The Nora Abbott Mystery series Box Set Page 11

  The peaceful setting warred with her emotions. Sitting on the deck felt like prison. She needed action to calm the growing panic.

  “There you are.” Abigail came from the lodge.

  “Right where you left me.”

  “What a beautiful day. I’ve made mint iced tea and we can sit here all afternoon and talk.”

  Was it possible the falling hose actually killed Nora, because she had to be in hell. She closed her eyes again. “When are you going to find a new home?”

  Glasses clinked on the bench next to Nora. “I couldn’t think of leaving you now.”

  “Abbey and I can get along fine on our own.”

  “Don’t be silly. Your dog can’t fix you tea and provide conversation.”

  “No. But I like him better.” Why did she say things like that? Abigail didn’t cause the problems, not directly, anyway. Her mother needed Nora’s help and protection, not her hurtful comments.

  Charlie’s voice boomed from the base of the deck stairs. “Greetings mountain nymphs.”

  Abigail froze momentarily. She sprang to her feet and leapt to the apartment stairs.

  Too late. Charlie bounded onto the deck, not like a graying, hippy alcoholic, but more like a teenager in love. Abigail was caught.

  Despite Nora’s earlier resolve to be a kinder, gentler daughter, she cracked up.

  “Look who I found on the trail,” Charlie said.

  Cole appeared behind Charlie. His sandy-colored hair fell across his forehead. “How are you feeling?”

  Cole pretended to be charming and Abigail obviously bought into it. He’d acted all shocked and hurt when Nora accused him of slicing the straps but maybe he was an excellent performer. She should go to Gary with her suspicions, and tell him--what? That she overheard a conversation between Cole and Barrett about illegal things? That would hardly prove Cole tried to smash her and it would only make her sound like a hysterical pea-brain.

  But he was always around to “save” her.

  Exactly. Why was he always around when things went south?

  But everything was going bad lately. If he was going to be around at all, he’d be witness to bad.

  “How thoughtful of you, Cole,” Abigail said.

  Nora waved a hand at her foot propped on the chair. “I hate to disappoint you but the falling hose gave me a sore ankle. Not even sprained.”

  “Nora!” Abigail acted predictably aghast.

  “Come on, Abigail. Why was he here when the hose fell?”

  Cole looked embarrassed. “I wasn’t stalking you. I was at Scott’s murder site looking for some clue to who killed him.”

  Charlie nodded. “That’s right. We’ve been over that place again and again. Cole says you don’t know who Scott worked for. ‘Spose he left some papers or something around so we can figure out who offed him?”

  Charlie and Cole working together? Abigail trusted Cole. Charlie always protected Nora. Cole gave off honest and kind vibes. Trust him or not? “If you believe the cops, I did it,” Nora said.

  Cole sighed. “I don’t believe the cops and that means you’re in danger until we figure out who did it and why. Just look at what happened with the hose.”

  “And you care?”

  “Of course, he cares,” Abigail said.

  Abigail was in full match-making mode.

  Cole stared at her ankle. “Someone has to take care of you. You won’t do it for yourself.”

  Nora closed her eyes and leaned her head against the lodge. “Are you taking care of me or planning to kill me?”

  Charlie and Abigail both laughed.

  No one took her seriously.

  “You could talk to the police,” Abigail said to Cole. “That Gary Something or Other said they’d look into it but he’s incompetent at best. And I’m sure he’s out to get Nora.”

  Nora threw daggers at Abigail with her eyes. Now Cole knew the cops had no leads. “Charlie, didn’t you tell me columbine’s blooming behind the lodge? I’m sure Abigail would love that.”

  Charlie had Abigail’s hand tucked into his arm before she could break and run. “It is beauty to rival mortals, though it doesn’t come close to your heavenly dazzle.”

  There was no escape. Abigail’s eyes pleaded with Nora for rescue as Charlie led her away, extolling her beauty with each step.

  Nora looked at the iced tea and up at Cole. “My mother just made tea. Please have some.”

  He sat next to her on the bench and took a glass.

  Nora watched him raise it to his lips, weighing whether setting him up like this was cruel and unusual punishment for him nearly killing her.

  He took several gulps, his Adam’s apple bobbing. When he lowered the glass his eyes grew wide, his mouth contorted. “Your mother made this?”

  Nora gave him her sweetest smile and nodded.

  “And you think I’m trying to kill you?” He picked up her glass and ran to the rail, dumping both glasses. “You don’t need to thank me.”

  Nora fought giggles.

  Cole sat down and leaned forward, eyes intense. “Who do you think cut the straps?”

  “You.”

  His eyes crinkled with laughter. “Seriously.”

  “I am serious.”

  He stood up and paced the deck, long legs striding. He stopped in front of her. “I’m trying to keep you alive but you’re not helping. Get out of this deal with Barrett. Quit snowmaking. You know it’s not good for the mountain and hooking up with Barrett might get you killed.”

  “You’re in Barrett’s back pocket. Suddenly you’re all environmental and down on McCreary?”

  “You don’t know what’s going on.”

  “Enlighten me.”

  He stared at her, an obvious battle waging in his mind. Finally he puffed out air. “Please. Just trust me. In the meantime, you and Abigail should move to town.”

  “We’re not going anywhere. All your scare tactics won’t work to stop snowmaking.” Forget about stopping it. With Barrett at the controls I can’t even slow it down.

  “I don’t care about the snowmaking. I mean, I don’t think it’s a good idea. But that’s not the point. Barrett is dangerous.”

  She batted her eyes at him. “I get it. You don’t want Barrett to be my partner because you’re concerned for my safety.”

  “Of course I am.”

  How could he confuse her so much?

  The putter of a car floated to the deck.

  A soft tinkle of Abigail’s laugh preceded her arrival from the back of the deck. When she caught sight of Nora, she sobered. “I didn’t appreciate you sending me off with that Gonzo.”

  Charlie appeared with the satisfied grin of someone awarded a blue ribbon. He winked at Nora.

  Abigail hurried to the rail. “I wonder who this could be?”

  If the current trend held, it wouldn’t be good news.

  Abbey let out a mild woof. They all stared at the stairs and waited.

  In a moment a young, heavy-set woman with too much eye make-up trudge up the stairs. She sidestepped Abbey. “Are you Nora Abbott?” She carried a cardboard box which looked heavy.

  Nora nodded.

  The girl plopped the box on the bench, knocking over one of the iced tea glasses. “Sorry.” She didn’t look sorry. Despite the heavy black outlining her eyes, they were red and puffy and her whole face looked swollen. Her thick lips turned down at the edges.

  Abigail hurried over and picked up the glass. “We haven’t met. I’m Nora’s mother, Mrs. Stoddard.” She held out her hand as if meeting a dowager at a garden party. “This is Cole Huntsman.” The warmth in her voice plummeted to subfreezing. “And this is Charlie.”

  The girl looked confused. “I’m Teresa. Maureen’s roommate.”

  A garrote sliced through Nora’s neck.

  Abigail smiled warmly. “Maureen? I’m sorry, I don’t…”

  Nora held up her hand and interrupted. “Never mind, Mother.” She looked at Teresa and made her voice as unwelcoming as
possible. “What do you and Maureen want?”

  A little hiccup of distress slipped from Abigail.

  With surprising speed, Teresa’s eyes filled with tears and they gushed down her face, revealing the amazing quality of waterproof makeup. “Maureen would want to be alive.”

  Silence. The confusing sentence started to make dreadful sense. Nora would rather sprint to the other side of the mountain on her painful ankle than ask. “What do you mean?”

  Teresa wiped a pudgy arm under her nose. “She’s dead. I don’t know what to do with this stuff and since it belonged your husband I thought you might want it, but if you don’t I’ll take it away.” Teresa dissolved into great heaving sobs.

  Always ready, Abigail pulled a tissue from her trouser pocket. Of course, it was unused. “You poor dear.”

  It seemed hard to recall that Abigail was Satan’s handmaid. She didn’t know Teresa or Maureen, had to be repulsed by Teresa’s physical appearance, and yet, here she was, all comfort and grace.

  Unlike Nora, who hadn’t the slightest idea how to react. What do you say when your husband’s mistress (now that’s an old fashioned term) dies? Maureen wasn’t her bff but she didn’t wish her dead. “I’m sorry.”

  Charlie and Cole couldn’t even drum up that much.

  Teresa lifted her head from Abigail’s shoulder. The black smear on Abigail’s dry clean only shell proved that water-proof make-up wasn’t perfect. “It’s just not fair, you know? Not long ago she was so happy. She was planning on getting married…”

  To my husband. Nora’s stomach lurched.

  Another sob. “You can’t imagine how hard it was for her when he died.”

  Can’t I?

  Abigail patted Teresa’s back. “I’m sure it was awful.”

  Teresa nodded. “At least she’s not in any more pain.”

  What a stupid thing to say. Nora would learn to live without Scott and she was sure Maureen could have gotten over him, too. But Maureen would never have the opportunity to love again. She wouldn’t feel the sunshine on her face or eat a bite of dark chocolate or even be annoyed by a deranged mother.

  Nora’s throat closed and an artesian flow rushed through her head, forcing tears. “I’m sorry,” she said again.

  Cole sat next to Nora and put a hand on her back. Surprisingly, Nora didn’t want to brush it off.

  Teresa gave Nora an appraising look. “You don’t seem like such a bad person. I mean, you don’t know what goes on in someone else’s life, but you don’t seem as cold as he said.”

  A javelin through the heart pinned her to the deck.

  Cole stood up. “Do you need anything else?”

  “Well, there’s that box of stuff and…I guess that’s all.”

  Cole held Teresa’s arm and walked her away.

  Abigail took over from Cole and ushered Teresa down the stairs. “Thank you for bringing his things,” Abigail said. “I’m sure you understand. Losing a husband is one of the most difficult situations to endure. I, myself, buried two husbands…” Their voices thankfully faded.

  Nora struggled to remember something she’d thought earlier. Yes. Sunshine on her face, dark chocolate, annoying mothers. Small things. She lifted her face to the sun, reached down and patted Abbey’s head.

  Light footsteps tripped across the deck and stopped in front of her. “You need to develop dignity,” Agibail said. “You can’t fall apart at every revelation of Scott’s secret life. You are above that tacky display. Now pull yourself together because Barrett is on his way up the trail.”

  “Barrett McCreary?” Nora leveled her head and looked at Abigail.

  “How many Barrett’s do you know?” Like a general dismissing his troops, Abigail nodded at Charlie and Cole. “We have issues to discuss regarding Kachina Ski. Thank you for stopping by.”

  With her arms outstretched, she herded them toward the back of the lodge. She returned to stand in front of Nora. “You should go inside and put on some make-up but I suppose you’ll do.”

  Nora took the offered tissue. Did Abigail have a never ending supply in her pockets? And yet, her slacks had no tale tell bulges. Too bad she didn’t use her magic for good. “Thanks for the compliment.”

  Abigail patted her own hair and applied lipstick from some other hidden pocket. “He’s important to us.”

  “Us?”

  Abigail faced the stairs, flexing her shoulders like an athlete stretching for competition. “Don’t forget it’s his funding that’s keeping this place alive.”

  Right. Nora studied her leg propped up on the bench. Kachina Ski might survive, but would she and her mother?

  Abbey’s tail thumped the deck and Charlie trudged around the corner from the back. “Hidy ho, ladies.”

  Abigail rolled her eyes. “You couldn’t just go?”

  He sidled over and sat next to Nora in a puff of beer and forest scent. “I’ve got interests to protect.”

  Abigail turned her back and flounced to the rail.

  Nora welcomed Charlie’s warm hand over hers.

  18

  Barrett slammed the door of his new Mercedes. Damn Big Elk. Barrett had really liked the Escalade. Maybe it wasn’t the new car that had him irritated so much as it was the meeting with Heather’s school counselor.

  Heather clicked her door closed “Grades are just white man’s way to control and catalogue people.”

  He ground his teeth. “You have to at least pass to make it into community college.”

  She shrugged. “Even if I wanted to go to college, which I don’t, all you have to do is build a science building and I’m in.”

  His jaw clenched. The women he loved most in the world could always launch his temper. But not Abigail. He may not feel the same passion for her as he did Ester, but passion was overrated. Just the thought of her feminine and pleasing ways soothed him. “Bring your grades up next year or we’ll be looking at military schools.”

  Abigail waved from the deck. Her soft blonde hair glimmered in the sun and her trim body draped in well-fitting slacks. So unlike Ester, but he found her immensely appealing. He allowed the five second fantasy full run.

  By the time he and Heather climbed the stairs he had his imaginary climax and stubbed out his cigarette.

  Abigail took Heather’s hand. “How was the meeting with the counselor?” Abigail was a good influence on Heather and measured up as a suitable companion for him.

  While Heather complained about the unfair American educational system, he turned his attention on Nora. She sat on a bench with her foot elevated. Ignoring Charlie he said, “Feeling any better?”

  Abigail pulled herself away from Heather. “She’s in some pain, of course. But she’s managing with over-the-counter painkillers. She was lucky.”

  “The company agreed to give us the hose at half price.” Barrett had argued a half hour to convince them the discount trumped a lawsuit for negligence. “Of course, it’s not worth the pain you’re going through.”

  She didn’t seem as pleased as he expected. “It wasn’t their fault. They should get the full cost.”

  “The hose didn’t jump off the truck on its own. There must be recourse for poor safety procedures,” he said.

  Abigail’s pleasant smile slipped from her face. “No, Barrett. It wasn’t an accident. Someone cut the straps.”

  Heather’s small gasp said it all. Alex was at it again. It wouldn’t hurt Barrett’s feelings if Alex eliminated Nora.

  “Did you talk to the police?” Barrett asked.

  Abigail folded her arms and even that gesture appeared feminine. “Of course. But that Gary is more interested in Scott’s life insurance, which was paltry by the way, and some alleged threat Nora made to Scott’s mistress at the funeral.”

  His deepest protection instinct kicked in. Abigail needed the shelter he could provide. “I’ll hire a detective and get to the bottom of this.”

  Nora gave a weary sigh. “Great. What I’m really concerned about is the snowmaking. The pipe is
fine. But the sprayers you ordered are all wrong. I stopped the order this morning.”

  Abigail drew in a breath. “Won’t that slow the process?”

  Nora nodded, keeping her focus on Barrett. “I doubt we’ll get delivery until early spring.”

  Temper swirled below the surface of his control. “That’s ridiculous. Do you realize how much that delay will cost us?”

  Nora bristled. “I’ve been running this place for a few years; I think I know the costs. But the sprayers I ordered are more fuel efficient, less noisy, and generally more environmentally friendly.”

  “Don’t give me the fuel efficiency line. And the noise issue is moot since they run at night when no one is here. You’re afraid to move forward.” It was hard to stay calm when he’d rather smack her.

  “We do not cave to terrorists,” Abigail said.

  At least Abigail stood on his side. “You’ve had threats for years.”

  Nora struggled to her feet. “I won’t deny I’m scared and worried about protecting Abigail. But this mountain needs care, too. I’ll do what’s right for it.”

  Charlie raised his fist. “Right on.”

  “For once just listen to someone else, Poppy,” Heather said.

  Barrett sent Heather a scathing glare. “You’re in enough trouble right now.” He looked at Nora and tried to sound soothing. “You’re obviously distraught. Let’s give this a day or so and we’ll discuss it again. If you still want to delay snowmaking by changing the equipment, of course, I’ll abide by your decision.”

  Big Elk’s little buddy better hurry up or Barrett might have to take care of Nora himself.

  Charlie narrowed his eyes and stared at Barrett. What a waste of skin.

  Abigail brushed her hands together at the job well done. “Letting it sit for a while sounds reasonable. I’ve got a pitcher of iced tea. Let’s enjoy the beautiful sunshine.”

  To make Nora feel less attacked, Barrett backed off a few steps. He glanced down into a large cardboard box. He had a meeting with Big Elk tomorrow and would encourage the Alex situation—

  His mind registered what his eyes had been reading for the last seconds. Logging records. Water composition. Well numbers. Signed by Scott Fucking Abbott.