“How is she doing? I worried so about her last night that I called the hospital.”
“That was you? We were told someone called. I’ll relay the message,” Mergens stated. “Mustn’t call, Liv. It ruffles their feathers. These G-Men, you know?” He shook his head.
“Does that mean she was a foreigner?”
“Yes. Cambodian, we believe.” Mergens looked at me square in the eye. “We’ll keep you updated. Keep your nose out of it.”
I glanced at Erlandsen who was frowning.
“He’s right.” Looking down at his pad, he said, “Start from the top. Tell it to us again.”
Once again the events of the previous evening were repeated, even though they had asked me a million questions last night. I then told them about the computer hack. When finished, I went toward the counter as the computer geek stared intensely at my computer screen. “Figure out anything yet?”
His eyebrows pointed upward like an arrow and his round glasses were thick like glass bottles. “It’s obscure. The mailbox comes and goes. I’ve quarantined and gotten rid of the virus.” He pressed a couple more buttons. “Now I’m running a search to try and figure out where this came from, but I doubt we can really trace him.”
“It’s so mean the way hackers mess things up nowadays.” Puzzled, I rubbed my chin. “Can you tell if they were after anything in general?”
“Not really, but it seems a file named Mary Lincoln was modified.” He looked at me with a frown. “Why do you suppose that would be?”
“Interesting. Is there anything else you can tell me?”
“Nothing for sure. The person who hacked your computer would have to be caught in the act. That’s near impossible since they usually work in the middle of the night.” He clicked back to the malware site. “I’m going to run a diagnostic test. It’ll take a long time. Mind if I leave it running and return later?”
“How long?” “About an hour.” “Sure, go ahead.”
He no sooner left than the front door opened and a couple entered.
“How may I help you?” I smiled at both, realizing that they must be daughter and father. Both were tall and slim along with the same smile. She was a beautiful young woman, probably high-school age. He was dressed in an expensive suit and carried himself with an air of authority.
“We’ll just look around for the moment.”
“Interested in any first lady in particular?” I stayed by the counter, not wanting them to feel as if I was invading their space as they looked around the room.
“What about the Kennedys and Camelot?” the man asked. “That’s right over here.” I steered them toward the 1960-era White Houses. “First Lady Jackie Kennedy had the garden redesigned by Rachel Lambert Mellon. She planted flowerbeds in a French style but used mostly all American specimens. ‘Katherine’ crabapples line the edges with little leaf lindens and diamond-shaped hedges of thyme. It’s all very beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Jackie was beautiful and very feminine. She spoke fluent French, too. I loved her as a First Lady.” The man smiled. “Frankly, we were thinking about purchasing a dollhouse for her mother, my wife, Pat, for Valentine’s Day.”
“Mom’s always talked about her dollhouse from when she was a kid,” the young woman stated. “Dad thought this would be a good idea.”
“Don’t you like dollhouses, too?” I raised a brow. Really, what girl didn’t?
“I think Mom’s a little too old for dollhouses, but Dad tells me she’s not.” She rolled her eyes up toward the ceiling, in the way all teenagers did.
“A woman is never too old for a dollhouse. A White House reflecting the era of your favorite First Lady? What more could a woman ask for?” I cocked my head.
“Agreed.” The father nodded at me. “Also, Jackie’s voice was dreamy. I remember watching that news special when she gave a tour of the White House at Christmas. I was just a little boy then.” He thought for a moment and said, “Let us roam around a bit and look at all the houses.”
“Sure. Go ahead.” I backed away and went to sit by the computer. As I did, Aaron entered with a worried look in his eyes. “What?”
“They don’t know anything. There’s nothing to connect the break-in here with the one at our house last night. Nor can they connect the two break-ins with Blanche’s murder, and they have nothing more to say about the dumpster girl. They’re stymied.”
“This is ridiculous.” I kept my voice low so the customers couldn’t hear. “What about Luke’s parade of helpers? Did they look into that?”
He shook his head. “Can’t see how that would be connected with anything happening to us. I agree, this is ridiculous.”
“They must be connected, and we have to find out how.” I glanced over at the computer, which had started humming again. “It all makes me wonder…that maybe it is all somehow connected to that speech,” he said.
“I’m hesitant to believe that it stems from a speech made over a hundred and fifty years ago.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “I really don’t want to chase down ghosts, especially since there’s no known copy of the speech, nor did the reporters transcribe it,” I said.
“Me, neither. We don’t need to chase down ghosts.”
Just then the customer cleared his throat, and I glanced past Aaron to where he stood. “Sorry. How may I help you?”
“We’ve decided to order a Kennedy White House.” He beamed, as did his daughter. “She’s come around to my way of thinking.”
“Daddy!” She turned beet red, and I stifled a chuckle.
“You chose one of the most beautiful houses. They were such an elegant couple. I’m sure your wife will love it.” I began putting together the bill. “My computer is down right now, I’ll have to give you a handwritten receipt.”
“I’ll write a check instead of using my credit card. That should help.”
“Yes, very much.” I took the check and completed writing the tab. “We can load the dollhouse up for you now, if you’re ready?”
“I’ll go and get a box.” Aaron headed toward the workroom. “Valentine’s Day is only a week away. For once, I’ll be early.”
He chuckled as he dropped a couple of coins into the Pennies jar.
Aaron set the large packing box down on the counter. I picked up one of the brochures describing the house. “Here.” I handed it to the girl. “Let me pack up all the furnishings.” We carried all the items over to the counter where I began wrapping them individually. “There are markings on the backs too, telling where the piece belongs.” As I busied myself with the packing, the men carried the house over and set it inside the box.
“Let’s carry it out to the car.”
“I’ll get the doors.” The girl followed, opening them as the men carried the large package out to the car.
“You’ll have to let us know how your wife liked this. I’m anxious to hear. I bet she’ll fall in love with it. If she prefers a different house, give us a call and we’ll make an exchange.” I handed over the receipt. “Enjoy it.”
“We will.” He turned toward his daughter and said, “Trish, let’s go.”
We watched them drive away.
“That made for a good day,” Aaron said.
“Made opening the store worthwhile.” I smiled and glanced up at the clock. “Time for lunch.”
“Let’s run down to Luke’s.”
“Good idea.”
We locked the back door, zipped into our coats, and headed out the front door. Two joggers swept past us heading down the cleared sidewalk, which made me feel guilty for not doing the same.
“When on earth will it warm up for good?”
In just a few minutes, we were inside the warm and cozy Brew Café where we placed our orders of squash and bean soup. A hint of cinnamon gave it a distinctive taste. We brought the bowls to a table and sat down. I glanced toward the back room where Luke caught my eye and nodded. I watched him enter the larger room, and soon he was walking toward us.
Luke
wore a white apron filled with splatters. His hands looked as if they had been covered in flour. “Rolling out dough for buns. Decided to bake cinnamon buns in the morning. Thought I’d try something new to bring in more customers…it’s been too slow lately.” Concerned, he asked, “Heard any news on how that girl is faring? Finding her in the dumpster must have been horrific for you, Liv.”
“It was. Don’t know a thing, except that she’s alive.” I scratched my head and asked, “Wasn’t she one of your helpers?”
“No. I’ve been questioned backward and forward, but no…she wasn’t one of my employees. Immigration has been here constantly, asking questions.” He placed his hands on his hips. “Have you been busy?”
“Sorry to hear my shop’s not the only business that’s been slow. If not for my First Lady celebration the other day, I’d really be in a bind. I did sell a house this morning, though.” I finished my soup. “Delicious.”
“Thanks,” Luke said.
“I don’t see yesterday’s helper? Did you hire a new girl?”
“Excuse me,” He turned at the sound of his name. “Have to get back to work.”
We watched him go behind the counter.
“Why didn’t he answer the question about his helper?” I asked. “I don’t see any young girl working here today. Maybe he’s hard up for cash.”
“No idea.”
“Me neither. I won’t feel at ease until that case is solved.” I frowned and said, “Let’s get back to the store. The computer guy should return soon. In fact, he’s probably standing out front wondering where we are.”
We finished our meal and bussed our dishes before walking out the door.
As we neared the store, we saw the computer man coming from the other direction. We unlocked the door and he followed us inside.
“Darn weather.” He shivered. “Okay, let’s see what we have now.” He walked over to the computer chair and sat down.
“Be right back.” Aaron and I hung our coats before going back out to the showroom. “What did you find?”
“A few nasty things, but it’s okay now. I’ll get your system back on track, then take off.” He pressed a few buttons. “Want your e-mail or website?”
“Website. Nothing happened to it, right?”
“Let’s see.” He clicked on the bookmark, and the website flashed onto the screen. “Let’s run through each page.” After he had done precisely that, we found it was in good working order. “I’ll log in to your e-mail, since that’s where the most damage happened.”
“How can someone do that?” Aaron leaned into the counter. “They must know their stuff.”
“Most definitely.” He checked a few other sites. “It’s all good now.” He stood up to zip his jacket.
“How much do I owe you?” I asked. “A hundred bucks.”
“Okay. Hold on and let me get back there.” I opened the cash drawer, removed five twenties, and handed them over. “I appreciate this.”
“Anytime. Day or night. If this happens again, call right away.” He headed to the door. “You’ve got my number?”
“Yes.” As soon as he had walked out the door, I opened my account and took a look at my files. “Look, Aaron, every message in the Mary Lincoln file has been either modified or deleted. Why?”
“That’s the question of the hour. I’m starting to think that I should contact the police geek squad,” Aaron replied. “Have you heard back from Dr. Williams?”
“Let’s see.” With more than fifty messages to weed through, it took me a few minutes to determine that he had not replied. “Not yet, which seems odd.” Just then my cell phone rang. “Grandma,” I answered and proceeded to tell her about the computer hacking, before disconnecting.
I glanced over at Aaron. “Grandma thinks the hacking is connected to the break-ins.”
“I’m starting to think that woman loves a good conspiracy.”
“Maybe.” I zipped through the older letters and found what I was searching for. “Look at this message from the Lincoln Library?” I turned the monitor so he could read it.
“That’s odd. They won’t put the new letter on display for public viewing.”
“I know. There’s got to be something weird about it, don’t you think? I’ll just wait. Maybe the Mary Todd Lincoln House will get a copy and share it with me.”
“That’s a possibility.”
“I’m going to see Inga for a minute. See if she can shed some light on what happened last night. Who knows, maybe she can tell me why the hat was torn to bits?”
“How would she know?”
“She has a great imagination.” I went for my coat and hollered, “Be right back!”
The short jaunt in the nippy air took my breath away. I was happy to get inside the store.
“Liv! Good to see you. Good to see anyone,” Holly stated. “Brr! Shut the door fast.”
“Pretty quiet, eh?” I looked around the room. “Where’s Inga?
The back room?”
“She just stepped out. She went to see Luke.” I watched as Holly quickly clicked out of the Internet site she had been viewing. “What were you looking up?” I leaned closer, pushing Inga’s Pennies Jar.
“Nothing much.” I noticed that her smile looked a little sheepish.
“I’ve tried to get a copy of a newly found letter of Mary Lincoln’s, but the library won’t put it on display or send a copy. I find it very upsetting.”
“The Lincoln Library in Springfield?” Her eyes looked sort of mysterious.
“Yeah. But, really, it’s no big deal.” I shrugged. “When do you expect Inga to return?”
“Five minutes.”
“I’ll look around for awhile then.”
I began my little tour around the store, starting with the antique writing desks in the back corner of the store. Abraham Lincoln’s legs were long, how could he write at such a small desk?
“Is this desk new? I haven’t seen it here before.” I glanced over at Holly. “Come here for a moment, would you?”
“Sure.”
I heard her footsteps clopping across the hardwood floor. “Look at this. Did Inga just get this one?”
“Yes,” she said. “I believe so.”
“This says, ‘Lincoln law desk.’” Perplexed, I held up the label. “This can’t be right. Why isn’t it in a museum? It should be.” The small oak desk was intriguing with its many slots and the one drawer. I tried opening it, but it wouldn’t budge. “It’s stuck.”
Just then the back door swung open and I heard Inga call, “I’m back!”
“We’re over here by the desks.” I stood up. My back was starting to feel as if it might break in two from leaning over it.
“That desk just came in yesterday. Isn’t it beautiful? Hardly a scratch,” Inga noted. Her pink cheeks and nose made me smile. “I should have called or e-mailed but haven’t had time.” She touched the wood. “The oak has held up on this piece after all these years. It’s precious.”
“I’m having trouble picturing Abe sitting at it, he was so tall.” I ran my palm across the flat top, feeling the warmth of the ancient wood.
“I wonder why the drawer is stuck, when the rest of it looks in such good condition.”
Holly called out, “I’m leaving now. I have to get to class.” Inga called back. “Okay. Tomorrow at ten?”
“I have classes all day. I’ll text you.” She turned and walked from the room.
“How many hours does she put in?” I looked Inga in the eye. “Only about fifteen. Business is really slow.” Inga tried to pull out the drawer.
“Mind if I try opening it?”
“No, go ahead.”
I jammed my fingers into the drawer as far as possible and felt a small instrument. The drawer opened after jimmying it, a letter opener dropped down. “Here’s the culprit.” I ran my fingers across the bottom of the slots—only to find a small, hidden shelf. “He must have hidden things in here, away from his partner.”
“That�
�s possible.” Inga stepped back. “This is a wonderful collection, don’t you think? A desk from FDR, and one from Teddy Roosevelt, too. I have an ashtray and cigarette holder right on FDR’s desk. It’s cute, isn’t it?”
“Yes, also two stuffed animals on top of TR’s. Very nice.”
“Got time to sit?” Inga began walking over to the counter where she had her chair and computer. I followed right behind her.
“For only a couple minutes. Someone broke into our house last night and tore apart Blanche’s Mary Lincoln hat. Fortunately, the hatbox lid, note from the dress hem, and toy bear weren’t found.”
I rubbed my chin. “Do you have any idea why this happened? The detectives can’t seem to find a common thread.”
“Nope. Holly and I were questioned again this morning, including about the dumpster girl.”
“The threads of this mystery are either tightening or unraveling—and I have no idea which!”
Chapter Thirteen
I raised a questioning brow. “Why? What are they after?”
“Let’s each think on this for a day or two, just to see what we come up with.” Inga changed the subject. “Do you like this desk? It’s for sale, you know. It’d fit nicely by the Lincoln dollhouse.” She gave me a huge, enticing smile.
“Consider it sold, but I’m not sure about ready cash.” I crossed over toward the door. “Do you think Mr. Lincoln would hide something inside one of his desks? Like that Lost Speech?” I studied her. “To hide it from his wife or law partner? Who would benefit from it?”
“Interesting question. There’s his hat. Wouldn’t he have put it there? They say he did use it like a briefcase.” She grinned. “That man always had some kind of trick up his sleeve, it seems—or under his hat.”
“Yes, I wouldn’t be surprised. It makes me wonder, too, about Tad’s uniform. Why was it so nicely preserved?” I hurried out the door, shutting it behind me. On the way back to my store, I thought about the desk. It was in much too good shape and too small to have been his law desk. Had he used it at home?
I rushed inside my store, stomping my feet upon entering. Aaron was perched behind the computer monitor with Max behind him, peering over his shoulder. “What are you two looking at?”
Word to Death Page 12
