Pane and Suffering (24 page)

Chapter 32

 

S
ipping her cappuccino in the office at Webb's, Savannah looked at Edward over the rim. “I'm gonna need another one of these. I didn't get to bed until four o'clock this morning. I didn't know that making statements for the police could take so long.”

“It was a first-time experience for all of us.”

“Naturally, Rooney woke up at seven and that was all the sleep I got.”

“Are you sure you're all right? Shouldn't you be resting?”

“I'm good. The EMT said I could resume normal activities. Not rescuing bar owners about to fall off steep roofs, but normal activities. He also gave me a medical kit for changing the dressing.”

“Where did you learn to block that knife? That looked very smooth and practiced.”

“I'm a trained glassblower, remember? That kind of upper body strength is the result of years and years of manhandling those long blowpipes with molten glass hanging off the end. I started doing larger and larger pieces at the studio in Seattle and as a result, I've been gradually getting stronger.”

“But you really looked like you knew what you were doing.”

“That was just pure dumb luck. It wasn't blood free as you know—my stitch count was five.” She fingered the expertly bandaged compress taped to her collarbone. “It was an unexpected outcome for me as well as for the reverend.”

“He deflated into a lump after you broke his arm.”

“I think the pain shocked him into fully realizing what he had done. That his obsessive collecting of Russian icons was misguided and that he had killed two friends to keep them.”

“He's confessed everything.”

“Dad must have become suspicious when he was going through the financials of the church. I'd bet anything Dad created the ciphers first and then confronted Reverend Kline with the evidence he had uncovered.”

Edward nodded, “I think John would have confided in Hugh and Reverend Kline would have known that.”

“After he killed Dad, he took the time to set up Jacob. Really, there wasn't anyone else he could frame.” Savannah pressed a hand on the bandage.

“It was nice to see Jacob get released while we were giving our statements.”

“I think Detective Parker was very relieved that he didn't have to deal with Jacob's parents and their lawyer.”

Edward laughed. “He did shake that lawyer's hand a little enthusiastically, don't you think?”

Savannah giggled and had to put her cup down to keep from spilling cappuccino all over the desk. “He was extremely grateful. Didn't you think it was funny that Suzy took a real liking to him? She didn't feel that Jacob was in any danger at all.”

“Her instincts are spot on.”

Amanda bolted in through the front door giving the bell an unholy shatter of ringing. She trotted back to the office, catching the last of their conversation as Savannah said, “When I was getting patched up, Detective Parker told me that you were his main suspect—that besides Jacob, your print was also found on my dad's mug.”

“Me?” Edward reared back his head. “Kill John and Hugh? No way! John was so great to me. But I'll be honest, I'm so glad Parker didn't tell you that my print was on the mug until last night. You hated me when you found out about the loan. If you would have thought I had anything to do with your dad's death, I'd never have a chance with you, now would I?”

Savannah tilted her head coyly. “Who said you ever had a chance with me?”

Amanda burst out laughing, “Cut it out, you two. Savannah, tell us more! What else did Parker say?”

“He was basically about where we were in the investigation. He had eliminated Frank and Smythe just like we had and although Edward was at the top of his list of suspects, they were checking into the background of Dad's Cold War activities as well as his position in the church. I think he was probably only a few days away from finding the connection to Reverend Kline.”

Edward shifted in his seat, “I'm not so sure.”

“I know the detective was very happy to have the real murderer in custody and as a bonus, Officer Boulli was relieved of duty awaiting an investigation.”

“What? The idiot was fired?” blurted Amanda. “I have a new respect for the city's police department. I was afraid that Officer Boulli was the norm.”

“I told him my principal reason for getting involved in the investigation was because I thought Officer Boulli was so incompetent that Dad and Hugh's deaths would never be resolved,” said Savannah. “It does happen, you know. No one ever finds out.”

Jacob piped up as he entered from the back door carrying Suzy. “I heard Detective Parker tell my mother that because of me and Suzy, Officer Boulli would not be working for the police. Something about child endangerment. I think that means me.”

“Yes, it means you,” agreed Savannah. “We certainly missed you while we were trying to solve the last puzzle. You would have spotted the solution instantly. It took us hours.”

“It was no fun to be a suspect,” Jacob said.

“True, but to be fair to Detective Parker, you looked like the best bet.”

Jacob said softly. “I was the worst bet because I didn't do the murders.” He turned and settled Suzy into the dog bed. “Reverend Kline was the best bet.”

“You're absolutely right, you know,” said Savannah. “We all knew you didn't do anything wrong.”

Amanda frowned. “Hey, did you guys spend the whole night down at the station? I finally got home just after midnight.”

Edward grinned. “I'll get more coffee. It looks like you're going to need a whole pot.”

“Hurry,” Savannah called after him.

Amanda walked into the classroom and put her class material down on her student worktable. Savannah followed and Jacob was already setting up his tools.

Amanda's brow scrunched in a knot. “What's going to happen to the Russian icons that the reverend had in his secret hiding place?”

“They're going to be used as evidence, so they're in police custody right now. Because he bought them with church funds, it looks like they belong to the church. Knowing the other deacons, those that were stolen will be returned to their owners.”

The bell jangled and the newlyweds followed the twins into the classroom.

Nancy spoke first. “What's been going on? We saw you on the news last night. What's this about murders?”

“Murders?” the twins asked in unison.

Rachel spoke quickly. “I told you this place was going to the dogs. There have never been murders in our neighborhood. Now we have had two. It's going to make the glass shop very difficult to sell. You have to disclose those things, you know.”

“She hasn't said that she'll sell,” said Faith.

Nancy put her carton down on the worktable. “Well, it would be crazy not to think about it. Terrible events leave behind a bad aura.”

“Now, honeybee. You don't know that for certain.” Arthur was finally feeling comfortable speaking to the group. “That's just what your Aunt Melda says about her hometown. But to be honest, Salem, Massachusetts, has a lot to answer for.”

Amanda turned to Nancy. “Oh, I know just what you mean. It could totally affect the creativity of anyone taking classes. I think we need a spiritual cleansing.”

Savannah cleared her throat, “I know you've all heard it on the news, but just to clear the air, Reverend Kline has confessed to the murder of Hugh Trevor and John Webb. He is in a terrible state and I wouldn't be surprised if they find him unable to stand trial.”

Rachel blurted, “I knew it was him all along. He's been snooping around the place for weeks trying to convince Mr. Webb of something. I could never hear closely enough to tell what it was.”

“One more announcement. Hugh's funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon. Mrs. Webberly said to please come to the First United Christian Church for a memorial service followed by a supper at her house. She said that most of the business owners will be attending and you are all welcome, too. I highly recommend her peanut butter pie. It rivals anything I've ever tasted. Now let's get back to work.”

Everyone laid out his or her project and Savannah was happy to see that the soldering was almost finished. In spite of all the interruptions and disruptions, she was going to finish the class on time. Her dad would have been proud.

“Okay, class. We're on the home stretch now with our turtle sun catchers. All we have to do is apply the final coating of solder on all the joins, attach the hanging loops, clean off all the flux with alcohol, and apply the final finish to protect your project.”

She looked at Arthur's progress and expected to see a hot mess and maybe treat a few more burns. As she watched, he proceeded to slowly and gently form a perfect solder bead.

He looked up and beamed. “I think I've got this. I fix in my mind the way I feel when I play Antonio Vivaldi's “Spring Concerto” on my cello and my mind sends calming messages to my hand. Isn't that simply splendid?”

Savannah smiled. “Arthur, it's more than splendid. It's a secret you can use for many things in life. Well done.”

The front door jangled and Gregory Smythe and Frank Lattimer blustered into the display room.

“Get out of my way,” said Gregory. “I have the best offer by far. I even have the approval of my corporate office.”

Frank chest-bumped Gregory. “Hey, you carpetbagger. I'm not going to let you get away with this.”

“Or what?” asked Gregory. “You're just going to close it up and take all the business to your shop downtown. Right?”

Frank at least had the grace to flush and shut his mouth.

“Stop it!” Savannah cried from the doorway. She stepped up to them and alternated poking her finger on each of their chests. “You both lose.
Both.
” She turned to Smythe. “Take your Best Value Store plans and stuff them up your corporate ladder. It's not going to happen.” She turned to Frank. “You can take your lousy offer and stuff it up your fancy car's exhaust pipe. I'm not selling Webb's to you so you can close it down and keep your student factory going.”

“B-but . . . I'm doing what your dad would have wanted. I'll complete the duplication project and keep on teaching students.” Frank's voice wound up to a shrill whine.

“Frank, what Dad wanted is not in your heart to give. Dad wanted to spread the love of glass. You just want your students' money. That's all you'll ever be capable of feeling about glass.

“Out.” She pointed to the door.

“But . . .”

“Out.”

He snapped his mouth shut.

She turned and pointed to Smythe. “You need to reassess your sense of community. There are several sections of town that would embrace the energy that your Big Value Store would bring them. Find them.”

“But . . .”

“Out before I throw you out. I am quite strong.”

Both men left shaking their heads and muttering. Savannah could just make out, “Crazy like her dad” and “Need to check back with the other community.”

Amanda had followed her into the display room. “That's the way to tell 'em.”

“There's more telling to do. Make a note to remind me to call Seattle on Monday. My ex-boyfriend is going to have the pleasure of a one-man exhibit.”

Edward returned with enough coffee for an army.

Savannah felt a calm resolve flush through her from toes to scalp. She walked over to where Edward stood. She looked directly into his eyes, enjoying his look of alarm. “I'm not closing. I'm not selling. I'm not leaving.”

She watched his face relax and smiled. “I'm staying. I'm staying here . . . in my home with Rooney and at Webb's Glass Shop with my new friends.”

Came
Channels of U-shaped zinc used to bind glass pieces with a design.

Copper Foil
Thin narrow strips of adhesive-backed copper tape used to wrap glass edges.

Flux
Paste or liquid used to facilitate the flow of solder.

Glassblower
Artist skilled in creating objects from molten glass.

Patina
A chemical applied to came or a solder joint to change its color.

Solder
A low-melting alloy used to join less fusible metals.

Slurry
Semi-liquid mixture used for painting on glass.

Stained Glass
Any colored flat glass or any object made of such glass joined by metal strips.

Signing up for a class in stained glass is an immensely rewarding and satisfying way to spend many relaxing hours with a group of interesting people. Webb's Glass Shop is based on the Grand Central Stained Glass business owned by our friends Bradley and Eloyne Ericson. The website for their business is:
www.grandcentralstainedglass.com
.

 

Find a class in your area by searching the web for “stained glass classes” in your local city or state.

 

You can also research the websites of major glass manufacturers for seminars, trade shows, classes, and inspiration.

Just like Savannah, I make jewelry to compliment my outfits and to use up the leftover odds and ends of our various glass projects that my husband and I create. I post the new pieces to my Facebook fan page and the process is captured on Kensington's Hobby Reads site:
http://www.HobbyReads.com
.