by T. G. Hanson
Here goes Lynn thought. “Actually, I lied. I’m here for another reason, but thought if I told you that on the phone you wouldn’t meet me. I hope you will give me a chance to explain and help me out.”
Expecting the woman to get up, curse her out and leave, Lynn was happy to see that she looked more intrigued than anything, and even had a little bit of a smile on her face.
“Lynn, I’ve been in this business for a long time and I had sort of guessed this might be about something else.” Playing with her napkin, she continued. “You don’t get where I am without some sort of intuition, but your vagueness on details about the job intrigued me. Once I saw you and recognized you, I decided to follow through with whatever is going on here.”
“Recognized me?” Lynn stammered, “Recognized me from where?”
“Why that quaint little diner over in Mystic Pines. You’re Meg Stinner’s friend and you work for the Sheriff. I assume this all has something to do with the murder that took place over there at the most recent Mystery Dinner?”
The waitress came back by and left their drinks at the table saying the food would arrive in a few minutes. Lynn grabbed the glass of tea and took several large sips. “Pretty good at figuring things out aren’t you. But how on earth did you know my name, as well as all that information?”
“Oh that, well I’ve got what they call a photographic memory. I rarely forget a face, names or dates. Great gift for a reporter don’t you think?” laughed Sherry.
“I’d say so” grinned Lynn. “So here’s the deal. You did a story a month or so ago about my friend’s diner. The problem is, that Meg, the owner of the diner, doesn’t remember giving you permission to do the story, nor does she remember giving permission for you to publish her photo in the paper.”
Sherry smoothed her hair down and leaned forward placing her elbows on the table. “Well, that’s odd, considering that one, she called me to do the article herself, and two, she signed the release for the photos. I’ve got the faxed documents in my files if you would like to look them over?”
Lynn frowned. “But Sherry, that makes absolutely no sense at all. The last thing Meg would want is that article in the paper, let alone her photo.” Stopping short Lynn realized she might have said to much, peaking the reporter’s curiosity. A second later, saved by the waitress bringing their sandwiches to the table, Lynn sat and waited for Sherry to respond.
“So, we seem to have a situation here. I’ve got a signed release for the photos as well as a taped interview, keeping me well within my rights to publish the story. On the other hand, you are telling me that your friend, Meg, had no idea of the story and would not have given her permission for it. How could that be?”
Lynn stopped chewing and stared at Sherry. “Wait, did you just say taped interview?”
“Yes, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do the story so I did the interview over the phone first. Intrigued, a few days later I drove out to Mystic Pines to experience the dinner for myself, to make my mind up about the story.”
An idea suddenly occurred to Lynn. “Sherry, do you still have the tape from the interview, as well as the signed release?”
“Well I should have. It’s probably in my desk with my other files. Would you like to hear it?”
“I sure would, and it might be a good idea for Meg to listen to it as well. Between the two of us, we might be able to figure out who it was that called you because I promise you it wasn’t Meg.”
Sherry smiled and offered to escort Lynn back to her office once they had finished with lunch. The two ate in silence for a few minutes then Lynn’s curiosity got the better of her.
“So, how did you like our little town during you short visit?”
“Oh, I found it very charming indeed. You see, I’m from a little town just outside of Indianapolis, Indiana. I was born there, grew up there, and only left for college in California. After graduation, I got a job with the Chronicle and moved here to Houston. Can’t say I exactly love it here though, and I miss the small-town atmosphere.”
Lynn smiled at the woman, “I get it. I’m originally from Houston and after living in Mystic Pines for a few years, don’t miss the city at all. To many people, too much smog, and way too much traffic. Different sort of people too.”
“It is different isn’t it,” responded Sherry.
Finishing their lunch, the two paid the bill and headed back across the street to Sherry’s office.
******
Meg had agreed to Myra having lunch with Nyla and Helen, if they set the time for after the lunch rush. “I sure hope it works out and you can find out what is bothering Helen so much,” Meg commented. The three ladies were now sitting at a table farthest from the front door, eating their lunch.
Nyla looked over at Myra and winked. They had planned it so that Helen was in the back corner of the table with Nyla on one side, Myra across from her, and Helen’s back against the wall. They figured this way, when confronted, she couldn’t stand up and walk away easily.
“Honestly, I don’t know why you two wanted to sit back here in the corner. It’s so much nicer up by the windows. It’s not like we didn’t have a choice when we came in,” complained Helen. “This makes me feel like a rat caught in a trap, all shoved back in the corner here.”
“Well dear that’s because Myra and I want to talk to you, and we figured this way we would have your full attention. We want you to tell us what is going on with you, and then the three of us are going to figure out what to do about it.”
Helen seeing that she was trapped could figure no way out. She should have known when Nyla offered to treat for the day, something was up. “I see. It’s not enough that you should stick your nose into my business Nyla, but now you’ve gone and drug Myra into it. Will Janet and Sue be dropping by as well?” Helen glanced toward the front door while saying, “I wouldn’t have expected this from you Myra.”
Myra reached across the table and patted Helen’s hand. “Helen dear, I’m just as concerned as Nyla is, and we’re not the only ones who have noticed a change in you. The other girls have, as well as most everyone in town. We all love and care about you and only want to help.”
Helen decided that stubbornness was not going to get her anywhere and figured she would try changing tactics. “I understand your concern, but truly girls, there isn’t anything wrong. I’ve just not been sleeping well, and this whole murder business has gotten on my nerves.” Leaning against the wall, Helen picked up her napkin and began to fan herself. “I’m just tired, and I guess, a bit on the grumpy side. There isn’t any need for all this fuss. I’ll try to be a little less grumpy in the future though. Will that be good enough for the two of you?”
Myra smiled. “I guess that’s a start, but what about all the notices Nyla saw at your house. All those unopened bills on top of your television.” She paused long enough for Helen to reply but when the woman said nothing, she inquired, “Do you need money Helen? If so, I’m sure I can speak for the girls and we would all be happy to help you out, or lend you some money if needed.”
Helen frowned at both women. “See, that’s exactly what I mean. My bills are nobody’s business but my own. As far as you two know, those are from long ago and I’ve just never thrown them out.” Raising her voice and looking around the room she exclaimed, “I’ve never claimed to be the best housekeeper in town now have I. And I certainly don’t need any handouts from you all,” she huffed.
Seeing this wasn’t getting them anywhere Nyla and Myra decided to give it a rest for now, and try again later. Nyla suggested that they finish up the afternoon by browsing the bookstore for something new and exciting to read.
“All right then Helen, we’ll leave it for now. Just know that myself and Myra are here for you, if the need for help arises. For now, I suggest we go find some new books!”
Standing, Helen and Myra walked on into the bookstore while Nyla paid for lunch then headed on over to check out the new arrivals. The ladies browsed for about an hour, each findin
g a book or two, then went up to the register so they could pay for their purchases.
Nyla reached over and attempted to take Helen’s books from her. “What in the heck do you think are you doing Nyla?”
“Well, I told you today was my treat, so I’m going to pay for your books, dear.”
Helen’s face had begun to get a little bit on the red side. “Now you listen here Missy, despite what you think, I’m perfectly able to buy my own thank you!”
Meg looked over at Nyla and seeing her shake her head yes, rang up Helen’s purchases. Unfortunately, when she tried running Helen’s credit card it was declined. Not sure what to do Meg ran it through the machine a second time, but with the same results. Oh, this is not going to be good, she thought.
She handed the card back to Helen letting her know the card had been declined.
“Declined? There must be something wrong with your machine Meg. That is a new card and there isn’t a balance on it at all. Can you please run it again?”
Meg ran the card a third time with the same results. “I’m sorry Helen dear, but it’s still saying declined. Would you like me to just hold these for you, till you can get it straightened out with the card company?”
Helen looked from Meg, to Nyla, then Myra and without saying one word, placed the books on the counter and burst into tears, running out the door.
Meg looked at the ladies. “It’s not really my business, but, maybe she just needs some space and time to come to her senses. If you give her that, she might come to you on her own.”
Nyla shook her head. “Maybe, but I’m not holding my breath.” She picked up the two books Helen had left on the counter, added them to her own and asked Meg to ring them all up together.
******
Opening his eyes, Henry had no clue as to where he was. Some strange pale colored room. He hurt all over and couldn’t get both eyes open all the way. Only one of them seemed to work right. He had tried to sit up, but the pain was too much and he fell right back into the bed. He couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him, and he couldn’t remember anything.
About the time he figured out that he must be in the hospital, a doctor walked in the room with a nurse behind him. Henry managed to croak out “What happened to me and where am I?”
“Just relax Mr. Means. You’ve had a little accident and your friends brought you here to Mercy Hospital. I suspect someone from your home town will show up soon and can explain more to you. But for now, we need you to just relax and rest as much as you can.”
“What’s wrong with my eyes Doc? I can’t seem to open them more than a tiny slit.”
“Yes Henry, both eyes are badly swollen, but the swelling should go down a little each day, and you’ll be able to see better. Your sight hasn’t been affected and you’ll recover completely over time."
Henry lay there thinking to himself. What in the world happened to me and why can’t I remember anything, not even my name? He was worried, very worried indeed. What’s more, would he remember enough when it came time to leave here and where would he go if not?
******
John was sitting at his desk when Doc walked in. “Hey Doc, what can I do for you today?”
“Hey John, just got off the phone with Henry’s doctor up at Mercy. Seems he is awake and looks like he will pull through fine. It’s going to be a bit before he can get up and about though.”
“So did anyone let Houston know, and how soon can we go talk to him?”
“The thing is John, he’s got no idea what happened, and worse, who he even is. He doesn’t even remember living here in Mystic Pines.”
John sat trying to process what Doc had just said. “Are you serious? He truly has no idea?”
“Yup, none whatsoever. Nothing about the gambling, the loan shark, or anything.”
“So is this something that is permanent, or do you think his memory will come back in time?”
“The doctor told me he couldn’t find any physical reason for the memory loss and he’s fairly sure it’s Psychological. He figures whatever those guys did to Henry must have been traumatic and his brain just shut down to deal with it all for now. If that’s the case, his memory should come back, but, little by little. His doctor said it could be anywhere from a day to months. No way to tell how long.”
“Sheesh, that’s not good at all now is it. I’m afraid if he can’t identify the three men, Houston will have to let them all go.”
“I know John, and I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s nothing more that can be done now other than just wait and watch his progression.”
After the Doc left, John picked up the phone. He called Wade first to let him know what was going on with Henry, and then called Lynn. Lynn wasn’t picking up so he made a note to himself to try her again later.
John sat and thought about Henry. He wondered if he might get Nyla and her group to make a visit up to Mercy. Maybe seeing the girls would help jog Henry’s memory. He wasn’t sure it would work, but didn’t see that it would upset the man, and figured it couldn’t do any harm in trying.
Picking up his hat and keys, he walked out of the office and headed to the diner. He thought he’d run the idea by Meg and see what she thought. Maybe she could even suggest it to the widows for him. None of them were too keen on Henry, but if Meg suggested it to them, they might be more willing to give it a try.
Henry wasn’t all that well loved in town, but he was still a member of the community, and Mystic Pines folks watched out for their own.
******
Meg was checking in some new books when the Sheriff walked in from the diner. “Hey Meg, how’s your day going Hun?”
“Oh fine John. What are you up to over here this time of day?”
“Needed to ask you a favor. Can we sit down for a moment and talk please?”
Meg set the book in her hand down and motioned for John to follow her. Walking back to the comfy wing back chairs they both took a seat. She was about half afraid the Sheriff was going to question her about the murder, or more, and she wanted to be as far from the front of the store as possible.
“So tell me John, what can I help you with?”
John told her everything that the Doc had told him about Henry’s condition. “I’m thinking it might help if some of the widows were to pay him a visit. I’m thinking it might jog his memory. What do you think?”
“Sounds reasonable to me. That’s a terrible thing to lose one’s memory I would imagine, and he must be scared. But how can I help you with that?”
“Well, I was thinking that the idea might come off better, if it came from you instead of me. Henry isn’t exactly in the best graces with the widows, but I thought if you put it in terms of us looking out for our own, then they might think about it differently.”
“You may be right John. I’ll give Myra a call first, and see if she will talk to the others about it. Soon as I hear back from her, I’ll let you know what they decide. I’m assuming you’d like them to go as soon as possible?”
“The sooner the better I think, because if Henry can’t identify those guys quickly, they’ll be released. I’d rather not see that happen.”
John stood up and thanked Meg for helping and wished her luck in convincing the widows.
“No problem at all John. I just hope it works.”
As they got to the front of the store Meg stopped John. “Why don’t you head on into the diner John and grab a piece of pie to take with you. Just tell Randy I said it’s on the house.”
“Why thank you Meg. That will be nice later when I’m sitting around and pondering things over.”
The Sheriff walked on into the diner and Meg went to her office to give Myra a call.
Myra had just sat down and turned the TV on when her phone rang. “Hello.”
“Myra, this is Meg. I’ve got a favor to ask of you and the other ladies.” Meg explained all about Henry and how the Sheriff thought it might help if the widows made a visit to him.
; “Hmm, well I’m game, but not sure how well it will go over with Nyla and Helen. I am sure Sue and Janet will be happy to help though.”
“Thanks Myra. I figured you could get further with them than I would. Can you call them now and let me know what they say please?”
“Sure will. I’ll call you back in a few.”
Meg hung up the phone and went back to checking in the new books. It wasn’t thirty minutes later when Myra called her back.
“Well, it took some doing, but they have all agreed to go. Looks like we will drive up there tomorrow afternoon. That soon enough?”
“Fantastic Myra and I’m sure that’s fine. Stop by the diner on your way out of town and I’ll send some soup with you. That hospital food is never very good.”
Agreeing to stop by, Myra hung up the phone and went back to her TV show. That will be a fun little trip, not.
Nyla had invited Helen over for supper and they had both talked to Myra at the same time. Neither was too thrilled with the idea, but Meg and Myra were right they decided. They might not care too much for Henry, but he was in a bad way and was after all, a member of the community.
And like Myra said, if we don’t watch out for each other who will.
******
Sherry’s office was large with windows all along the back wall overlooking the parking lot and street below. A large leather sofa sat against one wall with a glass coffee table in front of it. An ornate wood desk sat on the opposite wall with two overstuffed chairs placed in front of the desk.
“Grab a seat,” she motioned to Lynn. Lynn sat down and Sherry walked over to a closet behind her desk. She rummaged around for a few minutes then pulled a small box out, setting it on top of her desk. Flipping through a stack of file folders she suddenly stopped and looked at Lynn. “That’s strange. It’s not here.”
“What do you mean not here?” exclaimed Lynn.
“The tape, the folder, nothing. It’s all gone.”
