Chapter 24

JANIE

She’d never played the role of bodyguard before, but Janie felt that was the perfect description for what she was doing today. She was determined to stay by Caroline’s side until they were safely out of harm’s way, or at least a few blocks away from Michael McCann. Despite Caroline’s optimism that her brother might be softening, Janie was seriously doubtful. Seeing him glowering on the other side of the room during the funeral service had only driven this home.

She was actually surprised when he didn’t make a showing at the cemetery. She wasn’t sure whether she should be relieved or worried. On one hand he might have realized that his attempts to terrorize his sister in order to obtain financial gain were not working. Or he might be plotting even more devious plans. Either way Janie would keep her eyes wide open. It was a good distraction from obsessing over Victor and Donna.

She couldn’t believe that Donna had come, not only to the funeral but the graveside service as well. Really, that took some nerve. After that scene on the sailboat, Janie knew that although Donna might be missing some marbles, the woman did not lack nerve. Janie still hadn’t gotten to the bottom of the disappearing dishes, but it was eating her far more than she cared to admit. It wasn’t just the wasted money that bothered her, although the things she’d gotten from Bonnie were not cheap. Donna’s bizarre behavior and nasty attitude toward Janie had been worse. She acted as if Janie were at fault, trying to make her feel as if she were the “other woman” or some cheap kind of home breaker. Really, it was insane.

“I’m so thankful it didn’t rain like the weatherman predicted,” Caroline said as Janie drove them back to the inn. “It was a nice service, wasn’t it?”

“It was really nice.” Janie nodded. “I didn’t tell you, but I loved what you said, and those Bible verses.”

“Thanks.” Caroline sighed. “That was really a God thing.”

“Did you, uh … did you notice that Michael didn’t go to the cemetery?”

Caroline didn’t say anything.

“Do you think he might’ve gone home?”

“To Phoenix?” Caroline sounded doubtful.

“I guess I was just hoping.”

“Somehow I don’t think Michael will give up that easily.”

“Do you think he’ll come to the inn for lunch?”

“Oh, I doubt it.” Caroline sadly shook her head. “My guess is that he’s at Blue Anchor, tying a few on.”

Janie suspected Caroline was right. To change the subject, she mentioned Donna. “I was a bit surprised that she came to the funeral,” she admitted.

“That was probably my fault. I kind of invited her. I mean, I didn’t really know what to say. She mentioned it this morning at the inn, and she sounded so lonely. It seemed unfriendly not to invite her.” Caroline held up her hands. “I honestly didn’t think she’d come. I mean an old woman’s funeral, someone she’d never even met … who’d’a thought?”

“She certainly dressed up for it.”

Caroline started to giggle. “I’ll say. I hate to sound catty, but it did appear she wanted to turn someone’s head. Didn’t it seem a bit desperate?”

“That Donna is a hard one to figure.”

“So have you talked to Victor? I mean since the disappearing dishes and all that?”

“Not really. I think he’s got his hands full just now.”

“Because it really is mysterious, Janie. I was thinking about that this morning when I was talking to her. I honestly wanted to ask her, ‘What did you do with Janie’s dishes?’ But I controlled myself.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Caroline started to laugh harder. “Still, I keep imagining Donna carting away those heavy boxes of dishes on her bike.”

Janie couldn’t help but giggle. “I know. I’ve had the same thoughts.”

“So how did she do it?”

“I’m clueless. At one point I thought maybe I’d dreamed the whole thing. You know how you sometimes have a dream that seems so real, you almost think it happened?”

“Yeah, I’ve had those.”

“But I still have the receipt from Bonnie’s shop. So I know I didn’t dream it.”

“Crazy.”

“You got that right. That woman is crazy.” Janie pulled in front of the inn.

“Speak of the devil.” Caroline pointed toward Victor’s car, which was just parking on the other side of the street.

“This is so awkward.” Janie took her keys out of the ignition and just sat there. “What am I supposed to do? Just be polite and act like nothing happened?”

Caroline didn’t answer.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Janie said. “I’m being so selfish. Today is about your mom, not me and my silly troubles.”

“No, that’s okay.” Caroline smiled at her. “I was actually kind of enjoying the drama. I don’t know what to tell you, I mean how you should act. That’s a tough one, Janie.”

“Well, I know how to act.” Janie dropped her keys in her bag. “I’ll simply put on my lawyer face and mind my manners. No biggie.”

“Oh, darn.” Caroline made a disappointed face. “Just when I was looking forward to a showdown.”

“Not today.” Janie got out of her car, holding her head high. “Not from my end anyway.”

Victor called out a hello to them, and Janie and Caroline waited for the couple at the front of the inn. “That was a nice service, Caroline,” he said politely. “I’m sure your mother would’ve appreciated it.”

“I loved that old woman,” Donna chimed in. “Vera Somebody.”

“Vera Dewberry,” Janie supplied.

“Yes.” Donna’s voice grew a bit frosty. Then she turned to Caroline with a bright smile. “She was such a hoot. She and your mother must’ve really been something back in their day.”

Caroline turned surprisingly friendly toward Donna, actually taking her aside to tell her that what she said was “an even funnier story, but not suitable for men’s ears.” Victor and Janie stood there alone, and Janie suspected Caroline had done this intentionally.

“Want to go inside?” Victor said quietly.

“Sure.” Janie nodded and began going up the steps, trying to think of some way to get him to herself for a few minutes.

He smiled as he opened the door for her. “I’d love to see how your office is coming, Janie.”

“Really?” She looked into his eyes and was surprised by the warm rush that ran through her. “Sure,” she said quickly. “Come on down.”

Soon they were downstairs, where she quickly showed him around and led him into the private room where she hoped to one day do her legal consultations. She closed the door behind him. She was tempted to lock it but feared that might be pushing things a bit.

“It’s very nice,” he said.

“Care to sit?” she nodded to a leather club chair.

“Thank you.”

She took the chair opposite him and crossed her legs, waiting.

“Is this a good time to talk?” he asked.

“It is for me.” She glanced at the closed door. “I’m not so sure about your, uh, your date.”

He frowned. “She is not my date.”

Janie smiled. “Sorry. Appearances can sometimes be deceiving.”

“A lot of things can be deceiving, especially when you’re not paying close attention.”

Janie wondered if he was talking about her. Had she deceived him in some way?

“So, first of all, how are you doing?” he asked with what seemed genuine concern.

“I’m okay, I guess.” She wasn’t sure how to answer. Did he mean in regard to him? To life in general? “Mostly I’ve been trying to stick close to Caroline these past few days. Her brother is, well, an odd character.”

Victor nodded. “I know.”

“You know?”

“I remember him from when we were kids. He seemed like a tough guy then, and I wouldn’t say it to Caroline, but he doesn’t seem to have changed much.”

“I have to agree. Poor Caroline keeps hoping for the best. She’s trying so hard. I appreciate her optimism, but I’m afraid she’s going to get hurt. In fact I should probably go up and stick with her now, just in case he shows up.” She made a half smile. “I’m pretending to be her bodyguard.”

Victor chuckled. “You don’t strike me as very threatening.”

“Maybe not. But I can talk tough.”

“I’m surprised Mitch isn’t here. I think he’d make a good bodyguard.”

“He’s stuck in Tokyo.” Janie glanced nervously at the mantel clock in the center of her bookcase. “You know I probably should go up there. Just in case.” She stood and placed her hand on the doorknob.

“What would you do if Michael did come and make trouble?” Victor studied her.

“I’d speak some fancy legalese to him and hopefully convince him to act civilized, but explain the consequences if he doesn’t.”

“How about if we just leave this door open? Wouldn’t we hear if something was erupting up there?”

She considered this. She really did want to talk to Victor now, and his suggestion did seem reasonable. If that loudmouth beast showed up, he’d make some noise. “Okay.” She opened the door and sat back down.

“My boys are coming for Thanksgiving,” he said without much enthusiasm.

“That’s wonderful, Victor. Both of them?”

He nodded. “Yes. I haven’t seen Marcus since last summer. He’s bringing his fiancée.”

“He’s engaged?”

“Didn’t I tell you? Well, it’s a recent development. Her name’s Katie, and they’ve been going together for about six months, but I guess I didn’t realize it was that serious.”

“How nice for you to meet her.”

He frowned. “Except that Donna is insisting we must celebrate Thanksgiving together.”

Janie considered her response. “Well, that seems reasonable. I mean, Ben and Marcus are her sons, and she must be eager to meet her future daughter-in-law.”

“I suppose.” He brightened. “How about your kids? Will they be coming for Thanksgiving?”

She sighed and looked down at her hands, fingers tightly folded together like she would to do as a child when her father questioned her. “Matthew is in the midst of fall term and plans to spend the holiday weekend snowboarding with a buddy up in Vermont. And Lisa, well, you know how it is with her. At least she’s talking to Matthew now. That’s something. It’s a long shot, but I’m hoping I can get them both to come out here for Christmas.”

“Right.” He exhaled loudly. “Janie, I don’t really know what to say. I’m embarrassed and so sorry about Donna, the way she treated you on the boat last week, all that weirdness. I feel so badly.”

She looked eagerly at him. “So you do believe me then?”

He blinked. “Of course.”

Relief washed over her. For some reason she feared he thought she manufactured the strange story. She was about to say something when she heard raised voices upstairs. “That sounds like Michael!” she exclaimed. “He’s here!”

“Let’s go!” Victor was out the door ahead of her, bolting up the stairs two at a time. Meanwhile Janie followed, grabbing her cell phone, ready to call 9-1-1 if necessary.

“This is family stuff, jus’ between me and my sister!” Michael bellowed in a slurred voice. “Everyone elz can jus’ butt out!”

“We are Caroline’s family,” Abby said, planting herself between Michael and Caroline.

“That’s right,” Victor said as he stepped forward.

Janie said, “If you don’t leave this house immediately, the police will be here in five minutes.” She stepped next to Victor, locking eyes with Michael.

“Not until my sister answers to me!” Michael pushed Abby aside and grabbed Caroline. “She’s got some explaining to do.”

“What do you mean?” Caroline cried out as he jerked her toward the front door with him.

“I mean what’d you do with the money?” he demanded.

“What money?” Caroline’s eyes were full of fear.

“Our parents’ money—and all the stuff—where is it, Caroline?”

“There isn’t any—”

“You took it all, Caroline! I know you took everything. Before I got here, you took it all!” He opened the door.

“I’m Caroline’s attorney,” Janie announced loudly, for the sake of everyone in the room, as she shoved her cell phone at Marley. “I already hit speed dial for 9-1-1,” she said quickly. “Tell them what’s going on while we take this outside.” Then she took off after Michael and Caroline, with Victor by her side and Abby and Marley trailing behind.

“Let Caroline go,” Victor warned Michael as he chased after them. “Do not put her in that pickup with you!”

“That’s right,” Janie yelled. “You will be charged with kidnapping, Michael. That’s a felony punishable by a lot of prison time in most jurisdictions. You better stop right there unless you—”

“The police are on their way,” Marley called out.

Michael pinned Caroline against the truck with one hand as he opened the driver’s door with the other. “Get in!” he yelled. “This is not kidnapping. This is big brother taking little sister for a ride so we can talk in private. Now get in.” He shoved her, but she resisted.

“Do not get in the truck!” Janie looked directly Caroline. The fear in her eyes made Janie realize they needed to act quickly.

“Don’t listen to them,” Michael yelled into Caroline’s face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a large pocketknife, flipping it open with one hand. “I don’t want to hurt you. I just want to talk to you! I want you to give me what’s mine. Now get in!”

Victor spoke in a calm but firm voice. “Michael, you need to let Caroline go before this gets out of hand. Just let her go. Okay?” He was only a few feet away from Michael now, but he looked ready to lunge if necessary. Janie hoped it wouldn’t be. That blade looked lethal.

“Come on, Michael,” Janie said quietly as she moved to stand next to Victor. “You don’t want to spend the night in jail, do you? Just let Caroline go. I promise you that we will all sit down and discuss this later.”

“I’m sick of your lawyer talk!” He shook his knife toward her. “You’re just messing everything up. We’re family—me and Caroline. We can sort this out ourselves. She can give me what’s mine. Just leave us alone.”

Janie held up her hands as she took a step closer to him. “I know you can sort this out, Michael. But not like this. This will only get you into some serious trouble. You don’t want trouble, do you?” She heard sirens. “See, Michael, the police are already on their way—”

“Please, Michael,” Caroline pleaded with tears streaming down her cheeks. “Just let me go, okay? It doesn’t have to be like this.”

The sirens were louder now, and Michael looked uneasy. “I wasn’t going to hurt you, Caroline.”

“I know,” she said quietly.

He closed his knife and let her go. “I just wanted what was mine.”

“I know,” she said again, but she was backing away. Janie went to her, gathering her into her arms as Michael got into his pickup.

“Hey, man,” Victor said gently. “Don’t drive in your condition. The cops will pull you over for sure, and then you’ll be stuck with a DUI.”

“He’s right,” Caroline called out. “Don’t go, Michael.”

Michael leaped into his cab and tore off down the street just seconds before the police arrived. While Janie and Marley took Caroline back into the house, Victor and Abby spoke to the police.

“I can’t believe he did that,” Caroline said through her tears as they walked her up the stairs to her room. “What did he think he’d accomplish?”

“It was desperation,” Janie told her. “Drunken desperation.”

“The cops have probably got him by now,” Marley said as they sat Caroline down on her bed. “You’re safe.”

“I know.” Caroline sniffed. “But Michael’s not.”

“There’s nothing you can do about that,” Janie told her. “Like my mom used to say, he’s made his own bed, and he’ll have to lie in it now.”

“Hello?” The three of them looked over to see Ashton standing in the doorway.

Marley went over to him. “What is it?”

“The police want to speak to Caroline,” he said.

“I’ll go down.” Caroline stood, taking in a deep breath.

“I’ll go with you,” Janie told her.

Ashton looked bewildered. “Is it always this interesting in Clifden?”

Marley let out a chuckle. “It can get a little crazy,” she told him, “especially when your friends are all named Linda.”

He just shook his head. “I guess.”

Janie went down with Caroline, and together they answered the policeman’s questions. “I really don’t want to press charges,” Caroline said. “I mean, he is my brother, and I honestly don’t think he was going to hurt me.”

Janie had to bite her tongue.

“I’m sorry,” the officer told her. “Even if you don’t press charges, your brother has broken some laws, and he will be held accountable for those.”

“Oh.” Caroline nodded sadly.

After the police finally left, Janie assured Caroline that she would do whatever she legally could to help Michael. Of course, even as she promised this, she suspected that Michael would not appreciate her generosity. Furthermore he might not even accept it. Really, some jail or prison time would probably not be such a bad thing for Michael McCann.