Dead 'N Breakfast

by Paulette Brewster

  “Watch your back,” he said in a low threatening tone. “Just watch your back.” Then he strode away through an opening in the crowd and disappeared before her eyes as the crowd swallowed him up.

  The hair stood up along her arms and across her body in spite of the heat from the sunshine. She’d been pretty successful at putting all of the terrible memories of the court battle with its hours of testimonies, including her own, behind her. But now she was sure he had searched her out to stalk her, to threaten her life. She’d never imagined something like this would happen. Feeling more vulnerable than ever, she made her way slowly through the thickening waves of people back to the safety of her booth where Polly sat waiting for her.

  “Back so soon?” Polly asked.

  “The line was too long. I’ll get something a bit later,” she replied. “Nice turnout, isn’t it?” This wasn’t the time to discuss what had just happened, she told herself, and maybe there wouldn’t be a right time. But at the moment she was too shook up to deal with it.

  “Best crowd I’ve seen in several years,” Polly replied. “The weather. That’s what brought them all out.”

  She extended a plastic container of celery sticks toward Liz and she took one, not that she could do more than nibble on it. Kevin’s words went through her mind over and over, watch your back, watch your back… He must have found her through her website. But why? What did he possibly have to gain by threatening her? She had done nothing wrong. She’d told the proper authorities the truth when she discovered it and the embezzling had come to an end. And then the boss that she’d trusted and believed in for so many years had gone to jail. Kevin could have done what she did, but he let it slide for reasons that suited his wallet. He’d even admitted during the trial that he’d seen the errors too, which was amazing that he’d gotten out of going to jail himself. This was a nightmare she did not want to relive. Not here in her hometown where she was happy and surrounded by her friends. And now, she had to be watchful that Kevin never crossed her path again and hopefully he would get on with his own life and leave her alone. If he had a job in Burlington, then it was possible he could stalk her again. Pushing down her panic she wondered if she should go to the police. There was no explanation for him threatening her and creating this new fear in her. The trial was over, and she just wanted to get on with her life.

  Her eye caught sight of the group standing around Brian’s booth across from hers. He was new to the business of gathering sap, but he was gearing up for big changes according to what he’d told her and she knew that advertising on Market Day was a great way to draw attention. She should walk over and look at his table set up, after all, it was the neighborly thing to do but she couldn’t bring herself to leave the security of her tent. She tried to quiet her mind but it kept replaying the same words… watch your back, watch your back.

  Polly was speaking to someone standing in front of her table although Liz barely paid attention. Then the lady stepped closer and picked up one of the flyers that Liz had on display.

  “You’re new here, aren’t you? I mean, I didn’t know there was a B&B up on Maple Ridge Road,” said the woman. “We’re from Missouri. We come to visit friends every fall for the foliage and stay a few weeks.” She studied the flyer a moment then went on. “I like the looks of your place. It’s beautiful. Your flyer says the house is about 200 years old? That’s wonderful. My husband is a historian and I might be able to talk him into staying here next time.”

  “Just give me a call and I’d be glad to set up a time for you to see the house. It’s been in our family for about a hundred fifty years. My mother has a love for history and antiques and the house shows it. There’s a website at the bottom of the paper, and on the site you’ll find photos of the interior as well as the farm.” She was rambling too fast. Slow down and think, she told herself. Pay attention.

  “Oh, it’s a farm too?” The woman’s interest definitely went up a notch more.

  “Yes, it is.” Liz did her best to bring out a genuine smile, which would have been easier to do a few hours ago.

  “So, do you have animals? I grew up on a farm,” said the woman.

  “I have one milk cow and her calf.” She should have made the most of this opportunity and elaborated on the history of the Marsh property, but she couldn’t shake herself free of Kevin’s presence somewhere in the market area, possibly watching her at that very moment. Instead of keeping eye contact with this prospective guest, she kept glancing to the left and right of the woman.

  “Oh, that sounds wonderful. I’ll look up your site later today. I’m certain we’ll be making reservations with you. I’ll give you my name so you’ll remember me when I call.”

  Liz wrote her name in her notebook and thanked her for stopping by.

  “I’m so glad we decided to come to this festival today.” She smiled at Liz and Polly. “I’m already looking forward to next year. Have a nice day, ladies.” She waved at them then blended into the growing crowd.

  Polly’s small spinning wheel was off to the side of her table where she spent most of the day spinning wool into yarn. This drew in a lot of passersby who couldn’t resist taking a closer look at the process. Liz had been watching her too. The movements were smooth, methodical, almost mesmerizing and everyone who stopped commented on it. By late afternoon, she’d sold most of her homemade bread and cinnamon rolls and Polly did even better.

  “I had hoped to sell all of these scarves,” she said as she tidied up the row of remaining ones. “But the cheese and jams have been the best sellers today.”

  Liz peeked into Polly’s coolers. “Looks like the butter is almost gone too.”

  “Nothing like taking home empty coolers,” she said as she resumed her seat at the spinning wheel.

  “Aren’t these amazing.” Claire stepped up to the table with the scarves on it. “Do you make these?” she asked Polly. “They’re lovely. And the color is so vibrant.”

  “I do,” Polly replied. “Thank you.”

  Liz studied Claire in her fashionable clothing carrying a well-known designer bag. “I’m glad you came. Are you enjoying the Market Day?” Liz asked. Her nerves had begun to settle down as the crowds of friendly people came through.

  “Yes. It’s such a beautiful day and the people are so friendly. And talented.” she held up a bright red scarf as proof. “I believe I’ll take this one.” She pulled out some cash from a designer wallet and handed it to Polly who made change for her. Then she carefully layered the scarf around her neck. “Well, I’m on my way. You ladies have a great day.” She smiled and waved as she walked away.

  “She doesn’t hold still for long does she.” Polly turned back to her yarn making.

  “Actually, I’ve hardly seen her at all. Goes out early and comes in late. Hardly eats a thing.”

  “Seems friendly enough,” Polly said. But Liz knew that was Polly-speak for, not really.

  “Some pretty fancy labels on those clothes, I’ll bet,” Polly added while the soft whirr of the wheel filled the tent.

  “I’ll agree with you about that.”

  Stepping out of the crowd was another familiar face wearing a uniform. Miles Taylor made his way slowly through the crowd toward her tent.

  “Afternoon, Polly. Hello, Liz. It’s been a long time.” He gave her the “on duty” professional smile and even though his eyes were a bit penetrating she felt herself relax at his sudden appearance.

  “Hello, Miles. Good to see you. I’m not sure why our paths haven’t passed before this,” she said.

  “Well, that’s not all bad I suppose.” He grinned at her.

  She had to smile at that. “You’re right.”

  “I just wanted to stop by and give you this.” He reached in his chest pocket and pulled out his card and handed it to her. “Your business is outside of my jurisdiction, but I want you to know you can call anytime since you’re only a few miles out. I’ve been meaning to tell you that for a while and thought I’d take the opportunity toda
y.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. Had he overheard or seen what had happened with Kevin earlier? “I— um… thanks, that’s very nice of you. I appreciate it.” Surely, he would have stepped in if he’d been close enough to see it all. Maybe she should talk to him about it. But, no, not here. Not now.

  “Well, I’d better keep moving along.” He tipped his hat very slightly to both of them and walked away.

  “What do you make of that?” Liz said to Polly.

  “Just someone being friendly. Get used to it, Liz. This is home.” Polly raised one eyebrow as if to say, see what I mean?

  “Yes. This is home,” Liz said as she looked around at the familiar surroundings and inhaled the scents of fall. The tension in her neck and shoulders eased a little more.

  As the afternoon sun slipped lower in the sky, there was a lull in the crowd and the growl in Liz’s stomach was beginning to get her attention as well as Polly’s. Now was as good a time as any, she decided. “I’m going to the café for some coffee and a sandwich. Is there anything I can bring you? Coffee? Snack?”

  “Coffee sounds great, with cream. It’s starting to get a little nippy now.”

  Inside the café was a short line so she placed her order and waited, not wanting to be seated. Within a few minutes, she was headed back to the tent, lengthening her stride and looking neither left nor right. Once she was in her seat, she let out a heartfelt sigh and sniffed the aromatic latte.

  “Looks like you need that pretty bad,” Polly said with a concerned frown.

  “I definitely do.” She bit into the sandwich and moaned. “Delicious,” she said around a mouthful of sweet and sour flavors. The chill in the air made her pull her sweater tighter.

  “What time will you be doing your milking tonight?” Polly asked.

  “I’ll leave around six and be back as soon as I can.”

  “Well, I’m sure the music won’t start until seven-thirty so the crowds will probably stop coming through around six-thirty, at least that’s how it usually goes. Brian said he’d look after my animals when he goes back to check on his dog. So, don’t rush on my account. I’m fine just sitting here and tending to the folks that are still coming through.”

  Liz nodded then sipped her coffee. She was beginning to feel better, not quite as uptight but still not ready to talk about the confrontation. By morning she’d be able to put it behind her and pray she’d never have to lay eyes on Kevin Jones again. A small shiver went up her spine.

  “Got a chill?” Polly asked.

  “Mmm,” Liz replied. “I think I should have brought one of my mom’s throws to wrap around my back.”

  “It’s likely there’ll be a frost before we know it.”

  “I think I’m ready for it.” The ski season was a long way off and the foliage season wasn’t going to support her till then, or so it appeared, which brought to mind that she hadn’t spoken with Jenny Drake at the newspaper yet about the job offer. This was probably the best time to do that. She wadded up her wrappers and stuffed them in a bag then took her half-empty cup with her. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  The shadows were beginning to loom around the edges of town but the streetlamps were already casting a moderate glow as she headed to the newspaper office. She tried the door but it was locked. Darn, she shouldn’t have waited so long. She retraced her steps to the café in hopes that Jenny might be inside, and luckily, she was seated at one of the front window tables, alone. Liz waved, getting her attention before going in.

  She sat in the empty chair across from Jenny and got right to the point. “I’ve decided to take you up on that job offer. If it’s still available.”

  Always a no-nonsense person, Jenny replied, “It is. And you’ve got the job. Can you start on Monday?”

  “Sure. You did say this is a work at home type job, right?”

  “Yep.” Jenny sipped her hot chocolate leaving a marshmallow mustache above her lip. She quickly wiped it with her napkin. “Messy but darn good.”

  “I know.” Liz was warming up to her already. She might be an okay boss after all.

  “I just need you to come in so I can show you what I’m expecting and how to do it. Nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure. And this is a warning, I’m picky.”

  Okay, so maybe she’d reserve her opinion about Jenny until she’d completed her first week, or better yet two weeks of working, she decided. And since picky wasn’t exactly a technical term, more of a personality trait, that shouldn’t be a problem at all.

  They discussed wages, not that they were a lot, but it would be steady income and that’s what she wanted. Plus, she’d have the opportunity to place ads for a discounted price as well as write articles dealing with the local area which was also a perk in her mind. Feeling a bit relieved, she said goodbye and left.

  At the tent, Polly was packing up her things. “There hasn’t been anyone through here in quite a while. I’m just going to load it all up and call it a day. A successful day at that.”

  “Good idea.” Liz figured it made more sense to haul it home and do the milking chores then scoot back for the music. Working together, she and Polly packed their things into each of their trucks while across the street she noticed that Brian’s tent space was now empty. He must have loaded up while she talked with Jenny.

  “Are you going home now?” she asked Polly.

  “No. I’ll just park my truck and do some visiting. Brian already went home so my chores will be done.”

  “Okay see you later then.” Liz pulled out onto the street, keeping a lookout for pedestrians although hardly anyone wandered around, even the booths were mostly taken down.

  During the drive through the winding roads, she decided to leave the tent in the back of the truck and all the paraphernalia that went with it. Only the cooler and her bags needed to go inside with her. Tomorrow she’d haul the rest into the garage attic because she knew she certainly wouldn’t do it when she returned from the music festival later.

  At the barn, she opened the gate from the pasture and didn’t even need to call Myrtie and Pearl. They were waiting for her.

  “Hello, girls. Am I a little bit late?” Myrtie shook her head and mooed low and long. A definite yes, Liz thought, smiling as she rubbed the cow’s head. “I’m sorry. Really I am.”

  Inside the barn, she turned on the lights then opened the gates for each cow to enter their own pen. They all knew the routine so in no time at all she had Myrtie milked then bedded them down for the night. While she was at it, she threw down a few extra bales from the mow so she wouldn’t have to do that in the morning. With a backward glance and a full pail in her hand, she said, “Goodnight, girls.” Then turned out the light.

  Leaving her mucking boots on the side porch, she went inside and finished her routine of straining, pasteurizing and cleaning up the buckets. She slipped out of the bib overalls that she’d put on just for milking and headed out to the truck but before she got two steps away from the porch, Brian’s truck pulled in.

  “Want a ride?” he called to her.

  She shrugged to herself and thought, why not. She climbed in beside him, smiled and thanked him.

  “I saw your truck so I thought you might want to leave it and just catch a ride with me.”

  “Yeah. I appreciate it. I’m not going to unload it tonight. It can wait till morning.”

  He backed out of the drive. “If you’d like some help, I’d be glad to do it.”

  “I appreciate your offer but I can manage. It really isn’t very much.”

  He turned and grinned at her. “You don’t say yes very often, do you?”

  “I said yes to your offer of a ride.” She tilted her head and grinned back at him.

  He laughed. “You did.”

  The ride to town seemed shorter than usual and she admitted she liked his company. There was still that nagging feeling that Kevin could be anywhere and now that it was nearly dark, she wasn’t crazy about being alone.

  At the park,
they sat on an available bench while nearly everyone else had brought their own chairs. Polly was sitting with a group of friends not far away and she waved at them as they took their seats. The band was already playing, and the crowd eagerly joined in by clapping and singing along to the well-known country music songs. When the music stopped, Claire appeared out of nowhere and slipped into the seat beside Liz.

  “Okay if I sit here?” she asked.

  “Of course.” Liz edged over to allow more space at the end of the bench and said. “I hope you’re enjoying the festival.”

  Claire smiled broadly. “Oh, yes. Best day I’ve had in a very long time.”