Fogbound: A Lin Hanna Mystery

by Sharon Canipe

  Try as she might, Lin wasn’t able to see beyond the edge of the porch. It was still raining and mist was gathering in the woods beyond. She tried the switch but there was still no electricity.

  “What’s going on?” Neal appeared in the kitchen clad only in his boxers almost tripping over the table in the darkness. “Who’s shooting?”

  “Someone was on the porch.” Sue said matter of factly. “I’d heard Lin get up and come downstairs so I decided to join her. I heard her yelling through the door for the intruder to leave, so I got this 410 from Frank’s gun cabinet before I came in. Don’t know if I managed to hit whoever it was, but they were at least scared off.”

  Lin spoke up, “Whomever it was seemed to be trying to do something. They had a tool of some sort, I think. I heard a scraping sound and shuffling around, but I couldn’t get a good look with the dark and the rain. Maybe our intruder is lying out there somewhere, dead or badly wounded.”

  “Not likely,” Sue said. “This gun is designed for shooting at small game like squirrels. I wasn’t trying to kill anyone, I just wanted to scare whoever it was away. I wasn’t really aiming. I might’ve hit him though—hope I at least gave him something to remember—assuming it was a man.”

  Neal was starting to shiver in the cold from the still opened door. “Close that door please. I guess we’d better call the sheriff. Why doesn’t one of you do that while I get some clothes on?” He headed for the stairs, fumbling in the dark until Lin gave him a lit candle.

  Sue reached for the wall phone only to discover that it was as dead as the lights. “I’m going upstairs to call from my cell phone and I’ll probably get dressed while I’m up there.” She placed the shotgun on the table and lit another candle.

  Lin decided to light several more. She took a couple to the hallway and living room and left two more in the kitchen. Finally, she lit a small candle for herself and headed upstairs with the others.

  Half an hour later, they were still without electricity. One of the younger deputies, who’d come out when they’d found the threatening note, responded to Sue’s call. The four of them sat around the kitchen table while he carefully took notes on what they reported. He examined the shotgun while Sue described what they’d done to scare away the intruder.

  “Do you think you might’ve hit the person?” he asked.

  “I’m not sure,” Sue said. “We did hear him scrambling down the steps so he was still on his feet. Whoever it was didn’t cry out. I wasn’t really aiming anyway. I just wanted to scare the intruder away, but I might’ve hit him—maybe did some damage.”

  After taking all the information, the deputy indicated that he was going outside to see if there was any additional evidence. “I’ll check around the property to make sure whoever it was is gone. Wish there were some lights, but I’ll do my best.” He reached for the flashlight hanging from his belt.

  “I’ll help,” Neal offered. He took a large flashlight that they’d found in one of the kitchen drawers and put on a jacket against the weather. Lin watched the two men cross the porch and saw them kneeling down to examine the steps where she’d seen their intruder working with his tool. Then they disappeared from view as the growing mist enveloped them.

  Sue picked up the 410 and returned it to the gun cabinet. The deputy had said there was no need for him to take it in. “I wish the power would come back on. I could use a fresh pot of coffee. It’s almost four and I don’t think I’m going to be able to go back to sleep anyway.”

  “I wish we could cook some breakfast,” Lin said, as she poured out her milk, now warm, and tossed her dried uneaten sandwich in the trash. I never got around to eating the snack I’d made. I’m hungry now, and I’ll bet Neal will be starving.”

  “I know. Nothing like a little excitement to stir up your appetite,” Sue said. Just then they heard Neal and the deputy coming back up on the porch. They were carrying two boards that appeared to be part of the back steps. Sue opened the door to let them in.

  “Here’s what our intruder was up to,” Neal spoke first. “He was loosening the boards on the back steps with a crowbar, apparently in the hope that whoever went out first would fall and injure themselves. You could break a leg or arm or maybe get a back injury.”

  “Not only that. There’ve been no power or telephone outages in this neighborhood. We saw lights down the road. The lines to this house have been cut.” The deputy had photographed the damage that was done. He sat down briefly at the table to complete his report. “I’ve got the crowbar, but my guess is the guy wore gloves. We can test it for prints anyway, just in case. One more thing…” he turned to Sue. You may have hit the intruder with that shotgun, but we didn’t see any evidence of blood on the porch or steps. Of course, it’s been raining so, if there were any blood, it probably washed away. Anyway, we can alert the hospital and clinics to notify us if anyone comes in for treatment. That’s the best we can do. I’ll come back or send someone after it’s light to look for prints and tire tracks. The rain may partially obscure them, but it’s pretty soft out there so we may find something of use.” He had them sign the completed report and then he left.

  The three friends sat silently around the table for a few moments trying to comprehend everything that had just happened. Finally, Sue spoke, “I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m hungry and absolutely need some hot coffee. With no power that’s not going to happen here; I suggest we find someplace open and get some breakfast.”

  “There’s a Waffle House in town,” Lin offered. “I think they’re twenty-four hours. Let’s go. We’ll all feel better if we have something.”

  They checked the house, doused the lit candles, grabbed their jackets and cell phones, and headed out, piling into Sue’s four-runner. It was about four-thirty when they arrived at the Waffle House surprised to find that they were not the only customers. A couple of men who looked like they were dressed for outdoor work in bad weather were seated at the counter, and a couple of college students who appeared to have been pulling all-nighters were already seated and eating.

  The aroma of freshly made coffee and sizzling bacon provided the atmosphere. Lin realized that she really was hungry. They all were. Soon they were dining on mounds of scrambled eggs and waffles laced with warm maple syrup.

  “I’m glad Dave Winkler wasn’t the one who came when we called,” Sue said. “He probably would’ve arrested me for taking a shot at whoever was there.”

  “I’m sure he wouldn’t have been happy about the call at any rate,” Neal volunteered, “but no one can doubt that someone was really there, really intent on doing some damage. If Lin hadn’t been awake, we might not have known about all this until morning and then someone might’ve been hurt.”

  “There’s probably not much evidence now given the rain,” Sue said, “but at least we’re safe. The stair treads will be fairly easy to reattach, and I’ll call for the utility repairs as soon as possible. Meanwhile, if you two are going to be at home, I’ll probably try to work a half-day at the Craft Center. They need the help. I’ll probably leave early though, by afternoon I’ll surely need a nap.”

  “We’ll be there and, hopefully, we can get the power and telephone fixed early. Even if this weather lifts, I don’t think we’ll feel much like sightseeing today,” Neal said.

  Lin nodded her agreement. She was already feeling tired, in spite of the good food and coffee. She was glad she didn’t have to work at the visitor center.

  Neal called for their check and they headed back home. By now it was light and the heavy rain had passed only to be replaced by a persistent fog and mist that forced them to creep back to the house. They almost missed the driveway without the benefit of the post lamp at the entrance.

  As soon as they arrived, Sue called the electric company; they promised to have someone out to repair the cut before noon. The phone company was less promising. It would be Monday before they could restore service. Thankfully, they had cell service and would be able to recharge their phones on
ce the power was back on.

  “Thank goodness I thought to shower last night,” Sue remarked as she headed upstairs to get ready for work. Neal had bought a morning paper and now he headed for the sofa to read it while Lin decided to search for more candles. Even though it was no longer dark, the house had a gloomy aspect due to the fog and mist outside, and she felt the need to make the interior seem more cheerful. She had to admit that, although she loved the beauty of the mountains, the frequent foggy days didn’t help her spirits. Rather, things seemed eerie to her, and she felt as if she were lingering in some sort of twilight zone.

  After lighting up the downstairs—kitchen, hallway, and living room—she went upstairs to tidy up the bedroom and bath and make the bed. She felt the need to stay busy, to set things right, to keep her mind from dwelling on yet another intrusion from someone who wished to do them harm.

  By the time she was ready to head back downstairs, Sue was preparing to leave for work, promising that she intended to leave the craft house at noon. “They won’t be too busy today with this bad weather, I don’t think. Of course, it is a Friday, but this is especially foggy.”

  “Be careful and take your time driving out,” Lin admonished her friend.

  “Don’t worry, I will,” Sue remarked, “and I’ll be back here for lunch.”

  Lin went back downstairs only to discover that Neal had fallen asleep on the sofa. So much for a romantic, rainy day at home, she smiled to herself. I can’t really blame him; I’m exhausted myself. She went back upstairs and stretched out on top of the bed, pulling an afghan over herself to keep warm. She was asleep by the time her head hit the pillow.

  She awoke a couple of hours later when she heard Neal opening the front door for the guy from the power company. Since they had earlier identified the spot where the line had been cut, it was a relatively quick job to reconnect their service. Lin’s mood improved immediately when she saw lights coming on downstairs. She doused the candles she’d brought up with her and hurried down to do the same on the main floor.

  It was a bit after eleven when the repairman left. Sue would be coming home for lunch in about an hour. It was still foggy and misty outside; still too wet to enjoy outdoor activities. Neal followed Lin into the kitchen, “Do we have any ground beef, any beans?” he asked. “ Today would be a good day to have chili for lunch. I’ll whip up some if we have the ingredients. They did, and soon the house was filled with the enticing smell of the spicy concoction. Lin made some corn muffins to add to their meal.

  It was a little after one when Sue finally arrived. “I was beginning to worry a little about you driving in all this fog,” Lin commented.

  “Well, it did take longer than usual to drive home because of that, but we were actually busier than I thought we’d be. Had two tour buses that arrived shortly after eleven, so we were swamped at the sales desk. I couldn’t get away as early as I’d planned, but I’m here now and lunch smells great. I can’t believe I’m actually hungry again after that big breakfast.”

  “Remember, it was five in the morning when you ate it,” Neal joked. “Besides, no one can resist my chili recipe. I made a big pot, we can have it for supper too.”

  The mood was much lighter than earlier and they were all glad to have their power back on. “Did the sheriff send anyone back to check for evidence?” Sue asked, buttering a second corn muffin.

  “If they did, no one came to the door,” Neal replied. “I took a nap and didn’t wake up until the electrician rang the bell. Lin was asleep also, I think.”

  “Yes, I was upstairs and didn’t wake up either—not until I heard Neal go to the door when the electric guy arrived. Maybe someone came, but I’d think they would’ve come to the door.”

  Sue shrugged, “I’d think so, but who knows. Guess we’ll hear from them if they find out anything. You guys had naps but I’m bone tired now. I’m heading up for a nap of my own.”

  “Go ahead,” Lin said. “We’ll take care of the dishes.”

  “Don’t let me sleep more than a couple of hours,” Sue said, “otherwise I won’t be able to sleep tonight.” She headed up the stairs and they heard her close her bedroom door.

  ***

  Neal and Lin made quick work of putting up the leftovers for later and cleaning up the kitchen. She led the way back to the living room and picked up the mystery novel she’d been reading earlier. “I guess a rainy day is always good for reading, or maybe playing games, she eyed the stack of board games Frank Leonard had stored on a nearby shelf. “There’re even some jigsaw puzzles here.”

  Neal walked up behind her and gently wrapped his arms about her waist. “I’d say Frank Leonard is well equipped for rainy afternoons, but I have a better idea. Reading always makes you sleepy,” he nodded toward the book in her hand, “and you don’t want to spoil your chances of sleeping tonight—you have to work tomorrow, remember?” He turned her in his arms drawing her into a close embrace. She felt his warm hands slip beneath her soft knit shirt, pulling it upward over her head. She found herself reaching for his clothing as well as he guided her toward the sofa and pushed her gently into the pillows.

  “ I told you I could entertain you on a rainy day,” he smiled, “and I promise I won’t let you go to sleep.”

  Lost in the warmth of Neal’s embrace, Lin soon forgot about the gloom that enveloped the world outside.

  Chapter 16

  As luck would have it, the weather improved substantially over the weekend and neither Lin nor Sue had much chance to think about whether or not the authorities were having any luck in identifying their intruder. It was now mid-June and the Parkway was a busy place with lots of visitors at all locations. Both women worked full days and were glad when Sunday evening rolled around.

  Neal was on his own but found plenty to do. He drove Lin to work both days, stopping to buy a guide to hiking trails when he dropped her off on Saturday. He devoted his weekend to locating and walking some of the easier trails, making good on his promise to himself to get back into good shape for hiking. By the time Sunday evening rolled around he had logged quite a few miles and had really enjoyed discovering the area.

  “The only thing missing was not being able to have you along,” he said as he reported on his activities. “This is truly a beautiful place. We’ll have to do some exploring together on your next days off.”

  “Well, that will have to wait until Wednesday,” Lin replied. “I’m off that day, work Thursday, then have both Friday and Saturday free—provided the schedule doesn’t change.”

  The three of them were sitting on the patio enjoying drinks and snacks while watching the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow on the surrounding forest. “What’s for dinner?” Sue teased. “Who’s cooking tonight? Not me, that’s for sure.”

  “Actually,” Neal replied, “I think that the three of us should go out. In fact, I’m not sure what our grocery supply looks like right now. You’ve both been working and I’ve been playing…”

  “Sounds like a plan to me,” Lin responded. “Did you have something in mind?”

  “Actually, I did,” Neal replied. “I think we should try the family style dinner at the Daniel Boone Inn. I talked to someone about it this weekend when I was hiking. They said it was like an old-fashioned Sunday dinner at grandma’s house—traditional southern country cooking, and lots of food.”

  An hour later they were seated in the dining room of the rambling white structure feasting on fried chicken, ham biscuits, and country style vegetables. No one went home hungry from the Daniel Boone.

  “That was great,” Sue said as they left, “but we can’t do that too often or I’ll gain a ton of weight this summer.”

  “I think I may have undone all the good I did hiking all those miles,” Neal agreed, “but it was delicious and I did enjoy it.”

  When they arrived back at the house, they walked around to the back porch. Neal had taken the time to replace the steps the intruder had pried up. He had also looked around to see if there
were any footprints visible; they’d never been certain that anyone had come back on Friday to check for further evidence. They saw indications that someone had walked through the area but couldn’t see any clear prints.

  “These marks could’ve easily been made by us,” Neal remarked. “If they did check Friday, things might’ve been clearer, but with all the rain, I’m not sure.”

  “I really would like to know if they’ve found anything—if they have any idea who the intruder might’ve been.” Lin commented. “I was hoping someone would call during the weekend but…”

  “Frankly, I don’t think our intruder is a very high priority with the sheriff’s department,” Sue spoke up. “I plan to call tomorrow. We need to know something.”

  Just as they were heading inside, Neal’s cell phone rang. It was his realtor so he went into the living room to talk while Lin started a fresh pot of coffee and Sue went downstairs to put a load of laundry in the washer. They all needed fresh clothes for the week ahead. Lin found herself trying to determine what Neal was saying, wondering what the news was regarding the marketing of his house, but she really couldn’t hear clearly. He returned to the kitchen just as Sue came up from the basement and the coffeemaker beeped to let them know the brew was ready.

  “Good news!” Neal smiled, “I’ve had an offer on the house. It’s a good offer but the realtor thinks they’ll go a little higher so I decided to counter. I should have an answer by Tuesday morning, about noontime here.”

  “That’s great,” Lin replied. “I hope everything works out. That’s a big step toward your retirement goal.”