A Fueling Disturbance (An East Pender Cozy Mystery Book 7)

by Leona Fox

  Andy and Ellen both groaned when they saw the people assembled, as nothing good ever came from a mob like that. Soon enough, the voices were raised in a loud crescendo of noise and whatever reasonable, sensible complaints people had were lost as they had to shout over one another to be heard. Andy was at the forefront, trying to get people to calm down, all to no avail.

  “He's got his hands full with this. This isn't going to be as easy as a dispute in a store” Paul commented to Ellen, who narrowed her eyes at him and did not respond to the comment.

  In her heart she was worried because she knew how quickly attitudes in the town could change. One day Andy was being lauded as a hero for solving a crime, and the next he was having to deal with the aggrieved souls that had been wronged. It was never an easy job and it was in moments like these when Ellen appreciated her role as a consultant, although it didn't make it any easier to watch people condemning Andy for not doing his duty properly.

  After a few minutes of what seemed like futile gestures, Andy was able to get a moment of silence when, once again, he told them the police were doing all they could to catch the bandit, yet it was not enough to calm them. They ranted and raved and it took all Andy had to remain calm, which was admirable since Ellen was annoyed. She wanted to go out there and ask them what they would have the police do. There was no easy answer, and while she understood the frustration she wanted everyone to see this course of action wasn't going to lead to a solution to the problem.

  “He's not doing a very good job is he? Maybe I should go out there and help him? I have some experience dealing with large groups of people,” Paul offered.

  “Andy will come through, he always does,” she said.

  “Well, not all the time,” Paul replied quickly, and Ellen glared at him, knowing he was referring to the one mistake that haunted Andy. It was the big failure that had become the defining characteristic of the character Paul was portraying.

  The one case Andy hadn't been able to solve in time, and it had cost a little boy his life. It was the first time when Ellen wondered how this man actually could portray Andy, because he didn't seem to have any of the nobility or honor that she saw in the man she loved. As much as she urged Andy to give Paul a chance she wondered if, ultimately, it had been a decision made of folly. Perhaps it would have been best if she had told Andy to ignore Paul and let the actor have his own interpretation. The lines already had been blurred between fiction and reality, and this only was serving to make it worse. But it was too late to worry about that and Ellen had other things to deal with. The crowd was getting raucous and Andy wasn't able to talk any sense into them.

  Everyone seemed to be shouting and yelling, their faces contorted into a vicious snarl, buoyed on by the rest of the crowd. Ellen wondered how it was that such a pleasant community could so suddenly turn into such an angry one, filled with all the worst qualities of humanity. With sorrow in her heart she scanned the faces, trying to commit each one to memory. Many of them she had served in the cafe and considered friends. Yet here they were, at the first sign of adversity they were ready to make the easy decision and turn to shouting rather than reasonable discourse, and it disappointed her greatly.

  Slowly, she turned her gaze from one face to the next and they all were the same...all apart from one. While the others were fixed on Andy, eyes blazing with fury, this man's face was different somehow, and in among all the others it stood out starkly. The face bore the look of shame and guilt, and yet it was so far away Ellen could not recognize whose it was but she was sure it was the gas bandit. She left Paul to move closer, but the moment she took her eyes away and looked back the gas bandit was gone. He had disappeared into the crowd, and no matter how hard she searched with her eyes she was unable to find him again.

  “The gall of the man, you mean he was standing there while everyone shouted around him? He must have been laughing inside,” Andy said, with an angry look on his face.

  He and Ellen were sitting in the cafe by themselves, trying to relax after the evening’s events. Paul had excused himself for once, rather than having to be told by Andy or Ellen to leave, and the rest of the town was once again at peace. The crowd's rage had been quelled for the moment by Andy, although it had taken a great deal of effort on his part and he now was drained and tired. Ellen reached across the table and squeezed his hand.

  “What annoys me most,” he said, “is how they all can be so demanding. Do they not realize I'm trying my best?”

  “They're just scared, and worried,” Ellen said, “it's never easy knowing things are out of their control, and they don't know it's only one man. It could be a whole group, and if they're stealing gas that may just be the start. It's unsettling for them, to know that just outside their homes, where the sleep, someone is stealing from them, and they can't seem to do anything about it.”

  “I know, but it doesn't make it any less annoying. I just wish they could take a breath and see that what they're doing isn't accomplishing anything.”

  “I don't know about that. The gas bandit actually attended the rally, and if he saw them it might give him second thoughts.”

  “Only if he has a conscience. But if he's brave enough to go there and be in the heart of them he's obviously not going to be spooked easily. He probably feels confident enough because we have no leads. We're no closer to finding him now than when we began.”

  “Then we need to redouble our efforts. Obviously we've been going about this the wrong way.”

  “Do you have any thoughts?”

  “I have plenty, but that's not going to help us because they're all equally valid.”

  “Then what do you suggest we do?”

  “I think we should try figuring out why he's stealing the gas, what it's used for, and then we can try to narrow down who the culprit may be.”

  “But without any evidence we're not going to be able to prove it.”

  “Hopefully once we've figured it out, if we figure it out, we'll be able to get evidence,” Ellen said. Andy looked at her uneasily as it was the complete antithesis to his usual methodology.

  “Unless you have any better ideas...” Ellen said, noticing his reluctance. He sighed and surrendered, for in lieu of anything else, this seemed to be the best course of action.

  “What are you thinking then?”

  “Well, there obviously has to be a reason for him to be stealing all this gas. I don't think it's something as simple as stealing it for spite because there doesn't seem to be anything in common with the targets. I think we safely can say he's stealing the gas because he has some plans for it.”

  “But what? My first thought was to sell it, or at least hoard it until there's a shortage so they can sell it for a higher price but there hasn't been any sign of that happening. I've spoken to a few owners of gas stations and they haven't reported any unusual activity, which is strange because you'd think if they really did want the gas that's where they would strike.”

  “But they also would have known gas stations have surveillance cameras. One thing is for sure, he's doing his best not to be caught.”

  “So why steal it then, just to have gas? Why not buy it?”

  “Maybe he can't afford it.”

  “But who needs so much gas?”

  “It would have to be something big...some heavy machinery or something. But we can't just go around and ask anyone with a big truck without having any evidence.”

  “No, but maybe we can ask someone who knows a lot of people with big trucks,” Ellen said.

  At the earliest opportunity she and Andy went to see Ray, who was the mill manager. When he saw them approaching he greeted them with a warm smile. He had taken to his new role with aplomb and looked a happy man, as did all his workers.

  “Haven't seen you in a long time,” Ray said with a broad smile. He shook Andy's hand firmly and gave Ellen a chaste kiss on the cheek, followed by a hug.

  “You know how things get,” Ellen said.

  “Yes, I heard about the bus
iness with the man from West Callow, that was a terrible thing. I hope it's nothing like that that's brought you here today.”

  “Oh no, nothing so bad,” Andy said.

  “How's the mill going?” Ellen asked.

  “Just fine, thank you. Yes, Emily is the perfect steward and she says she's going to come up and visit soon. So I'm sure she'll come and see you, too.”

  “That would be great, I'd love to see her again,” Ellen said, and then Andy cleared his throat, and she remembered that she had to get down to business.

  “But as for why we're here, I'm sure you've heard about the gas bandit who has been plaguing the town?”

  “Yeah, it's a silly thing really. They need to be stopped soon, whoever they are.”

  “That's what we're trying to do but we don't have anything to go on. We've been trying to think about why they would need this much gas and we're thinking it must be for some heavy machinery or something like that. Our first thought was this place, not that we're accusing you of anything, but have you seen or heard anything suspicious?”

  Ray screwed up his face as he started to think but he quickly shook his head. “Nothing that I can think of. Wish I could help but whomever the bandit is, he's not here. It's not like there are a lot of places around town that need that much gas, though. So you're probably on the right track. Wish I could be more help, I'm sorry.”

  “Don't worry about it. I'm glad things are going well here. Come into the cafe sometime and we can catch up properly,” she said, and the two of them promptly left.

  “That leaves us no better off,” Andy said grimly.

  “Maybe not, but Ray was right. Only a few places in town could use all that gas.”

  Chapter 7

  Ellen and Andy remained together for a while to think more about the gas bandit, and they made a list of everyone they could think of who would have had a use for the gas. But soon enough Paul came to them and asked if he could speak to Ellen. He had spoken to just about everyone else around town about Andy, but Ellen was the one who could offer the most intimate knowledge of the man. Andy seemed reluctant as usual, but he didn't say anything in the process. When Paul came to the cafe Andy quickly excused himself while Ellen was left alone with the actor.

  The novelty of a Hollywood star being in East Pender had not worn off. So people still were intrigued by his presence, but he had been in the town for long enough that people didn't come up and continually bother him whenever he was around. Ellen had been dreading this meeting somewhat since she wasn't sure how much of Andy's life she should reveal. Andy had been nothing but reluctant to talk about his past and she didn't know how candid to be, even though she did want Paul to give a good account of Andy when the film was made. They got a couple of drinks and sat down at a table. Paul pulled out his notebook and leaned forward in the chair, looking intently at Ellen.

  “I hope you don't mind us talking like this. I know this must be a little strange for you,” he said.

  “Not at all, anything I can do to help.”

  “Well, so far everyone has been a great help and very complimentary toward Andy. It seems he does a fine job at keeping this town safe, and I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear many people have mentioned the efforts you've made as well. You two really are the stars of this place.”

  “Not that you'd know it from the way people acted the other night,” Ellen said dryly.

  “That all will blow over. People just like getting worked up over things like that. I've seen enough of it in my time as an actor. Whenever I get cast in a movie there are always people who are ready to mob the studio for what they think is a bad choice but, in the end, they always stand in line. I wouldn't take it too seriously. But what I really want from you, well, the other people, they don't really know Andy. They only see him as the man who solves the crimes. I'd love for you to give me an insight into what he's really like behind closed doors, the man behind the uniform, if you will. That really would help me out a lot.”

  “I don't really know what I can say. I mean, with Andy you pretty much get what you see and...well, you know he's a very private person. I don't know how much I should be telling you.”

  “Just tell me anything you like; I promise what you say will be between us. I'm only using this for research purposes.” Despite his assurances Ellen remained apprehensive so Paul continued talking.

  “Perhaps it would be best if we just talked about various things and we'll see what comes up. It's funny though, I was speaking about how you were mentioned along with Andy a lot of times. Do you think sometimes he takes credit for the work you do, or that he would be less successful if you weren't around? He's even admitted himself that you have made him see things differently. Are you sure you're not the real brains of the operation?”

  Ellen looked shocked at the insinuation and shook her head, denying it vehemently. “I don't know how anybody could think that. Andy was distinguishing himself long before I came along and there's no way I could do this without his assistance. He lets me help him, not the other way around. Don't forget that I'm an amateur. What you just implied is...it's not true at all. I'll tell you one thing. Andy is the most honest, honorable man and he takes his job very seriously, sometimes too seriously if you ask me. He cares a lot about the people under his protection and there are no limits to what he would do for them. To even suggest anything else is something I never will agree with.”

  Paul nodded, and Ellen calmed herself after her tirade.

  “And what about you? What made you first get involved with the police? Was it something you always had done?”

  “It was a happy accident, I suppose. I'd always been interested in mysteries and puzzles. I just have one of those brains that likes solving things but I never considered it as a career. One night I was working at the cafe and there was a crime. Because it was so close to me I started to get involved, as did Kelly, and it turned out we were a pretty big help to Andy. Ever since then he's called us up sometimes to help with some cases. Not all of them, just the ones he thinks could use our expertise. And sometimes, of course, the cases find me.”

  “Have you ever thought about not helping out? Does it ever get too stressful?”

  “Sometimes, and dangerous, but ultimately I know what I'm doing is for the greater good and the people of the town are much better off for me helping out. I'm sorry, though. I thought this interview was about Andy, not about me?”

  “My apologies, but often the best way to get to know a man is to get to know the woman he loves. Did you know him well before you started helping him?”

  “Not really, I suppose there's no harm in telling you I came back to East Pender because my parents were very ill. After they died I set up the cafe so I was preoccupied with that. I knew of Andy and I saw him around, but I never was friendly with him until we started working together.”

  “And what was that like? Did you know that you were attracted to him straight away?” Ellen blanched a little at the personal nature of the questions and Paul noticed her squirming in her chair.

  “I apologize if these questions are a little intimate but it's the kind of things I have to know. If you're uncomfortable answering them then that’s fine. We can move on to the next one,” Paul said, trying to give her a reassuring smile.

  “It's fine. I'm just not used to talking about these kinds of things with a stranger, and you know what Andy's like. I don't want to say anything he's uncomfortable with.”

  “Then don't think of me as a stranger, consider me a friend!” Paul said, leaning forward and smiling widely.

  “Well, if you want to know the truth then, yes. I was attracted to him when we first met but I never thought anything would come of it. When you get to my age, well, there's a certain point when you start thinking of romance as a thing of the past. The way my life had been, it had taken a course away from love and romance. So I didn't give it much attention. He always seemed focused on his work anyway, so he didn't seem to have time for a relationship. We spent a
lot of time together, though, and there was definitely something there. It just took us a while to actually acknowledge it.”

  “A tale as old as time, and I don't know what you mean about a woman 'your age'. You're far more beautiful than most women I know in Hollywood.”

  “Thank you, but I know that can't be true.”

  “Oh, but it is. Most of them have a manufactured look. You're the real deal. Anyway, let's get back to Andy. So you were working together solving crimes and dealing with this romantic tension. Did that ever interfere with the investigations?”

  Ellen leaned back in her chair and cast her mind back to those many cases ago when she and Andy had not been together. It seemed so long ago now even though, in reality, it was not all that distant in time. Yet, she and Andy were so close and he was such a fulfilling part of her life that to think of a time when they weren't bonded as lovers was strange. Even so, she did remember the pain of holding back her love for him, and all the angst that came with it; The anguish that seemed so foolish for a grown woman to have and that seemed so senseless now when all they had to do was be honest with each other.

  “I wouldn't say it interfered. We both knew what was most important in these cases. Neither of us ever would have let anyone innocent suffer because of our own personal feelings, but there were times when things became rather tense between us. That was fueled by the feelings we had for each other, which led to a few arguments, but it never spilled over into the police work.”

  “And what's it like now that you are together? Is there ever any tension when you disagree about things?”

  “No, we've always been pretty good at being able to discuss our feelings with each other. If we do disagree, which we do, a lot,” she laughed, “we always can talk it out. We make a good team, always have and hopefully always will.”