By the Book (A Gracie Andersen Mystery 2)

by Laurinda Wallace

  "Always help your neighbor," a voice in her head admonished. "Yes, Mother," she said to herself. Where should she go from here though?

  Chapter Three

  The snow began in earnest after Gracie and Terry finished eating the hearty stew and cornbread. The wind picked up, howling and battering the white flakes into blinding whiteouts. Gracie could hardly see the kennel from the kitchen window when stronger gusts of wind surged. She decided to do one last bed check on her kennel guests before settling in to talk with her houseguest. Satisfied that her charges were snug and happy for the night, Gracie punched in the code for the security alarm and fought her way back to the house through the swirling snow. The wind chill was well below zero, and the warmth of the house was instant relief.

  Gracie had dug out some clothes for Terry earlier in the day. She’d come up with some sweaters and jeans. They were a little big, well, maybe a little baggy on the trimmer woman, but weren’t too bad. Gracie’s mother, Theresa Clark, had stopped by at lunch time and insisted on taking Terry to Warsaw to pick up socks, boots, shoes, and underwear. At least Terry had a few basic supplies that were her own.

  Gracie stirred hot chocolate mix into two large mugs of steaming water and carried them into the living room. A crackling fire in the fieldstone fireplace made the room toasty. Terry was watching the local news on Channel 13. There was a brief report on the fire, but no names were mentioned. Gracie saw a frown on the woman’s face as she stared at the screen.

  “Weird to see a report about yourself, isn’t it?” Gracie set the mugs on the large coffee table and sank onto the deep cushions of the sofa.

  “Kind of, I guess. I’m just glad no names were mentioned. I really don’t like the attention.”

  “I understand. Of course, you’re a celebrity in Deer Creek now.”

  “I was hoping to be just the quiet librarian and enjoy small town life here.”

  “That probably won’t happen for a while.”

  The conversation turned to the details of the fire and what was lost. She’d had the presence of mind to grab her purse, so Terry had her wallet and cell phone. Her laptop had been in the car and that was OK.

  “How’s Alice responding to all of this?” Gracie asked.

  “She’s called a couple of times today. She’s the one who gave me the space heater. It seemed to work okay, but the house was still so cold. I don’t think the furnace was working right.”

  “I’m sure she’s a little concerned about her responsibility in all of this,” Gracie responded.

  “She does seem worried about a lawsuit. I haven’t said anything, but she’s awfully nervous,” Terry paused. “I’ve lost everything though, and the dogs and I nearly died.”

  Gracie grimaced. “It’s awful. I’m glad you’re all safe. I imagine a lawsuit … well … let’s just say Alice Harris has had some financial challenges lately.”

  Terry’s eyes widened. “Really? She led me to believe that her business was pretty successful. Doesn’t she have a lot of rental properties?”

  “That’s true. And she has her own accounting business.” Gracie hesitated. The rest of what she was about to share was gossip straight from Midge’s. What the heck. Terry would hear it from her or from someone else. “Alice has quite a few empty properties and one went into foreclosure not too long ago.”

  “Oh. That’s not quite the same picture Mrs. Harris painted for me. She’s a CPA, so she must do all right with that.”

  “That I’m not sure about. I don’t use her, but I know a couple of the bigger farms do.”

  Gracie turned the TV off and finished the dregs of hot chocolate. The three dogs were stretched out in front of the fireplace, soaking up the warmth. Haley was snoring softly, as usual.

  “Maybe she’ll rent me one of her empty properties then. Although the wiring should be checked out before I move in.”

  “You don’t have to rush into anything, Terry. Give yourself a few days to get things figured out.”

  “I really do want to thank you for taking us in, Gracie. I’m not used to relying on anybody for help and …” Terry’s voice cracked with emotion.

  “It’s not a problem. I know it’s hard to accept help. I’m that way myself. Just ask my mother,” Gracie said lightly in an attempt to put her guest at ease.

  “She did mention something about that today.” A slight smile appeared on her thin face.

  “No doubt.” Gracie now wondered what else she’d told Terry. “So, are you from Wyoming County?” She decided to take the plunge and find out what she could about the new librarian.

  “No,” Terry shook her head slowly as if considering her answer. “I’m a city girl, from New York.”

  “Really? You don’t have that New York City accent.”

  “I went to Long Island University for my undergrad work. I was offered a job at a small university outside of Albany where I got my MLS, so I stayed on. I really enjoyed it there.” Terry looked away from Gracie and gazed at the steadily burning fire.

  “What brought you here, then?” Gracie’s curiosity was awakened by Terry’s sudden change of geography.

  “Just tired of the academic scene, I guess. I saw the opening in a state library newsletter and decided to apply.” Terry looked down and focused on the three sleeping dogs.

  “Deer Creek will be quite a change from a university library. We’re small potatoes compared to that.”

  “That’s OK. It’s a good change for me.” She rubbed Max’s hindquarters with her warmly slippered foot. The big dog stirred, lifted his head, and then went back to sleep. “I’ve never seen my dogs so relaxed. The country air here and Haley must be doing them a world of good, even after last night.”

  “Haley’s a good dog—a great dog in fact. She’s saved my life—literally. How long have you had Max and Sable?”

  “I’ve had them for … awhile. Got them as adults. Max is four and Sable is five.”

  “Don’t care for puppies then?” Gracie queried.

  “Didn’t have the time to train them and I needed the … company. Living by yourself can be a little scary sometimes.” Terry brushed a strand of hair from her face and drew her legs up into the large overstuffed chair.

  “You’re right. I don’t know what I’d do without Haley. Were they rescue dogs?” Gracie knew the answer before it came. The shepherds were well bred and well behaved. She was sure they were very expensive dogs.

  “No. I had a friend who knew a breeder. He had several adult dogs that needed homes. I was lucky to get both of them. So, how long have you had the kennel, Gracie?”

  “Just about a year.”

  “Sounds like your business is doing well.”

  “We had tough start, but when you have the right people, things go a lot smoother.”

  “You’re right. I hope taking this job was the right thing for me.” Terry went to the patio doors and looked out into the darkness. Her shoulders slumped, and she took a step back from glass. “I hate to be a party pooper, but I think I’m going to call it a night. I’m scheduled to start at the library tomorrow.”

  “I’m sure the board understands if you need more time off.”

  “They do. The president called today, but working will be better for me.” She sighed. “Except for the clothing situation. I’ll have to go somewhere by the weekend to get a few outfits.”

  “Hopefully the weather will clear, and you can go to Rochester. We may be snowed in for a while tomorrow. We’ll see if Jim can get us plowed out, or if the snowplow will even make it down through here tonight.”

  “What a way to start a new job!” Terry nudged her dogs awake.

  “I guess country life can be exciting too,” Gracie smiled, stifling a yawn.

  Terry forced a small laugh and then headed toward the guest bedroom with Max and Sable on either side of her.

  Haley groaned and rolled over on her back before standing and following her mistress toward the master bedroom. Gracie slid under the flannel sheets and turned the
electric blanket controls to high. Haley stretched out on top of the blue down comforter and was immediately asleep. Gracie lay listening to the moaning and gusting wind. She knew the storm was driving snow into deep drifts. She missed Michael on these long winter nights, especially during a blizzard. They’d watch an old movie and drink hot chocolate. Inevitably, a calf would be born or a cow would get sick on a night like this, and they’d both be up half the night in the barn. She stopped the swirling memories. It wouldn’t lead to anything good. She pulled the covers up over her head and finally fell asleep lulled by the blizzard’s keening wind.

  Chapter Four

  The drifts were piled high by morning. Gracie called Marian and Cheryl to tell them to stay home until the afternoon. It would take the better part of the morning for the county to get Simmons Road passable. Jim called minutes later to say he was getting himself plowed out and then his parents, who were just a mile from his house. He was hoping the plows would be out cutting back the high snow banks so he could make it to Milky Way by ten or so. Gracie bundled up and trudged out to the kennel. There were several messages on the kennel’s voicemail from dog owners letting her know they’d be late picking up dogs, and some asked if she could board them for another day. After returning the calls, she began dishing up breakfast. Haley kept her nose in the kibble bin, snatching pieces when she thought Gracie wasn’t looking.

  “Quit stealing, Haley. You’ve had your breakfast.” Gracie stood with her hands on her hips, chastising the black Lab with the innocent brown eyes. A piece of dog food dropped to the concrete floor from her wet jowl.

  “See, I was right. No more food.”

  Haley lay down by the large bin, trying to look nonchalant. The bell on the front door jingled. Haley jumped up and ran to the reception area, while the kennel erupted with barking and whining.

  “It’s me, Gracie. Can I help with the dogs?”

  Terry appeared, wearing one of Gracie’s old parkas and a pair of thick red woolen mittens that Theresa had knitted for Gracie last year. She patted Haley’s broad head as the dog escorted her to the main hallway.

  “Sure thing. You can help me finish feeding them.”

  The sound of kibble hitting metal bowls had all the residents excited. Energetic barking echoed in the hallways.

  “You’ve got a lot of dogs here,” Terry observed as she put the last dish of food on the bracket in a run housing a wiry-haired terrier of uncertain heritage.

  “The owners are escaping for warmer weather, but it’s great business for us.” Gracie snapped the lid on the bin. “Next it’s fresh water for everyone.”

  It took another 45 minutes to finish changing and filling water bowls. Gracie was just getting the disinfectant out to clean runs, when she heard the sound of Jim’s Explorer, shoving its way into the driveway. She checked her watch. It was 9:30. Jim was making good time with his plowing. Tom’s red Ford pickup was right behind Jim. In his usual style, Tom gunned the engine and made it through the drifts to the snow-clogged parking area.

  “Thought you could use some help this morning.” Tom jumped out of the truck to greet Gracie. He waved when he saw Terry standing behind Gracie in the doorway.

  “Yes, we can use all the help we can get today. I told Marian and Cheryl to stay home until after lunch. I’ve still got runs to clean and meds to give.” Gracie turned back toward the reception area. “Aren’t you working today?”

  “No. County offices are closed because of the weather, so I await your commands. I assume you want me to start cleaning runs?”

  “You assume correctly.” Gracie was quick to hand her brother the hose. “And I’ve got to get to the bank this morning to make two days’ worth of deposits.”

  “I can take them for you if you don’t want to drive in this stuff,” Tom offered. He peeled off the heavy overalls. He was dressed in jeans, a red turtleneck, and a thick navy crewneck sweater.

  “I can go. I need to stop at Midge’s for some sweet rolls.” Gracie was also getting a little bit of cabin fever and needed some distraction. Being inside all the time got to her quickly. The bitter cold of February had kept her in more often than usual.

  “Can I hitch a ride, then?” Terry asked tentatively. “My car should be ready this morning, or so the garage says. I can drive myself back here. I’d really like to get started at the library if you don’t mind.” Tice’s Garage had given her vehicle a thorough safety inspection yesterday just as a precaution.

  “Sure. Is Simmons plowed all the way to Route 39 yet?” Gracie asked her brother.

  “Sort of. It still has some drifts, so take it easy. Use four-wheel drive, so you don’t get stuck.”

  “Yes, sir. Of course, sir.” Gracie gave her brother a snappy salute.

  “Drive how you want, but don’t call me if you end up in a ditch.” Tom warned.

  “I know how to drive in this, so don’t worry. Let me give the meds out and get the deposits ready. Then we can go.” Gracie unlocked the meds cabinet in the grooming room and grabbed three brown prescription bottles.

  The drive to Deer Creek took twice as long as usual. Drifts were quickly swallowing the plowed roads. Driving would be treacherous until the wind really died down. Gracie expertly maneuvered her red RAV4 into a parking space by the bank. The snow was already piling up on Main Street, and the sidewalk plow was busy in front of Midge’s Restaurant across the street, pushing snow into ever growing banks between the sidewalk and street.

  “I’ll wait here while you do your banking,” Terry offered.

  “You’d better come in with me. You’ll freeze out here if I have to wait in line.”

  “No, I’m warm enough. Go ahead, it’s no problem.”

  “All right. I’ll leave the engine running then.” Gracie pulled her hood up around her head, grabbed the bank bag, and left the toasty interior of the vehicle. She decided her guest was probably as stubborn as she was.

  There were only a few brave souls working in the bank. It still seemed odd not to see her cousin’s husband, Tim, seated behind the heavy cherry desk in the back. The desk still sat empty, a reminder of last summer. The teller’s cheery greeting snapped Gracie back to the present.

  “Good morning, Gracie. You’re brave to come out today.” Gladys Randall peered over her reading glasses, gold chains draped on either side of her cherubic, flushed face. She was very short and stood on a stool behind the counter. Gladys had worked at the bank forever. Gracie supposed Gladys probably knew everyone’s account balances and spending habits.

  “Good morning, Gladys. I’m not brave, but I may be crazy. The roads are terrible.”

  “You’d better be careful going home. I heard another storm is supposed to come in today.”

  “Great. We could use more snow.” Gladys smiled broadly at Gracie’s sarcasm, while her fingers flew over the calculator keys. “I’m just taking care of the money and getting some sweet rolls. I think home is the smart place to be. Are you closing early?”

  “No, there are a couple of us who can walk home, so we’ll stay open until 3:00. The weather report may be wrong, or at least I hope so.” Gladys peered at the total on Gracie’s tape and compared it to her own.

  “I hope so too. I’ve had enough of winter. I’m ready for spring.”

  “I agree. Sam and I are going to Florida next week, if we can get out of the airport.”

  “Good luck with that. Michael and I tried to go to Florida one year and ended up vacationing at the Rochester Airport Marriott. We were stuck there for three days and decided to forget winter vacations. It wasn’t worth it.”

  Gladys frowned, checking the two receipts before handing them to Gracie.

  “That’s what Sam says. He thinks we’re going to get stuck somewhere on the way or end up sitting in the airport. I won’t share your winter vacation story; it’ll only confirm his pessimistic outlook.”

  “I’m sure you’ll get out. We’re due for a thaw soon.”

  “I hope so. I’m anxious to enjoy some sun an
d visit with my sister down there. I hear you’ve got a visitor at your house right now.” Gladys arched a well-penciled eyebrow, which starkly contrasted against her short, curly white hair, and waited for Gracie’s reply. Then she looked down and continued totaling the stack of checks.

  “You’re right. Terry Castor, the new librarian.”

  “It’s just awful that she lost everything in that fire. How’s she doing?”

  “Pretty well. I’m on my way to drop her off at the library.”

  “Really? She’s going to work?”

  “Work can be a good thing. Helps keep your mind off the bad stuff.” Gracie glanced at her watch and pulled her gloves on.

  “It can be therapeutic. She’s not from around here, is she?” Gladys was now getting to heart of the matter.

  “No, she’s from New York City.” Gracie could guess what the next reaction would be.

  “Oh.” Gladys said in thoughtful voice. She wrinkled her nose ever so slightly. “I heard she was a city girl.” The emphasis on “city” was one of suspicion and wariness. “How’d she end up here?”

  “It wasn’t our weather, but I’ve got to run. I don’t want to miss out on the sweet rolls.” Gracie smiled brightly, turning toward the entrance.

  “Drive careful, Gracie.” Gladys called over the counter. She had already stepped down from her stool and was busily organizing her calculator tapes.

  “I will.” The wind caught the heavy glass door, tearing it from Gracie’s hand, and she scrambled to catch it.

  Terry was listening to the local Warsaw radio station when Gracie climbed back into the SUV. The newscaster was reporting on recent car accidents caused by poor roads and blizzard conditions.