by Lynn Cahoon
“I’m sure being an author of fiction is a little different from nonfiction, but I can give you my impressions for both.” Cat frowned as she glanced at her notebook. Maybe she hadn’t prepared quite as well as she should have for this group.
“I’m sure we’ll have an insightful discussion.” Archer sat on the couch with his wife, watching the rest of the group come into the room. “Besides, what good does knowing it all do for anyone? There has to be surprises in life to keep us on our toes.”
“You’re exactly right, Archer. So, are we ready to talk? I’ve got some notes from prior sessions to work from, but are there any questions you all want to make sure I cover?”
Cat listed off the questions onto a flipchart. As she finished the list, she smiled. All of these questions had been in her presentation already, so she was prepared. As she took a sip of her coffee, she relaxed and started talking.
Two hours later, the group was out of the house, walking toward town and Reno’s for lunch. Shirley had joined them. Apparently, Uncle Pete hadn’t solved the case with the stealing miner. Cat took her file to the kitchen, where Shauna was folding laundry. She’d stripped beds and cleaned the rooms while Cat had the work session downstairs. Their system was working well. Or at least had for most of the retreats. Shauna changed sheets only once in the middle of the week, freshening the bedrooms and baths daily with fresh towels. When they opened the other wing, Cat thought they might have to hire some extra help to clean the rooms since Shauna had so much on her plate now.
“Let me help fold.” Cat took a towel out of the basket. The clean smell and feel of the fluffy towel almost made her sigh. There was nothing like a clean towel in her mind.
“So your uncle called. He’s taking Shirley out to dinner tonight and we’re not supposed to wait up for them.”
“Got it.” Cat folded a second towel. “I guess the miner dude didn’t kill Chance?”
“Not according to your uncle. Witnesses have him drunk in a Collinsville bar at the time Chance was murdered. Then he came into Bernie’s with a lot of cash the next day. It was only when he ran out of the money that he pulled out the credit card. Once Bernie saw the charge the next morning, he called Pete.”
“So we still don’t know who killed this guy? I was hoping that Seth could go to his reunion without looking at his friends as suspects.” Cat grabbed the last towel. “Many hands make light work” was her mom’s favorite saying. And Shauna didn’t let her help much, so she felt good when she could.
“You don’t think any of the guys who served with Seth could be involved, do you?” Shauna set the basket on the floor, then grabbed a bottle of water.
Cat laid the folded towel on top of the basket, then went to the fridge to get her own bottle of water. She hadn’t meant to say that aloud, but she had. Finally, she sat next to Shauna and stared at her unopened water.
“Cat?” Shauna’s voice held kindness, concern, and a touch of worry.
Cat looked up and met her friend’s gaze. “I do think this is something to do with the platoon or the group or whatever you call it. I’m afraid Seth doesn’t know everything about his old friends.”
Chapter 12
Before they sat down to lunch, Cat made a trip out to the barn to visit the kittens. Shauna had scheduled appointments for the brood and their mother, Angelica, to get fixed so five kittens wouldn’t turn into twenty more in less than a year. She should have let Shauna give some of the litter away, but Cat liked each one of them for a different reason. One was feisty. One cuddly. And one, Ali, was a fighter. He’d pick a fight with the straw bale if he thought he could get it to react. His determination made Cat smile.
She filled the bowls with food and checked their automatic water dish that Seth had set up to the barn’s water system. When it was cold, she’d have to remember to come outside and check it daily since it didn’t have the automatic warmer, like the water trough that Shauna’s horse, Snow’s, did.
Once she sat down on a straw bale, the kittens came running for attention. Angelica, the mother, ignored her and went straight to the food dish. The cat had been on her own, after her prior owner had died, so she had solid priorities. Cat wondered if she’d ever trust that food would always be there for her after scrapping by for months. She’d brought the cat down from Outlaw, the local Old West tourist town nearby, when she’d realized Angelica had been living on her own in the ghost town. She wouldn’t have survived the winter up there, especially with the four babies that came right after she’d made Snow’s barn her home too.
Maybe people were the same way. Maybe their past lives and adventures put a mark on them like Angelica. Had Chance just checked out of society because he didn’t trust the world anymore? Or had something else happened in Germany? Would one of Seth’s buddies be involved? Or was his disappearance higher up on the power grid? They may never know. Uncle Pete hadn’t ruled out the fact that this might have been an unfortunate accident, but if so, what had happened to the gun? She wondered what the autopsy report had said, but she knew asking her uncle was hopeless.
All she could do was keep her eyes open and finish reading the journal to see if there were any clues to why Chance had disappeared.
Or, she thought as she scratched an orange belly as the kitten purred under her hand, maybe there was someone she could ask. The ex-fiancé. Cat could see if she was still in town. If she’d gone to school with them, she might be able to find contact info on the high school’s alumni site. She almost remembered the name, but maybe they’d had a class together that would solidify the relationship. She’d like to think the girl might remember her, even if it had been years since graduation.
Happy that she had a plan, she gave all the kittens one last cuddle, then headed back to the house. If Seth was there, maybe he’d remember some of the other kids whom Chance had hung around with. It was a long shot, but someone had to know something about Chance. Especially if his death had more to do with his past before the military than his current hermit lifestyle.
The sun warmed her face as she left the chilly barn. The smell of fall, crisp and tart, hung on the air. Someone had been burning leaves nearby because she could smell the burnt oak in the distance. Colorado was on the edge of winter, and she could feel the chill and thought of snow as she walked into the house. Tomorrow’s hike could be their last chance to get outside and enjoy the mountains she loved.
Life in California had been nice. Sunny, sea-kissed wind had kept her from missing the snow and freeze of her home in Colorado. But now that she was back, she was hyperaware of the change of seasons. Especially when it brought the holiday season along with it. She hadn’t even started thinking of gifts for Seth or Uncle Pete, but Shauna? She’d had too many ideas of what the budding cookbook author might want. And she also wanted to tuck in a personal item so she knew Cat didn’t just see her as the retreat’s cook.
Holidays were a land mine of emotions. But she loved getting just the right gift. From a special hat or scarf for Uncle Pete, to a just-right tool or sports item for Seth. She agonized over every decision. Better to focus on Chance and finding his murderer than go down that perfect rabbit hole too soon.
Seth wasn’t in the kitchen when she came back. Shauna caught her looking around and shook her head. “You just missed him. He has all the hiking stuff ready to go and told me he was meeting a friend for lunch.”
“Oh? Who?” Cat tried to make the question sound conversational, but when Shauna laughed, she knew she’d failed.
“Jerry, I think. He said he was one of the guys from the army. I made soup and sandwiches for lunch. Will that work?”
“Tomato basil?” Cat didn’t really have to guess. She could smell the sweet tomato as soon as she walked in the door. “One of my favorites. Maybe it was Terry?”
“Good.” Shauna poured the soup in bowls and sat them next to the plate piled with sandwiches. “I didn’t know Seth was leaving or I wouldn’t have made so many. Typically, he eats a couple in the afternoon for sn
acks.”
“My mom always called him a growing boy. But I think he just had a super-high metabolism. Keep them in the fridge. He might need a midnight snack when he gets back from the reunion. Or we can take them on our hike too.”
“Don’t get me wrong, but I’m kind of excited to have a full day to myself. I’m going to make meatloaf and scalloped potatoes for dinner, so after I get the rooms refreshed, all I have to do is get the dining room set up for evening snacks.” Shauna took a sip of her soup. Then looked at Cat with concern. “You are going with them on the hike, right?”
“Nice to know I’m missed around here,” Cat said with a laugh, “but yeah, I’m going. I think it might be the last time we get to explore this year.” Cat took a ham sandwich off the pile. “You could come with us, if you wanted.”
“No, I’m going to put the finishing touches on this proposal, I hope, then start sending it out to agents. I finalized my list last week and I’m anxious to get started submitting. I’m hoping that they like it.”
“It only takes one yes.” Cat had held back offering to send it to her agent as she wanted Shauna to understand the business, not just have an easy insider track. She didn’t know much about the cookbook world of publishing, but she didn’t think Shauna should have a problem getting someone to take on the project. “I’m going to see if Chance’s ex-girlfriend is around and pay my condolences. Do we have enough cookies for a small box?”
“We do. Sherry lives in town with her new husband. She’s a teacher, and he works out at the lumber mill. I guess she likes men who work with their hands.”
Cat’s heart fell. If she was a teacher, she’d be in the classroom and not available this afternoon. “Wait, how do you know this?”
“Roger, the manager at the store, knows her. I guess he went to high school with all of you. He was a little put out that you didn’t recognize him the last time you were in looking for me.”
“Wait, that was Roger from high school? Man, he’s changed. He used to be scrawny and dorky looking. Now, he’s kind of handsome.”
Shauna shook her head. “Don’t tell me you were one of those girls who were all about appearance.”
“No, not one bit. Besides, I was already dating Seth at the time.” Cat focused on her soup. Maybe she’d go over after dinner. With Seth out of the house, he wouldn’t rat her out to Uncle Pete.
“And just because I know you don’t know this, I’ll tell you that the elementary school is out for parent-teacher conferences this week. So if you go over to the school, you might be able to catch her in between appointments.”
“I don’t understand how you keep track of all of this stuff.” Cat pondered her friend as Shauna finished her soup.
“I really love living in this small town. And some of my friends have kids in grade school. We talk about almost everything, not just how the apples look this week.” Shauna stood and grabbed a box off the shelves near the door. “Give me a minute and I’ll pack some cookies. I’m assuming you don’t want me to mention this to Pete if he shows up this afternoon.”
Cat took her dishes to the sink and rinsed them before putting them in the dishwasher. “He’s already talked to Sherry, so it’s not like I’m stepping on his toes. I just want to know if she knows anything about when Chance died the first time.”
“And if something comes up about Seth during his army time, you’re going to not pursue that, right?” Shauna closed the filled box and sat it on the table.
“I don’t see what the big deal is. I mean, why won’t he talk to me about that time?” Cat shrugged into her coat and picked up the box. “I’ll be back in a few. I have a feeling this is just a dead end.”
“Be careful.” Shauna followed her to the door. “I know you’ve investigated murders before, but this one feels different. Like it was personal.”
“Yeah, but which person was targeted? The reclusive miner who had lived off the grid for years? Or the army guy who’d disappeared during his tour?” Cat asked, not expecting an answer.
“Could be both.” Shauna held the door for her, but Cat could feel her friend’s gaze on her long after she’d reached the sidewalk.
This was a fool’s errand. Asking a woman about a man who had basically dumped her and had set up a new life. She felt cruel even bringing the subject up, but she really wanted this murder to be solved and her life back to normal.
“Cat, wait up,” a woman called from behind her.
Cat glanced at Mrs. Rice’s house next to her. If it was her neighbor, Cat wouldn’t get away with just a quick hello and a bit of conversation. She considered ignoring it, but then her mom’s voice broke through her thoughts. She had promised she’d be nicer to Mrs. Rice last week when she’d called and talked to her parents. Guilt made her stop and turn around.
To her delight, it wasn’t Mrs. Rice hurrying toward her, but Shirley, pulling on her parka as she walked.
“Shirley, what are you doing?” Cat reached out to grab the end of a purple scarf that was just about to fall on the ground. She held it out as Shirley adjusted and zipped up the coat.
She took the scarf. “I’m coming with you to interview this Sherry woman. I’m at a dead spot on my book and I’m tired of waiting for Pete to wrap this case up so we could spend some time together.”
“You’re coming with me?” Cat watched as Shirley pulled gloves out of her coat pocket and slipped them on. “How did you know I was even going to talk to Sherry?”
“I have a bad habit of eavesdropping.” She nodded to the sidewalk. “Are you ready?”
Cat wasn’t quite sure how she felt about Shirley listening in on all their conversations this week. Had she heard Cat’s concerns about her relationship with Uncle Pete? Or was she just kidding her. “You really don’t eavesdrop, do you?”
“Sorry, I did this morning. I try not to, mostly because it’s not my job anymore.” Shirley fell in step with Cat as they started toward the elementary school. “I was in the hallway when you told Shauna you were going. I ran to the foyer, grabbed my coat, and ran outside to head you off. But you’re a pretty fast walker.”
“Habit.” Cat wasn’t sure how she felt about Shirley tagging along, but at least she’d have someone to verify her story if Uncle Pete asked what she thought she was doing. Many hands share the blame as well as the work. Cat smiled as she thought about her adjustment of one of her mom’s favorite sayings.
Shirley glanced at the remodeled Victorian they were passing. “Isn’t that your friend Dante’s house? It’s really lovely. For a bachelor, he’s done a fantastic job of taking care of the house and the landscaping.”
Cat was pretty sure that Dante had a group of people he paid to keep the house and all of the surrounding lands in tip-top shape. Some days, she wished she could ask to borrow his staff to get the lawn in shape or clean the house, but Seth didn’t even like her talking to the guy. Seth didn’t get jealous much, but Dante pushed all of his buttons. So Cat tried to stay away. A fact that Cat figured Shirley knew from Uncle Pete.
“I don’t really talk to Dante. And he’s really not my friend. He and my ex-husband were close.” Cat pointed at the next cross street. “We’ll turn there and the school is a few blocks south.”
Shirley must have gotten the hint to change the subject because she was quiet for a few minutes. Finally, she turned to Cat. “So what are you going to ask her?”
Cat shrugged. “I kind of wing it when I talk to people. I’m going to give her the cookies and tell her how sorry I am for her loss. Then, depending on where the subject goes, I might add some additional questions as a space for them comes up in conversation.”
“You know that’s not the way investigators come at an interview. They have a list of questions that are carefully constructed to elicit the correct response from a witness. You have to be careful you don’t lead a witness to say something compromising that may lead you down a path that just wastes time.” Shirley pulled a small notebook out of her purse. “I’ve written down a few ope
ning questions you might want to use.”
Cat didn’t even look at the notebook, although every fiber of her being wanted to snatch it from Shirley’s hand. “I’m not an investigator. All I’m doing is trying to figure out if this has anything to do with Seth or me. I want to feel safe in my house.”
“Do you seriously expect me to believe that line of bull pucky?” Shirley sighed as they came up on the school. The playground was empty, and the parking lot had only a smattering of cars parked near the entrances. “I swear, small towns really need to rethink their school buildings. A shooter could come in at one of three entrances I can see right now from this vantage point. It’s really not safe.”
“It’s sad that they have to think that way now. A school should be a sanctuary for kids to learn and grow. Not a place for them to be afraid.” Cat headed down the sidewalk to the main entrance.
“The school in my neighborhood banned home-baked cookies due to the high number of kids having a peanut allergy.” Shirley matched Cat’s stride as they walked.
Pausing at the door, Cat turned toward her. “I don’t understand. What’s that got to do with anything?”
“Some people are afraid of things we don’t consider threats. You have to know you’re in danger to feel fear. If you haven’t experienced a real threat, you won’t be afraid of a random issue that happened across the country.” Shirley pulled the other door open and walked through toward the office.
Cat followed. She understood what Shirley was saying, but she wasn’t quite sure how the conversation had turned. Her uncle’s girlfriend was a bit of a mystery. And one that Cat needed to figure out before she became her aunt. She hurried to meet Shirley at the front reception area, all enclosed in glass.
A young woman lifted her head from a computer and smiled. “Good morning, how can I help you today? Are you here to meet with your child’s teacher?”
