Bring Home the Murder (4 page)

The first time she experienced the strange occurrence she blamed her imagination, but not this time. She reached for the door on the medicine cabinet above the bathroom sink, slid it open and scanned the contents inside.

She pulled the bathroom vanity drawer out and pawed through hair brushes and combs, then dropped to her knees in front of the vanity door. She tugged on it and peered inside.

Shampoos, conditioners, bath oil, and other miscellaneous bath products filled the front portion of the cabinet. She hugged the various sized containers, pulled them out and dumped them on the floor beside her.

Her arms reached inside the cabinet and removed several containers of cleaning products, unopened bars of soap, and bathroom sponges. After the last item had been pulled from the cabinet, she sat back on her haunches and studied the mess on the floor. As much as she willed it, not one Old Spice product existed in that mess.

 

Chapter 5

M
eggie stretched her arms and glanced at the kitchen clock. She had slept later than planned and would need to hurry if she wanted to finish her chores and get on the road later in the morning.

She called Walter to let him know she would be a little late, then punched in Shirley's number. No one answered her call.

After a quick breakfast, she slipped on a pair of rubber boots, stuck a pair of work gloves in her pocket and set off to do the early morning chores. At the chicken coop she dumped seed into the feeders and filled the water dish then strode toward the barn.

“Good morning, Black.” She reached up to stroke his face. Black nuzzled her hand. His large limpid eyes rested on her as she rubbed her cheek against the side of his face. Careful not to tarry, she led both horses out to pasture. She glanced at her watch and wondered how long it would take to muck out the stable.

The work cart was parked inside the barn and loaded with cleaning tools. She pushed it toward the horse stalls and parked it facing the barn door. The first order of business—clean the stalls.

After the droppings were removed and dumped, she grabbed the pitch fork and separated the soiled bedding from the clean bedding. The clean bedding was tossed to the corners of the stall. The dirty bedding thrown in the cart and wheeled outside to the manure pile.

Once the floor had been thoroughly swept and cleaned with a disinfectant, Meggie rested against the stable gate. She brushed the hair out of her eyes and glanced at her watch. It was getting late. She would have to replace the bedding later that day. Tomorrow she would tackle Beauty's stall.

She pushed the cart outside and dumped the last load of old straw and manure, then parked the wheelbarrow inside the barn. She carried the slop buckets to the pigpen and emptied them into the troughs.

Back at the house, Meggie hosed her boots off and sat down on the back patio to catch her breath. She leaned her head back and blew air onto her face. What a workout. It had taken longer and a lot more energy than expected to clean the stall.
You better face it, Meggie. You're not as young as you used to be.

A crow cawed nearby. It swooped out of a tall jack pine and landed on the ground to scavenge for food. The sight jarred her memory. She hurried into the house, retrieved the bag of old bread ends she brought from home and tossed them into the yard for the black birds.

After a quick shower, Meggie dressed and sat down at the kitchen table to work on her to-do list. She tapped a pen on the notepad and tried to think if she had forgotten anything. After her mind clicked each item off and she couldn't think of anything else, she stuck the list in her purse.

Walter expected her to stop by the house when she arrived in Pine Lake. If everything went as planned, she would have enough time to visit with him, run her errands and possibly meet Shirley at Pine Lake Café for a quick bite to eat.

God's yolk-yellow morning star climbed higher in the sky and radiated a heat that would develop into a scorcher by mid-day. Meggie switched the air conditioning on inside the Bug and started off down the drive.

The horses stood near the pasture fence. Black held his head erect and watched as she drove by. Beauty nibbled grass several yards away and paid no attention. Meggie wondered how horses stayed cool in the summer and warm in the winter. She would have to Google it when she got back to the farm.

Once she reached the highway and could pick up speed, the Bug zipped past familiar landmarks and reached the Mississippi Bridge in record time. There she slowed the car and gazed in wonder at the glistening river and majestic pines huddled along its banks. The mighty Mississippi River meandered on its journey and offered no clues to its force and power.

Minutes later she arrived at her home. Surprised to see Walter in the front yard watering the flower bed, she tooted the horn at him. He turned and waved, then continued to mist the flowers.

“Good morning,” Meggie called. She crossed the yard and gave Walter a kiss. Peppie sauntered out from the other side of the flower bed, pranced up to her and wrapped himself around her legs. She bent over and stroked his head. “How's my little tiger this morning? I miss you.”

Walter turned the hose off and tossed it on the ground. “Cup of coffee?” When Meggie nodded, he led the way to the front door and followed her into the kitchen. “How's my favorite cowgirl this morning?” He reached into the cupboard for a mug, filled it with coffee and handed it to her.

Meggie thanked him and carried her coffee to the table. “It's going great. The storm challenged me though.” She sat down and fingered through the mail lying on the table. “I found an old well in the backyard yesterday.”

“What do you mean you found an old well in the backyard?”

“A birch tree behind the house fell during the storm. I went to check it out and stumbled onto the well—literally. I'm not even sure if Michael and Molly are aware it's there. I covered it back up. Molly will have to decide what to do with it when she gets home.” Meggie debated whether or not to mention the strange occurrences that took place at the farm and decided against it.

“I can drive out and cut the tree up for firewood,” Walter offered. “Michael owns a chainsaw, doesn't he?”

Meggie shrugged and promised to find out. “On another note —I would feel better if Molly had left Brandy at the house.”

Walter held his favorite coffee mug in one hand and a plate of chocolate-covered donuts in the other. He set them down in front of his wife and made himself comfortable at the head of the table. “Her black lab?”

“He's a yellow lab.” Meggie reached for a donut. “She didn't want to travel with him but Michael misses him so much. She packed him up and took him with her.”

“Are you a dog lover now?” Walter's eyes danced, and a smile played about his lips. “Or just a little nervous out there by yourself with only the chickens and pigs to keep you company?” He bit into a donut but his eyes stayed fixed on Meggie. “Or does there happen to be another reason you want the company of a dog?”

“I never said anything about being nervous.” Her decision not to confide in Walter about the strange occurrences had been a good one. “I only meant he would have been company for me.”

Walter scratched his chin and gave his wife a hard stare. He prodded her to tell him the real reason for her sudden canine interest, but she denied any hidden motive. “I could stay with you at the farm.”

“At my age, I don't need a babysitter,” Meggie said.

An hour later Walter walked Meggie to the Bug, waited for her to settle into the driver's seat and closed the car door. “You know, a dog might not be a bad idea.” He drummed his fingers on the Bug's roof and looked down at her. “You might be able to rent a dog.”

“Oh, don't be silly,” Meggie smirked while she buckled her seat belt.

“If you change your mind just let me know and I'll see what I can do. You know,” he glanced from side to side, leaned close to Meggie and lowered his voice, “some claim dogs can see ghosts.”

Meggie rolled her eyes and looked away before she laughed. She didn't want to encourage him.

He tapped her on the shoulder. “But that's not all.” He closed one eye and pointed his finger over her head. “They say if humans look right over the top of a dog's head through the space between its ears, they might be able to see them, too.” His eyes gleamed and he fluttered his fingers at Meggie. “Boo!”

“Honestly, Walter. You ought to grow up.” Meggie turned the key and gave him a piercing stare. “You're just trying to scare me, but it won't work.” She shifted her body in the driver's seat, looked out the rear window and backed the car around.

Walter called after her, “And a dog's bark wards off the Angel of Death!”

 

 

Later that evening, Meggie sat on the front porch. She rocked back and forth and thought about summer nights long ago. Lightning bugs. Whatever happened to them? Across the road firecrackers popped and crackled. Colored fire exploded in the night sky. She had been invited to join the neighbors for their annual fireworks display, but declined. As much as she loved her independence, she wasn't in the mood to celebrate it.

 

Chapter 6

V
era looked up when Meggie entered the shop. “So glad you're here, dear. Eldon just left for the post office, but he'll be back shortly. We've had such a busy Monday morning.”

Meggie smiled to herself. Eldon's hours had increased dramatically in the last few months since he no longer owned the smoke shop. She wondered how long it would be until Pine Lake heard wedding bells. “I think your idea to have a July sale is going to prove successful.”

“I do hope you're right.” Vera smiled and tore a sticky note off the pad. She set it on the cash register and walked around the counter to stand near Meggie. “I won't keep you long today. I know you're busy on the farm. But tell me, did you enjoy your holiday?”

Meggie shrugged and told Vera about the invitation she received from Donna Jones, a neighbor who lived across the road from Riley's farm. She admitted she didn't go to the fireworks festivities because she hadn't been in the mood to socialize. Besides, she needed to recuperate after the storm clean-up.

Vera nodded her understanding and put her hands together. “Well, I hope you've recovered your strength. Francis Johnson dropped off a supply of hand painted loons on Friday. Nettie brought me more crocheted dish towels. Perhaps you can display them? And if you have time, would you take an inventory of the supplies in the storeroom?”

The bell tinkled above the door and an elderly woman entered the shop. Vera greeted her by name. She took the older woman's hand and placed it between her own. “It's so nice to see you, Edith. It has been far too long.” She patted her friend's hand and asked her if she knew Meggie.

When the elderly woman shook her head, Vera introduced them. “Edith Knutson, Meggie Moore. Meggie helps out at the shop and we've grown very close over the years. I don't know what I'd do without her.” Vera turned to Meggie. “Edith and I have known one another for years. I've tried to encourage her to get away from Bluff and visit Pine Lake more often.”

Meggie shook Edith's hand. “What a coincidence. I'm so glad to meet you. Molly Riley gave me your name as contact person for St. James's church bazaar. I may have time to volunteer my services.” When Edith gave her a quizzical look, she went on to explain. “I'm housesitting at Molly and Michael's hobby farm.”

After a few minutes of conversation, Meggie promised to give Edith a call and left the two women alone. She made her way to the storeroom and located the container of hand-painted loons and the box of crocheted dish towels. She carried them to the front of the shop.

By the time she added the finishing touches to the Loon display, Edith had finished her shopping and said her goodbyes to Vera. She waved at Meggie as she left.

A few minutes later, Eldon returned from the post office. He wore his favorite red pullover shirt. A pen stuck out of the pocket. He asked her about Walter and chatted several minutes about the hobby farm before leaving to finish his work.

Meggie set the last crocheted dish towel on the table and stood back. The display looked nice. She collected the container and cardboard box, carried them to the back of the building and returned to the front of the shop.

Vera stood behind the till and set the telephone in its cradle. She whispered something to Eldon then motioned to Meggie. “Would you like a cup of tea? I have some delicious turtle cookies Nettie made for us. Eldon promised to watch over the shop while we ladies take a much-earned break.”

Eldon looked guilty. “I confess it took me longer than usual to return from the post office. I ran into an old friend and we decided to have coffee at Pine Lake Café.”

Meggie followed her employer into the breakroom. While Vera rummaged in the cupboard, Meggie poured hot water into two cups and placed a tea bag in each. She carried them to the table. “I'm glad to see Nettie's returned to her baking.”

“She's feeling much better. You know she suffers from that nasty ulcer.” Vera set the plated turtle cookies on the table. “Aren't these cookies delightful? The walnut pieces make the cutest head and legs and the chocolate frosting creates the most adorable turtle shell.” She slid her chair close to the table and reached for a napkin. “Well, dear, how are you adjusting to farm life?”

Meggie chuckled, lifted a turtle cookie to her mouth and bit the head off. “I can honestly say it's an experience like no other.”

Vera tilted her head. “New experiences definitely make life exciting. I do hope your experiences have been positive.”

“For the most part my hobby farm experiences have been positive. I feel close to nature around the animals. I've discovered that roosters crow at different times of the day when I thought they only crowed at dawn. And I love to ride Black.” She sipped her tea. “I don't even mind the pigs except when I'm chasing the little porkers in the middle of a thunderstorm.”

Vera displayed a grin and asked Meggie to tell her all about the night it stormed. She laughed at the appropriate times and admitted it must have been a challenge to be alone on the farm in the middle of a tornado warning. “Someday, dear, you'll think back and smile at the fond memory.”

Meggie shrugged. “You might be right, but at this moment I would rather file it in the back of my mind and not think about it.”

“That is understandable. Fred had tales to tell, too. I remember when he bought the property.” Vera ran her finger around the rim of her cup and gazed through the small window above the breakroom table. “He had so many plans for the farm.”

“Who did he buy the property from?”

Vera pressed her lips together and one eye squinted. “An older man owned it, but I can't recall his name. Anyway, when he died Fred bought the property from the man's son. I don't remember if he tore the entire house down, but I do know he built a good portion of the farmhouse standing today.”

The conversation turned to the abandoned well. Meggie explained how she discovered the well and what she had done to cover it up. She didn't mention the part about cold air rising up from its depths and enveloping her. Vera would only worry if she knew that part of the story.

“Did Fred have any animals?” Meggie asked.

“Oh, my, yes. I never visited the farm but he would talk about them when he came into the shop. He raved about his horse. I believe he called him Cloud, a big white stallion.”

Meggie helped herself to a second cookie. “Tell Nettie her turtles are very good.” She munched on the cookie. “Did you know Fred well?”

“I'd call him an acquaintance.” Vera pushed her eye glasses further up on the bridge of her nose. “Before his wife passed away, he'd come into the shop and we'd converse. He loved to surprise his wife with a gift and never missed an occasion to do so.”

Vera's face held a soft expression. “I enjoyed our talks, but at that time there were no policies on smoking in public places. Fred Jackson loved his cigars.”

Meggie's face grew pale. A knot formed in the pit of her stomach. She set her cup down on the table and shifted in her chair.

Vera tilted her head and her brows drew together. “You don't look well, dear. Are you feeling all right? Perhaps you'd like another cup of tea?”

“No, thank you.” Meggie looked at her watch. “I really should finish that last bit of inventory and then I must be going. I have a couple errands to run before I return to the farm.”

Vera slid her chair back and started to clear the table. Meggie objected and promised to take care of the clean-up. When Vera turned to go, Meggie asked, “Do you still have that book on ghosts you checked out at the library?”

Vera's posture straightened and she turned around. “Why, I certainly do.” She walked to the desk, retrieved the book and handed it to Meggie. “It's not due back until later this month. That should give you plenty of time to read it.” She pointed her finger at the book. “I do hope you haven't been having problems with that sort of annoyance at the farm.”

“Nothing I can't handle.” Meggie's smile wavered and she looked at her watch. “I better hustle if I'm going to finish that inventory before we close.”

Time passed quickly and before Meggie realized how late it was, she heard Vera announce they would be closing shop. She entered the last item on the inventory list and set the documents into the file cabinet. In the breakroom she snatched a turtle cookie from the cookie jar and strode to the front of the shop.

The window shade behind the till had been pulled down. Eldon stood near the door with the deposit bag in his hand, his head bent low while Vera whispered in his ear. They looked up when Meggie entered the room.

“I hope I'm not interrupting anything.” Meggie cocked her head and looked from Vera to Eldon. “What are you two cooking up?”

“We weren't going to say anything, but I told Eldon if I don't tell someone I'll burst.” Vera giggled like a schoolgirl. “Meggie, you're the first person to hear the news. Eldon and I are getting married!”

Meggie's eyes lit up. “Congratulations!” She threw her arms around Vera then circled her arms around to include Eldon as well. She leaned back and looked him in the eye. “All I have to say is . . . what took you so long?”

 

 

Later that evening, Meggie sat up in bed, fluffed a pillow and set it behind her. She opened the book Vera lent her and turned to the table of contents. Her eyes scanned the list of chapter titles until she came to one titled “Characteristics of Ghosts.” She noted the page number, turned to it and began to read.

According to the author, ghosts could appear in different forms. They might appear as orbs or they could be translucent masses. Other times they might take on the shape of a person. She reread the last sentence. Her eyes darted around the room and she drew her feet close to her body.

One paragraph explained about the phenomenon of orbs and related stories from people who captured them on photographs. In many cases orbs appeared as translucent or solid circles. Some believed they were proof of guardian angels while others believed they proved the presence of ghosts.

The next part of the chapter referred to witnesses. Some witnesses stated they experienced a drop in temperature when a ghost presented itself. More than one described smells dispersing in the air around them. A chill traveled her spine. She closed the book and dropped it to the floor.

When Meggie reached toward the bedside lamp to switch it off, the light began to flicker then went out. She drew her hand back and wondered if the cord had worked its way out of the socket. She folded the covers back and lowered her feet to the floor. Her hands followed the lamp cord to the wall socket where she found nothing amiss.

Molly had not mentioned any electrical problems to her. Meggie felt her way down the bed toward the overhead light switch. Before she reached the switch, the bathroom light came on. Something squeaked from inside that room. Vanity door? Hair lifted on the nape of her neck. She crept closer and peeked into the bathroom.

The room stood empty but the noticeable scent of Old Spice cologne infused the air. Meggie's eyes swept over the room. Her legs felt weak. The ceiling light flickered, then the room went black.

Meggie turned and stumbled back toward the bed. She jumped in, slid under the covers and pulled them up to her chin. Her heart thumped. A creak near the bedroom window. Another at the end of the bed. The bedside light flashed on.

Meggie lifted her head slowly and peeked over the covers. Footsteps shuffled and the bedroom door quietly closed.