The Body in the Goldenrod: The Catherine Jewell Mystery Series, #4

Chapter One

Catherine Jewell was singing Oh, What a Beautiful Morning interspersed with hums for the words she couldn’t remember, so it meant more humming than actual singing. As she passed the chain link fencing enclosing Elmwood Gardens, the morning peace was disturbed by an explosion. Oh, my God, she gasped. She wondered if the boiler in the conservatory exploded. A crew had been called in to make sure it was in working order before the cold weather came. She pictured the beautiful one hundred year old glass conservator and prayed it wasn’t that. Not only because of damage to the building, but some of plants were even older than the building itself.

Slowly Catherine entered the drive to Elmwood Gardens, dreading what she might discover. Half a dozen cars were in the parking lot. That’s strange, she muttered. The gardens wouldn’t be open to the public for another two hours. Getting closer, she noticed a man in a blue uniform standing by the gates. What in the world is going on, she wondered then noticed it was a Civil War uniform, and breathed a sigh of relief. A Civil War reenactment was taking place in the gardens over an extended Labor Day weekend. She hadn’t thought they’d be here on Wednesday so the explosion was probably a canon being tested.

She stopped at the closed gate as a tall lanky soldier with a bushy blond beard approached the driver’s side of her truck.

Good morning, Ma’am. Do you have identification? he asked politely.

Catherine frowned slightly. I’m the botanist for Elmwood. I work here mornings.

No I.D.? he asked again.

She sighed. No, but I do have my card to open the gates so if you’ll step back, I’ll get out and open them and be on my way.

That’s okay, Miss. I’ll take your word for it and open them so you don’t have to get out. Sorry about that, but I have orders to check out anyone coming in.

Catherine nodded and drove through when the massive gates swung inward. After passing The Terra Cotta Gift Shoppe and Visitor Center, her eyes went to the large lawns that led to the ponds of the Japanese Garden. People in uniforms and some not were bustling about setting up tents. Smelling an acrid metallic smell, she made a face. It must be gunpowder, she thought and looked for canons, but didn’t see any. Catherine continued looking for the cannons on the way to her parking place near the head gardener’s cottage and the Wisteria Tea Room.

She slipped out of her truck with her clipboard and headed for the rose gardens through an arbor with climbing crimson roses and on to the Blue Garden. A new bed was being planted in the middle taking the place of the blue roses that had been there earlier in the summer.

Hey, there, Catherine called out to the two men planting new roses in the center bed. Some excitement going on in the gardens this morning, isn’t there.

Ed Flavian straightened up and turned to her. Too much noise for me, he grumbled. And I hate to see what they’re going to do to the gardens. One wouldn’t think he was the head gardener at Elmwood by the looks of his ragged jeans with red suspenders holding them up. He was more likely to be working than delegating work since Ed considered the gardens his own personal gardens after working here for more than thirty years. He was a simple man who liked the physical work of maintaining the gardens and not standing around giving orders.

She grinned at him. Haven’t they been given perimeters of where they can set up and where they can go?

Doesn’t mean they’ll listen, though, does it?

She smiled at the young man with blond curls working with Ed. So what do you think, Tom? Are you upset about the reenactment?

He glanced sideways at Ed before giving her a grin. No, in fact, I’m going to take part this weekend. I’m a private in the Confederate Army.

Catherine’s mouth fell open. No! Really? Why in the Confederate Army?

He shrugged. You have to have both sides to wage a battle, right? Besides I was able to find a used Confederate uniform cheap.

Sounds like a plan to me, she said. How long have you been interested in the Civil War?

Since I was a kid. His eyes got a dreamy look as he remembered. My grandpa is a big Civil War buff. We have ancestors who fought at Gettysburg.

Will your grandfather be here for the reenactment, too?

No. Gramps can’t get around much anymore. He has to use a walker or cane now. He’ll probably show up one day at least, though, knowing Gramps.

What does Alicia think of all this? Catherine knew if his fiancée liked the idea, she would have wanted to pay for a new uniform for Tom. He didn’t have much money since he was attending college and only worked at Elmwood in the summer, but he was stubborn and wouldn’t take money from her.

He grinned. Actually, she’s going to take part, too, as a camp follower or nurse. She hasn’t decided yet.

Hmph, Ed snorted. I can’t imagine her in either role.

Tom scowled at him. I know she wouldn’t do it in real life, but then I wouldn’t really want to go to battle. It’s fun acting a part, though.

Just as long as they keep the cannons and battles out of my gardens, Ed said.

Catherine decided it was time to change the whole conversation a little before it heated up. I heard the sound of cannon fire as I was arriving. Where are they?

They’re up in the field beyond the gardens close to the woods and Swan Lake, Tom said. That’s where the main battle will be held on Labor Day. There will be some skirmishes the other days, too. Will you be here?

It sounds interesting. I probably will check it out. But now I’ve got to get on with work.

Ed had resumed planting roses. He was replacing the former blue roses, the first ever propagated that had been killed last June, with various white roses to fit in with the blue and white theme, With the death of those roses, there were now no true blue roses.

Catherine walked over to him, and as he straightened up,  she hugged him and kissed his whiskery cheek. Cheer up, Ed. It won’t last long.

Nothing ever does, does it, Missy. There was a touch of sadness in the smile he gave her. She wondered if he was thinking of his wife and knew it was too soon for his grief to soften.

Catherine left them to their work and on to her own checking out the gardens on her list. She made a last stop at The Wisteria Tea Room for one of Millie’s cinnamon rolls and a cup of coffee before heading home. The Battle in the Gardens might turn out to be fun to watch, she thought, no matter what Ed thought might happen.

Chapter Two

Linc Davis slowed his SUV to pass an Amish buggy. Look, kids. A horse and buggy. He glanced into the rear view mirror and saw his son’s face light up with a smile. However, even though his daughter leaned forward a little to get a better look, her face didn’t lose its pout.

They’re smiling and they waved at me. Teddy waved at the two young Amish boys in the buggy as his father passed carefully on a clear stretch of road.

The elderly woman in the passenger seat said, They seem like friendly kids. Would you like to ride in a buggy, Teddy?

Yes! Could we, Dad?

It wouldn’t be polite to just walk up and ask, Teddy. It would be sort of like if someone walked up to us and asked if we would take them for a ride, wouldn’t it? his father said.

Well, if they did I’d say yes to them.

Oh, so now you drive, Teddy? his great aunt Claudia teased.

Of course not, but I would ask Dad and he’d agree, wouldn’t you, Dad?

It all depends, son.

What about you, Hannah? Aunt Claudia asked. Would you like to ride in a buggy?

No. Hannah’s bottom lip jutted out even further. I want to go back to Cleveland. I’m going to miss Neveah. She’s my very best friend ever. Probably no one will even like me in Portage Falls. I won’t have any friends. Tears glistened in her dark eyes and one trickled down her cheek.

Linc didn’t answer her. He’d heard her laments enough before this. Again he wondered if he did the right thing taking the teaching position at Portage Falls Junior High. He and Lizzy had talked about it and they both decided the school system and area would be safer for their kids in a small town. But would it be better taking them away from what they knew and where they fit in? Would the students in Portage Falls accept black kids? He’d inquired and found out they would be the only black family in town. Teddy was excited about it, but Linc worried a little more about Teddy adjusting than Hannah. He was a sensitive, quiet boy often lost in his dreams. He hoped the bullying he had experienced in the school he was leaving wouldn’t happen here, too. At least he’d be teaching in the same school system and maybe be better able to keep an eye on his children. In spite of Hannah’s anger over leaving her friends, she was the stronger minded of the twins. She’d make new friends. He was sure of that. Linc wondered how he would be accepted. The teacher meeting where everyone attended would be tomorrow. He’d find out then or at least get some idea.

Aunt Claudia looked at him and reading his mind said, They’ll adjust, Linc, and so will you.

He shot her a grateful smile. He knew this was a big adjustment for her, too, leaving behind her church and friends.

Are Mama and Granny still back there? Teddy craned his neck to peer over the back seat looking for the red car that should be following them.

Yes, they’re just around the bend in the road.

Okay, I see them now. He settled back.

We’re coming into Portage Falls, Linc announced.

Even Hannah sat up and looked around as they drove down Main Street.

It looks like a quiet town, Aunt Claudia said. A safe place for the children, she thought. I still can’t believe you rented a house without any of us seeing it yet.

Linc grinned. I think you’ll be pleased. When I was offered the job last week, I asked Superintendent Shanower about a place to rent. He directed me to the realtor handling the Llewellyn home. It’s on the market for sale, but the owners, who live out of town agreed to a year’s lease with the option to buy after that. We’ll have first option if we decide we want to stay.

Aunt Claudia and her sister, LaVerne, could have stayed in their home, but the neighborhood was getting a little seedy and not as safe as it used to be. Also, LaVerne didn’t want to leave her grandson and great-grandkids so she’d agreed to go with them since they were just about all the family she had now. Linc assured them there would be plenty of room for them.

As they passed through a wrought iron gate with blue chicory and white Queen Ann’s lace adding color, they got a view of the house that would be their new home.

Oh my, Linc! It’s so big.

He grinned at her. Big enough for our whole family, don’t you think?

Teddy and Hannah were out of the car almost before it came to a full stop.

Linc got out and walked back to the red car and hugged his wife. So what do you think, Lizzy? Do you think you can live here?

She shook her head and smiled. So just how many servants are you going to hire to keep the place clean, Linc?

Servants! On a teacher’s salary? That’s why I brought Aunt Claudia and Granny along.

I heard that, Linc. His white-haired Grandmother came up to him. You expect two old women to clean a house this size?

Linc laughed and hugged his grandmother. Granny, you and LaVerne have more energy than women half your age.

Teddy and Hannah raced to the porch, and turned and yelled. Hurry up! We want to see the inside.

Let’s go. I want to see what you brought me to, also, Lizzy said.

Linc unlocked, opened the door, and bowed to his waiting family, Enter the new Davis abode.

They walked into a large entrance hall with doors opening off either side. A magnificent curving staircase rose to the floor above, while the hall narrowed beside it heading back to the rooms beyond.

Look! A banister we can slide down. Teddy’s eyes sparkled.

Lizzy reached out and rubbed his head. No way, Teddy. I don’t want a bloody mess on the floor or broken bones since we don’t have any servants to clean it up. She looked at Aunt LaVerne. Of course, since you’re a nurse, you wouldn’t mind patching him up if he broke a few bones would you?

LaVerne shook her head. Those days are long gone so I agree with your mother, Teddy. No sliding down the bannister.

Where’s all the furniture? Hannah asked as she looked into the two adjacent rooms.

Linc glanced at his watch. The moving van should be here shortly.

Lizzy shook her head and laughed. Linc, our furniture won’t begin to furnish a house this size.

You weren’t there when they loaded Granny’s and Aunt LaVerne’s stuff into the van.

Come on Teddy, Hannah said. Let’s go upstairs and pick out our bedrooms.

Linc and Lizzy smiled as they watched the twins scamper up the stairs.

From Hannah’s mournful face all the way here, I worried if I’d done the right thing, Linc said.

Lizzy squeezed his arm. It will be an adjustment for all of us, but I think it will work out in the long run.

He looked at her with furrowed brow. Do you really believe that or are you just hoping it will?

She shrugged. I was ready to try it and I still am. She gave him a half smile.

He cocked his head. It’s a long way for you to drive back and forth to Cleveland each day.

I would do anything for you and the kids. She gave him a big smile.

He pulled her close and hugged her hard. I love you so much, Lizzy.

The two elderly women came back from checking out the kitchen.

Cut out the love-making, you two, Granny scolded, but her lips twitched at the corners.

You have got to see that kitchen, Aunt Claudia said.

Linc and Lizzie checked out the large kitchen with more room than anything they’d ever had before.

Your granny is sure going to love this, Lizzy said. She’ll think she died and went to Heaven with all his room in here. Did you check everything out before you rented this?

Linc made a little face. Well, I checked the down-stairs and a couple of rooms upstairs, but not the whole house, he admitted.  Actually, I went through the rooms I looked at pretty fast.

Lizzy looked at him with mouth open. I don’t believe you! What if the roof leaks? What if there is something horribly wrong? Then she laughed and shook her head. She punched him lightly on the arm. Okay, let’s do a good check-up before the van comes.

They all wandered through the empty rooms checking out the many nooks and crannies. The children’s excited chatter and squeals echoed throughout the empty house. Each child had already picked the room they wanted for their own. At first they both wanted the same room, but Teddy gave in to his sister without much of an argument.

When Linc and Lizzy were alone again, he took his wife in his arms and kissed her. So what do you think, honey. Can you be happy here?

She cocked her head. It smells a little musty, but as soon as Granny and Aunt Laverne get busy cooking it will smell like home so I think I’ll be happy here, but only time will tell.

Even with the long drive? His face lost its smile.

We already decided I could do it and you know the owners of the firm agreed to let me work four day weeks rather than lose me. How many times do I have to reassure you, Linc, that I’ll be okay? She gave him another kiss before breaking away. I hear the moving van, she said.

He watched his wife hurry out the door. He still felt it hard to believe even after twelve years that a woman as beautiful and intelligent as Lizzy would have agreed to marry him. He wondered if he should have told her the history of this house. Would any of them have wanted to

move into a house where at least one person had died and maybe even more than that? The most recent death wasn’t that long ago.

Chapter Three

How’d it go last night? John MacDougal asked as he entered the Portage Falls police station. Ralph, his shaggy, mixed breed, black and tan dog with one droopy ear followed him in.

Joe Salcone looked up from the computer. He rubbed his bald head with one hand while stifling a yawn with the other.  Pretty quiet except for a call on a fight out at the Dew Drop Inn. It was settled before I got there with only a couple of blows delivered. I took Barry Stewart’s car keys from him. He was too drunk to drive.

John smiled. How’d he get home?

Joe shrugged. Far as I was concerned that was his problem.

Mrs. Pucket call? John’s lips hinted at a smile.

Yeah. Twice last night. At least she’s taken down all those damn Japanese beetle traps that were hanging all around her house and yard.

John laughed. At least you got a little exercise.

I’d rather get it some other way.

Can you stay a little longer? I’ve called everyone in this morning. I’ve got some things I want to discuss with all of you.

Joe raised his eyebrows. What’s up?

I need to discuss the schedule and possible overtime while the Civil War reenactment is going on at Elmwood.

You expect problems?

Not necessarily, but a lot of people will be coming so it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for any trouble or problem that might crop up.

The bell hanging on the door announced the arrival of Tony Montecalvo followed shortly after by Pete Dominic and Bill Johnson.

Grab some chairs out of my office, John said. We’ll meet out here where there’s more room. He glanced at the clock on the wall. We’ll give Suzy a few more minutes to get here before we start.

They chatted a bit until John said, We can’t wait any longer for her. Let’s get started.

The door burst over, and Suzy Fisher rushed in. Her blonde hair looked like she’d just crawled out of bed. Sorry I’m late, but I kind of slept in. Didn’t hear the alarm. I got this call last night from my friend Barry. Seems like some cop, she paused to glare at Joe, took his car keys away from him so he didn’t have a ride home. Well, you know, Barry and I don’t exactly see each other any-more. I don’t put up with his crap, you know, but I couldn’t let him walk all the way to his house, so . . .

Joe interrupted her. His keys are on John’s desk.

So what’s up, Chief? she asked after giving Tony a little smile and batting her eyes at him.

Tony grinned before turning his attention to John.

Thank you for coming in, Suzy, after a rough night, John said without a hint of a smile.

If Suzy caught the sarcasm, she didn’t let on. That’s okay. I know my duty.

Tony and Pete looked at John while fighting their grins. Joe rolled his eyes and Bill, a minister at Trinity Evangelical Fellowship Church smiled kindly at her.

John gave an exasperated sigh. Let’s get on with it. As you all know Elmwood Gardens has a Civil War re-enactment going on over an extended Labor Day weekend so I’m going to ask all of you to work some overtime. I want to go over the schedule with you.

Me, too? Suzy asked.

With an icy voice, John asked. Do you work here? Are you part of the Portage Falls police team or not?

Bill Johnson, with his normally sad looking face, studied his hands, but the others looked back and forth from Suzy to John; alert to anger John rarely showed.

A suddenly subdued Suzy mumbled. Yes. I’ll work overtime if you need me.

John nodded. We’ll work on the schedule in a moment, but first I have something else to announce.

Alert, they all looked at him, wondering what would require an announcement.

We are rather short staffed here, especially when someone wants to take a vacation or something else comes up. So I’ve talked Mayor Partridge into allowing for a new police officer to join our team starting tomorrow. For the time being, Robin Harper, a newly graduated police officer will work with each of you at different times for a month. Then we’ll decide as a team whether or not to hire this officer. Any questions?

About time, Joe said. He wondered if John planned to take some time off. Joe couldn’t remember when John had taken more than a day or two off.

The others nodded and then they discussed the schedule