“Well, dear, we’ve had a bit of a problem and we’re stuck here at the repair shop for a while.”
“What happened? It’s a small problem, right?” Liz frowned. Her mom always made light of most situations in order to tamp down any signs of worry.
“I’m not sure. Yet. We had a tire blow out and that’s not always a simple thing on these large RVs. They towed us here and now they’re checking to see if there’s any damage underneath. But we’re fine. Your dad wanted me to let you know we’re going to be delayed. We just don’t know how long we’ll be delayed. Now, tell me how you’re doing? Did they catch the… killer yet?”
Liz poked absently at her salad with her fork, her appetite waning a bit.
“I’m doing okay. I see Polly every day, actually twice a day. And my guest went home this morning.”
“Oh, dear. So, you’re all alone? I wish you had someone there with you. Maybe you need a dog. Have you considered getting one?”
Liz heard the panicky note in her mom’s voice and tried to soothe her. “It’s okay, Mom, I’m fine. Honest. I keep the doors locked so don’t worry.” Well, she did at night, anyway.
“And what about a dog?”
“I’m considering it. Although, I’m not sure Bess would approve and I don’t want to upset her, you know.” And that was the truth. She was considering it.
“I’m sure Bess would adjust so give it some serious thought. Maybe a large dog like Ben. What do you think?”
Liz almost rolled her eyes, except this was her mom talking and she was sincerely concerned. But she’d heard Ben’s name enough times already.
“Really, Mom, I am giving it some serious thought. So, tell me how you and Dad are doing?”
“Once we get this tire situation taken care of, we’ll be on our way. I’m not sure when you should expect us to arrive. Honestly, it’s hard to say till they check everything out. I don’t even want to guess. And if they have to order parts, well, it’s hard to say.”
“I hope it’s a simple fix and you’ll be on the road soon. In the meantime, don’t worry about when you arrive because any time is good with me.” She had to cross her fingers behind her back. She still wished they weren’t coming and possibly getting tangled up in the investigation. Liz believed she was starting to make some progress and their presence couldn't help but slow her down.
“I hope so too.”
After they said their goodbyes, Liz finished eating the rest of her lunch, feeling relieved they wouldn’t be here too soon. She gave a quick glance out the window toward the barn to see how many cars there were and saw only one. Unsure what to make of that, she turned away. The laundry was only half done and she get back to the computer. Now that her eyes were no longer glazing over, she opened the file and picked up where she’d left off. Most of the remaining articles detailed the same facts but with one last hard punch. Kevin’s manager had gone to jail while Kevin walked away without a scratch, unless the digs and darts thrown by Jenny had hit a vulnerable spot.
She didn’t remember any newspaper articles concerning the New York embezzlement trial that had drawn the attention of a particular journalist the way these did. But, truthfully, she’d barely read any of the news that covered Mr. Charles’ arrest and conviction. There was no need since she was in the courtroom every single day but the similarities between the two trials did surprise her. Especially the fact that Kevin had gotten away untouched when she felt certain he wasn’t innocent in either case. In spite of all that, she hadn’t read anything that would indicate they were linked. Nevertheless, it was good to get a grasp on the real Kevin Jones. As she stacked the pages of notes neatly and paper clipped them together, she decided to let the information settle in her mind before tackling the summary. With so many questions rattling around in her head, she knew she only had a glimpse of what it could mean.
The day had slipped by fast, leaving only a couple of hours before it was time to take the cows back to Polly’s. Needing a break, she left her computer to finish folding towels and sheets then put them away upstairs in the Blue Room. After the door was closed behind her, she smiled, refusing to believe her B&B days were over. Everything was ready and waiting for the next guests who would be arriving in just two weeks. She caught her breath, thinking this all had to be over by then. It had to be.
Back in the kitchen, she decided now was the time to make that hot chocolate drink and sit outside on the stoned patio and enjoy the view of the wooded area behind the house. The air was so cool that she slipped on a sweater from the hall closet before taking her mug outside. The fire pit sat at the farthest edge, away from the house and she longed for an evening of sitting before a fire with her parents. Maybe it would work out that they would be here soon. She did miss them now that she let herself unwind a bit and relax. The cup warmed her hands and she wrapped the sweater closer as she snuggled deeper into the cushion of the lawn chair. Then her phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket and saw it was Detective Morris. With clenched her teeth, she let it ring once more while she got a grip on herself before answering it.
“Hello?” She set her cup down on the cast iron table beside her chair.
“Ms. Marsh, this is Detective Morris. I wanted to let you know the tape is going to have to stay up for a few more days. Please, do not go inside the barn for any reason. We still haven’t found the weapon and there is to be no disturbance of anything, and I mean anything, inside the barn.”
She held her breath, fearful that they might have discovered that she’d already gone against his first warning when she’d filled the buckets with grain. Surely, Brian hadn’t told him. A stab of panic hit her. He wouldn’t do that, she told herself. She was certain he wouldn’t.
“Of course. I understand,” she replied as she tried to keep the worry out of her voice and sound normal. But what was normal anymore?
“Good,” he replied, his tone brusque. “And one more thing. Don’t leave the area for any reason. If you need to go into town okay, but that’s it. We’ve had a couple of anonymous tips and I have to ask you a few more questions so I’ll be stopping by tomorrow afternoon. You'll be there, right?”
Her heart nearly stopped. Clearing her throat, she said, “Yes, I will but I do have to go into town over the noon hour. Could you give me an idea of what time you’ll be here?” She hated to irritate him, but she had to keep her lunch date with Robert Hart.
“How about two o’clock?” His voice more than hinted that it was her only choice.
“Yes. I’ll be here at two.”
“Good. And remember, stay out of the barn.”
“I will.” Then he said goodbye and ended the call.
What kind of questions did he need to ask her? She wondered whether Jenny might have told him about the photo of the meeting with Kevin on Market Day or perhaps Miles had passed along the information she’d given him. But then, the tips wouldn’t be anonymous if it was Miles, so she scratched him off that list. She sat for a long time stewing over the possibilities of what might be coming her way and once again regretting her actions of disobeying the law. As far as the guilt she felt, well she couldn’t even go there. She’d known better than to go inside the barn. Her gut feeling had warned her against doing it, but she ignored it. The chill deepened and settled around her just as she realized the sun was hovering on the horizon. Brian would be there before too long to walk the cows down the road. Rising from her seat, she picked up her cold cup and headed for the warmth of the house.
No sooner had she walked into the kitchen and put her cup on the counter than she heard Brian knocking on the kitchen door.
“Come in,” she called and waved him inside as she hurried to get her jacket from the pantry. “I’ll be ready in a minute.” She grabbed the lead rope and pulled on her jacket. “Okay, I’m ready.”
“There’s a feeling of frost in the air,” he said, obviously just making conversation as he followed her to the pasture gate where the cows were waiting.
She soothed Myrti
e with her voice then slipped the lead in place and they were on the road in no time at all.
“It’s getting dark so early,” she said, also just making conversation. Although, it wasn’t dark yet and there was still plenty enough daylight left to complete the trip to Polly’s.
“That time of year,” he replied. “At least it isn’t snowing.” He grinned at her.
“If this keeps dragging on, well, who knows it might be snowing one of these days. It already seems like a long time and it’s only the fourth night of walking.”
“I’ve enjoyed your company, and the cows too,” he said with sincerity.
“How long do you think this could go on?” she asked. “Have you heard anything?”
He shook his head, then offered to take the rope from her and she let him. “I haven’t talked to anyone, so I don’t have a clue how the case is progressing. What about you?”
She shrugged. “I did get a call from Detective Morris this afternoon,” she began. “He gave me a couple of warnings and said he needs to talk to me.”
“What kind of warnings?”
“Stay out of the barn for one.”
“I never said a word to him, Liz,” he said in defense and gave her quick look as they continued walking.
“I believe you.” She considered leaving it go at that, but it was too late. She had to talk to someone or go crazy with all the turmoil going on in her head. “He said he’d gotten some anonymous tips. And he hasn’t found the murder weapon yet and I’m guessing that means the cows can’t come home to stay until they find it. I think that’s just ridiculous.”
“There’s no guarantee they’ll ever find it. Sometimes that’s the way it goes.” After a few minutes of silence, he went on. “They won’t force you to stay out of the barn forever. They’ll have to come to grips with the idea of not locating the weapon. It happens.”
“I hope it’s soon.”
“When are Sarah and Daniel supposed to arrive?” he asked.
“They aren’t sure. Mom called today and said they have some repairs to deal with, so they’ll be here later than they intended.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. And your guest left this morning? I noticed the sportscar wasn’t here today.”
“Yep, she left early. She was pleasant but seemed to be in a hurry. Can’t blame her for that but, truthfully, it’s good to have some alone-time right now.”
Polly’s place came into view and Myrtie’s step quickened. The barn lights were on and the stall gate was open and ready.
“A bit nippy tonight,” Polly called in the way of a greeting.
Each of them set to work with their new routine of feeding, milking and mucking until the chores were done. Then after a short visit, Liz and Brian walked back toward her house. When they were halfway there, it crossed Liz’s mind that she hadn’t locked a single door. Now that she was truly alone she had to be more careful about carrying her key with her, at least until her parents arrived.
“Would you like to come in?” she asked as they stood on her porch. “I can make some hot chocolate for us. I wouldn’t mind some company because it’s no fun drinking alone, you know.”
He laughed. “Just for the record, I don’t drink. But I’ll make an exception for hot chocolate.”
She smiled, “Great. My recipe can’t be beat. I guarantee you’ll love it.”
He followed her inside and said, “I’ll just take a look around and lock your doors for you.”
Liz nodded then collected the ingredients and placed them on the counter. She focused on measuring the cocoa, sugar and Myrtie’s milk mixed with a bit of her heavy cream into the pan, whisking as it slowly heated. A touch of cinnamon along with a slight amount of vanilla simply heightened the flavor, to her way of thinking. She poured the rich, steamy drink into two mugs.
When Brian didn’t return, she checked the living room to see if he was there, but he wasn’t. He had turned the lights on in each room, except for her bedroom which she’d been in the habit of keeping locked for the past week. She called up the stairs to see where he’d gone when he suddenly appeared at the top.
“Sorry I took so long,” he said. “I checked through all the closets and under the beds too.” He came down the steps quickly. “Not taking anything for granted.” Then he smiled at her. “How’s the hot chocolate coming?”
Feeling relief as well as thankful for his thoroughness, she replied, “Almost ready. Just need to add the whipped cream.” She turned and he followed her to the kitchen.
She added sprinkles of cocoa on the whipped topping then set both mugs on the table with a bit of fanfare. “Take your pick, sir.”
“I think I’m going to need a spoon,” he said, eying it with a cautious grin.
“Oh, you’re right. How could I forget? And a napkin too.”
She sat across from him and they sipped their hot drinks while she gave him an expectant look. “Well? What do you think?”
He wiped the cream from his upper lip and replied, “Delicious.” It was the first time she’d seen a sort of twinkle in his eyes.
“Thank you. And that’s not only for your compliment but also for checking the rooms and closets, and locking the doors. I’m not used to keeping them locked during daylight hours which of course is not a good excuse.”
He nodded but said nothing.
Before the moment turned uncomfortable, she began gathering items from the refrigerator for making cold sandwiches then she sliced a loaf of her homemade bread. She figured it was the right thing to do since he’d been so helpful to her, and there was that other thing too. She enjoyed his company.
“I’m just going to put together a couple of sandwiches for us. Do you like sliced ham or chicken?” she asked while separating layers of lettuce. “It won’t take any time at all and I’m not letting you leave here without something to eat.” Truth was, she did feel a bit obligated to feed him, but it felt good to laugh and have a conversation that wasn’t centered around the murder.
At first, he looked like he would object, but then he smiled. “Ham sounds great.”
“Mustard or mayo?” she asked, poised with a jar in each hand.
“Mustard.”
“And peppers, onions, and lettuce?” she asked, holding up the veggies.
“Sure.”
“You’re so easy to please,” she said.
“No matter what you make, I know I’ll like it. But you don’t have to.”
“I insist.” She layered the sandwich, slicing it in half before putting it on a dish and sliding it in front of him. Then she made one for herself.
Brian stayed for an hour or more while they talked about farm life and maple sugaring, as well as the menagerie of critters at Polly’s place. She felt a sense of peace that she hadn’t had for a long time. They laughed over the everyday things in life as though there was nothing else on their minds.
But there was.
Chapter Eleven
The following day began with an uneventful walk to bring the cows back and the rest of the morning was dedicated to summarizing the notes she made concerning the articles. She felt she had a good picture of just how corrupt Kevin had been which made her wonder if his shadiness was part of the reason he’d been hired in the first place by Mr. Charles, her former boss.
Before heading to town to have lunch with Robert Hart, she made a conscious effort to lock the door behind her and tuck the key in her pocket. When she arrived at the café, she found Jenny’s former assistant already seated at an outside table where opened umbrellas could shield them from the sun. She was grateful that he’d chosen the unopened one. The air had a brisk feel and the sun was a welcome addition. At least on a day like this, they were unlikely to have anyone seated nearby to overhear their conversation.
He rose when she walked toward him and offered to shake her hand, which she accepted.
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me,” she said, feeling anxious to get started and encouraged by his willingness to h
elp her.
“No problem at all. It’s a great day to be outside and lately, I’ve needed more sunlight.” He laughed. “I keep myself cooped up too much.”
“Working?” she asked as she took the seat opposite his.
“Searching for work mostly. And I do as much freelancing as I can get.”
The waitress showed up immediately and took their orders before disappearing again.
“I thought you probably already had a job lined up.” She was surprised that he’d leave his old one when he hadn’t yet secured a new one.
“Nope, it didn’t work out that way.” He shrugged his shoulders as if to say, oh well.
“I think Jenny is struggling to keep up with everything since you left.” She wondered if he realized the situation as it now stood at the newspaper.
“She should have thought of that before she fired me.” He gave a short sarcastic laugh.
“She fired you?” Liz didn’t even try to hide her shock. She had the impression he’d left on his own.
“Yep. Don’t have a clue why.”
“But she seems so overwhelmed with work.”
“And a bit temperamental, for one thing.” He shrugged again. “Not as if I didn’t know that when I hired in.”
“Do you mind if I ask how you happened to come to Maple Ridge? We’re not exactly in a big hiring location.”
“Well, Jenny and I worked for the same newspaper in Boston a few years back. She was always like a dog with a bone, in other words, don’t even think of getting in her way when she was on a story. So, when she asked me if I’d like to work for her at a small town newspaper she’d just acquired, I thought why not. I might learn a lot about a different group of people who were basically different from myself, so I said sure. To back up a bit, my background is journalism, but I also studied psychology when I was in college and it’s my belief that studying body language can reveal a lot about what drives people to be who they are. It’s the one aspect of getting to the bottom of a story that intrigues me. You can learn a lot about people just by watching them and seeing their habits in action, if you know what I mean. Which is the main reason I bought the drone. People are more likely to be themselves if they think no one is watching. Of course, most habits show up anyway. For example, Jenny Drake.” He gave her a quirky sarcastic grin, and she easily read that bit of body language.
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