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Chapter Thirty-Three

Alan received a call early Monday morning from the county police dispatcher asking if he would substitute for an officer who called in sick. He didn’t hesitate to accept, although it meant a change in his plans.

He hopped into the shower while I dragged myself out of bed to make the coffee and open the back door for Sophie. By the time he joined me in the kitchen, looking quite handsome in his uniform, I presented him with his mug and toaster waffles.

“Don’t forget the beaded necklace,” I reminded him.

He picked up the bag from the counter and placed it in his pocket. “As I told you last night, we won’t get a clue from this.”

“I know, but you’ll have done your duty.”

He nodded, dousing his waffles with syrup. “I feel sorry for Clare, especially losing her position because of someone’s ego, but there’s no way her sister left that necklace on the table. ”

“Liz could still have her keys,” I reminded him. “You told us Sophie followed a scent, and she likes Liz’s scarves. It’s possible that Liz stopped by; and, maybe, she left the necklace as a peace offering.”

Alan sputtered, rolling his eyes. “Is that why she dumped her car at lover’s lane?”

I shook my head. “That doesn’t make sense, does it?”

“No, and given what Clare told you last night, I don’t think Liz wants to see her sister.”

I poured myself a cup of coffee and sat next to him at the island. “My sister and I have said or done things through the years that may have been hurtful, but we don’t hold grudges. We barely talk on the phone, yet I’d want to see her if she came.”

“I guess I could say the same about my siblings.”

“Right,” I agreed, “so I do think Liz is being held captive somewhere. She could have stopped to see someone on Sunday morning—and she could have been wearing the beaded necklace.”

“How would it have landed on the kitchen table?”

“Whoever kidnapped her has her keys. He dumped the car so it wouldn’t trace to her location and, tonight, put the necklace in the house.”

Alan sipped his coffee, thinking. “That’s a good deduction. If you’re right, someone’s watching Clare’s comings and goings. After all, he or she knew when to get access.”

“Creepy,” I sighed. “I wonder why?”

“Given the rock and voodoo doll, I’d say someone is trying to scare Clare so she’ll leave. There must be something in that house the person wants.”

“Who would do that?” I wondered aloud. “My first guess would be one of the neighbors since they can see when Clare goes out. ”

Alan nodded. “The driveway’s on the right, so I’d say Jane is our suspect, and she has the J.W. initials.”

“She’s too old, can barely walk, and had no one but Liz to visit her. She certainly wouldn’t kidnap Clare’s sister or throw a rock through a second-floor window.”

Alan chuckled as he placed his dishes in the sink. “That’s all I’ve got, Sherlock. Get your moxie working.”

I watched as he put on his police paraphernalia, then said, “We need to find Liz quickly. Once the creep no longer needs her, she’s a goner.”

He turned to me, and our eyes met. “I think you’re right, honey.”

The enormity of our discussion weighed heavily. I added kibbles and water to Sophie’s bowls and called her in to eat, then went to shower and dress. A mantra echoed in my mind: Where are you, Lizzie?

^^^

After breakfast, I prepared my bank statement at the kitchen island. Sophie had been lying at my feet until she heard a noise that drew her toward the open front door. Her tail swooshed with excitement, so I went to greet our visitor.

“Good morning,” I said as Clare reached the stoop. “Come in and have a cup of coffee.” I regretted my words instantly since “the creep” could have seen her leave the house.

“Thank you, but I’m not going to stay. I just wanted to report that I was fine last night. ”

“That’s good news.” I gave her a supportive smile. “Alan took your necklace to the county police this morning.”

“I hoped he’d remember.” She reached to pet Sophie. “He must think I’m really flaky.”

“Not at all, Clare. In fact, we think someone wants you to leave Aspen Notch.”

She shook her head. “Lizzie?”

“No, and your sister may not even know you’re here.”

“She knows,” Clare whispered, “but I’m not leaving until I have full assurance she’s okay.”

I hesitated to reveal the earlier conversation between Alan and me, yet considered it necessary. “We believe the person who left Liz’s car at lovers’ lane has your sister’s keys, which probably includes her house key. That’s who put the necklace on the table.”

“Maybe it was Liz telling me she’s okay.”

“You can believe that, but I don’t. That rock through your window, the doll on your porch, and the beaded necklace are sick messages of warning.”

Her back stiffened; she stood taller. “If I go, Liz will win.”

“This is not Liz making you pay for neglecting to be with her after her son died, Clare.” I wanted to tell her to get over it, yet her forlorn expression held me back. Instead, I said, “Why not ask one of your nun friends to come stay with you?”

“How will that help?”

“You wouldn’t be alone in the house, and I wouldn’t have to worry about you.” My comment brought a faint smile.

“I’ve probably faced more fears in the bush than you ever will, so don’t lose sleep over me. I’ll talk to the Sisters and let you know if I can arrange for one of them to visit, but I intend to come and go whenever I want.”

I had a sudden inspiration. “You know, I had the locks on the log cabin changed after someone caused mischief there. Let’s have the locksmith come out today.”

She paused, pondering. “I wouldn’t want Liz to think I’ve locked her out of her home.” After a moment’s consideration, she said, “If you believe that’s wise…”

“I do.” I reached for my phone, searched my contacts for the locksmith’s number, and called.

He thought he could be there by mid-afternoon.

“He must not be very busy,” Clare noted when I ended the call.

“Alan and I have used his services more than once, and he does his best to fit us in. He’s a nice guy, so you’re in good hands.”

“I appreciate your help,” she murmured, leaning down to pet Sophie again.

I felt good about giving her a reason to stay home, at least for a little while. Another brainstorm had me say, “I have to run errands this morning, and hate to leave Sophie alone. Would you like her company until the locksmith comes?”

Sophie must have understood my words because she gave a pleading look and wagged her tail.

Clare laughed. “I think we’d both enjoy the company.”

I gathered Sophie’s water bowl, Liz’s scarf, and a couple of her toys, then attached the leash to her collar. As we walked to the curb together, I told her my plan to go to the bank and grocery store before working in the garden shop.

“Would you like me to bring anything back for you?”

“I’d love one of those Italian hoagies from Franco’s,” she replied, somewhat hesitantly .

I smiled. “Good idea. I’ll pick up one for each of us and we can have lunch together at your house.”

“Liz’s house,” she interjected.

“Yes, Liz’s house.”

For some reason, I felt as though we’d connected—at least a little, and that meant a lot to me.