Trouble Restored

by Carolyn Haines

  She liked that Harley could almost read her mind. Their thoughts traveled in the same direction. “Look, he’s sniffing and rubbing against a book.” She went to the cat and drew the volume off the shelf. “It’s a history of Loftus Manor by Farthwright Loftus, a second-generation resident of the manor.” She flipped through the table of contents. “Here’s some interesting tidbits. Farthwright Loftus landscaped the original property and built the stables, which were down the hill from here toward the Coosa River. He also put in the docks on the river that allowed timber and cotton to be transported to the Port of Mobile for sale. He was a busy man, able to see the potential for new inventions like the cotton gin and the paddleboat.”

  She flipped through a few more pages and then felt a smile creep over her face. “He married a Native woman much to the consternation of his neighbors. That’s the point where Loftus Manor began to be looked upon with a degree of suspicion by the community. Farthwright and his bride Onnalee were perfectly happy together and didn’t care that the community shunned them. Their children were later accepted into polite society and the Loftus name was once again honored.”

  “Samuel told me that the Loftus tribe was never one to bow down to the rule of others, whether it was a king or a merchant.” Harley spoke with pride of his friend. “He was a fine man, Tommie. I’m sorry you didn’t get to know him. He stood up for what he believed in, which is why you have to fight for this house. He chose you. He wanted you to have it and he went to the trouble of tracking you down and finding out about you.”

  Tommie felt her spirits rise. “Thank you. I have such big plans for this place.”

  “Are you sure you can’t keep it a private residence?” Harley asked, worry in his voice.

  “I would if I could. Economically it’s impossible, but other than enlarging and modernizing the kitchen, I swear I’ll keep it as true as I can. And with the renovation team in town and the chance to do this on television, which will offset the cost, I have to make my decision now.” She had a glimmer of what was troubling Harley. He was a man who valued his privacy. He knew that if guests flocked to Loftus Manor, the quiet of the grounds would never be the same. And he wanted to stay there. Even stranger—she was beginning to want him to stay.

  “I understand.” He walked to the windows and looked out at the backyard and grounds that sloped into the woods. “It’s hard to see change. Even though this is your home now and you have total say.” He turned back to her. “All things change. I know this. Loftus Manor became my home after some hard times and it’s been a wonderful refuge for me.”

  “Tell me about those hard times.” Tommie was aware that before long she needed to head into town to see the lawyer. Right now, though, Harley was opening up to her, and she realized how rare that might actually be.

  “After Afghanistan, I came back to the States and kicked around for a while. My folks tried to move me in with them, but it just didn’t work. I was haunted. So many of my friends in Afghanistan, mostly locals who were brave enough to support the American troops, had been killed in the three years I was there. I came home and it was such division. Watching Nazis parade in city streets, it was like all I’d fought for meant nothing.”

  Tommie felt a pang for what he’d been through. “I’m so sorry.”

  He shrugged again. “This is where the world is at right now. I couldn’t take it, though. I withdrew into my shell. I read an ad that Samuel was looking for a groundskeeper and that a house was supplied with the job. It was everything I could ask for—hard physical labor, isolation, and a place to hide out. Samuel himself was the huge bonus. We played chess and backgammon and talked. If you haven’t noticed, there’s not a single TV in the place. Samuel didn’t watch TV. He read books and journals and periodicals. In fact, I have a stack of them for you. You’ll need to cancel his subscriptions.”

  For the first time, Tommie considered how much Harley had lost with her uncle’s death. Samuel’s suicide had taken away his place to live, his friend, his companion, his way of life. And yet he hadn’t complained about anything and had made it clear he was ready to vacate the premises on her word.

  “Please don’t be in any rush to leave.” She said the words before she could lose her nerve. “Having you here has been a real help to me.”

  Harley’s crooked grin revealed the dimple. “Thank you. I’m glad to help you. Samuel would want me to. Let’s just see what’s happening here in the house and once this is all settled with the intruder and the unexpected, alleged daughter, we’ll figure out the rest of it.”

  The beep of a horn interrupted their conversation and they both hurried to the front door where a moving van was parked in the drive.

  “It’s my belongings from California.” Tommie felt flustered. She hadn’t really thought about where to put anything. Her possessions consisted mostly of her jewelry-making tools and supplies and a few items of sentimental value, along with some clothes.

  “Where should I unload?” the driver asked.

  Tommie directed him to the building behind the house which she’d decided to make her workshop. In only an hour they had the van unloaded and the belongings and boxes set up in the building. She noticed the black cat was snooping around, sniffing everywhere in the workshop. It was likely that wild animals might have found their way into the building since no one seemed to use it.

  “Why didn’t you have your workshop in the house?” Harley asked her.

  “I do some welding and soldering. I’d just rather have those tools out here. If something should go wrong—”

  “You wouldn’t burn down the house,” Harley finished for her. “Good, practical thinking.”

  For Harley, that was a high compliment. She shook her head at him. “Thanks.”

  “Are you ready to head into town to talk to Samuel’s lawyer? If you don’t mind, I’d like to come along. And maybe you could ask for that copy of the coroner’s report while we’re in town?”

  “You really don’t think Samuel killed himself?” She felt a spark of hope and fear. If Samuel was murdered, that put the intruder in her home in a completely different light.

  “I don’t know. But I’ll bring this button. There’s a woman in town I want to ask about it. If we don’t have time to see her today, I can talk to her tomorrow. We have a lot to do, and I’m starving. We can stop for something to eat first.” He lifted his chin toward where Trouble sat complaining in a low but steady meowing. “Your cat is hungry.”

  “Let me get my coat and purse. Then I’m ready.”

  Chapter Ten

  I can’t believe the blokes were going to try to leave me behind—and I thought we’d bonded over the discovery of the strange button. I guess the humanoids still don’t value my skills properly. Had I not been alert and aware of the foibles of the human intellect, I would have been left behind. Not happening. To their credit, once I shot up into the front seat of Tommie’s car, they accepted the inevitable. If only some Einstein would invent a car that cats could drive, I wouldn’t have to rely on the bipeds for transport.

  The perfect October day reminds me how much I love Wetumpka and the surrounding area. My very first case as a feline detective happened right here. Well, actually nearer the crater caused by the meteorite strike some eighty-three million years ago. A vile serial killer was using the crater as a dump site for the bodies of his victims. There were a few harrowing developments for me and my beloved Tammy Lynn, but that case also introduced her to her main squeeze, Aiden Rivers. And true love was born—once I nudged them into giving it a try. Ah, the work of a black cat is never done!

  We’ve made it into town, and Harley and Tommie seem content in each other’s company. They steal a look at each other too often for me to ignore it. Feelings are growing, it would seem. And I’m not adverse to that at all. Humans just complicate romance too much. As Sherlock would say, just throw a leg over and get on with it.

  First stop is a diner for breakfast. At last! Someone will attend to my gastric needs. And
this is a place where I’m well known and will be served without question. Mr. Brawny actually holds the door for me so I’m assuming he’s learned his lesson about trying to leave me behind. I go where I want to go. And yes, coddled eggs with a bit of smoked salmon sounds perfectly delicious. At last, these two are getting on board with egress and ingress demands and my dietary needs. Why is it so hard to train humans?

  At any rate, the waitress gives me the side eye because I’m not with Tammy. I charm her with a tail curl and a sweet meow. Bella takes us to a table in the corner where I can sit up on the booth seat without drawing attention. She’s a smart cookie, our Bella is. She is also a friend of Tammy Lynn’s and so she knows me and has served me often.

  I point to my menu selections. Harley looks a little surprised, but he rolls with the flow. Good for him. And in two shakes of a lamb’s tail, our food is hot and in front of us. Ah, this will greatly improve my outlook on the day. Bella even remembered to bring just a dollop of fresh cream for me. I don’t often indulge in it, but why not today?

  Someone entering the restaurant has caught Harley’s eye. He leans forward to Tommie and whispers, “That’s Nina Ahearn, your uncle’s caregiver.”

  I do a double-take as the buxom blonde walks past us with a definite hitch in her get-along. She works the magic of the badonkadonk, just like the Trace Adkins’ song says. I have to admit, she’s not what I pictured as a caregiver. She looks more the…center stage type of woman.

  “That’s who took care of Samuel?” Tommie is as shocked as I.

  “She really was very good to your uncle,” Harley says.

  No matter what conclusion the humanoids come to, I have to say that Uncle Samuel’s stock has risen in my eyes. If you have to have a caregiver, why not have one that makes you feel like Hugh Hefner?

  Ms. Ahearn is dining alone. And Harley is getting up to speak with her. A brief exchange. Harley motions to Tommie, but Nina Ahearn shakes her head, negating an introduction, I would assume. Well, it’s the Bombshell’s loss. But Tommie isn’t one to be left sitting on the front porch. She’s getting up and walking over. She’s holding out her hand, obviously introducing herself.

  Ah, Nina doesn’t take her hand. I need to get over there so I can hear this.

  Nina pastes a smile on her face, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Sykes. I have to say, your uncle never mentioned you. Not one single time. Your uncle was a very wonderful man, but there are things you don’t know about him. Things that will shock you.”

  Nina is laying the groundwork for something. Just what exactly, I’m not sure at all. It’s my personal opinion that Nina is stacking it on a little too thick. Tommie is young, but she isn’t as easily shocked as one might think.

  Tommie is not one to be pushed into the shade. “I regret I didn’t get to know Uncle Samuel. I’ve learned he was an intelligent and interesting man who went to a lot of trouble to track me down so I could inherit Loftus Manor. I have big plans for the estate, and I believe Uncle Samuel would support them.”

  “Big plans? Do tell?” Nina can’t seem to hide her sarcasm. I wonder what she’s got cooking on her back burner, because she’s up to something.

  In this little verbal dance, Tommie ignores her question and parries with one of her own. “When you were living in the house, did you notice anything odd in your room?”

  Ah, I see now, the Loftus Lass is sleuthing, not making a social contact. Good for her. I like a woman who knows how to keep an investigation on track.

  For a moment—a long moment—Nina considers her answer. “Loftus Manor is old and there are always creaks and groans, the sound of someone moving about. It’s probably raccoons in the attic. Have you checked? Or are you too afraid to poke around?”

  “Not afraid, and not yet, but I will. I only arrived yesterday.”

  Nina turns to Harley. “When are you leaving, Harley? I’ll bet your bags are packed and the car loaded.”

  “I’m helping Ms. Sykes settle in.”

  Harley tells only as much as he has to. So he is somewhat suspicious of Nina Ahearn. I wonder why. I can’t wait to ferret that information from him.

  “Oh, I’m sure you are. Funny, I don’t recall you helping me to settle in,” Nina responds.

  Harley only laughs. He doesn’t answer at all. Sparks smolder in Nina Ahearn’s blue eyes. There is definitely something between these two. This will bear additional investigation, when I have time.

  Thank heavens Bella appears with Nina’s breakfast and Harley and Tommie excuse themselves. They’re eager to go, and since I’ve finished my repast, I’m feeling much friskier and I’m ready too. I’m sure I haven’t seen the last of Nina, but for now, it’s on the road again.

  * * *

  Tommie sat in the leather chair in front of the lawyer’s desk, Harley at her side and the cat at her feet. She carefully studied Britt Gordon. He was a man who perfectly fit his physical surroundings of heavy mahogany furniture, plush modern throw rugs of primary colors, expensive art on the walls, and a few well-tended potted plants. His desktop was cluttered, and he was digging around in his files looking for her uncle’s will. Tommie felt a flash of annoyance. She’d had an appointment with Gordon and yet he acted as if he hadn’t anticipated seeing her. For all of the trappings of success in his office, he seemed disorganized.

  “It’s a shame you missed the reading of the will,” he said as he thumbed through file tabs. “I have it right here, somewhere, if I can just lay hands on it. I must confess, filing isn’t my greatest talent. Now why weren’t you here for the reading of the will?”

  Tommie tried not to show her aggravation. “I wanted to be here, but I had to load up some things to ship.”

  “Then you won’t be going back to California?” He looked up at her over his glasses. “I’m surprised. A young woman leaving the excitement of California for a crumbling old house in the woods of Alabama?”

  “Actually, the house is in pretty good repair. Loftus Manor is…a dream come true.”

  The lawyer turned to her. “Oh?”

  “The renovation team, Hank and Katie Evans, looked it over yesterday. Structurally sound. There are some modifications we’ll be doing, but the house is in great shape.”

  The lawyer laughed. “Excellent. I guess all the ghost stories are just so much foolishness. That Samuel. He was always going on about how the house was haunted and how he smelled strange perfumes.”

  “What kind of perfume?” Tommie could have sworn the cat’s interest picked up also.

  “I don’t know.” Gordon waved his hands. “Samuel only said it smelled nice and feminine. Anyway, as I was saying, when I realized how young you are, and single, I assumed you wouldn’t want to stay in Wetumpka.” He looked at Harley. “But it seems you’ve already made a friend.”

  Trouble jumped into Harley’s lap, stared at the lawyer, and hissed.

  Tommie looked down to hide her smile. She didn’t like Britt Gordan and neither did Trouble. The cat was a wicked judge of character!

  “I don’t allow animals in my office,” Gordon said. “Some of my clients may be allergic.”

  “So sorry.” Tommie motioned Trouble into her lap. When he obeyed and jumped over to her, the lawyer arched his eyebrows.

  “He’s very clever. He’s not a movie cat, is he?”

  “Indeed, he is clever, but so far no starring movie roles. I’m just glad to have him with me at the manor. And I’m happy that Harley is there, too.” She waited until the lawyer looked away and then she winked at Harley, letting him know that she was going to mess with the lawyer. “Yes, it’s wonderful to have a ready-made support group. Now if you’ll give me a copy of the will, Trouble, Harley, and I will be leaving.” The lawyer was going through files again. “And oh, did you realize Uncle Samuel had a child?”

  Britt Gordon slowly lifted his head. Something shifted in his eyes. She couldn’t pinpoint it, but it was enough to make her suspicious. “A child? You don’t say.”

&n
bsp; “She claims to be his daughter. Did Samuel mention anything about a child to you?”

  “Not a word.”

  “Then I’m assuming that she has no claim to Loftus Manor? I just want to be clear about this. She seems to think she’s owed part of the property.”

  “She does?” Gordon frowned. “Does she have proof that she’s truly Samuel’s daughter?”

  “She says she does. You didn’t know anything about her?”

  “Samuel was always a very private man. Rachel died years ago, and as far as I knew, he remained alone. It would be normal, though, if he had a relationship with someone. That doesn’t shock me. But he never said anything about a child.”

  “If she has no legal claim to his estate, that’s all I need to know. Just assure me of that.”

  The lawyer cleared his throat. “She wasn’t included in the will. Unless she has grounds to prove her blood ties and that she was left out of the will by accident…”

  Tommie felt the skin tighten on the top of her head. “Then she may have cause?”

  “This is very unusual. If Samuel was aware of her, he would have included her or he would at least have given me a head’s up. He’s just that kind of man. If he wasn’t aware, how does that impact her standing as an heir?”

  “That’s exactly what she’s asking you,” Harley said, a bit of snap in his voice.

  “It depends.” The lawyer shook his head. “I’d have to talk with her. See what proof she has.”

  “It doesn’t matter what she may or may not have. Samuel left the manor to Tommie,” Harley pressed.

  “Inheritance laws are complicated. Especially when an illegitimate child shows up. And a lot depends on why Samuel didn’t know about her, what she wants…” The lawyer dusted his hands together. “It can be complicated.”

  “But you wrote Samuel’s will so you’re certain it’s airtight,” Harley said. “That was, after all, what he paid you for.”

  “Yes, of course. But there are extenuating circumstances.”