Strangers in Their Midst

by Patricia H. Rushford

  Kate’s arms automatically went around the woman. Aleeda turned her face into Kate’s shoulder and sobbed.

  “I’m so sorry. I promised I would not cry.”

  Kate didn’t know her well and couldn’t remember seeing her in a while, but she’d been a member of Faith Briar and had even volunteered to work in the Faith Freezer Program once a month. She also knew that Aleeda, a single mom, worked at the Hamilton Springs Hotel and that she had two boys.

  “I am sorry.” Aleeda backed away. “I try to be strong, but sometimes it is so hard.”

  “You’re living out here?”

  Aleeda nodded.

  “Can you show me?”

  “Um...it’s just my car.”

  Kate’s heart broke for her. “How did this happen?”

  “The hotel has been having financial problems. About two months ago, they laid me off. I’ve been trying to find work, but...”

  “So, you have no money?” Kate’s mind was racing. She had to help Aleeda, but how?

  “I had some savings, but that’s almost gone. I couldn’t pay the rent and feed the boys, so I came out here. I have no family in the US.”

  Kate took her hand and said softly, “I wish you had come to us, Aleeda. The church is your family.”

  Aleeda didn’t look up. “I did not want people to know.”

  “Aleeda, being homeless isn’t anything to be ashamed of.” In that instant, Kate knew what she had to do. “Where are the boys?”

  “In school. I take them every day, and most of the time, I look for work until I have to pick them up at three.”

  “But you stayed out here today?” Kate continued to form the plan in her mind. Could she do something like this without talking to Paul first?

  “I went with two of the others to get food last night. Oh, Kate you would not believe what the stores throw away. We take turns gathering what we can at night and share.”

  Kate nodded. “Aleeda, I have an idea.” Aleeda met Kate’s eyes. “I could use some help around the house. Would you be willing to work for me in exchange for room and board?”

  Kate knew she should talk to Paul before inviting a family into their already small home, but she felt such a strong sense of urgency. This was one of their parishioners. Besides, Paul would probably do the same thing.

  Aleeda looked doubtful. “Are you sure?”

  Kate nodded, praying that Aleeda would accept. “You would be doing me a favor. I’m sure staying at my place will be much easier for you and the boys than camping out here.”

  “Sí.” Aleeda stepped forward and gave Kate a hug. “Gracías, Kate. Thank you so much.”

  Kate returned the hug. “You’re most welcome. How soon can you be ready to go?”

  “Ten minutes.” Her dark eyes glistened as she smiled. “When your car is your casa, you don’t have a lot of packing to do.”

  “Good. I’ll find Renee and meet you at the parsonage.”

  Kate spotted Renee through the trees near the creek, sitting on a bench with Kisses on her lap, surrounded by at least six laughing children.

  Kate approached them slowly so as not to interrupt. Renee’s back was to her, and Kate managed to listen as an animated Renee told the kids a story. “Kisses stood at the edge of the cliff. He was trapped. Looking back, he saw Bruno the pit bull running full speed toward him. Knowing that pit bulls ate teacup Chihuahuas for snacks, Kisses did the only thing he could. He jumped off the cliff.”

  Renee must have sensed Kate’s presence, since she twisted around. The glee in her eyes diminished, and she looked like a kid with her hand caught in the candy jar. “Oh, Kate. I was just entertaining the children while you were talking to their parents.”

  Kate grinned. “And doing a good job of it. Renee, you have these kids mesmerized.”

  “They like hearing stories about Kisses.”

  “Then what happened?” one of the children asked.

  “Well,” Renee turned back to the children. “Kisses ducked his head and rolled like a ball down the hill. He landed in the soft sand by the creek and was able to float across the water on a stick.”

  “Tell us another story, please.” A little girl pleaded.

  “That’s enough for now.” Renee settled Kisses into her tote and strode out ahead of Kate. “It’s about time.” She huffed.

  Kate couldn’t believe the change in Renee. She’d been perfectly content, and now she’d turned back into the old Renee. The children didn’t seem to notice her changed demeanor and asked her to come back.

  “We’ll see.” She waved and began walking toward the car. Kate followed, and the children began role-playing, with two of them getting on their knees and barking.

  Once they were in the car and heading back to Copper Mill, Kate glanced at Renee, who hadn’t said a word since they left the children. “The kids enjoyed your story.”

  Renee patted her salon-perfect hair. “Well, someone had to keep the little rug rats out of the way while you talked to their mothers.”

  Kate smiled. “Come on, Renee, you were having as much fun telling the story as the kids had listening.”

  Kate spotted a Mona Lisa smile. “What’s wrong, Renee?”

  “They’re homeless, Kate. Those poor children have nothing.”

  Kate nodded. “I know. It’s heartbreaking.”

  “Do you really think we can make a difference?”

  “We have to.”

  More than ever, Kate felt an overwhelming desire to help these people. She was taking Aleeda and her children in, but what about the others? How many more families were there?

  Kate dropped an unusually quiet Renee off at her house and headed home. Aleeda hadn’t arrived yet, so Kate pulled into the garage and hurried in to make coffee. The empty container was a stark reminder of her to-do list.

  She put water on for tea instead, then pulled leftover soup out of the refrigerator, emptied the container into a pan, and set it on the stove to heat.

  When Aleeda arrived a few minutes later, the soup and hot water were ready.

  While they ate, Kate thought about the sleeping arrangements. Aleeda would sleep in Paul’s study, which doubled as a guest room. The boys would easily fit in the large living room on the blow-up mattress she had stored in the garage.

  Aleeda broke into her thoughts. “Are you sure you want to do this? I am so thankful, and the boys will be so happy, but—”

  “Don’t give it another thought.” Kate touched the woman’s shoulder. “I have a feeling this will work out well for both of us.”

  Aleeda nodded briefly and ducked her head, but not before Kate saw the glimmer of tears in her eyes. “Can we talk about how I can help you?”

  “Sure,” Kate said. “Let’s clear the table and grab another cup of tea. We’ll make out a list. Then I have to go into Pine Ridge to run a few errands.”

  Kate set their dishes in the sink. Glancing out the patio window, she spotted a familiar hat. “Oh dear. Claire has been out walking again.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Who is that?” Aleeda looked outside over Kate’s shoulder.

  Kate sighed. “Claire, aka the countess.” She tossed Aleeda a smile. “I’ll explain later. Right now, I’d better tend to our guest.”

  “Good afternoon, Claire.” Kate opened the sliding-glass door and stepped onto the patio.

  “There you are. I wondered when you’d come.”

  Resigned, Kate asked, “Would you like some tea?”

  “That would be delightful, dear.” Using her cane for balance, Claire rose from the patio chair and followed Kate inside. At least today she was wearing proper walking shoes. They were black and sturdy, with laces and flat heels. She also wore black slacks and a floral-print blouse that was tucked in at the waist. Her cape had been replaced with a newish black velour jacket with crystal buttons. Ellen had probably taken the cape to the cleaners.

  Claire headed straight for the living-room sofa.

  “Can I take your jacket?” Kate ask
ed.

  “Thank you, but no. I’ll keep it on. I’m feeling a bit chilly.”

  “How long have you been out on the patio?”

  “I don’t really know.” Claire frowned as if trying to remember.

  “That’s okay. Just relax, and I’ll have your tea ready in no time.” Kate went to the kitchen, poured the hot water into a teapot, and reached for the loose Earl Grey. What with visits from both Renee and Claire, she was getting low on that too.

  While the tea steeped, Kate introduced Claire to Aleeda. As if understanding the situation, Aleeda sat down next to the older woman and began talking with her.

  Kate used the moment to add tea to her shopping list. She was beginning to feel as though she were wrestling an octopus—too many arms flailing in too many different directions.

  Why hadn’t she gotten Ellen’s phone number? Because Ellen wasn’t exactly forthcoming with information. Kate felt the annoyance flow in again toward Claire’s daughter. What was the woman thinking? Or perhaps she wasn’t thinking at all.

  Kate inhaled deeply to manage her irritation. She would need to call Skip. He may have found her number. Or Ellen may have called him again. It would serve Ellen right if Kate just kept quiet and let her stew. Not that she would ever do something like that. She tossed a look heavenward. Sorry, Lord. Maybe Ellen has a reasonable explanation.

  Kate served the tea, and since Claire was answering Aleeda’s questions about the countess thing, Kate excused herself to go into the bedroom and make her call to the deputy.

  Sitting on the bed, Kate dialed his number.

  “Hi, Skip,” she said when he answered. “How are y’all doing this afternoon?”

  “Hello, Mrs. Hanlon. I was gonna call you.” He sounded excited.

  “Really? About Ellen and Claire?”

  “Ahh...nope. I still don’t have any more information on them.”

  Disappointed, Kate ran a hand through her hair. “Well, Claire is here again. If Ellen should call, you might want to get her phone number and a last name.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  “So why were you going to call me?” She took a moment to adjust the blinds on the bedroom window.

  “I thought you might want to know that you were right about that piece of wood you found in the pharmacy. It’s part of an old shingle all right, and the dents in it match the windowsill. Sheriff Roberts agreed it’s likely that the intruder used it to gain entry.”

  Kate felt pleased that she’d been able to spot the clue.

  “Were there any prints on it?” she asked.

  “No, nothing we could use. I just wanted to let you know and thank you again.”

  Kate heard static and suspected he was on the road.

  “I’m glad I could help. Thanks for letting me know.”

  Kate reminded him about Claire and hung up. She plugged the clue to the pharmacy break-in into the back of her mind. Maybe she could think more about that mystery later. At the moment she had guests to tend to and errands to run.

  “Claire.” Kate sat on one of the overstuffed chairs. “Can you tell me your last name?”

  “I...no, I don’t think so.”

  Kate blew out a long breath.

  “Is Ellen working today?” Kate asked.

  Claire shook her head. “She works very hard.”

  Kate ran a hand through her hair. “Did Ellen find someone to take care of you?”

  Claire gave her an odd look. “Now why would I need someone to take care of me?” She took a sip of tea and settled the cup back into the matching saucer.

  Kate couldn’t believe that after losing her mother once, Ellen hadn’t taken steps to make certain Claire wouldn’t wander off again. Then again, maybe she had. Kate really couldn’t trust much of anything Claire told her.

  Aleeda refilled their cups and handed one to Kate. “Is there something I can do?”

  Kate wished she could tell Aleeda the whole story, but she didn’t want to talk in front of Claire.

  As if she sensed Kate’s dilemma, Aleeda said, “I’ll put on some more water, Kate. Could you show me where you keep the tea?”

  “Sure.” Kate turned back to Claire. “I’ll be right back, okay?”

  “Certainly, dear. Take your time.” She reached for the plate on the coffee table. “If you don’t mind, I’ll have another of these delightful cookies.”

  “Help yourself.” Kate escaped to the kitchen and in whispered tones explained Claire’s circumstances to Aleeda. “Last time Ellen didn’t call until after four. I suspect she doesn’t get off work until then. I need to run into Pine Ridge, but...” Kate glanced into the living room.

  “I can stay here with her,” Aleeda said. “As long as you’re back by three so I can pick up my boys.”

  “I hate to ask.”

  Aleeda grinned up at her. “I would like to do this for you.”

  “All right.” Kate hesitated. “Last time she was here, she took a nap. Maybe she will again.”

  Kate had no trouble at all talking Claire into a nap. As before, the woman seemed exhausted, and she settled easily into Kate’s bed.

  “I don’t know what to think, Aleeda. How could Ellen let Claire wander away again? Doesn’t she realize the dangers?”

  Aleeda touched Kate’s arm. “Perhaps she isn’t ready to accept that her mother might need help. It took a long time for my mother to realize that my grandmother couldn’t stay in her own home alone anymore. My mother brought grandmother into her home, and she is still there.”

  Kate sighed. “I suppose I shouldn’t be too hard on her. We’ll just have to wait and see.” She glanced at her watch. She had just under two hours. “I’d better go.”

  KATE DECIDED TO DO ALL of her grocery shopping at the SuperMart in Pine Ridge. Normally she liked using the Mercantile. Sam was good about keeping his store stocked with the specialty items she needed. Now, however, she was buying for five people and picking up supplies for the women at the campground as well. Besides, she wanted to try a new organic coffee she’d heard about from the northwest that benefited coffee growers in Ecuador. She also planned on picking up a few specialty items for some meals Aleeda wanted to cook.

  After running her errands in Pine Ridge in record time, she still had a few minutes to stop by Bernie’s Body Shop in Copper Mill for an estimate on the Honda’s front bumper.

  She found Bernie in his usual spot, lying on a roller board under a car. His bluetick hound glanced up at Kate with soulful eyes, then tucked his nose under a paw and went back to sleep.

  “Bernie? Is that you under there?”

  “Who wants t’ know?”

  “Kate. Kate Hanlon.”

  Bernie rolled out from under the car and smiled. He wiped his hands with a greasy rag and ambled toward her. “What kin I do for ya?”

  “Someone threw a big rock at my bumper, and I’m hoping you can give me a repair estimate.”

  He followed her over to the car and hunkered down to have a look. “Hmm. I could probably patch it up for little or nothin’, but if you want it to look good as new, it’ll cost more.”

  He went into his office and wrote down a few details on a pad for her, saying to let him know what she wanted to do. Kate thanked him and climbed back into the car. As she drove off, she opened her window to let in some fresh air.

  At 2:55, Kate pulled into her driveway. Aleeda helped her unload groceries and put them away before heading out to get the boys.

  The kitchen was immaculate. Aleeda had not only washed the dishes; she’d dried them and put them away. It also looked as if she’d supercleaned the cupboards and countertops—the dingy yellow cupboards literally glowed.

  And she had filled the Crock-Pot with something that smelled amazing. For some reason, the scent reminded her of Paul and that he’d be home soon. What a homecoming that would be.

  Claire came out of the bedroom at about the same time Aleeda went out the front door, eliminating Kate’s hopes of some quiet time to gather her chaotic
thoughts.

  Kate offered the countess some tea and realized she was probably hungry. She and Aleeda had finished the soup, but Kate hurriedly mixed up tuna salad and made a sandwich. Claire was still eating when Aleeda and the boys came back.

  “What’s she doing here?” Nate, the eight-year-old asked, putting the emphasis on “she.”

  His older brother, Scott, elbowed him.

  Kate’s antenna went up. “Do you know her?”

  Nate shrugged and ducked his head. “Not really.”

  “We saw her coming out of the woods a couple days ago when we were doing fitness tests at school.” Scott removed his backpack and set it on the floor.

  “You didn’t say anything to me,” Aleeda said.

  “Didn’t think it was important. I mean, we thought it was weird, but...” He glanced at Claire and bit his lip. “Sorry.”

  Kate was more confused than ever. Maybe Claire really did live back in the woods somewhere. Maybe a new housing development had gone in, and Kate hadn’t heard about it. She doubted that was possible in a town like Copper Mill, but she could have been too busy to notice. She’d have to check out the possibility.

  On the other hand, perhaps Claire was confusing the woods around Copper Mill with her English countryside and had wandered into them in much the same way she’d wandered into Kate’s yard.

  Kate, remembering her hostess duties, invited the boys to the table for a snack. She served cut-up apples, cheese, cookies, and milk.

  Kate heard the front door open and stepped out of the kitchen. Ellen entered, with Paul right behind. Shoulders hunched, Ellen stepped onto the slate entry, making room for Paul to go ahead of her.

  He set down his briefcase, took one look around, and said, “Looks like you have your hands full.”

  Kate chuckled. “You think?”

  Ellen took a tentative step forward. “I see my mother is here.” She moved toward the table. “I hired someone to take care of her, but when I got home, they were both gone.”

  The woman was lying. Kate had no idea why or how she knew—probably the natural result of being a mother and just knowing. This, however, was not the time or place to confront Ellen. “Can you leave your phone number with me in case it happens again?”