by T. G. Hanson
Turning to stare out the window, Meg counted to ten. Well, he didn’t come over here so maybe that was just a friendly smile. She dared another look at the handsome man, but he was deep in conversation with the older man at his table.
She took a deep breath to calm herself. Okay, most likely just a friendly smile. Lifting her hand to her throat, she couldn’t help but think . . . But wow, what a smile it was.
Mary had returned to the table and set a glass of tea in front of Meg. “The place isn’t as nice as it used to be. But the folks here, well they just keep coming and won’t give up on the place.”
With a questioning look, Meg stared up at the waitress, “Excuse me?”
Mary waved her hand around as if to show off the room. “Noticed you looking around. Once, it was a very nice diner, but the owner, Mack, is older now and doesn’t care about it anymore. He tried to sell the place a few times but never got any offers so he’s just let it go.”
Glancing from the room back to the waitress Meg asked, “Kind of an out-of-the-way location, isn’t it? Do you get much outside traffic here or is it supported mainly by the town?”
Nodding, Mary replied, “Town mostly. But that’s enough to keep it afloat and make Mack a decent living.”
A bell sounded somewhere towards the back of the diner, and the waitress walked off in the same direction. A few minutes later she was back with Meg’s food. “Enjoy your meal and please just give me a shout if you need anything else, sweetie.”
Meg sat in silence eating her sandwich while watching the other customers. They all seemed to know each other and spent a good deal of time visiting at the other tables during their meals. Looks like a town social she thought, smiling to herself.
Meg was almost finished with her meal when Mary walked over and set a piece of apple pie in front of her that smelled heavenly. “Deputy Wade over there,” pointing to the same handsome man that had winked at Meg earlier, “says nobody should leave here without a slice.”
Smiling, Meg nodded a thank you to the man, then dug into the pie. It was truly the best pie she had ever tasted. As for the Deputy, she figured he would have done something by now if he’d recognized her.
It was at that very moment, with the first bite of pie, that Meg felt a sense of peace come over her for the first time in a very long time. The tension, the feeling of having to look over her shoulder, the fear of the past few weeks - all gone. She felt at ease and at home. Something to be said for comfort food she thought smiling.
With the second bite of pie thoughts began filling Meg’s head. It could work. I’m far enough from California nobody would ever look for me here. And not one person had looked at me as if they recognized me either. Small town - probably not too many new people moving in. Nobody to connect Meg Stinner with my former self, Emily Rhodes. I could make a life for myself here.
The bus driver had stepped inside to make one last call for everyone to board. Quickly, Meg ran outside to speak with the driver. Within minutes she was back inside finishing that slice of pie, her bags on the floor by the table.
******
Meg was sending a text to her attorney, letting him know she was stopping for a few days when she noticed a plate with pie on it being slid onto the table in front of her. She had glanced upward intending to tell the waitress that one slice of pie was more than enough, when she came face to face with the handsome deputy sheriff, who appeared to be sitting down at her table.
Smiling at the surprised look on Meg’s face, the deputy stuck his hand out to her as he took a seat. “I know, you’re from a big city and strangers don’t just help themselves to your table out of the blue. But, in my defence, this is a small town and it’s the way we do things here. I’m Wade Hooper by the way, and you are?” he asked.
Meg was so stunned she couldn’t think of what to say for a moment. Finally, realizing the man’s hand was still stuck out in front of her, she reached up and shook his hand quickly. “I’m Emi . . . Meg” catching herself before she had replied Emily for her name. “Meg Stinner. And you’re correct, I don’t think I’ve ever had a stranger sit down at my table without being invited.” she laughed nervously. She pointed over to the table he’d been sitting at saying, “Your friends will think me cheap and easy.”
Wade laughed, “That will just give them all something to talk about the rest of the day,” then took a big bite of his pie. “So, it appears you’ve decided to stay for a few days in our little town?” he questioned while pointing to her bags on the floor. “What brings you out this way?
A bit nervous but intrigued Meg had to stop herself several times from tapping her fingers on the table. She wasn’t sure what to say as she hadn’t given much thought to any kind of a back story for her new identity. It would have been easier if he wasn’t a cop, but on the other hand, he still didn’t seem to have a clue who she truly was.
Glancing around she leaned forward towards the man and whispered to him as if she had a secret. “I’ve just won the lottery and decided to do some traveling around. Your town looked interesting and so yes, I’ve decided to hang around for a few days. Do you plan to arrest me for loitering?”
Pushing his plate away and leaning back in the chair Wade smiled at her. “I can assure you that I have no intentions of arresting anyone, but I do wonder why on earth a pretty lady like yourself would find a town with streets and shops named from horror novels interesting.”
Meg laughed and leaned forward, putting her elbows on the table and resting her chin on her hands. “You know, I was wondering about that earlier. How did that happen and whose idea was it?”
The older man from the other table had walked over and rested his hand on Wade’s shoulder. He shook hands with Meg and introduced himself as Sheriff John Briggs. “Sorry mam, I’ve tried to teach this young man some manners, but they just haven’t taken. I’ll drag him away now and let you get on with your lunch in peace. If he bothers you again, you just let me know, and I’ll put him on night duty till you leave town.”
Meg laughed. “It’s ok Sheriff, some people just can’t help themselves. No harm was done.”
Standing, Wade winked at Meg and turned to the Sheriff. “Now John, I was just being a good deputy and was offering this young lady, who appears to be staying in town for a few days, a ride over to the Haunted Inn. She’s way too tiny to be carrying those suitcases all that way by herself. Isn’t that right Ma’am?”
“Oh yes, Sheriff.” Meg smiled and batted her eyes while using her best southern accent imitation, “That’s correct. It’s miles to the motel and how could little ole me possibly be safer than with the Deputy here who made such a kind offer.”
Glancing from Meg to Wade, John shook his head and began walking to the diner door. Over his shoulder, they heard him reply, “It takes less than ten minutes to drive from here to the motel and about that to get back to the station. Best get a move on it son. You still have paperwork to file today.”
Meg stood up while picking up her purse and laptop bag. “So I guess you’re my ride and we’d better get moving. Wouldn’t want you to miss all that paperwork, now would we?”, she laughed.
A few minutes later they had pulled into the parking lot for the Haunted Inn. Wade walked Meg into the office and introduced her to the owners, Bill and Sally Stanford. “Meg here is new in town and a special friend. Give her the best room in the house will ya Sally.”
Sally smiled up at Wade and patted his face like she would with a favorite child. “Sure thing Wade. Anything for a friend of yours.” Sally had Meg sign the register then handed her a key with the number one on it. “Just let us know if you need anything during your stay Hun.” Pointing to a door on the back wall she continued, “We’re always around so if you don’t find us in the office, just knock on that other door. It leads into our private residence out back.”
Taking the key, Meg smiled at the friendly woman and thanked her. Bill and Sally appeared to be in their late sixties. Sally looked to be a little over five feet
tall and Bill, not much taller. With graying hair and a bit hunched over when they stood, they reminded Meg of someone’s very sweet grandparents. Thanking them both, she and Wade walked out the door in search of her room.
The motel wasn’t new but looked to be in good condition. It had been built as one long building with the office on one end and a row of rooms connected to each other. There were thirteen rooms in all.
“That’s so funny,” Meg exclaimed as she noticed the number of rooms.
Wade glanced in Meg’s direction and smiled. “Oh, you noticed that, did you? A motel with thirteen rooms. Just another one of Mystic Pines oddities.”
Meg unlocked the door and walked into the room while Wade grabbed her bags out of the car. Setting them inside the doorway, he stood looking around for a few minutes.
Meg brushed a length of hair back from her face and turned to Wade. “Well, I guess a thank you is in order for your help and the ride over here. It would have been a struggle on my own. I assume I’ll run into you again during my stay so till then, enjoy the rest of your day.”
Wade nodded to Meg but kept standing at the door. He wasn’t sure what it was, but something was telling him that he needed to see this woman again and he’d better speak up now, or he might not get another chance.
“You are more than welcome, and yes, you’ll be seeing me right here at your door come six o’clock. That is if you say yes, to a tour of the town and dinner with me.? Can’t let you sit in here and watch the television or eating mini fridge food. Wouldn’t be very hospitable of me would it.”
Meg laughed. “Ok mister deputy Wade, I’ll take you up on your offer. I do have to eat after all.”
A huge grin crossed Wade’s face as he bowed out the door while telling her he’d be back promptly at six and closed the door behind him. Seconds later he was pulling out of the motel parking lot.
Inside the room, Meg had slipped her shoes off and had opened the curtains to the room. She watched the police car pulling away. Goodness, what an exciting day this has turned out to be. An odd sort of town, some interesting possibilities, and one very handsome guy who seems to want my attention.
She wasn’t sure what it was about him exactly, but even though she barely knew him, Wade made her feel safe and at ease. She had found him very attractive and easy to talk with. She also found herself excited about seeing him again and was looking forward to dinner this evening.
Back home she had dated often enough, but had never found anyone that held her interest beyond the first date. She just wasn’t the typical society type and had never seemed to fit in with that world, or the men who came with it. I certainly never met anyone like Wade and most certainly have never been as interested in a man before, she mused.
Glancing around the room, she noticed a clock radio on the nightstand and turned it on. Finding a nice soft pop station on the radio, she began to unpack her suitcase. The room was nicely decorated in a country farmhouse style with whitewashed antique furniture, blue and white bed linens, and light gray carpeting. Just below the window, in the corner, was a large overstuffed chair with matching ottoman and a floor lamp. Putting things away, she tried to decide on what to wear for dinner. Having finished, she decided to curl up in the overstuffed chair and read till it was time to shower and dress for the evening.
Her thoughts drifted as she tried to read. It’s been a long time since I’ve been out for an evening. At least without having to look over my shoulder the entire time. Face it girl, it’s been a long time since you’ve looked forward to a date, period. But wait, is this a date or just a nice guy being nice?
Meg wasn’t sure what this was. She wasn’t in the habit of going out with someone she had just met, especially just met in a strange town, but then maybe it was the fact that he was a cop that made her feel safe enough to say yes. Whatever it was, she was sure it was going to be a nice way to end a fascinating day.
******
Meg had just finished applying some light-colored lipstick when she heard a car door shut outside her motel room. Looking out from the small slit in the curtains she drew in her breath as Wade stepped out of a dark blue pickup truck. Tall and lean with tight-pressed jeans and a black button-down shirt, the man was something to look at. And that black Stetson hat gave him an aire of mystery. Hmm, never would have thought I had a thing for the cowboy look but oh my, Meg thought as she smiled to herself. Can’t imagine how this one has managed to stay single.
Two seconds later she heard a knock and opening the door found Wade leaning against the door frame. “Time for the exclusive town tour!” he announced. Laughing, Meg grabbed her purse, locked the door behind her and followed him to the truck. Opening the door for her, he took hold of her elbow to help her inside. “Your chariot awaits Ma’am.”
Meg turned to face him as they drove out of the parking lot. “So, does the tour come with a narrative on the town’s history?” she asked.
“Certainly does though there isn’t much to tell. Well, at least not much that a city girl might be interested in.”
She smirked at him. “I’ll have you know that this city girl spent many summers on her grandparent's farm. Why I’ve even milked a cow.”
Wade turned and tossed Meg a teasing look of shock. “Gosh and here I thought you might be all uppity and unimpressed with our humble little town.”
Elbowing him, Meg turned to look out the front window of the truck as they turned onto Murderers Row, the main road through town. Quaint little shops lined each side of the main road, where residents could purchase anything from shoelaces to groceries and more. Sprinkled between these shops were a Post Office, an old-fashioned Five and Dime, a Piggly Wiggly Grocery, the Sheriff’s Office and a Volunteer Fire Station.
In keeping with the town's theme, the specialty shops had names such as the Cloak and Dagger Dress Shop, Venus Flytrap Flower Shop and Little Potions Herbs. The Knife’s Edge Diner she had eaten lunch in was connected to the Who-Dun-It Bookstore, though from the little she saw of it earlier, it was a sad excuse for a bookstore at best she thought.
She read the street names to herself as they drove through town, Christie Street, Marple Lane, Dagger Lane and Poisoned Pen Road. “So all kidding aside, how did the town wind up with all these horror novel street names and what is the deal with all the shop names? I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
Wade ran a hand through his sandy brown colored hair and smiled at her. “It’s what makes this town unique. The short of it is that a mystery author founded the town in the early thirties. He wanted a private place to retire, but also someplace where he could attract other upcoming writers to live. He managed to gather a small group of writers to come with him, and they were the founding families of the town.”
“So who’s idea were the shop and street names, the group of writers?”
“Some, and some just sort of happened later, as the town grew. The writers that had originally moved here started holding a festival each fall where they would read their latest novels, sign books and such for their readers. Something like a huge book signing event for a select group of authors. You can imagine how that would attract fans.”
“Goodness yes, they probably flocked here to meet that many mystery authors in one place. What a fun idea!”
Wade smiled and continued his story. “As they had more of the festivals, people came and fell in love with the idea of the town and began to move here. As more moved in, the shops sprang up, and the idea behind the names just stuck.”
Wade glanced over at Meg asking, “I guess you are a fan of mystery novels?”
Reaching into her bag, Meg pulled out the current book she was reading and showed it to him. “Guilty as charged officer.”
Wade pretended to sigh. “May as well unpack your bags for good girl. This town has a way of sticking with those of us who love a good mystery. I think you’re doomed to life in Mystic Pines.”
“So,” Meg asked, “do they still hold the festivals each year?”
“Wow, that sounds like so much fun! Are there any authors still living in town now?”
“Afraid not. The last one died about ten years ago I think it was. Don’t tell me, you’re a writer too?” he asked.
“Hmm I wish, but no, just an avid reader is all.”
They spent the next hour driving around the town. Wade had shown her some of the streets with lovely houses telling her how only a handful of tradesmen had been allowed to build in the town, each having been picked for their difference in style. The town had been divided into sections, one section per builder so that each had a distinct look about it.
Meg was in love with the town by the time he’d driven around Massacre Pond and had arrived back at the diner for supper. “It’s fantastic Wade! I especially love the Craftsman style houses on Poisoned Pen Road. That’s where I’d want to live.”
“See, I told you, the town has a way of grabbing people. Many of the current residents came here back in the day of those book signing festivals and their families still live here today.”
Meg shifted in her seat to look at Wade and asked, “And what about you Wade Hooper, how did you wind up here?”
“Me? Oh that’s easy, born and raised here. My grandfather was a writer. I tried the big city once, right out of high school. Went to the police academy in Houston. By the time I graduated, I found that I hated the city and wanted nothing more than to come back home. I was lucky there was an opening at the station at the time.” Meg noticed the sadness that quickly passed over Wade’s face as he spoke next. “I lost my folks not long after and John, the Sheriff, well he kind of became a substitute father to me.”
