Strangers in Their Midst

by Patricia H. Rushford

  You have been given a grant from the Jacob Saunders Foundation in the amount of $10,000 with the stipulation that you are not to reveal the source of the grant.

  There were other details, but it all amounted to the same thing. The Country Diner was ten thousand dollars richer.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Still reeling from the generosity of the famous and mysterious Jake Saunders, Kate and Paul drove back toward the house.

  Kate dropped Paul off at the church and left immediately for the Castile mansion. She and Ava had decided on twelve thirty for their lunch date, and Kate had just enough time to make it.

  About fifteen minutes outside town, Kate turned onto a winding paved road that led to well-kept grounds and a home set atop a ridge, with a spectacular view of a valley and a river below. The house, though mansionlike, wasn’t as palatial as Kate had expected.

  Kate punched the code into the security pad, and the gate slid open, allowing her entry. Wariness enveloped her as she aimed the Honda toward the house.

  Ava Castile answered the door herself. Kate knew her from photos she’d seen. She looked older and more natural than her pictures. More Kate’s age, with blonde-silver hair worn short, with wisps coming forward to accentuate her small features. She wore a colorful swimsuit with a matching cover-up that wrapped around her hips and tied at the waist.

  “Kate Hanlon. What a pleasure to finally meet you.” She reached out a hand, and Kate took it.

  “Thank you. It...it’s good to meet you as well.” Kate faltered, amazed at the warmth and sincerity in Ava’s voice.

  Ava grinned and gestured her in. “We’ve never officially met, have we?”

  “No.” Kate would certainly have remembered.

  “I didn’t think so, but I have heard a lot about you.”

  “You have?” Kate stepped inside.

  Ava laughed. “I’m a fan of your stained-glass art for one.”

  Kate hadn’t expected that. “Oh, well, thank you.”

  The foyer opened into a large open room with a living area, a dining area, and a kitchen with marble countertops and a large cooking island. Off to the right was a glassed-in garden room. Wall-to-ceiling glass doors stretched across the length of the room leading to a patio. Marble slabs in a soft tan and ivory covered the floor.

  “I love this place,” Kate said. “It’s so open and airy.”

  “I think so too. It’s my favorite retreat.” Her hostess paused before going out onto the patio. “You probably recognize these.”

  Two of Kate’s stained-glass angels hung by a window as sun catchers. Kate clasped her hands together in delight. “I can’t imagine a better setting for them.”

  Kate followed Ava out one of the sliding-glass doors to a mosaic table done in blues to match the tiled pool area.

  A service for two along with several covered dishes awaited them.

  “I hope fruit and chicken-salad sandwiches will be satisfactory.” Ava motioned for Kate to sit as she pulled out a chair as well.

  “Of course.”

  “Is sweet tea all right? I made it this morning.”

  “I’d love some.” Ava picked up a pitcher and poured the amber liquid into two glasses already filled with ice.

  “I’m so glad you called this morning.” Uncovering one of the silver serving dishes, Ava passed the fruit to Kate.

  Kate speared two pieces of watermelon, some pineapple, and grapes onto her plate. “I have to admit, I was surprised to get right through to you.”

  “A lot of people say that. I prefer not to have staff here. Most of the time it’s just Ned and me.” She closed her eyes for a moment. “You’ve no doubt heard about my husband.”

  “Yes, and I’m so sorry. You must be frantic with worry.”

  Ava sighed. “I was, but I’ve chosen to believe that he’s still alive. I can’t think otherwise.”

  “I understand.” Kate thought Ava’s reaction might be too head-in-the-sand, but everyone had their own way of dealing with things like this.

  “Kate, I’m going to be honest with you. I hear that you’ve agreed to help Charlie Mayer.”

  “If I can. How did you...?”

  Ava uncovered another platter, revealing minicroissants stuffed with chicken salad. “Promise you won’t tell her I told you?”

  “Her?” Kate deduced that since Ned Castile and Jake Saunders were on the board of Valley Trust together, and Kate had questioned only one woman from there, it had to be Jake’s daughter. Kate laughed. “You mean Rosie?”

  “Ah. I’m safe. I didn’t have to tell you after all.”

  “To answer your question,” Kate said, “I would like to help Charlie. I can’t do more than talk to people and try to ferret out answers, but you never know when someone will say something incriminating, or some obscure clue might turn up.”

  Ava nodded. “If it’s not asking too much, could you keep me informed? If you can find out what really happened at Valley Trust, and with Charlie, I’d be forever in your debt. In fact, if you need anything, let me know, and I’ll cover your expenses.”

  Kate finished chewing the bite of sandwich and washed it down with tea. “You don’t have to do that. I’m not a detective.”

  “I know, but you have a reputation for getting the job done. And I want my husband back.” Her voice faltered a little on the last sentence.

  A few seconds passed, and then Kate asked, “Ava, do you know Jake Saunders?”

  She smiled. “Jake is a good friend. In fact, he and Ned grew up together.”

  “I saw him at Valley Trust. Is he a board member there too?”

  Ava hesitated. “I think you might want to talk to him about his role.”

  Kate added that to her mental to-do list. “I thought I saw his Escalade as I was leaving Joe Brainerd’s place the other day.”

  “Hmm, I’m not surprised.” Ava took a sip of tea.

  Kate couldn’t understand what connection Joe would have to these kind and wealthy families. “I take it you know Joe?”

  “Not well. He’s done some work for Ned and Jake.”

  Ava seemed uncomfortable with the questioning, and Kate thought it best to back off.

  They talked and ate as Kate admired the lovely landscaping and the luxurious pool. When they’d eaten, Ava covered the dishes and suggested they move to the lounge chairs poolside. Ava reclined, letting her colorful wrap skirt separate to allow her already tan legs to soak up more sun.

  Kate removed her cardigan and watched a hummingbird flit around a marble and glass feeder. “The hummingbird and feeder would make a great glass design.”

  “What a wonderful idea. I’d love to see you do something like that for me.”

  “Sure. I’d like that.”

  Disrupting Kate’s image, Ava said, “I heard from a friend that you were undertaking a program to help the homeless.”

  “I am.” Kate never ceased to be amazed at how quickly news traveled around Copper Mill.

  “I’d like to help.”

  “Ava, that would be great.” Kate sipped at her sweet tea, trying not to gush.

  “Two ways, actually. I would love to volunteer at the Faith Freezer Program and donate food that I cook here. I also have a check for you.”

  “That’s so generous...Thank you.” Because Ava asked, Kate went on to tell her about the projects she had lined up and how they were progressing.

  By the time Kate left at three, she felt she’d made a new friend. The glamorous retired model and actress wasn’t a spoiled diva as many thought, but a sweet, down-to-earth, charming Southern lady with a warm heart.

  She and Kate had a lot of the same interests. Ava Castile had given her a generous check for five thousand dollars and a promise to sign up to work at the Faith Freezer Program once a month.

  Even so, Kate couldn’t erase the one thing about Ava that didn’t ring true. Kate felt certain that if Paul went missing, she would be a basket case, and not only for a week or two.

  She would
pray, she would probably convince herself, as Ava had, that he was alive and would return. But she would cry at the mention of his name. She would be in constant contact with the police. She would use every possible resource to find him. Unless...unless she knew where he was and that he was safe.

  The thought hit her head-on, and Kate pulled over to the side of the road to consider it more thoroughly. What if Ned had willingly gone into hiding? He might have if he feared for his life, as Charlie feared for his. He would have told Ava, and the police would be in on it. Could Ned be in a safe house? Had the public been spoon-fed a bunch of lies? That seemed unthinkable, but it could happen.

  Too, Ava’s lack of grief could be due to her acting abilities. Kate could see herself holding up in public so people wouldn’t know how small her faith seemed. She would probably say she knew in her heart that everything would work out well. Inside, though, she’d be a quivering mass, crying to God every waking moment.

  Kate pulled her cell phone out of her handbag and called Paul, only to be told he was in a meeting. She then fished out Jake Saunders’ card. A folded note slipped out of her bag and drifted to the floor.

  The message turned her insides to mush. It was written in a bold hand with blue ink.

  Kate Hanlon. You don’t know what you are getting into. Stop investigating Valley Trust before it’s too late.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Kate’s hands shook as she refolded the note and placed it back in her bag. Who had put the note there and when?

  She’d had her bag with her when she met Rosie for lunch, during the time she was with Lucas and Jake, and again at Ava’s. She could see immediately that Ava hadn’t written it by comparing the handwriting with the check she’d given Kate. Of course, she could have purposely made it look heavy-handed.

  She’d seen Rosie jot down a note on a message pad, so she was able to rule her out too. That left Jake. She had seen the note and check he’d given Loretta, but both had been typed. She tried to picture the signature, but she hadn’t paid much attention to the handwriting. The man seemed to be everywhere. But why would he give her that kind of message?

  She drove straight back to Copper Mill and handed the note over to Skip, who promised to run fingerprints on it.

  “You should probably do what the note says, Mrs. Hanlon. No point in taking chances. Besides, the feds are handling it, so I’ll make sure they know about the note.”

  Kate agreed. For the moment the homeless project took precedence, especially since they planned to take food out to the camp the following day. She was more than willing to let the investigation go—at least for now.

  KATE CAME HOME ANXIOUS to tell Paul about the note and her concern that Jake might have something to do with the missing funds at Valley Trust. The idea seemed to be far-fetched, but she felt certain he’d given her the note.

  The house was empty, but Paul had left a message saying he’d gone to the church to meet with several of the board members plus the other pastors in town, and Jake Saunders, who was now a member of St. Lucy’s.

  At lunch Jake and Lucas had suggested using St. Lucy’s as the resource for anyone who needed help. Volunteers would use a vacant office there to help people find jobs and places to live. Kate’s faith in Copper Mill had been restored, but her concerns about Jake remained unresolved.

  After checking on Aleeda’s progress at the Faith Freezer house, Kate went back to the parsonage to do some baking of her own. Aleeda had arranged for the boys to stay at a friend’s house until five so she had some quality time to bake. They were still in need of bread and desserts, so Kate went to work. Eight loaves of bread and six pies later, Kate finally settled on the couch to rest for a few minutes and promptly fell asleep.

  It was after nine when she woke up. Someone had placed a comforter over her. Paul and Aleeda were reading. The kids had already fallen asleep in their corner of the living room.

  “Hey, sleeping beauty.” Paul came over and sat on the edge of the sofa beside her. I tried to wake you for dinner, but you told me to go away.”

  “I did?” She sat up and ran a hand through her hair.

  “Are you feeling okay?” He patted her leg.

  “My knee is a bit achy. I think I was on my feet too long.” She pushed her way out of the grogginess in her mind. “I can’t believe I refused food.”

  “Would you like some supper, Kate?” Aleeda got up. “I saved a plate for you.”

  “Thanks, but I’ll just have an apple and some cheese.”

  “Well, gals, tomorrow’s the big day,” Paul said. “When do you plan on heading out to the campground?”

  “I was thinking four thirty.” Aleeda glanced at Kate and smiled. “In the afternoon. Unless you think we should go earlier.”

  “That sounds perfect.”

  KATE FELT RESTED the following morning.

  At six o’clock, she put the turkey she’d been assigned into the oven. They had decided all six turkeys would be done in homes rather than at the Faith Freezer house, so the women didn’t have to head out so early. She imagined Renee and Livvy, LuAnne, Lucy Mae, and Gail all getting their turkeys in at the same time.

  With the turkey nestled safely in its roasting pan, Kate greeted the rosy-hued dawn with a second mug of coffee and her devotions out on the patio. Her fluffy bathrobe held the crisp spring air at bay. Tipping her head back, she thanked God for the clear sky. She offered up prayers of thanks for all the volunteers, for Aleeda, and for the beautiful way things had come together. Kate remembered to pray for Charlie and Ned and wondered how the investigation was going. Kate even prayed for Joe Brainerd, trying not to add too many other adjectives to the ones she already had.

  “Sorry, Lord, but it’s going to take a miracle for me to love that neighbor.”

  She put her books inside, then showered and dressed. She’d wear jeans today, along with a midsleeved knit top and tennis shoes.

  Aleeda cooked a large breakfast of eggs, ham, hash browns, and French toast with strawberries. Kate definitely felt spoiled. Nate asked to say grace and entertained them with his rendition of “Thank You, God,” sung to the original Superman theme song.

  Breakfast finished, Paul offered to drop the boys off at school before heading to the office.

  “Gracías.” Aleeda kissed both boys good-bye at the door.

  When they’d gone, both women began clearing the table. “We have a lot to do today.” Aleeda glistened with joy.

  “I couldn’t have done this without you.” Kate hugged her friend. She eyed the bread and pies. “We’ll need to take those over to the Faith Freezer house this morning.”

  “The food everyone baked at home and all the fresh food for tonight should be arriving between ten and two.”

  After finishing up the dishes, Aleeda and Kate packed boxes for the pies and bags for the bread and took them out to the car. The drive was short, but hauling the goodies in the car seemed more expedient than making two trips on foot.

  Pulling up to the Faith Freezer house, Kate felt an inexplicable sense of heaviness. “The door is ajar.”

  “Someone must already be here,” Aleeda said. “I locked the door yesterday when I left.”

  “That must be it. Let’s get this stuff inside.” Kate took four pie boxes while Aleeda grabbed the bread bags. Kate pushed open the door, and the heaviness exploded in her chest.

  “Oh no!” She stopped Aleeda from going in. “We need to call the police.” Kate closed her eyes to the horrid scene, but the picture stayed in her mind.

  Chapter Thirty

  Ay caramba!” Aleeda sobbed. “Who would do something like this?” She sank onto the porch step while Kate called Sheriff Roberts and Paul.

  Paul arrived within minutes of her call. He looked inside and then backed out. He shook his head and gathered Kate in his arms.

  Her disbelief mingled with anger and an incredible sadness as reality sank in. She allowed herself a few tears before extricating herself from Paul’s embrace.

 
; The place had been trashed. Bags of flour and sugar had been ripped open and scattered everywhere. Torn food boxes and their contents were strewn across the floor. She was afraid to see what they’d done to the rest of the house.

  “How could this happen?” Aleeda asked.

  Kate sat on the step and put an arm around her friend. “Someone who wants to stop us.”

  Joe Brainerd came to mind, as did the black SUV that had been parked near the house a few nights ago.

  Paul joined the women on the step. “I think we made a mistake by not taking the protesters at the meeting more seriously.”

  “I thought God was on our side.” Aleeda sniffled and wiped her nose on a ragged tissue she had in her pocket. “Feeding the homeless is a good thing.”

  “It is...and God is on our side.” Paul looked up at the sheriff’s approaching SUV.

  Kate’s ire rose. “This vandalism wasn’t God’s choice, Aleeda. Greedy, selfish criminals did this, and we’re going to fight back. Somehow we’re going to continue with our plans. We’re going to serve dinner to folks out at Ash Grove tonight.”

  “But how?” Aleeda sniffed.

  “We’ll find a way. Once the sheriff clears out, we’ll clean up the place and see what we can salvage. We have all the food that people haven’t brought in yet,” Kate said. “And we have the turkeys. A lot of the stuff we were taking out had to be prepared today.”

  “You are right, Kate. It is just that we have worked so hard.”

  “I know. But we need to consider this a setback, not the end.”

  Kate walked through the house with Sheriff Roberts, assessing the damage. As she’d suspected, the freezers and the refrigerator had been emptied. Some of the packages were still sealed and might be salvageable.

  “Was anything taken?” Sheriff Roberts asked, his brown eyes reflecting the hurt they all shared.

  Kate sighed. “Taken? Our peace of mind...our joy.” Tears filled her eyes, but she vowed not to cry. They would get through this setback with prayer and hard work, as they’d always done with other setbacks they’d faced. “We’ll have to do an inventory while we clean up.”