“I can never keep all the stories straight, so I combine them,” Anderson said. “In this one, Goldilocks was living with the three little pigs because she’d been evicted from her apartment for hooking and dealing meth.”
A frown settled across Olivia’s face. “I don’t remember that part.”
Anderson shrugged. “Your parents probably skipped over it. Anyway, a bad wolf came out of the forest and tried to attack the three little pigs because he was hungry. The wolf had Red Riding Hood’s mother with him as a hostage.”
“Did the wolf eat her?” Olivia asked.
Anderson considered the question. “You could say that. He kept her around for sex.”
Olivia looked dazed. “Then what happened?”
“Don’t worry…this has a happy ending,” Anderson said. “Goldilocks sneaked out of the house and knocked the wolf unconscious with a large rock. The three little pigs helped Goldilocks feed him into a wood chipper. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth of Virginia had finally been dragged kicking and screaming into the twenty first century, so Goldilocks and Red Riding Hood’s mother got married and lived happily ever after.”
Olivia gawked at Anderson.
“I love that story,” Salem said.
When the laughter subsided, Callie reached across the table and squeezed Olivia’s hand. “You’ll have to excuse Anderson. He takes some getting used to. I’m sure Goldilocks, the three little pigs, and Red Riding Hood’s mother all became good friends and lived happily ever after.”
“Actually, I didn’t tell her a story at all. We read that new book she’s been working on for school.”
“Monday’s been having some trouble with it,” Randi said. “It’s more advanced than what she’s been reading.”
Anderson nodded. “That’s what she said. I read it to her and then asked her to read it to Henry and Diva because they’re tired of hearing my made-up stories. She was reading to them when I closed her door.”
“You’re a good uncle,” Krista said. “You’d be a great dad.”
Anderson glanced at Randi and then looked away. “Don’t you have some sweet tarts, Krista? How can we have a meeting without sweet tarts?”
Krista smiled and went into the kitchen. She returned with two boxes of tarts. Anderson kept one box and passed the other around the table.
Olivia accepted a tart and looked at Callie.
“Anderson gets his own box of tarts,” Callie said.
Salem cleared his throat and looked around the table. “It looks like this Committee for Morality and Decency isn’t going away any time soon. Callie and Olivia have received a written threat in the form of a Bible verse. Krista and I received one, too.” He pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket and read. “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Salem folded the paper and put it back in his pocket.
“That verse is from Matthew 6:24. This isn’t the original note. I gave Dodd the original to compare to the note from the Arthur Stack crime scene. I asked Callie to bring her note for the same reason. I’m hoping the FBI forensics people can determine if all three notes were written on the same typewriter. If we’re really lucky, they might be able to determine the make and model based on characteristics of the type itself.”
“I’m surprised I haven’t gotten a note,” Bo said.
“It might be because you don’t have a separate mailbox,” Callie said. “Have you checked with Melissa to see if she’s received a threat?”
“Shit!” Bo swore. “I never thought of that. I’ll text her. I’ve been trying to give her some space while she’s at Passages. The last I heard, everything was fine, but that might have changed.”
“I don’t have a separate mailbox, either,” Randi said. “And it would be a big risk for a stranger to enter the campground and leave a note on Anderson’s door. Anybody could spot them.”
“I think we have to assume everyone at this table, as well as Melissa, is at risk,” Anderson said. “I haven’t heard from Dodd, which means the FBI hasn’t made any arrests. The forensics team can examine the notes from Salem and Callie, and Bo will touch base with Melissa. That’s a good start, but that’s all it is. We have no idea who is on this committee, or how many people we’re talking about. It could be two, or it could be twenty. Maybe there’s more than one committee. Remember, Dodd said there were two other murder victims in North Carolina.”
“Based on the notes, we’re obviously talking about a religious nut,” Callie said.
Anderson snorted. “This is Shenandoah County. Religious nuts are a dime a dozen.”
Callie shrugged. “Okay, but we also know the killer uses a typewriter, probably an old one judging from the type. That means we’re probably talking about an older person who isn’t computer literate. It’s almost certainly a man, one of those fire and brimstone Old Testament Bible thumper types. The fact that it’s a committee suggests this nut job has a captive following, like a Charles Manson or some other cult leader.”
Salem drummed his fingers on the table. “Anderson, can you ask Dodd if the FBI has any information about Klan or other white supremacist groups in Shenandoah County? Those groups tend to be militant Christian extremists, as well as racists. That would explain the Bible verses.”
“It sounds to me like we should be looking at Davis Lord and his group,” Krista said. “We got our note just before he and Salem had it out in the store.”
Salem nodded. “I’m thinking the same thing. We get the note in the mailbox and then Lord visits the store right after that. He’s been in the store maybe three or four times in the past five years, and suddenly he shows up in the middle of winter to kick my dog and beg for money.”
“He fits Callie’s profile,” Bo said. “He’s just a few years younger than me and an old school, fire and brimstone guy all the way. I doubt if he even owns a computer. I’ve known him since he was a young man, and I can tell you he’s been a pompous asshole his entire adult life. On the other hand, I can’t see him as a cold-blooded murderer.”
“Yeah, well, when it comes to cold-blooded murderers, we’ve been surprised before,” Anderson said.
“I’ll Google Lord and his church,” Krista said. “We can go from there.”
Salem nodded. “All right, so we’ll see what Krista can find out about Lord. Anderson will check with Dodd about white supremacist groups in the area. Callie, you can leave your note with Anderson. He’ll get it to Dodd. Bo will check with Melissa to see if she’s been threatened. Is there anything else?”
“I think we need to reinstate some of the security measures we’ve used before,” Bo said. “I can patrol the yard and check both boathouses a couple of times a day. We should keep doors and windows closed and locked at all times. Salem will have to check the rest of the property. I can’t walk through the woods in the snow—that’s too much for me—but I can drive along the road and keep my eyes open.”
“That sounds like a plan,” Salem said.
“I’ll do the same thing at the campground,” Anderson said. “And I’ll keep checking the homeless camp, just in case the killer decides to dump another body there.”
Bo said goodnight and went downstairs to his room.
Krista got up and started for the kitchen.
“Mama, can I have a sweet tart? It’s for Henry.” Monday was standing at the bottom of the stairs, rubbing her eyes and yawning.
“I’ll have to get more at the store, sweetie,” Krista said. “Besides, you know Henry can’t have sweet tarts.”
“There’s one left on the table,” Monday said. “Uncle Anderson, are you going to eat that last sweet tart?”
Anderson picked up the sweet tart and examined it. “Actually, I was saving it for Henry. I’m glad to find out he’s not allowed to have them. Would you mind eating it for him?”
Monday shook her head and grinned. Anderson handed her the last sweet tart and watche
d his goddaughter as she ran for the stairs. She stopped at the foot of the steps and raced back to Anderson. Monday wrapped her arms around her godfather’s neck and kissed him on the cheek.
Olivia took Callie’s hand and headed for the door. “Let’s get out of here before I start crying,” she said.
* * * *
“Krista’s right, you know.”
Anderson sat up in bed and looked at Randi. She had the sheet bunched up around her. He gently pulled the sheet away. Randi thought she was fat. Anderson thought she was gorgeous. Randi Lane had the shape and curves of a real woman. Even better, she understood him like no other woman ever had. His mind flashed on a memory of his last serious relationship. He had bought the ring, gotten down on one knee, and proposed. Erin had laughed in his face.
“Krista’s right about what?” Anderson asked.
“You would be a wonderful father. I see how you are with Monday and little Anderson.”
“I guess I learned from the worst. I try to do the opposite of everything my parents did to me.” He cleared his throat and looked away. “I’d like to be a dad.”
“That’s a coincidence,” Randi said.
“You’re going to need a sex change operation if you want to be a dad,” Anderson said.
Randi laughed. “I’d like two children, a boy and a girl.”
Anderson nodded. “Two’s a good number. I don’t care whether they’re boys or girls.” He took her hand and pulled her close. “Listen, Randi, I know this isn’t easy for you. A gorgeous white woman dating a black man isn’t something you see every day in Shenandoah County. Your mother must be appalled.”
“My mother wants me to be happy, Anderson. That’s all she cares about. Daddy would say the same thing if he were still alive. I’m happy. The people who mind seeing the two of us together don’t matter to me. The people who do matter to me don’t mind. It’s as simple as that.”
“Can you stay the night?” Anderson asked.
“Yes, but I need to leave by six so I can get back and help Krista get the children up and dressed.”
Anderson turned out the light. A wave of nausea washed over him, and cold sweat broke out on his neck and forehead. He could feel his pulse galloping.
What’s wrong with you? Just do it!
He turned on the light. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to take a quick shower.”
Randi looked at the clock. “It’s after midnight, Anderson.”
“I know. I’ll be right back.”
Randi was sitting up in bed when he returned five minutes later. “Jesus, you’re white as a ghost, Anderson.”
Anderson swallowed and tried on a smile. “You need to get your eyes checked.”
“I’m serious…you don’t look well. Did the hot dogs upset your stomach?”
Anderson shook his head and looked around the room. White noise roared in his ears.
“Are you coming to bed? You look like you’re in a trance.”
He walked over to the bed and looked down at her.
“You’re shaking,” Randi said. “I’m going to take your temperature. I hope you don’t have the flu.” She started to rise.
“No,” Anderson said. He could barely breathe.
Just do it, you coward!
Anderson dropped to one knee, lost his balance, and grabbed the bedside table to keep from falling. Silent tears ran down his face. He felt the room spin. “Will you marry me?” he whispered.
Randi looked into the eyes of the wounded and terrified man of her dreams. “Yes,” she sobbed. “God, yes, Anderson…what took you so long?”
Chapter 13
“What the hell?”
Salem looked at the clock on the bedside table. The dial read five-fifty A.M., and it sounded like there was a party in full swing downstairs. Krista’s side of the bed was already cold.
He got up and walked down the hall to the nursery. Anderson was gone.
It doesn’t mean anything. He’s with Krista or Randi.
Monday’s room was also empty. Even Diva, who normally spent the better part of the day on the bed, was nowhere in sight.
Salem crept down the stairs like a burglar and peered around the corner. The noise was coming from the kitchen.
Krista stuck her head out the door and spotted him. “There you are! It’s about time. Get in here so Randi can tell you her big news.”
Salem took a seat at the kitchen counter. Randi was standing by the dishwasher, rocking from one foot to the other like a small child who needed to pee.
“Okay, I’m sitting down now. You can tell me.”
“I’m getting married!”
Salem stood and wrapped her in a hug. “Congratulations. Who’s the lucky guy?”
Krista slapped him on the arm. “That’s not funny.”
“Anderson proposed last night,” Randi said. “It was so romantic.”
Salem spotted Monday over by the fireplace, setting up the Monopoly game. He stepped out of the kitchen to check on his children.
“Henry and I are going to teach Anderson how to play Monopoly, Daddy. Do you want to play?”
“No, I can’t this morning, sweetie. I have to go to work.”
Salem watched his son playing on the floor with Diva. Anderson was clutching the Siamese and drooling on her head. He bent down and scooped the baby into his arms. Diva took the opportunity to bolt up the stairs to safety.
Anderson came over and kissed his namesake on the head. “I’m going to need a best man. You interested in the job?”
“I’ve been doing that job for over twenty years,” Salem said. “No reason for me to quit now. So, what’s the plan?”
Anderson shrugged. “I’d like to get married today, but there’s a lot of stuff to do, like blood tests and a marriage license. Randi and Krista are figuring out all that stuff. I had to leave before my head exploded.”
“Have you got a ring?” Salem asked.
“No way,” Anderson said. “I learned my lesson the last time around…get an answer to the question before you buy a ring. We’re going shopping for one later today.”
Monday looked up from the Monopoly board. “Can I be in the wedding, Uncle Anderson?”
“Yes, you can, sweetie. As a matter of fact, Randi and I want you to be our flower girl, and we want your baby brother to be the ring bearer.”
“Your ring will probably have drool all over it,” Salem said. “You’d better warn Randi.”
Anderson laughed. “I’m pretty sure she’s used to my godson’s drool by now.”
“Where are you getting married?” Salem asked.
“I was thinking about the picnic pavilion at the campground. We’re shooting for a spring or early summer wedding, so it should be nice. Even if it’s raining, we’ll still be under a roof.”
“What did Randi say?”
Anderson thought for a moment. “She didn’t say much, except that it was something to consider.”
“That means she hates the idea, Anderson. Why don’t you get married here at the house like Krista and I did? I guarantee you Randi will love that suggestion.”
“It would be convenient,” Anderson said. “Randi and I will be living here anyway.”
Salem nodded. “That’s what I figured. I knew y’all wouldn’t want a place of your own.”
Anderson cleared his throat. “I’ve got my eye on some waterfront property down the road from the campground. It’s a good size…about two acres. I’m going to show it to Randi today or tomorrow. If she likes it, I plan to buy it and start building immediately. With any luck, we’ll be in the house by summer. I’m just letting you know because the campground needs a manager who lives on site. We both know that.”
Salem shifted the baby in his arms and motioned Anderson over to the sliding glass doors that opened onto the back porch. “You know it’s not like I didn’t see this coming. Krista and I have been talking. I need to spend more time overseeing both stores. We’re also planning to open a third store sometime next yea
r. The point is, I need to spend a lot less time unloading trucks, stocking shelves, and running the register. I need a manager for the store.”
“What about Jay?” Anderson asked. “He’s ready.”
Salem nodded. “Yes, he is, but this is the flagship store, Anderson. I need someone with more seasoning, a person who’s experienced and knows me as well as I know myself. I want you to manage the store, and I want Jay to manage the campground. He and Erin already live on site. He’s worked in the camp store and knows the year-round residents and our regular summer and weekend campers. I want you to train him. Once we make the switch, Jay will report to you. You’ll be the general manager of the campground, as well as the store manager.”
Anderson looked at him. “Are you sure about this?”
“I’m sure,” Salem said. “This move is overdue. I’ll talk to Jay about it today and adjust the schedules to give the two of you time to work together.”
“Sounds great,” Anderson said. “I’ve got a lot to learn about the store. I’m just warning you.”
Salem shrugged. “There’s no deadline. We’ll make the switch when both of you feel ready. This is a perfect time to begin the transition. January and February are slow at the store and the campground. Things don’t really start humming until April. Besides, it’s not like either of you are doing this without a net. You know everything about the campground, in case Jay has questions, and if you’re not around, he can ask me. Hannah can help him out, too. Whenever you have a question or situation and Jay’s not available, you can always check with me or Krista, or even Bo.”
Anderson nodded. “Thanks. I appreciate it, man. I hope Jay is okay with this.”
“I don’t know why he wouldn’t be,” Salem said. “It’s a promotion and a little more money for him. I know he loves the campground. He’s smart, too. I’ll be glad to have him as part of our inner circle, particularly with the threat from this committee hanging over our heads.”
Salem carried the baby into the kitchen and handed him to Krista.
“He’s fussing a little, like he’s hungry. I’m going to grab a quick shower before I leave. Get Anderson to tell you his news.”
Pieces of January Page 8
