Hope Callaghan - Garden Girls 03 - Smoky Mountain Mystery (7 page)

In the bright light, the woman looked even older than before.  Her faded gray hair was pulled back into a severe bun, swirled around in a tight ball and held firmly in place by a long wooden stick that reminded Gloria of a chopstick.  Her frame was thin and her back hunched over just a bit.  Her most striking feature were her eyes.  They were bright blue and sharp as an Eagle. 

She was studying Gloria at the moment.  Maybe because she was directly across the table.  Gloria squirmed under the intense gaze.  There was just something about this woman that wasn’t sitting well with Gloria.  Something she just wasn’t able to put her finger on quite yet…

“So which one of you girls figured out the last clue?” Aunt Ethel demanded.

“The Mason jar?”  Liz was all set to take the credit.

Margaret wasn’t going to have any of that.  They all knew full well who figured out the Mason jar connection.  “It was Gloria.”

Liz clamped her mouth shut and glared across the table at Margaret.

Old Aunt Ethel leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms as she looked over at Liz.  “So I gave you the first clue, the train tickets, yet your sister was the one that tracked me down.”

“I’m still not sure exactly why we’re here,” Gloria insisted.  “Other than what Liz just told me.  Some crazy talk about a buried treasure or hidden money.”

The wrinkled face with the piercing eyes swung back to study Gloria again.  “You really don’t know why you’re here?”

“Nope.  Liz led me to believe her life might be in some kind of danger.” Gloria’s gaze wandered over to where her sister was squirming around in her chair.  “She can be a pain in the rear but no way could I just pretend everything was okay when there was a chance, albeit an off chance, that her life might actually be in danger.”

Aunt Ethel sensed the animosity between the two siblings and almost rubbed her hands together in glee.  This whole thing might work out better than even she could’ve anticipated. 

The old lady leaned back in her chair, ready to share a story that bordered on unbelievable.  Except it was real.  Very real.

“Your father - my only brother - Delbert, or Doodle as we called him…”

Gloria stifled a laugh.  Never in her life had she heard anyone call her dad, “Doodle.” 

Liz was a little less subtle about her response.  “You gotta be kidding me!  Dad’s nickname was Doodle??”  She doubled over in laughter at the thought.  By the time she stopped laughing, tears were rolling down her cheeks.  “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to interrupt.  Go on, go on!”

Aunt Ethel looked at Liz like she just sprouted two heads.  She shook her head in disbelief.  This niece was quite the nut job.

Ethel shot Liz a nasty glare before continuing with her story.   

“We lived on this here farm growing up.  We was real poor. For years we struggled just to survive.  Then prohibition came along. Daddy saw a way to make a little extra money selling moonshine. We were pretty young back then.”  Ethel’s expression grew distant.  “I still remember that day he brought the moonshine equipment home and set it up in the barn.  We never had nothin’ new out here on the farm and this stuff was brand spankin’ new.”

She continued her story.  “Took a few tries for him to figure out how the dang thing worked.  Momma, she wouldn’t let us go near that barn once the moonshine stuff was in there.  Guess she was afraid we’d get into the liquor or that somethin’ would blow the place to smithereens and she wanted to make certain none of us kids was inside.”

Aunt Ethel swallowed the last drop of tea before wandering over to the stove to refill her cup.  She made her way back to the table before continuing her fascinating tale. 

“Daddy musta got real good at makin’ moonshine.  He got so busy, he brought in a partner to help him, Skeeter McGee.  Skeeter lived just up the road from us,” she explained.

She went on, “Before long, we had cars lined up all the way down the driveway with folks lookin’ to buy moonshine.  We kids would watch ‘em carry that stuff from the barn by the crate full.  Pretty soon Momma got a brand new kitchen stove and all us kids got new Sunday best clothes.”

Ethel’s expression grew grim.  She paused for a moment, as if trying to get a grip on the emotions threatening to spill over.  “Everything was going dandy.  The farm was doin’ good, we was all healthy and happy.  Then one day disaster struck.”

“Daddy and Skeeter was out in the barn like they was every mornin’.  I was here in the kitchen helpin’ Momma with some laundry when suddenly we heard this loud
KABOOM! 
The whole house shook, right down to the foundation.  We ran over to the window and saw someone running lickety split out of the barn.  Smoke and flames was just pourin’ out.”

Aunt Ethel took a sip of hot tea before continuing.  “After the explosion, Momma, she done took off runnin’ for the barn.”

Aunt Ethel’s hands shook as she gingerly set the cup in the center of the saucer.  Her sharp eyes glossed over as a glimmer of tears filled them.  “But it was too late.  By the time the fire trucks got here, the barn was burnt to the ground with Daddy inside. Somehow Skeeter, he made it out but not Daddy.”

She abruptly got up from the table and made her way over to the kitchen sink.  The three sat in stunned silence as they stared at the back of Aunt Ethel’s thin frame.  Never in their lives had the girls heard the story of how their grandfather died.

Gloria drummed her fingers on the old Formica table thoughtfully.  A sad story, for sure.  But something wasn’t adding up.  “If the barn burned to the ground with your father - our grandfather - inside, how come it’s still standing and the moonshine equipment’s still inside and in such good condition?”

Ethel whirled around, her eyes blazing as they fixed on Gloria.  “That ain’t the barn!” she practically shouted.  “The moonshine barn was on the other side of the driveway.  Those there parts you saw were just spare parts Daddy kept in case somethin’ broke down.”

Gloria shrunk back from the venom in Aunt Ethel’s voice.  She went from sweet, little old lady to wicked witch in a matter of seconds.  “I didn’t mean anything by that.  I was just wondering…”

The venomous look was instantly replaced by an expression of sweet, gentle grandmotherly concern.  “I’m sorry dear.  I didn’t mean to snap at you.” She stared at the kitchen floor as she wiped her hands on the faded flower apron tied firmly around her waist.  “It’s hard to talk about.  Even now after all these years.”

Liz saw the perfect opportunity to suck up to their only known living relative, outside of their own families, that is.  She sprung from her chair and ran over to Aunt Ethel.  She tenderly wrapped an arm around her shoulder.  “Don’t you worry about Gloria.” Liz shot Gloria a look of triumph.  “She’s just so thoughtless sometimes.”

Gloria returned the look with her own withering glare, quickly replaced by a soothing smile.  “I truly didn’t mean to upset you, Aunt Ethel.” She tried to sound sincere, although deep down something still wasn’t sitting right with the whole story.

She glanced out the kitchen window.  The sun was long gone and it was almost dark outside.  “We really ought to get going.  We’re not familiar with the roads and we’ve got a good 45 minute drive back to the hotel.”

Sensing her best ally was Liz, Aunt Ethel focused all her attention on Gloria’s older sister.  “The thing I didn’t get ‘round to explainin’ is Daddy told Momma before he died that he hid somethin’ away.  Somethin’ for a rainy day.  You know, for when the moonshine business dried up. I think it’s somewheres out there in the barn.”

Liz’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.  Jackpot!  She tried not to sound overly-eager.  “You never found it?” 

“I been lookin’ on and off now since Momma told me ‘bout it years ago.  Right before she died,” she explained.

Aunt Ethel finally turned her attention to Gloria.  Apparently her anger long forgotten now, she focused on the one person that might actually be able to help find the hidden stash.  “Heard you was a pretty good detective.  What with solvin’ all them there murders in your town.”

She took a step toward the table where Gloria was still sitting.  “You think you can figure out where it might be hidden?”  All eyes were on Gloria now.  Granted, she did kind of have a knack for digging up clues and finding killers but finding hidden treasure? 

“I’m not sure.” She shrugged her shoulders.  “Guess I could give it a try.”

She pulled herself from the chair and slowly stood.  “Not today, though.  Maybe we could come back tomorrow?”

Before Aunt Ethel could answer, Liz blurted out.  “Of course we’ll come back tomorrow and help Aunt Ethel.” She gave the woman a warm hug, as if she’d known dear, old Aunt Ethel for ages now. 

“We’d love to help you out for free but what with all our expenses getting here, the cost of the hotel,” she explained, “maybe you could pass a little bit on to us if we help you find it?”  Liz certainly had a way of laying on the nauseatingly sweet charm.

Aunt Ethel played right into her hand.  “Why of course, dear.  What would an old woman like myself need with all that money anyways?”

She started toward the living room.  “I think splittin’ it 50/50 would be fair.  After all, half the money would’ve belonged to Doodle anyways.”

Liz stifled a laugh.  She still couldn’t get over the fact that someone – anyone - would call her father “Doodle.”

Margaret was getting hungry.  Lunch was hours ago.  “We’ll be back in the morning, then.” Without waiting for an answer, she sidestepped the others and snaked her way through the living room maze and out the front door. 

Gloria and Mally were right behind her.  Liz, still sucking up to poor Aunt Ethel, brought up the rear.  They walked to the car in silence.  All Liz could think about was the hidden stash.  Margaret was focused on food and Gloria?  Well, Gloria smelled a rat.  There was more to the story and she had every intention of finding out what it was.

Liz dropped Gloria and Margaret off at the store parking lot to pick up Anabelle.  “Where’re you staying tonight?”

Gloria shrugged.  She hadn’t planned that far ahead.  “How’s the place you’re staying at?”  She glanced down at Mally.  “More importantly, do they allow dogs?”

Liz sniffed.  “It’s alright, I guess and yeah, they allow dogs.”  If Liz said it was “alright” it was probably actually pretty nice.  Champagne tastes on a beer budget.  That was Liz.  “I guess we’ll head on over there, then.”

Liz backed her car out of the parking lot.  She lowered the window before pulling away. “Pick up some food on your way,” Liz yelled through the open window.  “Remember, I’m allergic to lettuce!”

Gloria rolled her eyes.  Only Liz could be allergic to lettuce.  More like Liz was allergic to anything healthy.  The woman thrived on caffeine and sugar. 

Gloria made a quick stop at a drive-thru restaurant on the way to the hotel.  At least Margaret wasn’t being picky.  She sure seemed hungry, though.  Two greasy cheeseburgers, an extra-large French fry and thick milk chocolate shake just for her.  Gloria shook her head as she handed over the bags of food.  “You’re lucky you don’t weigh 500 lbs.”

Margaret sniffed as she grabbed the bags.  “I’m making up for missing dinner.”

They had missed dinner.  Gloria forgot all about it, so caught up in the mystery.  “I’m sorry, Margaret.  It never even dawned on me we haven’t eaten since that small pizza hours ago.”

Gloria didn’t mean to sound cranky.  It’s just that Liz was so darned good at getting under her skin, it made Gloria snap at everyone in sight.  Even a friend who volunteered to keep Gloria company on this messed up misadventure. 

Margaret plucked a fry from the bag and munched away.  “It’s okay.  I know how Liz gets on your nerves and you didn’t mean anything by it,” she said.

“Thanks for being such a good friend, Margaret.  I don’t deserve you,” Gloria added.  And she meant it.  Right then and there, she vowed yet again to bite her tongue and try harder.   She felt even worse when she remembered the Bible verse about true friends:

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.  NIV

God surely wouldn’t be pleased with her grumpiness!

The girls quickly checked in and were lucky enough to get a room across the hall from Liz.  They dropped their bags on the bed and made their way across the hall.  Liz was already in her pajamas when she answered the door.  She swung the door wide to let them enter.  “Took you long enough,” she complained.

Gloria bit her tongue and smiled at her sister.  She handed her one of the bags.  Here’s your grilled chicken sandwich minus the lettuce and a small bowl of chili.”

Gloria opened a Ziploc bag and set several of Mally’s favorite homemade Pumpkin Dog Biscuits on the floor. “When we get back to the room, I’ll give you some of your regular food,” Gloria promised.

Mally quickly gobbled the treats and laid her head on her paws.  She’d rather have more doggie treats!

Liz grabbed her fast food bag and made a beeline for the small table in the corner. 

Gloria motioned to Margaret. “You go ahead and sit at the table with Liz.”

Gloria plopped down on the edge of the bed and opened her own bag.  The crispy chicken wrap was the perfect size and in no time, the wrap and fries disappeared.  “So what time you think we should head out there tomorrow?”

Margaret wasn’t an early riser.  Since Gloria was still feeling guilty for snapping at her, she turned to Margaret.  “We’ll let you decide Margaret.  You want to sleep in a little in the morning?”

Margaret chewed on a fry as she thought about it.  On the one hand, sleeping in sounded wonderful but on the other, the quicker they found the stash, the quicker they could head back home.  She decided a compromise would be best.  “Why don’t be leave here around 9?”

“Perfect!” Gloria jumped to her feet and headed for the door.  Determined to end the evening on a pleasant note and unwilling to give Liz a chance to get even one little dig in, she told her sister good night and headed down the hall with Mally for a final trip outside.

They made it out onto the sidewalk when something caught Mally’s fancy.  She yanked on the leash and darted into the bushes at the edge of the parking lot.  It took all Gloria’s strength to pull Mally’s front half out of the bushes.  When she did, she immediately spied a small sparrow clenched in her jaw. 

“You let go of that poor birdie,” Gloria demanded.  She didn’t dare reach for the small creature in case Mally clamped down harder and killed the poor little thing.

Mally recognized the tone of voice.  She opened her jaw and the small bird promptly dropped to the ground.  It lay there dazed for a brief moment before rolling over and popping up on its two scrawny little bird legs.  It quickly darted back into the bush.  Gloria made a mental note to avoid that side of the parking lot, convinced there was probably a whole family living in there.

She pulled her cell phone from her front pocket and scrolled through the screen.  She suddenly realized she better give Paul a call.  He would be worried about her by now since she completely forgot to call him the night before!  She glanced at the clock.  It was already 10:00.  Hopefully, she wouldn’t wake him. 

He picked up on the first ring.  “Hello?”

Butterflies danced around in her stomach at the sound of his voice.  Her body relaxed for the first time in days.  She realized how much she missed him.  Missed her home.  “I hope I didn’t wake you,” she fretted.

“Actually, no.  I was just getting ready to call you.” His deep voice echoed through the phone.  “I never heard from you yesterday.”

Gloria felt guilty.  “I know. I’m sorry.  It just got a little crazy last night and by the time I remembered, it was too late.”  

Paul didn’t want her to feel bad about not calling.  He was just worried.  Gloria was drawn to trouble like ants to a picnic… 

She changed the subject. “How’s Puddles doing?”

“He’s fine.  I stopped by the house earlier tonight.  He was waiting for me at the door,” Paul said. “By the time I made it over to his food dish, he somehow managed to get tangled around my ankles and I almost tripped on him.”

Gloria smiled as she envisioned the scene.  That sounded just like Puddles.  She missed her cat like crazy!  “Thanks for taking such good care of him. I owe you a nice steak dinner when I get home,” she promised.

Paul smiled.  “I’ll be sure to take you up on that.”  Although she’d only been gone a couple days, he missed his girl!  Life was boring without her around.  In fact, he’d been thinking a lot about that the last couple days.  He was getting ready to make a big move and step things up a notch. 

“…. out to the old farm tomorrow.”

Paul was so caught up in his own thoughts, he completely missed what she said.  “I’m sorry, dear, I didn’t catch the last sentence.”

She could tell Paul was preoccupied.  “Oh, it’s nothing.  We’re going to Aunt Ethel’s tomorrow to search for some kind of.  Well, I’m not exactly sure what we’re searching for.  Something Grandpa hid away back in the prohibition days….”

Gloria yawned.  The day had been long and she was plum tuckered out.

Paul took this as a cue she was ready to go.  The last thing he said before saying goodnight was, “Please try to stay out of trouble.”

Gloria assured him she would as she smiled into the phone.  It was so nice having someone who was actually worried about her…

By the time Gloria got back to the room and settled into bed it was almost eleven.  Way past her normal bed time.  As she drifted off to sleep, she reminded herself to call Paul again tomorrow to check in so he wouldn’t worry. 

Margaret was already awake and in the bathroom by the time Gloria pried her eyes open and stared at the clock early the next morning.  She rummaged through her bags and pulled out a pair of faded jeans and a t-shirt.  Somehow, she’d thought to bring some old clothes, just in case…

Margaret ran down to the front lobby to grab them both a fresh cup of coffee as Gloria headed to the shower.  No sense in spending a lot of time primping if they were going to be rummaging around an old barn.

Liz wandered into their room just as Gloria was finishing up.  It was quickly decided they would drive Anabelle out to the farm this time.  No one would notice a new scratch or two on her paint job. 

The girls and Mally made their way out to the parking lot.  Gloria grabbed her keys from her purse and headed for the driver’s side door. 

Liz stopped in the middle of the parking lot and shook her head.  “We’re not going anywhere.”

Margaret’s hand was on the door handle.  She whirled around.  “What do you mean?”

“Look.” Liz pointed at Anabelle’s tires.  All four were completely flat.  Liz’s car was parked right beside her.  All four of her tires were flat, too. 

Gloria glanced around the parking lot.  No one else’s tires were flat.  Just theirs.  She bent down to inspect the rubber.  There didn’t appear to be any cut marks.  It was then she noticed all the little black caps were missing.  Someone intentionally let the air out of their tires!

Liz frowned at the flat tires.  “Now what?” 

Gloria pulled her cell phone from her purse.  “Call a towing company and see how quick we can get someone over here to air the tires back up.”

The minor setback cost an extra hour’s time.  Margaret wisely ran next door and grabbed some breakfast sandwiches from the fast food place.  There was no telling how long it would be before they got to eat again. 

By the time they finished their food, the tow truck was pulling in.  It didn’t take long for the nice towing man to air up all eight tires.  Gloria reached for her purse to pay him.  He waved her off.  “No. The hotel is taking care of the cost since it happened in their parking lot.”

Gloria closed her purse.  “Thank you for coming out here so quickly!” she said gratefully.

“You’re welcome.”  The young driver glanced around the lot.  “Kinda odd that yours are the only two cars in the whole place this happened to.”

Gloria had to agree.  It was more than a coincidence.  Someone did it on purpose to stop them.  But who and why?

Gloria ran inside to thank the hotel clerk before heading back out to the car where Margaret, Liz and Mally were already waiting. 

The girls chatted back and forth during the drive, each of them trying to guess what it was that might be buried on the old farm. 

“Whatever it is, I hope we find it today,” Margaret commented.  “I’m ready to head home.”

Gloria nodded.  “Me, too!”

Liz was the only one that seemed content to stay on.  “You both have someone to go home to.  I’m going home to an empty house,” she said.

A wave of guilt washed over Gloria.  It was true.  She and Margaret did have someone waiting at home and Liz had no one.  “I can see if Paul has any single friends down at the police station,” Gloria offered. 

Before Liz could reply, they cleared the top of the hill and spotted the familiar farmhouse. Aunt Ethel was already waiting for them out on the porch. 

She made her way over to the car before the girls even had a chance to get out.  “I was beginnin’ to wonder if you was gonna show up!”

Gloria threw her purse on the floor of the car, locked the doors and shoved the keys in her pocket.  “Someone decided to let the air out of our tires.”

“You’re kiddin’.” 

Liz shook her head.  “I wish we were.”

Aunt Ethel didn’t seem too interested in what happened, just that they were there and ready to begin the search.  She was anxious to get started.  “Let’s head down.  Daylight’s burnin’!”

In the light of day, the barn was even bigger than Gloria remembered.  The area just inside the door was large and open.  Off to the left was an attached storage shed crammed to the rafters with neatly stacked bales of hay.  In the main part of the barn was an empty loft. 

Gloria decided the best plan of attack was to divide and conquer.  “I’ll take the storage room over here, Liz can take the loft and Margaret can search this room with Aunt Ethel.”

“Why do I have to crawl up in the loft?” Liz whined.