by Diana Orgain
“Like what exactly would you like to know?”
Like did Lacey murder her husband! Mona wanted to scream, but instead she asked.
“For example, do you know why Collin was in my warehouse?”
Again, the woman didn’t immediately answer, and Mona wondered whether the woman was hard of hearing or just stunned into silence.
“Mrs. Fletcher, are you still there? Mrs. Fletcher?”
Mona could hear the woman breathing so she waited for her to answer.
Finally, Mrs., Fletcher spoke, “Mona, my dear, I hear you, I’m just trying to think about how to tell you this. It’s not very nice and I don’t want to be the one to have to tell you, but ...”
Mona knew that the woman was baiting her like a fish, drawing her in with a teasing phrase, a masterful technique of a professional gossip. Mona had no other choice but to bite, “It’s okay, after the disaster I’ve had, it can’t get any worse, go ahead and tell me.”
“If you insist, now I’m just telling you what I heard, you know that I don’t believe it.”
“Yes, of course you don’t believe it,” said Mona, as she tried to be convincing as she lied to the woman, “Please, tell me.”
“Alright, I can’t say for sure why Collin was in the warehouse, but there is a rumor around town that you and he may have had something going on, that maybe he was in the warehouse because that is where you two, you know I don’t like to say, but had your rendezvous.”
Mona nearly dropped the phone at the idea that she would ever be a home wrecker; she was appalled at the suggestion, “What? You must be kidding? I’ve never run around with a married man in my life!”
“I know dear, you are a good girl, but you know how people can be. It’s no secret that Lacey and Collin weren’t happy. Folks say he had a wandering eye, first with that Stephanie Tyndall and then you.”
Stephanie Tyndall?
Mona had never heard that rumor. She knew Stephanie had worked at Lacey’s bakery, and rumor was that she’d been fired. But Mona thought they said Lacey claimed the till was short ... not that Stephanie had been fooling around with Collin.
I’m so out of the gossip loop, Mona thought with little regret.
“I know that can’t be true because,” Mrs. Fletcher droned on. “No offense, but Lacey is so young and pretty, just like a woman you see on TV, why would a man ever run around on a woman like that with Stephanie Tyndall of all people and no offense, you? You are a sweet girl but to be honest, you aren’t exactly a beauty, not like Lacey.”
Heat rose to Mona’s cheeks; she wasn’t sure what was more upsetting, that people around town thought she was Collin’s mistress or that Mrs. Fletcher just insulted her.
Trying to maintain her composure and control of the conversation, she asked Mrs. Fletcher about Collin and Lacey’s marital problems, “Mrs. Fletcher, you said they weren’t happy, what do you know about that?”
“A lady I know from church used to clean house for them. She told me once that they argued and fought a lot, she didn’t know about what exactly, but I always figured it was because poor dear Lacey thought he ran around on her.”
“What if he didn’t run around on her? What if Lacey was trying to get out of the marriage? Maybe she was unhappy, could that have been why they were arguing?”
“Maybe so, I never thought of it like that, I mean Lacey is such a dear, sweet girl, and she loved her husband. She stuck by him even after the rumors went around about his affair with Stephanie Tyndall. I always thought the problem was him.”
Mona’s stomach tightened, threatening to heave up this morning’s coffee if she listened to one more minute of Mrs. Fletcher singing Lacey’s praises, “Mrs. Fletcher, you’ve been very helpful. Thank you for being a friend during my time of trouble, and I appreciate that you were honest with me about what folks are saying. I’ll let you get back to your casserole.”
“Mona, honey, it was good talking to you, call me anytime you need a friend. You know I’m here for you.”
Mona’s fist clenched as she said through gritted teeth, “I sure will. Good bye,” she hung up the phone and screamed in frustration.
Sitting at the table in her kitchen, she realized that not only did the town think she was an arsonist, but Collin’s mistress.
Could Lacey have dreamed up the whole scheme to get rid of her husband and me, but why did she call me?
Mona’s instinct told her that Lacey was somehow at the center of her present woes. Thinking about Mrs. Fletcher’s description of Lacey as a sweet girl, the victim of an unhappy marriage to an adulterous husband, she wondered if Lacey was responsible for the rumors about her and Stephanie, trying to garner public sympathy. Knowing Lacey, Mona would not put it past her, even the murder of her husband.
I have to talk to Stephanie.
Mona cleared the cups and saucers from Leo and Aunt Bee’s visit to the sink. Suddenly the realization that Leo was investigating hit her hard.
Oh No!
What if Leo hears these rumors and thinks I had an affair with Collin?
Chapter Six
As Mona did the dishes, her mind wandered to Leo. She wanted to call him, but what would she say?
“Hey, I talked to the local gossip, and just so you know, I wasn’t having an affair with Collin, because, you know, I’d never do that. I’m in love with you.”
In her frustration, a water glass slipped from her soapy hand and crashed against her tile floor, splintering into a million pieces.
Ugh!
She stooped to pick up the largest piece and sliced her hand on the rim. Blood dripped from her fingers and she grabbed the broom and cleaned the mess.
I need to get out of the house. I’m a nervous wreck!
After bandaging her hand, she grabbed her purse and headed to her car. There was only one place she knew for certain she’d find comfort.
She drove directly to Vicki’s farm. The winding road and the sound of the wind in the pines, soothed her as she drove. It was a quick 10-minute drive, but it gave her time to sort her thoughts.
Top suspect: Lacey.
Although she wasn’t about to let Alexander Kaas or Cousin Stu off the hook yet. And she probably needed to make time to talk to Stephanie.
Mona pulled onto Vicki’s private road and was a bit annoyed to see another car next to Vicki’s pickup truck. It was a non-descript blue sedan.
Oh no!
What kind of car was Leo driving these days?
Please Lord! Tell me Leo’s not here.
She wasn’t ready to face him yet. Not if he was in the know about the rumors. What would she say to him?
She was about to turn her car around when Vicki stepped out onto the porch with a pitcher of lemonade. With her free hand she waved to Mona.
With her belly full of dread, Mona put the car in park. Then before she could get overly stressed about seeing Leo, Alexander Kaas stepped out on the porch next to Vicki.
Alexander? What the in the world is he doing here?
The moment she caught sight of his smug face, she knew.
He’s here to talk Vicki back into selling honey at his shop!
Alexander stood on the porch, his long blond hair swirling in the wind, and his arms crossed. He wore a tight white t-shirt with a black leather vest over it, and Mona was sure he’d crossed his arms for the sole purpose of flexing his massive biceps at her.
She wasn’t impressed but could swear she saw Vicki practically swoon.
She stepped out of her car and headed toward the porch.
“Howdy!” Vicki called excitedly.
“Hey,” Mona grumbled.
“What happened to your hand?” Vicki asked.
Mona waved away her concern. “Nothing. Just clumsy.
“Mona,” Alexander said, a solemn expression on his face. “I’m so sorry about Jammin’ Honey. I know how much opening the store meant to you.”
Mona took in his words and bit her lip. She knew he could be phony and petty, but why pick a fight?
“Thank you, Alexander.”
Vicki motioned to her porch swing. “Take a load off, honey. You want some lemonade?” Vicki glanced nervously at Alexander and Mona had the distinct impression that she was interrupting something.
Alexander cleared his throat and said, “Uh. Let me get the glasses.” He spun around and retreated into the house.
Mona urgently grabbed Vicki’s hand and whispered. “What’s he doing here?”
Vicki shrugged defensively. “What do you mean? He came by to see how I’m holding up. It was my store too, you know.”
“I know. I know. I’m sorry. Jammin’ Honey was every bit as much yours as it was mine,” Mona said, regretting her harsh tone.
It was true that it’d been Mona’s Great Aunt Cecilia who loaned them the seed money, but Mona and Vicki were 50/50 partners.
“I think it was sweet of him,” Vicki said, her face beaming.
Oh Lord. She’s practically glowing!
“Vicki! You can’t fall for a guy like that!”
“Like what?” Vicki said. “He’s always been uber nice to me. Plus, he’s hot!”
“He could be a criminal!” Mona hissed.
“What? Oh, come on! You can’t think Alexander had anything to do with the fire!”
“Why not?”
Vicki shrugged helplessly. “Why would he? Come on, Mona, this is Alexander we’re talking about. We worked with him for a year!”
“His shop was losing money before we started selling our products there!”
Vicki’s front door popped open, and Alexander appeared with a pink and yellow tray filled with glasses and Vicki’s trade-mark strawberry and honey thumbprint cookies.
Mona bit her lip. She knew she couldn’t talk to Vicki about the fire or any more of her suspicions with Alexander present. “Oh, so sorry. I need to go.” She leaned in for a quick hug from Vicki and said, “I’ll call you later.”
Vicki flashed her a sad smile, and Mona squeezed her hand.
“Don’t worry about it,” Mona said. “We’ll figure everything out later.” She rushed off the porch to her car and called over her shoulder, “Have fun, you two!”
She quickly backed down the private road and sped toward Antioch Avenue. She remembered that Stephanie Tyndall’s family lived on that road. She didn’t know if Stephanie still lived there, but it was as good a place as any to start, and right now she needed answers.
Racking her brain, she thought about what she knew about Stephanie. She knew Stephanie used to work at the bakery until Lacey one day blew a gasket and fired her.
Mona never paid much attention to the rumor mill. She’d always thought there was accusation of a money shortage at the bakery when Stephanie worked there, but could it be true that Stephanie and Collin had some sort of affair?
How exactly am I supposed to ask Stephanie about that?
Well, even if Stephanie had never crossed the line with Collin, she may still have inside information into the relationship between Lacey and her husband.
It’s worth a try.
From inside her purse, Mona’s cell phone buzzed. She rummaged around and glanced at the caller I.D. Cousin Stewart. Feeling only marginally guilty, Mona put him into her voicemail.
I’ll deal with him later, she promised herself.
Mona turned off Antioch Avenue and onto a smaller dirt road. The Tyndalls had lived in the same valley for generations; there was a creek, a campground for tourists, and rental property. The family occupied a few small houses set back from the road. Mona drove up the narrow, dirt road and hoped that the Tyndall family would be welcoming.
Slowly making her way up the narrow driveway, she put the car in park behind a rusty Ford truck. She honked the horn to announce her arrival. Two hunting dogs climbed out from under the porch and met her at the car. A man came to the door of the house and called out to the dogs who quickly returned to the porch.
Mona opened the car door and spoke to him, “Sir, I’m Mona Reilly, I was looking for Stephanie Tyndall’s house.”
The man looked at her for a long time without saying a word, then he spoke, “I know who you are, Stephanie’s house is up the road a ways, about a quarter mile.”
Anxiety churned in Mona’s chest. She didn’t like the way the man had looked at her.
Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?
Mona dug deep and flashed him her most endearing smile and said, “Thank you, sir.”
She climbed back in her car and followed his directions that led to a small house set high on a ridge that overlooked the valley. Mona honked the horn once more and waited.
I hope Stephanie is a little more welcoming then her neighbors!
A woman walked out onto the porch, and Mona was relieved that it was Stephanie.
“Hi Mona! What brings you to our side of the mountain?”
“I was hoping you’d have time for a quick chat.”
“Sure, come on,” Stephanie said. She motioned for Mona to sit on an old-fashioned gliding rocking chair nestled in the corner of the porch. “I’ve just made a hot pot of green tea. Can I offer you some?”
“That would be lovely,” Mona said.
When Stephanie went inside, Mona fidgeted on the porch. The view was breathtaking, and in the distance, the sound of a waterfall trickling soothed Mona.
What am I going to say to her?
Stephanie returned with a tray of tea and finger sandwiches. Mona realized with sudden surprise that she was famished. She crunched on a cucumber sandwich and grinned at Stephanie.
“Goodness, this is the best sandwich I’ve had in a long time!”
Stephanie laughed. “I’m glad you like it. I baked the bread myself.”
“It’s delicious.”
“Thank you. Its gluten-free, but I don’t normally tell people that until after they’ve tried it.”
Mona laughed. “Why? You think people are against gluten-free?”
Stephanie shrugged. “Lacey sure is.”
Mona stiffened. “Really?”
Stephanie tilted her head. “Did you come all this way to talk about gluten?”
Mona smiled. “Honestly, Stephanie, I don’t know if you heard about my shop—”
Stephanie nodded sadly. “I did see something about the fire on the news last night. Mona. I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you,” Mona paused, then decided it was probably best to get straight to the point. “Stephanie, I know we don’t know each other very well, but I could use your help.”
Stephanie seemed surprised. “Sure! With what?”
“Colin MacInroy was in my warehouse at the time of the fire—”
Stephanie gasped, and a hand flew to cover her mouth. “Oh no! Is he okay?”
“I’m afraid not,” Mona said, fighting a lump in her throat at the other woman’s reaction. “He perished.”
Stephanie dropped her head at the news and looked visibly shaken. “He’s dead? Are you certain?”
Mona nodded stiffly. She hadn’t been prepared for an emotional reaction and awkwardly hugged the woman. “I’m so sorry, Stephanie. Were you and Collin close?”
Oh lord. If the rumors are true, I’ve just told her that her lover is dead. What am I doing? I’m in way over my head.
Stephanie wiggled out of Mona’s arms and wiped her tear-streaked cheeks. “No, we weren’t exceptionally close. It’s just that I ... he was a sweet guy.” The look on Stephanie’s face changed as she studied Mona. “Oh. I see what you mean. Goodness. I hope you haven’t bought into any of the awful gossip around town. Collin and I were never more than friends, and really only acquaintances at that.”
“Stephanie, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply—”
“I know you didn’t, it just that those awful rumors about Collin and me cost me my job. Now what can I do for you? I can’t say that I can be much help.”
“That’s just it, you may be able to help me more than anyone. I don’t mean to pry, but I need to know about Collin.�
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The other woman’s eyes narrowed, and her expression turned grave, “Like I said, we were only acquaintances, what would I know about Collin?”
“You worked at the bakery for many years and ... I just thought ... I’m sorry. I really don’t mean any offense.”
“It’s okay. None taken, it’s just a sore subject with me. I haven’t been able to shake those awful rumors since they started. And then just when people started to believe me, Lacey started another lie about my stealing from the till. Can you imagine?”
Mona shifted nervously, too mortified to say that she’d heard that rumor.
“Anyway, I haven’t exactly been straight with you. Collin and I were friends. Not lovers, but more than acquaintances. Mostly because we had a few things in common, we had our troubles.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, my brother, Gabe committed suicide when he came back from Afghanistan. He suffered from PTSD; I tried to help him, to support him, but he was too proud to ask for help or accept it. He shot himself with our Grandfather’s shotgun down in that valley just below.”
Mona’s eyes involuntarily left Stephanie’s face and gazed down into the valley; it was a peaceful place, and it was hard to imagine such a horrible scene playing out there.
“Stephanie, I’m so sorry for your loss, I had no idea.”
“It’s alright; I can talk about it now. Like I was saying, I couldn’t save my brother, but I wasn’t going to let another soldier die the same way, and Collin was my chance to redeem myself and save a life.”
“Are you saying that he suffered from the same ailment, PTSD?”
“Yes ma’am. Collin had it bad, poor guy. His wife, little miss Barbie doll didn’t care about him when he was down and couldn’t get back up. All she wanted was Collin to be happy and to take care of her, hell, he couldn’t even take care of himself most times.”
“Stephanie, was that where the problem started, with Lacey?”
“Probably, his illness was why he and I became friends. We understood each other, I looked out for him and gave him a shoulder to lean on, and he let me try to save him. He knew about Gabe, and he helped me understand the pain my brother was going through before he died. If it wasn’t for Collin, I would never have been able to forgive myself.”
