The Harvest Club

by Iona Morrison

  “A penny for your thoughts.” Matt stood beside her.

  “It would cost you a whole lot more than a penny.”

  “I need to talk to you for a minute.” He walked away from Dylan and Katie. “The tall guy, Zach, is under cover with the FBI. He wanted you to know so you wouldn’t be offended by how he acted toward you. By the way, what did he do?”

  “You know, guy stuff.”

  “No, I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Could you be more specific?” He nudged her.

  “He looked at me like a piece of meat. You know what I mean.” She saw the amusement in his eyes and wanted to hit him.

  “I don’t believe I’ve ever looked at a piece of meat the way you’re describing.”

  “You are really a piece of work. You knew all along, and you just wanted to embarrass me.” She turned her back on him.

  “It didn’t cost me one cent, and you spilled it. You make it too easy, Jess.”

  One by one the club members came up to Jessie telling her some special memory of Rick. She almost felt bad because she hardly knew Rick and her only real honest glimpse of the man had come moments before he killed himself. But then she remembered who these men were and what they were involved in. They needed to polish and maintain a perfect image.

  The last two to approach her were Gordon and Brad. Chief Anderson stood behind them. Jessie felt the all too familiar chills run up her spine and knew Gina’s piercing eyes were homed in on them. Gordon boldly grabbed her hand and wouldn’t let it go. His beady eyes leered at her with a thinly veiled anger. “I hear you are doing a story about Gina? What brought this about?” His lips thinned, and he obviously fought to control his anger.

  “People in the church held her in such high regard and wanted to talk to someone about their love for her. Being the new kid on the block, they talked to me.” She gave him a carefully sweet and sad smile. “I wrote a personal interest piece on Gina, the daughter, mother, and pastor. You’ll be able to read it on Friday. It comes out in the local paper. If you’ll excuse me, I need to give my regards to John before he leaves.” She freed her hand and turned her back on the creepy little man and walked away.

  ****

  His eyes narrowed, and he followed her retreat. Anger seethed in him, and he clenched his fist until his fingernails drew blood. How dare she. She thought she could turn her back on him. He’d kill the bitch, and he had the perfect time already in mind. The decision made, the tension left his body, his hands relaxed, and he talked with Brad as though nothing out of the ordinary had taken place.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The day had come to a close and she was grateful. The people at church were weary. Frankly, Jessie was happy nothing too strange had happened at the funeral. It was weird to her that she no longer thought seeing Gina was strange, but her life had taken so many twists and turns in the last few weeks that Gina seemed to no longer be big news. Most people would think she had lost her mind. She was just thankful they would never know her personal thoughts.

  Gordon was strange. He was a small man trying to play the part of a big shot. She wondered who the real murderer was. True, he had performed the surgeries, but who did the rest? There would be time to think of it later. All she wanted to do right now this minute was get home and spend a nice quiet evening.

  The church was closed Thursday and Friday, so she had two days off, and she was looking forward to kicking back, a little sun, beach time, fireworks, and the concert in the park. It sounded great. She only had to wear the boot until Friday, and then she could try walking without it. Her foot was much stronger than it had been just a few days ago.

  She left Beth and James to lock up. Kip walked with her to the car. She put the top down and headed for Blue Cove Drive. Jessie went to the one place that always gave her perspective. Kip tagged along, and they parked at the marina. Silent, they watched the waves lapping the shore. A family was playing Frisbee on the grassy area, and people strolled by them. Lost in thought, she had no idea how long they had sat there. Her phone started vibrating in her purse.

  She pulled it out. “This is Jessie,” she answered.

  “Where in the hell are you? I’ve been calling and waiting for you to get back to your house. Jess, now is not the time to let your guard down.”

  “I’m at the marina watching the sailboats and people. I guess I lost track of time.”

  “I suppose you’re sitting there with the top down on your car, a perfect target. Am I right?”

  “Maybe, but Kip is with me.” Jessie turned her engine on. “We’re on our way back now.” She hung up before he could say another word. Leave it to Matt to destroy a perfectly good moment.

  It was too hard to maintain the pace she had been on. She needed a break. But of course, until this was over, there would be no break.

  “Is he upset?” Kip looked over at her.

  “A little. I didn’t think to call him and let him know where we were.”

  He was waiting for her when she pulled her car into her parking space. He nodded at Kip as he walked past him toward her house. She didn’t want to hear one more lecture from him, and she could feel the tension rising in her. If he opened his mouth, she would let him have it.

  “I’m sorry, Jessie. I didn’t mean to get on you. I was worried when I called the church and they said you had left a while ago. Sometimes I get like a bear during the waiting process.”

  Now why did he have to go and be nice? It messed her whole thought process up. “It’s okay.” She walked toward the house. “It’s too pretty to be inside. I feel like I’ve been trapped for days. What I need is a good ten mile run.”

  “Is there such a thing as a good ten mile run? My philosophy is why run when you can walk, why walk when you can sit, and why sit when you can lie down.” He grinned.

  “Don’t give me that. You run, too.” She laughed.

  “Sure, but I’m not like you. I don’t like it.” He emphasized every word. “Were you aware that Gordon was so angry at you when you yanked your hand away from him and turned your back on him he could hardly control himself? I thought he was going to hit you right then and there.” He watched her face for a reaction.

  “He was creepy, and he wouldn’t let go of my hand. Brad was hanging by him like some kind of zombie.” She thought about it for a minute. “The thing that bothers me is that all of them let that man rule them, and why is that? What does he have on them that keeps them dancing to his tune? He certainly isn’t the strongest male in the group.”

  “When we know the answer to that question, we might just have solved the case.” They both sat down on a bench in the gardens. “There is something we’re overlooking. It’s been lingering at the back of my mind, but I can’t seem to bring it into focus.”

  “You’ll put it together. I have faith in you. When Zach was playing like he was hitting on me, Gina was there. It was strange. I saw her first at the edge of the woods, and she came forward in a blur. Her eyes were so sad when she looked at John, and she stroked his shoulder.” Her voice softened at the memory.

  “Doesn’t that freak you just a little, dead people interacting with the living?”

  “After the past few weeks, it doesn’t seem like such big news now. I know, weird, huh?” She laughed at his expression. “Anyway, Gina’s manner became agitated when she caught sight of Gordon and Zach. Her eyes could have burnt a hole in their shirts. She rocked back and forth between them. I was tempted to believe Zach was the one until you told me who he was. I didn’t know the FBI was involved or that they had anyone undercover.”

  Matt stood up abruptly. “Oh, hell, what have I been thinking?” He grabbed his phone and called a few people. All of whom said they would check and get back to him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Something you said got me to thinking. Once I have a confirmation, I’ll let you know.”

  They walked together into the house, and Jessie went immediately into her room and changed into some casual clothe
s. When she came out, she could hear Matt and Gary’s voices in the back room and decided to make dinner. She would have to thank Kip for letting her go to the marina the next time she saw him since he had already left.

  Jessie browned some ground beef adding black beans to it when the meat was done. She cut up lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Making a salad she layered it with the meat and beans mixture, cheese and tortilla chips. Fresh rolls and a German chocolate cake that Beth had sent home from the funeral topped it off. Jessie made a dressing of thousand island and mild salsa. When she was done, she set the table and called the two guys in for dinner.

  Matt took two beers out of the fridge, handing one to Gary. They filled their plates and went back into the other room. Jessie picked up a magazine to browse through as she ate. She couldn’t concentrate, and she wondered what Matt had thought about earlier. He would tell her when he was ready she supposed.

  “Not bad, Jess, I could eat more.” He walked passed her to fill his plate again. “You know what would be good with that cake? A cup of coffee. Do you have some I can make? The real stuff, not the unleaded kind.”

  “I have the real stuff. I keep both on hand.” She got up and got him what he needed. “Won’t it keep you up if you drink it now?”

  “Yep, I need to be awake for a while.” He took his plate in the other room and ate while he waited for the coffee to finish.

  Gary filled his plate, and she cleaned up the kitchen. Jessie cut a slice of the cake, got a glass of milk, and sat down at her computer. She worked on her article about the dark world of black market organ selling. She was so involved in what she was doing that she paid the guys little attention as they rinsed their plates and put them in the dishwasher. They took cake and coffee to the back room on their return trip.

  The night progressed with very little conversation. She was just finishing up the article when Matt came in and sat down on the couch.

  “Will it bother you?” He held up the remote.

  “No, I’m done. Would you like to read it?” She printed the several pages.

  Matt began reading. When he finished he looked at her with admiration. “Wow, you sure can put words together. This is a great article. It will get people to sit up and take notice, including the Harvest Club. Max has never had articles like this in his little town newspaper.”

  “I forgot to tell you Max liked my story about Gina so well, he wants me to write for the paper for pay. He asked me to come in Tuesday and talk. I thought I could take this one in to him then. I won’t tell him to run it until you say.” She beamed. “I forgot how much I loved writing something besides a church bulletin.”

  “It’s good, Jess, really good.” He held the remote up again and grinned at her.

  “Okay, I know you’re a man of very few words, enjoy.” She laughed.

  “One more thing. Tomorrow you can have a free day with Katie and Dylan without me tagging along. In the evening, you will have to wear a vest for protection. It will fit under a loose sweatshirt or tee.”

  “Why do I need it?”

  “Call me crazy, but I saw the look on Gordon’s face, and I wouldn’t put anything past him. For my peace of mind, I want it on you.”

  He turned on the sports channel. She answered emails and decided to do a little checking on something that was nagging at the back of her mind. Her last message was to Jeremy. She needed to know how to get around something, and he would know how to do it.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  July Fourth dawned as a picture perfect day. Jessie was looking forward to the activities and events around town. A free day. Time to do whatever she wanted. Of course, Dylan had to tag along, but he was laid back and she enjoyed him. At six they would meet Joe, his wife, and baby girl in the park for the concert and fireworks. Jessie had picked up a gift for the baby several weeks before, and this would be her first chance to give it to her.

  Dressed in white walking shorts and a red top, she pulled her hair into a ponytail and tied it with a blue ribbon. She added red sunglasses, a blue sun visor, and armed with plenty of sunscreen, she was ready when Dylan arrived. Jessie was excited to escape what seemed like captivity to her.

  “See you, Gary,” she called out to him.

  “Okay, Jessie. Hey, if you see something that looks really good like one of those funnel cake things or something else, bring me one. I would be happy to give you the money.” He walked in the room.

  “Will you get to see any of the fireworks tonight?” She had opened the door and was poised to leave.

  “You actually have a perfect view out your front window, so if things are quiet, which I’m sure they will be, I’ll sit on one of the chairs out there, watch, and wait patiently for the treat you bring back to me.”

  “I wish you could join us for the day. Please feel free to eat whatever you see in the fridge. There is some leftover cake.” She grinned. “Please, please eat that too.”

  Dylan had his truck, and Katie had scooted over into the middle. Right where she wanted to be, Jessie thought. Dylan opened the door for Jessie, helping her in so she didn’t have to put all her weight on her foot.

  “Wow, you look patriotic.” Katie eyed her outfit.

  “It is the fourth after all, and I’m celebrating a few hours of freedom.” She threw her hands up in the air.

  The two of them chattered back and forth, forgetting Dylan was even in the truck. “Where to, ladies?” He recalled their attention.

  “To the Seaside Village shops,” they chorused together and laughed.

  “Great minds think alike,” Katie proclaimed.

  “I’m sorry, Dylan, this is likely to be a drag for you following after the two of us as we shop. Something most men detest with a passion.” Jessie acted melodramatic. “But I’m determined to take full advantage of my day out, and shop to my heart’s content. At some point, I do have to buy Gary something and bring it back to him since he has to remain on the job today.”

  “He’ll survive.” Dylan sounded surly.

  “I would do the same for you or anyone who had to work on such a glorious day.” Jessie smiled sweetly at him.

  “I’m sure you would.” Dylan smiled back at her.

  “You must really be happy to be out of the house. I don’t believe I’ve seen you this animated since you moved here.” Katie nudged her.

  “It’s like this, just for the day. I’m pretending my life is normal. I’m free to roam about without someone watching over me, and I’m spending the day with friends for the sake of having a great time. Reality will close in again soon enough.”

  “I hope your foot will hold up for you, so you can do everything you want,” Dylan said.

  A few hours later, Dylan was the one racing to keep up with her, Katie was complaining, and Jessie was shopping, visiting with everyone that she knew, and looking at all the artist’s stands. She had bought something for her parents, her grandmother, and something more for Joe’s little girl. She found a special treat for Gary and a little statue for Matt. It was a great day.

  “Would you two like to sit down and get something to drink? You both looked frazzled,” she asked innocently.

  “Are you kidding me? I’ve been saying that for the past thirty minutes. Are you on speed or something?” Katie pushed damp hair back from her face.

  “I did warn you both before we got here that I was going to pack whatever I could into this day of freedom.”

  They refreshed themselves with iced tea. Jessie’s ankle was giving her fits, but she was determined to keep going. She popped a couple of Advil and waited for them to finish their drinks.

  “Do we have time to take this to Gary before we meet Joe and his wife in the park? That way I could drop off my packages and get a sweater for tonight.”

  “I need to get the picnic basket and make sure all the guests who wanted a box dinner got theirs.”

  “We have plenty of time.” Dylan nodded.

  Jessie got Gary a grilled Rueben sandwich, a funnel cake and, to c
omplete his July Fourth experience, some kettle corn.

  She walked in the house calling for Gary and saw Matt sitting on the couch. “What are you doing here today? I thought you had the day off.”

  “I do. I came by to check up on you and to see how Gary is doing. You look festive.” He held up the vest he wanted her to wear. “And you’ve got a nice, healthy glow.”

  “I’ve had a great day, but I think Katie and Dylan are ready to strangle me.” She carried her packages into her room. “I think I wore them both out following after me.”

  Gary came around the corner. “Matt, you need to hear this. Hi, sunshine…” He smiled at her.

  Jessie followed him into the guest room. “Here, Gary, I brought you a little something so you could have your own little taste of the Fourth, from me to you.”

  “How did you know these are all my favorites? Thanks, doll.” Gary took the food bags and kissed her cheek.

  Jessie went to change her clothes for the night and put on the vest under a loose sweatshirt. She waited for Dylan to come back from helping Katie get their picnic dinner and the blankets.

  Matt walked into the living room. “Did you put the vest on?”

  “Can’t you tell?” She grimaced. “It looks like I gained many pounds in my midsection. How do you guys stand wearing these?” She patted her stomach area.

  “Believe me it beats the alternative. You probably won’t need it at all, but it makes me feel better knowing you have it on. Let Dylan know I’ll be at the station tonight. If he needs anything, he can call.”

  “I will. Try to enjoy some of your day off. You know the old saying, all work and no play.”

  She didn’t have to wait long before she was out the door and on to the next event. She felt almost compelled to cram everything that she could into this day. She didn’t want to stop to reason why she was feeling so driven.

  “Why’s Matt here? I thought today was his day off,” Dylan asked.

  “I just asked him that very question.” Jessie shrugged. “He said he came to check up on Gary and me. I didn’t get to ask him much. Gary called him in to hear something.” She paused and then added, “I’m sure he’ll be glad when this case is solved and he can have a somewhat normal life again.”