee Pulaski
Zachary’s mind journeyed back to the earlier events of the day. When he had visited the Reimer homestead, Rose seemed to be composed—maybe a little too composed for someone who’d just lost her grandparents in a horrific way. Could the granddaughter have thorns sharper than the flower she was named for? Was she in it alone, or was her missing-in-action boyfriend in on it, too? Zachary hoped to have a few more answers once he found out from Sasha how and when Miles died. He sighed as he realized that was one more thing on the to-do list for tomorrow.
Zachary grabbed a book from his nightstand and opened it. He was re-reading an old classic from his childhood, Alice in Wonderland. Some days, he felt like Gresham was just as topsy-turvy as the fantasy world in the book, especially when someone was killed. Despite that, Zachary was happy to call the place home. There were days, though…
A snoring noise could be heard nearby. Zachary leaned over and saw Toby curled up on his dog bed. The faithful dog could always be found close to his master whenever said master was home. A closer examination showed Midnight was snoozing by Toby’s hind legs. Whoever said cats and dogs could never get along needed to be smacked upside the head.
Newell stepped back into the room. “Hey. I didn’t know if you were still going to be awake.”
“That was a long phone call. Who was it?”
“It was my brother down in Texas. He was just calling to catch up. Apparently I have a new nephew, and he just wanted to share the good news.”
“That’s awesome. Maybe they can come up for a visit sometime soon. They should probably wait until it gets a little warmer, though.” Zachary brought his blanket and comforter up closer to his neck to fend off any lingering chills.
“Speaking of nephews, yours has been absent quite a bit lately. It wasn’t that long ago that you couldn’t get him to leave your bookstore. Now it’s been like two months. That new girlfriend of Chad’s must really be occupying his attention.”
“Yep, the little rugrat is definitely growing up. In a way, I’m glad that he’s branching out and including more people in his life, but I also miss him a little.”
Newell climbed back into bed. “It happens to everyone eventually. His hormones are active, and he’s learning to be independent. He’ll find his way back in time.”
Zachary snuggled closer. “I hope so. Anyway, we should get some sleep. It seems like we’ve both got busy days ahead tomorrow.”
“Good night, Zach. I’ll see you when I wake.” Newell kissed Zachary on the cheek.
Zachary smiled as he replaced his book on the nightstand and turned off the light. His mind was still swimming with questions, but the waves in that pool of confusion were soothing enough that he slowly drifted off to sleep.
Greta tugged at one of her pigtails as she looked at the two books Zachary had laid out on the counter. The expression on her face indicated she was struggling to decide which book to buy, and Zachary knew she only had enough money for one. It was always a joy to wait on Greta, because she had a love for reading that so many children her age lacked.
“Do you think I should ask my parents for an advance on my allowance so I can get both books today? I’m having a horrible time deciding.”
Zachary chuckled. “Greta, you tried that the last time you came in. Your parents said no.”
“Maybe if we distracted them with a puppy, they might forget last time and decide to give me the money.”
Zachary had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. “I’m not sure that’ll work. Besides, where are you going to find a puppy?”
Greta’s face brightened. “I know! I’ll just get them liquored up and ask for the money then.”
Zachary face dropped in horror as he did a double take. “Get them liquored… What have you been reading?”
Greta smiled as she went back to perusing both books, her face strained as she struggled to come to a decision. Zachary turned his attention back to the online book orders he was filling. It was a way for him to focus and not dwell on other issues.
When Zachary and Newell had traveled to the cabin that Rose had suggested might be Sajen’s hiding place, there was no sign of the fleeing artist. There was no indication that he’d been there at all. There weren’t any footprints in the snow. It was like Zachary had been sent on a wild goose chase, and it generated more questions, like where Sajen might really be hiding. Most of Menominee County was forest land. There were tons of places he could lay low.
Alexander strolled over to the counter with the business phone in his hands. With one cupped over the receiver, he asked, “I’ve got that old miser Jedediah Medlyn on the phone. He was wondering if we’d extend our holiday discount special for him.”
Zachary rolled his eyes. He’d offered fifty percent off of most books between Thanksgiving and Christmas as a way to keep customers coming back in the off-season. That was two months ago.
“Alexander, tell Jed that if he wants literature for free, that’s what public libraries are for. I still have to pay to heat this place and pay my employees.”
As Alexander slipped away to finish the call, Greta’s head popped back up. “I kind of like the idea of half-off books. Then I’d be able to take both of these books home with me.”
Zachary’s gaze went toward the ceiling for a moment, and then he looked at Greta. “Well, I’m not ready to bring back the half-off special, but since you’re such a devoted customer, I am willing to offer you a deal, and I’m only offering it to you.”
Greta’s eyes widened with anticipation. “What is it?”
“Well, these two books combined cost twenty-three dollars. How much money do you have today?”
“Thirteen.”
“Well, if you give me the thirteen dollars today as a down payment, I’ll let you take both of these books with you if you promise to pay me the other ten dollars in a month.”
A huge grin spread across Greta’s face, making Zachary wonder if she’d been the love child of a Gresham woman and the Cheshire Cat. “Deal! I can have that ten bucks to you in a couple of weeks.” She handed her money to Zachary.
“Anytime within a month will be fine, Greta.” Zachary put the money in the register. “Happy reading. I’ll see you soon.”
As Greta hurried out with her well-negotiated haul, Anne Marie stepped inside, shivering from the cold winter weather.
“Anne Marie. You’re actually walking out in public. Does this mean things are looking up for the White Eagle Art Gallery? Please say yes. I need to hear some good news today.”
Anne Marie smiled. “Things are still a little shaky, but I had a few visitors come in today. Mostly folks who were genuinely unaware of the debacle after the opening reception, but there were a couple of people who came in because Jasper Walters made some disparaging remarks about the gallery.”
“Wait a sec. Jasper’s talking smack about the gallery, and these people came to check it out in spite of everything?”
Anne Marie nodded. “One even bought the painting of a bowl of cherries that was in the corner by my office.”
“Oh, I loved that painting.”
“It was a good one. Anyhow, that painting should keep me open a little while longer, and the guy who bought it gave me an interesting idea. You know how this show was dedicated to ol’ Beef Jerky and Cherries Jubilee, but the customer suggested I should put together a show featuring a dozen or so of Shawano County’s finest citizens. He gave me the names of some local artists who might be interested in crafting some work.”
“That sounds like a terrific idea. If more names can be connected to your art gallery, it should bring back most folks who might have been scared due to what happened during the reception.”
“I swear, Zach. When Jasper’s painting fell to the floor, it felt like my stomach had, too. I was waiting for the walls to collapse and the ceiling to cave in on our heads.”
“Being as I was in there at the time, I was certainly glad that didn’t happen. Still, I know the feeling you’re describing.”
Anne Marie put her hand on Zachary’s. “Thanks for encouraging me to keep going with the gallery. Even though it seemed like nothing could pull me out from the dark cloud that was the Beef Jerky and Cherries Jubilee exhibit, you encouraged me not to give up. Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure, Anne Marie. I know you’ve had this dream for a long time. I remember when I opened The Literary Barn a few years ago how scared I was the place would fold in under six months. The recession had begun, and more people were showing an interest in e-books than in paperbacks and hardcovers. I quickly learned I needed to offer more than just books on shelves, and I found a way to thrive. It looks like you’re adapting your vision as well.”
“At least you didn’t have to contend with a couple of murders shortly after you opened.”
“No, but there were one or two times that I wasn’t sure I’d be able to scrape up enough money for the rent on this place. This next statement might sound cliché, but things will get better.”
“I just wanted to stop by and see if I could put up a couple of posters when I get the exhibit set up. In return, I can put some of your swag up at the gallery.”
“Works for me. About how long until the exhibit is ready?”
“I might have it ready to go in a week or two. I just need to design some posters. Maybe I’ll see if one of my former students can put something together, and then I’ll get the print shop in Shawano to get me copies.”
“Maybe ask your brother, Christopher. Isn’t he an artist?”
“I’ll see. Maybe he can incorporate the community quilt on the building into the design.” Anne Marie giggled. “I can’t believe that things are finally looking up!”
“They always do eventually.”
“I’d better get going. See you soon.” Anne Marie walked out as Chad, Zachary’s nephew, strolled in.
“Hey there, buddy. How’s it going? I haven’t seen you in a while. How’s school?”
“I’m doing fine, Uncle Zach. I was just wondering if I could put up a couple of fliers in the bookstore. The FFA is having a pulled pork fundraiser for National FFA Week, and Allison is heading up the event.”
“I can put those up for you.” Zachary took the fliers Chad handed to him. “How is Allison, by the way? Newell and I’d be interested in having you both out for dinner sometime.”
Chad bit his lip. “I’m not quite sure we’re ready for that stage of the relationship. I mean, Allison hasn’t even met Mom yet.”
“I thought that had to do more with the fact that your mom was always racing out of town on some adventure than anything else. Newell and I are pretty flexible, and if you like, we could meet at Sigrid’s or some other dinner joint.”
“Yeah, but we’re still trying to figure out us. If we start involving family, there’s going to be a lot of expectations heaped on us. I’m only a freshman in high school. I’m not ready to produce fat, happy grandchildren.”
“The next time I go over to the school, I’m going to find out what books they’re making you kids read. Chad, I just want to meet the girl who has won my nephew’s heart.”
Chad snapped his fingers. “Right there! You assume I’m head over heels for her. We’re just trying to figure out what we mean to each other. I don’t know if it’s love or just fascination. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“I guess so. I’m just saying I miss having you around. I’m glad you’re finding other interests, Chad, but I got used to having you around all the time. I’m not saying you have to show up here every day like you used to, but finding a happy medium would be nice.”
“Okay, I’ll pop by a little more often, but I’d still like to wait a bit before bringing her around to meet family members.” Chad’s cell phone rang. “Hello? Uh-huh. Really? Wow, that’s a bit of a… Sure, I guess we can do it. I’ll see you over there.” He put the cell phone back in his pants pocket. “I guess we’re moving ahead in our relationship at a faster rate than intended. Allison went over to the feed store and introduced herself to Newell. They got to talking, and she discovered you’re my uncle and Newell’s your partner. He invited us to dinner, and she accepted. We’ll be seeing you Friday night, apparently.”
“Sorry, bud. Look on the bright side. At least you’re having dinner with the fun-loving gay uncle instead of the interrogative Mommy Dearest.”
“That’s true. Plus, you have a cute dog and cat going for you. Just promise me you’re not going to break out all the embarrassing baby pictures.”
“Just the first album.” When Zachary saw his nephew’s jaw drop, he laughed. “Don’t worry about it, Chad. It’s not like we’re going to break out the video of you dancing to the Gummy Bear song years ago.”
Chad’s eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. He stumbled back to the door, opened it and stepped out, proclaiming, “You’re not my favorite uncle anymore.”
Zachary chuckled. “Yes, I am, you little twerp. I’m your only uncle.”
Alexander popped his head out from the upper level. “Was that Chad who was here?”
“Yeah. Surprised the heck out of me, but I managed to turn his face an unflattering shade of red before he ran like a bat out of hell. Boys and their girlfriends can be a hoot.”
“Not that we know from experience.” Alexander descended the stairs. “On another matter, I have some good news. The next load of red shirts will be delivered here tomorrow, and I’ll stay late to get them set up.”
“That’s great. I’ll bet Murphy’s loving that we’re drawing all this attention to the troops and their needs.”
“Yeah, if only this were catching the attention of the federal government. Did you know there was something in the news about how, even though the veterans’ administration is hiring more people, the wait times for our soldiers to get medical care continue to increase? How is that even possible? What kind of morons do they have running our military health care system?”
“My guess is the kind of morons who have never spent a day in the combat arena. You and I have no clue what happens when guns start blazing in a foreign land, even though Murphy does. He needs to be able to find support, people who have been through what he’s been through. When he was over there, he could count on the men in his unit to have his back. At home, what does he have? Just his boyfriend and a few supportive friends who don’t think he’s a total freak if he has a breakdown.”
Alexander shook his head. “How many times have we had this discussion? I sometimes wonder if we’re the ones who need shrinks.”
“Why? Because we care when a fellow human being is hurting? If that were the case, we wouldn’t have enough mental hospitals for all the caring whackos.”
“I know, but we bitch and bitch and bitch some more, and nothing changes.”
“Okay, what will keeping silent get us, besides painful ulcers?”
“Good point.”
“Well, we’ve got a couple of online orders to fill, so why don’t we focus on that, and maybe we’ll have some customers by then to keep us focused on our jobs instead of all the injustices in the world.”
“I hope so.” Alexander grabbed one of the orders and started for the sales floor.
Zachary grabbed another order in preparation to follow, but the front door bell jingled, and a young man in a suit walked in. It was a little unusual for someone to come into a bookstore looking like he was about to give a sermon from a church pulpit.
“Good afternoon. Can we help you find something?”
“Yes. I’m looking for the owner of this establishment.”
“That would be me. I’m Zachary Gagewood. Do you have a name?”
“Of course. I’m Perry Reimer. Muriel and Osgood Reimer were my grandparents.”
“Hello. Please accept my condolences. Your grandparents were loved by most folks in these parts.”
“I know. No one could ever take their place, and the problem we’re experiencing is that no one wants to try.”
“I’m not following.” Zachary sat on h
is stool behind the counter.
“Even though my grandparents were dedicated farmers and entrepreneurs, no one in the family wants to take on the mantle of being the next generation Beef Jerky or Cherries Jubilee. My parents and aunts and uncles have their own farms, and none of them are looking to merge with such a vast empire.”
“How vast of an empire are we talking about?”
“My grandparents had their large spread south of the village, where their home is, not to mention their processing plants in Mattoon and a few other places. They’ve also got a number of cherry groves over in Door County and a couple thousand acres across Shawano, Oconto and Langlade counties for their beef cattle. They also have a number of storefronts across northern Wisconsin and into the upper peninsula of Michigan where they sell their jerky and dessert products.”
“Wow, that’s nothing to sneeze at.”
“It’s also intimidating enough that no one wants to slip into the role of the godfather or godmother.”
“Not even any of the grandkids like yourself? I can’t believe that there’s no one in your family that wouldn’t leap at the chance to carry on the family legacy.”
“Well, very few of the grandkids even went into farming. Take me, for instance, I’m an accountant over in Sheboygan. My sisters are into welding, public relations and real estate. The last thing they want to do is have a bunch of trees and animals to care for.”
“So what’s going to happen to the Reimer family legacy?”
“The one member of the family we haven’t been able to get in contact with is Rose Garner, my cousin. Since she was living with my grandparents, the other folks in my family thought she might be best suited to manage the farm now. Otherwise, the family business might have to be sold.”
“Interesting. I’m not sure what that has to do with me. You said you were looking for me.”
“I’m actually looking for Rose, but other folks in the village said you know more about the people in this area than most. Do you have any idea where Rose is?”