Windward Secrets (3 page)

Claire took the lead up to the third floor and into the room with twin beds. It was a large room. There were two single beds, an oak dresser with a mirror, and two slipper chairs on either side of a small, round table between two of the four windows. The walls were covered with faded, floral wallpaper and lace curtains hung at the windows. The floor was painted white with braided rugs scattered here and there.

“Ah… pretty room,” Jill said.

The other room on the third floor was the locked room. It was like a specter stretching out its gnarly fingers toward Claire every time she passed; punishment for not knowing about it when she booked the cottage.

“Hey, thanks, you made up my bed,” Jill said.

“No. The beds were already made when I got here.”

“I don’t understand. You told us to bring our own sheets and towels.”

Claire shrugged her shoulders. “That’s what the confirmation said, but why not use what’s here. We can wash the sheets and re-make the beds when we leave.”

“Works for me. Now, which way to the beach?”

“Let’s wait for the others. How about some coffee?”

***

By early evening Caroline had arrived and Claire had retrieved the message from Diane saying she would be late.

Caroline, as expected, had chosen the largest bedroom, on the second floor, closest to the bathroom. Diane would have the other room on the second floor.

“Sitting on the back porch waiting for Caroline, Jill whispered to Claire, “does Caroline look okay to you?”

“Funny you say that. I thought she looked beat up from the feet up.”

Hearing footsteps approaching from inside the house Claire and Jill became silent.

***

Jill nominated herself as the official tour director and took over organizing the vacation with an emphasis on food and beverage. She prepared an easy meal of grilled burgers and vegetables, directed cleanup of the kitchen, and then suggested a walk on the beach.

“It’s too cold,” Caroline whined.

“Oh, come on Caroline, just a short one,” Claire said. “We need the exercise and it’ll help us sleep.”

Bundled up against the September wind, the three set out. The sun appeared to set the trees on fire as it slid out of site below the horizon.

“It’s cold, let’s go back,” Caroline shouted, over the wind.

“As much as I hate to say it, she’s right,” Jill called to Claire.

Turning around they started back toward the house walking against the wind with their heads down. Finally, at the steps leading over the dune to the house, they stopped to catch their breath.

“That was a workout,” Claire said. “Hopefully, it won’t be as windy tomorrow.”

“Look,” Jill said, pointing to the house. “Diane must have gotten here early.”

Caroline and Claire looked in the direction Jill was pointing and saw the silhouette of a woman standing on the roof of Windward Cottage.

“She’s on the widow’s walk,” Caroline said.

“What’s a widow’s walk?” Jill asked.

“It’s an area on a roof surrounded by a railing, sometimes it’s a glass-enclosed cupola. Women would watch for their husband’s ships returning from sea. They were given the term ‘widow’s’ walk because sometimes the husbands never returned,” Caroline explained.

“Well, that’s cheerful,” Jill said, looking up at the roof again.

Hurrying up the steps, and into the house, they called Diane’s name.

No response.

“Diane, we’re down here,” Caroline yelled.

Still no reply.

“She must not be able to hear us. I’ll get her,” Claire volunteered, striding up the stairs. “Diane, are you here?” she called at the second floor. No answer. “Come on Diane, don’t make me climb those stairs, I’ve already done it more times than I care to count!”

No answer.

Surely Diane had seen them on the beach and would have come down from the roof
, thought Claire as she climbed the stairs to the third floor. She checked Diane’s and Jill’s room. No one there.
She must still be out on the roof and can’t hear me. How did she get up there?
’

Looking around Claire located a back hallway she hadn’t noticed earlier. There was a set of narrow stairs leading up. ‘Great. More stairs.’ At the top of the stairs was a door, which Claire opened and stepped through onto the roof.

“Diane, are you up here?”

No answer.

Claire walked around the flat, mansard roof but there was no one there and nowhere for anyone to hide.

For crying out loud, this isn’t funny
Claire thought, as she retraced her steps down the stairs. Checking each floor again, she looked more carefully into the room designated for Diane. There was no luggage, nothing to indicate Diane had arrived.

“She’s not here,” Claire announced, entering the parlor where Jill and Caroline sat curled up with blankets in front of a crackling fire.

Caroline and Jill looked at each other and then back at Claire.

“How can that be when we saw her on the widow’s walk?” Caroline asked.

“I don’t know, but there’s no sign of her.”

Caroline got up and looked out the front window. “Her car’s not here.”

“Well, we must have seen something that looked like a person but wasn’t,” Jill offered. “Things always look different at night.”

“Who started the fire,” Claire asked, with a nod toward the fireplace.

“It was already laid. All we had to do was light it,” Jill answered.

“Well, what do you want to do?” Claire asked.

Pointing to a bookcase on the far side of the room Jill suggested, “How about a game? There are some board games and a poker set on the shelf over there.”

Caroline had a blank look on her face with her thoughts obviously far away.
If I’m going to tell them about my failing marriage I only want to do it once, I’ll wait till morning when Diane is here,
she thought to herself.

“Caroline, do you want to play a game,” Jill repeated.

“Oh sorry, I drifted… thanks, but if you two don’t mind, I think I’m going to turn in early.”

“No problem. We’ll see you in the morning,” Claire answered, with a mystified look. It wasn’t like Caroline to be the first to go to bed. She usually liked to finish the last of the preferred beverage of the evening.

Caroline folded her blanket and laid it on the sofa. Without giving them another glance she walked up the stairs seeming to need the assistance of the banister to pull herself up.

“Oh yeah, there’s definitely something wrong,” Jill whispered, snuggling deeper into the overstuffed sofa.

Claire sat down beside her and pulled Caroline’s blanket over her legs. “I think you’re right. You don’t think she’s ill do you?”

“I don’t know. She never said anything to me and we talk every few weeks or so. Come to think of it, we haven’t spoken since, I think… July. That’s much longer than normal.”

The two women talked quietly as the flames died and the embers slowly faded to gray.

“I’ll leave the key and a note for Diane, you lock up the rest of the house,” Claire directed.

***

Something woke Claire and she sat straight up in bed. The digital clock on the bedside table read 3:08.
Boy, Diane is really late,
she thought returning to her warm nest under the blankets.

Chapter Two

Saturday

Bright sunlight hit Claire directly in the face so she rolled over, away from the window. Opening one eye she looked at Jill’s bed, it was empty. The deep, rich aroma of coffee hit her nostrils like adrenaline. Throwing back the covers she stretched and eased up into a sitting position. She grabbed her quilted, cosmetic bag. ‘Hmmm…just like college…taking your toiletries down the hall to the bathroom.’

Freshly showered, and hair still wet, Claire entered the kitchen expecting to see Jill but the kitchen was empty so she helped herself to a mug of coffee and peeked into the pastry box in the center of the kitchen table which was set for four. ‘Yum, I better wait for the others.’ Pushing the wooden, screen door open she stepped to the edge of the back porch and sat down on the top step. It was a perfect day. The sky was pure blue and the bright sun sent diamonds skipping across the whitecaps.

Halfway through her coffee, Claire noticed two people walking on the beach and a dog running in the water with a stick in its mouth. Claire watched as a man and woman slowly walked up the beach toward her.

Without warning a giant, black lab was suddenly at her feet sniffing her. Not a great dog person, Claire sat perfectly still and quietly said, “Hello.” A sharp whistle from the man and the dog bolted back to his master kicking up sand with his hind legs.
Whew. Thank you,
thought Claire as she looked down from the porch. The couple had stopped just below the house and she recognized Jill. ‘What the?’

Jill climbed the steps over the dune. The man nodded up at Claire and then turned and walked back the way they had come. The dog quickly ran past his master and plunged into the waves.

“Good morning,” Jill said, when she reached the porch.

“Well hello…and who was that?”

“His name’s Drew Carson. I met him on the beach.”

“Is that safe?”

Jill gave Claire a curious look. “Do you want me to run screaming back to the house every time I see someone on the beach?”

“No, of course not. You’re right, I’m sorry.”

“He seems very nice. His dog’s name is Ike. He rented a cottage down the beach for a month. Lucky guy, a month would be wonderful.”

“What’s he doing out here all by himself…or isn’t he by himself?” Claire asked, trying not to sound too suspicious.

“He IS by himself. He’s divorced. He just wanted a change of scenery and some peace and quiet. He’s a business strategy consultant and can work from anywhere.”

“You got all that on one walk?”

“Well, sure. No sense wasting time if he’s married,” Jill grinned.

Claire rolled her eyes skyward in pretend annoyance. “You must be hungry. Let’s see if the others are up yet.”

The kitchen was still empty, so they returned to the porch to wait.

“Did you hear Diane come in last night or rather this morning?” Claire asked.

Jill shook her head. “What time was it?”

“Just after three. I’m thinking she might sleep in.”

“Wouldn’t doubt it.”

The conversation had turned to what to do after breakfast when the screen door squeaked behind them. Caroline joined them looking like she had just stepped out of Vogue magazine in a black velour, jogging outfit. “Good morning, ladies.”

Jill looked up annoyed. “Caroline, if you have a string of pearls around your neck I’m going to have to slap you.”

Caroline smiled, “Don’t be silly, they’re diamonds.”

Claire laughed and asked, “How did you sleep?”

“Better than I have in months, thank you. Are you two hungry?”

“Always,” Claire replied. “But Diane’s not up yet.”

“She’s not here,” Caroline returned, surprised Claire didn’t know.

“What do you mean? I heard her come in very early this morning?” Claire stated wrinkling her brow.

“Well, I looked in her room and she wasn’t there and there’s no luggage. Did you check for her car?”

Claire walked to the driveway side of the house. “I’ll be darned. Her car isn’t here, but I was sure I heard something last night.”

“Must have been the wind,” Jill injected. “Claire, check your phone to see if she called.”

Claire hurried to the parlor for her handbag and pulled out her phone. No messages.

Returning to the kitchen with phone in hand she hit speed dial. While she listened for a connection they heard a car in the driveway.

Jill reached Diane first and threw her arms around her, “God Diane, we were just about to panic. Where have you been?”

Diane patted Jill’s back. “Oh, just a nightmare trip. Left the office later than I expected and then, half way here I had a flat and had to wait over an hour for help. I don’t know why I keep paying for AAA membership, they’re so slow. Then, the guy took forever to change the tire. I swear I could have done it faster myself. Thank goodness for GPS. If I had gotten lost that would have been the icing on the cake.”

As Claire reached into the back seat for Diane’s suitcase, she glanced over the roof of the car just in time to see the old, red pickup drive by again. “Come on Diane, you must be exhausted. Do you want coffee, shower, or sleep?”

“As much as I want to catch up with you all, I think I better sleep.”

Once they had settled Diane in her room, Claire, Jill, and Caroline returned to the kitchen and sat down around the table.

Opening the box on the table Caroline asked, “Where did the pastries come from?”

“My favorite bakery,” Jill answered, biting into a cheese Danish.

“Well, thanks,” Claire said. “And, thanks for setting the table and making the coffee this morning.

Jill stopped in mid-chew and with chipmunk cheeks full of Danish mumbled, “I didn’t make the coffee or set the table. It was done when I left to walk on the beach. I thought Diane had done it last night. Of course, that was before I knew she hadn’t arrived.”

Caroline and Claire both stared at Jill expressionless.

Winking and waving her index finger Caroline laughed, “One of you had too much to drink last night and forgot you did it.”

Claire looked at Jill and shrugged her shoulders. “We did hit the margaritas pretty hard.”

“And, maybe one of us did have one too many. It’s happened before,” Jill admitted, looking directly at Claire.

“Your secret’s safe with me. I won’t tell anyone,” Caroline proclaimed. “What do you say we walk to town? I’d love to see what shops they have.”

Finishing their coffee the women cleaned up the kitchen and grabbed their wallets.

“We better leave a note for Diane,” Jill volunteered, grabbing a notepad and pen from the desk beside the front door.

The road to Haworth was narrow and followed the shore line. There were very few houses and not one car passed the trio.

“Gosh, this is great. Smell that sea air,” Caroline said, with a big smile on her face.

Jill looked at Caroline. “You seem to be feeling better than you did last night.”

“One hundred percent! I can’t tell you how good it is to be here.”

They were soon meandering down the sidewalks of Haworth looking in store windows. Huge, yellow, and red signs announced large reductions in prices in nearly every store they passed. Summer merchandise had to be moved to make room for cold weather gear. The main street of Haworth was not very long so it didn’t take long to go up one side and down the other. Near the end of the street was a sign pointing down an alley, “Blackbeard’s Tavern.”

“Well, of course,” Jill said, sarcastically. “Every shore town has to have a Blackbeard’s or a Davey Jones restaurant. Let’s see if we can get a cold drink.”

Turning down the alley they found a picturesque, cedar-shingled pub with a hand-carved sign depicting a bearded pirate. Slipping inside the cool darkness of the tavern they waited for their eyes to adjust. The restaurant was fairly crowded. A waitress greeted them and escorted them to a small table in the far corner.

“This is darling,” Caroline offered. “Are you eating or just getting a drink?”

“Just iced tea for me,” Jill said. Claire nodded in agreement.

The waitress took their orders and returned promptly with tall glasses with wedges of lemon balanced on the rims.

“Should we take something back for Diane?” Caroline asked.

Claire lowered her glass and shook her head. “I stocked the frig pretty well, but we could use some wine.”

Back in the warm sunlight the women found a liquor store and then started their return trip to the cottage.

With the wine stowed in the refrigerator, they donned bathing suits and walked down the steps to the beach. It was mid-afternoon when a shadow crossed their faces and made them look up from their beach towels. Diane was standing above them.

“Good day Sleeping Beauty,” Claire said. “Pull up a chair, or rather a towel.”

Spreading her towel on the sand, Diane sat down at the end of the row of well-lotioned cellulite and then eased onto her stomach. Propping herself up on her elbows she engaged the others in a description of their morning activities and updates on their families. Caroline was unusually quiet and lay with her sunhat covering her face. The conversation slowed to silence and the warm sand lured their bodies into oblivion. One by one they closed their eyes and slipped into sleep. A cool breeze and clouds crossing the sun woke them with a sudden drop in temperature.

“Yikes. It got cold!” Claire said, sitting up.

Gathering their beach paraphernalia they walked toward the house discussing what to do for dinner. They decided to try one of the restaurants in town to celebrate being together again. By six thirty everyone was showered and changed. Claire, Jill, and Diane wore jeans, sandals, and cotton sweaters. Caroline appeared in an expensive looking sundress, full makeup, perfect hair, and accessorized like a gypsy on parade.

“For heaven’s sake, Caroline. Don’t you ever dress down?” Jill asked, bluntly.

Diane and Claire looked at each other wondering if Caroline was insulted by the remark.

Caroline’s smile vanished and she looked down at her body. “I guess I am a little overdressed. Just give me a minute and I’ll change?”

Ten minutes later she returned wearing white slacks and a cashmere sweater with only minimal jewelry.

“Much better,” Diane complimented her, with a kind smile.

Exploring Haworth they found a small, seafood restaurant located next to the commercial fishing docks. They were treated to a window table where they could watch the fisherman unload their catch and wash down their boats.

“Some nice looking men out there,” Jill announced, softly. “Yup, men sure love their hoses.”

Diane laughed so hard she spit wine. Embarrassed, she grabbed a napkin and covered her mouth.

“You go girl,” Claire said. “And take Diane with you.”

“Oh no, no thanks,” Diane replied, still laughing. “I’m not in the market.”

“Well I am,” Jill boasted, holding up her wine glass to clink the others’.

“Yes, you’re long overdue,” Claire laughed.

The waitress interrupted to take their orders. They all chose mixed, seafood platters and ordered another bottle of wine. Shared stories of their college days entertained them through dinner. Full of good food and wine they settled back in their captain’s chairs and watched as the setting sun cast distorted outlines of the gently, rocking boats across the water.

“Dessert anyone?” the waitress inquired.

The four women groaned simultaneously and, with regret, declined.

Diane was the first to stand, “I’m sure glad we drove. I couldn’t walk back to the cottage if I tried.”

“I know what you mean, that’s more food than I’ve had in a month of Sundays,” Jill chimed in.

Back at the cottage it was a race up the stairs to change into pajamas. Gathering everyone in the parlor, Jill made an announcement. “I hereby declare that we are starting a tradition…nightcaps on the roof!”

“Jill, there’s nowhere to sit up there,” Claire said.

“Ah, but there is,” Jill declared. Holding up a bottle of Moscato, and four wine glasses, she led the way up the stairs.

“Better grab some coats or blankets,” Diane said. “I think she’s serious.”

Opening the door to the widow’s walk, Jill bowed and waved her friends onto the roof. Four, aluminum, lawn chairs with green and white, plastic webbing were arranged in a semi-circle facing the ocean. A kerosene lantern glowed from its position, on the roof, in front of the chairs.

Laughing, Diane looked at Jill. “I remember chairs like these, my parents had them for years. When one of the webs broke Dad would re-weave it with a new piece. Unfortunately, the new piece never matched the old and, after a few repairs, the chairs were a kaleidoscope of color. Mom hated it. She said it made our yard look like a circus.”

The women each took a chair and Jill poured everyone a glass of wine.

“Where did you find these chairs and how did you get them up here?” Claire asked, reaching for her glass.

“I found them in the shed out back this morning before I went for a walk. The shed was unlocked so I took a look and there they were. I brought them up while you all were sleeping. Cool, huh?”