On the other end, an excited Ace jabbered his good news. The part for the backhoe would be delivered in the morning. If he coaxed the equipment into running by noon, he was pretty sure the work would be done before dark. Her yard might be a little muddy, but her bathroom situation would be fixed. Hallelujah!
CHAPTER 19
The phone interrupted Theresa just as she was pouring coffee at the breakfast table. Bob was, as usual, oblivious, his nose buried in the Daily News.
“Hello,” she said, holding the carafe with one hand and cradling the handset to her ear with the other.
“Hi, Theresa!” Gloria said brightly. “How’s the mother of the bride?”
“Still alive,” she bantered. “I’m making phone calls to everyone today, letting them know about the wedding location change. What a week!”
“Good thing it’s a small wedding.” Gloria chuckled. “I know you’re going crazy, but I really need a favor. I hate to ask.”
“What do you need? I won’t be on the phone all day.”
“Well, there are a couple of quilts that have to be mailed to the orphanage in Mexico today—the birthday ones we finished last week. I don’t think I’ll have time. Albert has a doctor’s appointment in Rochester, and I never know how long it’ll be.”
“Sure, as long as I can mail them from Deer Creek. I don’t need to go to Warsaw or Geneseo, do I?”
“No, you can mail them from here.”
Bob peered out above the newspaper with questioning eyes, pointing to himself. Theresa shook her head “no.” Bob’s head disappeared behind the paper again.
***
The line at the post office was slow. Theresa finally had to set the awkward box on the floor outside the lobby. There were at least eight people ahead of her, which was unheard of this time of year. Before Christmas was horrible, but not October. The clerk must be new, she decided, watching the unfamiliar young woman behind the counter. Where was Rudy the postmaster? He’d move the line along.
As if on cue, Rudy appeared. He had a string-bean physique, a prominent Adam’s apple, and sported a goatee, which was a recent development. The next person in line made a beeline for him and dropped a large rectangular box on the counter. It was Lulu. She’d been hidden from view until now. She had forms, and the transaction took several minutes.
“Hi, Lulu,” Theresa greeted her as the tall woman brushed past the line.
“Oh, Theresa. Hi. Sorry, can’t chat.”
Lulu kept her head down and hurried out to the street.
Apparently, Lulu was on some sort of important mission. At least, she was out of the house.
Finally inside the lobby, Theresa hauled the package onto the counter so Rudy could weigh it.
“Got your customs form?” he asked, eying the scale.
“Yes. Right here,” she replied, pulling it from her coat pocket.
Gloria had been organized enough to have it completed when she’d dropped off the package.
“Tierra and Cielo Orphanage,” he said, reading the label. “Pretty popular place lately.”
“Why is that?” Theresa asked.
The sewing circle sent quilts and other gifts a couple of times a year. Rudy looked down at her, sliding the box off the scale.
“You ladies are sending a bunch of stuff to them, that’s why.”
“A bunch? This is our first package since June.”
“Oh. I thought … Lulu just had another . . .”
“Lulu? She’s sending something?”
Rudy cleared his throat. “Forget I said anything,” he said, pressing the plastic sleeve with the customs list onto the box.
“Sure. A lot of packages?”
“That’ll be $45.50. You need any extra insurance?”
“No. I don’t think so. Does Lulu get extra insurance?”
“Mrs. Clark, that’ll be $45.50. And no, she doesn’t.”
She handed her debit card to Rudy.
“I’ll need a receipt.”
Theresa couldn’t decide how to proceed with this new information about Lulu. Despite Rudy’s reluctance to comment on Lulu’s mailing habits, it didn’t take a genius to figure out she was mailing something to the orphanage. On the one hand, maybe Lulu had merely chosen to continue helping the orphanage on her own. But why stop working with the sewing circle? Ed’s death had set her back, changed her personality. She was awfully secretive, and the hoarding was certainly peculiar. On a positive note, her house was returning to normal. Then there was Franny and the stolen quilt. If truth be told, she wasn’t exactly sure the quilt was stolen. What did Howie Stroud think about the claim?
***
Gracie had the phone on speaker as she printed off an invoice for a dachshund named Dashiell, Dash for short. He was currently sitting on her lap, waiting for his owner to appear. Freshly bathed, he wore a green sweater with a rather dapper deerstalker cap. Dashiell wasn’t exactly pleased about the cap, but tolerated it since there were several small liver treats on the desk.
“You should be at the house to have your hair and makeup done by one o’clock on Saturday,” Isabelle directed.
“I don’t need any help with my hair,” Gracie insisted. “And makeup and I don’t really get along.”
“You can’t do your own hair. Makeup isn’t optional. Think of your photos. I’ve booked my stylist to be here. He can do both.”
“The wedding isn’t until four.”
“That’s cutting it fine. Kelly needs hers done too, but I’m just not sure there’ll be enough time to do both of you.”
“Please don’t add extra work. Really, we want it to be low key.”
“Gracie, take my advice and don’t be stubborn about this. It’s my treat.” There was a hint, just a hint of softness in Isabelle’s voice.
Gracie had the distinct feeling there was no way to win.
“Okay, Isabelle. Whatever you say,” she sighed, hardly believing she was saying it. “Good-bye.”
Gracie hit the speaker button and glared at the phone. She set Dashiell on the floor.
Cheryl popped her head into the doorway. She was dressed in jeans and a red long-sleeved T-shirt with the Milky Way Kennels logo.
“Dash’s mom is here,” she said.
“Perfect. He’s all set.”
Gracie picked up the trailing lead and handed the dog off to her slender, dark-haired assistant manager. She snatched the invoice from her desk. “And don’t forget this too.”
“Right. Are you okay? Wedding jitters?” Cheryl’s worried brow and kind eyes made Gracie smile.
“I’ll admit to the jitters. Too many last-minute additions, I guess.”
“I thought you were having a simple wedding. Still in the backyard on Saturday, right?”
“No. It’s not. Sorry, I forgot to tell you and Marian. It’s at Isabelle’s because of the excavation going on. Which reminds me, I’d better check on Ace. I hope he’ll finish today.”
She used the kennel’s rear exit and jogged up the driveway to the house. The welcome sound of the backhoe chugging away greeted her ears. She opened the gate to find that Ace had cleared the roots and was checking the tiles. Approaching the bent-over man, she yelled, “Everything copasetic?”
Ace straightened himself and took his hat off. Sweat trickled down his cheeks, and he swiped a sleeve across his face.
“Lookin’ good. So far. I told you I’d be done by dark.”
“Great. Laundry and running the dishwasher are at the top of the list.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem.”
She shivered as the wind picked up. It was supposed to be warm, according to the weather report. Where were the Indian summer temperatures? Leaving Ace to his digging, she decided to have an early lunch, as long as she was at the house, and ponder how Isabelle had so smoothly taken the reins of their wedding day.
CHAPTER 20
The day at Niagara Falls had started out mostly uneventful, for which Marc was grateful. Miranda seemed cooperative and even happy
, which was a pleasant change from her moping and two meltdowns over nothing in particular. He wondered if there was another guy in the picture. She seemed to have her phone glued to her hand. However, everyone did, so it might be nothing.
Larry deftly played the part of the long-suffering husband, encouraging and prodding Miranda to cheer up. Marc felt like shaking her out whatever funk that was holding her prisoner. His mom kept her opinions to herself for the most part. Tension was evident in the short spurts of conversation. At least, this family day gave Gracie some time to work on her own family issues, of which Isabelle was chief. The wedding was two days away. He’d received a timeline email from Isabelle before leaving the house with detailed instructions for every moment of the wedding day.
The four of them were packed together with the press of the crowd in the Observation Tower, watching the mighty Niagara roar, the falls crashing with tons of power on the rocks below the falls.
“Ready for lunch yet?” Violet inquired, maneuvering away from the front to give room to newcomers anxious for their spot.
“I am,” Marc said.
“Where are we eating?” Miranda asked, stepping away, holding Larry’s hand.
“Let’s drive over to Goat Island to the Top of the Falls Restaurant. That way you’ll have the full tourist treatment,” Marc said.
“Sounds good to me,” Larry agreed.
Marc checked his phone as he slid behind the wheel of Gracie’s RAV4, which he’d borrowed for this excursion. Two missed calls. Both were from DACO. Maybe this was it.
“Sorry, but I’ve got to return a call. It’s from DACO.”
“Of course, Marc. We’re in no hurry,” Violet said, settling into the front passenger seat. “I hope it’s good news.”
Marc nodded, redialing the number and exiting the SUV.
“Marc Stevens, returning your call,” Marc said to DACO’s receptionist.
“Mr. Stevens. Let me connect you with Mr. MacElroy.”
“Stevens. Good. I wasn’t sure we’d be able to get in touch with you.”
“I’m sorry I missed your call.”
“No problem. We have a once-a-year training that starts next Wednesday, and I really want you to attend. It includes your dog and is pretty intense.”
“Next week? Has my clearance come through?”
“No. We’re confident that it will be finished this week, and from our perspective, you’re good to go. Our corporate background check is clear, as of today. The government part adds another layer, which always takes longer.”
“You know, I’m getting married on Saturday.” Marc’s thoughts were swirling into a dark vortex. He’d leave Gracie only days after their wedding. How would she handle immediate separation? How would he handle that?
“I realize the timing might not be the best for you personally. The date is the date though. You’ll meet the other newcomers to the K-9 security force too.”
“How long’s the training?”
“It’s three weeks in Maryland. We’ll make your travel arrangements, and you can take the dog … uh, Max, right on the jet with you. It’s a company jet. Flight’s at oh-six-thirty Wednesday out of Buffalo.”
“Well, sure. I’ll be there. Uh, what will I need?”
“I’ll shoot you an email. We’ve set up a secure account for you. My assistant, Diane, will call you later with the info.
The call ended, and Marc stood looking at his phone. He closed his eyes; his appetite had vanished.
His mother gave him a worried look as he reentered the vehicle.
“Everything all right?”
“Yes and no,” he answered, turning the key in the ignition.
***
They were seated quickly at the restaurant, and once they’d ordered, Marc filled in the curious group on the phone call.
“Bad timing,” Larry commiserated. “How’s Gracie going to feel about that?”
“I don’t know how I feel about it,” Marc stated, tapping his fingers on the tabletop.
“Three weeks? I’d be pretty upset,” Miranda added. “Wouldn’t you, Mom?”
“Probably, but you both knew the job would be demanding, right? Violet queried, her brows drawn together.
“I need to talk to Gracie about this.”
“Of course. We can go back to Deer Creek as soon as we finish lunch. You don’t need to entertain us the rest of the day,” Violet said, putting a hand on her son’s shoulder.
“It’s countdown time,” Larry joked. “I’m surprised your bride let you out of her sight. I know mine wouldn’t.” He patted Miranda’s hand, who offered her husband an uncomfortable smile.
Marc’s phone rang just as the food came to the table.
“Marc. It’s Emily. I wanted to let you know that the sheriff is retiring on the first of November.”
“Really. Then it’s official,” Marc said, looking at the pile of fries and a multi-level burger with a steak knife spearing it.
Things had just gotten way more interesting.
“Yes. I can’t offer you a permanent position until at least spring, but I’ve talked with the sheriff and the board of supervisors about a special contract position for you. I’ll need an answer right away. I’d like you to start on November second.”
“I’m out with my family in Niagara Falls right now. I really need to talk to Gracie before I give a final answer. DACO called earlier and …”
“Oh.” After a pause, the investigator replied, “Sure, Marc. Close of business today then?”
“Absolutely.”
He’d already signed up for DACO, but the sheriff’s department was a known quantity in many ways. It wouldn’t be for the money, but he’d be home much more often.
***
Gracie and Kelly spread their dresses out on Gracie’s bed. The trial run was underway, and Gracie wriggled into the high-waisted tummy control shapewear, guaranteed to make you look two sizes smaller in minutes. Minutes could turn into hours though if you couldn’t put the darn thing on. It was stuck in a roll around her hips.
Kelly burst out laughing when Gracie dropped onto the bed, yanking in earnest to get the Lycra straight jacket to budge.
“What is wrong with this thing?” She rolled on her side, working at the lump of material. She felt like a fish flopping on a creek bank.
“Are you sure you really need to wear it? The dress fits, right?”
Kelly stepped into the navy long-sleeved lace dress.
“Yes, but it would be nice to look a few pounds lighter for the pictures,” she grunted, finally pulling the garment into place. “There,” she announced triumphantly, standing to look at herself in the full-length mirror.
“Can you breathe?”
Gracie took a shallow breath and then a deeper one.
“I can. Not bad. All right, now for the dress,” she said, unzipping the champagne-colored dress. The metallic brocade added elegance to the knee-length V-necked sheath.
Kelly zipped up the dress, and Gracie turned to every angle in front of the mirror with a critical eye. The bedroom door swung open, and Haley ambled in, pink tongue hanging out, tail waving.
“Girl, you need to stay out of here,” Gracie said, bending to shoo the dog out the door. “You’re way too dangerous around these dresses.”
Haley looked disappointed, but acquiesced to the banishment. They heard her lie down against the door, tail thumping on the wall. Kelly and Gracie chuckled.
“We have to practice with those dogs after this, you know,” Kelly said. “I brought the ribbons for them.”
“That’s next on my list,” Gracie said, slipping on the long matching jacket.
The cuffs and collar were trimmed with seed pearls and Swarovski crystal stitched in three rows of scallops. The neckline of the dress had the same beading.
“Gracie, you’re really gorgeous. The dress is you all the way,” Kelly said.
“I think it works,” Gracie agreed, smiling at her reflection. Her freckles, now faded from the summer
sun, were hardly visible.
“The color really sets your eyes and hair off well,” Kelly added. “Good choice.”
Gracie nodded. Her auburn hair and brown eyes were complemented by the champagne. “I hope so, since you did help me pick it out.”
“Mutual good taste. It’s always good to have it confirmed,” Kelly countered, smiling. “Speaking of good taste, Isabelle sent everyone an email with a timeline for Saturday.”
Gracie rolled her eyes. “Sorry. She’s officially taken over, although I put my foot down about the dogs. She’s afraid they’ll soil her yard or bite someone. I told her that was non-negotiable.”
“She asked about makeup and hair, and I let her know that I was covered.”
“Me too. By her stylist. I think she has some possible altruistic motives this time. At least, I hope they are.”
“I’m surprised to hear you say that,” Kelly said, turning her back to Gracie. “Unzip, please.”
“I really like this dress too. I brought you a pashmina to match my dress if it’s chilly. Rats! I left it in the living room.”
“Don’t go out there with your dress,” Kelly warned.
“No one’s here,” Gracie said, looking at Kelly over her shoulder.
Haley rose to greet her as her stiletto heel caught in a crack in the wooden threshold. Grabbing at the doorframe, Gracie managed to stay upright, her face bent down to an ecstatic Haley, who slurped her cheek.
“Oh boy,” Gracie breathed, retreating into the bedroom.
Kelly’s eyes were wide, her mouth puckered in an “o.” “Let’s put it back in the bag before something happens.”
“Right.”
The sound of a vehicle in the driveway sent Haley and Max to the door.
***
“Two job offers on the same day?” Gracie asked, slipping a coffee pod into the coffeemaker.
“Yeah.” Marc sat at the kitchen bar, folding and refolding a paper napkin. “It’s decision time. There are cons with both jobs. I really don’t want to leave you less than a week after we’re married. It’s next week—really fast. The sheriff’s department is a known quantity, but if things don’t work out for Emily, I could lose my job. And then there’s the money part.”
Pins & Needles (A Gracie Andersen Mystery Book 5) Page 11
