“Good morning!” she called when she saw Liz walk through the barn door.
“Morning to you, too,” Liz replied. “Am I late?”
“Nope. Not at all. I just thought I’d get a jump start since it’s such a beautiful day. And everyone here has been in the best mood, so I thought why not.”
Myrtie mooed softly through her mouthful of grain.
“I’d say she agrees,” Liz said.
“Oh, she agrees to everything. She’s such a happy cow.” Polly laughed. “She just makes my day.”
“I know what you mean.”
“I’m sure you miss her.” She finished a last few squirts into the pail then patted the cow’s flank and rose from her seat. “But this is going to be all over soon. You’ll see. And she’ll be back in your barn and life will return to normal. Mark my words.”
Liz reached for the pail and set it near the gate. “I sure hope you’re right.” Then she searched for the pitchfork and wheelbarrow and got to work on the manure droppings.
“Maybe today will bring some good news. We’ll hope for that.” Polly picked up the pail and headed for the house then called back to Liz, “Come inside when you’re done and we’ll have some coffee.”
“Sounds great,” Liz said. “I’ll only be a few minutes.”
Inside the house, she was greeted with the kind of warmth that could only come from a wood stove. The smell of coffee perking on the cookstove filled the room and the fragrance of cinnamon escaped from the warming oven.
“Sit down right there and we’ll just have a nice little chat.” Polly cut a piece from the pan of rolls and put it on a small dish before her, then one for herself too. When the coffee stopped perking, she poured two cups and brought them to the table.
“This is wonderful. Thank you.” And she meant it. Not only did she feel surrounded by warmth from the stove but also by the warmth of friendship.
Polly patted her hand. “Oh, now don’t thank me. This is what friends are for, you know.”
They sipped their hot coffee and enjoyed the spicey sweetness of the rolls in comfortable silence. Liz wanted to tell her about everything that she’d been searching for and to share her hopes of getting new information from Shelly and Jenny’s assistant, but she couldn’t bring herself to say a word. At that moment, her main worry was having her parents get wind of what she was doing. She decided not to risk it so she just listened while Polly relayed the entertaining events that went on in her barnyard. Within a few minutes, she was laughing along with her friend over the silly animal antics of the geese chasing after Max and the young piglet who was on the loose.
“It’s funny now,” Polly said shaking her head. “But I wasn’t laughing at the time.”
“Well, I’d better get the cows home,” Liz said rising from her seat. “I have to cook breakfast for my guest and I’m sure she’ll be wondering where I am.” They walked out to the barn together.
“I’ll see you this evening,” Polly said as they walked Myrtie and Pearl down the drive to the road.
Myrtie mooed a sad goodbye and Liz tugged on the rope. “Time to go home to your pasture, old girl.”
During the walk, Liz mentally skipped through her list of things on her agenda for the day. Most of it was the usual housekeeping duties but she would also spend more time doing searches online about Kevin’s past. She hoped to hear from Shelly soon, but she didn’t want to pester her at work. She sighed. Having to wait was killing her.
After putting the cows to pasture and securing the gate, just to be certain Myrtie couldn’t test it and get free, she hurried to the house where she shed her boots and jacket. On the table she found a note from Claire saying she was skipping breakfast so she could spend her last full day enjoying the countryside. Liz sank into a chair at the table, feeling a bit sidetracked. Claire was the most unusual guest, at least in her opinion skipping meals wasn’t a typical thing with B&B guests.
Just as she was pulling the vacuum cleaner from the front hall closet, her phone rang. It was Miles. She quickly answered the call and dropped onto the sofa with her feet tucked under her while her heartbeat kicked up a notch in anticipation of some kind of news. Hopefully good.
“I’m doing all right,” she replied to his question about how she was doing. She held her breath momentarily, waiting for him to go on.
“I thought I’d let you know that I just heard from Detective Morris and he says the tape has to stay up a few more days. And he said he’ll be calling you soon.”
“Did he say why?”
“No. He didn’t give a hint but I thought you’d like a heads-up.”
“I do. Thanks.”
“Also, I thought you’d like to know that the car they found down by the covered bridge past Polly Barnes’ place had belonged to the man who was killed. Well, it wasn’t his car. It was a rental.”
Liz’ feet hit the floor as she sat bolt upright. “I didn’t know anything about a car at the bridge. Nobody told me that. Why was it there?”
“I’m sorry, Liz, I thought the detective probably told you they found an abandoned car. After checking with the rental company… there were papers in the dash compartment… they discovered he, Kevin Jones, had rented the car in Burlington two days before his death. And it looks as if he must have walked to your place but that’s as much as I’ve been told. Piecing this whole thing together is going to take time until we can discover who else might have been involved, if anyone.”
She’d known the detective would learn that the murdered man was Kevin, but she’d hoped to avoid discussing it until a much later time. Now she had to deal with the fact that they were already connecting her past to his. She shut her eyes and tried to breathe evenly.
“So, do you know if they’ve found the murder weapon yet?” she asked, barely able to voice the question.
“He didn’t mention it and when I asked him, he ignored my question.”
“Then I suppose we could take that as a no. Especially since the tape is not coming down.”
“That’s probably a safe bet,” he said.
She felt relieved that the knife hadn’t been discovered because her gut told her that the knife was a crucial piece of evidence against her. Especially since her fingerprints were on it. Now her rising panic stemmed from needing to pursue her digging on her own for evidence with a vengeance. In other words, the same pressure she’d been dealing with had just gone up several notches.
“I wish I had better news but at least they’re gaining some clarity as far as the ‘how’ goes, if not the ‘why’ and we'll take what we can get. As more information comes to light…” He let the rest of the sentence drop off and she knew there wasn’t any point in going further. It would only be speculation anyway.
“One more thing then I have to go,” he said, pausing for a minute. “Not to beleaguer a point, but you said your guest would be leaving tomorrow morning and I just want to remind you not to go out alone and be sure to keep your doors locked. And call me, no matter what, if something unusual happens or if you feel uncomfortable about a strange car in the area. Or anything at all. Keep your eyes open.”
A shiver went down her back. He was giving her a heads-up which to her meant that he had a gut feeling about something. She wished she had gut feelings to clue her in because if she had, she never would have gone out to the barn that morning, at least not alone.
“I’m staying alert and I do lock my doors even with my guest here.” She stood up and walked toward the kitchen, trying to hold back but unable to do so. “Miles, what aren't you telling me?”
“I just want you to be cautious until we catch this guy. And we will catch him.” She could hear frustration in his voice that hadn't been there when she was in his office.
“Don’t scare me, just give me some facts.” She stared out the window at the barn where more vehicles had just pulled in.
“I will when they tell me. Until then…,” he replied.
Her shoulders slumped. “Right. I’ll be cau
tious.”
“Good.”
“Thanks, Miles, I appreciate your call.”
After they said goodbye, she reached for her heavy mug. This wasn’t the time for tea. She needed coffee and selected her favorite blend then slipped the pod into the coffeemaker. While it brewed she took a pint of fresh cream from the refrigerator. A soft meow near her feet alerted her to Bess who wound around her ankles, apparently hoping some of the cream would come her way. Liz set the jar on the counter and picked up the cat who immediately began purring. She nuzzled against the soft black fur and Bess nuzzled happily back.
When the coffeemaker signaled it was done, she set the cat on the floor and poured a small amount of cream into her dish as Bess circled it in anticipation.
“There you go,” Liz said to her. “We could both use a bit of a treat. Right?”
Bess looked up at her and gave one of her chirpy sounds then went back to her dish. Liz smiled, thinking how nice it was that Bess could bring a sense of calm just by being there. She added an extra dollop of cream to her coffee then went to her room for a long stretch of researching on the computer, and she left the door open a crack in case Bess wanted to hang out with her.
* * *
That evening when Brian arrived, there wasn’t much opportunity for talking when they delivered Myrtie and Pearl since both cows were particularly difficult to rein in.
“I am seriously going to be in trouble when they have to stay home again,” Liz said, tugging back on the lead rope. “Whoa, Myrtie. Slow down, girl. You’re hurting my feelings, you know.”
Brian let out a chuckle. “Your feelings?”
She hadn’t known him to smile often in the few months since she’d met him, let alone laugh. It changed his features, nicely, and she grinned back at him. “Yes. My feelings. I’m her family now and I don’t like being shunned.”
He chuckled again. “Don’t take it so personal. I’m sure she’ll be just as eager to stay at home when this is over.”
“I can only hope.” She struggled to gain the upper hand in the tug of war. “How much do think a cow weighs?”
“I have no idea, but my bets are on her.”
“I’m tempted to say that mine are too. But I’m not giving up. Myrtie, slow down a bit. Please!”
“Giving up never wins,” he replied. “But how about a little help?” He reached over in an offer to take the lead rope.
“Okay. You take it and I’ll talk to her, face to face.” Liz moved up to stand closer to the cow’s head and spoke in a soothing voice. “Myrtie, we can’t keep doing this fast trot. It’s not good for you and besides that you won’t have a drop of milk left for Polly. Understand?”
Liz wasn’t sure if it was her voice or the firm pressure that Brian put on the rope but, whatever it was, Myrtie slowed down.
“Good girl,” she said as she patted the cow’s neck.
“How are your feelings now?” Brian asked with a wide grin.
“Better,” she replied and had to laugh with him.
After the milking and bedding down were finished they went back up the road toward her place. Without having to struggle with a cow, they walked in silence. A light wind fluttered the leaves overhead and brought a hint of frost in the air. Both of them zipped their jackets and raised their collars. Liz wasn’t in the mood to discuss the weather, preferring instead to ask certain questions that had been on her mind all afternoon.
“Miles called me today,” she began.
“Anything new?”
“Actually, yes. At least it was new to me. He told me about the abandoned car down at the covered bridge. Did you know about it?” she asked, trying to keep her voice from sounding like it was an accusation.
“I saw it being hauled away, but I didn’t know if it had anything to do with the murder. Did it?”
“Miles said it belonged to the murdered man. Kevin Jones.”
Liz felt rather than saw when Brian stopped walking alongside her. The darkness came earlier each night it seemed, although it was partly due to the cloudiness of the sky. There was practically no visibility of the moon or stars. She looked toward him and wondered if the mention of Kevin’s name had surprised him.
“Did you know him?” she asked.
“I’ve heard of him. None of it good.” They resumed walking again. “He was involved in that embezzlement scheme in New York I believe. One of several.”
Liz had more questions to ask but she felt sidetracked again, just as she had when she’d learned that he was a cop with a k9. She kept having to make mental adjustments each time she discovered something new about Brian. Now she wondered if his knowledge of Kevin affected his view of her. Undoubtedly, he knew her role in the unveiling of that same scheme. She felt sure that Brian hadn’t considered her a suspect in this murder, but he was very quiet.
As they approached her drive, he walked beside her right up to the kitchen door instead of stopping in the middle of the driveway like he’d been doing. He stood with her on the porch looking at the darkened kitchen on the other side of the window.
“I’m going in with you until the lights are all turned on,” he said firmly.
“You don’t…”
“I want to.” Then he turned the knob and pushed it open, stepping inside ahead of her.
She followed him then flipped on the light switch beside the door. After that she moved to the living room and turned on another light. He made a quick walk-around then stopped in front of her.
“You need to keep your doors locked when you’re gone.”
“If I do that my guest won’t be able to get in.” When he started to object, she put up her hand to stop him and said, “But she’s leaving in the morning so I will from now on.” She cocked her head to one side to show she meant it. “Honest, I will.”
He nodded then added, “You might want to consider a lock box with a passcode for your future guests.”
“I know. I’ve been thinking about that too. After a couple of nights of keeping tabs on when she comes and goes, a lock box would certainly allow me to have a full night’s sleep. But then… this all happened.” She shrugged her shoulders in total exasperation. “Nevertheless, it has moved to the top of my list as we speak.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Now I’ll sleep better,” he replied, and with that he made his way toward the kitchen door.
“Why don’t you stay for a bite to eat. I’ve got homemade potato soup and blueberry muffins in the fridge. Won’t take a minute to heat them. And fresh coffee to go with it.” He leaned against the door, looking undecided. “It’s the least I can do in exchange for your help tonight,” she said.
“Who could resist an offer like that,” he said with a smile.
“Great.” She turned back to the kitchen and got busy with the coffee then set out the cups. In no time, the soup and muffins were ready, and on the table, while the coffee brewed. She took the seat across from him then sipped her coffee.
“Do you mind if ask you a few questions?” she asked, trying to give him an encouraging look.
“So, what’s your first question?” He slouched back in his chair comfortably.
“Nothing personal, I promise. From what Miles told me today, it’s unlikely that they’ve found the murder weapon. Do you think that’s a huge problem to them? I mean is that usually a clincher to an investigation?”
“I don’t have an answer to that. Anything can happen.”
“I was hoping you could give me a professional opinion.”
“I’m not on the case,” he said, his face giving nothing away.
“But if you were?”
“Finding the murder weapon would be key evidence for sure but there are plenty of other types of evidence nearly as good.”
“Do you think the fact that I knew him in New York when we were on opposite sides of the embezzlement trial could be considered evidence? Or what about the fact that he threatened me at the Market Day in public and was photographed by Jenny in the process. That would
undoubtedly draw suspicion, but do you think it could be used as evidence or a motive to kill?”
“He threatened you?” He set his fork down and studied her.
“And then of course he was found dead in my barn by me.” She gripped her hands together, knowing she’d better stop or she’d end up confessing that she’d found the knife in the feed barrel.
“He threatened you?” he repeated his question while his frown deepened.
“I think I’m starting to unravel,” she said as she let out a deep sigh. “But I refuse to do that.”
“Why would he threaten you if he got off free in that trial? And then he ends up dead.”
“Exactly!” Finally, someone understood. “It doesn’t look good for me does it.”
“I can’t believe the detective would come to that conclusion. Not enough evidence points that direction. The logic just isn’t there. Something’s missing.”
“Don’t give me false hope,” she said. “I agree that something is missing.”
“I’m guessing you didn’t tell the detective about the threats.”
“I couldn’t.” She pushed aside her untouched plate. Her defenses were up even though she no longer distrusted Brian.
“He can’t get to the bottom of it without all of the facts. Something is missing and he might already have part of it. You never know what it might uncover or even lead them to discover.”
She wondered if that might be true, but trusting the detective was another story.
At that moment the front door opened, and she heard Claire call out that she was back. Then she came through the kitchen doorway and stopped suddenly when she saw Brian sitting at the table.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt anything. I just thought I’d take a cup of coffee up to my room, if that’s okay.”
Liz forced a smile. “I’ll get that for you,” she said as she rose from her seat. “And would you like a blueberry muffin to go with it?” She brewed another cup of coffee and took a plate from the cupboard.
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