Chapter
Twenty-Three
The next two days passed by quickly. The new storm had dumped almost a foot of snow, but a couple of days with temperatures above freezing helped to clear the roads. I was especially busy at school, which helped to keep my mind off Hannah’s death. By the weekend, I was ready for some time off. There was no school on Monday because William and some other men from the Mennonite church needed that day to replace the furnace. Even though the work would start today, they’d asked to have until Monday evening to finish their task. I didn’t mind the day off because I needed time to prepare for the tests I would be giving before the winter break.
Janet enjoyed cooking large breakfasts on Saturdays, so I woke up to the aroma of bacon sizzling in a pan and Janet’s special pancakes cooking on the grill. She liked to cook bacon and then crumble it up and put it in her pancake batter. Although I was certain it wasn’t the healthiest of breakfast dishes, it was absolutely delicious. I dressed in jeans and a comfortable sweatshirt, put my hair in a ponytail, and went downstairs to the kitchen. After eating more than I should, I was helping Janet with the dishes when I heard a knock on the front door.
“Are you expecting anyone?” Janet asked.
“No. I have dinner with Mike and Paul tomorrow night, but nothing’s planned for today.”
I wiped my wet hands on my apron and went to the front door. Murphy was already there, sitting in front of the door, staring at it.
“Move, Murphy,” I said, pushing him away gently with my foot. When I opened the door, I was shocked to see Captain Anson Bentley standing there.
“Hi, Sarah,” he said with a smile. “I hope I’m not intruding. I was in this area and remembered you lived in Sanctuary. Thought I’d stop by and check on you.”
I was glad to see him, but Mike’s warning echoed in my mind. “Anson Bentley bleeds blue. If he thought anyone was working on his case behind his back, he’d be all over us.”
“Please come in,” I said. My hand went to my hair, and I looked down at my dirty apron. “I’m sorry. I must look a mess. I wasn’t expecting company.”
He smiled, and I was surprised once again by how attractive he was. He was so charismatic I couldn’t help feeling drawn to him.
“I think you look lovely. Besides, Saturday was created for relaxing. If you’re busy, I could come by another time.”
“Absolutely not. Please come in.” I held the door open, and he accepted my invitation.
At that moment Janet came into the living room with Cicely on her heels. They both looked at Captain Bentley in surprise.
I introduced him to Janet. “And you remember Captain Bentley, don’t you, Cicely? You met him outside your house in Kansas City?”
She gave him a shy smile. “Yes, I do. Hello.”
He returned her smile. “Hello, Cicely. I just stopped by to see how you and your aunt are doing. How are you getting along?”
“Fine, thank you.”
“Captain, would you like some breakfast?” Janet asked. “I was just getting ready to put some pancakes on the griddle for Cicely. It wouldn’t be any trouble to fix some for you.”
“That sounds wonderful, but unfortunately I already ate breakfast. Cold cereal and juice. The aroma coming from your kitchen tells me I made an unfortunate choice.”
Janet laughed. “Well, at least I can get you some coffee, can’t I?”
“I would really appreciate that. Thank you.”
She held her hand out and came over to me. “Give me your apron. I’ll finish the dishes. You and Captain Bentley make yourselves comfortable.”
I quickly took off my apron and handed it to her. “Thanks, Janet.”
“Please,” he said. “Everyone, just call me Anson. I’m not here officially.” He flashed another warm smile.
“That’s an unusual name,” Janet said. “I don’t think I’ve heard it before.”
“It’s a family name. The same as my father’s. I also have two uncles with the middle name Anson. And a great-grandfather with the first name Anson. Different middle names though.”
“A great family tradition. You must all be very close.”
“As much as any family, I guess. My dad died a few years ago, so I’m honored to carry his name. He was an amazing man and a top-notch detective. I’ve spent my career trying to be like him.”
“I’m sure he’d be proud of you,” Janet said.
Janet and Cicely said good-bye and headed back to the kitchen. I asked Anson to sit down.
“Thank you,” he said as he lowered himself onto the couch. “I won’t keep you. I just wanted to bring you up-to-date on your sister’s case and make sure you and Cicely are okay.”
“Have you learned anything new?” I asked.
Anson’s eyes narrowed. “Yes. In fact, I’m becoming convinced there is more to your sister’s murder than just a break-in and burglary.”
I felt my pulse quicken. “What do you mean? I heard Steven Hanks was blamed for Hannah’s death and the case had been closed.”
He looked toward the kitchen. “Look, I’m not sure this is the time or place to get into details. I’m going to be in the area for a couple of days. Is there a way we could meet somewhere for dinner? I’m busy today, but I’m free tomorrow night.”
“I . . . I’m not sure. Could you excuse me just a minute while I make a quick call?”
He nodded. “Certainly. But don’t change any plans on my account.”
I stood up. “I really want to hear what you have to say. It’s just—”
“Sarah, I know that a local deputy sheriff is helping you investigate this case. He called someone at the department and asked questions. I’m not upset about it. In fact, I applaud him. I also know that Mike Templeton is in town.” He hesitated a moment before saying, “Mike has a lot of experience with the Kansas City Police Department. But”—he stared down at his hands—“I feel I need to warn you to . . . be careful.”
“Of Mike? Why do you say that?”
“I don’t want to worry you unnecessarily. Mike’s retirement wasn’t completely his idea. There were some problems.”
“I don’t understand,” I said.
Anson frowned. “I’m not comfortable saying anything more. Just be on your guard. I feel responsible for you and your niece.”
“Captain—”
“Anson, please.”
“Anson, the only reason we’ve been pursuing Hannah’s murder is because we want your department to look in the right place. Not only to find the killer but also to find out the real reason she was murdered. If Steven Hanks killed Hannah, and I don’t think he did, someone else was behind it. Someone who was also involved with my parents’ deaths.”
“I understand why you’re concerned, Sarah. I want you to know that I’m working hard behind the scenes to find the truth.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s all I want, Anson. I’m not trying to get in your way. Really.”
He leaned forward and took my hand. “I know that. It’s our fault you felt you had to do this much. I talked to Doug before he died, and I have his file. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to solve this crime.”
“Th-thank you,” I said, trying to stay calm. “Let me call my friend Paul. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to hear this. We’re meeting tomorrow night for dinner, and I’d love to have you join us.”
“I’d like that.”
I jogged up the stairs. Anson seemed sincere. Since he was directly connected to the police department and had a job with authority behind it, having him on our side was fantastic news. I went to my room and called Paul. He answered his phone right away. I told him about Anson and repeated what he’d said about helping us.
“Boy, I don’t know, Sarah,” he said slowly. “Mike seemed pretty opposed to telling this guy anything.”
“Anson said Mike didn’t just retire from the police department because he was injured. He said there were other problems.”
“What kind of problems?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t feel right asking. As far as Mike’s claim that you could get in trouble, it isn’t true. Anson isn’t upset by your involvement. In fact, he’s apologetic for not getting to the bottom of this sooner.”
“So what do you want to do? If we bring Bentley in, we may lose Mike.”
“We have the ear of a captain in the Kansas City Police Department, Paul. Isn’t that what we’ve been working toward all along?”
Paul was silent as he considered what I’d said. “Why don’t you tell him to meet us for dinner? I’ll deal with Mike.”
“I’m glad you said that, because I already asked him.”
Paul’s sigh floated through the phone. “I hope this is the right decision. If it’s not . . .”
“We shouldn’t be so suspicious. Anson has been supportive from the start. And he took the time to come to my house. Why would he do that if he was out to get us?”
“I agree. It’s just that Mike’s instincts seem pretty good.”
“If he really cares about solving Hannah’s murder, he’ll stick with us.”
“All right. It’s your call. I think I should call Mike and tell him though.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. “Maybe it would be better to just let him find out at dinner. It’s not his business who we bring into this.”
“I don’t want to blindside him. I’ve got to give him a heads-up.”
“Go ahead if you feel better about it.”
“I’ll pick you up about six-thirty.”
I put the phone down and took a deep breath. Was I doing the right thing? It seemed right to me. Having Anson Bentley on our side was a great victory. One that we couldn’t ignore.
I headed downstairs and found Anson right where I’d left him. I sat down on the couch. “Paul and I are meeting Mike tomorrow night at the steak house in Fredericktown. Paul said you’re more than welcome to join us.”
“Great. I’d like to hear what you’ve dug up. As I said, after looking at your sister’s murder more closely, I have some questions.” He looked toward the kitchen. “Will your niece be joining us?”
I shook my head. “No. I’m not comfortable talking about Hannah’s murder in front of her. I’ll fill her in when I have something solid to tell her.”
“Good. It would be very difficult to talk freely with her there.” He took a sip of his coffee and then put it back on the saucer. “So how is she doing really?”
I sighed. “Things are much better now. For a while I was very worried. She was angry. It’s understandable, but anger can lead to poor choices.” I told him about Cicely’s impromptu visit to the mine. “It’s very unstable, and there’s a deep, uncovered shaft inside. She could have been seriously hurt.”
“There are a lot of abandoned mines in this area,” he said with a frown. “I thought the state was working to provide protection.”
“It’s a project in process. Most of them have been secured. Unfortunately, we’re out in the boonies. At one time the town was mostly Conservative Mennonite, and they didn’t welcome government intervention in their affairs. I think the state decided to leave us to our own devices. Since we don’t really have any city government, there’s no one to monitor the situation.”
His eyebrows shot up. “You don’t have any kind of city council to oversee things? How does that work?”
I smiled. “We have a mayor. He represents us in state matters. Of course, the Mennonites don’t recognize him as their mayor but they do as a friend, and they let him know what they’re concerned about. In a casual way, of course.”
“When I get home I’ll see if I can pull some strings. Lots of mines have been reclaimed all over the state. Maybe I can help to speed the process along.”
“That would be wonderful. Something needs to happen before someone gets hurt.”
I was struck again by his rugged good looks. He reminded me of someone, but for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out who it was. Probably an actor on television. If I watched TV more often, I’d probably be able to make the connection.
He took another sip of coffee. “I’m really glad Cicely’s doing better.”
I sighed. “I am too.”
“But catching the person who killed her mother would certainly help, wouldn’t it?”
“I hope so. Sometimes I wonder.”
He cocked his head to the side and looked at me questioningly. “What do you mean?”
“Honestly, all she really wants is her mother. I believe someday she’ll be glad the killer was brought to justice. But right now, all she can feel is Hannah’s absence.”
He nodded. “I understand. I really do. Sometimes victims are completely caught up in seeing the guilty party punished. But when it happens, they still have to face the sorrow of their loss. There’s nothing we can do to fix that. But I’ll do everything I can to at least give her—and you—some closure. Okay?”
Anson stood up. “I’ve got to get going, but I’ll meet you tomorrow night. What time and where?”
“About seven o’clock?” I told him the name of the restaurant and how to get there.
“I’m sure I can find it. Fredericktown is so small, if I get lost, I’m confident I can find someone who can direct me to the steak house.”
I smiled. “Especially since it’s the only steak house in town. Believe it or not, their steaks are fantastic. Even someone from the big city will appreciate them.”
He chuckled. “I’m sure I will. Thanks again for inviting me.”
I walked him to the front door, said good-bye, and watched him drive away.
“Seems like a nice man.” I turned to find Janet behind me, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Yes, he is,” I agreed. “Just goes to show that the police do care.” I sighed. “Hannah was always so frustrated with them. She started trying to get someone to look into our parents’ murders when she was only nineteen, but no one would listen to her. Too bad she never connected with Anson.”
“How old do you think he is?” Janet asked.
I shook my head. “I don’t know. Mike said something about knowing him for over twenty years. I guess that makes Anson somewhere in his late forties or early fifties.”
Janet shrugged. “Some people just look younger than they are. Unfortunately, that’s never been my problem.”
I frowned at her. “That’s not true, Janet. You look great for eighty.”
Her eyebrows shot up and she laughed. “Very funny. See if I ever make you another bite to eat.”
It was my turn to giggle. “You look great, and you know it. I think you’re just fishing for compliments.”
She sighed dramatically. “Only because I have to. No one else gives them to me.”
“Oh goodness. You are mistreated.” I grinned at her. “I’ve noticed that Mr. Banks from Barnes brings his dog, Bowie, to the clinic every chance he gets. If Bowie sneezes, Mr. Banks makes an appointment. He’s definitely got eyes for you.”
“Oh, pshaw.” Janet turned pink. “That man doesn’t even know I’m alive.”
Hiram Banks was the president of a small bank in Barnes. Knowing a man named Banks who worked for a bank was a source of amusement, but he was actually a very nice man. An attractive widower who really did seem interested in Janet. I expected him to ask her for a date one of these days, and I prayed she’d accept. After her very unhappy marriage, I knew she was gun-shy, but Janet had a lot of love to give. She and Hiram would make a great couple.
“So what did Anson have to say?” she asked.
“He wants to help us, Janet.”
She smiled. “That’s wonderful.” She came over and gave me a hug. “This is just what you’ve been working for. I’m so proud of you.”
“I’m thrilled, really.”
Janet stepped back and looked at me closely. “You don’t look that thrilled. Is something wrong?”
I shook my head. “No, it’s great. I hope that tomorrow night Paul and I will be able to hand everything over to Anson and go on with our lives. But Paul’s not sure we have enough to give them.”
“That’s not all you’re worried about, is it?”
I looked at her with surprise. “What do you mean?”
“You’re worried that after Anson Bentley takes over, you and Paul won’t have anything in common.”
I looked at her with surprise. “How do you do that? Read my mind?”
Janet smiled. “It comes from knowing you, honey. Sarah, that man is crazy about you. Yes, your relationship will be different. It will be better. Now you’ll have time to get to know each other without the specter of death hanging over you. If it’s meant to be, your relationship will blossom.”
“I know you’re right.” I met her gaze. “I think I’m in love with him, Janet.”
“I know,” she said softly. “And loving someone means putting your heart in their hands. It’s scary.”
I nodded. “Well, after tomorrow we’ll see what Paul and I have left.” I headed toward the stairs. “I just hope it’s enough.”