by Vikki Walton
“True. But we all agree that it seems like too much of a coincidence, doesn’t it?” Anne grimaced at Hope’s flexibility. Just looking at her made Anne’s arms hurt.
Hope uncrossed her legs. “I can’t see taking this to the police. What could they do with it?”
Anne looked over to see Kandi raise her cellphone to her ear. “Can I speak with Sheriff Carson?”
Anne held her hands up with a “what are you doing?” look.
Kandi stuck up her hand in a stop motion. “Yes, okay. Well, would you tell him to call me or he can stop by the Brandywine Inn if he’s on this side of town?” She listened. “Okay, thanks. Bye, Ms. Thelma.”
Anne remembered the no-nonsense woman from the time she’d spend at the police station. She wouldn’t want to be on that woman’s bad side.
It was only a short time later that they heard a vehicle pull up and looked out to see the sheriff’s car. He pulled in on Anne’s driveway instead of the adjoining gravel drive used by the Inn’s guests.
Anne met the sheriff once he’d arrived at the door. “Ms. Freemont.”
“Sheriff.”
When she turned back, she saw Kandi roll her eyes at Hope. They could make fun all they liked. From now on, they were only the local sheriff and the local innkeeper. An image of her pressing her lips to his popped quickly to mind. Nope, that had been a spur-of-the-moment thing to avoid a disaster. It was a mistake. That’s it.
Hope rose from her chair. “Sheriff.” She shook his hand. “Here, please. Take my seat.”
She pulled up a stool from the corner and sat down.
After they had shared their suspicions, he leaned back and shut his notebook. “This is what you called me over here for?”
“There’s, like, a lot of things that are, like, too coincidental. All the fires, and Spencer said Ray was like selling to the fosters, and, like…”
Carson held up his hand. “Thanks. But what do you think I should do with this information? While the issue over at the Bennetts is under the sheriff’s purview, the attack on Bill is under the police department.”
Anne spoke up. “We figured if we told you, then you could go to Chief Everett with it.”
“So, I should go to Police Chief Everett with ‘it’?”
“Yes,” Anne and Kandi chimed.
Anne looked at Hope, who remained silent. Why wasn’t she chiming in?
“And when I go to the chief I will say, ‘Hey, I think there’s a bad guy out there doing bad things.’”
Anne and Kandi’s faces fell.
“Well, of course not.” Anne crossed her arms defiantly. “But couldn’t you share that there could be some DNA evidence or other things that could tie all the crimes together?”
“Okay. And …?”
Anne bristled. “Look, we’re just trying to help here. You could be a little bit more thankful we’re helping make your job easier.”
“You’re making my job easier?”
“Argh. Stop answering my statements with questions,” Anne huffed.
Hope rose from the stool. “Sheriff, we do know what it sounds like. But we didn’t know if there were anything that might be of some importance that could add to the investigation.”
“You’re right, Hope,” he replied.
Why does he call her Hope? Anne sighed loudly. Hope and Sheriff Carson turned toward her.
“Something you’d like to add, Ms. Freemont?” He cocked his head toward her.
“No. We’ve said what we need to say.”
“Okay, well thank you for the information.” He stood and readjusted his gear belt.
“Let me see you out, Sheriff.” Anne stressed the last word.
They opened the office door and a tall, slim woman with her hair pulled tightly back against her head stood in the hall. She wore black from head to toe and no makeup.
“I’m Mary Smith. I came to get directions to—” She pulled a piece of paper from her pocket. “Sam’s house.”
Anne shook her hand. “I’ll be the one taking you out there.”
“Ms. Smith.” Carson tipped his Stetson.
“Did I interrupt something? Nothing bad has happened, I hope?”
“No. All’s well.” He turned back to Kandi and Hope. “I’ll be leaving now. Call me if you have any more …facts … in the case.”
“A case? That sounds a bit scary,” the woman replied with a questioning face.
“Not to worry. It’s all under control.” He tipped his hat at Anne and left.
“If you would like something to drink, I’ll just be a few minutes and we can go,” Anne said to the woman. Anne glanced at the clock. It was earlier than the woman said she’d arrive.
“That sounds nice. It was a bit of a drive here. But I got here a bit sooner than I anticipated.”
Kandi hopped over and said, “I’ll take you into the dining room. We have drinks and snacks in there.”
As they walked away, Anne wondered why the woman hadn’t knocked and how much of their conversation she’d heard. Her words and her demeanor didn’t seem to match. Maybe it was because of being in the military. But something nagged at Anne’s mind. Why had Carson said it was all under control when it clearly wasn’t?
Chapter Eleven
Anne had driven the woman out to Sam’s place. Without Hank bounding out to greet her with his huge doggy grin, the cabin seemed lonely. She found the key where Sam had instructed and let Mary inside. She showed her to the guest room, which faced the lake.
“It’s beautiful here.” Mary set her bag down on the bed.
“Yes, Sam has a great place here.” Anne joined the woman over by the large picture windows.
Anne showed her the trailhead where she could walk or run and pointed in the direction of their houses. “If you’d like to come up for breakfast, you’re more than welcome. It’s a nice walk, about four miles, with no real elevation gain.”
“I may take you up on that. What time do you serve breakfast?”
“Continental starts at seven and full breakfast at eight.”
Anne said goodnight and headed home. As she reached her drive, she spied Kandi waving at her from the porch of the Inn. Anne exited the vehicle as Kandi joined her. Anne could tell by Kandi’s expression that something was wrong.
“What’s the matter, sweetie? Is everything okay?” She took hold of Kandi’s arms and could feel the shaking.
“I can’t believe it. I mean, like, I can believe it. But seriously, like, what… I can’t believe it!”
“You want to come inside and tell me what this is all about?”
Kandi nodded, and Anne could see tears in the young woman’s eyes. Something had clearly upset her.
Anne unlocked the door to the kitchen and was greeted by Mouser giving her a big meow. “Hello, you. I’ve missed you too.” Anne scratched behind his ear the way he liked it and the purring commenced. “Grab a seat, Kandi.”
Kandi plopped down on a chair as Anne set Mouser down on the floor. He wound around her legs a few times, hopped up on a nearby ledge, and began grooming himself.
Anne waited, her hands folded in front of her on the table.
Kandi composed herself. “My brothers. They almost got arrested today! They think that since they’re in Colorado, they can have as much pot as they want.” She stiffened. “And in my truck. How could they do that?”
“What happened?” Anne got up from her chair and set about making a chamomile tea for them.
“They’d come back from Denver and they’d picked up some pot. Then they smoked some, I guess.” She looked up at Anne. “I don’t get the attraction. I’ve never liked any kind of smoking.”
“Well, it is a bit different, and who am I to judge when I enjoy a glass of wine now and again.” Anne poured water into the teakettle.
“I guess. It’s just never held any appeal for me.”
“I hear you. It’s never appealed to me either, but I’m not sure I wouldn’t try it if I found out I was deathly ill and deali
ng with pain constantly like Lori.”
“True. I suppose you don’t know, do you?” She straightened up. “But they’re doing it to, like, get high. And then driving MY truck. I’m so mad I could, like, spit.”
“I think you just did.” Anne pretended to wipe her face.
Kandi grinned. “Okay, I’ll settle down.” She leaned back in the chair. “But don’t you think I have a right to be upset?”
“Definitely. Driving under the influence of anything is irresponsible.”
“They swore they had done it long before they got behind the wheel but I’m still angry. Plus, now Officer Dale is going to think I’m a pothead.” She clenched her teeth.
“Why would he think that?” Anne poured the hot water over the herbs.
“Well, he stopped them for speeding and then he had to know it was my truck.”
“What happened exactly?”
“I guess he smelled it—”
“Yes, it’s a pretty distinctive smell.” Anne set a cup in front of Kandi.
“That gave him cause or something to search the truck. He made them stand back by his cruiser and he went through all their stuff.”
“He found some then?”
“Yes, I think over thirty grams, which is over the limit, but he gave them a warning as they said it was for both of them.”
“Well, I’m sure they learned their lesson.” Anne strained the tea and poured some into each of their cups.
“The weird thing is they looked really upset when they told me. I mean more than just getting caught. I don’t know why but when I asked them, they said to stay out of it for my own good. What do you think they meant by that?”
“They’re probably embarrassed that they got you involved in the situation,” Anne added a teaspoon of honey to her cup. Then she took some and popped the spoon in her mouth. “Oh man, I love Bill’s honey. It is so good.”
Kandi nodded her head. “It sure is. He wins the top prize almost every year.”
“Are your brothers still going to Boulder then?”
“If they are, they’re not taking my truck to do it.”
A knock at the door startled the pair. Anne stood up and saw Stewart waving at them. Anne opened the door and Stewart came in.
“Tea?” Anne asked.
“No, thanks.” He turned to Kandi. “Are you still going to be able to go with me to Ray’s funeral tomorrow?”
“Yes. Oh, I just remembered.” She turned to Anne. “Lori would like us to stop by tomorrow. I’m trying to figure out how to do that and make it to the funeral on time.”
Stewart spoke, “Anne, why don’t you come with us? I can drive you out to Bill and Lori’s and then we can all leave from there. Bill had asked me to look into putting some more electricity in his greenhouse, so I can look at that while you all are visiting.”
“That works for me.” Anne yawned loudly. “I better get to bed. You know us old-fogies have to get our sleep.”
Kandi came over and gave Anne a peck on the cheek. “Night, Mom.”
“Stewart, I know you’ll walk my girl home safely, right?”
“Yes.” He nodded.
Kandi rolled her eyes at Anne. It was evident that Anne’s ploy to get her and Stewart together was no longer a secret. Yet, she crooked her arm in his and smiled up sweetly at him. “Okay, lead on, valiant knight.”
Anne waved them good night from her porch and then stepped back into her kitchen. She locked the door. Would it be nice to have her very own valiant knight?
Mouser meowed.
“Yes, yes, I have you.” She picked him up and headed up to bed.
Chapter Twelve
Anne knew the service would be casual, so she had put on a flowery dress with white-heeled sandals. She’d recently had her auburn hair cut into a layered style, so she left it flowing freely over her shoulders. The sunburn on her face had faded, and she rubbed coconut oil into it, giving her a healthy glow. She slathered on a pinky-peach lipstick and took a glance in the mirror. She blew an air kiss at her reflection.
It was funny that she had become so much happier with the way she looked now. Years ago, when she’d been married to Duke, she was model-thin, had hair extensions and wore dresses that cost more than many of the Carolan Springs residents’ yearly salary. Now she was heavier but healthier, and her natural beauty shone out. She’d had money, prestige, all the things that people think they want, and she had been miserable. Now she had a daughter, friends who loved her and that weren’t like those who talked about her the minute her back had been turned. She could spend as much time as she wanted out with her hands in the dirt and spend the evenings, not at a fancy-dress party, but sitting on the porch swinging and doing absolutely nothing.
Life was simpler. For that, Anne was grateful. Well, it would be if these bad things would quit happening. First, finding her neighbor dead and then a murder the weekend they opened the Brandywine Inn. Now all the fires and an influx of drugs into the community. She frowned, wondering what could be done about it.
Anne had made it downstairs when her front doorbell rang. Who could that be? Most people she knew used the back door. She looked through the peephole. Sheriff Carson.
Anne opened the door. “Sheriff Carson. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
He stared at her for a moment. “Do you time to speak to me? I have some questions about the information you all shared with me the other day.”
“Sorry, no. I’m going out to see the Connors, and then we’re going to Ray’s funeral.”
He pulled his hat off and held it in his hands. Anne noticed one piece of hair sticking up on his head and forced herself not to reach up and push it back into place.
“Yes, Spencer told me that was today. Are you going by yourself?”
“No. I’m going with Kandi and Stewart.”
“Okay. Listen…”
“Yes?”
“I heard about Kandi’s brothers.”
“Well, they’re young. I’m sure you did things you didn’t think through when you were their age.”
He said nothing.
“Or maybe you didn’t.” Anne crossed her arms in front of her chest. “We can wait out here if you want.” She joined him on the front porch. He leaned against the porch beam.
“I know you’re going to the Connors and now to Ray’s funeral. You’re like someone with a bee in her bonnet. You don’t let things go. Let this go. You could get hurt.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I think you do. Stay out of it. If not for your sake, then for Kandi’s.”
“That almost sounds like a threat.” She gripped the sides of her arms as a shiver coursed through her. Was it from the shade of the porch or from what he’d said?
“You’re not invincible. You’re not a professional. Your snooping will cause someone to get hurt. Or worse, killed.”
His tone and words shocked her. “It must be awfully lonely on that high moral ground you stand on.” Yikes, what had caused her to say that?
“Don’t forget that I tried to warn you.” He hit his hat against his knee.
Warn me? A real shiver ran down Anne’s spine.
She watched as he put his hat back on his head and descended the steps. As she moved to close the door, he turned around. “You look very nice today, Anne.” He tipped his head and left.
Anne shut the door, more conflicted than ever.
Sitting in Bill and Lori’s living room, Anne asked Lori how she was doing.
“I’m holding up.” She pulled the coverlet on her legs into her hand, her grip belying her statement.
“Ms. Conner, I hope you don’t mind me being, like, rude, but it sure doesn’t seem that way to me.”
Kandi’s words must have hit home as Lori broke down sobbing uncontrollably.
“Please.” Anne reached over and knelt in front of the crying woman. “We’re here to help. That’s all.”
Anne consoled Lori as Kandi sprinted back into the room
and handed over a wad of toilet paper.
Lori looked up and accepted it, her hand bearing the bruises of the pinpricks from her hospital IV. “I just don’t know.” She shook her head. “But I have to talk to someone. It might as well be you.” She sucked in a deep breath and composed herself.
“How about a cup of coffee or tea? I’d be happy to make some.” Anne offered.
“I’ll do it!” Kandi hopped up from her spot.
“You’re so sweet, Kandi. Thank you.” Lori wiped her nose with the tissues. “I think I’d like some Darjeeling.”
“Me too,” Anne responded. “She is a sweetie. Thanks, Kandi.”
Kandi beamed at the praise.
They were sitting in the same sunroom where Anne had seen Lori the day of the beehive tour. “I think that fella has a crush on that girl.”
Anne watched as Stewart pulled a piece of broken glass from the greenhouse and put it into a garbage bin. “Yes, I agree. I don’t want to push Kandi, but I think they’d make a good match.”
“People are often blind when it comes to who’s the right person for them. They look for something else when the very thing they need is often right in front of them.”
Anne nodded. “Any relationship is not one to be rushed, I guess.”
“Yes, but if I’d have known this stupid cancer would come into our lives, I would have married Bill much sooner.”
“I’m sorry. That had to be a shock.” Anne stood as Kandi came in bearing a tray with cups, cream, and sugar. After everyone had doctored their tea, Lori took a tentative sip.
“After my diagnosis, we didn’t know what to do. So many options, treatments—each sounding worse than the others. I didn’t want to live my last days stuck hooked up to machines and visiting doctors every week. If I was going to die, I wanted to do it in my own way.”
She took another sip of the tea.
“Bill knew when I made up my mind, I wouldn’t change it. But he wouldn’t give up. He read up on alternative therapies.” She stopped and glanced over to Anne.
Anne patted Lori’s hand. “Look, we know what you had in the greenhouse. It’s not our place, nor would we judge anyone.”
Lori smiled at Anne. Then she laughed. It stopped when a fit of coughing took over. Anne took Lori’s cup and set it on the table next to her.
