Summer In Iron Springs (21 page)

             
“That sounds fun.” Phoebe looked at Billy.

             
“Are you sure Dave won’t mind if we worm in on your date?” Billy asked.

             
“I’m positive.” She gave her signature smile, and that was that. “It’s settled then. We’ll go to the play together.”

             
“And I’ll pick you both up in the morning, and then we’ll go pay a visit to Ted Anderson.”

             
After they dropped Jenna off at her house, Billy took Phoebe to the Village Candy Shoppe where they shared a banana split. After they finished their ice cream, they walked along Park Street. It was a perfect evening—not hot or cold. Lamp posts shined along the historic street. Benches that lined the street were occupied by couples enjoying the summer night air. Restaurants and shops were bustling and country music played from speakers that were attached to the lamp posts.

             
“Let’s sit here for a minute.” Billy took Phoebe’s hand and led her to a bench outside the
Purple Unicorn
, a shop that sold witchcraft supplies. Phoebe had intentionally avoided the place. Even from the outside it was bizarre. It advertised everything from cloaks to crystal balls. But Park Street was crowded and this was the only open bench. Besides, Phoebe didn’t care where she was—as long as she was with Billy.

“It’s like a different world on Park Street.” Billy directed his eyes toward a group of teenagers wearing gothic garb. “You never know what you’ll see. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe the contrast between this . . .” He held both arms out before him as he glanced in one direction and then the other. “. . . and the town just over there.”

A Lamborghini sped up the street and was followed by a gang of leather clad bikers. “See what I mean.” He laughed at the sight.

Phoebe let her head rest on Billy’s shoulder as she glanced into the night sky. “Did you see that?”

Billy nodded. “A shooting star; you saw it first, so you get the wish.”

Phoebe smiled—they had spotted the star at the exact same time
, but she closed her eyes anyway and wished for the one thing she wanted more than anything else in the world.

When she opened her eyes, Billy was staring at her. “What did you wish for?”
“I can’t tell you, or it won’t come true.”

“No, that’s not true. You
have
to tell someone in order for it to come true—but the catch is that the person you tell has to be someone you love.”

“You’re making that up.”

Billy held up his right hand. “I swear. It’s true. I bet we could look it up if you wanna go in there.” He pointed to the
Purple Unicorn.

“No thanks. I’ll take your word for it.”

They sat in silence for a long while before Phoebe spoke. “I wished I would never have to say goodbye to you.”

Seventeen

“It doesn’t look familiar to me Feebs.” Billy glanced at the painting of the wooden bench. “Have you asked Anna or Norm? They might know where it is.”

             
“No, I haven’t asked anyone. I was hoping you’d know where it is.” She examined the painting again. “Unless they’ve been there, I think it would be impossible for anyone to know this spot. It could be just about anywhere in these mountains.”

             
“Well, we’ll never know if we don’t ask.” Billy took Phoebe by the hand and led her out the front door and onto the porch where Anna was playing cards with John and Stephen. Gina and Norm were in the porch swing. Bandit followed behind them and Phoebe noted how much slower he was getting. She stopped at the door and held the screen door open for him. She watched him as he limped onto the porch and her heart hurt at the thought that he was in pain. He followed her to her seat and curled up at her feet.

             
“Do any of you recognize this place?” Billy held up the painting. Norm reached out and took the painting. He shook his head. He handed the painting to John. “What about you, big guy? Does it look familiar to you?”

             
John took a long look at the painting and shook his head. “That could be Skeleton Lake but I can’t be sure.” He passed the painting to Anna. “What about you, Anna. Does it look familiar to you?”

             
Anna’s face broke into a wide smile as she examined the painting. “No, it doesn’t.” Phoebe gave her aunt a surprised look. Judging from the smile on Anna’s face, Phoebe was sure she recognized the place. But, if she did, why would she say she didn’t? “Have you asked your dad?” She handed the painting to Phoebe.

             
“Not yet,” Phoebe said.

             
“Well let’s ask him.” Billy pulled the door open and led Phoebe into Anna’s office. He pointed to the phone. “Call and ask him.”

             
“I know exactly where it’s at. I’ve been there many times.” Peter said after Phoebe asked him about the painting.

“You have? Will you tell me how to get there?”
Phoebe grabbed a pen and a piece of paper, and wrote down the directions as her father told them to her. “Do you know why she painted that bench?” Phoebe asked.

“Yes, of course I do. She painted it because that is the spot where I proposed to her. I knelt right
by that bench and asked her to marry me.”

“You did?” Phoebe said, a lump forming in her throat. “Dad, that’s so romantic. I bet she was so excited.”

Peter was silent for a moment. “She was. And, thankfully she accepted my proposal. After that, we hiked there together many times.”

             
Phoebe glanced at the painting—she could hardly wait to see it in person. “Thanks, Dad,” she said. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

             
“Phoebe . . .” Peter said before she could hang up.

             
“Yeah?”

             
“That’s quite a hike. Please don’t try it alone.”

             
Phoebe smiled. “I won’t. Billy will come with me.”

             
“Well then you’ll be in good hands. I love you.”

             
“Love you, too.”

***

Billy parked in the covered parking of the Iron Springs Inn. He, Phoebe, and Jenna went inside and waited in line at the information desk. They had considered wandering around to see if they could find Mr. Anderson’s office on their own, but after Phoebe and Jenna’s last experience at the inn, they decided to take their chances and just ask to see him.

             
They approached the counter where a short, overweight lady asked, “Do you have an appointment?” As she talked, she didn’t take her eyes off the computer screen.

             
“Not exactly,” Billy said. “But this is urgent, and we’re certain that he would agree to see us if he was aware of the nature of our visit.”

“Urgent?” The lady raised her painted on eyebrows. “Suppose you tell me—just what is this
urgent
visit about?

             
“Well, it’s personal,” Billy stammered. “I mean, it’s private and . . .”

             
“Reeeaaally?” She dragged the word out as long as possible. “Well suppose you tell me what this
private
matter is about. Then if I feel that it is important enough to warrant a visit, I will personally go get Mr. Anderson for you.”

             
“We’re not able to give you that information.” Jenna interrupted. She took a quick glance at the name tag that hung around the lady’s plump neck before continuing. “So Darlene, since this a private matter between us and Mr. Anderson and since he is expecting us and since we would hate to have to inform Ted that you kept us from delivering this most important information . . .” Jenna held up the manila envelope and waved it about as though it contained the secrets of the universe.

“. . . It would really be best if you would call and let him know that we’re here to see him. I
’m sure you will find that he is prepared to see us.” Jenna tilted her head, smiled, and waited for Darlene to comply with her request.

             
Darlene shot Jenna a nasty look, but it was clear that she didn’t dare challenge her. After a long irritated pause, the woman picked up the phone and struck the numbers with angry force.

             
“Mr. Anderson?” Her voice changed from snide to sugary sweet in an instant. “This is Darlene, at the front desk . . . Yes, I know you’re busy but, you have visitors who say it is urgent they see you immediately . . . Uh huh . . . I see.”

             
Nadine put her hand over the mouthpiece and went back to her surly voice. “Mr. Anderson is busy. He says he cannot be bothered right now.”

             
“Tell him that it’s regarding some business dealings he had with Penny Parker.” Phoebe spoke with more conviction than she actually felt.

             
Billy glanced at Jenna—who’s confused look matched his own—and shrugged. Then they both turned their attention to Phoebe.

“
Limo, remember?” Phoebe mouthed the words.

             
“They say it has something to do with a Ms. Penny Parker, sir.” Darlene nodded her head as she listened to Ted’s response.

“Uh-huh . . . okee dokee sir.”

Her voiced became more high-pitched with every word.

“Alrightee, then. Right away sir.”

              Darlene hung up the phone and walked around to the front of the counter.

“Follow me.” She waddled through the lobby as fast as her short, chubby legs would allow.

Phoebe wondered what Mr. Anderson had said to Darlene that got her moving so quickly.

When they got to the elevator, Darlene ran her plastic badge through the card reader. The elevator arrived and within seconds, they were on their way to Mr. Anderson’s office.

“This isn’t where we saw him the other day,” Phoebe whispered. Billy gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as they exited the elevator on the top floor of the sky rise hotel.

             
“Right this way,” Darlene said, sounding as nasty as ever. She led them into a large office where Ted was seated.

             
“Come right in!” The man stood up, strutted over to them and offered his hand. Billy shook Ted’s hand and introduced Phoebe and Jenna. If he recognized them as the “reporters” that had visited him previously, he didn’t let on.

Darlene stayed put in the doorway until Mr. Anderson’s eyes moved from them to her.

“You’re excused, Darlene.”

The chubby lady quickly hurried away.

As she studied the interaction, Phoebe guessed that Darlene had never been on the receiving end of one of Ted’s advances.

             
They all took a seat on a large leather sofa as Mr. Anderson returned to his chair.

“Now, what can I do for you three today?” Ted put both hands under his chin and glanced from Billy, to Jenna, to
Phoebe. He seemed unconcerned, but Phoebe was certain he would never have agreed to meet with them if he hadn’t been at least somewhat worried about the information they’d relayed through Darlene. She took a long look at the man. There was coldness in his eyes that she didn’t trust.

             
“We are here for a couple reasons, Mr. Anderson.” Billy returned Ted’s stare. “We need information about a cameo brooch; the one you gave to Gracie Brunson.”

             
Ted smirked and pursed his lips. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He leaned forward and locked eyes with Billy.

Billy was undeterred; he continued as though he hadn’t heard Ted’s comment. “Thirteen years ago, that cameo was stolen from Phoebe’s home
, and the intruder who burglarized the home also killed Phoebe’s mother.” Billy leaned forward to equal Mr. Anderson’s posture and added, “This is a very serious matter Mr. Anderson, and we know you have the answers we need.”

“I’m very sorry for your loss,” Ted said, glancing at Phoebe. His words were without feeling
, and Phoebe didn’t even try to force herself to acknowledge them. “But, I know nothing about a cameo necklace.” The man stood up from his chair. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have a very busy day.”

“How did you know it was a necklace?” Billy asked. He stood up and met Mr. Anderson’s eyes. Billy’s well-built frame combined with the fact that he had at least three inches on the man caused Ted to shudder. “I asked about a
brooch, not a necklace. But, when the cameo was stolen, it was attached to a gold chain.”

Ted smiled an icy smile. “You asked about a necklace.”

              “Uh, well, actually . . .” Jenna held up a finger. “. . . He didn’t. He asked about a cameo brooch. He never mentioned a necklace at all.” She beamed at Ted in a way that caused a vein to throb in his temple. “I have a very good memory,” she added, with a sly smile and then tapping her temple with her finger, she added, “Very good.”

“We have a list of names and some pretty racy photos of a certain hotel administrator in a stretch limousine. Now, we don’t want to get nasty, but we have a problem
, and we need your help.” Billy opened the envelope and slowly removed the contents. One by one, he laid the pictures, cards, letters and other contents on the table in front of him. Mr. Anderson glanced at the items before falling to his chair. Leaning forward, he inspected the items until—after a long irritated silence, he spoke. This time, his tone was not quite so confident. “Suppose I just keep all this stuff and have security throw your sorry butts out of here.”

             
“Mr. Anderson, we are not idiots.” Billy smiled and returned to his seat. “We would not be so foolish as to bring original copies of any of this stuff. Look closely and you will see that these are all photocopies.” Billy motioned his hand over the table to illustrate his point. Ted winced as he scanned the items and realized that Billy was telling the truth.

Phoebe’s heart raced as she watched the in
teraction between the two men. She was impressed by Billy’s cool demeanor. She glanced at Jenna who was on the edge of her seat, evidently eager to get her chance to speak. Phoebe was content allowing Billy to handle Ted.

             
Ted gave them a beady stare. “Where are the originals?” He demanded, his mouth twitching.

             
“Safe.” Billy answered. “Do we have a deal, or do we take these public?”

             
“Do you know who you are messing with, young man?” Mr. Anderson demanded through gritted teeth.

             
“Do you?” Billy countered; he intensified his glare at Mr. Anderson and continued. “None of this needs to go any further than this room; and we assure you it won’t—as long as you aren’t the one who killed Mrs. Levick. All you have to do is give us the information we need; the name of the person who sold you the cameo.” Billy sat back in his seat and folded his arms in front of his chest.

“First of all, I did not break into anyone’s house
, and I definitely didn’t kill anyone!” Ted barked. His face was scarlet, and a large vein threatened to jump right out of his forehead.

             
“Actually, I believe you.” Billy gave a smug grin. “You don’t strike me as a cat burglar. You are a scumbag who cheats on his wife and uses women as sex objects. You’re a terrible boss who fires hard working women when they don’t respond to your inappropriate advances.” Billy paused and glanced around the plush office. “You’re a real piece of work, Ted. But, I can’t see you breaking into houses and looting jewelry boxes. And as for the death of Phoebe’s mother—if you want to show your innocence, all you have to do is give us the information we need.”