As I pulled my car into the garage, I caught a glimpse of Officer Dawlins walking across the street from her grandma’s house. Worry gripped me as I noticed her brisk pace. Carolyn’s grandma raised her since she was two and I knew her most of my adult life. Carolyn babysat Laci on many occasions. I rushed out of the garage calling her name concerned her grandma was ill.
“Carolyn, hi, is everything all right?” I asked.
“Yes, I was just investigating a call of a prowler next door to you and stopped by grandma’s to see if she noticed anything. You know how she loves to sit by her upstairs bedroom window at night and watch the stars.” Carolyn adjusted her shirt, and a glint of moonlight flashed across the gun at her hip letting me know she was ready for anything.
“A prowler? Did you find anything?” Worry must have crossed my face because she smiled at me and told me not to worry.
“I didn’t see a thing and grandma thought she might have seen a bear,” Carolyn laughed.
“A bear? We don’t usually have bears around here.” I stammered.
“Your neighbor said he noticed a big guy walking around down near the lake and considering all that has gone on, called in a possible prowler. Grandma said she saw what looked like a bear bent over walking, but it didn’t lumber. She said it appeared to walk more like a large hunched over man. Don’t worry, I checked the area and didn’t see anyone.” She smiled and slid behind the wheel of her police cruiser. “If you do see anyone don’t hesitate to call.”
“I won’t,” I answered and waved.
By the time I put the cold and frozen groceries away, Yummy was barking at the patio door.
“Okay, we’ll go out. I thought you had a long enough walk before we left the bookstore. Guess not.”
When I opened the patio door, Yummy made a beeline for the trees and the lake. He ran between the pier and tree line barking at me.
“Not again,” I moaned and pulled my phone out of my pocket in case we found something or someone else.
Yummy ran in circles as I slowly walked toward the pier. I stopped just beyond the big willow at the edge of my property. What if Yummy spotted a bear? Could Carolyn’s grandma be right about a bear? Just because she didn’t think it lumbered like a bear doesn’t mean it wasn’t one.
I was ready to call Yummy and head back in when someone grabbed me from behind. A large hand covered most of my face. I could feel the pinky press into my chin and the thumb on the side of my forehead. My heart thudded, and I thought I was dead. It was a bear, and I was dinner. Common sense fled since bears don’t clamp their paws over mouths to quiet their meal from screaming. When that revelation hit me, it did little to ease my fear. It wasn’t a bear; it was a man—a big man.
A voice grumbled in my ear, “You and that stupid blonde with the boy’s name better stop snooping around or you’ll both be next.”
I felt the hand leave my face, and another push my back hard enough to throw me to the ground. By the time I got to my feet, the sound of his feet thudding on the ground had faded. I ran toward the house dialing 911. Yummy was at my heels, and I slammed the patio door as I blurted out my need for help. I locked the door, pulled the blinds, and ran through the house turning on every light I had. I don’t like dark corners, so I have a lot of lights. My house probably looked like noon on a sunny day, but I didn’t care.
I heard the siren and relaxed a bit when I saw Carolyn running toward my front door.
I flung the door open and explained what happened. She drew her gun and disappeared out my patio door into my backyard. A few moments later, a second officer arrived at my front door. He was young and fresh faced. He quickly introduced himself as Tyler Jakes, who I supposed was hired to replace Bill Todorov, the corrupt officer involved in Inga’s murder just a few weeks ago. He spoke to Carolyn through the mic on his shoulder and asked if he could go out my patio door. I nodded and locked the door behind him.
Several minutes later, Carolyn knocked on my front door. “Annie, we checked your yard, around Aunt Irene’s cottage, and the trees along the lake front. We didn’t find anyone, and there are too many footprints to count. I did notice one footprint that was large compared to the rest. Officer Jakes is going to make a plaster cast. It could be from the guy who grabbed you. I suspect he might also be what my grandma thought was the man who appeared to look like a bear. He must have hidden in the trees knowing you would go outside at some point with Yummy. Please be careful. I notified your neighbor who called in the original complaint, and he’ll watch, too. Besides that there isn’t much we can do right now.”
I thanked her and watched as the patrol car and my safety net pulled away from the curb. I closed the door and double checked all the locks. I set the security system and called Aunt Irene just to let her know what happened.
When I turned and walked back into my living room, I saw Deputy Jakes waving at me through the patio door. I opened the door and asked, “Is there something you need?”
“Um, yeah, Mrs. Ryan, but not about the prowler. I heard you have an apartment over your bookstore that might be for rent. If it is, I’d like to see it and rent it. I need a place in town to live now that I work at the P.D.” His innocent grin made me feel comfortable, and it sure can’t hurt to have an officer living over the store.
“Yes, I do. It’s small and only one bedroom. It’s partially furnished with a sofa, living room tables and lamps, and a kitchen table and chairs. I find people prefer their personal bedroom belongings, so I don’t have a bed up there. There’s a private locked entrance from the parking area behind the store, and there’s a second door that leads to the stairs from my bookstore, but that door is always locked,” I answered.
He nodded, and I added, “There’s also a door at the top of the stairs leading directly into the apartment that locks, so you have privacy and security.”
“Sounds good, when can I see it?” He shifted weight from one foot to the other.
“Anytime the store is open, or if that doesn’t work with your hours, I can meet you there in the evening or on a Sunday and you can check it out. Just call.” I smiled my friendliest smile hoping he’d feel welcome. If he rents it, that will end the fight I predict will happen between Laci and me when she comes home and insists on living in the apartment.
“Great, Mrs. Ryan. I’ll do my best to pop in this week. Take care.” He waved and disappeared around the side of my house.
I left all the lights on, and before I headed upstairs, I pulled the portable panic alarm Clark insisted I get along with my security system from my desk drawer.
Right after I sent a text to Georgie to call me after the Grille closed, my phone chirped. I had a text from Clark warning me to be careful. Clifford must have let him know what happened. Why doesn’t he call? I need him home. Darn that blocked number his texts come from. I can’t tell him that I need him. I gripped my phone wanting to call Clifford and demand he tell Clark to come home, but then he’d know Clark told me where he was hiding. Ugh! If I knew where Clifford’s cabin was I’d go there, but I can’t ask him that either. I’m doomed.
I took the fastest shower in history even though I knew Yummy would bark if there were any odd sound coming from downstairs. I’m an adult and can take care of myself. I’m also a realist knowing someone just threatened my life. I grabbed my pillow and blanket and headed back downstairs. I knew there was a reason I chose to buy a soft, comfy sofa.
“There’s nothing wrong with being practical and careful,” I said to myself while I fixed a sandwich. I missed dinner and as scared as I had been, I was hungry.
“Be safe, Annie, is what everyone is telling me and sleeping down here is safer,” I mumbled as I carried my sandwich into the living room.
~ * ~
My phone jolted me out of a sound sleep at a little before eleven. It was Georgie. I shook the cobwebs loose in my head and answered. I needed to tell her we were both in danger.
“Hi,” I answered. “I’m glad you called back tonight.”
“Of cours
e I would,” I heard her answer. “You sounded nervous. What’s up?”
I explained about being grabbed in my back yard and heard her gasp when I told her he also threatened her.
“Who?” was all I heard her ask.
“I wish I knew I said,” as I began to pace back and forth in my living room. The phone woke Yummy, and he paced with me. I explained about the huge hands and the neighbors saying something large, either human or beast, was roaming the neighborhood.
Georgie added, “The only person I can think of that is the size of a bear is the creepy guy who works in the treasurer’s office.”
I told her I had the same thought. We decided we’d both be careful and talk tomorrow. I wonder how Paul will take the news. He wasn’t happy about our sleuthing after the cemetery incident. I think he’ll be angry now. He’s devoted to Georgie.
I slept fitfully and woke to my phone’s alarm. Yummy must have sensed my trepidation as I opened the patio door. He ran out, took care of business, and hurried back inside.
~ * ~
Business was brisk at the bookstore all morning. I barely had time to eat my sandwich for lunch before more customers arrived. I guess that’s what happens when you forget to put the ‘Out to Lunch’ sign on the door. In the midst of the customer rush, Officer Jakes arrived to check out the apartment. I was busy and handed him the keys to check it out. He returned a few minutes later with a deposit check in his hands. I told him he could move in any time, but to come back tomorrow and I’d have the lease and he could pay the first month’s rent. Since it was near the end of April, I told him I’d ignore the April rent. He left smiling.
I sold a few books, but most people wanted to ask me about the report of a giant bear-like man roaming the town and my encounter with it.
I did my best to assure people it was only a tall, well-built man because he spoke to me. We didn’t have creatures roaming Heavenly Corners. Some believed me and from the looks on some of their faces, I think they preferred to believe we had a unique sighting. One older fellow went as far as to suggest a creepy critter roaming the woods would be good for tourist season. I hate to carry tales so I won’t mention his name, but he enjoys his lunch at Corners Bar most days.
I planned to close up at my usual time and spend a quiet evening at home. Clark sent a short text mid-afternoon saying he loved me. I wish he would call so we can talk. Maybe he will this evening. I can always hope.
Just before closing time, the bell jingled, and I looked up to see Detective Nate enter. My stomach turned over and I stifled a groan. It couldn’t be a good thing to have him show up. Yummy ran to my side and growled.
“Nice ball of fur you have there. Do you think he could save you from your imaginary bear-man?” He pulled two sticks of gum from his pocket and stuffed them into his mouth.
“What are you talking about?” I squinted at him and picked up Yummy.
“Come on, Mrs. Ryan. Who do you think you’re fooling? You weren’t threatened by any strange man. You used your neighbor’s complaint of a possible bear sighting to your advantage. We all see through it. It’s about as lame as you finding the diamond necklace in Mrs. Boyle’s empty grave. You were hiding it and got caught. Nice try though, but I’ll prove you stole it. You and that blonde friend of yours. You’ll have time to think about it in prison while you wonder where you went wrong when you killed Barbara Boyle.” He laughed as he headed toward the door.
“Get out of my store,” I shouted.
“I’m going but have no fear, I’ll be back.” He nodded and closed the door behind him.
I rushed to lock it before he returned.
“What a crazy man,” I mumbled as I drove home. “Crazy or not, what if he tries to pin her murder on me. He could falsify evidence or who knows what else.” I shuddered.
I prepared a large salad for dinner. I was hungry, and if I didn’t fill myself with lettuce and veggies, the chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer would call my name later on. I have my first dress fitting on Saturday and Sunday I’m meeting the wedding planner at the mansion. I need to keep my emotions intact and thereby keep my emotional overeating under control. I seem to want to eat all the things I should try and avoid. I guess planning a wedding with a groom heaven knows where, being accused of murder, and then threatened will do that to a girl’s appetite. At least it is with mine.
If I sprinkle chocolate chips on my salad could I say they were veggies since they come from the cocoa bean?
It was close to bedtime, and I felt tired. Before I could get up and head for the shower, my phone chirped. I grabbed it hoping it might be a text from Clark. I sure wish he would come back again and visit for a few hours. I can’t wait for this assignment to be over. It’s not from Clark. It’s from Georgie.
“Paul is fuming about the threat.
I needed to leave the Grille for some quiet.
Hiding at the mansion. Keep me company?”
I can see the mansion across the lake from my patio door and there were lights on in the front parlor. What an odd place for her to hide, but then again it’s one place Paul won’t look. He must be angry if she left work.
It shouldn’t take long to calm Georgie down or for Paul to feel sorry about whatever he said to make Georgie take off. I’ll leave Yummy home. He had a busy day today running after customers and protecting me from Detective Nate.
~ * ~
Georgie’s car isn’t parked behind the mansion. She knows the security code, and I bet she parked in the garage to keep Paul from seeing her car. I opened the back door leading to the kitchen and punched in the code before the alarm went off. I didn’t want to explain to the security company again why I set it off.
I called Georgie’s name. No answer. Maybe she’s in the bathroom. I made my way to the parlor and when I entered I saw Georgie sitting in one of the two burgundy wingback chairs near the fireplace. Her feet were tied to the chair legs. Her arms hung over the chair’s sides, and I could tell her wrists were also bound with rope. Her arms were pulled back most likely tied behind her.
“Oh my goodness, Georgie,” I cried as I ran to her side and tried to untie the rope. “Did Paul do this to you to try and show you what could happen if we got in trouble? What a terrible way to teach a lesson. Hold still these ropes are tied tightly.”
I glanced at her face, and her eyes were wide. Tears ran silently down her cheeks as she stared over my shoulder.
“What? Is he here? I’ll give him a piece of my mind.”
I stood and spun expecting to confront Paul. I stopped dead in my tracks when I came face to face with the giant of a man who worked in the treasurer’s office. He was holding a gun.
“Nice of you to join us. Sit in the other chair,” he barked.
Too frightened not to listen, I dropped in the chair next to Georgie. He quickly bound me the same as my best friend.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered to Georgie.
“Shut up,” the hulk of a man said. He turned and walked out of the room.
Think Annie think. There’s a reason he didn’t shoot Georgie. He could have shot me as soon as I walked in the room. What does he want?
“Did he say anything to you?” I asked Georgie while the man was out of the room.
“No, he kidnaped me from work,” her voice was barely audible.
I gasped in horror. This man is insane. He kidnaped my best friend to get me here.
Georgie continued, “I took out the recycling, and he walked up behind me with a gun. He forced me into his car and brought me here. He sent you that text. I didn’t. He forced me to tell him the security code to get in here. I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I didn’t pay attention when I took out the recycling. No one is ever out behind the Grille. This is Heavenly Corners. We’re supposed to live in a safe small town.”
“We do,” I responded. “Unfortunately we have attracted a few rotten apples.” I tried to smile.
“I said no talking,” the giant was yelling as he walked back into the room.
>
“Who are you?” I demanded. “I’ve seen you in the Treasurer’s office.”
“Darren Teeny at your service,” he grinned and bowed. “Now shut up.”
“Teeny?” Georgie giggled. She did that when she was nervous.
“You think it’s funny?” He growled.
She shook her head, and giggles continued to bubble up from her.
Darren Teeny scowled at her. He waved the gun in her direction.
“Don’t shoot,” I begged. “She giggles when she’s nervous or scared.”
He snorted and sat on the sofa.
High heels clacked on the hallway floor. A tall, thin woman I recognized as Amber Arillo, the tax assessor, entered the room.
“Darren baby,” she cooed. “What do we have here?”
Georgie groaned and bit her lip to stop her giggles.
Darren smiled. “I grabbed the blonde one and her stupid friend fell for my fake text from the phone I found blondie hiding. I sent a text and she came running to help.”
“Good job, they know too much. Shoot them,” Amber said nonchalantly as she admired what appeared to be a recent manicure. The red nails matched her lipstick and heels.
How did she get them all to match? I wondered and imagined myself giving me a slap to get my thoughts back to the dire situation.
“What, me? No way. That’s cold blooded murder. You shoot them,” Darren stammered.
Amber laughed a shrill laugh that scraped at my nerves worse than fingernails on a chalkboard. “You didn’t have any trouble killing Barbara.”
Georgie gasped, and I knew we were not getting out of here alive. We knew for certain who killed Barbara.
“I didn’t mean to do it. She confronted me at Berg’s party. I denied everything, and we walked outside for a bit of privacy. I only wanted to scare her when I grabbed her scarf,” Darren lamented and dropped onto the sofa.
“Regardless, you strangled her. You don’t know your own strength lover,” Amber retorted.
“I know, I know,” Darren said holding his head in his hands. “I only wanted to scare her into being quiet.”
Amber laughed again. “If you hadn’t hidden that stupid necklace in her grave these two idiots wouldn’t have found it. It’s all your fault.”
Murder, Trouble & Family Page 17
