Heavenly Corners Read online

  I walked to the patio doors and opened them. Before I knew it, I was standing at the end of my pier looking across the lake at Inga’s house. Someone was outside walking around her house with a flashlight again.

  I mumbled, “What in the world is going on over there?” My nightmare replayed in my mind, and I shuddered.

  I noticed the lights go on in Aunt Irene’s cottage, and I decided I would prepare breakfast for both of us. A quick knock at her door let her know to come over when she was ready. My Aunt Irene was my dad’s only sister. She lived with mom and dad until they moved to Arizona. She refused to leave the beauty of Wisconsin winters, and we redecorated the fishing cabin into a quaint cottage for her. Dad was happy she would live close to me.

  #######

  I waited until Aunt Irene finished her omelet before I told her the news about Inga. They had been in the same church quilting circle for years. I wanted her to hear the news from someone who cared. I knew before long phones across town would be ringing with the sad news.

  I filled her teacup with more boiling water and dropped in a fresh peppermint teabag. She looked up at me and said, “Thank you, Annie. How was the meeting last night?”

  I looked at her and took a deep breath. I reached over and took her hand. “Aunt Irene, at last night’s meeting Inga Kelleher collapsed and passed away.” I searched her face for signs of stress or an adverse physical reaction.

  She looked back at me and patted my hand. “We’re all in line waiting for death to come one day, Annie. Some lines are shorter than others. Inga’s was long. She was a good friend. I’ll miss her. We’ll go to the funeral together. I should go home now so you can get ready for work.”

  I was worried by her reaction. Was she in shock or denial? “You can stay a while, Aunt Irene. I don’t have to get ready yet. We can talk.”

  She stood and waved her hand at me. “I’m sure I’ll be on the phone with friends all day. The quilting circle will need to plan a nice memorial luncheon in memory of Inga. She walked to the sliding door and turned, “Enjoy your day, Annie.” She flashed me a big smile as she closed the door and disappeared off the patio in the direction of her cottage.

  I locked the door behind her and headed for the shower. Maybe when people were older they accepted death easier or as I suspected, my aunt wanted to do her grieving on her own. I knew she’d call mom and dad. It was a good thing. Since I lost Steve, talking about death, funerals, or memorial luncheons felt like a knife in my heart.

  #######

  Driving toward my bookstore, I waved at several people who were up and around at eight in the morning. Most were either at work or getting ready to leave. I enjoyed going into the store an hour before it opened. There was always something to do.

  I passed Harvey from the Ford dealership where I had purchased my Ford Explorer. He was walking his dog and gave me a thumbs up. When I needed a new car last fall, Laci asked me to wait until her semester break. We could shop together. It was snowing when I picked her up at the small bus station outside of town. We slipped and slid a bit on the drive home in my old sedan. Laci chatted non-stop about my need of a car with four-wheel drive.

  “Mom,” she’d said, “you leave early in the morning and sometimes come home later in the evening. You need a safe car that will get you through our snowy winters.”

  That’s how we ended up at the Ford dealership and made Harvey’s day when I gave in and bought a new ruby red Ford Explorer Sport.

  I was hoping for a nice nondescript black or dark gray vehicle. Laci insisted that since I was born in July the ruby red color was a sign and since it was my birthstone, I had to get it. I always seemed to give in to her. Plus as she said, her beautiful brown eyes looking at me, when she was home and needed to borrow it she would be safer. The thought of another family member hurt or killed in an accident was enough for me to buy the safest vehicle if it had been lime, purple, and orange striped.

  I received nods and smiles when I drove the Explorer through town the first time. People waved the same as they did when I drove my sedan. I hoped it was because they were seeing me, Annie, and not a crazy lady in a red car. The Explorer was such a great ride all winter that I’m grateful to Laci for pushing me toward the four-wheel drive vehicle. The beautiful ruby red cheered me on the coldest snowy day. I was happy. Laci was happy. Life was getting better.

  #######

  I was busy dusting off bookshelves around ten when I heard the door chimes jingle. I expected more people to be in to chat and discuss last night’s tragedy, but it was early. Maybe they were at the diner discussing Inga over coffee.

  I walked up front in time to see Douglas Kelleher place a large paper bag on the counter next to a dog carrier.

  “What’s all this?” I asked.

  “Good morning, Annie,” Douglas said. “When Aunt Inga’s housekeeper arrived this morning we told her about what happened last night. She told Mags and me that Aunt Inga left a letter in her desk drawer for us in case this ever happened suddenly. The housekeeper said it contained funeral plans.”

  I studied his face for some explanation and said, “Many people do that. What does it have to do with the dog carrier and bag?”

  “Well,” he said tapping his foot and bouncing his body. “Umm, she left her funeral plans, but her first concern was for Yummy. Aunt Inga said no one would care for Yummy properly. No one, that is, except you. Aunt Inga wrote that Yummy likes you, and it would be less stressful on him if he lived with you.”

  I stood and stared at him. My mouth must have been hanging open because Douglas began to speak again.

  “Everything you need is in the bag. Bowls, food, treats, toys, his pedigree papers, a printout of his vet care. I added a check in the envelope to help you with his care. It does seem to be a bit of an imposition. Don’t worry about vet care. My sister called the vet and arranged for all his care to be charged to her.”

  “That’s very generous, but I’m not sure I should be the one to care for Yummy.” I bent over and stared at the little Yorkie staring back at me through the metal door of the dog carrier.

  “But Annie, it was Aunt Inga’s final wish for Yummy to be with you.” He leaned forward and stared into my eyes.

  I nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll give it a try. Yummy and I do get along.”

  “That’s great. Yummy should be with someone who cares if he begins to miss my aunt,” Douglas called over his shoulder as he headed out the door. The bell chime jingled again, and Yummy and I were alone.

  I opened the carrier door, and the tiny dog ran into my arms. Yummy shivered, but settled down as I petted him. I put food and water in his bowls and placed them under the counter out of sight of customers, but where I could see him. There was a blanket at the bottom of the bag, and he settled onto it in the corner.

  “Maybe this won’t be too bad,” I mumbled.

  Yummy didn’t seem to have any interest in his food or water. I had an idea and sent a text to Georgie:

  “When you bring lunch, could you bring a plain

  burger patty - no bun or cheese?

  She texted back:

  “??????”

  I sent another text with a pic of Yummy:

  “Inga left me Yummy. He won’t eat.”

  She texted back:

  “Sure, no problem.”

  She followed with a row of yellow smiley faces.

  Chapter Four

  I had one customer before noon. He was a regular and picked up his favorite magazine. Mitzy popped in to add a few new candles. Mitzy made unusual candles and essential oil combinations, but didn’t have a spot to sell them. I offered a spot near the front door for her to set up a three shelf glass unit to display her candles and oils. I sold them, and I made a commission. Every little bit helps, and it also helps Mitzy.

  I didn’t need the money from the candles, but I put it away for Laci’s wedding whenever that might happen. The young woman who caused Steve’s accident survived and was charged with vehicular manslau
ghter. They proved she was on her cell phone at the time and missed a curve and drove straight into Steve. She is serving time in prison, and her insurance company offered me a fair settlement, if there is a settlement for loss of the love of your life. I didn’t have a mortgage since I inherited the house and bookstore. The settlement enabled me to stay home with Laci and pay her college tuition. There is enough for me to live comfortably, but I learned a lesson from Steve’s accident. You never know what the future holds.

  I didn’t need to work at the bookstore, but I loved it. It gave me a purpose especially since Laci was away at college.

  Yummy yipped, and I realized I would now have another purpose. A tiny tan and dark brown face looked up at me. I clipped the leash to his collar, hung the “Be back soon” sign on the door, and took Yummy out the back door for a walk through the parking area. I enjoyed my time with the cute little dog. I found myself laughing at his antics. Laughing felt good. With Laci at college, I didn’t laugh often enough.

  #######

  I walked through the back door and unclipped Yummy’s leash. I thought he should get to know his new daytime home. I was surprised to find Lucas Stone, the town’s most prominent attorney, waiting for me to open the store.

  “Hi Lucas, sorry to keep you waiting. C’mon in. Can I help you find a book?” I smiled at the well-dressed attorney.

  “No. No books today. I came by to see if you decided to keep Inga’s dog.” He smiled at Yummy running up and down the four aisles of books.

  “I wasn’t sure at first, but I think Yummy and I will do just fine.” I smiled back at him.

  “Splendid,” he answered and pulled an envelope from his pocket. “Inga wanted you to have this to help care for Yummy. She didn’t want him to be a burden.”

  I put my hands up and shook my head explaining that Douglas and Mags were already helping. Yummy and I would be just fine.

  He lay the envelope on my front counter and said, “Inga was adamant that whoever took care of Yummy would have some help. He is three years old. He could live another ten or longer. It will take care of things until the reading of the will.”

  I did my best to say no explaining, “When you have a pet, you accept the responsibility for whatever they need.”

  “Inga thought of Yummy as family. Take the check. It will make Inga happy wherever she is. I’ll see you soon.” He smiled again, turned, and strode out of my store.

  Douglas had left me a check for $500 to buy dog food, and I was sure that would cover Yummy’s food for a year. I didn’t want to take anything from Inga. I opened the envelope and was still staring at the check when Georgie hurried in with our lunch from the grill.

  #######

  Georgie flipped the “Out to lunch” sign around on the door and pulled on my arm. “C’mon, we don’t want lunch to get cold.”

  I followed her into my back room still holding the check and Yummy at my heels.

  She dropped into a chair and pulled the food out of the bag. “What’s up with you?”

  I explained about my morning and showed her the check.

  She whistled and said, “Ten thousand dollars for promising to take care of a dog? I’m in the wrong business. Sit down and eat. Then I need to talk to you.”

  I placed the plain burger patty on its wrapper on the floor. Yummy walked around it twice and settled down and began to take small bites.

  I took a big bite of my double cheeseburger. Georgie had brought fries and chocolate malts. It was just what I needed after my crazy morning.

  Georgie sucked out the last of her shake with enough noise that Yummy growled. At least I think it was a growl. He was still nibbling at his burger patty.

  “I have news,” Georgie grinned.

  “Okay, I’m listening.” I leaned my elbow on the table and supported my head.

  “Well, Dot stopped in for a quick lunch before I came here. She was talkative as usual.”

  Dot was a few years older than Georgie and me, but she became close to Georgie last summer when Dot’s son Justin got into some trouble. The judge gave Justin a week to find a summer job and sign up for a summer class to make up for the one he failed spring semester. At sixteen, Dot was afraid he would blow it off, and the judge would send him to juvenile detention. Justin signed up for the class immediately and approached Paul for a job.

  Paul was impressed by the teenager’s honesty and gave him a chance. He hired him on the spot and Justin now works as hard as Paul. Dot was grateful, and she and Georgie became friends and I became friends with her, too. Dot is an auxiliary police officer and works the phones at the station.

  “What did Dot say?” My curiosity was piqued.

  “It seems that Douglas Kelleher stormed into the police station late this morning and insisted on speaking to the police chief. Dot had him wait and said he was more fidgety than a bug on hot summer blacktop.”

  Georgie had a way comparing things no one else could match. I looked at her, and she continued.

  “Well, Douglas went in to see the chief and with the walls as thin as they are in that old building, Dot could hear them. She heard Douglas’ rant anyway. He was yelling and demanding that the chief call the M.E.’s office and stop the autopsy. He said Inga was an old woman and died of a heart attack. She should be able to rest in peace. It was quiet for a few minutes, and Dot thinks the chief was explaining something to Douglas. She heard the chief’s door open and Douglas yell, ‘suspicious death? It’s a conspiracy against my family.’ Then he stormed down the hall and left.”

  “Hmm,” I said. “Why would he say conspiracy? That’s odd.” I reached down and took the burger wrapper away from Yummy. He was snarling at it and trying to shake it. Maybe he wanted more to eat.

  I looked back up at Georgie and said, “I wish Yummy could talk. Maybe there were hard feelings between them and he could tell us.”

  “Maybe he could tell us who killed her,” Georgie stated with emphasis.

  “That can’t be. It boggles my mind.”

  “There’s more. After Dot heard Douglas’ rant, she called her cousin who works at the hospital. Word travels around the hospital, and it seems Inga’s heart was undamaged. The M.E. ruled out a stroke. Doc Bolden insisted the coroner do a complete tox screen. Something’s up. I think she was murdered.” Georgie crossed her arms and placed them on the table.

  “Murdered,” I stammered. “Who, why?”

  Georgie shrugged.

  Someone pounding on the front door broke into our conversation. I rushed to see who it was that needed a book so urgently that they couldn’t wait until after my lunch.

  #######

  I hurried to the door with Yummy at my heels. I saw Mags’ face pressed against the door window, and she was using her hands to shade the outside glare. She appeared panicked, and I immediately looked around thinking she was being chased. I opened the door, and she rushed inside. No one else was out on the sidewalk.

  “Mags umm Margaret, my goodness, are you all right?” I asked and locked the door in case there was a problem I didn’t see. “Should I call 9-1-1?”

  “No, no, no, I’m okay,” she said trying to catch her breath. “I need to see Yummy. I ran from the parking lot behind the building.”

  The little Yorkie stood close to my leg, looked up at Mags, and growled.

  “Yummy is right here and he’s fine. What’s wrong?”

  She bent over to pick him up, and he growled louder. When she reached her hand out, he snapped at her.

  “I have never seen him act this way,” I said. “Why do you need to see him?” I pressed my lips together while I waited for an answer. Something was off about her request.

  “I’ve decided I want to keep him. He’s the only reminder I have of my aunt. It’s a personal memory thing.” Mags reached down again to pick Yummy up, and the dog cowered behind me.

  “I don’t think he wants to go with you,” I said placing my hands on my hips. Mags was beginning to annoy the heck out of me.

  “He d
oesn’t have a choice; he’s just a dumb, little dog,” Mags shouted stomping her foot.

  “Douglas told me that your aunt wanted me to have Yummy.”

  “He’s an idiot,” she said folding her arms across her chest.

  I smiled at her, and she seemed to squirm. “Lucas told me the same thing.”

  “Lucas, what? He was already here. I want that dog or you’ll be sorry.” She took a step toward me.

  The curtain that separates the store from the back room parted, and Georgie stepped out. “Did I just hear you threaten Annie? I hope not.”

  “Oh no, we were just having a discussion.” Mags’ face faded from rage red to pale in two heartbeats.

  “Glad to hear it,” Georgie said. “I heard you were offering to pay for Yummy’s vet care. Since you’re a busy lawyer, do you have time to take care of Yummy? Inga wanted Annie to keep Yummy. Is it about the check? You don’t need the money, why don’t you let her keep the check. Annie can write the check over to the pet shelter. They could use the funds with all the dogs and cats. Maybe they could afford to have a free adoption day and wave any fees. I think more people would adopt a pet that way. It would be a great thing to do, Mags.”

  Mags’ eyes were large as saucers when she looked at Georgie. “Are you insane? Never mind, keep the ball of fur,” She turned and her heels clicked across my hardwood floors. At the end of the aisle, she stopped and turned back to face us. “My name is Margaret,” she screeched. We could hear the door slam.

  I looked at Georgie. “You might have something there about Inga being murdered, but which one did it?”

  Georgie tilted her head and shrugged.

  She reached in her pocket and pulled out her cell phone that had chimed for a second time in as many minutes. “Gotta run, Paul’s in over his head.” She smiled and rushed out of the store.

  Chapter Five

  Afternoon gossipers began to drift into the shop around two o’clock. Rumors were flying about what happened to Inga. It seemed every person who came in had heard a tidbit of information from someone who knew a fact or two. All those tidbits added together made an incredibly odd story. Every suggestion from murder to suicide to alien invasion was discussed. I sold three sci-fi books after the alien discussion. It was an interesting afternoon. Around three-thirty I received a text from Georgie: