She couldn’t understand why a grown man had fallen in the grain in the first place. “I’m glad Mr. Zimmerman is safe, so don’t misunderstand me. I simply don’t see why Virgil was the one called on to get involved.”
Lula smoothed the folds of her skirt. “Didn’t you see where it reads that he was on his rounds and happened by at that time?”
“I’ve practically memorized the article. The event still gives me the shivers.”
Lula grinned. “I imagine it does since you’re sweet on Virgil. I’ll bet he does dangerous things like that all the time and we don’t know about it.”
“You’re probably right. He couldn’t just walk up and down the streets for his salary. I suppose he has to take chances or the city wouldn’t have hired a sheriff.”
“I’ve heard that in some towns, the sheriff pretty much sits in his office unless he’s called on. I guess that’s why Pearson Grove doesn’t have much crime.”
Alexandra folded the paper and but held it in her lap. Her indecision had her chewing on her lower lip.
Lula grinned and made a shooing motion. “Go ahead and take the paper so you can save the article. No one will mind. Papa and Ron read it last night and your mother read it this morning.”
Alexandra grabbed the paper. “I’ll just cut out the article about Virgil. I-I saved the one about the bank robbery.”
“I think I’ll walk in the garden before we start our cooking lessons.”
“All right, I’ll hurry. Mrs. Connor is probably wondering if we changed our minds.”
That afternoon, Alexandra rapped at Lula’s door. “I’m going to the Mercantile. Would you like to come?”
Lula’s surprised expression was soon replaced by a broad smile. “Thanks, but this is such a good book I think I’ll stay here and read. Lounging like this is a real luxury.”
Alexandra was relieved she’d be on her own. “I won’t be long.”
Wearing her favorite day dress of blue pongee with a matching parasol, she left home. Instead of toward town, a whim sent her walking the other direction to make her way around the block. Surely, there was no harm in seeing where Virgil lived.
She sauntered along as if she had no destination in mind, past Deborah’s home and turned onto Elm Street. Luckily, Felicity didn’t see her when she passed the Singleton home. Not that she would have minded visiting with either of her friends, but what would she say if one had wanted to accompany her to town?
When she turned onto Goliad, she almost lost her nerve and turned around. She wanted to see Virgil’s home, though, so she continued. Goodness, she hadn’t been on this street for years.
As she approached the middle of the block where the sheriff lived, he stepped out his front door accompanied by a dog. Her steps faltered but she refused to let him know she was embarrassed to be caught.
He stood on the porch with his hands braced against his hips. “Miss Novak, what a surprise. Any particular reason you’re walking this way?” The dog ran up to the gate to place his paws on the top.
She paused and scratched the dog’s ears. “It’s a lovely day and I’ve been ambling along. I didn’t catch Deborah or Felicity at home. I’m now on my way to the Mercantile.”
She gave Virgil a haughty glance. “I thought you worked all the time.”
“I have to be available, but Milton is in the office this afternoon.” He exhaled as if resigned to her. “For propriety’s sake I can’t ask you inside, but you’re welcome to sit on the porch with Buddy and me.”
What wonderful luck. “Thank you, I believe I will.” After closing the gate behind her, she sashayed up the walk. She allowed him to take her hand as she climbed the steps to his porch.
Two ladder-back chairs leaned up against the house. Their rush seats had seen much better days but she sat as if they were the finest in town. The dog called Buddy started to jump on her.
Virgil said, “Down, boy.”
The dog plopped between them.
“What beautiful pleading eyes you have, Buddy.” She collapsed her parasol and rubbed the dog’s head. “I can see why you’re out here. You catch a nice breeze.”
He gestured to an unpainted board. “Had to replace a rotten plank.”
“How could you manage with a sore arm?”
“Freddie Pate helped me. He’s young but he’s learned a lot from his father.” He paused, looking off in the distance. “Really nice of your father to give Fred Sr. a job at the bank.”
“Moriah asked him to when we went to thank her for saving Mama. We were all grateful but I think Papa would have signed over the bank about then if she’d asked.”
“Workmen matched up the stone for your home so it looks as if it’s always had that many rooms. Of course you can see the lines of the new addition now, but I think in a few months’ time they’ll blend.”
“I hope so. I don’t know why Papa wanted more room but he did. Maybe because he included a billiard room for him and Ron.”
Virgil chuckled and rubbed his dog’s head. “There you go. Bet they hatched up the plan themselves. You save any family things or were they all ash?”
“Everything in the house was lost. Fortunately, Papa had the family Bible and a few portraits in the bank safe.”
“Good thing you didn’t keep them in your house.”
“I guess the bank safe sounds an odd choice. The Bible has names back to Poland almost two hundred years ago. We can’t read that Bible because it’s a different language and alphabet. Papa had someone interpret the names and dates in the front and he keeps the English translation with the Bible. Of course, there are extra pages loose because no Bible contains that much space for names.”
“Must be nice to have a record back that far. When is the first date?”
“We enjoy having it and look at it once a year near Christmas. The first date is 1674.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Wow, your family must have had money to have had a family Bible back then.”
She met his gaze. “I hadn’t thought about it but I suppose you’re right. I don’t remember when Gutenberg printed the first one, but I know it was long before that.”
“Middle of the fifteenth century, but I’m not sure of the exact date. Anyway, your family was fortunate to have kept records for so long.”
“With all the wars going on in Europe back then, you’re correct. What about your family?”
“What about them?” His face was inscrutable but she caught the gleam in his eyes.
“Now you’re being ornery again. Where is your family from? Do you have a family Bible?”
“The Witt family originally came from northern Germany. My family lives on a farm in Tennessee. I’m a younger brother, so there was no land for me. I left home and eventually came west.”
“You have any land yet?”
He laughed. “You’re sitting on it. I’m not a fan of farming.
“I don’t think I would be either. I’d rather not be involved in processing the meat before it comes to the kitchen.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Oh, and can you do anything with it then?”
“Lula and I are learning to cook. She knows how, of course, but only very limited things. Mrs. Connor is teaching us to cook for a family and plan menus, that sort of thing.”
“I’m impressed. What have you prepared so far?”
“We’ve only just started. I’ve made biscuits, scrambled eggs, ham and bacon, and fried potatoes with onions for breakfast. For supper, I’ve made a pot roast with potatoes and carrots.”
“You’re making me hungry. I went to supper at the Ferguson home yesterday. A pot roast is what Moriah cooked. Since she’s from England, she doesn’t prepare it the same way as the hotel dining room cook does.”
She kept petting Buddy. “Maybe she’ll share her recipe with me. Although, I’d better stick to Mrs. Connor’s recipes for now. I’m doing all right so I don’t want to get confused.”
“You’ve made a slave of my dog. He loves attention.”<
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He reached down and grabbed a stick and threw it. Buddy took off after it.
Alexandra laughed at the dog’s antics. “What does he do while you’re at work?”
“He either stays here or goes to the jail and waits there.”
“Couldn’t you let him go with you on your rounds? You’d probably need to keep him on a leash until he learns to heel. I’ll bet he gets lonely.”
“Hmm, I’ve considered it now that he’s better trained. I’ve only had him a few months. You’re right and I imagine he’d like going with me.”
“Where did you get him?”
“Milton knew someone giving away puppies and talked me into taking one. Buddy’s a lot of company. You have pets?”
“Ron had a dog when we were smaller. We think someone poisoned him. We were so upset that we haven’t gotten another. I have a cat, Jasmine, who’s really elderly now. Mostly she lays in a sunny spot and sleeps.”
“I’m amazed she wasn’t trapped in the fire.”
“When I opened the door to try going inside to wake Mama, Jasmine ran out. In fact, she ran away and it took us a couple of days to locate her.”
She lowered her gaze. “Who is that person who keeps peeking through the curtains across the street?”
He chuckled and gave his dog a playful hug. “Mrs. Tucker is an elderly widow. She’s raising her granddaughter, Mahaly Atkins, who works at the hotel as a maid. Mrs. Tucker doesn’t have enough to do and spends a lot of time at that window.”
“Poor lady. Doesn’t she have visitors?”
“I’ve never seen any except the preacher. Of course, I don’t sit at the window and watch as she does.”
“Awful that she doesn’t have more callers, though. At least she has her granddaughter in the evenings.”
“Not sure that’s any comfort. Mahaly is… well, she’s not a conversationalist. Probably doesn’t say more than a few words a day.”
“Well, I’ll go visit Mrs. Tucker. I can certainly talk enough for several people.”
He held his hands up in surrender. “You said it, not me.”
“Which is why you’re still alive, Sheriff Witt. I believe I’ll go visit Mrs. Tucker now.” She stood. “Thank you for your hospitality.”
Buddy followed her to the gate so she leaned down and gave the dog a last pat. “Thank you, too, Buddy.”
When she was at Mrs. Tucker’s door, she rapped loudly in case the lady was hard of hearing. This house looked the same size as Virgil’s. If she couldn’t see his, at least she could get a glimpse of what his might resemble.
The door opened a crack and a wizened face stared back at her. “Yes? Now, I’m not buying anything.”
“That works out well because I’m not selling anything. I’m just trying to get to know my neighbors. I live one street over on Houston. I’m Alexandra Novak.”
“Oh. Oh, my. Come in, dear. I’m Donatella Tucker. Of course I know who the Novaks are. Sorry about your house but I see it’s nicer than ever now.”
Alexandra swept inside, noting the tiny foyer and proceeded into the parlor. “We’re very happy to be living in it again. Not that there’s anything wrong with the hotel, but it’s not like home.”
“My granddaughter works there. Mahaly is her name. She likes her job and says it’s a nice place. Still, there’s no place quite like your own home, is there? Please sit down.”
Alexandra tried not to gawk. She chose a chair with antimacassars on the arms and back. “I knew you’d understand. Donatella is beautiful. Is it a family name?” She could see into the dining area from the small parlor.
“The name means ‘beautiful blessing’ and my parents thought that fit me. They’d been married ten years before I was born, you see.”
“They must have been so happy to welcome you.”
“Mama was but I think Papa wished for a boy. He never said but I always felt he was a bit disappointed. Italian men are very much interested in having a male to follow in their footsteps.”
“Did you have boys or girls?”
“Two boys and a girl. They’ve all passed on. All I have left is Mahaly.”
“How tragic. I’m so glad you have her, though. She must be a comfort to you.”
“She doesn’t say much, but I know I can count on her. Forgive me. I should have offered you coffee or tea.”
“Nothing for me, thanks, but I’d be happy to make you a cup if you wish.” She’d love the chance to poke around the kitchen.
“Well, I was just going to have a cup of tea. Please, I’ll make it and you just sit right there.” The older woman rose and Alexandra heard Mrs. Tucker’s knees pop.
“Why don’t I come and help you? We can sit at your table then and relax while we talk.”
“Aren’t you considerate? Right through here.” Mrs. Tucker walked slowly, as if she had trouble moving.
“I’ll bet your Mahaly is a lot of company in the evenings and her days off.” Alexandra took cups and saucers from the shelf and placed them on a small breakfast table. True the kitchen was small but she could arrange this room so it was a lot more attractive and efficient.
“Mahaly gives me a bit of her salary to help with groceries and such. Not that she makes much. Buys her own clothes, of course.”
“What a nice girl she sounds. I’m sure I would have seen her when we were staying in the hotel. We were so upset and in such confusion, I hardly remembered my name while I was there.”
“Your dear mother is all right now?”
“Thank you for asking. Her cough lasted a long time but she’s rarely bothered now. Dr. Ross believes she’ll always have trouble because of all the smoke she inhaled.”
Alexandra made chit chat for the amount of time it took for them to have their tea. Then, she set her cup and saucer in the wash pan. “I just wanted to pop in and meet you and I’m so glad I did. I’ve enjoyed our visit.”
Mrs. Tucker beamed. She looked several years younger than when Alexandra had arrived. “I’d love for you to come back. Even though the years fly by, time goes so slowly each day between Mahaly leaving and coming home.”
“I’ll return and I’ll bring my sister. Well, she’s not my sister yet, but Mama and Papa are going to adopt her right away. She’s a distant relative, though. Her name is Lula.” She’d told this tale so often she could almost believe it.
“That will be lovely.”
“Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. Tucker. Bye for now.”
As she left she noticed Virgil painting the new board on his front porch. She wondered what he thought of her impromptu visit to his neighbor. She giggled to herself. She knew what he probably thought about her visit to him.
Chapter Ten
Alexandra waited with her mother, Lula, and Mrs. Connor as the clock struck half past five.
She and Lula sat on the couch reading. Mrs. Connor returned to the kitchen. Mama sat in her favorite chair by the fireplace with her knitting.
When the clock struck six, Mama put aside her knitting and stood. “Where could Byron and Ron be? They’re never late.”
Lula closed her book. “Do you suppose they had a late customer?”
Alexandra stood, prickles along her skin. “They would have insisted the person return tomorrow. Papa is strict about safety. Everyone leaves the bank at the same time.” Something was very wrong.
So as not to alarm her mother further, she said, “I’m going to walk the way they do and meet them. You can believe I’m going to tell Ron he owes me his dessert.”
When she opened the door, she found a note tied to the outside handle. Dread overcame her. Tentatively she reached for the dirty piece of paper. She jerked it free of the twine securing it.
If you want to see the two Novaks again, you’ll pay me five thousand dollars. You get the money together and I’ll let you know when and where.
Her heart plummeted and she thought she might drop to the floor. She turned and went back into the parlor. Lula’s eyes widened and she rushed toward her.
Mama stood. “What’s wrong? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”
Lula took the sheet of paper from her. “Oh, no. Sit down, Mrs. Novak.” She helped Mama to the chair.
Alexandra went to the kitchen door. “Mrs. Connor, we’re going to need some strong tea with plenty of sugar.”
“What on earth has happened?”
“Papa and Ron have been kidnapped for ransom. I’ll go for the doctor and the sheriff if you’ll see after Mama.”
“Go as fast as you can. You’ll be needing tea yourself.”
Alexandra hiked up her skirts and raced from out the backdoor and straight to Virgil’s. As she neared his fence, she called, “Virgil? Virgil, are you home? Please be home.”
He came out his back door. “What’s happened?”
She hadn’t realized she was crying until he cleared the fence and grabbed her arms. She told him what the note said. She wiped a hand across her cheeks. “I have to get Dr. Ross for mother. She’ll be a wreck.”
“Wait, do you have any idea who did this?”
She thought back to the other day. “Maybe a man who ran a quarry and lost it. I don’t know his name. Papa was sad because he had to foreclose and the man blamed Papa for his misfortune.”
“Lonnie Becknell,” He spat the words then caressed her cheek. “You go home. I’ll get Dr. Ross then round up Milton.” He hugged her and kissed her forehead. “Get some hot tea with sugar and a little brandy in it. I’ll be at your place in just a little while.”
She hiked up her skirts again and ran to her home. Mama would be in a terrible state. When she got to the parlor, she saw Mama and Lula hugging one another, both in tears. Mrs. Connor set a tea tray on a serving table.
Alexandra whispered to Mrs. Connor. “The sheriff said to mix a little brandy with the tea and sugar.”
Mrs. Connor winked. “I did. Can you take care of your sister while I see to your mother?
Alexandra was shocked at how Lula carried on. She’d thought nothing could faze that girl. “Come over here and sit down. Let me pour you some tea.”
Lula let herself be guided to the couch. “I-I don’t want tea. I want Papa and Ron here.”
Alexandra's Awakening (Pearson Grove Book 2) Page 7
