Downfall

by V. B. Tenery

  She went looking for Stella, and found her in the laundry room. “Have you seen the tan file folder I left on the desk before I went to dinner?”

  Stella turned away from the washer, her face stoic. “Yes, I thought it was trash. I threw it away.”

  “Why would I leave trash out when there’s a receptacle beside the desk? Where did you put it?”

  Stella shrugged. “Sorry, I tossed it in the big trash can outside.”

  Sara’s cheeks heated as she watched the housekeeper’s face. Stella averted her gaze, a tell-tale sign she was lying.

  Hurrying out into the cold evening air, Sara lifted the lid on the large container. There was her folder, its contents loose on top of the trash bags, with wet food clinging to everything. Totally destroyed.

  She felt sick. A mixture of fury and frustration churned her stomach. All that work, and now she’d have to start again from the beginning. That was probably Stella’s purpose in destroying the file—to delay or stop her redecorating plans. How asinine was that?

  This was unfamiliar territory. Sara had never dealt with anything remotely close to this, anywhere, much less in her home. Beatrice and Pete were like family. They had worked for her parents before their deaths. They helped make her home a warm, comfortable place to unwind. Stella was exactly the opposite.

  She needed to speak to Matt. Accepting such malice was out of the question.

  Later that evening, while Sara prepared baths for the kids and laid out their pajamas, Poppy and Danny settled into a game of checkers, the little girl with her ever-present cup of apple juice at her fingertips. Always the loving brother, Danny let Poppy win every other game.

  As Sara came downstairs, Poppy jumped up from the game table. “Oops, I spilled.”

  “Don’t worry,” Danny said, “I’ll get a paper towel from the kitchen and clean it up.”

  Stella stood in the game room entrance, her purse on her arm, headed home. “No, you won’t.” Stella dropped her handbag and rushed over to Poppy, jerked her off the chair by her arm, and gave the child a violent shake. “She’ll clean it up. She spilled it.”

  Danny screamed, “Leave her alone!” He ran forward and shoved Stella away from his sister.

  The woman drew back her hand, but, before she could follow through, Sara grabbed her arm.

  Sara glared at the woman. She was so angry she couldn’t speak for a moment. She inhaled a quick, deep breath. “Pick up your things and leave immediately, or I’ll have you arrested.”

  The housekeeper whirled around, her face flushed red with fury. “You can’t fire me. I work for Matt.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. You worked for me, but you are no longer employed here.”

  Stella snatched up her purse and stomped towards the front door. “I wonder what Blain and Grace Stanton will say when I tell them how you’re desecrating their daughter’s memory in her own home.”

  The front door closed with a crash.

  Sara gathered Poppy in her arms. “You okay, kitten?”

  The child’s big blue eyes welled with tears. “I don’t like Stella.”

  “At the moment, I don’t like her much myself. But you don’t have to worry about her anymore.” She pulled Danny close. “I’m proud of you for defending your sister, Danny. Very proud.”

  “Can Beatrice and Pete come work here?” Poppy asked. “They’re nice.”

  “I know, kitten, but they want to retire, so we’re going to have to find a new, very nice, housekeeper. We won’t settle for anything less.”

  Sara’s Home

  Twin Falls, Texas

  Sara dropped the children off at school, and then drove to see Maddie. She pulled under the portico of her old home. She’d decided to wait until Maddie and Don were married to put the house on the market. And she wanted to give Pete and Beatrice plenty of time to settle their affairs here before moving to South Texas.

  She’d been asleep when Matt came home last night, and he left early, before she could tell him about her confrontation with Stella. Truth was she hated to bother him with domestic problems when he had so much going on at the station. But he had to know soon. She’d wait up for him tonight if needed.

  She stepped into the entryway and called, “Hello, anybody home?”

  Maddie hurried from the kitchen and caught her in a long hug. “I wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon. Beatrice and I are having coffee in the kitchen. Come join us.”

  Sara smiled down at her diminutive aunt. “Have I told you that you look wonderful? Love agrees with you.”

  Beatrice hurried across the kitchen tile to envelop her with both ample arms. “Welcome, chica; I made strudel this morning, just the way you like it with the crispy crust.”

  Unable to speak, Sara returned the hug, suddenly coming to grips with the fact that she would soon lose contact with this amazing woman. The four of them, she, Maddie, Bea, and Pete had melded into a family after the death of Sara’s parents. “Thank you, Bea. I’ve missed you.”

  She grabbed a cup from the cupboard, filled it with coffee, and joined them at the island.

  Maddie reached across and squeezed her hand. “We had so little time last evening, since the children had school today. Tell us all about what’s happening with you and Matt. I’ve missed our morning breakfasts together,” she said.

  “Matt and I couldn’t be better, except I don’t see much of him.” Then she blurted, “I had to fire Stella yesterday.”

  The two women widened their eyes in surprise.

  Still upset about the conflict with the housekeeper, Sara closed her eyes for a moment, and then explained what had happened.

  “I hope you’re not feeling bad about letting the woman go. You absolutely did the right thing,” Maddie said, her cheeks flushed with anger. “I can’t believe anyone would deliberately abuse Poppy. I’ve never met better behaved children.”

  Beatrice muttered in Spanish, her brown eyes flashing. “I will keep house for you. Pete and I will stay close to care for you, mi hija.”

  “Oh, Bea, I would love that, but I couldn’t let you cancel your retirement. You and Pete deserve to live your own lives in leisure. You’ve been loving and loyal for so many years . . .” Sara caught her breath, unable to finish the sentence. She wrapped her arms around the beloved woman. “I can never replace you, but I can find someone who will do a good job and will be kind to my children.”

  She glanced across at Maddie. “I haven’t told Matt, yet.”

  “He’s the last person for you to worry about,” Maddie assured her. “He is the most level-headed man I’ve ever known. He was like that when I taught him in high school. He wouldn’t expect you to condone that kind of behavior from anyone. Let me put out the word to some of my friends. They might know of a good replacement for Stella.”

  “You’re both wonderful, and I feel better,” Sara said. “I didn’t mean to dump my problems on you.” She refilled her cup. “Tell me about your wedding plans, Maddie. How are they coming?”

  “As you know, it will be a small affair, so everything is set except my wedding dress. I’m having trouble finding something suitable. I don’t want a traditional, long, formal dress,” Maddie replied.

  “At a size two, you should be able to find tons of dresses,” Sara said.

  “It isn’t the size that’s an issue, it’s the styles,” Maddie said. “Bridal shops don’t cater to wedding dresses for older women. However, I found a designer in Oklahoma City, online, who will design and make whatever I want. She seems to be my best option at present.”

  “Let me know when you’re ready, and I’ll go with you.”

  “I’d hoped you would,” Maddie laughed. “You know, with my vision problems, I might come home with a chartreuse wedding gown.”

  The Foley Residence

  Twin Falls, Texas

  Matt had called to say he would be home by seven. Using Beatrice’s recipes, Sara made a full-course Mexican dinner and set the table with flowers and candles. Popp
y and Danny were spending the night with her old boss’s children.

  She switched on the stereo system and put on a Carpenters album. She’d always loved the lovely voice of Karen Carpenter.

  The sound of a car pulling into the garage made her turn, then the door opened and Matt entered. “Mmmm, something smells good,” he said and strode across the kitchen, swept her into his arms, and placed a lingering kiss on her lips. He lifted his head. “And the food doesn’t smell bad either. Did you do all this for me?”

  “I did, with my own two little hands. Come, let’s eat while it’s hot. I have something I need to tell you.”

  “It must be serious if you’re enticing me with one of my favorite meals. Want to talk before we eat?”

  She nodded and gazed into his eyes. “I know she’s been with you for a long time, but...I let Stella go yesterday.” Then she told him why.

  “That’s probably why she’d been trying to reach me at work. I didn’t return her calls. I figured if she had a problem, she could work it out with you.”

  He took her hand and led her over to the dining room chair, sat, and pulled her into his lap. “Sara Louise, you can be assured I will always back whatever you decide. I know you, I know your heart. The only one I’m disappointed in is Stella. I thought she was a better person.”

  Sara slipped both arms around his neck and whispered in his ear, “I’m so glad I married you.”

  He laughed. “Not half as glad as I am. If Stella still wants to talk to me, I’ll be happy to listen, but I don’t think she’ll like what I have to say. Now, let’s eat. I’m starving.”

  The Foley Residence

  Twin Falls, Texas

  The day was bright and fifty degrees, much warmer than it had been in weeks as Sara returned home from her martial arts class. She showered and changed, then went to the office alcove in the game room to check the Internet for temporary maids to use until she found a full- time housekeeper. It was a job she’d never had to do, and she wasn’t looking forward to the long, drawn-out process of replacing the housekeeper.

  She jotted down a list of cleaning services and scheduled cleaners for twice a week, then created an ad to go to an employment agency and the local newspaper.

  Before settling in to make the calls for the ads, she went into the kitchen to make tea. As the brew was steeping, the doorbell rang.

  The elegant figure of Grace Stanton stood in the doorway. Nerves skittered up Sara’s backbone. She was pretty sure she knew why Grace had come calling. “Please come in. It’s so good to see you. I was just about to have some tea. Come on in and join me.”

  “Thank you. Tea sounds wonderful. I’ve had my quota of coffee today. How are you? I’ve been meaning to visit since your marriage, and finally found time today. I hope I’m not intruding. I should have called, but took the chance you would be home.”

  Sara poured the tea and set a cup in front of Grace, adding milk and sugar to the tea tray. While Mary was alive, Sara spent many weekends at the Stanton ranch outside of Austin, and at their home in North Dallas. They had always treated her like a second daughter.

  “We are doing very well. Matt is busy, of course, but I’m learning to cope with that.”

  “I know that isn’t easy. But he’s worth the effort. Matt told Blain you adopted two children since we last met. Matt raves about them to Blain. You must bring them out to the ranch so we can meet them.”

  “I’d love to, and they would adore the animals.” Sara smiled. “Poppy and Danny are sweet- natured and totally unspoiled, for which I deserve none of the credit.”

  Grace took a sip of tea and set the cup down. A shadow passed over her face. “I received a phone call from Stella.”

  “I wondered if that’s why you came. Grace . . .”

  The older woman reached across the table and placed her hand over Sara’s. “You don’t need to defend yourself. I came to tell you not to worry about anything Stella might say.” She gave Sara’s hand a pat. “Mary loved you, Sara. She would be thrilled that you and Matt found each other. You were the sister she never had, and it was obvious you felt the same way about her. I can’t explain Stella’s misguided vindictiveness. Mary would have been the first to condemn her actions. I just wanted to reassure you that Blain and I didn’t believe her accusations.”

  “Thank you, Grace. Your understanding means a lot to me.” She stood and took her cup and saucer to the sink, and cast a solemn glance at her guest. “Stella took her disapproval out on Danny and Poppy. I couldn’t allow that. Please know that I would never do anything to tarnish Mary’s memory.”

  Grace rose, crossed the distance between them, and took Sara in her arms with a motherly squeeze. “I know that. Would you like to see the latest pictures of my granddaughter, Mary? She just turned two.”

  They shared photos, Sara of Poppy and Danny, and Grace of her latest grandchild.

  Grace finished her tea, picked up her handbag, and started to the door. “Don’t forget to bring the children to see me. I’d love to meet them.”

  Standing in the doorway, Sara watched Grace’s limousine pull away and disappear into the distance. She smiled and went back inside. It was clear where Mary’s classy genes came from.

  CHAPTER 21

  Twin Falls Police Station

  Twin Falls, Texas

  A commotion in the corridor outside Matt’s office brought him out of his chair and into the hallway.

  Chris Hunter, almost at a run, held a rifle in one hand and a Beretta in the other. Cole Allen was about two steps behind him.

  A smile beamed on Chris’s face from one ear to the other as he stopped next to Matt. “We’ve got him, Matt. The dealer located the handgun and Bauer brought a rifle to the dealer yesterday. Now we can nail that son of a gun.”

  Matt slapped him on the shoulder. “Give them to Mac, and let’s see if the ballistics match. Tell him to put a rush on it.”

  He strode back to his desk, picked up the phone, and called Sheriff Gates in Oklahoma. “Hey, Walt, we may have the rifle used in the Russell murders. Can you send me the bullet markings for comparison?”

  “You bet. The photos will be on their way in five minutes. If this pans out, I’m going to buy you the biggest steak in Oklahoma City the next time you’re in my neck of the woods.”

  “Thanks, Walt. If this is the gun, you may want to tell Dr. Russell to stand by. He might need to take custody of his children. I’ll keep you posted.”

  The Foley Residence

  Twin Falls, Texas

  Sara dressed quickly after Matt left for the station. She had a housekeeper interview at eight o’clock, and then she had errands to run. The two applicants she’d spoken to yesterday had proven a waste of her time.

  The woman coming today was a licensed nurse, over-qualified for sure and certainly not a requirement, but it was worth talking to the woman.

  She’d just moved the wet laundry over to the dryer when the doorbell rang, and she hurried to answer the summons.

  A woman stood on the threshold, dressed in a navy blue pants suit. She looked to be around five-feet-two, about fifty, with tightly-curled auburn hair. She offered her hand. “Hi, I’m Agnes Welford, but most people call me ‘Aggie’.” Her friendly blue eyes gleamed.

  Sara shook her hand and led her inside. “I’m Sara Foley. Come in. Let me take your coat for you, and we can talk in the kitchen over coffee.”

  “You’re a woman after my own heart. I like informal interviews, although I haven’t been on one in quite a while.”

  Sara took a plate of blueberry muffins and a carafe to the bar, poured two mugs of coffee, and placed it in front of her guest, along with cream and sugar, which Aggie liberally applied to her cup.

  She sat across from Aggie. “Your resume said you just finished an assignment with an invalid patient. Why did you leave?”

  “My patient, Judge Harland, passed away. I’d been with him six years.” She gave a vague smile. “He was grouchy as an old bear, but he was in a lot
of pain and, despite his illness, he had a great sense of humor. I’m going to miss him.”

  “I guess my biggest question, Aggie, is why a licensed nurse would want to work as a housekeeper. You could make more money working in your field.”

  “Truthfully, Mrs. Foley, I’m burned out on caring for the sick and dying. That may sound harsh, but when you live with someone for a long period of time, they tend to confide in you, all their worries, fears, and problems. They soon become family. It takes a great emotional toll when they pass away, like losing a relative or a good friend. I decided that when I went to work again, I wanted to be with young healthy people who I wouldn’t have to worry about dying.”

  Sara nodded. “I can understand that.”

  Aggie stirred her coffee, a solemn expression on her face. “I could retire, but my husband passed away ten years ago, and we never had children. I’d go crazy sitting around with nothing to do.” She chuckled. “I’m what my mother used to call antsy, which today would be diagnosed as hyperactive. Can you tell me why your last housekeeper left?”

  Sara looked directly into Aggie’s eyes. “I let her go.” Sara gave her a shortened version of what had happened.

  The woman gave a thoughtful nod. “Is this a live-in position?”

  “Is that a requirement?” Sara asked.

  Aggie lifted one shoulder. “It’s a preference. I don’t like to drive, and the job of private nurse, as a rule, required my living in the home. What would my duties be?”

  “Light housekeeping, laundry, and supervising a quarterly deep cleaning.”

  “No cooking?”

  “Only if you want to, and we would pay extra for that.”

  Aggie laughed. “You might not after you taste my cooking.” She rose, added coffee to her cup, and topped off Sara’s. “Would you consider a live-in housekeeper?”

  “It’s something I hadn’t thought about,” Sara smiled. “We do have two extra bedrooms, but I’d have to clear that with my husband. He’s the police chief, and sometimes things get pretty hectic here. You might not like it.”