by R A Wallace
Hattie stood. “Would anyone like something else to eat or drink?”
“I don’t but let me know if you need help with anything,” Laura Davidson told her before turning to Josie Klingerman. “That pumpkin roll you brought was amazing. You always were the best with that.”
“It does take a certain skill,” Hattie agreed. “Mine always tasted good but looked terrible.”
“Now that you mention it, I wouldn’t mind another piece,” Silas said hopefully.
“I’ll make a fresh pot of coffee too,” Hattie said. It was decaf, of course. The whole lot of them would be up for days if they tried drinking caffeine this late in the day.
“Have you heard from Claire lately?” Josie asked with a note of reservation in her voice.
Hattie stopped walking toward the kitchen and turned to her. “No, why do you ask?”
Josie shared a look with the others. Laura nodded her head.
Hattie could tell something was going on. “What is it?”
“With poker skills like hers, there’s no way you’re going to fool her,” Victor cautioned.
“I heard something from someone else in town,” Josie said.
“So did I,” Laura added.
“About Claire?” Hattie was getting scared now.
“And the death out at the tree farm,” Josie said.
Hattie hadn’t been paying much attention to the news. She’d been so busy getting settled in her new villa and catching up with old friends.
“Who was it that died?”
“Clay Freemont.”
Hattie suddenly felt like sitting down. Why hadn’t Claire called her to let her know? Hattie recognized that name. She hadn’t known that he was in Teaberry though. Then she remembered the class reunion. That must have been it. Why hadn’t Claire told her about it? What was Claire worried about?
***
Verna Prince paced the cafeteria in one of the residence halls where she’d agreed to meet Megan Parker at the end of her shift for the day. She’d been at work since before the breakfast had been served and she was tired. She still hadn’t recuperated from all of the work she’d put into the class reunion.
What a hassle that had been. All that work, and for what? The people she’d gone to school with treated her much the same way that they had when they were teens. For the most part, they’d ignored her. Oh, they’d all thanked her for her hard work. And there had been that embarrassing public thanks given by Libby Danes during the meal when everyone had applauded.
But so what? No asked if she wanted to get together with them after the class reunion. No one had offered to meet up with her and have lunch or spend an afternoon shopping or whatever it was friends did. She had no real idea, of course. She’d never had any friends. Not really.
The only people she ever really talked to were the residents of the retirement community. She saw them five days a week. She listened to their stories, often more than once when they repeated themselves. Deep down, Verna knew that she’d probably end up at this very same retirement community someday repeating herself to someone else. But for now, she would have liked to have some friends her own age.
She stopped pacing when she saw a younger woman walking towards her. Verna didn’t recognize her and didn’t even know why she’d agreed to meet with her.
“Verna Prince?” Megan asked as she approached the other woman.
“Yes?” Verna knew it had come out as a question. She was trying to learn to be more assertive. She repeated herself, this time more forcefully. “Yes, I’m Verna.”
Megan motioned to a table surrounded by chairs. “Would you like to sit?”
What Verna would have liked to do was go home and put her feet up. Instead, she sat down and looked questioningly at the other woman, waiting to learn why she was here.
“Thank you for meeting with me. I’m Megan Parker. I’ve been speaking with some of the people who attended the class reunion.”
Verna squirmed in her seat. “Are you a reporter?”
Megan smiled. “No, I’m not. But several of the people that I’ve spoken with have mentioned your name.”
Verna frowned. “Why?”
Megan decided to sidestep her main question for the moment. “I understand that you did much of the work involved in pulling it all together.”
Verna shrugged. “I helped Dr. Danes with it.”
“I imagine she was very busy with her work.”
“Well, she is a doctor. I tried to handle as many of the details as possible.” Verna glanced at the clock on the wall.
“That must have been a lot of work. I understand a lot of people attended?” Megan hoped to prompt the other woman into talking.
“Oh, yes. And some of them were from out of town, too.”
“What kinds of things did you do for the reunion?” Megan asked. She assumed that Verna would handle the arrangements with the hall.
“Well, I handled taking all of the deposits, for one thing.”
“Deposits? You mean, the payments each person made to attend?”
Verna nodded. “Yes, we took those payments in advance. I needed them to pay the hall and the caterer as well as the DJ.”
“That sounds like quite a chore. Whenever you have to deal with collecting money from other people, I can imagine all kinds of problems might come up,” Megan guessed.
“Oh, yes. That’s exactly what happened. It was worse than herding cats, I can tell you. I will never volunteer to help again. I was chasing people down even on the night of the reunion for their deposit.” Verna was finally becoming animated.
Megan decided it was time to ask more direct questions. “I understand that the man who recently died at the tree farm was here for the class reunion. He was from out of town, wasn’t he?”
Verna squirmed in her chair again. “Clay Freemont, yes. He was visiting his sister.”
“Did you know him well?”
Verna made a face that Megan couldn’t read.
“I haven’t really seen him since high school,” Verna said.
Megan feigned confusion. “That’s funny. I thought someone mentioned seeing you in the Jammin’T with him recently.
“Oh, yes. I did, actually. I’d forgotten that I ran into him there. I figured since I had him there in person, I should try to get his deposit from him.” She shook her head. “I never did get it.”
Megan raised her eyebrows. “He never paid to attend the class reunion?”
“No, and that was for the two of them, Clay and his wife. I’m never helping with something like that again. I mean it.” Verna looked at the clock and stood. “Listen, I’ve been up since four AM.”
Megan stood also. “Of course. I understand. Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me.”
Verna walked away wondering what that had been all about.
Chapter Twenty
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been to a library. He climbed the front steps slowly, wondering how much of an idiot he was about to make of himself. As he entered the front door, he passed some familiar faces as others exited, their arms curiously empty of books. Maybe they’d just returned some others that they’d finished reading, he thought.
He stopped short of the main desk. He could see Linda speaking with some people in a room full of computers. There was a glass wall separating the computer room from the rest of the library. Whatever she was doing, she looked busy. Amos noticed that there wasn’t one empty computer in the whole room. What did people do on the computers all day?
He turned to one side of the library and realized it must be the children’s section. There was another room off to the side and it looked like they had a class going on with a group of small children. Some of the parents and grandparents waiting for them were in the children’s section. He assumed the rest were scattered around the library. Maybe they were the ones using the computers.
He looked at a large display across from the front desk. It held a display of books on a specific theme
for the month. Given that it was November, he wasn’t surprised to find information about Thanksgiving. He was surprised to see a flyer about the Teaberry Park on the bulletin board above the display. He had never thought about posting information here about park and recreation events going on. Given the number of people currently at the library, he imagined that quite a few residents passed through here on a fairly regular basis.
There was also a flyer about upcoming events in the library for the next year posted on the board. It mentioned help with income taxes and other educational events for all age levels. Looking to the other side of the library, he could see that there was an area closest to the newspapers and magazines that had comfortable seating, a fireplace, and even a small space for hot beverages. There were a lot of people over there either reading or having quiet conversations.
A large Christmas tree in the corner was already decorated. Amos walked toward the magazines to check them out. He stopped half way when he realized that one wall was lined with videos and music CDs that could be checked out for free. He’d never thought of that. He continued walking toward the magazines and started checking out the titles. There were several that he wouldn’t mind subscribing to but had never gotten around to it because of the price. He was reaching for one when a voice behind him startled him. He turned and looked sheepishly at Linda.
“Sorry, I was in my own little world for a moment,” Amos said.
Linda was still wondering what had brought him into the library. “Happens to me all the time here. I can’t say that I ever remember seeing you in here before though.”
“You know, I can’t remember the last time I was in here. It must have been when we were in school. We had group outings when we had to come and learn all about how the books were organized.”
Linda offered a wry smile. “Sounds like it was a painful experience for you.”
Amos didn’t bother to hide his smile. “I already admitted to being a stupid teen, remember?” He looked around the library again. “A lot appears to have changed since back then.”
He waved in the direction of the computers. “Those definitely weren’t there. What are they for exactly?”
“We live in a digital world. How often have you seen a commercial or heard a short snippet on the news that ends with a web address to learn more about it.” Linda scanned the room to see if anyone needed help. “For that matter, how many times have you tried to buy something in the store only to be told it’s available online.”
Amos nodded. “That seems to happen a lot anymore.”
“Well, not everyone can afford a computer. And those who can afford one often need help using them.”
Amos looked at Linda in surprise. “You tutor people on computers?”
“And sometimes give classes, yes. People also need help with research for school or just a lot of different things. We also help them with their electronic readers for those who prefer not to check out a physical book.”
“Huh.” Who knew? Amos looked over at the artificial tree. “Looks like you’re ready for the holiday.”
Linda sighed. “Yes. I should have contented myself with that one instead of wanting a fresh one at my home for the first time since I was a kid. Then I wouldn’t be in the mess I’m in now.”
“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to try new things. That’s actually why I’m here.”
Linda couldn’t hide her surprise. “What new thing do you want to try?”
This was when Amos hoped he didn’t make an idiot of himself. “Well, actually, I was thinking of checking out a book.”
A lot of people check out books. Most of them don’t look guilty when they do it. Linda narrowed her eyes at him. “Which book?”
Amos met her suspicious gaze. “Pride and Prejudice.”
Linda started walking away. “You’re making fun of me again. Just like you did when we were in high school.”
Amos followed her. “I am not. I want to read it. I figure there has to be something worthwhile to Jane Austen if you’re such a fan. And, if I discover there isn’t, at least I can speak intelligently on the subject and tell you why it isn’t any good.”
Linda stopped and looked at him again trying to assess how serious he was. Finally, she nodded.
“You’re going to need a library card.”
Amos left the library a short time later and had almost reached his truck when he saw Megan pull into a parking spot not far from him. He quickly walked over to meet up with her as she exited her truck.
“Have you learned anything yet?” Amos asked.
“I’m still trying to talk with as many people as I can. Is there anything you can tell me?” Megan stepped around the front of her truck to stand on the sidewalk.
Amos followed her. “Yes. I was with Linda all night at the class reunion. In addition to sitting with her at dinner, we danced together all night. She never once looked over at Clay Freemont’s table and she certainly never spoke to him.”
Megan cocked her head to the side as she considered the important part of what Amos had just told her. “You sat near Clay Freemont?”
“That’s what I’m saying. He was at the very next table. She didn’t pay any attention to him at all.” Amos glanced toward the library. “They called Jennifer last night. She’ll represent them if it comes to that.”
“Both Claire and Linda?” Megan asked.
Amos shrugged. “If for any reason a conflict of interest comes up, she’ll recommend a colleague.”
Megan wondered if that had something to do with proving the innocence of one might mean proving the guilt of another. She shook her head to clear it. She’d leave the legal stuff to Jennifer.
“I need to speak with more people.”
“Where are you going next?” Amos asked.
Megan motioned around the corner. “First to the real estate office and then to the bank.”
Wendy Pope looked up from her computer when Megan walked into the door of her small real estate business.
“Can I help you?”
Megan smiled and introduced herself as she considered her options. She didn’t know Wendy Pope but noted that she was stylishly dressed and her manner was very professional.
“I was hoping to speak with you about the night of the class reunion.” Megan watched an emotion that looked like concern pass over Wendy’s face. She motioned to a chair near Wendy’s desk.
“Mind if I sit?”
At Wendy’s nod, Megan crossed the distance and took a seat. Leaning forward, she opted for honesty.
“I’m here because Linda Spelling asked me to look into the death of Clay Freemont.”
Wendy looked confused. “The police are doing that. I know, I’ve already spoken with them.”
Megan nodded. “They are, as they should be. And if I happen to learn anything, I’ll pass it along to the police. As I should.” Megan gentled her voice. “But Linda is scared that the focus of their investigation is currently on her. She’s hoping for help anywhere she can get it.”
Wendy sat back in her seat and folded her hands across her stomach. “How can you help her.”
Again, Megan opted for honestly. She explained her belief that mysteries were like puzzles. Sometimes people held a tiny piece to the puzzle and either didn’t know, or they simply didn’t understand, the significance of it. If Megan could gather enough of those tiny pieces, she may be able to solve enough of the puzzle to help someone.
“And you think I may hold a piece of your puzzle.”
Megan noticed that Wendy hadn’t phrased it in the form of a question.
“Do you?”
“Honestly? I don’t know. I did speak to Clay that night. I mentioned that to the police, of course.”
Megan nodded. “What did you talk about?”
Wendy’s eyes shifted away as she thought back. “Well, there were several of us at the dinner table. My husband was with me, of course. I talked with Clay’s wife for a little while before Clay joined the rest of us.”<
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“That would be Yolanda, yes?”
“Yes. I felt sorry for her. When I first sat down, she was by herself. I can’t imagine going to a class reunion like that where you don’t know anyone. I think Clay was stuck in the line to get a drink.”
Megan dropped her gaze for a moment. “What about when you spoke to Clay near the restrooms?”
Wendy gave a wry smile. “I told the police about that also. He said he wanted to meet with me.”
“Do you think he was interested in buying real estate?”
Wendy started to speak, then stopped. Her eyes met Megan’s. “Actually, I don’t know. For some reason, I got the impression that he was interested in selling, not buying.”
***
Ellen Harris held up a finger when a teller stopped at her office door to say someone was asking to see her. After ending her call, she stepped out and looked around. Finding a younger woman waiting nearby, she approached her.
“You wanted to see me?” Ellen asked.
Megan followed Ellen into her office. After introducing herself, she explained why she was there. She couldn’t help noticing the light tinge of pink that appeared on Ellen’s cheeks.
“I’ve spoken with the police, of course. I told them everything I knew,” Ellen said somewhat defensively.
Megan paused for a moment and considered the other woman’s reaction.
“Ellen, did Clay behave inappropriately?”
Ellen huffed out a laugh. “Didn’t he always? The only part that really surprised me was that he would still do it in my old age.”
“He hit on you at the class reunion?” Megan tried to keep the surprise from her voice. “With your husband there? And his own wife?”
Ellen shrugged. “That was Clay for you. To be honest, I’m not really sure he was all that interested in me personally. I think he was more interested in my position here at the bank.”
Megan’s eyes fell to the gold nameplate on the desk. “You’re a loan officer?”
Ellen nodded. “As soon as I turned down his offer to rekindle an old flame that was never lit, he started talking about money.”
