Mutt

By Patricia Donkers

Iris Phillips lives a quiet, peaceful life in Claybrooke, Muskoka. With her three grown daughters, their days were complete with work and family. One spring, Sam Weylyn moves into town and people start disappearing. Iris begins to suspect that these troubling events and Sam’s arrival, is no coincidence. When Sam begins dating one of her daughters, Iris knows she must act to her save her even if it means uncovering a dark past that Iris wishes she could forget.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patricia Donkers
• Release date: Mar 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9780993650536

Patricia Donkers

The collective creativity of sisters, Patricia Donkers and Nancy Kelly arises out of a love of reading and an open mind to all of life's mysteries. Nancy lives in Orillia, Ontario with her daughter Kelly and Patricia is married with three children living in Barrie, Ontario. Stephen J. Donkers is the son of Patricia Donkers and is a graduate of film and journalism.

Book preview

MUTT

By

Patricia Donkers

Copyright ©2021 Patricia Donkers

All rights reserved.

Cover Design by Stephen J. Donkers

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events or locales in entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

Published by Patricia Donkers

ISBN 978-0-9936505-3-6 (ebook)

Chapter 1

The Greyhound bus came to an abrupt stop, jostling the man awake. He straightened in his seat and looked out the window searching for the reason for the delay. Looking to his left, his gaze rested on the face of the middle-aged woman in the seat across the aisle. She stared at him, seemingly unable to turn her gaze away. He was used to that reaction, particularly from women. He knew his 6foot 2-inch height and his lean, muscular build was attractive to people but his eyes were the real attraction. Large and almond-shaped, they were smoky grey with dark flecks of blue. They were framed with thick dark lashes that only accentuated their hypnotic tone. Thick, dark eyebrows arched over his eyes, joining together at the bridge of his nose. His chiseled features, roman-shaped nose, and soft, plush lips complimented his wavy black hair that he wore just long enough to sit over his shirt collar. He smiled at the woman, revealing perfect white teeth, and nodded slightly.

Road construction, the woman said, finally finding her voice and lifting her hand to point toward the front window of the bus.

Of course, the man said in a deep-toned voice. It is springtime.

The woman giggled which was an audible reaction she hadn’t used since her youth. Blushing, she forced herself to turn her face toward her window.

The man settled back, his long fingers coming to rest on the grey backpack that sat on the seat next to him. He caressed it gently and closed his eyes again.

***

The fading letters on the road sign, caught Lily Phillips attention. She carefully drove her car over to the side of the road, put the gear in park, and turned the car engine off, right in front of the sign. Lily ran her hand through her long auburn hair as she kept her eyes on the town sign, a sign she’d read a thousand times before. As she took a bottle of water out of her purse which sat on the passenger seat, Lily sighed and shook her head.

Welcome to Claybrooke. A Town Full of Surprises! Pop. 4,468

There aren’t any more surprises left, she thought as she took a gulp of water. She had lived in Claybrooke her whole life and had hoped her one week vacation with Michael Conner would become a permanent arrangement in Toronto and so the population of the town would decrease by one. Their romantic Cuban holiday had been a disaster. Even with the money she’d spent on her ‘barely there’ bikini, he couldn’t keep his eyes or hands off other women. Side remarks had led to arguing, which led to yelling and finally to silence; all the way home on the plane. She’d marched, without even a goodbye, to the parking garage in search of her car, leaving him to find a taxi to drive him to his apartment in Toronto.

Lily took another drink of water, emptying the bottle. She put the bottle down and started her car. Looking beyond the town sign, the road was carved through the middle of the large granite rock that formed much of the landscape of the Muskoka region in Ontario. Beyond that, she could see the rooftops of homes that lay on the outskirts of the town. The United church steeple rose above the buildings begging to be noticed. Lily placed her car in drive, checked over her shoulder, and pressed her foot on the gas. As she descended into the valley most of the town spread out in front of her. It is a beautiful place, she thought. To the east and north of the road, a vast forest of deciduous and fir trees covered the land. To the west was Pine Lake, the shores of which Claybrooke occupied. With the appearance of sitting in a bowl, it was rimmed in high jagged granite rock cliffs, interrupted sparingly with low lying bays, one of which Claybrooke was situated. Placid and blue on this spring day, Pine Lake beckoned all to its shores. The layout of the town was typical of many of its size with the population number swelling to almost 5,000 in the summer months if all the cottagers on Pine Lake were included. On the outskirts of town, Lily drove past a building and supply store, a grocery store, a clothing store, sporting goods store, a recreational center, and three fast-food restaurants. The main street, consisting of the many specialty stores as well as the town hall and service businesses, ending at the lake where there was a park, beach, and marina. Just ahead of Lily was a Greyhound bus. She braked as the bus turned left off the main street into the bus terminal.

Lily’s apartment was on the main street above Petals and Pastry Café, the shop she owned. Parking around the back of the building, she dragged her suitcase from her car trunk and up the stairs to her home. This vacation had been a last-minute decision and she hoped her full-time staff of one, Evelyn, had not run into any problems while she was away. As she entered her one-bedroom apartment, she decided to run a hot bath and spend the rest of the day relaxing. Work would be there for her tomorrow.

Just as Lily had finished with her bath and wrapped in her chenille bathrobe, a hot cup of tea cradled in her hand, her cell phone rang. She couldn’t help herself but hope it was Michael. The name on the call display was not his.

Hello, she said into her phone.

Hi, sang back a perky voice. I figured you’d be home by now. How was your vacation?

Resort is beautiful, weather was wonderful, and everything else was terrible.

What?

Look Daisy, Lily said to her sister, I think its over. No, make that I know it’s over.

Oh…I’m so sorry, Daisy said. She knew Lily was referring to her relationship with Michael. She’d heard this from Lily before. Should I come over? We could talk.

No, not now, Lily said. I just got out of the tub. All I want to do is drink my tea, relax in front of the TV and go to bed early.

Okay, Daisy said. If you’re sure you don’t need me there, I’ll come to see you tomorrow.

Sure, Lily agreed. I can tell you though I’m kind of glad I won’t be driving to Toronto as much now. I can save some money as I don’t need to spend so much on gas now. And those two-hour drives to the city were pretty boring. Maybe it really is time to say goodbye to that prick. I’ll miss the excitement of the city though.

Oh, wow! Daisy said. You finally called Michael by his proper name. Michael the prick. I’m proud of you!

Lily snickered and responded, It feels kind of good to say what he really is, I guess. Anyway, I’m going to let you go. I’ll be in the shop all day. Evelyn will probably want a day off.

Daisy laughed. You may be right. I went in there yesterday and she looked like she was run ragged. Evelyn Knowles was a twenty-two-year-old who lived next door to Daisy and Mitch. Her mother owned the small two-bedroom house and lived there with Evelyn. When Lily was looking for full-time help, Daisy had recommended her. She was a capable, friendly person, and although she had proven to be a good match for the café job she could be easily overwhelmed.

You’d think with the help of two part-time workers, she wouldn’t get so frazzled, Lily said and sighed. I’ll treat you to coffee and pastry tomorrow.

It’s a date, Daisy said. To be honest though, Michael is more than a prick. He’s a major jerk with all his lying and cheating. I’m glad you’re finally done with him. Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye.

Daisy Phillips hung up her cell phone and entered the kitchen to find her boyfriend, Mitch Noland, sitting at the kitchen table, watching a true crime video on his laptop.

I just spoke to Lily, she told him. He stared at his screen. Mitch, I’m speaking to you.

Oh, sorry, he said dragging his eyes from the video. Yeah, how was her vacation?

Not so good. She and Michael broke up again. She didn’t say why but I’ll bet Michael was his usual self.

Oh yeah, how so?

You know he’s a big flirt. It’s not just the flirting. He’s cheated on her at least four times she knows of and who knows what he’s been up to since he moved to Toronto.

We all know what he’s like, Mitch said. Lily always forgives him. If this is behavior she accepts, then why would he change?

Well I think she deserves better, Daisy insisted. I just wish she believed it too.

Me too, Mitch agreed.

I’m going to go see her at her café tomorrow, Daisy said. She says they’re done but I want to talk to her anyway. Maybe I can convince her that this time, she needs to make this break permanent.

I think she needs to find herself a local boy, Mitch offered

Michael is a local boy, Daisy said. At least he used to be.

Michael hasn’t been a local boy in over four years, Mitch said. Since he moved away, they’ve broken up and got back together probably a dozen times. She needs to date someone else.

Daisy sighed. She’s dated lots of other people. It’s just that she keeps going back to him. I just wish she’d meet her guy, you know. She kissed the top of Mitch’s head. I wish she could be as lucky as we are. Mitch caught her arm and gently pulled her onto his lap. He ran his hand gently down her back, to her hip, and rested on her thigh.

Mmmm... he murmured, nuzzling her neck. I sure love a curvy woman. So, let’s go get lucky.

***

The ‘Cozy Nook Motel’ was situated down a tree-lined street, across from the water’s edge on the south end of town. Constructed of logs, it created a rustic, welcoming ambiance that belied its modest furnishings and rudimentary structure. Samael Weylyn unlocked the door to the last room on the end and moved his bags inside. He moved around, checking the washroom, the cupboards, and hotplate in the small kitchenette until finally laying down on the queen-sized bed. The furnishings were intended to show the local flavor, from the wood-carved moose lamp, mugs with maple leaves, and throw pillows with bears embroidered on them.

Samael suddenly rose from the bed and searched his belongings until he found his grey backpack. Laying it carefully in the middle of the bed, he lay down beside it and caressed the rough cotton canvas. Closing his eyes, his tongue slowly licked his lips until his mouth settled into a peaceful grin.

Chapter 2

Samael Weylyn climbed out of the dark blue Ford Escape and headed into the used car lot office. Mike O’Riley greeted Samael as he entered the building.

Well, he said smiling widely, It runs great, right?

Yeah, Samael agreed. Seems good and it is quiet. Everything seems to be working. Well, at least for now.

Oh no, Mike insisted, You don’t have to worry. I know the person who owned it. He never ran it hard. Mostly his wife used it to drive the kids around. Got low mileage too.

Still, Samael hesitated. I don’t know. Your price seems a bit too high.

Oh, Mike said. Uh...well maybe I could knock off 500.

No. You gotta do better, pal.

Jeez, you’re killing me, Mike said, as he crossed his arms over his chest. What if I drop the price by 750? That’s the best I can do. I gotta make a little something.

Tell you what, Samael said holding Mike’s eyes in a hypnotic gaze, You take off 850 and throw in some floor mats and we’ve got a deal. 

Mike’s blank expression suddenly broke and a wide smile spread across his face. Great, Mike beamed as he reached out to shake Samael’s hand. Okay then, let’s have a seat and we’ll get the paperwork done. How will you be paying? Bank loan, credit card…?

Cash, Samael said as he shook Mike’s hand. He then pulled out a wad of bills from his jacket pocket.

***

Daisy parallel parked her car outside the ‘Petals & Pastry Cafe". Looking in the large front window, she could see Lily arranging cut flowers in a cut-glass vase. Entering the shop, she was hit with the mixed aromas of coffee, flowers, and a hint of cinnamon rolls.

Hi, Daisy called to Lily. Lily turned to see Daisy advancing into the shop, dressed in her usual jeans, t-shirt, and cotton Barbour jacket. Her hair was worn short to control her thick blond curls although she always seemed to have several tresses that refused to fall in line with the rest. It framed her freckled oval face, full lips, and large blue eyes. She always exuded a feeling of warmth and kindness which suited her teaching profession perfectly.

Hi, Lily answered. You’ve come at the right time. She waved her hands around the room. No customers at the moment. We can sit and visit. She went behind the counter and emerged with two mugs of hot coffee. Placing them on one of the round tables that dotted the room, they sat across from each other and both took a sip of the dark brew.

Well, you look great, Daisy said. I can tell you’ve been out in the sun. You’ve grown freckles all over your nose. You look like spring is finally here. Daisy studied her younger sister and approved of her slim figure and long wavy auburn hair. She reminded her so much of their mother. Lily inherited the same full lips and blue eyes as Daisy. 

Oh, thanks, Lily said. I only wish Michael thought the same.

Well, you know how I feel about him, Daisy said. He doesn’t deserve you. That jerk.

I know how you feel about him, Lily said. You’ve told me many times. But I must love him. I keep going back to him. Or maybe I’m just a stupid fool. Her eyes welled up in tears. Daisy reached across the table and put her hand on Lily’s. 

You’re not a fool, Daisy said gently. Sometimes you just love who you love. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else but...I only wish he would stop hurting you.

You and me both, Lily said. You’re right though, he really is a jerk. I need to keep reminding myself of that. Drill it into my head, you know.

So, what happened on vacation? Daisy asked.

Lily sighed and leaned forward in her chair. Well, the first day was fantastic. The resort was beautiful. We got along great, had a lot of fun, then we had a wonderful dinner and later we went to see the evening’s entertainment. That’s where things started to go wrong. I could tell one of the dancers caught his eye. Lily shrugged her shoulders. The rest of the week we spent bickering. Of course, we were stuck there so I just kept hoping things would get better between us, but they didn’t. You know, I kept wondering why he went away with me. It felt like he didn’t even want to be there with me.

Who paid for the vacation? Daisy asked even though she knew the answer.

You know I did, Lily said defensively. She knew what her sister was inferring. See! I am a fool. Just a stupid, fuc-

Stop! You’re not a fool, Daisy insisted. This has got to be the last chance you give him though. You have to stop thinking about him, stop talking to him, just stop everything. Just let him go and free yourself from this hold he has on you. You are not a fool for falling in love. He’s the fool for not seeing how great of a woman you are.

I know you’re right, Lily agreed. It’s just not that easy. Just then the bell above the front door signaled someone entering the shop.

Hi Lily, hi Daisy. They both looked up to see a trim-figured woman dressed in an a-line navy skirt, floral blouse, and a long grey jacket. Her straight blonde hair was cut shoulder length, with wispy bangs framing her heart-shaped face. I drove around back first to see if your car was there Lily. Frankly, I’m a bit surprised; I thought you might stay longer in the city with Michael. She widened her blue eyes anticipating another tale about Lily’s love life.

I have a business to run, Rose, Lily said. Besides, Michael and I broke up.

Oh dear, Rose Hopper said taking a seat at their table. What happened this time? she asked setting her thin lips in a firm line. Come on, we’re all sisters, you can tell us.

I’ve already explained it all to Daisy. It was just Michael being his usual self... I don’t think he’s ever going to change, Lily said. 

Well, haven’t I been saying this for years? Rose asked.

You’ve always said you liked him, Lily said.

I do like him, Rose said, just not as a boyfriend and certainly not a husband. He’s too charming. It’s just not natural. He’s always had quite the reputation as a ladies’ man.

Well, I guess I’m just one of his ladies then.

No, I think he must have real feelings for you. Why else would he keep getting back together with you?

Maybe he just likes the sex, Lily said. It’s always been very satisfying for both of us.

Lily, Rose said. Don’t be crude.

Oh, come on! Lily exclaimed. Now you sound like Dad.

God rest his soul, Rose quickly added. As the oldest sibling I have had more life experience and sex isn’t all a relationship is about.

You married your high school sweetheart. Roger’s the only boyfriend you’ve ever had.

I have been in a stable relationship for fifteen years, Rose said. I think I know what I’m talking about.

Lily shook her head. What stable relationship? You’re getting a divorce, she said.

I’m not getting a divorce, Rose insisted. We’re just taking a marriage break. It’s more common than you think.

A marriage break? Lily said. Okay, call it what you want but I don’t want you telling me how stable your marriage is.

"But it was...it is a very stable relationship," Rose insisted her voice rising.

Okay, okay, Lily sighed, throwing her hands up in front of her. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Anyway, it’s finally over between me and Michael. For real this time.

Well, that’s good, Rose said calming down. You’ll meet the right person, you’ll see. Just then the door opened and an older couple walked in. 

I gotta get back to work, Lily said rising from the table. She was happy to get out of the conversation.

Rose turned to Daisy. I hope she means it this time, she said. 

Me too. Do you want a coffee?

Rose looked at her phone. No, I just stopped in to say hello. I’m showing a house at 11 o’clock. I think I’m finally going to be able to sell the Riley’s house. She rose from her chair. I’d better get going. She waved to Lily and rushed out the door.

***

Iris Phillips emerged from the greenhouse carrying a large bouquet of cut flowers. It was her habit to always have a fresh vase of them in her house. Their fragrance and colors always calmed her and made her happy. As she passed by the large kitchen window, she caught a view of herself. She smiled at her image in her turquoise maxi skirt with the deep hem ruffles, her patchwork peasant blouse and the mustard yellow draped cardigan. Her hair was pushed back from her face with a deep red boho headband. It was such a stark difference in a dress since her husband died four years ago, that sometimes Iris seemed as if she’d been reborn. Her husband had been the minister of the Protestant Church. He had led his congregation in the same way he lived his life, kindly, gently, and quietly. He left this world the same way, dying in his sleep, next to his unsuspecting wife. He had been a kind and patient man but very conservative in his views on how one presents oneself and acts in public. Iris had dressed in knee-length skirts and slack suits, careful to keep her thick, curly auburn-colored hair cut short. Now she’d grown her hair long, with waves of curls, more grey than auburn, flowing freely down her back. She’d loved her husband but with his death, she’d felt the need to be her person, not just his widow. Without the constraints of their former religious work life, she’d found a new purpose, growing and selling flowers. Iris had always loved nature and in particular, delighted in the vast variety of flowers. She’d named her daughters after three of her favorites, Rose, Daisy, and Lily.

Entering the kitchen, Iris found her large ceramic vase; half filled it with water and arranged the flowers in it. Satisfied, she placed the vase in the middle of her kitchen table catching her face in the small mirror placed on the wall. She was pleased with her aging. Her once smooth skin was now sculpted and more lived in but clear of blemishes. A slight smile passed her lips to be suddenly replaced with a furrowed brow. She’d heard some disturbing news earlier that day, from one of her neighbors and she needed to talk to Rose and confirm it or not. Tomorrow all her girls, as well as Rose’s husband, Roger, and their two children were coming for lunch as was their normal routine on a Sunday right after church. Daisy’s boyfriend, Mitch Noland was also joining them as he had decided to attend church as well. Iris understood that he was agnostic but he respected Daisy’s beliefs and accompanied her occasionally. Rather than talk to Rose alone, she had decided to wait until they were all together tomorrow. She didn’t want to make the information she needed appear too significant but she knew she’d have a restless sleep that night until she’d found out the truth.

Chapter 3

Sunday morning arrived with bright and clear skies. The air had just a hint of the heat that would be coming in just a couple of months. Samael rose from his bed and pulled the curtains aside to lookout. There was fine mist lingering just above the ground where the cool earth met the warmer air. He quickly showered and dressed, grabbing his knapsack as he left his room in search of breakfast. The town was compact enough that he could easily walk to the main street. Noticing the Petals & Pastry Cafe sign he walked to the front door only to be greeted with a closed sign. Further up the road was a restaurant that was open and Samael entered and found himself a table in the corner of the front window. He liked to watch the people walking by.

***

The young minister, Reverend Don McCauley, ended the service with a couple of announcements for the date of the church spring craft and bake sale and a reminder for the committee to meet at Iris Phillips’ house the following evening at 7 p.m. Iris was pleased to see all three of her daughters that morning. Sometimes Lily had a late night on Saturday and couldn’t make it out of bed in time for the morning sermon. By eleven, service was done, greetings to Reverend McCauley over and small talk with several of the congregation members finished and they were ready to drive over to Iris’s for lunch. They had all arrived in their own cars and the convoy made their way over the three miles to the house.  

The family home sat on the north side of the town, on just over two acres of land. When Iris and her husband, Ross, married and he became minister to the Protestant Church, they had decided not to accept the house that came with the position preferring to take a stipend for their housing allowance which allowed them to buy the property and house. As they all approached the property, the two-story house came into view. It had started as a small two-bedroom house and over the years, Iris’s husband had expanded and added to it, at times without permits, which explained the uneven floors and walls. Finally finished with the additions, which created a cavernous entity, he had built a covered porch across the whole front of the house. Most warm evenings were spent there, sitting on the various cushioned chairs and sofa. Wide front steps led to a bright red door, the one thing Iris had been insistent on having. She had read that a red door was good luck not that she could say with certainty that it made any difference. Still, the family had had a good life so the door had been repainted read many times over the years. "Better