Even though I wouldn’t have admitted it or maybe because I didn’t consciously feel it, I probably shared Barb’s concerns on some level because I was flooded with relief when she said what she said. There was strength in numbers, and knowing someone felt the way you do. Also, having someone to bounce ideas off was enormously helpful.
We resumed our search. The area up to the gate and around the pool deck provided nothing significant. Admittedly, I was beginning to feel defeat creeping in. I thought seeing the property again, facing what had happened here would give us a chance to find something helpful.
After another thirty minutes and with the skies darkening overhead, I finally was willing to leave. “Turns out this was likely a fool’s mission. Let’s get out of here,” I said to Barb as we straightened up and brushed the dirt from our shorts. I walked behind her as we left through the gate. Although I knew it would squeak, the creaking of those rusty hinges still made me jump. My nerves were on edge, too.
“Looks like you have some kind of a bug bite on your leg, Barb. It’s pretty red. Does it hurt?”
She stopped and twisted her leg to get a better view, “This one? I didn’t feel anything bite.”
“Here, hold on, I will take a picture so you can see it better,” I said as I got my phone out and crouched. “Wait, what’s this?”
She was concerned, “Oh no! Do you think it’s a tick bite?”
Barb’s bug bite was momentarily forgotten as I pulled another plastic bag from my front pocket. To our left, about five feet from the gate was a small, silver oval, about the size of a quarter, etched with crossed golf clubs. On either side of the clubs were the initials G and C. As I placed this piece into one of the bags, I stood slowly to face Barb.
“This feels important,” I said. “This does not look like it has been here long, do you agree?”
“One hundred percent, yes, but it could belong to anyone. Lots of people golf on the island—what if it fell off of someone’s golf bag? What if someone was walking through here and …”
“Walking through a deserted neighborhood, miles away from a course, carrying their golf bag? Barb, come on.” I shook my head. “This medallion is from a trophy or maybe someone’s shoe, like a loafer or something.”
“Well, okay, someone is walking through an abandoned neighborhood carrying their golf trophy?” Barb shot back.
“Touché, point taken. I don’t know exactly what it is, but I think this is important. Makes me want to see what else is still here. We almost missed this. If I hadn’t been crouching just now, I wouldn’t have seen it. Guess we owe that blasted mosquito a bit of thanks.”
We drove back to the store so Barb could pick up her cart. Our heads were spinning with all that happened since Barb first walked through the door that morning, announcing the store’s appearance in the Island Insider. I knew Barb’s guests were arriving soon.
“Hey, I will call you tomorrow morning and let you know what Julie has to say. Thanks for everything today, Barb,” I said.
She climbed into her cart and looked over at me, “Sounds good. And—sorry, Carr, I know I could have been more supportive this afternoon. I’m not sure why, but this got to me today. Maybe it feels a little more real now that the pieces are slowly coming together. But I didn’t mean to—well I shouldn’t—take it out on you.”
This woman could not be a better friend. “Barb, please, there’s nothing to apologize for. I think we are both a little raw. It’s not every day we uncover a crime scene. I think we are handling it all pretty well, all things considered! I wake up thinking about it, go to sleep thinking about it. I mean, I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t for Tripp. I have hardly worked all week. He is carrying the lion’s share of the work at the store. Now, be safe driving back and we’ll catch up later!”
Her smile seemed forced, but she waved as she headed out of the lot.
As I walked into the store, it gave me comfort to see customers in all the different rooms, all the chairs filled. People were gathered around the Trading Floor’s table and the scent of black tea, lemongrass, and honey filled the air. There was a positive energy that I welcomed, especially after all that happened today.
“Tripp, hi. How are things going?” I asked as I walked to the register. “The store looks amazing. You’re doing such a great job. Thank you.” My eyes found Buddy, who clearly had identified his chair. He was curled up into the same one as yesterday, and my thoughtful customers had not shooed him away. Both of his eyes were on me as I walked over to kiss the top of his head. His tail wagged like a magic wand, swirling away all the difficulties, the pain, and the confusion of the day.
“Hi, my sweet boy, have you behaved for Uncle Tripp?”
Tripp laughed. “Honestly, this dog could not be any better behaved. Except for a quick break outside and a couple of greetings to our regular customers, Buddy has been keeping that chair warm all day. A perfect gentleman, indeed. I think a few friends have slipped him some treats as well. I’m not sure about the rest of us, but it has been a great day for Buddy!”
“You need to head out and get some rest,” I said. “You have been chained to this store all week. I appreciate all you have done. The store is clean and organized, everything looks great but you need to have some free time, too. And—I want to let you know that I think we are getting closer to figuring out what happened with Carl. I know you don’t want the details, I just want you to know that we are making progress.”
“I’m fine, Carr,” he said. “And I don’t mind finishing up here, really. You look like it has been quite a day! You look wiped out.” He smiled as he said it, but I could see the concern in his face. “I’m happy to finish out the day. Thanks for the update on where things stand. It has only been a few days but man, I don’t need to tell you how those few days feel.”
“No, I insist you go,” I said. “I don’t want you to get sick of us!”
Tripp started collecting his phone, keys, and backpack. As he scratched Buddy’s head, he said, “Okay, well before I go, you have a couple of messages on your desk. You should know, Paul Easton is looking for you. He stopped in twice today and called shortly after you left. Also, Julie called—said she couldn’t get you on your cell.”
I dug my phone out of the tote bag and, sure enough, now that I had better reception, there was the notification of Julie’s call and a text from her that just said, “Please call.”
“Want me to stay so you can return Julie’s call?” Tripp asked.
I shook my head. “No, you get going, but thanks again for everything. We’re all making real progress here.”