Pages of the Past (Bellingwood Book 9) Read online

  "He said his name was Albert Cook. Can I sit up yet?"

  "No, not until we know what's going on here. I've called everyone in. Can you just stay there?"

  "Aaron, he was walking right beside me."

  "I know, honey. I'm so sorry."

  "What is the world coming to when it isn't safe to walk around in Bellingwood?"

  Aaron turned in his seat and looked at her. "Polly, this was personal. It's not about Bellingwood or Iowa. If you didn't hear the shot, this was someone who knew what they were doing."

  "Like a sniper?"

  "I suppose so."

  "I watch television shows, you know."

  Aaron gave her a weak smile. "I suppose you do. The teams are starting to arrive. You stay here until I send someone for you. We'll fan out through the neighborhoods and find out where the shooter was located. As soon as I know it's safe, you can go home."

  "I have a hotel full of people who are here for the wedding this weekend and a few more who will be checking in."

  "We'll knock on doors. We want to talk to them anyway. Don't worry." He opened his door and got out. "Please stay put for a few more minutes. I need you to be safe."

  "It isn't very comfortable back here."

  "It's not meant to be. Stay there, though."

  Polly picked Han up and turned on her side, snuggling him against her chest. "This is turning out to be a very strange day, Mr. Han." He licked her face. "The scariest thing? I know that once it starts, I'm in for a couple of weeks of pure insanity. You've never experienced this part of your mama. It gets hectic. That peace and quiet we've had going on for the last several months has finally come to an end."

  Stu Decker, one of Aaron's deputies, finally opened the door beside Polly's feet. "Hi there," he said, grinning down at her.

  "Can I come out now?"

  "Let's go inside. You'll be safer there anyway."

  "This is more excitement than I was looking for today, you know," she said.

  "It always is with you. All of us down at the station are trying to figure out how you aren't institutionalized with these odd things that happen around you. We're paid to deal with the world's madness and none of us like it very much, but you keep stumbling on it. How are you not paralyzed with fear every day?"

  He walked back into the front room with her and waited while she sat down at the desk behind the front counter. The front parking lot was filled with sheriff's cars and even the local police were there. A black van that she recognized from the State Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) had just pulled in. It did seem strange that she recognized so many people.

  "Fear? Fear is the mind killer," she muttered.

  "What?"

  "Oh nothing. I'm just being flip. I don't know why I'm not scared all the time. Maybe I just don't have time to think about it. I'm always surprised, but once I absorb it, I hug an animal or cry on Henry."

  She looked up at Stu. "Henry! If he hears about this from anyone but me, he'll be really upset. Do you mind if I call him?"

  "Call your husband and tell him that we're taking care of you. Tell him that he can't come over here, though, okay?"

  "I'll try."

  Polly dialed Henry's number and before he could speak, she blurted out. "Before anyone else tells you anything. I'm fine. There's been a murder at Sycamore Inn. A sniper shot one of my guests while he and I were walking back to the hotel. I was outside with Han when it happened. Stu wants me to assure you that they're taking care of me and you're not supposed to come over here."

  "Stop. What? Slow down and repeat yourself. What in the hell are you talking about? A murder? At Sycamore Inn?"

  She took a deep breath and said. "I'm okay. Do we have that clear first?"

  "I'm clear. You're okay. That shouldn't even be a question. But I guess that since it's you, I should always be worried. Now, what happened?"

  "I went outside with Han. He needed to go to the bathroom. And by the way, he's getting really good at this. We went out to the grassy area under the big sign and he went right away."

  "Whatever. I don't care about the damned dog's peeing habits."

  She pursed her lips. This wasn't going to be easy. "Anyway, a man pulled in under the canopy. He walked over to greet me. His name was Albert Cook. There were only a few more people who were going to check in, so I was waiting for them to arrive. We talked for a couple of minutes and then went back toward the hotel. I heard a strange thump and turned around. The man had fallen to the ground. I thought maybe he'd just collapsed, but there was a hole in his forehead."

  "I can't breathe," Henry said.

  "As soon as I realized what happened, I grabbed the dog and got beside a car, then I got in between two other cars and called Aaron. He came along and I got in his back seat and he went to the back of the caretaker's house. Stu came and got me and now I'm inside. The place is full of cops and emergency vehicles. Stu said you aren't supposed to come over here to get me. They'll make sure I get home."

  She waited a few moments in silence and said, "Are you there?"

  "Barely. So what you're telling me is that there's a sniper in town, he shot a man that was walking beside my wife and I'm supposed to stay away from the scene."

  "Pretty much."

  "I need a drink. A big drink. With Valium or Novocain or something."

  "That's not a good idea."

  "I know. I know. I'm just jabbering words because I don't know what to do or say."

  "I'm sorry."

  "Don't be sorry. You didn't do anything wrong. But I'm at a loss."

  "Henry?"

  "Yes Polly."

  "Go home. Take Obiwan and go for a walk. Go down to the barn. Anything."

  "I'll go get Obiwan, but I don't know what I'll do after that. I want to hold on to you and make sure you're all in one piece."

  "I promise you that I'm fine."

  "Polly, a man was shot right beside you."

  "I know that and when you and I are quiet in bed tonight, I'm going to fall completely apart and you're going to have to hold me until I quit freaking out. But there are too many people here right now and I can't lose control."

  "Oh honey, I love you."

  "I love you too. I'll be home later."

  CHAPTER TWO

  Although the sun was shining, Polly still didn't feel like getting out of bed. The bedroom door was closed, there were no animals anywhere, and Henry had disappeared.

  She smiled to herself and texted him, "Where are you?" Technology was awesome.

  "In the living room. Are you awake now?"

  "Come hug me."

  Once the door opened, two dogs and two cats came running into the room and jumped up onto the bed. Han tried, but he couldn't quite clear the mattress yet. Henry picked him up and dropped him beside Polly.

  "How are you feeling this morning?"

  "Like I've waded through mud with weights around my waist. I'm sorry I had such a hard time sleeping last night."

  "It's to be expected. I can't believe you don't have more of these nights."

  After answering questions from the different law enforcement groups at Sycamore Inn, then had come home and done her best to be pleasant and calm around Jessie and Rebecca. When she'd finally relaxed in their bed, she shook and sobbed. Henry held her until she calmed, but Polly spent the rest of the night tossing and turning. Every time she drifted off, her mind would flash back to the image in her mind of the man with a hole in his forehead and she'd wake up again. It wasn't until four thirty that she'd exhausted herself enough to fall into a dreamless sleep.

  "What time did you get up?" she asked.

  "About seven. Jessie was up and Obiwan decided he'd waited long enough. Everyone has been fed and watered, so you don't need to hurry out of bed."

  Polly smiled and reached out to touch his arm. "Thank you. I need to take Rebecca over to Beryl's for her lesson this morning."

  "I can do that for you."

  "No. I've got it. You and I both know that this is
just the beginning of things spinning out of control. I might as well wrap my head around it and buck up. Besides, I want to talk to Beryl."

  "What's up?"

  "Lydia is stressed because Aaron is upset about something and won't tell her what it is. I think it's time for a party. Or at least an opportunity for us to wallow in ice cream and chocolate sauce."

  Henry leaned over and kissed her forehead. "That sounds perfect. I like the way you take care of your emotions."

  "It's the same way you take care of my emotions - ice cream and chocolate."

  "I know my girl," he said, standing back up. "If you have things to do this morning, I am heading over to the shop. Jessie is already there."

  "On a Saturday?"

  "Yeah. Someone had to open the place. We've got a load of barn wood coming in today that needs to be sorted."

  "You're sorting it?"

  "Sure. Some of the guys will be in to help, but I might as well be there if you won't be here."

  "Okay. Is Rebecca up?"

  "She sure is. She's had breakfast and I believe she's downstairs in her mother's room, sketching the horses."

  "So there's no one here?" Polly asked coyly.

  He stammered. "Uhhh. Uhhh. This isn't fair."

  "I know. I was just teasing. Who knows when she'll come back. I should start my day anyway." Polly pushed the blankets away, swung her legs over the edge of the bed, and stood up. Little Han came scurrying behind her, trying to leap into her arms. She grabbed him up and put him on the floor. "Don't do that, you silly thing. You scare me to death."

  Henry walked to her side of the bed and gave her a hug. "Do we have plans tonight?"

  "Not that I know of. Why?"

  "Just wondering. Let me know when you've figured out what they'll be."

  "Why do you say it like that?"

  "Because you're about to tear through town today and that means that we'll be busy tonight."

  "I don't understand."

  "You dealt with another dead person yesterday. You're worried about Lydia. You're talking to Beryl in an hour or so and that will only be the beginning of you coping with all that's coming at you. I've learned to just strap in and enjoy the ride."

  Polly pursed her lips and wrinkled her nose at him. "I was kind of thinking we might ask Joss and Nate to bring the babies over."

  Henry's eyes lit up. "What if Joss brought the babies over and I spent the evening with Nate in his garage?"

  "We might be able to do that for you. I'll call her. Now you get out of here while I shower and get ready. Are you taking Han to the shop?"

  "I can. He's getting pretty comfortable over there."

  "You told me that he was going to be your dog."

  "Come on, you rug rat," Henry said, bending over to pick up the pup. "When are you going to grow to full size? I'm tired of carrying you." He gave Polly another quick kiss and left the room. She pushed the bedroom door shut and went into the bathroom to start the shower.

  ~~~

  "Mom was good this morning," Rebecca said. "She said she's coming to the Valentine's Day dinner. She promised."

  "That's great news," Polly replied.

  "If I do some extra things around Sycamore House, can I make some money?"

  Polly slowed down as she prepared to turn the corner. "What do you need money for?"

  "I want to buy her a nice dress for the party. She's lost so much weight that nothing fits her right."

  "We could help you buy that."

  "No, I want it to be from me."

  Polly slowly nodded her head, and bit her upper lip as she thought. "Let me think about this. We'll certainly find some things for you to do. Do you want to help in the main house or down at the barn?"

  "I'll do anything. I found a really pretty dress uptown."

  "You did. When did that happen?"

  "After school last week. Kayla and I walked to the library after school and there was this yellow dress in the window at Osborn's."

  Polly knew exactly which dress Rebecca was talking about. The only problem was that it wasn't anything Sarah Heater would wear - lemon yellow, and sleeveless with a very low cut back. She wasn't sure how they kept it on the mannequin in the window.

  "Let's talk to your mother first."

  "But I want to surprise her."

  "I will think of some things you can do to earn money. You go on in to Beryl's for your lesson and I'll be back for you in an hour." Polly had pulled into the driveway and waited for Rebecca to jump out of the truck.

  Beryl came running out of the house and Polly rolled her window down.

  "Go on inside, honey," Beryl said. "You can get started. I'll be right there."

  "What's up?" Polly asked.

  "I wanted to ask how you were doing. Lydia called this morning to tell me about your experience at the hotel yesterday. We're all worried about you."

  "Thanks. I think I'm fine. Did she say anything else? About the man who died or anything?"

  "You don't know?"

  "Know what?"

  "Aaron knew him. That's why the guy was in town - to see Aaron."

  Polly frowned. "He didn't say a word yesterday."

  "He's been kind of quiet about everything lately. I'm worried about our girl." Beryl put her hand on Polly's arm. "What are we going to do?"

  "I don't know," Polly said. "But I think it's time for another evening like the old days."

  "Tell me about it. I miss you guys. We haven't had a good slumber party in a long time."

  Polly laughed, thinking about the only other slumber party she'd attended with these women. It had been the craziest introduction to Bellingwood she could ever have imagined and it had been perfect. "Are we ready for that much excitement?"

  "Maybe not." Beryl grinned. "But it's time to plan a party. I'll talk to Andy. Do you have any evenings this week that we should avoid?"

  "Nope. Not that I know of."

  "We'll plan, you'll come, and we'll tell our girl how much we love her. Maybe that will return a smile to her face."

  "Perfect. Thank you."

  Beryl pulled her shawl tight. "I'd better get inside before I freeze to death. I'm glad you're holding up. We can't lose you to the insanity of your calling."

  "Calling-schmalling. Stop it."

  "You're the girl with the bodies. Everyone knows it. We just wait for it to happen." Beryl leaned in and whispered. "You know, people perk up when you come around. They just wait to see if you'll discover anything while they're watching."

  "Stop it. That's not true."

  Beryl shrugged. "It's kinda true. I always do. I always leave you just a little disappointed."

  "Get inside," Polly said, waving her friend away. "I'll be back later for Rebecca."

  "We'll be the ones having fun." Beryl turned and danced back toward her front door, then turned and waved while Polly backed out of the driveway. The woman was a complete nut.

  Since no one expected her to be anywhere for the next hour, Polly turned and headed toward Joss Mikkels' house. She felt guilty for just showing up with no notice, but laughed an evil laugh and pulled in. She listened at the front door to make sure there was no screaming or crying and knocked softly. When no one came to the door, she backed up and looked in the window to the front room. Joss was sitting forward on the sofa, picking things up from the floor. She glanced up and saw Polly, then jumped to her feet and ran toward the front door.

  "What are you doing here?" she asked, before the storm door was even open.

  "In the neighborhood. I dropped Rebecca off at Beryl's and thought I'd see what you two were doing tonight."

  "Come in." Joss stepped back. "It's cold out there."

  "Where are the kiddos?"

  "They're downstairs with Nate. Sophie stood up the other day and he thinks Cooper should be doing the same thing. He's decided that help from Dad can't hurt."

  "Okay," Polly looked at Joss's face. "How do you feel about that?"

  "Him pushing Cooper to keep up with his sis
ter at this age? Oh, I'm thrilled." The sound of sarcasm rang through Joss's words. "But I didn't get any sleep last night, the house is a mess and to be totally honest, if he wants to spend time doing anything at all with those two… fine. We'll have that argument later. All I want to do this morning is pick up and take a nap. Nate's in charge for the next three hours."

  Joss dropped back down on the sofa and pointed at one of the rocking chairs. "Sit. Talk to me."

  Polly sat down and bent over to pick up a book beside the chair.

  Joss leaned forward and took it out of Polly's hand. "I heard about your escapade last night. How are you?"

  "I was a complete and utter mess all night long - no sleep, just dreaming about what happened. I don't know why this one bothers me more than others. Maybe it's because I don't have any concept of why it happened. He was standing right beside me and someone shot him. They could have just as easily shot me. Why didn't they? Why him? What if the shooter had missed and hurt me?"

  Joss shuddered and shook her head. "Do they know anything yet?"

  "Beryl says Aaron knows him. What's that about? Is Aaron the next target? Does he know why the guy was killed? He was so nonchalant when we were going through everything. I had no idea that he knew the guy."

  "That is odd. Have you talked to Lydia?"

  "Not today."

  Joss twitched when one of the babies started to cry, but didn't move.

  "You can ignore that?" Polly asked.

  "If he needs me, he calls. He's got it."

  "So here we are, eight months later. Does this feel normal to you now?"

  "You have no idea. It's so normal, I can't imagine any other life. What are you going to do when Jessie has her baby?"

  "That's at least a month away," Polly said. "And I don't know. We've talked about what her next steps are going to be. I know that she's been saving money."

  "You'll be okay with her moving out?"

  "I'm not her mother. I'll be fine with it. In fact, I'm ready for it to happen any time. But, nothing will happen until she's ready. And if that means that she needs to stay with us, I guess that's what it means."

  "You're a good woman."

  "Yeah. Whatever. I committed to this and it's not like she's hard work or anything. She helps out and she's there for the kids when Henry and I want to go somewhere, but she's an adult and really needs to be on her own."