The Mysterious Package (A Hannah and Tamar Mystery Book 1)

by Christa Nardi

  “Dirk, here’s what I suggest. If you give the Captain and me the number, one of us will call your mom and see if she can send us the documentation you’re talking about. Or you can call her to get it. In the meantime, we’ll keep your property safe. Hopefully, we can get this all straightened out tomorrow. Will that work for you?”

  Dirk eyed the package. It was obvious from his expression that he wasn’t happy with the solution, but he agreed. He gave the captain the contact information for his mother, assured him he would still be at the youth hostel and available by phone, and left.

  Both girls spoke at once. “What do you think?” “How sad and exciting.”

  Gramps smiled, his eyes twinkling. “From what Gwen told you, this package does belong to him. His story is so far-fetched that I have to wonder. You can’t make up that stuff.” Captain Jameson agreed.

  “What next?”

  “I’m going to make some calls and see what I can find out – try to verify his story or figure out if this is a scam. I’ll call you if I learn anything.” The captain stood to signal the meeting was over.

  “Sad that he will be spending Thanksgiving at the hostel, but until we’re certain he’s legit, I don’t want him in the house. Bad enough he knows where the house is.”

  With that, Gramps prompted them to hurry so Grands and the others wouldn’t be mad. They pulled in the driveway with Aunt Ilene and her crew right behind them.

  CHAPTER 10 Giving Thanks

  The porch and driveway resembled a party as Gramps and the girls piled out of one car, Aunt Ilene, Uncle Jerry and the cousins got out of the other one, and Grands, Ron, Marie, Minxy, and Maxy rushed out of the house. Amidst hugs and laughter, Aunt Ilene handed a large bakery box to Grands.

  “We stopped and picked up cinnamon rolls and chocolate croissants. They should hold us until lunch is ready.”

  Everyone grabbed a pastry and thanked Aunt Ilene. The turkey and dressing were in the double ovens, and the sweet potato and green bean casseroles were ready to be cooked. After a quick check with Grands and assurances she didn’t need any help, Janine and Robin followed their cousins up to the loft.

  The four girls were close enough in age to get along, but also to be competitive. Hannah was glad when Robin, a freshman, complained about her sister’s attempt to talk about college applications.

  “Honestly, Janine, it’s a waiting game now. I’d rather talk about anything else!”

  Tamar chimed in as well. “Janine, you and I are in the same boat – we have to decide where to apply, and you know our parents will bring it up. I’d rather hear about other stuff – are you still doing gymnastics, Robin? Boyfriends?”

  “I’m fine for now. I’m also skating and this guy I like, Vance, he suggested I try out ice dancing – you know combine the gymnastics with the ice skating. It’s fun but I don’t know how it’ll turn out.” Robin was petite and athletic.

  “That sounds fun. Dylan took me skating earlier this week and showed me a few twirls. Are you doing lifts and stuff? That’d be cool.”

  Robin beamed. “We just started in October and so far I fit in those practices around gymnastics.” Her face fell as she added, “Mom and dad are pretty adamant I need to choose one by spring. They think it takes up too much time and they don’t want to pay for both.”

  “What about you Janine? What do you do for fun?” Hannah asked.

  “Skiing and skating, but nothing like Robin. She’s the athlete in the family and I’m the nerdy one.” Janine had always been the more serious of the two cousins.

  “So, Janine, you seeing anyone?”

  Robin didn’t wait for her sister to reply. “She has a crush on a guy in her Chemistry class. but she’s afraid to talk to him.” Janine reddened and looked away.

  The girls continued to catch up on each other’s social lives until Aunt Ilene came up to get them.

  Dinner was great. As predicted, the conversation turned to college applications, where Hannah had applied and where Tamar and Janine planned to apply. As the parents’ interrogation dragged on, Robin’s pout deepened and Hannah’s stress increased. Hannah brought up Robin’s ice dancing and successfully steered the conversation to less stressful topics and gave Robin a chance to shine.

  Dinner and dessert over, the four girls made quick work of cleanup, while the adults relaxed. The girls heard them talk about the politics of an election year and football. Not anything they were interested in, they opted to take Minxy and Maxy for a walk and perhaps burn up some of the calories they’d consumed.

  As they walked, Janine commented, “So Hannah, all this interest in criminology? Do you see yourself playing Nancy Drew?”

  Hannah took a deep breath. “I’m not sure what direction at this point – criminology, possibly law enforcement or law. Who knows?”

  “Besides, we don’t need a degree to solve mysteries! We’re doing that now,” huffed Tamar.

  At the cousins’ raised eyebrows and Janine’s “yeah, sure,” Tamar and Hannah gave the condensed version of the events surrounding the mysterious package. Both cousins offered their own opinions and Robin asked the girls to keep them posted on how things turn out. By the time the four made it back to the house, Aunt Ilene and Uncle Jerry were waiting for them. The car was packed, complete with a pie and pumpkin breads.

  Goodbyes all around, everyone else watched and waved as Aunt Ilene, Uncle Jerry, and the cousins drove away. Back inside, Grands suggested a quick nap before a light dinner of leftovers. Hannah, Tamar and their parents agreed.

  “You do that Grands. Let’s plan on eating around 6 o’clock, okay? I need to run an errand. I should be back by then.” Gramps expression was pensive and then he smiled, as if pleased with his decision.

  “Mind if I come with you? I could use some fresh air.” Hannah and Tamar’s dad asked.

  Gramps nodded and the two men left.

  Grands turned to Tamar and Hannah. “Do you have any idea where he’s going? Does this have to do with your mystery?” Their mother inclined her head toward them as she waited for the answer. Both girls shook their heads.

  “No clue. We met with Dirk this morning, but nobody mentioned anything about another meeting.”

  Grands sighed. “Sometimes I think Gramps forgets he’s retired. Marie, you better be ready to deal with the same thing with Ron. You want to bet they are going to the police station to see what kind of trouble they can get into.”

  Marie nodded. “I know. Ron can’t let anything go either.”

  Tamar got a text message just before 6 o’clock from Gramps. The message only said to add one extra place to the table. She shared the information with Grands.

  “Oh, he must be bringing one of the police officers home with him. Probably someone who had to work and didn’t have anywhere to go. For all his bluster, Gramps is a softie like that. Glad you girls have those fancy phones. Mine is old and basic – no texting.”

  Tamar and Hannah exchanged looks. Gramps could have called her on the house phone, but he probably didn’t want to tell her who was coming.

  Marie had gotten up earlier and had the casseroles in the oven on warm. The girls helped get the rest of the food out. After a lengthy debate on whether to heat the turkey, it was decided each person could decide if they wanted cold or hot turkey. They worked together to get the rest of the side dishes and gravy hot though.

  Once again, the house smelled like food. Everyone was glad when they heard Gramps and Ron arrive. Curious about the guest, they all were in the entryway, including Minxy and Maxy, when Gramps opened the door. Hannah and Tamar’s mouth dropped. Gramps shot them a look and they kept quiet.

  “Come on in, Dirk. This is my wife, Annette, and this is Ron’s wife, Marie. You’ve met Hannah and Tamar. The energetic Irish Setter licking your hand is Maxy, the one climbing on Ron is Minxy. Dirk was on the train with the girls and I took the liberty of inviting him for round two of Thanksgiving dinner.”

  “See girls, I told you he was a softie. Young man, y
ou come right in and have a seat. Gramps, you need to cut some more turkey. If you want it warmed up, we can do that. Lemonade okay or would you like water?”

  “Uh, thank you. Water’s fine. Is… is there anything I can do to help?” Dirk had that deer in the headlights look. He fidgeted as he spoke.

  “Dirk, you just have a seat at the table. You’re here as our guest. Hannah, can you bring in a pitcher of water and one of lemonade? Let me have at that turkey. Who wants it warmed up, who wants it cold?”

  In no time at all, food was served. As everyone ate, conversation was a bit stilted. After a few attempts to discuss sports and who won which game, neutral topics were exhausted.

  “So, Dirk, when I talked to your mother, she planned to come up here. Do you know when she’ll arrive?”

  “Yes, sir. She told me her flight arrives at 8 o’clock. I’ll meet her flight and we’ll go to the station to meet with Captain Jameson for 9 o’clock.” He mumbled something about not understanding how she got a ticket and shook his head.

  “Good. Greyson Singleton assured the captain that he, his wife and Gwen would be there as well. He hasn’t said whether the other daughter or son will come.”

  “Will we finally find out what’s in the package?” Tamar asked. She bounced in her seat with excitement.

  “Will we be at the meeting too?” Hannah asked. She was a bit more subdued.

  Gramps nodded to both girls.

  Ron explained, “Captain Jameson was able to reach Mrs. Pritchard this morning. She’ll be bringing the other documents Dirk told you girls about. The plan is to open the package at the meeting.”

  “Now girls, what about your skiing dates with Matt and Dylan?”

  “Not a problem, Grands. We’ll explain it to them and leave from the police station. This is so exciting.” Tamar answered.

  “Dirk, is it okay with you if we come to the meeting?” Hannah asked. “I mean this is really your family business and none of ours. We don’t want to intrude.”

  “It’s okay. I mean if it weren’t for you and Mr. Bertolet, there’d be no meeting. Besides, if Gwen’s parents are anything like her…” Dirk shuddered. Flustered, he didn’t notice Minxy by his elbow as he speared some turkey. She chose that exact moment to nudge his arm and the fork, turkey and all went flying. Minxy and Maxy both dove for the treasure.

  “Oh no, dogs aren’t supposed to have turkey.” Dirk stated as everyone else laughed at the dogs.

  “It’s okay. There wasn’t much on the fork and no bones so it won’t hurt them.” Gramps assured him. Grands nodded and grabbed another fork for Dirk. The dogs finished their treat in no time. Gramps and Ron managed to get them locked in the bathroom to avoid any further antics.

  After a slice of both pumpkin and pecan pie, Dirk insisted on helping the girls with cleanup. “I don’t know how my mom was able to afford a plane ticket. Even the train ticket was hard to come by.”

  “I’m sure it will work out. Maybe the Captain got a special fare or something.” Hannah tried to reassure him.

  “I guess you’re pretty excited about college next year.” He sighed.

  “Excited and scared, too. Are you in school?”

  “No. I graduated last year. I work at a pet store part-time, do some odd jobs, and volunteer with a local dog rescue group.”

  “Any plans for the future?”

  His expression wistful, he responded, “Someday I’d like to get into a vet tech program. But first I need to save up the money.”

  Seeing Hannah’s thoughtful gaze, Tamar immediately shifted the conversation to how Dirk liked Vermont. Once everything was cleaned up and food put away, Gramps and Ron took Dirk back to the hostel.

  The girls let Matt and Dylan know about the change in plans. Neither of them was upset with the delayed start to their day of skiing. In fact, they were excited and curious about the meeting. They agreed to meet the girls at the police station and get the story on the ride to Killington.

  The family watched a Christmas special, taking advantage of the commercial breaks to discuss the Singletons, the Pritchards and the mysterious package.

  Grands offered her opinion on their guest. “Dirk seemed like a very nice young man. And he apologized for knocking you down, Tamar. I didn’t meet Gwen, but from what I’ve gathered, she’s not as nice. Why couldn’t she just listen to him?”

  “Grands, I agree he seems nice – definitely much nicer than Gwen. Still Gwen may have a point. She was convinced he wanted money from them.” She paused. “While we were cleaning up, Dirk volunteered he’s worried about money. He doesn’t understand how his mother could afford her plane ticket, Gramps.”

  “Mrs. Pritchard offered to fax everything to us. Captain Jameson felt it was important for her to be here with Dirk. Especially when no one knows what’s in the package. Mr. Singleton also wanted her to come. Don’t worry about the expense – I’m sure she’ll clear that up with Dirk – her ticket was paid for.”

  Hannah and Tamar smiled and Grands mouth dropped. Marie shook her head at Ron who was now staring at his shoes, his mouth twitching. Although Gramps neglected to say who had paid for the ticket, the girls had their suspicions.

  CHAPTER 11 Family Meeting

  After a quick breakfast of leftover cinnamon rolls and chocolate éclairs, the girls packed all their ski gear in the SUV and headed to the police station with Gramps and Ron. They chattered all the way and Gramps was very glad it was a short ride. Captain Jameson met them in the lobby. He explained that he’d arranged the use of a conference room for the meeting. This many people wouldn’t fit in his small office.

  Soft drinks for the girls and coffees for adults had been set out on the table. They didn’t have to wait long. An officer escorted a dignified man in a well-tailored suit into the conference room. Hannah thought he must be an attorney until she heard Gwen whine.

  “I think this is a mistake. Why are we even here? I have much more important…”

  “Gwen, enough!” The man’s face darkened briefly, then he plastered on a smile as he glanced around the room. He chose to extend his hand to Gramps first.

  “I’m Greyson Singleton. And this is my wife, Lindsey, and my daughter, Gwen.” A well-dressed woman had followed Gwen into the room. She wore a simple sheath dress yet carried herself with elegance. Mrs. Singleton shook Gramps’ hand as soon as Greyson let go and nodded. Gwen huffed and rolled her eyes as she grabbed a soft drink and plopped into a seat.

  “Thank you for coming. I’m Jerome Bertolet, this is my son Ron, and my granddaughters, Tamar and Hannah. Please help yourself to coffee.”

  Silence followed lots of polite smiles, nods, and mumbled greetings by all except Gwen. Every time Hannah stole a glance at her, Gwen rolled her eyes or shook her head. Mr. Singleton glared at his daughter a few times, but said nothing. Mrs. Singleton patted his arm.

  As the silence grew more and more uncomfortable, Mrs. Singleton looked at the girls and asked, “So do you young women attend Georgetown as well? Is that how you know Gwen?”

  “Oh, mother! Of course not. They’re … I don’t know.”

  “No ma’am. We live in Rosewood Glen, Maryland and only met Gwen on the train ride up here.” Hannah offered, trying her best to ignore Gwen’s comments.

  Gwen’s sounds of exasperation might have captured everyone’s attention again, except the door opened and the Captain walked in. He held the door open and motioned for Dirk and an older woman to enter.

  Captain Jameson directed them. “If you would sit down, we’ll take care of introductions. Help yourself to beverages.”

  Dirk glanced around the room and took the chair next to Gramps. He was pale and avoided eye contact. He wore a dressier shirt with his jeans than before and was clean-shaven. He was subdued, his blue eyes not so piercing. His mother, a petite woman, sat beside him. Her chin quivered, but she sat straight and purposefully sought eye contact with each of them. She was dressed in dark slacks and a sweater – conservative but not fancy.

&n
bsp; “Thank you, Captain Jameson, for arranging this meeting.”

  The captain nodded and made introductions. He cleared his throat and passed out some papers.

  “What I’ve just shared with you are some documents including a family history written by Dirk’s grandmother, Mrs. Pritchard’s mother. Mrs. Pritchard, could you please share what you told me on the phone and then when you arrived this morning?”

  “Certainly, Captain. About three months ago, my mother passed away. She had lived in the same house all of her life, and her father before her. When Dirk and I had to… had to clean out and empty the house, we found a lot of papers, including the handwritten family tree. There were earlier versions in some of the bibles. As we went through everything, we realized we hadn’t ever known anything about our relatives. I was an only child and never knew I had uncles or aunts.”

  She shook her head and shrugged. “I don’t know why exactly.” She looked to Captain Jameson and he nodded.

  “In one of the drawers, we found a package and wrapped around it was another family tree, not as complete. It had gotten wet at some point and the ink smeared so it was hard to read parts of it. The small package, wrapped in brown paper and tied with a string, was obviously old. It smelled musty. We shook it and tried to guess what was inside.” Both she and Dirk smiled at the memory.

  “It probably would have been easiest to just open the package, but I think we were afraid of what it might be at the same time as excited by it. All the paper and stuff we found sparked our interest in our family history. Dirk is a whiz on the computer. He did some searching and filled in some of the missing pieces.”

  She shrugged again and turned to Mr. Singleton. “We didn’t have much of a plan until your daughter’s picture was in the paper. Then we wondered if she was from the Singleton family on the family tree and confirmed it on the Internet. We don’t want anything from you or your family. We thought it would be fun to find out what was so important it was kept all this time, wrapped up but not shared.”