“Dearest Jennifer,
I have worried that the money I allocated for house maintenance will not be enough to sustain you until you inherit my property. Please use this cash as a discretionary fund for whatever you need. I hope it will be enough. I could only guess.”
Jen sat down heavily on the bed. Grandmother in her wisdom must have realized that more money might be needed. How much had been set aside? Jen began to count out the funds. Most of the money appeared to be in twenty and ten dollar denominations. There were also a few fifties. She stared at the currency as if they were alien objects from another planet. In the end, she counted two hundred thousand dollars. This money would be more than enough to see her through the next two years. She had every intention of being frugal with it. She took the two personal notes from her grandmother, most of the money, and placed them back in the safe, locking it again and adjusting the Cezanne print over it. She would remove the money as needed. In the meantime, she took one thousand dollars in small bills to place in her own room, temporarily stuffing the money in the pockets of her jeans.
For no sensible reason she could discern, she burst into tears. She supposed they were tears of gratitude for her grandmother’s thoughtfulness. At that moment, someone entered the room.
“Jen? Are you all right? I’ve been looking for you.”
She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’m fine, Maryann. Just that being in my grandmother’s room has been a bit overwhelming.”
Maryann eyed her with a sympathetic expression. “Of course, I understand. If you’d prefer to be alone, just tell me.”
“No, I’m fine.” Should she tell her friend about her discovery? She wasn’t sure. If Maryann accidentally told anyone, and Mr. Donne or his nephew found out, would they then demand that these additional funds were part of the estate and not hers to keep? But her grandmother made it clear in her notes that the money was intended for her expenses. Jen was torn. She had never been secretive. It wasn’t her nature to be anything but open and honest with other people. Yet this matter confused her. She decided to share the information with Maryann if it ever became necessary. Not an easy decision, but for the moment, it seemed right.
“It’s rather warm. I’m going to change into shorts and then we can decide about dinner. Aaron should be home soon.”
“Great. I’ll go downstairs and get things started.” Maryann went off and Jen went to her bedroom.
She felt guilty, almost dishonest, as she stuffed the bills into her own dresser drawer.
After she changed to lighter clothing, Jen found Maryann boiling pasta.
“I thought we’d combine this with some fresh vegetables and a nice salad with herbs and cheese.”
“Sounds like a perfect meal for a hot summer evening. I’ll toast some of that good bread we bought at Bigelow’s.”
They worked together side by side for a time in congenial silence.
“I think Rob will miss you a great deal when you leave,” Jen observed.
“He’ll find another female fast enough. The women around here will want to snatch him. I think he just likes me because I offer him a challenge.”
“I’m not so certain that’s what he feels.”
Maryann stopped working and turned to her. “I don’t think I really want to know about that.”
“You don’t want him having serious feelings for you?”
“No, I don’t.”
Maryann’s tone indicated the conversation made her uneasy. Jen didn’t pursue it. Maybe there were things even friends shouldn’t discuss.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Grant studied the list of charities Astra Meyers had provided. Maybe he ought to have a chat with Dr. Kramer. It seemed unthinkable that someone like Dr. Gus would harm anyone. Yet the fact remained that his free clinic would benefit if Jennifer Stoddard left town. There seemed to be a lot of money at stake. People had killed for less.
Abby Kramer sat at the front desk in the doctor’s office. Grant knew the doctor’s wife acted as his receptionist, bookkeeper and general majordomo.
“Hi, Chief. What can we do for you?”
“My knee’s been acting up. The old football injury’s causing me some pain. Thought maybe the doc could squeeze me in today.”
Abby shook her head apologetically. “Sorry, Chief, he’s completely double-booked for today. How about an appointment for tomorrow, unless it’s an emergency.”
“No, it’s not an emergency. I’ll phone.” He moved as if to leave but then turned around. “Say I just found out something I meant to ask about.”
Abby’s thin brows lifted. “What would that be?”
“Velma Pritchard donated a lot of money to your free clinic.”
Abby stood up. She looked uncomfortable. “Oh that, yes, she tended to be philanthropic. We were very sorry when she passed away.”
“Helped keep the clinic going, did she?”
“Chief, Gus provides free medical care every Saturday to anyone who needs it and might not otherwise be able to afford it. People come from far and near for those services. Ella helps out as well. Not everyone has money for health insurance. Mrs. Pritchard sympathized. She was a good woman.”
Grant decided he ought to drop by and see Jennifer Stoddard and bring her up to speed on his progress, or rather lack of progress, on her case.
Her son greeted him at the door “The policeman’s here, Mom.” He made the announcement as his mother entered the hallway.
“So I see.” She offered a gentle smile.
The boy looked up at him. “Do you have any children?”
“No, I don’t.”
The child looked disappointed. “How about a dog? Do you have one?”
“I did when I was a kid like you, but I don’t now.”
“Do you have any pets?”
“Sorry, no pets.”
“That’s all right. I don’t have any either, but I’m going to try to convince Mom to let me get a puppy,” the boy confided. “My friend Bobby’s got a great big dog. They call him Rufus the Red. He’s an Irish setter. He jumps on you and slobbers, but he’s real friendly.”
Jennifer looked embarrassed. “Chief, why don’t you join me in the study? Aaron, didn’t you promise me you were going to clean your room before Bobby comes over?”
The boy hung his head and moaned. “Oh, Mom, Bobby doesn’t care about stuff like that. His room isn’t any neater than mine, and his mother doesn’t make him clean up the mess.”
“I’m sure she does have him put his toys away. Probably in the evening when you’ve already gone home.”
“I could do it then too.”
She let out an exasperated sigh. “Young man, go to your room please.”
He wrinkled his freckled nose at her but climbed up the stairs without further comment.
“Cute kid,” Grant commented as he followed Jennifer through the hall and down to a well-appointed study.
“He’s getting to be a handful.”
Grant didn’t comment further, but a boy of that age needed a father. On the other hand, Grant reminded himself he’d had a father who’d been abusive. That hadn’t worked out well at all.
“I wouldn’t have fussed about Aaron cleaning his room, but I didn’t want him listening in on our conversation.”
He gave her a nod of understanding. He couldn’t help but notice how attractive she looked. She still had a pretty face and a good figure. Even her voice pleased.
“First, have there been any further incidents? Anything done to your car?”
“No, nothing.”
“How about the house? Has Rob been by to check on things?”
“It’s been quiet around here this week. I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary.”
“That’s good. I should tell you that I’ve spoken to both of the individuals we had some reason to consider persons of interest. I’m referring to your mother’s pal Franklin Kraulley and Samuel Forrest of the Forrest Foundation.”
J
ennifer Stoddard leaned forward. “What did you tell them?”
“Just that someone has been harassing you. I asked if they knew anything about it.”
“And did they?”
“They didn’t admit to anything. I didn’t expect they would. It was my way of giving them a warning to leave you alone.”
She smiled at him. “I think it may have worked. Neither one of them has come by, and as I told you, nothing terrible has occurred this week.”
He decided not to mention anything about Dr. Gus. He stood up. “Well, I hope that will be the end of it. But if anything happens, anything at all, don’t feel embarrassed to contact me. If I’m not available for some reason, we have uniformed officers who are.”
“Thank you. You’ve been wonderful.” She touched his arm but then retracted it as if she’d touched a fire and burned herself.
Chapter Forty
Rob Coleman gulped down a bottle of water. He’d been putting new shingles on a house and the heat had finally gotten to him. He sat down in the shade of a big white oak tree and thought about the Labor Day picnic just a few days away. The thought of being with Maryann for the day brought him pleasure, but the knowledge that she’d be leaving town soon seared him with pain. He wanted to change her mind, just didn’t see how that would be possible.
He thought about the situation again later when he had dinner with his family. His mother and sisters had finished their work early. In a cheerful manner, they joked around. Mentally, he withdrew into his own space.
“Rob, where are you?” His mother and sisters stared at him.
“What?”
“Mom asked you something. You looked like you were visiting another planet.” His sister Lori threw him a speculative look.
“Just got some things on my mind.”
“Are you still working on the Pritchard house?” His mother handed him a plate heaped with ham, beans and sweet potatoes.
“I’m done for now. But Mrs. Stoddard has plenty more that needs work there. Pretty sure she’ll be contacting me again soon.”
“She’s a good customer for us too.” Sue dug into her own plate with gusto. “I like her.”
Grant entered the kitchen. “Who do you like?”
“Mrs. Stoddard. She’s good to work for.”
Rob saw a shadow cross his brother’s face. “I wish you didn’t work for her.”
Their mother pushed back a lock of hair that had fallen across her forehead. “I don’t understand what your problem is with her. She’s a good person. Her mother, well, that’s another story entirely. But Jennifer reminds me of her grandmother.”
“I’m going to be taking her friend Maryann to the Labor Day picnic,” Rob said. He could tell from Grant’s expression that his brother didn’t approve.
“You’re making a mistake getting involved with her. Why don’t you date a local girl?”
“You think she’s too good for me?” Rob faced his brother.
Their mother, feeling the rising tension between her two sons, tried to move between them. “Nobody’s too good for either one of you. Any woman would be downright lucky to have you boys interested in her.”
Lori hooted. “Spoken like a loyal mother!”
“Not that you’re prejudiced or anything,” Sue teased.
Linda Coleman tossed a quelling look at her daughters. “All of my children are wonderful. Anyone who doesn’t realize that isn’t worthy of you. Now start eating. Dinner’s getting cold.”
Jen shopped at DeNuccio’s that afternoon. Maryann had offered to keep an eye on Aaron and Bobby. So there was plenty of time to look around. She examined the fruits and vegetables with care. They all loved the variety of produce available at this time of the year. She would select the makings for a fine dinner salad.
“You like that kind of lettuce?”
Grant Coleman’s deep voice startled her and she dropped the package of Mesclun she’d been holding. He bent down, scooped it up and handed it back to her.
“I didn’t know you shopped here.”
He shrugged. “Everyone in town does. But I don’t eat much at my place. Just came in to pick up a sandwich at the appetizing counter.”
“I haven’t tried their prepared food. It does look good.” She was aware they were talking like polite strangers. That probably was for the best. After all, they were strangers who hardly knew anything about each other.
“Yeah, good stuff here.”
“I take it you don’t cook?”
“I can, just prefer not to. So everything okay with you?” His tone sounded casual but his gaze expressed something quite different.
“Fine,” she said.
“No more problems?”
Jen shook her head. Why did her heart start to race whenever she saw him? She wondered if he realized it. She hoped not.
“My brother tells me he’s escorting you and your friend to the Labor Day picnic.”
“Yes, we’re all looking forward to it.” She managed a small smile.
“Rob really likes your friend.” His expression increased in intensity.
“Yes, I know that. I think Maryann has similar feelings for him.”
“Does she?” He threw her a dubious look. “I’d hate for my brother to get hurt.”
“So would I.” She wanted to reassure him, but how could she when Maryann had expressed her intention of returning to the city on numerous occasions.
“She set to leave?”
Jen put the lettuce into her cart. “After Labor Day.”
“My brother’s hoping she’ll change her mind. He’s a bone deep optimist.”
“But you’re not?”
His eyes became steel. “Let’s just say I’ve seen the darker side of humanity.”
She thought a change of subject might be a good idea but what did they have in common?
“I guess we’ll see you at the picnic.”
“We’ll be working there.”
“Crowd control?”
“Right, and steering traffic. Whatever’s needed. We keep an eye on the teenagers for instance. Sometimes they sneak beers and get rowdy.”
“Will you get to enjoy the picnic?”
“Probably not.”
“Well, make certain you visit us. We’ll have lots of extra food for hard-working police officers.”
“So will my mother and sisters.” He clearly intended to keep his distance.
“I imagine your mother is a good cook.”
“You imagine right. She’s the best. Have a good time at the picnic.”
“Thank you.” She watched him walk away from her toward the appetizing counter. Why had it been so difficult for her to talk to him? But she knew the answer. Jen let out a deep sigh and tried her best to concentrate on her shopping. Other things were best forgotten.
Grant could have kicked himself. Why had he gone over and talked to her? He didn’t even like the woman, did he? Just because she looked so delicate and feminine while selecting her produce? No, who was he kidding? There was just something about her that got to him. He hated it but couldn’t seem to shake the need to be with her. Of course, if he was honest with himself, he would have to admit that he wanted to do a lot more than just talk to her. He felt like he was back in high school wanting to date her. And look how that had turned out? He shook his head and tried his best to clear any foolish thoughts about Jennifer Stoddard out of his head like cobwebs crowding a corner of his thick skull. He was a mature adult not a randy teenager: logic before lust.
Chapter Forty-One
Maryann enjoyed her afternoon with Aaron and Bobby. Jen would probably have let them run around happy by themselves, but she liked spending time with the children. First they played hide and seek together. That caused a lot of running around outside and figuring out hiding places. They laughed together when Maryann caught them or they caught her. It was great fun frolicking with them.
But at one point when Maryann had hidden near an old tool shed, she saw someone parked up the street
in a silver Mercedes. She noted that the driver was a man. She might not have noticed him at all had he not slumped down behind the wheel as if to avoid being recognized. That troubled her.
Maryann observed that the man in the Mercedes sat up straighter when the boys ran out on the lawn. He appeared to be watching for them, or at least trying to do so. Why? And who was he? She resolved that she would tell Jen about this and let her decide what to do. Maryann wanted to get his license number. Then the police could run the plate. That would certainly be helpful.
“Maryann, can we set up the sprinkler? Bobby and I want to run through it. It’s hot out here.”
She turned to Aaron. “Oh, of course, we can. But I want to set it up in the back, not out here in the front yard. Can you get the sprinkler yourself?”
Aaron shook his head solemnly. “Mommy says I can’t go into the shed alone because there’s too many things there that could hurt me.”
“Your mother’s right. I’ll be right with you.” Her mind, momentarily distracted, returned to thoughts of the watcher. But as she started to walk up the street toward the Mercedes, the car took off making an abrupt U-turn and going in the opposite direction, burning rubber. Maryann stood there in frustration, hands on hips for a few moments. She really had a bad feeling about this.
Jen placed her purchases in the picnic cooler she kept in the trunk of the car. Her produce would stay crisp and fresh until she returned to the house. In the meantime, she intended to browse around Main Street for a few extra minutes. She chose the bakery as her first stop. She had a yen for chocolate cake. Maybe it had been caused by talking to Grant Coleman a few minutes ago. She had to admit that seeing him depressed her. They had no relationship, never had one, and yet she still felt as if they should have. For those few glorious weeks when they worked together on the Shakespeare project, she’d been so happy. But that joy had been totally crushed. Being reminded of the pain made her miserable. Yes, she would prescribe chocolate cake for this evening. It might not serve as a cure for depression, but it wouldn’t hurt either. A good thing she wasn’t overweight.
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