by Rose Pressey
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” I winked at Mama. Reed shrugged. “Nothing…it’s just so…never mind.”
Mama and I looked like two camouflaged peas in a pod with sequins on top.
Reed hurried over to me after Carolyn was free. He smelled like fresh-cut wood and soap. Being near him set butterflies loose in my stomach.
“You should have called the police,” he scolded.
“They don’t like me,” I said, rubbing my wrists after he’d untied me.
He moved over to undo the rope from my mother. When she was free, I grabbed her hand and we ran onto the porch. Sirens whizzed as they drew near. Within seconds, police cars screeched to a halt in front of the cabin. Officers rushed out with their guns drawn. I spotted Sheriff Bass. It was going to do me a lot of good to give him an I-told-you-so smirk. After a few minutes, a couple of policemen emerged with Jim in handcuffs.
He still ranted about not getting his money. “He owed me. It was my money.”
They loaded him into the back of a cruiser. Where he was going he wouldn’t need money.
Carolyn wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. “I’m overwhelmed that you found me. How did you know where I was?”
Sheriff Bass approached just in time to hear my story. I hoped he hadn’t come to arrest me for meddling in official police business.
“It wasn’t easy,” I said. “I did some snooping in Payne’s office.” I looked at Reed and blushed. At least now, Sheriff Bass knew I hadn’t been at the sperm bank. He probably already suspected as much, though.
“I didn’t see any obvious clues, but I didn’t leave empty handed, either. On my way out the door, I grabbed the first thing I saw. The pad of paper I snatched ultimately led me straight to you.” I smiled at Carolyn. “Nothing was written on the pad except, Call M., which meant nothing to me. But today when I saw the paper in the sunlight, I noticed indentions from a previous note. I guess the pen had been pressed so hard that the writing was visible on the next page, even though the original note was gone.” All eyes were on me as I conveyed my account. “Payne had a meeting with Jim Richmond, the date and time of which was written on the pad. Their get-together was scheduled for the approximate time Payne had been murdered. I knew then Jim had to be the killer. So, I took a chance and came to find you.”
“Wow, I can’t believe it. That’s amazing. The powers of the universe were looking out for us,” Carolyn said. “And the fact that you’re one smart cookie.”
Reed smiled and I blushed again.
“How did you know I was here at his cabin?” Carolyn asked.
“The page had Jim’s address written on it, as well. I’d never heard of this place, so I called Suzie and asked her about it. Of course, she knew it was Jim’s cabin. She knows all gossip in town. Don’t ask me how I was able to recognize it, call it fate maybe. I knew right away that had to be where you were.”
“I’ll never be able to thank you enough,” Carolyn said. “But making sure Reed gets plenty of work around that house of yours would be a start.” She winked.
“What I did was a stupid risk, but it had a happy ending.”
“All right, now two more questions,” Mama interrupted. “First, how the heck did Reed know where to find us?”
“I left him a note.” I smiled.
“And I came to save the day.” He puffed out his chest and we all laughed.
“I’m surprised you showed up.”
“I was looking for you,” he said.
I stared at him, but didn’t ask for more explanation.
“All right, second question, are you and this good-lucking hunk of man dating?”
“Mama!”
“Well, I want to know.”
I couldn’t look at Reed. It was like being in sixth grade again when my mother called Billie Vincent and asked him to the dance for me.
I cleared my throat. “Changing the subject…,” I continued, “when Jim told me he was going on a vacation with his wife, it was a lie. But I sure am glad I found you Carolyn.”
Commotion caught my attention and I looked up. Reporters descended on the area, marching down the drive.
“Looks like you have some questions to answer.” Reed gestured toward the reporters with a tilt of his head.
“Someone hide me,” I said, as I took a deep breath, preparing for the barrage of questions.
“And you have your best outfit on.” He chuckled.
“I was almost murdered, I have an excuse.”
“Ms. Hargrove can you tell us what happened?” The brunette reporter asked. She frowned, waiting for an answer. She focus on me didn’t budge. I looked to Reed and he shrugged.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Who was holding you hostage?” she pressed.
“Maybe the police could better answer your questions.” I looked around for help. I would even welcome Sheriff Bass at that moment.
“It was Jim Richmond and he murdered Payne Cooper,” Mama blurted out.
I wanted to beat her with my sequined cap.
“You discovered a diary in your house solving a murder, is that correct?” the reporter looked to me and asked.
“Mama, shut up,” I mouthed. “No comment,” I said to the reporter.
“It’s not a reality show. This is real life,” I whispered.
My mother rolled her eyes.
A couple of officers discovered the intrusion and banished the reporters to the other side of the crime tape.
I looked over to my mother. “Are you all right, Mama?”
“I’m fine, sugar.” She rubbed her head.
Sheriff Bass wandered back over after speaking with another officer.
“We’ll need statements from all of you. Does anyone need medical attention? Carolyn, you all right?”
“I’m fine, Chester. I just want to see Frank.”
“He’s on his way,” Reed said.
“We’ll be a while here. I’ll call on y’all soon.” Sheriff Bass sauntered away. His smirk had faded.
“I guess I should head home to your father. I’ve had enough excitement for the day and I’m exhausted.” Mama held her chest.
I squeezed my arms around her. “I love you, Mama.” Tears welled up in my eyes. “I’m so sorry I almost got you killed.”
“Everything’s fine now, sugar, don’t cry.” She wiped my tears. “But don’t ever do anything like that again.”
I wiped the rest of the tears off my face with my camouflaged arm. “You have my word. Call me later,” I said.
Did I really tell her to call me? I guess life and death situations brought out the softer side in people.
Chapter Forty-Six
Mama hopped in the truck. It sputtered to life and she pulled away. Growing up I avoided making friends. I didn’t want to explain my mother’s crazy antics. Now I’d come to realize she’s just eccentric. Nothing wrong with that. So what if she didn’t fit the mold of what everyone else expected a mother to be. She had crazy taste in clothing, and she loved being dramatic. There were far worse things. In fact, as much as I didn’t want to admit it, I was like her in a lot of ways.
I worried about my mother. I’d never put her in a situation like this one again. Of course, I prayed I’d never be in a predicament like this again. As soon as she got home, she’d probably call all of her friends and give an animated play by play of the events. She’d recount her brush with death and how she’d captured a murderer.
I followed Reed and Carolyn to his truck. Reed opened the door. “I like sitting by the window,” Carolyn said.
I cast a suspicious glance her way. She grinned. I crawled in the Dodge and slid to the middle of the seat. Reed jumped in beside me. His leg touched mine. Heat rushed through my body. He steered the truck off the path and I let out a pent-up breath. It felt good to be away from that place. Was everything right in my world now? All I’d have to concentrate on was the house—and Reed.
Sunshine splashed across my face from the w
indshield as we moved along the road. As we sat in silence, for the first time since buying the house Maple Hill Road, I was truly excited. No ghosts to scare away potential homebuyers. But what about Nick Patterson, I still didn’t know why he’d followed me. Was he the one in the strange car or Jim?
I looked at Reed and studied his profile—his strong jaw and sexy full lips. What would have happened to us if he hadn’t gotten there in time? I knew what would have happened—all three of us would have been toast.
I broke the silence. “So, Carolyn, you have to tell us how did he kidnap you?”
Carolyn sat, shuffled in the seat, and wiped her forehead.
“I was at the cabin just lounging around, reading a book, when I heard a knock at the door. It startled me because it was early. I peeked out the window and saw Jim Richmond, who I recognized right away. Although, I had no idea why he’d be there to see me. I answered the door, and the next thing I knew, he was putting a rag over my face. I blacked out and woke up tied to the damn chair, listening to his foolish talk. He’d gone off the deep end.”
“Wish I could’ve kicked his ass sooner. That must have been horrible, Aunt Carolyn. I can only imagine how scared you were.” Reed raked a hand through his hair as he steered with the other. I felt his tension as he listened to her story.
“I just kept thinking about Frank. I would alternate between positive and negative thoughts. One minute I’d have hope and think he would surely find me, then the next, I’d feel completely hopeless. Little did I know y’all would save me. I should have known, though. You got a lot of spunk.” She laughed and poked me in my side.
“Spunk, huh? I’m not sure that’s what everyone else would call it.”
“It’d call it spunk.” Reed winked and smiled.
My heart beat faster.
“Well, thank God we found you and you’re safe now.” Reed added.
“I’ll never be able to thank you enough for saving my life.” She patted my leg.
“Reed had a little something to do with it, as well.”
“A little.” She laughed. “But he needs your help. You’re the brains of the outfit.”
Ugh. She had to mention outfit. I couldn’t wait to change. Sadly, I’d left my clothing in Mama’s truck.
We turned onto Maple Hill Road. Reed glanced at me.
He laughed and said, “I guess the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree. You dress up like your mama often?”
“No,” I said dryly.
“Sure looks like you do,” he snorted and looked at my clothes.
“She forced me!”
“Sure she did.” He turned into the driveway.
“She started crying.”
“Whatever you say, Bama.”
“I’m serious! I had no choice.”
Reed moved around to the passenger door and opened it. Carolyn stepped down, then he took my hand and helped me down. No sooner had he shut the door when Frank’s car screeched to a halt behind us.
“I didn’t know where to find you.” He ran to Carolyn. “I went to the police station and you weren’t there.” He held her tightly, then realized the strength of his grip and released. He looked her up and down. “You all right?”
“I’m fine.”
He grabbed her arm, led her to the car, and eased her down on the seat. Carolyn did look great considering what had happened. Disheveled, but no cuts or bruises to speak of.
“I can’t thank you all enough for everything you did.” Frank said.
“Carolyn would have done the same for me,” I said.
“You come by for dinner anytime. You’re family now.” He closed the door and climbed behind the wheel.
They waved and pulled away.
“I guess he wasn’t taking any chances, huh?” I asked.
“I’m sure he just wants her safe and at home,” Reed said.
I nodded.
“How are your wrists?”
“Sore, but I’ll be all right.” I plopped down on the porch step. “I found a diary in the house.”
“I heard.” Reed stood on the path in front of me. He smiled a quick boyish grin.
“Is anything a secret in this town?” I asked.
“Some things are.” He sat beside me.
What did he mean by that?
“I think the ghosts are gone. Although, I know you never believed the place was haunted.”
“Hey, I told you I heard footsteps. And I saw the other stuff. I believe you.”
“Good to know.”
“Maybe that’s why I didn’t buy the house. I was too afraid of ghosts.” He gave a lopsided grin.
“Somehow I don’t believe that.”
“You’re brave, Alabama. Braver than me.”
I just looked at him, not sure of what to say.
“Someone was killed in the house?” he asked after a long pause.
“Yes, right there, actually.” I pointed in front of us next to the stone path.
“So, let me get this straight, you solved two murders, and a kidnapping? Sounds like you should be a detective instead of flipping houses.”
I grinned. We sat silent. I watched a few leaves swirl along the path as the wind picked up.
“You hungry?” he asked.
“Why’d you leave?” I didn’t look at him. My heart pounded. I was afraid of his answer.
“We have a business relationship. I overstepped my boundaries. I need to keep things professional. It was obvious you just want me to do the work and get out.”
“It was obvious?”
He stood and stepped onto the porch.
“I don’t want to get in the way of your dream.” He shrugged. “You know, fixing this place up. I know how it feels to want to bring something back to life.” He paced, stopped, and leaned against the column.
I stood, then moved up the steps. Reed turned to look at me and I moved in front of him.
I leaned in to his body and looked him straight in the eyes. “Reed, you are cocky, stubborn and a know-it-all, but adorable.”
I pressed my lips on his. I kissed Reed and he let me.
I pulled back and grinned.
He smiled and asked. “So, you think I’m adorable?”
Did I ever.
Chapter Forty-Seven
The next day, Reed was on the roof and I painted the kitchen cabinets a pretty cream color. I set my brush down when someone knocked on the door. I stood, stretched, and made my way across the house. As I scurried through the foyer, toward the front door, I couldn’t help but glance over toward the basement door. No ghost stood there that time—just a darkened hallway. I was glad he’d found closure and crossed over.
Sheriff Bass stood with his back facing me when I opened the door. He turned and took a draw of his cigarette.
“Ms. Hargrove.” He tipped his hat and gave a tired grin. His softer side finally made an appearance—a brief appearance—but an appearance nonetheless.
“I just wanted to stop by and thank you for everything you did for the investigation. And to say, I’m sor…” He paused. “I’m sor…”
“Spit it out.” I hadn’t meant to say that aloud. But if I hadn’t spoken up, we would’ve stood there forever waiting for him to sputter out those two little words.
He furrowed his brow.
“I’m sorry,” he mumbled.
His expression was almost apologetic. Almost. Did he actually say he was sorry? Did he really utter those words?
“That’s all right,” I muttered. I wasn’t sure what else to say. Every conversation with him had been awkward.
“We never suspected Jim Richmond. There were no fingerprints at the scene, no DNA evidence found. We had nothing to go on.”
If they had nothing, why had they never believed me and attempted to follow my leads? The blue car and the brick. I wanted to believe he regretted not following through, but I was positive he didn’t.
“Did you ever research the blue car or the note?” I asked hesitantly.
&n
bsp; “We tried, nothing came up.” He averted his eyes.
Liar.
“Apparently, not only did Jim want to collect his money, but he felt he was somehow entitled to this house. Because he was related to one of the original owners. He never could prove he was their kin, though. Plus, it was never willed to him, anyway. And since Payne was the great-great-grandson of the builder of this house, that gave Jim even more reason to hate Payne Cooper.”
“Wow, that’s crazy.” Why hadn’t Jim told me this information during his long rant?
“Anyway, they found bones in your neighbor’s yard, just where the diary said they would be.” He turned to walk away. “Oh, and by the way, I wanted to let you know we looked into why Nick Patterson was following you around,” he said, spinning around to face me once again.
“You did?” I asked, shocked.
“We did.” He nodded. “He’s in jail on unrelated charges, so we questioned him about why he followed you.”
“What did he tell you?”
“Apparently Julia Cooper had hired him to spy on her husband before he was murdered. She wanted to catch him in the act of having an affair, I guess. Anyway, when Payne was murdered they believed you were involved, so they were doing a little investigating on their own.”
“You’re kidding? Wasn’t it dangerous for Julia Cooper to ask me into her home if she thought I was the killer?”
“Isn’t that what you did to her?”
I smiled. “Yes, I guess so. So, he was a wannabe private investigator?”
“Yes, I suppose he was.” He shifted his feet. “Well, he won’t be bothering you for a while. I think he’ll get at least one year in jail.”
“What’s he in for?” All right, now sounded like a cop.
“Let’s just say he’s been stopped more than once for drinking and driving. Hopefully this time he’ll have to spend more than one night behind bars.”
“Thanks, sheriff.” He didn’t respond, but then again, I hadn’t expected him to. I was shocked he’d even taken the time to question Nick Patterson for me. He probably only did it to satisfy his own curiosity.
“Oh, we need you to stop by the station later and sign a statement.”
