Heavenly Corners Read online

  Georgie whispered, “It’s too quiet in here. It’s almost creepy.”

  I said, “You don’t have to whisper.” I jumped at the loudness of my voice.

  Georgie doubled over laughing. She looked at me and laughed harder. I knew if she didn’t stop she would begin to snort and then I wouldn’t be able to keep from laughing. There it was, the first snort. We both laughed until we cried and then I forced myself to take a deep breath. I grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the study.

  Georgie looked up and asked, “Can I have the crystal chandelier?”

  “Be reasonable, where would you put it?” She shrugged and followed me into the study.

  It took us ten minutes to walk to the study. I have been in this house many times and met with Inga in the study. Georgie has never seen the house. She stopped to look at everything. When we came to the study door, I found it locked. I looked at the second set of keys Lucas had messengered me and found one marked “study.”

  I glanced over my shoulder and said, “This is what Inga considered her study where she wrote letters and gave me checks when she purchased books, but it is also a shrine to all her dogs.

  I opened the door. Georgie walked in and stopped in her tracks. The “Yummy” wall intrigued her. Half of one wall was covered with pictures of Yorkies Inga had named Yummy since nineteen-fifty. Each was a professional portrait sixteen by twenty in size.

  Georgie turned and looked at me with a scrunched face. “She named them all Yummy?”

  “Yes,” the only thing that changes is a Roman numeral at the end of their name. My Yummy is number eleven.” I pointed out the names etched on a gold plate at the bottom of each painting. “This is my Yummy.”

  “How do you know?” She asked with her nose nearly pressed onto the pictures. “They all look exactly alike.”

  “Only by the nameplates. Inga told me that each Yummy puppy had to be the same coloring as the first puppy she received. She said her husband gave the first to her the Christmas after they learned she could never have children. They were like her kids.”

  Georgie turned to look at me with tears streaming down her face. “That is so sad. She couldn’t have a baby, so she kept getting a new Yummy.” She grabbed my arm. “Annie, you have to fight tooth and nail to keep that dog for Inga. It’s like her child. You can’t let anyone take him. I’ll help you.” She wiped the tears on the sleeve of her blue sweater.

  “Thanks. After today’s threat, I need the help. Let’s start with the papers on the floor. Since those men left them, they’re most likely not important. We can rule out whatever’s on them as significant to our case.”

  “So, we’re on a case?”

  “You better believe it. Goodness gracious, someone wants me dead.” I bent over and scooped up a handful of papers.

  “These are all about Yummy. Just vet bills or receipts from a dog groomer.” I straightened them out and placed them in a stack on the desk. I scooped up another handful.

  “Same thing here,” Georgie said. “All this paperwork seems to be about Yummy. He’s at the center of all that’s been going on. Whoever owns him owns everything. We know that, but maybe they were looking for something to help Mags in court.”

  “Like what?” I asked as I straightened up more paperwork.

  “Who knows? I’m not a lawyer. Something they could use to change the will. Maybe they want to prove Inga was insane leaving a fortune to whoever has her dog.” She handed me a stack and picked up more papers.

  “You make a good point. I’m sure Mags would use the angle of Inga’s mind to try and win Yummy from me.”

  After fifteen minutes, we glanced over each page and made two neat stacks on the desk. I placed them in an empty file drawer. The room looked neat again. Inga would be happy.

  Georgie wandered out of the study, and I heard a quiet squeal. I found her in the dining room.

  “Annie, look at all this crystal. There’s glasses, vases, pitchers, bowls, and more. I have never seen more crystal even at the store.”

  Georgie was standing in front of an open china cabinet. The only person in the world who loved crystal more than Georgie was me.

  I spotted a ten inch bud vase and handed it to Georgie. “For all the single roses Paul loves to give you.”

  “I couldn’t. I was teasing,” she said eyes glistening like a child’s on Christmas morning.

  “I insist. An early birthday gift. With all the stuff in this house, I may never have to buy another gift as long as I live.” I smiled turning to Georgie hoping to see her smiling, too.

  She stood there with tears streaming down her face again. “You are the sweetest friend anyone ever had and I don’t need a bud vase for a gift. I have you.”

  I stared at her with my hands on my hips. “You’re turning down my gift? How dare you.” I fought the smile trying to form.

  “Of course not. I love the vase,” she said clutching the vase to her chest.

  She was still crying, and her tears were contagious. When Georgie cried, I cried and vice versa. It’s hard to find a friend like Georgie. In third grade, we made a pinkie promise to go to heaven together whenever God wanted us because we had to stay together. That’s friendship or innocence, but Georgie is a true friend.

  “C’mon, let’s see what else we can find.” I coaxed her away from the crystal.

  We wandered into a fully equipped professional kitchen. Georgie found a fluffy towel to wrap her precious bud vase. She suggested that if I were going to give the house to the city, I should give all the kitchen items to a charity first. There are enough things in the kitchen to help several families. I agreed, and we both decided whatever charity I chose should pack and move the items. It would take us a month to pack up everything we saw.

  We found two full bathrooms, a half-bath off the kitchen, and a maid’s quarters. The room and bath were completely furnished, but all the personal items were removed.

  Georgie mused, “Wonder if she left on her own or if Douglas and Mags kicked her out the day Inga died.”

  “I know she was here the morning Douglas brought Yummy to the store. He said the maid told him about Inga’s letter that morning. I wonder where she went. She might know something.” I looked out the window when I heard thunder.

  “Georgie, did you hear the thunder? It’s getting dark out. Let’s leave and come back after church on Sunday. We’ll have more time. I don’t think there is much else to see on this floor, but upstairs may prove interesting.” She agreed, and we hurried out to her car just as the first raindrops began to fall.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The storm raged outside my sliding glass doors as Yummy did his best to crawl under my shirt. Peanut was doing the best to imitate Yummy while sitting on Aunt Irene’s lap. The vertical blinds did little to keep the flashes of lightening from brightening the room. I turned on all the lights, but that didn’t seem to help. The thunder sent Yummy into fits of whining. Peanut burrowed deeper into Aunt Irene’s shirt, if that was possible. When the lights began to flicker, I prayed they wouldn’t go out.

  “Maybe you should light a couple of candles before the lights go out, Annie. You know how you are in the dark.” She smiled while petting Peanut’s back leg which was the only part of her not hidden in my aunt’s lap.

  “Good idea.” I stood holding Yummy in one hand while trying to light candles with the other. I have a terrible fear of the dark. Aunt Irene is here so it won’t be too bad if the lights go out.

  The only thing that kept me from needing sedation in the dark shed was that Georgie had been with me. I shuddered at the memory and jumped when my cell vibrated in my pocket.

  A text from Georgie:

  “You ok?”

  I texted back:

  “Yup, Aunt Irene is here.”

  She set back a smiley face. Storms are my number two fear. Storms at night are a double threat to my sanity.

  The lights flickered again, and someone pounded on the front door.

  “Stay pu
t, Aunt Irene. I’ll go,” I told her.

  Peeking out the peephole, I saw a soaking wet Clark on my porch. I laughed and decided to let him stand there, but he banged on the door again.

  I flung the door open and yelled, “What?”

  “I was worried. I know you hate storms and the dark.” He smiled at me.

  He has some nerve. He’s a snake. I told him too much about me. How dare he smile at me?

  “I’m fine. Aunt Irene is here.” I slammed the door and did my best to be sure I made as much noise as possible locking the door. I hope he takes the hint. I heard a car door slam and an engine start. I peeked out the peephole again and saw his car backing out of my driveway.

  I nodded feeling smug and carried Yummy back to the living room.

  When I sat down, Aunt Irene said, “I still think you're too hard on that boy.”

  I took a deep breath and answered. “I believe he’s a bad guy. I think he and the Kellehers are out to get Yummy away from me and might be behind the death threats. I’m not going to take a chance with my life.”

  Aunt Irene sighed. “Well, just keep an open mind, dear.”

  I nodded and added. “I have to open the bookstore tomorrow. I wish Laci hadn’t talked me into a red car. Clark can see it from the back door of the hardware store.” I pulled Yummy away from my neck as he tried to hide his head in my shirt again.

  “Even if your car wasn’t red, men know about cars. He’d recognize it. Would you like to take mine?” She glanced at me with a twinkle in her eye that always meant she had a good idea.

  “That would be wonderful if I were going somewhere other than the bookstore. Your lime green bug is more conspicuous than my red Sport.” I sighed.

  We both laughed for quite a while about whose car would be the better car if we were going to try and be incognito. The dogs had scampered off our laps and settled down next to each other on the middle couch cushion. The storm was over. I could only see a few raindrops falling on my patio. We waited a while longer to be sure the rain stopped. Aunt Irene and Peanut walked home. I watched her go home safely while I walked Yummy on his leash. I’m not in the mood to wash off muddy paws.

  #######

  Yummy barked in my ear to let me know my alarm was going off. I slept hard and could sleep longer, but I have a busy day. After Detective Berg searched the store and my nearly getting arrested for being locked in my own shed, I’m sure I’m the subject of the rumor mill this morning. I might as well face the music. Perhaps I can stop it before the town blows everything out of proportion.

  With Yummy’s carrier in one hand and a travel mug full of orange spice tea and an apple cereal bar in the other, I headed to the bookstore. It might be an interesting day. I could be mobbed by half the population of Heavenly Corners asking questions, or it could be as quiet as a snowflake falling at midnight. One never knew what people were going to do.

  I unlocked the back door and let Yummy out of his carrier. When I turned and locked the dead bolt, I hoped Clark hadn’t made an extra set of keys before he installed the lock. I shuddered to think he might sneak in the back door at any time. He also installed a peephole. He said I would feel safer if I could see who was at the door, but what if he has spare keys.

  Goodness gracious, Annie. Get a grip. If and when he kills you, it’ll be somewhere away from the chance of witnesses. Right. Oh boy, I don’t know.

  In a panic, I quickly texted Georgie:

  “At the store. Clark may have a spare set of keys. If I’m found dead, tell the Chief.”

  She texted back:

  “Calm down. I’ll tell him. I’ll bring lunch about one.”

  The front door bell jingled, and I jumped.

  I hurried upfront and came face to face with Mags.

  “Get out of my store. You’re not welcome here. I’ll call the police.” I reached for the phone.

  “Annie wait; I need to tell you something. Please. I’m not here to hurt you.” Her expression seemed genuine, and I turned to look in her eyes.

  “I’m listening,” I said as I crossed my arms.

  “First, I’m sorry for all your trouble. I didn’t send the notes or lock you in the shed. I truly thought you tried to poison me since I began to feel ill after our argument in the elevator. Also, I didn’t try to kill myself. There is a killer loose. Second, I’m leaving town. I was angry that Aunt Inga ignored her family, but I understand now. We were never close. Third, I don’t need her money. I’m successful, and I’m engaged.”

  She held out her left hand and showed off a gorgeous round center diamond surrounded by a floral design of smaller diamonds.

  “That’s a beautiful ring. Congratulations, Margaret.” I smiled. For some reason, I believed her.

  “Thanks,” she dropped her head and then looked at me again. “He’s quite successful in his own business and our lives will be wonderful without Aunt Inga’s fortune. I’m leaving now. I won’t be back. Good luck, Annie. Please be careful. Someone did kill my aunt; they tried to kill me, and they’re threatening you. That idiot detective will be of little help. He’s convinced I drank the poison and refuses to investigate. Whoever owns Yummy is in danger. It’s why I dropped the suit. I have never been sicker than when I was poisoned. I’m lucky and quitting while I’m ahead. Take care.” She spun on her heel and just as quickly exited the store. I saw her climb into her car and drive off toward the highway.

  My cell vibrated. It was Clark:

  “Are you okay? Lunch?”

  I texted back:

  “I’m fine, have lunch plans.”

  My phone began to ring. Clark was actually calling after my text. I pressed “ignore” and slipped the phone back into my pocket.

  I had three customers before Georgie arrived with lunch. One bought a magazine, one a book, and one bought two of Mitzi’s candles. It was a typical morning. I turned the sign to “closed” and walked back to have lunch with Georgie.

  She smiled as she set out what she brought. Bacon cheeseburgers, onion rings, and chocolate shakes. A plain beef patty for Yummy. Georgie knows how to spoil us.

  After she swallowed her first bite she said, “Dot stopped in for an early lunch. She said all is quiet at the station, but Officer Bill and the Chief are spending a lot of time talking privately.”

  “I knew Clifford was angry with Bill during the search of my house, but it might have more to do with what Bill said when he ran in and blurted out about having information about Clark and the Kellehers.” I bit into an onion ring and took a long sip of my shake.

  Georgie kicked back and crossed her leg. Holding her burger in one hand and her shake in the other, she tried to talk with her hands. She dropped her hands to her lap and grinned. “Do you think they’re all in cahoots? We saw three men, but if Clark was there, he might have been sitting out of view. They knew we were there as soon as we pulled up in the canoe.”

  “I’ve been wondering about that and I think you’re right. The only person I think we can rule out is Mags.” I explained about her visit that morning.

  My phone rang. “It’s Lucas. I have to take this,” I said to Georgie.

  I did more listening than speaking and before I hung up, I asked the question both Georgie and I discussed.

  “Thanks, Lucas. I will. I promise.” I smiled and set my phone on the table.

  “What did he say? What will you do? What did you promise?”

  “Slow down, how much coffee did you have this morning, Georgie.” I laughed. “Okay, the lawsuit has been dropped officially. Yummy is mine.”

  “Yeah,” Georgie yelled.

  Yummy barked and ran in circles.

  “Can I finish?” I asked.

  Georgie nodded.

  “Lucas told me to call his office and make an appointment. He’ll show me the financials. He said there is more than enough for me to live in the mansion without worry. He knows I want to give the property to the city. He said if I did that, I would still be able to keep all the financial assets, and they�
��re considerable. Oh, my goodness, Georgie. With or without the mansion, I’m rich beyond rich. No wonder someone wants me dead. He also suggested I give the mansion to the city as soon as I’m sure that is what I want to do. It may stop some of the threats.”

  I picked up the phone, called Lucas’ office, and made an appointment for late that afternoon.

  My phone vibrated with another text. I didn’t recognize the number, but the message was unmistakable:

  “DIE.”

  I showed it to Georgie, and her eyes flew open wide. “Whose number is that?”

  I shrugged as I dialed 9-1-1.

  “They’re sending an officer. Someone is doing their best to scare me off. I think it has to do with the lake property. I’m going to tell Lucas to start the paperwork today. The mansion and land go to the city, and I’ll give most of the furnishings to charity or have someone come in and sell the antiques and donate the proceeds.” I held the phone in a death grip.

  “Good idea, are we still going through it on Sunday? I’d love to see the upstairs and the attic.” Georgie tried to get me to loosen my grip on the phone. She gave me her goofiest smile.

  I loosened my grip on the phone and answered, “Yes, we are. Bring some boxes and packing paper. Before the city or anyone else gets the house, we have crystal to pack up and maybe other things. There were several sets of china, etc. It would be nice to give one to Laci and Beth Ann. Maybe some lovely things for their future homes. We can pack the boxes, and I’ll hire Ben Clayson and his cousin to move the boxes to our houses.”

  “Really? You’re the best.”

  We both jumped when we heard a knock on the front door. Georgie ran from the back to see who it was. “It’s Bill,” she called out.” Yummy was barking at her heels.

  I hurried to the front of the store. Bill was holding Yummy, and I held up my phone with the message.

  Bill set Yummy on the floor and pulled out an evidence bag. “I’m sorry, Annie, but I need the phone for evidence.”

  My shoulders dropped. “I need my phone.”

  “You can get one at the phone store or they carry them in town at the hardware store.” His look told me he wasn’t pleased with that idea. “We’ll get it back to you as soon as we can. However, once we find the person behind the threats, there might be a trial. Then we’d have to keep it for evidence.” He wrote out a report and left.