The Last Stop

by Sonia Parin

  Aha! So that’s how she knew about her mom joining the group…

  Doyle whimpered.

  “I bet Doyle knows what’s going on,” Joyce mused. “Dogs are extremely sensitive. They sense things that we can’t even see or hear.”

  Abby picked him up and, tucking his little head under her chin, she held him close to her chest.

  As the ambulance approached, the siren stopped blaring but the red and blue lights remained on, shining brightly against the gray sky. Everyone who’d come out to see what had happened stood by in silence.

  “I’m guessing it’s a man,” Abby said under her breath.

  “Why?” Joyce asked.

  “Most of the people who went inside the pub are women. They’re all standing by the windows looking out.” She trawled through her mind trying to remember how many women she’d seen in the group. “If I had my cell phone, I’d be able to tell you for sure. I took a photo of the group earlier on.”

  “Where is your phone?”

  “I left it with Bradford.”

  “Should I ask?”

  Abby rolled her eyes as she explained about her mom wanting to browse through the antique store. “The tourist bus sped by, honking its horn. Yeah, I really didn’t like the sound of that. The less my mom knows about this, the better.”

  “You’re going to keep her in the dark? She’s going to find out.”

  Abby shook her head. “Not until I have more information. I don’t want her to worry.” Studying the crowd standing near the bus, Abby tried to read their expressions as they watched the ambulance officers hard at work.

  If they crossed the street, they’d get a better view but that felt too ghoulish. “I should head back to the store and check on my mom.”

  “I think you should tell her,” Joyce murmured. “Honesty is always the best policy.”

  “Tell her what? We don’t know anything yet. No point in worrying her.” Even as she spoke, she tried to remember the people who’d been herded inside the pub. She’d seen several women and a couple of men. There were other people standing on the other side of the bus so Abby couldn’t do a full head count. She supposed she’d find out soon enough.

  ***

  WHEN ABBY RETURNED TO BRILLIANT BAUBLES she found Bradford kneeling down in front of a chest aiming the cell phone down, presumably so Abby’s mom could see inside as he drew out one book and then another.

  “This is a treasure trove,” her mom exclaimed. “I haven’t seen picture books like these in ages. Add that one too. What’s the one underneath the blue one? That looks interesting.”

  Bradford looked up but his expression gave nothing away.

  Abby didn’t see any need to raise the alarm, so she refrained from mentioning anything about the tour bus or the ambulance.

  Looking at the pile of books Bradford had set aside, Abby said, “Oh, my mom will love these. She collects illustrated books.”

  “Yes, she’s been telling me,” he murmured.

  Bradford, bless his soul, appeared to be exercising the patience of an oyster. Abby had heard say he’d been known to ask browsers to go away and come back when they knew exactly what they wanted.

  “No, not that one,” her mom said. “The next one. Yes, that’s it. Let me see inside. No, it’s not what I thought it would be. Try the next one.”

  “I’ll take over,” Abby offered. “Thanks, Bradford.”

  He took his time getting up, which made Abby wonder if he’d actually been enjoying himself.

  “Make sure to put those books we selected aside for me, please. Abby will pay for them. She can bring them over next time she comes to visit.”

  “Or, you could collect them when you come to visit me.” Abby swapped places with Bradford and followed her mom’s instructions.

  “This is better than on-line shopping. Someone should set themselves up to do this for people who don’t like the trouble of going into stores,” her mom said and added, “where did you get to?”

  “Huh?”

  “You stepped out. Where did you go?”

  “You know me. I’m a curious bunny. A bunch of hooligans raced along the main street,” she fibbed. “Everyone came out to see. They’ll be talking about it all day. We can’t have this sort of behavior. Someone will no doubt bring that up at the next town meeting.” Abby tried to distract her mom with another book and when that didn’t work, she got up and walked around the store.

  “I think I’ve seen enough for today,” her mom said. “There’s so much to see here, I want to come and look around with a fresh set of eyes. Didn’t you say you were going to have lunch at the pub?”

  “Maybe I’ll grab a bite at the café. I… I bumped into Joyce and told her I’d be swinging by for a coffee.” She turned and waved to Bradford. While she didn’t expect a response from him, she noticed the edge of his lip lifted ever so slightly.

  “Abby. I’m looking at the pavement. You’ll have to hold the cell phone up.”

  Looking down the street, Abby noticed the ambulance had already left.

  “Oh, what’s going on out here?” her mom asked. “Where did all these people come from?”

  News must have spread fast. Abby couldn’t remember ever seeing so many people out and about. “I guess it’s that time of day. We get a lot of farmers coming into town at about this time.” As a gust of wind swept around her, Abby pulled up her collar. “I’m still in sunny weather mode but I’m glad I remembered to grab my jacket.” Doyle looked up at her and gave her a doggy grin. “I think Doyle needs to start wearing his little tartan jacket. Wait until you see it, mom. It’s adorable.”

  “I meant to say, I’d been feeling awkward dressed in a T-shirt while everyone else in the group wore proper winter attire. So, I set the air-conditioner on high and put on a sweater. Someone mentioned it might snow soon but it won’t be as much as you get up on the ski slopes.”

  Seeing the tourist bus making a turn to park properly, Abby hurried her step and ducked inside the café. She needed news about the incident but had to be careful her mom didn’t overhear.

  If only lady luck would smile upon her and bring down the wi-fi and play havoc with the roaming signal. Her finger inched toward the off switch, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Joyce had several flower vases displayed on side tables. As she strode by one, she considered dropping her cell phone into one of them but then she remembered it was water resistant…

  “Table for two?” Joyce asked getting right into the spirit of the game. “Hello, Eleanor. So good to see you again.”

  “You’re looking lovely, Joyce.” Her mom admired Joyce’s short bob. “You do the Audrey Hepburn look very well.”

  “Thank you.” Joyce signaled with her eyes.

  Abby frowned. She could interpret raised eyebrows, but she couldn’t quite figure out what Joyce wanted to say. Did she want Abby to follow her? Drawing out a chair, she made sure to sit facing the street so her mom would be facing the other way. Once she settled down, Joyce positioned herself so Abby’s mom couldn’t see her and she proceeded to make hand gestures.

  Joyce joined her hands as if praying and looked heavenward.

  Yes, Abby thought, she too prayed the person had come through all right. Abby smiled and nodded.

  That prompted Joyce to frown at her and shake her head. She then crossed her hands over her chest and closed her eyes. After a moment, she puffed up her cheeks and appeared to make an attempt to play an instrument.

  Abby had never been much good at charades.

  “Well? Are you going to order?” her mom asked.

  “Oh, yes. I’m waiting for Joyce to come back. She’s… off with the fairies today.”

  “I recommend the Heavenly Pancakes,” Joyce said. “They’re good enough to make any angel smile and play the harp.”

  Huh?

  Joyce strode around the table and leaned down to look at the cell phone. “Eleanor, do you think angels play harps in heaven?”

  “I don’t know dear.
I rather hope we get to choose what we listen to. I’m partial to a bit of The Grateful Dead.”

  Straightening, Joyce scribbled something on her order book and held it up for Abby to see.

  Dead?

  “Who?” Abby mouthed.

  “I’d hate to say this about your fine establishment, Joyce,” her mom murmured, “but everyone looks a little downcast.”

  “Oh, the weather tends to have that effect, Eleanor. If it’s not the heat, it’s the cold,” Joyce said and mouthed, “Dead.” She held up her order book again.

  Abby gasped as she read the name.

  Chapter Three

  ABBY SWITCHED SEATS AND REPOSITIONED her cell phone to face the street. “I’ll be back in a moment, mom.” She strode over to the counter, her eyes wide as she stared at Joyce. “Dead?” she whispered.

  Joyce nodded. “I don’t have all the details yet. One of the girls just came in for her shift and she said she saw the ambulance officer covering the body with a sheet. That sounds quite final to me, and she also heard someone giving his name to the police officer.”

  Abby nearly choked on the words, “The police came?”

  Joyce shrugged. “I believe they’re still there. I didn’t see any police cars drive by so they must have come in from the opposite direction.”

  Abby looked over at her table and, shaking her head, said, “My mom can’t find out about this. Not just yet. Spread the word around. Whatever happens, no one is allowed to mention his name. Understood?”

  Joyce turned to her waitresses. “Everyone. Battle stations. Attend to each table and pass on the message.” Turning back to Abby, she smiled. “See, all taken care of.”

  “People are so friendly,” her mom said when Abby returned to her table. “I’ve been watching them stroll by and stop for a chat. Everyone seems to know everyone.”

  “Yes, it’s a friendly town.” Abby looked around her and noticed people at nearby tables glancing her way and nodding. A couple of people even gave her a thumbs up sign.

  “So, what did you decide to get?” her mom asked.

  “The full breakfast. Joyce serves it all day.” Abby had no idea how she’d fit it in. Her hunger had come and gone… “I’m still adjusting to the time difference.” If anything, Abby thought, a full breakfast would keep her at the café for a while. “Excuse me. I… I need to use the restroom.”

  Abby rushed up to the counter again. “I need you to get word to Mitch and Markus. Tell them to get everyone at the pub up to speed,” she told Joyce. “There’s to be no mention of the incident, not within my mom’s hearing. Understood?”

  Joyce gave her a tight smile. “I didn’t realize you could be so bossy. I like it but it doesn’t really suit you. Perhaps with some practice…”

  Abby flapped her arms. “Can we focus, please. I just told my mom I’m having the full breakfast. Keep the food coming. I want to stay here for as long as possible.” Out of sight, out of mind, she thought. Hopefully, by the time she returned to the pub, everyone would be on the same page and acting as if nothing had happened.

  “Are you sure you’re up to the task of misleading your mom?” Joyce asked. “You don’t strike me as the type. In fact, I bet you were a girl scout. You probably turn beetroot red when you fib.”

  “If I don’t try, I’ll never be able to convince her to come down for a visit. I only need some thinking time to figure out how to break the news to her. People die all the time. This shouldn’t really count. She’s convinced this town is not safe.”

  Joyce gave her a pat on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ve got your back. News about your ruse is spreading like wildfire. In a strange way, this is softening the blow and taking everyone’s mind off what happened. You’re doing the town a service. Keep up the good work. I’ll call Mitch straightaway.”

  Abby thanked her and swung back toward her table.

  Of all the things that could have happened, why did someone have to go and die today… of all days? Here, in her idyllic little town.

  She looked up in time to see Faith coming to a screeching halt outside the café and plastering her face against the window, her eyes frantic as she scanned the tables. When she spotted her, she gave Abby a vigorous wave.

  “Did anyone think to contact Faith?” Abby asked under her breath. Abby made a few hand gestures, but Faith’s puzzled expression suggested none of it had made sense. Finally, Abby clamped her hand over her mouth and then made a slashing gesture against her throat. A clear message, she thought, to avoid talking about the death.

  Faith jumped back from the window, looked to one side and then the other and then back at Abby.

  Abby groaned. “Okay, maybe she misunderstood that message and now thinks I want to kill her.”

  Just as Faith made a move to come into the café, Joyce rushed out and grabbed her.

  “I need to get myself another cell phone,” Abby said under her breath as she sat down.

  “What’s going on with Faith?” her mom asked. “And why is Joyce shaking her?”

  “Joyce can be… overly dramatic,” Abby said. “Oh, look. Here comes my breakfast.”

  “Faith looks surprised now. Whatever Joyce told her must have come as a shock. Hang on. Now she’s laughing.”

  “Yum. Can you believe this breakfast?” Abby exclaimed.

  “It’s lunchtime, sweetie. Actually, that does look scrumptious. I swear, by the time I get back home, I will have gained several pounds. I never knew traveling around would make me so hungry.”

  Abby frowned but decided not to say anything to contradict her mom. She managed to get two bites in before Faith approached her table.

  Faith appeared to be struggling to keep a straight face as she said, “Hello. How’s your jetlag?”

  “Fine. Doyle woke me up,” Abby said around a mouthful of bacon. “Now he’s snoozing. Again.”

  Faith leaned over the table and waved to Eleanor. “How are you enjoying your virtual trip?”

  Abby switched off the conversation and tried to figure out how she’d break the news. Her mom had never been a crier, but Abby felt she should have someone with her when she told her about the unfortunate death.

  She considered contacting one of her neighbors. Lou-Anne Fellows had retired early from teaching and enjoyed spending her days in her pottery studio out the back. A couple of times a week, she dropped by for a coffee. The other neighbor gave piano lessons every afternoon but dropped in to have a chat in the morning. Checking the time and working out the difference, Abby decided Lou-Anne would be her best bet, but she’d have to wait until she got back to the pub so she could look up the phone number. Abby gave a firm nod and decided that’s what she’d do. Yes, she would organize Lou-Anne and make sure she could be nearby when Abby gave her mom the news.

  “I was just telling your mom it’s been a really quiet day at the newspaper.” Faith quirked her eyebrows up. “I can’t decide if it’s a no news day or a slow news day. I think I’m going with a slow news day.”

  Abby guessed Faith wanted her to give her a prompt. What to say and when.

  “I’m happy to have a no news day.” Abby nodded. “I’m still in vacation mode and I’d like to keep it that way for a while.”

  Faith nodded. “Okay, I’ll go along with that, but you know what they say about Murphy’s Law...” Faith rose to her feet saying she needed to get back to the office in case some news came in and ruined their no news day.

  Abby turned her attention back to her breakfast and focused on pacing herself. When she reached the halfway point, Joyce appeared and set a plate of pancakes down on the table.

  “I hope you can fit these in.” Joyce quirked her eyebrows up and down. The affliction seemed to be spreading. “My heart breaks to see good food go to waste,” Joyce said and pressed her fisted hand against her heart a couple of times.

  It took Abby a moment to realize Joyce was trying to pass on a message.

  “Then again, too much food can be detrimental to your health. Especi
ally fatty food.” Joyce’s eyebrows danced up and down again.

  Abby eyed the sausage on her plate and then it hit her.

  Heart attack?

  “I’m inclined to agree with Joyce,” her mom murmured. “Abby, are you sure you need that much food?”

  “I didn’t eat on the plane. I’m sure Doyle will take me on enough walks to burn it all off.” Abby finished her savory meal and started working her way through the pancakes, one nibble at a time. She could do this. She knew she could.

  An hour later, she managed to push the last bite in.

  “Well, if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed it.” Her mom laughed. “I don’t remember you ever having such a healthy appetite at home. The meals at Joyce’s must be scrumptious.”

  “They certainly are.” Trying to be as discreet as possible, Abby loosened her belt.

  “So, what now?” her mom chirped.

  “You know what they say about eating on the run. I think I should sit back and digest my meal first.”

  “I believe the warning is about swimming after eating. A walk would do you good,” her mom suggested.

  Abby shook her head. “I’m sure the warning also applies to walking. I remember reading something about it for one of my articles. Exercise diverts blood flow from the digestive system and there’s a risk of stomach cramps because blood and oxygen are redirected to the muscles from the digestive process.”

  Her mom chortled, “You’re making that up.”

  “Am not. Look it up.” Knowing her mom wouldn’t stop badgering her, Abby stood up. Baby steps, she thought. “I’ll just go pay for all this.” Although, she had the feeling she’d be paying for it with more than money.

  ***

  “ARE WE HEADED IN THE RIGHT direction?” her mom asked.

  “I’m following Doyle and he seems to want to go this way,” Abby said as they headed away from the pub. The longer she stayed away, the better her chances of avoiding the tourist group…