Summer In Iron Springs (16 page)

             
“There’s something else,” Howard added, pulling his cell phone from his shirt pocket.

             
“What is it?” The two asked in unison.

             
“When I bought this silly thing . . .” Howard held up his cell phone. “I wondered if I’d ever use it. I only got it to have in case of an emergency. I am not much for talking on the phone.” He opened the phone and pressed some buttons. “Well, I have yet to make a call, but while at the gallery, I learned how to use the camera.” Howard turned the phone so that Phoebe could see the picture displayed on the screen. Phoebe leaned over the table to get a closer look.

             
“Is that . . .” her voice cracked and her eyes filled with tears. She picked up Howard’s phone and brought it closer to her face.

             
“That’s you,” Howard flipped to the next picture. “And those are your parents.”

             
Phoebe held the phone, staring at the images on the screen as she flipped back and forth from one to the other.

             
“I sure am glad I let that phone salesman talk me into buying the one with a camera built in. I laughed when he showed it to me, but it sure came in handy today.”

             
“Well, now we know for sure,” Phoebe managed to say, her voice still shaky.

             
“Are you okay?” Billy asked. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to him.

             
Phoebe nodded. “I think so,” she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. I mean it’s all so overwhelming. But I’m thankful we know the truth.” She glanced across the table. “Thank you Howard.”

             
“It was the least I could do,” Howard said, sweeping the matter away with a wave of his hand. “Your dad is a good friend of mine and I would do anything to help him, and you.”

             
As Howard spoke, it occurred to Phoebe that he might decide to call her dad and tell him what they’d discovered. She didn’t want to say anything that would encourage Howard to make a call if he hadn’t planned on it. But, she couldn’t risk having him call and tell her dad something that would cause him to force her to come home.

             
“Howard . . .” Phoebe paused to plan her words. “I was hoping . . . well, I want to ask you not to say anything to my dad about this.”

             
“Afraid he’ll make you come home?” Howard asked, raising his eyebrows slyly at Phoebe.

             
“Sort of . . . I need to stay until I get this thing figured out.”

             
“I understand,” Howard said, locking his lips with an imaginary key and tossing it over his shoulder. “Mum’s the word.”

             
“Thanks Howard,” Phoebe smiled. “And, thanks for all your help.”

             
“You’re entirely welcome,” Howard placed his hands flat on the table and glanced from Billy to Phoebe. “What do we do now? How do we catch the scoundrel?”

             
Phoebe and Billy both laughed at Howard’s choice of words. “I’m not sure,” Phoebe raised eyebrows at Billy.

             
“Well, since we know the cameo was your mother’s, we need to go back to the gallery and demand they tell us who sold it to them.”

             
Howard shook his head. “Hold on a second.” He held a hand in the air. “Those guys aren’t going to just hand over the name. You need something more—something that’ll hit them right where it hurts.

             
“Like what?”

             
“Like, young lady, something that will threaten the most valuable thing they have.”

             
Billy and Phoebe stared at Howard with confused looks on their faces.

             
“Think about it. You’ve been in the gallery a few times. I’ve spent a great deal of time there. What do those two social-climbers treasure more than anything else?” Howard waited for either Billy or Phoebe to take a guess and when they didn’t, he added, “Their precious reputation, that’s what.”

             
Both teenagers nodded at once. “You’re right Howard,” Billy said. “But what do we have that we could use to coerce them into giving us the information?”

             
Howard thought for a moment before raising a finger in the air while giving a loud “Ah-ha!”

             
“What Howard? What is it?” The excited look on Howard’s face told Phoebe that he’d come up with the answer.

             
“When the break-in happened, the police took pictures of everything. I remember you father having to copy photographs of the stolen jewelry to give to the police. The police document everything—that report is surely on file at the courthouse. Get your hands on that, and you’ve got them. Next time you visit the gallery, you bring the report, along with the pictures. Just the mention of an investigation into the gallery possibly selling stolen merchandise will have those two in such a fit—they’ll do anything to avoid the negative attention.”

             
“Yes!” Howard, that’s perfect.” Phoebe bounced up and down in her seat. Before she and Billy left the diner, she wrapped her arms around Howard. “Thank you so much! We couldn’t have done this without you.”

             
Howard’s face lit up. “Well, I have to admit, it’s been quite a splendid experience for me. I don’t get much excitement in my life these days.”

Fourteen

On Saturday, Phoebe woke up early and got ready to head to the gallery. She was certain Francis would not be happy to see her; but she was ready. She’d read and reread the police report that Jenna helped her get. It stated clearly that one of the items stolen from her parent’s house was an opal cameo brooch. Just as Howard had said it would, it described, in great detail, each of the pieces of jewelry stolen. The report was not easy to get.

When the two girls had gone to the courthouse, they were told that since the crime was committed so long ago, the report was filed away in storage and it could take weeks to access it. Phoebe got the feeling that the lady behind the counter simply did not want to help them. She didn’t seem the sort that was fond of getting out of her chair for any reason. Jenna—who insisted they ask someone else for help—used her playful nature
along with a few well-spoken words to get her hands on the report. David, the court clerk agreed to pull some strings and said he’d call Jenna as soon as he was able to access the report. He called on Friday and the two girls raced to the courthouse to meet him. He was waiting for them in the foyer and, after giving them the report, he asked Jenna out to dinner and she accepted. Since then, Jenna and David had been inseparable.

***

              When Phoebe and Billy arrived at the gallery, Francis was nowhere in sight and Charles was helping a couple with a purchase. He glanced toward them as they entered, but he didn’t give them as much as a nod to acknowledge their presence. The man and women he was helping were purchasing a large wooden statue.

“I’ll ship this off today and it could take up to ten days to arrive in Louisiana.” Phoebe overheard Charles say as he placed the statue in a cardboard box. He made small talk with the couple for several minutes after finishing the transaction. Phoebe was sure he was taking his time in the hopes that she and Billy would leave. But, there was no way she would leave there without the name of the person that sold them the cameo.

              After several minutes of waiting, Charles finally sauntered over to them.

             
“What do you wish to purchase this time?” he asked, sarcastically. He wore a smirk of superiority on his sour face that fueled Phoebe’s already blazing fire. “Whatever it is, I’m sure we can dispense with the technicalities and get right to it.”

             
“We don’t wish to purchase anything from you,” Phoebe countered.

             
“Well then what, pray tell, are you doing here?”

             
Phoebe took a deep breath to calm her racing pulse. “We are here to inform you that we intend to report you to the authorities for attempting to sell stolen merchandise from this gallery.”

             
Charles’ face reddened and his stance became rigid. He glanced over his shoulder and his eyes scanned the room. After determining that they were alone, he spoke.

“You had better be prepared to explain yourself young lady! This is a reputable business; my partner and I are highly regarded members of this community. How dare you suggest such a thing?” Veins throbbed in his temple and his pale face reddened with anger.
              Phoebe removed the police report and the photo of the cameo from her purse while Charles eyed her suspiciously. “I can explain everything,” she waved the file in the air between them.

             
“What is that?” he demanded. “I’m very busy and I can’t take time for frivolousness today.”

“I would be more than happy to explain; would you like to discuss it right here, or in private?”

              Charles marched to the front door and flipped the open sign over.

             
“Follow me,” he ordered as he strutted past them and headed toward the back of the room.

             
Billy and Phoebe were led to a large, luxuriously decorated office. Charles sat behind a giant mahogany desk. Without a word, he motioned with his hand for the two to take a seat in the large leather chairs across from him.

             
“Now let’s carry on, shall we,” Charles tapped a pen on the top of his desk.

             
“Okay,” Phoebe opened the envelope. “Let me show you what I have.” She pointed to the page of the police report that described the cameo necklace in detail.

             
“That could be just about any cameo. That doesn’t prove anything.” Charles scoffed after scanning the page.

             
Billy leaned forward and was about to speak when Phoebe gave him a look that told him she could handle the snooty salesman.

             
“I figured you’d say that,” Phoebe said, as she pulled out the photograph of the cameo. It was enlarged so the specific features of the brooch were visible. Looking at it, Charles could not deny that the two cameos were one and the same.

             
“Well, so it’s the same cameo. That doesn’t prove anything. We purchased it legitimately and we can prove it.” Charles’ patronizing attitude was gone and he’d begun to perspire.

             
“Yes, I’m sure you can,” Phoebe gave Charles a knowing smile. “And that is precisely what I am going to ask you to do. All I need is the name of the person that sold you the cameo. If you will give me that, I will leave and I’ll never mention any of this to anyone.” She paused for a moment and then continued. “Or you can refuse to give me the information I need and I will leave here, go directly to the police station, and tell them everything I know.”

“Do you really think that they’ll take the word of the daughter of a felon like you over a respectable business man like me?” Charles snapped.

              This made Phoebe’s blood boil. She looked at Billy who looked like he was ready to jump over the desk and punch Charles in the face.

Phoebe forced herself to remain calm. “Maybe . . . maybe not. But, if I turn what I know over to the police, there will be an investigation. Even if nothing comes of it, it will most definitely damage your gallery’s precious reputation.”

Charles peered at her over his glasses. The look of contempt on his face spoke volumes. He seemed to be searching for a retort but he said nothing. She had him and she knew it. There was nothing more for her to do but wait. Without another word, Charles stood and left the room. As soon as he was gone, Phoebe blew out a long anxious breath.

             
“You did great!” Billy leaned over and gave her a one-armed hug. “You’ve got him right where we want him.”

             
“Do you really think so?” she glanced over her shoulder and lowered her voice. “I was so nervous. I couldn’t tell how it was going.”

             
Before Billy could respond, Charles returned. He was carrying a slip of paper that he laid on the desk in front of Phoebe.

             
“I trust you’ll keep your side of the bargain.”

             
“I will,” she reached for the piece of paper and slipped it into her purse without looking at it. There would be plenty of time for that later. “And, for the record. . .” she said as she stood to leave, “. . . my father is no criminal.”

***

              Once she was in the cab of Billy’s truck, Phoebe reached in her purse and pulled out the slip of paper. On it, Charles had written a name and a telephone number.

Gracie Bronson

801-555-7391

             
Phoebe stared at the name. “It’s a female.”

             
“Yeah, Gracie is normally a female name.”

             
“It’s just that . . .” Phoebe hesitated.

             
“Just what?”

“Well . . .” Phoebe glanced at the name again. “This may sound kind of chauvinistic, but I never imagined the person who
broke in and killed my mom was a woman. I assumed . . . I mean it’s hard to imagine that a woman was the one who . . .”

             
“One step at a time, Feebs,” Billy said. “Let’s find this Gracie person and talk to her. Let’s not jump to conclusions. Okay?” He leaned over and looked Phoebe in the eyes. “You okay? You wanna take a break for today?”

             
Phoebe was not okay and she could definitely use a break.

             
“Yeah, that sounds good.”

             
“Let’s go have some fun,” Billy suggested.

             
Phoebe used Billy’s cell phone to call her dad and let him know she’d be gone for the rest of day.

             
“Where are we going? Phoebe asked when the truck entered the highway heading out of town.

             
“It’s a surprise,” Billy grinned slyly. “You’ll find out when we get there.”

An hour long drive later, Billy pulled into the parking lot of The Iron Flower Lodge.

              “What are we doing here?” Phoebe asked. She glanced around at the beautiful mountains that surrounded several large resorts.

             
“You’ll see,” Billy said.

             
Billy led Phoebe from the parking lot to a large courtyard area and Billy pointed to the steep slide that was carved into the side of the mountain.

             
“I’m not getting on that thing,” Phoebe said while shaking her head.

             
“Oh yes you are,” Billy laughed. “And that too,” he pointed to the zip line overhead.

             
“Uh-uh. No way am I doing that.”

             
Billy gave her a flirty smile. “Yes you are; but first, let’s eat. I’m starved.”

             
They found a shady area under a pavilion to eat the barbecued ribs that Billy swore were the best in the world. Phoebe had just dug her teeth into her first rib when a group of teenagers walked up and stood before them.

             
“Hey, Billy,” a tall kid with dark hair said. He glanced from Billy to Phoebe. “How’s it going?”

             
“Hey you guys! What are you doing here?” While Billy talked to the boy, Phoebe hurriedly tore open one of the wet wipes that had accompanied their order and cleaned her hands and face. Billy was right about the ribs; they were delicious but they were also messy.

             
“What have you been up to?” the boy asked, glancing again at Phoebe.

             
Before Billy could answer, one of the girls in the group moved closer to them. “Where’s Sarah?” she asked. She directed her question to Billy and then turned to give Phoebe a sideways glance. “I haven’t seen her much this summer.”

             
Phoebe watched the flush rise in Billy’s cheeks as she wondered who, exactly, Sarah was. She studied Billy’s face. He had set his plate on the grass beside him and was wiping his hands with a wet wipe. “She already left.” Billy said, laying the wet wipe on the ground. “I guess she wanted to get settled in before classes start in the fall.”

             
The girl nodded her head slowly. “I’m Francine,” she said, glancing at Phoebe and making a half-hearted attempt at smiling.

             
“Oh, uh . . . yeah,” Billy cleared his throat and stood up. He held out a hand and helped Phoebe to her feet. “These are my friends. This is Jeff, Porter, Amber and Christine. And Francine, you already met. Everyone, this is Phoebe. She’s staying with Anna Walker for the summer.”

             
“Oh, so you’re Phoebe.” Francine said, sarcastically. She glanced at Jeff with raised eyebrows. Then, returning her attention to Phoebe she said, “I had heard you were coming.”

             
What the heck? Phoebe had no idea what to make of Francine’s response. It wasn’t just that Francine knew Phoebe was coming. The way she spoke sounded like she had a problem with Phoebe being in Iron Springs, like she hated her without even knowing her. Phoebe felt the same way she had at the diner when the waitress found out who she was. “Oh, really?” Phoebe tried to sound casual. “How did you know I was coming to Iron Springs?”

             
Francine gave a chuckle while glancing over her shoulder at the others in her group. “Word gets around in a small town.”

             
“Alright, Francine. Enough of that.” Jeff said, shifting his weight nervously from one foot to the other. “Let’s get going.” Jeff looked at Billy. “Nice seeing you. Let’s hang out soon.”

             
“For sure,” Billy said, still sounding nervous. “I’ll call you.”

             
As the group of teenagers walked away, Billy and Phoebe sat back down. “That was weird,” Phoebe said, hoping her words would open up a conversation where Billy would explain why people in Iron Springs treated her with such contempt. And, an explanation of who Sarah was would be nice too.