Before walking into Bigelow’s Bakery, Jen again noticed the shop between the bakery and the bookstore that stood vacant. She became thoughtful. A coffee shop at that location did seem like a good idea. People could buy a treat at the bakery and take it into the coffee shop to sit down and relax, perhaps socialize. Others might purchase a book or magazine and want to do the same. Maryann’s idea of offering lattes and cappuccinos wasn’t half-bad.
They wouldn’t really be competing with the diner because that establishment served regular coffee, usually with breakfast, lunch or dinner. The cash her grandmother had so generously made available to her could pay the rent on the shop and serve to renovate it. But she had no knowledge or ability in the area of business. Jen knew her limitations. Her work life had been spent in a laboratory. She’d never related well to other people, too shy, too reserved. It was only with Bill that she’d felt comfortable enough to reach out. Again she thought how fortunate she’d been to have him in her life and also to have given birth to his son.
If only Maryann could remain in Bloomingvale. Perhaps then she could manage the courage to create a business and a new life for herself and Aaron. Maybe in time she would be able to make plans. She stared at the empty shop and sighed.
Jen visited Bigelow’s Bakery and eyed the different cakes in the display case.
Mrs. Bigelow came over to wait on her.
“Can I have the chocolate cake with the shavings on top?”
“Sure thing. It’s double chocolate, got chocolate chips inside as well. I’ll just put that in a box for you.”
“Look who’s buying cake to eat while her own mother is starving.”
Jen turned around startled. “Are you really starving?”
Sara Morrow turned a sour look on her daughter. “Would you really care if I were?”
“Yes, I can certainly spare some money.”
“How much?” An index finger with a long blood-red fingernail pointed at her. “I want a million dollars. Give it to me and I’ll drop my lawsuit.”
Jen shook her head. “You know I don’t have that kind of money. Two years from now I might.”
The accusing finger aimed at her like a weapon. “Two years? A lot can happen in two years. I could be dead in two years, or you could be.”
Her mother turned and stormed out of the bakery. Jen watched her leave and realized she’d been holding her breath. Mrs. Bigelow, who’d been staring, now held the boxed cake out to her. Jen’s face flushed with embarrassment. Her hands shook.
As she drove back to the house, she realized that never once had her mother inquired about her grandson. Apparently, she cared only about money. It made Jen sick to her stomach.
When she arrived home, it looked as if Maryann had been waiting for her. Her friend wore an odd expression.
“I’m sorry. Did I take too long?”
Maryann ripped at a fingernail. “It’s not that. I thought you should know about something.”
“Are the boys all right?” She felt a sense of alarm from the way Maryann behaved.
“No, nothing like that. They’re both fine. In fact, Aaron wants to know if Bobby can stay for dinner. They’re in his room now playing soldiers.”
“Then what is it?” She knew something was troubling her friend.
“Probably nothing. But there happened to be a man in a car sitting up the street. I got the impression he was watching us.”
“You mean you and the boys?”
Maryann gave a quick nod. “Yes. When I started to go toward the car, he turned and drove away.”
“Did you see his face?”
Maryann frowned. “I couldn’t. He slouched down in the car. Come to think about it, he wore a baseball hat with the bill pulled low.”
Jen absently placed the groceries on the marble tile flooring in the foyer. “I have to say what you’re telling me makes me feel very uneasy.”
“I know. Think we should call Chief Coleman?”
The thought of seeing him again today made her feel ill. What would he think? Probably that she was chasing after him, making up stories to get his attention. Of course, it was Maryann’s narrative not her own. Still, she felt he would be suspicious.
“Maybe we ought to wait and see. Besides, what can we tell Grant Coleman? Can you describe the man?”
Maryann shook her head.
“Did you get a license plate?”
“No, I tried but he left too fast. I did see the car. It happened to be a silver Mercedes, a recent model from what I could tell.”
“Well, frankly, it doesn’t have to mean anything at all. Maybe he just saw a beautiful woman and wanted to ogle you.”
“Thanks for the compliment. I suppose you could be right. It doesn’t have to be the same person or persons that have been harassing us.”
“You mean me. And no, it doesn’t. I think I’ve been bothering Chief Coleman too much. We’ll give him a pass on this incident. I doubt there’s any need to worry.”
“All right, if you say so. What did you buy for dinner?”
“Good stuff.”
Maryann picked up the bakery box. “What about this?”
Jen smiled and shrugged. “I think the boys are entitled to a little treat, and so are we. It’s a chocolate chip chocolate cake.”
“My day just improved.”
“Mine too. Want to help me fix dinner?”
“Of course,” Maryann said, picking up the package of groceries. “What are friends for?”
Chapter Forty-Two
Jen perspired profusely while working in the kitchen. The window air conditioner would need some adjustment. She and Maryann had fixed chicken salad, potato salad, cole slaw and various nibbles for their picnic basket. They’d squeezed fresh lemons for their lemonade as well.
“I understand a church group sells hot dogs and hamburgers as a fund raiser. You know Aaron will prefer that.”
“No question,” Maryann agreed.
“They’ll also have ice cream and ices there. So I don’t think we want to take anymore with us.”
“I think you’re right.” Maryann wiped the sweat from her own brow. “This should hold us.”
“I’ll try and make myself and Aaron scarce for a while so you and Rob can have some alone time.”
Maryann shrugged and trained her eyes on the floor. “It really isn’t necessary.”
“I kind of think it is. You do like him, don’t you?”
“Sure. He’s a terrific guy. But you know I’m leaving. I don’t think he accepts that.”
Jen didn’t comment. This was Maryann’s business. She didn’t want to offer an unwanted opinion or any advice. Maryann as a mature woman obviously knew her own mind. And yet a real relationship, one in which both parties truly connected wasn’t easy to find. Jen had a strong feeling that Rob and Maryann could make a go of it together.
The doorbell rang and Aaron called out that he would answer it. Jen suspected her son knew that Rob would be arriving at any minute and had been waiting for him. Rob endured as one of Aaron’s favorite people. She liked that arrangement. Rob had not become a father substitute but more like an uncle.
“Rob’s here,” Aaron announced, which proved unnecessary since the man in question followed her son out to the kitchen.
“Let me put those hampers in your car for you,” Rob said.
“We’re not quite ready yet,” Jen told him.
“When you are, let me know. I just did the same thing for my mother and sisters.”
“How are they?”
Rob moved his head from side to side. “Fine. Bringing lots of food too.”
“Come to my room.” Aaron took Rob’s large hand with his small one and pulled him along. “I built this humongous skyscraper and put King Kong on top. Wait ‘til you see it.”
“Well, I can’t miss that.” Rob flashed a broad grin at Aaron and then turned back to Jen and Maryann. “Call me when you’re ready to go.”
Jen waited until Rob left the kitchen with
Aaron. Then she turned back to Maryann. “That man will be a good father someday.”
“I suppose so.” Maryann’s eyes did not meet hers and so it was impossible to know what her friend might be thinking. “I think I’ll go upstairs and change.”
“I guess I should do the same, get out of these messy clothes.”
As they ascended the stairs, Jen heard the sound of childish laughter and Rob’s deep mellifluous voice. She smiled to herself. This would be a memorable day. She felt it in her bones.
The watcher lurked, waiting to see if the two women and the child happened to be alone. He observed the big man with the strong muscled build drive up to the house in a pick-up truck and felt dismay. He’d seen this man before working on the house. But today wasn’t a work day. He’d parked too close last time and nearly been spotted. Too close for comfort. He couldn’t afford that. Surveillance cameras had been set up at the house so he dared not risk any further acts of vandalism. He would be seen. He would be caught. He would be sent to jail. That couldn’t happen. It was unthinkable.
Acts of vandalism hadn’t worked. Other means would have to be used. He had an inventive mind, a fine level of creativity. He had tried to drive the Stoddard woman from the house, deemed it imperative. But she’d proven stubborn.
His mind energized with different ideas. He must get rid of the woman, and the sooner the better. Today he needed to do something radical. She’d forced him to it with her obtuse stupidity. Her own fault. Not his. She made this necessary. He watched from his vantage as the muscle man placed food baskets in the back of a pick-up truck. So the man would be driving them. That was unfortunate. He had thought of forcing them off the road. But that would be best done when they were out on the highway. He might use his rifle again if necessary. He felt prepared. He’d even purchased several handguns on the streets of Kansas City the last time he visited, ones that could not be traced. He envisioned himself forcing the Stoddard woman off the road and shooting her dead in the dark of night on a deserted road. He smiled at the pleasing thought.
He’d worked on the brakes of that rental car. But she’d been with the other woman at the time. He hadn’t wanted to kill them both. However, he felt desperate enough to do that now.
Things had changed. He’d watch and wait for the right opportunity to eliminate her. He could be flexible. Her fault, all of it, her fault.
He’d almost killed her back when she arrived. Shooting at her through the open window of the car hadn’t been a bad idea. Of course, he’d only meant to frighten her into leaving then. But if she had been killed, so much the better. It seemed totally justified.
She’d had enough warnings. Today matters would need to take a more serious turn. He’d up the ante. He only had to wait and watch. All her fault! She would have to pay the price in blood.
Chapter Forty-Three
Jen was having a nice time at the Labor Day picnic, mostly because Aaron was enjoying himself. Seeing her son happy made her happy as well.
“How are you doing?”
Jen looked up from her cleaning. “Keeping the ants off the blanket as best I can.”
Linda Coleman laughed. “Good luck with that.” Jen observed that Linda looked cheerful and years younger than her age. Hard work must agree with her. But Jen had noticed that Linda maintained a positive attitude toward life very different from her own mother.
“Where are Lori and Sue?”
“Trying to flirt with the musicians. Those young men are about their age. Myself, I can’t stand that loud music. I guess I’m showing my age.”
“I’m not crazy about it either,” Jen said.
“I brought you one of my homemade apple pies for dessert.” She set the covered dish down on the picnic blanket.
“We’ve been hearing a lot about your pies.” Maryann smiled at Linda.
“Probably from Rob. He’s the pie lover in the family.”
“You’ll have to teach me how to bake them,” Jen said.
“It would be my pleasure.”
“Why don’t we leave the pie with you for now though? We can join you later at your picnic table. I’m afraid if we leave it here, the ants will be feasting instead of us.” Jen handed the pie plate back to Linda.
“Are they having fireworks?” Maryann asked.
“No, that’s only on the fourth of July. It’s the bigger summer holiday here. The town does a picnic on Memorial Day as well but it’s more like this one. See you all later.”
Jen looked around and saw more familiar faces. Dr. Kramer, his wife and daughter were present and chatting with Noah Winthrop, the local dentist. Dave Stuart, the mechanic who worked on her car, flirted with Terrie Prentice, the young woman who worked at the bookstore.
“Having a good time, Mrs. Stoddard?” Jen turned to see Samuel Forrest.
He hadn’t dressed formally in suit and tie as she’d seen him last, but even his casual clothes spoke of quality. His slacks were perfectly creased.
“How are you, Mr. Forrest?”
“I would be doing better if you hadn’t sent that policeman around to bother me.”
“I did not send him.”
He gave her a look that indicated he didn’t believe her one bit. “You may come to regret your actions.”
Jen stiffened. “Are you threatening me?”
“Not at all. But there is an old saying: what comes around goes around. I’m certain you’re familiar with that. Good day, Mrs. Stoddard.” His eyes reminded her of granite.
Jen shivered slightly as Samuel Forrest made his way through the convivial crowd.
“What a creepy little man,” Maryann observed. “I guess there are nasty people everywhere, even in friendly small towns like this one.”
When it was time to join the Higgins family, they gathered together the remains of their picnic lunch, discarded the perishable leftovers, and for the moment left everything else behind.
Eric Higgins had a grill going and continued to barbecue. “Bobby and I were coming to get you. We still have some time before the relay race begins. Thought you might like some of this.”
“How thoughtful,” Jen said.
“Got lots of food here.” Eric pointed with a spatula. Choice of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken, sausage and peppers, corn on the cob, baked beans, cole slaw, pasta salad, and potato salad, cookies, and soda. Help yourselves.”
“No thanks,” Aaron said. “If I eat anymore I won’t be able to run.”
“Well, I’m not running,” Rob said. He helped himself to a cheeseburger and took a large bite. “I like the way you cooked this.” He turned to Eric. “Usually burgers are burned on the outside when they’re grilled.”
Eric flashed a big smile. “The secret is waiting until the coals turn white and glow. Then you put the meat on and get perfect even cooking. Gotta have patience though.”
Rob nodded. “Yeah, patience is the key to getting lots of things right.” He glanced over at Maryann and gave her a meaningful look.
They remained with the Higgins family during the relay race, the hundred-yard dash and the three-legged race. Jen cheered for the boys, but they were disheartened because they lost all three races.
“There’s always next year, sport,” Rob said, mussing Aaron’s hair.
“We’ll probably be in New York,” Aaron muttered, his eyes cast down.
Jen felt a sense of alarm. Aaron still believed they were going back to the city, that this had been only a vacation. She would have to talk to him, explain things, make it clear once and for all that they would be living in Bloomingvale permanently, at least for the next two years. Aaron would have to come to terms with her decision. But would he able to accept it as she hoped?
Chapter Forty-Four
Rob turned to Maryann. “Would you take a walk with me?”
She looked up at him. “Just the two of us?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“See you later,” Jen said.
“Where should we look for you?”<
br />
“I’ll be right here with the Higgins family. Aaron wants to remain with Bobby.
I think there will be other children too that Bobby will introduce to Aaron.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Rob said. “We’ll see you in a little while.”
He took Maryann’s hand in his own larger one and glanced over at her as they strolled along.”
After they walked along Main Street for a block, Maryann stopped and turned to him. “Why did you want to be alone with me?”
“Well, for starters, I need to walk off some of that good food.”
“But you have another reason, don’t you?”
“I do.” He gazed into her eyes. “I wish I was a romantic kind of guy. I’m sure in New York men bring you flowers and champagne, send limousines for you. Best I could manage is a bouquet of wild flowers, some local wine and a ride in my pick-up truck.”
She smiled. “I’m not as fussy as you think.”
“Good to know.” He smiled back at her. He took her hand to his mouth and kissed each finger in turn, then turned her hand over and kissed the palm. She emitted a deep sigh which he took as his reward.
He swallowed hard.
“I guess I haven’t made it a secret how I feel about you. I know you haven’t wanted to get too involved with me.”
She looked up at him, shading her eyes from the sun with her hands. “I just don’t want to hurt you or myself. You know I’m leaving here in a couple of days. I have a whole life back in New York. We’ve discussed this before. I don’t think there’s anything left to say.”
Rob felt his heart begin to hammer. “That’s where you’re wrong. There’s plenty to say. I just don’t know if I can say it right. I’ll just come out with it, no fancy language. I love you. I loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on you.”
Maryann pulled her hand from his and shook her head vehemently, her hair moving like a wheat field in the wind. “I don’t believe in that love at first sight stuff. You can be attracted to someone physically, of course, but you can’t love them. Rob, we still hardly know each other. How can you say you love me? It’s so unrealistic.”
The Inheritance Page 15
