by N. C. Lewis
Millie turned to Roger and me. We made our introductions.
Dick rubbed his jaw, and in way of explanation said, "Got a call that my old girlfriend, Barbara Nadel, was...well…" His voice trailed off. "Thought I'd stop by to pay my respects."
"I'm covering the story," Millie said.
"What happened?" asked Dick.
Millie turned and pointed at me. "Doctor Stratford is an amateur sleuth, and she found the body."
"Not really an amateur sleuth," I said, slightly annoyed. "I teach at the local community college."
"But she has solved murder mysteries, right here in town," added Roger.
I let out a frustrated sigh then described the events surrounding the discovery of Barbara, leaving out the gruesome details.
Dick paused as if thinking. "Suicide, that's what the deputy told me, but…" Again, his voice trailed off.
"But what?" I asked.
"Well, Barbara was a California girl. I met her back in Shoshone. Lots of tourists pass through, but Barbara was special, and a relationship developed. Together we had so much fun, but some of her moods could cause the sky to rain in the desert...but suicide!"
"So, you don't think she would end her life?"
Dick rubbed his beard. "Ten years is a long time, and people change."
I pressed on. "What do you think happened?"
He glanced at me for a long moment, his face reddening. "One day she got a call from a friend and decided to move to Texas. 'Gonna make a fortune,' she'd said."
"And she just left?" I asked.
"Yep, Barbara stuffed her things into a backpack, said goodbye and left. Guess life in a trailer in Shoshone is not for everyone; I love it though."
"When did you see her last?" asked Millie reaching for a notebook.
Dick scratched his chin, stopped for a moment then looked off into the distance. "Over ten years ago. Barbara came back to Shoshone only for a weekend. It was like old times, then she was gone. Not even a phone call since, but she still had a special place in my heart."
My mind drifted to Kitty, I wondered how he knew her and asked.
"Met Kitty back home; we were an item for almost five years. Kitty's from San Diego but settled well into Shoshone for a while. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her. Kitty always did like electronic stuff, just like me."
"Maybe it's a sign from the universe," Millie chipped in.
Dick tilted his head as if considering, then pursed his lips. "I've no idea what Kitty's doing with that jerk, Igor. Wanna bet she'll leave town with me?"
Chapter 28
As Dick turned to leave, Nurse Hooch hurried into the room.
"Sorry I'm late. Got me some good deals," the nurse sang in a happy voice.
"Nurse Hooch, your timing is perfect. Roger just finished," said Millie flashing a friendly smile.
"Oh good! I hope Uncle Bill enjoyed it," the nurse cried, rubbing her hands.
Roger gave a perfunctory nod.
"Well, he didn't complain, or throw anything, so I suppose that's a decent start to my speaking career."
The nurse laughed, slipping past Roger to peer at the slumbering, old man.
"Good, he's still sleeping. He loves a bottle or two of ale with his lunch, helps him settle down, calms my nerves too." She patted Uncle Bill on the head. The old man let out a contented snort.
Dick stepped forward and flashed his perfectly white choppers at Nurse Hooch, removed a comb from his hip pocket, undid his ponytail, and swept through his long, gray hair. As he re-tied his hair, he held out a hand. "Nurse Hooch, I don't believe we've met. The name's Dick Doxson, and I'm visiting town for a few days." He kept steady eye contact as he clasped her right hand in a double-handed handshake.
Nurse Hooch giggled, placing her left hand over her heart. "Why Mr. Doxson, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine," replied Dick flashing a dazzling smile.
Nurse Hooch twirled a lock of hair. "If you need anything, anything at all…" She reached into her handbag retrieving a business card. "Here are my contact details," she said with a flirtatious smile.
There was a knock on the door, and it opened slightly; Nancy Fisher peered inside. "Finished?" she asked, her gaze directed at Nurse Hooch.
"Yep, we're on our way out," the nurse replied, picking up the wicker basket and placing a hand on the wheelchair.
"Thank you for your wonderful presentation," said Nurse Hooch, smiling at Roger.
"A pleasure," replied Roger with a sigh.
Dick's eyes followed Nurse Hooch to the door. When his gaze fell upon Nancy, he opened his mouth to say something then closed it again.
"I think we should go now," said Nancy as she turned back into the corridor.
Nurse Hooch pushed the wheelchair to the door, and Uncle Bill let out another contented snort but didn't wake up. "Hope to see you later, Dick," she said, stepping out into the hall.
Dick stared hard at the door as it closed and ran a hand over the back of his neck. "Well, well, well," he muttered as if to himself.
Chapter 29
"Got to go," Dick said, talking to us but staring at the closed door. With quick, confident strides he reached the exit. A swift glance back over his shoulder, and he slipped out of the room.
Millie wrapped an arm around Roger's shoulder. "Nice presentation. This is going to be the first of many."
Roger smiled. "Oh, thank you. Can't see how it could have been worse."
"You have a special talent," I said, joining in the encouragement fest.
"Maybe, but I'm not sure about this speaking business. I'm gonna think a little longer whether I really want to do it, cos it will involve traveling outside the Hill Country, possibly even to Dallas!"
We fell into silence for several moments.
At last, Roger grinned and stood up. "What did you make of Dick?"
"Oh, very nice," admitted Millie.
"Bob might have something to say about that," I cautioned. Bob was Millie's boyfriend. A hotshot lawyer from Austin, and they'd been together for a while. Things were serious.
"Purely objective journalistic opinion," she added in a defensive tone. "Nothing will come between me and my Bobby."
"Good," I said, "you two look great together."
I turned to Roger. "What did you make of Dick?"
"Free-loving hippie, kinda trapped in the seventies, a bit like an adult version of Peter Pan. Did you see the way he looked at Nurse Hooch?"
"And Nancy Fisher?" added Millie. "As if a woman in her class would have anything to do with a trailer-living hippie like that!"
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks," I said, mocking her overly pronounced disgust.
Roger laughed.
Millie blushed.
"Okay, okay," she cried, "Dick is a dish in a dessert and trailer kinda way. Nancy's an engineer, guess she might fall for that."
Then a thought struck me. I already knew the answer but wanted confirmation. "Millie, do you think Nancy would make a good guest speaker for the Sisters of the Creek Coffee Circle?"
"Oh yes," she replied without hesitation. "Nancy would be a perfect guest."
I smiled. "No time like the present. I'm going to ask her now," I said, heading for the door.
"Good luck," cried Millie as I stepped into the corridor.
A sea of people washed along the hallway. Happy voices talking about their discounted electronic buys filled the air. My shopping mind wanted to head upstream toward the room full of bargains, but my rational mind told me that Nancy would be gone if I didn't hurry. Like a giant surf the crowd crashed through the main door, spilling out into the parking lot, scattering in all directions.
Shading my eyes from the bright sunlight I scanned the parking lot for Nancy. I didn't see her but spotted Igor. He stood under the shade of a large oak tree peering off into the distance.
I followed his gaze.
Underneath a canopy, on a patch of land fashioned into a garden, with rose bus
hes and ivy-clad trellises, sat Dick and Kitty. They perched on a little wooden bench—a little too close to each other. I watched as Dick snaked an arm around her shoulder, lightly touched her chin then lean forward to kiss her. She did not resist.
Igor's leathery faced turned beet red then purple. He became a bundle of apoplectic rage. His fists clenched, and with his back ramrod straight, he started toward the couple. Suddenly he stopped, scratched his chin, then turned, setting off at a pace in the opposite direction.
"Well, hello again."
I spun around. It was Nancy Fisher.
"Don't believe we've had a formal introduction," she said in a calm voice. "I'm Nancy Fisher, and you are?"
"Ollie Stratford, helping out Roger with his presentation today."
"That name rings a bell," she said, placing a hand on her chin. "Now, where have I heard it? Oh, it will come to me."
There had been a front-page article in the Medlin Creek Times about my role in solving the murder of the local athlete, Teddy Tumpin. I didn't want to talk about that or think about it either. I changed the subject.
"I like to help Roger with his presentations."
"Ah yes," she said nodding. "Such a blessing, the Havis County Senior Citizens Association events. I like to bring Uncle Bill to as many as possible."
I glanced around but didn’t see Uncle Bill nor Nurse Hooch.
As if reading my thoughts, Nancy commented. "Nurse Hooch has taken Uncle Bill to look around at the electronics display. Uncle Bill made such a fuss I was ready to take him back to the home, but Nurse Hooch insisted. She is such a blessing, I don't know what I'd do without her." Nancy tilted her head and smiled a grateful smile.
My mind raced on what to say next. I wanted to invite her to present at the Sisters of the Creek. Then I remembered what my husband John used to say: "Compliments are the key to the heart. Give them often to others and you'll get whatever it is you want."
"Ms. Fisher," I said.
"Please call me Nancy."
"Nancy, I wanted to thank you for your donation to the Medlin Creek Animal Shelter. Augustine is very grateful. As a volunteer at the shelter—"
"You volunteer at the shelter?" Her eyes lit up. "Oh, that is so admirable. I can't think of a worthier cause." Her pupils dilated, and she placed a hand lightly on my arm. "How long have you volunteered?"
For several minutes we discussed the animal shelter, the problem of feral cats, and the recent spike in stray dogs. Nancy nodded vehemently and suggested the town council offer more financial support and even proposed they donate land to enlarge the shelter which "was clearly inadequate." Finally, I felt we had connected, and I asked if she would speak at the Sisters of the Creek Coffee Circle.
"What an honor," she said smiling happily. "Yes, I'll do it, might even consider joining if your group permits."
I could barely keep still with excitement. The Sisters of the Creek were always on the lookout for new speakers. "Nancy, I'll have a quiet word with the president, and I'm sure she'll be as thrilled as I am to welcome you to the group."
"Got it!" she shouted.
"Eh?"
"You're Doctor Ollie Stratford, the owner of Ealing Homestead!"
"Yes, that's me," I replied sucking in my breath.
"Ruth Minary, our senior engineer mentioned you. I knew I had heard your name somewhere," she said fixing me with an appreciative gaze.
I let out a breath since she would not ask me about Teddy Tumpin.
"Ruth is an amazing woman," I said, "a first-class professional who took the time to explain things to an oil well novice like me. "
Nancy beamed. "Ruth is remarkable. She has been with our company for years. That is why I was so disappointed when she…" Her voice trailed off as she shook her head.
I leaned forward, "Yes?"
Nancy pressed her lips together and avoided eye contact. "... Resigned," she said in a faint voice.
"Ruth quit!" I spluttered, not able to believe my ears. "But she told me she wanted to stay at Bee Mound Drilling until she retired."
Nancy let out a frustrated sigh. "And that is what I told her, but she decided to move on."
I couldn't help myself. "Why did she quit?"
Nancy's eyes darted, and she glanced over her shoulder. "Well, since you are a customer of Bee Mound Drilling, I guess you may as well know. I've sold the company."
"Sold the company," I repeated, my mouth suddenly dry.
"Signed the papers this morning."
"Who to?" I gasped.
"Havis County Engineering Company."
Her words struck me like a blow to the head. I felt dizzy.
Nancy didn't notice and continued, "All my customers will receive a notification today." She paused for a moment as if collecting her thoughts. "Bryant Reynolds, a partner at that firm, will take over our portfolio of clients."
"Gar gar gar gar."
Nurse Hooch pulled Uncle Bill's wheelchair to a halt beside us.
Nancy stooped forward. "How are you doing Uncle Bill?"
"Don't call me Uncle Bill," he complained.
"You had a wonderful time looking at all those electronics," said Nurse Hooch patting him on the head.
"Gar gar gar gar," he replied.
"It's been a long day, and we'd better get him back to the home," said Nancy, glancing at Nurse Hooch. "I'll bring the van," she said, striding off into the parking lot.
Chapter 30
For a moment Nancy's revelation seemed like some distant dream. In the next instant, it was a real-world nightmare. Dazed, I stumbled along the sidewalk that snaked around the building to the staff parking lot at the back. A swirl of people seemed to engulf me. But their happy voices felt like pellets of hail raining down from a thunderous storm.
My hands trembled as I climbed into the Tahoe. In the glove compartment, I reached for a small bottle, shook out a pill and swallowed hard. It did nothing to ease the sharp pounding behind my eyes or the rising pressure at my temples.
The engine started, and I cranked the AC up high. The whoosh of air seemed to tear at my nerves. I sat there and breathed deeply, in and out, in and out, trying to use the breaths to relax my body as taught in yoga.
Calmer, I picked up my cell phone—a voice message:
Bee Mound Drilling is pleased to announce their acquisition by Havis County Engineering Company. The new, larger company is better placed to give best in class services to our customers. If work is already underway on your well, it will continue. However, for all other customers, a representative from Havis County Engineering company will contact you shortly to discuss your needs.
I took another pill.
I pulled slowly onto the main road, homeward bound. Traffic was heavy but moving. I kept driving, my eyes on the road but my mind picking over the news.
At Ealing Homestead, Bodie danced and pranced around my feet. I hurried to the kitchen to refill his food and water bowls. After he had eaten, I let the hound outside. He scurried along the dirt path, through the little iron gate, disappearing behind the buildings on the edge of the parking lot.
I grabbed a cup of water from the kitchen and slumped into the desk chair in the office. I must have dozed off, for it was close to five o'clock when the cell phone rang.
I picked up.
"Libby Butler, customer service agent at Havis County Engineering Company. Can I speak with Doctor Ollie Stratford?"
"That's me." My mind raced to the unpaid invoice. I took another sip of water.
"Doctor Stratford?" she said again.
It was about the invoice, I was certain. A feeling of panic washed over me. My heart was beating fast—too fast—and I found it hard to catch my breath.
"Yes, that's me," I repeated.
"Good… good. As you know, Havis County Engineering Company formally acquired the Bee Mound Drilling Company today. All customers received a recorded announcement. This evening I'm calling to welcome you to our family; we value your business. I'd like to confirm the date
our engineering team will be at your property. Our records show eight a.m. the morning of the twenty-fifth; does that still work?"
"Yes," I said, my heartbeat returning to normal, but I couldn’t shift the sick sensation inside my stomach.
"Great, I'll enter it into the system and let you go." The click-click-click of a keyboard crackled over the line.
"Doctor Stratford, we're about done," she said, a slight urgency in her voice.
I let out a breath.
"One moment!" she cried. "There's a hold on your address."
More tapping.
"Oh! You have an outstanding amount due on your account…five thousand four hundred and forty-three dollars and fifty-two cents." Libby's tone sharpened. "Are you a former Havis County Engineering Company customer?"
"Yes, but the project was abandoned."
Her voice softened. "Happens more often than you can imagine. If you settle the amount today, we can keep the scheduled appointment date. If not, I'll have to cancel. Would you like to pay now?"
I didn't but wanted the oil well opened.
"One moment, " I said, waking up the desktop computer. I pulled up my financial spreadsheets then logged into my bank account and scratched my chin. The fee was a heavy drain on my emergency fund. Half closing my eyes I imagined the cha-ching of oil royalties flowing into my bank account.
"Yes, " I said, rolling the dice. "I'll pay it now."
"Great. One moment while I transfer you over to accounts. Once payment is confirmed, your call will be automatically transferred back to me, and we'll settle the start date."
There was a slight click.
"David Bubble, accounts. How can I help you?"
I explained the situation.
"Not a problem," said David, his voice light and cheerful. "Let me look you up in the system. Hang on the line, and I'll be back momentarily."
What sounded like music played through the headset—a tinny, hollow sound—which, after three minutes repeated itself.
"Ah yes, I can see your record now, an outstanding payment of five thousand four hundred and forty-three dollars and fifty-two cents. Are you going to pay in full?"
