Angels Undercover

by Diane Noble

  Lorna’s mouth dropped open. “You would do that for me?”

  “I would love to. Tomorrow?”

  Lorna dropped into the nearest chair. “Oh my, you’re an angel. I just know it.” She brushed a strand of straggly hair away from her face. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

  “I remember what it was like when my three were this age. It wasn’t easy.” Of course, Kate had never faced motherhood alone, and she also had never lived in a half-finished house. “I’m happy to help out.”

  She told Lorna how to find the parsonage, then she sat down and bounced Lucy on her lap while Lorna fed John.

  “Your husband was in church last Sunday,” Kate said after a pause.

  In one of the back bedrooms the twins seemed to be pretending to be diesel trucks shifting gears. Revving their engines. Skidding around corners. Lorna’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “Are you sure it was him? He hasn’t been in church for years...not since our wedding day.”

  “Well, you’ll be pleased to know that it was definitely him,” Kate said with a smile. “Stephen talked with my husband, Paul, and it sounded like he wants to come back.”

  She gave Lorna a gentle smile, not wanting to break any confidentiality between Paul and the man he was counseling, but wanting to give as much encouragement to Lorna as she could. “Why don’t you come to Faith Briar too? Bring the kids. We have a great Sunday school.”

  Lorna shook her head fiercely. “Absolutely not. I don’t want Stephen to think I’m chasing him.”

  Kate bit her tongue. “It might do him good to know you care enough to be where he is, especially if it’s in church.”

  Lorna set her lips in a thin line and fixed her gaze on some faraway place out the window.

  “Speaking of angels,” Kate said gently. She stood, retrieved the gift bag, and handed it to Lorna. “This is for you.”

  Lorna’s eyes widened. “From Stephen?”

  The hope in her voice nearly broke Kate’s heart. She touched the younger woman’s hand. “Actually, someone asked me to make it for you. Someone who wants to remain anonymous.” At Lorna’s puzzled expression, she added, “I don’t even know who it is.”

  Lorna unwrapped the votive. “You made this,” she breathed in awe, then smiled and held it up to the light. “For me?”

  Kate nodded. “Yes, especially for you. Even the colors were chosen especially for you.” She told Lorna their meaning.

  The younger woman swiped at the tears that trailed from the corners of her eyes. “For me?” she breathed again, then looked up at Kate. “Thank you. This is...very special.”

  “I thought it would be. Someday maybe you can thank the one who thought of you and asked me to make this gift—if we ever find out who it is.”

  “It makes me, well, feel that maybe things will get better,” Lorna said, her gaze fixed on the stained-glass angel. “And maybe, just maybe, I’m not so alone after all.”

  Kate left a few minutes later, telling Lorna she would be ready for the children in the morning.

  As she exited the driveway, she spotted a mobile home across the street that she hadn’t noticed before. It was rather run-down and set back from the road in a small stand of hemlocks, surrounded by overgrown foliage. Because the day was rainy and dark, the lights shone through the windows as if the little home was glowing from the inside out.

  Mobile home. Lights blazing. She made a mental note to ask Lorna the next morning who lived across the street.

  KATE HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME to swing by Clementine’s. She pulled up and parked in front of the house, unfurled her umbrella, then trotted to the front door.

  The older woman opened the door on the second knock and smiled when she saw Kate. “You’ll catch your death out there, honey. Please come in, come in.”

  There was something new in Clementine’s face. A tiny absence of fear, perhaps, and in its place, a seed of hope.

  “Would you like some tea?”

  “I really can’t stay, but thank you. I just wanted to find out how you’re doing and give you something.”

  Clementine smiled. “I’ve been planting my bulbs. Every day since I found them in my house, I plant just a few more. I even had the boys across the street...”

  “LeRoy and Lester?”

  “Yes. They are dear, dear boys. Anyway, I phoned Enid and asked if I might borrow them for a while. She of course said yes, and so the boys came over.” She walked Kate to the back door and swung it open. “You can see what they did. I had them clear out all the weeds and dead flowers, then bring the stacks of mulch over closer to the house.”

  Kate was almost afraid to ask her next question. “Are you having them plant the bulbs too?”

  “Oh mercy me, no! That’s all I’m living for right now. The daffodils are a gift from some angel, almost like my dear husband whispered in an angel’s ear, telling him to bring them to me.”

  She looked up at Kate. “It’s given me hope that things are going to get better, that I’m going to get better.”

  “I have no doubt,” Kate smiled.

  She handed the gift bag to Clementine, explaining, just as she had to Lorna, that this was a gift from an anonymous friend. She described each color’s meaning.

  Clementine held the stained-glass angel gingerly. “I’m honored that someone would care so much. Do you think it’s the same person who gave me these bulbs?”

  “Don’t tell anyone,” Kate said conspiratorially, “but yes, I do. I’m working hard to find out who it might be. Although I have a feeling this person may want to remain anonymous.”

  Clementine accepted this possibility with a nod and hugged Kate good-bye.

  As Kate made her way back to the Honda, she wondered again how all of this was connected to the library break-in. Such beautiful acts of kindness and light seemed in direct contrast to the dark act of robbery at the Civil War exhibit. Yet both the parsonage and library break-ins had been committed without any evidence of forced entry and, even more bizarre, around the same time. Kate thought about the other break-ins as well. How could so many strange events happen so close together in such a small town? Kate supposed odder things had happened before.

  She stood by her car for a moment, watching as the sun broke through the rain clouds, sending golden streaks of light to earth. Her thoughts returned to the words Paul had quoted on Sunday: “Yours are the eyes through which his compassion will look upon the world.”

  If only I could reflect God’s compassion as clearly, she thought, raising her eyes again to the still ominous clouds with their radiant halos of light.

  KATE ARRIVED AT THE DINER at the same time Livvy walked up from the library, dodging puddles.

  LuAnne met them at the door, her eyes wide. “Have y’all heard what happened here last night?”

  Kate exchanged a glance with Livvy, then said, “Let me guess...a break-in?”

  LuAnne looked surprised at first, then nodded and showed them to a corner booth. “The oddest thing...nothing was stolen.” She stopped and studied Kate’s expression. “Now, why am I thinkin’ you already knew about this?”

  “Don’t ask,” Kate said with a laugh. “It’s complicated.”

  LuAnne slipped into the booth beside Livvy. “Okay, girlfriends, spill. What do you know about these break-ins?”

  Kate laughed again. “Only that they’re done by someone who has a big heart and wants to help people. Maybe that’s all we need to know.”

  “Help people, huh?” She stood up, a wide smile crossing her face. “Well, you won’t believe what was left here.” She laughed. “Twenty pounds of gourmet coffee beans, a brand-new industrial grinder, three gallons of white vinegar, and a catalog so we can order more coffee at bulk discounts when we run out.” She smirked, taking her pencil from atop her ear. “Everybody’s askin’ why the vinegar. You girls know, right?”

  Kate and Livvy nodded, giggling.

  “Clean out the pot,” LuAnne continued as if they didn’t already know. “Can you im
agine that? Somebody got so fed up with the bitter coffee we serve here that they had the gall to get us started down the right track. Before you know it, we’ll be servin’ up some of those froufrou drinks.” She grinned, then paused for a moment, her green eyes taking on a more serious look.

  “Couldn’t come at a better time, if you ask me. Loretta’s been despondent lately, draggin’ lower than a gator’s belly. Says life doesn’t hold any more surprises.” She laughed suddenly. “Well, she got one great big surprise here, alrighty. Our customers can’t talk about anything else but our delicious coffee. It’s brightened Loretta up, believe you me. Anyway, you girls know what you want to eat?”

  Kate ordered a tuna melt, and Livvy ordered a barbecue beef sandwich.

  “Fries?”

  The two women exchanged a guilty grin, then nodded.

  “Fries comin’ right up.”

  Livvy’s demeanor had lightened somewhat while they laughed with LuAnne. But soon enough, she sobered again.

  Kate leaned across the table toward her friend. “Tell me the latest details about the insurance investigation.”

  Livvy sighed. “Oh, Kate, this whole thing is so disturbing. I’m getting so worried, I can’t even sleep at night. I just know I locked those doors, both of them. But that’s the one thing they’re disputing. If they can prove negligence, then the insurance company doesn’t have to pay the museum for their loss, and worse, if the items aren’t recovered, I’ll carry the blame forever.”

  “Liv, we’re not going to let that happen. I’ve got some theories. Nothing concrete yet, but some ideas that may pan out.” She told Livvy about what she had observed at Willy’s Bait and Tackle.

  “Do you think there’s anything to it?” Livvy asked. “I don’t want Caleb King to be involved. From what Danny tells me, he’s a good kid. He’s had some run-ins with the law, but nothing serious.”

  “It’s hard to tell. I’d like to talk to Willy about it. He was helpful but also guarded the morning I stopped by to ask about the reenactment. If he’s somehow involved with the theft, I don’t want to let him know we’re onto him. I’m planning to do a little more surveillance before I talk to Willy or Caleb. ”

  “We’ve known Willy for years. I can’t imagine he’s involved in any way.”

  LuAnne arrived at the table with two mugs and a carafe of coffee. “I know you didn’t order it, but you’ve got to try it.” She grinned.

  Kate took a sip and smiled over the rim of her mug. “It’s delicious.”

  “I agree,” Livvy said. “This is amazing.”

  LuAnne started to leave, then turned back to the table. “Say, did I hear y’all talkin’ about Willy and that teenager Caleb King?”

  Kate nodded.

  “Well, I tell you. Those two are in cahoots over somethin’. They were in here yesterday morning.” She shook her head. “They were talking seriously about somethin’, heads bent over the table, Caleb writing down everything Willy was sayin’. Like instructions of some kind.” She put a hand on her hip. “Then they kept lookin’ up to see if anyone was watchin’ them.”

  “And that’s not all,” she said. “There’s about to be another War of Northern Aggression. I see ’em choosing sides already, even in here—and the reenactment hasn’t even begun.” She shook her head. “Why, folks are not speaking to other folks, sometimes their own neighbors, depending on whether they’re descendants of Rebs or Yankees.” She shot them a knowing look. “Tennessee was a border state, you know. Passions ran hot on...”

  “Both sides,” Kate and Livvy finished for her.

  She leaned in closer and dropped her voice. “You know the Philpott brothers?”

  Kate nodded.

  “Well, LeRoy and Lester have quit talking to each other. Came in here yesterday, about the same time as Willy, and sat at separate tables with their backs to each other. When I asked what was wrong, LeRoy said, ‘South’s gonna rise again,’ and Lester started singin’, loud enough for everyone in the place to hear, ‘When Johnny comes marching home again, hurrah, hurrah,’ and half the place started singin’ with him. Then Abby Pippins, who was sitting in the corner booth with some ladies, stood up and started leading everyone through the rest of the song.

  “Most of those who weren’t singin’ stood up, slapped down money on the table for their meals, and marched right out the door.”

  She shook her head slowly as she stood. “Strangest thing was, the only ones not taking notice were Willy and Caleb.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kate rose at dawn to prepare for what she knew was going to be a busy day. She put on the coffee, then padded into the living room for her quiet time. She read Psalm 84, her eyes and heart lingering on the eleventh verse: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

  She had been praying for an extra measure of grace since Paul’s sermon the previous Sunday. Considering the turmoil around town—parishioners taking sides at church over the music, friends and families splitting up over a war that happened a hundred and fifty years ago, the mystery of the missing Beauregard artifacts at the library—she thought today, especially, she just might need an extra dose.

  All she needed was a call from Renee asking her to watch Kisses for the day. Renee seemed to have a special knack for asking the favor just when the parsonage was at its most chaotic, dervish-whirling busiest. Like today.

  But Kate knew her limits. She would put her foot down. No favors. No Kisses. No matter what.

  Two hours later, the phone rang. It was Renee.

  “I have a favor to ask,” she began.

  “I’m sorry, but today is just n—”

  “It’s Mama,” Renee interrupted. “I’m very worried. She’s going downhill fast.”

  “Oh dear, I’m sorry to hear that.” Kate slipped into the chair at the end of the kitchen table.

  “She’s so frail. She’s not eating well, and she seems so weary all the time. She’s even started using her walker again—and you know how she insists on using a cane.”

  “This whole business with her grandfather...” Kate began. “The stolen items—I know they meant so much to her.”

  “You may be right. Something inside her died that night. But I suspect it’s something else as well. She keeps putting her hand over her chest like she’s in pain. When I ask her about it, she says it’s nothing, but I want to take her in for a checkup.”

  “Today?”

  “Yes, I scheduled a late-morning appointment. I’m taking her to Chattanooga to see a cardiologist. I need you to watch Kisses. Plus, you know how he loves coming over to your house to play”—she made smooching sounds—“don’t you little umpkins?”

  “Oh dear,” Kate began, “Today is just, well, terribly busy. I’m babysitting the—”

  “Oh, good,” Renee said. “I’ll be by with my sweet little umpkins around ten.” She hung up before Kate could get in another word.

  Paul came in the door with the morning paper, gave Kate a good-morning kiss, and poured them both coffee. “What’s up? The look on your face makes me think you’ve been hit by a hurricane!”

  Kate gave him a half smile. “You know how I’ve been praying for grace all week?”

  He took a sip of coffee and shot her an understanding look. “Praying for grace is akin to praying for patience. And you know what happens when you do that.”

  She grinned. “That’s exactly what I was just thinking. Especially today.”

  “Does this have something to do with the phone call?”

  She nodded. “That was Renee. She wants me to watch Kisses.” She took a sip of coffee, watching Paul over the rim. “I tried to tell her I’m babysitting the Easterwood children today, but she interrupted before I could get the words out.”

  He folded the paper and put it aside. “Oh, Kate. Listen, I’ve got meetings all morning, but I’ll come home as soon as I can this afternoon to help out. I don’t know if I
remember how to change a diaper, but I can try to at least entertain the older ones.” He waggled his brows. “I’ll show off some of the magic tricks I learned in seminary.”

  She laughed. “I love the one with the magic lightbulb and you singing ‘This Little Light of Mine.’”

  “Ah yes, my claim to fame.” She touched his shoulder as she rose from her chair. “Thank you. but I think I’ll manage. I’m looking forward to having the little ones around. Speaking of songs, do you remember the one by Helen Reddy, ‘I Am Woman’?” She chuckled, then began singing, “I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman... I can handle a neurotic dog and four lively children. Piece of cake, right?”

  Still laughing, she pulled out the Crock-Pot to start dinner.

  “Not cake, dear,” he said, the corner of his mouth turning up. “Chili.”

  Suddenly her mouth dropped open. “Chili! Oh dear. I forgot!” She and Paul had invited Caleb, Ashley, and Denver to join them for dinner—for homemade chili and made-from-scratch cornbread.

  She slumped against the counter. Invincible seemed to disintegrate into thin air like a spent Fourth of July sparkler. And strong wasn’t too far behind. “That’s today?”

  He nodded. “Today.”

  “Oh dear.” She seemed to be saying that a lot this morning.

  Paul came over to wrap his arms around her. “Never fear, besides winning awards for magic tricks in seminary, I’m still the champion chili maker in this household. I’ll take care of dinner this afternoon when I get home.”

  “And I’ll have the twins help with the cornbread.” She pictured her kitchen floor with a new cornmeal-and-flour motif. That was a project she hadn’t anticipated.

  Paul laughed. “Now that’s invincible.”

  “I am woman, hear me roar,” she murmured against his chest, this time with a little less spirit.

  After Paul left for his meetings at the church, Kate raced around, gathering creative projects for the twins, laying out blankets for the baby, searching the cupboards for applesauce and graham crackers and the fridge for yogurt. Then she pulled out a little blue box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, the favorite of every toddler and preschooler she’d ever come across, including her own.