by Vikki Walton
“Lock the doors.”
“Yes, sir.” She saluted.
It seemed like a few minutes when he returned to the car. Anne wiped her eyes. “That didn’t take long. Did you get what you need?”
“Yes. I think so. But now I’m even more curious about something. Is it okay if we take a ride past the Bennett place?”
“I don’t have to be at the Inn today, so I’m all yours.”
He smiled. “Good to know.”
They drove out to the Bennett farm and as they approached Carson said, “I need to keep focused on the road and I don’t want to stop the car, so tell me what you see. I’ll slow down as much as I can without raising suspicion.”
“Okay.”
Carson had slowed the car to a speed that looked like a couple out enjoying the forest view. As they came around the corner, a huge gate appeared.
“Stewart wasn’t joking when he said they’d put up a gate. Do they have T-Rex behind there?” Anne sat forward in her seat. As they drew closer, Anne’s gaze traveled along the large wooden gate and to the pushbutton and call stand for entering the property. Then she saw it and gasped.
Carson turned to her. “What is it?”
“The gate. It has a large bull engraved in the wood.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
They drove back by it but saw nothing else from the road. Carson dropped Anne at her house. “Is Spencer at the Inn today? Can we get him to come over here, so I can ask him some questions?”
“Shouldn’t be a problem.”
As Anne sat to take off her hiking boots, her cell phone rang.
“Hi, Hope. What’s up?”
“We’re going to have to cancel the bee-yard visit at Bill’s.”
“Oh, no. Why?”
“His hives have been destroyed. He’s working now to try and gather the bees.” Anne put the phone on speaker so Carson could hear. “I feel so sorry for him and Lori. They’ve been through so much.”
“Carson and I will go over there right now.” Anne looked up as Carson nodded assent. “What should we do in its place?”
“I called Susan, and we’re going to go out to her house. She has beautiful herbal and floral gardens and we’re going to talk about what to plant for bees and pollinators. The guests are looking forward to it. Then Bill said we can come out tomorrow as Nate has gone ahead and pulled the salvageable frames for extracting honey. The ones that are broken will be used to show how to get honey without an extractor.”
“It sounds like you’ve got everything in hand. Carson and I will head over there right now and see if we can do anything to help.” Anne canceled the call.
“Let’s hold off on talking to Spencer until later. Maybe call him on the way and ask if he can come by this evening. Tell him I’ll treat him to pizza.”
“Not only do you know the key to a woman’s heart but to a teenager’s.”
“I only want the key to one woman’s heart.” He reached over and clasped her hand.
Yikes. Things were moving fast. But were they? They’d known each other since right after she’d moved to Carolan Springs. They’ve probably gone through more together than some married couples.
Anne changed into a pair of Bob’s shoes and they headed out to Bill’s. Parking the car in the drive, they went around to the back. In the far corner, Carson and Anne watched as a few people in white jumpsuits with hooded veils were setting the hives back on cinder blocks. Parts of the hive were everywhere.
One of the figures looked up and waved. It was Bill. He headed over to them, taking his helmet off as he approached.
“Bill, I’m so sorry. Whatever happened?” Anne reached over and squeezed his arm.
He turned and looked back toward the hives. “We think it was a bear. I’ve been meaning to put up an electric fence but just never did. I feel we’ve encroached on their turf, but I never wanted to do anything that would harm them.” He looked back at them. “I’ve lived here decades and never had an issue. Especially during the summer. I can understand it in spring or winter when they’re either going in or out of hibernation, but it seems a weird time.”
Carson spoke, “Bill, you sure it was a bear and not something else?”
Bill sighed, “You mean another vandalism?” He motioned to them to walk with him to the house. “I have to say it did cross my mind. But no, I’m going to say it was a bear.” He shucked off his gloves and opened a back door that led into a lower storage room. They watched as Bill got out of his bee-suit and then followed him up the stairs.
“Lori isn’t feeling too well today so she stayed in bed. But I’ll let her know you’re here.” He went off down a hallway.
“Bears. That’s all Bill needs.” Anne went over and stood at the large picture window and watched as the beekeepers continued their work.
“I don’t think it was a bear.” Carson joined her.
She faced him. “Why do you say that? He believes it was a bear.”
“No. What he said was ‘I’m going to say it was a bear.’ I need him to be straight with me. I’ve known him long enough to know he’s hiding something. I may be Lori’s cousin but I’m also still, at least in his eyes, the law. I think he’s gotten involved in something that has turned nasty.”
“Do you mean, you think Bill’s involved in something illegal? No way. He’d never do that.”
“Desperation can cause good people to do things they never imagined they would ever do.”
Anne was going to respond when she heard a shuffling in the hallway. Bill had hold of Lori and she smiled wanly at them as she entered the room. Bill sat her down gingerly in the chair by the window.
“Lori, you make me feel bad. We wouldn’t expect you to get out of bed for us.”
The frail woman shook her head. “No. It’s okay. I was ready to get out of that bed. It’s better for me if I move around, even if it’s for a little bit.”
Carson came over and planted a kiss on her head. “Lori.” He bent down and held her hand. The silence stretched between them, yet it seemed as if they’d both spoken volumes.
Bill grimaced as he touched the back of his head.
“How’s the head healing coming?” Anne took a seat on the sofa. Carson sat down next to her.
“Pretty good. I still have some headaches and twinges, but the doctor says that’s to be expected and can take months, if not years, before they disappear.”
“Is there anything we can do to help? Please.” Anne clasped her hands together in her lap.
“We’re fine,” Lori spoke softly. “I know it doesn’t look like it, but I went to the doctor this week and they say I’m doing better.”
“That’s wonderful news,” Anne exclaimed.
Carson replied, “What’s next for you?”
“The doctor said to keep doing what I’m doing.” Her eyes went to Bill.
“Don’t you worry. I’m going to make sure you have what you need. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
At Bill’s statement, Anne glanced over at Carson. She knew his statement had registered, but Carson didn’t look back at her.
Carson stood up. “We should be going. We just stopped by to see if we can help.” He went over and shook Bill’s hand before grabbing him into one of those slap-on-the-back hugs favored by men.
Anne heard Carson say, “Bill, I got your back. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Bill swallowed. “My only goal is taking care of Lori.”
“And I know you will. But know that others can help.”
Bill walked over and stood by Lori’s chair. She reached up and took his hand. “You all are so thoughtful to come out and ask if we need help. I hope you’ll take my advice. Cherish each other.”
The surprise must have shown on Anne’s face.
Lori smiled, “It’s been evident since I first saw you together. You belong together. You’re a fit. If you want to do something for me—please love each other.” She broke off as a coughing fit took hold. She clutched at her che
st. “Enough talking for now, I think.”
Anne came over and kissed Lori goodbye and gave Bill a hug. They drove away from the home in silence.
It’s so easy to take life for granted. Bill and Lori have seen how truly precious it is.
Anne stole a glance at Carson, his face deep in concentration. She did love him. Probably had for a while.
He turned to her and she knew he had been thinking the same thing.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Carson dropped Anne at her house and then went home to shower and grab a pizza for dinner. Anne had called Spencer, who asked if he could bring a friend or two. A few pizzas had grown to a large stack, and Anne chuckled as she opened the back door to let Carson in with his arms loaded down with pizzas.
“You look like you’re going to feed an army.”
“Teenagers are an army. An army of hormones, usually.”
“Boy, don’t I remember.”
A knock came to the back door and Spencer entered with two kids Anne didn’t know and one she did.
“Missy! So nice to see you. How’s your mother?” Anne recalled that Missy’s mom, Sorcha, had dated Carson for a while. She guessed that Sorcha had decided he wasn’t the one for her.
“She’s well. Thanks for asking, Ms. Freemont.” She stood awkwardly at the door until Spencer pulled out a chair for her to sit down.
Spencer spoke, “This is Ron, and this is Carrie.”
Another knock sounded on the door. A young man a bit older than the others stood there. “Hi, I’m Peter. I heard there was pizza here for foster kids.”
Spencer crossed his arms. “Not for just anyone.”
Carson put his hand on Spencer’s shoulder. “Yes, it’s for anyone who wants some. Come in.”
The attractive blond teen came in and took a seat next to Missy. “Hello.”
She giggled back at him. “Hi.”
Spencer huffed and moved over to another chair. Evidently, Spencer had a crush on Missy and Peter was causing a problem.
Anne cocked her head for Carson to follow her out of the room.
“Do you have enough pizza, or do I need to order more?”
“I think we’ll be fine, but poor Spence. He’s definitely got a touch of puppy love. How much older is Missy—three, four years?”
“I think so. But you know what they say, it may be puppy love but it sure is real to that puppy.”
He chuckled. “True.” He reached up and pushed a stray lock behind her ear.
Anne shooed his hand away. “We need to get back in there. Are you sure this is going to work? I don’t know if we can really ask Spencer anything with this many teens?”
“You never know. We’ll play it by ear.” He stiffened up. “Ready for combat?”
“Yes.”
In the kitchen, the teens had all taken seats and were eyeing the pizza boxes.
“My bad. I should have said to dig in.” Carson opened them up on the counter while Anne pulled sodas from the refrigerator. “I’ve got pepperoni, cheese, veggie and I forgot what this one is but it’s a bunch of meat with other toppings.”
Everyone dug in and the teens talked about being able to sleep in and what jobs they’d found for the summer months. Carson and Anne took their places and listened to the teen’s banter back and forth.
As soon as everyone had eaten, Anne spoke.
“I…we’ve invited you here because we need your help.”
Spencer leaned forward in his chair. “Is this another case you need us to help with?”
Carson replied, “No—”
Anne patted his hand and smiled up at him, sending the clear message to let her handle it.
“What Sheriff Carson means is that we do need your help but just not in any way other than giving us information.”
Peter slumped back in his chair, scowling and crossing his arms. “We ain’t no narcs.”
“Funny you should use that term, Peter. Can you tell me why you used it?” Anne waited.
Peter licked his lips and glanced nervously between Anne and Carson.
“You better say what you know. I saw you smoking pot with Ray.” Carrie chimed in.
Peter sprung up from his chair. “I don’t have to—”
“Sit. Down.” Carson’s authoritative voice commanded obedience.
Eyes like big saucers watched as Peter returned to his seat.
“I’m not here to catch you out, though I think you’re stupid for doing any drugs.” Carson laid his hands on the table. “We simply want you to answer some questions.”
Peter nodded, and Carson looked at the others, who quickly followed suit.
“Now, and no lies. I can spot them in an instant.”
“He can too. He told me…” Spencer puffed up.
“Thanks.” Carson responded.
Anne spoke to the group. “We know that Ray Lawrence was dealing drugs.”
Carrie piped up. “He tried to get me to do it, but that stuff is gross. But I saw Pete and Ron out with Ray.”
Ron stiffened. “I only did it once. Just to try it. Ray… and him”—he nodded toward Peter—“said they could get me set up selling to kids in the school. Easy money.”
“Is that so?” Carson turned back to Peter.
“Okay. Fine. Juvie’s better than old lady Lawrence’s place.” He slumped down further. “Ray came and said that he could get me hooked up with a lady—”
“Wait. A lady?” Anne interrupted and was quickly reminded by Carson’s squeeze to not interrupt again.
She turned to Carson. “Sorry, my bad.”
“As you were saying, Ray said he would introduce you to a lady.” Carson motioned him to continue.
Anne had to get him to answer. “How long ago was it that he said he would have you meet this woman?”
As Peter thought about it Missy said, “Well, I’m glad Doug is leaving soon.”
Ron replied, “He already left. He told me that he scored a great deal of making some fast money.”
Anne tried not to roll her eyes. What happened to these guys’ work ethic?
“He asked me out, but he gave me the creeps.” Missy added.
“How was—Doug, was it? Going to make this fast cash? Selling drugs?”
“Naw. He was supposed to get back at some old dude. Mess up his car as much as possible.”
Anne’s jaw dropped. Doug had been the one to destroy Carson’s car. Then he’d left town.
“Did he say who hired him?”
“No. He said the messages were relayed through other kids and he never met the guy. He did show me the last note from the guy. Scary.”
Anne sat forward. “What did it say?”
“Do it tonight. Don’t get caught. If you get caught or you say anything, we’ll kill you. We can get to you.”
“Yikes.”
“Do you still have the note?” Carson asked Ron.
“I never had it. I guess he either took it with him or threw it away.”
Carson turned back to Peter. “Okay, back to the woman.”
“Yeah. Like I said, I was told she’d hook me up with …hmmm, stuff, that I could sell to the high school kids and anyone else. I don’t have much longer, and I’ve got to make a living. Easy money.”
Anne started. “Not much longer?”
“He means under foster care. Correct?” Carson addressed the surly young man.
“Right. No money. I need something soon.”
Anne laughed. “You ever heard of getting a job?”
Peter shook his head. “No way. I’m planning on working smarter not harder.”
Anne stopped the groan from leaving her mouth.
“Okay. Ray was going to introduce you to a woman that was going to get you fixed up to sell drugs. Did you ever meet this woman?”
“No. Ray was killed, and then the next thing I know, all these cops are over at Ms. Lawrence’s.”
“I remember that,” Ron spoke up. “They asked Ms. Lawrence if Ray stayed there and they wanted
to search his room. My room is down in the basement with Pete, and Ray used to stay in the other room if there wasn’t another foster kid. You know, boys downstairs, girls upstairs.”
Peter said, “I heard them talking. I think one guy was the police chief. I couldn’t hear much of what they said but they kept saying it was bull.”
“Bull?” Anne glanced over at Carson and he gestured not to reveal anything.
“Anything else?”
“Naw. I heard them moving around in the room, pulling out stuff. But they didn’t say much else. What was funny though was that police officer had the same name as that woman Ray talked about.”
Anne leaned closer. “What was the name Ray mentioned?”
Peter slumped further down in his chair. “I think it was something like Smith.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
The kids had said they had to get back, so they all walked to the front door. Anne grabbed Spencer’s arm.
“Spence, you’re not, I mean, you wouldn’t do drugs.”
“Don’t worry, Miss Anne. I’m smarter than that.”
“I apologize. I know you are. Just a bit worried, I guess.”
Spencer hugged her. “It’s nice having somebody worry about me.” He waved as he sprinted to catch up with the others. “Got to go. Later.”
Carson came back into the kitchen. “I don’t know about you, but I could go for a drink.”
“Like?”
“Got any Scotch?”
Anne shook her head. “Sorry. I’ve got wine or beer.”
He sighed. “Merlot at least?”
“Yes.” She pulled a bottle from a cabinet and he uncorked it with ease. She set out two glasses and he poured them.
“Want to sit out on the porch?”
“Sounds good.” He opened the door for her as they walked out on the porch. They each took a spot on the glider and for a while, neither spoke.
Finally, Anne turned to Carson. “There’s so much to think about. We’ve got the situation with Ray. Then the woman. The bull has to mean that the police know about El Toro. Plus, we need to find out what officer has the same name as the woman. How many female police officers are in Carolan Springs?”
“I don’t know. I can easily find out. But I can go over tomorrow and get it.”
