The Harvest Club

by Iona Morrison

  “Am I that obvious?” Katie started her engine.

  “Pretty much.” Jessie laughed.

  ****

  Once back in her cozy cottage, Jessie shut off the lights, climbed into bed, and stretched out. This had been one crazy day. A long drive, some kind of hallucination, or who knows what, she learned there was a murder at the church, and then had met a man who glared at her the whole evening. She was still avoiding her dad. If it wasn’t for this lovely little house, she would be crazy not to get back in her car and head right back to New York.

  Oh well, tomorrow is another day. Face it, girl, you’re not going anywhere. Monday you start work, and you know you’re itching to find out more details about Gina’s murder.

  ****

  Jessie arrived at work on Monday, wearing her new navy blue pant suit and no hard hat. She walked through the church doors with a smile.

  “Good morning, you must be Jessie. Finally I can put a face to the name. It’s nice to meet you.” Pastor Rick extended his hand as he met her in the foyer.

  “You too, Pastor.” She shook his hand, wanting to pull it back immediately. He reminded her of a car salesman or one of those TV evangelists, every hair in place and little too slick.

  “Are you getting settled in okay?” He glanced at his watch.

  “I am. The town is great, my place is perfect, and living near my best friend is an extra bonus.”

  “Good to hear.” He sounded bored. “Before you start your day, I’ll show you around and give you a set of keys to unlock all of the doors.” He started to walk.

  “Sounds like a good plan!” She quickly followed him.

  Nearing the end of the tour, he stopped in the foyer and looked at his watch again. “I have an appointment, so I’ll let you get to work.” He was brusque.

  As she walked to her office, Jessie found it strange that he had never once mentioned Pastor Gina’s murder during the tour. She frowned as she thought about him. She didn’t like him. He made her feel uncomfortable. What had she gotten herself into? She opened the office door. Was there something in the drinking water in this town? Between Matt and her boss she wasn’t sure what to expect next. Sitting down at her desk, she took out a note pad and scribbled Try to keep an open mind! Which might be easier said than done.

  The previous secretary had left her a list of things that needed to be done. Most of the job was routine, including answering the phone. Several church members stopped by to introduce themselves, giving her nice breaks throughout the day. All in all, she thought it was a good first day on the job.

  By Friday she was puzzled; not one person had talked to her about Gina. Her name was never mentioned. She was hoping to have some details by now, but not wanting to be insensitive, she didn’t mention Gina. Next week she would have to put out some feelers to see if she got any response. Startled by a loud bang in the hall, Jessie jumped up to look.

  The woman’s frizzy, red curly hair was pulled on top of her head in a haphazard updo, which was threatening with every movement to spring loose of its confinement. Her clothes were wrinkled, her eyes still puffy from sleep, but it was her gravelly voice that brought a smile to Jessie’s face.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I dropped my bucket of cleaning supplies. I’m having a blonde moment. I can’t for the life of me remember where I put my keys.” The lady tapped her forehead.

  “Can I help you?” Jessie struggled to hide her amusement as she sat back down.

  “Not unless you know where I left my keys.”

  “You can borrow mine if you need to.” Jessie nudged them toward her.

  “I’m Melinda, the custodian, and I have to empty the trash can in Pastor’s office. Is he there?”

  “No, it’s his day off.”

  “Right, I forgot. I think I’ll sit for a minute. Maybe I’ll remember where I put the darn things.” She peered at Jessie, her faded hazel eyes bright with curiosity. “You’re our new secretary, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, I’m Jessie.”

  “I’m a little rattled at the moment. I saw her again.” She drummed her fingers on the chair, while her foot bounced back and forth under the chair.

  “Who’d you see?”

  “I forgot you’re new, and you wouldn’t know what I’m talking about. You must think I’m nuts. Sometimes this place really freaks me.” She scratched her head. “It was Pastor Gina that I saw, walking in the hall. She was murdered, you know.” Melinda’s eyebrows arched. “Several people in the church have seen her, although most of them don’t want to talk about it. Reba Thomas is keeping track of all the sightings. So tell her if you see Gina.”

  Jessie nodded at her. “I heard there was a murder here, and I saw the picture of her.” Jessie pricked up her ears. “What was she like?”

  “She was pretty cool. Everybody here liked her.” Melinda shifted in the chair. “She was totally better than the one we’ve got now. I guess I probably shouldn’t say that. It could get me fired. You won’t tell, will you?”

  Jessie shook her head no.

  “My mouth always gets me into trouble. Still I miss her.”

  “It must be hard on her family and the church.” Jessie gave her a sympathetic glance.

  “Devastated is the word. It’s even harder when Pastor Rick won’t acknowledge her in any way. He thinks it’s better for the church to just move on. But we all still need to talk about her.” Melinda took her glasses off her head and put them on.

  “You said others have seen her. Are all the sightings in the same place?” Jessie’s heart beat rapidly. Had she seen her? Was she the woman watching her from the woods?

  “Oh heavens no, she seems to be at home all around the church and outside it for that matter.” She sniffed. “One day James heard her arguing with someone in the fellowship hall. On several occasions I’ve heard her singing. We’d like to believe she’s looking out for us, just like she did when she was alive.” Melinda heaved herself to her feet. “I guess I’ll borrow your keys, and then I’ll look for mine.”

  There had to be a logical explanation. Jessie wondered if a grief counselor had been called in to talk with the congregation. Her eyebrows furrowed. Still, she had to admit she felt a bit unsettled over the conversation with Melinda because she was still reasoning out her own experience in the cemetery.

  A few minutes later Melinda flew around the corner. “I found my keys. I must be losing my mind; they were in my pocket all along.” She put Jessie’s keys back on her desk and headed for the door.

  “One question…” Jessie’s voice stopped Melinda. “Do the police have any idea who the murderer is?”

  “No, there is plenty of speculation, but nothing firm. Matt Parker is heading up the investigation. He could probably tell you more. I’d better be getting back to work.” She walked out into the hall. “I’ll be seeing you around.”

  Matt Parker, now wasn’t that just great. She was sure he’d be real happy to tell her more. He’d be even happier not to have to deal with her at all. Jessie pursed her lips. Well, he’d better get over it!

  Jessie finished up her day, locked up the office and started down the hall. When she reached the foyer she felt someone watching her. A cold shiver ran down her back. She was afraid to look. She hurried out the doors and ended her first week at work.

  ****

  Her last stop before home was the police station to see if Matt Parker was in. She rehearsed over and over again in her mind what she would ask him. She would have to be the one to approach him if she ever wanted to learn more about Gina. He certainly wouldn’t offer the information willingly.

  All her rehearsing was for nothing. Matt was in a meeting, and so she set up an appointment for Monday morning. She had the weekend to think about it and would approach him at the start of a new week.

  Chapter Three

  By Sunday evening, Jessie was feeling restless. She laced her running shoes and headed out on the walking path between the inn and the marina. It was a good ten mile
run there and back. With the moonlight over the ocean and the sound of the gentle waves coming ashore, it was a night made for running. She loved it. She felt totally in touch with her body, the rhythm and the sound of her feet striking the ground, and the sweat trickling down her back as she pushed herself to go farther and faster. It felt almost sensual to her. She smiled.

  She turned around in the parking lot of the marina and headed back. Each mile seemed better than the one before, and she ran the last mile in under ten minutes. In no time, she was back at the cottage. She showered, relaxed with a book, and then slept like a baby.

  ****

  The ringing phone woke her before her alarm went off in the morning. “Good morning, sweet girl.” Sadie’s cheery voice greeted her.

  “Hi, Grams, are you okay?” She rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

  “I don’t want to keep you long, but I wanted to tell you not to let your dad’s anger bother you. Your dad still tries to tell me what to do. I constantly have to remind him I’m of age, and I can decide for myself.”

  “Oh, Grams, you’re such a hoot!” Jessie laughed.

  “There’s something for you to do there, I can feel it. Drop me an email from time to time, and let me know what’s new.”

  “I will. I only wish I knew what it was.” She sat up in bed.

  “Get moving and discover it! I need a new adventure in my life. It has been a little boring lately.”

  “I’ll do it, Grams. Talk to you later.”

  Going through her closet, she picked out today’s outfit with care, wanting to look feminine but not overly so, assertive but not too much. She tried on and cast aside six outfits before she settled on a gray pencil skirt, gray jacket, and her favorite pink shirt. She looked in the mirror and decided she would pass.

  The morning air had a slight chill to it. She stepped out the door with a coffee mug in hand, got into her car, and was off. Katie waved at her as she drove by the inn. She smiled and waved back.

  “Mr. Parker, I do believe I’m ready for you.” She smiled.

  ****

  She walked into the newly remodeled police station in the Old Town Square complex. It was almost pleasant in comparison to the precincts she had been in during her days in New York. The floors were highly polished, the cream colored paint was a nice change from the normal prison gray, and several paintings of the area hung on the walls.

  She stopped in front of the reception desk where a young red-haired officer leaned over a computer. She cleared her throat. “I’m here to see Officer Parker. I have an appointment with him. My name is Jessie Reynolds.”

  “I’ll check to see if he’s ready for you.” His green eyes gave her the once-over. He picked up the phone and pushed Matt’s extension. “Hey, Matt, there’s a Jessie Reynolds here to see you. Okay, I’ll send her back.” He hung up the phone. “He’ll see you now. It’s down the hall, third door on the left.” He pointed the way.

  “Good morning, Miss Reynolds.” Matt stood up as she reached his open door. “Please be seated.” He sat when she did his voice chillingly polite. “Tell me how I can help you.”

  So that’s how it’s going to play out. Her chin lifted slightly. “Officer Parker.” She smiled at him. “As you may have heard, I’m working at First Community Church. I was told this past week about the murder of Gina Martin. It was also said that you’re the one in charge of the investigation. I was wondering what you could tell me about the case.”

  “It’s an active investigation. We have a few people of interest, but no suspects as of yet. However, we do know it wasn’t a random act, that Gina was the intended target.” His stare was icy. “I have just shared with you all that I’m prepared to share since you are not a relative or close family friend.”

  And the gloves were off. “I see.” Her back straightened. “I had hoped that maybe I could be of help to you because people often come by my office to talk to me about Gina. I thought maybe you could tell me something I might be listening for.” She started to stand.

  “You may have been an important writer in New York, Miss Reynolds, but you’re not in New York now.”

  “If you don’t want my help…fine!” she snapped.

  “You’ll stay out of it.” His tone was flat. “Do I make myself clear?”

  She stood up, bent over his desk, leaning on her hands to meet his stare. “Clear, yes, I would say I’m seeing it very clearly. I’ve had to deal with men like you all my professional career, men who resented me as a woman for the promotions I earned, and men who tried to keep me in my place.” She swallowed hard. Her mouth went dry. It was hard for to her to remain focused the way he was looking at her. “Do you know what I did?” He shook his head, grinning at her. “I simply worked harder and smarter and earned every promotion that I got.” She stood up wanting to retreat. “I will leave you to your work now, but know this—I will do a story about Gina, and I won’t need your help to do it.” She turned her back on him. “Good day to you, Officer Parker,” she said over her shoulder. She walked out the door pushing passed an open-mouthed Dylan who was standing in the doorway.

  ****

  “What the hell was that, Matt? She had fire in her eyes. I’ve never known you to treat a woman like that.” Dylan glared at Matt.

  “She gets under my skin.” Matt ran his hand through his hair.

  “You don’t even know her—you know what I think?”

  “No, and I don’t give a damn.” He crossed his arms.

  “You’re going to hear it anyway.” Dylan leaned a shoulder against the door jamb, grinning. “You’re attracted to her, and you don’t want to be. She’s a strong woman, no pushover, and it scares the hell out of you. You wouldn’t be able to run roughshod over her.”

  “I don’t know her well enough to be attracted to her, but she does bother me.” He shrugged, irritably.

  “So you won’t mind if I try my luck with her.” Dylan was grinning.

  “She’s not your type, but by all means, give it your best shot.” Matt scowled at him.

  “How do you possibly know my type?” Dylan smirked. “When I look at her smile and those blue eyes, I feel afflicted.”

  “You’ll get over it. Can we change the subject?” Matt frowned at him.

  Dylan stared at Matt with a silly grin on his face. “You’ve got it bad, and you’re lying to yourself. I hope you wake up before someone else comes along. Although, I have to admit I would so like to be around to see you fall.” Dylan walked back to his office laughing.

  Matt was left to his thoughts. Tapping his pencil on the desk, he knew he had acted badly both times he talked with her. He’d sworn he would never let another woman get to him. But she had rattled him with her fearless, sassy attitude.

  It was a small town, and he would probably see her again, even if he didn’t want to. He was simply going to have to find a way to be nice. Who did he think he was fooling? He wanted to see her again. Dylan was right—he was attracted to her, but he didn’t want to be. She was just too damn pretty. The total package—he didn’t stand a chance.

  ****

  Jessie was livid the entire drive to the church. More than once she had to slow down. Speeding was out of the question. Matt would be more than happy to write her a ticket, and she didn’t want to give him the pleasure. And what was that look all about? She exhaled. It didn’t make any sense at all.

  She stopped at Java Joe’s to get her coffee mug filled and hoped to calm down before she went into work. Between her dad and some of the guys she had worked with, she had gotten thoroughly sick of being told what she could or couldn’t do. Writing a story about Gina was a real possibility. She wanted to do it because the story had captured her, and not out of spite because Matt was being a jerk.

  Still fuming and going over conversations she would like to have with Matt, she parked and headed for the church door. She was met by Melinda; whose rumpled appearance brought an instant smile to her face.

  “Hi, Blondie, I heard from Pastor you wer
e a writer in New York. If you ever want to write about the things going on here I can tell you some stories.” She raised her eyebrows for emphasis and then turned around to dust the display area.

  “You can stop by and talk anytime you want. I’d enjoy hearing some of your stories.” Jessie continued down the hall toward her office.

  “Jessie, I opened your office to clean earlier,” Melinda called after her. “Reba Thomas is there. She wanted to meet you.”

  Jessie walked into her office to find an impeccably dressed woman sitting in the chair in front of the desk, ankles primly crossed. “Hello.” She dropped her purse on the desk.

  “Good morning. Could this be the famous Jessie Reynolds? Are we to meet at last?” Reba motioned to the chair beside her and patted it.

  “I plead guilty, I’m her.” She sat down next to the attractive older woman. Jessie loved the twinkle in her brown eyes and the way her silver gray hair was pulled into a neat chignon.

  “I’ve heard such stories of you through the church grapevine; you’re a famous writer from New York, so kind to everyone and almost perfect in every way, a paragon, first class.” Her eyes sparkled with amusement. “I’ve come to see for myself.”

  “I’ll try hard not to disappoint.” Jessie laughed. “I’m afraid I might though since I’m not famous or perfect, but hopefully I’m kind; it’s only been a week though.”

  “I’m Reba Thomas, by the way.” She sat forward in her chair reaching for Jessie’s hand.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Melinda told me that she’s been telling you about our elusive guest who seems to appear especially to those who are touched by her plight.” Reba’s brown eyes scrutinized Jessie’s face.

  “I’ve only begun to hear about her the last few days.” Jessie nodded.

  “You will no doubt have a visit or two from her, since you’re just the kind of gentle soul she looks for.” Reba saw Jessie’s worried expression. “I’ve caused you concern.” She patted Jessie’s hand. “Don’t be afraid. Gina would never do you any harm. She wants to be free, but something or someone is holding her here.”