Madison Johns - Agnes Barton 06 - Bigfoot in Tawas

by Madison Johns

  “I’m not sure, Bernice, but it certainly makes expressions impossible. Luckily, we live in a small town where that isn’t done. I don’t mind my wrinkles so much. I’ve earned every one of them.”

  Bernice made her way toward one of the tables that had been set up outside. She stared at the barbeque grill and asked, “Are you staying for lunch, or are you planning to do more investigating before tomorrow?”

  “Tomorrow?”

  “Yes, that’s when the show starts.”

  “Early tomorrow morning,” Brent said from behind me. “It seems like the old man loves the idea of having you old birds on the show.”

  “Why are you so darn smart-mouthed?” Eleanor wanted to know. “Didn’t your mother teach you—?”

  “Never had one of those. My mother took off when I was only two.”

  “Aww. Sorry to hear that. I didn’t mean to judge you so harshly, but please don’t take it out on us.”

  He rubbed his neck. “Sorry about that. I’ll knock off the old crap if you get Tammy to have a drink with me.”

  “I don’t think that sounds like the best idea,” I said. “It seems like you have rubbed her the wrong way.”

  “I can’t help myself. I love a fiery redhead.”

  “Well, she’s one that doesn’t love you back so you might want to back off a bit.”

  “She’ll change her tune, they always do. She’s just playing hard to get right now. Once we get in the woods, it will be game-on.”

  “Okay, but it’s your funeral.”

  Brent walked away with an arrogant toss of his head.

  “What an idiot,” Eleanor said. “He’s not even that good looking.”

  “Arrogance takes his looks down a notch in my book,” I added.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Bernice. I think El and I should find Martha before she gets herself into trouble. She’s sure been awfully quiet since we came here, which is so unusual.”

  When I walked back into the house, Martha was nowhere to be found, but Curt and Cutis Hill were here chatting it up with Tammy and Dixie. Their conversation carried far enough for me to hear it without making it appear as if I was eavesdropping, which was so what I was doing.

  “So, you boys think you can outdo me with a bow?”

  “No,” Curt said with a snicker. “I said I can outshoot you.”

  “Oh, you must mean with a shotgun.”

  “Semi-automatic weapon, actually. Have you ever shot one?”

  Dixie said, “That’s not a weapon for sport. That’s meant for destruction. Where on earth do you shoot that?”

  Tammy smirked. “Boys and their big guns, or little pistols.”

  Curt adjusted himself. “My gun is—”

  “Curt, show these ladies some manners. Ma would personally shoot us if we didn’t show these ladies some respect. “I’m Curtis. Don’t mind my brother. I’d sure like you to come over and we can have an archery competition—loser pays for dinner.”

  Tammy raised a brow at Dixie, who looked about ready to swallow her tongue. “Is there somewhere else we could go that is a little more public? My ma would shoot me if I just went to some man’s house that I just met.”

  “We could set up targets out back,” Peyton Daniels said. “We could do it right before we head out in the morning. It sounds like fun. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a female shoot a bow before.”

  “Obviously, you’re not from around here then,” I joked. “Plenty of women go bow hunting in Michigan.

  “I’m from Burbank, California, and believe me, there are so many conservation groups that if someone ever suggested hunting anything, you’d be ostracized. We can’t even have fireworks, because they will interfere with the marine life.”

  “Oh, really? That’s sure disappointing. We should get some fireworks for the ending of your show. Let it go off with a bang.”

  “Sounds like fun, but how do we get fireworks. Don’t you need permits or something? I imagine anything too big is illegal.”

  Curt laughed. “Well, we know a guy who knows a guy, who could hook you up for a price.”

  “Great, give me the details later and I’ll go over there and pick them up.”

  Curtis cocked a brow. “You can’t go over there. We’d be happy to fetch them for you and bring them back here—if we’re on the show, that is.”

  “Consider it a deal. I’m going have to figure out how to break up the teams. Would you boys rather be on the girl’s team, or with the other men?”

  “These girls?” Curt asked.

  “Yes, and Agnes and Eleanor, too.”

  “Of course. They might just need some real men protecting them in the woods.”

  Tammy’s eyelashes fluttered. “Of course, what would little ole me do without a real man protecting me?”

  “Good one, Tammy,” Dixie said as she slapped her on the back.

  Eleanor and I excused ourselves and Curt and Curtis followed us out. Luckily, we were in the car by the time Curtis took off in his big redneck truck as he left a dust and stone trail in his wake.

  “Sounds like those boys are sweet on Tammy, too,” El pointed out. “They stand a better chance than that awful Brent. Do you think Tammy might really hurt Brent if he steps out of line?”

  “Not sure about that. Let’s just hope he acts more professional than he did today. I can tell she’s not about to tolerate too much bad behavior from men.”

  “It sure makes me nervous about the Hill boys getting fireworks. I hope they don’t get mixed up and bring munitions.”

  “I’m really surprised that they are interested in this show at all. I guess we might have spilled the beans on that one. They don’t seem like the type to want the prize money.”

  “I’d hate to think what they’d use that money for. I’m sure the Michigan Militia doesn’t need to get any bigger. Luckily, their camp isn’t anywhere near here.”

  “Oh, they’re not so bad. They just have gotten a bad repetition. They’re the National Rifle Associations’ best supporters.”

  “I just know they don’t have a chapter in Iosco County. I totally support the right to bear arms. We should make sure we have ours for the show, just in case.”

  “In case what?”

  “In case we actually meet Bigfoot in the woods and he makes us his next meal.”

  When I made it onto US 23, my cell phone rang. I answered it, swerving in the lane, as Martha’s voice came into the receiver asking me why I had left her there. I made a wild U-turn and went back for her.

  Martha got into the back when I arrived in a huff. “Of all the nerve. I can’t believe you forgot me.”

  “Easy to do when I lost sight of you as soon as we arrived. Where were you, anyway?”

  “In the kitchen, talking to the director. He told me I’d be a great assistant and hired me.”

  “Was this before or after your clothes were off, dear?”

  “Geez, Mother. I swear you think I’m sixteen. What would it matter to you anyway?”

  “It wouldn’t I suppose, but I just thought you said earlier you were scaling back since you became a grandma.”

  “First off, I never said I slept with Peyton. You assumed it. I have skills enough to be an assistant. All they do is run errands really, or that’s what he told me. I’m starting tomorrow.”

  “So a fetch and go girl, or woman, since you’re over forty, dear. I hope he’s paying you, at least.”

  Martha’s mouth formed an O. “I guess we never got around to that part.”

  “Perhaps I should call Andrew and ask him to contact Peyton to make sure it’s on the up and up. I’d hate to see you be taken unawares by a smooth talking California man.”

  Martha leaned forward in her seat. “He’s sure dreamy though, isn’t he?”

  “He’s okay, I suppose, but I wouldn’t be trusting anyone associated with that reality show. Those people aren’t like us, they have their own agendas.”

  “Like you don’t. Signing up to be on a rea
lity show to look for Bigfoot when you were already hired to do just that. It’s kind of deceptive don’t you think?”

  “No, but there’s no other way we’ll be able to do a proper search of the woods with that show going on unless we’re part of it.”

  “I really do hope you can figure out what really happened to Billy Matlin. I’m sure it won’t be long before his disappearance hits the airwaves.”

  “Well, they won’t hear it from us. I imagine the cops will only release minimal details. Isn’t that right, El?”

  “Oh, sure. Whatever you say, Aggie.”

  “What’s up with you, suddenly?”

  “Oh, nothing. It just bothers me that Brent’s mom left like she did. I wonder if my son acts like that since I’m out of his life.”

  “For one thing, you never left him. He up and decided to leave, didn’t he?”

  Eleanor sighed. “Not exactly. I left him with my mother so much after my divorce that I think he held it against me when he grew up.”

  “Didn’t you just do that on account of work?”

  “Not exactly. I had my men friends and they didn’t much care for a woman with a child. I must admit I did neglect him and wish I could take it all back now. I really miss my boy.”

  “How long have you been estranged?” Martha asked.

  “He never did have much to do with me, but after he put me in the County Medical Center, I told him I never wanted to see him again.”

  Martha rubbed Eleanor’s shoulder. “Who could blame you? What an awful thing for him to do to you. How on earth did you ever get out?”

  “Agnes helped me prove I still had my wits about me. It involved court hearings, but luckily the court ruled in my favor.”

  “I’m sure it’s not your fault, Eleanor. Perhaps one day you’ll be able to make amends.”

  “I don’t really want to,” Eleanor said. “But I’m still sad about him being gone. I’m just feeling a little nostalgic right now, I guess.”

  “It was hard for me when I went years without speaking with my mother. It took everything in me to come to East Tawas, and I must admit that I really had nowhere else to go at the time. I know that sounds bad.”

  I nodded. “I sure felt very put out when you did. I just didn’t understand that your divorce caused you to go off the radar so much. When I couldn’t get ahold of you, I just figured you didn’t care about my feelings, or your daughter Sophia’s, either.”

  “Coming home was the best decision I have ever made. I’m just happy that I’ve gotten the chance to reconnect with both Sophia and you. I’d hate to have missed my sweet grandbaby, Andrea. She’s so precious.”

  “We’ll all get a chance to see her today, because we’re going over there. Perhaps I can pick her brain about the Matlin case.”

  “So you’re expecting that Trooper Sales relays information to her about his job? I can’t imagine that. He might still be at the Matlin place since it’s just past noon now.”

  “He might have checked in.”

  “I’m all for seeing my grandbaby, but I don’t think we’ll get any details out of Sophia.”

  I drove the rest of the way to Trooper Sales house. I wasn’t the happiest when he had started dating Sophia, but they seem like the ideal couple. She’s a nurse at the local hospital, and he’s a straight shooter Michigan State Trooper, not much different than my late husband, Tom. It took years to get over his loss, but how was I to know that I’d meet up with my former boss, Andrew Hart, at the age of seventy-two, or that we’d start dating. We’re engaged now, with no wedding date in sight, but that’s fine with me for now. I must say, I sure wondered when he’d come back to town. It is always so hard when he’s out of town all the way in Detroit, but I rather admired his work ethics.

  Chapter Twelve

  I rapped on Sophia’s door, and when she opened it with a grimace, I knew she was not having a great day. From the stain on her blue shirt, it was obvious the baby had spit up on her, and her usually well-kept appearance looked everything but that. She proceeded to clear the couch that had newspapers, receiving blanket, and baby toys on it. The coffee table was now piled up with the items.

  She swiped a trembling hand through her hair. “Andrea has been sick all day. I finally got her to sleep.”

  “Sick how, throwing up?”

  “Yes. I finally got her fever down, at least, but if she’s not better by tonight I’m running her to the hospital.”

  “How awful,” Martha said. “Not to worry, I’m staying with you now to help you out. Why don’t you take a shower or nap and I’ll take care of everything.”

  “Did you hear from Bill today?” I asked. “Does he know the baby’s sick?”

  “He’s on a crime scene. He told me Billy Matlin has disappeared, and they’re still conducting a search. I guess that puts a damper on your case now, Grams.”

  “We’ll see. We’re going to be on that reality show Hunting Bigfoot on the Animal Network.”

  “That’s nice. Hopefully you’ll be the ones to find Bigfoot. I’d love to see you show up all those men that I usually see on that show. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to crawl into bed for a few hours before Bill comes home. I’ll give you a call if I end up taking Andrea in.” Sophia then made her way to the back bedroom.

  My heart just ached for Sophia. I glanced around at the mess in the room, and announced, “What are we waiting for? We need to clean this place up.”

  Martha, El, and I sorted the trash from the salvageable and the living room looked much cleaner. “We can’t risk waking Sophia or the baby so vacuuming is out, but we should take a peek and see what condition the kitchen is in.”

  The sink was loaded with dishes. Eleanor went right to work running the dishwater and she washed while I dried and put everything away. Martha wiped off the counters and table, admiring our handiwork until an exhausted and frantic Trooper Sales came into the room. “Where’s Sophia?”

  “Taking a nap. The baby has been sick all day.”

  “I know. She called, but I was too busy at the time to talk. I should check on Andrea.” He hurried from the room and came back into the kitchen, cradling the baby in his arms. “She looks hot.” Sure enough, her tiny cheeks were quite pink and her breathing was a little uneven. “Grab me the thermometer, it’s in the bathroom.”

  I did just that. We all watched as Bill took her temperature and announced, “I’m taking the baby to the hospital.”

  I woke Sophia up and watched helplessly as they went out the door, tearing out of the drive. I heard a jiggle and realized that Bill had left his police radio home. “The dogs lost their trail at the river, so we’re wrapping up at the Matlin place. Over.”

  “Well, I guess that explains it then. Billy is truly missing and we need to figure out if Bigfoot is responsible or someone else,” I said.

  “I wonder if he has any enemies,” El said. “I don’t know enough about the man to say for sure.”

  “We could stop by Rosa Lee Hill’s potpourri shop and ask her. She seems to know what’s going on in town even though she keeps to herself most of the time.”

  “Don’t forget that she used to sell medicinal Mary Jane, and who knows for sure what she sells out at her store?”

  “Go ahead. I should stay here,” Martha said as she wrung her hands. “I might be needed here.”

  “You might be of more use at the hospital, but I doubt they’d let you back to wait for the doctor with Sophia and Bill. Why not let us drop you at home? I’m sure Sophia will call you when she has news.”

  “You’re right, but drop me off at the hospital all the same. I’d feel better if I was there—for support if no other reason.”

  We locked up and I was tempted to take Bill’s radio, but stopped myself. I can imagine having the radio in my possession would be breaking some kind of law, for sure. Those state boys don’t mess around, and I’d hate to put Bill into an awkward position with his job. He’s one of my favorite troopers.

  I made my wa
y back to US 23, but after I dropped Martha off at the hospital, I made the turn going south and the traffic was bumper to bumper heading into town. My eyes widened at the shotguns I saw in the hands of passengers. “Wow, we’d better get over to the sheriff’s department and give the sheriff a heads-up. It looks like big game hunters are here now.”

  I whirled into the parking lot and El and I rushed toward the door just as Sheriff Peterson was coming out with the DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Oh, Peterson. Did you know the town is packed full of big game hunters?”

  Peterson adjusted the waistband of his brown trousers. “Are you sure?”

  “Well, I saw more than one car load of gun toting game hunters, or at least I think that’s why they’re here. I just can’t believe this is happening in our town.”

  “It would seem that Billy Matlin’s tall tales have taken on a life all their own. I’m sure it didn’t help that those reality show guys decided to shoot here. I’ve half a mind to chase them out of town, but unfortunately, my hands are tied.

  “Looks like it’s about time the Department of Natural Resources gets involved,” Derek said. “Come on, Patrick, we better get a move on.”

  “Not without me, you’re not,” Duane said. “The United States Fish and Wildlife Service also have an interest here in protecting wildlife.”

  “Fight about it on the way then,” Eleanor said. “Someone better get a handle on the situation before those folks start blasting up the woods.”

  Sheriff Peterson stood there with his legs shoulder-width apart. “Is that all, or do you have some other business to discuss with me?”

  “Did the DNR or Wildlife Service test the hair samples from the Matlin place?”

  He shook his head. “I should have known, and no to that question. They’re still fighting amongst themselves. I hope that’s all because I need to police the situation before it gets more out of hand.”

  “Nope, I guess not. Hopefully, you won’t need Trooper Sales since he had to run my grandbaby to the hospital.”

  His brow shot up. “Nothing serious, I hope?”

  “Seems the baby is sick and running a fever.”

  “Thanks for the update. I’ll be sure not to disturb him, then. As you probably deducted by now, it’s too early to determine if the blood found out at the Matlin place is really Billy’s, and we still haven’t found him, if you’re curious.”