by C A Phipps
She’d been to the bank and was heading to Cozy Crafts to see Olivia when she noticed Harvey standing outside what once was the diner. He was chatting to a local contractor, and she decided to ask him how things were progressing. Just out of earshot, she waited until they were done, then waved.
Harvey despondently crossed the ash-filled ruins.
“You don’t look pleased.”
“I guess I could be worse—the buildings around it are still standing.” He gave her the side-eye. “What are you up to?”
“Just taking a walk. The early morning rush is finished, and having two other people working for a change, I’m making the most of being able to take breaks.”
“Good for you. I should look at getting myself an assistant, but I like having things my way. Actually, I was thinking about coming by for a bite to eat and some of your fancy coffee.”
Scarlett laughed at this interpretation of his favorite drink. “A cappuccino is fancy?”
“For some of us that hadn’t heard of them a few years back, it is fancy.” He inclined his head. “That you remember what I drink is testament to great customer service. It makes a person feel special—as if they actually matter.”
Scarlett gulped. “Mom always said the same thing.”
“She was a wonderful woman, and I’m not the only person, other than you girls, who miss her.” He winked. “At one time, she had half the men in this town hopeful that she’d look their way.”
Scarlett screwed up her face. “It’s something I only recently appreciated and kind of weird to hear when it concerns my mom.”
“I dare say,” he chuckled.
At least Harvey had lost his snakiness, and she nodded at the mess. “Looks like you’re getting ready to start the demolition?”
Harvey shrugged. “No point in waiting to find out how to go about it. The insurance has, in theory, agreed to pay out—it’s just a matter of when.”
She smiled encouragingly. “That’s such good news.”
“I guess it is. Yet, part of me wonders without finding out who burnt it down, will that person try to do the same to a new building?”
Scarlett tipped her head. “I never considered that.”
“Not everyone is fond of real estate agents,” he said sorrowfully.
“Oh. Is there someone in particular that is annoyed with you?”
Harvey grimaced. “The sheriff already grilled me on that. Anyway, I visited poor Betty on Saturday, and she was not her usual bubbly self. Understandable, but I hope she’ll take care. Is she any better today?”
“She’s alright. Still sad, which is only to be expected.” Scarlett couldn’t tell him how Betty was feeling about visitors without hurting his feelings.
“I guess the thought of moving is adding to her worries.”
Scarlett gaped. “Betty’s moving? Where’s she going?” Having formed a relationship with her assistant as well as spending a lot of time in training, losing her so soon would be doubly awful because of Violet. In fact, she felt a little ill at the prospect of telling her sister.
“You really had no idea? I knew it wasn’t common knowledge, but I assumed she’d speak to you about her plans. Well, it’s too late now to put the cat back in the bag. “She feels that she can’t stay in the house, but does want to remain in Cozy Hollow.”
The level of relief was surpassed by guilt for thinking of herself and her family before she considered Betty. “That’s so sad. We did talk about it a couple of times, but she insisted she was fine going home.”
“She’s brave, but not superwoman,” Harvey chided gently.
“We should do all we can to get her another nice place as soon as possible. Do you know of anywhere?”
“Mabel Norris’s house is still empty.”
Scarlett shivered at the mere suggestion of the previous librarian’s house being suitable. “I’m not surprised.”
Harvey shrugged. “Maybe for some, it wouldn’t suit, but it’s a cute place—suitable for one. I might suggest it.”
Her raised eyebrow made him shrug again. “Perhaps I’ll give it a little more thought, but it would solve one of my problems.”
“Good luck with that.” Scarlett headed back to the café, completely forgetting to visit Olivia.
When they were closing up, Ruby called to say that she had a group of children needing help with a school assignment and wouldn’t be finished until later. Teaching struggling young readers to love books was a passion, so helping them do well at school was never considered a chore.
Their younger sister could have made a career in many ways, but working at the library fulfilled her and ticked so many boxes, it was no wonder that Ruby was the happiest person Scarlett knew.
As soon as they were home, they began the afternoon ritual of collecting produce and feeding the animals before Scarlett made supper.
George had come home under his own steam, which wasn’t unusual, but he was filthy.
“Have you been nosing around the diner? Didn’t I tell you to stay away from there? You could get hurt.”
George glared at her and flounced towards the house. This was one feisty tabby, but he always made Scarlett smile. And she knew one of his secrets—George liked Bob.
A few mornings in a row, she had found them curled up together on Bob’s blanket. Waking to find Scarlett watching him, George slapped Bob, who looked confused, then indignantly slunk out the newly installed cat-flap.
It was funny how the two pets had grown on her, but Scarlett wasn’t about to admit this to Ruby. Goodness knew how many pets they’d end up with if it came to light.
Depositing a full basket of fresh vegetables on the kitchen counter, Scarlett rubbed her arm where a red welt had formed from the weight of it.
“You got a little crazy out there,” Violet pointed to the basket.
“My mind wandered, and before I realized how much I’d gathered, I’d filled it. We’ll use some tonight, and I can bottle some.”
Violet pulled a face. “And eat the same things all week, just to get through it,”
Scarlett couldn’t argue—there really was far too much. “We can take some to the café tomorrow. And what if I drop some off to Betty when I collect Ruby and the pets? Betty’s always cooking something in the evening—maybe she could bottle tomatoes too?”
“Good idea if you think she’d be okay with a visitor after what she said this morning. Either way, you look tired, how about I cook tonight,” Violet offered.
“No need to twist my arm.” Scarlett grinned. “I’d be grateful for the chance to unwind before I go out again.”
“Take your time. Ruby will be a little while yet. You know how parents like to chat with her about their children when they collect them. But I’ll make dinner now, so it’ll be ready whenever you get back.”
Violet started cooking, and Scarlett took a long shower. Not having to make dinner meant she had some time to herself—a rare luxury—and she intended to enjoy it.
Only, her mind would not be quiet. For every clue that they could discount, several more rose up in their place. Betty was tired of discussing the murder, and Nate insisted Scarlett back off. Which would be more acceptable if the case were actually progressing. From Scarlett’s viewpoint, nothing new had come to light for far too long.
An unsolved murder, and a kidnapping, were such horrible crimes for any town. And there was so much gossip around it. Not to mention some finger-pointing. The longer it dragged on, the more miserable Betty was becoming. Scarlett felt that it was more than just the loss of her brother and her ex-husband’s treatment. It was as if there was an impending doom about to befall poor Betty making her more scared than ever.
If she was as scared as Scarlett thought, she would ask her sisters if they should have Betty back to stay.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Ruby called to say one of her friends stopped by and brought supper, so Scarlett had a leisurely dinner with Violet
It was after sundown when she drove
into town. She drove around the block just so she could see the diner from a different angle, her fingers tapping on the steering wheel. Scarlett was convinced that she was missing something—they all were. Until she found out what it was, this feeling wouldn't likely abate.
Up ahead, a movement caught her eye. Did she imagine it? No, there it was! Pulling the van to the curb, she switched off the lights. Two heartbeats later, a woman darted from under the streetlamp thirty feet away. At least she trusted it was a woman by the calf-length coat and high-heels.
Something about her—in that split second of hesitation under the light—appeared familiar. Furtively, the woman crossed the road, looking around her before running down the small lane beside the library.
The library where Ruby was.
Scarlett locked the van and followed., relieved by the fact that the woman did not attempt to go through the library's back gate. When she got to the end of the lane, the one leading to Betty's street, it was empty.
Her stomach clenched anew at the woman's disappearance. She was fast and wore black, reminding Scarlett of another stranger. This had to be the woman from the funeral—the one Nate couldn't find. A trench coat, unnecessary on such a warm night, and dark clothes, didn't hide her curves and, in fact, spoke of being up to no good.
What was she doing in Cozy Hollow this time of night?
There was only one way to find out, and Scarlett wouldn't sleep if she didn't make every effort to do so. Creeping along the hedge line, then up Betty's gravel driveway, Scarlett tip-toed to mask most of the crunch of her footsteps. She wore trainers, but it still sounded as though she were doing a tap dance in an empty meeting hall.
This made her wonder if she was wrong about the woman coming here, because apart from her own noise, and a dog barking somewhere, there was no other sound. This was odd since there should be if Scarlett was going in the right direction.
Sliding behind a tree, she saw that the sitting room curtains were shut, so Scarlett headed around the back. Betty might be sleeping, and she wouldn't disturb her if that looked like the case.
Not the kind to peer through windows as a rule; nevertheless, she crept up the steps and stretched to her right to see if Betty was in the kitchen. Shadows, the shape of people, indicated that there were at least two people inside. Scarlett craned her neck to take a better look.
Betty could have a visitor, except for the fact that she'd made it known that she no longer wanted or needed babysitting—as she'd put it. Respecting her privacy, Olivia had explained this to the knitting club, and home visits ceased. That they'd even begun was a testament to her aunt's sway when they'd all being terribly miffed after their exclusion from the funeral.
Perhaps now that Betty had made amends, proved by the fact that the group had been at the café today, one of them had dropped by, or Olivia?
Whoever Betty had inside was undoubtedly none of Scarlett's business, but since Betty was both home and awake, Scarlett rapped on the door. She didn't have the tomatoes on her, but she could talk about them, and picking up Ruby gave semi-legitimate reason for being here.
Footsteps came closer, and Betty peered through the window. Her eyes widened, then she smiling and opened the door.
"Hello dear, what are you doing here?"
"Ruby's still at the library working on a special project tonight with some children, so I thought I'd stop by and bring you some of our fresh produce. To be honest, I picked too many tomatoes for the café. I thought I'd stop in and see if you'd like some before I collect Ruby, then I could bring them tomorrow."
"How lovely. I love the freshness of your garden." A door slammed somewhere nearby and Betty flinched. "Did you want to come in?"
Scarlett peered down the short hall. "I won't disturb you if you have visitors?"
Betty frowned. "Visitors? Why do you say that? I'm here alone."
"Then, I must be mistaken in thinking I saw someone arrive before me."
"You and your imagination," Betty laughed as she beckoned Scarlett inside.
Apart from her initial reaction, Betty seemed happy to have her stop by. Scarlett decided that whoever she'd seen in the street had been going elsewhere, and just as Betty said, her imagination had run amuck. Shadows often made up their own story.
Scarlett sniffed. "What's that wonderful smell?"
"You must mean the coconut ice. I promised Violet I'd make some. Now are you coming in or not? There could be a sample or two."
Scarlett couldn't help herself. "Just for a few minutes."
A batch of the sweet treat sat on the counter, beckoning her.
"Help yourself, and I'll make coffee if you have time?" Betty motioned for her to sit.
"Yes, please." Scarlett took a square off the plate and bit into it savoring the crunch and sugary sweetness. It was just as tasty, if a little firmer than the last lot, and she was happy to have the coffee to wash it down. "The fudge is going especially well."
Betty smiled. "I know. Should I double the batch tomorrow?"
"Let's do that, but we might need to hide it from my sisters," Scarlett winked.
"Hah!" Betty laughed. "I was just thinking how your little family seems to be doing very well for itself."
Scarlett nodded. "It feels like it's been a long time coming, but we're all finally going to get what we want."
Betty stiffened. "That must be nice. Not everyone gets to experience that."
Her mouth suddenly dry, Scarlett reached for Betty's hand, but she pulled away. "I know it's easy to say, but things will get better. Harvey tells me that you're thinking of moving?" Scarlett admired the neat and well-appointed kitchen, almost missing Betty's horror.
"I told Harvey that it wasn't for public knowledge just yet."
"I won't tell anyone," Scarlett assured her. "Anyway, if you're going to stay local, it's not such a big deal, is it?"
Betty peered over Scarlett's shoulder. "I guess you're right."
Scarlett turned, but the hall was empty. Were they both imagining things? "I know it sounds selfish, but I'm so glad about that because we love having you work at the café."
"Mmmm." Absently Betty moved her cup from hand to hand.
"Is everything okay?"
With an effort, Betty brought her focus back to Scarlett. "Why do you ask?"
"You keep looking at the door." Not wanting to suggest this any earlier in case she opened a can of worms, she had to ask, "Are you still scared of being here by yourself?"
"Not really scared." Betty, put her cup down on the counter and tucked her hands into her bulging apron pocket. "Maybe I'm still a little nervous," she admitted.
Scarlett appreciated that it wasn't something Betty would get over quickly until Jimmy was caught. "Of course you are. Having someone breaking in is a hard thing to get over. More so when you know who it was."
"And the main reason to think about moving," Betty agreed.
"When you say it aloud, it makes perfect sense."
Betty nodded absently. "I won't be going far unless I can't find something I can afford around here."
Betty's moods were up and down, and being in this house obviously triggered the fear and memories anew every time she came home.
"I hope you can find something that will make you feel more comfortable." Betty looked away, and Scarlett added hastily, "I guess it's easier said than done. It was ghastly. You've been so brave about everything. If you ever want to talk over any of it, I'm happy to listen. And we'd be happy to have you back to stay if that would help?"
Betty paled and shook her head. "Thank you for the offer, but I don't think so." She yawned. "I'm sorry, I think an early night is on the cards."
"Of course. I've got to pick up Ruby anyway. See you tomorrow."
Scarlett left, but her mind was on Betty's up and down behavior. It was reminiscent of Arthur before he had tests and found that he had PTSD. The medication helped enormously. Did Betty need something like that?
She would talk to Sam.
Chapter T
wenty-Five
Once she got to the end of Betty's drive, Scarlett ran back to the library as fast as she could.
Ruby was alone—and safe.
"What on earth is the matter with you?" her sister asked as she burst in the door.
"I've just had a weird time at Betty's."
"She is a bit all over the place. Which is natural when you consider what's been going on." Ruby collected her bag, and they were nearly at the door when it banged open.
"Would you all stop doing that!" Ruby yelled.
Nate had a hand on his holster. "What's going on here?"
"I'm picking up Ruby. Why are you here?"
Nate studied them carefully. "So, you're both okay?"
"Yes, but you're making me nervous." Scarlett crossed her arms. "Have you been watching me?"
He walked around the room and checked all the windows, then the back door.
"Nate?" Scarlett tapped her foot.
"Not just you," he admitted.
"Okay. I'm going to need more than that."
"Seriously? Do you understand on any level that I am the law here? Instead of making my job harder, you could try to behave like all the other residents."
He was so mad that Ruby backed away. Scarlett should have, but she couldn't.
"I'm tired of being scared. Did you find a body in the diner walk-in or not? Was it Jimmy?"
"I'm not telling you anything," he growled.
"Then, I have to assume the worst." Scarlett shook her head. "The problem is I should feel safer if Jimmy's dead, but I don't. Which means you have another suspect."
Nate's gaze remained steely, but his adam's apple lifted—twice.
"It has to be that woman. I saw her again tonight."
Nate grabbed her by the upper arms. "This is not a game, Scarlett."
She stared at him. "You're scaring me."
His hands dropped. "I apologize. That is never my intention. Although I wish you would be a little more scared. You'd certainly be a lot safer."
Ruby stood between them. "I don't know why this is weird all of a sudden, but I want to know what the heck you two know because this is freaking me out."
