Livvy’s eyes lit up. “You’ll be happy to know I was able to do some research on Claire this morning. I found info about her family in England.”
“That’s great!”
Livvy rinsed out her coffee cup. “I have the printouts on my desk. Let me grab them, and we’ll go upstairs and work at a table in one of the conference rooms.”
Kate followed her up the staircase and sat down at one of the long wooden tables.
Livvy pulled out a family tree and several papers she’d printed out. “Claire is the fourth daughter of Count Jonathan Newton of England. Claire Newton married an American soldier named Harold Gardner. They had one child named Ellen.” Livvy spread out her hands. “That’s as far as I could go. There’s nothing here about Ellen getting married. I did find a Harold Gardner living near Pine Ridge, but he died six months ago.”
“Hmm. Ellen didn’t mention that he’d died.” Kate examined the papers. “This obituary lists Ellen’s name as Gardner. Apparently Ellen never married. Either that,” Kate mused, “or she’s divorced or widowed and took back her maiden name.”
“Hmm. It’s not much, but it’s more than we had before.”
“Thanks to you. At least we have a last name. I can call some real-estate agents and rental places.”
“Already done. There are no Gardners living in the area as far as I can tell, but I have e-mails out to some key people who are checking for me. If they live around here, we’ll find them.”
“Unless they’re using another last name.” Kate rested her arms on the table. “Ellen isn’t very forthcoming with information.”
“She did tell you about Claire’s background,” Livvy reminded her.
“True, but I suspect that was only because she had to explain Claire’s remarks about being a countess.” Kate placed a hand on Livvy’s arm. “Thank you so much for looking into this for me.”
“No problem, Sherlock. That’s what sidekicks are all about.” Livvy handed the printouts to Kate. “I’d better get back to work. Call if you need me.”
Kate headed over to the computer bank and found an open computer. Since it was so quiet, she thought she might have time to research the window at St. Lucy’s as well as Troy Eaton, or Charlie Mayer.
Looking up Troy Eaton proved to be quite a task. The search brought up hundreds of entries, but nothing that led to the Troy Eaton she’d met. One Troy was a student from a university in Australia. Another was a seventy-year-old mystery writer living in Florida. Kate eventually gave up when nothing seemed to match their Troy.
On Charles Mayer, however, Kate found a number of articles, all pertaining to his alleged embezzlement of funds from Valley Trust and Mortgage in Pine Ridge. She glanced through several newspaper articles and examined a series of photos. She still didn’t think Charles looked like Troy, but it would be easy to bleach one’s hair and shave off a mustache. And she had to admit the eyes looked similar.
Apparently, Charles Mayer, thirty-one, had worked for Valley Trust for five years and had recently transferred to the new location. He’d worked his way up to assistant CEO. The stealing of funds had begun shortly after he’d started there. The CFO, William Bennett, found the discrepancy and confronted Charles, who denied everything. Kate recalled Sheila’s comments about Charlie having possible money problems.
Charlie disappeared before he could be arrested. Kate checked the dates and remembered that Ned Castile and Charles Mayer had disappeared around the same time. Could there be a link between them? It was definitely something to pursue—maybe Ned was affiliated with Valley Trust in some way as well. She’d have to read through her files on Castile’s disappearance to see if there was any connection.
Kate printed off several articles to read in more depth later on. Nothing she’d read changed her mind. She’d still be going to Chattanooga on Monday.
SINCE THE LIBRARY was still quiet and Kate had a little more time, she decided to research the stained glass from St. Lucy’s. Looking up the church itself would give her some perspective as to when the glass art was done and who the artist might have been.
The church had been built in 1860. Frank Cotter was listed as the stained-glass artist. Since she hadn’t heard of him, Kate typed his name into the search engine and stared in amazement at the results. Frank Cotter, who had worked in Europe to restore some of Michelangelo’s paintings, came to the United States and achieved much success using the master’s works as his inspiration to create glass art.
Though Cotter had never achieved the fame that Louis Comfort Tiffany or Frank Lloyd Wright had, he’d created stained glass for churches all over the world. A single piece of Cotter’s work would bring around two hundred thousand dollars at auction. Kate was fully impressed. If her search results were correct and Cotter had done all of the dozen stained-glass windows at St. Lucy’s, they were sitting on a gold mine.
She needed to let Lucas know so they could get an art appraiser to authenticate her findings and make certain their insurance covered any future losses.
Kate then read three different articles on restoring antique stained-glass art to reinforce her techniques. She printed off her research, stuffed it in the folder Livvy had given her, and went back to the parsonage, excited to spend the rest of her day restoring the exquisite stained-glass window to its former glory. Fear that she wouldn’t be able to replicate the master’s work worked its way into her mind. She shook her head to dislodge the thought. No, she probably couldn’t recreate the masterpiece, but she could repair it in an acceptable manner.
Chapter Nineteen
The afternoon had been a blessing. Thanks to Aleeda, the house was immaculate. She already had dinner preparations in progress when Kate arrived home, and the house was empty. A note reminded her that Aleeda and the boys had gone with Paul to pick up needed items at a friend’s house.
Kate grabbed a quick bite to eat and then, after scanning her to-do list, she took a moment to place a call to Sheila to extend an invitation to dinner. Sheila didn’t answer, so Kate left a message.
Kate planned to use her alone time judiciously and, after changing into her work clothes, headed into her studio.
The thirty-six-by-sixty-inch window took up much of Kate’s craft table. She had finally cleaned and assembled the pieces, so she began making a list of missing pieces and checking it against her stock. Taking her list, she went to the computer in Paul’s office and placed her order online, in spite of their slow dial-up connection. Though it cost extra for second-day shipping, Kate chose that option. The sooner she got the materials, the sooner she could get the glass finished and back where it belonged.
The old adage “time flies when you’re having fun” certainly applied to Kate’s time in her studio. All too soon, Paul knocked on the door to call her to dinner.
He came in and wrapped his arms around her. “How’s the glass project coming?”
“Good.” She set down the glass she had just cut and turned to face him. “It’s going to be tedious work.”
“And you’ll enjoy every minute.” He kissed her. “Better hurry, or we’ll be late to the meeting.”
“Oh, I forgot.”
Kate put away her tools, washed up, and joined the others at the table. Paul said grace, and once more they feasted on Aleeda’s good home cooking. Kate loved the beef stroganoff but realized she needed to talk with Aleeda about preparing healthier, more low-fat meals, especially for Paul. That talk would have to wait, since Kate had only fifteen minutes to shower and get dressed.
AT 6:45, KATE AND PAUL LEFT for the town hall meeting. They had invited Aleeda, but she declined so she could spend the evening with her boys. The parking spaces in front of Town Hall were nearly full, so Paul parked down the street a short distance. They met up with Danny and Livvy just outside the building.
The foursome made their way through the crowd to the large multipurpose room inside and found seats close to the front. Kate noticed that Lars was seated toward the back with Marie.
Mar
ie looked far from homeless this evening, with her hair done in a long braid and coiled on top of her head. Her big blue eyes looked even larger with nicely applied makeup. She wore a pale blue angora sweater and neatly pressed brown slacks. Kate had to remind herself that many of these newly homeless people likely had the clothing they owned before they lost their homes. Marie caught Kate’s gaze and waved.
LuAnne greeted Kate with her usual enthusiasm, while Loretta nodded. Even as they chatted about the latest news, Kate shuddered—not from the cold but from a strong sense of foreboding.
Gail Carson gave Kate a cursory nod and then glanced away. Renee came in looking her usual elegant self. Kate waved, but Renee pretended not to notice as she sat down next to Lucy Mae Briddle. Strange. Was it possible Renee hadn’t seen her?
Kate sat down and glanced through her notes. She hoped for an opportunity to share some of her ideas for meeting the needs of their homeless population early on.
She had forgotten to ask Paul what, if anything, the church board had decided about using the Faith Freezer Program to feed the homeless but felt certain they would go ahead with it.
Kate leaned closer to Livvy. “Am I imagining things, or does the atmosphere in here seem”—Kate groped for the right word—“antagonistic?”
Livvy whispered back. “You’re not imagining things at all. There’s been a lot of talk going around town today about this meeting. Some folks are up in arms.”
“Why? I don’t understand.”
Before Livvy could say more, the mayor, Lawton Briddle, called the meeting to order. He scowled in Kate’s direction and ran a hand over his nearly bald head. His actions puzzled Kate. Had she done something wrong?
“Sam Gorman called me yesterday with the most disturbing news. It seems we have a growing homeless population, a virtual tent city, forming out at the Ash Grove Campground. We’re here tonight to deal with this problem and hopefully put an end to it.”
He cleared his throat and went on. “I know a lot of you want to share your ideas, so let’s get started.”
Kate raised her hand.
“Mrs. Hanlon?”
“Yes. I’ve worked up a plan I’d like to share with all of you.”
The mayor waved her up on a small platform. “Let’s hear what you have to say.” He smiled, but his cool tone made Kate feel as though she was as welcome as a bedbug.
Kate had done her fair share of public speaking as a pastor’s wife but still suffered from racing heart and dry mouth. Before starting, she sucked in a deep breath and willed her heart to get back into her chest.
“Thank you. This won’t take long, I promise.” She smiled, and several friends smiled back. Several others, however, eyed her with skepticism. “I heard about the homeless camp the other day and was, like many of you, appalled at the number of families who have joined the ranks of the homeless. I spoke to Lars Thompson, caretaker at Ash Grove”—she nodded toward him—“and he’s very concerned. These people have both immediate and long-term needs—things like food and medicine, soap and toothpaste, clothing and shelter. I am hoping the Faith Freezer Program can help to provide food for those who need it. But we can’t do it alone. This needs to be a community effort.”
The room was packed, and there were a number of people standing at the back. Kate tried to ignore the murmurs rising from the crowd and went on.
“They have a place to stay for now, but Lars tells me that he has sold-out reservations for Memorial Day, and these people will have to find other accommodations by then.”
Several groups began talking among themselves, and Kate had to raise her voice to be heard. “Please, if I could just have your attention for another minute or two.” She wasn’t naive enough to believe that everyone would agree with her, but she was surprised by the disrespect.
“We have a number of places near Copper Mill where we could set up temporary camping spaces...just until they can get back on their feet. Also, we might want to take one or two of the empty buildings over by the old mines to set up as homeless shelters.”
More raised voices. “I have always been proud of the way Copper Mill residents have gathered together to help those in need. I know if we put our minds to the task, we can get those who have lost their homes and are without jobs incorporated into Copper Mill and the surrounding areas. I will be more than happy to coordinate the effort. Thank you.”
Kate stepped down to a scattering of applause. Voices rose, and though Kate couldn’t make out most of what they were saying, she got the impression that a lot of the people were not happy.
“Nice speech, Katie.” Paul squeezed her hand.
“No disrespect, Mrs. Hanlon,” the mayor said, “but do you have any idea how much it would cost to implement a program like what you’re proposing? Copper Mill is feeling the state and federal budget cuts and recession the same as most towns around here. Besides, we have social organizations that can take care of people like that.”
Kate had gone to the meeting expecting most of the citizens of Copper Mill to be as excited as she was about helping the homeless. Instead, she listened as one after the other opposed her. Instead of helping the homeless, they wanted to get rid of them.
“Since they’ve been here,” someone said, “we’ve had four robberies between here and Pine Ridge. And that’s not countin’ the pastor’s wife getting mugged. As long as they stay around here, we’ll have nothin’ but trouble.”
“Not only that,” Gail Carson added, “if these vagrants are allowed to stay in our area, the home values will plummet. We’re already suffering losses because of the economy. It will only get worse if we add the homeless factor.”
“The entire town will lose money.” This from Lucy Mae. “Tourists will stay away in droves.”
A rough-looking man in camouflage gear stood up and pointed to Kate. “No disrespect, ma’am, but settin’ up a program to feed that many homeless people is insane. You feed one stray animal, and it’ll come back for more. Before you know it, it’ll bring all its friends.”
Kate sprang up out of her chair. “How can you say that? These are human beings, not animals.”
Paul reached up and pulled her down.
“But he called them animals,” she sputtered. “He can’t get away with that.”
“Unfortunately, he can,” Livvy whispered. “Freedom of speech and all that.”
“Joe’s right,” a man behind them responded. “If we help these homeless people, word will get around, and even more of them will come to Copper Mill. We don’t want that.”
Their words cut into her like barbs. What broke Kate’s heart the most was when Renee said, “It’s an impossible job, too much for a small town like Copper Mill to handle. I say we force them out.”
Unable to listen to anymore, Kate excused herself. “I need air.” On the way out, she noticed Sheriff Roberts and Skip standing near the door. Though they nodded, neither affirmed her. Were they against her efforts as well? Kate stepped outside and sank onto the concrete steps.
How could this happen, Lord? Kate spoke into the silence. The cool night air had helped her to calm down a little. I thought you were with me. I thought you wanted us to help them.
What would happen to Marie and the others if these angry people tried to force them out of the area? The dissenters at the meeting sounded as though the homeless had a choice. She supposed in a way they did. They could have chosen to pitch their tents elsewhere.
Apparently, Kate had been very wrong in thinking the town would come together.
“Hi, Kate.” Marie and Lars came down the stairs and stopped a couple of steps below her. “Too much for you too, huh?”
Kate nodded. “I’m seeing a side of people I haven’t seen before. Oh, I know we have some selfish, cantankerous, and stubborn people living around here, but I didn’t expect this.”
Marie sat down and placed an arm around Kate’s sagging shoulders. “You tried. That’s the important thing.” Marie’s scarf fell forward, highlighting the i
nitials M.E.M. It looked as though she might not be married to Troy Eaton after all. Unless the middle E stood for Eaton.
Lars hunkered down in front of them. “Don’t give up, Kate. I have a feeling there are plenty of people who feel the same as we do. Maybe there’ll be enough of us to make a difference.”
Kate gave him a wan smile. “Thanks.” Her gaze drifted from Lars to Marie and back again. “Are you two—”
“Friends.” Marie smiled. “Lars would like me and Sophie to move into the cabin.”
“Um...I’d stay in the trailer,” Lars injected.
“What a nice gesture,” Kate said.
“You gave me the idea, but”—he sighed—“she refused.”
“It wouldn’t be right. I don’t deserve to have more than the others.” She leaned back. “Oh, I don’t mean to put down what you’re doing for Aleeda, Kate. You know her, and she’s a member of your church. Besides, she and the boys were living in her car. At least I have a trailer.”
When several more people came out of the building, Marie and Lars excused themselves. “We’d better go. I have one of the ladies watching Sophie.”
“Call me if there’s anything you need me to do.” Kate waved at the couple and sent up a prayer for God to bless them.
Paul came out with the Jenners trailing behind. “I take it you’re ready to go?” He offered her a hand up.
“Unless you think I should go in there and start fighting. I’d like to hit a couple of those guys upside the head.” She grinned at the others. “Not a very Christian attitude, is it?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Livvy said. “Jesus was furious with those vendors in the temple. He probably threw a few punches.”
Paul smiled. “I’m not sure it would do any good.”
“Quite frankly,” Danny said, “I’m a little surprised by some of them. Others were true to form. Take Joe Brainerd, for example. That guy is too opinionated for his own good. His boys come to class in the same kind of camouflage outfits and military boots Joe was wearing tonight. I have one of his boys in my math class. Seems like a nice enough kid. I worry about him, though.”
Strangers in Their Midst Page 11
