Secrets in the Shallows (Book 1: The Monastery Murders)

by Karen Vance Hammond

  Sheriff Johnson reached for the black cast iron door handle. “I’ll get the door.” Trying to pull it open, he said, “Locked.” Taking a deep breath, he loudly rapped on the large wooden door with the heavy knocker and yelled, “Hello?! Sheriff Johnson here.” Waiting impatiently, the sheriff continued to knock on the door repeatedly. “Please, someone!?” Herbert stood a few feet behind him, still hanging onto the railing.

  Just as the sheriff was about to pound on the door again, the door opened enough for a small face to peek out. A young nun spoke in a high-pitched voice, “Hello, Sheriff Johnson. How can we be of assistance?”

  “Sister, do you mind if we come in to get warm. Also, may I use a room for a few minutes? I need to change into some dry clothes.”

  Opening the door all the way, the nun stood there in her blue habit and smiled. “Of course, Sheriff. I’m Sister Mary Margaret and we’ll be happy to help.”

  “Thank you, Sister,” the sheriff replied, grasping Herbert’s arm to assist him. Herbert leaned on the sheriff, doing his best not to cause them to fall on the slippery slate entrance.

  Looking past them, the nun saw some of the search team members walking towards their cars. Hearing the commotion caused by the EMTs and the others nearby, Sister Mary Margaret stepped out carefully onto the front stoop and asked, “What is going on down there?”

  Water droplets dripped from the hem of the sheriff’s pant legs, landing on the concrete stoop. Sheriff Johnson looked down and said, “I’ll tell you more in just a moment. But for now, we could use some towels, please?”

  Sister Margaret opened the door wide open, welcoming the men to enter the warm place of sanctuary. “Yes, of course. We will do whatever is needed.” After closing the large wooden door behind them, she said, “You men must be chilled to the bone. Come on into the bridal parlor. There’s a nice fire in there already.” Opening the parlor door, she gestured for them to go inside. “I’ll get you some towels and warm blankets. Sheriff, I’ll find somewhere for you to change.”

  “You are very kind, ma’am. Thank you.”

  The woman turned to leave and said, “You’re most welcome. I’ll be right back.” She headed quickly heading down the hallway and disappeared into one of the other rooms.

  Moments later, Mother Superior Mary Ellen rapped gently on the parlor doorjam before coming in. She was surprised to see Sheriff Johnson standing in front of the fire, still wrapped up in the blanket. Caught in a daze, Herbert sat on the sofa almost motionless as he watched the flames flicker in the fireplace. The sheriff turned and smiled at her.

  Mother Superior smiled back and greeted them. “Hello, gentlemen. I understand you need some assistance?”

  “Hello, Mother Superior. We appreciate your help. I need a private place to change into dry clothes, and …” Deciding that some discretion was in order, the sheriff motioned for her to go out into the foyer with him to talk. “May I have a word with you, Mother?”

  “Of course, Sheriff.”

  Feeling much warmer, Sheriff Johnson removed and folded the blanket before setting it on a side table. Stepping through the doorway, the sheriff quietly closed the door behind them while entering the foyer. Leaning towards her, he said, “Mother, we found Timmy Fields’ body in the pond.”

  “Oh, heavens! That is horrible!” Mother Superior gasped. “I can’t believe Timmy’s gone. I was praying for his safety all night. After Mrs. Fields called last night, I even gathered some of the sisters to light candles for him.”

  “Well, ma’am, as you can understand, I am very concerned for both Mr. and Mrs. Fields’ emotional state. Timmy was their only son. Don’t they attend services here?”

  “Yes, they do, and you don’t even need to ask. We will help however we can. In fact, I will get the sisters to prepare some meals. I’ll even get one of my best grief counselors to join me to visit their home when we deliver the food.”

  “Thank you very much, Mother. That will be one less thing on my plate to take care of today. As you could tell, Herbert is not emotionally able to handle telling Margie by himself right now. Can you console him and try to get him prepared for going home when he’s ready?”

  “Of course, Sheriff,” Mother Superior replied. As she turned to open the door again, Sister Margaret returned with the items. Mother Superior grabbed one of the blankets. “Sister Margaret, can you show Sheriff Johnson to the groom’s parlor so he can change?”

  “Yes, Mother Superior,” the younger nun replied, handing a towel and blanket to the sheriff. Looking at him, she said, “Right this way, Sheriff.” Pointing to the other side of the foyer, she began to lead him to the groom’s parlor. She opened the door for him and turned on the light. “Take as much time as you need.”

  Sheriff Johnson nodded at her and said, “Thank you, Sister.”

  “My pleasure.” Once he was in the room, Sister Margaret closed the door behind him and returned to the hallway.

  Waiting by the bridal parlor door, Mother Superior instructed her, “Sister, can you please gather the other sisters and begin cooking some meals for the Fields’ family. They are in need of our help.”

  “Right away, Mother,” the sister said, and then scurried away down the hallway.

  Opening the door, Mother Superior entered the bridal parlor and walked over to Herbert, still sitting on the couch wrapped in his blanket. He looked up with his sorrowful eyes and stared blankly at her.

  “Here, this will keep you warm,” she said, removing the cold, damp blanket, and placing the dry one around his shoulders.

  With a stoic expression on his face, Herbert whispered to her, “My boy is dead, Mother.”

  Mother Superior sat down beside Herbert on the couch. Turning towards him, she replied softly, “I don’t know what to say. I am so sorry for your loss, Mr. Fields. It is a shock to us all. Does Margie know yet?”

  Just then, Sheriff Johnson walked back into the room and stood by the fireplace. Mother Superior glanced at him quickly, giving him silent instructions to allow her to continue with the discussion. The sheriff nodded respectfully, and then held out his cold hands by the warm flames.

  Without any change in facial expression, Herbert said sadly, “No, Mother, she doesn’t know as yet. Could you go with me when I go home to break the news? I think Margie would take it a little better if you were there also.”

  With compassion in her eyes, Mother Superior Mary Ellen looked into the grieving father’s eyes and replied, “Of course, I will go with you. Don’t worry. I will stay as long as you need me. Also, I have the sisters preparing some meals for you and Margie. Once they are ready to go, Sister Mary Margaret can come along to help me transport the food.”

  “Thank you. Your help is appreciated,” Herbert said instinctively as he looked back over to the Sheriff. “Sheriff, will you be taking me home soon?”

  Turning back towards Herbert, Sheriff Johnson replied, “I need to stay here to oversee the cri… I mean, the personnel here. I will have Deputy Williams take you home. Let him know if you need anything else.”

  “Thank you, Sheriff.”

  Mother Superior spoke up and asked, “Sheriff, can you make arrangements for Sister Mary Margaret and myself to ride along with Mr. Fields too? We are preparing enough food to help them out for a few days. Normally, I would have our custodian drive us, but he is on vacation this week.”

  “I’ll find someone to drive you both, Mother.”

  Mother Superior Mary Ellen gently patted Herbert on the hand before standing up. “Thank you, Sheriff. Let me know if you need anything else while you’re here. Now, I must go check on the sisters’ progress. Please, excuse me.” Mother smiled softly as she turned to walk out the parlor door and down the hallway towards the kitchen facilities.

  Sheriff Johnson walked over and closed the parlor door before pushing his radio button. “Williams? You copy?”

  Deputy Williams’ voice sounded out, “Affirmative, Sheriff. I’m here. Just sent the dogs back to the kennel with Deputy
Kent. New orders, sir?”

  “Deputy, bring my cruiser up to the front of the monastery and come inside.”

  “Right away, sir.”

  * * * *

  A resounding banging noise echoed throughout the hallways from the huge iron doorknocker at the front entrance. Mother Superior quickly headed to the door and let Deputy Williams inside the foyer.

  “Come on into the parlor and get warmed up by the fire, Deputy.”

  “Thank you, Mother,” Williams replied as he walked into the bridal parlor and over to the warm hearth. Taking off his overcoat, he draped it over an armchair in the corner. Holding out his hands towards the flames, he rubbed them together quickly to shake off the cold. “Oh, that feels good.”

  “Yes, it does,” Sheriff Johnson agreed as he walked over towards the fire. Leaning over, he said in a low voice, “Deputy, I can’t leave the scene. I need you to take Herbert to his home so they can tell Margie the news. Also, I’d like for Mother Superior and another nun of her choosing to accompany you. Stay there for a bit, just in case she gets hysterical or something. Once Mother Superior is finished consoling them, you can bring the sisters back here.”

  “No problem, sir.”

  “Thank you, Williams. I need to go check on how things are progressing at the pond. Do you think you have this under control?”

  “Definitely, Sheriff. Don’t worry.”

  “Good. Call me when you’re on your way back.”

  “Will do, sir,” Williams said, turning back towards the fire and continuing to rub his hands in the waves of heat radiating out from the hearth.

  Looking at Herbert, the sheriff said, “Herbert, I’m going to find out what happened to your son. I swear it, personally.”

  “Thank you, Sheriff,” Herbert replied.

  After putting on his coat, Sheriff Johnson opened the parlor door and stepped into the foyer and pulled it closed behind him. A few footsteps could be heard crossing the stone floor, followed by several loud noises as the heavy front door opened and closed.

  Mother Superior walked in and patted Herbert on the arm gently. Looking directly in his eyes, she said, “Mr. Fields, we need to get you home soon so we can talk to your wife.”

  Shaking his head, a single tear streamed down his weathered cheek. “I don’t know how I will be able to tell her, Mother. This is killing me, but this will destroy her.”

  “You’ve got to. She is back at the house waiting. She needs you to be strong for her, Herbert.”

  “I will try. I’m just glad you’re able to be there too.”

  Mother Superior Mary Ellen stood up and smiled softly at him, then replied, “It’s my pleasure, Mr. Fields. As soon as the food is ready to transport, we’ll head to your house.”

  Herbert nodded and said, “Thank you, Mother.”

  “I’ll go check how much longer the sisters will be. As I said earlier, Sister Mary Margaret will accompany us. I’ll be right back,” Mother Superior said as she opened the door and headed down the hallway again.

  * * * *

  At home, Margie was curled up in her lounge chair. Wringing her hands together repeatedly, she clutched a shredded tissue in a death grip. Glancing up at the clock she saw that it was already after nine o’clock in the morning. It had been hours since she had heard any new updates about the search for her son. Sitting quietly nearby on the couch, Janice Blackwelder reached over and patted Margie’s shoulder.

  Balling her fist, Margie hit the top of her thigh. “God, where is Timmy?” Closing her eyes, she took in a deep sigh. “Lord, I’ll do anything. Please, bring my son home safely.”

  Almost as if her prayers had been heard, four car doors slammed shut outside suddenly. Immediately, Margie could feel her heart pounding as she stood up and started to walk toward the door. Shuffling her slippers over the floor, she whispered to herself, “God, please help them find Timmy safe and sound.”

  Before she could turn the doorknob, it opened in front of her. Herbert was standing in the doorway, with Deputy Williams, Mother Superior Mary Ellen and Sister Margaret behind him. Janice remained seated, but moved forward to the edge of her seat. Herbert took off his coat as he walked in the foyer. After hanging it on the coat stand, he reached out and grabbed Margie’s hand.

  In that instance, the feeling of dread overwhelmed Margie as her eyes locked with her husband’s. Trying to brace herself for any response, she asked him, “Herb? Where’s Timmy?”

  Margie turned toward Mother Superior. “Where’s my boy?” Mother Superior placed her hand on Margie’s back and rubbed gently.

  Herbert lead Margie over to the couch and gestured for everyone to sit down. Sitting beside Margie, Janice rested a hand on her shoulder and patted it gently.

  “Margie, we found him, but it was too late,” Herbert began.

  Instantly, the blood drain from Margie’s face. She fell to her knees screaming, “Oh, God, no! Don’t let it be true. That can’t be him. Our Timmy can’t be dead!”

  Herbert grabbed her by the shoulders. “Yes, he’s gone, Margie. We found him in the monastery pond. Our son is dead.” Herbert’s voice trailed off as he wrapped his arms around his mourning wife. The couple sank into the couch sobbing as they clutched each other in an embrace.Mother Superior, Sister Margaret and Janice sat respectfully nearby as the couple desperately tried to comfort each other.

  Deputy Williams silently stood in front of the fireplace. His eyes welled up as he was filled with sympathy. Although the deputy was able to maintain composure, a single tear escaped and slowly streamed down his face.

  CHAPTER 7

  The blare of a foghorn echoed throughout the valley as faint streams of sunlight peeked through the thick morning fog. Its deep eerie tone permeated the air and continued to wail for several seconds. Dozens of squawking seagulls glided on the ocean breeze, while several others landed on large rocks with their morning breakfast.

  The lighthouse beacon continually guided boats in and out of the bay, while some captains returned to the harbor with their haul. Attempting to steal an easy meal, a flock of seagulls wafted on the wind currents behind the newly filled fishing trawlers.

  Cruising out towards deeper waters, a small red boat slowly headed east, leaving a gently-flowing wake behind it. A seasoned angler with a light gray cap stood firmly by the boat’s wheel, steering directly into the cold gusts of wind. Trailing around his neck, the aged seaman’s long, white beard blew haphazardly in the salty breeze. As the unknown captain headed out to sea, his coat flapped violently behind him, repeatedly beating against his back.

  Looking out a small window at the freshly fallen snow, a young woman caught herself in a trance and refocused her attention. The lovely Katy Warsaw had been awake for hours, perparing for her important day. Turning to peer in the bathroom mirror, she finished applying her mascara. Brushing her long blonde hair back on her head, she pulled it into a ponytail with a pink hairband. As a final touch, she put on a fresh touch of pink lipstick. The shade perfectly complimented her deep green eyes.

  “Come on! You’re going to be late. We don’t want to miss the fitting,” Katy’s mother called out.

  “Okay, Mom! I’ll be right there,” she shouted right back.

  Katy crossed the hallway and and picked up her purse from the bed. Her eyes traveled to the closet door where her evening dress hung, protected in a plastic cover. She wished that it was a gorgeous white wedding dress.

  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if John asked me tonight? I’d be Mrs. Johnathon Smith. Hmmm ... Katy Smith? Mrs. John Smith? That works, she thought.

  “Mrs. John Smith,” Katy whispered to herself and smiled. Taking a picture from her vanity table, Katy gazed at the image inside the frame for a moment as she smiled again. John Smith was her one true love and she would never forget the first time she saw him.

  It was on a lovely autumn day; and unusually warm for mid-September. Katy recalled that she didn’t even have to wear a jacket. With aspirations of disproving that all blondes a
re dumb, she had just started her freshman year at the University of Maine. Ambitiously, she had enrolled in the pre-law program. At the young age of nineteen, the last thing she expected to find was the love of her life.

  Katy was running late for her 8:30 a.m. literature class. Fumbling with an armful of books, Katy attempted to open the English department’s hall door. Unable to contain them, she dropped her textbooks all over the floor. While bending down to collect them, a pair of black loafers stopped beside her. As she raised her head, she gazed into John’s strikingly light blue eyes for the first time.

  Katy began to stand up as the strikingly handsome man knelt down and picked the books up for her. She still remembered how sharp he looked in his dark blue suit and light blue, button down oxford shirt. His professional attire held a stark contrast to the blue jeans and T-shirts worn by most of the ‘boys’ at the university.

  To her surprise, she had found a true gentleman. At 6’3” tall, with wavy, dark brown hair, John was the very essence of tall, dark and handsome. With her petite frame a foot shorter, Katy hardly reached his shoulder as she stood in front of him.

  “I think you may need these,” John chuckled as he handed the books back to her.

  “Thank you. Yes, I definitely do,” she replied, giggling nervously.

  “Were you running late for class?”

  “Actually, I was, but I am so late now. I think I’ll just get the notes after class from a friend.”

  “Then let me introduce myself. I am John ... John Smith,” he said as he stood up and politely nodded his head while extending his hand.

  Katy giggled, completely enamored with the special treatment that John was showing her. “My name is Katy ... Katy Warsaw.” She put down the books on a nearby table and reached her hand out to shake his.

  John took the opportunity to pick up the stack of books and smiled at her. Opening up the door she had just entered through, he gestured for her to pass through. “Since your schedule has cleared up, could I entice you to join me for a cup of coffee at the student café?”