Strangers in Their Midst

by Patricia H. Rushford

  “We don’t have a phone yet.” Ellen had already put the jacket around Claire’s shoulders and was herding her out the door. “Thanks again.”

  The closing door was like a call to arms; Kate hadn’t even been able to ask for their last name. If she had been alone, she’d have jumped in the car and followed them. Then at least she’d know something about the mysterious twosome.

  Unfortunately, with the confusion at hand and Paul’s questioning looks, she didn’t even have time to voice her frustrations.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Paul hugged his wife and placed an arm around her shoulder. “Rough day?”

  “You wouldn’t believe it.” Kate’s first impulse was to wrap her arms around him and just hang on, but that would have to wait. “I’ll give you the details later. First I’d like to introduce our guests.”

  Paul reached out to shake their hands. “We’ve already met at church, am I right?”

  “It’s been a while,” Aleeda said. “But yes.”

  He looked at each one. “Let’s see...Wells. Aleeda, Nate, and Scott.” He ruffled Nate’s hair.

  “Aleeda and the boys have been staying out at Ash Grove Campground in their car,” Kate told him. “I invited them to stay here in exchange for Aleeda giving me a hand with all the housework I’ve been neglecting lately.”

  Paul nodded. “Excellent arrangement.” He gave Kate a conspiratorial smile that said he not only understood; he wholeheartedly approved.

  Even though she felt certain Paul would welcome the Wells family, Kate had harbored a lump of anxiety in the pit of her stomach.

  She slipped an arm around his waist and gave him a squeeze. “Why don’t you unpack and get ready for dinner? I have a sneaking suspicion that we’re in for a culinary treat.”

  “Sí.” Aleeda grinned. “Chicken mole, with black beans and rice.”

  Paul winked at Kate before heading into the bedroom. “As I said earlier, an excellent arrangement.”

  Paul loved Mexican food almost as much as Southern cooking, and he had a prize-winning chili recipe that he’d entered in several chili cook-offs. Kate had a feeling he might ply Aleeda for ways to improve his chili.

  AFTER A DINNER that surpassed their expectations, Kate and Paul helped Aleeda and the boys bring in their belongings from the car.

  “Is this all you have?” Paul asked.

  “A friend is letting me store the rest in her garage for now.”

  Paul nodded. “Why don’t we plan on going there tomorrow so you can pick up what you need?”

  While the boys did their homework, Paul took a moment to check out the damage to Kate’s car. “It’s a lot smaller than I expected.” He gave Kate’s shoulders a squeeze. “Why don’t we just have Bernie fix it? He’ll do a good job, and we won’t have to deal with the insurance company.”

  Kate agreed.

  He smiled. “In fact, I’ll take care of calling him and setting up a time.”

  She hugged him. “Thank you. I can scratch another to-do off my list.”

  “I have an ulterior motive.” His grin widened.

  “What’s that?”

  “You’ll have more time for me.”

  She laughed and punched his arm. “I might have known.”

  Paul went into his study to work on his sermon and gather the books and notes he’d need for the next day so he wouldn’t have to disturb Aleeda in the morning. Kate and Aleeda set up the inflatable mattress in the living room for the boys.

  The evening went quickly, and by nine thirty, they were all in bed. They were tired, true, but having two school-aged children sleeping in the living room made staying up and visiting impossible.

  Kate was more than happy to climb into bed with her husband and snuggle. They had a lot to catch up on.

  “Thank you.” She kissed his cheek.

  “I’d ask for what, but I think I already know.”

  “When I saw Aleeda out at the campground, I knew I had to bring her home.”

  “I know. I have to admit, I wasn’t too pleased at first, but it’s kind of nice having kids here. Reminds me a little of the old days when our kids were Nate’s and Scott’s ages.”

  “And you certainly enjoyed Aleeda’s cooking.”

  He grinned and kissed her nose. “That I did.”

  Kate asked him about the retreat and his time with Nehemiah.

  He leaned back, hands behind his head. “It was good, Kate. I came away with at least a dozen new sermon ideas. I thought a lot about the Lord’s admonition to Peter, where he said, ‘Feed my sheep.’ He was all about caring for the flock and meeting people’s needs.”

  “I like when we’re on the same wavelength.” Then Kate told him about her day, the interviews with the women at the campground, buying supplies, her handbag—now recovered thanks to Aleeda—and Claire’s unexpected visits. “Hopefully Skip got Ellen’s last name this time.”

  “Did you ever satisfy your curiosity about Troy Eaton?”

  “No. But I got a nice thank-you card the day after he left for Chattanooga.”

  The memory of the wanted poster in Skip’s office bore into her mind. She started to tell Paul about it, but he’d fallen asleep. Just as well. She still didn’t think Troy Eaton could be the embezzler depicted in the photo, even if their eyes were a similar color and shape.

  Talking through the various events of the day with Paul nearly brought her octopus, with its many arms, into submission. At least long enough for her to go to sleep.

  KATE AWOKE AT HER USUAL early hour on Saturday and managed to enjoy her new coffee and devotions before anyone else woke up. Thankfully, the boys weren’t the least bit bothered by her moving about. She had to smile as she thought about how her kids and Paul could sleep through almost anything.

  She set her Bible and devotional book on the end table and cradled her coffee mug. Paul was right; it did feel good to have children in the house again. She wondered how long Aleeda and the boys would stay. A few days or a week would be fine, but any longer than that, and they’d have to find a more permanent arrangement. On the other hand, they’d housed people before and could do it again.

  Lord, she prayed silently. I have no doubt you wanted me to bring them here, and I trust you to take care of the details.

  That said, Kate brought out her notepad and began making a new to-do list, jotting down ideas as well as the things she needed to follow up on.

  Get the okay to add feeding the homeless to the Faith Freezer Program.

  Take food and other urgent supplies out to Ash Grove Campground.

  Call Sam Gorman about the town hall meeting.

  Ask Skip about Ellen. Check with Livvy about her research findings on Claire’s family background.

  Work on stained glass; research the history of St. Lucy’s and the windows.

  Do some research on Troy Eaton...and learn more about Charles Mayer.

  Call Sheila Madison and invite her and her fiancé out to dinner, maybe at the Bristol.

  See if there’s anything new on Ned Castile.

  Ask Aleeda if she knows who might have stolen my purse. Maybe question homeless people about the recent thefts and break-ins.

  Kate crossed off the last item. That was Sheriff Roberts’ job. As much as she wanted to investigate, she wouldn’t interfere. Besides, she had enough to do without worrying about work that was best left to the authorities.

  Kate set the unfinished list aside as Paul came out of the bedroom and made a beeline for the coffee.

  Seconds later, Aleeda shuffled out of the guest room wearing one of Kate’s shorter bathrobes. “Buenos días.”

  “Good morning, yourself,” Paul said. “Would you like some coffee?”

  Aleeda nodded. “It feels so good to sleep in a real bed and wake up to the smell of coffee.”

  Kate joined Paul and Aleeda at the dining table. “Thanks to you, Aleeda, I was able to replenish my coffee supply yesterday.”

  For the next few minutes, they organized their da
y. Since the boys didn’t have school, Aleeda would need to have them with her in whatever she did.

  “I need to go to the church for a couple of hours this morning to work on my sermon for tomorrow,” Paul said. “What say we plan to go to your friend’s place right after lunch?”

  “Thank you. It will be good to have more of our things. We especially need more clothes to wear. I’ve been washing every day. That reminds me, may I use your washing machine this morning, Kate?”

  Kate grinned. “Absolutely. And while you’re at it, would you mind throwing in a load or two for me?”

  “I would be happy to.” By nine, they had eaten breakfast, dressed, and were ready to face the day. Aleeda headed into the garage to tackle Laundry Mountain while Kate called Sam Gorman.

  “Good mornin’, Kate. Glad you called. I talked to the mayor, and he’s agreed to a meeting.”

  “Good.” She crossed his name off her list.

  “I wouldn’t celebrate just yet. The meeting is tonight at the Town Hall at seven.”

  “Wow, so soon?”

  “The mayor wants to get this homeless business taken care of as soon as possible. See you tonight.”

  Kate hung up feeling both elated and at the same time uneasy. What had Sam meant about not celebrating? Kate brushed the concern from her mind. She had way too many things to do to worry about Sam’s obscure tone.

  The boys busied themselves with some old-fashioned board games in the living room, while Kate and Aleeda talked in more detail about her duties. Thankfully, Aleeda would see to most of the household chores.

  Next on Kate’s agenda was to take some much-needed items out to the women at the campground. She dug through her bag for the list she’d made during her visit. She’d purchased some items already while shopping the previous day.

  Kate brought a couple of boxes up from the basement and began packing. A quick stop at Faith Freezer and the pharmacy, and she’d be ready to go.

  AT THE CAMPGROUND, Kate returned the blanket Lars had loaned her. She had meant to bring him some cookies, but that would have to wait another day or two. “Thanks so much for all your help Wednesday night.”

  “You’re welcome. I heard you got your purse back.”

  “Thanks to Aleeda.” Kate glanced up at him. “Any ideas yet on who might have taken it?”

  Lars shook his head. “I haven’t. My hunch is that he was a transient.”

  “Aleeda said she found the purse in one of the Dumpsters here at the campground.”

  “If he was staying here, I didn’t know about it.”

  “I’m grateful to have it back.”

  Lars smiled. “I heard what you’re doing for Aleeda and her kids.”

  Kate lifted a box from the trunk and set it in Lars’ sturdy arms. “I wish we could help everyone that way.”

  “You’re doing okay, Kate.”

  “I guess so. I’m not very patient.”

  Lars helped her carry the boxes to Marie’s campsite.

  “The sheriff was out here again today questioning people about another robbery. There are a lot of good people here, and they don’t much like the implications that someone here must be guilty because they’re homeless.”

  Kate told him about the town hall meeting. “Maybe you can address that at the meeting.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  Marie came out to meet them. “Hi, Kate. I wasn’t sure you’d come.”

  Kate set her box on the picnic table and couldn’t help but notice the smitten look on Lars’ face as he continued to hold his box. Marie took it from him. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, but long enough for Kate to recognize a budding romance.

  Marie set the box beside the one Kate had brought. “You got my allergy meds.” She seemed surprised.

  Kate nodded. “I said I would.” Even though the over-the-counter allergy pills had been costly, Kate had been happy to pay for it. But what about next month—or the month after?

  Panic sliced through her. What if the Faith Briar Church board didn’t okay her plan to use the Faith Freezer Program to feed the homeless? What if the townspeople didn’t come through?

  Feed my sheep.

  Okay, Lord. Kate shoved the panic down. She had promised to help, and she would. Paul would make sure the board voted to help. And Copper Mill was a town that rallied together to make things happen.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Back in Copper Mill, Kate stopped by Town Hall and hurried to Skip’s office, intending to ask him about Ellen.

  “Hey, Mrs. Hanlon.” A wide smile cracked his face as she stepped in.

  “Hey, yourself.” Kate couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “Sorry to bother you, but did you happen to get Ellen’s name and address when she called about her mother yesterday?”

  Skip frowned. “Sorry, Mrs. Hanlon, but she never called me.”

  “Then how?” Kate bit her lip. “Never mind.” Ellen probably decided to check at Kate’s first, since Claire seemed to gravitate there.

  “Say, Mrs. Hanlon, I thought you’d like to know; we got the guy who broke into the pharmacy.”

  “Really? Who was it?”

  “Do you remember that guy at the diner the other day?”

  “Troy Eaton?”

  “Yeah, but that isn’t his real name. It’s Charlie Mayer, and he got picked up late yesterday on charges of embezzlement.”

  Kate’s heart sank to the vicinity of her appendix. “Are you sure it was him?”

  “Yup. I can’t believe I had him right under my nose and let him go—even gave him money to help him get away. I...um...would appreciate if you didn’t tell the sheriff that.”

  “Don’t worry.” Kate sank onto the chair in front of Skip’s desk. “I can’t believe this.”

  “Fred identified him as the guy who came in to fill some prescriptions on Monday.”

  “That’s not surprising, since he told us he needed medication for his family.”

  “Right, but the medications he bought after he conned the money out of us were pretty much the same ones that got stolen Tuesday night.”

  “That doesn’t make sense, Skip.” Kate rubbed her forehead to ease away the beginnings of a headache. “Why would he steal the same medications he’d purchased the day before?”

  Skip shrugged and splayed his hands. “Maybe he was just getting the feel of the place. He walks around checking the place out and then puts the piece of shingle under the windowsill so he can come back later and get more stuff.”

  “I don’t buy that.” Kate didn’t want to admit she’d been wrong about Troy, aka Charlie. “He was in Chattanooga when the pharmacy was robbed.”

  “That’s what he claims. Sheriff Roberts talked to him last night. He’s got no alibi.”

  “Did he have the stolen medications with him?”

  “Nope.”

  “Then how?” Kate stopped. The conversation was going nowhere. “Where is he now?” Kate needed to see for herself if Troy and Charlie were one and the same. True, she’d suspected that things weren’t what they seemed with Troy, but she still couldn’t, or wouldn’t, see him as a criminal.

  “In jail.”

  “Here?”

  “No, ma’am.” Skip picked up a folder from the basket on his desk, apparently wanting to get back to work. “Police picked him up in Chattanooga.”

  She sighed. So much for talking to Troy or Charlie—at least today. Maybe she could drive to Chattanooga on Monday.

  Kate thanked Skip and headed for the Copper Mill Library. With the sun shining and blossoms in full spring regalia, Kate decided to leave her car in front of Town Hall and walk across the green. Breathing in the fresh blossom-scented air and loving the feel of the sun on her winter-white skin, Kate tried to work through her disappointment regarding Troy. She knew she should accept what Skip had said about him, but for some reason she couldn’t.

  Maybe her pride kept her from admitting she’d been wrong. Or maybe the Lord was urging her to keep believing i
n the young man. Either way, Kate needed to do some serious thinking and praying. A little research wouldn’t hurt either.

  The short walk to the library invigorated her and got her back on track. At the library Kate found Livvy in the break room.

  “Kate! It’s good to see you.” The friends hugged, and Livvy gestured to Kate to have a seat. “You look like you’re feeling much better.”

  Kate laughed. “I am, thanks to you.”

  Livvy poured Kate a cup of coffee.

  Kate sighed. “I’m afraid I have some bad news.”

  “What?”

  “I just came from the deputy’s office, and Skip told me our friend Troy Eaton has been arrested.”

  “Oh no. He seemed like such a nice kid. What did he do?”

  Kate relayed the information Skip had given her. “I’m not ready to write him off yet. I’m planning to visit the jail in Chattanooga and see for myself.”

  “Good for you.”

  “I’m hoping to spend some time on a computer today.” Kate set her coffee down. “I need to see what’s up with this Charles Mayer guy. Maybe something will tell me whether he is or isn’t Troy Eaton.”

  “I’ll help if I can.” Livvy drained her cup. “Sam came by earlier and told me about the town hall meeting tonight.”

  “Yes, I talked to him too. I also went out to the campground this morning.” Kate brought her friend up to date on her visits to Ash Grove Campground.

  “And you actually brought Aleeda to your house?” Livvy sat back. “What does Paul think about that?”

  “He’s fine with it.” Kate smiled, thinking about how flexible her husband was. “I knew he would be.”

  “Danny’s good that way too, but I’m not sure he’d be too happy about my bringing someone home to live.”

  “Well, it’s not permanent; just until she can find a job and get back on her feet.”

  “I’ll let you know if I hear of anything.”

  “I’d appreciate that.” Kate sipped her coffee. “Oh, and you’ll never guess who visited again yesterday.”

  “The countess?”

  Kate filled her in on the last surprise visit from Claire. “I still don’t get her daughter. She couldn’t wait to get away from the house. Something is going on with those two, that’s for sure.”