CHAPTER 5
After freshening up I returned downstairs with
Teddy and ordered the car. The fog had rolled in and the wet mist hit my face
the moment I stepped beyond the lobby doors.
Walter, the bellhop, appeared with the Jeep and
held the door open. I set Teddy gently inside.
“I’m off to see your father today. See, I do keep
my promises."
“Oh, thanks, Mrs. Bradley. You’re great!”
I climbed into the driver’s seat, ready to get to
the end of this mystery. It had been a nagging undercurrent in my mind all
week. What sort of problem had Walter been inferring? Why did it require my
expertise?
I headed past the gatehouse and down Highway 1.
After a few turns, I pulled up in front of the large warehouse nursery, parked,
and rolled down the windows a little for Teddy.
“I’ll be right back.”
I headed for the entrance and walked through the
automatic doors.
A clerk at the check-out counter on the right
buried her nose in some paperwork.
“Excuse me–”
“May I help
you?” She seemed a little surprised, and squinted at me behind a pair of
red-rimmed Coke-bottle glasses.
“Yes, as a matter of fact. I’m here to see Mr.
Montoya. He’s expecting me.”
“Hmm…he’s in the office. Straight past the
cyclamens, turn left at the hydrangeas. There’s a sign.”
I moved in the direction she spoke and barely
missedtr ipping over a hose.
“Thank you.”
I had never seen so many cyclamens in such an array
of colors in all my life. They were beautiful! The hydrangeas were not as
robust, but it was, after all, not their season. I finally saw the sign. It
read “Office”.
I knocked.
“Come in.” The man’s voice sounded curt. He sat
with his back to me hunched over a stack of papers.
“Hello,” I said with a smile. “I’m Jillian Bradley
and I believe Mr. Montoya is expecting me.”
“Mrs. Bradley.” He jumped up from his chair as if
the meeting had completely slipped his mind. He stepped forward and held out a
hand. “Uh…Walter Montoya... Senior, at your service.”
He glanced warily down the hallway to see if anyone
was listening. Satisfied, he me in and closed the door.
“Thank you for coming. It’s a real honor to
have a celebrity in Half Moon Bay.” He offered me a cup of coffee that looked
freshly made. I accepted. “Won’t you have a seat?”
“Thank you.” I sat down on a small chrome chair
covered in green vinyl.
“I’ll come right to the point,” he began, eyes
downcast at first. “I’ve done the books here for fifteen years and in all those
years there’s never been any trouble with our accounts. Everything would balance
out to the dime; that’s how I run things.
Then last month, I discovered a lot of money
missing. I’m talking big money, money that could rob me of my job… all in the account
for this conference. I would tell someone but I’m afraid if I don’t find out what’s
going on, I’ll get the blame.”
“Oh my… do you have any idea what may have happened
to it?”
“All I know is that I got to balancing the books
two months ago and they come up $8,000 short.”
“That’s a lot of money. It’s just gone?”
“Shh! Please Mrs. Bradley. No one knows anything
about it yet, except my wife. I tell her everything. She’s the one that told me
to get outside help before I told the boss about it. That’s why I asked my son
to talk to you.”
“I can see your problem, Walter. You haven’t told
your boss anything about the shortfall?”
“I was so stunned I told myself there had to be a
mistake somewhere, so I decided to let another month go by to see if it would
work out somehow. Now I know that it was the wrong thing to do because I still
can’t account for the shortfall. Since I waited so long to report it, it makes
me look like I took it, but I swear to you I didn’t!”
“I believe you. Tell me, has anything unusual
happened that you can think of?”
“No, things are pretty much the same as they always
are. Same wholesale accounts, same upfront sales, no changes in personnel. I
can’t figure it out, but if I don’t come up with an answer soon I’m afraid I’ll
have to take it to the boss and let the chips fall where they may.”
“Do you have any idea where to start looking?”
“All I know is the owners leave most of the
business concerns to me and the warehouse manager. You must know him, Spencer
Hausman. He’s running the conference you’re attending.”
“I certainly do know him, but not very well. I’ve
only spoken to him on the phone and had tea with him. How long has he been the
manager?” Was this more than just a coincidence?
“He’s been here for almost four years. We get along
fine, as long as he stays in his office and I stay in mine.”
“I know what you mean. Walter, can you tell me how
large a concern this nursery business is and how much revenue is generated in a
month?”
“I guess it would be okay to tell you. I’d say
roughly $50,000 on average, give or take a thousand.”
“That’s a lot of flowers!”
“That’s not just flowers, Ma’am. We raise
mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and leeks too.”
“I had no idea. Listen.” I stood. “I’ll do what I
can to help you. Perhaps I can find out something at the conference. You
mustn’t worry. I’m sure if you’re honest, and I think you are or you wouldn’t
have such a wonderful son as Walter, everything will turn out all right.”
“I sure hope so. I don’t have much time before the
owners ask for the report. Please stay in touch, Mrs. Bradley.”
Teddy hopped all over the front seat in dog-delighted
welcome when I returned. “I’m glad to see you too,” I said, a little deflated
by Walter’s situation. I climbed in and turned out into the street.
This was horrible. How could I help the poor
man? I needed a pick-me-up to lift my spirits–quick! The road curved and caughtI
a glimpse of something delightful. Half Moon Bay Coffee Company spellined
vertical letters towered over Main Street. I parked immediately.
***
“I’ll have the clam chowder, half a roast beef
sandwich and a diet cola… to go.”
“Sure thing.”
The young man behind the counter looked dead to the
world. Had he worked the night shift? Did they have night shifts in small towns
like this?
I glanced toward the other tourists who, like
me, crowded in around the bar and other tables. It seemed to be a happening
place for young people, probably surfers and students, a place to hang out
together…with coffee. Normally, I would have enjoyed a place like this, but I
needed away from the noise to think. Yes, a shot of caffeine was just what I
needed. I had to think, to plan.
Coming out of the diner, bag in hand I heard,
“Jillian, over here!” and turned to see Ann seated at a sidewalk café.
“Hello.”
Thank heavens!
The perfect time for a friend.
Then I did a double take and regretted acting so
ready to sit and dine. Next to her under a wide brimmed beach hat was Evelyn
Westover. Spencer Hausman and a woman I hadn’t seen before put their menus on
the table.
I saw them and cringed, not really in the mood for vain
conversation.
“Jillian, meet Marianne Delacruz. I believe you’re
going to review her tomorrow.”
Ann placed her menu on the table and gestured,
“Marianne, this is Jillian Bradley.”
I nodded my head in a friendly way, not quite in
the mood for perfect cordiality.
“Thomas didn’t join you, I see?”
Evelyn half closed her eyes. “Thomas is playing a
round of golf this afternoon. That is his life, you know. He was the one who
insisted we stay at the hotel. I told him we would have been much more
comfortable at home, but he wouldn’t hear of it.”
I changed the subject. “I see you’ve met my friend
Ann.”
“Oh, yes,” began Evelyn, “it seems we have a mutual
friend who spoke at the Rutherford House League last month. It’s a small world,
isn’t it? Just the other day–”
Spencer spoke before Evelyn could continue. “I knew
Ann was a garden club friend of yours, Jillian, and when we bumped into each
other I invited her to have lunch with us. She’s quite a delight.”
The server brought another chair and I sat down to
join them for a minute.
“Are you only having lunch, or have you all been
shopping like I know Ann has.”
“Just lunch,” Marianne said quickly before anyone else
could answer.
They exchanged a few furtive glances, so I stood to
leave. “I’ve just had mine, and actually, I’m ready for a nap. It was nice to
see you again Evelyn, and nice to meet you, Marianne. I’m looking forward to
your talk on tree peonies. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon, Spencer. Ann, see
you at tea.”
Nearly back at the jeep, I heard a light step
behind me.
Marianne caught her breath. Apparently, she had
jogged to catch up with me before I left. She raised her shoulders in a shy gesture.
“Do you mind if I ride back with you? I need to get some things ready for my
talk tomorrow, and I don’t want to hurry anyone with their lunch.” She hurried
through her excuse as if justifying herself was necessary.
“Of course.” I moved my excited-to-see-me companion
off his seat and into the back. “Sorry, Teddy. We must be courteous.”
It was a joke. He preferred having the entire seat
to himself anyway.
She was quiet after we got into the car. Something was
on her mind. She finally spoke.
“That’s a cute dog.”
“Thank you.” I smiled. “I’ve always had a Yorkie.”
“Why did you name him Teddy? Any special reason?”
“My husband’s name was Ted.”
“You’re widowed then?” She turned to look at me.
I started the car and pulled away from the curb.
“Yes,” I answered with a small sigh, then smiled as I remembered him.
“Would you care to tell me about him?” She acted glad
to put the ball of conversation in my court.
“They drafted him soon after we were married and
sent him to Vietnam. Killed in combat within the year. Before he died though,
he managed to save three of his buddies by drawing enemy fire away as they
escaped.”
I could picture it perfectly in my mind, the bravery
of it. “I still have his medal of honor and the flag they presented to me at
his funeral.”
“I’m so sorry, Jillian. And you never found anyone
else?”
“I never had the time. I stay busy writing for the
paper, and with my own gardening endeavors, it seems I only have time for my
garden club.” I laughed a little. “We had two wonderful years. He was such a
loving man. He left me with enough memories to last my lifetime. I’ve never
felt the need to replace him.”
I reached back and gave Teddy a love pat and
noticed Marianne lost in thought.
“Marianne, are you feeling all right?”
“Yeah, I’m okay I guess. I was just thinking about
Evelyn Westover. We’re great friends and have been for a long time. It just
bothers me that Evelyn acts like the only thing she cares about is her social
life.”
“Why should that bother you? Some people are social
butterflies, some people aren’t.”
“Would you be a social butterfly six months after
your son overdosed on barbiturates? Your only son?”
“I had no idea. How awful! I know it took me at
least two years to get through losing my husband. You know, you’re right.
Evelyn certainly doesn’t seem grief stricken or upset.”
“I think she’s deluding herself, Jillian, and when
it hits her, it will hit her hard. I’ve known Evelyn for years. She never used
to treat Thomas the way she does.”
“You think she’s taking it out on him?”
“That’s exactly what I think. Thomas is a wonderful
man, but he can’t be expected to hold on much longer.”
“Perhaps they can get counseling.”
“Evelyn Westover? Counseling? That will never
happen. She has too much pride. Her son was everything to her.”
“Have you tried to talk to her, Marianne?”
“I’ve started to several times but she always
changes the subject like it’s blocked out of her mind completely.”
“What about Thomas? Have you talked to him?”
“He’s never around. He plays golf most of the time
or looks after his clients in various parts of the Bay Area.”
“Losing a child is so sad,” I said, “I’m sure no
one can understand what they’re feeling unless they’ve gone through it.”
“I’m sorry to burden you, Jillian. You just
happened to be here when I needed to vent. Thanks for listening.”
“I’m a good listener, anytime.”
The fog had rolled in and Marianne commented, “It’s
pretty unusual to see fog this time of day.”
I looked up at the sky. “It sure makes it dark,
doesn’t it?”
I didn’t like the way the sky looked. It seemed to
lean over me, threatening to obscure my happy time at this delightful conference.
A shadow seemed to stalk my immediate future and I felt a strange pressure. The
two of us must have felt it for we sat in silence until we were at the
gatehouse again.
Breaking the strange foreboding feeling, Walter
greeted us merrily near the front doors.
Marianne excused herself and made her way into the
lobby.
I handed Walter the keys. With as much sympathy as
I could muster I brought him up to date. “Walter, I’ve seen your father.
Somehow, we’ll make everything right.”
If you like to read about lovely places and fabulous cuisine, enjoy the Jillian Bradley mystery series.
Book 1 MURDER IN HALF MOON BAY
for your e-reader is free!
All books are G-rated and contain no profanity.
See you in my books!
~Nancy Jill
Mystery
novelist Nancy Jill Thames has published Christian fiction since 2010.
The author of seven books in the Jillian Bradley series, she is an award
winning blogger and listed numerous times on the Author Watch Bestseller’s
List. In addition, she won first place in her church's 4th of July celebration for her chocolate cream pie.
When she isn’t plotting her next
book, she spends time with her six
grandchildren, tags along with her husband on business trips, and
plays classical piano for her personal enjoyment. She is an active
member
of the Leander Writers' Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW),
CenTex Chapter-ACFW, and supports the Central Texas SPCA with a portion
of her book sales. She resides with her husband in Leander, Texas.
If you'd like to give a friend or a loved one a gift that keeps on giving, the Jillian Bradley mysteries might be a good choice. Rated G with no profanity or offensive scenes, they are the perfect gift choice for readers on your list. Books range in price from $7.99 to $11.99 for paperbacks and FREE to $3.99 for eBooks. Not bad when you consider one can purchase the entire series for under $99.00 + tx and s/h. (Amazon Prime members enjoy free s/h!) 
Besides the 10 book series, there are short stories about Jillian and Teddy included in the holiday anthologies "A Cup of Cozy" series, and the latest one out "Happy Homicides." The "Cup of Cozy" anthologies include recipes and menus, and recipes and crafts abound in the bonus issue of "Happy Homicides."
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