by Olivia Swift
“It’s unbelievable,” Kat said again, “that there will be walls up there in two days. It just seems impossible.”
“These new construction methods are superb,” Dex added. “They are better insulated and good for the planet.”
“Anyway, I did hear from Jinty’s gran that she remembered Melvich being arrested for assault quite a long time ago. Maybe he has always been violent,” said Ben. Simon nodded and added that the police were still looking for him but he did gather that the man had a record. He told them that they let him see the totem pole, but it was evidence and he couldn’t handle it.
“I could identify it though, and they think the museum will get it back in the end. They think they might find out from CSI checks where it had been held and maybe fingerprints of whoever stole it.”
“What about Melvich?” Ben asked. Simon said that he was on the run.
“What I did see in the place where they had the totem pole was a pile of stones that were the ones you say were dug up and stolen. It’s not likely that anyone else would have some of the same. I told him that they were probably the ones from your place. He might be in touch.”
“I wonder where they found them,” Kat joined in.
“It would be interesting to know if the shop is still open or if the police have searched it and perhaps found the stones there,” Jazz said. “Maybe we should take a look.”
Dex told the rest about trying to keep Carly and Kat safe.
“I don’t think he would know who Meghan was or even if he knew that she was there that night,” Dex added. “But Simon, you should maybe just make sure that you are not in any danger.”
It gave them all pause to stop and think and then wonder about poor Marie Carpenter who had been kidnapped off the street.
“They are not nice people. We should just take care until Melvich is in custody. If they catch him, I don’t think he will be out again for some time. Kidnapping is a serious crime.” Evan said.
“Tomorrow, maybe Kim and I could go back for another look at the antique garden urn,” Jazz decided. “Not that I would ever pay two thousand dollars for a pot like that anyway but it’s an excuse and neither of us was involved with the business that night.”
“Just the same, I will come as well,” Evan told her. “Nobody knows me either.”
The group broke up a little later and Ben drove Kat home. They sat in the car for some time just talking about the events of the last few days.
“It will be pleasant to have a few days off and watch the building come to life,” Kat said. “We can forget what has happened and just think about the two of us.”
“Sounds good to me,” Ben told her. “And I can know you are safe because you will be right there on site. My mom is off to stay with her sister who has just come out of the hospital.”
“So, I am just the replacement cook really.” She laughed. Then she added that he might regret that when he had eaten what she made.
He jumped out to walk with her to the house door and swept her up in his arms to claim her lips. The surge of feeling and emotion for the two was like a minor earthquake, and both of them felt a bit lightheaded as they came apart.
“I know I feel all sorts of weird things,” Kat said. “But that was like nothing I ever felt before.” Ben pulled her close and whispered that he was glad that she admitted that because he was scared that it was just him.
“Nobody ever made me feel like this before,” he confessed.
“Do you suppose,” Kat asked, trying to reinstate her practical side, “that all the upset has made us more sensitive?”
“I don’t care what did it. It was wonderful and just to prove it wasn’t a one-off, let’s give it one more try.” She smiled and linked her fingers behind his head.
“Just one try?” she asked and reached for his lips.
Finally, she opened the door and slipped inside. He heard the lock click into place. Ben stood and looked around for a few moments. It was a very quiet spot and he vowed that she would never be at risk from any mad would-be devil worshipper. He told himself that Kat was the one with the sixth sense, but gave a shiver and pushed aside the thought that someone could be out there watching.
12
The next day, they tried to settle into a normal routine. Ben and Jinty finished the garden job and Ben called the person waiting for him to look at their garden and explained that he would make an appointment in a few days time.
Kat and Carly made jewelry, served customers, and read the newspaper reports of the incident at The Summer Place. The press had found all of the old rumors and stories and had gone to town on them. They found people who remembered stories from a long ago and managed to glean from the police the fact that stolen items had been recovered from the scene. They reported that the girl who had been kidnapped was safe, well and unhurt, but kept her identity secret. Art Melvich and his antique shop got a lot of publicity but the man himself was nowhere to be found.
Every customer that came into the shop was talking about it, and as there was no privacy regarding the people who had stepped in to help the captive; the phone never stopped as the press and television people asked for interviews. The detective had warned them not to be drawn into any statements, as the case was alive and being investigated. It gave them the excuse to say that they were not allowed to talk to anyone.
That did not stop every customer from coming in, full of curiosity, and between the regulars, a few disguised journalists tried to glean some snippets as well.
“Well, it has been good for business,” Carly said when they had a welcome break from customers, “but it is absolutely exhausting.” They heard that Chestnut Hall, Ben and the archaeologists had all been fending off inquiries as well. Ben called up Kat and said he was finished for the day.
“I’ll clean up and come and help in the shop,” he said, and Carly agreed that another pair of hands would be welcome. He came bearing pizza and they sat in the room behind the shop and told him what a good idea it was. To give the two girls a rest, he stepped into the shop to serve and send away anyone who was not a customer.
“Carly says I can have three days off,” Kat told him. “I will be the chief cook and supplier of refreshment on the building site. Dex says he will come and stay in the shop with Carly.”
After the shop closed, Ben drove Carly home before he and Kat drove to see her mom. Bev Jones had been inundated with calls from newspapers and online news people as well. They thankfully closed their doors to the outside world. Martin arrived home, having closed the sign-writing business and announced that he had put up a notice saying that the business was on vacation for the next week.
“Well, I fancied a vacation anyway. Bev has been dealing with these reporters by herself and we can lend a hand to you two if it’s needed,” Martin told them. Bev put plates of pasta in front of them, and the discussion, of course, was all about the happenings at The Summer Place.
“I always think it’s strange that when there are rumors about something, it attracts people who would like to use it for themselves.” Bev observed. “I could quite imagine that awful man pretending to be the devil. What a fool.”
“But a nasty and dangerous fool,” Martin added. “Someone told me today that he is a very rich and nasty man.”
“If we just stay safe until the police pick him up, things can go back to normal. I don’t think they’ll let him out again.” Ben added. “Kidnapping is serious. He’ll stay inside for a long time.”
“They must have access to drugs as well,” Bev said. “Those other people were drugged up to the eyeballs.”
They talked about the possibility of the museum getting their goods back and Ben said again that he really didn’t want the stones back.
“Meghan said they were probably originally something to do with the summer solstice and had been taken over by other people since then,” Kat added. Ben wondered if the museum would like those as well.
“I think,” Kat said, “that we should go and buy w
hat we need for the trailer for the next three days and stock up on supplies. It would save time in the morning.”
“Stay together,” Bev told them, as they left for a shopping expedition.
The mall was noisy, well lit and perfectly normal. Nobody was lurking about to ask them questions or try to find out what was happening. They bought food, drinks and snacks and loaded the car. Then they drove up to Eagle’s Cry. It was almost dark by that time, but Ben had bought three solar-powered spotlights that provided quite a bit of light.
Once the fridge and cupboards were stocked up, they each sat with a drink and went over everything that had happened. Later, they decided to watch a bit of TV. There was a segment on the local news about the events which had taken place at The Summer Place, so they switched channels.
“They haven’t found him yet,” Kat said and snuggled up against him. “The thrill of seeing the walls go up tomorrow is much more exciting.”
“I think that when the walls and roof are up, even if nothing else is done, we should have a huge barbecue and invite everybody.” Ben suggested.
“Great idea,” Kat agreed.
“I am not much use with a barbecue but I’m sure Evan would take charge if we asked him.”
Ben said he would take Kat home because Bev would be worrying, so they locked up and drove away.
“I love Eagle’s Cry,” Kat said as they left the place. “It will be so successful for you when it is all up and running.”
“Big day tomorrow. I’ll pick you up early,” he said and claimed one of those lingering kisses at the door, then waited until she had gone in and he heard the lock click into place. His mom’s house was dark and felt very empty without her there, and he gave her a call to check how his aunt was doing.
“There’s food in the freezer you can microwave,” she told him, but he said that he’d had a meal at Kat’s and brought her up to date about the building. She ended the call, telling him to take care. With a slight feeling of unease, he made sure all of the doors were locked. Then he laughed at himself in the mirror.
“Bring it on, Melvich,” he said out loud. “I’m big enough to sort you out.”
He texted Kat before closing his eyes, and drifted off to sleep pondering the building going up in the morning.
The next morning he made sure his mom’s place was tidy and then went to pick up Kat. They were both ridiculously excited and drove into Eagle’s Cry chattering nonstop. He parked the car away from the entrance to make sure there was room for the truck, as it would need to be near the foundation.
“Oh, lord.” Kat clutched his arm. “Look, Ben.” She pointed at the miniature landscape that he had put into place with the backhoe.
He was speechless for a few seconds as he followed her gaze and saw the hideous pattern of bright red paint that had been thrown against the stones. It looked suspiciously like blood, although common sense said it was not. The two of them went over to get a closer view, and Ben tentatively touched it with a fingertip.
“It’s still a bit tacky,” he said.
“Who and why?” Kat wondered, looking around as if someone would suddenly appear and explain. Then she shook herself and the practical side kicked in. “Let’s make sure we are ready for the backhoe and then decide what to do about it.” He nodded, and they went to open up the trailer.
“I guess I’ll need to call the detective,” Ben said as he brewed a first coffee. The ritual was interrupted as Kat directed his attention to the sound of an approaching engine outside. The flatbed carrying the backhoe came into view. The men came to look at the site and to select the best location to start the work. Kat left them to it and went to sit inside with a coffee to make sure she was not in the way.
She phoned Carly to tell her about the paint and Dex answered the phone.
“What’s wrong?” Kat asked immediately and found out that they had just discovered the crystal shop had been damaged through the night.
“The windows were smashed but we don’t think anything was stolen. Just looks like vandalism but—" He paused. “Your dad’s shop had paint thrown all over the signs outside.” There was silence. “I am sorry,” Dex added. “I’ve phoned your dad. He’s on his way.”
“Dex,” Kat almost whispered. “Someone has thrown red paint all over the landscaping stones that Ben had put in position.”
“Oh, good lord,” Dex said.
“The builders have arrived and we haven’t had time to call the police. Tell my dad when he gets there and I’ll go and tell Ben.” She hung up and waved Ben over. The builders knew their job and really didn’t need any help. He strode across to the door and saw the look on her face.
“Not just red paint on here,” she said and repeated what Dex had told her. The two of them sat down and looked at each other.
“That’s either revenge or just plain nastiness,” Kat said. “It has to be connected to the people at The Summer Place.” Ben nodded.
“I’ll call the police and see what they say,” he said and pulled out his phone. It took some time to get through to the detective who had dealt with the breakup of the devil worshippers because he had been called out to see the damage at the two shops, but eventually he came on the line and said he would send someone up to take photos and look around.
“Thanks,” Ben said and saw that the builders wanted to ask him something. Kat stepped outside as well and saw that two walls were actually in position for the ground floor. The sight stopped her thinking about the attacks on the properties and she followed over to see what was happening. Ben had answered the man’s questions and they were starting with the next section. Men on the ground were securing what was already in place.
“It’s a double wall and the insulation is included,” Ben pointed out to her, as they watched the next section swing into place and be guided down. The men knew what they were doing. It was something they did every day, and apart from the odd question about what was needed inside, they simply got on with the job.
Kat asked if they would like a coffee or a cold drink and they all grinned and opted for a cold drink. Work stopped as they sat on the edge of the foundations and uncapped the bottles.
In the course of the conversation, Ben pointed out the red paint on the stones. Kat added about the crystal shop and her dad’s place as well.
“I guess the police will arrive shortly to take photos and see if they can spot anything,” Kat said.
“You must be the guys who disturbed the loonies up at the waterfalls,” Marcus, the foreman, said. “It’s been all over the news and everything.” They agreed that it was them, and Kat added that they might be loonies, but those loonies had kidnapped a woman off the street.
“Heaven knows what would have happened if we had not been there.”
“So, they are looking for this antiques guy?” another man asked, and they said that it looked that way.
“You would think,” Marcus said observantly, “that he would be too busy lying low to come out and throw paint around.”
“Good point,” Ben said and stood up as a squad car came up to the trailer.
“Back to work, boys,” Marcus said, and they went back to construction. The uniformed officers who came to talk to them asked the same sorts of questions and Ben repeated the thought that you’d think the man would lie low and not risk being caught vandalizing.
“I heard that he is rich. Maybe he is paying someone to do his dirty work,” Kat remarked and the woman officer wrote it down. Then she said she would mention that to the detectives in case it helped. She pulled out her phone and spoke as they went over to see the paint.
“That paint,” the male officer noted, “looks very much like the paint on your father’s shop front.”
“How bad was it?” Kat asked, and he told her that every sign in front of the shop was spoiled.
“I must say,” the man remarked, “that he took it all in his stride.” She smiled and told him that her parents were not materialistic.
“He will just s
tart over again,” she added. “I’ll have to find some time to help him with it.”
The policemen looked all around the place to see if there were any telltale signs of who had done the damage. They took photographs and said they would let them know if anything turned up.
“My guess is that nothing will come to light,” Kat said as they watched the squad car drive away.
13
By the end of the day, the ground floor walls and the upstairs floor were in place. The men said they would be back the next morning and probably do the first floor and the beams for the roof. They drove away and the place was left quiet and there was half a house to look at.
“Oh, wow,” Kat exclaimed as she clutched Ben’s hand. “That puts everything else to the back of your mind. It is going to be gorgeous.”
“There is a front doorway.” He grinned. “Let’s have a proper look.”
It was a big step up to the level of the door entrance, so Ben gave her a lift up and then scrambled inside himself.
“There’s a floor and everything.” Kat laughed and did a little jig across it all the way to the back of the house. There was a big space where the glass doors would go that would lead to the rear garden, and you could see where the kitchen would be and the staircase. There was only a stepladder up to a space in the ceiling. Kat grabbed the ladder and looked at him.
“We have to look upstairs as well.”
“Just be careful,” he warned and held the ladder as she went up and then he followed.
“I’ll not go too near the edge but you can see what the view from where the balcony will be. It is fabulous,” she said and they gazed across to the mountains. “Is it what you expected?” she asked him.
He told her it was more than he expected.
“I didn’t expect it to look like a house so quickly. It will be really big as well.” She put an arm around his waist. She pulled out her phone and took photos and then they went back down the ladder and took more photos of the first phase of the house.
