Summer In Iron Springs (18 page)

             
“Feebs . . .” Billy’s studied her face. “. . . It’s just one Sunday. You don’t have to get all religious just because you go to church one time. Please just say you’ll come with me.”

“Will you show me what to do?”

              Billy laughed and wrapped his arms around Phoebe in a giant bear hug.

             
“What’s so funny?”

             
He lifted her off the ground and twirled her in a circle. “Nothing’s funny. You’re just so cute. You won’t have to do anything, I promise. You just listen and learn.”

             
“I can do that.”

             
“I’ll pick you up at eight thirty, okay?”

             
“Okay.”

             
Billy leaned over, kissed her once more, and then watched her until she was inside the house.

***

Going to church was a lot different than Phoebe had imagined it would be. She thought it would be stuffy and uncomfortable. But, instead, it was very comfortable and everyone welcomed her and seemed sincerely happy that she was there.

As they walked through the
church parking lot toward Billy’s truck, Billy leaned over and gave Phoebe a kiss on the cheek.

“What was that for?”

“For coming with me even though I know you didn’t really want to.”

“Well, I’m glad I did. It was nice. Not at all like I thought it would be.”

“How did you think it would be?” Billy asked, smiling.

“I thought it would be all churchy and
dry and weird. But, it wasn’t like that at all. The people were nice to me, and they seemed happy I was there.”

“They were. But, none of them were as happy as
me.” Billy opened the passenger side door for Phoebe and helped her into the cab of his truck.

“Can I ask you a question about something I heard at church?” she asked
when they were heading to Anna’s for lunch.

“Of course you can. You can ask me anything about anything.”

Phoebe pulled her hair into a pony tail and thought of the best way to phrase her question. “Well, that guy who was teaching the Sunday school lesson said something about how we don’t stop living when we die. Do you believe that?”

Billy looked at her and smiled before returning his attention to the road. “I do. I believe that when we leave this life, we continue to live on in Heaven.”

“So, do you believe my mom is still alive in Heaven?”

Billy nodded. “I know she is. And, I know you will be able to see her again.”

“Really? I mean, you really believe that?”

“I don’t just believe it Phoebe. I know it. I am as sure of it as I am of anything. That’s one of the reasons I go to church—it helps me to understand that this life, our existence—it isn’t just some coincidence. And, when we die, our life continues on—just in a different place.
”

Phoebe considered Billy’s words and after allowing them to sink in, she found herself hoping they were true. The idea that she could actually see her mother again made her smile and gave her a peaceful feeling inside. If what Billy said was true, she would not only see her mother again, but she would always be Bessie’s daughter.

When they got home, Phoebe followed Billy into the dining room where Anna was sitting at the table with Norm and Gina.

“Hey little lady,” Norm said. “We were just talking about you.”

“You were?” Phoebe glanced at Norm.

“Yep, I was telling
Anna that you have been working so hard in the orchard that I think you need a couple days to relax. How does that sound to you?”

Phoebe’s heart did a
somersault. She needed all the time she could get to find out what really happened the day her mother died. “It sounds great. I mean, if you think you can manage without me.”

Norm gave a chuckle. “We’ll do our best.”

Phoebe smiled and then, even though it felt a little awkward, she walked over to Norm and gave him a hug.

“Hey, what about me?” Billy joked. “Where’s my few days off?”

Norm bellowed loudly. “You’ll get a nice long break after the harvest.”

“Where’s my dad?” Phoebe asked, glancing through the doorway and into the dining room.

“He’s out back enjoying the sunshine,” Anna said.

Phoebe glanced out the window and saw her dad sitting on a bench beneath the apricot tree. “I’ll be back in a minute, okay?” She glanced at Billy who nodded his head and
smiled.

“Lunch will be ready in a few minutes,”
Anna said as Phoebe headed out the back patio door.

Peter was looking up at the cloudless sky and
smiling. When he saw Phoebe, he patted the spot beside him. “Come sit with me.”

“Are you sure? You look like you want to be alone.”

Peter looked at Phoebe and smiled. “I’d rather be with you than be alone any day of the week.”

When she sat down, Peter scooted close to her and put his arm around her shoulder. “I was just thinking about your mom. She loved this place—the orchard, this house, Iron Springs. She loved everything about it.” His voice cracked.

Phoebe rested her head on Peter’s shoulder. “I know. It’s like there’s a part of her still here, like she never left.” She wiped a tear from her cheek.

“I miss her.”

“I do too.”

“How was church?” Peter asked, giving Phoebe a sideways glance. “I noticed you headed out with the gang this morning.”

Phoebe thought for a moment. She had been a little worried about what her father would think of her going to church. As far as she knew he’d never gone to church and she wasn’t even sure he believed in God. In all honesty, she wasn’t sure she did either. “It was really good.” She glanced up at him and saw a smile spread across his face. “Do you want to know what I learned?”

“I’d love to. What did you learn?”

“Well, the Sunday school teacher was talking about where we go after we die. He said that when we leave this life, we live in Heaven and that we can see each other again.” Phoebe searched her father’s face—she didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. “Do you believe that’s true?”

“I don’t know,” he said uncrossing his long legs and turning to face her. “What do you think?”

Phoebe thought about the question. She wanted to believe it. But, wanting to believe something didn’t make it true. “I’m not sure either. I mean, I’ve thought about it before. It sounds like something people say to make themselves feel better. You hear about angels getting their wings and fluttering about in the heavens. It all sounds like a fairy tale.” She thought about how the Sunday school teacher had said that families are eternal. “But, this was different . . . it felt different. It was more real—more believable.”

“What do you mean?” Peter asked. “How was it more believable?”

“Well, he said that we don’t just go to Heaven. We actually get to be together forever as families. Mom would still be your wife, and she would still be my mother. I can’t explain it exactly right. But, I really hope it’s true.”

“So do
I. That would be really nice.” He leaned over and kissed Phoebe on the cheek. “You know I have to go home tomorrow.”

Phoebe nodded. “I wish you could stay longer.”

“I do too.” Peter said. “But I think I’ve taken all the time off I can without getting canned.” He looked at Phoebe and smiled. “I wish I would have known you were staying. I would have brought your art supplies. There’s so much beauty here, and I know you’re just itching to capture it all on canvas.”

Phoebe gave Peter a hug. “Just hearing you say those words is good enough.”

“Wait a minute,” Peter said, his eyes lighting up. “I have a great idea. I’m sure Anna has all your mom’s supplies put away. The paint will be all dried up but we could go into town and buy you some new paint. The brushes and other supplies will still be good, won’t they?”

Phoebe laughed aloud. The thought of using her mother’s art supplies was like a dream come true. “Yes, I’m sure they would! Let’s go ask
Anna.”

***

That evening, Phoebe set to work painting the same scene her mother had painted, only this one depicted the mountains in summer instead of winter. Using the brushes Anna had dug out of the attic, she had the feeling her mother wasn’t so far away after all. She felt like a part of her was right there, sitting beside her, helping her. She worked on the painting until it was too dark to continue and then she stayed on the balcony, wrapped in her mother’s quilt, listening to the river flowing and the crickets chirping while a soft breeze blew down the canyon. She studied the dark silhouette of the mountain—no matter how many times she saw it, she never stopped being in awe at the majesty of it.

When her eyes would no longer stay open, she went inside, closed the bal
cony door, and crawled into bed.

Fifteen

Phoebe cried when she and her father said goodbye. It would be only a few weeks until she would see him, but after all that had happened, she found herself wishing he wouldn’t leave—wanting him to stay in Iron springs forever. Knowing he was heading back to Seattle was another reminder that her own time in Iron Springs was coming to an end. Her heart ached when she thought about leaving. Iron Springs had found a way into her heart and she knew, no matter how much time passed, it would always have a place there.

She settled into the chair behind
Anna’s desk and turned on the computer. The first thing she did was enter Gracie Brunson into the search engine. Her heart jumped into her throat when the results appeared on the screen.

Gracie Brunson ha
d a criminal history
.

She scrolled through the search results and learned that Gracie had
a minor criminal history—nothing serious enough to think she could be capable of murder.

Phoebe
wished Billy hadn’t been running errands for Norm. He and Jenna—who worked until two—were the only people she could talk to about this. She could hear Anna busy in the kitchen and she gave a brief moment of thought to talking to her. But, knowing Anna would want the matter turned over to the police—the same police who had failed to close the case in thirteen years, she decided to keep her mouth shut for now. She eyed the slip of paper with Gracie’s number on it. The anxiety she’d been feeling all morning grew as she thought about talking to the woman.

             
Before she could talk herself out of it, she reached for the phone and punched in the number.

             
“Thank you for calling the Iron Springs Inn, Bernard speaking. How may I be of assistance?”

Phoebe’s thoughts skidded to a halt. She glanced at the paper with Gracie’s number on it. She dialed correctly.

              “Hello?” Bernard said.

             
“Ummm, yes . . . Is Gracie Brunson available please?”

             
“I’m sorry ma’am. Gracie no longer works here. Is there something I can assist you with?”

             
Phoebe’s heart sank. The number to the Iron Springs Inn was the only one she had; the only way to contact Gracie . . .

             
“Maybe . . .”

Think Phoebe, Think!

“I was working with Gracie, ummm . . . setting up a reunion—a family reunion.”

“Hmmm, that’s strange. Gracie worked in marketing and didn’t have anything to do with reservations. Ah, well, sometimes things get confusing around here. Let me connect you with reservations.”

Phoebe ended the call as soon as Bernard was off the line. After all she’d gone through to get Gracie’s number and it didn’t help her at all. She let out a sigh and slumped back in the chair. “Now what do I do?” she said aloud. She glanced at her watch. Ten Thirty.

             
She went to the kitchen where Anna was wiping down the top of the stove. “Can I help with anything?” she asked, taking a seat at the small kitchen table. This was where they ate when it was just the two of them.

             
Anna turned to face her. “You certainly can. I need some help eating this apple pie. How would you like a nice big slice?”

             
Phoebe smiled. “I’d love one.”

             
Anna cut two slices of pie and lifted them onto plates. Then, she poured two glasses of milk and set them on the table.

             
Phoebe fed Bandit a small piece of crust which, from the look of delight on his face, he enjoyed immensely. “That’s all you get,” she said, in response to the plea for more that was evident in his eyes. She gave him a soft pat on the head, and he curled up on the floor and closed his eyes.              

             
“Is Bandit sick?” Phoebe asked Anna. She was pretty sure he was, and she’d avoided asking because she really didn’t want to know. But, after hearing how her father was learning to express himself better, she’d decided she needed to start doing the same.

             
Anna smiled at Bandit who was sprawled out on the floor at Phoebe’s feet. His chest rose and fell slowly, and his eyes fluttered. “Mostly, he’s just old. Retrievers aren’t known for living a long time. He’s definitely lived longer than average.”

             
Phoebe looked at Anna. She had developed her own way of sugar-coating the truth. “But, um, is he going to die?”

             
“Yes,” she whispered. “He won’t live much longer.”

             
Phoebe swallowed the lump in her throat. “Is he in pain?”

             
“No. He takes pain medication. At some point, I’ll have to put him down, but I haven’t had the heart to do it yet.” She cleared her throat and wiped the tears that spilled from her eyes. “He’s been a true and loyal friend.”

             
Phoebe covered Anna’s hand with her own. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

             
Anna shook her head and waved away Phoebe’s apology. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. I’m happy you brought it up. Bandit has had a good long life, and I’ve been blessed to have him as a friend.”

             
Phoebe felt the same way. Bandit was a special dog. The two of them had been pretty much inseparable ever since Phoebe had arrived in Iron Springs. On some level, she knew Bandit saw Bessie’s face whenever he looked at Phoebe. He missed her too.

             
Phoebe watched Bandit breathe; he was definitely slowing down. “Do dogs go to heaven?”

             
“They certainly do. And, that’s something that brings me a lot of joy. I am excited for your mom to be reunited with Bandit. Can you imagine that reunion?” She smiled a wide smile. “It will be a happy day for them both.”

             
Phoebe smiled as she imagined her mother seeing Bandit again. “Yes, it will,” she said.

             
“Well, I hate to leave, but I’ve got to get to my town council meeting.” Anna stood up and removed the apple print apron she’d been wearing. She hung it on the back side of the pantry door. “I’ll be back in a couple hours.” She kissed Phoebe on the top of the head and headed out the door.

             
Phoebe went to her room and removed the painting of the old bench from the wall and headed to the balcony. She sat back in the comfortable chair and took in the view. The sun was shining, and the sky was a gentle blue. She glanced at the painting, imagining herself sitting on the bench; looking out over the valley below. The site offered an amazing view of Iron Springs as well as the beautiful scenery that surrounded the town. Even on canvas, the scene was breathtaking. The sky hung low beneath snow-capped mountains. A break in the billowy clouds gave a glimpse of the mountains reflecting in the crystal blue water of a peaceful, motionless lake. In the distance, smoke curled up out of chimneys from tiny houses. Phoebe closed her eyes and imagined families in their cozy homes preparing for a cold wintry night. She took a bite of pie, and a long swallow of milk. Aside from the fact that the place was absolutely stunning, Phoebe’s desire to see it was amplified by the knowledge that her mother had been there; she must have sat on the bench and looked over the beautiful valley below. She decided she’d ask Billy if he recognized the place. After replacing the painting in its spot, she headed into town.

             
It was a little before one when she got to town. As she was walking up Park Street, she noticed a large black cat curled up beneath a light pole. He was surrounded by green shrubbery and colorful summer flowers. He must have sensed that he was being watched, because he glanced up at Phoebe revealing a bright pink collar. Phoebe gave the cat a silent apology for assuming that
she
was a
he
. The painting on the bookstore window caused Phoebe to chuckle aloud. The cat—the very same one she’d been visiting with—had her picture painted on the store window just above the words “Mimi’s Bookstore”. Phoebe was sure it was the same black cat because the one in the painting was wearing the exact same pink collar. She knelt down and held her hand out to Mimi. The cat raised its head and gazed warmly at Phoebe’s face. “Is this your store?” Phoebe asked as she scratched the top of Mimi’s head.

Curious, she walked up the narrow pathway and into the store. Mimi followed her, and moseyed to the far end of the shop where she curled up in a corner.
Yep.
Phoebe answered her own question as she observed that the patrons and employees behaved as though it was completely natural for a cat to wander into a place of business.
This is definitely Mimi’s store
.

             
She glanced around at the rows of wooden shelves. The place was quite a bit larger inside than it appeared from the outside, though still much smaller than the bookstore chains Phoebe was used to. Brightly colored chairs, situated comfortably throughout the store, provided a cozy spot for customers to relax while they read. Phoebe made her way to the bookshelf closest to her. She browsed through the selection of books before selecting one entitled “Portraits of Iron Springs”. Then, she strolled up and down the narrow aisles until she spotted an overstuffed, light yellow chair in an empty corner. She sat down, folded her legs up beneath her body and relaxed against the comfortable backrest. Before opening the book, she took a look around. An arched doorway connected the bookstore with the Village Candy Shoppe. Customers moved freely between the two shops—some sat at small tables in the candy store as they sipped their coffee while perusing the newspaper; others relaxed at Mimi’s while reading a book and enjoying a chocolate treat.

She settled back in the chair. Flipping through the pages of the book, she saw what Iron Springs looked like over a hundred years ago when it was the promise of gold, and not ski slopes and eclectic shops, which attracted people to the town. Phoebe was growing fond of the comfortable feel of life in Iron Springs. It was slow-paced and trusting.

As she was leaving the book store, Phoebe noticed a sign taped to the window. She chuckled when she read it. It said:
Help Wanted—Must love Cats . . . And Books.

***

“What did ya find out?” Jenna asked as the two girls stepped inside the doors of
The Mended Heart Boutique
. Jenna suggested they go there since they were having their end-of-summer sale.

“Not much,” Phoebe said. “She’s had some tickets and a charge of shoplifting that was dropped.”

“Did you call her?”

“Yes. But the number Charles gave me was for the Iron Springs Inn where Gracie apparently
used
to work. All they would tell me is that she no longer worked there.”

             
Jenna thought for a moment. “Okay.” She held up a finger. “This is what we’re going to do. I say we skip the sale and march over to the inn and get someone to give us the information we need. It’s only a block that way.” Jenna pointed her finger to the south of Park Street.

             
“It is?” Phoebe craned her neck as she peered in the direction Jenna was pointing.

             
“That huge monstrosity over there.”

             
“What if we find her?” Phoebe asked. “I mean, what if she’s the person who killed my mother? This could be dangerous.”

             
“That’s precisely why we need to go. Meeting up with her in public is safe—I mean, at the inn we’ll be surrounded by people.”

             
“Let’s do it.” Phoebe said after thinking about what Jenna said. She was nervous about meeting Gracie but she had to find out what happened to her mother and Gracie was the only person who had the answers she needed. As the girls headed toward the inn, Jenna told Phoebe how the town had tried to stop the construction of the resort. “Most people didn’t want it. It’s just so gigantic compared to everything else in town. But, in the end, money won out.”

             
Phoebe nodded in agreement but as they neared the inn, she noticed that the builder had done a good job of making it fit in with its surroundings. Little touches like neutral colors and lots of greenery combined with architecture that was made to look much older than it actually was made it quite a lovely structure. But, given Jenna’s strong feelings about the subject, Phoebe kept her thoughts to herself.

“I did find out one thing
,” Phoebe said as they crossed the street and headed toward the inn’s entrance.

             
“What’s that?”

             
“Well . . .” Phoebe paused until they cleared the crosswalk. “Bernard, the guy that answered the phone, said Gracie used to work in the marketing department.”