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

by Karen Vance Hammond

  “Yes, please. It’s a little important. Thank you.”

  “It’s my pleasure. Have a great day,” Linda replied before transferring the call.

  Only seconds later, John greeted Katy, “Hi, babydoll! How has your day been so far?”

  Katy leaned against the wall and twirled her hair. “Hello, sweetheart. I wanted to let you know that Mom and I had a small accident on the way to the fitting. We’re fine though; not even a scratch on us. I didn’t want you to hear about it through the grapevine.”

  John parked his car and walked towards his office’s front door as he continued to talk. “Are you both okay? What happened?”

  “It was just some fawn that ran out in front of the car. We weren’t hurt, but I’m afraid that the fawn didn’t do so well, and neither did Mom’s car. That baby deer did a lot of damage to it.”

  John’s voice became concerned, “Are you sure neither of you are hurt? Do I need to come get you?”

  “No. No. We are fine. Aunt Jenny came and picked us up. The car started steaming up, so we had it towed to Ed’s Garage to be repaired. The front end is pretty messed up. We’re waiting to hear how bad the damage is.”

  “So, with all that happening, did you get your dress altered?”

  “Yes, I did, and it’s perfect. You won’t want to keep your hands off of me. Mom and I are at Emma’s alterations shop right now.” Katy replied.

  Grinning broadly, he imagined admiring Katy in her sexy new dress. “I can’t wait to see you in it.” He held the front door open as he allowed an elderly couple to exit first, and then he walked inside the entry foyer.

  “Ha! Well, you’re just gonna’ have to wait until the dance. It’s a surprise,” Katy grinned.

  “Aren’t you a tease? I have my own surprises for you too,” John hinted to her.

  Katy flirted back, “Oh, really? Well I can’t wait to see what you have in store for me.”

  “Be patient. Good things come to those who wait, right?” John chuckled.

  “Well, the dress is keeping my mind occupied at least.”

  “I’m sure it does. It keeps my mind occupied as well,” John replied. “Hey, do you want to get together for dinner tonight after work?”

  “Yes, of course I do. Where do you want to take me?”

  “Hmm ... I’ll tell you what. Why don’t I meet you down at the wharf at 6:00, and we can go pick out some big lobsters for dinner when your dad brings the boat in?”

  “That sounds good to me.” Katy peeked down the hall and spotted her mom reaching for her purse and coat.

  “Me too. See you when I get off work. I’ve got another call coming in. I love you.”

  “I love you too, baby.” Katy hung up the phone before walking back to the main dressing area, and then set her purse on a table. Wrapping her arms around Emma’s neck, Katy hugged her firmly. “Thanks, Emma, I’ll see you soon. Thank you so much for your help today.” Katy smiled warmly at Emma before grabbing her winter coat. After putting it on, she picked up her purse once more.

  “I’m glad you’re happy with it. I think it looks perfect on you,” Emma replied. “We haven’t had lunch in ages. Let’s plan on getting together soon, all right?”

  “That would be awesome,” Katy grinned.

  Smiling at her daughter, Julie asked, “Ready to go now?”

  “Yes, Mom. Let’s get some lunch. I’m famished.”

  “Bye, ladies,” Emma said as Katy and Julie walked out the door while waving back at her.

  * * * *

  After leaving Emma’s shop, Katy and her mother walked down the historic downtown Market Street to the The Maine Plate. The quaint restaurant had been converted from a turn-of-the-century colonial home. Even from a distance, they could see the flags representing Maine and the original thirteen colonies flapping in the breeze while hanging from large white columns on the front porch.

  “I’m so glad they were able to get the car in this morning. It seems the deer didn’t cause as much major damage as I had feared. Ed told me it’s just going to require some bodywork, a new radiator and an alignment,” Julie commented.

  Katy smiled, “That’s good to hear. Like you said this morning, if it had been a buck or a doe instead of a fawn, we may have gone to the hospital, instead of Emma’s. Guess we were really lucky. When will they be finished with the car?”

  “They said that they should have it running again in another hour or two. They wanted to make sure the radiator was replaced and the alignment done first. Luckily, they had the right radiator in stock. I’ll just have to make an appointment to bring it back in for the body repairs. It should be driveable until then. Aunt Jenny said to call her when it’s ready and she’ll take us to pick it up. That gives us plenty of time to catch up over lunch.”

  “Great, but I will just have a light lunch. I’m going to meet John at the wharf tonight to get some lobster for dinner. You think Dad would like some for a boil tonight?” Katy asked.

  “Oh, I don’t know, Katy. You know he gets so tired of seeing those things day in and day out.”

  “Yes, but they’re so good.” Katy stared out at the bay, watching the waves crash against the rocks in the distance.

  “When your father inherited the lobster wharf from your grandfather, he never thought he would be doing that for the rest of his life. Nevertheless, it’s been our family vocation for three generations now. No wonder it’s in his blood. Your grandfather fished for over seventy years. He only had seven of fingers left when he died. Bless his heart. I really don’t think people realize just how difficult the life of a lobster man really is.” Julie smiled as she reached over and patted Katy’s shoulder. “Lobsters are good, but sometimes Dad just wants to have meat and potatoes.”

  “It puts food on the table and that’s all that matters,” Katy replied as her thoughts turned to her father and grandfather; both proud lobster men. “Well, we’re going to pick some up after John gets off of work. If you want some, just let me know so we can have enough for everyone.”

  “Okay, go ahead and get a few for us too, dear.”

  Julie and Katy walked up a few stairs, then went through the front entrance and into the foyer. A sign instructed them to seat themselves, so they found a comfortable booth near the back of the restaurant.

  After only a few seconds, a young blonde smiled as she approached the table and placed menus in front of them. The server stood patiently in her pressed white button-up shirt and slim black pants with a red apron neatly tied around her waist.

  “Hello, my name is Wendy, and I’ll be your server today. May I get you a drink while you look over the menu?” she asked.

  Julie scanned the daily specials as she replied, “Yes, can I get an iced tea to drink, and no lemon, please.”

  Katy smiled at the waitress, “I’ll have a water with lemon, please.”

  Turning to Katy, Julie said, “I know what I want. Do you need some more time to think about it?”

  “You go ahead and order. I’ll know in just a second,” Katy replied.

  Julie smiled at the server and said, “I would like a bowl of your crab bisque soup and a spinach salad with vinaigrette dressing.”

  Wendy turned and smiled at Katy. “And for you, miss?”

  “Yes, I’ll have an iced tea with lemon. For my lunch, I would like a turkey sandwich with lettuce and mayonnaise on toasted whole wheat.”

  “What would you like for your side?”

  “A side salad with oil and vinegar, please.”

  “And will that be all?” Wendy asked, smiling.

  Katy replied, “Yes, that’s all for me.”

  As she finished scribbling on a small order pad, Wendy said, “I’ll be right back with your drinks.” Pivoting on her toes, Wendy weaved in between several tables as she headed to the back of the large room, where she disappeared through the kitchen door.

  Julie opened a writing tablet and pulled out a pen from her purse. Jotting down a few notes, she stated, “Okay, we got the dres
s fitted, and we can pick it up in a week. So, isn’t it about time for John to finally pop the question? I mean, you’ve been dating for years, and he hasn’t even asked you to marry him yet. Has he hinted about it at least?”

  “I know, Mom. We talk about our future plans all of the time. I’m sure he’s going to ask me soon, I just don’t know any specifics.”

  “I suppose you’re right. He better hurry up, or someone else could try to steal you away before he makes his move,” Julie laughed.

  Katy rolled her eyes and smiled, “I enjoy thinking about our possible wedding plans. It gives me something to focus on instead of anxiously waiting for John to pop the question. And, it’s at least productive, right?”

  “Of course it is. I bet he will ask you before the big dance. I’m sure he’ll want to show you off in front of the jealous bachelors. Have you thought about your color scheme yet?”

  Katy gazed out the window, staring at a lobster boat as it maneuvered into the bay from the ocean. “I really want white and red roses in my bouquet.”

  “Those are pretty together. What about the bridesmaids’ dresses?”

  “I’ve always dreamed of being a June bride with red, pink and white as my colors. They reminds me of Valentine’s and love. So I’ll probably pick pink as the color for their dresses,” she answered.

  “Well, once you set the date, we’ll make a trip to the flower shop so Sarah can help us pick out the perfect arrangement. Okay?” Julie continued, “My wedding didn’t require very much preparation and work. When I got married, it was a much simpler affair. We had it in a church with a minister, and a handful of friends and family. Of course, I had a beautiful dress and bouquet, but Grandma Jane made it herself. The food was completely prepared by your Great-aunt Sallie. She even baked the wedding cake. I miss her cooking. Anyway, my point is that it involved a fraction of the effort necessary today.”

  The server returned with their drinks, setting them on the table as she said, “Excuse me. Your lunch orders should be ready shortly.”

  “Thank you,” Julie replied as their server smiled and headed to another table.

  Katie paused a moment before asking, “Mom, what would you say is the secret to a successful marriage?”

  Julie smiled and replied, “There are actually two secrets besides love that are critical to a successful marriage.”

  “Oh?”

  “The first secret is great communication. Without it, you will become increasingly divided because you don’t understand each other. Genuine trust in one another is the second big secret.”

  Katy smiled and replied, “You’re very smart, Mom. At least I don’t have an issue with either of those. John is so good to me.”

  “I hope he always will be. John is a great catch though, and obviously loves you very much.”

  Katy giggled and said, “Yes, and I love him very much too.”

  With a tray full of plates, the server approached and gently placed the lunches on the table in front of them. “I hope you enjoy your lunch, ladies.”

  Julie replied as she picked up a fork, “I’m sure we will. Thank you.”

  * * * *

  After picking up Julie’s car a couple of hours later from the repair shop, they were headed home. Turning onto Route 17, Katy began to get the same eerie feeling that she had before. Looking over at the monastery, she noticed the flashing lights in the distance.

  “I wonder what is going on over there? I’ll have to ask John if he’s heard anything yet.”

  “Good idea. He should be able to tell us.”

  As they passed the campus, the site of the earlier accident drew closer, and Katy noticed something was missing. She sat straight up in her seat and said, “Mom, that’s strange. The fawn we hit is gone.”

  “That’s weird. We were not gone that long.”

  Julie shrugged her shoulders and replied, “Perhaps a large animal dragged it back into the woods for an easy meal.”

  Thinking about the strange nun with the ax, Katy half-heartedly agreed, “I suppose you may be right, Mom.”

  CHAPTER 9

  Several hours later, Katy stood on the boardwalk directly in front of the shabby red building which held the lobster house. Though dilapidated in structure and design, it was a very busy place. Above the threshold at the front, a large red, carved wooden lobster greeted the fishermen back from their boats as it swayed in the sea breeze. Along the outside walls of the house were dozens of lobster pots beside red and yellow buoys.

  Katy heard a car pull into the parking lot and turned around. Recognizing John’s car, she immediately walked toward it. By the time she reached it, he had parked, gotten out, and put on his black raincoat to guard against the chill of the evening.

  “Hello, gorgeous,” he said, wrapping his arms around her. John began swinging her in a circle and then ended it with a kiss. “I was so worried after you called earlier. Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “We’re both fine, I assure you,” Katy replied.

  “Anymore news about the car?” John furrowed his brow as he asked.

  “After it was towed in to town, they were able to get it in right away. Fortunately, it only needed an alignment and a new radiator to be drivable again. It will need some body work done though. She dropped me off just a few minutes ago in order to for me to meet you here after work. How was court?”

  “Oh, you know, same old thing. The defendant wants a continuance and the judge granted it.”

  “Your assistant said you went to a meeting later this morning. Anything interesting?”

  “Not really. Just getting some stuff wrapped up on a case. Does the dress fit?” John probed.

  “Yes, and I stuck my finger too.” Katy held up her forefinger in hopes of getting some sympathy from the man she loved.

  “Poor baby! Here, let me kiss it.” John pecked her finger tenderly. “Feel better?”

  Smiling, Katy rolled her eyes and gently pushed John’s hand away.

  As John laughed at her childish flirtations, a loud motor could be heard coming from the bay. Together, they turned around and saw her father, George, in his boat heading toward the dock.

  “Hey, Dad. You’re back!”

  “Yes, and the critters ain’t biting good either. Damn storm!” He turned off the engine and tied the ropes to the dock. He picked up an old towel and wiped off oil smudges from his face and hands.

  “Dad, what happened to you?” Katy asked.

  “I had an oil leak. That hasn’t happened in years.”

  John reached out his hand and helped him out of the boat.

  “How are you, Counselor?” George asked as they shook hands.

  “Not bad, George.”

  Katy chimed in, “Dad, can we get some lobsters for dinner?”

  “Anything for my angel. Just be careful, Katy. I don’t have bands on them yet.” She opened up the box and there were twelve beautiful red lobsters crawling around, completely unaware of their fate.

  “Here, take these.” He gave her the rubber bands and pliers and picked one up by its back. Its claws and tentacles flopped back and forth.

  Katy licked her lips. “You’re gonna’ be suppa’ tonight, lobsta’!”

  George took a handkerchief out of his back pocket and wiped his brow. “Wish they were on someone else’s plate and not yours, Katy.”

  “I know, Dad, but they’re so good and John likes them too.”

  “Take a few and let John band them.”

  John shook his head. “No thanks, George. I’m not good with lobsters.”

  “Oh, just give them here,” he groaned. George took the instrument from Katy and put rubber covers on each claw. “Katy, your mom called on my shortwave radio, and she told me about hitting the deer with the car.” He brushed away her hair from her face. “You’re not hurt anywhere, are you? And is your Mom really all right?”

  “Dad, I’m okay, and Mom is too. Thanks, but there’s nothing to worry about, except the bodywork on the car that still n
eeds to be done.”

  Relieved there were no injuries, he sighed, “I hope it didn’t do too much damage to the front of the car. However, I know how much damage even a small animal can cause, so I’m not holding my breath. She also told me you seemed upset and frightened about something in the woods.”

  “Dad, it’s nothing!”

  Concerned, John took her by the arms. “Katy, you didn’t tell me about that. What was it?”

  “Nothing, John, please.” She pulled away from his grasp.

  George wiped his hands on a towel in efforts to remove the rest of the oil, while casually eavesdropping on their conversation.

  “John, please, it’s not anything to worry about. Besides, It’s just silly.”

  John put his arm around her. “Come on. Tell me.”

  “Okay, I saw something today by the monastery that scared me after we hit the fawn.”

  Katy crossed her arms and walked away from John toward the end of the pier gazing out across the bay. She brushed her blonde hair away from her eyes as she saw a large crab walking on the rock below.

  John followed after her. “Sweetheart, if there’s something else bothering you, please tell me.”

  As Katy turned around, their eyes met. She rubbed her arms and turned to gaze at the ocean waves. “Well, when we hit the animal it was right in front of the monastery. However, when Mom and I were moving it, I heard something in the woods. When I looked through the brush, I saw someone in there.”

  “Think it was just a curious bystander?”

  “I don’t know who it was, but I saw someone staring at me.”

  Katy turned and walked briskly toward her father, who stared down at the lobsters while putting the rubbers on their claws. He opened up a cooler and placed six lobsters inside. Closing the lid, he picked it up and set it on the table.

  “Here you go, Katy.” He grimaced slightly and continued, “There’s plenty for tonight’s dinner at least. Hope that incoming storm blows over quickly. I need to be out there as often as possible.”

  John ran over and pulled her aside. Lovingly, he put his arm around her shoulder as he stood beside her. “Did you recognize the person?”