“Back up, Marion. What’s happening next? Margaret wants to have a big, proper send-off for her dearly departed husband, sans tears, while she steps right into his office?”
She shrugged and then wriggled to get more comfortable in the chair. “I think she’s made of ice. Lives on her own planet, at any rate. Rupert’s spouting off about looking through city ordinances which, believe you me, go back about a hundred years. No one’s touched ’em. And Margaret’s saying something about an emergency election. She also ordered the zoning commissioner to push through a change from ag to commercial. Half the piece she’s selling sits in the rural township, so she’s threatening to sue if MerriFood backs out of the deal to build. Apparently, Fred Alnord, Tiny’s uncle who farms out that way, you know, saw bulldozers lined up. Got any cookies?”
I put the tips of my fingers against my throbbing temples. “Aren’t your kids home?”
“Bob’s taking care of them this afternoon. It’s his half day off from the shop. The boys are helping with junior football league. Claire’s on the summer rec dance team. Practice goes on for a while. Are you OK? I was gonna ask if you want to go to Lo Mah’s. We can order in, too. Say, didn’t those college kids go home? Those crime kids? They sure were nice. That Elvis of yours—a real cutie. He spent a lot of time hanging around, asking questions. Real smart one, he is. Wanted to know all sorts of stuff about how the mayor’s office runs, who does what job, how the council works, how the government connects with the police department. I learned all kinds of stuff. So, what was Dr. Bailey doing here?”
I hoped my head wouldn’t spin off with the effort of trying to keep up with Marion. “She offered to check out Memnet for me since she had an emergency when Sonja planned to take him.”
“We don’t have any time for pets at our house, so I’ve never spent much time with her. She comes to church, but always leaves right away. Never been involved with the Altar Guild or Women’s Servant Team, or anything. Did something with confirmation class, I think, when her daughter was in it. She’s always running somewhere, like today. She must be really busy. What’s she like?”
“You’re right. Busy.” I glanced up at Marion. “Let’s go get some food.”
I was still having trouble getting over Margaret’s sudden appearance, apparently unconcerned about her husband’s murder. How could the woman be so cold?
“So, what can you tell me about the tunnels under Apple Grove?” I asked as we headed into the summer twilight.
“Oh? Those things? They were all filled in years ago according to the old timers.”
15
APPLE GROVE GAZETTE
Apple Grove, Illinois
Tuesday
Margaret Bader-Conklin Returns, Announces News
by Yolanda Toynsbee, Editor
Last Friday, the good citizens of Apple Grove had a surprise when a formerly missing person showed up alive and well at City Hall after an absence of 19 days. When asked where she had been, Mrs. Bader-Conklin replied, “I was in mourning. On a cruise, if that’s any of your business. To Cyprus and Italy. It was lovely this time of year.”
This reporter questioned Mrs. Bader-Conklin on why her personal assistant, Mrs. Letty Grimm, who is also related to her by marriage, did not know her itinerary. Neither did Mrs. Bader-Conklin’s parents, according to Mrs. Grimm, who then felt it necessary to file a missing person report with the local police.
“It was all a misunderstanding,” Mrs. Bader-Conklin said. “My assistant was confused. I assure you it will not happen again. I apologize to all the good little people out there in Apple Grove for your confusion. I beg you to forgive my assistant for your fears on our behalf. I am fine. I was shocked about my husband, let me tell you. I just couldn’t face the world, and had to take treatment.
“Let me assure you that I will host a wake in the mayor’s honor at my earliest convenience. I couldn’t face it before. That is why I needed to go on a cruise,” she said. “I needed to make some decisions. Being near water helps.”
When asked how she felt about replacing her husband, Donald Conklin, Apple Grove’s own mayor, Mrs. Bader-Conklin declared that she was ready to serve.
“The mayor trusted me. I miss him dreadfully.”
This reporter asked what caused her to leave home so abruptly and what prompted her return.
“Most people are not aware of this, but the mayor was unstable for quite some time. I’ve tried to keep this quiet, but I can no longer do so. The fact is, the mayor hoarded a large sum of money under suspicious circumstances. He made overtures to business people under false pretenses. I’m just glad he was stopped. Not that I’m glad he was stopped so ignominiously, of course.
“But I hurried back as soon as I could to make sure the people of this city know I’m going to do all I can to make things right.”
What will Mrs. Bader-Conklin do to stop her husband’s plans? This reporter asked.
“I have my own plans,” Mrs. Bader-Conklin replied.
When asked what kind of plans, Mrs. Bader-Conklin responded, “No comment.”
When asked if she would seek training or other legal counsel to help her in the role of mayor, Mrs. Bader Conklin replied, “I plan to serve all the good people of Apple Grove as long as I can.
“The former mayor wanted to update the poorly maintained utilities. I will make sure we get the newest, most modern water works money can buy.
“The former mayor wanted to provide business opportunities. I will bring better ones.
“Everyone will work. In fact, let me tell all the people the marvelous good news now about the wonderful good fortune for all of you out there. MerriFood Corporation, an international conglomerate of food products of all kinds, has agreed to open a branch of their pet food packaging and distribution division in Apple Grove.”
MerriFood is a sixty-seven-year-old company, founded by four partners, including the grandparents of Margaret Bader-Conklin. The Bader family owns substantial stock and Mrs. Bader-Conklin once held the position of research assistant at MerriFood until her marriage and subsequent settlement in Apple Grove.
Vice President of Marketing for MerriFood, Van Gerke, had this to say: “MerriFood is pleased to bring our Better Pet brand packaging division to America’s heartland. Our base in Apple Grove is a good business move for MerriFood, a move that will benefit both the company and the local populace.
“The environmental impact studies will be completed soon and, I’m told, already looks favorable. The new rail line extension plans, and storage facility blueprints are already finished.
“We will begin hiring approximately one hundred employees beginning early next year. Details and contact information will be forthcoming.”
Mrs. Bader-Conklin plans to implement an ordinance from the annals of Apple Grove which state that a deputized member of the current mayor’s family may step in as acting mayor in an emergency situation.
The question remains. Has Mrs. Bader-Conklin ever been deputized? She claims the distinction and the proof. Apparently eleven years ago when the mayor underwent a tonsillectomy, he deputized Mrs. Bader-Conklin to meet visiting dignitaries from our sister city in Mexico, Cabo San Isidro Bueno, for the afternoon.
City Council President, Rupert Murphy, is filing a protest on behalf of Apple Grove with the National Association of Mayors, or NAM.
“NAM will declare that woman’s claims invalid,” stated Mr. Murphy in an exclusive interview over the weekend.
“You mark my words. Apple Grove will have an election to fill the mayor’s term. I will be the winner, fair and square. I don’t need to resort to mothballed tactics to win. The good people of this city expect me to serve them with dignity and honor. I will not disappear for weeks on end, or spend our money ill-advisedly.”
Chief Gene Hackman for the Apple Grove Police Department stated that the force was doing “everything in our power to apprehend the criminals who were responsible for the death of our mayor.”
When asked about the
measures being undertaken to locate the perpetrators, the chief had this to say: “All I can tell you is that we’re doing our best. We are following numerous leads, continuing from the mayor’s last known location. I can’t go into any more detail than that.”
It is the sincerest best wishes of the staff of the Apple Grove Gazette that the case will be solved.
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Notice: Stray Animals
Due to recent reports of several stray animals, the Humane Animal Shelter will conduct a sweep of loose animals. Under City Ordinance and by order of the acting mayor, all collarless and unidentified cats will be picked up and held for ten days and be tested for cat scratch disease. After which time, any unclaimed animals will be destroyed.
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16
I let the newspaper fall to my lap.
“Hey! I’m not finished with the last paragraph,” Adam complained.
We sat on my sofa, companionably reading the latest edition of the Gazette. His hand felt warm on my shoulder as he leaned forward to finish the article.
“Yolanda outdid herself on this one,” he commented in my ear. “Oh, there’s my ad. That looks pretty good. And on the front, right next to Bob’s. I’m not used to seeing a newspaper put advertising on the front page.”
“Hometown papers can do what they please, I guess. Yolanda dug out a few more interesting facts, but nothing much helpful. Does Margaret truly not understand what a ‘wake’ is? How can she have a wake a month after the funeral? And no one asked about Tut.” I was going to tell Adam about my trip to Chicago planned for the next day. He distracted me instead. I surely did have trouble keeping my hands off that man, let me tell you. He wasn’t putting up much of a fight, either. I nuzzled his jaw. I came up for air for a couple of seconds. “Hey.”
“What?” His lips trailed over my cheek.
“Thanks for leaving chocolate on my doorstep this morning. It was so sweet of you.” I pressed my mouth against his.
He pulled back and stroked the hair from my temples. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I didn’t do that.”
“Then who did? It was the good stuff, you know—like from your store.”
He grinned and kissed the tip of my nose. “Maybe you have a secret admirer. Or someone just wanted to thank you for the multiple kindnesses I hear you’re guilty of.” He brushed his lips over mine. “I saw you hold the door of the pharmacy open for Mrs. Lichtner.”
“Anyone would do that.”
“Mrs. Engelbrecht is over her tiff.”
I pulled his face closer to mine. “Yeah. That was neat how she came up to me in church and apologized. Said she’d heard we had some sort of cult going, but realized that wasn’t true because a real cult member wouldn’t come to the ladies Bible study or join the Altar Guild.” I nibbled at him, teasing his lips.
Adam’s mouth turned up in a smile even while my lips were on his. “She came in to the store. Once she saw I stocked regular books, and Bibles, she apologized to me, too,” he managed to get out before we locked lips.
“Mmm, Ivy. Wait a sec. That’s the second time I heard sirens.” He set me away from him and got up. He pulled the drape of my picture window aside to look toward downtown, even though it was dark. Adam’s phone buzzed, and he reached absent-mindedly into his pocket to check the screen. He frowned and pushed a button. “What?” Adam replied after listening for three seconds. He leaned over as if he had developed a pain in his gut and clutched the arm of the chair. “I’ll be right there.”
I caught the frantic note in his reply. “What’s wrong?”
He straightened, all color drained from his face. “That was Bob. His tenant called him. He’s been evacuated because my building is on fire. I’ve got to go now.”
“I’ll come with.” I started after him, trying to recall where I had left my shoes.
“No, Ivy. Just wait here. I don’t want you mixed up in that mess down there.” He slid the phone back into his pocket and fished out his keys. “You won’t get close, anyway, and there isn’t anything you can do. I’ll call you. Just—please, stay here, safe.”
I stood on the threshold between the living room and kitchen, watching the door close behind him. Pray, a little Voice whispered through my rattled nerves. I went into the living room and plopped right down on my knees in front of the picture window. My forehead touched cool glass behind the drape. “Please, God, please, please.” Words deserted me. I folded my hands like a little girl while the tears pooled on the windowsill. “Don’t let anyone be hurt,” I whispered. “Please, don’t let anyone…burn.”
Then I realized Adam needed me. He confessed that he sometimes still experienced nightmares about the accident that killed his wife and daughter and left him scarred. Fire. I wanted to be with him. I wouldn’t get close as he said, but I didn’t care. I jammed my feet into loafers, found my house key, and hurried out the door. It was only six blocks.
“Ivy!” Martha Robbins called to me from her stoop next door. I stopped at the end of the driveway. “Do you know what’s going on?”
We could see the orange glow in the sky.
Her kids were huddled with her in a blanket. “Dale was called to the station, but he didn’t say where the fire was.”
“At Mea Cuppa,” I ground out. “I have to go.”
“Oh, Ivy. I’m so…” Her voice faded as I started to jog. Two blocks later I realized that loafers were a poor choice of footwear and I slowed to a very fast walk. The evening was still plenty warm, and I was...glowing. Soon I met up with throngs of people who gathered to watch and wait. I slowed down. I headed toward the alley behind Adam’s place only to find the entrance taped off.
A squad car, lights stabbing the night, sat empty, close by, as Officer Larken spoke to people a few feet away.
I moved in their direction, dodging sightseers.
A spray of water arced high over the building, which stood sooty but intact, billowing black smoke from broken windows and vents.
My eyes watered, and my nose grew stuffy at the acrid stink of burned wiring and drywall. At least any flames appeared to be out. “Officer! Officer Larken! Where’s Adam?”
“Miss Preston. Good eve—”
“It is not!” I snapped. “I need to know what’s happening. How bad is it? Where’s Mr. Thompson?”
Adam’s voice called from our left. “Here, Ivy. I’m here!”
“Oh, thank You, Lord, thank You!” I rushed to him. “I was so worried. I just ran. Are you all right?” I cupped his face in my hands. “How bad is it?”
“The fire burned mostly upstairs, my apartment. The firefighters did a good job. Lots of smoke damage, and of course, water damage. I don’t know about the store stock, but I wouldn’t be surprised if—” He stopped to catch his breath. The front of his shirt wiggled.
“Isis. Oh, baby.” I had not even felt her when I had grabbed Adam so roughly. He opened the edges of his vest, so I could see her. I reached my hand out to stroke between her ears. “She’s safe, oh, she’s safe.” Isis had no intention of letting Adam go. She even nipped at me, which I would have done too, under similar circumstances, but I did back off.
“She was already outside,” Adam said. “She wouldn’t let anyone grab her, but came to me when she saw me.”
“I wonder how she got out?” The prickly sensation at the back of
my neck, when I had last been in the basement of Mea Cuppa, returned.
“Mr. Thompson! There you are. Miz Preston.” Chief Hackman touched his cap to me, then to Adam. “Our condolences. Captain Reed says they’re nearly finished. I’ve roped off the place and as soon as it’s a go, we’ll begin processing. Can you think of anyone who’d want to do this?”
Adam wobbled with shock, then stiffened in anger. “You think arson? You’re sure?”
“Mr. Thompson, I understand you were not at home when the fire broke out. Could you tell me where you were, sir?”
“He was with me, Chief,” I said. “We were out to dinner at Lo Mah’s, then we’ve been at my place,” I replied, puzzled and upset at his tone. “You can’t honestly think Adam had anything to do with this?”
“I just need to verify everyone’s movements tonight, ma’am,” Hackman said.
“I can vouch for them.” Jeff Hanley walked up behind Adam to join us. “I saw them there at Lo Mah’s.”
Adam shook hands with Hanley.
“And after dinner, Mr. Hanley? Were you at home?” Hackman queried.
“Yes. With my wife, Renee.” Hanley put his hands in his pockets. “You know her. What’s this all about, anyway?”
“Chief is asking why anyone would do this, Jeff,” Adam said.
Hanley swallowed. He twisted swiftly toward the alley, as if he had heard a noise, and then turned back.
With the water blasting, the siren, the loudspeaker, and shouting going on I could hardly hear the person next to me, so I wondered what caught his attention. I tried to focus on the spot where he had looked, without trying to let on that I was doing so.
“It’s pretty early to have suspicions like that, Chief,” Hanley said. “Shouldn’t you wait until there’s an official report? From the fire department? No need to make the insurance people nervous over nothing, now, is there?”
“Mr. Hanley, Mr. Thompson, you must have misunderstood my usual line of questioning. I apologize for any confusion. You’ll be contacted as soon as possible. All of you.” Hackman touched the rim of his hat again and strode away to confer with the fire chief.
Meow Mayhem Page 17
