Second Chances

By Lynette S. Jones

Jed Sloane, the new preacher in town, knew something about everyone in the small town of Cherryton, Washington, except his secretary Kate Standish. Kate preferred it that way. She’d changed her life three years ago, with the help of the old preacher and Olivia Thornberry. She’d appreciated starting out clean with Jed. She didn't want him to know about her past. But what she preferred didn't matter after Olivia approached Jed to investigate some small thefts she believed were occurring in her house. Simple theft turned into murder when Kate and Jed arrived at the Manor, Olivia’s home and found her dead in her parlor. Jed knew that Olivia had been poisoned. Feeling as if he'd failed Olivia, Jed promises himself he will solve this murder, no matter who is guilty. He doesn't want to believe it's Kate even though she's his best suspect. Unwittingly, Olivia has plunged Jed back into the suspicion and doubt he'd hoped to leave behind when he came to Cherryton. Would he have a second chance to start over again once he solved the mystery of Olivia's death?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lynette S. Jones
• Release date: Nov 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310717956

Lynette S. Jones

I was born in Tucson Arizona, but never really lived there. We moved to Washington State and stayed there until I was five. We then moved to Simi Valley, California where I stayed until I was 19. I was encouraged to pursue writing by a few of my English teachers in high school. I took their advice and began to write. I took creative writing and literature classes throughout my college years and after. I have been writing for many years for pleasure and have just recently released my novels as e-books. The Saga of Preterlandis series is now available in paperback. See my website for details. I hope that my readers enjoy reading my offerings as much as I enjoyed writing them. I live with my husband, and family in Eastern Washington, where the Yakima and Columbia Rivers merge. When I'm not writing I make my living by writing computer applications, designing small customized databases or working as a designer on industrial construction projects. I am looking for people to review my books and submit the reviews to Smashwords.com or to Amazon.com. If you are interested contact me at [e-mail]

Book preview

SECOND CHANCES

Lynette S. Jones

Copyright © 2013 by Lynette Jones

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved.

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission.

As always,

For Harvey

Chapter 1

Jed, I'd like to talk to you before you leave. An elderly woman in a trim, conservative gray suit hailed the new preacher greeting the members as they prepared to leave. The lanky raven-haired preacher, his face all angles and his jaw jutting sharply, acknowledged her request while he continued to shake the member's hands. He was handsome in his own way, although there wasn't one feature of his face that could be pointed to as exceptional. The lines around his eyes and mouth were beginning to deepen with age. His jet-black hair belied his thirty-five years. Olivia Thornberry knew he wouldn't forget her. It seemed the new preacher didn't forget much of anything. He had been in Cherryton less than two months and already he knew the members of their congregation and something about each of them. He was like her in that regard. He noticed things and remembered them. That was why she wanted to talk to him. She needed some help with a certain problem she had. She couldn't go to the police and she definitely couldn’t go to her lawyer Ken Lambert. Besides, lately he didn't seem very interested in her problems. Jed was the perfect solution. She was sure he would be able to help.

Oh Kate dear, she called to a tall, slender woman with long, blonde hair standing by a plastic potted plant in the corner near the door. The young woman had been cornered by one of the older women whose slenderness of younger years was beginning to shrink into the sickly thinness of old age. It was clear to Olivia that Kate would like to escape from her conversation with Ruth. Ruth was gesturing animatedly as she spoke and moving closer to Kate, who had backed as far as she could into the corner.

Olivia moved slowly across the beige carpeted floor in their direction, leaning heavily on her cane as she moved. Her hip never had healed properly after her fall three years ago and her gait was uneven and halting. No one ever heard her complain, though. As with every problem in her life, she dealt with it herself.

The green eyes of the young woman trapped in the corner found her at her call and she excused herself to hurry to Olivia's side, helping her over to where Ruth was waiting.

How are you today, Ruth? Olivia addressed the woman standing there when they arrived. She straightened her jacket and opted to lean against Kate rather than her cane.

I'm worried about the Spring Social work party, Ruth took up where she'd left off with Kate. So far six people have backed out for one reason or another. I'm trying to talk Kate into helping. I've already asked Jed and he said he would help. I still need at least two more people. We can get by with that, we'll just have to work harder.

I'm always willing to help, you know that, replied Kate. If you want me," she added, leaving it up to Ruth.

Ruth gave her a knowing look before she answered. Don't be silly Kate, of course we want you. I'll see you tomorrow at seven. She lowered her voice and added, stop listening to what those folks say, whoever it is this time. What do they know, anyway? Patting Kate on the arm she hurried off, spying another unsuspecting victim.

Olivia chuckled in a low husky voice. Poor Hannah doesn't have a chance, she commented as they watched Ruth trap her in a corner. Ruth is right, she told Kate as she took her arm, don't listen to those people."

Kate smiled and gave Olivia a hug. Sometimes it's hard not to listen.

Following Kate’s glance to Earl Abrams, it wasn't hard for Olivia to figure out who was talking again or why. Her mouth hardened into a thin line as she thought about the self-righteous Earl Abrams and the trouble he could cause if he started talking about Kate again. She didn't want Kate hurt anymore. Earl was in for an earful tomorrow. She'd been around this town for a long time and she’d kept her eyes and ears open. After she reminded Earl of a few things, he’d stop talking about Kate.

Are you ready to go? asked Kate. I just need to get my coat.

I need to talk to the preacher before we go. You don't mind waiting, do you? asked Olivia, taking it for granted that Kate didn't mind. She really was such a nice young girl.

What do you want to talk to Jed about? Kate helped Olivia to a chair and then leaned against the wall with her hands behind her to wait for Jed to finish greeting the members exiting the building.

It's a private matter, nothing to concern yourself about, Olivia put her off. Kate frowned at the evasion, but didn’t press the issue.

Shaking the hand of the last member, Jed crossed the room to where Olivia was sitting, I'm sorry I took so long, I couldn't sneak away any sooner. Why don't we go to my office where we can talk in private? He glanced at Kate and raised his eyebrows questioningly at Olivia before he took the liberty of inviting her to come.

Catching the look, Kate excused herself. I have some work I can do in my office. She turned to Olivia. Come get me when you're ready to go.

I can bring Olivia home, volunteered Jed. There's no reason for you to stick around if you have something else to do.

Maybe that would work out best, conceded Olivia. I don't know how long this is going to take.

I don't mind waiting, said Kate.

No, it will work out better if Jed drives me, Olivia decided.

Kate didn’t argue with the old school teacher. Instead, she shrugged her shoulders indicating it didn’t matter to her one way or another and reached for her coat.

We'll have to miss our afternoon out, but it can't be helped, fretted Olivia. Perhaps Jed will consider having lunch with me, instead?

I'd be delighted and to make up for cheating Kate out of her afternoon, I insist on taking her to dinner one day this week.

I'm sorry, I can't, stammered Kate. I'm busy all week. Olivia knew she would turn him down, still for a moment, she'd hoped Kate would accept.

Another time then, said Jed accepting her rejection graciously.

Hesitating slightly Kate responded, another time. Clearly implying there wouldn’t be another time. I'll see you tomorrow Olivia and you too, Jed.

Bright and early, responded Jed. Tomorrow is visiting day. Kissing Olivia on the cheek, Kate walked to the door. Jed's eyes followed her until she disappeared from view.

Why don't you try just being her friend instead? Olivia counseled him when he turned his attention back to her. She could use a good friend.

I'm not sure I'll be able to leave it at friends, but I can try, said Jed.

Helping Olivia on with her coat, he continued, Although I have to confess, she hasn't made it very easy to get to know her, even just as friends. It's almost as if she doesn't want to get too close. She's been my secretary for two months and I don't know any more about her, now, than when I first arrived. Every time I try to find out something about her, she changes the subject.

No one's told you about her? Olivia asked in surprise. She was sure someone would feel a moral obligation to make sure Jed knew everything about Kate. That was probably what Earl Abrams was up to this morning, telling Kate it was his duty to let Jed know.

Told me what, about Kate?

Chagrined that she’d already let more slip than she should, Olivia backtracked quickly. Nothing important. When she's ready, she'll tell you.

Driving to Micky's diner, the only diner in town that anyone who wanted good food at a reasonable price patronized, they found a table in the corner. It was a cozy one-room diner, with homemade calico curtains and matching tablecloths. Debbie was the only waitress and Mildred, the owner, was the cook. The food, though simple fare, was excellent and had won Mildred a reputation for miles around. Most days it was hard to find a spot to sit and Sunday was no exception. Jed and Olivia were lucky they'd arrived later than usual and missed the crunch of the lunch hour rush. Most of the early crowd was gone and the late crowd was just beginning to arrive.

Now, what did you want to talk to me about? asked Jed when Debbie left with their order. Obviously you didn't want to talk to me about Kate.

No, I wanted to talk about something completely different. Olivia's voice took on a hushed confidential quality. I am convinced that I have been robbed and not just once but on several occasions.

Jed's eyebrows went up in surprise. Shouldn't you be discussing this with the police instead of me?

No, I don't want the police involved. Olivia was resolute on that point.

If someone is stealing from you, Jed tried to reason with her. You should report it.

It's not quite as simple as that. I suppose I should start at the beginning. Stopping a moment to collect her thoughts Olivia picked nervously at the hem of her jacket. I am a fairly wealthy woman and I have to admit that I like to surround myself with beautiful and rare things.

I've admired your antiques. They're a hobby of mine.

Then you are aware of the value of some of the pieces?

Jed nodded. I have a general idea.

Olivia opened her purse, pulled out a small packet and handed it to Jed. He leaned forward taking it from her and looking over the contents.

Are you saying the pieces listed on the first sheet that aren't on the second have been stolen?

I believe so, yes, said Olivia. I realize it isn't an enormous amount of money and I debated whether to bother with it or not. Still, stealing is stealing and many of these items will be very hard to replace. She pointed to the sheets of paper Jed held. The first list is the one I keep myself. The second is my copy of the official list.

Who has the original?

My attorney, Ken Lambert. When I asked him for a copy of his list, he gave me this. She handed him another sheet of paper. It was identical to the second list.

Maybe you gave these pieces away to charity and forgot to update your list? offered Jed by way of explanation.

I'm not senile, Jed. I know what I have in my house and I know that those items are missing. I can't explain why my attorney's list doesn't reflect the change. That's one of the reasons I didn't go to him with this problem. There's one other thing, I can't prove that any of these things are gone. Every piece of paper that proved ownership or authenticity is also missing. There is no evidence I ever owned them, other than my list. I think you can understand now, why I didn't go to the police. What would I tell them? They'd think I was a senile old woman who couldn't keep track of her possessions anymore. Besides, she hesitated a moment before she continued, I have other reasons for not wanting the police involved, which I would rather not go into right now.

Okay. I know you’re not senile. You’re probably right about the police not taking you seriously. Why are you telling me all this?

I want you to find out who is stealing from me.

I'm a preacher not a detective, protested Jed. Wouldn't you be better off hiring a private investigator?

No, I will be better off with you. That's why I came to you. I think the person stealing from me is a friend. I don't necessarily want an outsider poking around announcing to everyone he talks to that I'm looking for a thief. It might offend some people.

Olivia you know my past. I spent the last five years being a detective of sorts at the halfway house. One of the reasons I left mission work and came back to preaching was because I was tired of suspecting everyone of deception. I want a chance to trust people again. How can I do that, if I start suspecting everyone you know of theft?

Then you won’t help? asked Olivia, a look of fear and disappointment creeping into her eyes.

Sighing, Jed closed his eyes and raised his eyebrows in resignation. I don't see why I can't look into this for you, he said.

Olivia could tell he wasn’t happy granting her request, but she needed someone’s help and she thought he was the perfect man for the job. Most people opened up to the preacher. All he had to do was keep his eyes and ears open.

Although I'm not sure how much help I can be, he added.

I was sure I could count on you, said Olivia, relief flooding over her face. She paused briefly then continued. Now that he’d agreed to help she could bring up the real reason she was seeking his help. Up until this point, all the items have disappeared while I was away. My business takes me out of town on a fairly regular basis and the items would simply be gone when I returned. But lately, I have been awakened during the night by noises in the house. Of course, I am an old woman and I am awakened quite easily, anymore. When I get up to check the house, there is never anyone or anything there. Still, I can't help feeling the two incidences are related and I would feel better if the matter was resolved.

Olivia, said Jed, concern in his eyes and voice. You need to go to the police. People breaking into your house, you could be in a great deal of danger. It’s one thing to think the police won’t believe your story about missing furniture. It’s another to let someone break in repeatedly. There will be evidence if someone is breaking into your house, the police will believe that.

I don't want the police involved. That's the end of that, said Olivia stubbornly. I do have my reasons. Please believe me. I won't be in danger if you find the thief quickly.

I want someone in the house with you, Jed conceded the point, reluctantly. Ask Kate to spend the week or maybe a few weeks with you. I don't want you in the house alone. Call her now and we'll pick her up after we eat. I'll respect your wish about the authorities for now, but if I feel it's necessary I will call them.

I suppose I can't expect more than that, said Olivia rummaging in her bag for her cell phone.

Once she found her phone, she dialed Kate's number. Kate dear, she said when the young woman picked up the phone. I have a favor to ask.

You know I’d do anything for you, said Kate over the line. What do you need?

I’d like for you to come stay with me for a week or so. I could use some help around the house and the company would be wonderful.

I don’t see why not, replied Kate, hesitantly. Is there something wrong, Olivia?

Nothing serious, dear. Jed just wants me to have someone around for a few weeks.

Jed? Why would he care?

I can’t really go into it right now, said Olivia evasively. I'll explain it all to you when I can. Just say you’ll come.

I’ll come, replied Kate. You know all you have to do is ask.

Thank you, dear. I knew it wouldn’t be a problem. We’ll come get you in a few minutes.

So soon? asked Kate in surprise. Okay, I’ll do my best to be ready.

I have one last question I need to ask, Jed broached the subject cautiously. About Kate. Do you think there's any possibility she's involved in this?

Olivia looked hurt by the question, but answered him. I know with absolute certainty that Kate is not involved. If you knew her better, you wouldn’t even have asked.

I’d like to get to know her better. Like I said before, she’s not making it easy for me. But for the record, I didn’t think she was involved. Still, I had to ask.

Chapter 2

You startled me, said Kate, when she looked up and found Jed watching her. I didn't hear you come in. She smiled a welcome at him and being discovered, he entered her office. The office was small, but functional. Two desks were pushed together to form a ninety-degree angle and were covered with a computer and a printer. Behind the desks, a small bookcase stood. On top of the bookcase there was a coffeepot. A round clock hung on the wall behind Kate. Other than the clock, the walls were bare. A couch, a small flowered loveseat, was pushed against the wall facing the desks. Jed sat on the couch stretching his long legs out in front of him.

I didn't expect you back for another hour, said Kate watching him get comfortable.

Matthew was in therapy, so I didn't get to see him. I'll have to go back later.

Kate nodded absently and returned to moistening stamps and attaching them to envelopes. When she finished the envelopes, she looked up at him again. Finding him watching her, she lowered her eyes quickly, self-consciously. Did you want to talk to me about something? Or are you just taking a break?

As a matter of fact, I did want to ask you something. There is a member of this congregation I don't know anything about. I thought maybe you could help me find out something about her.

I can't imagine who that would be, said Kate furrowing her brow. I think you've asked me something about every person in town. I've never met anyone who was so curious before. She smiled indulgently, reaching for the coffee pot on the counter behind her. Filling her mug, she offered Jed a cup, which he declined, and settled back into her chair folding a long slender leg beneath her.

You've told me about everyone, except yourself. The smile on Kate's face tightened. Otherwise she showed no sign that this subject was better left alone. Jed noted the response, but plunged in anyway. I was thinking the other day I don't know the first thing about you.

What did you want to know? asked Kate, squaring her shoulders unconsciously and meeting his gaze defiantly.

Jed couldn't believe the transformation that took place before his eyes. It seemed a harmless enough request to know a little more about her. Obviously, there was more here than met the eye. He quickly tried to reassess the situation. The only reason he was here was to break down some of that reserve Kate hid behind. How could he have been so stupid not to realize there might be a reason for that reserve?

Olivia had hinted at it yesterday, but like everything negative he’d heard concerning Kate, he'd ignored it. It was one of his worst failings. He was blind to the faults in women that attracted him.

Unsure of his ground, he chose a question that was safe, rather than some of the ones he’d wanted to ask. I wanted to know why after two months, we still never get past the good mornings? If I've done something to offend you, I wanted to set it right. He shrugged his shoulders in apology. I’m not trying to pry into your personal life. That part wasn’t strictly true, but he wasn’t going to let Kate know that after her reaction to his questions.

You weren't prying, she quickly assured him. And you haven't done anything to offend me. I just don't like to talk about myself.

Jed knew he shouldn’t force her to talk about herself if she wasn’t comfortable, although he had to admit he wanted to know why she was so reticent.

Okay, I just wanted to be sure I hadn’t done anything inappropriate. He watched the defiance and the fear fade from her eyes, knowing while he watched that he wouldn't be satisfied until he found out what it was she was hiding. They sat wrapped up in silence for a few minutes. Whatever it was she was thinking she hid it behind her coffee mug. He could feel her eyes watching him, trying to guess what he was thinking from the expression on his face.

Maybe when we get to know each other better you'll tell me what it is you don't want me to know, he concluded finally, looking directly into her green eyes.

Somebody else will have told you by then, she replied, a sadness creeping into her voice. That ended the conversation and Jed knew it. He rose and started back to his office, knowing he should have told her that whatever it was it wouldn't matter to him, that she didn't have to be afraid of him. He sank into his leather chair, turned to face the cherry orchard he could see through the single window in his office and thought about Kate.

She had a past. Why hadn't that thought occurred to him before? Not a very savory past from her reluctance to go into it. In a town the size of Cherryton it was hard to escape your past. Yet Kate chose to stay. But what price did she pay to remain? He was certain that Olivia Thornberry was the reason she did. The schoolteacher seemed to be Kate's only family. Once Olivia was gone, he wondered if Kate would choose to stay. If she would think he was worth the price?

His eyes strayed to the picture of a young blonde woman set on the antique desk he was behind. It was a picture of his wife, Sarah. The memory was still painful. She was the other reason he'd chosen to come to Cherryton. He wanted a fresh start away from where Sarah had lived, and died. It had been over three years, but every time he'd gone into the house they’d shared, it had reminded him of her and the fact that she’d chosen to get high over loving him. He reached out and touched the cold glass of the picture frame, a sadness stealing over his face.

Sarah had a past too. He’d met her at the drug rehabilitation center that sponsored his halfway house. She was one of the lucky ones. She gotten a second chance. It didn't take very long for him to fall in love with her. How could he help falling in love with her? She was witty, intelligent, caring, beautiful. Everyone at the clinic had told him he was crazy to get involved with one of the inmates, but he’d chosen to ignore them. They’d married as soon as she was released. He hadn't cared about the past, the future was theirs until the night he came home and found her. There were no second chances that time. He had been foolish enough to believe his love alone could change her and it took her death to make him understand it couldn't.

He let his hand fall to the desk, his thoughts returning to Kate. Perhaps it would take more than his love to overcome whatever she was running from, too. But that still didn’t change the fact that he thought he was falling in love with her.

Olivia had been surprised no one had told him about Kate yet. Kate thought that was why he wanted to talk to her today. And she was right, if her past was that bad someone would feel duty bound to tell him and then he would know.

Picking up the book lying open face down on his desk, he tried to stop wondering about Kate and