Secrets in a Small Town

by Nicole Stiling

  “Yes, Chief Blake. Her. Do you have a problem with that?”

  “No, of course not! No. No problem. Don’t be silly.” Micki scratched her forehead and looked back to her notebook. “Name?”

  “Cori. Coriander Girard. She likes to tell people it’s derived from a Mediterranean term for love. But her mother told me they named her that because they’d eaten chutney on the day she was born.” Savannah’s face was awash in something like amused nostalgia.

  “Was it an antagonistic breakup?” Micki asked, trying desperately to will away the smirk that threatened to break through.

  “No, not really,” Savannah answered, stretching her legs. She seemed to have settled into something resembling a comfort level. “She was one of those clichéd wild spirits that just couldn’t stay in one place for very long. If you must know, Chief Blake, she left me.”

  Micki nodded, not sure how to react to that. Sure, Savannah was uptight and snarky and condescending and a total snob and a little mean, but she was also incredibly beautiful. Looks certainly weren’t everything, but in this case, Micki believed they could probably overcome quite a bit. Her train of thought had gotten derailed, again. She brought her attention back to Savannah’s breakup.

  “When was the last time you spoke to her?”

  “It’s been a while. We text now and again, usually quick messages like ‘how are things’ and ‘thought of you today because of xyz,’ but even that’s been well over a month.”

  “How did you make your money, if you don’t mind me asking? I assume it wasn’t in your current position?” Knowing what the chief of police’s budgeted salary was, Micki couldn’t imagine town manager was a whole lot more.

  “First of all, what makes you think I have money? And what does that have to do with anything?”

  “Okay, well, it’s no secret that you’re wealthy. And while I do believe this is of a more personal nature, I just want to make sure I look at every angle. It could be a business deal of some kind in your past that didn’t go well.”

  Savannah pursed her lips. “I’ve been successful with my real estate investments. I work alone, so there is no partner to consider. And I haven’t evicted any orphanages, so you can strike that thought from your mind.”

  “Well, that’s a relief. I did wonder about it. Have you thought about politics on a grander scale? Like, maybe heading up a town of five thousand instead of fourteen hundred?”

  “No. I specifically sought out a town like this all those years ago. I wanted the intimacy and safety of a small town.” Savannah scoffed. “Ironic.”

  “So, there’s no one else that you can think of? No one else who’s made you feel uncomfortable or vigorously pursued you? Nothing like that?”

  “Chief, I’m a woman; of course I’ve felt uncomfortable. But, no, I can’t think of anything else in particular.”

  Sometime around four o’clock, Micki yawned as she tucked her notebook safely back in her pocket. “This is good, Savannah. I have a lot to work with here. We’ll find this crackpot, I promise.” She stood, cricking her neck back and forth. “Do I have your permission to tell Rebecca what’s going on? As Eliana’s afterschool caregiver, I think she should know. She needs to be on alert for anything suspicious as well.”

  Savannah nodded, gathering up the glasses from the coffee table. “I suppose so. Although I can’t even imagine them targeting Eliana. I don’t think I could take it. Thank you, Chief Blake.” She placed a tentative hand on Micki’s upper arm. When she realized what she had done, she pulled it back as if she’d been burned. “I expect I’ll hear from you with your results?”

  “Yes, definitely,” Micki said, her skin tingling from where Savannah’s fingers had been a moment ago. It was probably just the shock of contact without some form of malice behind it. “Please, call me if anything else happens. If there’s any new thing left for you, if you see anyone out of place, or even if you just feel like something is wrong. No chances.” Micki tightened her jacket and opened the front door. “Promise?”

  Savannah gave her the side-eye. “Yes, Chief Blake, I promise. I’ll keep you abreast of my whereabouts at every moment.”

  Micki laughed awkwardly. “Okay, then. Tell Eliana I said hello. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Savannah nodded politely and closed the door behind her.

  Looking around her wearily, Micki walked to her car. She didn’t notice anything out of place or see anything out of the ordinary. But the fact that someone was brazen enough to leave something on Savannah’s front doorstep worried her, especially something that let Savannah know they’d been looking through the window. Getting caught didn’t seem to be at the forefront of the offender’s mind.

  She unlocked the door and sat in her car for a minute, blowing on her hands as the Crown Vic’s heat rattled to life. She didn’t really dislike Savannah with any sort of deep-seated hatred. She was bitchy and cold, but Micki had always assumed that was just how she portrayed herself. Micki knew Savannah thought she was annoying and impulsive and out to oppose everything Savannah proposed, but that wasn’t the case. She enjoyed poking the bear once in a while, but it was just a surface thing for Micki. Something about their whole exchange bothered her. Shrugging, Micki shifted her car into drive, feeling troubled and more than a little dejected. Though she couldn’t seem to pinpoint exactly why.

  * * *

  Savannah sat at her desk, the words on her monitor blurring together. She’d thought about taking a sick day after the previous night with Micki but ultimately decided that she would only sit around and brood. Sleep was no longer a reliable escape.

  A knock on her door interrupted her haze, and Chloe walked in with a steaming cup of coffee. “I thought this might help,” Chloe said, shamefaced, speaking low.

  Savannah looked up and then immediately back down at her paperwork. “Thanks,” she muttered. She still wasn’t sure how to proceed with her assistant or, as she now liked to refer to her, the traitor. She knew Chloe was only trying to help, but the intrusion more felt like a breach of trust than a supportive SOS.

  Chloe couldn’t hold it in any longer. “I’m so sorry I told Micki but, Savannah, that thing was just so creepy, and I didn’t want anything to—”

  Savannah held her hand up. “Miss Rhodes, I had assumed this went without saying, but in light of recent events, I feel I must clarify. An executive assistant at this level is a position which requires confidentiality. There are many aspects of my position and yours that necessitate a tight lip. If you cannot meet those job requirements, please feel free to hand in your resignation.”

  Chloe’s face fell. “Savannah, I would never break your confidence or put the office in jeopardy.” At Savannah’s quirked eyebrow, Chloe hurried to finish. “It’s just, this particular situation could have a physically harmful effect on you, and I don’t want that. Please understand, I wasn’t doing it out of spite or to engage in any kind of gossip. I’m worried about you.”

  Against her will, Savannah could feel the anger toward her assistant begin to diminish. She sighed dramatically. “I didn’t want the police chief involved for personal reasons. That may have been the wrong approach, I’ll admit. But if you ever betray my trust again, Chloe, we’ll move to immediate termination. Is that clear?”

  Chloe nodded furiously. “Yes. I really am sorry. I’m just scared.”

  “It’s fine.”

  Savannah turned her attention back to her computer, silently dismissing Chloe from her office. Chloe took the cue and skulked out, closing the door gently behind her.

  It still irritated her that she’d even allowed Chloe to know what was going on. Though it wasn’t like there was anyone else Savannah could turn to, and Chloe had opened a few of the gifts and letters anyway. She’d kept herself isolated over the years, choosing career over relationships. There was uncontrollable risk letting someone in, but advancement in her career posed a risk that could be contained. Savannah’s only real friend from her childhood was now a big oil executive
and had temporarily moved to Siberia to oversee the latest mining expedition. When she returned in four or five years, she’d be set for life. Savannah wasn’t sure that a text saying she was being stalked, oh, and how’s the cold treating you, would be appropriate. Savannah’s relationship with her mother had become strained over the years, and they rarely spoke. There was no one she could talk to. Savannah fought off the suffocation of that revelation and tried to focus on her spreadsheet.

  Moments later, another knock interrupted Savannah’s concentration. “Yes?” she asked bitingly, now thoroughly annoyed with emotions she didn’t have time for.

  “Sorry,” Micki said, sheepishly removing her fuzzy hat. The early spring afternoon was raw and cold. “I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be reaching out to Jamie and Cori today. According to his manager, David is in Jamaica. I’ve left him a message to contact me as soon as he returns. Crossing our t’s and dotting our i’s.”

  “Okay…is there something you would like me to do? Provide a heads-up courtesy call, perhaps?” She just couldn’t help herself, and she winced internally at the sarcastic comeback. It was amazing anyone spoke to her at all, really.

  Micki cleared her throat. “No, Savannah. I’m only telling you in case they reach out to you after the fact. That happens sometimes. If it does, please do not engage or answer any questions and refer them back to me.”

  Savannah nodded curtly. She paused. “This is embarrassing,” she said quietly.

  Micki sighed. Savannah watched as Micki gingerly walked over to her. She placed a hand lightly on her shoulder. Surprising herself, Savannah didn’t pull away. “It shouldn’t be,” Micki said. “This isn’t your fault; you did nothing to deserve this. It really has nothing to do with you. Whoever is doing this—this is their deficiency, or whatever, not yours.”

  Savannah swiveled in her chair, effectively removing Micki’s hand. The closeness was unnerving, more so because she found she wanted it. “Well,” she said, all business. “I do know that, of course, in the abstract. But it doesn’t feel that way, being the object of their…whatever this is.”

  “I know,” Micki said, offering a tight-lipped smile and moving back toward the door. “I’ll let you know what I find out.”

  Savannah nodded, startling at the sound of the door closing. She groaned at her constant edginess. She was beginning to come around to the idea that Micki might actually do a good job. She hadn’t found anything yet, but she did seem genuinely concerned and intent on finding out who was doing this. Savannah had surprised herself by admitting that she found the whole situation embarrassing, but Micki had handled it with grace. Maybe even a touch of compassion. Savannah reached for her glasses and focused on her monitor, where the town motto splashed against her desktop. Winter Valley: Where No One Is a Stranger.

  * * *

  It was odd, seeing Savannah in a new light. She was still as prickly and pompous as ever, but Micki was adept enough to see the brief flickers of humanity. Savannah was scared, and she was obviously struggling with what appeared to be an unfamiliar emotion.

  Her hand resting on her head, Micki twirled the phone cord. “In your own words, please, why did your employment with Ms. Castillo come to an end?”

  Jamie Gagnon scoffed. “I made the mistake of revealing my true feelings for her. Had she not been so convinced of our employee-employer stance, I’m certain she would have seen the value in me as a lover.”

  Micki swallowed the urge to vomit. “And then she let you go?”

  “I was persistent, I will admit. I very innocently tried to rid her of stress late one evening by a tried-and-true massage technique, and that was when she told me that she ‘no longer required my services,’ I think was how she put it.”

  “So, you harassed her.” Micki cringed, knowing she shouldn’t be setting a suspect on the defense, but she couldn’t help herself.

  “I did no such thing, Chief Blake.”

  “Right, okay. Can you confirm your whereabouts last night?”

  “I was at home. I made a lovely chicken piccata and watched The Bachelor on television.”

  “And you’re still living in Middletown? I assume you live alone?” She couldn’t imagine being anywhere near him, let alone living with him.

  “Interesting assumption, Chief, but a correct one. Yes, I do live alone.”

  Micki looked toward the drop ceiling, examining the scattered brown trails that hinted at water damage from long ago. “So, no one can confirm that you were in your apartment, or even in the state of Connecticut, last night between six p.m. and ten p.m.?”

  “I did go to the market for some capers around five or six last evening.”

  “Excellent. Please provide me with the name of the store, and if you recall, the lane where you checked out or the clerk’s name. Email me your receipt as well.” Micki scribbled on her notepad, taking down the few details Jamie was able to provide. She didn’t like this guy, but she didn’t have any kind of gut reaction that he was the one she should be concentrating on. When he asked why she wanted the information she just thanked him for his time and hung up. She wasn’t about to give him a reason to go knocking on Savannah’s door in some kind of hero gesture. She shuffled paperwork aimlessly, unsure where to look next.

  * * *

  There were few instances in her life when Savannah allowed her will to be broken. After the begging and pleading had become too much to handle, Savannah had relented. She was running on fumes, in a constant state of alert. Maybe it would be nice to have the house to herself for the night.

  Rebecca had invited Eliana to sleep over at her house since Micki’s nine-year-old niece from Concord was visiting. They’d have a fun girls’ night sleepover, with movies and popcorn and games and pizza. Savannah wasn’t pleased that Eliana was in the room when Rebecca had made the suggestion, which made it impossible to say no outright. Since then, of course, Eliana could speak of nothing else. And when Eliana came out with a suitcase bursting with clothes and her favorite teddy sticking out, Savannah couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t always allow for a whole lot of fun in their house, and that was something she’d have to work on.

  When Rebecca had come to pick her up, with Micki and her niece in tow, Savannah answered the door wordlessly. She smiled at the young girl and turned toward the two women. She nodded her greeting.

  “Hey,” Micki said, standing just over the threshold in the foyer. She whispered, “This wasn’t my idea. I know with everything going on, this probably doesn’t seem like the best time for a super-fun sleepover. If you don’t want her to come, I can explain it to Riley. She’ll be cool about it.”

  For some reason, Savannah was inclined to believe her. Micki had been acting differently toward her. Kinder, gentler. Savannah knew that it was probably born of pity, but she had too many other things on her mind to fully contemplate that particular shade of humiliation.

  “No, Eliana’s been looking forward to this. I haven’t seen her this excited in a long time, so I won’t take that away from her.” Eliana bounded down the stairs, calling a joyful hello to her awaiting carpool. Savannah shoved Eliana’s overnight bag into Micki’s chest. “Have fun. Eat sensibly.” Eliana and Micki smirked at each other in silent resistance.

  Micki held up her hand as Savannah waved to her daughter from the front porch, absentmindedly checking her mailbox before closing the door behind her. Micki felt somewhat reluctant to leave, though Savannah hadn’t given her much of a choice. Confusion danced within her temples. Savannah was a big girl who didn’t need a babysitter. So why did Micki feel as if she needed to be there with her? Probably just leftover creeps from her earlier conversation with Jamie.

  Rebecca flipped on the radio in her Camry, and the girls in the back seat danced along to a Kidz Bop version of a Katy Perry song. She looked over at Micki.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Micki stared out her window, her chin resting on the back of her hand. “Nothing. I don’t know. I feel bad leaving her alone.�
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  “Why? I can’t imagine a seven-year-old would be much help if something happened anyway.”

  Micki nodded. “I know, it’s stupid. I can’t even imagine. I mean, what if they took her? Or she woke up, and her mother was missing? Or worse?”

  Rebecca put a finger to her lips, but the girls in the back seat were oblivious, talking animatedly about dalmatian puppies.

  “Do you really think it’s that bad? You don’t think it’s just someone trying to get under Savannah’s skin?”

  “I don’t know.” Micki shrugged, shaking her head. “My gut tells me it’s more than that, but I hope I’m wrong. I just feel bad. I wish she was coming with us.”

  “Okay, that’s weird. You hate her.”

  “I don’t hate her. Jeez.” She glanced over her shoulder to make sure the girls still weren’t paying attention. She wouldn’t want Eliana to hear that kind of thing.

  “I’m pretty sure you do.” Rebecca laughed. “What was it again? Uh, Dragon Lady, Torture Queen, Her Royal Bitchiness…”

  “Okay, okay,” Micki said, grimacing. She put her hand up. “Am I really that immature?”

  “Yep.”

  “Well, I shouldn’t have said those things. I’m sorry.”

  “Why are you apologizing to me?”

  “I don’t know; it felt like the right thing to do.” Micki paused. “Hey, girls, who wants to pick up some frappes on the way home?”

  Eliana and Riley cheered as Rebecca pulled into the Dairy Do.

  Micki turned her thoughts to chocolate or coffee, since dwelling on the idea of Savannah alone in her house was making her stomach turn. She needed to switch her mind off, and Eliana’s demand for a game of blindfolded Twister when they got home was probably exactly what she needed.

  Chapter Nine

  By ten o’clock, Savannah was ready to call it a night. She did her now nightly walkthrough, checking all the doors and windows before going to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Her eyes stared back at her, tired and fatigued. The house was quiet. She’d just snuggled into her heavy down comforter when she realized she’d left her book in the study.