Heavenly Corners Read online

  I doubled my fists and hit the counter causing Yummy to bark again. “Did you hear Bill? They have them at the hardware store. I bet they also have burner phones. How easy would it be for Clark to use one to scare me? I need a phone upgrade, so I’m going to the hardware store and get one. I’ll show him I’m not afraid of him. I have enough time before my appointment with Lucas.”

  I saw Georgie busy texting. She looked at me and said, “I’m coming with. I told Paul there was a small crisis, and you needed me this afternoon. He sends his love.” She hugged me.

  I locked the front door, kept the “closed” sign in place, put Yummy in his carrier, and left.

  #######

  We walked into the hardware store, and my heart skipped a beat when Clark smiled at me.

  “Hi, I’ve been worried about you. I’m glad to see you’re okay.” He leaned his tall frame on the counter.

  I swallowed and said, “My phone broke. I need a replacement.” I explained what I had, what I wanted, and didn’t have time for a sales pitch for anything I didn’t need.

  He nodded and showed me what I wanted. He took care of the paperwork and setting up my phone while I spoke to Georgie.

  “All set,” he said. I handed him my credit card, picked up my phone, and headed toward the door.

  He called after me, “Be careful not to get locked in any more sheds.”

  Was he trying to be funny or threatening?

  I turned and said, “No worries, I’m on my way to Lucas’ office to transfer the mansion and lake property to the city.” I walked out knowing he was staring at me with his mouth hanging open.

  “Do you think that was wise telling him what you plan on doing?” Georgie asked as we got back in my car.

  “Sure, I made it sound as if I was signing the papers any minute. If they are going to kill me, they only have five minutes to plan it.” I pulled into the law office’s lot and parked.

  The secretary ushered Georgie, Yummy, and me into Lucas’ office without needing to wait.

  Georgie took Yummy’s carrier and settled on the couch. I sat in a chair across from Lucas’ desk.

  Lucas handed me a sheet of paper.

  “This is an itemized list of the names and values of Inga’s holdings that are being transferred into your name as we speak.”

  “Lucas,” I stammered. “There are several corporations on here that I recognize. There are also numerous stocks. These are mine?” I stared at the list.

  “Yes, plus Inga had a safety deposit box. She told me she didn’t feel safe keeping bearer bonds or her fine jewelry at home.” He leaned back in his chair and interlaced his long fingers. “I will go with you and have the box transferred into your name.”

  I swallowed and bounced my fingers up and down on my thighs. “Fine jewelry. What did she keep there?”

  “Mostly her eighteen karat gold jewelry and precious gems.” He smiled.

  “Did you say bearer bonds?” I know I was staring at him, but I couldn’t help it.

  He nodded. “They will be available to you as soon as the box transfer is complete.”

  “Okay,” I mumbled. “I haven’t finished going through the house, but there are some things I would like to have. I have decided to give the furnishings to charity or if they are antiques, to sell them and donate the money.”

  “And the mansion,” he asked.

  “Inga always wanted it to be a museum of the city and surrounding area. I would like to give it and the lake property to the city with the provision that they never build on that land. No condos, vacation homes, nothing or it all reverts back to my family. The mansion becomes Inga’s dream museum. Will you speak to the mayor about it? The portion of the lake used by the city for a public beach will remain the same. They will own it. I know the mayor is concerned someone would close the beach to the city.” I sat back amazed I explained it exactly the way I wanted.

  “Inga would be pleased. You share her vision. She picked the right person to inherit. I’ll speak to the mayor right away and get this going. I’ll call you.” He stood and reached out his hand.

  I stood and shook it. “Inga and I often spoke about our fear the lake would be taken over by developers. I hope she is happy. Thank you, Lucas.”

  Georgie and I walked down the hall and out of the office. As we waited for the elevator, she whispered. “You did a good thing. Inga would be proud.”

  I wiped away a tear. “I hope so, I miss her. It was the least I could do to keep her dream alive.”

  Chapter Twenty

  I was tired when I slid my key into the lock of the bookstore’s back door. Friday night can be busy or slow as ice melting in January. Last night made melting ice seem more like a race. Not one soul walked through the door between five and when I turned off the lights at nine. I tossed and turned most of the night, and the alarm went off too early. Here I am again. It’s nine in the morning, and I wonder if I’ll see any customers.

  I might as well clean up a little. I have no idea where the dust comes from. I have a large fluffy duster that allows me to get to the back of the shelves and dust off the tops of the books without moving them. I can also telescope it into a longer handle and reach the upper shelves. No sense in dusting twice, so I always start on the top.

  I dragged my step stool to the front of one aisle of books. It’s one time I really wished I was taller. I reached as far as I could to get all the dust. Georgie helped me set up a nice book display of new releases on the top of the shelf last week. A few inches taller and a longer reach made it easy for her to set up the books. The opposite is true for me especially since I can’t see the top even with a step stool. I trust my reach and the ability of the duster to catch all the loose dust bunnies.

  Everything was going well until I heard a thud. I knocked over one of the books. At least it didn’t fall to the floor. If I reach around, I’ll find it and set it up right again. My fingertips felt the book, but there was no way I could pull it closer or tip it upright.

  Now what, Annie? Georgie’s at work and you can’t let it lie up there. It’s Saturday, and you can’t bother someone to come down here just to set a book up that fell over. They’ll put you away. Okay, you can do this. You did it once before. You can do it again.

  It’s a good thing the shelves were well made. I took a deep breath and stepped up to the first shelf higher than my step stool. The bookshelf felt a bit rickety, and I kicked out to get a better footing. Another thud, no more like a crash. I knew I kicked over the stool. My fingers gripped the other edge of the shelf, and I was afraid to look down. I couldn’t see where to place my other foot from here. I needed a better view. There was only one thing to do. I pulled with my arms and kicked until I threw my leg over the top of the shelf. My head was about eighteen inches from the ceiling, so I needed to lean forward. I managed to straddle the shelf, but the hard edges were hurting my legs. Okay, I can see down from here. If I move one leg up to the top, I can swing the other to the next shelf down and try to climb down as if it was a ladder. It should work.

  I heard a loud knocking on the front window. It was Claudine waving at me with a phone in her hand. She was nodding as she spoke, then took a picture of me as she rushed into the store.

  “Don’t worry, Annie. I called 9-1-1. The pic is for the paper.” She laughed as she hurried out. A crowd was forming out front. Lou from the diner came running in telling me not to panic.

  Panic, I never thought about panicking. Right now, I’m thinking about killing Claudine. Wrong word. I’d be arrested just for thinking it if Berg read my mind. Oh my goodness gracious, do I hear a siren?

  Lou is walking up and down the aisle next to me talking so fast I can’t understand him. He occasionally adds a word of his native Italian, and I know he’s worried. Clark just ran in the front door. I drop my head to the shelf.

  Please send them all away. No Clark, no people watching, no sirens. Oh no, it’s a fire truck. They sent a fire truck. I’m going to have to move out of town. I’ll g
o to Arizona with mom and dad. I have enough money now. I’m rich. The richest woman in town is stuck on top of her bookshelf. What a headline I’ll make. Claudine probably took video.

  I begin laughing at my predicament. Could this get any worse? I hear Clark’s voice at my ear. I had to ask. This is worse.

  “Annie, are you hurt? Did you hit your head? Why are you laughing? Hang on, the fire rescue are here.”

  I turned to look into those deep hazel eyes and whispered, “This would be the ideal time to kill me. A little shove and off I go. Everyone would think I fell.” I began to laugh again as tears filled my eyes. I was losing my mind.

  Before he could answer, my rescuers appeared.

  “Hi, Annie,” said Greg. He was the fire chief and my neighbor.

  “Hello, Greg.” I tried to smile. He was standing on my step stool looking directly into my eyes.

  “Okay, Annie, this is what we’re going to do. My men are bringing in two freestanding ladders. One for each side of the shelf. The shelf seems sturdy, but I don’t want to lean a ladder against it. My men will brace the shelf, so it doesn’t tip.” He smiled and patted my hand.

  “It shouldn’t tip. Steve was worried about the same thing and anchored them all to the floor years ago.” I couldn’t smile back.

  This situation was frightening and funny at the same time. I was stuck on shelves that one man anchored to keep me safe while another man stood off in the corner wishing I would fall to my death. I should add this to my next book.

  “Good to know about the anchors, Annie,” Greg said. “Say hi to Grant.” Grant’s face appeared on the other side of the shelf. I smiled. “Grant is going to help you get your leg over the top of the shelf and on this side. He’ll also make sure you don’t roll off his side. Then, I’ll help you find your footing on the ladder, and we’ll climb down. It’ll be safe and simple. I won’t let you fall. Trust me?” I nodded.

  Somehow, Grant managed to shove my leg on the shelf without pushing me off, and Greg guided my foot until it felt like I had a solid footing on the ladder. Step by step I made my way down until I was back on the floor.

  I threw my arms around Greg. “Thanks, I have no idea how I managed to kick out the step stool.”

  “May I suggest that if you must climb up there that you buy a ladder similar to the one we used to rescue you?” He grinned at me, and his grin turned into a slight laugh. “Annie Ryan, I think this is the craziest thing you’ve ever done. Usually, you don’t need us to rescue you at least not since the Christmas you tried to string lights and got stuck on your roof.”

  “That wasn’t my fault. I had a great ladder. It just slid on the ice.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

  “I remember, but it didn’t keep a hysterical Laci from calling us to say her mommy was stuck on the roof.” He burst into laughter.

  “Maybe,” I stammered, “But all you had to do was set up the ladder, and I climbed down. I was safe.”

  “Sure were, but you had the oddest lights in town that year. Seriously, are you hurt? Do I need to call the paramedics?” He patted my back.

  “I’m fine. Thanks, Greg. I did need help today.” I hugged him again.

  “It’s what we do. Anything else?” He asked as he closed the ladder.

  “Claudine took pics and maybe video,” I whispered. “Can you run over her phone with your truck?”

  He laughed again as he carried his ladder out of my store. My mind flew to Yummy. It was too quiet in the store. The firemen were gone, and so were the gawkers. I ran around the shelf to find Clark holding Yummy.

  If he can’t kill me, he’ll kill Yummy. Would I inherit if he killed Yummy? If I don’t inherit, Inga’s dream will be lost.

  “Put down my dog and get out of my store,” I screamed. “I’ll call the police. Don’t you hurt Yummy.”

  I pulled my phone out of my pocket as Clark set Yummy on the floor. “I don’t know what happened, Annie, but I’ll leave. Whatever you think I did, I know I didn’t. I haven’t done anything that could hurt you.”

  Tears streamed down my face, and I yelled, “Please leave.”

  He turned and left. I ran to the door and locked it. I put the closed sign on the door and headed for the back area to cry and text Georgie.

  #######

  I dropped onto the couch and began my good cry. I cried because I missed Steve and hated being alone. I cried because I was falling for a man who I thought would end my loneliness, but I’m pretty sure he might want to end my life. I cried because I missed Laci, my mom and dad, my grandparents, Inga, and my slowly disappearing sanity. When my tears stopped flowing, I took a deep cleansing breath and decided to stop feeling sorry for myself.

  I picked up my phone and texted Georgie:

  “Major story to share. Coming to the grill for lunch.”

  I never close the store early on Saturday, so I’m sure she’s wondering what’s going on with me.

  I picked up my phone again and called Betsy at the bakery. “Hi Bets, it’s Annie. Could you make up a big tray of all your best goodies and have them delivered to the fire station? I owe the guys and Marcia. Oh, you already heard. I’ve learned not to clean high places with a step stool.”

  We enjoyed a laugh. I told her I’d be by in a bit to pay her, and she said her son would run over to the fire station as soon as she packed up the goodies.

  #######

  I called Aunt Irene to assure her I was okay knowing she’d heard all about my adventure through the grapevine. I told her I’d be home soon, and I’d take her to lunch at the grill.

  I packed up Yummy, drove to Betsy’s, paid my bill, bought two cream puffs for Aunt Irene and me, and headed home. By the time I walked into my kitchen, Aunt Irene and Peanut were at the patio door.

  Aunt Irene shook her head as she walked into my living room. “Annie, your antics are going to age me before my time.” She looked pretty good for seventy-two. Maybe I should try and think before I scare her to death.

  I picked up the bathroom rugs, set Yummy’s bed on the floor, and placed both carriers in the small bathroom with the doors open in case one or both of the dogs felt the need to snuggle in their carrier. I set a bowl of water on the floor, and both dogs ran around ignoring Aunt Irene and me.

  I closed the door and said to Aunt Irene, “I doubt they’ll even miss us while we have lunch.”

  She smiled and agreed.

  Heavenly Grill offered chili and chicken noodle soup on Saturdays. Whenever I took Aunt Irene to lunch, Paul would grill a plain burger bun, add a little grated cheese, and serve it along with her soup. She felt special and I didn’t feel guilty spooning chili on top of my cheeseburger.

  Georgie nearly split a gut listening to my story.

  “It really isn’t funny; you weren’t there.” I insisted.

  “Yes, it is. The fire department. Really, Annie?” She laughed again.

  “Claudine called them and took pictures. I could strangle her. She had the nerve to come inside before anyone got there and said she would give them to the paper. I’m doomed.” I used my fork to cut off a chunk of chili covered burger and slid it into my mouth. It was delicious and took my mind off Claudine for a moment.

  “Call Lucas,” Georgie suggested.

  “Why,” I mumbled trying to chew.

  “He could tell the paper about you giving the mansion to the city. He could offer them an exclusive interview with you, if they treat you right.” She pressed her lips together, raised her eyebrows, and looked at me.

  “That’s blackmail,” I said.

  Georgie shrugged.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  I was dressed and nearly finished with breakfast when Aunt Irene knocked at the patio door. Dressed in her Sunday finest, I wore one of my dresses that were appropriate for church. The dogs behaved well left alone in my small guest bathroom yesterday, so we put them in there again before we headed for church. As I was locking the front door, my cell rang.

  It was Bill. “Good morning, Bi
ll. Is everything okay?” I was a bit nervous to get a call from him early on Sunday morning.

  “Yes, nothing bad to report just a thought. The last time the Kellehers were in town, I saw Craig and Clark having lunch at the diner. They seem to be deep in conversation. I thought you might want to know in case Craig shows back up in town.”

  “Thanks, Bill. It’s always best to be prepared. If you learn anything new, please let me know.”

  “I will.” I disconnected from the call and slid into my car.

  Aunt Irene wasn’t paying attention to me. She was staring at the flower beds along the front and side of my house. “Your tulips are coming up. I think there are crocus leaves, too. Spring is here.” She smiled at me.

  She, my parents, even Laci all have green thumbs. Mine must be the color of doom because any plant left in my care dies. Laci once told one of her teachers that her mom can kill plastic plants, and that is why there are no plants in my house. If not for Aunt Irene, I would plant grass in my flower beds. Paul gives Georgie beautiful roses, and she keeps them alive and looking fresh for at least a week. If I receive a rose or worse several roses, I do my utmost to take care of them the way the instructions state. Regardless of what I do, the next morning their little heads are drooping. Most likely in reverence to all the flowers that have gone on to greener gardens before them.

  On our drive to church, Aunt Irene commented that she could see green leaves sprouting all over town. Last winter was particularly cold and snowy. I’m looking forward to spring. Aunt Irene and I made our way to the front doors of the church.

  A voice rang across the parking lot, “Wait up, Annie.” It immediately pulled me back to junior high. I “waited up” while Georgie hurried across the lot with her heels clicking on the blacktop.