44 Cranberry Point (11 page)

I
t was a perfect day for gardening, Peggy thought-sunny but not hot, with a comfortable breeze and an almost cloudless sky.

She’d decided to visit the local nursery, inviting Hannah to join her. Now Peggy loaded a thirty-pound bag of fertilizer into the large garden cart, while Hannah wandered through the aisles of perennials.

“Let me do that,” the young woman insisted, hurrying to her side. “I came with you because I wanted to help.”

Peggy always enjoyed her trips to the nursery, although she rarely left without filling up the minivan. Her raspberries and blueberries could do with fertilizer. She was out of slug bait, too. Her yard was lovely, with the rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom. The lilacs were coming out, too, and she had both the purple and white varieties along the side of the house. Her small rose garden was prospering, and so was her expanding herb garden.

“We probably should talk about me staying at the house,” Hannah said, staring down at the ground as if reluctant to address the subject. Peggy guessed she’d needed several
days to work up her courage to discuss the matter of her staying.

“Let’s do that later,” Peggy suggested. “I was thinking we might go out to lunch when we’re finished here.” She found the best “girl talks” with Hollie always took place over lunch.

Hannah smiled. “That would be nice.”

Hannah had been with them for more than a week. She’d planned to leave once, about three days after her arrival, but Peggy had asked her to stay. As she’d expected, Hannah had accepted the invitation without further argument.

An hour later, they sat on the patio at The Lighthouse eating Caesar salad with grilled shrimp and sipping iced tea.

“You and Bob have been so kind to me,” Hannah said.

She still seemed frail, Peggy noted, physically as well as emotionally. “We like having you around.”

Hannah looked grateful. “I don’t think anyone’s ever been so good to me.” She reached for her iced tea and took a quick sip. “I should never have stayed this long. Originally I only intended to visit Cedar Cove for one night. But you were so welcoming, and now it’s been over a week. I can’t continue to take advantage of your friendship like this.” She met Peggy’s eyes and said earnestly, “I do think of you as my friends, you know.”

“We feel the same way,” Peggy murmured.

Hannah was nibbling her lower lip again. Peggy considered it a personal challenge to improve not only this girl’s health but her emotional outlook. She didn’t seem to have much self-esteem. Generally, Peggy thought parents worried excessively about self-esteem these days. Spend enough time with your kids, give them lots of love and reasonable amounts of responsibility, and self-esteem would naturally follow-that was Peggy’s theory of child-raising. But in Hannah Russell’s case…She was far too thin-to the point of
being anorexic. Her clothes hung on her. Peggy had taken a lot of pleasure in tempting Hannah with her prize recipes. Ever since Troy Davis’s last visit, she’d been cooking many of her old favorites. She found comfort in that and in providing Hannah with some old-fashioned mothering. Hannah seemed to blossom under Peggy’s encouragement and affection.

“Bob and I want you to stay,” Peggy said, wondering how many times she’d have to make this point. “We love having you.”

Hannah shook her head reluctantly. “I can’t do that. I’m not even sure why I came to Cedar Cove. In the beginning I told myself it was because I wanted to learn what I could about how-and why-my father died. I don’t like to think about him suffering.” There was a stricken look in her eyes. “You don’t think he suffered much, do you?”

Peggy didn’t know, but she felt a need to reassure Hannah, even if it wasn’t the truth. “No, I don’t think so. When Bob and I broke into the room, there wasn’t any evidence of restlessness.” It was as if Maxwell Russell had laid his head on the pillow, closed his eyes and never stirred again. All in all, it wasn’t a bad way to exit this life.

Hannah picked at her salad. “I thought I had some questions, but I don’t. I probably should. I know that Mr. McAfee seemed to have a lot-but I don’t. I’m not sure I even want to know what happened. All I really want is for this nightmare to go away.”

Peggy wasn’t surprised by her feelings. Sometimes, for some people, uncertainty was easier to live with than a difficult truth. Hannah was obviously one of those people, preferring to simply avoid reality. Peggy had felt that temptation herself, but knew she was strong enough to cope with the truth, whatever it might be.

“I felt drawn to Cedar Cove,” Hannah went on. “I was driving and driving, looking for a fresh start, and all I could think about was my first visit here.”

“That’s understandable.”

“Why?” Hannah sounded genuinely curious.

“Well, for one thing, your father died in Cedar Cove. It’s here that the mystery will be solved and although you may not want to know what happened or why, you
need
to know. That’s what your mind is telling you.”

“Do you really think so?” Hannah asked.

Peggy nodded.

“I…think I was drawn back here because of you and Bob.” She smiled fleetingly. “When Sheriff Davis brought me to your house, you were so helpful and so nice to me. I felt…oh, I don’t know, that you were just the kind of family I wish I’d had.”

The young woman’s words gladdened Peggy’s heart, and saddened her at the same time. Obviously Hannah’s childhood had been lacking in some crucial ways. Peggy felt a stab of longing for her own children. She saw her daughter so rarely that Hannah’s warmth and gratitude made up for some of what she was missing with Hollie.

“I’ll stay,” Hannah said decisively, “but only on one condition.”

“You’re welcome without any conditions,” Peggy assured her.

“I want to pay you rent, just as if I was any other guest. I’ll need to find a job first, of course, but that shouldn’t be too hard. I have lots of experience.”

Peggy thought it was important for Hannah to pay rent; it would allow her to feel a sense of pride and self-sufficiency. “I understand Grace is planning to hire someone at the library for the summer,” she said. “Why not apply there?”

Hannah considered that for a moment, then shook her head. “I’m not much of a reader, unfortunately. I don’t know how good I’d be at helping people find books, you know?”

Peggy wasn’t easily discouraged. “What jobs have you held in the past?”

“I worked all through high school at a fast-food place. I didn’t really like it, but it gave me a little bit of money. My dad…” She paused and let whatever she’d started to say fade.

“What about working in a day-care center? Little Lambs recently advertised for help.”

Again Hannah shook her head. “I don’t have a lot of patience around little kids. I worked at a Laundromat once, too, but only briefly. I think I’d be good as a store clerk, though.”

“I think you would, too,” Peggy agreed and Hannah brightened immediately.

“I’ll check the Help Wanted listings as soon as we get back to the house,” Hannah said eagerly.

“Good idea. We’ll pick up a
Chronicle
right now.”

Peggy paid for their lunch, and when they arrived back at the house, Bob was there to help her unload the minivan.

“Hannah’s decided to live with us for a while,” she told her husband, making a point of expressing her pleasure at the girl’s decision.

“I plan to pay my own way,” Hannah insisted. Clutching her newspaper, she followed Bob into the garage, where he set down the thirty-pound bag of fertilizer. “First thing Monday morning, I’m going to apply for a job.”

Bob nodded, but he didn’t reveal nearly the enthusiasm Peggy had. She wanted to kick him for his obvious lack of interest. Peggy watched as Hannah’s face fell, annoyed that her husband was so blind to how badly the girl needed their approval. Hannah was fragile and needy, and it wasn’t that difficult to give her some of the attention she craved.

“I don’t want to be any bother.” Hannah nervously stepped back.

“You’re no bother, Hannah.” Bob returned to the minivan. Well, at least he’d said that much and his voice wasn’t unfriendly.

“Would you like to help with dinner, Hannah?” Peggy called as she headed into the kitchen.

“Yes…of course.” Hannah scurried after her. “I want to do whatever I can.”

She was so eager to please and so eager to fit in. She agreed to prepare the potatoes with every sign of happiness.

While Hannah stood at the kitchen sink and peeled potatoes, working carefully and methodically, Bob walked in through the back door.

“We have a visitor,” he announced.

Peggy automatically dried her hands on the kitchen towel as Pastor Dave Flemming entered the kitchen.

“Hello, Peggy,” he said, smiling broadly.

Pastor Flemming and Bob had become friends over the past year or so. Max Russell’s death had shaken Bob and Peggy badly, and they’d started going to church again, something they hadn’t done in years. They still attended regularly. Peggy felt it had been a good decision; the services brought her a sense of peace and calm, and she was thankful for that.

“This is Hannah Russell,” Bob said, gesturing toward Hannah.

“Hello, Hannah.”

“Hello,” she said softly, her gaze lowered.

The girl had trouble making eye contact, Peggy noticed, and hoped that with time and lots of attention she’d get over being so timid and self-conscious.

“Bob tells me you’re staying here for a while.”

Hannah nodded. “Mr. and Mrs. Beldon have been very kind.”

“I’d like to invite you to join us on Sunday for worship service. The Beldons attend. You could go with them.”

Her eyes flew up. “I don’t think I’d be comfortable with that.”

“Any particular reason?” Pastor Flemming asked. “It’s our goal to make every visitor welcome.”

Hannah just shook her head. “No, thanks.”

Peggy hoped she’d eventually change her mind. It would do Hannah good, the same way it had them, but she wouldn’t pressure her. When and if she attended services, it would be her own decision.

C
liff Harding walked out to the barn to take a look at his new filly, Funny Face, born just two weeks ago. Cal, his trainer, was working with the sire in the paddock.

This ranch had been Cliff’s lifelong dream. He wasn’t a rich man, but he’d invested wisely through the years and cashed in his Internet stocks at precisely the right time. The profits had afforded him the luxury of buying property in the Olalla area and starting his own small horse ranch.

Cliff had known Cal Washburn for a number of years. He’d first met him when the young man worked at Emerald Downs with Thoroughbreds. Cal, who seemed more comfortable around horses than people, was far and away the most gifted trainer he’d ever known. Cliff felt fortunate to have him on a profit-sharing basis. His ability to communicate with animals was uncanny; if Cliff believed in psychic phenomena, which he didn’t, he’d almost think Cal could speak to horses in their own language. Unfortunately those communication skills didn’t extend to people. Cal wasn’t a particularly shy man, but his stutter had been a detriment in relationships, especially with women.

“S-some…l-l-lady ph-ph-called for you,” Cal said when he saw him.

Cliff frowned.

Rather than explain, Cal reached inside his pocket for a slip of paper and passed it to him. Cliff didn’t recognize the name and for half a second, he experienced a sense of disappointment. A part of him had wanted, had
hoped,
the call would be from Grace.

Things had ended between them several months ago, but he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her. At one time, their relationship had held great promise. After his divorce, he’d rarely dated. He’d spent twenty years married to Susan and for the last ten, the only reason he’d stayed in the marriage had been his daughter, Lisa.

Susan had been unfaithful, not once, but more times than Cliff could count. It was a sickness with her. Cliff had left the marriage with his self-confidence in tatters, and it was years before he’d had any interest in seeking out another relationship.

When he’d met Grace, she’d immediately had a strong effect on him, one of attraction, of liking and respect. Her husband had disappeared and for financial reasons, she’d filed for divorce. He admired the way she’d dealt with the situation. Once Dan Sherman’s body was found, he watched her mourn her dead husband, and he grew to love her as she slowly emerged from her grief and pain. He’d looked forward to the day he would ask her to marry him.

It came as a shock when Grace lied to him. The thing was, Grace wasn’t a natural liar. She was too easy to see through. That was when he’d decided to call it quits. He’d done so, but not without regret.

After he’d checked on Funny Face and her dam, Cliff went back to the house to return the phone call. He studied the name-Janet Webb-and didn’t recognize it or the number.
He was mildly curious when the voice on the other end announced that he’d reached the local animal shelter. He asked for Janet and was placed on hold.

“This is Janet Webb.” The woman’s clipped, professional voice caught him off guard. It sounded as if he’d interrupted some important project and she resented the intrusion.

“Cliff Harding, returning your call,” he said in like tones.

“Mr. Harding.” Her voice softened into cordiality. “I appreciate your calling me back. I know you’ve heard about our Dog and Bachelor Auction next week.”

“I did hear mention of it.” Cliff could hardly ignore the upcoming event; there were posters all over town, frequent articles in the paper-and even in the Seattle news. Cliff would be happy to make a contribution, but he wasn’t interested in participating.

“We were disappointed to learn you haven’t volunteered to be one of our bachelors.” Her tone grew even friendlier.

“Yes, well-”

She didn’t allow him to finish. “Your name’s come up more than once and from several different people.”

“I’m honored, but-”

“I’m sure you won’t mind if I add you to the list, then.” Her voice was triumphant-as though she’d successfully outwitted him.

The woman was nothing if not persistent. “I don’t think so.”

His adamant refusal gave her pause. “Is there any particular reason, Mr. Harding, that you don’t want to support the animal shelter?”

He opened his mouth to remind her that he did support the shelter, but, again, wasn’t allowed to respond.

“One would assume that all animals would hold a place in a horseman’s heart. One would assume that a horseman-”

He broke in. “I believe my trainer, Cal Washburn, is one
of the bachelors-on my recommendation.” Cal wasn’t likely to forgive him for that anytime soon. Volunteering Cal was supposed to serve a double purpose: to get Cliff off the hook and to give Cal some exposure to local society, specifically female society. He was a young man, after all. To Cliff’s surprise, he’d eventually agreed to participate, as long as he wasn’t expected to do any public speaking. Cliff assured him all he’d have to do was to stand up on stage and listen to the women fight over him.

“Yes, I see Mr. Washburn on the list,” Janet said. “But what about you?”

“I’m flattered you’d ask me personally, but I’m sorry-no.” Even for charity, he had his limits.

“I see,” Janet said in a severe voice. “What if I told you that your participation could have a very big impact on the shelter?”

“How do you mean?”

“Someone who prefers to remain anonymous has offered to make a large donation if I can convince you to volunteer for the auction.”

“What?” Cliff was sure he’d misunderstood.

“It’s true. As I said, someone’s offered a substantial donation to the shelter if you’ll be one of our bachelors.”

Cliff was both amused and chagrinned. “Who?”

“I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to say.”

It could only be Grace, Cliff reasoned, but she didn’t have the money to make that kind of offer. “Male or female?” he pressed.

Janet Webb laughed nervously. “As I said, I’m not at liberty to reveal the source, Mr. Harding.”

“How substantial a donation?”

“Nor am I at liberty to reveal the amount.”

He chuckled, completely perplexed by the situation.

“Mr. Harding, I sincerely hope you’ll have a change of heart.”

Cliff thought about it and sighed. “I suppose I can volunteer.” He wasn’t happy about it, nor did he appreciate being coerced, but he didn’t want to take money away from the shelter. In any case, there was no help for it now; he’d given his word.

After a while, he wandered outside to talk to Cal. “I don’t suppose you know anything about that phone call?”

The trainer shook his head.

“Someone offered a donation to the shelter if I agreed to be part of the auction.”

Cal’s eyes widened. “Y-you g-gonna d-do it?”

Cliff nodded, shrugging his shoulders. “Hey-you didn’t have anything to do with this, did you?”

Cal shook his head again. “G-Grace?”

Grace’s involvement had been his first assumption, too, but it didn’t make sense, and not just because of the money. Cliff had recently seen her at the Saturday Farmers’ Market, talking to Stan Lockhart, Olivia’s ex-husband. The instant she’d seen him she looked guilty. Cliff suspected she’d started dating the other man. The idea of her with Stan bothered him, but Cliff had to put the matter out of his mind. If Grace wanted to see her best friend’s ex-husband-well, it wasn’t any of his business.

Still, he didn’t know how he could have misjudged Grace this badly. She wasn’t the woman he’d first believed, not nearly the honest, straightforward person he’d thought, and the realization troubled and saddened him.

He glanced up to find Cal struggling to hide a grin. “Wipe that off your face,” he growled.

Cal laughed outright.

“This isn’t funny.”

Cal laughed again.

Soon Cliff was chuckling, too. He couldn’t imagine who’d pay for him to be one of the bachelors, but it might be interesting to find out.