The Harvest Club Read online

  “He doesn’t like anyone talking about her at all. He won’t like it.” She spoke matter-of-factly. “This is my book club, so I’d better get to the meeting.” Melinda headed toward the room the club was meeting in.

  Jessie walked down the hall to the office and unlocked the door. Each day she found herself getting more attached to the job and people. The longer she worked here, even with all the crazy things that had happened, the more she loved her job. Maybe it wasn’t the secretary part as much as the thrill of a great story and the adrenaline rush she got from unraveling a mystery. She would know more when things settled down. She drank her coffee, enjoyed the cranberry scone, and got her small tape recorder ready for the interviews.

  By lunch time, Jessie had talked to three or four people and all of them said, basically, the same thing. Pastor Gina was a wonderful pastor with a kind heart. She had a way of making each of them feel special and like an integral part of this church. They were heartbroken and felt like she had been stolen from them. They would have left, but they had been attending for a long time and they had good friends in the church. And the final area of agreement was that Pastor Rick didn’t have the heart or the regard for them that Pastor John and Gina had had.

  James Morris went as far as to say, “We are thinking about calling a committee meeting to boot him out.”

  She sent an email to Matt and told him the last part, which might impact the case. Then she ate her lunch. The chicken salad was great. All white meat, grapes, celery, walnuts, and apples tossed with mayonnaise served on raisin bread. It was yummy!

  John’s call had confirmed most of what Gina’s parents had told her. Gina was indeed leaving for the West Coast and a new job, but the last statement he made was the one that seemed to torment him the most.

  “I told Rick she was leaving after I promised not to tell anyone. It haunts me to this day. Especially since Rick is friends with Brad. At the time, I didn’t think anything about it because I thought it was a chance for Rick to apply for her job. When Gina was murdered, I wondered if Rick or Brad might have had something to do with it. Could my son have such an evil heart?”

  She wasn’t sure how to answer him, but she couldn’t stomach the torment she heard in his voice and wanted somehow to reassure him it wasn’t his fault. She chose her words carefully, not wanting to give him false hope or premature conviction of Rick’s guilt or innocence. “I’m not sure if Rick could do it, but some of the people he’s working for might. From every indication I have, Brad loved his wife and was worried that someone would hurt her if she didn’t stop the questions.”

  “Jessie, you do this old man’s heart good. You’re too kind to hurt me, but somewhere I must have failed as a father.”

  “Every parent fails sometime, Pastor John, but you didn’t make the choices for him. He’s a grown man and is responsible for his own life.”

  Jessie received the information she needed to finish Sunday’s bulletin from the visiting pastor, attached with a promise to call her later. She spent the rest of the day at work on Gina’s story, weaving interviews into it, bringing Gina to life as a warm and beautiful human being. She saved it on a file entitled Gina’s Story, easy to find if someone snooped.

  Pastor Mark called right before she left, wanting some information, and when she pulled out the papers from her drawer an unopened letter fell out onto her desk. This was what she had forgotten.

  She answered Mark’s questions turning the envelope over in her hand. It was probably instructions from Pastor Rick. She stuck the letter in her purse, locked up her office, and went to the local gym to work out.

  ****

  She ran on the treadmill, which she didn’t like as well as running outdoors, but she was still a little freaked about last night. She set a fast pace so she wouldn’t have to work out as long, and her favorite tunes on her iPod kept her from being totally bored. When she was done, she made a quick stop at the desk to sign up for the spin cycle class two days a week. Until the case was solved, it would vary her routine a little.

  She had just walked out the door of the gym when her phone rang.

  “Hi Jessie, I’m at Angelo’s with Dylan. Why don’t you come have dinner with us?” Katie asked.

  “I just walked out of the gym and believe it or not was thinking about ordering a pizza and taking it home. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

  “Okay, we just got here, and we’ll get the table.”

  The thought of being with friends and not having to cook was just what the doctor ordered. When she got in the car, she put on some lip gloss and ran the brush through her hair.

  Angelo’s was hopping. Dylan and Katie were sitting at table by the front window. Jessie loved the aroma of this place. It made her realize just how hungry she was. She approached their table, smiled, and took the empty chair beside Katie.

  “You look really great! That’s definitely one of your colors,” Katie exclaimed.

  “It brightens up my complexion so I don’t look like I need sleep, which I do.” She picked up a menu to check it out.

  “Do you want to share a pizza? Matt will be along soon to share one with Dylan.”

  “Sure, what do you want on it?”

  “What’s this?” Katie gave her a look of mock shock. “You’re not upset that Matt’s coming? I don’t know if you noticed, Dylan, that Jessie and Matt don’t hit it off.” Katie laughed.

  “I’ve noticed all right.” Dylan was grinning.

  “Look, you two, you can just zip it.” Jessie pretended to glare at her friend. “We do fine in a group, and we’re making an effort to be civil.”

  “Why don’t we do the Blue Cove Special in a medium size so we can take a couple of pieces home?” Katie paused. “Is that okay with you? The guys are doing Angelo’s special, which has lots of meat and black olives.”

  “You know me so well. The only thing more perfect is to add a salad to the order.” She turned up her nose. “Putting black olives on anything is just wrong.”

  “I’ll be right back. I see one of the guests from the inn.” Katie walked over to one of the other tables.

  “How are you holding up? Matt told me about what’s been going on. I’ll be the one sitting outside your house tonight.” Dylan handed her a card with his cell phone number on it.

  “I’m doing all right.” She reached for the card and slipped it in her purse. “I’ll sleep better knowing someone is outside looking out for me.”

  “There’s Matt.” Dylan stood up and waved him over.

  Matt took the empty chair beside Jessie. “Hi, Jess.” He laughed when she frowned.

  Katie walked back to the table. “Hey, you took my chair.” Katie glared at Matt.

  “You don’t expect me to sit by Dylan, do you?”

  “Yes, I believe I do.” She planted her fists on her hips. “Someone has to be a referee between you two.” She pointed to the other chair. Matt went there, laughing.

  The pizza was tasty, and the conversation lively. As the dinner progressed, Jessie felt anxious. She dreaded going home and walking into her dark house.

  When they stood up to leave, Matt found a way to get her alone for a few minutes.

  “You’re too quiet. What’s up?” He searched her face, his hand lifting her chin up.

  “I’m still a little overwhelmed about last night.”

  “I’ll have Dylan walk in with you so you don’t have to go in alone. Okay?”

  “Thanks.” She didn’t try to hide her relief.

  “By the way, nice color, you look, uh, pretty good.” His compliment seemed to take him by surprise as much as her.

  “Don’t choke on the words.” She tossed her head and walked away.

  As she started her car, she noticed Matt talking to Dylan. When she passed them, Matt lifted a hand to stop her. He opened her car door. “Wait for Dylan to follow you.” He went back to speak to Dylan. She turned out of the parking lot and headed home with Dylan close behind her. There was comfort in knowing he wou
ld be out there, but she didn’t like feeling dependent upon it. She needed a plan, and the sooner she could think this through, the better.

  After Dylan checked the cottage, he went outside to walk the grounds, and she sat down at her computer. Jeremy had sent her a quick note saying he was getting close to figuring the source of the stream. The rest of the evening was uneventful: a little TV, a little reading, and lights out by ten o’clock.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The next morning Jessie was up early and decided to sneak in an early morning run just as the sun peeked out and began to rise in the sky, casting its beautiful glow on the water below. She followed a couple of guests from the inn and pushed herself hard, enjoying the brisk pace, running a little farther than the marina and feeling exhilarated by the time she returned to her house. All ready for interviews. What would this day hold?

  When she arrived at work, she noticed the side door to the church was open. Her first thought was there was no way she was going in the building alone. She took her phone out of her purse and called Melinda.

  “Hi, Melinda, this is Jessie, are you by chance in the church?” She waited, holding her breath.

  “No.” Melinda sounded puzzled. “Why?”

  “The side door is standing wide open.”

  “Call the police, and for heaven sakes don’t go in, just in case the intruder is back.”

  Jessie pulled Dylan’s card out of her purse and called his phone. He didn’t answer of course. He had watched her place last night and probably was sleeping. She hung up not wanting to wake him. Before she got the next call off her phone rang.

  “What’s up, Jessie?” Dylan asked.

  “I just got to the church, and the side door is standing open with no cars in the parking lot. I’m a little hesitant to go in.”

  “Don’t go in. I’ll send someone. Wait in your locked car until you see the police.” He sounded urgent.

  “Okay.” She got into her car and locked the door.

  In a few minutes, two police cars flew into the parking lot, and one of the officers approached her car. She told him she had called Dylan, and he told her to wait.

  “It’s always the right move in case someone is still in the building,” the dark-haired young officer told her. “You remain here and lock your door. We’ll clear the building before you go in.”

  She was just beginning to think she had overreacted when Matt came into the parking lot followed by Dylan. They also told her stay put and went inside. Melinda came next and close on her heels was James Morris.

  Jessie got out of her car and told them the police were in the building. A couple more church people showed up including Reba Thomas. They all waited together, wondering aloud what was taking so long. Molly came from across the street.

  “What’s going on? I hate to say it, but watching all the police come this morning reminded me of the morning they found Gina.”

  “I found the side door standing open when I came to work and called the police.” Jessie hugged herself, chilly in spite of the warm morning. “I was told to stay outside until they checked the building.”

  As they waited, two of the young officers came out and looked at the door. James went over and talked to them. He started back toward the ladies with a grim look on his face.

  “They told me it was a forced entry, and there is some damage inside, mostly in your office, Jessie, and some in the hall leading to your office.”

  “I thought someone was in your office that night,” Melinda chimed in.

  “I wonder what they’re after and why your office? You’re new to the church and the area,” Reba added.

  Jessie’s heart raced, and she once again was reminded this wasn’t a game. These people were deadly serious about protecting themselves, and murder was an option they were willing to use.

  The small town grapevine was working well, as more and more church people showed up. Molly went to the coffee shop and came back with coffee and fresh cinnamon rolls, and everyone waited, huddled together, most filled with memories of the last time they had waited to be told what had happened.

  ****

  “I’ll explain to the crowd what’s going on. We’ll play it up as a simple act of vandalism, maybe by some kids.” Matt briefed Dylan on the way out the door. He walked over to the group huddled together. “Overnight you had some vandalism in the building. It’s mostly some obscenities written on the walls, and the secretary’s office has been ransacked. It looks like the work of some kids, but we aren’t sure at this point. Entry was the side door, which looks like it’s been forced. After the police finish dusting for prints you can get in to clean up the mess.” Matt spoke without showing any emotion.

  “Why would someone target our secretary’s office? She’s new to town and the church.”

  “It may not be that at all. Maybe they were looking for money in the office and got angry when they didn’t find any. It’s hard to say.” He looked over his shoulder at the police officer who called his name and held up ten fingers. “I was just told you can go in the building in ten minutes.”

  “Do you think I should call the insurance company?” James asked Matt.

  “Yes, some equipment was destroyed along with some office furniture.” He found Melinda in the group. “Melinda, you thought you saw an intruder the other night? I want you to talk with Dylan and fill him in about what you saw.”

  Melinda walked over to Dylan. After answering several questions, Matt found Jessie sitting on the front bumper of her car.

  “I’m not going to pull any punches. You were definitely the target, and whoever did this is trying to scare you off.” He folded his arms against his chest.

  She didn’t say anything but handed him the note she had forgotten about until she had reached in her purse to give Molly some money.

  Matt read the note, which was short and to the point.

  Quit looking for things your eyes shouldn’t see or like Gina you’ll deal with me. Blue eyes will go the way of brown, only your body will never be found.

  “Where did you get this?”

  “It was on my desk, and I thought it was from Pastor Rick. It must have been pushed into some of my papers. It fell out yesterday when I was looking for information. I stuck into my purse to read later and forgot about it. I just remembered to read it.”

  “These guys must get off on scaring women.” He frowned. “Are you ready to give up yet?”

  “No, I’m angry.” She looked at him and paused. “I’m concerned for this congregation though. They suffered a lot when Gina was murdered, now this. It’s too much.”

  “At least this note makes more sense. It was taped to your broken computer.” He handed it to her sealed in a plastic bag to read.

  “Strike one. You get three, after that there’s only me.”

  “I guess that means you’d better hurry up and find him.” She forced a smile. “I’m running out of strikes.”

  “Let’s go in and look at the mess.” He pulled her up, placing his arm around her waist to steady her.

  ****

  After they were done, and he had gone back to the police station, Anderson called Matt into the office. “I heard about the church. Is Jessie okay?” Anderson had a concerned look on his face.

  “She’s fine. Her office was torn up, and a note was left.” Matt sat down across from the chief.

  “What did the note say?”

  “It’s in the evidence box and still on its way here.” Matt was hesitant to give all the details.

  “They must have been looking for her research. Does she keep it there?”

  “Yes, she uses the computer there for her work.” Matt lied, but he didn’t know where the leak was coming from. He made an instant decision to play it safe, and let the chief know the truth later.

  “Maybe she’ll be left alone after this.” He looked hopeful.

  “It could have been just kids messing around. Nothing seemed to be missing.” Matt stood up to leave. “I’ll get back to y
ou later when I find out more information.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  The next couple of days Jessie worked alongside church members to clean the church. Files had to be re-filed, walls painted, broken furniture replaced, and a new computer set up.

  She had people around her all day, so she felt much more relaxed. Pastor Rick would be back in a few days, and she knew he was going to be confronted by the church committee. They were going to replace him. Matt had asked them to wait so as not to jeopardize his investigation. John had agreed, as long as the congregation wasn’t in harm’s way.

  By Saturday night, the congregation was weary, but the church looked nice for the visiting pastor. Jessie locked up her office and told Gina to look after everything. A ghost whisperer, now. She smiled at the thought.

  When she walked out the church door Matt, Dylan, and Katie were standing by her car waiting.

  Katie walked toward her. “We stopped by to take you to dinner. You’ve been working so hard the last few days. How’s that sound?”

  “Good, but you might have to prop me up so I can eat. I’m so tired.” She rubbed her neck.

  “How about we get some take out Chinese and eat at your place?” Dylan asked. “Katie, you come with me, and Matt can drive Jessie home since she can hardly keep her eyes open. What do you opt for, Jessie?”

  “Cashew Chicken sounds good to me.”

  “Can we trust you two not to fight?” Katie looked at them and smiled.

  “She’s too tired to put up a good argument. You don’t have to worry about us.”

  Matt took the keys out of her hand and opened the passenger door, touching her elbow as she got in. He got behind the wheel and started her car. “I’ve been waiting for a chance to drive this sweet machine.” She was still and quiet when he looked over at her.

  “Don’t worry I’m not asleep. I’m conserving energy,” she murmured.

  “Dylan knew I wanted to talk to you before we’re all together, again. We presented the information to Sheriff Taylor from the county sheriff’s department and a state official, and it looks like we’ll be getting some help. This is a big operation, Jessie. Thanks to you we’ve found out some key information. You’ve played an important role, but you’ve also become a target with a huge bull’s eye on it.” His voice tone was serious. “We are going to do everything we can to keep you safe, but you’re going to have to be careful and watch the people around you. Let us know your schedule and movement. Do you hear me?” He raised his voice, baiting her as his lips twitched.