Heavenly Corners Read online

  “Then as soon as the door opens, we charge him, knock him down, and run. It’s our only chance.”

  I think I felt my heart stop when I heard a gentle tapping on the door.

  “Annie. Annie. Are you in there?”

  Am I going crazy? I must be hallucinating.

  “Clark,” I whispered near the door. “Is that you?”

  “Yes, is Georgie with you?”

  “We’re both here. Watch out for a crazy man in black with a gun. He said he’s coming back to kill us.”

  Clark said, “The house is dark, and there aren’t any vehicles in the drive or the garage.”

  “They left but left us in here. Get us out.”

  Georgie grabbed my arm, “What if Clark was the evil voice and he knows we would try to fight if the villain came back. He knows we’ll just walk out happily if he’s out there. We’re dead.”

  Clark? My Clark? The bad guy? No, I can’t accept that. He loves me. I think I love him. Georgie has to be wrong. One way to find out.

  “Please get us out of here, Clark,” I yelled.

  I whispered to Georgie, “Clark’s not a bad guy.” I felt her move to stand behind me. I can’t blame her. She doesn’t know him the way I do.

  I heard something hit the lock. The door opened, and Clark stood there with a lantern adding some light to our wooden jail cell. I fell into his arms. If he were going to shoot me, he would have to do it with my arms around his neck.

  I felt him hug me back, and I knew everything was okay.

  Georgie yanked on my arm.

  “What?” I said.

  “Annie, he has a gun.”

  I took a step back and saw the gun in his hand. A cold shiver ran down my spine.

  “Of course I have a gun. When I figured out you two disappeared, I stopped at the hardware store before coming here. Dad always kept a gun under the counter just in case. It’s his gun. C’mon, I needed to park in the public lot. We’ll need to stick close to the trees on the way back in case your jailer returns.” I hugged him again, and while I wanted to stay in his arms, I loosened my grip and followed him. Georgie was right behind me.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Not sure if we were being watched or not, we stuck close to the back of the property and made our way to Clark’s car. Once the three of us safely settled in the car, Clark asked me to explain again what happened.

  In the middle of my explanation, Georgie asked, “How did you know where to find us?”

  I think Georgie still doesn’t trust Clark’s timely arrival completely.

  Clark said, “After Berg finished searching the shop, I went to Annie’s. The front door was locked; Aunt Irene’s cottage was dark, but the back patio door was unlocked. Of course, the house is empty. I walked around the yard and down to the pier. I know Annie likes to go there to think. Something felt off, but I wasn’t sure what. I saw Georgie’s car still parked in the driveway. A call to the police station let me know you weren’t there. I noticed lights at Inga’s and thought maybe you went there, but your car is behind the shop. Then for some reason, I noticed the canoe missing. I didn’t think you two were crazy enough to row across the lake in the dark, but then it is the two of you. I drove over and parked in the public lot and snuck up to the house. It was dark, but I could hear you.” He inhaled.

  It was dark and hard to see his face, but I know he was upset. “Umm, did Berg find anything at the shop or in my car?” I asked hoping to change the subject.

  “He didn’t find anything but took your coffee creamer.”

  “What? Why?” I’m convinced Berg had gone over the edge with this case.”

  Clark replied, “It was white powder.”

  “My goodness gracious, the man is an idiot,” I complained.

  “Idiot or not,” Clark said, “Let’s hope he went home by the time we get to the station.”

  “Station? Why are we going to the station,” Georgie asked a bit too loudly.

  “Because someone threatened you with a gun and locked you in a storage shed. You were victims of a crime.” He insisted as he started the car. “Besides, I’m driving to the station. When we get there, you’ll have two choices. You can go in or walk home.” He floored it, and as we sped out of the parking lot, Georgie was mumbling in the backseat.

  #######

  A young lady in civilian clothes I had never seen before sat behind the front desk inside the station. She must be new to town. I thought I knew everyone. Her nameplate read, Antonia Reed.

  “Good evening, Ms. Reed. I need to report a crime. My name is Annie Ryan,” I tried to smile but had an odd feeling this was going to be more trouble than it was worth.

  “Please call me Toni. I’m sorry you were involved in an unsavory situation. Do you need medical assistance?” She was jotting notes down on the form attached to a clipboard.

  I shook my head, “No; my friend Georgie Roberts and I were threatened by an unknown person with a gun and locked in a shed at Inga Kelleher’s house.”

  “Uh huh, well you need to speak to an officer. Follow me. The gentleman can wait here.” She walked down the hall to the same room I was in the day I was nearly arrested.

  “You’re not going to lock us in are you?” I stammered. I knew this would end badly.

  “Of course not, I’ll leave the door open until the officer arrives.” She smiled at us.

  I sighed and dropped into a chair. Georgie sat next to me. “I hope Berg went home. He’ll find a reason to arrest us. Oh no, speak of the devil,” she whispered.

  Detective Heidelberg walked into the room with his thumbs resting on his belt. “Well, well, well, what do we have here?” He glanced at the form and asked us what happened.

  I began to explain how we saw lights on at Inga’s, and Georgie said we should row over. He scowled at me when I said we saw three people dressed in black through the window.

  Georgie jumped into the conversation. She explained we were trying to find a way in and when we were discussing who might be able to climb in the window, someone with a gun showed up and locked us in the shed.

  He stood there and stared at us. He leaned across the table and said, “Let me get this straight. You went to Inga Kelleher’s house, peeked between the drapes, and were discussing how to break into the house. Then someone from inside locked you in a shed?”

  We both nodded in agreement.

  “Maybe they wanted to keep you on ice until they called us.” He slammed his palm flat on the table. It echoed through the room, and both Georgie and I jumped.

  “I’m going to arrest you both for trespassing.” He smiled and pulled a pair of handcuffs off his belt.

  I stood and yelled, “You can’t do that. I wasn’t trespassing.”

  His voice raised louder than I thought was humanly possible. “I can and I will, Annie Ryan. You are under arrest.” He grinned at me, and I swear I’ve seen the same grin on a madman in a horror movie.

  The door flew open, and Chief Elroy walked in the room. “What in the world is going on in here? I can hear you clear down in the garage.”

  “I’m arresting these two for trespassing, window peeping, and attempted breaking and entering at Inga Kelleher’s property.” He smiled a smug smile at the chief.

  Georgie was pale, and I know my face was red. I felt the anger surging.

  “Okay, okay,” Chief Elroy said, “Explain what happened.”

  I looked at him and said, “Before we explain anything Clifford, will you please tell Detective Heidelberg here that if he arrests me or Georgie, I’ll sue him, the station, you, and whoever else I can for false arrest.”

  “Is that right little lady, and just what makes you think you can do that?” Berg sputtered.

  Chief Elroy was smiling. I think he enjoyed watching me put his head detective in his place.

  “Clifford,” I said. “I’m finished speaking with Berg. Can you explain the law and let him know I can’t be arrested for walking around or looking in windows on my property.” I cro
ssed my arms and said, “Berg, I’m the owner of what you refer to as the Kelleher property.”

  Georgie burst out laughing, and it must have been contagious because Clifford joined her.

  Detective Berg turned shades of red I didn’t know existed and blubbered, “Oh yeah, I forgot.”

  The chief told Berg to take a break and sat with Georgie and I while we explained what happened.

  “It sounds as if something was going on at the house. I didn’t know any of the Kellehers were still at the house. Aren’t you and Margaret going to fight for custody of the dog and ultimately the house?”

  “Yes, which is why I still haven’t been in the house. I’m concerned someone will blame me for something new. I told Lucas to keep the keys until the judge rules. However, Lucas assured me I’m the legal owner unless or until the judge rules otherwise which is why Berg couldn’t arrest me. I guess I should report those three people as trespassers, too. The problem is I have no idea who they were or which one locked us in that shed at gun point.” I leaned back in my chair glad the insanity was over.

  The Chief said, “I have the information and your complaint. I can’t promise you we’ll find out who it was, but once everything settles down with the dog custody it may all come out in the wash.” He stood with the form in his hand. “You’re free to go.”

  At that moment, Officer Bill Todorov rushed into the room holding several pieces of paper. “Chief, I have some interesting news about Clark Cavanaugh and the Kellehers.”

  He stopped in his tracks and mumbled, “Hi Annie, sorry.” Then he turned and rushed out.

  “What about Clark and the Kellehers?” I stared at Clifford.

  He held up his hands and said, “Police business, Annie. Go home.” He left the room with me wondering what to do now.

  Georgie whispered, “Told you Clark might be involved.”

  “No he’s not.” I marched out of the interrogation room to the sound of the Chief reading Bill the riot act about privacy and looking before he speaks.

  Bill said Clark’s name along with the Kellehers. Are they connected? How could they be? Maybe Clark is their spy. That’s why he’s staying so close to me and yet is being a gentleman. Maybe he doesn’t care and sleeping on top of the quilt is what he’s being paid to do. He doesn’t want to get closer to me. At our age, we would have taken that step already. We’re not children. I may be nervous, but not that nervous. He’s playing me. Annie Ryan you’re a fool.

  I walked into the waiting room and saw Clark. My heart skipped a beat, and a pain hit my chest. It must be my breaking heart.

  Clark jumped up and asked, “Are you okay? I heard shouting.”

  “We’re fine,” I said and looked at Georgie. Her eyes were shooting daggers at Clark. She must have come to the same conclusion as I did. “Can you please take us to my car?”

  “Yes, of course, but you can get it in the morning. I’ll drive you.”

  I spun and bit my lip. “No thanks, I need it tonight. Georgie is spending the night, and I want to drive it home and to the bookstore tomorrow. You can go home and get a decent night’s sleep for a change. No sleeping on top of the quilt.” I stormed out of the building and stopped next to Clark’s car.

  The three of us climbed into the car, but I ignored Clark’s questions on the drive to the bookshop. He handed me the keys he received back from Detective Berg. I mumbled, “Thanks,” and climbed into my vehicle and sped out of the parking lot as soon as I heard Georgie’s seat belt click.

  “Wow, you’re angry. What are you going to do?” Georgie asked.

  “He used me. He’s one of the bad guys. I kissed him. I thought he might be the one I could trust and love. He slept in my bed. Well, on top of the quilt while I slept under, but he was there. He could have killed me in my sleep. Why didn’t he shoot us tonight? What do you think he wants?” I hit the steering wheel three times and let out a little scream.

  “Feel better?” Georgie asked.

  “No,” I said quickly wiping a hot tear I felt run down my cheek. “He used me. I’m so stupid. He’s in on whatever is going on at Inga’s. I told Berg tonight that I was going to wait to see what the judge says before I go into the house. I’m tired of waiting for everyone else to do what they want before I do. Tomorrow I’m getting the keys and going into my house. Can you get out of going to work and come along?” I hit the steering wheel again, but this time I felt empowered.

  “I’m pretty sure I can get out of work. The owner likes me,” Georgie answered.

  We were both laughing hard by the time I pulled into my driveway.

  “Hey,” Georgie said. “I think I know why he didn’t shoot us. If you’re dead, the house will go to Laci. Until the judge says otherwise, it’s your house. You said as much to Berg. They’ll wait until the ruling. Killing you and possibly me might look like it’s connected to Inga somehow, but they can’t take a chance hurting Laci. It would be suspicious. The judge would never give Yummy to a Kelleher. I think you’re safe. They’re trying to scare you into giving up.”

  I dropped my head against the steering wheel so quickly I gave myself a headache.

  I straightened and rubbed my forehead. “I think you’re right. Clark was with me when the rock was tossed through my window.”

  “Big deal,” Georgie murmured. “He’s just setting up an alibi. Don’t trust him.”

  I nodded.

  #######

  I walked through the house checking every window and door lock while Georgie called Paul. We sat on the couch and enjoyed a glass of wine. I normally love to sit on my pier and enjoy the lake, but I’m afraid Clark is hiding in the bushes watching and waiting.

  Georgie set her glass on the coffee table and said, “With all the commotion I missed a text from Dot. Rumor mill says Mags will be released tomorrow.”

  “At least we know she wasn’t in the house tonight. I can’t honestly say that one of the three men we saw wasn’t Clark. I wish we saw their faces. It might have been all three Kellehers or Clark and two of them, but which two? I’m confused and tired. I need some sleep. You can use the guest room. The sheets are clean.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  The sun woke me, and I remembered Yummy was still with Aunt Irene. I missed the little guy. He had gotten to me and after realizing Clark’s betrayal, I needed Yummy’s unconditional love. I showered, dressed, and headed downstairs.

  I saw Georgie slip her phone in her pocket. She wasn’t smiling.

  “What’s wrong,” I asked as I walked into the living room.

  “Nothing really,” Georgie said looking at me. “I spoke to Paul. They had a busy night while we were playing detective, and he had to leave some of the cleaning until this morning. I also have inventory. I’ll be done at noon. Can we go to Inga’s house then?”

  “Of course.” I smiled at her and gave her a hug. “Work’s important. I’m not ready to see what kind of mess Berg left at the bookstore. I think I’ll take Aunt Irene to the shelter and look for a pet. After lunch, you and I’ll go to Inga’s. I need to get the keys from Lucas first anyway.”

  “You’re the best,” she called as she headed for my door stopping long enough to grab a bar from my inexhaustible supply of on the go cereal bars. “Mmm, cherry, my favorite,” I heard her say as the door closed.

  I smiled as I walked to Aunt Irene’s. She opened the door cuddling Yummy.

  “Good morning, Aunt Irene,” I kissed her cheek. “I’m going to make omelets and then if you’d like we could go to the shelter.”

  “Really,” her green eyes sparkled reminding me of my dad.

  “Yup, they open at eight. We’ll leave right after breakfast.”

  She handed me Yummy and turned to hurry back inside. I laughed, placed Yummy in his puppy run, and went back inside to start breakfast. My phone vibrated in my pocket. It was Clark. I pressed “ignore.” He was not going to get a chance to make a fool of me again. I can do that easily enough by myself. I sure don’t need his help.

&nbs
p; I cracked six eggs in a bowl and with the sound of each egg cracking I felt calmer. I pictured breaking the eggs on top of Clark’s head. Two Denver omelets made from two and a half eggs each and one plain scrambled egg for Yummy. Aunt Irene’s timing was perfect. She and Yummy arrived as I slid the egg into his bowl.

  Yummy barked and sniffed at his bowl for several minutes before devouring his treat. Maybe it was too hot, or he was excited.

  Aunt Irene and I ate a more leisurely breakfast. I explained about the problems I had the previous night and she told me again not to judge Clark too harshly.

  “What is it with you and Clark?” I asked taking another bite of my omelet.

  “I have lived here all my life. Your dad grew up here. So did Clark’s parents. We all knew each other. Clark was always a good boy. If you want to watch out for someone, I suggest you keep an eye on Heidelberg. His father tried to get me to go out of town with him one weekend while he was married. The acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.” She picked up her coffee mug with both hands and sipped. She looked at me and smiled, “Just because someone is supposed to be a good guy doesn’t mean he is and vice versa. When are we leaving?”

  Aunt Irene loved to impart tidbits of logic or wisdom, speak her mind, and change the subject. “We can leave whenever you’re ready.”

  She popped off her chair announcing, “Bathroom break first.” Another of Aunt Irene’s bits of wisdom, always use the bathroom if you can before going somewhere. You never know when you might need one if you don’t, and the one available might not be suitable for a lady to use. I used the bathroom while she put Yummy in his carrier. I find Aunt Irene’s wisdom to be quite valuable.

  We arrived at the shelter just before it opened. I carried Yummy’s carrier, and Aunt Irene opened the door for all of us. Grace was working behind the counter.

  She looked up. “Good morning Aunt Irene and Annie. How are you this morning?”

  Aunt Irene, never having had children, sort of adopted half the town. They came to her with problems, questions, and her famous chocolate chip cookies.