Coulson's Reckoning

by McIntyre, Anna J

  “Okay, Garret. I’ll talk to Fred, but I don’t know what that’s going to do.”

  “What did he say?” Alex asked when Garret hung up the phone.

  “He promised to go talk to Fred. I think he knows Angela is a loose cannon, but he doesn’t want to deal with her. Plus, he and Joe have been friends for years. I don’t think it was easy on him when he had to bring Joe in after learning how he’d covered up my brother’s crimes for all those years.”

  “Well, it didn’t seem that hard for him to arrest my son for a crime he didn’t commit!” Alex said angrily.

  “I don’t think it was that easy for him. And you have to remember, Angela gave him some pretty compelling evidence.”

  “I understand that, Garret. But it was fabricated evidence. And as far as I’m concerned, Sam Peterson owes Adam. The very least he can do is take Adam’s concerns over Angela seriously.”

  Chapter 21

  Kim sat next to her grandfather in the formal dining room at Coulson House. Theirs were the only two place settings at the table.

  “I take it Nick won’t be joining us,” Harrison said as he took his first taste of soup.

  “No. He’ll be here tomorrow night.” Kim buttered a roll.

  “How’s Franklin doing?”

  “He seems so tired these days. I have to give him credit; he never complains. But I can tell. This is killing Nick.”

  “So, how much longer are you all going to do this, Kimberly?”

  “We just want Franklin to be able to stay in his home for as long as possible. He loves visiting with the guests. Of course, these days Nick won’t book more than one room at a time.”

  “Does Franklin realize Nick’s turning away guests?”

  “He thinks business is just slow.”

  “Have you discussed with Nick my suggestion?” Harrison asked.

  “Yes, and he thought your offer was most generous.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. It’s not like we don’t have plenty of room.”

  They quietly ate their dinner, each lost in personal thoughts.

  After a few minutes, Kim broke the silence. “I’ve been meaning to ask you Grandfather, why didn’t you ever mention you knew Nick’s great-uncle before?”

  “You mean Anthony Marino?”

  “Yes.”

  “I hardly knew the man. Just knew who he was. What he did.”

  “But you never said anything. Never once mentioned it.”

  “Why should I? Nick is hardly responsible for what some relative did. You, above anyone else, should understand that.”

  “Who said anything about being responsible for the man’s actions? It’s just an interesting tidbit, and I’m surprised you never mentioned it.”

  “Unlike some of you young people, I don’t feel it is necessary to share everything I know.”

  I suppose.” Kim shrugged and continued eating.

  “So, what is she like, the cousin?”

  “She seems very nice. Very pretty girl. Beautiful hair, really, almost a blue-black, and silky, thick, and straight. I’d love to have hair like hers.”

  “You have beautiful hair—auburn, like your Grandmother Vera.”

  “And like my mother’s.”

  “So, aside from her looks, what is she like?”

  “She went to culinary school. They have a family restaurant her grandmother started, up in Portland. Her father runs it now.”

  “Is this the grandmother who was married to Marino?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why is she suddenly so interested in her grandfather?”

  “I think it’s just natural curiosity.”

  “Curiosity killed the cat.”

  Kim set her spoon down and looked at her grandfather. “Why do you say that?”

  “The man ran with some nasty people, and she should just leave it alone.”

  “Do you honestly believe asking questions about a murder that happened over fifty years ago is dangerous for her? I imagine anyone involved would be dead now.”

  “Why would you assume that? Garret was a young man when Marino was killed.”

  “Are you implying Uncle Garret was involved?”

  “Of course not. But the killer could have been about Garret’s age. I’m still here, and I’m much older than Garret. My point being, it’s foolish to assume all responsible parties are now deceased.”

  “I don’t imagine she’ll find much anyway, considering it’s such a cold case. And if the killer is still out there, I would think he knows that, too.”

  “How long is she staying?”

  “She rented the room for a month. But she’s staying with Adam tonight.”

  “Adam?”

  “Yes. He took some time off and came up to Clement falls. He stayed with his mom and Uncle Garret, but spent a lot of time with Sophie. I think he likes her.”

  “How do you feel about that?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Considering your past relationship with the boy.”

  “Adam’s a good friend, Grandfather. Technically, he’s my cousin.”

  “He’s hardly your cousin.”

  “And I am a married woman.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “If you’re asking if I harbor some sort of jealousy, no, I don’t. I’ve no lingering feelings for Adam—other than friendship, and I want him to be happy. I think they make a rather cute couple, and they have a lot in common. They work in the same industry, and they appear to get along well. Adam has seemed very lonely lately, but with Sophie, well, he’s like his old self. I just wish she was from Coulson because I’m not sure there’s much chance for a relationship since she plans to return to Oregon.”

  “Perhaps that’s for the best. Maybe you should convince her to leave earlier, so she doesn’t break that boy’s heart.”

  “No, Grandfather, I have no intention of interfering with Sophie and Adam’s relationship.”

  Later that evening, after Harrison retired to his bedroom on the second floor, Kim went to the library and locked the door behind her. Using the library ladder, she made her way up toward the top shelf where the box was hidden behind several Greek classics.

  Maintaining her balance on the ladder, she gingerly removed the box’s lid and then retrieved the two ledgers. Placing the lid back on the now empty box, she tucked the container back in its hiding place behind the books and climbed down off the ladder.

  She walked across the library and set the books on the desk. In one drawer, she found several large manila envelopes. Kim tucked Randall’s diary in the first envelopes and sealed it. After setting it on the desk, she picked up the diary belonging to her great-grandmother. About to slip it into its own envelope, she paused and looked at the unopened ledger. It was true; she hadn’t read the diaries when she initially found them. Yet, at the time she was still standing atop the ladder and had only lived at Coulson House a short time, therefore she did not feel brave enough—or entitled—to remove the books from their hiding place and read what her great-grandparents had written. There had also been that business with her mother’s diaries and the secrets they had revealed.

  Holding Mary Ellen’s diary in her hands, Kim considered what Garret had said. He was probably right; she seriously doubted they contain some family secret, as had her mother’s. Opening the ledger, she turned to the first page. It was addressed to a William.

  * * *

  Today is a new year. It is unimaginable to think you will never be part of it. When I wake up each morning, my first thought is of you. And often in that very first moment, I believe you are still alive. When I remember the truth, grief washes over me as if it were the very first time I learned you were leaving me.

  Randall thinks I spend too much time at your house. Perhaps he is right. I promised him I would try to get more involved in life.

  Randall has been taking Harrison to the office, teaching him the business. He says the boy is a natural—bright. Just like his father.
>
  Forever yours, Mary Ellen - January 1, 1934

  * * *

  A knock at the door broke Kim’s concentration. She slammed the book shut and hastily shoved it in the empty envelope, concerned Harrison was at the door. She didn’t want him to see the diaries.

  “Kim, are you in there?” It was Garret’s voice.

  Taking a deep breath, Kim went to the door and unlocked it.

  “I thought you were Grandfather,” Kim explained.

  “Mrs. Carpenter said he was up in his room. Is everything okay?” Garret walked into the library.

  “No, you just startled me. I was reading Mary Ellen’s diary, and I about jumped out of my skin when you knocked.”

  “That’s why I’m here, to pick up the diaries. Did you want me to leave Mary Ellen’s so you can finish it?”

  “No, that’s okay. I already put it in an envelope.” Kim picked them up and handed them to Garret. “But who was William?”

  “William?”

  “I read the first entry in Mary Ellen’s ledger; it’s like she’s writing a letter, not a diary entry, to someone named William. It’s like he left—or died. But she writes about how Randall is concerned she’s spending too much time at his house. At first, I got the impression she’s writing to some lover, but then she mentions Randall and how he’s worried about her pining over William.”

  “My grandmother with a lover?” Garret chuckled at the idea. “I don’t think so. And knowing my grandfather and how possessive he was and how she was the love of his life… It has to be something else. What did you say his name was?”

  “William.”

  “William… I bet it’s William Hunter.”

  “William Hunter?”

  “He was my grandfather’s childhood friend and business partner. Remember when we told you Coulson Enterprises used to be called Coulson-Hunter Enterprises?”

  “Yes. What happened to him?”

  “He died before I was born; Dad was still a boy. He left his share of the business to my Grandfather, but he left my grandmother his townhouse and this library. Most of these books were from William Hunter’s personal library.”

  “Really?” Kim glanced around the impressive room. “Why did he leave her the library?”

  “I imagine because she loved to read. When I was younger and just starting in the business, I asked my father why the company used to be called Coulson-Hunter. He told me about William Hunter.

  “According to Dad, he was a close family friend. In fact, Dad always referred to him as Uncle William. Before he died, he got very ill, and my grandparents took turns caring for him. He didn’t want to go to the hospital; he wanted to die in his home. If you want, I can leave Mary Ellen’s diary with you, and you can read more about it.”

  “No, that’s okay. Maybe later. You take them now. I was just curious. The entry wasn’t what I expected.”

  “If you’re sure, then I’m going to take these and head home. I told Alex I wouldn’t be long.”

  Kim walked Garret to the front door. When he opened it, she was surprised to discover the drastic change in weather.

  “It’s raining.” Kim looked outside. “It was clear today.”

  “Started raining on my way over.”

  Lighting streaked across the sky, followed by a clap of thunder.

  “Be careful on the way home Uncle Garret.”

  “I will, Kimmy.” Garret leaned over, gave Kim a kiss on the cheek, and then tucked the envelopes under his jacket to protect them from the rain. He hurried out to his car.

  Chapter 22

  “Your restaurant is beautiful. I’m impressed with how immaculate you keep everything. I love your kitchen.” Sophie took a seat on the couch by the fireplace while Adam poured them each a glass of wine.

  “My dad was always a stickler on cleanliness. He and my mother decorated the restaurant. I haven’t changed anything.” Adam handed Sophie a glass of wine, then sat on the couch with her.

  “I love the old fashioned look, the oak and brass. It makes me feel like I’m in some very classy old Western dinner house or saloon.”

  “Steve says it reminds him of a western bordello.” They both laughed at the thought.

  “So, how’s business been?” Sophie sipped her wine.

  “As you can see, it was slow tonight.”

  “Mondays can be slow.”

  “To be honest, we’ve had some slow Fridays and Saturdays. We don’t get the business we used to.”

  “I saw the food coming out of the kitchen, and everything looked delicious. My steak was great.”

  “Thanks, Sophie. Things started slowing down about five years ago, back when the market took a dive. Like a domino effect. Not as many tourists in town, some snowbirds couldn’t afford to come for the winter, and real estate sucked. A number of our loyal customers left town. But, things are picking up, in spite of how slow we were tonight. We’re doing a lot better than we were a couple years ago, but it’s still a struggle.”

  “I know how easy it is to burn up money when business slows in a restaurant. Fortunately, we don’t have a lot of overhead, and food costs are much better in Italian food than for a steak house. You’re lucky you’ve been able to hold on during the rough times. I have some friends who didn’t survive.”

  “I did borrow some money a few years back. I doubt I’d still be here without the loan.”

  “Problem with loans, they have to be paid back.”

  “Yeah, well, this one worked out for me.” The sound of thunder, followed by a sudden downpour rattling the roof, interrupted their conversation.

  “Wow, it’s really coming down.” Sophie glanced up to the ceiling.

  “I wonder if they’re getting snow up at Clement Falls.”

  “It was such a nice day today, I didn’t expect this,” Sophie said.

  “I suppose we should be grateful we’re not back east or in the Midwest. I guess they’re freezing back there.”

  They sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying their wine and the warmth emanating from the fireplace when Adam spoke.

  “You know Sophie, I mentioned I’ve never changed the décor in the restaurant, but that goes for the menu, too.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I like the business, but I’m not a chef.”

  “I think you mentioned that before.”

  “You looked at our menu. Can you see anything we need to change? Something we might do to bring in more business.”

  “You want me to be honest?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Well, your menu is sort of dated. I understand why it did very well in the beginning. I imagine when your parents opened the restaurant it was one of the only steak houses in town.”

  “Yes, it was.”

  “Before coming to Coulson, I went through the Chamber of Commerce site, read about its history, checked out some of the businesses. I noticed it has a number of popular franchise steak houses—and that’ll hurt you. When tourists come to town, especially those not familiar with the area, they’ll naturally gravitate to something more familiar.”

  “What do you suggest?”

  “You need to spruce up your menu—try developing new signature dishes. Look at some of the successful franchise restaurants; they’re always tweaking their menus, trying new dishes. Promote your happy hour and feature some unique appetizers.”

  “But I’m not a chef…”

  “What about the one you hired?”

  “Sophie, the Lucky Lady has some good cooks—but none of them could be considered chefs. They follow the cooking instructions developed by my father, but as far as developing new dishes, no.”

  “Maybe you should consider hiring one.”

  “How about you?”

  “What do you mean? I’m going home in a month.”

  “I know, but would you consider a part time job as a consultant? I’ll pay you. Help me spruce up my menu.”

  “Adam, you don’t know if I’m qualified—if I wou
ld be the right fit. I may be a horrible cook for all you know.”

  “I loved your breakfast. Didn’t you tell me you graduated from culinary school? Haven’t you grown up in the business?”

  “Yes but…”

  “Sophie,” Adam interrupted. “I understand you’re on vacation, and if you aren’t interested, there will be no hard feelings. It was a little presumptuous of me to ask you to come to work while you’re trying to take some time for yourself.”

  “It’s not that. Actually, I think it sounds like fun. But I don’t want to disappoint you. Maybe you’ll hate what I come up with.”

  “If I hate it, I won’t use it. But if you’re interested, I’d love for you to consider the consultant job—but only if you want to.”

  “Okay, Adam, I would love to do it. Actually, I had some ideas when I was eating dinner tonight,” Sophie said after a moment of silence.

  Adam smiled and raised his wine glass in toast. The moment the glasses touched, the lights went off.

  “Damn,” Adam cursed. “The electricity.”

  “At least we have light from the fireplace.”

  “I’m sure the electricity will go back on in a few minutes. If not, I have some flashlights in the kitchen.”

  They finished the bottle of wine and chatted for another hour. Kissing Sophie was constantly on Adam’s mind, but he didn’t make a move toward her, concerned she might see that as a betrayal of trust, considering he had assured her that spending the night at his house did not come with strings.

  His failed relationship with Kimmy had taught him he could be a selfish ass when it came to the women in his life. In spite of all that Angela had done, Adam admitted to himself that he’d been something of a jerk towards his then fiancée. If he had believed the relationship was over, he should have broken off with her instead of pursuing a sexual relationship with his ex-girlfriend while remaining engaged to Angela. Adam vowed to learn by his mistakes, even if it meant going slow with Sophie. He didn’t want her to do anything she didn’t want to do—or felt uncomfortable with.

  The electricity didn’t come on by the time they decided to go to bed. Adam found several flashlights in the kitchen and showed Sophie to the guest room.