“I thought you handled it well. I don’t know if I could have been as coolheaded, Jules.”
“Were we successful tonight, or what?”
“We did a great job. Denton said he was pleased by our program and the response of the students to us.”
We arrived at the farm and Jess left for home. I opened the car door for Bun to get out and folded the empty sling over my arm as he hopped up the sloped walk beside me. The spotlights were on and now brightened the front yard. We climbed the stairs to the front door.
A breeze brought the sweet smells of spring grass and blossoms with it. I inhaled the scent of new leaves, apple blossoms, and unlocked the door before I looked out over the grounds. Dorothy was right. There’s no place like home. If I’d had on her sparkling red shoes, I’d have clicked my heels together. Instead, I just grinned like a silly fool, happy to be alive and living here.
The feeling fled as fast as it had arrived the moment Jack Carver arrived. He entered the house after we did.
“How was your college lecture?”
I measured his mood for a moment, mentioned coffee, and set it to perk when he nodded.
“We had a wonderful time, a full house, and I had an interesting exchange with Rob Brayton.”
“Did you now?”
“I did. Is it a coincidence that you happened by right now? Was I being watched by Adam, or one of your other officers?”
He smiled and nodded. “So tell me what Rob said.”
I filled him in on the questions Rob asked and how nearby students reacted. I added our brief exchange on the front steps while I waited for Jessica. It was daring of me to repeat Rob’s comment about Jack running in circles.
“Rob’s a shrewd man and he gives nothing away, either. You saw that when I interviewed him. Why did he bring up your assault, do you know?”
“I think he wanted to show me the way some students would respond. It was a smart move.”
“It is curious. I want a list of people who attended. Can you get one from Denton? Give him a story about how you’d like to thank the kids by sending them a note or offering them a mentorship. You know what to do. People open up to you, Juliette.”
“A mentorship? Does he have any idea how much of your time that would take? The rabbits and I wouldn’t be happy about that.”
In a way, Bun was right. Mentoring can become all-consuming if the student is needy. As for the other rabbits not being happy about it, Bun was more than likely the only one to be unhappy. I nudged him with the toe of my shoe as he nestled under the table next to my feet.
“I’ll see what I can do, but don’t expect miracles. Rules of privacy bind the college.”
“I realize that. Just give it a try, then.”
We drank coffee in silence for a bit. I mulled over the evening. What Jack mulled over was anyone’s guess.
“You’re ready for the open house, then?” Jack asked.
“We are. I stopped by Stacey Farnsworth’s deli to ask if she’d cater refreshments for the guests. She agreed to set up under a tent outside the entrance to the shop. Having refreshments indoors wasn’t a good idea. If spills occurred, it could be disastrous for the garments displayed or the demonstrations scheduled. I’ve ordered a tent to be erected first thing that morning.”
“It’s coming up fast. Meredith can hardly contain her excitement.”
“She’ll demonstrate spinning and several of her finished pieces will be displayed. All the students can sell or take orders for the items they’ve made. I’m delighted by their response to this. Every place I’ve left postcards has called to ask for more.”
“Good. My people will be here in civilian clothes to keep an eye on you and the others.”
“Is that necessary?”
His expression cool, he said, “It is, and I’ll not tolerate any argument about it.”
“Okay, fine. It’ll be good to have them present.”
His brows hiked a tad. “My main reason for stopping by was to tell you Felicia has regained consciousness. She will recover, but it’s going to take time, from what Dr. Sommers said. Her injury was serious and further tests will be run to see what’s what.”
“Thanks for the update. I’m glad Felicia is on the mend. No doubt you’ll question her.”
“When I’m allowed.” His sour attitude toward obtaining permission to do his job tickled me to no end. I held back a chuckle, though my expression gave me away.
“It isn’t funny. I have a job to do, a killer or two to catch, and I’m blocked at every turn. It’s downright aggravating. After all, I am the sheriff.”
“I know that. Dr. Sommers also has a job to do that involves those who are alive, not those murdered.”
With a grunt and a dip of his hat, Jack left. I set the coffee cups in the sink and filled Bun’s water container, then made a light snack for him. While he munched away, I looked in on the rabbits and found all was well.
Sunshine and Bun’s chattering woke me. Having fallen asleep on the sofa and still dressed in my clothes from the night before, I sniffed the aroma of fresh coffee that wafted into the living room.
Jess called, “You’d better get up, you’re running late.”
That was the start of my busy, yet fruitful, day. When you think you have fragments of information that don’t make sense, you finally find bits begin to fall in place by the mere act of kindness from the last person you’d ever consider.
Jess and I ate a quick breakfast, fed the rabbits, and then started the remaining chores. I was glad to have her help. Halfway through, Jess said, “I’m finalizing the purchase of Della’s house tomorrow morning.”
My mouth hung open. I hugged her and asked, “So soon?”
“My mother called me this morning to say it would happen tomorrow. Everything is complete, the bank is ready, and by golly, so am I.”
“That’s wonderful. Did she ever hear of Felicia’s assault?”
“If she did, she kept it to herself.”
“How soon will you move in?”
“Not right away, but it won’t be too long. Some things need tending and I want them done beforehand.”
“If you need help, just let me know. I’d be happy to give you a hand.”
She glanced at the wall clock and said, “Thanks. Let’s finish up before my first patient arrives.”
Chapter 25
Aweek, then two, passed without incident. Days filled with last-minute preparations for the open studio were the norm for all of us. We squeezed every free minute we could from our schedules to make this a day to remember.
The sheriff was busier than usual, or so Meredith said. I hadn’t heard a peep from him or his people, which was a good thing, yet it bothered me somehow. Molly got the list of the students who attended the lecture. When she initially requested the list from Denton Clarke, he insisted it wasn’t possible due to privacy concerns. Unwilling to take no for an answer, Molly produced the list after covering Cora Stanley’s office while Cora and the dean attended a meeting.
Molly left it at the police station for Jack with an explanation of who he should speak to at the school.
The day of our open house, Molly, always cool as a cucumber, inspected the shop and adjusted this or that as she went along. Her students arrived early to make sure all was in order. Molly walked them through what would take place, at what time, and reminded them of who would do what. I listened and realized there was no need to worry about a single thing. Molly had the whole affair in hand.
A clear plastic-sided, white-topped tent squatted outside to the left of the shop’s entrance. It wasn’t a huge affair, but large enough to seat up to fifteen or twenty people at small folding tables. A counter stood at the rear, with long tables for food and beverages along two sides of it. Sunlight filled the interior and gave the tent a welcoming atmosphere.
At ten o’clock, the first horde of guests arrived. Jason directed drivers where to park along the edge of the fields. It was times like this that the long driv
eway, bordered by fields, came in handy.
Molly and I welcomed those entering the shop. A student gathered a few people at a time to show them around, stopping at displays and explaining the art of spinning, along with a brief history behind it. Visitors were quite taken with that history and asked questions. Guided through the room, the group was then handed off to another student who left them in the hands of two women behind at a table filled with garments. Most merchandise was either knit or crocheted in delicate designs using hand-spun yarns, while others were colorfully handwoven. A book lay open with a pen next to it for those interested in a class, or who sought a specific item.
Sales went well and splendid pieces of artwork—for each garment was indeed a work of art—left in the hands of many a happy visitor. Women, as well as a few men, readily placed orders with the students while Molly handled the payments.
As the day progressed, the real show began with spinning demonstrations given by Meredith. Weavers offered people the chance to get a feel for weaving by using the shuttle a few times. That’s when it dawned on me that the studio should be larger. If only I knew how to make that happen.
Refreshments were served in the tent at a steady pace until the supply was exhausted. By then, the event had nearly drawn to a close. Standing just inside the tent opening, I sipped a hot cup of tea when I heard a voice behind me say, “You’ve had quite a turnout. Great job, Juliette.”
I turned to Rob. “Thank you. Molly has performed the magic here. She’s an amazing woman.”
He murmured, “That she is. Did you take my advice and remind the sheriff to stop running in circles?”
“I did. I also shared what else you said.”
“Good.”
“I have a question, if you don’t mind.”
“Sure.”
“Why the sudden change of heart? You couldn’t be bothered to answer questions or offer information before. Why now?”
He drew me outside, tucked my free hand into the crook of his elbow, and nonchalantly strolled toward the far end of the shop. We’d reached the corner when he glanced back and drew me away from possible prying eyes, before he said, “You consider me a self-centered and arrogant man without many friends. Well, the ones I do have should be alive and well, and remain that way for a long time.”
“So what you’re saying is that you are as appalled as I am by Felicia’s assault and Frank’s death.”
“Something like that, yeah.”
I stared out over the field while I contemplated his answer. “Is there anything else you want to tell me?”
“Such as?”
“That you’re an undercover cop?”
He hesitated for a mere fraction of a second before he shook his head. “Not a chance. Me and the law? Give me a break.”
“I’ll give you some advice, instead. If all the awful things that have happened could have been avoided because you’re an undercover cop, then you should be ashamed of yourself.” I walked away without another word.
Indoors, I noticed how much the crowd had thinned and that the event was at an end. Her van packed, Stacey was about to leave. The food was gone, as were the beverages. Amazed at how time had flown, I handed her a check with thanks for a job well done. A few cars remained. A newspaper reporter and a local TV station newsman had arrived while I conversed with Rob.
They were close to finishing an interview with Molly when she motioned to me. I joined her and gave the interviewer my best and most heartfelt comments on our event and said how grateful I was to those who attended and offered their support.
Pleased with my gushing—at least that’s what it sounded like to me—the media folks left on the heels of the last visitors.
Dead on my feet, I thanked everyone for their participation and hard work. When I’d finished speaking, Meredith said, “The day was such a success. We sold almost every garment. I found that people adored our woven items. We took orders for lots more. Thank you, Juliette and Molly, for hosting this wonderful open house.”
Other students chimed in and chatted on for another half hour or so until Jessica stepped forward to say our success mainly came from teamwork. When Jess suggested the students were free to leave, they did so, except for Meredith.
The room was quiet once there were just the four of us. I wondered why Meredith hung back when the door opened, and Jack walked in.
He gave us a long look and asked, “Everybody have fun today?”
Molly chuckled and asked in turn, “Do we look that tuckered out?”
He nodded, then turned to his wife. She had her jacket on, slid her handbag on her arm, and said goodbye.
We watched from the window as they walked in silence to their car. Jessica laughed and said Meredith must be exhausted. We all agreed she hardly ever stopped chattering. Molly and I sank onto the nearest bench.
“I’m beat, aren’t you?”
Molly and Jess spoke as one. “We are.”
I looked around for Bun, who insisted he attend the event, but now was nowhere to be seen.
“Anyone see Bun this afternoon?”
Molly shook her head.
Jessica said, “Bun’s in the house. I think the crowd proved too much for him. A couple of times he nearly got crushed.”
“Oh, dear. I’d better check on him and feed the rabbits, too.”
“Not a problem; we’ll get started. I think Jason filled their water containers before he left,” Molly announced.
With the rabbits in good hands, I took off for the house.
Bun stood at his bedroom door as I walked into the kitchen. “Was the crowd too much for you?” I asked and leaned down to pet him.
“I was nearly trampled to death. There were too many people for my liking. I decided to take a nap. Jess saw me at the door and opened it for me. Where were you all day?”
He wasn’t whining, just curious. I was okay with that. Any whining . . . well, I didn’t want to handle that right now.
“In and out of the shop all day, I greeted visitors before they went off with students, who charmed them into making a purchase or convinced them to register for future classes. Then Rob and I talked a bit.”
To say he was all-ears was an understatement. They popped up straight and then Bun slightly tipped them forward. I held back a smile and shared my conversation with Rob.
“So, you think he’s undercover, huh? What made you jump to that conclusion?”
“His sudden change of heart, his current attitude, and him not looking for information, but giving it instead. I can’t offer more of an explanation than that. I just have a feeling.”
“Then go with that. It’ll never let you down. I don’t understand how I didn’t figure that out. I do have superpowers, after all.”
“I know, Bun.”
“We’ve gotta help the sheriff solve these crimes before there are any others.”
“A visit to see Felicia might be in order. I can’t take you, sorry.”
“I know, do your best to get as much out of her as you can. Then, we’ll talk about it.”
“I will. You’ll be okay here while I’m gone, right?”
“I’m fearless. And demonic if you listen to Margery Shaw.”
I slanted a look in his direction. “Right, you are fearless. To heck with Margery Shaw. I’ve got to help Molly and Jess feed the rabbits before I visit Felicia, okay?”
“Okay, I’ll keep watch over the farm.”
I entered the barn, finished the chores, and sent Molly and Jessica home. After they’d gone, I stood in the silence and relaxed. It was nice to be alone with the rabbits.
“It’s so quiet. I like it this way.”
I hunkered down next to Bun, who had sneaked up behind me, and smoothed his soft coat. He crouched on the floor and closed his eyes. Gently, I scratched to top of his head and smoothed his ears before I stood up.
“I won’t be gone long. Keep an eye on things.” I knew he couldn’t contact me by way of telepathy if I were too far away, but wat
ching over his friends and the farm fed his ego.
The doors to the shop and barn locked for the night, I slipped my jacket on and drove to the hospital.
* * *
Hospital corridors teemed with staff. Visitors milled about in the foyer as I walked to the information desk. I asked for Felicia’s room number and then took the elevator to the fourth floor. When the doors slid open, I stood face-to-face with Dr. Sommers.
“Hello, there,” I said.
“Are you here to visit Felicia?”
“I certainly am. The desk clerk said she could have visitors. Is something wrong?”
“No, not at all. Ms. Brandt had several people stop in today. She’s probably quite tired, so don’t stay long. I’ll be in the lunchroom. Stop by to see me before you leave.”
“Uh, sure. I just wanted to see how Felicia’s doing. I’ll be down shortly.”
He nodded, entering the elevator as the doors started to close.
The nurses’ station was on my way to Felicia’s room. I stopped to notify the nurse who I would visit.
“She might be asleep. If so, don’t wake her. She’s had a busy day,” the woman remarked.
I continued down the hall, turned into the room to find Felicia wide awake and engaged in conversation with Rob Brayton, who held her hand. Well, well.
He slipped his hand from hers and rose from the chair. “Sit here, Juliette. I’m about to leave.”
“Thank you. I can’t stay long, so don’t leave on my account.” I looked Felicia over. She was pale, her features drawn, but otherwise, she appeared to be doing fine.
“How are you feeling?”
She gave me an odd look and said, “You would have no idea how I’m doing after being left for dead, would you?”
“I’ve been where you are now, but much worse off, and that’s why I came to visit you. I can see it was a mistake.” I was ready to leave.
Her expression changed. “Who did that to you?”
“A local guy, who spent years in prison for it.” Why I shared this with her was a mystery. The only reason I could think of was that she thought she was the only one to go through something traumatic. Maybe she just struck a nerve. Whatever.
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