Merriment, Mayhem, and Meows

by Patricia Fry

  Rochelle looked around at the group. “Who heard the sounds you’re speaking of?”“Savannah and I,” Iris said. “We heard knocking, thumping, and a jingling…”

  “Tinkling,” Savannah said.

  “Yeah, a tinkling, jingly sound. And we saw light. Some of our guests saw the light and heard the racket, too.”

  “Light?” Rochelle asked, surprise evident in her voice. “Like a white light?”

  “No. It was colored,” Savannah explained.

  Rochelle frowned. “Colored? That’s strange.”

  “It is?” Iris asked. “So are you saying that you don’t think we have ghosts, or are you saying our ghosts are unusual?”

  “I don’t know. I’d have to be in their presence in order to determine that.”

  Iris smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.” She grabbed Rochelle’s hand. “Would you and Peter like to come to Hammond some weekend—or weekday—it doesn’t matter to me—and stay as my guest at the Kaiser Bed-and-Breakfast Inn? I’ll put you up in room five. That’s where the…um…activity seems to be.”

  Rochelle looked at Peter, then at Iris. “Yes. I’d like that. When?”

  “As soon as you can,” Iris said. “I need to figure out if I want to promote the place as a haunted bed-and-breakfast or not.”

  “Iris, I have a show just south of you next week. We could stop by for an overnighter then,” Peter said.

  “That would be super! Thank you so much. Here’s my card. Just give us a call when you know what night or nights you’ll be there so we’ll have a chef on duty.” Iris looked around. “As a matter of fact, that’s my next task; chasing down a chef.”

  “You said you’re open. Without a cook?”

  “Oh, we have a temporary chef. Maggie’s husband, Max, has been preparing the most amazing meals. But we can’t keep him because he has other obligations. I have to get on the stick and hire a permanent chef.”

  Savannah leaned toward Iris. “Iris, what about…”

  When Iris saw the direction Savannah was looking, she said, “I’m on it, girlfriend.” She stepped away and walked to where Mattie sat sipping iced tea and chatting with Margaret and Max. “Mind if I join you?” Iris asked.

  “No,” Max said, motioning for Iris to sit next to Mattie. “Um, Iris, we were just talking here about food and I was thinking…”

  “Yeah,” Margaret interjected, “we were wondering…”

  “I hear ya,” Iris said as she pulled her chair around to face Mattie. “So you’re leaving Arthur and Suzette, are you?”

  Mattie nodded. “I’ll sure miss them and all their cats and this beautiful place. But it’s time for me to I move on and I’m excited for my next adventure.”

  “What happened to your friend who worked here with you?” Iris asked. “Her name was Miriam, I believe.”

  “Oh yes, Mims. She went to culinary school, too, only she loves baking. I can bake, but it isn’t my favorite thing to do.” Her face lit up. “She’s working at a bakery and saving her money to open her own place.”

  “Wow, that’s ambitious. Mattie, do you have the same sort of ambition? I mean to open your own place?”

  “No. I like working the way I have here for almost a year. I like having my own kitchen and cooking for a family.”

  Iris hesitated, then asked, “And what about your past life? As I recall, you spent quite a few years living homeless and you were into substance abuse, right?”

  “I guess you’d call living in a camp being homeless and I suppose I was abusing alcohol. But no more.” She sat up straighter. “I’ve been clean for almost a year.”

  “We’re so proud of my sister,” Ruth said as she and Rupert walked up.

  “No, sliding?” Iris asked.

  Ruth and Rupert each shook their head.

  Mattie simply stared at Iris. “Why?” she asked. “Is this some sort of quiz you’re giving me?”

  “Mattie,” Iris said, “I run an elegant bed-and-breakfast in Hammond, about two hours north of here. Max has been the chef since we opened a couple of weeks ago. But he needs to get back to his kitty-cats and I need to find a reliable, talented, skilled chef who would enjoy working in the environment we’ve created.”

  Mattie sat silently, staring at Iris for several moments.

  “Here, let me show you the place,” Iris said, pulling up a couple of photos on her phone and showing them to Mattie.

  “Nice.” When Mattie realized that Iris continued to stare at her, she jumped a little. “Are you saying…?” she started. “Are you asking…?” She tilted her head. “Are you offering me a job?”

  Iris smiled. “I sure am, if you’re interested.”

  Again, Mattie sat silently, then she said, “Ruthie, pinch me. I think I’m dreaming.” Addressing Iris again, she asked, “Are you sure?”

  Iris nodded, then spoke more seriously, “Mattie, I’m dead serious, but if there are any drugs or abuse of alcohol, if you don’t show up ready to work when scheduled without a good—I mean good—excuse, all bets are off. I will let you go. I need someone reliable.”

  “I understand,” Mattie said. “Just talk to Suzette and Arthur. They’ll tell you about my work…what’s it called, Ruthie?”

  “Ethic?” Ruth offered.

  “Yeah, my work ethic. They taught me and I learned in culinary school about being—what did you say?—reliable.”

  After a brief pause, Iris asked, “When can you start?”

  “Today. Tomorrow. Next week. When do you want me to start?”

  “Do you have any other positions to fill?” Ruth asked in her quiet manner. “Such as housecleaning, server, or kitchen helper…” she looked at Rupert, “luggage handler, waiter…”

  Iris cocked her head. “For you two? Are you looking for work?”

  Ruth and Rupert nodded. He said, “We’ve been talking about moving to a smaller community.”

  “But not too far from Artie and Suzette,” Ruth said.

  “Well, yeah, I do have other positions open. Why don’t you two send me your resumes to give me an idea of what you do, want to do, have done before.” She looked at Rupert. “We have someone for the cats. Are you a gardener?”

  His face lit up. “I love gardening.”

  “He can also do maintenance work,” Ruth offered.

  Rupert smiled at her, then asked Iris, “You have cats?”

  At that, Margaret jumped in. “Yeah, it’s some story. There were cats getting into the attic of the old house and the owner didn’t want the cats in the attic, so they did a bunch of rebuilding to keep them out. Then they moved the cats to a shelter where they can live out the rest of their lives. Next thing I know, Iris is bringing in more cats to live in the attic.”

  “They’re cuddle cats,” Iris explained. “Sweet, gentle cats that guests can take to their room for the night, if they want to.” She pulled something out of her small designer purse. “Here’s my card,” she said, handing one to Ruth and one to Mattie. “Check us out on our website.”

  Craig walked up to Iris just then. “We’d probably better be thinking about leaving. Colbi’s getting kind of tired. She said she’s working on an article she needs to put to bed, too. Okay with you?”

  Iris stood up. She glanced around at the others and shook hands with Ruth, Rupert, and Mattie. “Yes,” she said. “Yes, I’m ready. My work here is done.” She turned back to Mattie. “Except for one thing. How will we get you to Hammond?”

  “I can take the bus.”

  “With all your stuff?”

  “I don’t really have much stuff.”

  “How about if we drive you down?” Ruth offered.

  “Perfect. When?” Iris pushed.

  “Next week?” Ruth suggested.

  “Yes. The address is on the card; so is the phone number. Let me know when you’ll arrive so I’ll be there to greet you and get you settled.”

  “What was that all about with Ruth and her si
ster?” Craig asked as they walked to their car with Damon and Colbi a little later.

  Iris grinned with satisfaction. “Just putting all of my ducks in a row.” She glanced back at Mattie. “I hope they all keep marching in the right direction.”

  Chapter 8

  “So, who’s cooking this weekend?” Savannah asked when she happened to run into Iris at the grocery store late the following week. “I hear Rochelle, Peter, and Mattie are all showing up—what, today?”

  Iris rolled her eyes. “Yes, and Ruth and Rupert. Thank heavens, Max said he would come over and work with Mattie this afternoon to help her become familiar with the kitchen and all.”

  “Has she ever prepared meals for—how many will you have—eight or ten?”

  “Yeah, she told me she had experience feeding large groups while in culinary school. And I guess Arthur and Suzette hosted a couple of fund-raisers at their place. Mattie and her friend did the cooking for those. She and a couple of hired gals prepared the food last weekend for Arthur’s and Suzette’s wedding. She’ll do fine. Why don’t you and Michael come over for dinner tonight?”

  “What’s she making?”

  “Uh, here’s the list Max gave me. They worked it out together by phone, text, and email.” She looked it over. “I guess we’re having stuffed pork chops, yams, green beans, and French bread,” Iris said. “Oh, I think the bread is for French toast in the morning. And one night Mattie wants to fix her famous lasagna.”

  “Sounds good. Yeah, we’ll probably come over. You still need servers, don’t you?”

  “Well, I think Ruth and Rupert are staying to help. They may take over the management of the inn. What do you think?”

  “Gosh, I don’t know. What do their resumes say? Are they qualified?”

  Iris shrugged. “I guess there’s no way of telling until you see them in the position. They don’t actually have management experience, per se, but it appears that they’re responsible and reliable.”

  “Iris, why don’t you remain as general manager and do a lot of delegating for a while? Let them live on the grounds; you won’t be far away. You can keep an eye and an ear on the place and see how they do.”

  “Awww, Savannah,” Iris whined, “you know I want to move on. Running the inn is not what I want to be doing.”

  “But you have a hefty investment in the success of the place and I’d say that should be priority number one until you’re able to list it for sale, don’t you think so?”

  “Damn,” she said. “That’s what the attorney keeps telling me.”

  Savannah smiled. She reached out and patted her friend’s arm. “Hang in there, Ris-Ris. I think you’ll be glad you did. Step back too soon and you may lose your edge.”

  “Edge?”

  “Yeah—you know, you don’t want to let the place get run down and drive away guests. A business needs a lot of tender loving care and smart strategy in the early stages of it.”

  Iris cocked her head. “How do you know so much about running a business?”

  “Well, my husband and I do own a veterinary practice. My dad was a business owner. And I took business courses in conjunction with my veterinary schooling because I was pretty sure I wanted to open my own practice.” She grinned. “Plus it’s common sense, don’t you think so?”

  “Well, thanks for the informed advice, kiddo,” Iris said, looking at her watch. “I’d better scoot. I want to put this food away and make sure the rooms are ready before everyone arrives.”

  ****

  “What’s for dinner?” Michael asked when he arrived home from work later that afternoon.

  “Whatever they’re serving over at the inn,” Savannah said. “I think it’s stuffed pork chops.”

  “Oh, did Peter and Rochelle get here?”

  “Yeah, a little while ago. Rochelle called from the inn and I told her we’d join them for dinner.”

  “Who’s cooking?”

  “From what I understand, Max and Mattie will work together on the meal tonight. Mattie will probably take over in the morning.”

  He rubbed his hands together and grinned. “I hope she makes lasagna this weekend.” When Savannah looked inquisitively, he explained, “Arthur told me Mattie makes the best lasagna around. I want to try it.”

  “From what I understand, lasagna is on the menu.”

  “Good.” He looked at her. “So when are we going over there?”

  “Any time.”

  “We aren’t there yet?” Michael quipped, picking up Lily and swinging her around in the air. “Wanna go bye-bye?”

  Instead of responding, Lily giggled.

  ****

  The kitchen in the Kaiser Bed-and-Breakfast Inn was bustling with laughter and activity when the Iveys arrived a short time later.

  “Okay, out!” Max shouted. “Mattie and I can’t hear ourselves cook with all of the chattering going on. This is a big place. Find somewhere else to make all that racket, will you?”

  “Aye-aye, chef,” Margaret said. She turned to Francine. “Where are the cuddle kitties?”

  “I think most of them are in the attic room. Want to go visit them?”

  “I thought Lily might like to.” Margaret picked up the toddler. “Want to go see the kitties?”

  Lily nodded.

  “Okay, come on,” Francine invited.

  Margaret caught Savannah’s attention. “We’re going up to see the cats.”

  “Okay. Have fun.”

  In the meantime, Iris walked toward the dining room. “Well, I have some bookkeeping to finish.”

  “That leaves the four of us,” Savannah said to Rochelle, Peter, and Michael. “Let’s go out and enjoy what’s left of the sunshine, shall we?”

  Peter grabbed the wine bottle before exiting the kitchen. “In case we want a refill,” he explained.

  “This is such a lovely place,” Rochelle said as the women settled into a wicker settee surrounded by colorful foliage. “Iris has done a spectacular job. It’s so welcoming. Great ambiance.”

  Peter walked away and took a few photos with his cell phone, explaining to Michael who had followed him, “Fodder for new paintings.”

  “So that’s how you do it. You steal ideas.”

  “No,” Peter protested. “Now, Michael, it’s not called stealing, it’s known as borrowing from nature.”

  When Michael and Peter joined the women, Savannah asked, “So how’s the art world treating you, Peter?”

  “Pretty darn good. The move to the big city was brilliant and I have my beautiful fiancée to thank for that.”

  “Wait!” Savannah said, grabbing Rochelle’s left hand. “Fiancée?” she asked. When she saw the ring and Rochelle’s wide smile, she hugged her, saying, “Well, congratulations, you two.”

  “Yeah, when did this happen?” Michael asked.

  The engaged couple smiled at one another and Peter said, “Last night.”

  “Well, that’s sure a surprise.” Michael turned to Rochelle. “I didn’t think he’d ever settle down.” He winked. “You must be some woman.”

  “That she is,” Peter agreed.

  “So you have the ring,” Savannah said, “do you have a date?”

  Peter nodded. “Yeah, we’re thinking of getting married on New Year’s Day or there abouts.”

  “Then what?” Savannah asked, glancing from one to the other.

  “I’ll continue creating my art and peddling it. Rochelle… she can tell you what she’s been doing.”

  Michael and Savannah both looked at her. “Well, I’m designing jewelry for a high-end jeweler. Can you believe it?”

  “Oh, my gosh, that sounds fabulous.” Savannah focused on Rochelle’s necklace. “Is that one of your designs?”

  “Yes and the earrings, too. It’s retro—anywhere from the twenties through the sixties. It’s really fun stuff.”

  “I can see that,” Savannah said. “I like it. Gosh, Rochelle, I didn’t know you had this talent.”
She looked at Peter. “So who will manage your business?”

  He grinned. “Actually, things are popping for me, too. I have a new promoter and he has licensed my work. My art’s showing up in catalogs all over the world and being featured in high-end department stores.”

  “That’s great,” Michael said. “I’m happy for you, old buddy. Surprised as heck that you’re finally getting your act together.” He winked at Rochelle. “But really happy for you both.”

  “Yeah, can you imagine me living in the ’burbs behind a picket fence with a family?”

  “A family?” Savannah asked, looking at the couple.

  “Well, not yet,” Peter said. “But yes, we would like to have a family and, if things keep going like they are, we’ll soon be able to afford the SUV that goes along with it.”

  “It’s about time, old man,” Michael said.

  Peter cringed. “What’s that old man stuff?”

  “Rochelle, what about your counseling work?” Savannah asked quietly as the two men continued to banter back and forth.

  “Oh, I’ll probably help out in situations where I can—those that touch my heart or interest me. I rarely charge for my time anymore; I just go where I feel I’m needed.” Rochelle’s face brightened when she said, “I helped exorcize a rather misguided spirit from the government offices in a rural town south of us last month. I consulted with the police department on a missing-person case. I really like keeping my fingers in that realm, but I’m not interested in making it my life’s work. Know what I mean?”

  “Rochelle,” Iris called.

  “Out here,” she replied.

  When Iris caught up to the two couples, she said, “Oh, there you are. I just wanted to give you a tour before supper and see if you might sense anything.”

  “Sure,” Rochelle said. She rose, walked to Peter and kissed him, then invited, “Savannah, join us.”

  “Where’s Lily?” Michael asked.

  “With my aunt, visiting the cuddle cats.”

  “Your gardens are so lovely, Iris,” Rochelle said as the three women walked slowly along the pathways through lush shrubs and flowering plants and trees.

  Iris looked at her. “So you don’t sense anything out here?”