Hop 'Til You Drop

by J. M. Griffin

  “That’s wonderful. I’ll let Mrs. Plain know.”

  The yarn sorted, I carried arms full over to the diamond-shaped display attached to the wall, and handed skeins to Molly, who tucked them into their respective spots. We both stopped when the door to the clinic burst open and Jessica flew in.

  “My offer for the house was accepted. Isn’t that great?” She Snoopy-danced in place as we watched and chuckled over her excitement.

  When she came to a halt, I said, “Congratulations. What comes next?”

  “My parents and I have the financing in place. We’ll have a home inspection and then hopefully close on the deal. I’m so thrilled, I can hardly stand still.”

  Molly chuckled. “Apparently. Anything we can do?”

  “Not yet. You two can give me a hand packing and moving in, though.”

  I agreed. “Whatever and whenever, it’ll be fun.”

  “Okay, back to work.” Jess rushed from the shop and greeted the next patient.

  Mrs. Plain sidled in as Jessica closed an examination room door.

  “She couldn’t be happier. Keep your fingers crossed that the inspection goes without a hitch. Jessica will enjoy living there. She does like that little cottage.” She looked at me and asked, “Weren’t you familiar with the former owner?”

  “Only through the Hop ’Til You Drop event at Perkins Park. We hadn’t met prior to that.”

  “Oh, I thought you were well acquainted with her.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  “I wondered that, too.”

  “Why, Mr. Clarke thought so—at least that’s what he said.”

  “Denton Clarke?”

  She nodded and glanced back at the clinic. “I must get back to the clinic. We’ll talk again later. I know you probably have more questions.”

  “I do.”

  She scooted through the doorway, closing the door behind her.

  “That was odd,” Molly murmured. “I wonder why she’d think you knew Della well?”

  “Yes, it is very strange. Mrs. Plain doesn’t come right out and say why she wants to know something. Instead, she leaves you wondering what’s really on her mind. Anyway, if you two can get that advertising information together for me, I’ll order the postcards and place the ad. I don’t want to leave it until the last minute. Have you considered refreshments?”

  “Not really. When there are demonstrations using yarns or fiber supplies, the last thing I would want is to have someone spill their beverage on the work. If you think we should have snacks, then go ahead and make arrangements.”

  “I hadn’t considered that aspect. We won’t have food or drinks in here, then. Will there be some small freebie given away, you know, like favors or discounted tickets for a class?”

  “The students mentioned making small items to hand out when people leave. It’s good business to promote the shop with business cards attached to the front of them.”

  At the counter, Molly took a notepad and pencil from a drawer, then sketched out how the gifts would look.

  “Attaching Fur Bridge Farm cards to them would be perfect, don’t you think?”

  “I’ll look in my stash for business cards and small notepads advertising the farm. Maybe the printer will be able to print labels, too. Might as well support local businesses, right?”

  “I like that idea, and it’s wise to use businesses in town instead of ordering from companies across the country, when we don’t have to. I’ll get this completed right away.”

  I left her to it. Bun and I walked into the barn to visit the rabbits. All was quiet and the barn was clean and in good shape, as were the rabbits. Jason was worth his weight in gold as far as I was concerned, just like Molly was.

  “I’ve been thinking about Alvin Peterson. He could tell you more about Della and her life. She’d been on the council for quite some time.”

  “I’ll tell you what: When we order stuff for the open house, we’ll stop by to see what Alvin has to say. He and Della weren’t best friends, but you don’t work closely with your fellow council members without knowing what makes them tick. At least, it would make sense, right?”

  “Absolutely.”

  * * *

  Supper was over. Our rehearsal session ended in fits of laughter. Jess sobered and asked, “What would make someone like Della so miserable?”

  I shrugged. “There could be any number of reasons. Maybe Della’s childhood was terrible; she could have had a relationship gone bad, or maybe she just became cold and vicious when life didn’t go her way. She probably felt she deserved more than she got. It’s hard to say. I didn’t know her that well. Why do you ask?”

  “Today, my mother mentioned Della. It seems she—Della, I mean—had met my mother once and was extremely rude. Mom didn’t get into what exactly took place, but she did say Della was forthright and nasty. She also asked if you knew Della very well.”

  Before she could utter another word, I remarked, “Your mother asked me that very question just this afternoon.”

  “Did she, now. That’s curious, isn’t it?”

  “Molly and I thought so. Your mother came in while we sorted yarn and asked how well I knew Della. I said I only knew her from the egg hunt. Why would she ask that? Do you think she knows something about Della that she should tell Sheriff Carver?”

  “I have no idea. My mother can be an oddball at times. My father and I are always taken by surprise at the things that pop out of her mouth.” Jess grinned and said she’d see me in the morning.

  She left me with no idea of what went through Mrs. Plain’s mind. I shook my head and went into the shop, where students spun yarn, knitted, or crocheted, and some spent time at the swift and ball winder.

  Fascinated by their proficiency with the swift and winder, I watched in silence until one woman glanced up at me and asked quietly, “Would you like to try your hand at this?”

  I whispered, “No, thank you. I find it interesting to see how it all works together, though.”

  “There is a knack to getting the yarn to wind smoothly. The hank of yarn must be in order. It can’t get tangled, or it won’t work. My first time doing this was a nightmare.” She grinned at the thought of it.

  The class took a break, a kind of recess if you will, to stand and stretch, to walk around and see what went on at other stations in the shop.

  I noticed her name badge and asked, “Will you participate in the open house, Maggie?”

  With a nod, she said, “I’m looking forward to it. It’s good of you to offer this to us. We’ll have a chance to connect with the public and show our work, and it’s also good for your farm. A win-win, for sure.” Maggie glanced around before she sidled closer to me. She said in just above a whisper, “Has the sheriff made any progress in his investigation of Frank Poland’s death?”

  “I’m not sure. Jack hasn’t said a word to me.”

  “Oh, I’ve heard you and the Carvers are quite close, and thought he might have taken you into his confidence. You did find Frank, didn’t you?”

  I nodded. “It was awful. Frank was a nice person.”

  “He was, uh—until, uh—”

  My Spidey senses perked up and I whispered, “Until what?”

  “Never mind, I shouldn’t talk about the dead.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with talking about the dead. People do it all the time when sharing memories and anecdotes. There’s no harm in telling me.”

  “If you insist. I didn’t want to speak out of turn, that’s all.”

  “No worries, you’re not.”

  “Until he got tangled up with Felicia Brandt. Then his life took a completely different direction.”

  “In what way?”

  “He went from a fun and cheerful guy to someone secretive and pensive. Several of us noticed it.”

  “Secretive in what way?”

  “Frank often disappeared for hours on end, missed classes, and he seemed besotted with Felicia. I didn’t understand his actions then
and I still don’t.”

  Molly called time’s up, recess was over. The students had another hour to go and I didn’t want to interfere with their progress. I joined Molly as she turned to a basket of hanks.

  She handed me the ad mock-up along with the postcard sample, saying Mrs. Plain had done them on Jessica’s computer when business in the clinic was slow. I studied the artwork, pleased by the look of it. With all the necessary information addressed, the setup worked beautifully. “Nice work. She’s talented, isn’t she?”

  “I think so. I don’t have time to fool with the computer. Mrs. Plain has the know-how, and that’s good enough for me. When she brought these in, I was thrilled. I’m glad you like the way they look.”

  “They’re perfect for what we need. Great job done. Do you have time for me before you leave for the night?”

  “Of course. I’ll be done in an hour.”

  I waved to Meredith before leaving the shop and took the mock-ups into the house, all the while chewing over the revelation of how Frank had changed after his involvement with Felicia. The woman was a challenge. I’d check with Jack on my way to the printshop to see if he’d spoken to her yet.

  After the students left class, Molly walked into the kitchen and flopped in a chair.

  “This has been a long day.”

  “Is something wrong?”

  “Not really. I just need to reorganize my schedule and learn to say no at the college when I’m asked to take on one more job.”

  “Oh?”

  Using her fingertips to massage her temples, Molly said, “Denton asked me to handle refreshments the evening you and Jessica are speaking. He has an assistant, so I said I couldn’t help him out. He had a few questions about you, too. I think he’d like to ask you for a date.”

  “I got that feeling, but I’m not interested. My schedule here is enough to keep me busy.”

  “What did you want to discuss?”

  Concerned that Molly had taken on too much, I said, “The supplies you need to increase the shop classes are on hold. The distributor can’t ship what you need right away. There’s some sort of strike, I guess. I’m sure the wait won’t be too long. Will it make a difference in your expansion plans, or should I find another distributor?”

  “The wait is fine. I had hoped to get the plans in place by the end of May, which isn’t that far off. Give the Franklin sales rep a call tomorrow and ask if there’s any way he can expedite the order.” Molly hesitated and then asked, “Has he mentioned what the strike is about?”

  “The shipper they use has union problems; the shippers won’t sign the new contract. All the spinning wheels are handmade, and the delivery of the raw-materials delay is due to that. The company is seeking another shipping company, but it’s not easy when there’s a strike.”

  Shaking her head, Molly said, “Union people tend to support one another, and while I think it’s feasible, it slows everything down.” Molly yawned and then said goodnight.

  Chapter 20

  Chores over with, I showered and changed into clean jeans, a multicolored cotton sweater, and a pair of snazzy gold-edged loafers. I didn’t wear the loafers often but wanted to break them in because they were part of the outfit I planned to wear for the college lecture.

  My first stop was the printshop. Gary and Edna Erikson had owned and operated their business since I’d attended elementary school. The new look of the shop surprised me when I walked in. Streamlined with computerized machines, along with immense layout and packing tables, I gazed at the changes before greeting the most unlikely matched couple I’d ever met.

  “Good morning,” I said, noticing how Edna’s attire and hairstyle had gone from frumpy to sweet and smart. It was as though she’d had a makeover that looked great on her. I turned to Gary and saw that he, too, had undergone a major change. The couple had finally stepped into the here and now, leaving their old selves behind.

  “This place and you two look wonderful. How’s business?”

  Gary answered before Edna said a word. “Great. We’ve changed our lives and stepped into the future of printing. What can we do for you today, Juliette?”

  I handed him the file folder. “We’ve planned an open house for the shop. I wanted to know how soon you could have these postcards ready? Uh, I’ll also need a price.”

  “Certainly, Edna can handle the pricing, can’t you, honey?” He gave her a wink.

  Her blue eyes sparkled as she said, “Of course, sweetheart.”

  I stifled a grin. The couple may have changed their look and that of their business, but the two of them still used honeyed words for each other. They’d been married for years and were friends with my parents.

  “I see you’ve got Bun with you. Is the farm doing well? How are your parents ?” Edna asked as she tapped computer keys.

  “Very well, to both of those questions. My parents love their new home and have become involved with folks their age. With trips to the casino, riverboat cruises and such, they’re having the time of their lives. I’ll let them know you asked after them the next time we speak. We have a new bunch of baby bunnies at the farm. It’s been pretty hectic these last couple of weeks.”

  “Wonderful to hear your parents have settled in and that the farm is doing so well. We hear great things about you, Juliette.” Edna handed me an invoice. The cost wasn’t high for the number of cards I wanted. I nodded and gave the go-ahead.

  “We’ll have them ready for you, no problem. Stop back at the end of the week, okay?”

  I handed Edna a company check and promised to come in Friday. On my way to the door, Denton Clarke entered carrying a bulging satchel. He sidestepped me with a warm smile.

  “It’s good to see you, Juliette. Are you and Jessica ready for your evening with my students?”

  “We sure are and we’re hoping for a great turnout.”

  “There are a lot of students registered due to yours and Jessica’s business reputations.” He hefted the satchel onto the counter and stared at Bun, who stared back.

  “There’s something special in the satchel that Denton doesn’t want us to know about. I can feel it in my bones.”

  I couldn’t remark on his views and nodded in response to both Bun’s and Denton’s remarks. The couple and Denton smiled and wished me well as I went out the door. None of the three had made a move toward the satchel.

  At the edge of the storefront, I sidled up to the window and peeked in. Denton had opened the leather bag. Edna stared inside. Gary appeared gleeful. For the life of me, I couldn’t imagine why, until Gary reached in and withdrew stacks of banded cash. I jumped away from the window and took off for the police station. The Windermere Gazette stop would have to wait.

  At the front desk, I asked to see Sheriff Carver. Told to take a seat, I walked toward a bench when Jack called my name and beckoned me to join him.

  I set Bun on the floor and walked into Jack’s office. With Bun at my feet, I relaxed and waited until Jack sat down. His elbows propped on the desk, he asked, “What brings you by? I hope you’ve got news for me.”

  “I do.” I launched into the conversation I’d had the night before with Maggie Charles, a student attending the college, and mentioned she was a student in my shop. He listened without interruption, for which I was most grateful. My mind kept jumping back to Edna and Gary, their newfound update, and their possibly illegal money.

  “What else? I know there’s more. I can tell by the expression on your face.”

  “How astute of him.”

  “Very astute of you, Jack. I just left Erikson’s Print Shop.” I went on to explain what I had seen and then clamped my mouth shut to wait until the sheriff sifted through what I’d just suggested without saying it outright.

  “In essence, you think Edna and Gary are laundering money? And that money is being brought to them by none other than Professor Denton Clarke?” He tipped back in his chair and shook his head with a smirk on his face.

  “Uh, did I hear a tone of disbeli
ef?”

  “Don’t tell me I’ve wasted my time bringing this information to you. I know what I saw. Why would anyone bring that couple huge bundles of banded cash in a satchel, a heavy satchel, which means it held lots of money.”

  “Good point, but there’s no proof that the money is being laundered through their business. It is odd that Edna and Gary have stepped into the present instead of looking like people who lived in the fifties. I always wondered why they dressed that way and why they never updated their business, or how they kept it going. You might be right, or Denton is loaning them money.”

  “Which begs the question of where Denton would get that kind of cash, Jack. Professors his age who work at small colleges don’t make satchels of money.”

  “Uh-huh. We’ll look into the Eriksons’ and Clarke’s accounts to see what’s what. I’m not sure there’s enough information to get a warrant, but I can try. Judge Moore is rather good about issuing them to me without dotted i’s and t’s crossed.”

  “I’ll pick up my order on Friday. Maybe I can learn more about Denton’s actions then. I think he’s sweet on me, at least he’s flirtatious every time we meet. I can play that angle. What do you think?”

  “That you’d better be careful. You’ve had one attack on your life, you don’t need another.”

  “Mmm. True. I wouldn’t want that. Maybe I’ll just let you do your job, then.” Not.

  “Don’t do a thing until I get a warrant. My tech guys can then look into their banking, which will give me cause to go further. I won’t accuse any of those people of a crime until I have enough proof to take to court.”

  “Right, got it. I’d better be going, I have other errands to run.”

  “How are you feeling since your attack?”

  “I’m well, thanks for asking. I saw Meredith in class last night but didn’t have a chance to speak with her. Her work is beautiful.”